US20140076766A1

US20140076766A1 - Rotating shrink label with included dosing device

Info

Publication number: US20140076766A1
Application number: US14/029,732
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen M. Key
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-09-18
Filing date: 2013-09-17
Publication date: 2014-03-20
Also published as: WO2014047077A1

Abstract

The present application is directed to rotating shrink label systems for a container for a medication. A base label may be adhered to the container. The base label may have a front surface, with a plurality of sets of measurement information in numerical form and graphical form printed on the front surface. A rotating top label constructed from a material that shrinks when exposed to an energy source may cover at least a portion of base label. The top label may have first and second transparent windows displaying at least one of the sets of measurement information.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/702,379, filed on Sep. 18, 2012, titled “Rotating Shrink Label with Included Dosing Device,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed generally to labels, and more specifically to shrink labels for consumer product containers that aid a consumer to determine the correct dosage of medication and may also couple a dosing device to the container.

BACKGROUND

Containers for consumer products have a limited amount of outer surface area for placement of labels on the container. This may pose a challenge to manufacturers of these consumer products to fit all of the information they want to deliver to the consumer, or are required by law to deliver to the consumer, in this limited area. In particular, packaging for prescription medications may be required to specify a significant amount of information concerning dosage, frequency of consumption, warnings, drug facts, and repetition of this information in more than one language.
In order to deliver all the information the manufacturer deems necessary to the consumer, the manufacturer may resort to providing separate leaflets, cartons, and inserts containing the information. However, each additional piece increases the cost of the product. Manufacturers are also increasingly aware of the need to employ environmentally sustainable packaging and seek ways to decrease the need to provide additional printed material.
More than three billion prescriptions are written each year in the United States, and an estimated $18 billion is spent on over-the-counter medications. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are intended to be consumed by a patient according to specific instructions for dosage and frequency. Non-compliance with these instructions has been identified as a major obstacle to the effective delivery of health care. Compliance typically means consuming the correct dosage at the correct frequency as specified in the prescription or on the over-the-counter medication packaging. According to the World Health Organization, only about half of patients with chronic diseases living in developed countries comply with their medication instructions. The reasons for non-compliance are varied, ranging from simple forgetfulness, to confusion, to ambivalence. However, the effects of non-compliance are staggering, resulting in an estimated $290 billion dollars per year in avoidable medical expenses. Additionally, studies have shown that non-compliance results in about 125,000 deaths annually in the United States, and leads to 10-25 percent of hospital and nursing home admissions.
Many liquid medications are packaged and sold with some type of dose-dispensing device that may be used to accurately measure the recommended dose based on instructions on the label, product packaging, or separate printed literature included with the package. However, consumers may not use the dose-dispensing device included with the package. For example, the instructions for a medication may indicate the dosage in teaspoon or tablespoon amounts. The consumer may use a household spoon instead of the dose-dispensing device. These spoons are not necessarily meant to accurately measure a teaspoon or tablespoon amount, and overdosing or underdoing may occur.
In addition, some consumers may not be able to read the proper dosing instructions provided in text form with the medication because of vision problems or illiteracy. In other situations, the units of measure specified in the instructions may not match the units of measure on the dose-dispensing device. When the medication is in pill, tablet, or capsule form, the consumer may not understand how many pills constitute a dose.
Another concern with current label manufacturing is that it may be difficult to incorporate tamper evident features within the labeling and packaging. This may lead the manufacturer to use a shrink band, adhesive seal, or other mechanism that will make tampering evident. These measures increase costs even further and complicate sustainability issues.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to rotating shrink label systems for a container for a medication. An exemplary rotating shrink label system may comprise a base label adhered to the container. The base label may have a front surface, with a plurality of sets of measurement information in numerical form and graphical form printed on the front surface. The numerical form may comprise measurements relevant to a user of the medication and a dosage of the medication based on the measurements relevant to the user. The graphical form may comprise an illustration of a dosing device containing the dosage indicated in the numerical form. A rotating top label constructed from a material that shrinks when exposed to an energy source may cover at least a portion of base label. The top label may have a first section positioned about an upper portion of the container and a second section positioned about a lower portion of the container. The first section may be coupled to the second section by a perforation. The second section of the top label may further comprise first and second transparent windows. At least one of the sets of measurement information may be displayed in the first and second transparent windows. Decoupling the first section of the top label from the second section may allow the second section to rotate about the container.
According to additional exemplary embodiments, the present application may be directed to methods for displaying information on a container for a medication. An exemplary method may comprise adhering a base label having a front surface to the container such that the front surface is visible. A plurality of sets of measurement information in numerical form and graphical form printed on the front surface may be displayed. The numerical form may comprise measurements relevant to a user of the medication and a dosage of the medication based on the measurements relevant to the user. The graphical form may comprise an illustration of a dosing device containing the dosage indicated in the numerical form. At least a portion of the front surface of the base label may be covered by a rotating top label constructed from a material that shrinks when exposed to an energy source. The top label may have a first section positioned about an upper portion of the container and a second section positioned about a lower portion of the container. The first section may be coupled to the second section by a perforation. First and second transparent windows may be placed within a portion of the top label second section. The first and second transparent windows may display at least one of the sets of measurement information. The top label may be exposed to an energy source such that the top label shrinks and generally conforms to the shape of the container. The top label first section may be decoupled from the second section, allowing the second section to rotate about the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a back view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a back view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates a leading edge of an exemplary label affixed to a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary base label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a leading edge of an exemplary top label affixed to an exemplary base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary top label affixed to an exemplary base label and partially wrapped about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary top label with a window affixed to an exemplary base label and partially wrapped about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary top label with a window secured about a container and a portion of a base label visible through the window according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a front view of container and measuring cup according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a container and measuring cup according to various embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary base label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a top label formed into a sleeve according to various embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates the top label sleeve of FIG. 17 being positioned on a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates the top label sleeve of FIG. 17 fully in place on a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates the top label shrunk to conform to the container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates a tamper evident feature of the top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates decoupling a first section of the top label from a second section of the top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 23 illustrates the first section of the top label removed according to various embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates a set of measurement information displayed in first and second transparent windows of the top label according to various embodiments.

