LABEL SHEET ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PEEK A BOO LABEL

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63/280,701 titled “LABEL SHEET ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PEEK A BOO LABEL” filed on November 18, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a method and assembly of a sheet of labels that is configured to be processed through a printer to print indicia thereon. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a label sheet assembly that has a particular structure that includes a lid/window label surrounded by an elongated surface label for efficiency of application on a container and associated lid.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Labels and label sheets are well known, and various types have been proposed to meet the requirements of a wide variety of label applications. For example, labels are extensively used in retail for communicating product information to customers. Labels generally include a facestock layer with an adhesive side and an exposed side. The exposed side includes a surface for receiving label indicia thereon and is opposite from the adhesive side. A liner sheet is operably attached to the adhesive side and is configured to allow a user to peel the label portion of the facestock from the liner sheet to be placed on a substrate. A plurality of cut lines may separate the facestock layer into a plurality of labels in various arrangements.

[0004] Many label sheets are configured to be fed through a printer to print ink on the surface of the labels. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,709,071 to Wong et al. discloses a particular type of label sheet assembly that is configured to be fed through a printer and also allows a user to easily remove labels by hand. This patent is incorporated by reference in its entirety. These label sheet assemblies allow a user broad discretion as to the orientation of the label and the indicia to be printed thereon.

[0005] Moreover, an available option may be to make the label on a computer-connected home or office printer. More and more, users are self labeling products stored in jars or other containers to commercialize their goods. However, most labels completely cover up the container to which it is applied and the consumer/customer may not be able to see the contents therein. As such, there is a desire to provide a more efficient type of label sheet to allow a user to print a label that allows a user to see an amount of product remaining within the jar or container that may efficiently provide coordinated designs for both a lid label and an enlarged surface label. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved assembly, method or system that allows a user to be able to quickly make such a label assembly as disclosed and described herein.

SUMMARY

[0006] A label sheet assembly is provided as shown and described herein. The label sheet assembly may include a facestock layer and a liner sheet. The label sheet assembly includes a facestock, adhesive layer, and liner sheet. The facestock includes a first cut line that defines a first window label and an elongated outer label portion. A second cut line defines a perimeter of the elongated outer label portion and a matrix portion. The window label may be configured to receive a first indicia thereon while the outer label portion may be configured to receive a second indicia thereon. The first and second indicia may be coordinated to reflect the same or different indicia or design configurations. The window label may be configured to be atached to a lid while the outer label portion may be configured to be atached to an outer surface of a transparent container or jar. [0007] In one aspect, provided is a label sheet assembly comprising: a facestock layer, an adhesive layer atached to the facestock layer; a liner sheet layer attached to the adhesive layer; a first cut line defined in the facestock layer to define an inner label portion; a second cut line in the facestock layer to define an outer label portion, the outer label portion surrounding the inner label portion, wherein the inner label portion and the outer label portion are configured to receive indicia thereon when the label sheet assembly is processed through a printer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the inner label potion is removable from the outer label portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, upon removal of the inner label portion from the outer label portion, the outer label portion defines an opening in an area interior to the first cut line.

[0010] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the inner label portion has a geometric shape selected from a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, an ellipse, a star, and a heart. In one embodiment, the geometric shape has a scalloped edge.

[0011] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the label sheet comprises a plurality of sets of inner label portions and outer label portions.

[0012] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the inner label of each set has the same geometric shape.

[0013] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the inner label of a first set has a different geometric shape from the inner label of a second set.

[0014] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the label sheet comprises a guter section surrounding the inner label portion, the gutter section comprising an inner gutter area adjacent the inner label portion, and an outer guter section adjacent the outer label portion. [0015] In one embodiment, the gutter section remains attached to the sheet when the inner label portion and/or the outer label portion are separated from the sheet.

[0016] In one embodiment, the inner gutter section is configured to receive overlap of printing applied to the inner label portion, and the outer gutter section is configured to receive overlap of printing applied to the outer label portion.

[0017] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the inner label portion is configured to be removed from the outer label portion and the outer label portion is configured to be removed from the liner layer and placed on a surface of a transparent container to define a window.

