Abstract:
A label for a container is provided that includes a bottom layer. The bottom layer backside includes an adhesive adapted to attach the bottom layer to the container, and the bottom layer frontside includes at least two separate printed information sets. Each printed information set is applicable to a respective distinct user group. The label also includes a top layer that is attached to the frontside of the bottom layer. The top layer includes window cut-outs that include a flap rotatable around an attached edge to expose the bottom layer frontside beneath the flap. Each flap is aligned with the corresponding printed information on the bottom layer frontside. Each window cut-out includes on the frontside printed information identifying the distinct user group corresponding to the printed information beneath the respective window cut-out. A container including a label is provided, and methods of attaching a label to a container are provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/422,837 filed Dec. 14, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates to labels for containers, and in particular relates to a dosage label for a pill bottle. 
         [0005]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0006]    Medicine bottles have increasing amounts of information included on them. Children&#39;s medicines often have varying dosages depending on the age and/or weight of a child. The different dosages for children may be listed on a chart on the side of the bottle. The information may be dense and therefore printed in a small type, and therefore may be difficult to use. Parents dealing with sick children often may be stressed and likely to make mistakes in reading a label. Too much or too little medicine for a child may have potentially severe adverse consequences for the health of the child. 
         [0007]    Some pharmaceutical companies use special bottles and/or multiple labels. Some pharmaceutical companies use flaps on labels to include additional information, and/or to display dosage information. Medicine bottles use restickable layers that may be peeled back to reveal important information. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present innovation discloses a dosage label that is easy to use and likely to reduce mistakes in determinations of dosage. The present invention also is easy to apply to a bottle, and does not require any special equipment or bottles. 
         [0009]    The present invention provides a solution to dosage labels for children&#39;s medicine by providing windows in an outer layer that open to reveal only the specific dosages corresponding to the information printed on the outside of the window. In this manner, the potentially frazzled parent is not even exposed to the incorrect dosages for adjacent ages or weights, and is therefore not likely to make a mistake as to the dosage to be applied. 
         [0010]    The dosage label provides an easier reading of dosage by directing the consumer only to the dosage amounts relevant to their needs. This minimizes the possibility of misreading the dosage, and consequently avoids or reduces the risk of underdosing or overdosing a child or other consumer. 
         [0011]    A label for a container is provided that includes a bottom layer having a backside and a frontside. The bottom layer backside includes an adhesive adapted to attach the bottom layer to the container, and the bottom layer frontside includes at least two separate printed information sets. Each printed information set is applicable to a respective distinct user group. The label also includes a top layer having a backside and a frontside. The top layer is attached to the frontside of the bottom layer. The top layer includes at least two window cut-outs, each window cut-out including a flap and an attached edge. Each flap is rotatable around the attached edge to expose the bottom layer frontside beneath the flap, and each flap is aligned with the corresponding printed information set on the bottom layer frontside. Each window cut-out includes on the frontside printed information identifying the distinct user group corresponding to the printed information set appearing on the bottom layer frontside beneath the respective window cut-out. 
         [0012]    The top layer may be attached to the bottom layer by a further adhesive arranged either 1) on the backside of the top layer in an area separate from the window cut-outs, or 2) on the frontside of the bottom layer in an area separate from the information sets corresponding to the window cut-outs. The top layer and the bottom layer may include a single sheet wrapped around the container more than one time. The top layer and the bottom layer may include two sheets, in which the top layer is applied on top of the bottom layer. 
         [0013]    Each window cut-out may include on the backside a releasable adhesive adapted to releasably attach each window cut-out to the bottom layer. 
         [0014]    The distinct user groups may be identified by age and/or weight. The separate information sets may include dosages. 
         [0015]    The frontside printed information identifying the distinct user group may include information identifying two or more distinct user groups. Two or more information sets may appear on the bottom layer frontside beneath the respective window cut-out, the two or more information sets being presented separately with printed information identifying the respective distinct user group. The frontside printed information identifying the two or more distinct user groups may include a printed range encompassing the two or more distinct user groups. 
