Abstract:
Reusable, PSA labels and related methods. Some labels comprise a layer of PSA and an information layer. The PSA layer defines bond and exposed surfaces wherein the exposed surface is removable and bondable to contact surfaces. Additionally, the information layer defines exposed and bond surfaces wherein the exposed surface is able to receive a (removable) marking. The information layer is bonded to the layer of PSA. Labels can comprise Braille structures on the exposed surfaces of the information layer. Some reusable PSA labels comprise an intermediate adhesive layer so that the bonding is via the intermediate layer. If desired, the bond surfaces of the PSA layers can be on a sub-layer of the PSA layers and can have flow temperatures of no more than about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, labels can have PSA layers that remain flexible at a temperature of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/709,865 filed Oct. 4, 2012, by Gina M. Gatto-Weising, and titled Reusable Adherent Labels and Methods of Manufacturing the entirety of which is incorporated by reference as if set forth in full herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Static cling labels are unreliable under kitchen and many other domestic/household conditions. Post-It® note-type stickers, moreover, do not have sufficiently robust and tacky adhesive to be reliable in the kitchen either. Yet many users still want to place notes on various objects, change those notes, reposition, and/or reuse those notes. Their reasons for doing so extend from the mundane (for instance, labeling leftovers in a refrigerator) to more critical applications (such as warning a diabetic that a container contains a sugar-containing product.) Indeed, the reasons are quite varied and even encompass the desire to train, educate, inform, etc. other users. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosed subject matter, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of such subject matter. A purpose of the summary is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed disclosure that is presented herein. The current disclosure provides reusable PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) labels and related systems, apparatus, methods, etc. 
         [0004]    In accordance with embodiments, a reusable and repositionable PSA label for household use provides a relatively thin information-carrying top laminate layer and relatively thick adhesive polymer bottom layer. In specific embodiments the top information layer is attached to the bottom adhesive layer directly with the application of heat. Alternative embodiments attach the top information layer to the bottom adhesive layer with a middle layer of a second adhesive such as glue. 
         [0005]    The polymer adhesive layer is prepared with the use of an adhesive that is selected from a group of suitable commercially available products. Preparation of the adhesive layer includes the step of applying heat to the commercial product on a flat surface until the commercial product melts into a flowing liquid so that the liquid flows and spreads across the flat surface to a desired thickness. The heat is removed and the liquid material is allowed to cool and solidify into a layer of uniform thickness. The adhesive layer is then ready to have the informational top layer applied to it. 
         [0006]    Some embodiments provide reusable, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) labels. PSA labels of the current embodiment comprise a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive and an information layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer defines a bond surface and an exposed surface wherein the exposed surface is bondable with a contact surface when pressed there against in such a way that it can also be removed there from. Moreover, the information layer defines an exposed surface and a bond surface wherein the exposed surface of the information layer is able to receive a marking to convey information. The exposed surface of the information layer is also able to have the marking removed there from. Additionally, the information layer is bonded to the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive via the bond surfaces. 
         [0007]    In various embodiments removing the marking from the PSA labels requires a solvent such as alcohol. PSA labels of some embodiments can further comprise a Braille structure on the exposed surface of the information layer. Moreover, some reusable PSA labels further comprise an intermediate adhesive layer disposed between the bond surfaces so that the bonding between the bond surfaces is via the intermediate adhesive layer. If desired, the bond surfaces of the pressure sensitive adhesive layers can be situated on sub-layers of the pressure sensitive adhesive layers having flow temperatures of between about 250 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, reusable PSA labels of various embodiments have pressure sensitive adhesive layers that remain flexible at a temperature of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Some reusable PSA labels display an image of a clock on the exposed surface of the information layer while some reusable PSA labels display an international “no” sign. 
