Patent Description:
Beverage containers may be used to store, transport, and/or dispense a beverage. In some instances, beverage containers may include one or more labels. The labels may include indicia, such as trademarks, advertisements, or the like. In some instances, the labels may be wrapped around the beverage containers. In other instances, the labels may be removed from the beverage containers. Typical labels convey information and provide limited interaction with a consumer. <CIT> discloses a decorative bow for application to a package, envelope or the like. The bow is formed from a ribbon, which is initially attached in a flat first configuration to the envelope/package via a self-adhesive strip. The ribbon is entirely removed from the self-adhesive strip on the envelope such that ribbon is isolated from the envelope. Tie strips (i.e. pull cords) of the ribbon are then pulled to configure two portions (sheets) of the ribbon into the final bow shape before the bow is re-applied to the envelope via the self-adhesive strip.

Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed by certain embodiments of a bow label for a beverage container disclosed herein. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly comprising a beverage container and a bow label for the beverage container as claimed in claim <NUM>. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for forming a bow on a beverage container in accordance with claim <NUM>.

Optional features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.

A bow label for a beverage container is disclosed herein. The beverage container may include a bottle, a can, a jug, or the like. Any container capable of storing, transporting, and/or dispensing a beverage may be used herein. The beverage container may be sized and shaped to enable a user to consume a beverage therefrom, or the beverage container may be configured to transport and dispense a beverage into other containers. Any beverage container may be used herein.

In some configurations, the bow label is configured to form a label about the beverage container. The label may include indicia, such as trademarks, advertisements, or the like. The label may include any markings thereon. In other configurations, the bow label is configured to form a bow about the beverage container. The bow label can initially take the form of a typical label that is wrapped around the beverage container. The bow label, however, can be manipulated by a user to form a bow about the beverage container. For example, a user may unwrap a portion of the bow label from the beverage container to expose a pull cord. The user can then pull on the pull cord to transform the bow label into a bow. The shape of the bow may include a heart shape, a flower shape, hands, or a contoured bottle shape. In addition, the bow may transform fragmented images or markings on the label into a formed shape, image, or text message.

The bow label includes a first sheet having a first end and a second end. In use, the first sheet is at least partially attached to the beverage container. The bow label also includes a second sheet having a first end and a second end. The second sheet is at least partially attached to the first sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet include a first configuration and a second configuration. In addition, the bow label includes a pull cord disposed between and at least partially attached to the first end of the first sheet and the first end of the second sheet. In this manner, movement of the pull cord moves the first sheet and the second sheet between the first configuration and the second configuration. The second configuration comprises a bow.

The first sheet may be at least partially attached to the second sheet by one or more adhesive strips. The one or more adhesive strips may be arranged in a pattern to form the bow in the second configuration. That is, the first sheet and the second sheet may be adhered together by the one or more adhesive strips and folded about the one or more adhesive strips to form the bow in the second configuration when the pull cord is pulled.

In certain embodiments, the bow label may include an access tab disposed about the second end of the second sheet. The access tab may provide access to the pull cord. In some instances, the access tab may include a removable flap or the like. For example, the second end of the second sheet may include one or more perforations that may enable the flap to be removed from the second sheet (or folded out-of-the-way) to expose at least a portion of the pull cord.

The first sheet and the second sheet are wrapped around the beverage container in the first configuration when the bow label is attached to the beverage container. For example, the second end of the first sheet may be at least partially attached to the beverage container with an adhesive or the like. In addition, the first end of the first sheet may be wrapped around the beverage container and at least partially attached to the second end of the second sheet by an adhesive or the like. In this manner, the bow label is wrapped around the beverage container in the first configuration.

In certain embodiments, a first strip of perforations may be disposed about the first sheet and the second sheet. The first strip of perforations may define a first portion of the first sheet that is at least partially attached to the beverage container. Likewise, a second strip of perforations may be disposed about the first sheet and the second sheet. The second strip of perforations may define a second portion of the first sheet that is at least partially attached to the beverage container. The first sheet and the second sheet may be torn about the first strip of perforations and/or the second strip of perforations to form the bow. In other instances, the first strip of perforations and/or the second strip of perforations may be omitted.

In use, a user may remove the first end of the first sheet from the second end of the second sheet to unwrap the bow label from around the beverage container. In some instances, if present, the first strip of perforations and/or the second strip of perforations may be torn to form a middle portion of the bow label. In unwrapping the bow label, the access tab may be opened and a portion of the pull cord exposed. The user may then pull the pull cord to fold the first sheet and the second sheet (or the middle portion of the first sheet and the second sheet) about the one or more adhesive strips to form the bow.

These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail through reference to the accompanying drawings in the detailed description that follows. This brief introduction, including section titles and corresponding summaries, is provided for the reader's convenience and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the techniques described above and below may be implemented in a number of ways and in a number of contexts. Several example implementations and contexts are provided with reference to the following figures, as described below in more detail. However, the following implementations and contexts are but a few of many.

