WO2022049444A1

WO2022049444A1 - Label and manufacturing method

Info

Publication number: WO2022049444A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/057670
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giancarlo Vimercati
Original assignee: PILOT ITALIA SpA
Current assignee: PILOT ITALIA SpA
Priority date: 2020-09-01
Filing date: 2021-08-20
Publication date: 2022-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-01
Also published as: EP4208338A1; IT202000020815A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a label (1) with at least one suspension handle (2), and a label (1), wherein the method comprises steps of: i) providing a first layered material (4) ii) coating said front layer (8) with at least one detachment promoter layer (12, 18), leaving at least one free zone (14, 15) in which said detachment promoter layer (12, 18) is absent; wherein a first portion of said free zone (14) comprises a portion for a handle anchoring foot (46); and a second portion, separated from the first, comprises a portion for a reinforcing rod (110); iv) providing a second layered material (20) comprising a second front layer (28) and an adhesive layer (26'), wherein said second front layer (28) has a predetermined thickness (S1); v) joining said first layered material (4) and said second layered material (20) into a coupled material (40), so that the adhesive layer (26') of the second layered material (20) adheres to the at least one free zone (14, 15) of the first layered material (4); vii) leaving said first front layer (8) integral, cutting said second layered material (20) and only inside the thickness (S1) of the second layered material (20), defining an outer handle edge (32) delimiting a handle zone (16), which connects to said free zone (14); viii) cutting a label outline (38) cutting up to the base of said first layered material (4), causing said free zone (15) to comprise at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110) when coupled to said second layer (20) bordering, at least in part, with said label outline (38).

Description

“LABEL AND MANUFACTURING METHOD” DESCRIPTION

[0001] Summary of invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a self-adhesive label with a handle, for example for suspending a bottle in an overturned position, and a label with a handle, for example obtainable by said method.

[0003] Prior art

[0004] The prior art document EP0356574A2 describes a label with a handle applicable to a bottle in which, when in the non-use position, such a handle protrudes free from an upper edge of the label.

[0005] This solution has the main drawback of being a technically complex and expensive solution. Further solutions of this type are known for example from US 2006/057313 A1, US 5 878 901 A, US 5 135 125 A, CN 201 685500 U.

[0006] A similar solution is disclosed in US2006057313. With reference to Figure 2b of this document, it may be seen that layers cut in their entire thickness are placed on a silicone-coated support layer, indicated herein with reference numeral 10, to obtain a handle which rests entirely on the silicone- coated support layer.

[0007] Document WO2018220660 describes a label consisting of a single layer resting on a silicone- coated support layer (indicated with reference numeral 5 in Figure 5 of this document). In this single layer, a support handle is cut which rests entirely on said silicone-coated support layer.

[0008] The prior art document EP2246266A1, by the same holder, describes a label provided with a handle made by joining two distinct adhesive films.

[0009] As described in this document, a bottom film comprises the indications required to identify the infusion container, while a top transparent film is adherently joined to the bottom film and forms the handle to overturn the container when administering the contents thereof to a patient. A similar solution, again by the same holder, is known from WO2017/199119.

[0010] In particular, it should be noted that all the solutions of the prior art show handles which are arranged transversely to the direction of development of the label, and therefore transversely to the longitudinal direction of the support rolled up in a continuous roll from which the labels are taken in the unrolling direction, and therefore in the longitudinal direction, to be applied to the products, for example the cylindrical wall of the bottles. The need to arrange the handle transversely to the longitudinal direction of the label lies in the fact that this must have a firm grip on the largest possible adhesion area, therefore with its attachment foot or feet arranged alongside the side of the longitudinal label, so as to have a wide and well extended grip and not limited as the extension of the transverse label is. This fundamental need present in all label solutions with handle means that the handle and its attachment foot or feet are in the most central position possible of the longitudinal extension of the label and therefore far from the side transversal to the longitudinal direction which first separates from the support layer of the label itself.

[0011] A drawback associated with this prior art relates to the fact that - when the label is applied to a bottle - any print characters arranged on the surface tend to be damaged due to the mechanical stresses to which the bottle and the label are subjected at the labeling machine. [0012] A further drawback associated with this prior art relates to the limited extension of the handle to the width or height of the adhesive label, a limit which, in the case of small bottles, makes the handle unusable or difficult to use to hang the bottles to which it is applied. Furthermore, the need is strongly felt to have a label with a handle which has separable secondary labels to identify the product contained in the bottle also in a separate document, separating at least one of these secondary labels, for example bearing pre-printed product indications, and applying it to the separate document, such as a medical record.

[0013] Yet a further drawback associated with these solutions of the prior art manufactured with multiple adhesive layers or films is given by the possibility of separation of these two layers, or delamination between the layers of the same label, when the label is separated from the continuous silicone-coated support layer to be applied to the product to be labeled. In fact, it may happen that a first lower layer of the label remains adhered to the silicone-coated support layer, while the second layer separates from the first and is applied alone on the product to be labeled.

[0014] With reference to Figure 1 , machines 201 are known for automatically and quickly applying labels 1 to products to be labeled 206. In this figure, this machine 201 is represented in a simplified manner and limited to its portion of application of the labels 1 to the products 206.

[0015] A continuous roll 202 of silicone-coated support layer 6 supports a plurality of labels 1 ready to be separated and applied to a product to be labeled 206. This roll 202 is unwound and the continuous support layer 6 is passed around a label separation blade 203 which, by virtue of its shape, folds the support layer 6 around a rounded corner thereof. The distinct and sudden wrapping of the support layer around this rounded edge separates the self-adhesive label 1 from the silicone-coated layer 6, bringing the output end or side of the label 1 overhanging and ready to adhere with its adhesive side to the product to be labeled 206, which in the meantime is made to advance with a support tape or sliding surface 208. A label application roller 207 placed next to the rounded edge and in such a way as to leave sufficient space for the passage of the label 1 while it is applied to the product 206, guides the label 1 in its path of application to the product 206 and guarantees the full adhesion thereof.

[0016] However, sometimes and as shown in Figure 2, when the label 1 consists of several layers or sheets 8, 28 it may happen that a first layer 8 closest to the continuous support layer 6 follows the continuous support layer 6 and a second layer 28 placed above the first layer 8 separates and is applied alone to the product to be labeled 206.

[0017] This drawback is particularly felt where the second layer 28 comprises portions which form a suspension handle and/or a secondary label which adhere to the first layer 8 in a per se releasable manner to lift the handle or, in the case of the secondary label, to be, at a later time during the life of the product to be labeled 206, separated from the label and placed for example on a separate support with respect to the product to be labeled 206 (think of the medicine bottles that report the data of the medicine on the label and on the secondary label which, separated from the bottle, is placed for example on a medical record when the medicine contained in the bottle is administered to a patient.

[0018] Technical solutions applied to labeling machines are known to reduce this risk of separation of the layers of the labels upon their application to the products, however these known solutions are very complex and expensive to apply and are not always effective. Examples are described in document JP2012176775. Other similar solutions are known from JP2005206191 .

[0019] Therefore, there is a strong need to ensure the separation of the label (peeling) in all its layers upon its separation from the continuous support layer and application to the product to be labeled.

[0020] Solution

[0021] The present invention falls within the above context, aiming to provide a method and a self- adhesive label capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0022] In particular, the method and the label proposed herein have been designed to make the separation of the label from the support layer safe and precise.

[0023] Furthermore, the method and the label proposed herein have been designed to make the suspension handle simple to manufacture and easy to use even if the container to which it is applied has small dimensions.

[0024] Furthermore, the method and label proposed herein have been designed to make the secondary label print characters resistant to abrasion forces. Furthermore, according to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the secondary label has been designed to be surface-writable by ordinary writing tools.

[0025] Such object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and by a label according to claim 14. The dependent claims describe advantageous or preferred embodiment variants.

[0026] Figures

[0027] The object of the present invention will now be described in detail, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] - Figure 1 shows a schematization of a machine for applying labels to a product to be labeled;

[0029] - Figure 2 shows an enlargement of Figure 1 in the detail of the label separation blade in which the disadvantage of separation of a single layer of a self-adhesive multilayer label made according to the prior art is shown in broken lines;

[0030] - Figure 3 shows a schematization of a method for manufacturing a self-adhesive label object of the present invention, according to a possible embodiment;

[0031] - Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 , 15, 10 and 14 show plan, sectional and axonometric views of the multilayer material at the positions indicated with the numbers IV, V, VI , VII, VIII, IX, XI, XV, X, XIV in Figure 1 , in the direction of the arrow from time to time shown; in particular, Figure 10 shows an axonometric view of a first embodiment of a label supported by a continuous silicone-coated support layer, while Figure 14 shows an axonometric view of a second embodiment of a label supported by a continuous silicone-coated support layer;

[0032] - Figure 11 shows a local section of the label applied to the continuous silicone-coated support, according to the dashed line A-A of Figure 10;

[0033] - Figure 12 shows a local section of the label applied to the continuous silicone-coated support, according to the dashed line A’-A’ of Figure 10;

[0034] - Figure 13 shows a local section of the label applied to the continuous silicone-coated support, according to the dashed line B-B of Figure 10;

[0035] - Figure 15 shows a local section of the label applied to the continuous silicone-coated support, according to the dashed line C-C of Figure 14; [0036] - Figure 16 shows a local section of the label applied to the continuous silicone-coated support, according to the dashed line C’-C’ of Figure 14;

[0037] - Figure 17 shows a local section of the label applied to the continuous silicone-coated support, according to the dashed line D-D of Figure 14;

[0038] - Figure 18 shows a local section of the label applied to the continuous silicone-coated support, according to the dashed line E-E of Figure 14;

[0039] - Figure 19 schematically shows an enlargement of Figure 1 in the detail of the label separation blade in which a multilayer self-adhesive label made according to the present invention is shown.