         [0008]    Embodiments provide methods of manufacturing reusable, PSA labels. These methods include various operations such as forming a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive which defines a bond surface and an exposed surface. Moreover, the pressure sensitive adhesive layer can be formed so that the exposed surface is removably bondable to a contact surface when pressed there against. Methods of the current embodiment also comprise forming an information layer defining an exposed surface and a bond surface. The information layer can be formed so that the exposed surface of the information layer is able to removable receive a marking to convey information. In accordance with the current embodiment, the methods also comprise bonding the information layer to the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive via the bond surfaces. Of course, if desired, the methods also include cutting the reusable PSA label from a blank. 
         [0009]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the annexed figures. These aspects are indicative of various non-limiting ways in which the disclosed subject matter may be practiced, all of which are intended to be within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Other novel and nonobvious features will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure when considered in conjunction with the figures and are also within the scope of the disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0010]    The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number usually corresponds to the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures usually indicates similar or identical items. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a reusable PSA label. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates another reusable PSA label. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a reusable PSA label. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates another cross-sectional view of a reusable PSA label. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates still another cross-sectional view of a reusable PSA label. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of a blank of reusable PSA labels. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart of a method of manufacturing and/or reusing reusable PSA labels. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    The current disclosure provides reusable PSA labels and related systems, apparatus, methods, etc. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a reusable PSA label. More specifically,  FIG. 1  illustrates a container  100  which includes a body  102  and a lid  104 . Additionally,  FIG. 1  illustrates a reusable PSA label  106  removably bonded to the body  102  of the container. Notably, the reusable PSA label includes an informational display surface  108  which is exposed to the user and which carries some informational image, text, etc. on it. 
         [0020]    The container  100  could be a jar, bowl, piece of Tupperware®, tin (or steel) can, box, pot, etc. Often the container holds food, drinks, condiments, etc. although many other types of contents are possible and within the scope of the current disclosure. Moreover, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the container  100  might be opaque, translucent, or transparent. In addition, the container  100  might have a lid  104  although the container  100  could have a cap or some type of covering such as cellophane, Saran® wrap, tin foil, aluminum foil, etc. As a result, it might be inconvenient to view the contents of the container  100 . Also, the container could be located (and/or movable) in a number of varying environments such as those found indoors, outside, in a refrigerator, in a cooler, in a tent, in a recreational vehicle (or other type of vehicle) etc. 
         [0021]    In many situations, users might not want to, or be inclined to look inside the container  100  to determine its contents. Moreover, some users (such as those with mentally challenged, brain injuries, the blind, etc.) might have difficulty in discerning or understanding certain implications of what the contents might mean to them. For instance, the blind simply cannot see the contents whether they remove the lid  104  and/or whether the body  102  of the container  100  is transparent. Those users with mentally challenged conditions might not (even upon viewing the contents) appreciate the implications thereof. For instance, those with infantile or infant-like mental capacities and certain dietary issues might not understand that gluten-containing, lactose-containing, sugary, alcoholic, etc. contents might aggravate conditions such as gluten intolerance and/or celiac, lactose intolerance, diabetes, Crohn&#39;s Disease, peanut-related allergies, etc. 
         [0022]    Further still, the contents of the container  100  might change over time. In some situations, parents of the foregoing types of individuals might place leftovers in the various containers  100  in a given refrigerator. Then again, even if the contents of a given container stay generally the same, certain impurities might find their way into the contents. For instance, a knife used to butter bread might taint butter with gluten or sugar might be added to a drink stored in a particular container. 
         [0023]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , the reusable PSA labels  106  of the current embodiment allow users to conveniently label and/or re-label containers  100  in accordance with circumstances and/or their desires. More specifically, the reusable PSA labels  106  illustrated by  FIG. 1  can be bonded to such containers  100  by pressing the reusable PSA labels  100  against the containers  100  and allowing the pressure sensitive adhesive on the backs thereof to removably bond to the containers  100 . Additionally, while some reusable PSA labels  100  have permanent images impressed thereon, some reusable PSA labels  100  can (removably) accept markings on their exposed surfaces. Indeed, some reusable PSA labels can have permanent images and can receive markings as well as have those markings removed therefrom. The removable markings can be made by pens, pencils, Sharpie® markers, whiteboard markers, highlighters, etc. 
