Patent Publication Number: US-6213520-B1

Title: Tamper evident resealable extended text label

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to extended text labels, and, more particularly, to resealable multi-panel labels for pharmaceutical and like uses and methods for forming the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the packaging of certain chemicals and pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer is often required or desires to provide a considerable amount of information concerning the chemical or pharmaceutical. In the case of pharmaceuticals, this is required by government regulations, however, the occasion may also arise, either separate from or in conjunction with government regulations, to provide the doctor, pharmacist or user with instructions on how the product should be used, what the product is, and safety precautions which should be followed in the use of the product. Similarly, it is often desirable to provide information in multiple languages so that a given product or packaging may be distributed in multiple locations or regions. 
     Sometimes the literature, which is generally in the form of folded leaflets, is placed within a box along with the container carrying the chemical or pharmaceutical (referred to as “inserts”). The placement of leaflets within the box is expensive and a cumbersome operation to perform. Also, it is difficult to insure by later inspection that the proper literature has been inserted in the proper package. Most all products are packaged in outer cartons and many are not compatible with inserts. Further, the use of folded cartons is under scrutiny by environmental groups, as involving excessive packaging. In an effort to meet this challenge, many companies are looking at ways to eliminate folding cartons that carry containers inside. 
     A different approach to solving this problem has developed over the last several years in which the folded literature is releasably attached to the face of the container (referred to as “outserts”), either directly to the container itself, or to a base label which, in turn, is secured to the container. The literature may then be removed by the customer. In such cases, the portion of the label remaining must carry both an “identification” of the product, for example, information such as trademark, manufacturer, etc., as well as certain “statutory information” (for example, lot number and expiration date). 
     Thus, in order to meet the objectives of such labeling techniques, certain criteria must be met. First of all, the portion of the label which remains after the folded literature product is removed must contain both the identification of the product, as well as the statutory information concerning the lot number and expiration date. Further, after the literature leaflet is assembled or affixed to the base label, the indicated area for statutory information concerning lot number and expiration date must be accessible for stamping or printing by the pharmaceutical company and visible to the consumer in addition to the identification of the product. The folded leaflet portion remains affixed to the label portion until the customer (doctor, pharmacist, consumer) desires its removal. It is critical that the proper literature must be affixed to the proper base label. Finally, all of the above criteria must be accomplished in a manufacturing technique that insures quality and is cost-effective. 
     Examples of labels designed to eliminate the separate base panel are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,616 to Cowan (hereinafter, “Cowan”) and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,207,746 and 5,263,743, each to Jones (hereinafter, “Jones &#39;746” and “Jones &#39;743”, respectively), for example. 
     It is often desirable to provide an extended text label with resealability. Resealability may allow the user to open the label, inspect or remove the interior pages thereof, and thereafter reclose and reseal the label. The interior pages, if not removed, may then be referred to again later. Additionally, the various panels of the label are retained in a closed configuration so that they do not dangle and interfere with the handling of and detract from the appearance of the associated article. 
     In many applications, it is also desirable to be able to determine if the label has already been opened. For example, it may be desirable to provide means for indicating whether the label has been tampered with. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, a label includes a bottom panel and a top panel overlying the bottom panel. A tear line is formed in the top panel. A hole is formed in at least one of the top and bottom panels. An exposed adhesive is disposed in the hole. The label may be opened by tearing along the tear line and the label may be resealed using the exposed adhesive. 
     The label may include a base adhesive coating a lower surface of the bottom panel such that the bottom panel may be directly adhered to an article by the base adhesive. A release coating may be provided on one of the top and bottom panels and positioned to releasably engage the exposed adhesive. The label may include a laminate cover overlying the top panel, and a laminate adhesive securing the laminate cover to the top panel. The label may include a second tear line formed in the bottom panel adjacent the first tear line. The top panel may be joined to the bottom panel along a fold. 
     The label may include: a laminate cover overlying the top panel; and a laminate adhesive securing the laminate cover to the top panel, the exposed adhesive forming a part of the laminate adhesive; wherein the hole is formed in the top panel and the exposed adhesive releasably engages an upper surface of the bottom panel. 
     Alternatively, the label may include: an interior panel disposed between the top and bottom panels, the interior panel having an upper surface facing the top panel; a laminate cover overlying the top panel; and a laminate adhesive securing the laminate cover to the top panel, the exposed adhesive forming a part of the laminate adhesive; wherein the hole is formed in the top panel and the exposed adhesive releasably engages an upper surface of the interior panel. 
