EP4247717A1 - Manchon d'emballage rétractable par vapeur à étiquette imprimée pour récipient et procédé associé - Google Patents

Manchon d'emballage rétractable par vapeur à étiquette imprimée pour récipient et procédé associé

Info

Publication number
EP4247717A1
EP4247717A1 EP20962622.5A EP20962622A EP4247717A1 EP 4247717 A1 EP4247717 A1 EP 4247717A1 EP 20962622 A EP20962622 A EP 20962622A EP 4247717 A1 EP4247717 A1 EP 4247717A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
passage
container assembly
steam
sleeve
housing
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP20962622.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Kenneth Anthony LORITZ
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP4247717A1 publication Critical patent/EP4247717A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B53/00—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging
    • B65B53/02—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat
    • B65B53/06—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat supplied by gases, e.g. hot-air jets
    • B65B53/063—Tunnels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C63/00—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C63/38—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor by liberation of internal stresses
    • B29C63/42—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor by liberation of internal stresses using tubular layers or sheathings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/168—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying and securing double closures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
    • B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
    • B65B7/2885—Securing closures on containers by heat-shrinking
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y80/00—Products made by additive manufacturing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
    • B65B7/2821—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers applying plugs or threadless stoppers

Definitions

  • This invention relates to container assemblies, and sealing container assemblies, and particularly a container assembly of the type having a container or container body with an opening therein that provides access to a cavity formed in the container, and a cap or closure member that is preferably hingedly connected to the container, or may be a separate component that is received on or over the opening, to close or open the container and preclude/permit, respectively, selective access to the cavity.
  • the container and cap are preferably a polymer or plastic construction, e.g., typically a molded container assembly construction, where the container and cap are molded in the same machine when hingedly connected together, or the container and cap may be molded in separate machines when the container and cap are separate components.
  • a container is filled with a desired product, and the cap closed over the container opening, it is common to also heat shrink a thin, flexible plastic sleeve over the capped container, where at least a portion of the heat shrunk sleeve extends over each of the cap and container, i.e., the sleeve shrink seals over the interface region of the cap and container.
  • the heat shrink sleeve serves to retain the cap in a closed condition with the container, and also the sleeve advantageously acts as a tamper evident feature for the container assembly.
  • Typical shrink sleeve machines are built with horizontal conveyors to feed the sleeve and tubes through the sealing process.
  • Shrink sleeve steamer machines are bulky, expensive, hard to operate, require extensive time to set up, use large amounts of water, and are not easily adaptable to various size tubes or containers.
  • operation of a plastic shrink sleeve machine requires a skilled employee which adds an additional burden and cost to the employer.
  • Careful control of the shrink sleeve operation is also required, particularly where the content or product stored in the container is sensitive to elevated temperatures. For example, elevated temperatures may cause certain types of product/content to stick to an interior surface of the container that forms the cavity.
  • Another problem relates to printing used on the shrink wrap sleeves applied to the container.
  • Printing on the sleeve prior to shrink wrapping the sleeve has the potential to distort the print.
  • the print information may not be learned until just prior to installing the sleeve to the container, e.g., a batch number is required on the sleeve, and yet the batch number is not available until just prior to application on the container. This causes the sleeve and/or container supplier to incur additional expense or handling in an effort to accommodate the last minute inclusion of this information into the print on the sleeve.
  • One solution would be to create the sleeve with a desired design, and/or with some of the printed material that can be included on the sleeve and will not be subject to the distortion issues, or is not part of the last minute information that is required on the packaged container, i.e., the closed container sealed within the shrink wrap sleeve.
  • Application of a label would be desirable where the last-minute information can be added just prior to packaging (i.e., shrink wrapping the sleeve to the container).
  • the industry does not use this solution because the printed label does not work well in the high temperature steam environment of the shrink wrap sleeve applied to the container.
  • a shrink wrapping apparatus is configured to shrink wrap associated sleeves on an associated container assembly that includes an associated cap and associated container.
  • the shrink wrapping apparatus includes a housing (also referred to herein as a turbine) having a wall forming a passage dimensioned to receive the associated container assembly and associated sleeve.
  • the passage is dimensioned to receive the associated container assembly with the unshrunk sleeve received thereover so that the container assembly and sleeve travel through the passage.
  • the passage has an inlet and an outlet spaced therefrom, and the inlet is could be located vertically above the outlet such that the associated container assembly and associated sleeve move from the inlet toward the outlet.
  • a steam path and/or hot air path communicates with the passage to provide steam and or hot air from an associated steam and/or hot air source to at least a portion of the passage between the inlet and outlet in order to shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container assembly as these components pass through the passage of the shrink wrapping apparatus.
  • the shrink wrapping apparatus also includes a stop member for engaging the associated container assembly and holding in the passage for a predetermined amount of time.
  • the housing preferably may further include a turning member that rotates the associated container assembly with the sleeve received thereon as the associated container assembly and associated sleeve pass through the passage.