FIGS. 25 through 27 illustrate rotating the top label about the container to display a different set of measurement information according to various embodiments.

FIG. 28 illustrates dispensing medication from the container into a measuring cup to match the graphical form of the measurement information according to various embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 30 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 31 is a front view of a container with ribs to secure the top label laterally according to various embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a front view of a container with indents to secure the top label laterally according to various embodiments

FIG. 33 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method for displaying information on a container for a medication according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to rotating shrink label systems for a container for a medication. An exemplary rotating shrink label system may comprise a base label adhered to the container. The base label may have a front surface, with a plurality of sets of measurement information in numerical form and graphical form printed on the front surface. The numerical form may comprise measurements relevant to a user of the medication and a dosage of the medication based on the measurements relevant to the user. The graphical form may comprise an illustration of a dosing device containing the dosage indicated in the numerical form. A rotating top label constructed from a material that shrinks when exposed to an energy source may cover at least a portion of base label. The top label may have a first section positioned about an upper portion of the container and a second section positioned about a lower portion of the container. The first section may be coupled to the second section by a perforation. The second section of the top label may further comprise first and second transparent windows. At least one of the sets of measurement information may be displayed in the first and second transparent windows. Decoupling the first section of the top label from the second section may allow the second section to rotate about the container.
FIG. 1 illustrates various embodiments of a front surface 108 of a base label 100 for an object, such as a medication container, according to various embodiments. The base label 100 comprises a leading edge 102 and a trailing edge 104. While the leading edge 102 is oriented to the left and the trailing edge is oriented to the right as presented in FIG. 1, the orientation of the leading edge 102 and the trailing edge 104 could be reversed depending on which edge is first applied to the object. Both orientations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Base label front surface 108 may comprise writing or other indicia 106 thereon.
As used herein, the leading edge refers to the first edge to be affixed to the object and the trailing edge refers to the second edge to be affixed to the object or the overlapping leading edge. Depending on the orientation of the label and the object when the label is affixed to the object, either edge of the label may be the leading edge. The orientations presented in the figures are for convenience and are not intended to be limiting in any way.
FIG. 2 illustrates various embodiments of a back surface 206 of the base label 100. In various embodiments, the base label back surface 206 comprises two strips of adhesive 202 and 204 on or immediately adjacent to the leading and trailing edges, 102 and 104, respectively. Base label leading edge adhesive 202 may have a boundary 208 defined as its limit on the base label back surface 206. Base label trailing edge adhesive 204 may also have a boundary 210. While FIG. 2 illustrates that the adhesive strips 202 and 204 are generally close to the base label leading and trailing edges 102 and 104, respectively, it is understood that the adhesive strips 202 and 204 may be continuous or discontinuous, and may extend across any portion of the base label back surface 206, including the entire base label back surface 206. In various embodiments, a length of the base label 100 may be selected to be slightly longer than a circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that the trailing edge 104 overlaps the leading edge 102, and the trailing edge 104 is affixed to the leading edge 102. In various embodiments, the length of the base label 100 may be selected to be approximately the same as the circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that the leading edge 102 and the trailing edge 104 do not overlap.
FIG. 3 illustrates various embodiments of a front surface 306 of a top label 300. Top label 300 comprises a leading edge 302 and a trailing edge 304, and indicia 308 may be imprinted on the top label front surface 306.
Various embodiments of a back surface 402 of the top label 300 are illustrated in FIG. 4. The top label back surface 402 may comprise various indicia 408 printed thereon, as well as two strips of adhesive 404 and 406 on or immediately adjacent to the leading and trailing edges, 302 and 304, respectively. Top label leading edge adhesive 404 may have a boundary 410 defined as its limit on the top label back surface 402. Top label trailing edge adhesive 406 may also have a boundary 412. While FIG. 4 illustrates that the adhesive strips 404 and 406 are generally close to the top label leading and trailing edges 302 and 304, respectively, it is understood that the adhesive strips 404 and 406 may be continuous or discontinuous, and may extend across any portion of the top label back surface 402, including the entire top label back surface 402. In various embodiments, the adhesive strips 404 and 406 are confined to areas near the leading and trailing edges 302 and 304, respectively, so as not to obscure or interfere with the top label back surface indicia 408.
The base label adhesive 202, 204 and the top label adhesive 404, 406 may be applied in a variety of patterns as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The adhesive 202, 204, 404, 406 may be applied in in strips, dots, droplets, circles, rectangles, squares, triangles, lines, and the like, as well as combinations of patterns.
A length of the top label 300 may be selected to be slightly longer than a circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that the top label trailing edge 304 overlaps the top label leading edge 302, and the top label trailing edge 304 is affixed to the top label leading edge 302. In various embodiments, the length of the top label 300 may be selected to be approximately the same as the circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that both the leading edge 302 and the trailing edge 304 do not overlap and are affixed to the base label front surface 108.
