US20140262903A1 - Label having tear strip - Google Patents

Abstract

Articles of manufacture, products, and packaging methods are provided that include a label with a tear strip. A labeled container includes a base, a lid, and a label sealing the base to the lid. The base includes a bottom wall and a base side wall. The lid includes a top wall and a lid skirt. The lid mates with the base to define an interior space. The label has a front face and a rear face. The label includes an outer web including polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof and an inner web of polymer. A tear strip is defined in the inner web by one or more weakened portion, score lines, or cuts in the inner web. The rear face of the label is adhesively bonded to the base side wall and to the lid skirt to form a seal between the base and the lid. The tear strip is positioned between a portion of the label adhesive bonded to the base side wall and a portion of the label adhesively bonded to the lid skirt. The tear strip can be used to open the container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Application No. 61/791,560 filed Mar. 15, 2013. The prior application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• This disclosure generally relates to labels having tear strips. In some cases, the labels having tear strips provided herein can be applied to containers containing smokeless tobacco (e.g., pouched smokeless tobacco).
BACKGROUND
• Smokeless tobacco is tobacco that is placed in the mouth and not combusted. There are various types of smokeless tobacco including: chewing tobacco, moist smokeless tobacco, snus, and dry snuff. Smokeless tobacco products are often packaged in a cylindrical can having a base and a lid. The base and the lid can be sealed together with a label, which can improve shelf stability and provide tamper evidence. Adult Tobacco Consumers often open a container including smokeless tobacco by using a fingernail, key, knife, or other object to rip the label along the lower edge of the lid.
SUMMARY
• Labels having tear strips, method of manufacturing labels having tear strips, containers having labels having tear strips, and packaging techniques are provided herein. A labeled container provided herein can include a base, a lid, and a label sealing the base to the lid. The base can include a bottom wall and a base side wall. The lid can include a top wall and a lid skirt. The lid can mate with the base to define an interior space. A label provided herein can have a front face and a rear face. The label provided herein can include an outer web including polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof and an inner web including polymer. A tear strip is defined by one or more weakened portion, score lines, or cuts in the inner web. The rear face of the label provided herein can be adhesively bonded to the base side wall and to the lid skirt to form a seal between the base and the lid. The tear strip provided herein can be positioned between a portion of the label adhesive bonded to the base side wall and a portion of the label adhesively bonded to the lid skirt. The tear strip can be used to open the container.
• A container provided herein can be a container for smokeless tobacco. For example, smokeless tobacco can be deposited in the base of a container provided herein prior to the lid being mated with the base and a label provided herein applied to the container. In some cases, non-tobacco products can be placed in a container provided herein. In some cases, containers provided herein are cylindrical. In some cases, containers provided herein are elliptical, rectangular, or any other suitable shape. In some cases, a bottom wall of a base of a container provided herein can include a truncated cone shape. In some cases, a container provided herein includes polymer, paperboard, metal, or a combination thereof. For example, a base can include molded plastic, paperboard, or tinplate steel. For example, a lid can include molded plastic or tinplate steel. In some cases, the lid and/or base can be embossed or printed with product information. In some cases, the lid and the base can have a snap fit connection. In some cases, an upper surface of the lid can include a sealing ring to form an additional seal.
• Labels provided herein can include any suitable material. In some cases, labels provided herein can include an outer web made of one or more polymer film and/or paper. In some cases, a front face of an outer web of the label provided herein can include printing to decorate the container and/or provide product information. For example, a front face of the label provided herein can include printed characters, symbols, warnings, or other indicia. In some cases, the outer web of a label provided herein is printed with one or more product safety and/or health warnings. An inner web provided herein can include a polymer. A tear strip defined in the inner web can include a polymer. In some cases, the outer web is adhesively bonded to the inner web. In some cases, a label provided herein includes additional webs adhesively bonded between the inner web and the outer web, which can include similar or dissimilar materials. The weakened areas, score lines, or cuts in the inner web defining the tear strip can be applied to the inner web prior to bonding the inner web to the outer web in order to avoid inadvertent cutting of the outer web, which could result in an improper seal between the lid and the base and compromise shelf stability of certain products.