  • the turning member in a preferred arrangement includes at least one protrusion such as a helical protrusion that extends from the housing into the passage and prevents the associated container assembly and associated sleeve from contacting the housing wall, and in a preferred arrangement the turning member includes multiple, helical protrusions that extend from the housing wall into the passage. In the preferred arrangement, the turning member is located in the passage between the inlet and outlet.
  • the steam and/or hot air path includes a steam and/or hot air inlet that communicates with a chamber in the housing wall that preferably surrounds a perimeter portion of the passage between the passage inlet and the passage outlet.
  • the steam and/or hot air path preferably includes multiple, spaced apart steam and/or hot air outlets that communicate with the chamber and extend through the housing wall to the passage in order to efficiently and effectively communicate steam and/or hot air from the associated steam and/or hot air source into the passage.
  • the apparatus preferably may further include a collector adjacent the passage outlet for directing condensate from the steam that has cooled/condensed into a liquid to a recirculation line that communicates with the associated steam source and advantageously reuses the liquid to form steam.
  • the apparatus preferably may further include a vibrator for imparting vibrations to the housing wall.
  • the housing is preferably constructed from a polymer material.
  • the sleeve includes a region that is printed with information just prior to introduction into the shrink wrapping apparatus.
  • the sleeves are fed through a thermal printer where on-the-spot/just-in-time printing such as bar codes, batch information, sale information, compliance information, etc., is completed, and then immediately thereafter directed through the shrink wrapping apparatus where the quick advancement through the shrink wrapping apparatus has no adverse impact on the on-the-spot print.
  • a preprinted label with the just-in-time printed information is secured or applied to the sleeve just prior to introduction into the shrink wrapping apparatus.
  • the label on the sleeve and also the print on the label are not adversely impacted with respect to size or print quality thereon.
  • the adhesive that secures the printed label to the sleeve is not adversely impacted (i.e., the label remains adhesively secured to the sleeve).
  • a method of shrink wrapping sleeves on a container assembly that includes a cap and container includes providing a housing or turbine having a wall forming a passage dimensioned to receive the container assembly and sleeve, the passage having an inlet and an outlet spaced from one another.
  • the method further includes locating the inlet vertically above the outlet such that the container assembly and sleeve move downwardly from the inlet toward the outlet.
  • the method could alternatively include locating the inlet horizontally next to the outlet.
  • the method also includes providing steam and/or hot air from a steam and/or hot air source to a steam and/or hot air path that communicates with at least a portion of the passage in order to shrink wrap the sleeve on the container assembly.
  • the method also includes providing a stop member for engaging the associated container assembly and holding in the passage for a predetermined amount of time.
  • the method may further include rotating the associated container assembly as the associated container assembly passes through the passage.
  • the method may further include extending at least one protrusion
  • the method further including providing at least one protrusion that extends from the housing into the passage where the at least one protrusion prevents the associated container assembly from contacting the housing wall.
  • the method includes collecting steam condensate or liquid and communicating the condensate through a recirculation line to the associated steam source.
  • the method further comprising imparting vibrations to the housing wall.
  • the method further comprising forming the housing of a polymer material.
  • the method may include providing a region on the sleeve on which on- the-spot/just-in-time printing such as bar codes, batch information, sale information, compliance information, etc., is completed.
  • the sleeve with the just-in-time print thereon is then positioned on the container assembly and immediately the sleeve is introduced into the shrink wrapping apparatus where the steam shrinks the sleeve on to the container assembly (e.g., along the interface of the container and cap) and the just- in-time print region remains unaffected.
  • the method may include using a sleeve with a label applied or secured thereto.
  • the label may include pre-printing and the label may be previously attached to the sleeve and supplied to the packaging station. It is also contemplated that additional printing can be added to the label just prior to the shrink wrap process so that last minute information can be included on the label.
  • the shrink wrap sleeve does not shrink along that surface area region where the label is applied during the shrink process, while the remainder of the sleeve without any label attached thereto, will shrink on the container assembly as desired.
  • the present disclosure advantageously uses the fact that steam rises to its advantage.
  • Another benefit is associated with the significantly reduced time required to apply the shrink sleeve to accurately, effectively, and inexpensively apply the shrink sleeve to the container assembly.
  • Still another advantage is the reduced cost to manufacture and operate the shrink wrapping apparatus.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view from the top and one side of an apparatus for shrink wrapping a sleeve on a container assembly.
  • Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1 .
  • Figure 3 is a view of the housing/turbine used in the shrink wrapping apparatus of Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the turbine of Figure 3.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view taken generally from the top of the turbine of Figure 3.
  • Figure 6 is a top plan view of the turbine of Figure 3.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view taken generally from the bottom of the turbine of Figure 3.
  • Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of the turbine of Figure 3.
  • Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the turbine of Figure 3.