     Alternatively, the label may include: a base adhesive coating a lower surface of the bottom panel, the exposed adhesive forming a part of the base adhesive; wherein the hole is formed in the bottom panel and the exposed adhesive releasably engages a lower surface of the top panel. 
     Alternatively, the label may include: a first hole defined in the bottom panel; a second hole defined in the top panel and overlying the first hole; a laminate cover overlying the top panel; and a laminate adhesive securing the laminate cover to the top panel, the exposed adhesive forming a part of the laminate adhesive; wherein the exposed adhesive is disposed adjacent each of the first and second holes. 
     The label may include: a laminate cover overlying the top panel; a laminate adhesive securing the laminate cover to the top panel; a tab disposed adjacent the bottom panel and separately formed from the top and bottom panels; and a tab adhesive coating a lower surface of the tab, the laminate cover being secured to an upper surface of the tab by the laminate adhesive. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, a label includes a leaflet including a bottom panel and a top panel overlying the bottom panel. A first hole is defined in the bottom panel. A second hole is defined in the top panel and overlies the first hole. A laminate cover overlies the top panel. A laminate adhesive secures the laminate cover to the top panel. An exposed portion of the laminate adhesive is disposed adjacent the first and second holes. The exposed portion of the laminate adhesive may be directly engaged with the article through the first and second holes. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, a label includes a leaflet including a bottom panel and a top panel overlying and joined to the bottom panel along a fold. A first tear line is formed in the top panel and a second tear line is formed in the bottom panel. The first and second tear lines are disposed adjacent the fold and define a first leaflet portion on one side thereof and a second leaflet portion on an opposing side thereof. The fold forms a part of the second leaflet portion. A first adhesive is operable to secure the first leaflet portion to the article at a first location. A second adhesive is operable to secure the second leaflet portion to the article at a second location. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, a label assembly includes a release liner and a label. The label includes a bottom panel and a top panel overlying the bottom panel. The top panel has a lower surface facing the bottom panel. The bottom panel has a lower surface. A hole is defined in the bottom panel and underlies the top panel. A base adhesive coats the lower surface of the bottom panel. The base adhesive directly and releasably secures the bottom panel to the release liner. An exposed portion of the base adhesive is disposed adjacent the hole. The exposed portion of the base adhesive may be releasably engaged with the lower surface of the top panel through the hole. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, a label includes a unitary leaflet including a bottom panel and a top panel overlying and joined to the bottom panel along a fold. The bottom panel has an upper surface facing the top panel. A hole is defined in the top panel and overlies the bottom panel. A laminate cover overlies the top panel. A laminate adhesive secures the laminate cover to the top panel. An exposed portion of the laminate adhesive is disposed adjacent the hole. The exposed portion of the laminate adhesive may be releasably engaged with the upper surface of the bottom panel through the hole. 
     Objects of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the Figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1A is a side elevational view of a label according to a first embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner and in an initial closed position; 
     FIG. 1B is a side elevational view of the label of FIG. 1A in an open position; 
     FIG. 1C is a side elevational view of the label of FIG. 1A in a reclosed, resealed position; 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the label of FIG. 1A disposed on the release liner; 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a label blank for forming a leaflet of the label of FIG. 1A; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for forming the label of FIG. 1A; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an alternative apparatus for forming the label of FIG. 1A; 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a multiple-up leaflet for forming the label of FIG. 1A disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a label blank for forming the label of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a label blank for forming the label of FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the label of FIG. 18 mounted on a container; 
     FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; 
     FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of a label according to a further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release liner; and 
     FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the label of FIG. 26 disposed on the release liner. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The thicknesses of layers of the labels as shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. 
     With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C and  2 , a label  100  according to the present invention is shown therein disposed on a release liner  102 . The label  100  generally includes a unitary folded leaflet  101 , an adhesive patch  104 , and a laminate cover  150 . The laminate cover  150  is adhered to the leaflet  101  by a laminate adhesive  152 . The label  100  is releasably adhered to the release liner  102  by the adhesive  104  and a portion of the laminate adhesive  152 . When the label  100  is removed from the release liner  102 , the adhesive  104  and the adhesive  152  remain with the label  100  and may be used to secure the label  100  to an article (not shown). 