[0040] Description of some preferred embodiment examples

[0041] According to a general definition of the invention, a method for manufacturing a label 1 with at least one suspension handle 2 comprises the steps of:

[0042] i- providing a first layered material 4 comprising at least one adhesive layer 26 and a first front layer 8; wherein said first front layer 8 comprises a front surface 10;

[0043] ii- coating said front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 with at least one detachment promoter layer 12, 18, leaving at least one free zone 14, 15 in which said detachment promoter layer 12, 18 is absent; wherein

[0044] - at least one first portion of said at least one free zone 14 comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46; and

[0045] - at least one second portion of said at least one free zone 15 comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110;

[0046] iv- providing a second layered material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 and an adhesive layer 26’, wherein said second front layer 28 has a predetermined thickness S1;

[0047] v- joining said first layered material 4 and said second layered material 20 of steps ii and iv in an assembled component or coupled material 40, so that the adhesive layer 26’ of the second layered material 20 adheres to the at least one free zone 14, 15 of the first layered material 4 comprising at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46 and at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110;

[0048] vii- leaving said first front layer 8 integral, cutting said second layered material 20 and only inside the thickness S1 of the second layered material 20, defining an outer handle edge 32 of said suspension handle 2, delimiting a handle zone 16, which connects to at least said free zone 14 and comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46;

[0049] viii- cutting an edge or label outline 38 cutting up to the base of said first layered material 4, causing said free zone 15 to comprise at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110 when coupled to said second layer 20 bordering, at least in part, with said label outline 38.

[0050] Advantageously, said free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110, when coupled to the second layer 20, borders at least in part with said label outline 38 and is arranged on one side of the label 1 which separates first from said support layer 6 when the label 1 is applied to an object to be labeled 206, preventing the separation of said second layered material 20 from said first layered material 4 during said application of the label 1 to said object to be labeled 206.

[0051] According to an embodiment variant of said method, said support layer covered with a deadhesive 24 is a continuous layer which may be rolled up in rolls which extends according to a prevailing direction of development X.

[0052] According to an embodiment variant of said method, said first and/or second layered material 4, 20 extend according to a prevailing direction of development X.

[0053] Said side of the label 1 which first separates from said support layer 6 is a side transversal to said prevailing direction of development X.

[0054] According to an embodiment variant of said method, said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone 14, which comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46 is a zone different from said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone 15 which comprises at least a portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110.

[0055] According to an embodiment variant of said method, said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone 14, which comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46 is a zone different from said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110 and wherein said at least one handle anchoring foot 46 is separated from said at least one reinforcing rod 110.

[0056] By virtue of the provision of a step in which the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 is coated with at least one detachment promoter layer 12, 18, providing for leaving at least one free zone 15 in which said detachment promoter layer 12, 18 is absent, in particular a free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110, the second front layer 28 is allowed to adhere in a non-releasable manner to the first front layer 8, a reinforcing rod 110 is created with said second front layer 28 joined to said first front layer 8 which binds and makes the two aforementioned layers 28, 8 inseparable also on the label outline 38. This reinforcing rod 110 prevents the second front layer 28 from separating from the first front layer 8 during the application of the label, as shown in Figure 19.

[0057] According to an embodiment variant of said method, following step v-, said second layered material 20 is firmly anchored to said first layered material 4 at least in said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110, forming a reinforcing rod 110.

[0058] According to an embodiment variant of said method, said first layered material 4 is coupled with its adhesive layer 26 to a support layer 6 covered with a de-adhesive 24. Said support layer covered with a de-adhesive 24 is preferably but not necessarily a continuous layer which may be rolled up in rolls.

[0059] Said at least one free zone 15, which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110, when coupled to said second layer 20, is arranged on one side of the label 1 delimited by said label outline 38, which separates first from said support layer 6 when the label 1 is applied to an object to be labeled 206 (Figure 19).

[0060] According to an embodiment variant of said method, after said step vi) the further step of cutting is comprised, cutting only inside the thickness S1 of the second layered material 20, at least one secondary label 34, in a secondary label zone 36 different from said handle zone 16 and from said at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46 and at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110.

[0061] According to an embodiment variant of said method, said at least one secondary label 34 is cut in proximity to said reinforcing rod 110, reducing the probability that said at least one secondary label 34 separates from said first front layer 8 during the application of the label to a product to be labeled 206.

[0062] According to an embodiment variant of said method, said first and/or second layered material 4, 20 extend according to a prevailing direction of development X.

[0063] In said step ii- the step of delimiting said at least one second free zone 15 is comprised, which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110 so that the extension thereof along said prevailing direction of development is extended for at least 1/5 of the entire label 1.

[0064] According to an embodiment variant of said method, said first and/or second layered material 4, 20 extend according to a prevailing direction of development X.

[0065] In said step ii- the step of delimiting said at least one second free zone 15 is comprised, which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110 so that the extension thereof, which is transversal to said prevailing direction of development X, is extended for at least 1/3 of the entire extension, transversal to the prevailing direction of development X of the label 1 .

[0066] According to an embodiment variant of said method, in said step ii- the step of delimiting a plurality of said at least one second free zone 15 is comprised, which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110, so as to provide a plurality of reinforcing rods 110 also separated from each other and all reaching said label outline 38.

[0067] According to an embodiment variant of said method, in said step vii- cutting said second layered material 20 and only inside the thickness S1 of the second layered material 20 is comprised, to define an outer handle edge 32 of said suspension handle 2, wherein said outer handle edge 32 at the end of the label 1 cutting process is entirely arranged inside the label outline 38.

[0068] According to an embodiment variant of said method, in said step viii- a label outline 38 is formed, avoiding cutting the suspension handle 2, and a portion of said first front layer 8 is removed, creating a cavity 95, which arranges a portion of handle 96 of said suspension handle 2, with the label 1 formed, protruding, in a cantilever fashion, beyond said label outline 38.

[0069] According to an embodiment variant of said method, said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone 14, which comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46 seamlessly coincides or extends, at least in part, with said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone 15 and comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110.

[0070] The present invention also relates to a self-adhesive label.

[0071] According to a general embodiment, a label 1 with a suspension handle 2, obtainable for example by the method according to any one of the previously described embodiments, comprises a first layered material 4.

[0072] Said first layered material 4 comprises a first front layer 8 having a front surface 10 and an opposite surface to which an adhesive layer 26 is applied, which is adapted to be releasably joined to a support layer 6 covered with a de-adhesive layer 24.

[0073] At least one detachment promoter layer 12, 18 coats said front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 leaving at least one free zone 14, 15 in which said detachment promoter layer 12, 18 is absent.

[0074] At least one first portion of said at least one free zone 14 comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46.

[0075] At least one second portion of said at least one free zone 15 comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110.

[0076] A second layered material 20 comprises a second front layer 28 and an adhesive layer 26'.

[0077] Said second front layer 28 has a predefined thickness S1 .

[0078] Said second material 20 is joined to the first layered material 4. The adhesive layer 26’ of the second layered material 20 adheres to the at least one free zone 14, 15 of the first layered material 4 comprising at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46 and at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110.

[0079] Said second front layer 28 delimits a suspension handle 2, which leaves said first front layer 8 integral, and involves said second layered material 20 and only inside the thickness S1 of the second layered material 20 defining an outer handle edge 32 of a suspension handle 2 delimiting a handle zone 16, which connects to at least the free zone 14 comprising at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46.

[0080] Said label 1 is delimited by a label outline or edge 38 extending up to the base and entirely involving said first layered material 4.

[0081] Said second free zone 15, which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110 when coupled to said second layer 20, borders, at least in part, with said label outline 38.

[0082] Advantageously, said free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110, when coupled to the second layer 20, borders at least in part with said label outline 38 and is arranged on one side of the label 1 which separates first from said support layer 6 when the label 1 is applied to an object to be labeled 206, preventing the separation of said second layered material 20 from said first layered material 4 during said application of the label 1 to said object to be labeled 206.

[0083] According to an embodiment variant, said support layer covered with a de-adhesive 24 is a continuous layer which may be rolled up in rolls which extends according to a prevailing direction of development X.

[0084] According to an embodiment variant, said first and/or second layered material 4, 20 extend according to a prevailing direction of development X.

[0085] Said side of the label 1 which first separates from said support layer 6 is a side transversal to said prevailing direction of development X.

[0086] According to an embodiment variant, said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone 14, which comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46 is a zone different from said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone 15 which comprises at least a portion for at least one reinforcing rod 1 10.

[0087] According to an embodiment variant, said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone 14, which comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46 is a zone different from said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110 and wherein said at least one handle anchoring foot 46 is separated from said at least one reinforcing rod 110.

[0088] According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said second layered material 20 is firmly anchored to said first layered material 4 at least in said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcement rod 110, forming, in said second portion of said at least one free zone 15, a reinforcing rod 110.

[0089] According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said reinforcing rod 110 faces said label outline 38.

[0090] According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said second layered material 20 is firmly anchored to said first layered material 4 at least in a plurality of second portions of said at least one free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110, forming in said second portion of said at least one free zone 15 a plurality of reinforcing rods 110.

[0091] According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said second front layer 28 delimits a secondary label 34 in a different zone 36 of said second front layer 28 with respect to said handle 2. According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said secondary label 34 is provided in a zone where a detachment promoter layer 12 or 18 is affixed above said first front layer 8.

[0092] According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone 14, which comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot 46 seamlessly coincides or extends with said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110.

[0093] According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said first layered material 4 is coupled with its adhesive layer 26 to a support layer 6 covered with a de-adhesive 24. According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said support layer 6 covered with a de-adhesive 24 is a continuous layer even after the complete manufacture of the label 1 and before its application to a product to be labeled 206.

[0094] Said free zone 15, which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110 when coupled to the second layer 20, borders, at least in part, with said label outline 38.

