Combination shipping label and packing slip form

A form containing both a pair of labels. In one configuration, the labels can be a shipping label and packing slip. The form is configured such that variable indicia can be printed on a first ply of both labels from a simplex (one-sided) printer. In one configuration, the packing slip and shipping label define a pair of labels across the front of the first ply such that the two labels are substantially coplanar with one another. Alignment of a first ply, second ply and adhesive and release layers disposed between the first and second plies, as well as placement of lines of weakness through one or more of the plies and layers facilitates formation of the shipping label and packing list that can, after accepting printed indicia on the first ply from a one-sided printer, be removed from one another such that they can be affixed to a package. In another configuration, portions of one of the shipping label and packing list can be made to overlay one another such that respective fronts of the first ply are not substantially coplanar with one another.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a form for receiving printed information thereon and subsequent attachment to an object, and more particularly to a combination shipping label and packing list form for use in commercial package shipping where the shipping label and packing list information can be printed to a single side of the form in a simplex printing operation prior to placement of the form onto a package or related shipping container.

The use of adhesive forms in the transport of commercial goods is well known in the art. Typical among these are shipping labels and packing lists, the first to identify the addressee of goods contained within a package to which the shipping label is affixed, and the second to identify the contents within the package being shipped. The forms can be of single or multiple layer configurations, and often include a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating. Such forms can be removably affixed to a backing sheet. Upon removal of a form from its associated backing sheet, which is typically a paper liner with a silicone (or similar release material) coating, the exposed adhesive allows the form to be fastened securely to a package for shipment. Traditionally, packing lists have been prepared separately from their corresponding shipping labels. This process has numerous shortcomings. In addition to requiring that additional sheets of paper or film be affixed to the package in separate steps, there is the added disadvantage that the addressee of a shipping label might not correspond to the list of contents inside the package. Additional steps (with concomitant cost) are required where the shipping label, packing list or both are placed inside a transparent pouch that is then affixed to the package. In addition, by exposing the packing list to inspection, the likelihood of theft may increase, especially if these contents are very valuable. Similarly, combinations of shipping labels and packing lists that necessitate one or more folding steps to affix the final form to a package involve hand labor which results in an increasingly expensive system.

What is needed is a combination form that improves the security and efficiency in the shipping of a package such that the number and size of the sheets in the form are minimized while providing for ease of printing and subsequent application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs have been met by the present invention. In a first aspect of the invention, an adhesive form is disclosed. The form includes a first ply, a second ply and adhesive and release layers disposed between the two plies. Each of the plies includes front and back faces on opposite ply surfaces. The front of the first ply defines a first ply first printable region and a first ply second printable region, each of which are separable from the first ply along a line of weakness that extends at least through the first ply. The front of the second ply and the back of the first ply face one another such that the two plies define a substantially stacked relation, while the back of the second ply defines a separable region that includes a second ply printable region and an affixing region adjacent the second ply printable region. In the present context, the term “substantially” refers to an arrangement of elements or features that, while in theory would be expected to exhibit exact correspondence or behavior, may in practice embody something slightly less than exact. As such, the term denotes the degree by which a quantitative value, measurement or other related representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. Furthermore, when two things are “adjacent” one another, they can be so either in an above-below (such as stacked planar sheets), surrounded, edge-to-edge or similar relationship. While the things in question need not be contiguous to be considered adjacent, they should be in such close proximity that significant intervening structure is not disposed in between. As with the aforementioned first ply first and second printable regions, the second ply printable region is separable from the second ply along a line of weakness that extends at least through the second ply. The affixing region can form a border around the second ply printable region. By the present construction, the first ply first printable region and the second ply printable region are substantially coextensive with one another. The adhesive layer is disposed between at least a portion of the back of the first ply and the front of the second ply such that a bond is formed between the plies, while a release layer disposed between at least a portion of the back of the first ply and the front of the second ply to allow selective separation where the release layer and adhesive layer are in contact with each other. Between them, they allow removal of a first label defined by the separable region (on the second ply) and the first printable region (on the first ply) such that, upon the removal of the first label from the form, the adhesive layer disposed on the front of the second ply opposite the affixing region becomes exposed. Once this portion of the adhesive is exposed, the first label can be adhesively affixed to an object (such as a package to be shipped). The release layer and the adhesive layer are further configured to allow selective removal of a second label defined by the first ply second printable region. As such, the patterns defined by the adhesive and release layers need not be the same across the entire form, as what is needed for the first label may differ from that of the second label. The second label includes a portion of the adhesive layer that, upon the removal of the second label, becomes exposed such that the second label can subsequently affixed to an object. The form is configured such that at least the printable regions corresponding to the front of the first ply can accept printed indicia thereon from a single pass through an automated simplex printing device.