     The leaflet  101  includes a bottom panel  110  and a top panel  120  joined along a fold  118 . An interior panel  134  is joined to the bottom panel  110  along a fold  130 . A further interior panel  138  is joined to the panel  134  along a fold  136 . A tear line  132  is formed along or adjacent the fold  136 . An extended flap  122  forming a part of the top panel  120  extends beyond the fold  130 . The bottom panel includes a portion  114  disposed beneath the top panel  120  and coated on its underside by the adhesive  104 . The bottom panel  110  further includes a portion  116  which extends beyond the edge  105  of the adhesive  104 . Preferably, the portion  116  extends a distance G beyond the edge  105 . With reference FIG. 2, suitable indicia  107 ,  109  may be printed on the top panel  120 . Further indicia (not shown) may be printed on any of the remaining panels of the leaflet  101 . The leaflet is preferably formed of paper or polymeric film. 
     A main portion  150 A of the laminate cover  150  is adhered to the main portion of the top panel  120 . An edge portion  150 B of the laminate cover  150  extends beyond the fold  118  and is directly adhered to the release liner by the adhesive  152 . An opposed edge portion  150 C extends beyond the fold  130  and is adhered to the extended flap  122 . Preferably, the adhesive  152  permanently adheres the laminate cover  150  to the top panel  120 . The laminate cover  150  is preferably formed of a 1.5 mil polypropylene film. 
     An adhesive dot or patch  121  temporarily secures the inner surface of the top panel  120  to the upper surface of the panel  134 . Corresponding adhesive dots or patches may be similarly provided in the various embodiments described below, but are not shown. 
     A hole  140  is formed in the top panel  120 . Preferably, and as shown, the hole  140  extends the full width of the top panel  120 , thereby severing the top panel  120  into two pieces (as shown in FIG. 1A, a left side piece and a shorter right side piece). Alternatively, the hole  140  may be shortened such that portions of the top panel  120  extend alongside the hole  140  (e.g., on either side of the hole  140 ). A release coating  142 , preferably a release varnish, coats the upper surface of the base panel portion  114  beneath the hole  140 . Suitable release varnishes include product number L075 available from Paragon Inks of Boxburn, Scotland, UK. A portion  152 A of the laminate adhesive  152  is thereby exposed through the hole  140  and placed in contact with the release varnish  142 . Note that, while the adhesive portion  152 A and the varnish  142  are shown separated for clarity, the adhesive portion  152 A preferably engages the release varnish  142  in the finished label  100  prior to opening. The laminate adhesive portion  152 A is a pressure-sensitive adhesive which releasably adheres to the release varnish  142 . Suitable laminate adhesives include product No. 517, 1.5 mil polypropylene with a 0.6 mil layer of adhesive available from Adhesive Coated Products of Troy, Ohio. Spaced apart tear lines  144 A are formed through the laminate cover  150 , the adhesive  152  and the top panel  120 . The tear lines  144 A are preferably lines of perforations. The tear lines  144 A define a tear strip  144  therebetween. 
     The hole  140  preferably has a width dimension H (see FIG. 1A) of at least b {fraction ( 1 / 8 )} inch. Preferably, the corresponding width of the release varnish  142  is at least ⅛ inch greater than the width H. 
     The label  100  may be used in the following manner. As discussed above, the label  100  is secured to an article by means of the adhesive  104  and the adhesive  152  underlying the laminate cover portion  150 B. When the user desires to access the information on the bottom and interior panels of the label, the user may remove the strip  144 . The user then may lift the laminate cover  150  and the top panel  120  away from the bottom panel as shown in FIG. 1B, thereby peeling the adhesive portion  152 A away from the release varnish  142 , to place the label in an open position. The interior and bottom panels may then be accessed. If desired, the user may remove the interior panels  134 ,  138  by tearing along the tear line  132 . The user may then reseal the label  100  by folding the top panel back down and re-engaging the adhesive portion  152 A with the release varnish  142  as shown in FIG.  1 C. 
     From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the label provides multiple desirable features in an extended text label. The tear strip  144  provides for convenient opening as well as tamper evidence. Once the tear strip  144  has been removed, it cannot be replaced and its absence serves as notice to subsequent observers/users that the label  100  has been opened. Notably, after the tear strip  144  is removed, the spacing between the hole  140  and the adjacent tear line  144 A provides a free portion or pull tab  124  of the top panel  120  (as well as the adhered portion of the laminate cover  150 ) which the user may securely grasp to lift the top panel  120 . The pull tab  124  preferably has a width P of between about ⅛ inch and {fraction (3/16)} inch. 
