Labelling arrangement for deep-freeze applications, system and method for applying a labelling arrangement for deep-freeze applications

Abstract

A labeling arrangement (1) for frozen applications comprises a top label (10) having an adhesive layer (12) having a predetermined freezing temperature below 0° C. The labeling arrangement (1) further comprises a base component (20) having a base layer (21) and an interlocking structure (22) comprising a plurality of hook-shaped coupling elements (23). The hook-shaped coupling elements (23) each comprise a first and a second portion (231, 232) which are geometrically different such that the first portion (231) extends laterally beyond the second portion (232) with respect to a main lateral extension plane of the base layer (21), the second portion (232) being arranged between the first portion (231) and the base layer (21) and coupling the first portion (231) to the base layer (21). The adhesive layer (12) is adapted to be coupled to the interlocking structure (22) above the freezing temperature of the adhesive layer (12) such that they form a positive coupling at freezer temperatures below the freezing temperature of the adhesive layer (12) and a substantial coupling at temperatures above the freezing temperature of the adhesive layer (12).

Claims

1. A labelling arrangement (1) for deep-freeze applications, comprising: a top label (10) having a top layer (11) and an adhesive layer (12) disposed on a surface of the top layer (11) and having a predetermined freezing temperature below 0° C., and a base component (20) comprising a base layer (21) and an interlocking structure (22) having a plurality of hook-shaped coupling elements (23) disposed on a surface of the base layer (21), wherein the hook-shaped coupling elements (23) each comprise a first portion (231) and a second portion (232) that are geometrically different such that the first portion (231) extends laterally beyond the second portion (232) with respect to a main lateral plane of extension of the base layer (21), and wherein the second portion (232) is disposed between the first portion (231) and the base layer (21) and couples the first portion (231) to the base layer (21), and wherein the adhesive layer (12) is configured to be coupled to the interlocking structure (22) above the freezing temperature of the adhesive layer (12) such that the top label (10) and the base component (20) form a positive coupling at freezer temperatures below the freezing temperature of the adhesive layer (12) and a substantial coupling at temperatures above the freezing temperature of the adhesive layer (12).

2. The labelling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base component (20) is formed as a base label (20) comprising an adhesive layer (25) which is arranged on a surface of the base layer (21) opposite the interlocking structure (22) and which is adapted to apply the base label (20) to a container (30).

3. The labelling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base component (20) is co-formed as a part of a container (30) when the container (30) is manufactured.

4. The labelling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the adhesive layer (12) of the top label (10) is formed to match a geometry of the interlocking structure (22) with respect to a surface normal of the top layer (11).

5. The labelling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, in which the respective hook-shaped coupling elements (23) are mushroom-shaped or frustoconical.

6. The labelling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer (12) of the top label (10) comprises an adhesive having a freezing temperature in coordination with a frozen container (30) above an outer interface temperature of the frozen container (30) to be labelled with the labelling assembly (1).

7. A system comprising: a container (30), and the labelling arrangement (1) for frozen applications according to claim 1 applied to the container (30), such that the hook-shaped coupling elements (23) of the interlocking structure (22) extend into the adhesive layer (12) of the top label (10) and couple the top label (10) to the base component (20) and form a form-fit at freezer temperatures below the freezing temperature of the adhesive layer (12) of the top label (10) and a material-fit at temperatures above the freezing temperature of the adhesive layer (12) of the top label (10).

8. A method for applying a labelling arrangement (1) for frozen applications to a container (30), comprising: providing a frozen container (30) having a base component (20) coupled to the container (30), the base component (20) having a base layer (21) and an interlocking structure (22) having a plurality of hook-shaped coupling elements (23) disposed on a surface of the base layer (21), wherein the container (30) has a freezer temperature below −15° C., providing a top label (10) comprising a top layer (11) and an adhesive layer (12) disposed on a surface of the top layer (11) and having a predetermined freezing temperature below 0° C., coupling the top label (10) to the base component (20) by means of inserting the interlocking structure (22) into the adhesive layer (12), which has a temperature above the freezing temperature of the adhesive layer (12), so that a positive coupling is formed between the top label (10) and the base component (20) by the temperature of the adhesive layer (12) falling below the freezing temperature and thereby applying the labelling arrangement (1) to the container (30).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein coupling the top label (10) to the base component (20) by means of inserting the interlocking structure (22) into the adhesive layer (12) comprises: heating the adhesive layer (12) by means of a heating element and inserting the interlocking structure (22) into the heated adhesive layer (12).