  • Figures 10 is an elevational view of a preferred container assembly with a hinged cap in an open position relative to a container body.
  • Figure 11 is an elevational view of the container assembly of Figure 10 showing the cap in a closed position relative to the container body.
  • Figures 12-15 are other views of the container assembly of Figures 10-11.
  • Figure 16 is a schematic representation of a container assembly and sleeve being inserted into an inlet end of the housing/turbine and a container assembly with the sleeve shrink-wrapped thereon exiting the outlet end of the turbine.
  • Figures 17 and 18 are elevational views of open and closed positions of an alternative container assembly.
  • Figures 19 and 20 are elevational views of closed and open positions of an alternative container assembly.
  • Figures 21 and 22 are elevational views of closed and open positions of an alternative container assembly.
  • Figures 23 and 24 are elevational views of open and closed positions of an alternative container assembly.
  • Figures 25 and 26 are elevational views of open and closed positions of an alternative container assembly.
  • Figures 27 and 28 are perspective views of open and closed positions of an alternative container assembly.
  • Figures 29 and 30 are perspective views of open and closed positions of an alternative container assembly.
  • Figures 31 and 32 are perspective views of open and closed positions of an alternative container assembly.
  • Figures 33 and 34 are perspective views of open and closed positions of an alternative container assembly.
  • Figures 35 and 36 are elevational views of open and closed positions of an alternative container assembly.
  • Figures 37 and 38 illustrate the sleeve with a printed label secured thereto prior to the shrink wrap process and subsequent to the shrink wrap process, respectively.
  • Figure 39 is a perspective view from the top and one side of an alternative apparatus for shrink wrapping a sleeve on a container assembly.
  • Figure 40 is a side elevational view of an alternative turbine of Figure 39.
  • Figure 41 and 42 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of an alternative turbine of Figure 40.
  • the terms “include” or “may include” used in the present disclosure indicate the presence of disclosed corresponding functions, operations, elements, and the like, and do not limit additional one or more functions, operations, elements, and the like.
  • the terms “include”, “including”, “have” or “having” used in the present disclosure are to indicate the presence of components, features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or a combination thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or a combination thereof.
  • first and second used in the present disclosure may modify various components or elements of the different exemplary embodiments, these terms do not limit the corresponding components or elements. For example, these terms do not limit an order and/or importance of the corresponding elements, nor do these terms preclude additional elements (e.g., second, third, etc.).
  • the terms may be used to distinguish one element from another element.
  • a first mechanical device and a second mechanical device all indicate mechanical devices and may indicate different types of mechanical devices or the same type of mechanical device.
  • a first element may be named a second element without departing from the scope of the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and similarly, a second element may be named a first element.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an apparatus or steamer apparatus 100 for a shrink wrap or shrink sleeve such as a thin, hollow plastic sleeve or cylinder received over a container assembly (where the container assembly includes a container or container body and a cap) such as illustrated in Figure 16.
  • the container and the cap may be separate components or integrally formed and joined together in both the open and closed positions, for example, via a hinge.
  • apparatus 100 heats and shrinks the plastic sleeve over portions of both the container body and the cap, particularly along the interface of the cap closed on the container body as will be described in greater detail below.
  • the steamer apparatus 100 includes a housing 102 having a base 104 that has a wide footprint allowing the apparatus to be stably positioned on a work surface.
  • a power switch 106 when switched to the “on” position provides power to the steamer apparatus 100 (e.g., AC or DC power).
  • a reservoir 108 is provided in the housing 102 and well or recess 110 provides selective access to refill the reservoir with a fluid, such as water.
  • a heater Internal to the housing is a heater (not shown) that is controlled by the power switch 106. With water in the reservoir 108, and the power switch 106 turned “on”, the water is quickly heated to a boiling point to produce steam.
  • the steam exits the housing 102 through outlet 112 which is in fluid communication with the steam produced in the housing.
  • the description to this point can generally be referred to as a steam source, and does not preclude another conventional steam source that may be used with the shrink sleeve apparatus 100 to be described further below (and which in this instance, the shrink sleeve apparatus is a part of a steamer apparatus). It is also contemplated that in some instances hot air could be used (i) instead of steam, and/or in combination with water (e.g., fine water droplets), and/or (iii) in combination withsteam.
  • hot air could be used (i) instead of steam, and/or in combination with water (e.g., fine water droplets), and/or (iii) in combination withsteam.
  • Outlet 112 receives a shrink sleeve apparatus having a housing or turbine 120 shown in Figures 1 - 2, and more particular details of which are illustrated in Figures 3 - 9.
  • the turbine 120 is mechanically and sealingly secured to the steamer housing 102 particularly via an attachment portion 122, and thus can be considered a part of the steamer housing, or may be made as a separate assembly that is provided steam from the steamer apparatus 100 or another steam source.
  • the turbine attachment portion 122 includes an internal channel 124 that communicates the steam from the steam source, e.g., steam generated in the steamer housing, to the turbine 120.
