US3361252A - Articulated label storage cards - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 2, 1968 l T, w, wlsE 3,361,252

ARTICULATED LABEL STORAGE CARDS Filed Jan. 25, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet l Ff?, j

INVENTOR THOMAS w.. w| SE Jan.' 2, 1968 T. w. wlsE ARTICULATED LABEL STORAGE CARDS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 25, 1967 E T. Nw. E VW NS 1A ATTORNEYv United States Patent O ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE A card for the storage of labels which has one or more hinged panels that can be folded to expose a portion of each label on the card to facilitate its removal, after which the hinge panels can be returned to their original position to fully cover and protect the remaining labels on the card.

Background of the invention This invention relates to a card construction on which are mounted adhesive labels that can be removed from the card as required for aiiixation to an object.

Prior art Some of the more commercially successful dispensing cards for labels are shown in United States Patents 2,434,545, 2,681,732 and 3,038,597 which disclose backing cards having a strip which can be severed from the main body of the card in order to expose portions of the labels releasably stored on the cards that can be grasped for removal of the label from the card. Other types of prior art label cards are shown in the following U.S. patents: 2,372,994 which discloses a llat card having no structural means adapted for exposing part of the labels on the card for removal; 2,797,801 that teaches a label card in which the card is split in such fashion that part of the card under each individual label is removed along with the label during the dispensing action; and 2,831,277 in which individual labels are carried on a card and flaps are arranged along at least one end of each label which are grasped in order to remove the label from the card, after which the flaps must be removed from the label before application.

Summary This invention provides a new card construction for storing labels in which the card has at least one, and in the preferred forms several, articulated or hinged portions. In the storage condition, the card is in a generally flat configuration so that all of the adhesive layer of the label or labels on the card is covered and protected. When it is desired to remove a label from the card, `one of the hinged portions is folded to a position out of the plane of the rest of the card, or at an angle to the rest of the card, to thereby expose a portion of each label carried on the card. This exposed portion can then be grasped by the fingers or any appropriate device and one or more labels removed from the card as needed. When the desired number of labels are removed, the hinged portion is folded back to the storage position and the remaining labels on the card are then again fully protected so that none of their adhesive portions are exposed to the deleterious effects of air, dirt, etc. In one construction, a card is shown which has three rows of individual labels and three hinged portions so that a label can be removed from any one of the rows upon the foregoing actuation of the articulated portions. In the principal constructions disclosed, a hinge sheet member underlies the interconnection between the hinged portions and the rest of the card. Also, as an additional feature, the card may be constructed so as to be curved parallel to the hinge lines for added advantages relative to the return of the hinged portions to the storage position, as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

Thus the principal objects of this invention are to provide a card for the storage and dispensing of pressure sensitive labels wherein the card ne-ed not be severed into separate portions in order to remove the labels from the card; wherein it is not necessary to apply flaps or cover members to the adhesive labels in order to provide for facile removal of labels from the card; wherein the backing is articulated or adapted to have foldable portions to provide the desired dispensing action; and to provide a backing construction which admits of convenient removal of labels from the cards and still provides for complete protective cover of the adhesive layers of each remaining label subsequent to removal of some of the label-s from the card. A more -speciiic object is to provide the particular card constructions hereinafter described and claimed.

Description of the drawings FIGS. 1-6 illustrate one form of an articulated label storage card according to this invention in which FIG. 1 is a front view of the card, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the card with portions broken away, FIG. 3 is a vertical sec tional view of the card, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the card showing one of its dispensing conditions, FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a second dispensing condition of the card, and FIG. 6 is a side View illustrating a third dispensing condition of the card. FIG. 7 is an end view showing an additional advantageous structural feature of a card as shown in FIGS. l-6. FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another form of card constructed according to this invention in which FIG. 8 is a front view of the card, FIG. 9 is a rear View of the card with a portion broken away, and FIG. 10 an end view of the card in one of its several dispensing conditions.