FIG. 5A illustrates the application of the base label 100 to an exemplary container 500 according to various embodiments. The container 500 may be a glass or plastic bottle, or other type of container such as a metal can or a cardboard receptacle. The container may be round, rectangular, square, or any other shape known in the art. The term “container” is used here for convenience to describe exemplary embodiments. It is understood that the container may be any object, including non-containers. Container 500 may comprise a cap 502 removably secured to a body 504. Various embodiments of the body 504 may have an exterior surface 506 that comprises a upper label panel 508, a lower label panel 510, and a recessed surface 512 interposed between the upper label panel 508 and the lower label panel 510. As discussed below, the base label 100 may be applied to the container 500 at the recessed area 512 between the upper label panel 508 and the lower label panel 510.
In various embodiments, the top label 300 may be rotatable about the base label 100, as discussed below. In these embodiments, the upper label panel 508 and lower label panel 510 may function to restrict upward and downward movement of the top label 300 in relation to the container 500 such that the top label 300 generally remains in a position covering at least a portion of the base label 100.
FIG. 5B illustrates the container 500 with the base label 100 affixed to the container 500. Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, base label leading edge 102 is placed in contact with the recessed surface 512 of the container 500 and affixed to the container 500 by the leading edge adhesive strip 202. With relative motion between the container 500 and the base label 100, the base label 100 may be wrapped around the container 500 with the base label trailing edge 104 now overlapping the base label leading edge 102 such that the leading edge adhesive strip 202 holds the base label leading edge 102 to the container 500 while the trailing edge adhesive strip 204 holds the base label trailing edge 104 to the overlapped base label leading edge 102.
In various embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 6, the length of the base label 100 may be substantially the same as a circumference of the recessed surface 512 of the container 500, which may allow the base label leading edge 102 and base label trailing edge 104 to abut rather than overlap. However, it is also possible that the length of the base label 100 may be shorter than the circumference of the recessed surface 512, resulting in a gap 702 between the base label leading edge 102 and the base label trailing edge 104 when the base label 100 is affixed to the recessed surface as illustrated in FIG. 7. In both of these instances, the base label trailing edge adhesive strip 204 may adhere to the recessed surface 512 of the container 500, rather than the base label leading edge 102.
In various embodiments, the base label adhesive strips 202, 204 may comprise a permanent adhesive. In general, a permanent adhesive is one that does not readily release from a surface to which it adheres after the adhesive dries or cures. Using the base label 100 as an example, the permanent adhesive 202, 204 will tend not to release from the recessed surface 512, nor will it tend to release the base label leading edge 102 or trailing edge 104 once dried or cured. In order to remove the base label from the recessed surface 512, the base label 100 may have to be torn from the adhesive, or the adhesive layer 202, 204 may have to be fractured which may leave some of the adhesive on the recessed surface 512 and some of the adhesive on the base label leading edge 102 or trailing edge 104. Once the surfaces affixed with the permanent adhesive are separated, they may not be reattached.
In FIG. 8, the base label 100 is already affixed to the recessed surface 512 of the container 500, and the application of the top label 300 over the base label 100 is illustrated according to various embodiments. The top label leading edge 302 may be placed in contact with any portion of the base label front surface 108 and affixed to the base label front surface 108 by the top label leading edge adhesive strip 404. With relative motion between the container 500 and the top label 300, the top label 300 may be wrapped around the container 500 with the top label trailing edge 304 now overlapping the top label leading edge 302 such that the top label leading edge adhesive strip 404 holds the top label leading edge 302 to the base label 100 while the top label trailing edge adhesive strip 406 holds the top label trailing edge 304 to the overlapped top label leading edge 302.
FIG. 9 illustrates the operation of the base label 100 and the top label 300 according to various embodiments. Beginning with the container 500 with the base label 100 and the top label 300 in place as shown, for example, in FIG. 6, the top label trailing edge 304 may be detached from the top label leading edge 302 and at least partially peeled back as shown in FIG. 9. The combination of the base label 100 and the top label 300 in this configuration increases the amount of surface area available for viewing by a consumer or user of the container 500. Prior to detaching the top label trailing edge 304, the consumer may view the top label front surface 306. Upon detaching the top label trailing edge 304, the consumer may now view the top label back surface 402 and the base label front surface 108 in addition to the top label front surface 306.
One of at least three types of adhesive may be used for the top label leading edge adhesive 404. A first type of adhesive is the permanent adhesive as described above for the base label 100. When a permanent adhesive is used for the top label leading edge adhesive 404, the top label leading edge generally cannot be detached without inflicting damage to one or both of the top label 300 or the base label 100. This may be desirable for various embodiments where the top label 300 is not intended to be removed from the container 500.