Optionally, the separable region is at least partially bounded along a cut line in the second ply. Preferably, the configuration of the adhesive and release layers is such that the second ply printable region is permanently adhered to the first ply first printable region. In the present context, terms implying “permanent” adhesion include situations where the adhesion between two adjoining surfaces is such that a subsequent attempt to separate the surfaces results in damage done to either or both of them, or the adhesive properties of the adhesive are severely curtailed. In addition, the form can be made from a discrete cut sheet. This permits stacks of forms to be mounted in a conventional printer tray. Examples of printers compatible with the present forms include, but are not limited to, non-impact laser printers, ink jet printers, and thermal transfer printers, as well as impact dot matrix, train, band and daisy wheel printers. As an alternative, forms according to the present invention may be included in a continuous roll or flat pack. In one embodiment, the top surfaces of the first and second labels are substantially coplanar. Moreover, the second plies of the first and second labels can be formed from a common substrate such that the entire form rests upon a single sheet or web of unitary structure. The first ply second printable region can be disposed laterally or longitudinally adjacent the first ply first printable region on the form. Preferably, the first label defines a packing list, while the second label defines a shipping label. In other configurations, the first label can define at least one pricing label, return receipt, return label or coupon.

In one form construction, the two plies that make up the form can be made from separate webs that are subsequently combined and held together by adhesive. In one configuration, an adhesive layer can be disposed across a substantial entirety of the front of the second ply that corresponds to the packing list, while another adhesive layer is disposed across a substantial entirety of the back of the first ply corresponding to the second label. In much the same way, the release layer can be disposed between the first and second plies of the first label in a pattern such that it only occupies the portion outside the corresponding line of weakness defined in the first ply first printable region, or within the region circumscribed by the line of weakness defined in the first ply second printable region. It will be appreciated that the adhesive that makes up the various patterns can all be from the same adhesive material, or can be formed from differing adhesives, depending on the need. Similarly, the material making up the release layer can all be formulated from the same material, or from various materials. The lines of weakness can be made from a full die cut or a perforated die cut. More particularly, at least one of the lines of weakness is substantially rectangular in shape where the corners may be rounded for grasping by a user. In one form, the lines of weakness corresponding to the first and second labels in the first ply are full die cuts, while the line of weakness corresponding to the first label in the second ply is a perforated die cut. In cases where the die cut in the second ply is perforated, at least one corner (which may include the aforementioned rounding) defined in the perforated die cut comprises a full die cut to facilitate ease of grasping. In addition, pre-printed indicia can be placed on a portion of the back of the second ply, including on one or both of the second ply printable region or the affixing region. By way of example, the pre-printed indicia comprises instructional information.

