Abstract:
A device for labeling an object having a periphery, including a substantially planar member having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces with the length greater than the periphery of the object. A protruding tab portion is included for facilitating re-attachable at least partial separation of the device from the periphery of the object when the device is affixed about the periphery of the object. The device further includes printed indicia on at least one of a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second surface, and at least one adhesive on at least a portion of the second surface that is suitable for affixing the device about the periphery of the object.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 09/404,429, filed Sep. 23, 1999, entitled ‘Extended Wrap Label’, the entire disclosure of which is hereby included by reference herein. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates in general to labels and, more particularly, to labels for products and product containers.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Labels, typically in the form of flexible sheet or web material attached to an object, have long been used to identify the object, its contents and/or display other information associated with the object. Such labels, which are normally fabricated from paper or plastic, are usually adhesively secured to the object by a contact or pressure sensitive adhesive material.  
           [0004]    Many objects such as jars, bottles, cans and similar receptacles support “wrap” labels which cover substantially all of their circumferential side wall surfaces. With these labels, essentially the entire outer surface of the label is available as an indicia bearing surface. A label covering all or nearly all of the circumferential area of an object such as a product container is oftentimes sufficient to convey desired advertising, content information, instructions, warnings, and the like. In many circumstances, however, an object&#39;s physical dimensions detrimentally limit the available print space of the label borne thereby.  
           [0005]    A common solution to the problem of limited label print area, as taught for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,458,374, 5,439,721 and 5,403,636, is to affix an additional multi-sheet leaflet or “outsert” to the exterior of the label. While generally effective for providing additional print space, such leaflets complicate the label assembly process in that at least three fabrication steps must be performed, apart from printing and placement of any necessary adhesive and release layers, in order to manufacture the label. That is, the base label must be cut to desired dimensions, the leaflet must be similarly cut and/or folded, and the leaflet must be secured to the base label. Moreover, the multiple layers of the leaflet may add considerable thickness and bulk to the label construction. Such label designs may also be unwieldy to the end user of the product if the leaflet is folded in a complicated pattern and is difficult to refold into its compact folded initial configuration. Further, because the base label and leaflet are discrete parts which must be joined to one another during the assembly process, the possibility exists that the leaflet may become detached from the base label and thereafter become misplaced. In that event, the additional printed information borne by the leaflet and, thus, the utility of the leaflet itself are lost.  
           [0006]    An advantage exists, therefore, for a unitary, i.e., one-piece, label construction which offers enhanced printable surface area capacity versus wrap labels of conventional design.  
           [0007]    Other details, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description of the presently preferred embodiments and presently preferred methods of practicing the invention proceeds.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    A device for labeling an object having a periphery, the device including: a substantially planar member having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces, a length greater than the periphery of the object and a protruding tab portion for facilitating re-attachable at least partial separation of the device from the periphery of the object when the device is affixed about the periphery of the object; printed indicia on at least one of a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second surface; and at least one adhesive on at least a portion of the second surface and suitable for affixing the device about the periphery of the object. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    The invention will become more readily apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof shown, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings wherein:  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional wrap-type label affixed to a product container;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of a label constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a label constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a label constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a label according to the present invention with a releasable end thereof lifted from the surface of a product container to which the label is affixed;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the label of FIG. 5 with the releasable end thereof attached to the surface of the product container to which the label is affixed;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIGS. 7, 8 and  9  are top plan views of labels according to the present invention including means for facilitating separation of a second portion of the label from a first portion thereof;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a label constructed according to the present invention having a tear strip;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the label of FIG. 10 shown wrapped about the circumference of a substantially cylindrical product container;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 12 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 11 with said tear strip removed;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 13 is a schematic depicting a method for making the labels of this invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 14 is a schematic depicting a further method for making the labels of this invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 15 is a schematic depicting yet a further method for making the labels of this invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 16 is a schematic depicting yet another method for making the labels of this invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 17 is a schematic depicting another method for making the labels of this invention; and  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a label constructed in accordance with the present invention 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]    Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an object such as a product container P, e.g., a bottle, jar, or the like, Adhesively affixed about the circumferential side wall of container P is a wrap-type label  10 . Label  10 , as is conventional, may cover any fraction of the circumferential side wall of container P. As illustrated, label  10  is constructed as an elongated strip member spanning nearly the entire circumference of container P such that the ends of the label are separated by a small gap G. The available printing area of such a label is limited by the area, (i.e., length and width) dimensions of the label. Additionally, printing is normally carried only by the exposed exterior surface of the label  
         [0027]    [0027]FIGS. 2, 3 and  4  depict several presently preferred embodiments of labels which alleviate the problem of limited print space associated with conventional wrap labels such as label  10  of FIG. 1, Furthermore, as will be described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4, labels constructed in accordance with the present invention may incorporate structural features which impart additional functions and advantages to the label.  