     The hole  140 , the adhesive portion  152 A and the varnish  142  serve as described above as a means to reseal the top panel  120  in the closed position. Preferably, the adhesive portion  152 A and the varnish  142  are selected to allow repeated separation and resealing. The adhesive portion  152 A and the varnish  142  also serve, prior to the opening of the label  100 , to assist the adhesive  121  in maintaining the top panel  120  and the bottom  110  in their desired relative positions. 
     The label  100  may be formed using the following method. With reference to FIG. 3, a leaflet sheet or blank  160  for forming a multiple-up leaflet  101 A (see FIGS. 4 and 6) is shown therein. The leaflet  101  may be formed from the multiple-up the leaflet  101 A. The leaflet blank  160  includes side by side sections  161 . The sections  161  are similarly formed and only one will be described hereinafter. The numerals  162  designate cut lines (as discussed hereinafter) and the side edges of the finished leaflet  101 . The sections  161  from which the leaflets  101  are formed are flanked on either side by waste portions  164 . The blank  160  may be individual sheet printed, printed on a sheet-fed offset press, or printed on and cut from a web. For clarity, the indicia on the various panels is not shown. 
     Prior to folding, a release varnish strip  142 A corresponding to the release varnish  142  is printed on the blank  160 . The tear line  132  and a hole  140 A corresponding to the hole  140  are formed by one or more die cuts. 
     After the blank  160  has been constructed as shown in FIG. 3, it may be folded to form the multiple-up leaflet  101 A (see FIGS.  4  and  6 ). The blank  160  may be folded on a conventional roll or sheet-fed folder. The panel  138  is folded onto the panel  134  about the fold line  136 . The panel  138  and the panel  134  are folded onto the bottom panel  110  about the fold line  130 . The top panel  120  is folded onto the bottom panel  110  about the fold line  118 . The multiple-of leaflet  101 A will then have the same configuration, as viewed from the side, as the leaflet  101 . 
     The label  100  may be formed using one of two alternative methods and apparatus as described hereafter. According to a first method and using an apparatus  170  as shown in FIG. 4, a self-adhesive web  190  is unwound from an unwinding station  171  and travels generally in the direction W as indicated. The web  190  corresponds to the laminate cover  150  (see FIG. 1) and includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive  192  corresponding to the adhesive  152  (see FIG.  1 ). The multiple-up leaflet  101 A is supplied or fed to the adhesive-coated surface of laminate web  190  by a leaflet applicator  172 . Suitable leaflet applicators include an Onserter 750 available from Onserts, Inc.-Longford Equipment of Toronto, Canada. The top panel  120  of the leaflet  101 A (including the extended flap) adheres to the underside of the laminate web  190  by means of the adhesive  192 . The release liner  102  is unwound from an unwind stand  173  and married to the laminate web  190  at niprollers  174  whereby the leaflet  101 A is forced into secure contact with the laminate web  190  and the adhesive  192 . 
     The release liner  102  is delaminated from the laminate web  190  and the leaflet  101 A, again exposing the bottom panel  110 A of the leaflet  101 A. The leaflet  101 A then passes by an adhesive applicator  175 . Preferably, the adhesive applicator  175  is a flexographic adhesive printer. Preferably, the flexographic adhesive printer includes an adhesive pattern applicator of the type adapted to be mounted on a flexo-printing press or converting line to apply hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesives. Suitable flexographic adhesive printers include a FlexoCoat PrintCoat Pattern Applicator, model number HM410, available from Flexocoat International, Inc. The adhesive applicator  175  applies a strip of adhesive corresponding to the adhesive  104  (see FIG. 1) to the bottom panel of the leaflet  101 A. The adhesive applicator applies the adhesive to only a portion of the bottom panel so that a gap corresponding to the adhesive-free gap underlying the bottom panel portion  116  (see FIG. 1) remains. Preferably, registry between the adhesive and the bottom panel of the leaflet  101 A is assured by integrating the flexographic adhesive printer into the press drive train. 
     The release liner  102  is remarried to the laminate web  190  and the leaflet  101 A by nip rollers  176 . Following the nip rollers  176 , the laminate web  190  is releasably adhered to the silicone coated upper surface of the release liner  102  by the adhesive  192 , and the leaflet  101 A is releasably adhered to the upper surface of the release liner by the adhesive from the adhesive applicator  175 . 
