Abstract:
A one-piece adhesive label is provided incorporating an integral tear strip. The tear strip is formed as the user grasps one activation tab that resides on either opposite end of the label. Preferably, one tab is formed at each opposite end. Slits formed on the opposite ends of the label adjacent the tabs enable the label to be torn in a uniform manner, taking advantage of the particular material characteristics of the label sheet that has unidirectional fibers.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to adhesive labels, and more particularly, to a one-piece adhesive label having an integral tear strip. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Adhesive labels are used to identify the contents of various packages, as well as to provide other information such as where the package is to be shipped, where the package originated, among other information. Whether a package is sent by courier, mail, or other package delivery services, adhesive labels are perhaps the most common way in which to identify the package so that it can be delivered to its proper destination. Many labels include pressure sensitive adhesive that allows the label to be easily applied to the package, yet the label remains secured to the package even under harsh shipping conditions. 
   Adhesive labels may also serve the dual purpose of securing adjacent closure flaps of the package, as well as to identify package contents and shipping information. These labels may be applied over the seam defining the edges of the closure flaps when folded to the closed position. 
   One disadvantage with respect to many prior art labels is that they require multiple layers of materials if the label is to include an integral tear strip enabling the package to be opened by grasping of the tear strip. Furthermore, multi-layer labels generally add to the costs of manufacturing the labels, as well as increasing the difficulty in manufacturing the labels since multiple materials are used and must be manipulated in the manufacturing process. 
   Therefore, there is a need to provide a label with an integral tear strip, but the label having a simplified yet reliable construction. There is also a need to provide an adhesive label that can serve the dual functions of identifying the package and securing adjacent closure flaps, yet achieving these functions at minimum cost. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, a one-piece label is provided with an integral tear strip enabling a user to access the contents of a package by simply activating the tear strip that is incorporated on the same layer of material forming the label. 
   The one-piece label of the present invention is made from a single sheet of material wherein the sheet incorporates a material having fibers that extend linearly across the label. At least one activation tab extends from a side edge of the label. A pair of slits is made in the label sheet on opposite sides of the tab. When the user grasps the activation tab and pulls, the label can be torn in a consistent, predictable manner since the fibers of the label run in the same direction as the slits made at the side edge of the label. Thus, an integral tear strip can be provided by combining the material characteristics, the slits and the tab. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of a prior art label; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the prior art label of  FIG. 1  illustrating activation of a tear strip; 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of the label of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3A  is a greatly enlarged view of a portion of the label showing the linearly arranged fibers extending in a uniform direction; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the label of the present invention wherein the label sheet has been separated from the liner sheet; 
       FIG. 5  is a reverse plan view of the label sheet of the present invention illustrating the adhesive pattern and deadened area; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a package incorporating the label of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of the label of the present invention illustrating the tear strip being formed by a user grasping an activation tab. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring first to the prior art shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a conventional prior art label is shown with a tear strip formed from a separate piece of material. More specifically, the prior art label  10  may be stored on a liner sheet  12 , and a tear strip  18  is sandwiched between the label sheet  14  and the liner sheet  12 . The label sheet  12  may include an adhesive backing  15 . The label sheet  14  is removed from the liner sheet  12  by separating one of the edges, as shown. The label  10  may further include a printed area  16  that identifies the package contents, where the package originated, where the package is to be shipped, and any other special instructions or identifying information. The tear strip  18  extends beyond opposite side edges of the label sheet, and typically at least one perforation or weakened area  20  is provided along the length of the label and overlying the tear strip  18 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the prior art label  10  can be used to secure adjacent closure flaps F of a package P wherein the label  10  is centered over the seam S separating the flaps. If it is desired to access the contents of the package, a user grasps either end of the tear strip  18  and pulls such that the label sheet is separated along perforation line  20 . Thus, with the prior art label, three components are required, namely, a liner sheet for storing of the label, a label sheet, and the tear strip  18 . Furthermore, a line of weakness must be formed on the label sheet to allow uniform and predictable tearing. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the present invention is illustrated as label  30  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A label sheet  32  has an exposed surface or face with a printed area  36  that can be used for identifying the package contents, shipment instructions, etc. The label sheet  32  is typically stored on a liner sheet  34 . The label sheet  32  further includes a pair of activation tabs  39  that extend beyond the respective adjacent side edges  35  of the label sheet. The activation tabs are simply extensions of the label sheet and are not formed from separate material. A pair of tear slits or perforations  38  are formed at both adjacent side edges  35  of the label. Each pair of the tear slits extends substantially parallel to one another in the same direction along the label. Intended tear lines  46  represent the areas on the label sheet where tears are intended to occur when the user grasps the tabs  39 . However, the intended tear lines are simply provided for visualizing where the label will tear when activated and no perforations or other types of weaknesses are formed on the label sheet. Therefore, the tear slits only extend upon a minor portion of a length of the label, and do not extend along a majority of the label. The intended tear lines extend linearly between corresponding slits of each pair of slits  38 . Thus, the tear strip is a rectangular shaped element bisected by the seam S defining the gap between the closure flaps F. Preferably, the tear slits  38  do not penetrate the entire thickness of the label sheet  32  but weaken the label at the slits enough so that when a user grasps and pulls the corresponding tab  39 , the label will tear. By not having the slits penetrate the entire thickness of the label sheet, the integrity of the label is better preserved to prevent inadvertent tears from occurring during shipment or storage of a package incorporating the label. 