         [0028]    The labels according to the present invention, respectively identified by reference numeral II  0  in FIG. 2, 210 in FIG. 3 and  310  in FIG. 4, include several common characteristic features, For instance, each may be comprised of a flexible and printable substrate such as paper or plastic sheet or web material. Although they may be made individually, the labels are preferably produced from rolls of such substrates, such as paper or plastic sheet stock which can be continuously printed, coated with adhesive, applied with protective material, affixed to release paper, and cut to produce multiple labels as further described herein. Additionally, each label has general areal dimensions L and W which represent the length and width dimensions, respectively, of the label Length L is a predetermined distance related to the circumferential dimension of the object to be labeled and width W is that dimension extending perpendicularly to length L. Width W may vary, as may be desired or necessary, along length L.  
         [0029]    As used herein, the terms “circumferential,” “circumference,” or variants thereof shall be construed to include any distance circumscribing the perimeter of the target object to be labeled. The object may comprise a polygonal shape ( e.g., square or rectangular), curvilinear shape (e.g., circular or oval) or composite polygonal and curvilinear cross-sectional configuration defining a desired perimetrical exterior wall surface to be covered by label  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710  or any other label disclosed herein.  
         [0030]    Labels  110 ,  210  and  310  each include a first portion  112 ,  212  and  312 , respectively, having a length L 1 . L 1  is preferably less than or equal to the circumferential dimension of the object to be labeled. In addition, labels  110 ,  210  and  310  include second portions  114 ,  214  and  314 , respectively, of length L 2  which are contiguous with first portions  112 ,  212  and  312 . Second label portions  114 ,  214  and  314  provide additional length to first label portions  112 ,  212  and  312  such that the total length L of the labels  110 ,  210  and  310  is greater than the circumference of the object to be labeled. All or a portion of the underside of first label portions  112 ,  212  and  312  may be coated with a layer of pressure sensitive or other adhesive having sufficient tackiness to essentially affix the label on the target object, such adhesive being respectively identified by dot-dash lines  116 ,  216  and  316 .  
         [0031]    Each of the second label portions  114 ,  214  and  314  provides additional print space to labels  110 ,  210  and  310 . Indeed, both the top and bottom surfaces of the second label portions are available as printable surfaces. Further, depending on which of certain other structural features, described below, are incorporated into the label of the present invention, second label portions  114 ,  214  and  314  may function, without limitation, as resealable and/or removable flaps.  
         [0032]    The length L 2  of second portions  114 ,  214  and  314  is dictated by, inter alia, the need for additional print space. The primary practical limitation on the second label portion length L 2  and, hence, the overall length L of labels  110 ,  210  and  310  is that, if L 2  results in multiple wraps of the second label portion  114 ,  214  and  314  about the target object, the several superimposed label layers may produce a label whose bulk and thickness rivals those of presently available two-part (base label and leaflet) label constructions, however, the label of this invention may include any number of wraps of the second label portion about the target object. In fact, the multiple wraps embodiment of this invention may be preferable to known leaflet labels because multiple wraps provide, in most cases, an equal or greater amount of print area than would an equivalent leaflet label while providing a substantially uniform overall diameter to container P. A leaflet label providing an equivalent amount of print area would produce a bulge on the side wall of container P at the point where the leaflet is located thereby creating a nonsymmetric overall cross section to container P.  
         [0033]    Referring more specifically to FIGS. 2, 3 and  4 , FIG. 2 represents the simplest expression of the present invention. According to this embodiment, label  110  comprises first and second portions  112 ,  114  which are contiguous regions of an elongated unitary strip of material. No perforation exists between first and second label portions  112  and  114 , Physical demarcation between first label portion  112  and second label portion may be established by the rightmost edge of the pressure sensitive adhesive  116  underlying first portion  112 . The boundary between the first and second label portions  112  and  114  may also be distinguished by a change in width Wand/or the printed image carried on the label.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 5 and 6 are sequential views of the label  110  being applied to an object, e.g., a product container P.  
