Stiff self adhesive multilayer over-cup label having its reverse side printable

The present invention relates to a stiff self adhesive multilayer over-cup label, suitable for securing the opening of a package and providing the capability for several open- close applications.

The label is consisted of the below three layers each of which is made from a different material, bonded together with two different adhesives:

The third and the second layer are bonded together in a thick rigid body. There is a slitting line positioned between the two edges of the label, cutting both the third and the second layer. The first thin layer is adhered on the block of the third and the second layer. The existing slitting line is working like a "joint in a door frame" providing to the user the capability to use the whole label as a "door" for easy and repeatable open - close applications. Furthermore, there is a capability to print promotional or informative messages at the bottom area of the third layer (reverse side of the label).

Prior art

There is a converter in the US market who has launched a label consisted from two layers and a slitting line at the base layer (US Patent No: 8, 182,891 ). This label has two layers instead of three (as it is in the present invention). Due to the high thickness of the first layer the opening procedure is more difficult for the user and the precut portion is not staying in a stable position.

In the present invention, the first layer (additional layer in comparison to the above US patent) of the label is made from a thin polypropylene, allowing easier opening and access to the consumable objects, whereas the precut portion is staying in a stable position. In addition, it is possible to have two printed colors at the back side of the third layer (for information or promotions).

Besides the above mentioned prior art, there are typical resealable labels in the market made from a thin synthetic material.

However, the use of such a material is connected with several problems as listed below:

1. wrinkles at the synthetic material after the first opening, due to the small thickness of the label;

2. insufficient secure of the package after the first opening leading to the drying or damage of consumable objects, due to air penetration;

3. In view of points 1. and 2. above, the user is forced to less openings;

4. there is little available printing space; 5. the material is not friendly to the user.

All the above problems are now eliminated by the usage of this invention. Specifically, the use of this label has the following advantages:

A. there are no wrinkles after the first opening, due to the stiffness and rigidity of the label;

B. the package and the consumable objects are not suffering from damages and drying;

C. the label is staying at the most appropriate position during the whole life of the product. Due to the thickness of this label and the slitting line (which is working like a hinge) the label is staying open in a stable position, away from the consumable articles, during the usage of the product. In view of this, the removable adhesive at the third layer retains all its sealing properties.

D. the user is able to see more printed information at the bottom of this label.

Description of figures

Figure 1

Figure 1 shows the stiff self-adhesive multilayer over-cup label (A.1 ) in closed position adhered on the product packaging film (A.2) and the precut portion of the packaging film (A.3). The latter will be removed from the product packaging film (A.2) and adhered on the bottom area of the lid label once the user opens the package.

Figure 2

Figure 2 shows the composition of the stiff self adhesive multilayer over-cup label (A.1 ). The label is consisted of three layers bonded together with two different adhesives.

The first layer (B.1 ) is consisted of a thin clear synthetic material. It is the basic tool used for the open-close procedure. There is no slitting line here. The first layer (B.1 ) is also protecting the whole lid from scratch or other damages. A permanent adhesive 1 (B.1.1 ) is used for the bonding of the first two layers.

The second layer (B.2) is consisted of a white synthetic material and as such is the most durable part of the present invention. Due to its durability, creates with the other layers a thick flap which is working like a "door" during the "open-close" procedure. A rotary cutting tool is making a slitting line between the two edges of the stiff self adhesive multilayer over-cup label (A.1 ), creating the "joint in a door frame". The length of this line should be smaller than the length of the whole label. A permanent adhesive 2 (B.2.1 ) is used for the bonding of the last two layers. In this layer, it is possible to print demanding artwork with high quality and reliability.

The third layer (B.3) is consisted of a clear synthetic material. It is adhered on the precut portion of the packaging film (A.3).

Under the third layer (B.3), there is a removable adhesive (B.4) which due to its composition allows the user to open-close the package several times. Once the user opens the package, the removable adhesive (B.4) removes the precut portion of the packaging film (A.3).There is also the same slitting line between the edges of this layer as in the second layer (B.2) creating the "joint in a door frame". Figure 3

Figure 3 illustrates the stiff self adhesive multilayer over-cup label (A.1 ) in opened position. In this figure, it is shown the first layer (B.1 ), the second layer (B.2) and the third layer (B.3) of the label as well as the removable adhesive (B.4). The first layer (B.1 ) keeps the lid in a stable open position, providing to the user easy access to the consumable objects of the product.

The precut portion of the packaging film (A.3) is adhered on the bottom of the stiff self adhesive multilayer over-cup label (A.1 ) as soon as the user is opening the package. Thus, the access to the internal of the package is getting feasible.

The product packaging film (A.2) is wrapping the removable objects.