In yet another option, an indicator is disposed across the first and second labels to provide indicia that the first and second labels are grouped together. In one embodiment, the indicator is a line printed across or around the first and second labels. In a more particular embodiment, the line can form a continuous pattern such as a rectangle that straddles both labels. The form can further comprise an overlap region between the labels such that a seam is formed by the overlap. This overlap region is configured such that either a coplanar or non-coplanar form is created. In the non-coplanar configuration, a glue layer adheres a portion of the front of one ply corresponding to one of the labels to a portion of the back of the other ply corresponding to the other of the labels. Additionally, portions of one of the plies and the release layer that both correspond to one of the labels can be removed prior to construction of the form such that a cutout defined by the removed portion is substantially coextensive with a corresponding portion of the other label. In the coplanar configuration, one surface of the overlap region is bounded on a lateral side by two abutting first plies. The plies that abut to form this portion of the overlap region make up a first side of a packing list and first side of a shipping label. The other (opposing) surface of the overlap region is bounded on a lateral side by two abutting second plies. In a manner similar to that of the abutting first plies discussed above, the abutting plies form respective second sides of the packing list and shipping label. The abutting first plies are laterally offset relative to the abutting second plies such that the portion of the form disposed between the lateral offset defines the overlap region. In either the coplanar or non-coplanar constructions, the first label may be made from a first material while the second label can be made from a second material, and the two materials need not be the same.

According to another aspect of the invention, a multi-label form is disclosed. The form is configured such that each label can accept variable simplex printing on at least one surface and be separately affixed to an object. The form includes a first label and a second label, and is constructed generally similar to that of the previous aspect, where each label includes first and second plies with one or more release layers and one or more adhesive layers in between. In addition, a cut line formed in the second ply defines an edge of an area that encompasses a second ply printable region and a border about the printable region. The border adjacent the second ply printable region is similar to the affixing region discussed above in conjunction with the first aspect. Upon removal of the first label from the form along the cut line, the plies remain attached to the border formed in the area, while a portion of the adhesive layer that remains disposed on the second ply opposite the border becomes exposed to form a picture frame-like adhesive surface such that the first label can be affixed to the object along the exposed adhesive surface. Optionally, the release layer of the first label is patterned. As previously discussed, the various release layers may be made from the same or different materials. In addition, the fronts of the two labels can be either substantially coplanar with each other, or may include an overlap region such that a portion of the form that corresponds to one of the labels adhesively overlaps a portion that corresponds to the other of the labels. As before, a preferable configuration for the form includes a packing list and a shipping label.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a packing list and contiguous shipping label form configured to be affixed to an object are disclosed. The packing list includes a first ply, a first line of weakness formed in the front of the first ply such that a first printable region is bounded by the first line of weakness, a patterned release layer facing the back of the first ply, an adhesive layer facing each of the back of the first ply and the patterned release layer, a second ply facing the adhesive layer such that at least a portion of the front of the second ply is bonded to at least a portion of the back of the first ply to define a multi-ply label, a second line of weakness formed in the back of the second ply such that a second printable region is bounded by the second line of weakness. The shipping label includes a first ply configured to receive variable indicia printed thereon, a line of weakness formed in the front of the first ply such that a printable region is bounded thereby, an adhesive layer facing the back of the first ply, a release layer facing at least a portion of the adhesive layer and a second ply opposite the front such that the front of the second ply faces the release layer.

Optionally, the second line of weakness of the packing list is disposed substantially coextensive with the packing list first line of weakness. In addition, the form includes a separable region disposed about the packing list second line of weakness, and a border region disposed about the shipping label line of weakness. As with the previously-discussed aspects, the separable region includes a printable region and an affixing region adjacent the printable region. The form is configured such that the fronts of the first plies of the shipping label and the packing list are preferably substantially coplanar with one another either overlapped or non-overlapped as previously discussed), although it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the aforementioned overlap configuration that produces non-coplanar first plies is also contemplated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first toFIG. 1, a multi-ply form100, made up of a first ply110, second ply120, adhesive layer (generally indicated as130) and release layer (generally indicated as140) is shown. The first ply110includes a front111and a back112, where the front111, being made from a material suitable for writing on (such as paper and some plastics), can accept printed indicia195. Lines of weakness151,152and155disposed within the plies allow portions of the ply surfaces that correspond to one or more labels to be separated from form100. In particular, a first label line of weakness151disposed within first ply110defines a first ply first printable region161, while a second label line of weakness152disposed in first ply110defines a first ply second printable region162. The lines of weakness151,152define a substantially rectangular shape on the front111of first ply110, where the corners of the lines of weakness151,152can be (although aren't required to be) slightly rounded. Second ply120includes a front121and back122, where the back122(similar to front111of the first ply110) is made of a material compatible with accepting printed indicia. Also similar to the first ply110, the second ply120includes one or more lines of weakness155that are substantially aligned with lines of weakness151on the first ply110to define a second ply printable region165therein. The release layer140can be made up of a series of patterns, where a first release layer pattern141is placed in contact with back112of first ply110, while a second release layer pattern142is placed in contact with front121of second ply120. Similarly, the adhesive layer130can be made up of a series of adhesive patterns, where a first adhesive layer pattern131is placed in contact with back112of first ply110, while a second adhesive layer pattern132is placed in contact with front121of second ply120. The various patterns between the adhesive layer130and the release layer140are such that together they can define a relatively constant thickness between the first and second plies110,120of the form100. In one configuration, the release layer140may be placed directly on one of the plies, while in another a primer coat may be applied between the two to promote uniformity in the release layer140. The patterning in first release layer pattern141leaves the portion of back112that corresponds to first ply first printable region161exposed, thereby allowing it to be in direct, facing contact with second adhesive layer pattern132that is disposed on second ply120so that a permanent bond is formed therebetween. The second adhesive layer pattern132preferably occupies the substantial entirety of the front121of the second ply120that underlies first ply first printable region161and the border115that surrounds it. It additionally adhesively couples the back112of first ply110and the front121of the second ply120such that first label181is constructed as a permanently bonded multi-ply label with two printable surfaces. It will be appreciated that the relative thickness of the plies, release layer and adhesive layer shown in the figures are not shown to scale, but are shown exaggerated for illustrative purposes to more clearly show particular attributes of the invention. A cut line170extends through second ply120, thus facilitating ease of removal of the first label181from the form100. Label181is collectively made up of affixing region125, first ply first printable region161and second ply printable region165. As will be shown and described later, after removal of the first label181defined by first ply first printable region161, second ply printable region165and its surrounding affixing region125from the form100, the first label181can then be adhered to the surface of an object, such as a package to be shipped.

As can be seen in the figure, the top surfaces of the labels181,182disposed on the front111of first ply110are coplanar. The second label182is stacked over a corresponding part of second ply120, where first adhesive layer pattern131and second release layer pattern142are disposed between the two plies. Also, one or more lines of weakness152extend at least through the first ply110and the first adhesive layer pattern131so that the first ply second printable region162that accepts printed indicia195and the portion of first adhesive layer pattern131beneath it can be removed from the remainder of form100. As with the line of weakness151that circumscribed the first ply first printable region161, this line of weakness is preferably a full die cut. While the second label182also includes an adhesive layer131and release layer142disposed between the back112of first ply110and the front121of second ply120, its configuration differs from that of the first label181. For example, whereas the second adhesive layer pattern132of the first label181was generally underneath the first release layer pattern141, in second label182the first adhesive layer pattern131is over its corresponding second release layer pattern142. Furthermore, as will be shown and described below, second release layer pattern142occupies the substantial entirety of the portion of the front121of second ply120that will form the second label182. The first adhesive layer pattern131faces the back112of first ply110, and is configured to maximize the amount of adhesive surface coverage that the second label182has once it and its corresponding part of first adhesive layer pattern131is removed from the remainder of the form100. The back122of second ply120defines a substantially flat lower surface. In addition, the back122of second ply120defines a unitary (one-piece) substrate that gets divided upon the presence of a cut line170that is preferably continuous.

Referring next toFIGS. 2A and 6, a top view of form100is shown, emphasizing the front111of first ply110. Left and right side lateral edges100L,100R and top and bottom edges100T,100B define the outer dimensions of form100. Labels181,182are configured to contain printed indicia that can be disposed within the printable regions of the first and second plies. In one configuration, first label181makes up a packing list while the second label182makes up a shipping label. In this configuration, depicted with particularity inFIG. 2A, first label181and second label182are disposed laterally adjacent one another. An arrow indicates the direction a web of forms100travels as it is being fed into a printing device (not shown). As shown with particularity inFIG. 6, the labels may be alternately disposed longitudinally relative to one another. It will be appreciated that either configuration is compatible with the present invention, and furthermore, that either configuration can be used for discrete, cut sheets or continuous versions of the form100. Printed indicia195defines information pertinent to a shipping label (as shown in first ply second printed region162) and a packing list (as shown in first ply first printed region161), while lines of weakness151,152define the removable portions of the labels181,182respectively that can be subsequently affixed to a package (not presently shown). Preferably, the lines of weakness151,152are full die cuts, rather than a perforated cut, thereby promoting a more clean, less jagged separation. A border115surrounds first ply first printable region161, while a border116contiguous with border115surrounds first ply second printable region162. The printed indicia195contained on first ply first printable region161is preferably hidden from view until accessed by the intended recipient of the package. Accordingly, it is placed face-down on the package, where the exposed adhesive (shown and described later) secures the two together. Contrarily, the construction of the shipping label disposed within second label182is such that the printed indicia195placed thereon is intended to be viewed during shipping. Thus, once the shipping label portion corresponding to second label182is removed from form100, first adhesive layer pattern131(shown inFIG. 1) on the back of the first ply110can be used to form a bond between the label182and the package to which it is affixed. Another feature depicted in the figure is the use of a printed indicator191placed circumferentially around the first and second labels181,182. In a preferred configuration, the indicator191is a rectangle printed on the front111of first ply110. By forming a closed box around two labels that are configured to have common information between them (such as matched shipping address and package contents), a user is put on additional notice that a particular label pair should be used together. By way of example, the rectangle of indicator191can be in a conspicuous color. In another configuration, the indicator191constitutes the edge of the form; such a configuration is particularly useful for large forms, such as an eight and a half by eleven inch version.

Referring next toFIG. 2B, the back112of the first ply110is shown. The patterned nature of the first release layer pattern141underlying first label181ofFIG. 2Ais shown, forming a “picture frame” around a region on back112that is coextensive with the first ply first printable region161of first label181. Due to the patterning, the portion of the back112of first ply110that lies within the perimeter of the top of label181is substantially devoid of release layer, thereby allowing adhesive (discussed later) disposed beneath to bond to the back161A of first ply first printable region161. The back of the first ply110corresponding to the first ply second printable region162is shown as162A, and is preferably completely coated with first adhesive layer pattern131. Within the line of weakness152is the portion defined by the top of the label182that corresponds to the shipping label shown inFIG. 2A. A comparison of the dimensions of the line of weakness151ofFIG. 2Aand the underlying first release layer pattern141ofFIG. 2Bshows that the line of weakness151is slightly larger, such that the first release layer pattern141is present on both sides of the line to allow for manufacturing tolerances in depositing the first release layer pattern141.

Referring next toFIG. 3A, the front121of second ply120is shown. Second adhesive layer pattern132preferably occupies the substantial entirety of front121that corresponds to first label181, while line of weakness155defines a portion of first label181that can be removed from form100, as will be discussed later. While the line of weakness155is shown as a series of perforations, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the lines could also be formed from either a continuous (i.e., full) or intermittent cut. Corners155A defined in the line of weakness155are shown as continuous cuts, thus making it easier for a user to grasp prior to removal from the remainder of the form100. The shape of the bottom that fits coextensively beneath the second label182that corresponds to the shipping label portion of first ply110is defined by the area on second ply120that is covered with second release layer pattern142. The construction of the second (shipping) label182allows ease of separation between the second label182containing first ply second printable region162on first ply110and second ply120such that the first adhesive layer pattern131shown inFIG. 2Bcan be subsequently used to affix the second label182coinciding with first ply second printable region162ofFIG. 2Ato a package. In one configuration, the second release layer pattern142is sized such that its outer boundary substantially coincides with that of the lines of weakness152. As discussed above, the second release layer pattern142preferably extends slightly beyond the periphery of the printable region162defined by the lines of weakness152, thus ensuring that the line of weakness155is not formed in contact with a layer of adhesive (not presently shown). It will be understood that in the interest of allowing relatively relaxed manufacturing tolerances (and their attendant cost savings), all instances where the release layer and the line of weakness are shown in a substantially coextensive relationship in the present invention can actually include slight release layer overlap as discussed above.

Referring next toFIGS. 3B and 3C, the back122of second ply120is shown. Referring with particularity toFIG. 3B, the two portions of the back122that correspond to the shipping label and packing list are substantially coplanar with one another. In addition, their construction is such that the entire lower surface defined by second ply120is formed out of a single (unitary) web. Cut line170is subsequently placed between the portion corresponding to the shipping label and packing list to define one outer boundary of the separable region190of the second ply120. By pulling at designated area175adjacent printed instructions, the entire separable region190(i.e., the affixing region125and the second ply printable region165), as well as presently unseen first ply first printable region161that in collectively define first label181, separates from the second ply120, after which the two may be placed on the surface of an object, such as a shipping package. Lines of weakness155(shown notionally as a perforated line), along with corners155A (with their continuous cuts) highlight the demarcation between the label181that is to be affixed to an object and the remainder of the form100. The construction of form100is such that fixed printed indicia197, which can include packing list information, removal instructions or the like, is viewable when affixed to a package. Thus, upon removal of separable region190and subsequent placement of the packing list onto a package, the fixed printed indicia197is face-up relative to the package surface. Removal of the packing list is effected by grasping one of the corners155A of line of weakness155and peeling away the label181containing the printable regions161,165. In another configuration, shown with particularity inFIG. 3C, in lieu of cut line170, a line of weakness156can be placed circumferentially around existing line of weakness155. Preferably, this additional line of weakness156is a full die cut, thereby facilitating ease of removal of printable regions161,165.

Referring next toFIGS. 4A and 4B, printing of indicia onto labels181and182is shown. Computer (or similar data processing device)1000sends information pertaining to the indicia to be printed to printer2000, which can be any variety of conventional automated printing devices, including (but not limited to) non-impact laser printers, ink jet printers, and thermal transfer printers, as well as impact dot matrix, train, band and daisy wheel printers. As shown with particularity inFIG. 4A, the printer can accept a continuous roll or web containing forms100(which is shown with the first and second labels181,182disposed laterally relative to one another), whileFIG. 4Bshows individual cut sheets of form100(also with first and second labels181,182disposed laterally relative to one another) both before and after printing.

FIGS. 5A through 5Ehighlight the major steps in affixing a form100with printing applied to first and second labels181,182to a package1, whileFIG. 5Fshows the removal of the first label from package1once its corresponding portion of form100has been affixed thereto. Thickness of form100is shown exaggerated for clarity and to emphasize the multiple layers that define the form100in its manufactured state. Referring first toFIG. 5A, form100is shown with the front111of first ply110facing up. First ply first and second printable regions161,162are shown after having printed indicia195placed on them. As discussed earlier, the packing list information shown as printed indicia195on first label181is preferably hidden from view while package is in transit; accordingly, inFIG. 5B, the form100is turned upside-down relative toFIG. 5Aso that this information can be placed face-down onto the package. As such, the second ply printable region165(that contains printed indicia that contains instructions, marking indicating that the packing list lies underneath, or the like) is disposed on the opposite side of first label181is now face-up and ready for removal from form100.FIG. 5Cshows the first label181being separated from form100by peeling designated area175along cut line170such that separable region190(including second ply printable region165and its corresponding affixing region125), as well as second adhesive layer pattern132and first layer first printable region161that are adhered to it separate from form100, leaving second adhesive layer pattern132exposed.FIG. 5Dshows how the shipping label corresponding to second label182can be peeled away from the remainder of form100. The form shown inFIG. 5Dhas, at the time the second label182is removed, already had first label181removed therefrom. In this circumstance, the remainder of form100may then be discarded.FIG. 5Eshows the subsequent placement of first label181onto package1, where the exposed adhesive layer132shown inFIG. 5Cis placed onto the surface of package1to form an adhesive bond between them. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the order of removal of the first and second labels181,182is not critical. Now-exposed first adhesive layer pattern131can be used to affix the shipping label to the package1in a manner similar to that described above for first label181. Depending on the nature of the adhesive used, the shipping label182becomes permanently affixed to the package1so that both may be discarded once the package arrives at its destination and the contents have been removed.FIG. 5Fshows how the packing list portion of label181is removed therefrom so that the recipient of the package can check the package contents against the printed indicia195shown on first ply first printable region161of the previously-hidden list. Upon removal of the packing list, a frame made up of the affixing region125remains affixed to the package1.