         [0024]    Still with reference to  FIG. 1 , the types of permanent information images for the reusable PSA labels of the current embodiment run the gamut of possible informational images. While not wishing to limit the disclosure, the Inventor has found that the following types of informational images can be advantageously displayed by reusable PSA labels of embodiments: dietary warnings, poison warnings, learning/educational messages, training messages, etc. Moreover, these images can be graphical, textual, or a combination thereof. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  illustrates another reusable PSA label. More specifically,  FIG. 2  illustrates the reusable PSA label  120  and its informational area  122  which displays the image of a clock. The clock image, of course, includes icons  124 - 136  for each of the 12 hours typically displayed on a clock face although 24-hour (and/or other) types of clocks could be displayed in the informational area  122 . In the current embodiment, though, the reusable PSA label  120  (with the clock image) can be used to train a child (whether developmentally challenged or not) to associate certain activities with certain times of the day. For instance, the reusable PSA label  120  could also include other reusable PSA labels  137 - 146  which can be applied to sectors of the clock image (corresponding to particular hours or times of day/night) and which display icons associated with pre-selected user activities. For instance reusable PSA label  140  displays a soccer ball associating soccer or some other athletic endeavor with the 3:00-4:00 time frame. Reusable PSA label  141 , in contrast, displays a bathtub icon associating bath time with the 6:00-7:00 period. Thus, children with learning disabilities could be trained with an aid such as reusable PSA label  120 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a reusable PSA label. More specifically,  FIG. 3  illustrates that the reusable PSA label  300  generally includes two layers bonded to one another. The two layers of the current embodiment are the informational layer  302  and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  304 . The informational layer  302  can be made of any number of materials. For instance, a vinyl laminate, an acrylic laminate, etc. can be used to form the informational layer  302 . Meanwhile, the pressure sensitive adhesive layer can be made of any type of pressure sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments that pressure sensitive adhesive is Gel Cling which is available from Impact Innovations, Inc. of Maynard, Minn. However, any pressure sensitive adhesive such as those which are based on certain elastomers (with an appropriate tackifier added thereto) will do for many applications. Pressure sensitive adhesives based on acrylics, butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), natural rubber, nitriles, silicone rubbers, styrene block copolymers (SBC), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene/propylene (SEP), and/or styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) could be used in reusable PSA labels of the current embodiment. 
         [0027]    Moreover, as is further disclosed herein, the informational layer  302  and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  304  can be bonded to one another. For instance, both layers  302  and  304  can define exposed surfaces  306  and  308  and bond surfaces  310  and  312  respectively. The bonding between the two layers  302  and  304  can be by way of the bond surfaces  310  and  312  leaving the exposed surfaces  306  and  308  available for other purposes. For instance, the exposed surface  308  of the informational layer  302  can display information, images, etc. while the exposed surface  312  of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  304  can be used to adhere (even if temporarily) the reusable PSA label  300  to some object. For instance, Braille tape  314  can be applied to the exposed surface  306  of the informational layer  302  with the exposed surface  308  of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  304  being used to adhere the reusable PSA label  300  to a food container. 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates another cross-sectional view of a reusable PSA label. More specifically, in addition to layers  402  and  404  which are somewhat similar to layers  302  and  304 , reusable PSA label  400  includes an intermediate layer  406  of adhesive. The adhesive used to form intermediate layer  406  of the current embodiment can be any type of glue and/or adhesive suitable to bond the bond surfaces of the layers  402  and  404  together. For instance, Amazing Goop adhesive (available from Eclectic Products, Inc. of Eugene, Oreg.) can be used to form the intermediate layer  406 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates still another cross-sectional view of a reusable PSA label. In this embodiment, the reusable PSA labels  500  include a sub-layer of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  504 . More specifically, the sub-layer  506  is formed from a pressure sensitive adhesive with a flow temperature between about 250 degrees Fahrenheit and about 300 degrees Fahrenheit and is used to bond the bond surfaces of the informational layer  502  and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  504 . Indeed, in accordance with embodiments, heat can be applied to the bond surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  504  such that the sub-layer  506  softens or becomes amorphous, liquid, and/or semi-liquid or “flows” and thus becomes tacky. In some cases, that heat is applied by an (temperature controlled) iron or press for a pre-selected amount of time. The informational layer  502  is then applied to the sub-layer  506  and pressed against the same. Thus, in accordance with the current embodiment and as the sub-layer  506  cools, it bonds the bond surfaces of the layers  502  and  504  together. It might be worth noting that while  FIG. 5  shows the sub-layer  506  as having a definite boundary with the remainder of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  504 , this feature does not limit the current disclosure. More particularly, it is believed that the “boundary” between the sub-layer and the remainder of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  504  might be indeterminate, diffuse, ill-defined, etc. Yet, in reusable PSA labels of the current embodiment, some portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  504  will have been “flowed” with a structure perhaps more uniform than the rest of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  504  which reflects that “flow” history. 