  • the turbine 120 includes a passage 130 defined by a wall 132 where the passage has a first end or inlet 134 and a second end or outlet 136 where the outlet is spaced from the inlet. More particularly, the inlet 134 is located vertically above the outlet 136 so that the hot steam from the steam source provided to channel 124 and passage 130 advantageously and naturally rises vertically upward in the general direction from adjacent the outlet toward the inlet, and the force of gravity acting downwardly from the inlet toward the outlet is also advantageously used in a manner to be described further below. In the alternative, hot air could be utilized instead of hot steam as hot air also naturally rises.
  • the turbine 120 is generally a hollow cylindrical structure in which the passage 130 extends continuously from the inlet 134 to the outlet 136, and in the preferred arrangement, the passage has substantially the same cross-sectional dimension along the passage. In the preferred arrangement the turbine forms a generally hollow cylinder where the passage has a circular or substantially circular cross-section, although this need not be the particular configuration of the turbine or passage.
  • the internal channel 124 of the turbine attachment portion 122 communicates with the steam and/or hot air generated in and supplied by the steamer and/or hot air housing 102 and directs the steam toward the turbine passage 130.
  • Steam inlet 150 is located adjacent the second end or outlet 136 of the turbine 120 ( Figure 9).
  • the steam and/or hot air inlet 150 directs the steam and/or hot air from the steamer and/or hot air housing 102 (i.e., steam source or hot air source) along a steam path that communicates with at least a portion of the turbine passage 130.
  • a cavity 152 is provided in the turbine between inner and outer walls thereof, and since the preferred turbine configuration is a hollow cylinder, the cavity 152 has a generally annular shape although such a shape should not be deemed to be a limiting feature.
  • the steam and/or hot air elevates the temperature of the turbine, preferably over substantially an entire height of the turbine.
  • Some of the steam and/or hot air passes directly from the inlet 150, to a portion of the cavity 152 and through at least one steam and/or hot air outlet 154, and preferably multiple steam and/or hot air outlets 154 that are located in spaced apart relation around the inner circumferential surface of the wall 132 of the turbine.
  • the steam and/or hot air outlets 154 are preferably located near or adjacent to the second end or outlet 136 of the turbine so that the heated steam and/or hot air rises upwardly through the passage 130 naturally and advantageously toward the first end or inlet 134.
  • the steam created in the steamer housing 102 by heating the water in reservoir 108 is directed to internal channel 124 of the attachment portion 122 of the turbine 120.
  • the steam naturally rises and migrates toward the steam inlet 150 where a portion enters into annular cavity 152 and another portion of the steam exits into the turbine passage 130 via steam outlets 154.
  • the steam proceeds upwardly due to the heated fluid rising naturally so that the turbine passage 130 has steam continuously supplied thereto.
  • Some of the steam naturally cools either upon contacting the inner surface of turbine passage 130 or when the steam comes into contact with the associated container assembly and/or associated sleeve (to be described below) as these container assembly components and associated sleeve proceed downwardly from the turbine inlet 134 to the turbine outlet 136.
  • the associated container assembly and sleeve are introduced into the inlet of the turbine and proceed in a first direction (generally vertically downward) toward the outlet and have a temperature less than the temperature of the steam that is rising upwardly in an opposite direction (generally vertically upward).
  • the steam quickly and advantageously raises the temperature of the associated sleeve and the associated container assembly as these components pass downwardly through the rising steam.
  • the turbine 120 includes at least one protrusion, and preferably multiple protrusions shown here as multiple, circumferentially spaced, helical protrusions 160 that extend from the inner wall 132 of the turbine and terminate at a radial location within the passage.
  • each of the helical protrusions 160 preferably has the same pitch. Portions of each helical protrusion 160 may extend axially outwardly from the passage 130 at the upper, first end 134 of the turbine, although this need not necessarily be the case. Similarly, each of the helical protrusions 160 may terminate within the passage 130 adjacent the second end 136 of the turbine 120.
  • the helical protrusions 160 serve multiple purposes and functions.
  • the helical protrusions 160 serve as a portion of a turning member for rotating or twisting an associated container assembly as the container assembly and associated sleeve pass through the passage 130 of the turbine 120.
  • the helical protrusions 160 extend radially inward from the surface of the inner wall 132 a sufficient dimension to prevent the associated container assembly and sleeve from contacting the inner wall surface.
  • the helical protrusions serve as ledges or condensate channels to direct condensate (cooled steam) toward a collector ring 170 located adjacent the second end 136 of the turbine 120.
  • a return/recirculation line 172 extends from the collector ring 170 (and particularly from an opening 174 in the turbine second end 136 that communicates with the collector ring 170 - see Figures 7-9).
  • the return/recirculation line 172 communicates with the collector ring at one end and leads to the reservoir 108 in the steamer housing 102 (or other steam or hot air source). In this manner, that portion of the steam that turns to condensate along the inner surface of the turbine 120 is returned to the reservoir 108 to be re-heated and sent again as steam into the turbine.