         [0016]    Each window cut-out may be substantially rectangular, and the window cut-out may be openable by peeling the window cut-out away from the bottom layer starting on an edge opposite the attached edge. 
         [0017]    A container including a label is provided. 
         [0018]    A method of attaching a label to a container is provided including the operation of applying a bottom layer of the label to the container. The bottom layer has a backside and a frontside. The bottom layer backside includes an adhesive adapted to attach the bottom layer to the container, and the bottom layer frontside includes at least two separate printed information sets. Each printed information set is applicable to a respective distinct user group. The method further includes applying a top layer of the label to the container. The top layer has a backside and a frontside and is attached to the frontside of the bottom layer. The top layer includes at least two window cut-outs, with each window cut-out including a flap and an attached edge. Each flap is rotatable around the attached edge to expose the bottom layer frontside beneath the flap, and each flap is aligned with a corresponding printed information set on the bottom layer frontside. Each window cut-out includes on the frontside printed information identifying the distinct user group corresponding to the printed information set appearing on the bottom layer frontside beneath the respective window cut-out. 
         [0019]    In the method, the top layer may be attached to the bottom layer by a further adhesive arranged either 1) on the backside of the top layer in an area separate from the window cut-outs, or 2) on the frontside of the bottom layer in an area separate from the information sets corresponding to the window cut-outs. 
         [0020]    Another method of attaching a label to a container is provided that includes applying a first part of the label to the container and applying a second part of the label to the container. The first and second parts of the layer are formed from a single sheet in which the second part of the label is wrapped around the container continuously after applying the first part of the label. 
         [0021]    These objects and the detail of this invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1   a  is a front view of a first part of an exemplary label according to the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 1   b  is a back view of the first part of the exemplary label shown in  FIG. 1   a;    
           [0024]      FIG. 1   c  is a front view of a second part of the exemplary label according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 1   d  is a perspective view of a combination of the first and second parts of the exemplary label shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   c;    
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a front view of another exemplary label according to the present invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    The labels for the invention may wrap around the bottle once (see Figures la through ld, also referred to collectively as the 355 degree figure), or twice (see  FIG. 2 , also referred to as the 720 degree figure). In both cases, the label is applied in one process step without the requirement for a second label. One of the innovative aspects of the design is that only a single label is applied to the bottle. 
         [0029]    The labels include precut windows in the outer layer, with the backs of the windows and/or the outside of the inner label beneath the windows including a releasable coating that enables the window to stay closed but be easily opened and reclosed when the information obstructed by the window is needed. The windows are resealable using a light adhesive or a release coating. 
         [0030]    The design provides a way to accurately communicate dosage information to consumers, while maintaining production efficiency for the manufacturer. 
         [0031]    The invention accomplishes this in a manner that maintains production efficiencies because, first, it is a single application of a single label. This allows the manufacturer to maintain line speeds in an assembly line producing the medicines, containers and labels. Second, the invention does not require the application of a second overlay as other alternatives do. Third, the invention does not require a special or custom bottle. The invention can be applied to any bottle that is currently being labeled. Fourth, the invention is less expensive because of its design in comparison to other alternatives. 
         [0032]    In one exemplary embodiment, the outside of the outer layer over the windows shows a range of weights that are similar. Under the window are several different dosages corresponding to specific weights within the range, or alternatively to specific sub-ranges within the range. In other alternatives, the outside of the outer window includes an age or age range. In still other alternatives, only one dosage is indicated under the window, and the age, age range, weight, or weight range on the outside of the window corresponds to a single group having a single corresponding dosage. 
         [0033]    In still other alternatives, the information under the window may correspond to any other appropriate information that reduces the risk of error to a user by obscuring corresponding information that is not important. For instance, if a drug has several different purposes, then different dosages for the different purposes, different prescription limitations, or different potential side-effects based on different dosages, may be under the window. 