     A die cut station  177  forms the cut lines  144 A as well as cut lines down to the release liner  102  to define individual leaflets  101  and labels  100 . Optionally, these cut lines may be formed by different die cutters. 
     A waste matrix  178 A including portions of the laminate web  190 , the adhesives and the multiple-up leaflets  101 A not defined within the labels  100  are removed by a winding station  178 . Optionally, the release liner  102  is slit by a knife  179  to form separate, side-by-side longitudinal webs which are wound onto rolls at a winding station  170 A. The cutting step includes cutting along the cut lines  162  (see FIG.  3 ). The waste removal step includes removing the waste portions  164  (see FIG.  3 ). 
     Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 5, an apparatus  180  may be used to form the label  100 . The release liner is provided from an unwinding station  183 . An adhesive patch  104 A (see FIG. 6) is printed on the silicone coated upper surface of the release liner  102  by a print station  185 . The adhesive station  185  is preferably a flexographic adhesive printer as described above for the applicator  175 . Alternatively, the adhesive station  185  may be an adhesive screen printer, for example a rotary screen coating system available from Nordson Corporation of Amherst, Ohio. The adhesive patch  104 A corresponds generally to the adhesive layer  104  of the finished label  100 . The multiple up leaflet  101 A is supplied to the upper surface of the release liner  102  and to the adhesive patch  104 A by a leaflet applicator station  182  (preferably of the same type as described above). As shown in FIG. 6, the multiple-up leaflet  101 A is applied to the adhesive patch  104 A such that the end fold  118  of the leaflet  101 A extends beyond the adjacent edge  105 A of the adhesive patch  104 A. 
     Thereafter, a self-adhesive laminate web  190  having an adhesive coating  192  on its lower surface is supplied by an unwinding station  181 . The web  190  is married to the release liner  102  by nip rollers  186 . A die cutter  187  (or separate die cutters) forms the tear lines  144 A and the peripheries of the labels  100  which are formed from the multiple up leaflet  101 A. The waste matrix  188 A is removed by a winding station  188  leaving the finished label  100  on the release liner  102 . Optionally, the release liner  102  may be longitudinally slit by a knife  189 . The release liner and the label  100  thereon are taken up on a winding stand  180 A. 
     With reference to FIG. 7, a label  200  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  202 . The label  200  differs from the label  100  only in the construction of the leaflet  201 . 
     The leaflet  201  includes a top panel  210  joined to a bottom panel  220  along a fold line  218 . A strip of release varnish  242  is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom panel  210  and a hole  240  is formed in the top panel  220 . An interior panel  234  is connected to the bottom panel  210  along a fold  230 . A tear line  232  is formed on or adjacent the fold  230 . A separate piece including interior panels  237  and  238 , which are connected along a fold  236 , are positioned between the panel  234  and the bottom panel  210 . The panels  237 ,  238  are connected to the remainder of the leaflet  201  by a strip of glue  231  which joins the outer portion of the fold  236  with the inner portion of the fold  230 . An extended flap  222  of the top panel  220  extends beyond the fold  230 . 
     With reference to FIG. 8, a leaflet blank  260  for forming the leaflet  201  is shown therein. The blank  260  is configured to form a multiple-up leaflet from which four side-by-side leaflets  201  may be formed. Lines indicating the cut lines between the respective leaflets and the waste portions are not shown in FIG. 8 but will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of this and the foregoing descriptions. The leaflet blank  260  may be formed in the same manner as described above for the leaflet blank  160 . During the formation step, a strip of release varnish  242 A corresponding to the release varnish  242  is printed on the panel  210 A, and holes  240 A corresponding to the hole  240  and a cut line  232 A corresponding to the cut line  232  are formed in the blank  260 . 
     The label blank  260  may be folded as follows to form a multiple-up leaflet from which the leaflet  201  may be formed. Panels  238 A and  237 A are folded onto panels  210 A and  234 A, respectively, about a fold line  233 . The panels  234 A and  237 A are folded onto the panels  210 A and  238 A about the fold line  236 A and a fold line  230 A. A panel  220 A is then folded onto the panel  210 A about a fold line  218 A. An extended flap portion  222 A will then extend beyond the fold  230 A. The multiple-up leaflet so formed may be used to form the label  200  using either of the methods described above with regard to the label  100 . 