  • Figures 10 - 16 show various front, rear, side, top, and bottom views of a first preferred embodiment of a container assembly 200, although one skilled in the art will understand from the following description that alternative container assemblies can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure.
  • the container assembly 200 includes a container or container body 202 and a cap 204.
  • the cap 204 may be a separate component or may be joined to the container 202 via a hinge 206.
  • the container 202 is an elongated structure that is open at a first end 208 and closed at a second end 210.
  • container wall 212 encloses and forms an internal cavity 214 that is selectively accessed through the open, first end 208.
  • the cap 204 closes the cavity, i.e., the cap is rotated to a closed position ( Figure 12) to close the contents of the container 202 from the external environment.
  • the container assembly is a plastic construction, i.e., a molded plastic container assembly where the container 202 and the cap 204 are formed in a single forming operation where connected by a hinge, and may be formed in separate forming operations when not connected by a hinge.
  • the hinge 206 protrudes outwardly from an external surface of the container.
  • This configuration of the hinge 206 is advantageously used to cooperate with one of the helical protrusions 160 in the turbine 120 in the shrink sleeve apparatus.
  • An outer peripheral dimension of the container 200 is less than an inner dimension of the helical protrusions 160 extending into the passage 130.
  • the hinge 206 extends outwardly from the container a sufficient dimension that the hinge contacts one of the helical protrusions 160.
  • the hinge 206 and one of the helical protrusions 160 act as a turning member in order to rotate the container assembly 200 as the container assembly passes via gravity from the upper, first end 134 of the turbine 120 to the lower, second end 136.
  • an alternative component can be provided elsewhere on the container assembly and protrude outwardly for engagement with the turning member/helical protrusions to serve the same purpose as the protruding hinge.
  • a hollow, cylindrical sleeve 220 is dimensioned for receipt over the container assembly 200, typically extending over a major portion of a length of the container assembly.
  • the sleeve 220 is a conventional thin, plastic structure that shrinks when heated to an elevated temperature in a manner well known in the art.
  • a first container assembly is identified as container assembly 200A and similarly, the sleeve is identified as sleeve 220A.
  • a second container assembly is identified as container assembly cap 200B and similarly, the sleeve is identified as sleeve 220B to illustrate the container assembly with a shrink-wrapped sleeve thereon as the assembly exits the shrink wrap apparatus.
  • the sleeve 220B is received over the container assembly 200B so that the sleeve integrally covers at least a portion of the cap 204B along with a major portion of the container 202B. In this manner, the sleeve 220B also acts as a tamper evident indicator for the final product.
  • the steamer apparatus of the present invention will be the smallest shrink sleeve system in the market.
  • the conventional steam conveyor units use on the order of 50-60 gallons of water (along with complex boilers or pressure tanks) in a typical 10-12 hour work shift, while the present invention only uses 5-6 gallons in the same period of time without the need for a boiler or pressure tank structure.
  • the shrink sleeve apparatus of the present invention generates sufficient steam to shrink the sleeve on to the container assembly.
  • the turbine 120 advantageously directs the steam into a 360 degree annulus or doughnut-shaped chamber in the turbine.
  • the steam is introduced through spaced outlets 150 opening into the vertical passage 130.
  • the helical protrusions 160 space the container assembly with the shrink sleeve 220 away from the inner wall 132 of the steam turbine 120.
  • the turbine 120 is preferably oriented upright for the entire process to evenly shrink the sleeve 220 to the container assembly 200.
  • the container assemblies 200 do not easily stand up on their own so that is why the present shrink sleeve apparatus is designed to drop the container assemblies and accompanying sleeves 220 through the vertical steam turbine 120.
  • the amount of dwell or resident time of the container assembly 200 and sleeve 220 can be controlled by altering the pitch or twist of the helical protrusions 160 (or via a stop member which is described below in connection with Figures 39-42).
  • the hinge 206 on the container assembly 200 aligns with the helical protrusions 160 of the turbine helix to rotate or twist the container assembly and sleeve 220 on the way down through the turbine passage 130.
  • a small vibrator 240 ( Figure 9) may be connected to the wall of the plastic steam turbine 120.
  • a small mobile phone-type vibrator 240 could be used to further assure and even speed up the drop of the container assembly 200 and sleeve 220 through the turbine passage 130.
  • the bottom of the plastic steam turbine 130 includes the condensation collection ring 170.
  • the helical protrusions 160 and the steam chamber wall 132 collect small amounts of condensation. Gravity directs the small amounts of condensation along the protrusions to channel/direct the flow of condensate water into the collection ring 170. From the collection ring 170, the collected water proceeds through a small diameter water return line 172 back to the water reservoir of the steam apparatus. Small amounts of condensation may fall past the collection ring 170 but can be minimized without changing the basic structure and concept described herein.
