Patent Publication Number: US-2018047309-A1

Title: Three-dimensional container label and method of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/375,099, filed Aug. 15, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a label system and method for use thereof, and more specifically to a three-dimensional label for use with containers and other objects. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Existing labels typically are located on the body of containers or on the tops of the containers. This can make it difficult to quickly identify a container when it is stored amongst other similarly shaped containers, such as in a spice shelf or medicine cabinet. What is needed is a label that can easily be viewable amongst several similarly shaped containers or items from all directions and which can be customized. 
     Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for a three-dimensional container label with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally provides a three-dimensional label with an easy to identify vertical label face that is used to display a container and/or contents of the container. The label attaches to any part of a container to identify but is not limited to the contents, name, brand, cause, purpose, person, season or medication. The primary purpose of the invention is to provide an easy to identify label for products that otherwise may be difficult to distinguish between, such as spices in a spice cabinet or medication in a medicine cabinet. 
     The label could contain a picture for visually impaired or illiterate persons, braille for the blind, or words or colors as desired by the user. The vertical face could be labeled, and the horizontal faces could also be labeled or could contain other information, such as purchase or expiration date (for foods and spices) or dosage instructions (for medications). Other possible labels include business taglines or company identifying marks, such as trademarks and logos. 
     The label could be used on other items other than containers, such as to identify inventory or products on shelves. The label could even be used as three-dimensional business cards or for other identification purposes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof. 
         FIG. 1  is a three-dimensional isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in a typical environment. 
         FIG. 2  is a three-dimensional isometric view of the embodiment thereof shown in isolation. 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 4  is a right side elevational view thereof, the left side view being a mirror image thereof 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 6  is a three-dimensional isometric view of the embodiment thereof shown in an alternative orientation in an alternative environment. 
         FIG. 7  is a top isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in an unfolded orientation. 
         FIG. 8  is a top isometric view thereof shown in a folded orientation. 
         FIG. 9  is a top isometric view thereof shown in a folded orientation and in proximity with a base block. 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in an unfolded orientation. 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view thereof shown in a folded orientation. 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevational view thereof showing the process of transforming the embodiment thereof from a first, unfolded orientation into a second, folded orientation. 
         FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of yet another alternative embodiment thereof 
         FIG. 14A  is a three-dimensional isometric view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention including a sound alert feature. 
         FIG. 14B  is a three-dimensional isometric view of the embodiment thereof including a visual alert feature. 
         FIG. 15  is a three-dimensional isometric view of even yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a frontal three-dimensional isometric view of even yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a three-dimensional isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in a typical environment. 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevational view thereof shown in an flat orientation. 
         FIG. 19  is a front elevational view of a slightly altered design thereof. 
         FIG. 20  is a three-dimensional isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention with foldable flaps. 
         FIG. 21  is a three-dimensional isometric view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention with a spiked portion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
     As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as oriented in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. Additional examples include a mobile smart device including a display device for viewing a typical web browser or user interface will be commonly referred to throughout the following description. The type of device, computer, display, or user interface may vary when practicing an embodiment of the present invention. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
     II. Preferred Embodiment Labeling System  2   
     As shown in the  FIGS. 1-5 , the primary purpose of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional label  4  for easy identification of goods, such as containers  12  (e.g. spices and medicines). The primary components of the label  4  are a base unit  8  which is affixed to the container lid  16  atop a container body  14 , or any other item, and a vertical top portion  6  which extends perpendicularly from the base including a face which contains an identifier  10 , such as words, symbols, pictures, colors, or even braille. 
       FIGS. 1-5  show a solid embodiment of the present invention which could come out of the package ready to use. An adhesive disc element  18  is applied to the bottom of the base  8 , such as a reusable adhesive sticky pad. The structure of the embodiment allows the user to use the vertical portion  6  of the label to open bottle containers using the label itself, providing an easier way to open the lids for people who have difficulties with their hands or fingers. The label  4  can also be used to more easily pick up the container. 
       FIG. 6  shows the label  4  being used in an alternative orientation, where a first label  4 . 1  is placed atop a first container  12 . 1  having a body  14 . 1  and lid  16 . 1  by the top portion  6 . 1  of the label  4 . 1 . The text  10 . 1  is located on the bottom face of the base  8 . 1  in this orientation. This entire combination is stacked atop at least a second container  12 . 2  having a body  14 . 2  and lid  16 . 2  by the top portion  6 . 2  of the second label  4 . 2 . The text  10 . 2  is located on the bottom face of the base  8 . 2  as above. This could be stacked multiple ways and in any multiple combinations. 
     III. Alternative Embodiment Label System  52   
       FIGS. 7-9  show a foldable embodiment of the present invention, which may be made out of heavy paper, vinyl, plastic, or any other suitable material cut into a flat base  54 . The device would have score lines  58  for folding the central portion up to form the vertical element  64  of the label, whereby the base  66  is formed by the second halves of the first  60  and second  62  circles. The two circles  60 ,  62  are joined at a central portion  56 . This embodiment could be used without a substrate or with a substrate, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . The substrate could provide additional structure and stability to the device. This embodiment makes a product which is smaller in shape, and therefore easier to store and ship. The label text  68  would appear on the vertical portion  64 . An optional cylindrical substrate base  70 , made of a sturdy material such as wood, plastic, cardboard, or other suitable material could be affixed to the base  66  for a more sturdy label. 