[0095] According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said free zone 15, which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110 when coupled to the second layer 20, borders, at least in part, with said label outline 38. Said free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110 is arranged on one side of the label 1 which separates first from said support layer 6 when the label 1 is applied to an object to be labeled 206, preventing the separation of said second layered material 20 from said first layered material 4 during said application of the label 1 to said object to be labeled 206.

[0096] According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said first and/or second layered material 4, 20 extend according to a prevailing direction of development X.

[0097] Said at least one second free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110 has an extension along said prevailing direction of development extending for at least 1/5 of the entire label 1.

[0098] According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said first and/or second layered material 4, 20 extend according to a prevailing direction of development X.

[0099] Said at least one second free zone 15 which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod 110 has an extension which is transversal to said prevailing direction of development X, extending for at least 1/3 of the entire extension, transversal to the prevailing direction of development X of the label 1.

[00100] According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, said outer handle edge 32 is entirely arranged within said label outline 38.

[00101] According to an alternative and optional embodiment variant, the first front layer 8 forms a label outline 38 leaving said suspension handle 2 with a handle portion 96 thereof protruding, at least in part, in a cantilever fashion beyond said label outline 38 outside the first front layer 8 directly facing said support layer 6, forming a cavity 95 where a portion of said first front layer 8 has been removed.

[00102] According to an alternative embodiment, a method for manufacturing a label 1 with a suspension handle 2 comprising steps of:

[00103] i) providing a first layered material 4 which comprises a support layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a releasable manner;

[00104] ii) coating a front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 with at least one detachment promoter layer 12, 18 (such as a silicone coating), leaving a free zone 14 wherein such promoter layer 12 is absent;

[00105] ill) optionally adjustably coating a handle zone 16 of a first detachment promoter layer 12 with a second detachment promoter layer 18 in a liquid or semi-liquid form;

[00106] iv) providing a second layered material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 transparent to light and an adhesive layer 26';

[00107] v) joining the products of steps ii) and iv) or of steps iii) and iv), in a coupled material 40, so that the adhesive layer 26' adheres at least to the free zone 14 of the first layered material 4 (in particular for forming an anchoring foot 46);

[00108] vi) optionally solidifying or curing the second detachment promoter layer 18 in contact with the adhesive layer 26' of the second layered material 20, in order to bind said layers 18, 26';

[00109] vii) at least in the thickness S1 of the second layer 28 separating ("cutting out," according to a variant) a suspension handle 2 from the handle zone 16, at least a secondary label 34 of such a label 1 in a different zone 36 (different from the position of the suspension handle 2), and forming a label outline 38 in the first front layer 8.

[00110] For example, the secondary labels 34 may be a plurality.

[00111] According to an embodiment, the different zone 36 could be superimposed only on the detachment promoter of the first layer 12 (when two promoter layers are provided).

[00112] According to a variant, the suspension handle 2 is contained in a label width 100. In other words, such a handle does not protrude outside the second front layer 28.

[00113] In one embodiment, the first layered material 4 and/or the second layered material 20 are shaped as a tape, which develops along a predominant development direction X, X'.

[00114] According to a further embodiment, the first 8 and/or the second 28 front layer may comprise or consist of a plastic film.

[00115] According to an even further embodiment, the first 8 and/or the second 28 front layer may have an average density of about 50-500 g/m2, optionally 70-300 g/m2, for example about 150 g/m2.

[00116] In a variant, the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 and/or a front surface 94 of the second front layer 28 are substantially planar and are optionally printable. In particular, one of or both these surfaces are configured so that graphic layers 56, 58 may be distributed and adhered thereon.

[00117] At least a part of the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 will therefore remain visible on a bottle, when the label 1 is applied to the latter, specifically by virtue of the transparency of the second front layer 28.

[00118] The support layer 6 acts as a releasable support for the finished label 1 , and not just for the first front layer 8. [00119] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is only partially opacified to the suspension handle 2 to reveal the presence thereof, without hiding the first graphic layer 56 superimposed on the first front layer 8.

[00120] In other words, the partial opacification of the second front layer 28 allows on the one hand the vision of the first graphic layer 56 (by virtue of the partial transparency of such layer 28), and on the other hand it allows the suspension handle which partially overlaps such first graphic layer 56 to be identified (by virtue of the opaque component, partially impervious to light, of such layer 28).

[00121] According to an embodiment, at the secondary label 34, the label 1 comprises an opaque contrast layer 104, superimposed on the second front layer 28 to substantially eliminate the transparency thereof, at least a second graphic layer 58 superimposed on the contrast layer 104 and at least one protective layer 106 of the second graphic layer 58, at least partially transparent to light.

[00122] It follows that the contrast layer 104 is a layer configured to opacify the transparency of the second front layer 28, and further to act as a background and to create contrast with the second graphic layer 58.

[00123] The protective layer 106 is instead superimposed on the graphic layer 58 (and preferably also on the contrast layer 104) to ensure that the abrasive phenomena which take place when the label is applied to a bottle do not remove or smudge the graphic layer 58, or the contrast layer 104 and the graphic layer 58 (depending on the variants).

[00124] For example, for a dark or black colored graphic layer 58, the contrast layer 104 could be of a soft and/or neutral color, such as white.

[00125] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied at least on top of the second graphic layer 58 by a flexographic method.

[00126] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied at least on top of the second graphic layer 58 by a method other than a flexographic method.

[00127] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied with a thickness equal to or greater than at least 1 pm.

[00128] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 defines a writable surface 108 by means of an ink writing instrument, for example a ballpoint pen (jotter), or with in-line markings, such as for example thermal transfer.

[00129] In other words, such layer 106 performs the dual function of protection (as discussed above) and of a writable substrate to annotate customized information on the secondary label 34.

[00130] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is opacified by means of a pigment or a color mixed with a substance which promotes the release of a detachment promoter layer 12, 18.

[00131] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first layered material 4 and a precursor 22 of the second layered material 20 comprise corresponding or substantially identical layers. A definition of identical is stated in the following description.

[00132] In one embodiment, these layers include, superimposed on each other, a support layer 6, a de-adhesive layer 24 (e.g. silicone based), an adhesive layer 26, 26' and a first 8/second 28 front layer. According to this variant, step iv) comprises a step of separating, and optionally discarding, the support layer and the de-adhesive layer of precursor 22 upstream of step v).

[00133] During the optional step vi), the second detachment promoter layer 18 is then solidified (e.g.: dried) in contact with the adhesive layer 26’, so as to bind these layers, and optionally so that the adhesive layer cannot perform its adhesive function as it is at least partially covered (and thus made inert) by the second detachment promoter layer 18, which is solid.

[00134] In other words, according to such variant, the second detachment promoter layer 18 works “by transfer” since, although covering the first detachment promoter layer 12, this second layer 18 is transferred at the adhesive layer 26' so as to make it inert to step vi).

[00135] In a further embodiment, the solidification step comprises a solidification or curing step through electromagnetic radiation, for example by using UV rays or heat.

[00136] For example, step vi) could take place upstream of step vii).

[00137] According to a variant, the suspension handle 2 comprises at least one grip portion 30, wherein - in step iii) - the handle zone 16 also extends at said portion 30.

[00138] In the embodiments shown, the grip portion 30 comprises a protruding portion with respect to an outer edge 32, optionally arched, of said handle 2. For example, such a protruding portion is not in adhesive contact with the underlying first front layer 8, by virtue of the double detachment promoter layer.

[00139] According to a further variant, step vii) comprises at least one sub-step of making at least one creasing line 42, 44 on the second front layer 28 in order to deform said second layer 28 and facilitate a lifting of a portion, for example peripheral, of the secondary label 34 and/or of the suspension handle 2. The creasing line 44 is made at the grip portion 30 to raise a peripheral portion thereof.

[00140] In a variant, step vii) comprises at least a first die-cutting-creasing step 82, and optionally a second cutting step 84, discussed hereinafter.

[00141] According to an embodiment, step vii) is conducted outside the free zone 14, so that in said zone 14 the second front layer 28 forms a single anchoring foot 46 of the suspension handle 2, from which a pair of arms 48, 48' extends, connected in the form of a ring to each other.

[00142] According to a further embodiment, during step ii) and/or during step iii), the first front layer 8 and/or the first (or the only) detachment promoter layer 12 are partially covered by one or more protection masks (not shown) that prevent the coating of some zones 52, 50 with the first detachment promoter layer 12 and/or with the second detachment promoter layer 18, in order to modulate the separation force of an edge 32 (such as the outer edge) of the suspension handle 2 and/or of a lifting portion 54 of the secondary label 34.

[00143] By way of example, at least one protection mask may comprise dot-shaped protective elements, spaced along the extension of the edge 32 and/or of the lifting portion 54 with predetermined density.

[00144] With regard to such a density, it will depend on the size of the handle 2 and label 34, and the nature of the adhesive layer 26'.

[00145] As discussed above, according to an advantageous variant, the second front layer 28 is at least partially transparent to reveal an optional graphic layer 56 distributed on the first front layer 8 (in particular: upstream of step ii)). In a further variant, a detachment promoter layer (for example the second promoter layer 18) comprises at least one pigment or color to make evident (i.e. to reveal the presence of) at least a part of the suspension handle 2.

[00146] Specifically, the pigment or color may be mixed with the detachment promoter substance of the promoter layer 18 (for example of the second layer).

[00147] According to an embodiment, step vii) is followed by at least one step of swarf elimination 60 in which, externally to the suspension handle 2 and/or to the secondary label 34, the second front layer 28 is picked up as a continuous swarf 62, so as to create a lifting step 64 around such a handle 2 and/or such a secondary label 34.

[00148] The above objects are also achieved with a label 1 with a suspension handle 2 as described hereinafter.

[00149] Since a variant of such a label involves manufacturing by the above method, even where this is not expressly stated, this label may comprise any feature deductible - from a process point of view - from the description above.