         [0035]    Referring initially to FIG. 5, first label portion  112  of label  110  is shown wrapped about and adhered to the circumference of container P and second label portion  114  is depicted in a lifted and turned-away disposition to expose the bottom surface  118  thereof. Both the top and bottom surfaces of second portion  114  are available as printable surface areas. To enhance the utility of label  110 , a comparatively narrow strip of tack adhesive material  120  may be provided along the distal edge of the bottom surface  118  of the second label portion  114 . Alternatively, tack adhesive  120  may be applied in any pattern and to any area of bottom surface  118  of second portion  114  and to as much as the entire bottom surface  118 . The tackiness of adhesive material  120  should be such that it may enable the second label portion  114  to be selectively and repeatedly adhered to the first label portion  112  substantially in the manner shown in FIG. 6 and released from the first label portion as in FIG. 5 to expose the bottom surface  118  of second label portion  114  at the end user&#39;s discretion. Preferably, where the strip of tack adhesive  120  is employed, the label stock is coated with adhesive to enable the strip to releasably adhere to the top surface of the first label portion.  
         [0036]    Although second label portion  114  may be of any length, an example best illustrates the degree to which a second label portion  114  of relatively moderate length increases the available print surface area of label  110 . Assuming that product container P is a generally cylindrical jar or bottle such as in FIGS. 5 and 6, length L 1  of the first portion  112  of label  110  is selected to be substantially equal to that of the circumference of container P. Recalling that both the top and bottom surface of the second label portion  114  may be printed, if the length L 2  of the second portion  114  is chosen so as to extend for an additional 360° of arc about the circumference of container P, then the total available print surface area is increased by 200% as compared to the available print surface area of conventional 360° wrap labels. That is, 720° of additional printable surface area is created in a label which consists of no more than two superimposed layers wrapped about container P. As a consequence, a compact, low-bulk and low thickness resultant label construction is produced which offers essentially three times the print area of a presently existing wrap label such as label  10  of FIG. 1.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 3 represents a further embodiment of the present invention. According to FIG. 3, label  210  is substantially similar in construction to label  110 . Hence, only those features which materially distinguish label  210  from label  110  will be described in detail.  
         [0038]    Unlike label  110 , label  210  includes a perforation  222  which may be placed at or, as illustrated, near the boundary between the first label portion  212  and the second label portion  214 . Although not illustrated, second label portion  214  may also include a thin strip of tack adhesive on the bottom surface and at the distal end thereof similar to adhesive material  120  of label  110  (FIG. 5) or in any pattern or to any area of the bottom surface of the second portion. So disposed, the tack adhesive serves to retain the second label portion  214  in contact with the first label portion  212  until deployment of the second label position is desired. In this way, some or all of the second label portion  214  can be torn from the first label portion  212  along perforation  222  to expose the surface of the first label portion previously covered by the second label portion. Additionally, the second label portion according to this embodiment may be adapted for a use, once detached from the first label portion, that is independent of the function of the first label portion. For instance, second label portion  214  may be printed with information such that it may function as a redeemable coupon for consumer merchandise.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 4 represents another embodiment of the label according to the invention. The label  310  depicted therein, like label  210 , includes a perforation  322  generally at or near the boundary between first label portion  312  and second label portion  314 . Additionally, second label portion  314  is provided with a pair of comparatively closely spaced perforations  324  and  326  disposed adjacent the end of the second label portion  314  opposite the first label portion  312 . Perforations  324 ,  326  together define a removable tear strip  328 , described below, which separates the second label portion  314  into a first non-adhesive-bearing, removable segment  314   a  and a second adhesive-bearing segment  314   b.  Alternatively, a single perforation may be located in second label portion  314  in order to separate second label portion  314  from segment  314   b.    
         [0040]    The bottom surface of the second label segment  314   b  is preferably coated with a pressure sensitive or other adhesive (not illustrated) similar to adhesive  316  provided on the first label portion  312 , In this way, when label  310  is fully wrapped about an object such as product container P such as that shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and  6 , the first label portion  312  is essentially affixed to the circumferential wall of the container and the second segment  314   b  of the second label portion  314  is similarly affixed to the first label portion  312 . Alternatively, if L 2  is greater than the circumference of container P, second segment  314   b  of second label portion  314  may be affixed to second label portion  314 .  
