AU2003203838A1 - Shrink sleeve - Google Patents
Shrink sleeve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2003203838A1 AU2003203838A1 AU2003203838A AU2003203838A AU2003203838A1 AU 2003203838 A1 AU2003203838 A1 AU 2003203838A1 AU 2003203838 A AU2003203838 A AU 2003203838A AU 2003203838 A AU2003203838 A AU 2003203838A AU 2003203838 A1 AU2003203838 A1 AU 2003203838A1
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- sleeve
- strip
- article
- removal
- remainder
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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- Packages (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
Description
AUSTRALIA
Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant: LE MAC ENTERPRISES PTY LTD Invention Title: SHRINK SLEEVE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: -2- SHRINK SLEEVE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a shrink sleeve which finds particular application in the packaging and labelling of products. However, it should be appreciated that the invention can be employed in any field where shrink sleeves are employed.
Background to the Invention Shrink sleeve labels are used for decorating and labelling containers as well as for binding together two or more containers or products. Shrink sleeve capsules are used for sealing, labelling as well as decorating the ends of bottles and containers, including wine bottles. A main reason shrink sleeves are used is because they are not permanently attached to the container and can be removed therefrom. In the case of labels, the shrink sleeve can be removed to enable recycling or re-use of the container.
It may also be employed as a promotional overlay which is removed to then reveal the container proper (and any other labelling). Again, it may be removed to enable access to one or more of combined products. In the case of capsules, the capsule can be removed to provide access to a container and/or to break the seal thereof.
A known mechanism for removing a sleeve from an article includes providing two parallel lines of perforation that extend between opposed openings of the sleeve, and which define a tear strip therebetween. That tear strip is removed by severing it along the lines of perforation.
It would be advantageous if an alternative shrink sleeve could be provided.
Summary of the Invention In a first aspect the present invention provides a shrink sleeve for positioning on an article, the sleeve including a strip of material extending for a predetermined length of the sleeve, wherein the strip has a thickness greater than the remainder of the sleeve and is separable at least in part from the remainder of the sleeve to enable sleeve removal from the article.
By providing a shrink sleeve in which the strip has a greater thickness than the remainder of the sleeve, the strip is more readily severable therefrom so that a very rapid and easy removal of the sleeve from the article can be achieved. In this regard the strip can be partially or completely separated from the remainder of the sleeve to effect sleeve removal from the article.
-3- Preferably the strip: is incorporated into the sleeve during its formation; or (ii) is defined during formation of the sleeve by overlapping adjacent edges of the sleeve.
The sleeve can be closed at one end and have an opening at the opposite end, being in the form of a so-called capsule (eg. for location on the ends or necks of bottles or containers). Alternatively, the sleeve can be provided with openings at opposite ends thereof so that an article, such as a container, can be accessed through either opening.
In either case, the strip typically extends between the sleeve ends (ie. for the length of the sleeve).
The strip may also be formed to continue into the closed end (when presenit), to further facilitate sleeve removal from the article.
Preferably a region of sleeve weakness is provided at or near an end of the strip, to facilitate initiation of strip removal from the remainder of the sleeve. For example, a region of sleeve weakness can be provided adjacent to the strip whereit meets one of the openings. In this regard, the region of weakness can be one or more lines of perforation extending into the sleeve from the strip end and adjacent to the strip.
Preferably a line of perforation is located on either side of the strip and each extends a short distance into the sleeve, sufficient to initiate strip removal, or each may extend for a full length of the strip.
Optionally, a portion of the strip can project beyond the sleeve for easy gripping and further facilitation of strip removal by a user.
Whilst the shrink sleeve can be positioned on any number and types of articles, in use the sleeve is typically positioned to surround one or more product containers, or to surround a bottle or container neck, such that removal of the strip enables removal of the sleeve from the container or bottle.
In a second aspect the present invention provides a shrink sleeve for positioning on an article, the sleeve including a strip of material extending for a predetermined length of the sleeve, the strip being separable at least in part from the remainder of the sleeve to enable sleeve removal from the article; wherein a region of sleeve weakness is provided at or near an end of the strip that extends only part way for the length of the strip.
Preferably the sleeve of the second aspect is otherwise as defined for the first aspect of the invention.
In a third aspect the present invention provides a strip for a shrink sleeve as defined in the first or second aspects.
In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a method for removing a -4shrink sleeve from an article, the method including the steps of: positioning the shrink sleeve on the article, the sleeve being as defined in the first or second aspects; and separating the strip from at least part of the remainder of the sleeve and then removing the sleeve remainder from the article.
Preferably to effect the removal in step the article can be passed through one of the sleeve openings and/or through a gap in the sleeve remainder resulting from strip removal.
Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container with a first shrink sleeve embodiment in accordance with the invention positioned thereon; Figure 2 shows a similar perspective view to Figure 1 but with a tear strip partially removed from the shrink sleeve; Figure 3 shows a similar perspective view to Figures 1 and 2, but with the tear strip completely removed from the sleeve, and the sleeve completely removed from the container; and Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an alternative shrink sleeve embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
Modes for Carrying out the Invention The shrink sleeve labels and capsules described hereafter can be used for positioning on articles in a wide variety of applications. However, the main applications described relate to the use of the sleeve on product containers, bottles, flasks, etc.
Referring first to Figures 1 to 3, a shrink sleeve in accordance with the present invention is shown in the form of shrinkable label 10. The label 10 (or capsule in the case of capsule seals) is positioned over a bottle or flask B (or other container) to be labelled or wrapped. Heat is then applied to the label, which causes it to shrink or contract over the bottle, flask or container. In so doing, the label thereby fastens itself onto the bottle, flask or container, by moulding to its shape and through friction.
The shrinkable label 10 typically has a pre-shape which conforms to the exterior profile of the bottle B. In addition, the label 10 typically has an upper opening 12 and an opposing lower opening 14. The upper opening provides access to the bottle spout opening S, and the lower opening 14 enables the bottle to be inserted into the shrinkable label prior to heat shrinking.
In accordance with the present invention, a removable tear strip 16 is defined in the shrinkable label, the removal of which (as shown in Figure 3) enables the label to be detached from the bottle at room temperature.
The tear strip can be incorporated into the shrinkable label during its manufacture. For example, during moulding of the label, the tear strip can be defined as a zone or region of extra thickness in the label and running longitudinally therethrough.
Alternatively, the tear strip can be an elongate strip of the same or different material adhesively fastened to the shrinkable label which, in conjunction with the sleeve, defines a strip having a greater thickness than the remainder of the sleeve.
However, as a most preferred variation (and as described in greater detail in Figure 4) the tear strip can be formed by overlapping adjacent label edges (eg. which are then adhesively fastened or welded together etc.). The resultant fastened strip has a thickness greater than the remainder of the label.
In each case, the increased thickness of the strip relative to the surrounding label contributes to a greater relative strength of the strip and hence its easier removal and easier severance from the label remainder.
Typically the tear strip extends for the length of the label, although it may only extend for a predetermined length into the label. In the latter case, its initial severance promotes further tearing of the label, even after the strip itself has terminated. Typically the tear strip also extends from at least one of the openings, and most preferably extends from one opening to the other.
When the shrinkable label is closed at one end, or even closed at opposite ends, the tear strip typically extends between the ends thereof, or may even extend into or completely across the closed ends.
In any case, the tear strip typically provides an elongate relatively narrow portion on the label having increased thickness, and therefore increased strength, relative to the remainder of the label. In practice, this means that regions of the label adjacent to the tear strip are relatively more likely to sever or tear, than the strip itself.
In use, once a free end of the tear strip is accessed, and severing is initiated, then the tear strip continues to sever along the label for the remainder of its length as it is pulled away from the label.
In accordance with the invention, the initiation of tearing can be facilitated by the provision of one or more lines of perforation 18 and/or 20 (or similar zones of weakness such as score lines, label thinning etc.). Typically two such lines of perforation are provided in parallel and extend typically part way along the label, up -6from lower opening 14, as shown in Figure 1. In the case of the tear strip of increased relative thickness, the perforations can extend for the length of and along each side of the tear strip. In the case of a tear strip of the same thickness as the label remainder, the perforations can extend part way from lower opening 14.
Thus, a user can grip the tear strip at its lower end 22, and pull it outwardly, causing it initially to sever from the remainder of the label along the lines of perforation 18, 20. Once severing has commenced, and as promoted by the lines of perforation, severing continues to propagate in the label adjacent to the tear strip. Thus, the tear strip can continue to be pealed away from the remainder of the label as illustrated in Figure 2 (ie. being pulled generally upwardly and in the direction of arrow U).
Eventually, the tear strip 16 is completely severed from the remainder of the label (as shown in Figure thus providing an additional longitudinal opening 24 through the label, and facilitating label detachment from bottle B.
Instead of or additionally to the provision of lines of perforation, an end of the tear strip can be provided with an enlarged head 26, to facilitate gripping by a user. As a further alternative, an end of the tear strip 16 can project beyond the label perimeter (eg. beyond lower opening 14 or upper opening 12) for gripping by auser to then facilitate tearing or severance of the strip from the remainder of the label.
