AU2016353533B2

AU2016353533B2 - Container wrapper

Info

Publication number: AU2016353533B2
Application number: AU2016353533A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Cowan; Ken Fletcher
Original assignee: Labelmakers Flexibles and Linerless Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Labelmakers Flexibles and Linerless Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-09
Filing date: 2016-11-09
Publication date: 2022-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-09
Also published as: AU2022256204A1; AU2016353533A1; WO2017079781A1

Abstract

A shrink sleeve container wrapper (10) comprising a first layer (12), being a printable non- shrink layer, and a second layer (14), being a shrink layer, which is laminated to the first layer. The first layer (12) can include a printable material. The manner and pattern of the lamination of the first layer (12) to the second layer (14) via the adhesive coating (52) forms part of the present invention. The container wrapper (10) comprises main portions (60) and constrict portions (62). For the main portions (60), during the lamination process, adhesive coating (52) is applied continuously against the second side (22) of the first layer (12). For the constrict portions (62), during lamination, the adhesive coating (52) is applied in a pattern against the second side (22) of the first layer (12). The pattern comprises a series of spaced bands of adhesive coating (52a) respectively spaced by gaps (40). A respective gap (40) spaces adjacent bands of adhesive coating (52a). The gaps (40) are uncoated (unlaminated) areas with no adhesive, or partial adhesive applied areas (partially laminated) such as by having spaced adhesive points in a dot or stippling pattern.

Description

CONTAINER WRAPPER

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a container wrapper. The present invention generally relates to a container wrapper of the shrink sleeve type for application to various containers, such as bottles, jars, cans, etc., and more specifically relates to shrink sleeve labels having a gift wrap appearance.

Background of the Invention

[2] Shrink films, such as shrink sleeves and shrink wraps, are used in labeling, often as an alternative to pressure-sensitive labels, heat-transfer labels, in-mold labels, and other labels. Shrink sleeve labeling involves sizing a shrink film, which may be a tubular shrink sleeve, to a particular article. Then one shrinks the sleeve to snugly wrap the profile of the complete article so that the shrink sleeve forms an outer skin around the entire article. The shrinking process is generally accomplished by the application of heat or steam to the shrink sleeve.

[3] The material used for shrink films, such as a shrink sleeve, may depend on the shape and material of the article and its contents. The shrink sleeve may be polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyvinyl chloride, or oriented polystyrene or other polymer blends for example. The film has an inherent memory that is released by heating the film from the outside in a shrink oven. Shrink films may be produced in forms that may be oriented mono- axially (in a single direction). As the film heats up, it shrinks snugly around the article. This shrinkage applies a very slight pressure to the article, which aids in holding the shrink film to the article.

[4] Graphics, such as pictures, logos, and text for labels, may be reverse or surface printed on the shrink films and the shrink films then seamed, thereby forming a shrink sleeve. In general, shrink films are reverse-printed using flexographic and rotogravure printing technology. The printed rolls are then slit-cut, then folded and overlapped, and seamed at the edge, forming a shrink sleeve that is wound on a core. These shrink sleeves are commonly used for full body decoration and tamper-evident applications

[5] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[6] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention

[7] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a container wrapper comprising a non-shrink first layer and a shrinkable second layer laminated to the first layer via an adhesive layer, wherein predetermined sections of the container wrapper comprises spaced gaps in the adhesive layer to form at least one constrict portion of the container wrapper.

[8] In another aspect, the present invention provides a container wrapper comprising a non-shrink paper first layer and a shrinkable second layer laminated to the first layer via an adhesive layer. Preferably, at least one predetermined section of the container wrapper comprises at least one gap in the adhesive layer to form at least one constrict portion of the container wrapper.

[9] Preferably, wherein the constrict portion comprises spaced gaps in the adhesive layer.

[10] Preferably, the wrapper is formed as a tubular sleeve, where the shrink layer forms an internal layer and the non-shrink layer forms an external layer

[1 1 ] Preferably, the first layer comprises a printable material having print on an outer and/or inner surface thereof.

[12] Preferably, the second layer extends beyond one side edge or both opposite side edges of the first layer.

[13] Preferably, a lower constrict portion extends along a lower edge of the container wrapper.

[14] Preferably, the lower constrict portion comprises a narrow horizontal band.

[15] Preferably, an upper constrict portion is disposed above a mid-height of the container wrapper.

[16] Preferably, the upper constrict portion comprises is formed as a wide horizontal band.

[17] Preferably, the container wrapper comprises main laminated portions external to the constrict portions.

[18] Preferably, the lower constrict portion comprises spaced rectangular shaped gaps.