     With reference to FIG. 9, a label  300  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  302 . The label  300  is the same as the label  100  except for the construction of the leaflet  301 . The leaflet  301  includes a bottom panel  310  connected to a top panel  320  along a fold line  318 . An interior panel  338  is connected to the top panel  320  along a fold line  330 . Further interior panels  334  and  337 , which are joined to one another along a fold line  338 , are secured between the top panel  320  and the panel  338  by a glue strip  331  which joins the outer surface of the fold  336  with the inner surface of the fold  330 . A hole  340  is formed in the top panel  320  and a strip of release varnish  342  is printed on the upper surface of the bottom panel  310 . The bottom panel  310  includes an extended flap  312  which extends beyond the fold  330 . Preferably, the extended flap  312  extends beyond the fold  330 A distance M of between about ⅝ inch and 1 inch. A laminate cover portion  350 C is permanently secured to the upper surface of the extended flap  312  by the laminate adhesive  352 . From the foregoing description, methods for using the label  300  will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     With reference to FIG. 10, the leaflet  301  may be formed using a leaflet blank  360  as shown therein. The blank  360  may be formed in the same manner as described above for the leaflet blank- 160 . Preferably, a release varnish strip  342 A is printed on the blank  360  and holes  340 A are cut into the leaflet blank  360  prior to folding. The blank  360  is folded as follows. Panels  334 A and  337 A are folded about a fold line  333  onto panels  320 A and  338 A, respectively. The panels  337 A and  338 A are folded about fold lines  330 A and  336 A onto panels  320 A and  334 A. Thereafter, the panel  320 A is folded onto a panel  310 A about a fold line  318 A. An extended flap portion  312 A of the panel  310 A will then extend beyond the fold  330 A. Similar to the leaflet blank  260 , the leaflet blank  360  is adapted to form a multiple-up leaflet for forming four side-by-side leaflets  301 . Lines indicating the separations between the respective leaflets and the waste portions are omitted for clarity. The multiple-up leaflet so formed may be used to form the label  300  using either of the methods described above. 
     With reference to FIG. 11, a label  400  according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown therein mounted on a release liner  402 . The label  400  corresponds to the label  300  except for the additional provision of a separate tab  456 . The tab  456  is releasably secured to the release liner  402  by adhesive  458 . A laminate cover portion  450 B is permanently secured to the upper surface of the tab  456  by the laminate adhesive  452 . Preferably, the tab  456  is positioned immediately adjacent the hole  418 . However, the tab  456  may be spaced apart from the hole  418  or a portion of the tab  456  may underlie the leaflet  401 . The tab is preferably formed of the same materiaras the leaflet  100 . Suitable means and methods for fonning the label  400  will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein and co-pending application Ser. No. 09/232,553, filed Jan. 18, 1999, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     With reference to FIG. 12, a label  500  according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown therein mounted on a release liner  502 . The label  500  includes a leaflet  501  which corresponds to the leaflet  201 . The label  500  differs from the label  200  in that the release varnish strip  542  is disposed on the upper surface of the interior panel  534  and the hole  540  in the top panel  520  is located over the release varnish strip  542 . Additionally, the tear strip  544  (defined between the tear lines  544 A) is relocated to a position adjacent the fold  530 . It will be appreciated that the label  500  may be modified to include multi-folded leaflet style interior panels, such as in the leaflet  101 , rather than the booklet style of the leaflet  501 . 
     The label  500  may be used in the following manner. The user may pull away the tear strip  544  and pull the top panel  520  and the laminate cover  550  away, thereby peeling the portion  552  of the laminate adhesive  552  away from the varnish  542 , to reveal the interior and bottom panels of the leaflet  501 . The user may inspect and/or remove portions of the leaflet  501  and then close and reseal the label by rejoining the adhesive  552 A and the release varnish  542 . 
     With reference to FIG. 13, a label  600  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  602 . The label  600  corresponds to the label  500  except for the additional provision of a separate tab  656 . The tab  656  is releasably adhered to the release liner  658 . A laminate cover portion  650 B is permanently adhered to the upper surface of the tab  656  by the laminate adhesive  652 . Means and methods for forming the label  600  will be readily apparent from the description herein. 