Description of preferred embodiments FIGS. 1-7

In FIG. l there is shown a support card 1 which has three rows (upper, middle and lower) of labels 2 arranged on its front surface. As indicated best in FIG. 3, each label 2 has an exterior layer 3 which may comprise one or several layers or coatings of desired material with suitable legends or markings and a layer 4 of pressure sensitive adhesive. A tiexible hinge member 5 extends over the opposite rear surface of the backing card 1, most clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and is securely joined or attached to the card.

A set of three parallel score lines ti, 7 and 8 are del-ined in the front surface of the card 1. Each score line (see FIG. 3) extends partially through the card in the initial condition shown in the first three drawings. The score lines 6 3 may comprise a continuous slot or score formed in the front surface, back surface or both surfaces (e.g. as in U.S. Patents 2,681,732 and 3,038,597) of the card, and other constructions are possible such as a series of interrupted slits or perforations, crea-sed lines, and the lines may extend entirely through the card if so desired. The score lines @-8 define lines of weakness in the support card along which the card can be folded in the manner and for the purpose described hereunder.

The labels 2 are arranged on the card 1 in such manner that they each have a. minor end portion (the top end in the drawings) on one side of a score line and their major body portion on the opposite side.

Pressure sensitive adhesive as referred. to herein means normally tacky, non-hardening pressure sensitive adhesive that adheres to an object by pressure alone. It is generally more cohesive than adhesive and many formulations are well known in art and will not now be described in detail. Typical pressure sensitive adhesives include a rubbery polymeric material (such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, latex crepe rubber, and rubbery synthetic polymers and copolymers) that is compounded with suitable compatible resinous tackitiers (such as ester gum, wood rosin, coumaroneindene resins, terpene resins, etc.) and dispensed in an appropriate solvent (most generally aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon solvents). The adhesive layer is strongly bonded to the rest of the label so as not -to readily delaminate therefrom, and the adhesive can be applied directly to the other layer or a primer coating can be interposed between the two layers in order to obtain a strong bond which will not separate during normal use.

The labels are to be releasably joined to the backing card along their respective adhesive layers so that the labels will be held in the desired position during storage but can be removed from the backing card without deleterious delamination or stripping of the adhesive layer from the labels. The backing card can be coated or impregnated with suitable release materials in order to obtain a releasable joinder of this nature, some suitable release agents being silicone or silicone rubber coatings, with others being known to the art.

When it is desired to remove labels fro-m the upper row contained on the card, the dispensing condition shown in FIG. 4 is obtained by folding the card 1 along the score line 6 so that its upper panel or portion 1a is disposed at an angle to the balance of the card. This exposes the end portion of each of the labels 2 in the upper row that was joined to the panel 1a and any selected label may be grasped by the exposed portion and peeled from the card. This is shown with reference to the label 2a in FIG. 4. After the desired labels have been removed, the card is returned to the storage condition illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 by refolding the panel 1a along the score line 6 so that it again underlies and is releasably joined to the previously-exposed end portions of the remaining labels 2. Thus, the remaining labels in the upper row on the card have their respective adhesive layers fully covered by the card when the panel 1a is returned to this original condition. Where the score lines 6, 7 and 8 are cut only partially through the backing card, the initial folding ac-tion of this type may serve to sever the card along a fold line. The hinge member 5, however, is selected so as to remain integral and thereby preserve the unity of the card as a whole.

It is also possible to remove a label from either the middle row or lower row of labels on the card by articulating 'the card along the score lines 7 and 8 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively. These end views further delineate the manner in which an end portion of each label is exposed and is slightly above that portion of the backing'card 1 which is folded at an angle to the reminder of the card along the line 7 or 8. Thus any label from either of the three rows stored on a card can be conveniently withdrawn and applied to an c-biect, and the remaining labels are fully protected when the backing card is returned to its original generally flat condition.

Referring now to FIG. 7, it has further been found that when the support card 1 is constructed so as to be curved or concave relative to the lines of weakness 6, 7 and 8, a particularly useful feature is obtained when the card is returned to its flat or storage condition. This is brought about by the fact that a snap-type of action is encountered wherein when a panel, such as panel 1a, that has been folded at an angle to the rest of the card for the dispensing condition is returned to the storage condition, there will be a snap or acceleration of its movement as it nears the position immediately underneath the labels when the card is curved as shown in FlG. 7 with the card surface carrying the labels being concave with respect to the lines of weakness. This is a distinct advantage in that it facilitates fthe re-joinder of the previouslyexposed ends of the remaining labels on the card to the panel of the card when it is returned to its origmal condition to be in the same plane as the rest of the card.