[19] Preferably, the upper constrict portion comprises spaced parallelogram shaped gaps.

[20] Preferably, the upper constrict portion comprises spaced diagonal gaps.

[21 ] Preferably, the container wrapper comprises a perforable strip extending between upper and lower edges of the container wrapper.

[22] Preferably, the container wrapper comprises a transparent or translucent window. [23] Preferably, the lower constrict portion is disposed to align with a base of a bottle.

[24] Preferably, the upper constrict portion is disposed to align with a shoulder of a bottle.

[25] In another embodiment, the container wrapper comprises at least one region free of adhesive between the first and second layers.

[26] In another embodiment, the container wrapper comprises a region above the upper constrict portion free of adhesive between the first and second layers.

[27] In another embodiment, the container wrapper comprises a fully laminated portion above the free region.

[28] In another embodiment, the at least one gap is an unlaminated area with no adhesive to provide an air gap between the first layer and the second layer.

[29] In another embodiment, the at least one gap is a partially laminated area having spaced adhesive points in a dot or stippling pattern between the first layer and the second layer.

[30] The present invention also provides a method of wrapping a bottle, the method comprising placing the bottle in a container wrapper according to any one of the above, and selectively heating the constrict portions of the wrapper.

[31 ] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[32] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[33] Figure 1 is a schematic horizontal cross section of a main portion of a container wrapper in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[34] Figure 2 is a schematic horizontal cross-section of a constrict portion of the container wrapper of Figure 1 ;

[35] Figure 3 is a diagram of the layout of the main portions and the constrict portions of the container wrapper;

[36] Figure 4 illustrates one use of the container wrapper of Figure 1 ;

[37] Figure 5 is a schematic cross section of a main portion of a container wrapper in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[38] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section of a constrict portion of the container wrapper of Figure 5; and [39] Figure 7 is a diagram of the layout of the main portions, constrict portions and a free region of the container wrapper according to another embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[40] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[41 ] One aspect of the present invention provides a shrink sleeve container wrapper 10 comprising a first layer 12, being a printable non-shrink layer, and a second layer 14, being a shrink layer, which is laminated to the first layer. The first and second layers 12 and 14 are laminated together either by a flood coat or they can be laminated together in a registered pattern, such as by a printing cylinder.

[42] When the container wrapper 10 is applied to an article, the shrink film layer (i.e., second layer 14) forms an internal layer and rests against an outside wall of the article, with the non-shrink layer (i.e., first layer 12) forming an external layer being the outside of the container wrapper (such that the outer side of the laminated wrapper 10 will be grasped by an individual holding the article).

[43] The first layer 12 is the outermost layer (i.e., the layer furthest from an article when the container wrapper is applied thereto), and can be a paper or film layer having an outer and inner surface that can be printed with ink.

[44] A first embodiment of a container wrapper 10 is shown in Figures 1 to 3. The container wrapper 10 includes a first layer 12 disposed adjacent to a second layer 14. As used herein, "adjacent to" may mean "in direct contact with," or "near, but not in direct contact with." "Adjacent to" also allows for an intervening layer or layers between the first and second layers 12 and 14. The first layer 12 can include a printable material, and the second layer 14 includes a material that imparts shrinking properties to the container wrapper 10.

[45] The first layer 12 has a first side 20 and a second side 22. The second layer 14 includes a first side 24 and a second side 26. The first side 24 of the second layer 14 is disposed adjacent to the second side 22 of the first layer 12, laminated thereto via an adhesive layer coating 52. The manner and pattern of the lamination of the first layer 12 to the second layer 14 via the adhesive coating 52 forms part of the present invention and is described below.

[46] The second layer 14 extends beyond one side edge 36 or both opposite side edges 36 of the first layer 12. The extended portions 44 of the second layer 14 are used for seaming purposes. [47] As described above, the first layer 12 can be formed from printable material. Such printable materials may include, but are not limited to, paper, polymer films, synthetic paper, foam, metalized materials, non-woven fibrous materials or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the first layer 12 is a printable paper. As such, the first layer 12 is amenable to receiving, on the first side thereof 20, an ink layer 32 (which may include one or more inks and/or pigments) to provide text, graphics, and other decoration, such as may be found on gift wraps.