A second type of adhesive that may be used for the top label leading edge adhesive 404 is a releasable adhesive. A releasable adhesive is one that will release from a surface to which it is attached once a sufficient mechanical force is applied. A releasable adhesive may be used, for example, when the top label back surface 402 comprises a coupon for a subsequent purchase of a product. The releasable adhesive may allow the consumer to easily remove the top label 300 for later use. In various embodiments, the releasable adhesive may be a breakaway adhesive. A breakaway adhesive may have limited ability to withstand shear stresses. Shear stresses may cause the adhesive bond created between the label (e.g., top label 300) and the surface to which it is affixed (e.g., the base label 100 or container 500) to fail along the adhesive. In general, a releasable or breakaway adhesive may not re-attach to a surface once removed.
A third type of adhesive that may be used for the top label leading edge adhesive 404 is a resealable adhesive. A resealable adhesive may release from a surface to which it is attached once a sufficient mechanical force is applied, similar to the releasable adhesive described above. However, the resealable adhesive may be re-attached to a surface by applying pressure. A resealable adhesive may be desirable when the top label back surface 402 or the base label front surface 108 comprise information that may be needed only on occasion. Thus, the consumer or user may detach the top label 300 when the information is needed, then re-attach the top label 300.
In various embodiments, the top label trailing edge adhesive 406 may be a releasable adhesive or a resealable adhesive, depending on the intended use of the top label 300. As described above, if the surfaces 108, 402 comprise information that is intended to stay with the container, the top label trailing edge adhesive 406 may be a resealable adhesive. In contrast, if the top label 300 is intended to be removed from the container 500, a releasable adhesive may be desirable.
FIG. 10 illustrates various embodiments of the top label 300 comprising a window 1002. The window 1002 may comprise a void in the top label 300 such that a portion of the base label 100 may be visible through the window. In various embodiments, the window 1002 may have a transparent covering (not shown). In various other embodiments, the window may comprise a transparent section of the top label 300 itself rather than a void. FIG. 10 illustrates the top label 300 partially wrapped about a container 1000, and base label 100 already in place on the container 1000. As shown, the top label leading edge adhesive 404 maintains the top label 300 coupled to the base label 100. The top label 300 may then be moved from the position illustrated in FIG. 10 to the position illustrated in FIG. 11 to secure the top label 300 about the container 1000. Top label trailing edge adhesive 406 may couple to the top label leading edge 302 if the top label leading edge 302 and trailing edge 304 overlap; otherwise, the top label trailing edge adhesive 406 may be coupled to the base label front surface 108.
Once the top label 300 is in position on the container 1000 as illustrated in FIG. 11, at least a portion of the base label front surface indicia 106 may be visible through the window 1002. This may allow viewing of a first portion of the base label 100 without removing the top label 300. In various embodiments, the top label leading edge adhesive 404 may be a breakaway adhesive. Rotation of the top label 300 relative to the base label 100 may exert shear stresses on the breakaway adhesive, causing the adhesive bond affixing the top label leading edge 302 to the base label 100 to fail. The top label 300 may then be freely rotatable about the base label 100, and a second portion of the base label 100 may be visible when the top label 300 is rotated to a second position. The window 1002 may be rectangular as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, or any other shape as needed for a particular application. For example, the window 1002 may be a slit that reveals an alphanumeric string on the base label 100. In various embodiments, the top label 300 may comprise more than one window 1002. Various embodiments in which the top label trailing edge adhesive 406 is a resealable or releasable adhesive may allow the top label 300 to be peeled back to reveal the top label back surface 402 and essentially the entire base label front surface 108 or to be removed from the container 1000, in addition to being rotatable.
One skilled in the art will readily recognize that labels may be applied to containers using a variety of methods and that there may be a variety of single-label and multi-label systems other than those described above. Any such application methods or label systems may be used with the present disclosure. The above descriptions are exemplary and not to be construed as limiting in any way. Examples of other application methods and label systems may be disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,884,421, 6,086,697, 6,237,269, 6,402,872, 6,631,578, 6,649,007, 7,087,298, and 7,172,668.
Many medications may have a range of acceptable dosages related to a measurement relevant to a user of the medication. For example, the acceptable dosage may depend on the age of the user or how much the user weights. Medications intended to be consumed by children may be likely to have such a dosage range. Although children's medicine is likely administered to the child by an adult, it may not be readily apparent to the adult that the dosage depends on a measurement relevant to the child. When a dosing device, such as a measuring cup, is included in the packaging of the medication, some adults may not read fine print on the label or may not read package inserts and may not be aware that the appropriate dosage must be determined before administering the medication. Often, the adult may simply fill the measuring cup with the medicine and administer that dosage to the child. This may lead to administering a dosage several times larger than the appropriate dosage, leading to severe medical complications for the child. Various embodiments of the label system described herein may provide a visual aid that may be used to quickly and easily determine the proper dosage.
FIG. 12 illustrates various embodiments of a container 1205 with a cap 502 for a liquid medication. The manufacturer of the medication may additionally provide a dosing device with the medication, such as a measuring cup 1210. The measuring cup 1210 may be sized to fit over the cap 502 as illustrated in FIG. 13 for efficient packaging. While providing the measuring cup 1210 may be advantageous for the consumer, certain challenges are presented for the manufacturer, such as reliably coupling the measuring cup 1210 to the container 1205 such that tampering of the measuring cup 1210 or the container 1205 is evident and that the measuring cup 1210 remains relatively protected from dirt and debris. Various embodiments of the label system described herein may provide solutions to these problems, as well as providing the manufacturer with expanded labeling space to present information to the consumer without resorting to separate inserts, leaflets, or other packaging.