   One preferred material for use with the label sheet of the present invention is a Polyolefin that is extruded such that the fibers in the material extend linearly across the length of the label sheet. Referring to  FIG. 3A , the fibers  40  are shown extending in the same direction or linear orientation D. One acceptable commercial material for the label sheet includes a polyolefin film sold by Fasson® known as Primax®. This material can be used when the material is oriented such that the fibers run the length of the label, that is, when the fibers are oriented such that they extend along the linear orientation D. The particular thickness of the label sheet can vary, but in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the label sheet is substantially thicker than conventional labels. Most labels have a thickness of between about 2 to 5 mils. This thickness allows the labels to be manufactured in standard processing equipment. In this preferred embodiment however, the thickness is preferably about 8 mils that makes the label significantly more rigid than standard labels. Particularly for those labels that are to be manually applied, increasing the thickness of the label makes them easier to handle and also increases the strength of the label whereby use of the single label sheet is strong enough to seal most packages. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , label  30  is shown during manufacturing wherein the label sheet is simply a one-layer piece of material cut to a desired shape. Prior to use, the label sheet is attached to the linear sheet. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , the lower surface or face of the label sheet is illustrated wherein adhesive  42  extends along both sides of the tabs  39 . However, a deadened area  44  is formed on the lower surface where the adhesive has been deadened. One way in which this deadened area can be formed is to separate the label sheet from the liner sheet and then apply a chemical to deaden the desired area corresponding to the tear strip. The label sheet may then be re-secured to the liner sheet. Alternatively, when the label sheet is manufactured, the processing machinery that applies the adhesive can be controlled such that no adhesive is placed on the area  44 . Accordingly, the terms “deadened area” as defined herein can define the neutralization of adhesive on the lower face of the label as a result of applying a chemical or the lack of adhesive being applied to that area. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , the label  30  of the present invention is shown applied to a package. As shown, the label is oriented along the seam S of the package such that the seam bisects the label. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , access to the contents of the package occurs by grasping one of the tabs  39  and pulling upwards. As the user pulls, tears are naturally formed in the label sheet material along intended tear lines  46 . The tear slits  38  enable the tears to commence without disruption of other parts of the label. The tear slits  38  can be of a selected length, but during testing it has been found that tear slits of 1/16″ enable uniform and consistent commencement of the tears, yet do not compromise the overall structural integrity of the label. Although two tabs  39  are shown positioned at opposite ends of the label, it shall be understood that only one tab is required. 
   For the liner, preferably a lightweight, non-curl liner material is used that lends itself to continuous form, fan fold, roll or separate sheet-end product, depending on the printing application desired. A preferred method of printing the product information onto the label sheet may utilize impact, laser, thermal imaging or other techniques to assist in reducing the overall cost of the label. The lower or rear surface of the label sheet is preferably provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Although many different types of adhesive can be used, it is contemplated that adhesive types may include a removable acrylic emulsion, a cold temperature acrylic emulsion, or a permanent acrylic emulsion. The adhesive selected will depend upon the particular application of the label. For example, permanent adhesion may be desired in one application whereas a repositionable adhesive may be more desirable in those uses that may require adjustment or moving of the label. In order to more easily facilitate deadening of the deadened area directly underneath the tear strip, a removable acrylic emulsion may be most desirable wherein application of a solvent easily removes the adhesive such that there is a clear delineating line between the remaining adhesive on the outer portions of the label sheet and the deadened area. 
   Depending upon the printing format desired, the liner sheet can be provided in a number of different final forms including a continuous sheet, separate smaller pages or sheets, continuous pin-fed sheet separated by perforated ends, and others. Thus, it is contemplated that labels of the present invention may be provided on a continuous roll, or may be separated into smaller pages or sheets. 
   To improve impact, laser, and thermal imaging of the printing, a top coating may be applied on the exposed surface of the label sheet. These top coatings may be water based, UV cured, solvent based, or others. In any event, it is desirable to provide the top coating such that the bonding characteristic of the coating does not overcome the user&#39;s ability to easily tear the label and, therefore, does not disturb the basic alignment and structure of the fibers of the label sheet that may otherwise prevent them from tearing in a uniform direction. 
   While the present invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment, it shall be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made to the invention in accordance with the scope of the claims appended hereto.