FIGS. 8-10 These three drawings illustrate a second embodiment of a card constructed according to this invention. In FG. 8 a card 15 is shown that has two rows of labels 2 releasably joined to its front surface. Two spaced parallel lines of weaknesses 16 and 17 are dened in -the front surface of the card 15 (see FlG. 8) and each label has an end portion on one side of line of weakness 16 or 17 and its major part on the opposite side. The lines 16 and 17 may have the same construction and arrangement relative to the labels 2 as the lines 6-8 in the previous embodiment. A narrow flexible hinge member 18 is adhered to the underside of the card 1S and extends over the two lines of weakness 16 and 17.

When it is desired to remove labels from the card 15, the outer panels 15a and 15b, see FG. l0, may be articulated about their respective lines of weakness 16 and 17 so that the entire card is in a generally U-shape configuration and the ends of each label 2 which overlie the intermediate panel 15C of the backing card will be exposed for removal of selected labels from the card. Although not shown in the drawings, an adhesive tape can be placed across the panels 15a and 15b to hold the card in the condition of FIG. 10 for as long as may be desired. Also, only one panel 15a or 15b may be articulated at a time to the dispensing condition as was shown with the card 1.

As an added feature, it has been found that when the ends of the label 2 are curved as shown by the ends 19 in FiG. 8, it is somewhat easier to grasp a label and remove it from the card; the rounded end may also aid in obtaining improved adhesion of the label to an object.

Conclusion A variety of materials are suitable for construction of the cards 1 and 1S shown above. Particularly advantageous is concreted fibrous material such as vulcanized fiber or resin bonded pulp. Heavy paper or cardboard stock with suitable coatings may also be utilized. It has been found that cards l0 to l5 mils thick when made from vulcanized fiber have been useful. Whichever material is used, it should be relatively stiff in the direction perpendicular to the lines of weaknesses 6 8 or 17 and 16 so that when a panel is folded out of the general plane 0f the card, the rest of the card will remain relatively stiff to thereby enhance the release of the end portions of the labels which were releasably joined to the foldable panel. A relatively sharp break between panels when one is folded to expose the ends of the labels gives the best results.

The flexible hinge members 5 and 18 may be satisfactorily made of a thin sheet of plastic film material which will not tear during the number of folding actions which it may be expected to be subjected to in normal use; thin sheets of polyethylene terephthalate tilm (Mylar) have been proved satisfactory. Films of polyethylene, polyvinyl chlorides, polypropylene, nylon etc. may also be utilized, as well as hinge members of flexible cloth, heavy paper, or even mechanical hinge members in appropriate instances. The hinge member should ybe firmly attached to the card, such as by a suitable adhesive. When sheets are used as hinge members, they may be as thick as necessary to perform satisfactorily, and generally films about 1/2 to l0 mils thick will be suitable. The hinge member can cover almost the entire surface of the card as in FIGS. 1 7, or just the lines of weakness as in FIGS. 8-10, or cover merely the individual lines of weakness or hinge zones or portions thereof. In an appropriate instance, a separate hinge member can be omitted if the card can be folded without the foldable panel becoming detached from the rest of the card. A heavy paper card stock coated on both sides of the relatively thick coating of polyethylene with the scoring defining the lines of weakness extending only through the card stock could lbe utilized in the practice of this invention and eliminate the need for separate hinge members.

Although the score lines were shown above as being coextensive with the lines of weakness, it would also be possible to displace the hinge connection between the panels from the lines of Weakness. Thus the hinge lines along which the foldable panels articulate could be parallel but spaced apart from a line of weakness so that the foldable panels articulate along one line but they have an edge contiguous with the rest of the card at a position other than their hinge lines and the labels would be arranged across such contiguous edge.

