PRINTED OBJECT AND BLANK FOR PRODUCING SAME

Abstract: The invention relates to a printed object, preferably a leaflet or the like, comprising a single, continuous sheet (3a) of paper or similar material, and a blank for producing such a printed object, and a use of the same. The sheet (3a) is in the complete printed object folded along one or a plurality of primary folding lines (18, 19) extending between two opposing edges (8a, 9a) of the sheet. According to the invention, a locking tab (4a) extends with a first portion (10a) from one edge (8a) of the object along one side of the object parallel to the primary folding lines (18, 19) substantially to the other edge (9a) of the object, and with a second portion (11a) around said edge and back along at least part of the other side of the object. The blank for this printed object is characterized according to the invention in that a locking tab (4a) is formed integrally with the sheet (3a) and extends from one edge (8a) of the sheet substantially parallel to at least one primary folding line (18, 19) and has an extension in the longitudinal direction of the folding line which is larger/greater than the extension of the folded printed object in said direction, and is provided with a folding line (12a) dividing the locking tab in a first portion (10a) and a second portion (11a). The use of the printed object is characterized according to the invention in that the printed object is attached to the outside of a package, e.g. by gluing, with the free portion of the locking tab facing the package.

Description: Printed object and blank for producing same The invention relates to a printed object, preferably a leaflet, directions for use or the like, comprising a single, continuous sheet of paper of a similar material, the sheet being folded along one or a plurality of primary folding lines extending between two opposing edges of the sheet, and a blank for a printed object of this kind and furthermore a use of such a printed object. In many circumstances it is of interest that printed information is available together with a product. The information may be directions for use. a warning text or some type of declaration of contents. Thereby it is often of vital interest that the printed information relates specifically to the actual product. This is of particularly great importance when it relates to products which, if used wrongly, may cause injuiies. One example of this is medical drugs. It would directly be appreciated that the wrong information regarding the contents of the product and/or use of the same when it regards medical drugs could mean risks for the user. The information usually enclosed with packages of medical drugs has the form of a printed object loosely inserted the package, a so-called leaflet. A problem is to en- sure that the correct leaflet is enclosed in each package, not only at delivery from the producer, but also in the whole chain up to delivery to the user. Previously known printed objects of this kind are usually folded along a number of folding lines to get such dimensions that they may be used as leaflets within smaller packages, e.g. for medical drugs. A disadvantage of these printed objects in folded form is that they have a tendency to be folded out and thus loose the shape they are intended to have. Furthermore, they may only be placed loose within the package in which they are to be used. At each step in the handling of the package up to the user, there is therefore a risk that the printed object will be unintentionally damaged, replaced or lost. Everyone handling the package has therefore to check that the correct printed object is undamaged in the package. An object of the invention is to provide a printed object of the kind mentioned above, which in folded form does not risk being unfolded in use and is suitable to be removably attached on the outside of a package, and a blank for producing a printed object of this kind. This is achieved by means of a printed object of the initially mentioned kind and a blank for producing the same, also of the initially mentioned kind, the printed object and the blank according to the invention being characterized by the features mentioned in the characterizing portion of claim 1 and claim 11, respectively. Preferred embodiments of the invention are stated in the depending claims. The invention will be described in detail below with reference to the enclosed drawings, which show two embodiments and in which Fig. 1 is a plan view of a blank for a printed object according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the blank according to Fig. 1, partly folded. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the complete printed object, produced from the blank according to Fig. 1. attached to a package, Fig. 4 is a plan view of a blank for a printed object according to a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a blank according to Fig. 4, partly folded to form a printed object, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a complete printed object, produced from the blank according to Fig. 4, attached to a package, Fig. 7 is a plan view of a blank for a printed object according to a third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the blank according to Fig. 7, partly folded, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a complete printed object, produced from the blank according to Fig. 7, attached to a package, -"> Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a blank for a printed object according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 11 is a plan view of a blank for a printed object according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Figs. 1-3 of the drawing show a simple embodiment of a blank 1 and a printed object 2, which is produced from the blank 1. As shown especially in Fig. 1, the blank 1 consists of two main parts, i.e. a sheet 3 and a locking tab 4. The design and construction of these main parts are described below. The sheet 3 in the simple embodiment shown in Fig. 1-3 has two panels 5, 6, which are mutually connected along a folding line 7. The folding line 7 extends between two opposing edges 8, 9 of the sheet 3. The locking tab 4 extends outwardly from the edge 8 of the sheet 3 and has a length that is greater than the distance between the edges 8. 9 of the sheet. The locking tab 4 has two portions, a first portion 10 which is connected to the edge 8, and a second portion 11 which is connected to the first portion 10 by means of a folding line 12. The panels 5, 6 are intended to be provided with information by printing, and it is possible to use both sides of the panels 5. 6 for this purpose. Further, also the portions 10, 11 of the locking tab may be used for printing of information. To achieve a printed object 2 in accordance with Fig. 3, a blank 1 according to Fig. 1 is used as a basis, and said blank is provided with the desired information. The panel 6 is folded along the folding line 7 in over the panel 5. in accordance with Fig. 2, whereupon the folding is continued until the panels 5, 6 rest against each other. Thereupon the locking tab 4 is folded along a folding line 13 in such a manner that its first portion 10 will be situated above the folded panels 5, 6. Thereafter the sec- ond portion 11 is folded around the edge 9 of the sheet so as to be placed on the op- posite side of the folded panels 5, 6, seen from the first portion 10. Then the printed object 2 is complete. The complete printed object 4 may in accordance with Fig. 3 be attached on the out- side of a package 14, which e.g. may be a package for pharmaceutical drugs or some other type of product. The printed object 2 is placed on the package 14 in such a manner that the first portion 10 of the locking tab is facing outwardly from the package 14. while the second portion 11 of the locking tab is facing the package 14, as is seen in Fig. 3. The printed object 2 is preferably attached to the package 14 by means of some form of adhesive 15, e.g. glue or the like, having such properties that the printed object 2 is sufficiently attached to the package 14 to enable handling, while the adhesive 15 at the same time should be such that the printed object 2 may be removed from the package 14 without any damage being caused. In Figs. 4-6 a more complicated embodiment of a blank and a printed object according to the invention is shown. Details of Figs. 4-6 directly corresponding to details in Figs. 1-3. have been given the same reference numerals, with the addition of "a". The blank la according to Fig. 4 thus consists of two main portions, i.e. a sheet 3a and a locking tab 4a. The sheet 3a of the blank la according to Fig. 4 is divided into two rows of panels 16 and 17. respectively, the panels in row 16 being separated by primaiy folding lines 18. while the panels 17 in the second row are separated by primary folding lines 19. The two rows of panels 16 and 17, respectively, are separated by a secondaiy folding line 20. In an equivalent way to that described above, the sheet 3 a and also the locking tab 4a may be provided with printed information. This information may thereby be printed on one side on both sides according to the circumstances. When using the blank la according to Fig. 4 for producing a printed object 2a ac- cording to Fig. 6. the panels 16 and 17, respectively, are folded along the primary foldmg lines 18 and 19. respectively, and further the rows of panels 16 and 17, respectively, are folded along the secondary foldmg line 20 There are of course a plurality of opportunities regardmg the direction of foldmg and also regarding the order of folding The foldmg may be made m the way suggested in Fig 5, 1 e the panels 16 and 17. lespectively. in the rows of panels are first folded m zigzag, whereupon the foldmg is made along the secondaiy folding line 20 An alternative to this is that the foldmg along the secondary foldmg line 20 is made first, whereupon the folding along the primary folding lmes 18 and 19. respectively, is made Further, it is of course possible to perform the folding along the primary folding lines 18 and 19, lespectively, in another way than in zigzag accoidmg to Fig 5 e g by making the folding in the same direction as each piimary folding line However, as a final step the lockmg tab 4a is folded in such a way that its first portion 10a covers the folded panels 16 and 17, respectively, while the second portion 11a of the lockmg tab extends aiound the edge and along part of the opposite side of the folded panels 16 and 17, lespectively After that, there is a complete printed object 2a, which in a way corresponding to the previously described embodiment may be attached to the outside of a package 14a, e g by some kind of adhesive 15a In Figs 7-9 is shown a simplified embodiment of the blank and the printed object shown m Figs 4-6 Details of Figs 7-9 directly corresponding to details in Figs 1-6, have been given the same reference numerals, with the addition of "b" The blank lb accoidmg to Fig 7 thus consists of two mam portions, I e a sheet 3b and a lock- mg tab 4b The sheet 3b m the blank lb according to Fig 7 corresponds to the sheet 3a m the blank la according to Fig 4 From the edge 8b, the locking tab 4b extends outwaids paiallel to the panels 16b and 17b, respectively The locking tab 4b m this embodiment has a length which is