         [0041]    With respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, in order to detach the first removable segment  314   a,  therefore, the end user simply grasps and pulls the tear strip  328  (which also preferably has no adhesive on its bottom surface, although it may contain adhesive on such surface) thereby severing the tear strip from the first and second segments  314   a,    314   b  along perforations  324 ,  326 . Thereafter, the user grasps and pulls the first segment  314   a  to sever it from the first label portion  312  along perforation  322 . At this stage, the area of the first label portion  312 , as well as any area of second label portion  314 , previously covered by the first label segment  314   a  of the second label portion  314  is exposed And, if so designed, the detached first label segment  314  may perform an additional function, e.g., as a redeemable coupon or the like. Additionally, tack adhesive  120  (not shown in FIG. 4) may also be added to the bottom surface of segment  314   a  in a fashion similar to that for labels  110  and  210  in order to provide a resealable means for segment  314   a.  And, if so designed, the first label segment  314  may perform an additional function, e.g. as a resealable segment.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIGS. 7, 8 and  9  illustrate further embodiments of a product label constructed according to the present invention, identified respectively by reference numerals  410 ,  510  and  610  . It will be understood that labels  410 ,  510  and  610  may be constructed substantially similarly to any of the label embodiments disclosed herein including, but not limited to, labels  110 ,  210  and 310  described above or label  710  discussed below. Hence, only those structural aspects of labels  410 ,  510  and  610  which materially depart from those previously addressed, or whose description may otherwise be necessary for a proper understanding of the invention, will be described in detail.  
         [0043]    More particularly, labels  410 ,  510  and  610  depict exemplary, although not limitative, means for facilitating separation of the releasable second portions of the labels from the first portions thereof when the labels are secured to objects such as products or product containers. These means may include a protrusion  430  provided adjacent a distal end of the second portion  414  of label  410 , a notch  532  adjacent an end of the first portion  512  oflabel 51   0 , or a combination of a notch  630  adjacent a distal end of second portion  614  and a notch  632  adjacent an end of the first portion  612  of label  610 , Each of these means enable easier insertion of a user&#39;s finger or fingernail beneath the releasable second portion of any of the labels herein described when such labels are affixed to a product or product container whereby the second label portion may be more easily lifted and separated fr 9 m contact with the first label portion.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIGS. 10, 11 and  12  reveal a further presently preferred embodiment of a product label  710  constructed in accordance with the present invention. Label  710  may be manufactured in a substantially similar manner to and/or incorporate any combination of the features of previously described labels  110  through  610 . Hence, only those features of label  710  not earlier mentioned will be discussed in detail.  
         [0045]    Label  710  preferably includes means  734  for evidencing tampering of product prior to consumption thereof by an end user. According to a presently preferred construction, tamper evident means  734  comprise a fixed or disposable tear strip  736  contiguous with either the first, the first and second or, as shown, the second portion  714  of label  710  along perforation  738 . Tear strip  736  may be of any length, but typically corresponds to the length of the circumference of C shown in FIG. 12.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 11 shows label  710  as it would appear when affixed to the circumferential side wall of a substantially cylindrical product container P . To assure its attachment to the product container prior to removal, all or a portion of the tear strip  736  may be provided with a pressure sensitive or other suitable adhesive. When it is desired to access the contents of container P, the end user simply lifts a distal end flap  740  of the tear strip  736  and pulls the strip away from the remainder of the label  710  such that  10  the strip detaches from the label along perforation  738 . Upon removal, the tear strip may then be discarded.  
         [0047]    Once the tear strip  736  is removed, the product container cap or lid C is exposed thereby enabling the user to remove the cap and access the contents of the product container P. Should the end user discover however that, prior to purchase or use, that tear strip  736  is missing or damaged, tamper evident means  734  alerts the user that consumption of the contents of product container P should be avoided.  
         [0048]    Alternatively, distal end flap  740  may be omitted from tear strip  736 . Tear strip  736  may be temporarily or permanently affixed to cap C and, instead of the end user tearing away tear strip  736 , the end user may remove cap C by twisting or pulling thereby breaking perforation  738  and alerting a subsequent user that the container had been previously opened. In this embodiment, tear strip  736  may either be removed from or remain attached to cap C.  