     With reference to FIG. 14, a label  700  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  702 . The label  700  includes a leaflet  701  corresponding to the leaflet  101  except that the hole  740  is formed in the portion  714  of the bottom panel  710 . The release varnish  742  is relocated to the lower surface of the top panel  720 . The tear strip  744  (defined between the tear lines  744 A) is positioned in the same location as in the label  100 . Notably, the laminate adhesive  752  of the laminate cover  750  does not engage the bottom panel  710 . Rather, a portion  704 A of the base adhesive  704  is exposed through the hole  740  and releasably engages the release varnish  742 . 
     The label  700  may be used in the same manner as described above with regard to the label  100 . Suitable modifications to the means and methods described above for forming the label  100  will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the description herein. 
     With reference to FIG. 15, a label  800  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  802 . The label  800  includes a leaflet  801  corresponding to the leaflet  201  except that, in the same manner as in the label  700 , the release varnish  842  coats the lower surface of the top panel  820  and the hole  840  is formed in the bottom panel  810 . 
     With reference to FIG. 16, a label  900  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  902 . The label  900  includes a leaflet  901  corresponding to the leaflet  301  except that, as in the label  700 , the release varnish  942  coats the lower surface of the top panel  920  and the hole  940  is formed in the bottom panel  910 . 
     With reference to FIG. 17, a label  1000  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  1002 . The label  1000  is the same as the label  900  except for the additional provision of a separate tab  1056 . The tab  1056  is releasably adhered to the release liner  1002  by an adhesive  1058 . A laminate cover portion  1050 B is permanently adhered to the upper surface of the tab  1056  by the laminate adhesive  1052 . 
     With reference to FIG. 18, a label  1100  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  1102 . The label  1100  includes a leaflet  1101  corresponding to the leaflet  101  except for the provision of a tear strip  1145  (defined between tear lines  1145 A) in the portion  1116  of the bottom panel  1110 . The tear lines  1145  are extensions of and co-extensive with the tear lines  1144 A which define the tear strip  1144 . 
     With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the label  1100  may be mounted on a container  5  having a separable lid  5 A as shown. The label  1100  is mounted such that a portion of the label is permanently adhered to one wall SB of the container  5 , and another portion of the label  1100  is permanently secured to the lid  5 A. More particularly, the tear strips  1144  and  1145  are disposed along the edge where the lid  5 A meets the wall  5 B. In use, the user may lift the lid  5 A away from the wall  5 B, thereby tearing the tear lines  1144 A and  1145 A (see FIG.  18 ). In this way, the label  1100  will provide clear evidence that the lid  5 A has been opened. Optionally, the user may remove the tear strip  1144  without opening the lid  5 A. In either case, the user may then lift the top panel  1120  away, thereby separating the laminate adhesive portion  1152 A exposed through the hole  1140  from the release varnish  1142  to access the interior and bottom panels of the label  1100 . Thereafter, the user may reclose and reseal the label  1100  by rejoining the adhesive  1152 A with the release varnish  1142 . 
     With reference to FIG. 20, a label  1200 , according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  1202 . The label  1200  is the same as the label  1100  except that the release varnish is located on the lower surface of the top panel  1220  and the hole  1240  is located in the bottom panel  1210 . The release varnish  1242  and the adhesive portion  1204 A may be used to reseal the label  1200  in the same manner as described above with regard to the label  700 , for example. 
     With reference to FIG. 21, a label  1300  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  1302 . The label  1300  is the same as the label  100  except for the additional provision of an adhesive gap  1309 . The adhesive gap  1309  is defined between the edge  1306  of the adhesive patch  1304  and the edge  1308  of an adhesive strip  1307 . Preferably, the adhesive gap  1309  has a length S of between about {fraction (3/16)} inch and ¼ inch. The provision of the adhesive gap  1309  aids in preventing bunching or binding of the label  1300  as it is applied to a round container beginning with either end. 
     With reference to FIG. 22, a label  1400  according to a further embodiment is shown therein disposed on a release liner  1402 . The label  1400  includes a leaflet  1401  corresponding to the leaflet  701 . The leaflet  1401  is secured to the release liner  1402  by an adhesive patch  1404  corresponding to the adhesive patch  704 . The label  1400  differs from the label  700  in that no laminate cover or laminate adhesive are provided. 
     The label  1400  may be used in substantially the same manner as the label  700 . The user may open the label  1400  by removing the tear strip  1444  and pulling the top panel  1420  away, thereby peeling the release varnish  1442  away from the adhesive portion  1404 A which is exposed through the hole  1440 . The top panel  1420  may thereafter be resealed by re-engaging the release varnish  1442  and the adhesive  1404 A. 