less than oi equal to the length of the panels 16b and 17b, respectively When using the blank lb according to Fig. 7 for producing a printed object 2b according to Fig. 9. the sheet 3b is folded in the same way as described above in connection with Figs. 4-6. Thereafter, the locking tab 4b is folded in over one side of the folded sheet 3b. whereupon the complete printed object 2b may be placed on and attached to the package 14b. e.g. by means of an adhesive 15b. Thereby the printed object 2b is of course placed in such a way that the locking tab 4b is situated closest to the package 14b. In Fig. 10 there is shown a somewhat modified embodiment of a blank in accord- ance with Fig. 7. Details of Fig. 10 directly corresponding to details in the previous Figures, have been given the same reference numerals, with the addition of "c'\ The blank lc according to Fig. 10 consists of a sheet 3c and a locking tab 4c. The sheet 3c corresponds substantially to the sheet 3a according to Fig. 5. However, according to Fig. 10. the locking tab 4c extends outwardly from the edge 9c and has a length which substantially corresponds to the distance between the edge 9c and the secondary foldmg line 20c. i.e. it has substantially the same length as the panels 16c and 17c. respectively. As shown in Fig. 10. there is further, at the secondaiy folding line 20c between the panels 16c. 17c. situated at the same edge of the sheet 3c as the locking 4c. a fastening means 21. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10. this fastening means 21 is a short strip having an adhesive means. The fastening means 21 may be e.g. a short portion of adhesive tape or the like. The purpose of the fastening means 21 is that it. when the blank lc is folded to a complete printed object, will retain the free end of the locking tab 4c so that the complete printed object will be held together in a safe manner. It is of course also possible to aiτange the fastening means 21 at the free end of the locking tab 4c, and it is further possible to use some other material in the fastening means 21. As indicated m Fig 10. the locking tab 4c is further, on the surface which, when the blanket lc is folded to a complete printed object, faces outwardly, provided with a coating of an adhesive agent, preferably some kind of glue or the like, which makes it possible to attach the complete printed object to e.g a package m a mannei corre- spondmg to what has been described in the previous embodiments In Fig 11 is shown a somewhat modified embodiment of a blank in accordance with Fig 7 Details of Fig 11 corresponding directly to details in the previous figures, have been given the same leference numerals, with the addition of "d" The blank Id accoidmg to Fig 1 1 compnses a sheet 3d and a lockmg tab 4d The sheet 3d cor- lesponds substantially to the sheet 3a accoidmg to Fig 5 Accoidmg to Fig 1 1. the locking tab 4d extends out fiom the edge 8d and has a length which is somewhat larger than the distance between the edge 8d and the secondary folding line 20d, l e it is somewhat longer than the panels 16d and 17d, respectively In this embodiment, the folding line 13d is not only a folding line but is perforated so that the locking tab 4d may be separated from the sheet 3d for a purpose that will be descπbed below Aftei folding of the blank according to Fig 1 1 in a mannei coπesponding to what has been described in connection with Figs 7-9. a printed object has been achieved that is especially adapted to be attached to the outside of a package foi a medical dmg The sheet 3d is intended to be used as a leaflet, I e. it is provided with printing containing information legardmg e g the composition and use of the dmg in the package. The locking tab 4d is on its rear side provided with an adhesive which enables it to be securely attached to the medical dmg package Because the folding line 13d is perforated, the sheet 3d. I e the leaflet, may be separated from the package in an easy mannei By providing the front side of the locking tab 4d with an identification code, e.g a bar code at the free outer end, and by providing the panel 16d. which after foldmg of the printed object is situated uppermost, with an identical identification code, e g a bar code, it becomes possible to mechanically check that the locking tab 4d and said panel 16d belongs to the same product By forming the printing on the locking tab 4d as a label and by forming said panel 16d in the same manner, there is pro- vided a complete package with the iequned information, wheieby the sheet 3d m the shape of e g a leaflet may be torn off along the perforated folding line 13d while leaving the locking tab 4d as a label on the package The advantages of the invention should be cleai The complete printed object 2 and 2a. lespectively, is formed in such a way that it cannot be unfolded when it is attached to a package 14 and 14a. lespectively which makes it possible to place the product on the outside of the package without πskmg that the information will dis- appeai oi will be damaged Furthei it is ensuied that the correct punted object always will be together with the package up to the final usei of the contents of the package It is especially important when it comes to medical dmgs oi othei sensitive products The invention is not limited to the embodiments descπbed above but changes are possible withm the scope of the following claims