         [0030]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of a blank of reusable PSA labels. More specifically,  FIG. 6  illustrates that the blank  600  includes numerous labels  602  surrounded by borders  604 . These blanks  600  of the current embodiment can be mass-produced with one or more types of labels  602  embodied therein or they can be produced in more limited volumes containing only one (or a few) type(s) of label  620 . Moreover, these blanks  600  can be scored, perforated, etc. so as to allow relatively easy separation of one or more individual labels  602  from the blank  600 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart of a method of manufacturing and/or reusing reusable PSA labels. More specifically,  FIG. 7  illustrates that the method  700  includes various operations such as forming a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive. See reference  702 . At about the same time, if desired, an informational layer  502  of one or more labels  602  (or blanks  600 ) can be formed as indicated at reference  704 . Of course, as the informational layer  502  is being formed, an image(s) can be embodied therein or imprinted thereon. See reference  706 . 
         [0032]    Furthermore, the two layers  502  and  504  can be aligned with each other as illustrated by reference  708 . Once aligned, or perhaps at some other time, the layers  502  and  504  can be bonded with one another. See reference  710 . That bonding can be by way of the application of adhesive or heat to the informational layer (with heat being conducted to the sub-layer  506  of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  504 ) and/or subsequent pressing of the two layers  502  and  504  together. See references  712  and  714  respectively. Of course, the adhesive and/or heat could be applied to the pressure sensitive adhesive layer  504  instead of (or in addition to) the informational layer  502  without departing from the scope of the current disclosure. In scenarios in which heat is used to bond the layers  502  and  504  to each other, the sub-layer  506  can be formed at reference  716 . 
         [0033]    At some point, a Braille structure such as Braille tape  314  can be applied to the informational layer  502  of one or more labels  602 . See reference  718 . While  FIG. 7  illustrates application of a Braille structure to the informational layer during the manufacture of the label(s), this ordering (as with other ordering-related information disclosed with reference to method  700  and elsewhere herein) is non-limiting. For instance, the Braille structure could be applied to the informational layer at any time in method  700  if desired. 
         [0034]    However, in accordance with the current embodiment,  FIG. 7  does illustrate that method  700  includes cutting (or otherwise separating) one or more labels  602  from a blank  600  of labels. See reference  720 . Moreover, as indicated by reference  722 , some or all of the foregoing portions of method  700  can be repeated if desired. Of course, though, method  700  can continue with other operations. 
         [0035]    For instance, a user could mark one or more of the labels  602  at reference  724  and/or could place one or more labels  602  on various objects at reference  726 . In keeping with the reusable and/or repositionable nature of some such labels  602 , users could also remove such labels  602  from these objects. See reference  728 . Additionally, or in the alternative, the users could remove the label  602  from an object and/or move it to another location as indicated at reference  730 . In addition, or in the alternative, a user could remove the marking(s) from one or more labels  602  as reference  732  shows. Moreover, additional labels of various embodiments can be manufactured and used in accordance with method  700  and/or other methods. See reference  734 . In some situations, though, method  700  could end if desired. 
         [0036]    Thus, repositionable/reusable adherent labels of embodiments have been disclosed. Such labels allow users to conveniently mark and/or remark containers and/or other objects in many environments including homes, offices, factories, etc. Labels of various embodiments, moreover, facilitate various activities such as training, educating, warning, informing, etc. users of/for certain conditions and/or activities in flexible, convenient, and/or inexpensive manners. Labels of embodiments can be removably applied to a wide range of objects and under a wide range of circumstances. 
         [0037]    In accordance with embodiments, a reusable and repositionable PSA label for household use provides a relatively thin information-carrying top laminate layer and relatively thick adhesive polymer bottom layer. In specific embodiments the top information layer is attached to the bottom adhesive layer directly with the application of heat. Alternative embodiments attach the top information layer to the bottom adhesive layer with a middle layer of a second adhesive such as glue. Of course, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “back,” “front,” etc. are used herein merely for convenience and do not limit labels of the current embodiment to use in any particular orientation or position. 
         [0038]    The polymer adhesive layer of the current embodiment is prepared with the use of an adhesive that is selected from group of suitable commercially available products. Preparation of the adhesive layer includes the step of applying heat to the commercial product on a flat non-stick surface until the commercial product melts into a flowing liquid so that the liquid flows and spreads across the flat surface to a desired and substantially uniform thickness. The adhesive layer is then ready to have the informational top layer applied to it. The heat is removed and the liquid material is allowed to cool and solidify into a layer of uniform thickness with a label adhered to the top. Excess adhesive is trimmed around the edge of the top label after the adhesive has cooled and solidified. Suitable commercially available adhesive products include without limitation gel cling which is available from Impact Innovations, Inc. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, an adhesive sticker provides a relatively thin top layer, cut from a vinyl laminate or flexible plastic sheet a few millimeters in thickness (for instance) and attached to a relatively thick bottom adhesive layer about ⅛ inch thick. Information is displayed on the top surface of layer. With some sticker-like embodiments of the labels, the information is pre-printed on the plastic layer. With some embodiments, information is provided by the user with either a permanent or erasable marker, or with some other suitable indicator, even braille tape and the like. 
         [0040]    In another embodiment, an adhesive sticker provides a relatively thin top layer cut from a vinyl laminate or flexible plastic sheet and attached to a relatively thick bottom adhesive layer by means of an intermediate adhesive such as glue. One suitable intermediate adhesive is Amazing Goop® by Eclectic Products Inc., of Eugene, Ore. 
         [0041]    Moreover, labels of some embodiments can adhere around curved surfaces as well as sharper corners (such as 90 degree corners). Labels of embodiments also, or in the alternative, adhere to surfaces typically encountered in the household and therefore are suitable for use with freezer-compatible containers and refrigerator-compatible containers. 
         [0042]    The following are illustrative embodiments of various sticker and labels, how they are manufactured and suggested uses. 
         [0043]    Label Basics of Some Embodiments: 
         [0044]    Labels of the current embodiment comprise a thermoplastic adhesive such as Gel Cling (white) that has been melted and cooled; white or clear vinyl laminate sheet; a contact adhesive such as “Amazing Goop” (clear/transparent) acrylic paint (for its artwork); Braille tape (for use in creating Braille labels); and printed art work of various pictures (as visual aids for learning and project calendars with, for instance, a star indicating an element of surprise or a picture of a lunch box illustrating lunch time, etc.) 
         [0045]    Template Labels of Some Embodiments: 
         [0046]    Labels of the current embodiment comprise gel cling adhesive (bottom layer) which is glued to a laminate template (top informational layer) that has an acrylic design (information) displayed on the top. Use of the template label (in accordance with the current embodiment) enables the user to place it on any glass, plastic, stainless steel, box etc. surface for storage in refrigerator, freezer or pantry with the name/date of food or product to be used in the present or future (for instance leftover pot roast with a notation such as “pot roast Sep. 4, 2012”). Template labels can have various designs to accompany most any decor. 