[0018] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the combination of the inner label portion and the outer label portion work as a system to label and organize/display information on multiple surfaces of the container.

[0019] In another aspect, provided is a system for labeling a container comprising: a label sheet assembly comprising: a facestock layer, an adhesive layer attached to the facestock layer; a liner sheet layer attached to the adhesive layer; a first cut line defined in the facestock layer to define an inner label portion; a second cut line in the facestock layer to define an outer label portion, the outer label portion surrounding the inner label portion, wherein the inner label portion and the outer label portion are configured to receive indicia thereon when the label sheet assembly is processed through a printer; wherein, the inner label portion and outer label portion provide separate labels to be adhered to a surface, and separation of the first label portion from the second label portion provides the second label portion with an opening that defines a window when the second label is removed the liner layer.

[0020] In one embodiment, the inner label portion has a geometric shape selected from a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, an ellipse, a star, and a heart. In one embodiment, the geometric shape has a scalloped edge. [0021] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of sets of inner label portions and outer label portions.

[0022] In one embodiment, the inner label of each set has the same geometric shape.

[0023] In one embodiment, the inner label of a first set has a different geometric shape from the inner label of a second set.

[0024] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the system comprises a gutter section surrounding the inner label portion, the gutter section comprising an inner gutter area adjacent the inner label portion, and an outer gutter section adjacent the outer label portion.

[0025] In one embodiment, the gutter section remains attached to the sheet when the inner label portion and/or the outer label portion are separated from the sheet.

[0026] In one embodiment, the inner gutter section is configured to receive overlap of printing applied to the inner label portion, and the outer gutter section is configured to receive overlap of printing applied to the outer label portion.

[0027] In still another aspect, provided is a method of labeling a container comprising: providing a label sheet assembly comprising: a facestock layer; an adhesive layer underlying the facestock layer; a liner sheet underlying the adhesive layer, a first cut line defined in the facestock layer to define an inner label portion; and a second cut line in the facestock layer to define an outer label portion, the outer label portion surrounding the inner label portion, wherein the inner label portion and the outer label portion are configured to receive indicia thereon when the label sheet assembly is processed through a printer; separating the inner label portion from the outer label portion; removing the outer label portion from the label sheet assembly; and applying the outer label portion to a surface of the container, wherein the outer label portion defines a window in an area defined by the first cut line.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method comprises removing the inner label portion from the label sheet assembly to separate the inner label portion from the outer label portion. [0029] In one embodiment, separating the inner label portion and the outer label portion is accomplished by removing the outer label portion from the label sheet assembly.

[0030] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the method comprises applying the inner label portion to a separate portion of the container. In one embodiment, the inner label portion is applied to the container as a seal at a junction of the container and a closure for the container.

[0031] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, printing a first set of indicia to the outer label portion, and a second set of indicia to the first label portion, where the first and second set of indicia differ from one another.

[0032] In one embodiment according to any of the previous embodiments, the inner label portion has a geometric shape selected from a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, an ellipse, a star, and a heart. In one embodiment, the geometric shape has a scalloped edge.

[0033] In one embodiment, the method comprises a plurality of sets of inner label portions and outer label portions. In one embodiment, the inner label of each set has the same geometric shape. In one embodiment, the inner label of a first set has a different geometric shape from the inner label of a second set.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Operation of the disclosure may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a label sheet assembly of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the label sheet assembly of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the label sheet assembly of the present disclosure; [0038] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the label sheet assembly of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 5 is a plan view image of an embodiment of the label sheet assembly of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 6 is a plan view image of an embodiment of the label sheet assembly of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 7 is a plan view image of an embodiment of the label sheet assembly of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 8 is a plan view image of an embodiment of the label sheet assembly of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 9 is a perspective view image of an embodiment of the label sheet assembly of the present disclosure applied to a container with a lid;

[0044] Figure 10 is a perspective view image of an embodiment of the label sheet assembly of the present disclosure applied to a container with a lid having product therein viewable through a window; and

[0045] Figure 11 is a is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the label sheet assembly of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the disclosure. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. [0047] A label sheet assembly 10 is disclosed and may be of any appropriate configuration and is not limited to that shown and described herein. It should similarly be understood that the sheet assembly 10 may be adapted to any appropriate size, including, without limitation, 8.5 inches by 11 inches, A4 size, legal size or any other size. The sheet assembly 10 may be made of any appropriate materials and colors or indicia and this disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0048] Figure 1 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of the sheet assembly 10 that may include a facestock layer 20 which may be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 30. The sheet assembly 10 may also include a liner sheet 40 attached to the adhesive layer 30. The liner sheet 40 may include a release coating for supporting the adhesive layer 30. The liner sheet 40 may be made of any appropriate material, including, without limitation a calendared paper or polymer film. The facestock layer 20 may be of any appropriate material, including without limitation a paper, cardboard, plastic or polymer material such as a polyester material or other, opaque, transparent, translucent or semi-translucent material. The facestock layer 20 may also be a laminate or a label or combination of both. The facestock layer may have a top surface 12 that is configured to receive indicia thereon. In this embodiment, the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 30 is illustrated to extend along the entire surface between the facestock layer 20 and the liner sheet 40.

[0049] The label sheet assembly 10 may include a combination of through cuts that will enable a user to process the label sheet through a printer device to receive indicia while also allowing the user to peel specific portions of the facestock layer 20 from the liner sheet 40 to have adhesive exposure. The exposed adhesive areas will enable the removed facestock portions to adhere to a desired surface. The label sheet can be printed on a desktop printer and the consumer will have the freedom to print any desired graphic or artwork that they would like to use as a label.

[0050] As illustrated by Figure 1, the top surface of the facestock layer 20 of the sheet assembly 10 is shown in cross section and includes a first cut line 22 that defines a first label portion 24 within a second label portion 26. The second label portion 26 generally surrounds the first label portion 24. The first label portion 24 may be considered a window label or a lid label and have a perimeter that takes a generally smaller shape than the second label portion 26. The second label portion 26 may be considered an elongated surface windowed container label or a wrap-around label. The second label portion may be defined along its perimeter by a second cut line 28 that defines the shape of the second label portion and a matrix portion 29 of the facestock layer 20. The matrix portion 29 maybe considered the unused portion of the label sheet assembly 10.

[0051] The shape of the first label portion 24 may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended application. Generally, the first label portion can be selected from any geometrical configuration. In one embodiment, the first label portion is configured in a geometrical configuration selected from a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, an ellipse, a star, and a heart. The geometrical shape can be regular or irregular. The geometrical shape can be provided provided with a smooth perimeter or may be provided with a contoured perimeter such as, for example, a scalloped perimeter, where the scallops can be rounded or straight edges (e.g., triangular, square, etc.). Embodiments where the including circle, square, triangle, star, heart, or scalloped shapes are illustrated in various embodiments of Figures 2-8.

[0052] In this embodiment, the facestock layer 20 and liner sheet layer 40 include a generally rectangular shape. However, this application is not limited as to the configuration, amount, or size of the labels. The label sheet assembly 10 may include a plurality of first and second label portions 24, 26 to allow for a plurality of labels to be printed and created per each label sheet. The label sheet assembly 10 as shown and described herein may be considered a label within a label, which allows the removal of the inner/first label portion, in order to see apply the outer/second label portion to a transparent or partially transparent container in which the contents of the container may be viewed through the portion of the second label (i.e., window) of which the inner label portion has been removed. The inner/first label portion can be used as a label for a lid or back of package label or seal. The outer/second label portion can be used as a wrap-around label for cylindrical shaped containers or otherwise be applied to a surface of the body of a container. This configuration of a label sheet assembly may allow for better viewing of contents of the container and improve marketing appeal to the consumer.