Claims: Claims 1. Printed object, preferably a leaflet, directions for use or the like, comprising a single, continuous sheet (3; 3a; 3b) of paper or similar material, the sheet being folded along one or a plurality of primaiy folding lines (7; 18; 19; 18b; 19b) extending between two opposing edges (8. 9; 8a. 9a; 8b. 9b) of the sheet, characterized in that a locking tab (4; 4a. 4b) is formed integrally with the sheet and extends from one edge (8; 8a; 8b) of the sheet across one side of the sheet parallel to the primaiy folding line(s) (7; 18. 19; 18b. 19b), said locking tab having a width which corresponds to or is less than the distance between a primary folding line (7; 18. 19; 18b. 19b) and the adjacent edge of the sheet parallel to the primary folding line or the distance between two adjacent primaiy folding lines (7; 18. 19; 18b. 19b). 2. Printed object according to Claim 1. characterized in that the locking tab (4; 4a) has a first portion ( 10; 10a) extending across one side of the printed object, substantially to the other edge (9; 9a) of the same, and a second portion ( 1 1 ; 1 la) extending around said other edge and back along at least part of the other side of the printed object. 3. Printed object according to Claims 1 or 2. characterized in that the sheet (3a; 3b) is folded along a plurality of primaiy folding lines ( 18. 19; 18b. 19b). which are substantially parallel to each other. 4. Printed object according to Claim 3. characterized in that the folding is performed in the same direction along the primaiy folding lines ( 18. 19; 18b. 19b). 5. Printed object according to Claim 3, characterized in that the folding is performed altematingly in different directions along the primary folding lines (18, 19; 18b. 19b). 6. Printed object according to any of Claims 1-5. characterized in that the sheet (3a; 3b) is folded along at least one secondaiy folding line (20; 20b). which is substantially perpendicular to the primary folding line(s) ( 18. 19; 18b. 19b). 7. Printed object according to Claim 6. characterized in that one secondary folding line (20; 20b) is situated substantially equidistant from the opposing edges (8a. 9a; 8b. 9b) of the sheet (3a; 3b). 8. Printed object according to any of Claims 1 -7. characterized in that the surface of the locking tab facing outwardly is coated with an adhesive, preferably glue. 9. Printed object according to any of Claims 1-8. characterized in that a fastening means is arranged to secure the free end of the locking tab to the main portion of the printed object. 10. Blank for a folded printed object, preferably a leaflet or the like, comprising a single, continuous sheet (3 ; 3a; 3b) of paper or similar material, the sheet (3; 3a; 3b) being formed with at least one primaiy folding line (7; 18, 19; 18b, 19b) extending between two opposing edges (8, 9; 8a. 9a; 8b. 9b) of the sheet, charac- terized in that a lockmg tab (4; 4a; 4b) is formed integrally with the sheet (3; 3a; 3b) and extends from one edge (8; 8a; 8b) of the sheet, substantially in parallel to at least one primaiy folding line (7; 18, 19; 18b. 19b), said locking tab (4; 4a; 4b) having a width corresponding to or being less than the distance between a primaiy folding line (7; 18. 19; 18b. 19b) and the adjacent edge of the sheet (3; 3a; 3b). parallel to the primary folding line, or the distance between two adjacent primaiy folding lines (7; 18. 19; 18b, 19b). 11. Blank according to Claim 10. characterized in that the locking tab (4; 4a) has an extension in the longitudinal direction of the folding line which is greater than the extension of the folded printed object (2; 2a) in said direction, and is formed with a folding line ( 12, 12a) dividing the locking tab (4, 4a) into a first portion (10, 10a) and a second portion (11, 11a) Blank according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the sheet (3a. 3b) is formed with a pluiahty of primary foldmg lines (18, 19, 18b. 19b) which preferably are substantially parallel to each other Blank according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the sheet (3a. 3b) is formed with at least one secondary folding line (20. 20b) which is substantially perpendiculai to the pnmaiy folding lme(s) ( 18. 19. 18b, 19b) Blank according to Claim 13. characterized in that a secondary folding line (20, 20b) is situated substantially at the midpoint between the opposing edges (8a, 9a, 8b, 9b) of the sheet (3 a. 3b) Blank according to any of Claims 10-14. characterized in that the locking tab has a width, which corresponds to or is less than the distance between two pnmaiy folding lines Blank according to any of Claims 10-15. characterized in that the locking tab extends outwardly fiom one edge of the sheet at one end of said edge Blank accoidmg to any of Claims 10-16. characterized in that a fastening means is arranged at the fiee end of the locking tab or at the point of the sheet, against which the fiee end of the locking tab is intended to abut aftei folding of the blank to/into a pπnted object Use of a printed object according to any of Claims 1-9 for providing a package ( 14, 14a, 14b) with printed information, characterized in that the printed object (2, 2a. 2b) with printed information is attached to the outside of the package (14, 14a; 14b), e.g. by gluing, with the free end portion of the locking tab (4; 4a; 4b) facing the package (14; 14a; 14b). 19. Use of a printed object according to any of Claims 1-9 for providing a package with printed information, characterized in that the printed object (2; 2a; 2b) is attached to the outside of the package (14; 14a; 14b) and is provided with a printed identification code on a free end of the locking tab and on the outside of the outermost panel ( 16; 16a; 16b).

Inventors: LINDQVIST BRITTA, LINDQVIST, BRITTA
Applicants: BROEDERNA LJUNGBERG TRYCKERI A, LINDQVIST BRITTA, BROEDERNA LJUNGBERG TRYCKERI AB, LINDQVIST, BRITTA
Application year: 2000
Main classification: B42D15
IPC codes: B42D15, G09B29, G09F3