[00150] Such a label 1 comprises:

[00151] - a first layered material 4 which comprises a support layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a releasable manner;

[00152] - at least one detachment promoter layer 12, 18, coating a front surface 10 of the first front layer 8, leaving a free zone 14 in which such promoter layer 12, 18 is absent;

[00153] - an optional second detachment promoter layer 18, adjustably coating a handle zone

16 of a first detachment promoter layer 12;

[00154] - a second layered material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 transparent to light and an adhesive layer 26', such second material 20 being joined to the first layered material 4 so that the adhesive layer 26' adheres at least to the free zone 14;

[00155] wherein at least the thickness S1 of the second layer 28 defines a suspension handle 2 at the handle zone 16, a secondary label 34 in a different zone 36 and wherein the first front layer 8 forms a label outline 38. [00156] Optionally, the second detachment promoter layer 18 solidifies in contact with the adhesive layer 26', so as to bind such layers 18, 26'.

[00157] According to a variant, the suspension handle 2 comprises at least one grip portion 30, wherein the handle zone 16 also extends at said portion 30.

[00158] According to a further variant, the second front layer 28 defines at least one creasing line 42, 44 so as to facilitate a lifting of a portion, for example peripheral, of the secondary label 34 and/or suspension handle 2.

[00159] According to an even further variant, in the free zone 14, the second front layer 28 comprises a single anchoring foot 46 of the suspension handle 2, from which a pair of arms 48, 48' extends, connected in the form of a ring to each other.

[00160] Optionally, the pair of arms 48, 48' is rotatable relative to the anchoring foot 46 (about an axis of rotation R common to both arms), to allow the handle to be taken outside of the label, and act as a suspension of a bottle associated therewith, in an overturned position.

[00161] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is at least partially transparent to reveal an optional graphic layer 56 distributed on the first front layer 8.

[00162] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is only partially opacified to the suspension handle 2 to reveal the presence thereof without hiding a first graphic layer 56 superimposed on the first front layer 8.

[00163] According to an embodiment, at the secondary label 34, such label 1 comprises an opaque contrast layer 104, superimposed on the second front layer 28 to substantially eliminate the transparency thereof, at least a second graphic layer 58 superimposed on the contrast layer 104 and at least one protective layer 106 of the second graphic layer 58, at least partially transparent to light.

[00164] Optionally, a detachment promoter layer (e.g. the second layer 18) may comprise at least one pigment or color to make at least a part of the suspension handle 2 evident, according to a variant without hiding the above first graphic layer 56.

[00165] Externally to the suspension handle 2 and/or to the secondary label 34, the second front layer 28 is absent, so as to create a lifting step 64 around such a handle and/or such a secondary label 34.

[00166] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied at least on top of the second graphic layer 58 by a flexographic method.

[00167] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied with a thickness equal to or greater than at least 1 pm.

[00168] According to an embodiment, the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 is coated with a first 12 and a second detachment promoter layer 18 mutually superimposed outside the secondary label 34. The manufacturing method will now be described, purely by way of example, in which the manufacturing direction F1 , F2 develops from left to right according to the orientation of the arrows. [00169] At first, a first layered material 4 and a precursor 22 of a second layered material 20 are fed by two separate feeding reels, indicated by reference numerals 66, 68.

[00170] According to an embodiment, the first layered material 4 and precursor 22 are identical materials or corresponding materials, fed by the two different reels 66, 68.

[00171] In the present description, the word "identical" means a material with the same layers described, although the different layers may in principle be chemically different between the first layered material and the precursor (and hence also between the first and second layered material).

[00172] Such a "common" layered material optionally consists of the following layers, superimposed from bottom to top in the following order: a support layer 6, a de-adhesive layer 24 (e.g. silicone), an adhesive layer 26, 26' and a first 8/second 28 front layer, for example printable.

[00173] Said layers are superimposed on each other in a complete manner, with a substantially full surface or in a prevailing manner.

[00174] From the precursor 22 coming from the reel 68, the support layer and the de-adhesive layer are promptly removed, which are separated and rewound into a scrap reel 70, while the adhesive layer 26' and the second front layer 28 constitute the second layered material 20 that will continue towards a joining point 72 in direction F1.

[00175] According to an embodiment, at the arrow 102 (i.e. after the aforementioned separation), the contrast layer 104 is distributed/printed on the second layered material 20 in the area in which the secondary label 34 will subsequently be obtained, overlapping the second front layer 28, the second graphic layer 58 superimposed on the contrast layer 104 and the protective layer 106 of the second graphic layer 58.

[00176] According to a variant, a first graphic layer 56 (e.g. containing product information) is distributed/printed on the first layered material 4 coming from the reel 66 and a single detachment promoter layer or a first 12 and a second 18 detachment promoter layer, such as silicone coating, is superimposed on the first graphic layer 56 to obtain the following intermediate material 74.

[00177] The first or only detachment promoter layer 12, in contact with the graphic layer 56, occupies a smaller surface than the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8. More precisely, such a layer 12 is applied so as to leave a free zone 14 in which such promoter layer 12 is absent.

[00178] For example, the detachment promoter layer 12 may be applied in a recessed position relative to a first longitudinal edge 76 of the first layered material 4, so as to provide the second layered material 20 - that will be superimposed on the intermediate material 74 at the joining point 72 - with a free surface to which an anchoring foot 46 of the suspension handle 2 formed by such a second layered material 20 may firmly adhere.

[00179] The optional second detachment promoter layer 18, superimposed and optionally in contact with the first detachment promoter layer 12, will be adjustably applied with the predetermined position of the suspension handle, in liquid or semi-liquid form. [00180] In the present description, the term "adjustably" means an application on a layer with a specific shape, in this case substantially corresponding to the surface of the suspension handle.

[00181] In this regard, suitably shaped masks may be used, which cover the underlying layer 12 to prevent the deposit of the second detachment promoter layer 18 outside the profile of the handle 2.

[00182] With regard to the expression "semi-liquid" used above, it should be noted that in this description, this term means any liquid substance able to flow, even with low fluidity, in particular at the temperature of execution of step iii).

[00183] By way of non-limiting example, this term may mean any viscous, gelatinous and/or pasty substance.

[00184] According to a variant, the suspension handle 2 is made evident through a partial opacification/pigmentation/coloring of the second front layer 28, which creates a visual or chromatic separation with respect to the first front layer.

[00185] Optionally, the partial opacification/pigmentation/coloring of the second front layer 28 may be obtained through the characteristics of a detachment promoter layer 18, which may specifically comprise a pigment/color.

[00186] For example, such a pigment or color may be mixed with the detachment promoter substance of the second layer 18, or it may be arranged on the surface of the second detachment promoter layer 18 facing towards the second front layer 28.

[00187] The function of the optional second detachment promoter layer 18 is of course to neutralize/make almost completely inert the adhesion power of the adhesive layer 26' of the second layered material 20, through the transfer mechanism discussed above, in order to facilitate the lifting of Oust) the handle.

[00188] The intermediate material 74 and the second layered material 20 are then joined in the joining point 72, being in particular joined and pressed by a couple of rolls 78, 80, thus obtaining the coupled material 40.

[00189] Downstream of the realization of such a coupled material 40, the optional second detachment promoter layer 18 is then solidified in contact with the adhesive layer 26', for example by UV radiation, so as to bind such layers 18, 26' and make the adhesive layer 26' “passive.”

[00190] In a subsequent step, a first die-cutting-creasing step 82 and a second die-cutting step 84 are carried out, each followed by an elimination of production swarf 62, 86.

[00191] During the first die-cutting-creasing step 82, a tool may optionally be used configured for folding/creasing, without cutting, the second front layer 28 at the suspension handle 2 (in particular at the grip portion 30 thereof, when provided) and/or the lifting portion 54 of a secondary label 34.

[00192] As regards the position of the secondary label 34, the latter will be positioned just above the first detachment promoter layer 12, because the adhesive power of such a label 34 must not be eliminated (or rather must not be made inert) totally, as is the case with the suspension handle.

[00193] In this way, through the transfer and solidification of the optional second detachment promoter layer in (semi-)liquid form, it will be possible to make the adhesive layer 26' inert to the suspension handle 2 without affecting the adhesion power of the secondary label 34.

[00194] In all the other portions, other than the aforementioned creasing lines 42, 44, the so- called die-cutting depth 82 of the coupled material 40 will extend to at least cut into the second front layer 28, and optionally also the second detachment promoter layer 18, possibly without affecting the layer 12 below it.

[00195] The cutting depth of the coupled material 40 in this first step 82 is indicated by arrows 90.

[00196] The profile of the die of the first die-cutting-creasing step 82 is such as to create - both internally and externally - the shape of the handle, and is such as to partially cut out the second front layer 28 (for example: along a pair of sides 96, 98 optionally orthogonal) around the perimeter of the secondary label 34.

[00197] The portion removed as a continuous swarf 62 downstream of the first die-cuttingcreasing step 82 is therefore a tape having a shape complementary to the lifting step 64.

[00198] During the second die-cutting step 84, a sharp tool is used, configured to cut into the coupled material 40 from the surface 94 thereof at least up to the first front layer 8, and optionally up to the adhesive layer 26 of the original intermediate material 74, as schematized by the arrows 88.

[00199] In any case, within the exposed surface of the label 1 , this second die-cutting step 84 will cut the label outline 38 around the first front layer 8 and around the suspension handle 2.

[00200] Figure 10 shows the position of the secondary label 34 with respect to the first (or only) detachment promoter layer 12.

[00201] For such a label 34, the first or only detachment promoter layer 12 may optionally be specially modulated, by depositing the promoter only in some zones, preventing a layer inert to the adhesive substance of said layer from forming underneath the adhesive layer of the secondary label.

[00202] In this regard, protection masks may be used which prevent the coating of some zones 52 of the first front layer 8. A similar device could be used to prevent the coating of some zones 50 below the second front layer with the second detachment promoter layer 18, in order to obtain a non- sticky handle dry to the touch.

[00203] In contrast, Figure 9 shows the optional double detachment promoter layer 12, 18 below the suspension handle 2 in the portions outside the anchoring foot 46.