         [0049]    Referring now to FIG. 18, there is shown preferred embodiment of a product label  1800  constructed in accordance with the present invention. The label  1800  is essentially identical to the label shown in FIG. 10, except that the label  1800  is adapted to be applied to irregularly shaped objects, particularly tapered objects. The label  1800  has a first portion  1812  with a top edge  1814  and a but tom edge  1816 . The label  1800  also has a second portion  1817  with a top edge  1818  and a bottom edge  1820 . To accommodate application to a tapered object having a top with a larger circumference than the bottom, the top edges  1814  and  1820  are longer than the corresponding bottom edges  1816  and  1818 . In addition, the first portion  1812  may be oriented at an oblique angle relative to the second portion  1817 . The relative length of the top and bottom edges and the angle between the first and second portions depend upon the shape and size of the article to which the label is to be applied. Generally, the greater the taper of the article, the greater the angle and the greater the difference between the length of the top and bottom edges, and vice versa. The specific lengths and angle are preferably selected so that the second portion  1817  substantially precisely overlaps the first portion  1812  when the label  1800  is wrapped more than 360° around an article. Alternatively, the specific lengths and angle may be selected so that the second portion  1817  only partially overlaps the first portion  1812  and partially contacts the container when the label  1800  is wrapped more than 360° around an article. Some or all of the edges may be curved to accommodate the difference in length between the top edges and the bottom edges. In FIG. 18, the top edge  1820  of the second portion  1817  is curved. In another alternative embodiment, the second portion may comprise one or more sub-sections, wherein each sub-section is at an angle relative to the adjacent preceding sub-section and said angle is selected to fit the geometry of the object to which the label is to be applied.  
         [0050]    As mentioned above, the label of this invention may be comprised of a flexible and printable substrate such as paper or plastic (such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene) sheet or web material. Although each label may be made individually, labels are preferably produced in larger quantities from rolls of such substrate such as sheet stock which can be continuously printed, coated with adhesive, affixed to release paper, and cut to produce multiple labels. One or more areas or surfaces of the label may also be coated with a lacquer or varnish in order to protect the label and/or printed inks from wear or other degradation. Also, as an alternative to the protectivelacquer or varnish, an additional layer of protective material (e.g. a substantial transparent layer of plastic such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene) may be applied to select surfaces or areas of the label. The means by which the labels will be made will depend, in part, upon the features which are to be incorporated into such labels.  
         [0051]    Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a schematic depicting a method for making the labels of this invention. It should be noted at the outset that the order in which the steps of the methods herein disclosed are carried out is not necessarily critical to successfully making the labels of this invention. As mentioned above, the labels are made from a flexible and printable substrate  800 . Graphic or other inks  810  are printed by printing step  820  (e.g. by flexographic, rotogravure, silk screening or other printing methods) at predetermined locations on the top and/or bottom surfaces of substrate  800 . F or example, depending on the desired or necessary label configuration, inks  810  may be applied to: the top surface of first label portion  112 ,  212 ,  312 ,  412 ,  512 ,  612 , or  712 ; the top surface of second label portion  114 ,  214 ,  314   a,    414 ,  514 ,  614 , or  714 ; and/or the bottom surface of second label portion  114 ,  214  , 314 ,  414 ,  514 ,  614 , or  714 . Pressure sensitive adhesive  830  is applied by step  840  ( e.g. hot melt or other adhesive means) to predetermined locations on the bottom surface of substrate  800  so as to provide a means by which the label may be affixed to the desired object. For example, depending on the desired or necessary label configuration, pressure sensitive adhesive  830  may be applied to the bottom surface of the first label portion  112 ,  212 ,  312 ,  412 ,  512 ,  612 , or  712 .  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 14 depicts a method for making the labels of this invention which adds to the steps. shown in FIG. 13 optional step  860  for applying tack or releasable adhesive  850  to select locations on substrate  800  such that the second label portion may be selectively and repeatedly adhered to the first label portion. For example, depending on the desired or necessary label configuration, tack or releasable adhesive  850  maybe applied to the distal edge of the bottom surface of first label portion  112  (i.e.  118 ),  212 ,  312 ,  412 ,  512 ,  612 , or  712 .  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 15 depicts a method for making the labels of this invention which adds to the steps shown in FIG. 14 optional step  880  for applying a protective material  870  to select locations over substrate  800  and/or inks  810  in order˜o protect substrate  800  and/or inks  810  from wear or other degradation. For example, depending on the desired or necessary label configuration, protective material  870  (e.g. lacquer, varnish, PVC, or other substantially transparent protective material) may be applied to any surface. In addition, it should be noted that either adhesive  830  or  850  may be applied overprotective material  870  provided that such application does not cause an adverse chemical reaction.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 16 depicts a method for making the labels of this invention which adds additional optional steps to the steps shown in FIG. 15. In this embodiment, substrate  800  is in the form of a web in order to facilitate the production of larger quantities of labels. Specifically, in step  900  substrate web  800  is fed through a series of process steps. Each such step is represented schematically by a box in FIG. 16.  