Typically the label is discarded once removed from the bottle or flask. Thus, even if strip-label severance were to deviate from a severance line adjacent to the tear strip, this would be of no concern, as ultimately a sufficient amount of label will have been severed such that the label can then be readily detached from the bottle. It is for this reason that the tear strip need not necessarily extend for the full length of the label.
Also, it is for this reason that the tear strip may not need to start from an edge of the label and could instead be a discrete strip of material arranged within the body of the label. In this regard it could extend longitudinally, obliquely, or even transversally across the label, providing that it can ultimately provide sufficient severance in the label to enable it to be removed from the bottle.
Whilst a bottle has been depicted in Figures 1 to 3, any type of container (eg.
having a large variety of shapes), or multiple containers, can be covered by an appropriately shaped shrinkable label. In addition, articles other than containers can be located within the shrinkable sleeve in accordance with the present invention.
Referring now to Figure 4, an alternative shrink sleeve in accordance with the invention is shown in the form of shrinkable capsule or wrap In this embodiment, typically the shrinkable wrap comprises, prior to its formation, opposing longitudinal free edges 32 and 34. As shown, the free edge 32 is lapped over the free edge 34 to define a strip 36. The free edges are fastened together -7- (eg. via adhesive or plastic welding (such as sonic welding), or when in a partially tacky state etc.) such that strip 36 is essentially an integral unit.
Again, and in a similar manner to the arrangement of Figure 1, the wrap 30 can be provided with one or two parallel lines of perforation 38, 40 which initiate strip severance from the remainder of the wrap. In this regard, strip end 42 can be grasped by a user, and torn along perforation lines 38, 40, to initiate its severance from the remainder of the wrap. Again, an enlarged head and/or projecting end of the strip can also be provided at end 42 (not shown).
As depicted, the lower end 44 of the wrap is open, but can also be closed (such as by fastening thereon a separate closure, or folding over a closure flap that extends out from the wrap 30). An upper end 46 of the wrap may also be open or closed. When the wrap is used as eg. an end capsule for a bottle neck (such as a wine bottle) the upper end 46 is typically closed, or closed off by a separate adhesively fastened closure, to seal the neck opening of the bottle. In this regard, in an expanded (ie. unheated) orientation of the shrinkable wrap 30, the bottle neck can be inserted up into the wrap through lower end 44, until the upper end of the bottle engages the closed upper end 46. The wrap is then heated to shrink/contract and thus conform and fasten it around the end of the bottle neck.
Once so fastened, rather than having to cut the capsule off the end of the bottle neck, advantageously the tear strip 36 can be detached from the shrinkable wrap, making removal of the remainder of the wrap a straight forward matter without the need for a knife or other tool. This makes for rapid opening of the bottle.
The shrinkable sleeves, labels, wraps and capsules in accordance with the present invention can be formed from standard shrinkable plastics including PVC, PET, OPS or OPP. Typically the tear strip is between 1 and 5mm wide, depending on the particular application.
Removal of the shrinkable sleeve enables the underlying article to be eg.
recycled, relabelled, or exposes a further label. Alternatively, it provides for access to one or more articles under the shrinkable sleeve, or facilitates access to a product in a container. For example, it can provide access to the interior of the container or allow a separate removable closure (housed thereunder) to be accessed. This is particularly so where the shrinkable label or capsule encloses a cork or screw-capped end of a bottle, such as a wine bottle, or a lidded container such as a pharmaceutical container or bottle, or even a container for an air or moisture sensitive product or food stuff etc. The label can also provide evidence of tampering.
Where the removed label itself is required (eg. for promotional or marketing uses, such as being mailed back to a manufacturer as proof of purchase) then the tear -8strip mechanism of the present invention facilitates rapid removal and use of the label.
The lines of perforation (or indeed any other deformation adjacent to the tear strip) enhances the initial severance and/or propagation of severance in the shrinkable sleeve or closure to facilitate rapid removal of the tear strip and label.
Whilst perforations have been described, lines of weakness, such as pressed lines (eg. having a thinner dimension that the remainder of the label), cuts etc. can be provided in the sleeve. The lines or regions of weakness can also extend for the full length of the tear strip or, as disclosed above, may only need to extend a short way into the label or wrap, sufficient to initiate tear strip removal.
Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.
Claims (15)
1. A shrink sleeve for positioning on an article, the sleeve including a strip of material extending for a predetermined length of the sleeve, wherein the strip has a thickness greater than the remainder of the sleeve and is separable at least in part from the remainder of the sleeve to enable sleeve removal from the article.