FIGS. 14 and 16 illustrate a base label 100 and a top label 300, respectively, that may comprise a label measurement system for a container, such as a medication container 1205 according to various embodiments. The base label indicia 106 may comprise a plurality of sets of printed measurement information in graphical form 1405 or numerical form 1410. Although both the graphical form 1405 and numerical form 1410 of the measurement information are shown in FIG. 14, various embodiments may include one of the graphical form 1405 or numerical form 1410.
The numerical form 1410 of the measurement information may comprise a plurality of individual groups of numerical measurements 1415-1440. In various embodiments, the individual groups of numerical measurements 1415-1440 may comprise information about the consumer of the medication to determine the correct dosage, such as age, weight, height, body temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose level, level of pain or discomfort, level of mobility, gender, and the like. The age and weight may be particularly important for determining the correct dosage for a child. Each individual group of numerical measurements 1415-1440 may comprise a plurality of rows of information. As illustrated in FIG. 14, a first row of information may list the age of the consumer, a second row may list the weight of the consumer, and a third row may list the dosage corresponding to the age in the first row or the weight in the second row. Thus, for example as illustrated in FIG. 14, the proper dosage for a consumer age 2-3 or weighing 24-35 pounds would be 5 mL. Each successive individual group of numerical measurements 1415-1440 may indicate progressively larger doses in equal increments (as illustrated in FIG. 14), or may vary in another manner, such as according to a geometric progression, arithmetic progression, harmonic progression, logarithmic function, or the like.
The graphical form 1405 of the measurement information may comprise a plurality of illustrations of a dosing device 1445-1470, each dosing device filled to a level corresponding to the dosage in the individual groups of numerical measurements 1415-1440 immediately above. In various embodiments, the amount each illustration of a dosing device 1445-1470 is shown to be filled may vary in a manner similar to the variation between the dosage listed in the numerical form 1410 of the measurement information (such as linear, geometric, arithmetic, etc.).
The groups of numerical measurements 1415-1440 and the illustrations of a dosing device 1445-1470 may be positioned on the base label 100 such that each numerical measurements 1415-1440 is aligned with an illustration of a dosing device 1445-1470, thus forming a set of measurement information. For example, the embodiments of FIG. 14 illustrate a vertical alignment between the groups of numerical measurements 1415-1440 and the illustrations of a dosing device 1445-1470. In this example, numerical measurement 1415 is aligned with illustration of a dosing device 1445 forming a first set of measurement information, numerical measurement 1420 is aligned with illustration of a dosing device 1450 forming a second set of measurement information, and so on. In various embodiments, the alignment between the groups of numerical measurements 1415-1440 and the illustrations of a dosing device 1445-1470 may be horizontal, diagonal, helical, or any other alignment known in the art.
FIG. 15 illustrates the base label 100 positioned on the container 1205 according to various embodiments. As discussed above, the base label 100 may comprise sets of measurement information in graphical form 1405 and numerical form 1410 printed on the front surface 108 such that the measurement information 1405, 1410 at least partially encircle the container 1205.
As illustrated in FIG. 16, various embodiments of the top label 300 may comprise indicia 308 relaying product-related information, safety-related information, manufacturer-related information, and the like. In various embodiments, the top label 300 may contain a transparent window 1002 as described previously (see FIG. 10). The top label 300 may also contain a second transparent window 1620. The second transparent window 1620 may comprise opaque markings thereon. The opaque markings may comprise descriptions for the individual groups of numerical measurements 1415-1440 visible in the second transparent window 1620. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the opaque markings may indicate age, weight, and dose. In various embodiments, each of the first and second transparent windows 1002, 1620 may be divided into two or more transparent windows. For example, FIG. 16 illustrates the second transparent window 1620 divided into three separate transparent windows, one to display the age, one to display the weight, and one to display the dose.
Various embodiments of the top label 300 may comprise first section 1605 and a second section 1610. The first section 1605 may be positioned about a top portion of the container 1205, which may include the cap 502 and, if present, the measuring cup 1210. The second section 1610 may be positioned around a bottom portion of the container 1205. The first section 1605 and the second section 1610 of the top label 300 may be coupled to one another by a first perforation 1625. The first perforation 1625 may allow the consumer to decouple the first section 1605 to reveal the cap 502. The first section 1605 may also comprise one or more tamper evident perforations 1630 that may intersect the first perforation 1625. In various embodiments, it may be difficult to remove the first section 1605 without first tearing or separating the first section 1605 along the tamper evident perforations 1630. Thus, any tearing or separating of the tamper evident perforations 1630 may indicate previous tampering.
The top label 300 in various embodiments may comprise a material that dimensionally shrinks when exposed to an energy source. Such a material, commonly known as “shrink wrap,” may comprise a thermoplastic packaging film manufactured from resins such as polyolefins or polyvinyl chlorides. The shrink wrap may also comprise, individually or in mixtures, ionomers, polyesters, polystyrenes, and polyvinylidene chlorides, among others. The shrink wrap material may comprise a monolayer or a multilayer construction. The energy source may be heat, such as a hot air or hot water stream, and may include irradiation when cross-linking of the resin is desired. In various embodiments, the first section 1605 and the second section 1610 of the top label 300 may comprise different thermoplastics.