         [0055]    As indicated above, the order in which the steps are carried out is not necessarily critical to the successful manufacture of the labels of this invention. With this in mind, inks  810  are printed on one or both sides of web  800  in printing step  820 . Pressure sensitive adhesive  830  is applied to select areas of web  800  in application step  840 . Releasable adhesive  850  is applied to select areas of web  800  in application step  860 . A surface of web  800  bearing pressure sensitive adhesive  830  is applied to release paper  910  in application step  920  such that the resulting labels produced from this process may later be removed for application to container P. In application step  880 , protective material  870  (e.g. lacquer, varnish (such as ultra violet varnish),PVC, or other substantially transparent protective material) is applied to select surfaces of web  800  which surfaces generally do not contain pressure sensitive adhesive  830 . In die cutting step  940 , substrate web  800  (along with any protective material  870 ) is die cut to form label blanks, perforations, and/or other openings (if any) in web  800 . In stripping step  960 , substrate waste  950  is removed from release paper  910  after die cutting step  940  thereby leaving finished label blanks releasably adhered to release paper  910  for later application to container P. Finally, in optional rewinding step  980 , release paper  910  bearing die cut label blanks may be wound into rolls or other convenient form for later application of the resulting labels to container P or other objects by manual or automated means.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 17 depicts another method for making the labels of this invention which method is similar to the method set forth in FIG. 16, except that substrate web  800  is replaced with a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) material  805 . PSA material  805  comprises substrate web  800  releasably adhered to release paper  910  by pressure sensitive adhesive  830  which adhesive  830  is typically coated on one side of web  800 . In step  900  PSA material  805  is fed through a series of process steps. Each such step is represented schematically by a box in FIG. 17. Again, the order in which the steps of this method are carried out is not necessarily critical to the successful manufacture of the labels of this invention. With this in mind, in step  990  release paper  910  is removed from PSA material  805  to expose pressure sensitive adhesive  830 .  
         [0057]    As discussed above, in certain embodiments of the labels of this invention, it is desirable to have certain portions of the label which are coated with . pressure sensitive adhesive  830  (see e.g. portions  116 ,  216  and  316  of FIGS. 2 through 4 respectively and portions  416 ,  516 ,  616  and  716  of FIGS. 7 through 10 respectively) in certain areas which are intended to be indicia or ink bearing surfaces (see e.g. second portions  114 ,  214  and  314  of FIGS. 2 through 4 respectively and  414 ,  514 ,  614  and  714  of FIGS. 7 through 10 respectively). When PSA material  805  is provided with pressure sensitive adhesive  830  in areas where it is necessary or desirable to print indicia or inks  810 , such areas must be “deadened” by either removing pressure sensitive adhesive  830  from web  809  or by applying a detackifying material such as a varnish, laminate or other material capable of providing a suitable surface for the printing of indicia or inks  810  This deadening process is particularly useful when it is necessary or desirable to print on the surface of web  800  which surface also bears pressure sensitive adhesive  830  (see e.g. surface  118  of FIG. 5).  
         [0058]    The deadening process (if any is required) is carried out in step  1000 . With PSA material  805  prepared, web  800  may be printed with inks  810  on any surface of the label which is suitable for accepting inks  810 , Such printed surfaces may include both top and bottom surfaces of the label being produced, any surface not bearing pressure sensitive adhesive  830 , or any surface which has been deadened in step  1000 . Printing step  810  may comprise one or more steps wherein the top and bottom surfaces of the label are printed either simultaneously or in separate steps, In one embodiment of the invention, inks  810  are printed on the top surface of the PSA material  805 , PSA material 80 S is turned over, and inks  810  are printed on the bottom surface of PSA material  805 .  
         [0059]    In step  920 , release paper  910  is reapplied to web  800  with pressure sensitive adhesive  830 . Reapplication step  920  may occur at any time after printing step  810  is completed with respect to the surface of the label which also bears pressure sensitive adhesive  830 .  
         [0060]    As in the method depicted in FIG. 16, application of protective material  870  takes place in step  880 , die cutting of individual labels takes place in step  940 , substrate waste  950  is stripped away in step  960 , and the resulting web which bears the finished die cut label blanks is rewound in step  980 .  
         [0061]    Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.