• Labels provided herein can include pull tabs. A pull tab can be formed as part of an outer web provided herein. For example, cuts in an outer web can define a pull tab. In some cases, a pull tab can project past a side edge of the outer web. The pull tabs provided herein can be aligned with the tear strip defined in the inner web. In some cases, an end portion of a tear strip is adhesively bonded to a rear side of a pull tab. In some cases, a tear strip provided herein extends along an entire length of an outer web provided herein.
• Labels provided herein can provide a hinge portion. A hinge portion provided herein can be a portion of an outer web member that is not removed by the tear strip when the container is opened using the tear strip. A hinge portion provided herein can, in some cases, be defined by a side edge of the label, a cut in an outer web perpendicular to the tear strip, a portion of the label adhesive bonded to the base side wall, and a portion of the label adhesively bonded to the lid skirt. In some cases, a hinge portion provided herein is covered by an opposite side portion of the label prior to opening the labeled container. Having the hinge portion covered by an opposite side portion of the label can ensure that the container seal is not compromised by a cut in the outer web defining the hinge portion. In some cases, the tear strips provided herein do not extend along the hinge portion. In some cases, a tear strip provided herein is not adhesively bonded to the hinge portion of the web.
• In some aspects, methods of making labels are provided. In some cases, a method provided herein can include printing on a front face of a first web including polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof, creating one or more weakened portions, scores, or cuts in a second web that includes a polymer to define a tear strip, bonding the second web defining the tear strip to a rear face of the first web to create a label, and applying a rear face of the label to a container or to a release sheet. Creating the weakened portions, scores, or cuts in the second web prior to connecting the second web to the first web can reduce the risk of the first web being compromised in a way that would threaten shelf stability. In some cases, the printing of the first web provided herein can be done before, after, or concurrent with creating the one or more weakened portions, scores, or cuts in the second web, bonding a second web to the rear face of the first web, or applying the label to a container or release sheet.
• While the labels, containers, and methods provided herein are generally described in reference to smokeless tobacco, it should be understood that these labels, containers, and methods can also be used with other packaged products. For example, a container with a label having a tear strip provided herein can be used to package non-tobacco or “herbal” compositions, which may be used as an alternative to smokeless tobacco compositions. Non-tobacco products may include a number of different primary ingredients, including but not limited to, tea leaves, red clover, coconut flakes, mint leaves, ginseng, apple, corn silk, grape leaf, and basil leaf. In some cases, a non-tobacco product packaged in a container provided herein includes a non-tobacco material within a pouch. In some cases, a non-tobacco product can include one or more tobacco extracts. In some cases, tobacco extracts added to a packaged product can include nicotine. In some cases, a non-tobacco smokeless product packaged in a container provided herein can include an extract of tobacco including two or more tobacco organoleptic components.
• Labels provided herein can include one or more of the following advantages. In some cases, a label provided herein can permit a sealed container including a label provided herein to be easily opened, without a need to use a fingernail, key, knife, or other object to cut the label or peal the label off. In some cases, a label provided herein can provide tamper evidence by indicating when a label has been opened. In some cases, a label provided herein provides a method of opening a smokeless tobacco container that is familiar to adult tobacco consumers. In some cases, a label provided herein can open to leave a hinge portion of the label, so that a lid can remain with the base. In some cases, labels provided herein can provide these advantages without compromising product shelf stability or product freshness. In some cases, labels provided herein can be used with existing labeling equipment (e.g., labeling equipment standard for labeling smokeless tobacco containers).
• Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the methods and compositions of matter belong. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the methods and compositions of matter, suitable methods and materials are described below. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a labeled container provided herein.
• FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an unlabeled container in an open configuration and including a smokeless tobacco product.
• FIG. 1C depicts an adult tobacco consumer using a pull tab to open the container.
• FIG. 1D depicts an adult tobacco consumer removing a pinch of smokeless tobacco from the container.
• FIG. 1E depicts an adult tobacco consumer closing the container after removing a pinch of smokeless tobacco.
• FIG. 2A is a front view of a first arrangement of a label provided herein.
• FIG. 2B is a detailed view of the pull tab of the label ofFIG. 2A
• FIG. 2C is a rear view of the label ofFIG. 2A.
• FIG. 2D is a front view of label stock including a plurality of labels having the arrangement of the label ofFIG. 2A.
• FIG. 2E is a diagram showing the portions of the label ofFIG. 2A that will be visible after a container including the label ofFIG. 2A is opened.