  • the plastic turbine 120 with the helical protrusions 160 also allows for uneven diameter container assemblies 200 to be dropped thru the vertical steam turbine passage 130.
  • the protruding hinge 206 of the container assembly 200 acts like a tooth on a gear while twisting the container assembly and sleeve 220, and the engagement between the protruding hinge and the helical protrusion(s) slows the drop at the same time.
  • a greater degree of pitch or twist of the helical protrusions 160 can slow the drop through the turbine passage 130, and likewise less pitch/twist can speed up the drop time through the turbine passage, or to adjust the heat shrinking of the sleeve 220 on to the container assembly 200.
  • the turbine 120 is advantageously constructed or manufactured through an additive manufacturing process (also referred to as a 3-D printing process) because of the internal cavities formed in the turbine wall 132.
  • Using multiple walls in the turbine construction also desirably insulates and minimizes heat loss, and likewise minimizes the amount of condensation.
  • Plastic material also allows the external surface of the turbine 120 to be at a safer, lower temperature, whereas a similar metal construction would potentially be too hot to touch because the internal temperature of the steam turbine 120 heats to approximately 200 degrees F.
  • the plastic 3-D printed steam turbine 120 can also easily be changed to accommodate different sized (diameters) container assemblies 200, and likewise machining a comparable turbine from metal would be extremely expensive to accommodate different dimensions or diameters.
  • the process of shrink forming the sleeve 220 on the container assembly 200 advantageously includes using a gravity vertical drop of the container assembly and associated sleeve with or without a sidewall helical protrusion 160.
  • the steam turbine 120 can receive different cross-sectional shapes of container assemblies 200, e.g. round patterns, square, rectangular or still other designed container assemblies of various lengths can be dropped through the turbine 120.
  • Figures 17 - 36 relate to various different embodiments of the container assembly 200, i.e., container 202 and cap 204.
  • each embodiment uses the same reference numerals and description associated with the container assembly 200 of Figures 10 - 15, with an additional suffix “A”, “B”, etc.
  • Each of these ten additional embodiments illustrates a hinged container assembly where the container/container body is connected by a hinge 206 to the cap 204, with different styles of the container (e.g., cylindrical, tapered, elongated, shorter, etc.) and the different style caps (e.g., flat, V-shaped, dome, donut, etc.).
  • a modified shrink wrap sleeve 300 is shown in Figures 37 and 38.
  • the sleeve 300 has a first, total surface area (approximately one-half of the total surface area is illustrated in this plan view).
  • the sleeve 300 is shipped in a flattened state but deploys into a generally hollow cylindrical shape that is open at opposite first and second ends 302, 304.
  • the hollow sleeve 300 has an inner opening dimension adapted to be freely received around the outer surface of a container 310 ( Figure 38).
  • the sleeve 300 is formed of a first material such that, when exposed to an elevated temperature (steam) and subsequently cooled, the inner opening dimension shrinks to a smaller, post-shrink dimension whereby the sleeve inner opening tightly wraps on to the external surface of the container 310.
  • Reference numeral 320 refers to a print region on the sleeve 300.
  • the print region 320 is a white area or pre-printed white area, for example, that is used to print on-the-spot/just-in-time printing such as bar codes, batch information, sale information, compliance information, etc.
  • the sleeve 300 with the just- in-time print on region 320 is then positioned on the container assembly and immediately the sleeve is introduced into the shrink wrapping apparatus where the steam shrinks the sleeve on to the container assembly (e.g., along the interface of the container and cap) and the just-in-time print region remains unaffected.
  • a thermal printer has been successfully used to print on to the region 320 and eliminates the time and cost of printing on a separate label that is described as an alternative arrangement/process below.
  • Providing or printing the white area/region 320 and subsequently printing the print on-the-spot/just-in-time printing such as bar codes, batch information, sale information, compliance information, etc. works effectively without adversely impacting the print quality so that the printed text can be read once the sleeve has been shrink-wrapped onto the container assembly using the quick shrink wrapping apparatus of the present disclosure.
  • An alternative arrangement/process uses a label 320 that has a second, total surface area less than the first, total surface area of the sleeve 300. That is, the label 320 preferably covers only a portion of the total outer surface of the sleeve 300.
  • the label 320 is secured to an external surface of the sleeve 300 in a manner well known in the art, for example, with a suitable adhesive provided between the label and the outer surface of the sleeve that affixes the label to the sleeve.
  • the label 320 is preferably formed of a second material that is conducive to being printed on, and the label resists shrinkage when exposed to the elevated temperature and subsequently cooled.
  • the adhesive secures the label 320 to the sleeve 300 and the adhesively secured label substantially prevents the sleeve from shrinking when exposed to the steam along that external surface portion of the sleeve that receives the label thereon. That is, a comparison of Figures 37 and 38 illustrates that the label 320 has essentially the same dimension before shrink wrapping (Figure 37) and post shrink wrapping, i.e., after being secured to the container 310 ( Figure 38).