[0053] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the label sheet assembly and depicts a schematic plan view thereof having a plurality of inner 24A-24E and outer label portions 26A-26E. The inner label portions 24A-24E are each surrounded by the respective outer label portions 26A-26E. The inner label portions 24A-24E are each defined by a first cut line 22A-22E formed in generally circle shapes. The inner label portions 24A-24E are presented about a central portion or middle portion of the assembly. The outer label portions 26A-26E are formed by a plurality of additional cut lines 28A-28E wherein each said cut line forms a generally elongated and rectangular shaped outer label portion 26-26E. The matrix portion 29 is formed between he additional cut lines 28- 28E to the edges of the other additional cut lines and the edges of the label sheet assembly. Each of the label portions are presented on a rectangular shaped facestock layer 20 of the label sheet assembly 10 configured to be processed through a printer device to receive indicia thereon.

[0054] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the label sheet assembly 10 and depicts a schematic plan view thereof having a plurality of inner 24A-24E and outer label portions 26A-26E. The inner label portions 24A-24E are each surrounded by the respective outer label portions 26A-26E. The inner label portions 24A-24E are each defined by a first cut line 22A-22E formed in generally circle shapes. The inner label portions 24A-24E are presented off center or otherwise along a left side portion of the assembly. The outer label portions 26A-26E are formed by a plurality of additional cut lines 28A-28E wherein each said cut line forms a generally elongated and rectangular shaped outer label portion 26-26E. The matrix portion 29 is formed between he additional cut lines 28-28E to the edges of the other additional cut lines and the edges of the label sheet assembly. Each of the label portions are presented on a rectangular shaped facestock layer 20 of the label sheet assembly 10 configured to be processed through a printer device to receive indicia thereon. [0055] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the label sheet assembly and depicts a schematic plan view thereof having a plurality of inner 24A-24D and outer label portions 26A-26D. The respective combination of an inner and outer label portion may be referred to herein as a set. The inner label portions 24A-24D are each surrounded by the respective outer label portions 26A-26D. The inner label portions 24A-24D are each defined by a first cut line 22A-22D formed in various shapes. Inner label 24A is formed as a heart. Inner label 24B is formed as a square. Inner label 24C is formed as a scalloped circle. Inner label 24D is formed as a triangle. The inner label portions 24A- 24D are presented about a central portion or middle portion of the assembly. The outer label portions 26A-26D are formed by a plurality of additional cut lines 28A-28D wherein each said cut line forms a generally elongated and rectangular shaped outer label portion 26-26D. The matrix portion 29 is formed between he additional cut lines 28-28D to the edges of the other additional cut lines and the edges of the label sheet assembly. Each of the label portions are presented on a rectangular shaped facestock layer 20 of the label sheet assembly 10 configured to be processed through a printer device to receive indicia thereon.

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the label sheet assembly and depicts a image of a plan view thereof having a plurality of inner 24A-24D and outer label portions 26A-26D. The inner label portions 24A-24D are each surrounded by the respective outer label portions 26A-26D. The inner label portions 24A-24D are each defined by a first cut line 22A-22D formed in various shapes. Inner label 24A is formed as a heart. Inner label 24B is formed as a square. Inner label 24C is formed as a scalloped circle. Inner label 24D is formed as a triangle. The inner label portions 24A-24D are presented about a central portion or middle portion of the assembly. The outer label portions 26A-26D are formed by a plurality of additional cut lines 28A-28D wherein each said cut line forms a generally elongated and rectangular shaped outer label portion 26-26D. The matrix portion 29 is formed between he additional cut lines 28-28D to the edges of the other additional cut lines and the edges of the label sheet assembly. Each of the label portions are presented on a rectangular shaped facestock layer 20 of the label sheet assembly 10 configured to be processed through a printer device to receive indicia thereon. This embodiment illustrates the label sheet 10 without indicia printed on either the inner or outer label portions.

[0057] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the label sheet assembly of Figure 5 however it illustrates each of the inner label portions 24A-24D being pealed from the outer label portions 26A-26D and exposing a top surface 44 of the liner layer 40 thereunder.