<FIG> schematically depict one or more example systems and methods for a bow label <NUM> for a beverage container <NUM>. The beverage container <NUM> may include a bottle, a can, a jug, or the like. Any container capable of storing, transporting, and/or dispensing a beverage may be used herein. The beverage container <NUM> may be sized and shaped to enable a user to consume a beverage therefrom (e.g., immediate consumption), and/or the beverage container <NUM> may be configured to transport and dispense a beverage into other containers (e.g., future consumption). The beverage container <NUM> is depicted as a bottle, although any beverage container may be used herein. In some instances, the beverage container <NUM> may contain a carbonated beverage, a non-carbonated beverage, water, juice, milk, etc. Any beverage or combination of beverages may be used herein.

The bow label <NUM> can form a label <NUM> around the beverage container <NUM>. That is, in a first configuration, the bow label <NUM> is wrapped around the beverage container <NUM> and may include one or more color schemes or markings viewable by a consumer. The bow label <NUM> may include one or more indicia, such as trademarks, advertisements, or the like. Any markings may be disposed about the bow label <NUM>, including on the exterior and/or the interior of the bow label <NUM>.

The bow label <NUM> can also form a bow shape <NUM> about the beverage container <NUM>. As described above, the bow label <NUM> may initially take the form of a typical label <NUM> that is wrapped around the beverage container <NUM>. The bow label <NUM>, can then be manipulated by a user <NUM> to form a bow <NUM> about the beverage container <NUM>. The bow <NUM> is attached to the surface of the beverage container <NUM>. For example, the user <NUM> may partially unwrap a portion of the bow label <NUM> from the beverage container <NUM> to expose a pull cord <NUM>. A portion of the bow label <NUM> will still be attached to the beverage container <NUM> when the bow label <NUM> is partially unwrapped from the beverage container <NUM>. The user <NUM> can then pull on the pull cord <NUM> to transform the bow label <NUM> into the bow <NUM>.

The bow label <NUM> includes a first sheet <NUM> (or inner sheet) having a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first sheet <NUM> may include an elongated body between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. In some instances, the first sheet <NUM> may be generally rectangular. The first sheet <NUM> is, in use, partially attached to the beverage container 102by the second end <NUM>. In other instances, both ends of the first sheet <NUM> may be attached to the beverage container <NUM>, with one end being removable (e.g., the first end <NUM>). The bow label <NUM> also includes a second sheet <NUM> (or outer sheet) having a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The second sheet <NUM> may include an elongated body between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. In some instances, the second sheet <NUM> may be generally rectangular. The first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM> may be any size or shape.

The second sheet <NUM> is at least partially attached to the first sheet <NUM>. The first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM> comprise a first configuration and a second configuration. In addition, the bow label <NUM> includes a pull cord <NUM> disposed between and at least partially attached to the first end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM>. In this manner, movement of the pull cord <NUM> moves the first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM> between the first configuration and the second configuration. That is, movement of the pull cord <NUM> draws the first end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM> (which may be partially unwrapped from the beverage container <NUM>) towards the second end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM> (which, in use, are attached to the beverage container <NUM>).

The second configuration comprises the bow <NUM>. As the first end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM> are drawn towards the second end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM>, the first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM> may fold together to form the bow <NUM>. The second configuration may include a number of folds to form the bow <NUM>. Certain embodiments may include differing numbers of folds and/or fold patterns to vary the shape, message, or image of the bow.

The first sheet <NUM> may be at least partially attached to the second sheet <NUM> by one or more adhesive strips <NUM>. The one or more adhesive strips <NUM> may be arranged in a pattern to form the bow <NUM> in the second configuration. For example, the first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM> may be adhered together by the one or more adhesive strips <NUM> and folded about the one or more adhesive strips <NUM> to form the bow <NUM> in the second configuration when the pull cord <NUM> is pulled. That is, the one or more adhesive strips <NUM> may define the number of folds and/or the fold pattern as the first end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM> are drawn towards the second end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM>.

In one example embodiment, the one or more adhesive strips <NUM> may be arranged in opposing angles relative to one another. In this manner, as the first end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM> are drawn towards the second end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM>, the first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM> may fold at an angle about the one or more adhesive strips <NUM> to form the bow <NUM>. The angle of the one or more adhesive strips <NUM> may alternate to form the bow <NUM>. To enable the pull cord <NUM> to be pulled, the one or more adhesive strips <NUM> may include a channel <NUM> for the pull cord <NUM> to pass through.

In some instances, instead of or in addition to the adhesive strips <NUM>, the first sheet <NUM> may be at least partially attached to the second sheet <NUM> by thermosealing or other attachment means. Any glue, adhesive, heat seal, or the like may be used. For example, the first sheet <NUM> may be thermosealed to the second sheet <NUM> in a pattern. In some instances, the first sheet <NUM> may be attached to the second sheet <NUM> at various points <NUM> along the length of the first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM>. The arrangement of the sealing points <NUM> facilitates the angled folding of the bow label <NUM> as the first end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM> are drawn towards the second end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM>. The location and distance between the sealing points <NUM> may be varied to alter the configuration of the bow <NUM>. The sealing points <NUM> may be spaced apart to enable the passage of the pull cord <NUM>. In some instances, the sealing points <NUM> may be angled to further facilitate folding of the bow label <NUM>.