     IV. Alternative Embodiment Label System  102   
       FIGS. 10-12  show a slightly alternative embodiment of a foldable embodiment  104  including a basic three-circle device with score lines  108  allowing the device to be folded up. This design makes the need for the substrate  70  shown in the previous embodiment irrelevant. A ready-to-use adhesive strip  122  could be applied to one or more faces of the device, as shown in  FIG. 12 , which can allow the vertical portion  106  to be easily formed out of the two edges  110 ,  114  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The base portion  118  is then formed out of the center circle  112  and the other halves of the outer circles  110 ,  114 . The three circles  110 ,  112 ,  114 , are separated by center portions  116  which allow folding about those portions. The adhesive strip  122  includes a pull-away cover  124  which exposes the adhesive, allowing the two side circles  110 ,  114  to be folded together to form the base  118  and vertical portions  106  of the label. 
     V. Alternative Embodiment Label System  152   
       FIG. 13  shows a digital version of a label system  152  similar to those disclosed above. The label includes a base portion  158  and a vertical top portion  156 . The top portion includes an LCD screen  160  which could include the label text, a timer, or other data. A set button  164 , adjustment buttons  162 , and LED alert device  166  round out the digital portion of the device. A processor, battery, and other devices may be needed to add functionality to the device. The adjustment buttons  162  adjust timer settings, and the set button  164  will set the alarm. When it is time to open the container the label  152  is placed upon (e.g., medicine container), the alert sounds and the light  166  flashes. A speaker may also be included. An adhesive disc  168  is placed on the bottom face of the base portion  158  and allows the label to be adhered to a container. 
     VI. Alternative Embodiment Label System  202   
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  show yet another alternative embodiment label system  202 . Here, the base portion  208  and top portion  206  are very similar to the previous embodiments, including the label text  210  on the top portion. However, a processor  212  is included which is connected to a speaker  214  which may produce audio through a plurality of audio holes  216 . 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 14B , a light element  220  including a light source  218  could be used for hearing-impaired users. The speaker  214  or light  218  can be used to alert a user when they should open the container and take their medicine or for other alert purposes. An antenna  222  may also be included to connect the label  202  through a wireless network  224 , such as the internet, to a wireless mobile computer  226 , such as a smartphone or laptop computer. This allows the alert to be sent to the user at a remote location, not within audio or visual contact of the label  202 . 
     VII. Alternative Embodiment Label System  252   
       FIG. 15  shows a slightly alternative embodiment label system  252  made again of a base portion  258 , vertical top portion  256 , and label text  260 . Such a label could be folded up from a business card or other flat card-shaped element. 
     VIII. Alternative Embodiment Label System  302   
       FIG. 16  shows yet another slightly alternative embodiment label system  302  including a base portion  308 , vertically oriented top portion  306  including label text  310 , and the vertical portion being supported by a vertical rod  312 . 
     IX. Alternative Embodiment Label System  352   
       FIGS. 17-19  show another alternative embodiment label system  352  of a label  354  shown in a typical environment about a container lid  366  atop a container body  364  of a container  362 . The label  354  is formed from a banded portion  356  and a label-face portion  358  including the label text  360 .  FIG. 19  shows a slightly alternative design in the label-face portion  358 . An adhesive portion  368  can be peeled away to allow the two halves of the banded portion  356  to connect firmly about the container  362 . 
     X. Alternative Embodiment Label  404   
       FIG. 20  shows another alternative embodiment label  404  which has a base  406  similar to other embodiments disclosed above. A top flap  408  which can fold along arrow C as shown in  FIG. 20  contains label text. A first flap  410  and second flap  412  can fold out from the top flap  408  and can contain other text, images, or information. The first flap  410  may include a tab  414  which slots into a slit  416  of the second flap, allowing the first flap  410  and second flap  412  to close against the top flap  408 . 
     XI. Alternative Embodiment Label  454   
       FIG. 21  shows another alternative embodiment label  454  which includes a top portion which is very similar to some of the embodiments disclosed above, including a base portion  456  and a top portion  458  perpendicular to the base portion. Label text  460  is placed on the vertically oriented top portion. A spike  462 , such as a toothpick or metal wire, is inserted or otherwise affixed to the base  456  and/or top portion  458  and allows the label to be inserted into food, containers, a paper label for a bottle, or other uses such as in potted plants or gardens. 
     Alternative uses of the invention include use as a three-dimensional business card or name tag (see  FIG. 15 ). As a name tag, the device could be affixed to the base of a wine glass or other object to identify an object to its owner. Other features may include LED lights or other lighting elements attached to the base portion of the device to illuminate the vertical face, or placed in proximity with the device itself. 
     It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.