     With reference to FIG. 23, a label  1500  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  1502 . The label  1500  includes a leaflet  1501  corresponding to the, leaflet  801  and secured to the release liner  1502  by an adhesive patch  1504 . 
     With reference to FIG. 24, a label  1600  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  1602 . The label  1600  includes a leaflet  1601  corresponding to the leaflet  901 . The leaflet  1601  is releasably adhered to the release liner  1602  by an adhesive patch  1604 . An adhesive dot, patch or strip  1621  temporarily secures the interior panel  1638  to the bottom panel  1610 . 
     With reference to FIG. 25, a label  1700  according to a further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner  1702 . The label  1700  includes a leaflet  1701  corresponding to the leaflet  1201 . The leaflet  1701  is releasably secured to the release liner  1702  by an adhesive patch  1704  and a second adhesive patch  1704 B. Alternatively (not shown), the adhesive patch  1704  may extend to and include the adhesive  1704 B. 
     Methods for manufacturing and using the labels  1400 ,  1500 ,  1600 ,  1700  will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. 
     In each of the foregoing labels, the resealing adhesive (e.g., the adhesive portion  152 A, the adhesive portion  552 A or the adhesive portion  704 A) and the material of the opposing leaflet panel (e.g., the panel  110 , the panel  534  or the panel  720 ) may be selected to allow releasability and resealability. If the labels are modified in this manner, the varnish (e.g., the varnish  142 , the varnish  542  or the varnish  742 ) may be omitted. However, the provision of the varnish strip is preferred because it allows for selection of the adhesive and the leaflet material independently. 
     With reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, a label  1800  according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown therein disposed on a release liner  1802 . The label  1800  corresponds to the label  700  except as follows. The leaflet  1801 , which otherwise corresponds to the leaflet  701 , includes a hole  1843  in the top panel  1820  and a larger hole  1840  in the bottom panel  1810 . Preferably, as shown, side strips  1815  connect the portions of the bottom panel  1810  on either side of the hole  1840 . Preferably, each side strip  1815  has a width N of at least ⅛ inch. Alternatively, the hole  1840  may extend the full width of the bottom panel  1810 . Preferably, the hole  1843  has a width L 1  of at least {fraction (3/16)} inch, and the hole  1840  has a width K 1  at least {fraction (3/16)} inch greater than the width L 1  and a length K 2  at least {fraction (3/16)} inch greater than the length L 2  of the hole  1843 . The base adhesive patch  1804  is formed with a gap M, preferably having the same dimensions as the hole  1840 . The leaflet  1801  has folds  1830  and  1818 . Tear lines  1844 A are formed in the laminate cover  1850  and the top panel  1820  and define a tear strip  1844  therebetween. 
     Preferably, though shown separated in the drawing for clarity, the portion  1852 A of the laminate adhesive  1852  extends through the hole  1843  and the hole  1840  to engage the release liner  1802  and thereby releasably secure the laminate cover  1850  thereto. When the label  1800  is applied to an associated article, the adhesive portion  1852 A engages the surface of the article. The adhesive  1852  is selected such that it may be peeled away from the article. Preferably, the adhesive  1852  is selected such that the laminate cover  1850  (and the top panel  1820 ) may be pulled away and resecured multiple times to allow repeated resealing of the label  1800  in the closed position. By providing the hole  1840  larger than the hole  1843 , any tendency for the adhesive portion to undesirably adhere to the upper surface of the bottom panel  1810  may be reduced or eliminated. 
     In each of the foregoing labels  100 - 700 , the adhesives and varnishes (or leaflet material) providing for resealability (i., the adhesive portions  152 A,  552 A,  704 A,  1204 A, and  1404 A and the varnishes  142 ,  542 ,  742 ,  1242 , and  1442 , respectively) are selected such that, when engaged, they resist inadvertent separation during application and handling and require deliberate effort to separate but do not significantly damage (e.g., fiber tear) any portion of the label when being separated. The adhesive  1852  of the label  1800  should be selected such that it cooperates with the intended article surface material in the same manner. 
     The adhesives and associated varnishes (or article surface material) should be selected such that they provide such properties also after they are re-engaged. The labels as described above are particularly well-suited for application to round containers. Preferably, the labels are applied such that the end nearest the gap in the lower adhesive is applied last. 
     The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited finction and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.