[48] A variety of different types of paper can be used, including coated or uncoated paper. Coated papers are less absorbent (or have a greater ink holdout) than uncoated papers. Greater ink holdout can result in more vibrant colour printing; however, it may be necessary to allow for extra drying time for the ink to avoid smears. Paper with clay or other coating applied to one or both sides is coated paper. The coating can be dull, gloss, matte, or other finishes. Coated paper generally produces sharper, brighter images and has better reflectivity than uncoated paper. For that reason, coated papers will be the preferred embodiment in most situations. Coated paper typically is smoother and has better ink holdout (i.e. is less absorbent) than uncoated paper making it more suitable for certain types of overprint finishing techniques such as flood or spot coating with varnish or other finish coatings. In this invention the paper can be printed on one or both sides.

[49] The second layer 14 is a shrink film. Shrink films may be chosen from polyethylene terephthalate, and/or other polymers including, but not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, oriented polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, oriented polypropylene, polylactic acid, or other polymer blends, for example. The shrink film may be oriented in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the shrink film may be oriented in both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Thus, depending on the desired use, one may select a second layer 14 that, when subjected to heat, will shrink (1 ) in the vertical direction only, (2) in the horizontal direction only, or (3) in both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[50] Figures 3 shows the layout of the lamination pattern of the container wrapper 10. The container wrapper 10 in this example is used for wrapping a wine bottle. The container wrapper 10 comprises main portions 60 and constrict portions 62. The constrict portions 62 comprise a lower constrict portion 62a formed as a narrow horizontal band extending along a lower edge of the container wrapper 10, and an upper constrict portion 62b formed as a wide horizontal band disposed above the mid-height of the container wrapper 10. The main portions 60 extend between the lower and upper constrict portions 62, and from the upper constrict portion 62b towards a top edge of the container wrapper 10. [51 ] For the main portions 60, during the lamination process, adhesive coating 52 is applied continuously against the second side 22 of the first layer 12 (see Figure 1 ). In such a continuous adhesive coating 52, the first side 24 of the second layer 14 contacts all or substantially all of the second side 22 of the first layer 12, except for the extended portions 44.

[52] For the constrict portions 62 (see Figure 2), during lamination, the adhesive coating 52 is applied in a pattern against the second side 22 of the first layer 12. The pattern comprises a series of spaced bands of adhesive coating 52a respectively spaced by similarly dimensioned gaps 40. A respective gap 40 spaces adjacent bands of adhesive coating 52a.

[53] The gaps 40 are uncoated (unlaminated) areas with no adhesive to provide an air gap between the first layer 12 and the second layer 14, or partial adhesive applied areas (partially laminated) such as by having spaced adhesive points in a dot or stippling pattern between the first layer 12 and the second layer 14. In the partial adhesive applied area (partially laminated) embodiment, the adhesive applied between the first layer 12 and the second layer 14 is minimal and sufficient only to substantially avoid any separation between the first layer 12 and the second layer 14 at these areas.

[54] In the lower constrict portion 62a, the adhesive coating bands 52a are rectangular and are aligned in a row along the lower edge of the container wrapper 10, with the gaps 40 thereof being similarly shaped. In the upper constrict portion 62b, the adhesive coating bands 52a are shapes as extended parallelograms, spaced parallel to each other, with similarly shaped gaps 40. Alternatively, the adhesive coating bands 52a of the upper constrict portion 62b can be shaped as diagonal rectangles.

[55] The purpose of the patterned adhesive coating constrict portions 62 (compared to the flood coated main portions 60) is to allow the shrink film second layer 14 in the gaps 40 to shrink uninhibited by the non-shrink first layer 12 when targeted heat is applied to these constrict portions 62. The resultant appearance is a gathering of the alternate non-laminated or partially laminated gaps 40 and the laminated sections 52a.

[56] The application of the adhesive 52 and the location of the main portions 60 and constrict portions 62 will be in a pattern that will be in register with the lay-flat and cut length requirements for label register with any printing of the container wrapper. The registered position of the constrict portions 62 will be defined by the shape of the article to which the container wrapper 10 will be applied and the preference or not for a "frill" effect.

[57] The container wrapper 10 in use is formed as a tubular sleeve by joining the extended portions 44 or joining one extended portion 44 to its opposite edge. As shown in Figure 4, when the article to be wrapped is a wine bottle 28, the patterned constrict portions 62b and 62a are disposed so they correspond to the shoulder and heel of the bottle. This ensures that when heat is applied to the constrict portions 62, these portions constrict and the container wrapper 10 is securely anchored to the bottle in these two positions 1 and 2, and a frill 3 is created in the container wrapper above the shoulder of the bottle along the neck section.