• FIGS. 3A-3E depict a second arrangement of a label provided herein, label stock including a plurality of such labels, and the portions that will be visible after a container including the label is opened.
• FIGS. 4A-4E depict a third arrangement of a label provided herein, label stock including a plurality of such labels, and the portions that will be visible after a container including the label is opened.
• FIGS. 5A and 5B depict the front and back of a forth arrangement of a label provided herein.
• FIGS. 6A and 6B depict the front and back of a fifth arrangement of a label provided herein.
• FIGS. 7A and 7B depict the front and back of a sixth arrangement of a label provided herein.
• FIGS. 8A and 8B depict the front and back of a seventh arrangement of a label provided herein.
• Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Labels having tear strips, method of manufacturing labels having tear strips, products including containers having labels having tear strips, and packaging techniques for tobacco and non-tobacco products are provided herein.
• Referring toFIGS. 1A-E, some embodiments of atobacco container100 can be used to maintain or enhance freshness and other product qualities of tobacco products (e.g., chewing tobacco, moist snuff tobacco (loose, pouch, or other articulations), dry snuff tobacco, or other smokeless tobacco products for oral consumption)) contained therein. Such qualities may relate to, without limitation, texture, flavor, color, aroma, mouth feel, taste, ease of use, and combinations thereof. Thetobacco container100 can include acontainer base120, alid140, and alabel150 including apull tab152. The label can seal thelid140 to thecontainer base120 so as to improve product freshness during shelf life. When sealed, thelabel150 may serve as a moisture barrier that limits the egress of the moisture from the container base120 (or the ingress of the moisture into the container base120). In some circumstances,label150 may provide a non-hermetic seal that provides a limited amount of gas exchange with the ambient air (e.g., to permit venting of evolved gases or the like). An inner web defining a tear strip160 (identified by dotted lines) is adhesively bonded to a rear side of an outer web to guide the tearing of thelabel150 when an adult tobacco consumer opens thecontainer100.
• As shown inFIGS. 1B,1D, and1E, thecontainer base120 andlid140 are matable with one another so that thecontainer100 can be closed and thereby retain tobacco or other products therein (refer, for example, to themoist snuff tobacco110 illustrated inFIG. 1B andFIG. 1D). In this embodiment, thecontainer base120 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a bottom wall and a cylindrical base side wall that at least partially defines aninterior space121. Thecontainer base120 may comprise a material such as a polymer (e.g., polypropylene or the like), fiberboard, or metallic material that is suitable for storing tobacco products having one or more flavorants or volatile agents. In this embodiment, thecontainer base120 comprises a moldable polymer material. Thecontainer100 can be arranged in a closed condition so that thecontainer base120 has a snap-fit engagement with thelid140. Alternatively, thecontainer base120 can be configured to have a slide-lock engagement with thelid140.
• Thelid140 may include a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, tin, stainless steel, or the like). Alternatively, thelid140 can be formed from a moldable polymer material such as polypropylene or the like. Thelid140 includes alid wall141 and alid skirt144 that extends from the circumference of thelid wall141. In this embodiment, thelid skirt144 includes asecond bead145 that mates with thecontainer base120 to releasably retain thelid140 to thecontainer base120, thereby enclosing thesnuff tobacco110 or other tobacco products in theclosed container100. In some embodiments, thelid140 can include agasket130, which can also assist in sealing the tobaccoproduct packaging device100.
• As shown inFIG. 1A, a rear face oflabel150 can be adhesively bonded to surfaces of both thelid140 and thecontainer base120 to seal the container. A front face of thelabel150 can includeprinting154, which can include a host of different decorative or informative alphanumeric characters, symbols, patters, designs, or figures. In some cases, a container provided herein can include a health and/or safety warning. Apull tab152 is provided as part of thelabel150 to permit a user to break the seal and separate thelid140 from thecontainer base120. Shown with dotted lines inFIG. 1A, a tear strip is defined by an inner web of the label, extended along the length of the label and around at least part of the periphery of thecontainer base120 and thelid140. Opposite ends156 and157 oflabel150 can overlap when placed on a product package. As shown inFIG. 1C, an adult tobacco consumer can grasppull tab152 and usetear strip160 to split thelabel150 along the interface betweenlid skirt144 oflid140 and the cylindrical base side wall of thecontainer base120, which results in the label being split into labeltop portion150band labelbottom portion150a. After obtaining some of the tobacco (FIG. 1D), thecontainer100 can be closed again (FIG. 1E). As shown inFIG. 1E, labeltop portion150band labelbottom portion150acan remain on the product packaging and continue to display information (e.g., product health or safety warnings). In some cases, select information onlabel150 can be arranged onlabel150 so that it does not become obscured by the removal of label material resulting from the opening of the product package usingpull tab150.