         [0034]    The labels are cut when printed to provide the appropriate windows. The labels may also include normal adhesives and releasable coatings on various surfaces initially in order to allow the label to be applied in one step and have all of the necessary coatings in place. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1   a  illustrates a front view of top part  100  of an exemplary label. Top part  100  may have height  120  corresponding to a distance equal to or shorter than the height of the flat surface of a container to which the exemplary label is to be applied. Top part  100  may have width  125  corresponding to a distance equal to or shorter than a diameter of the flat surface of a container to which the exemplary label is to be applied. 
         [0036]    Top part  100  includes front surface  110  that includes information  130  to be read by a user. Some of the information on front surface  110  may be presented on windows including for instance window  140 . Window  140  may be rectangular and cut out from top part  100  on three of the four edges, and remain connected to top part  100  by connected edge  142 . Window  140  may be opened by pulling on edge  144  which is opposite of connected edge  142  and peeling open window  140 . Window  140  may have a resealable adhesive on a back side to promote the releasable attachment of window  140  to a bottom layer or a container. 
         [0037]    Printed information  146  appearing on a window may identify one or more distinct patient or user groups. The dosage information for the one or more distinct patient groups identified by a window may be covered by the window until the window is opened by a user. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1   b  illustrates a back view of top part  100  of the exemplary label shown in  FIG. 1   a . Top part  100  may have height  120  corresponding to a distance equal to or shorter than the height of the flat surface of a container to which exemplary label  100  is to be applied. Top part  100  may have width  125  corresponding to a distance equal to or shorter than a diameter of the flat surface of a container to which the exemplary label is to be applied. 
         [0039]    Top part  100  includes back surface  150  that includes information  165  to be read by a user when the portion of top part  100  is peeled back or off of the container or lower label to enable a user to read the back of top part  100 . Back surface  150  having information  165  may be covered in a resealable adhesive or alternatively a border of a resealable adhesive may surround information  165 . In an area of back surface  150  of top part  100  away from information  165  may be the back surface of windows, including window  140 . Window  140  may be rectangular and cut out from top part  100  on three of the four edges, including edges  144 ,  160  and  162 . Window  140  may remain connected to top part  100  by connected edge  142 . Window  140  may have a resealable adhesive on back surface  150  to promote the releasable attachment of window  140  to a bottom layer or a container. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1   c  is a front view of bottom part  170  of the exemplary label. Bottom part  170  may have height  120  corresponding to a distance equal to or shorter than the height of the flat surface of a container to which the exemplary label is to be applied. Top part  100  may have width  125  corresponding to a distance equal to or shorter than a diameter of the flat surface of a container to which the exemplary label is to be applied. 
         [0041]    Bottom part  170  includes front surface  172  that includes printed information  174  to be read by a user. Some of the information on front surface  172  may be arranged to correspond to an exposed area when top part  100  is peeled back, for instance to expose information  165  on back surface  150  of top part  100 . 
         [0042]    Bottom part  170  also includes on front surface  172  dosage information  180 . Dosage information  180  is positioned to align with the windows of top part  100 . In particular, when a window is peeled back, dosage information is revealed that corresponds to the one or more distinct patient or user groups identified in the printed information appearing on the front surface of the closed window. In  FIG. 1C , the printed information on the front surface of the window identifies a range, and dosage information  180  is divided into sub-groups within the range. For instance, underneath window  140  are distinct patient subgroups  182 ,  184 ,  186 , and  188 . Likewise, each of the other windows includes distinct patient subgroups corresponding to the range of users identified on the front of the window. Alternatively, each window may be peeled back to reveal only one corresponding patient group and therefore only particular dosage information for that one user group. 