In FIG. 17, the top label 300 maybe formed into a cylindrical shape by coupling the leading edge 302 and the trailing edge 304 as described previously. The cylindrical top label 300 may then be placed over the container 1205 as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. The top label 300 may then be exposed to heat (or other energy source), causing the shrink wrap material to shrink and conform to the contours of the container 1205, cap 502, and measuring cup 1210 if present as illustrated in FIG. 20. In order to allow the top label 300 to rotate about the base label 100, the tension of the shrink wrap material after shrinking may be controlled so that the top label 300 conforms to the shape of the container 1205 but not so tightly that it cannot rotate. During the heating process, the tension may be controlled by varying the temperature to which the top label 300 is exposed such that the top label 300 shrinks but does not adhere to the container 1205 or the base label 100. The first section 1605 of the top label 300 may be exposed to a different temperature than the second section 1610 such that the tension of the first section 1605 is greater than the tension of the second section 1610. Alternatively, as described previously, the first section 1605 and the second section 1610 may comprise different thermoplastic resins that shrink different amounts when exposed to the same temperature.
FIG. 21 illustrates the functionality of the tamper evident perforations 1630 according to various embodiments. Once the top label 300 is shrunk to conform to the container 1205, any attempt to remove the first section 1605 of the top label 300 will be evident by the tearing at the tamper evident perforations 1630. As the tearing along the tamper evident perforations 1630 continues, the tear may eventually reach the first perforation 1625, redirecting the tear along the first perforation as illustrated on FIG. 22. Continuing to tear along the first perforation 1625 around the circumference of the container 1205 may allow the first section 1605 of the top label 300 to be decoupled from the second section 1610, thereby exposing the measuring cup 1210 and the cap 502 as illustrated in FIG. 23. Decoupling the first section 1605 from the second section 1610 may also allow the second section 1610 to rotate about the container 1205. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the measuring cup 1210 may then be removed from the cap 502, and the graphical form 1405 of the measurement information may be visible in the first transparent window 1002 and the numerical form 1410 of the measurement information may be visible in the second transparent window 1620.
FIGS. 25 through 27 illustrate the functionality of the rotating label system. In FIG. 25, one of the individual groups of numerical measurements 1435 corresponding to a consumer age 11+ or weighing 72-95 pounds is displayed in the second transparent window 1620, and the corresponding illustration of a dosing device 1465 is displayed in the first transparent window 1002. However, suppose that the consumer is instead 9 years old or weighs 65 pounds. The consumer (or other user) would then hold the bottle in one hand such that the hand grasps the top label 300, then grasp the cap 502 with the other hand and rotate the cap 502 and the container 1205, thereby changing which of the graphical form 1405 of the measurement information is displayed in the first transparent window 1002 and which of the numerical form 1410 of the measurement information is displayed in the second transparent window 1620. The bottle continues to be rotated until the proper age and/or weight is displayed in the second transparent window 1620. In this example, FIG. 27 illustrates the proper age (9-10) and weight (60-71 pounds) for the consumer displayed in the second transparent window 1620, along with the corresponding proper dose (12.5 mL). In addition, an illustration of the dosing device 1460 showing the dosing device filled to the proper dose is displayed in the first transparent window 1002. In FIG. 28, the measuring cup 1210 may then be filled to correspond to the dose indicated by the numerical measurement 1430 or the illustration of the dosing device 1460.
FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate various embodiments of a base label 100 and top label 300, respectively, for an alternate dosing device such as a dosing spoon. In this example, the numerical form 1410 of the measurement information may comprise a plurality of groups of numerical measurements 2902-2936 of the weight (or age) of the consumer and the corresponding dose for each weight (or age). The graphical form 1405 of the measurement information may comprise a plurality of illustrations of a measuring spoon 2438-2472 filled to an amount corresponding to the dose in the numerical form 1410 immediately above. The functionality of the label system may be similar to that described previously.
In various embodiments, the container 1205 may have a rounded shoulder and a rounded bottom (see, for example, FIG. 12). The second section 1610 of the base label 300 may extend partially or completely over the rounded shoulder and bottom of the container 1205 to limit movement of the label up and down on the container 1205 so that the graphical form 1405 and numerical form 1410 of the measurement information remains aligned with the first and second transparent windows 1002, 1620, respectively. However, some containers 1205 may not have a rounded shoulder and bottom to hold the top label 300 in place. FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate various embodiments in which the container 1205 comprises any of a variety of lips, beads, protrusions, indentations, or other like convex or concave formations 3105, 3205 that may function to restrict up and down movement of the top label 300 while allowing rotational movement of the top label 300. The formations 3105, 3205 may be placed at any position (or multiple positions) along the container 1205.
While the above description is based on dispensing a certain volume of a liquid medication, the label measurement system described herein may also be adapted for use with solid medications such as pills, tablets, capsules, chewables, and the like. For example, the graphical form 1405 of the measurement information may depict pills, tablets, or capsules in the palm of a hand in the same way the consumer may shake pills, tablets, or capsules out of the container 1205 into their hand. Similarly, a nasal inhaler may also be used to dispense medications by spraying the medication one or more times from the inhaler. The graphical form 1405 of the measurement information may depict the number of sprays in each dose. For example, the graphical form 1405 of the measurement information may depict a single inhaler for a one-spray dose, two inhalers for a two-spray dose, and so on. Similarly, the graphical form may depict the number of injections or weight of the medication in a dose.
In addition to the dispensing of liquids or solids as described above, the label measurement system may be used with containers 1205 of mixtures of liquids and solids, such as solids dissolved in liquids and solids dispersed in a liquid.
The top label 300 may comprise a dual ply (or multi-ply) construction in which a ply in contact with the base label 100 is a material selected for low sliding friction characteristics. The low sliding friction characteristics may enhance the ease of rotating and sliding the top label 300 about the base label 100. In various embodiments, the top label 300 ply in contact with the base label 100 may be coated with a substance to impart the low sliding friction characteristics.
FIG. 33 illustrates a general flow chart of various embodiments of a method 3300 for displaying information on a container using a shrink wrap label. A base label 100 may be applied to a container 1205 (step 3305). The base label 100 may have a back surface 206 and a front surface 108. At step 3310, a plurality of sets of measurement information may be displayed on the front surface 108 of the base label 100. Referring, for example, to FIG. 14, the sets of measurement information may be presented in graphical form 1405 and/or numerical form 1410. The numerical form 1410 of the measurement information may comprise a plurality of individual groups of numerical measurements 1415-1440. In various embodiments, the individual groups of numerical measurements 1415-1440 may comprise information relevant to the user of the medication to determine the correct dosage such as age or weight, as well as the dosage corresponding to the information relevant to the user. For example, as illustrated by the individual group of numerical information 1415, the proper dosage for a consumer age 2-3 or weighing 24-35 pounds is 5 mL. The graphical form 1405 of the measurement information may comprise a plurality of illustrations of a dosing device 1445-1470, each dosing device filled to a level corresponding to the dosage in the individual groups of numerical measurements 1415-1440 immediately above on the base label 100. At step 3315, at least a portion of the base label 100 may be covered with a rotating top label 300. The base label 100 may be coupled to the container 1205 while the top label 300 is free to rotate about the container 1205. In various embodiments, the top label 300 may comprise a first section 1605 positioned about a top portion of the container 1205 and a second section 1610 positioned about a bottom portion of the container 1205. The first section 1605 may be coupled to the second section 1610 by a perforation 1625. In various embodiments, the top label 300 may comprise a material that shrinks when exposed to an energy source such as heat. A transparent window 1002 may be placed within a portion of the second section 1610 of the top label 300 at step 3320 such that at least a portion of the items of information is visible through the transparent window 1002. A second transparent window 1620 may also be placed within a portion of the second section 1610 of the top label 300. In various embodiments, a portion of the graphical form 1405 of the measurement information may be displayed through the first transparent window 1002 and a portion of the numerical form 1410 of the measurement information may be displayed through the second transparent window 1620. The top label 300 may then be exposed to an energy source, such as heat, at step 3325 such that the top label 300 shrinks and generally conforms to the shape of the container 1205. The top label 300 when shrunk may extend at least partially over the cap 502 and, when present, a measuring cup 1210 positioned over the cap 502. The first section 1605 of the top label 300 may be positioned about the cap 502 and measuring cup 1210. By decoupling the first section 1605 from the second section 1610 of the top label 300 by tearing along the first perforation 1625 (step 3330), the cap 502 and the measuring cup 1210 may then be exposed. Once the top section 1605 is decoupled, the second section 1610 may be rotatable about the container 1205. The method 3300 may further comprise providing one or more tamper evident perforations 1630 in the first section 1605 of the top label 300 as illustrated in FIG. 16.
As the second section 1610 of the top label 300 is rotated about the container 1205, one or more of the illustrations of a dosing device 1445-1470 may alternately be displayed through the first transparent window 1002, and each corresponding group of numerical measurements is simultaneously displayed through the second transparent window 1620. Material may be dispensed from the container 1205 until an amount dispensed is at or near an amount approximated by the illustration of a dosing device 1445-1470 visible in the first transparent window 1002.
In various embodiments, all or a portion of the indicia 106 may be imprinted, embossed, or molded directly on an outer surface of the container 1205 in place of all or a portion of the base label 100. The imprinting or embossing may be carried out using any printing or image transfer method known in the art. In various embodiments, the printing or image transfer method may be an offset process in which an image is transferred from a plate to an intermediate carrier, then to the outer surface of the container 1205. The offset process may also involve lithographic techniques. Other printing or image transfer methods may comprise, for example, flexography, pad printing, relief printing, rotogravure, screen printing, and electrophotography. According to various embodiments, the indicia 106 may be digitally printed on the outer surface of the container 1205 using, for example, inkjet printing or laser printing. Chemical printing technologies, such as blueprint or diazo print may also be used in various embodiments.
Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.
As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising”, and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A rotating shrink label system for a container for a medication, comprising:

a base label adhered to the container, the base label having a front surface with a plurality of sets of measurement information in numerical form and graphical form printed thereon, the numerical form comprising measurements relevant to a user of the medication and a dosage of the medication based on the measurements relevant to the user, and the graphical form comprising an illustration of a dosing device containing the dosage indicated in the numerical form;

a rotating top label covering at least a portion of the base label, the top label comprising:

a material that shrinks when exposed to an energy source;

a first section positioned about an upper portion of the container;

a second section positioned about a lower portion of the container and coupled to the first section by a perforation;

first and second transparent windows positioned in the second section displaying at least one of the sets of measurement information;

wherein decoupling the top label first section from the second section allows the second section to rotate about the container.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the measurements relevant to the user comprise at least one of age, weight, height, body temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose level, level of pain or discomfort, level of energy, level of mobility, and gender.

3. The system of claim 1, where the measurements relevant to the user comprise the age and weight of a child.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the dosage of the medication is at least one of a volume of liquid, a number of pills or capsules, number of chewables, number of sprays, number of injections, and weight of the medication.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the perforation comprises at least a portion of a tamper evident feature.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the tamper evident feature comprises more than one perforation.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein decoupling the top label first section from the second section and removing the first section from the container reveals a dosing device.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein rotation of the top label displays successive sets of the measurement information in the first and second transparent windows.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the measurement information further comprises instructional or educational information.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy source is a heated air stream.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the top label comprises printing or shading to cause at least a portion of the top label to be opaque.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the material of the first section of the top label differs from the material of the second section.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the graphical form is displayed in the first window and the numerical form is displayed in the second window.

14. A rotating shrink label system for a container, comprising:

an outer surface of the container having a front surface with a plurality of sets of measurement information in numerical form and graphical form printed or embossed thereon, the numerical form comprising measurements relevant to a user of the medication and a dosage of the medication based on the measurements relevant to the user, and the graphical form comprising an illustration of a dosing device containing the dosage indicated in the numerical form;

a rotating top label covering at least a portion of the front surface, the top label comprising:

a material that shrinks when exposed to an energy source;

a first section positioned about an upper portion of the container;

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the measurements relevant to the user comprise at least one of age, weight, height, body temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose level, level of pain or discomfort, level of energy, level of mobility, and gender.

16. The system of claim 14, where the measurements relevant to the user comprise the age and weight of a child.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the dosage of the medication is at least one of a volume of liquid, a number of pills or capsules, number of chewables, number of sprays, number of injections, and weight of the medication.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the perforation comprises at least a portion of a tamper evident feature.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the tamper evident feature comprises more than one perforation.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein decoupling the top label first section from the second section and removing the first section from the container reveals a dosing device.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein rotation of the top label displays successive sets of the measurement information in the first and second transparent windows.

22. The system of claim 14, wherein the measurement information further comprises instructional or educational information.

23. The system of claim 14, wherein the energy source is a heated air stream.

24. The system of claim 14, wherein the top label comprises printing or shading to cause at least a portion of the top label to be opaque.

25. The system of claim 14, wherein the material of the first section of the top label differs from the material of the second section.

26. The system of claim 14, wherein the graphical form is displayed in the first window and the numerical form is displayed in the second window.

27. A method for displaying information on a container for a medication, the method comprising:

adhering a base label to the container, the base label having a front surface that is visible when the base label is adhered to the container;

displaying a plurality of sets of measurement information in numerical form and graphical form printed or embossed thereon, the numerical form comprising measurements relevant to a user of the medication and a dosage of the medication based on the measurements relevant to the user, and the graphical form comprising an illustration of a dosing device containing the dosage indicated in the numerical form;

covering at least a portion of the front surface with a rotating top label, the top label comprising a first section positioned about an upper portion of the container and a second section positioned about a lower portion of the container and coupled to the first section by a perforation, the top label further comprising a material that shrinks when exposed to an energy source;

placing first and second transparent windows within a portion of the top label second section, the transparent windows displaying at least one of the sets of measurement information;

exposing the top label to an energy source such that the top label shrinks and generally conforms to the shape of the container;

providing for the top label first section to be decoupled from the second section thereby allowing the second section to rotate about the container.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the measurements relevant to the user comprise at least one of age, weight, height, body temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose level, level of pain or discomfort, level of energy, level of mobility, and gender.

29. The method of claim 27, where the measurements relevant to the user comprise the age and weight of a child.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the dosage of the medication is at least one of a volume of a liquid, a number of pills or capsules, number of chewables, number of sprays, number of injections, and weight of the medication.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein the perforation comprises at least a portion of a tamper evident feature.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the tamper evident feature comprises more than one perforation.

33. The method of claim 27, wherein decoupling the top label first section from the second section and removing the first section from the container reveals a dosing device.

34. The method of claim 27, wherein rotation of the top label displays successive sets of the measurement information in the first and second transparent windows.

35. The method of claim 27, wherein the measurement information further comprises instructional or educational information.

36. The method of claim 27, wherein the energy source is a heated air stream.

37. The method of claim 27, wherein the top label comprises printing or shading to cause at least a portion of the top label to be opaque.

38. The method of claim 27, wherein the material of the first section of the top label differs from the material of the second section.

39. The method of claim 27, wherein the graphical form is displayed in the first window and the numerical form is displayed in the second window.