         [0047]    Template labels of the current embodiment allow easier access to previously prepared foods stored in a pantry, a freezer and/or a refrigerator. They also can enable user(s) to know what has been prepared and when it was prepared and allows them greater ease in learning this information without having to open the container(s). Labels of the current embodiment are reusable, repositionable, and easy to clean with soap and water. Moreover, these labels can be written on with dry or wet markers. These label are flexible and wrap around the corners of containers with adhesive which is sufficiently strong to maintain contact with the container. 
         [0048]    Learning &amp; Kitchen Labels: 
         [0049]    In accordance with the current embodiment, some labels comprise: cling gel adhesive glued to printed or painted pictures as visual aids. Labels of the current embodiment can be somewhat similar to the foregoing template labels however labels of the current embodiment can use vinyl laminate or other material for the top of the label, sticker, photo paper, plastic, etc. 
         [0050]    Learning Purpose: 
         [0051]    Labels of some embodiments are designed to help children or adults who learn better through pictures and/or users who want easier access to prepared foods for younger kids, especially those with food allergies. Labels of the current embodiment adhere to glass, plastic, stainless steel, boxes, and/or anything with a smooth surface i.e. jars, containers, boxes, plates, etc. 
         [0052]    Learning Labels can be customized for the user who wishes to use the labels for a learning-clock or learning-calendar. Labels of the current embodiment are customized based on what the user desires for instance with a 24 hour clock label the user might want breakfast, lunch and dinner labels, bath labels, (reminders for a) specific sporting event or practices, specific labels that show surprise, change, homework, or specific tasks. Each label of the current embodiment can be placed on specific positions on the clock (or calendar) corresponding to specific times for instance daily, weekly, monthly, etc. and/or changes thereto. 
         [0053]    Kitchen Purpose: 
         [0054]    Labels of the current embodiment are designed for the kitchen (in the pantry, fridge, freezer, and/or in locations where entertaining occurs). These labels can be similar to the Template Labels. But they can have specific artwork or prints on their front surfaces showing what is in the container and/or dish. For instance a container holding a steak would have a picture of steak so a young child would know that steak was in the container. In another scenario, when hosting a party, a guest would see that steak was provided as one of the dishes being served. 
         [0055]    For the user with a food over it could be placed on things in the pantry, refrigerator, and/or freezer containing that the user is allergic to. 
         [0056]    Braille Label: 
         [0057]    Labels of the current embodiment comprise cling gel adhesive, Braille tape (with user-selected wording) based on a picture/artwork on a vinyl laminate. In the current embodiment, the cling gel adhesive is glued to a vinyl laminate with Braille tape placed in between the two. Acrylic paint or printed art work could be added to the vinyl laminate to form a Braille label of the current embodiment 
         [0058]    Braille Purpose: 
         [0059]    Labels of the current embodiment can be used as visual aides and/or tools for caretakers and their charges. These labels can be designed for greater ease in the kitchen around meal and/or at other times. Reusable labels of the current embodiment can be used in the pantry, refrigerator, freezer, and/or other locations around the home, office, etc. They can be decorative and can be used to label containers with specific foods or food group pictures. Such labels can also be made with Braille messages for easier use by the visually impaired user. Moreover, labels of the current embodiment can save time and simplifies meal times for users. 
         [0060]    Labels of many embodiments can be assembled by the application of heat and/or adhesives as disclosed elsewhere herein. In accordance with embodiments, which employ heat, gel cling is heated to about 250-300 degrees until it appears to become a soft liquid. The information layer of the label (for instance, a vinyl laminate) is then placed on the gel cling thereby covering the gel cling. The informational layer can be slightly pressed down until it feels sealed. Then, in accordance with the current embodiment, the heating device can be removed from the label thereby allowing the label to cool. Excess glue, gel cling, laminate, etc. can be trimmed from the label of the current embodiment. 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0061]    Although the subject matter has been disclosed in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts disclosed above. Rather, the specific features and acts described herein are disclosed as illustrative implementations of the claims.