[58] The desired patterned form in the constrict portions 62 of the adhesive coating 52 can be applied by gravure, flexographic or other adhesive coating technologies. For example, lamination may be performed in-line on a printing press or out of line by other lamination methods. In such a process, either the face label stock or the shrink layer stock is adhesive coated using one of the aforementioned lamination coating technologies. The laminating adhesive may be a hot melt, reactive polyurethane, or any other adhesive appropriate for ensuring adequate bonding of the shrink film, and meeting the end use requirements. A secondary unwind station feeds the second stock (either the shrink film material or the face label stock) into the laminating nip, where the tacky side of the adhesive coated stock and second stock are nipped together to form a layered construction. By registering or pattern- printing the adhesive (as shown in Figure 3), the shrink film is laminated to the paper stock only where desired.

[59] An alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 5 and 6. In this embodiment, the first layer 12 is printed 32b on the second side 22 thereof in addition to print 32 on the first side 20. Printing a bright colour 32b on the second side 22 of the first layer 12 creates an attractive aspect to the container wrapper 10 when applied to an article such as a bottle. In another possible alterative embodiment as shown in Figure 7, a free region 70 above the upper constrict portion 62b can be free from adhesive, such that the first layer 12 and the second layer 14 are not laminated to each other. An upper main portion 60 extends above the free region 70, and the free region 70 is thus between the fully laminated upper main portion 60 and a partially laminated upper constrict portion 62b. As for the gaps 40, the free region 70 can alternatively be a partial adhesive applied area (partially laminated) such as by having spaced adhesive points in a dot or stippling pattern between the first layer 12 and the second layer 14.

[60] Thus, the embodiments consists of a layer of primary non-shrink face stock laminated to a shrink film. A laminating adhesive is used to bond the shrink film layer to the back of the first layer 12 of non-shrink face stock. The shrink film second layer may be laminated to the paper label stock, with a registered adhesive 52a. The adhesive 52a is registered with a patterned etched gravure cylinder 42'. Registering the shrink film layer leaves areas of the container wrapper available for seaming and unrestricted shrink.

[61 ] The container wrapper 10 in the embodiment is used as a Shrink Sleeve Gift Wrap (SSGW) Label for covering articles such as wine bottles as gifts or market labelling. The SSGW label in the preferred method will need to be removed from the article by the consumer prior to consuming the contents. This is achieved in one embodiment by having two parallel lines of perforations 4 that extend between opposed openings of the sleeve & which define a tear strip 6 therebetween. That tear strip 6 is removed by severing it along the lines of perforation 4. Gift label 5 can also be incorporated into the container wrapper 10 external surface.

[62] In order to provide a tear strip 6 which functions well it must be readily severable from the rest of the SSGW label so that a rapid & easy removal of the sleeve 10 from the article 28 can be effected. This is best achieved if the tear strip 6 has a thickness greater than the remainder of the sleeve by incorporating the tear tape 6 into the sleeve during its manufacture; or overlapping adjacent edges of the film during formation of the sleeve and inserting parallel lines of perforations on both sides of the extra thickness created for the full length of the sleeve.

[63] The SSGW label can be used on wine bottles for promoting the contents of the bottle, the brand, or the entity that produced or is presenting the bottle for sale.

[64] Wine bottle wrappers, labeling & shrink sleeving are known in the art. However, what has been lacking in the field is a simple, inexpensive way to gift wrap wine bottles automatically before sale, in a way that allows the seller of the wine to protect the wine bottles and promote/advertise on the wrap, while at the same time allowing the consumer to view at least a portion of the actual bottle. The invention described herein utilizes a selective shrinking process to secure the SSGW label to the bottle leaving the bottom of the bottle open to allow the consumer to view the original bottle and its contents without removing the wrap, or to view at least the neck portion of the bottle.

[65] Alternatively, visibility of the wine contents may be achieved via a clear vertical window incorporated into the SSGW label at the seam during the seaming process which is made possible because of the patterned lamination adhesive design. The tight fitting configuration of the shrink sleeve is easily grasped by a shopper and may have marketing or promotion type material printed on the SSGW label. The advantages of the SSGW label include a way to provide a new billboard for marketing or promoting material before, during, and after the sale of the product (since the SSGW label will not be removed until after purchase).

[66] The preferred embodiments thus provide a SSGW label for a wine bottle with a main wrap section that encircles the main barrel of the bottle, a bottom section that shrinks to the heel of the bottle in a "gathered" pattern, securing the SSGW label to the base of the bottle. A central portion of the lower end of the container wrapper is open and allows viewing of the contents of the bottle from underneath without removal of the SSGW label. [67] A variety of different colourful writings and images can be used on the SSGW label to create distinctive appearances for promoting the contents of a bottle.