Referring next toFIGS. 7A,7B,8A,8B and9, alternate constructions of the form100are shown, where some degree of overlap between the first and second labels is present. Referring with particularity toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the faces of adjacent first and second labels281,282are not substantially coplanar with one another; instead, a glue layer260is disposed between overlapping lateral sides of the two labels such that an overlap region285in the form of a seam is formed between the two labels281,282. This seam can result in non-coplanar (as shown inFIGS. 7B and 8B), or substantially coplanar (as shown inFIG. 9) construction. As shown inFIG. 7B, the back222of second ply220of second label282(that corresponds to the shipping label) is glued to a portion of the front211of first ply210of the first label281. This permits the plies and layers making up the labels281and282to be made from different material, if desired. Referring with particularity toFIGS. 8A and 8B, form300differs from form200ofFIGS. 7A and 7Bby having the thickness of the overlap385reduced by eliminating the glue layer and removing a strip of second ply320B and corresponding second release layer pattern342from second label382. This allows the downward-facing exposed first adhesive layer pattern331on the back312of shipping label first ply310B to be affixed to the front311of the portion of the packing list first ply310A. The width of the strip of second ply320B removed from second label382is sufficient to ensure adequate bonding between the overlapped labels, but not so big as to cut into the region defined by the first ply second printable region362. The removed portions from second label382result in a non-coplanar relationship between the two labels381,382, as evidenced by the bottom side vertical offset between the two second plies320A,320B, as well as the top side vertical offset between the two first plies310A,310B. The advantage of the device depicted inFIGS. 8A and 8Bis that it could eliminate the need for a separate glue to bond the two labels together, as well as reduce the thickness in the overlap region. Referring with particularity toFIG. 9, a variation of form300ofFIGS. 8A and 8Bis shown, where form400combines the substantially coplanar construction ofFIG. 1with the overlap between adjacent layers ofFIGS. 8A and 8B. Here, the top surfaces of two webs (which can define, for example, the aforementioned packing list and shipping label) are joined along a lateral seam472, while the corresponding bottom surfaces are joined along a lateral seam471, the two seams offset relative to one another to define respective lateral boundaries of overlap region485. A strip of second ply420B (that corresponds to the shipping label) and a strip of first ply410A (that corresponds to the packing list) are absent within the overlap region485. A strip of first ply410B is bonded to a strip of second ply420A within region485by adhesive430(which could, in the alternate, be a combination of the two separate adhesive layer patterns431and432). This configuration has the advantage of facilitating automated printing, as the coplanar front411of first ply410(made up of separate first plies410A and410B) as well as the coplanar back422of second ply420(made up of separate second plies420A and420B) permits stacks of cut sheets of form400to fit within a printer tray without leaning or surface undulations caused by the thicker overlap region. This is a thinner version of the form ofFIGS. 8A and 8B, and allows the use of different substrates for the various sides while keeping a substantially coplanar construction.