[00204] The second die-cutting step 84 therefore has the function of creating the separation between adjacent labels 1 , and the continuous swarf 86 will be shaped as a tape in which empty seats are formed (rectangular seats according to the embodiments shown), having a shape complementary to the label outline 38 of each label, interspersed with partitions corresponding to the material removed to divide labels 1.

[00205] Downstream of the elimination of the second continuous swarf 86, labels 1 have been formed and may be wrapped into a reel 92 (Figure 3).

[00206] The method and the label object of the present invention allow overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[00207] More precisely, the proposed method and handle allow the transparency and opacity of the second front layer to be modulated, so as not to hide the first graphic layer, to show the position of the suspension handle, to suppress the transparency of such layer from the secondary label in order to create a contrast for the second graphic layer and to protect the latter.

[00208] The method and the label proposed allow a label with a handle to be obtained in a single production step, without having to perform special operations (such as gluing the handles one by one), in a simple, reliable and cost-effective manner.

[00209] The proposed method and label allow a writable secondary label to be obtained, thus allowing it to be annotated in handwriting according to contingencies.

[00210] The method and the label object of the present invention provide an innovative liquid or semi-liquid coating system and a subsequent solidification or curing aimed to create a passive layer for transfer below the handle.

[00211] Moreover, the handle may be handled without difficulty due to the dry contact.

[00212] The method and the label object of the present invention provide an important productive economy, not only by virtue of the raw materials involved in manufacture.

[00213] The method and the label object of the present invention allow a good grip on the handle and/or on the secondary label.

[00214] The method and the label object of the present invention provide an extremely cost- effective system to locate the handle without covering the graphics underneath.

[00215] The method and the label object of the present invention allow specific ergonomic portions to be created to ensure easy interaction with the user.

[00216] The risk of breaking the handle or an arm thereof from the foot is virtually absent under normal operating conditions.

[00217] The method and the label object of the present invention provide an additional system to regulate the adhesive power of the portions liftable from the label surface.

[00218] The method and the label object of the present invention allow labels to be obtained which may be applied as a continuous strip, so as to simplify the application on bottles in automated processes.

[00219] The method object of the present invention is cost-effective and the label described may be produced at low cost. [00220] A man skilled in the art may make several changes or replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent ones to the embodiments of the above method and label in order to meet specific needs.

[00221] Moreover, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be implemented independently of the other variants described.

[00222] According to an alternative embodiment, a method for manufacturing a label 1 with a suspension handle 2 comprises the steps of:

[00223] i) providing a first layered material 4 which comprises a support layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a releasable manner, said first front layer 8 comprises a front surface 10;

[00224] ii) coating said front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 with at least one detachment promoter layer 12, 18, leaving a free zone 14 in which said detachment promoter layer 12, 18 is absent;

[00225] iv) providing a second layered material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 and an adhesive layer 26’, wherein said second front layer 28 has a predetermined thickness S1;

[00226] v) joining said first layered material 4 and said second layered material 20 of steps ii) and iv) into an assembled component or coupled material 40, so that the adhesive layer 26’ of the second layered material 20 adheres at least to the free zone 14 of the first layered material 4;

[00227] vii) cutting, in one of the handle zones 16 of said second layered material 20 and only within the thickness S1 of the second layered material 20, a suspension handle 2, leaving said first front layer 8 intact; cutting, in a secondary label zone 36 different from said handle zone 16 and only within the thickness S1 of the second layered material 20, at least one secondary label 34; forming a label outline 38 in the first front layer 8, avoiding cutting the suspension handle 2, and removing a portion of said first front layer 8 creating a cavity 95 which arranges a handle portion 96 of said suspension handle 2, with the label formed, protruding in a cantilever fashion beyond said label outline 38.

[00228] According to a general embodiment, the above objects are achieved by a method for manufacturing a label 1 with a suspension handle 2 comprising the steps of:

[00229] i) providing a first layered material 4 which comprises a support layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a releasable manner;

[00230] ii) coating a front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 with at least a first detachment promoter layer 12, 18, leaving a free zone 14 in which said promoter layer 12, 18 is absent;

[00231] iv) providing a second layered material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 and an adhesive layer 26';

[00232] v) joining the products of steps ii) and iv) in a coupled material 40, so that the adhesive layer 26' adheres at least to the free zone 14 of the first layered material 4;

[00233] vii) at least in the thickness S1 of the second layer 28 separating a suspension handle 2 from the handle zone 16, and at least a secondary label 34 of said label 1 in a different zone 36, and forming a label outline 38 in the first front layer 8 so that the suspension handle 2, when the label is formed, protrudes at least partly cantilevered beyond said label outline 38.

[00234] According to a general embodiment, a label 1 with a suspension handle 2, obtainable for example by the method according to the previous embodiment, comprises:

[00235] - a first layered material 4 which comprises a support layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a releasable manner, said first front layer 8 comprises a front surface 10;

[00236] - at least one detachment promoter layer 12, 18, coating a front surface 10 of the first front layer 8, leaving a free zone 14 in which said promoter layer 12, 18 is absent;

[00237] - a second layered material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 and an adhesive layer 26', said second material 20 being joined to the first layered material 4 so that the adhesive layer 26' adheres at least to the free zone 14, in which said second layer front 28 has a predefined thickness S1;

[00238] wherein said second front layer 28 defines a suspension handle 2 and a secondary label 34 in a different zone 36 of said second front layer 28, and wherein the first front layer 8 forms a label outline 38 leaving said suspension handle 2 with a handle portion 96 thereof protruding, at least in part, in a cantilever fashion beyond said label outline 38 outside the first front layer 8 directly facing said support layer 6, forming a cavity 95 where a portion of said first front layer 8 has been removed.

[00239] According to a general embodiment, a label 1 with a suspension handle 2, obtainable for example by the method according to the previous embodiment, comprises:

[00240] - a first layered material 4 which comprises a support layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a releasable manner;

[00241] - at least one detachment promoter layer 12, 18, coating a front surface 10 of the first front layer 8, leaving a free zone 14 in which said promoter layer 12, 18 is absent;

[00242] - a second layered material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 and an adhesive layer 26', said second material 20 being joined to the first layered material 4 so that the adhesive layer 26' adheres at least to the free zone 14;

[00243] - and wherein said second front layer 28 defines a suspension handle 2 and a secondary label 34 in a different zone 36 of said second front layer 28, and wherein the first front layer 8 forms a label outline 38 leaving said suspension handle 2 projecting at least partly cantilevered beyond said label outline 38 outside the first front layer 8.

[00244] According to an embodiment of the method, the above objects are also achieved by a method for manufacturing a label 1 with a suspension handle 2 comprising the steps of:

[00245] i) providing a first layered material 4 which comprises a support layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a releasable manner;

[00246] ii) coating a front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 with at least one detachment promoter layer 12, 18 (such as a silicone coating), leaving a free zone 14 wherein such promoter layer 12, 18 is absent; [00247] iii) optionally adjustably coating a handle zone 16 of a first detachment promoter layer 12 with a second detachment promoter layer 18 in a liquid or semi-liquid form;

[00248] iv) providing a second layered material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 transparent to light and an adhesive layer 26';

[00249] v) joining the products of steps ii) and iv) or of steps iii) and iv), in a coupled material 40, so that the adhesive layer 26' adheres at least to the free zone 14 of the first layered material 4 (in particular for forming an anchoring foot 46);

[00250] vi) optionally solidifying or curing the second detachment promoter layer 18 in contact with the adhesive layer 26' of the second layered material 20, in order to bind said layers 18, 26';

[00251] vii) at least in the thickness S1 of the second front layer 28, separating (“cutting out,” according to a variant) a suspension handle 2 from the handle zone 16, at least one secondary label 34 of such label 1 in a different zone 36 (different from the position of the suspension handle 2), and forming a label outline 38 in the first front layer 8 so that the suspension handle 2, with the label formed, protrudes at least partially in a cantilever fashion beyond said label outline 38.

[00252] According to an alternative embodiment of the method, in step vii), the separation of the suspension handle 2 and of the at least one secondary label 34 in a different zone 36 takes place in a direction opposite to the forming of the label outline 38 in the first front layer 8 so that the suspension handle 2 is positioned, with the label 1 formed, partly cantilevered beyond said label outline 38.

[00253] According to a still further embodiment, in step vii) said separation and said forming are die-cutting steps.

[00254] For example, the secondary labels 34 may be a plurality of secondary labels 34.

[00255] According to an embodiment, the different zone 36 could be superimposed only on the detachment promoter of the first layer 12 (when two promoter layers are provided).

[00256] According to a variant, the suspension handle 2 is partially cantilevered and extends beyond a label width 100. In other words, such a handle protrudes outside the first front layer 8.

[00257] In one embodiment, the first layered material 4 and/or the second layered material 20 are initially shaped as a tape, which develops along a prevailing direction of development X, X'.

[00258] According to a further embodiment, the first 8 and/or the second 28 front layer may comprise or consist of a plastic film.

[00259] According to an even further embodiment, the first 8 and/or the second 28 front layer may have an average density of about 50-500 g/m2, optionally 70-300 g/m2, for example about 150 g/m2.

[00260] In a variant, the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 and/or a front surface 94 of the second front layer 28 are substantially planar and are optionally printable. In particular, one of or both these surfaces are configured so that graphic layers 56, 58 may be distributed and adhered thereon.

[00261] At least a part of the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 will therefore remain visible on a bottle, when the label 1 is applied to the latter, specifically by virtue of the transparency of the second front layer 28.

[00262] According to an embodiment, the support layer 6 acts as a releasable support for the finished label 1 , and notjust for the first front layer 8. [00263] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is only partially opacified to the suspension handle 2 to reveal the presence thereof, according to an embodiment without hiding the first graphic layer 56 superimposed on the first front layer 8.

[00264] In other words, the partial opacification of the second front layer 28 allows on the one hand the vision of the first graphic layer 56 (by virtue of the partial transparency of such layer 28), and on the other hand it allows the suspension handle which partially overlaps such first graphic layer 56 to be identified (by virtue of the opaque component, partially impervious to light, of such layer 28).

[00265] According to an embodiment, at the secondary label 34, the label 1 comprises an opaque contrast layer 104, superimposed on the second front layer 28 to substantially eliminate the transparency thereof, at least a second graphic layer 58 superimposed on the contrast layer 104 and at least one protective layer 106 of the second graphic layer 58, at least partially transparent to light.

[00266] It follows that the contrast layer 104 is a layer configured to opacify the transparency of the second front layer 28, and further to act as a background and to create contrast with the second graphic layer 58.

[00267] The protective layer 106 is instead superimposed on the graphic layer 58 (and preferably also on the contrast layer 104) to ensure that the abrasive phenomena which take place when the label is applied to a bottle do not remove or smudge the graphic layer 58, or the contrast layer 104 and the graphic layer 58 (depending on the variants).

[00268] For example, for a dark or black colored graphic layer 58, the contrast layer 104 could be of a soft and/or neutral color, such as white.

[00269] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied at least on top of the second graphic layer 58 by a flexographic method.

[00270] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied at least on top of the second graphic layer 58 by a method other than a flexographic method.

[00271] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied with a thickness equal to or greater than at least 1 pm.

[00272] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 defines a writable surface 108 by means of an ink writing instrument, for example a ballpoint pen (jotter), or with in-line markings, such as for example thermal transfer.

[00273] In other words, such layer 106 performs the dual function of protection (as discussed above) and of a writable substrate to annotate customized information on the secondary label 34.

[00274] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is opacified by means of a pigment or a color mixed with a substance which promotes the release of a detachment promoter layer 12, 18.

[00275] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first layered material 4 and a precursor 22 of the second layered material 20 comprise corresponding or substantially identical layers. A definition of identical is stated in the following description.

[00276] In one embodiment, these layers include, superimposed on each other, a support layer 6, a de-adhesive layer 24 (e.g. silicone based), an adhesive layer 26, 26' and a first 8/second 28 front layer. According to this variant, step iv) comprises a step of separating, and optionally discarding, the support layer and the de-adhesive layer of precursor 22 upstream of step v).

[00277] During the optional step vi), the second detachment promoter layer 18 is then solidified (e.g.: dried) in contact with the adhesive layer 26’, so as to bind these layers, and optionally so that the adhesive layer cannot perform its adhesive function as it is at least partially covered (and thus made inert) by the second detachment promoter layer 18, which is solid.

[00278] In other words, according to such variant, the second detachment promoter layer 18 works “by transfer” since, although covering the first detachment promoter layer 12, this second layer 18 is transferred at the adhesive layer 26' so as to make it inert to step vi).

[00279] In a further embodiment, the solidification step comprises a solidification or curing step through electromagnetic radiation, for example by using UV rays or heat.

[00280] For example, step vi) could take place upstream of step vii).

[00281] According to a variant, the suspension handle 2 comprises at least one grip portion 30, wherein - in step iii) - the handle zone 16 also extends at said portion 30.

[00282] In the embodiments shown, the suspension handle 2 and if present, the grip portion 30 comprises a protruding portion with respect to an outer edge 32, optionally arched, of said handle 2. For example, such protruding portion is not in adhesive contact with the first front layer 8, both by virtue of the double detachment promoter layer and of its cantilevered position with respect to it.

[00283] According to a further variant, step vii) comprises at least one sub-step of making at least one creasing line 42, 44 on the second front layer 28 in order to deform said second layer 28 and facilitate a lifting of a portion, for example peripheral, of the secondary label 34 and/or of suspension handle 2. According to an embodiment, the creasing line 44 is made at the grip portion 30 to raise a peripheral portion thereof.

[00284] In a variant, step vii) comprises at least a first die-cutting-creasing step 82, and optionally a second cutting step 84, discussed hereinafter.

[00285] According to an embodiment, step vii) is conducted outside the free zone 14, so that in said zone 14 the second front layer 28 forms a single anchoring foot 46 of the suspension handle 2, from which a pair of arms 48, 48' extends, connected in the form of a ring to each other.

[00286] According to a further embodiment, during step ii) and/or during step iii), the first front layer 8 and/or the first (or the only) detachment promoter layer 12 are partially covered by one or more protection masks (not shown) that prevent the coating of some zones 52, 50 with the first detachment promoter layer 12 and/or with the second detachment promoter layer 18, in order to modulate the separation force of an edge 32 (such as the outer edge) of the suspension handle 2 and/or of a lifting portion 54 of the secondary label 34.

[00287] By way of example, at least one protection mask may comprise dot-shaped protective elements, spaced along the extension of the edge 32 and/or of the lifting portion 54 with predetermined density.

[00288] With regard to such a density, it will depend on the size of the handle 2 and the label 34, and the nature of the adhesive layer 26'.

[00289] As discussed above, according to a variant, the second front layer 28 is at least partially transparent to reveal an optional graphic layer 56 distributed on the first front layer 8 (in particular: upstream of step ii)). In a further variant, a detachment promoter layer (for example the second promoter layer 18) comprises at least one pigment or color to make evident (i.e. to reveal the presence of) at least a part of the suspension handle 2.

[00290] Specifically, the pigment or color may be mixed with the detachment promoter substance of the promoter layer 18 (for example of the second layer).

[00291] According to an embodiment, step vii) is followed by at least one swarf-elimination step 60 in which, outside the suspension handle 2 and/or the secondary label 34, the second front layer 28 and the first layer front 8 only in their punched part and placed under the portion of the suspension handle 2 which will protrude, are taken as a continuous swarf 62, so as to create a lifting step 64 around this handle 2 and/or such secondary label 34 and in such a way as to carry a part of the suspension handle 2 overhanging.

[00292] The above objects are also achieved with a label 1 with a suspension handle 2 as described hereinafter.

[00293] Since a variant of such a label involves manufacturing by the above method, even where this is not expressly stated, this label may comprise any feature deductible - from a process point of view - from the description above.

[00294] According to an embodiment, such label 1 comprises:

[00295] - a first layered material 4 which comprises a support layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a releasable manner;

[00296] - at least one detachment promoter layer 12, 18, coating a front surface 10 of the first front layer 8, leaving a free zone 14 in which such promoter layer 12, 18 is absent;

[00297] - an optional second detachment promoter layer 18, adjustably coating a handle zone

16 of a first detachment promoter layer 12;

[00298] - a second layered material 20 comprising a second front layer 28, optionally transparent to light, and an adhesive layer 26', such second material 20 being joined to the first layered material 4 so that the adhesive layer 26' adheres at least to the free zone 14;

[00299] wherein at least the thickness S1 of the second layer 28 defines a suspension handle 2 at the handle zone 16, a secondary label 34 in a different zone 36 and wherein the first front layer 8 forms a label outline 38.

[00300] Optionally, the second detachment promoter layer 18 solidifies in contact with the adhesive layer 26', so as to bind such layers 18, 26'.

[00301] According to a variant, the suspension handle 2 comprises at least one grip portion 30, wherein the handle zone 16 also extends at said portion 30.

[00302] According to a further variant, the second front layer 28 defines at least one creasing line 42, 44 so as to facilitate a lifting of a portion, for example peripheral, of the secondary label 34 and/or suspension handle 2.

[00303] According to an even further variant, in the free zone 14, the second front layer 28 comprises a single anchoring foot 46 of the suspension handle 2, from which a pair of arms 48, 48' extends, connected in the form of a ring to each other.

[00304] Optionally, the pair of arms 48, 48' is rotatable relative to the anchoring foot 46 (about an axis of rotation R, according to an embodiment, common to both arms), to allow the handle to be taken folded outside of the label, and act as a suspension of a bottle associated therewith, in the overturned position.

[00305] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is at least partially transparent to reveal an optional graphic layer 56 distributed on the first front layer 8.

[00306] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is only partially opacified to the suspension handle 2 to reveal the presence thereof without hiding a first graphic layer 56 superimposed on the first front layer 8.

[00307] According to an embodiment, at the secondary label 34, such label 1 comprises an opaque contrast layer 104, superimposed on the second front layer 28 to substantially eliminate the transparency thereof, at least a second graphic layer 58 superimposed on the contrast layer 104 and at least one protective layer 106 of the second graphic layer 58, at least partially transparent to light.

[00308] Optionally, a detachment promoter layer (e.g. the second layer 18) may comprise at least one pigment or color to make at least a part of the suspension handle 2 evident, according to a variant without hiding the above first graphic layer 56.

[00309] According to an embodiment, externally to the suspension handle 2 and/or to the secondary label 34, the second front layer 28 is absent, so as to create a lifting step 64 around such a handle and/or such a secondary label 34.

[00310] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied at least on top of the second graphic layer 58 by a flexographic method.

[00311] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied with a thickness equal to or greater than at least 1 pm.

[00312] According to an embodiment, the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 is coated with a first 12 and a second detachment promoter layer 18 mutually superimposed outside the secondary label 34.

[00313] The manufacturing method will now be described, purely by way of example, in which the manufacturing direction F1, F2 develops from left to right according to the orientation of the arrows.

[00314] At first, a first layered material 4 and a precursor 22 of a second layered material 20 are fed by two separate feeding reels, indicated by reference numerals 66, 68.

[00315] According to an embodiment, the first layered material 4 and precursor 22 are identical materials or corresponding materials, fed by the two different reels 66, 68.

[00316] In the present description, the word "identical" means a material with the same layers described, although the different layers may in principle be chemically different between the first layered material and the precursor (and hence also between the first and second layered material).

[00317] Such a "common" layered material optionally consists of the following layers, superimposed from bottom to top in the following order: a support layer 6, a de-adhesive layer 24 (e.g. silicone), an adhesive layer 26, 26' and a first 8/second 28 front layer, for example printable.