[0058] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the label sheet assembly and depicts an image plan view thereof having a plurality of inner 24A-24E and outer label portions 26A-26E. This embodiment illustrates the label sheet 10 with a first type of indicia printed on the inner label portions 24A-24E and a second indicia printed on the outer label portions 26A-26E. The inner label portions 24A-24E are each surrounded by the respective outer label portions 26A-26E. The inner label portions 24A-24E are each defined by a first cut line 22A-22E formed in generally circle shapes. The inner label portions 24A-24E are presented about a central portion or middle portion of the assembly. The outer label portions 26A-26E are formed by a plurality of additional cut lines 28A-28E wherein each said cut line forms a generally elongated and rectangular shaped outer label portion 26-26E. The matrix portion 29 is formed between he additional cut lines 28- 28E to the edges of the other additional cut lines and the edges of the label sheet assembly. Each of the label portions are presented on a rectangular shaped facestock layer 20 of the label sheet assembly 10 configured to be processed through a printer device to receive indicia thereon.

[0059] Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of the label sheet assembly and depicts an image plan view thereof having a plurality of inner 24A-24E and outer label portions 26A-26E. This embodiment illustrates the label sheet 10 with a first type of indicia printed on the inner label portions 24A-24E and a second indicia printed on the outer label portions 26A-26E. The inner label portions 24A-24E are each surrounded by the respective outer label portions 26A-26E. The inner label portions 24A-24E are each defined by a first cut line 22A-22E formed in generally circle shapes. The inner label portions 24A-24E are presented about a off center or left side portion of the assembly. The outer label portions 26A-26E are formed by a plurality of additional cut lines 28A-28E wherein each said cut line forms a generally elongated and rectangular shaped outer label portion 26-26E. The matrix portion 29 is formed between he additional cut lines 28-28E to the edges of the other additional cut lines and the edges of the label sheet assembly. Each of the label portions are presented on a rectangular shaped facestock layer 20 of the label sheet assembly 10 configured to be processed through a printer device to receive indicia thereon.

[0060] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a container 100 and a lid 120. The container having a generally cylindrical shaped body and outer surface that is generally transparent to allow a user or consumer to view the contents therein. In particular, once the label portions 24A and 26A are applied to the lid 120 and surface of the container 100, respectively, a viewable area or window is formed by the cut line 22A that defined the shape between the inner and outer label portions. Figure 10 illustrates that the contents 130 of the container 100 can be viewed through the window as the first and second label portions assist to place indicia along the lid and surface of the container, respectively. Notably, the outer label portion 26A may wrap partially or completely around the surface of the container and the inner label portion 24A may be placed on the top of the lid 120 or may be placed along the back of the container or used as a seal between the junction of the container and a closure for the container such as, for example, between the lid 120 and the container 100.

[0061] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a section of a label sheet 10’ that defining an outer label portion 26 (defined by die cuts 28 in the sheet), and an inner label portion 24 (defined by die cuts 22 in the sheet). The label portion 24 is separable from the outer label portion and the sheet to be disposed on a surface of a container or other surface as desired. The outer label portion is also removable from the sheet and may be configured to be adhered to a container or other surface as described above. The sheet includes a gutter portion 25 surrounding the inner label portion 24. The gutter portion contains an inner gutter portion 25a and an outer gutter portion 25b. The inner gutter portion 25a represents an area where printing related to content printed in the inner portion 24 can go beyond the edge of inner portion 24 (i.e., the edge defined by die cut 22), and the outer gutter portion 25b represents an area into which printing applied to the outer label portion 26 can extend. The gutter portion 25 remains attached to outer label portion 26 when inner portion label

24 is separated from outer label portion 26. Providing the gutter area reduces the level of precision required for printing in either the inner label portion 24 or the outer label portion 26. The gutter may reduce bleed over of print elements from the respective label portions and/or reduce the likelihood of white spaces if the printing in an area did not extend all the way to the respective edges (e.g., the edge defined by cut 22). Printing for each section will extend to the edge/line 27 of gutter 25. In one embodiment, the gutter remains on the sheet after the inner label and the outer label portions are removed from the sheet such that inner label 24 and outer label 26 will have printing to their respective edges with no print overlap from the other portion and no white space. [0062] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The features of each embodiment described and shown herein may be combined with the features of the other embodiments described herein. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.