  • the label 320 may include pre-printing and the label may be previously attached to the sleeve 300 and supplied to the shrink wrap steam apparatus.
  • the overall sleeve 300 will shrink when exposed to the steam and/or hot air, but that portion of the sleeve covered by the label and the label itself are essentially immune to shrinkage or a significant amount of shrinkage that would otherwise adversely impact the information/indicia printed on the label.
  • the sleeve and printed label are exposed to the elevated temperature steam for less than 2 seconds, or approximately 1 .5 seconds or less (significantly less than prior commercial units of 2 - 5 seconds).
  • Figures 39-42 relate to an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 100 that includes a stop member 400 for engaging the associated container and holding the container in place for a predetermined amount of time.
  • the orientation of the turbine 120 could be vertical, horizontal (substantially horizontal), or any orientation in between.
  • Figures 39 and 40 illustrates the alternative embodiment of an apparatus or steamer apparatus 100 for a shrink wrap or shrink sleeve such as a thin, hollow plastic sleeve or cylinder received over a container assembly (where the container assembly includes a container or container body and a cap) such as illustrated in Figure 16.
  • apparatus 100 heats and shrinks the plastic sleeve over portions of both the container body and the cap, particularly along the interface of the cap closed on the container body as described in greater detail above.
  • the apparatus 100 of Figures 39 and 40 include a housing 102 having a wall forming a passage dimensioned to receive the associated container assembly and associated sleeve, the passage having an inlet and an outlet spaced therefrom.
  • a path communicates with the passage to provide steam and/or hot air from an associated steam and or hot air source to at least a portion of the passage in order to shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container assembly.
  • the apparatus 100 includes a stop member 400 for engaging the associated container assembly and holding the container assembly in the passage for a predetermined amount of time. The time is determined based upon the size of the container assembly and the weight of the material contained within the container assembly.
  • a liquid could weigh significantly more than a light substance and thus may require the container assembly to be held for a longer period of time than a light weight substance.
  • some containers may need to have the stop member 400 engaged for only 1 second, whereas other containers may need the stop member 400 to be engaged for 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or more.
  • the particular location of the stop member 400 in the apparatus 100 may be varied, and one skilled in the art will appreciate that the length of time, stop member location, etc. may vary from one apparatus design to another without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure.
  • the stop member 400 could be a mechanical finger, a shutter such as a shutter device that functions like the iris of a camera, or other similar device that could function to hold the container assembly in place for the time necessary to effectively shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container.
  • the stop member 400 is coupled to a controller 403 that controls operation of the stop member 400.
  • the controller 403 preferably includes a motor and a PCB (printed circuit board).
  • the PCB operatively communicates with the motor to control the action of the stop member 400 between first and second states, for example between an extended, first position and a retracted, second position when the stop member is a finger.
  • first and second states for example between an extended, first position and a retracted, second position when the stop member is a finger.
  • the stop member 400 is akin to a camera iris then the first state of the stop member is dimensioned to engage the associated container assembly and a different, second state where the stop member is positioned or sized to allow the container assembly to pass by the stop member.
  • the controller 403 also preferably communicates with an indicator 406 to report a status of the stop member 400.
  • the indicator 406 is a light that is either one of two colors, such as “red or “green”, to indicate to the user/operator whether the stop member 400 is engaged with a container and/or whether a new container may be loaded into the apparatus 100. If this stop member 400 is engaged, then the indicator 406 might be a first color such as “green” notifying the user that the container assembly can be inserted into the apparatus 100 knowing that the container assembly will stay in place for the time necessary to shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container. If the indicator 406 is a different, second color such as “red”, the user would understand to wait and insert the container assembly at a later point in time.
  • two colors such as “red or “green”
  • the PCB could be controlled remotely by a computer, a smart phone, a tablet or other similar device or app contained on any suitable device that communicates or interfaces therewith.
  • the PCB could be programmed to adjust the time the stop member 400 is engaged with the container assembly, varying the amount of time as desired, based upon the size and weight of the container assembly. This would allow great flexibility in the usefulness of the apparatus 100 for various sizes and weights of containers.
  • Figures 41 and 42 are alternate longitudinal cross-sectional views of the turbine 120 of Figure 40.
  • Figure 41 shows some of the steam and/or hot air passing directly from the inlet 150, to a portion of the cavity 152 and through at least one steam/hot air outlet 154, and preferably multiple steam/hot air outlets 154 that are located in spaced apart relation around the inner circumferential surface of the wall 132 of the turbine.
  • the steam/hot air outlets 154 are preferably located near or adjacent to the second end or outlet 136 of the turbine so that the heated steam/hot air rises upwardly through the passage 130 naturally and advantageously toward the first end or inlet 134.