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein providing a frozen container (30) with a base component (20) comprises: providing the base component (20) as a base label (20) having an adhesive layer (25) disposed on a surface of the base layer (21) opposite the interlocking structure (22), attaching the base component (20) to a surface of the container (30) by means of the adhesive layer (25) of the base component (20), and freezing the container (30) with the base component (20) attached thereto to a freezer temperature below −15° C.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein providing a frozen container (30) with a base component (20) comprises: making the container (30) and thereby forming the base component (20) with the interlocking structure (22), and freezing the container (30) with the base component (20) to a freezer temperature below −15° C.

12. The method according to claim 8, comprising: thawing the deep-frozen container (30) and the labelling arrangement (1) applied thereto by means of heating, so that by exceeding the temperature of the adhesive layer (12) of the top label (10) above its freezing temperature a material coupling is formed between the top label (10) and the base component (20) and the labelling arrangement (1) is applied to the container (30).

Description

(1) Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show:

(2) FIGS. 1A-1D an embodiment of a labeling arrangement for deep-freeze applications,

(3) FIG. 1E a further embodiment of the labeling arrangement for deep-freeze applications,

(4) FIGS. 2A-2C a further embodiment of the labeling arrangement for deep-freeze applications,

(5) FIGS. 3A-3B a further embodiment of the labeling arrangement for deep-freeze applications,

(6) FIG. 4 a schematic flow chart for a method of applying a labeling arrangement for deep-freeze applications.

(7) Elements of the same or equivalent design or function are marked with the same reference signs across the figures. For reasons of clarity, not all of the elements shown in all of the figures are identified with the corresponding reference signs.

(8) FIGS. 1A to 1D each schematically illustrate an embodiment of a labeling arrangement 1 for a freezer label. FIG. 1A shows a schematic side view of the labeling arrangement 1, which has a top label 10 with an adhesive layer 12, which is arranged on an underside of a top layer 11 and which has a predetermined freezing temperature below 0° C.

(9) The labeling arrangement 1 further comprises a base component 20 in the form of a base label having a base layer 21 and an interlocking structure 22 comprising a plurality of hook-shaped coupling elements 23. An adhesive layer 25 is provided on an underside of the base layer 21 or a side of the base layer 21 facing away from the interlocking structure 22, for attaching the base label to a container 30 in a simple and reliable manner. The hook-shaped coupling elements 23 each comprise a first and a second portion 231, 232 which are geometrically different, such that the first portion 231 extends laterally beyond the second portion 232 with respect to a main lateral extension plane of the base layer 21 (see FIGS. 1C and 2C). The second portion 232 is disposed between the first portion 231 and the base layer 21, and couples the first portion 231 to the base layer 21.

(10) The adhesive layer 12 is adapted to be coupled to the interlocking structure 22 above its freezing temperature so that they form a positive coupling at freezer temperatures below its freezing temperature and a substantial coupling at temperatures above its freezing temperature.

(11) FIG. 1A shows the labeling arrangement 1, which provides a simple and inexpensive two-component solution for a deep-freeze label that enables a deep-freeze container 30 to be labeled reliably and with little effort. FIG. 1B shows the labeling arrangement 1 according to FIG. 1A in a coupled state, in which the interlocking structure 22 extends into the adhesive layer 12 and is enclosed by it. Such a coupling is, for example, the positive connection of the top label 10 and the base label 20 formed at freezer temperatures. In this context, freezer temperatures refer to temperatures, in particular of the container 30, below −20° C., for example of about −50° C., −70° C. or −80° C. but at least below 0° C.

(12) FIG. 1C shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a hook-shaped coupling element 23. With respect to a lateral extension direction L of the base layer 21, the first portion 231 projects beyond the second portion 232 and forms a hook-shaped geometry. In this way, the interlocking structure 22 with the hook-shaped coupling elements 23 provides a retaining force that realises a resistance to easy detachment of the top label 10 from the base label 20. The second portion 232 is disposed between the first portion 231 and the base layer 21, and is formed narrower than the first portion 231 with respect to the lateral extension direction L.

(13) The labeling arrangement 1 may be formed in a single layer with respect to the top label 10 and/or the base component 20, so that apart from an adhesive layer 12 of the top label 10 and the adhesive layer 25 of the base label 20, it comprises only a top layer 11 and/or base layer 21. Alternatively, the labeling arrangement 1 can also have a multi-layer design with respect to the top label 10 and/or the base component 20, so that, for example, the top label 10 has one or more further layers in addition to the top layer 11, which comprise, for example, a void structure, die-cuts and/or predetermined perforation structures and contribute to increased protection against manipulation.

(14) FIG. 1D shows a schematic view of the labeling arrangement 1 according to FIGS. 1A-1C applied to the container 30, which is for example a cylindrical vial, an injection bottle or a vial. With respect to a cylinder axis, the interlocking structure 22 with the hook-shaped coupling elements 23 thus establishes a radially acting retention force. Intentional detachment of the positively attached top label 10 from the base component 20 is therefore only possible with significantly increased force. The base label 20 has been attached to the container 30 at room temperature, for example, and is secured to an outer surface of the container 30 by means of the adhesive layer 25.

(15) Subsequently, the container 30 has been frozen and filled with a temperature-sensitive content, such as a pharmaceutical product or medication. The top label 10 has then been coupled to the base component 20 to form a reliable and stable form fit to the container 30 without having to thaw or defrost it. If the product is to be used in the container 30 and is therefore to be thawed, the temperature of the frozen adhesive layer 12 rises so that the adhesive layer 12 liquefies again above its freezing temperature and forms a material bond between the top label 10 and the base label 20. Thus, even when labeling at freezer temperatures, the labeling arrangement 1 provides reliable and secure labeling of the container 30.

(16) The labeling arrangement 1 can cover an outer part of the surface of the container 30, as illustrated in FIG. 1D, or alternatively form a wrap-around label. In addition, the labeling arrangement 1 may also provide an over-round wrap-around label, which has a predetermined length in accordance with a circumference of the container 30, so that at least part of the labeling arrangement 1 comes to rest on itself after wrapping around the container 30. According to such an embodiment of the labeling arrangement 1, it is also possible that an interlocking structure 22 is provided only in the overlapping region, which interlocks with the adhesive layer 12 of the top label 10 at deep-freezing temperatures. In particular, with such an embodiment of the labeling arrangement 1, a separate base component 20 can be avoided or, in other words, a portion of the top label 10 co-forms the base component 20. The top label 10 can then be attached to an outer surface of the container 30 by means of the adhesive layer 12, for example, and coupled in the overlap region to the interlocking structure 22, which is attached in the overlap region to a top surface of the top label 10 that would face away from the container 30. Starting from a container centre, such a layered structure in the overlap region would be configured as follows: container 30 or container wall, adhesive layer 12, top layer 11, interlocking structure 22 and adhesive layer 12, top layer 11.

(17) FIG. 1E shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of an applied labeling arrangement 1. The base component 20 is formed as a part of a container wall, so that the base layer 21 represents a section of the container wall. The base component 20 with the interlocking structure 22 has been formed, for example, by casting directly with the container 30. For example, the container 30 is formed as a plastic or glass vessel and with the interlocking structure 22 is ready for freezer labeling according to the described labeling arrangement 1.

(18) FIGS. 2A to 2C show schematic views of a further embodiment of the labeling arrangement 1, which has mushroom-shaped coupling elements 23. Such a mushroom shape also enables hooking or catching in the adhesive layer 12 of the top label 10, and thus a stable and secure form-fit when labeling at freezer temperatures of the container 30, with the mushroom head representing the first portion 231 and the narrower stem representing the second portion 232.

(19) The adhesive layer 12 and the interlocking structure 22 are preferably formed in coordination with each other such that the hook-shaped coupling elements 23 can fully penetrate into and be enclosed by the adhesive layer 12. Furthermore, a freezing point or a freezing temperature of the adhesive layer 12 is preferably selected as low as possible in order to give the adhesive layer 12 a certain time to nestle around the hook-shaped coupling elements 23 during a coupling process with the interlocking structure 22 before the adhesive layer 12 freezes and the positive coupling is formed. In addition, suitable measures, such as heating the adhesive layer 12 by means of a heatable dispensing edge, may increase an initial temperature of the adhesive layer 12 to provide more time for forming a reliable coupling between the top label 10 and the base component 20 until the adhesive layer 12 freezes.

(20) FIGS. 3A and 3B show schematic views of another embodiment of the labeling arrangement 1, which has frustoconical coupling elements 23. Such a geometry of the coupling elements 23 also provides a form-fit based retention force against detachment of the top label 10 from the base label 20.

(21) FIG. 4 shows a schematic flow chart for a method of applying the labeling arrangement 1. In a first step S1, the deep-frozen container 30 is provided with the base component 20 attached to or formed on it. In this process, the base component 20 can be adhered to an outer side of the container 30 in the form of a base label at room temperature. This application can in particular be automated.

(22) Alternatively, the base component 20 is formed directly during the manufacture of the container 30 and forms part of the container wall. Before a temperature-sensitive content, such as a medicament, is filled into the container 30, the container 30 is provided with the base component 20 and is deep-frozen.

(23) In a further step S3, the top label 10 is provided with a comparatively thick adhesive layer 12.

(24) In a further step S5, the coupling of the top label 10 with the base component 20 and thus an attachment of the top label 10 to the deep-frozen container 30 is carried out. The top label 10 is labeled at low temperatures. Preferably, the adhesive layer 12 of the top label 10 has a freezing point as low as possible. For example, the temperature of the deep-frozen container 30 is about −70° C., the ambient temperature is about −5° C. and the temperature of the adhesive layer 12 is, for example, 20° C. to 60° C. For example, the adhesive layer 12 comprises a solvent-based adhesive having a freezing temperature below −18° C. Optionally but preferably, the adhesive layer 12 is heated by means of a heatable dispensing edge and then brought into contact with the interlocking structure 22.

(25) The adhesive layer 12 is formed around the geometric structure of the hook-shaped coupling elements 23 by the application of force during dispensing. As a result of the container 30 and the base component 20 connected thereto being at a significantly lower temperature than the adhesive layer 12, the latter is shock-frozen and forms a positive connection with the interlocking structure 22. The hooked coupling elements 23 of the base component 20 penetrate and bond with the adhesive layer 12 of the top label 10 as the adhesive layer 12 solidifies. Thus, the container 30 remains bonded to the top label 10 at low temperatures and thawing of the container 30 to attach the top label 10 can be avoided. In this way, the contents in the container 30 can always be kept frozen and still be reliably and inexpensively labeled by means of the labeling arrangement 1. Thereupon, the labeled and deep-frozen container 30 can be stored and kept deep-frozen until it is used.

(26) In a further S7, the container 30 is then thawed for use of the contents therein. When the labeled container 30 is thawed and the adhesive layer 12 is warmed above the dew point or its freezing point, the adhesive layer 12 liquefies and forms a material bond with the base component 20, so that there is always a reliable and secure bond between the top label 10 and the container 30.

(27) By means of the described labeling arrangement 1 and the application method, reliable labeling of the container 30 at deep-freeze temperatures can be realised in a simple and cost-effective manner, which can be carried out in particular by machine or process automation and which contributes to keeping the temperature entry into a temperature-sensitive content in the container 30 low.

REFERENCE SIGNS

(28) 1 labeling arrangement

(29) 10 top label

(30) 11 top layer

(31) 12 adhesive layer of the top layer

(32) 20 base component

(33) 21 base layer

(34) 22 interlocking structure

(35) 23 hook-shaped coupling element

(36) 231 first portion of the coupling elements

(37) 232 second portion of the coupling elements

(38) 25 adhesive layer of the base layer

(39) L lateral direction of extension

(40) S(i) steps of a method for applying a labeling assembly for deep-frozen applications