[00318] Said layers are superimposed on each other in a complete manner, with a substantially full surface or in a prevailing manner.

[00319] From the precursor 22 coming from the reel 68, the support layer 6 and the de- adhesive layer 24 are promptly removed, which are separated and rewound into a scrap reel 70, while the adhesive layer 26' and the second front layer 28 constitute the second layered material 20 which will continue towards a joining point 72 in direction F1.

[00320] According to an embodiment, at the arrow 102 (i.e. after the aforementioned separation), the contrast layer 104 is distributed/printed on the second layered material 20 in the area in which the secondary label 34 will subsequently be obtained, overlapping the second front layer 28, the second graphic layer 58 superimposed on the contrast layer 104 and the protective layer 106 of the second graphic layer 58.

[00321] According to a variant, a first graphic layer 56 (e.g. containing product information) is distributed/printed on the first layered material 4 coming from the reel 66 and a single detachment promoter layer or a first 12 and a second 18 detachment promoter layer, such as silicone coating, is superimposed on the first graphic layer 56 to obtain the following intermediate material 74.

[00322] The first or only detachment promoter layer 12, in contact with the graphic layer 56, occupies a smaller surface than the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8. More precisely, such a layer 12 is applied so as to leave a free zone 14 in which such promoter layer 12 is absent.

[00323] For example, the detachment promoter layer 12 may be applied in a recessed position relative to a first longitudinal edge 76 of the first layered material 4, so as to provide the second layered material 20 - that will be superimposed on the intermediate material 74 at the joining point 72 - with a free surface to which an anchoring foot 46 of the suspension handle 2 formed by such a second layered material 20 may firmly adhere.

[00324] The optional second detachment promoter layer 18, superimposed and optionally in contact with the first detachment promoter layer 12, will be adjustably applied with the predetermined position of the suspension handle, in liquid or semi-liquid form.

[00325] In the present description, the term "adjustably" means an application on a layer with a specific shape, in this case substantially corresponding to the surface of the suspension handle.

[00326] In this regard, suitably shaped masks may be used, which cover the underlying layer 12 to prevent the deposit of the second detachment promoter layer 18 outside the profile of the handle 2.

[00327] With regard to the expression "semi-liquid" used above, it should be noted that in this description, this term means any liquid substance able to flow, even with low fluidity, in particular at the temperature of execution of step iii).

[00328] By way of non-limiting example, this term may mean any viscous, gelatinous and/or pasty substance.

[00329] According to a variant, the suspension handle 2 is made evident through a partial opacification/pigmentation/coloring of the second front layer 28, which creates a visual or chromatic separation with respect to the first front layer.

[00330] Optionally, the partial opacification/pigmentation/coloring of the second front layer 28 may be obtained through the characteristics of a detachment promoter layer 18, which may specifically comprise a pigment/color.

[00331] For example, such a pigment or color may be mixed with the detachment promoter substance of the second layer 18, or it may be arranged on the surface of the second detachment promoter layer 18 facing towards the second front layer 28.

[00332] The function of the optional second detachment promoter layer 18 is of course to neutralize/make almost completely inert the adhesion power of the adhesive layer 26' of the second layered material 20, through the transfer mechanism discussed above, in order to facilitate the lifting of Oust) the handle.

[00333] The intermediate material 74 and the second layered material 20 are then joined in the joining point 72, being in particular joined and pressed by a couple of rolls 78, 80, thus obtaining the coupled material 40.

[00334] Downstream of the realization of such a coupled material 40, the optional second detachment promoter layer 18 is then solidified in contact with the adhesive layer 26', for example by UV radiation, so as to bind such layers 18, 26' and make the adhesive layer 26' “passive.”

[00335] In a subsequent step, a first die-cutting-creasing step 82 and a second die-cutting step 84 are carried out, each followed by an elimination of production swarf 62, 86.

[00336] During the first die-cutting-creasing step 82, a tool may optionally be used configured for folding/creasing, without cutting, the second front layer 28 at the suspension handle 2 (in particular at the grip portion 30 thereof, when provided) and/or the lifting portion 54 of a secondary label 34.

[00337] As regards the position of the secondary label 34, the latter will be positioned, according to an embodiment, just above the first detachment promoter layer 12, because the adhesive power of such a label 34 must not be eliminated (or rather must not be made inert) totally, as is the case with the suspension handle.

[00338] In this way, through the transfer and solidification of the optional second detachment promoter layer in (semi-)liquid form, it will be possible to make the adhesive layer 26' inert to the suspension handle 2 without affecting the adhesion power of the secondary label 34.

[00339] In all other portions, other than the above creasing lines 42, 44, the so-called die- cutting depth 82 of the coupled material 40 will extend until it cuts at least into the second front layer 28, and optionally also the second detachment promoter layer 18, possibly without affecting the layer 12 thereunder.

[00340] The cutting depth of the coupled material 40 in this first step 82 is indicated by arrows 90 in the figures.

[00341] The profile of the die of the first die-cutting-creasing step 82 is such as to create - both internally and externally - the shape of the handle, and is such as to partially cut out the second front layer 28 (for example: along a pair of sides 96, 98 optionally orthogonal) around the perimeter of the secondary label 34.

[00342] The portion removed as a continuous swarf 62 downstream of the first die-cuttingcreasing step 82 is therefore a ribbon with a shape complementary to the lifting step 64, as well as the portion of the first front layer which was placed below the portion of the suspension handle 2 which is left overhanging.

[00343] During the second die-cutting step 84, a sharp tool is used, configured to cut into the coupled material 40 from the surface 94 thereof at least up to the first front layer 8, and optionally up to the adhesive layer 26 of the original intermediate material 74, as schematized by the arrows 88.

[00344] In any case, within the exposed surface of the label 1 , this second die-cutting step 84 will cut the label outline 38 around the first front layer 8 and around the suspension handle 2.

[00345] Figure 14 shows the position of the secondary label 34 with respect to the first (or only) detachment promoter layer 12.

[00346] For such a label 34, the first or only detachment promoter layer 12 may optionally be specially modulated, by depositing the promoter only in some zones, preventing a layer inert to the adhesive substance of said layer from forming underneath the adhesive layer of the secondary label.

[00347] In this regard, protection masks may be used which prevent the coating of some zones 52 of the first front layer 8. A similar device could be used to prevent the coating of some zones 50 below the second front layer with the second detachment promoter layer 18, in order to obtain a non- sticky handle dry to the touch.

[00348] In contrast, Figure 9 shows the optional double detachment promoter layer 12, 18 below the suspension handle 2 in the portions outside the anchoring foot 46.

[00349] The second die-cutting step 84 therefore has the function of creating the separation between adjacent labels 1 , and the continuous swarf 86 will be shaped as a tape in which empty seats are formed (rectangular seats according to the embodiments shown), having a shape complementary to the label outline 38 of each label, interspersed with partitions corresponding to the material removed to divide labels 1.

[00350] Downstream of the elimination of the second continuous swarf 86, labels 1 have been formed and may be wrapped into a reel 92.

[00351] The method and the label object of the present invention allow overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[00352] More precisely, the proposed method and handle allow having a handle which extends well beyond the label outline 38 in a manner easy to manufacture.

[00353] Moreover, the proposed method and handle allow the transparency and opacity of the second front layer to be modulated, so as not to hide the first graphic layer, to show the position of the suspension handle, to suppress the transparency of such layer from the secondary label in order to create a contrast for the second graphic layer and to protect the latter.

[00354] According to an embodiment, the method and the label proposed allow a label with a handle to be obtained in a single production step, without having to perform special operations (such as gluing the handles one by one), in a simple, reliable and cost-effective manner.

[00355] According to an embodiment, the proposed method and label allow a writable secondary label to be obtained, thus allowing it to be annotated in handwriting according to contingencies.

[00356] According to an embodiment, the method and the label object of the present invention provide an innovative liquid or semi-liquid coating system and a subsequent solidification or curing aimed to create a passive layer for transfer below the handle.

[00357] Moreover, the handle may be handled without difficulty due to the dry contact.

[00358] According to an embodiment, the method and the label object of the present invention provide an important productive economy, not only by virtue of the raw materials involved in manufacture.

[00359] According to an embodiment, the method and the label object of the present invention allow a good grip on the handle and/or on the secondary label.

[00360] According to an embodiment, the method and the label object of the present invention provide an extremely cost-effective system to locate the handle without covering the below graphics.

[00361] According to an embodiment, the method and the label object of the present invention allow creating specific ergonomic portions to ensure easy interaction with the user.

[00362] According to an embodiment, the risk of breaking the handle or an arm thereof from the foot is virtually absent under normal operating conditions.

[00363] According to an embodiment, the method and the label object of the present invention provide an additional system to regulate the adhesive power of the liftable portions from the label surface.

[00364] According to an embodiment, the method and the label object of the present invention allow labels to be obtained which may be applied as a continuous strip, so as to simplify the application on bottles in automated processes.

[00365] According to an embodiment, the method object of the present invention is cost- effective and the label described may be produced at low cost.

[00366] A man skilled in the art may make several changes or replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent ones to the embodiments of the above method and label in order to meet specific needs.

[00367] Moreover, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be implemented independently of the other variants described.