  • FIG. 42 an alternative embodiment is shown in which the steam/hot air outlets 154 could be located throughout the inner circumferential surface of the wall 132 of the turbine and extend from the outlet 136 up to the inlet 134. This could be particularly advantageous if the apparatus 100 is in a more horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation, allowing the hot air/steam to flow around a container assembly and shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container.

Abstract

Un appareil d'emballage rétractable, et un procédé associé, comprend un boîtier (turbine) ayant une paroi formant un passage dimensionné pour recevoir l'ensemble récipient associé et le manchon associé. Le passage possède une entrée et une sortie espacées l'une de l'autre. Un trajet d'air chaud/de vapeur communique avec le passage pour fournir de la vapeur d'une source de vapeur associée à au moins une partie du passage afin d'emballer par rétraction le manchon associé sur l'ensemble récipient associé au fur et à mesure que l'ensemble récipient et le manchon se déplacent à travers le passage. L'appareil comprend également un élément d'arrêt pour venir en prise avec l'ensemble récipient associé et le retenir dans le passage pendant une durée prédéterminée.
EP20962622.5A 2020-11-18 2020-11-18 Manchon d'emballage rétractable par vapeur à étiquette imprimée pour récipient et procédé associé Pending EP4247717A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2020/061025 WO2022108581A1 (fr) 2020-11-18 2020-11-18 Manchon d'emballage rétractable par vapeur à étiquette imprimée pour récipient et procédé associé

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4247717A1 true EP4247717A1 (fr) 2023-09-27

Family

ID=81709464

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20962622.5A Pending EP4247717A1 (fr) 2020-11-18 2020-11-18 Manchon d'emballage rétractable par vapeur à étiquette imprimée pour récipient et procédé associé

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4247717A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2022108581A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE725820A (fr) * 1968-07-12 1969-05-29
DE2153001A1 (de) * 1971-10-25 1973-05-03 Ahrendt & Birkendahl Ohg Verfahren und vorrichtung zum einschrumpfen von guetern in kunststoffolie
US4092382A (en) * 1976-03-31 1978-05-30 Owens-Illinois, Inc. Method of heat shrinking thermoplastic sleeve wraps on glass containers
US4172873A (en) * 1978-07-03 1979-10-30 Owens-Illinois, Inc. Method for applying a heat shrinkable sleeve to a plastic bottle
FR2858297B1 (fr) * 2003-07-31 2006-01-20 Sleever Int Procede et machine de thermoretraction de manchons thermoretractables enfiles individuellement sur des objets tels que des bouteilles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2022108581A1 (fr) 2022-05-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8196376B2 (en) Heat shrinking apparatus for shrink film
US11548673B2 (en) Steam shrink wrap sleeve with printed label for container and associated method
US20090145511A1 (en) Method of printing a pictorial image onto the circumferential outer surface of beverage bottles and filling beverage bottles in a bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material in rotary filling machinery and apparatus therefor
US4524866A (en) Motor oil catch pan and motor oil change kit incorporating the same
EP2741961B1 (fr) Appareil pour soufflage et remplissage de récipients en plastique
JP2008259851A (ja) 飲料機械および１回量カプセルを備えるシステム
US11603227B2 (en) Steam shrink wrap sleeve with printed label for container and associated method
CN104284845B (zh) 用于封装容器的方法、封装机和用于容器的封装物
WO2007130568A2 (fr) Emballage distributeur de compositions pour le traitement des tissus
CN113382936A (zh) 单份包装和用于制备冲泡饮料的机器和方法
GB2213096A (en) Centering container end for hot air welding
WO2022108581A1 (fr) Manchon d'emballage rétractable par vapeur à étiquette imprimée pour récipient et procédé associé
CA2655396A1 (fr) Unite d'emballage comprenant un porte-bouteilles et des bouteilles
KR20140092916A (ko) 라이너-기반 배송 및 분배 컨테이너를 위한 마개/커넥터 및 라이너-기반 배송 및 분배 컨테이너 충전 방법
US4653551A (en) Adjustment devices for a machine for filling bottles and the like
EP2990344B1 (fr) Procédé et machine de traitement de conteneurs
US10040590B2 (en) Container handling machine and method
GB2362629A (en) Object-holder assembly adapted to be mounted on a package to be associated therewith by snap-on connection
RU60073U1 (ru) Универсальный фасовочно-укупорочный модуль
KR102432468B1 (ko) 수축필름이 구비된 튜브용기 제조장치 및 이를 이용한 튜브용기 제조방법
RU224354U1 (ru) Стакан-термос - внешний держатель двух капсул, оборудованный захватами и кольцевой полкой
RU222546U1 (ru) Стакан-термос - внешний держатель двух капсул, оборудованный захватами
CN214093965U (zh) 一种具有称重机构的气体充装瓶
CN216581393U (zh) 一种自动化精装图书包装生产线
RU224683U1 (ru) Стакан - внешний держатель четырех капсул с крышкой капсул и маркировкой

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20230615

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)