The adhesive pattern, the thermosealing pattern, or a combination thereof may be varied to alter the configuration of the bow <NUM>. For example, one or more adhesive strips may be combined with one or more thermosealed portions to adhere the first sheet <NUM> to the second sheet <NUM>. In some instances, an adhesive strip (which may be double sided) may be used to attach the pull cord <NUM> to the first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM>. One or more sealing points <NUM> may be used to attached the first sheet <NUM> to the second sheet <NUM> at various points along the length of the first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM>. Any number of attachment arrangements may be used herein. That is, the means of attachment (e.g., glue or the like) and the pattern of the attachment between the first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM> may be varied.

In certain embodiments, the bow label <NUM> may include an access tab <NUM> disposed about the second end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM>. The access tab <NUM> may provide access to the pull cord <NUM>. That is, the access tab <NUM> may provide access to at least one end of the pull cord <NUM>. In some instances, the access tab <NUM> may include a removable flap <NUM> or the like. For example, the second end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM> may include one or more perforations <NUM> that may enable the removable flap <NUM> to be removed from the second sheet <NUM> (or folded out-of-the-way) to expose at least a portion of the pull cord <NUM>.

The pull cord <NUM> may include a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the pull cord <NUM> may be attached to the first end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM> by an adhesive strip <NUM> or the like. The pull cord <NUM> may pass through the channels <NUM> in the one or more adhesive strips <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the pull cord <NUM> may be accessible from the access tab <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the pull cord <NUM> may not be attached to the first sheet <NUM> or the second sheet <NUM>. In this manner, the second end <NUM> of the pull cord <NUM> may be pulled to draw the first end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM> towards the second end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM>. The pulling of the pull cord <NUM> may move the first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM> from the first configuration to the second configuration (e.g., to form the bow <NUM>).

The first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM> are wrapped around the beverage container <NUM> in the first configuration in use. The second end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> may be at least partially attached to the beverage container <NUM> with an adhesive <NUM> or the like. In addition, the first end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> is wrapped around the beverage container <NUM> and at least partially attached to the second end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM> by an adhesive <NUM> or the like. In this manner, the bow label <NUM> is wrapped around the beverage container <NUM> in the first configuration. In some instances, the first end <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> may be detached from the second end <NUM> of the second sheet <NUM> to expose the access tab <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the pull cord <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, a first strip of perforations <NUM> may be disposed about the first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM>. The first strip of perforations <NUM> may define a first portion <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> that is at least partially attached to the beverage container <NUM>. Likewise, a second strip of perforations <NUM> may be disposed about the first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM>. The second strip of perforations <NUM> may define a second portion <NUM> of the first sheet <NUM> that is at least partially attached to the beverage container <NUM>. The first sheet <NUM> and the second sheet <NUM> may be torn about the first strip of perforations <NUM> and/or the second strip of perforations <NUM> to form a middle portion <NUM> that may be folded into the bow <NUM>. That is, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be attached to the beverage container <NUM>, while the middle portion <NUM> may be attached to the beverage container <NUM> only at its end <NUM>. In some instances, the first strip of perforations <NUM> and/or the second strip of perforations <NUM> may be omitted. For example, the bow label <NUM> may include no strips of perforations, both the first strip of perforations <NUM> and the second strip of perforations <NUM>, only the first strip of perforations <NUM>, or only the second strip of perforations <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An assembly comprising a beverage container (<NUM>) and a bow label (<NUM>), the bow label comprising:
a first sheet (<NUM>) comprising a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), wherein the second end of the first sheet is at least partially attached to the beverage container;
a second sheet (<NUM>) comprising a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), wherein the second sheet is at least partially attached to the first sheet, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet comprise a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are wrapped around the beverage container and wherein the first end (<NUM>) of the first sheet (<NUM>) is at least partially attached to the second end (<NUM>) of the second sheet (<NUM>) in the first configuration; and
a pull cord (<NUM>) disposed between and at least partially attached to the first end (<NUM>) of the first sheet (<NUM>) and the first end (<NUM>) of the second sheet (<NUM>), wherein movement of the pull cord (<NUM>) is configured to move the first sheet (<NUM>) and the second sheet (<NUM>) from the first configuration to the second configuration, so as to draw the first end (<NUM>) of the first sheet (<NUM>) and the first end (<NUM>) of the second sheet (<NUM>) towards the second end (<NUM>) of the first sheet (<NUM>) and the second end (<NUM>) of the second sheet (<NUM>) whilst the second end (<NUM>) of the first sheet (<NUM>) and the second end (<NUM>) of the second sheet (<NUM>) are attached to the beverage container (<NUM>), wherein the second configuration comprises a bow (<NUM>).