REFERENCES

1 label

2 suspension handle

4 layered material or first layered material

6 support layer

7 label and support layer assembly

8 first front layer

10 front surface of first front layer

12 first detachment promoter layer - for example a silicone coating

14 zone free from the detachment promoter layer

15 second zone free from the detachment promoter layer

16 handle zone

18 second detachment promoter layer - for example a silicone coating

20 second layered material

22 precursor of the second layered material

24 de-adhesive layer

26 adhesive layer

26' adhesive layer

28 second front layer transparent to light

30 handle grip portion

32 outer handle edge

34 secondary label

36 different zone with respect to the position of the suspension handle

38 label outline or label edge

40 coupled material is label

42 creasing line

44 creasing line

46 anchoring foot

48 pair of handle arms

48' pair of handle arms

50 zones free from the first and/or second detachment promoter layer

52 zones free from the first and/or second detachment promoter layer

54 lifting portion of the secondary label

56 first graphic layer

58 second graphic layer

60 swarf

62 continuous swarf

64 lifting step

82 die-cutting-creasing

84 second die-cutting step 94 front surface of the second front layer

100 label width

104 opaque contrast layer

106 protective layer of the second graphic layer

108 surface writable by an ink writing instrument

110 reinforcing rod

111 adhesive layer

201 labeling machine

202 continuous roll of support layer with labels

203 label separation blade

204 blade edge

205 roll of support layer without labels

206 object to be labeled

207 label application roller

208 sliding surface of the object to be labeled

S1 thickness of the second front layer

X prevailing direction of development

X' prevailing direction of development

R rotation axis

F1 manufacturing direction

F2 manufacturing direction

Claims

32 Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a label (1) with at least one suspension handle (2) comprising the steps of: i) providing a first layered material (4) comprising at least an adhesive layer (26) and a first front layer (8); wherein said first front layer (8) comprises a front surface (10); ii) coating said front surface (10) of the first front layer (8) with at least one detachment promoter layer (12, 18), leaving at least one free zone (14, 15) in which said detachment promoter layer (12, 18) is absent; wherein at least one first portion of said at least one free zone (14) comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46); at least one second portion of said at least one free zone (15) comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110); iv) providing a second layered material (20) comprising a second front layer (28) and an adhesive layer (26’), wherein said second front layer (28) has a predetermined thickness (S1); v) joining said first layered material (4) and said second layered material (20) of steps ii) and iv) in an assembled component or coupled material (40), so that the adhesive layer (26’) of the second layered material (20) adheres to the at least one free zone (14, 15) of the first layered material (4) comprising at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46) and at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110); vii) leaving said first front layer (8) integral, cutting said second layered material (20) and only inside the thickness (S1) of the second layered material (20), defining an outer handle edge (32) of said suspension handle (2), delimiting a handle zone (16), which connects to at least said free zone (14) and comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46); viii) cutting an edge or label outline (38) cutting up to the base of said first layered material (4), causing said free zone (15) to comprise at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110) when coupled to said second layer (20) bordering, at least in part, with said label outline (38); characterized in that said free zone (15) which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110), when coupled to the second layer (20), borders at least in part with said label outline (38) and is arranged on one side of the label (1) which separates first from said support layer (6) when the label (1) is applied to an object to be labeled (206), preventing the separation of said second layered material (20) from said first layered material (4) during said application of the label (1) to said object to be labeled (206).

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein: said support layer covered with a de-adhesive (24) is a continuous layer which can be rolled up in rolls which extends according to a prevailing direction of development (X). 33

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: said first and/or second layered material (4, 20) extend according to a prevailing direction of development (X), and wherein said side of the label (1) which first separates from said support layer (6) is a side transversal to said prevailing direction of development (X).

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone (14), which comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46) is a zone different from said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone (15) which comprises at least a portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110); or wherein said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone (14), which comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46) is a zone different from said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone (15) which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110) and wherein said at least one handle anchoring foot (46) is separated from said at least one reinforcing rod (110).

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: following step v), said second layered material (20) is firmly anchored to said first layered material (4) at least in said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone (15) and comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110), forming a reinforcing rod (110).

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said first layered material (4) is coupled with the adhesive layer (26) thereof to a support layer (6) covered with a de-adhesive (24); and wherein said at least one free zone (15), which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110), when coupled to said second layer (20), is arranged on one side of the label 1 delimited by said label outline (38), which separates first from said support layer (6) when the label (1) is applied to an object to be labeled (206).

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: after said step v) the further step of cutting is comprised, cutting only inside the thickness (S1) of the second layered material (20), at least one secondary label (34), in a secondary label zone (36) different from said handle zone (16) and from said at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46) and at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110).

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said first and/or second layered material (4, 20) extend according to a prevailing direction of development (X), and wherein in said step ii) the step of delimiting said at least one second free zone (15) is comprised, which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110) so that the extension thereof along said prevailing direction of development is extended for at least 1/5 of the entire label (1).

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said first and/or second layered material (4, 20) extend according to a prevailing direction of development (X), and wherein in said step ii) the step of delimiting said at least one second free zone (15) is comprised, which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110) so that the extension thereof, which is transversal to said prevailing direction of development (X), is extended for at least 1/3 of the entire extension, transversal to the prevailing direction of development (X) of the label (1).

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: in said step ii) the step of delimiting a plurality of said at least one second free zone (15) is comprised, which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110).

11 . A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: in said step vii) cutting said second layered material (20) and only inside the thickness (S1) of the second layered material (20), defining an outer handle edge (32) of said suspension handle (2), wherein said outer handle edge (32) at the end of the label (1) cutting process is entirely arranged inside the label outline (38).

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: in said step viii) forming a label outline (38), avoiding cutting the suspension handle (2), and removing a portion of said first front layer (8) creating a cavity (95), which arranges a portion of handle (96) of said suspension handle (2), as a formed label (1), protruding, in a cantilever fashion, beyond said label outline (38).

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone (14), which comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46) seamlessly coincides or extends, at least in part, with said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone (15) and comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110).

14. Label (1) with a suspension handle (2), for example made using the method according to the preceding claims, comprising:

- a first layered material (4); said first layered material (4) comprises a first front layer (8) having a front surface (10) and an opposite surface to which an adhesive layer (26) is applied, which is adapted to be releasably joined to a support layer (6) covered with a de-adhesive layer (24);

- at least one detachment promoter layer (12, 18), which coats said front surface (10) of the first front layer (8) leaving at least one free zone (14, 15) in which said detachment promoter layer (12, 18) is absent; wherein at least one first portion of said at least one free zone (14) comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46); at least one second portion of said at least one free zone (15) comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110);

- a second layered material (20) comprising a second front layer (28) and an adhesive layer (26’), wherein said second front layer (28) has a predetermined thickness (S1);

- said second material (20) being joined to the first layered material (4) in which the adhesive layer (26’) of the second layered material (20) adheres to the at least one free zone (14, 15) of the first layered material (4) comprising at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46) and at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110);

- wherein said second front layer (28) delimits a suspension handle (2), which leaves said first front layer (8) integral, and involves said second layered material (20) and only inside the thickness (S1 ) of the second layered material (20) defining an outer handle edge 32 of a suspension handle (2) delimiting a handle zone (16), which connects to at least one free zone (14) comprising at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46);

- and wherein said label (1) is delimited by a label outline or edge (38) to the base of said first layered material (4);

- and wherein said second free zone (15), which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110) when coupled to said second layer (20), borders, at least in part, with said label outline (38); characterized in that said free zone (15) which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110), when coupled to the second layer (20), borders at least in part with said label outline (38) and is arranged on one side of the label (1) which separates first from said support layer (6) when the label (1) is applied to an object to be labeled (206), preventing the separation of said second layered material (20) from said first layered material (4) during said application of the label (1) to said object to be labeled (206).

15. A label according to claim 14, wherein said support layer covered with a de-adhesive (24) is a continuous layer which can be rolled up in rolls which extends according to a prevailing direction of development (X).

16. A label according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: said first and/or second layered material (4, 20) extend according to a prevailing direction of development (X), and wherein said side of the label (1) which first separates from said support layer (6) is a side transversal to said prevailing direction of development (X).

17. A label according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 16, wherein: said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone (14), which comprises at least one portion for 36 at least one handle anchoring foot (46) is a zone different from said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone (15) which comprises at least a portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110); or wherein said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone (14), which comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46) is a zone different from said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone (15) which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110) and wherein said at least one handle anchoring foot (46) is separated from said at least one reinforcing rod (110).

18. A label according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 17, wherein said second layered material (20) is firmly anchored to said first layered material (4) at least in said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone (15) which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcement rod (110), forming, in said second portion of said at least one free zone (15), a reinforcing rod (110).

19. A label according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein said second layered material (20) is firmly anchored to said first layered material (4) at least in a plurality of second portions of said at least one free zone (15) which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110), forming in said second portion of said at least one free zone (15) a plurality of reinforcing rods (110).

20. A label according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein said second front layer (28) delimits a secondary label (34) in a different zone (36) of said second front layer (28) with respect to said handle (2).

21 . A label according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein said at least one first portion of said at least one free zone (14), which comprises at least one portion for at least one handle anchoring foot (46) seamlessly coincides or extends with said at least one second portion of said at least one free zone (15) which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110).

22. A label according to any one of claims 14 to 21 , wherein said first layered material (4) is coupled with the adhesive layer (26) thereof to a support layer (6) covered with a de-adhesive (24); and wherein said free zone (15), which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (1 10) when coupled to the second layer (20), borders, at least in part, with said label outline (38).

23. A label according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein said first and/or second layered material (4, 20) extend according to a prevailing direction of development (X); and wherein 37 said at least one second free zone (15) which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110) has an extension along said prevailing direction of development extending for at least 1/5 of the entire label (1).

24. A label according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein said first and/or second layered material (4, 20) extend according to a prevailing direction of development (X); and wherein said at least one second free zone (15) which comprises at least one portion for at least one reinforcing rod (110) has an extension which is transversal to said prevailing direction of development (X), extending for at least 1/3 of the entire extension, transversal to the prevailing direction of development (X) of the label 1 .

25. A label according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein wherein said outer handle edge (32) is entirely arranged inside said label outline (38).

26. A label according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the first front layer (8) forms a label outline (38) leaving said suspension handle (2) with a handle portion (96) thereof protruding, at least in part, in a cantilever fashion beyond said label outline (38) outside the first front layer (8) directly facing said support layer (6), forming a cavity (95) where a portion of said first front layer (8) has been removed.