Thus, in a specific example of a card according to FIGS. l-7, the card 1 was made of vulcanized fiber l5 mils thick with an average stiffness of 100` Taber units perpendicular to the lines of weakness. The hinge member was a sheet of polyester film (Mylar) 11/2 mils thick firmly laminated to the underside of the card. A suitable release coating should have a tape adhesion less than about 8 ounces per inch of width to provide optimum pop-up of the end portions of the labels during dispensing both initially and after prolonged storage. A silicone type coating was used to obtain the desired release properties on the surface of the card that held the pressure sensitive labels. The same materials were used to produce cards according to FIGS. 8-l0. Both cards were entirely satisfactory and performed in the manner described above. The cards were manufactured by first scoring the card to define the lines of weakness, laminating the hinge member to the card, laminating a sheet of label material over the opposite surface of the card and then cutting the label material to form individual labels and stripping away the Waste portions.

It has been found that desirable release of the labels from the articulated panels of cards constructed according to this invention occurs when the end portion of a label overlying the foldable panels is approximately ym inch or less. An end portion of this dimension, for example, with a 11/2 inch long label has proved satisfactory. Thus with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the end portion of each label 2 which extends across the line of weakness 6 to overlie the panel 1a can be about SAG inch or less, with l/s each being useful, and the desired dispensing action will Ibe obtained. An end portion longer than this will also work, but not as satisfactorily as when within this range.

A particularly advantageous label construction is illustrated with respect to the lower row of labels 2 in FIG. 8 where a line of perforations is formed along each label to divide it into two sections that can be separated along the perforations. The labels are then adapted for use on different sizes of objects, e.g., largeand small diameter wires, since the user can apply either one-half of a label or the entire label. Where a divisible label of this type is employed, it is especially useful to form a line of weakness under each section of the label; thus, another line of weakness 17 can be defined in the card 15 underneath the lower end of the labels in the same relationship thereto as the line 17 shown in the drawings. A user can thereby expose either end portion of a label for removal of all or part of it from the card. Other constructions for the line of perforations besides the spaced slits shown in FIG. 8 may be used, and the perforations can divide the labels into more than two sections if so desired; in the latter instance, a line of weakness can be defined in the card under each such label section. The line of perforations 20 can also be used in the labels with other cards of this invention, as the card 1. Ideally, the perforations should cross the edges of each label to provide a tear line for ease of initiating the tearing of an individual label.

An articulated label support card as disclosed herein can be -utilized for a variety of labels bearing letter, numerical, or word legends. An example of a typical use is the narrow strip-like labels shown in the drawings which are intended for application to wires and carry number legends. It has also been found of particular advantage to form the cards 1 and 15 in a size which will conveniently fit into a shirt pocket, and it is convenient to bind several cards together in booklet form.

Although several structural forms of this invention have been illustrated or described, the invention is not limited to the specific constructions herein disclosed and it is expected that those skilled in the art may be able to devise changes in or alternates to the disclosed structural features while still practicing this invention. It is to be understood, therefore, that it is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the examples of this invention herein disclosed, as well as other embodiments not disclosed, which do not constitute a departure from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. In a label support card of the construction comprising (l) an articulated card means including at least one foldable panel hinged to the rest of the card means, a line of Weakness defined in the card means and along which the foldable panel is movable relative to the rest of the card means between a first position in which it is in the same plane as the rest of the card means and a second position in which it is at an angle thereto, (2) at least one adhesive label releasably joined to a first surface of the card means and arranged with each such label having an end portion on one side of the line of Weakness and a major body portion on the opposite side thereof, said end portion of each label being releasably joined to the card means when the panel is in its first position but detached from the card means and exposed when the panel is in its second position, While the body portion of each label remains joined to the card means during such movement of the foldable panel, the end portion of each such label when exposed being available for removing the label from the card means,

the improvement wherein:

the articulated card means is concave in a direction parallel to each line of weakness formed therein.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,883,044 4/ 1959 Kendrick 206-56 X i 3,023,887 3/1962 Cohen 206--56 X 3,035,957 5/ 1962 Morgan i-- 206-56 3,038,597 6/1962 Brady 206-56 JOSEPH R. LECLAIR, Primary Examiner. THERON E. CONDON, Examiner. .T M. CASKIE, Assistant Examiner.

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