         [0043]      FIG. 1   d  is a perspective view of exemplary label  190  including top part  100  and bottom part  170 . Top part  100  includes front surface  110  that includes information  130  to be read by a user. Some of the information on front surface  110  may be presented on windows including for instance window  140 . Window  140  may be rectangular and cut out from top part  100  on three of the four edges, and remain connected to top part  100  by connected edge  142 . Window  140  may be opened by pulling on edge  144  which is opposite of connected edge  142  and peeling open window  140 . Window  140  may have a resealable adhesive on a back side to promote the releasable attachment of window  140  to a bottom layer or a container. 
         [0044]    Printed information  146  appearing on a window may identify one or more distinct patient or user groups. The dosage information for the one or more distinct patient groups identified by a window may be covered by the window until the window is opened by a user. 
         [0045]    Bottom part  170  includes front surface  172  that includes printed information  174  to be read by a user. Some of the information on front surface  172  of bottom part  170  may be arranged to correspond to an exposed area when top part  100  is peeled back. 
         [0046]    Top part  100  may be attached to bottom part  170  by non-releasable adhesive applied to a back surface of top part  100 , or a top surface of bottom part  170 , in area  192  that does not include any printed information. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  is a front view of second exemplary label  200  according to the present invention. Second exemplary label  200  is a single sheet designed to wrap around a container and/or pill bottle twice. Second exemplary label  200  may have height  220  corresponding to a distance equal to or shorter than the height of the flat surface of a container to which the exemplary label is to be applied. Second exemplary label  200  may have width  225  corresponding to a distance equal to or shorter than two times a diameter of the flat surface of a container to which the exemplary label is to be applied. 
         [0048]    Bottom part  215  of second exemplary label  200  is applied first to the container, and then second exemplary label  200  is continued to be wrapped around the container so that top part  210  is applied on top of bottom part  215 . A back surface of bottom part  215  may have a permanent, or non-releasable adhesive, and portions of the back surface of top part  210 , or alternatively portions of the front surface of bottom part  215 , may also have a permanent or non-releasable adhesive applied before application of the label to a container. The areas of the back surface of top part  210 , or alternatively the areas of the front surface of bottom part  215 , which do not have a permanent, or non-releasable, adhesive applied may have a releasable adhesive applied to enable portions of the top part  210 , including windows  230  and  235 , to be peeled back to reveal information  260  and dosage information  270  on the front surface of bottom part  215 . 
         [0049]    Top part  210  may include printed information  240 , as well as windows  230  and  235 . Windows  230  and  235  may operate in the same manner as window  140  discussed in regard to  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ,  1   c  and  1   d . Beneath windows  230  and  235  may be arranged dosage information  270  on a front surface of bottom part  215 . Dosage information  270  may be arranged in sub-groups  272 ,  274 ,  276  and  278  which sub-divide the range shown on the front surface of window  235 , in the same manner as shown in  FIG. 1   c . Alternatively, dosage information for only one group may be arranged under each window in top part  210 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 3  illustrates method  300  according to an exemplary embodiment. Method  300  starts at start circle  310  and proceeds to operation  320 , which indicates to apply a bottom layer of the label to the container. The bottom layer backside includes an adhesive to attach the bottom layer to the container. From operation  320 , the flow in method  300  proceeds to decision  330 , which asks whether the label includes in one sheet the bottom and top layer. If the answer to decision  330  is negative, the flow in method  300  proceeds to operation  340 , which indicates to apply a top layer of the label to the bottom layer. From operation  340  the flow in method  300  proceeds to operation  360 , which indicates to provide in the top layer at least two window cut-outs including a flap rotatable around an attached edge to expose the bottom layer. If the answer to decision  330  is affirmative, the flow in method  300  proceeds to operation  350 , which indicates to apply a second part of the label to the container. The first and second parts of the label are formed from a single sheet, and the second part of the label is wrapped around the container continuously after applying the first part of the label. From operation  350  the flow in method  300  proceeds to operation  360 . From operation  360  the flow in method  300  proceeds to end circle  370 . 
         [0051]    While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations which fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.