• Label150 can include an outer web including polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof that seals the exterior interface between thelid140 and thecontainer base120. For example, a web including polymer film can impede the ingress or egress of moisture there through, thereby preserving the product freshness of thesnuff tobacco110 or other tobacco products contained in thecontainer100. In some cases, an outer web provided herein can be free of cuts, scores, or weakened portions. For example, an inner web defining a tear strip can be scored or cut prior to being adhesively bonded to the outer web in order to reduce a likelihood of the outer web being compromised. In some cases, an outer web provided herein can include weakened portions, scores, and cuts in portions of the label that overlap. Specific structures of labels provided herein are discussed below in reference toFIGS. 2A-8B.
• Still referring toFIGS. 1A-E, thecontainer base120 includes aconnection rim122 that includes a first bead125 (such as a locking ring depicted inFIG. 1B) to mate with thesecond bead145 of thelid140. Theconnection rim122 can be integrally formed as part of the cylindrical base side wall of thecontainer base120. As shown inFIG. 1B, thegasket130 can be affixed to aninner lid surface142 so that thegasket130 is position between thelid wall141 and theconnection rim122 when thelid140 mates with thecontainer base120. As such, themetallic lid140 of this embodiment can be press-fit with thepolymeric container base120 so that thesecond bead145 mates with thefirst bead125 of thecontainer base120, thereby urging thelid wall141 toward thecontainer base120. Because thelid wall141 is urged toward thecontainer base120, thegasket130 can be at least partially compressed between themetallic lid140 and thepolymeric container base120 when the package device is in the closed condition. In this embodiment, thegasket130 includes a ring-shaped structure arranged on theinner lid surface142 so as to abut against aconnection rim122 of thecontainer base120. Thegasket130 comprises a generally resilient material that is affixed to theinner lid surface142. For example, in this embodiment, thegasket130 may comprise a plastisol composition that is formed into a ring of film along theinner lid surface142. In alternative embodiments, thegasket130 may comprise another material, such as a urethane material, an epoxy material, or a wax material.
• In the particular embodiment shown inFIG. 1C, thetobacco container100 can include alabel150 that secures thecontainer base120 andlid140 together during the product shelf life. Thelabel150 can include atear strip160 that extends along the circumference of thecontainer100 so that a consumer can pull upon thepull tab152 to facilitate opening of thecontainer100 at a region near the interface of thecontainer base120 and thelid skirt144. AlthoughFIG. 1C depicts thetear strip160 as being visible, atear strip160 provided herein can be hidden by the outer web of the label.
• As shown inFIG. 1D, the consumer can separate thelid140 from thecontainer base120 so that thetobacco container100 is in the opened condition. With thelid140 removed, the consumer can access thetobacco product110 stored in thecontainer base120. For example, in this embodiment thecontainer base120 is used to store amoist snuff tobacco110, and the consumer can pinch aportion112 of the snuff tobacco for personal usage while the remaining portion of thesnuff tobacco110 is retained in thecontainer base120.
• As shown inFIG. 1E, after the consumer obtains a portion of thetobacco product110, the consumer can return thetobacco container100 to the closed condition. For example, the user can press thelid140 over theconnection rim122 of thecontainer base120 to reengage thelid140 with thecontainer base120 and to thereby enclose the remainingtobacco product110 in thecontainer100. As shown inFIG. 1E,label portions150aand150bremain on thecontainer100.
• Although the particular embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1A-E illustrate the tobacco product in thecontainer100 as being a moist snuff tobacco product, it should be understood from the description herein that any one of a number of tobacco products and non-tobacco products can be retained in thecontainer100. For example, the tobacco product arranged in thecontainer100 may comprise chewing tobacco, dry snuff tobacco, moist snuff tobacco (loose, pouch, or other articulations), or another smokeless tobacco product. The tobacco product can include tobacco that is whole, shredded, cut, cured, aged, fermented, pasteurized, pouched, or otherwise processed. In some embodiments, the tobacco contained in thecontainer100 may include portions of leaves, flowers, roots, stems, or extracts thereof of any member of the genus Nicotiana. Further, the tobacco may include an extract of tobacco that provides additional tobacco constituents (e.g., flavors, aromas, alkaloids, or the like). In some embodiments described herein, the tobacco product may include one or more components such as flavor extracts, flavor masking agents, bitterness receptor site blockers, receptor site enhancers, sweeteners, and additives such as chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath-freshening agents. In some cases, thecontainer100 can include non-tobacco products. A container with a label having a tear strip provided herein can be used to package non-tobacco or “herbal” compositions, which may be used an alternative to smokeless tobacco compositions. Non-tobacco products may include a number of different primary ingredients, including but not limited to, tea leaves, red clover, coconut flakes, mint leaves, ginseng, apple, corn silk, grape leaf, and basil leaf. In some cases, a non-tobacco product packaged in a container provided herein includes a non-tobacco material within a pouch. In some cases, a non-tobacco product can include one or more tobacco extracts. In some cases, tobacco extracts added to a packaged product can include nicotine. In some cases, a non-tobacco smokeless product packaged in a container provided herein can include an extract of tobacco including two or more tobacco organoleptic components.
• FIGS. 2A-2E depict alabel250 having a first arrangement.FIG. 2A is a front view oflabel250. As shown, anouter web251 of polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof has a rectangular shape, including afirst side edge256 and asecond side edge257. Alphanumeric characters, symbols, patterns, designs, or figures254 can be printed onouter web251. Apull tab252 is shown inFIG. 2A and shown in further detail inFIG. 2B. As shown,pull tab252 can be a part of theouter web251. As shown, thepull tab252 project pastside edge256. In some cases,cuts253aand253bcan be made in theweb251 to definepull tab252 and to provide for tearing initiation ofouter web251 at thecuts253aand253b. Opposite sides of the label can overlap when applied to a container. For example, a portion of the front surface ofouter web251 can include anunvarnished surface258, which will be adhered to a rear surface of the opposite end oflabel250 when thelabel250 is applied to a container.
• FIG. 2C depicts a rear view oflabel250 having aninner web261 adhesively bonded to a rear side ofouter web251. Theinner web261 can define atear strip260 betweenportions262 and264 of the inner web by including a series of weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts266 or268. Weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts266 or268 can be applied to theinner web261 before theinner web261 is applied toouter web251 in order to ensure that the integrity of the outer web is not compromised. Weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web251 can compromise the seal between the lid and the container base and thus compromise the shelf life of a product. Moreover, weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web251 can alter the aesthetics of thelabel250. Adhesive can be applied toportions262 and264 for application of the label to a container or to a release strip.FIG. 2D depicts a plurality oflabels250 applied to arelease strip280, which can be rolled up and used as acontinuous supply200 of labels in a standard labeling machine for labeling containers, such as typical smokeless tobacco containers.
• FIG. 2E is a diagram showing the portions of the label ofFIGS. 2A-2D that will be present and visible after a container including such a label is opened. As shown, the label is split into twoparts250aand250bwith missingsection270 there between. In some cases, product information, health warnings, safety warnings, and other information is positioned on the label such that it is not removed by the tear strip when the container is opened.
• FIGS. 3A-3E depict a second arrangement of a label provided herein.FIG. 3A is a front view oflabel350. As shown, anouter web351 of polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof has a rectangular shape, including afirst side edge356 and asecond side edge357. Alphanumeric characters, symbols, patterns, designs, or figures354 can be printed onouter web351. Apull tab352 is shown inFIG. 3A and shown in further detail inFIG. 3B. As shown,pull tab352 can be a part of theouter web351. As shown, thepull tab352 project pastside edge356. In some cases,cuts353aand353bcan be made in theouter web351 to definepull tab352 and to provide for tearing initiation ofouter web351 at thecuts353aand353b. Opposite sides of the label can overlap when applied to a container. For example, a portion of the front surface ofouter web351 can include anunvarnished surface358, which will be adhered to a rear surface of the opposite end oflabel350 when thelabel350 is applied to a container.
• FIG. 3C depicts a rear view oflabel350 having aninner web361 adhesively bonded to a rear side ofouter web351. Theinner web361 can define atear strip360 betweenportions362 and364 of the inner web by including a series of weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts366 or368. Weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts366 or368 can be applied to theinner web361 before theinner web361 is applied toouter web351 in order to ensure that the integrity of the outer web is not compromised. Weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web351 can compromise the seal between the lid and the container base and thus compromise the shelf life of a product. Moreover, weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web351 can alter the aesthetics of thelabel350. Adhesive can be applied toportions362 and364 for application of the label to a container or to a release strip.FIG. 3D depicts a plurality oflabels350 applied to arelease strip380, which can be rolled up and used as acontinuous supply300 of labels in a standard labeling machine for labeling containers, such as typical smokeless tobacco containers.
• FIG. 3E is a diagram showing the portions of the label ofFIGS. 3A-3D that will be present and visible after a container including such a label is opened. As shown, the label is split into twoparts350aand350bwith missingsection370 there between. In some cases, product information, health warnings, safety warnings, and other information is positioned on the label such that it is not removed by the tear strip when the container is opened.
• FIGS. 4A-4E depict a third arrangement of a label provided herein, label stock including a plurality of such labels, and the portions that will be visible after a container including the label is opened.FIG. 4A is a front view oflabel450. As shown, anouter web451 of polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof has a rectangular shape, including afirst side edge456 and asecond side edge457. Alphanumeric characters, symbols, patterns, designs, or figures454 can be printed onouter web451. Apull tab452 is shown inFIG. 4A and shown in further detail inFIG. 4B. As shown,pull tab452 can be a part of theouter web451. As shown, thepull tab452 project pastside edge456. In some cases, cuts453aand453bcan be made in theouter web451 to definepull tab452 and to provide for tearing initiation ofouter web451 at the cuts453aand453b. Opposite sides of the label can overlap when applied to a container. For example, a portion of the front surface ofouter web451 can include anunvarnished surface458, which will be adhered to a rear surface of the opposite end oflabel450 when thelabel450 is applied to a container.
• FIG. 4C depicts a rear view oflabel450 having aninner web461 adhesively bonded to a rear side ofouter web451. Theinner web461 can define atear strip460 betweenportions462 and464 of the inner web by including a series of weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts466 or468. Weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts466 or468 can be applied to theinner web461 before theinner web461 is applied toouter web451 in order to ensure that the integrity of the outer web is not compromised. Weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web451 can compromise the seal between the lid and the container base and thus compromise the shelf life of a product. Moreover, weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web451 can alter the aesthetics of thelabel450. Adhesive can be applied toportions462 and464 for application of the label to a container or to a release strip.FIG. 4D depicts a plurality oflabels450 applied to arelease strip480, which can be rolled up and used as acontinuous supply400 of labels in a standard labeling machine for labeling containers, such as typical smokeless tobacco containers.
• FIG. 4E is a diagram showing the portions of the label ofFIGS. 4A-4D that will be present and visible after a container including such a label is opened. As shown, the label is split into twoparts450aand450bwith missingsection470 there between. In some cases, product information, health warnings, safety warnings, and other information is positioned on the label such that it is not removed by the tear strip when the container is opened.
• FIGS. 5A and 5B depict the front and back of a forth arrangement of alabel550 provided herein. As shown, anouter web551 of polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof has a rectangular shape, including afirst side edge556 and asecond side edge557. Alphanumeric characters, symbols, patterns, designs, or figures can be printed onouter web551.Pull tabs552aand552bare shown inFIG. 5A andFIG. 5B. As shown, pulltabs552aand552boccur in the section of the overlap, with one of them accessible regardless of which side is placed on top.Pull tabs552aand552bcan be defined by cuts in theouter web551.
• FIG. 5B depicts a rear view oflabel550 having aninner web561 adhesively bonded to a rear side ofouter web551. Theinner web561 can define atear strip560 betweenportions562 and564 of the inner web by including a series of weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts566 or568. Weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts566 or568 can be applied to theinner web561 before theinner web561 is applied toouter web551 in order to ensure that the integrity of the outer web is not compromised. Weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web551 can compromise the seal between the lid and the container base and thus compromise the shelf life of a product. Moreover, weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web551 can alter the aesthetics of thelabel550. Adhesive can be applied toportions562 and564 for application of the label to a container or to a release strip.
• FIGS. 6A and 6B depict the front and back of a fifth arrangement of a label provided herein. As shown, anouter web651 of polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof has a rectangular shape, including afirst side edge656 and asecond side edge657. Alphanumeric characters, symbols, patterns, designs, or figures can be printed onouter web651. Apull tab652 is shown inFIG. 6A. As shown,pull tab652 is formed by a cut in theouter web651 in a section of theouter web651 that overlaps an opposite end of the label. As shown inFIG. 6B, theinner web661 includes acorresponding cut665 to defined the beginning of atear strip660.
• FIG. 6B depicts a rear view oflabel650 having aninner web661 adhesively bonded to a rear side ofouter web651. Theinner web661 can define atear strip660 betweenportions662 and664 of the inner web by including a series of weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts665,666, and668. Cut665 can define the start of the tear strip and be positioned to have the start of the tear strip be adjacent to thepull tab652 when theinner web661 andouter web651 are adhesively bonded together to make thelabel650. Weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts666 or668 can be applied to theinner web661 before theinner web661 is applied toouter web651 in order to ensure that the integrity of the outer web is not compromised. Weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web651 can compromise the seal between the lid and the container base and thus compromise the shelf life of a product. Moreover, weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web651 can alter the aesthetics of thelabel650. Adhesive can be applied toportions662 and664 for application of the label to a container or to a release strip.
• FIGS. 7A and 7B depict the front and back of a sixth arrangement of a label provided herein. As shown, anouter web751 of polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof has a rectangular shape, including afirst side edge756 and asecond side edge757. Alphanumeric characters, symbols, patterns, designs, or figures754 can be printed onouter web751. Apull tab752 projects pastside edge756. Acut753 can be made inouter web751 to define ahinge portion758, which continues to connect the upper and lower portions of the label after the container is opened by using thetear strip760. Cut753 can ensure that pulling on thetear strip760 does not tear thehinge portion758 of theouter web751 past thecut753. As shown inFIG. 7B, cut753 can extend through both the inner and outer webs. Cut753 can be positioned in a portion of thelabel750 that is overlapped when thelabel750 is applied to a container so thatcut753 is covered by the opposite side of thelabel750 and does not compromise the seal of a container. Cut753 can be made after theinner web761 is adhered toouter web751 to form thelabel750. In some cases the inner and outer webs can be separately cut to formcut753.
• FIG. 7B depicts a rear view oflabel750 having aninner web761 adhesively bonded to a rear side ofouter web751. Theinner web761 can define atear strip760 betweenportions762 and764 of the inner web by including a series of weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts753,766, and768. Cut753 can define the end of the tear strip and be positioned to have the end of the tear strip abut ahinge portion758 of thelabel750 when theinner web761 andouter web751 are adhesively bonded together to make thelabel750. Weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts766 or768 can be applied to theinner web761 before theinner web761 is applied toouter web751 in order to ensure that the integrity of the outer web is not compromised. Weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web751 can compromise the seal between the lid and the container base and thus compromise the shelf life of a product. Moreover, weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web751 can alter the aesthetics of thelabel750. Adhesive can be applied toportions762 and764 for application of the label to a container or to a release strip.
• FIGS. 8A and 8B depict the front and back of a seventh arrangement of a label provided herein. As shown, anouter web851 of polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof has a rectangular shape, including afirst side edge856 and asecond side edge857. Alphanumeric characters, symbols, patterns, designs, or figures can be printed onouter web851. Apull tab852 projects pastside edge856. Acut853 can be made inouter web851 to define ahinge portion858, which continues to connect the upper and lower portions of the label after the container is opened by using thetear strip860. Cut853 can ensure that pulling on thetear strip860 does not tear thehinge portion858 of theouter web851 past thecut853. As shown inFIG. 8B, cut853 can align with anend863 of the tear strip. Cut853 can be positioned in a portion of thelabel850 that is overlapped when thelabel850 is applied to a container so thatcut853 is covered by the opposite side of thelabel850 and does not compromise the seal of a container. Cut853 can be made before or after theinner web861 is adhered toouter web851 to form thelabel850.
• FIG. 8B depicts a rear view oflabel850 having aninner web861 adhesively bonded to a rear side ofouter web851. Theinner web861 can define atear strip860 betweenportions862 and864 of the inner web by including a series of weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts866 and868. Anend863 of the tear strip can abut ahinge portion858 of thelabel850 when theinner web861 andouter web851 are adhesively bonded together to make thelabel850. Weakened portions, scores, and/orcuts866 or868 can be applied to theinner web861 before theinner web861 is applied toouter web851 in order to ensure that the integrity of the outer web is not compromised. Weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web851 can compromise the seal between the lid and the container base and thus compromise the shelf life of a product. Moreover, weakened portions, cuts, or scores in theouter web851 can alter the aesthetics of thelabel850. Adhesive can be applied toportions862 and864 for application of the label to a container or to a release strip.
• It is to be understood that, while the invention has been described herein in conjunction with a number of different aspects, the foregoing description of the various aspects is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.
• Disclosed are methods and compositions that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can be used in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods and compositions. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these methods and compositions are disclosed. That is, while specific reference to each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these compositions and methods may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular composition of matter or a particular method is disclosed and discussed and a number of compositions or methods are discussed, each and every combination and permutation of the compositions and the methods are specifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specifically contemplated and disclosed.

Claims (23)

What is claimed is:

1. A labeled container defining an interior space, the container comprising:

a base comprising a bottom wall and a base side wall;

a lid comprising a top wall and a lid skirt, the lid mating with the base to define an interior space; and

a label having a front face and a rear face, the label comprising an outer web comprising a polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof and an inner web comprising polymer, the inner web comprising a tear strip being defined by one or more weakened portion, score lines, or cuts in the inner web, the rear face of the label being adhesively bonded to the base side wall and to the lid skirt to form a seal between the base and the lid, the tear strip being positioned between a portion of the label adhesive bonded to the base side wall and a portion of the label adhesively bonded to the lid skirt.

2. The container ofclaim 1, wherein smokeless tobacco is in the interior space.

3. The container ofclaim 1, wherein non-tobacco product is in the interior space.

4. The container ofclaim 1, wherein a bottom wall includes truncated cone shape.

5. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the base or the lid comprise polymer, paperboard, metal, or a combination thereof.

6. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the outer web defines a pull tab aligned with at least a portion of the tear strip.

7. The container ofclaim 6, wherein the pull tab protrudes from a side edge of the label.

8. The container ofclaim 6, wherein the pull tab is defined by one or more cuts in the outer web.

9. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the tear strip extends along an entire length of outer the outer web.

10. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the label is designed to leave a hinge portion of the label after the container is opened by using the tear strip.

11. The container ofclaim 10, wherein the hinge portion is defined by a side edge of the label, a cut in the outer web perpendicular to the tear strip, the portion of the label adhesive bonded to the base side wall, and the portion of the label adhesively bonded to the lid skirt.

12. The container ofclaim 11, wherein the hinge portion of the label is covered by an opposite side portion of the label prior to opening the labeled container.

13. The container ofclaim 11, wherein the tear strip does extend past the cut in the outer web.

14. The container ofclaim 10, wherein the tear strip does not extend along the hinge portion.

15. The container ofclaim 10, wherein the inner web is adhesively bonded to a rear face of the web.

16. The container ofclaim 15, wherein a rear face of the inner web is adhesively bonded to the lid skirt, the base side wall, or a combination thereof.

17. The container ofclaim 10, wherein the tear strip is not adhesively bonded to the hinge portion of the outer web.

18. The container ofclaim 1, wherein a front face of the outer web includes printed characters, symbols, warnings, or other indicia.

19. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the label hermetically seals the interior space of the container.

20. A method of making one or more labels comprising:

printing on a front face of a first web comprising a polymer film, paper, or a combination thereof;

applying adhesive to a rear face of the web;

bonding a second web a rear face of the first web to create a label, wherein the second web defines a tear strip with one or more weakened portion, score lines, or cuts in the second web; and

applying a rear face of the label to a container or to a release sheet.

21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein the rear face of the label is bonded to a container including a base and a lid, wherein the rear face of the label is bonded to a portion of the base and a portion of the lid such that the container is sealed with the label, wherein the tear strip is positioned between the portion of the label adhesive bonded to the base and the portion of the label adhesively bonded to the lid skirt.

22. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the container is filled with smokeless tobacco prior to applying the label to the container.

23. The method ofclaim 20, where multiple labels are applied to a release sheet.

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