[68] The SSGW label is laminated with adhesive selectively applied in register so that areas of shrink and non-shrink are controlled. The lamination adhesive pattern used in the SSGW label corresponds to the shoulder and base of the wine bottle and produces a "frill" pattern after the selective shrink process to enhance the gift wrap appearance above the shoulder of the bottle.

[69] In use, the bottle is inserted into the tube shaped SSGW label, and secured at the shoulder and heel of the bottle through selective heat shrinking.

[70] The neck section of the container wrapper is not shrunk but resembles a frill pattern, flaring out after targeted shrinking of the SSGW label on the shoulder section only.

[71 ] The SSGW label main wrap section can include fanciful writing and images.

[72] The SSGW label is removed by the consumer via conveniently placed perforations running the full length of the sleeve on either side of the overlap seam.

[73] In another embodiment, the SSGW label is laminated leaving a margin free of paper to allow the conventional seaming process for single layer shrink sleeves.

[74] In another embodiment, the SSGW label can be formed into a conventional sleeve tube and wound into rolls for automatic application to containers/bottles or cut and applied to the bottles by hand.

[75] The surface layer can incorporate a printed design of a blank gift card for directly writing a message onto the SSGW label by the gift giver.

[76] Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that other modifications can be made to the embodiments described. For example, it is apparent that the container wrapper can be dimensioned for other containers such as cans and other shaped bottles. The shrink sections can then be disposed accordingly.

[77] The present invention in another aspect provides a container wrapper comprising a non-shrink paper first layer and a shrinkable second layer laminated to the first layer via an adhesive layer. Preferably, at least one predetermined section of the container wrapper comprises at least one gap in the adhesive layer to form at least one constrict portion of the container wrapper. This container wrapper can have one or more of the features of the above embodiments.

Claims

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1 . A container wrapper comprising a non-shrink first layer and a shrinkable second layer laminated to the first layer via an adhesive layer, wherein at least one predetermined section of the container wrapper comprises at least one gap in the adhesive layer to form at least one constrict portion of the container wrapper.

2. A container wrapper comprising a non-shrink paper first layer and a shrinkable second layer laminated to the first layer via an adhesive layer.

3. The container wrapper of claim 2 wherein at least one predetermined section of the container wrapper comprises at least one gap in the adhesive layer to form at least one constrict portion of the container wrapper.

4. The container wrapper of claim 1 or 3 wherein the constrict portion comprises spaced gaps in the adhesive layer.

5. The container wrapper of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the wrapper is formed as a tubular sleeve, where the shrink layer forms an internal layer and the non-shrink layer forms an external layer

6. The container wrapper of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first layer comprises a printable material having print on an outer and/or inner surface thereof.

7. The container wrapper of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the second layer extends beyond one side edge or both opposite side edges of the first layer.

8. The container wrapper of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein a lower constrict portion extends along a lower edge of the container wrapper.

9. The container wrapper of claim 8 wherein the lower constrict portion is formed a narrow horizontal band.

10. The container wrapper of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein an upper constrict portion is disposed above a mid-height of the container wrapper.

1 1 . The container wrapper of claim 10 wherein the upper constrict portion is formed as a wide horizontal band.

12. The container wrapper of claim 1 or 3 comprising main laminated portions external to the constrict portions.

13. The container wrapper of claim 8 wherein the lower constrict portion comprises spaced rectangular shaped gaps.

14. The container wrapper of claim 10 wherein the upper constrict portion comprises spaced parallelogram shaped gaps.

15. The container wrapper of claim 10 wherein the upper constrict portion comprises spaced diagonal gaps.

16. The container wrapper of claim 5 comprising a perforable strip extending between upper and lower edges of the container wrapper.

17. The container wrapper of claim 5 comprising a transparent or translucent window formed in the container wrapper.

18. The container wrapper of claim 8 wherein the lower constrict portion is disposed to align with a base of a bottle.

19. The container wrapper of claim 10 wherein the upper constrict portion is disposed to align with a shoulder of a bottle.

20. The container wrapper of any one of claims 1 to 19 comprising at least one region free of adhesive between the first and second layers.

21 . The container wrapper of claim 10 comprising a region above the upper constrict portion free of adhesive between the first and second layers.

22. The container wrapper of claim 21 comprising a fully laminated portion above the free region.

23. The container wrapper of claim 1 wherein the at least one gap is an unlaminated area with no adhesive to provide an air gap between the first layer and the second layer.

24. The container wrapper of claim 1 wherein the at least one gap is a partially laminated area having spaced adhesive points in a dot or stippling pattern between the first layer and the second layer.

25. A method of wrapping a bottle, the method comprising placing the bottle in a container wrapper according to any one of claims 1 to 23, and selectively heating the constrict portions of the wrapper.