2. A sleeve as claimed in claim 1 wherein the strip: is incorporated into the sleeve during its formation; or (ii) is defined during formation of the sleeve by overlapping adjacent edges of the sleeve
3. A sleeve as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 that is either closed at one end and has an opening at the opposite end, or has openings at opposite ends thereof, wherein the strip extends between the sleeve ends.
4. A sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a region of sleeve weakness is provided at or near an end of the strip, and optionally extending for the length of the strip.
A sleeve as claimed in claim 4 wherein the region of weakness is one or more lines of perforation extending into the sleeve from the strip end and adjacent to the strip.
6. A sleeve as claimed in claim 5 wherein a line of perforation is located on either side of the strip and each extends a short distance into the sleeve, sufficient to initiate strip removal.
7. A sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a portion of the strip projects beyond the sleeve to facilitate handling and strip removal by a user.
8. A sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which in use is positioned to surround one or more containers, or to surround a bottle or container neck, such that removal of the strip enables removal of the sleeve from the container or bottle.
9. A shrink sleeve for positioning on an article, the sleeve including a strip of material extending for a predetermined length of the sleeve, the strip being separable at least in part from the remainder of the sleeve to enable sleeve removal from the article; wherein a region of sleeve weakness is provided at or near an end of the strip that extends only part way for the length of the strip.
A sleeve as claimed in claim 9 that is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8.
11. A shrink sleeve for positioning on an article substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying.drawings. 10
12. A strip for a shrink sleeve as defined in any one of the preceding claims.
13. A method for removing a shrink sleeve from an article including the steps of: positioning the shrink sleeve on the article, the sleeve being as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11; and separating the strip from at least part of the remainder of the sleeve and then removing the sleeve remainder from the article.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein, in step the article is passed through one of the openings and/or through a gap in the sleeve remainder resulting from strip removal.
15. A method for removing a shrink sleeve from an article substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 23rd day of April 2003 LE MAC ENTERPRISES PTY LTD By its Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2003203838A AU2003203838B2 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2003-04-23 | Shrink sleeve |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPS1984A AUPS198402A0 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2002-04-26 | Shrink sleeve |
| AUPS1984 | 2002-04-26 | ||
| AU2003203838A AU2003203838B2 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2003-04-23 | Shrink sleeve |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2003203838A1 true AU2003203838A1 (en) | 2003-11-13 |
| AU2003203838B2 AU2003203838B2 (en) | 2008-02-07 |
Family
ID=34105106
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2003203838A Ceased AU2003203838B2 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2003-04-23 | Shrink sleeve |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2003203838B2 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5411777A (en) * | 1989-08-10 | 1995-05-02 | Shaw Industries, Ltd. | Heat shrinkable protective sheets |
| DE4342383A1 (en) * | 1993-12-11 | 1995-06-14 | Hoechst Ag | Environmentally friendly packaging |
| DE19750429A1 (en) * | 1997-11-14 | 1999-05-20 | Gerro Plast Gmbh | Bottle or container with removable sleeve |
| JP3283016B2 (en) * | 1999-07-05 | 2002-05-20 | 株式会社フジシール | Package |
| CH694305A5 (en) * | 1999-08-30 | 2004-11-15 | Von Roll Umwelttechnik Ag | Apparatus for generating a rotating flow. |
| JP2001225854A (en) * | 2000-02-17 | 2001-08-21 | Suntory Ltd | Seal and its manufacturing method |
| JP2001348048A (en) * | 2000-06-07 | 2001-12-18 | Kirin Brewery Co Ltd | Cap seal |
-
2003
- 2003-04-23 AU AU2003203838A patent/AU2003203838B2/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2003203838B2 (en) | 2008-02-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| DA3 | Amendments made section 104 |
Free format text: THE NATURE OF THE AMENDMENT IS: AMEND THE NAME OF THE INVENTOR FROM KEN FLETCHER TO PAUL DAVID MCKIMMIE. |
|
| DA3 | Amendments made section 104 |
Free format text: THE NATURE OF THE AMENDMENT IS: AMEND THE NAME OF THE APPLICANT FROM LE MAC ENTERPRISES PTY LTD TO LE MAC HOLDINGS PTY LTD. |
|
| PC1 | Assignment before grant (sect. 113) |
Owner name: LE MAC AUSTRALIA HOLDINGS PTY LTD Free format text: FORMER APPLICANT(S): LE MAC ENTERPRISES PTY LTD |
|
| TH | Corrigenda |
Free format text: IN VOL 18, NO 47, PAGE(S) 9899 UNDER THE HEADING AMENDMENTS, SECTION 104 - AMENDMENTS MADE UNDER THE NAME LE MAC HOLDINGS PTY LTD, DELETE ALL REFERENCE TO 2003203838. |
|
| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) | ||
| MK14 | Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired |