Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D23/00—Details of bottles or jars not otherwise provided for
  • B65D23/08—Coverings or external coatings
  • B65D23/0842—Sheets or tubes applied around the bottle with or without subsequent folding operations
  • B65D23/085—Sheets or tubes applied around the bottle with or without subsequent folding operations and glued or otherwise sealed to the bottle
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D23/00—Details of bottles or jars not otherwise provided for
  • B65D23/08—Coverings or external coatings
  • B65D23/0842—Sheets or tubes applied around the bottle with or without subsequent folding operations
  • B65D23/0878—Shrunk on the bottle
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
  • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
  • B65D81/03—Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
  • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
  • G09F3/08—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
  • G09F3/10—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself by an adhesive layer
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
  • B65D2203/02—Labels
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
  • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
  • G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
  • G09F2003/0251—Sleeve shaped label, i.e. wrapped around a device
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
  • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
  • G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
  • G09F2003/0272—Labels for containers

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a protective label that can be applied to an article to reduce or prevent damage to same.
• Labels are commonly used with many different types of articles that contain (or are designed to contain) various products.
• Such containers may generally be any receptacle or enclosure for holding a product used in storage, packaging, and shipping, or during its use.
• Such articles may include, but are not limited to bottles, jars, cans, tubs, boxes, etc. Further, such articles are often made from materials which are subject to damage or breakage, such as glass or polymer materials such as PET or HDPE.
• Articles that are made from materials that can be damaged and/or break present certain drawbacks. For example, consumers may be dissatisfied by glass breakage associated with dropped bottles. In particular, the consumer perception of package quality can be diminished when confronted with articles (such as glass bottles) that are broken, such as during transit to the retail environment - or if bottles are broken due to being dropped after purchase. Current methods of reducing or preventing such damage are inadequate.
• aspects of the embodiments of the protective label described herein overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, aspects of the present invention provide a protective label that - due to its positioning relative to an article with which it is associated, or the materials comprising the label, or a combination of materials and positioning - reduces or prevents damage and/or breakage to the article to which it is applied (for example, when a glass bottle is dropped).
• one embodiment of the present invention provides a labeled article comprising a label and an article, the article having a top end, a bottom end, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface, wherein the at least one side surface extends between the top end and the bottom end of the article.
• the label is positioned around a lower portion of the side surface of the article to confront said side surface, and does not extend past the bottom end of the article.
• Another embodiment of the present invention provides a labeled article comprising a label and an article, the article having a top end, a bottom end, and at least one side surface, wherein the at least one side surface extends between the top end and the bottom end of the article.
• the label is positioned around a portion of the side surface of said article and does not extend to the bottom end of said article, such that a lower portion of said side surface is exposed below a bottom edge of said label.
• the label includes a machine direction-oriented film and an adhesive positioned between the label and the article, and the label is heat shrunk to the article.
• Another embodiment of the present invention provides a labeled article comprising a label and an article, the article having a top end, a bottom end, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface, wherein the at least one side surface extends between the top end and the bottom end of the article.
• the label is positioned around a lower portion of the side surface of said article and extends past the bottom end of the article, such that said label confronts the lower portion of the side surface and at least a portion of a bottom surface of the article.
• the label extends from the bottom end of the article toward the top end of the article less than 50% of the length of the article between the bottom end to the top end.
• Another embodiment of the present invention provides a labeled article comprising a label and an article, the article having a top end, a bottom end, and at least one side surface, wherein the at least one side surface extends between the top end and the bottom end of the article.
• the label is positioned around a lower portion of the side surface of the article and extends past the bottom end of the article, such that the label confronts the lower portion of the side surface and at least a portion of a bottom surface of the article.
• the label includes a machine direction-oriented film and an adhesive positioned between said label and said article, and the label is heat shrunk to the article.
• FIG. 1 A is a view of a first embodiment of an exemplary article including a label associated therewith in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing the label prior to being applied to the article.
• Fig. 1 B is a view of the bottom end of the article of Fig. 1 A.
• Fig. 1 C is a view of the article and label of Fig. 1 A, showing the label following application to the article.
• Fig. 1 D is a view of the bottom end of the article with label applied as shown in Fig. 1 C.
• FIG. 2A is a view of another embodiment of an exemplary article including a label associated therewith in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing the label prior to being applied to the article.
• Fig. 2B is a view of the bottom end of the article of Fig. 2A.
• Fig. 2C is a view of the article and label of Fig. 2A, showing the label following application to the article.
• Fig. 2D is a view of the bottom end of the article with label applied as shown in Fig. 2C.
• FIG. 3A is a view of another embodiment of an exemplary article including a label associated therewith in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing the label prior to being applied to the article.
• Fig. 3B is a view of the bottom end of the article of Fig. 3A.
• Fig. 3C is a view of the article and label of Fig. 3A, showing the label following application to the article.
• Fig. 3D is a view of the bottom end of the article with label applied as shown in Fig. 3C.
• FIG. 4A is a view of another embodiment of an exemplary article including a label associated therewith in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing the label prior to being applied to the article.
• Fig. 4B is a view of the bottom end of the article of Fig. 4A.
• Fig. 4C is a view of the article and label of Fig. 4A, showing the label following application to the article.
• Fig. 4D is a view of the bottom end of the article with label applied as shown in Fig. 4C.
• Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus used to test damage to, and/or breakage to, articles.
• Fig. 6 is a chart showing the results from tests for damage to, and/or breakage of, articles.
• Fig. 7A is a side view of a conveyor apparatus including labeled articles that progress along the conveyor.
• Fig. 7B is a cross sectional view of the conveyor apparatus with labeled articles shown in Fig. 7A, further depicting a heating device used to shrink labels against the articles.
• aspects of the present invention provide a protective label that - due to its positioning relative to an article with which it is associated, or the materials comprising the label, or a combination of materials and positioning - reduces or prevents damage and/or breakage to the article to which it is applied (for example, when a glass bottle is dropped).
• one embodiment of the present invention provides a label 10 for an article 12, wherein the label 10 is positioned, and/or prepared from materials, that may reduce or prevent damage (such as breakage) of the article 12.
• the article 12 has a top end 14, a bottom end 16, a bottom surface 18, and at least one side surface 20.
• the at least one side surface 20 extends between the top end 14 and the bottom end 16 of the article 12.
• the top end 14 may define an opening 22 that provides access to an interior chamber 24 of the article 12.
• the article 12 may further include a centerpoint of the top end 14 and a centerpoint 28 of the bottom end 16 with a radial axis 30 passing therethrough.
• the illustrated article 12 (of Figs. 1 A- 1 D) having such centerpoints and a radial axis 30 is a common bottle, and thus has such centerpoints and radial axis 30 due to its particular shape.
• the protective label 10 described herein does not need to be applied only to articles having the shape shown in the Figures, but may also be used with articles having other shapes as well.
• the label 10 is positioned around a lower portion 32 of the side surface 20 of the article 12 to confront the side surface 20. Further, as can be seen, the label 10 does not extend past the bottom end 16 of the article 12 in this illustrated embodiment.
• the label 10 may include a top edge 34 and a bottom edge 36, and the bottom edge 36 of the label 10 may be substantially flush with a junction 38 between the side surface 20 of the article 12 and the bottom surface 18 of the article 12.
• junction 38 does not require a separately prepared sidewall and bottom surface 18 that are subsequently joined together to define a junction, but may also include a boundary in a molded article 12, for example, between the side wall and the bottom surface 18 that (in at least the illustrated embodiment) are substantially perpendicular to one another.
• the points and area, then, where a plane coplanar with the bottom surface 18 of the article 12 intersects a plane or planes coplanar with the side surface 20 (or portions of the side surface 20) would generally define this junction 38 between the side surface 20 and bottom surface 18.
• the label 10 extends upward from the junction 38 of the side wall and the bottom surface 18 toward the top end 14 of the article 12. However, the label 10 does not extend fully toward the top end 14 of the article 12, such that the substantial portion of the side surface 20 is confronted by the label 10. Rather, largely a segment of the lower portion of the article 12 is confronted by the label 10. In one such embodiment, the label 10 may extend from the bottom end 16 of the article 12 toward the top end 14 of the article 12 less than 50% of the length of the article 12 between the bottom end 16 to the top end 14.
• the label 10 may extend from the bottom end 16 of the article 12 toward the top end 14 of the article 12 less than 20% of the length of the article 12 between the bottom end 16 to the top end 14. And in yet another embodiment, the label 10 may extend from the bottom end 16 of the article 12 toward the top end 14 of the article 12 less than 12% of the length of the article 12 between the bottom end 16 to the top end 14. In yet another embodiment, the label 10 may extend between 1 ⁇ 2” to 1” from the bottom end 16 of the article 12 toward the top end 14 of the article 12.
• the positioning of the label 10, in this and other described aspects and embodiments may be related to the article geometries in reducing or preventing breakage of the article 12.
• a smaller label 10 can be just as effective and perhaps more effective to reduce and/or prevent breakage than a label 10 that extends the full length of the side wall of the article 12.
• a shock-wave may be propagated at the bottom of the bottle (such as when the article 12 lands at least partially or substantially with a portion or substantially all of the bottom surface 18 of the article 12 making first contact with the surface against which it is dropped).
• the shock-wave is the nucleation event for the glass breakage because the pressure at the base of the article 12 exceeds the yield point for the glass.
• a shock wave is generated during the drop impact event, and this forces the fluid in the container to move outward and create a“pressure ring” at the bottom of the article 12.
• This pressure ring creates stress in the article 12 which may initiate breakage.
• the label 10 is sufficiently large and/or sufficiently positioned to prevent the shock-wave propagation and the nucleation event that initiates the breakage.
• the label 10 of the labeled article 12 may also include a particular material or materials.
• the label 10 may include a machine direction-oriented film.
• the label 10 may include a single ply machine direction-oriented polyolefin pressure sensitive label.
• the label 10 may include a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene. And, in certain embodiments, the label 10 may be greater than 50% polypropylene.
• the label 10 may be a shrink sleeve label having a film comprising polyvinyl chloride.
• another aspect of the present invention may include the manner in which the label 10 is associated with an article 12.
• the at least one side surface 20 of the article 12 has a substantially circular cross-section at the location where the label 10 confronts the at least one side surface 20.
• the label 10 may be sized and positioned relative to the article 12 such that it wraps 370° around the at least one side surface 20 (i.e., a portion of the label 10 overlaps itself when applied to the article 12).
• the label 10 may be heat shrunk to confront and conform to the article 12.
• labels which may include pressure sensitive labels
• various aspects of the present invention also allow for applying labels, which may include pressure sensitive labels, to articles by moving the article 12 into proximity with a source of a pressure sensitive label 10, positioning a pressure sensitive label 10 relative to each article 12, and heating the pressure sensitive label 10 to shrink it against the article 12.
• the pressure sensitive labels 10 are heat-shrunk on the articles 12 using high heat along a conveyor belt 42, upon which the articles and associated pressure sensitive labels are moved.
• various embodiments may include a heated conveyor 42, such that the pressure sensitive labels 10 are shrunk to conform to the contour of the articles due to heat radiating from the conveyor 42 to the labels and articles.
• other methods of applying heat such as via the blowing of hot air onto the pressure sensitive labels and articles may be used.
• an apparatus 40 for shrinking the pressure sensitive labels 10 against articles 12 includes a conveyor 42 that provides a path for the articles 12 to proceed along. As shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, the labels 10 have already been applied to the articles 12 at the time they are depicted on the conveyor 42. In the case of application and heat shrinking of pressure sensitive labels, the labels may be applied to articles, in one embodiment, using a 370 Q Wrap PS label applicator, known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
• the labeled articles then travel along the conveyor 42.
• the conveyor 42 also includes a heating device 44, which provides heat of a temperature sufficient to cause the pressure sensitive labels 10 to substantially conform to the contour of the articles with which they are associated.
• a heating device 44 which provides heat of a temperature sufficient to cause the pressure sensitive labels 10 to substantially conform to the contour of the articles with which they are associated.
• this heating device 44 is provided along the sides 46 of the conveyor 42.
• the heating device 44 may be any device sufficient to cause the pressure sensitive labels to shrink against the articles.
• the heating device on the conveyor 42 may be one which radiates heat from a heating element.
• it may be a device that blows hot air onto the articles as they pass by the heating device 44.
• the heat for shrinking may be provided by steam.
• heat may be provided by a hot air manifold.
• heat may be applied by a combination of these methods, for example, steam heat coupled with air movement.
• a constant heat may be applied to the pressure sensitive label 10 and article 12.
• the pressure sensitive label 10 and article 12 may experience gradations of temperature as they move along the conveyor 42.
• heat may be applied to the label 10 and article 12 at a temperature at or above about 140°F. In other embodiments, depending on the amount of shrink needed, the temperature may be in a range between about 140°F and about 266 °F.
• the desired temperature along the conveyor 42 may depend upon a number of factors, such as the speed at which the article 12 and label 10 are moved along the conveyor 42, and also the particular composition and thickness of the pressure sensitive label 10. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate alternate ways in which this may be accomplished.
• the heating device 44 will extend along the conveyor 42 for a distance sufficient to ensure that the labels 10 are substantially shrunk against the contour of the articles 12.
• the conveyor 42 is designed such that the articles rotate as they move along the path of the conveyor 42. This allows the entire surface of the pressure sensitive labels 10 to be exposed to the heating device 44 as they move along the conveyor 42. This is used to facilitate complete shrinkage of the labels against the articles about the entire surface (e.g., circumference) of the labels.
• the article 12 and pressure sensitive label 10 may then be cooled by subjecting the article 12 and label 10 to ambient temperatures to allow for a gradual cooling process.
• the article 12 and pressure sensitive label 10 may undergo other cooling steps, such as subjecting the article 12 and label 10 to cool air or liquid.
• the label 10 may include an adhesive applied to a surface of the label 10, such that the adhesive is positioned between the label 10 and the article 12 when the label 10 confronts the article 12.
• the adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.
• the pressure sensitive adhesive may be a clear general purpose permanent acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive.
• An example of one such adhesive is Fasson ® S692N adhesive, (commercially available from Avery Dennison of Glendale, CA).
• the pressure sensitive adhesive may be a clear general purpose acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive.
• the article 12 may be made of a material that is a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene with preferably greater than 50% polypropylene content. And this construction includes a pressure sensitive adhesive.
• the label 10 may be applied to an article 12 using conventional pressure sensitive labeling equipment. And the label 10 extends approximately 1” toward the tope end of the article 12 from the bottom end 16 of the article 12, and wraps 370° around the article 12. After application, this construction may be heat shrunk to conform to the lower portion 32 of the at least one sidewall of the article 12.
• FIG. 2A-2D another embodiment of the present invention provides a label 10 for an article 12, wherein the label 10 is positioned, and/or prepared from materials, that may reduce or prevent damage (such as breakage) of the article 12.
• the article 12 has a top end 14, a bottom end 16, and at least one side surface 20.
• the at least one side surface 20 extends between the top end 14 and the bottom end 16 of the article 12.
• the top end 14 may define an opening 22 that provides access to an interior chamber 24 of the article 12.
• the article 12 may further include a centerpoint of the top end 14 and a centerpoint 28 of the bottom end 16 with a radial axis 30 passing therethrough.
• the illustrated article 12 (of Figs. 2A-2D) having such
• centerpoints and a radial axis 30 is a common bottle, and thus has such centerpoints and radial axis 30 due to its particular shape.
• the protective label 10 described herein does not need to be applied only to articles having the shape shown in the Figures, but may also be used with articles having other shapes as well.
• the label 10 is positioned around a portion of the side surface 20 of the article 12 to confront the side surface 20. Further, as can be seem, the label 10 does not extend to the bottom end 16 of said article 12 in this embodiment. Thus, in this illustrated embodiment, a lower portion 32 of the side surface 20 is exposed below a bottom edge 36 of the label 10.
• the label 10 includes a machine direction-oriented film and an adhesive positioned between the label 10 and the article 12, and the label 10 is heat shrunk to the article 12.
• the label 10 of the embodiment of Figs. 2A-2D includes a machine direction-oriented file. More specifically (in certain embodiments) this film may be a single ply machine direction-oriented polyolefin pressure sensitive label 10.
• the label 10 may include a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene. And, in certain embodiments, the label 10 may be greater than 50% polypropylene.
• another aspect of the present invention may include the manner in which the label 10 is associated with an article 12.
• the at least one side surface 20 of the article 12 has a substantially circular cross-section at the location where the label 10 confronts the at least one side surface 20.
• the label 10 may be sized and positioned relative to the article 12 such that it wraps 370° around the at least one side surface 20 (i.e., a portion of the label 10 overlaps itself when applied to the article 12.
• this embodiment of label 10 includes an adhesive applied to a surface of the label 10, such that the adhesive is positioned between the label 10 and the article 12 when the label 10 confronts the article 12.
• the adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.
• FIGs. 3A-3D another embodiment of the present invention provides a label 10 for an article 12, wherein the label 10 is positioned, and/or prepared from materials, that may reduce or prevent damage (such as breakage) of the article 12.
• the article 12 has a top end 14, a bottom end 16, a bottom surface 18, and at least one side surface 20.
• the at least one side surface 20 extends between the top end 14 and the bottom end 16 of the article 12.
• the top end 14 may define an opening 22 that provides access to an interior chamber 24 of the article 12.
• the article 12 may further include a centerpoint of the top end 14 and a centerpoint 28 of the bottom end 16 with a radial axis 30 passing therethrough.
• the illustrated article 12 (of Figs. 3A- 3D) having such centerpoints and a radial axis 30 is a common bottle, and thus has such centerpoints and radial axis 30 due to its particular shape.
• the protective label 10 described herein does not need to be applied only to articles having the shape shown in the Figures, but may also be used with articles having other shapes as well.
• the label 10 is positioned around a lower portion 32 of the side surface 20 of the article 12 and extends past the bottom end 16 of the article 12, such that said label 10 confronts the lower portion 32 of the side surface 20 and at least a portion of a bottom surface 18 of the article 12.
• the label 10 extends from the bottom end 16 of the article 12 toward the top end 14 of the article 12 less than 50% of the length of the article 12 between the bottom end 16 to the top end 14. To that end, as can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the label 10 extends upward from the junction 38 of the side wall and the bottom surface 18 toward the top end 14 of the article 12. However, the label 10 does not extend fully toward the top end 14 of the article 12, such that the substantial portion of the side surface 20 is confronted by the label 10. Rather, largely a segment of the lower portion of the article 12 is confronted by the label 10.
• the label 10 may extend from the bottom end 16 of the article 12 toward the top end 14 of the article 12 less than 20% of the length of the article 12 between the bottom end 16 to the top end 14. And in yet another embodiment, the label 10 may extend from the bottom end 16 of the article 12 toward the top end 14 of the article 12 less than 12% of the length of the article 12 between the bottom end 16 to the top end 14. In yet another embodiment, the label 10 may extend between 1 ⁇ 2” to 1” from the bottom end 16 of the article 12 toward the top end 14 of the article 12.
• the label 10 of the labeled article 12 may also include a particular material or materials.
• the label 10 may include a machine direction-oriented film.
• the label 10 may include a single ply machine direction-oriented polyolefin pressure sensitive label 10.
• the label 10 may include a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene.
• the label 10 may be greater than 50% polypropylene.
• another aspect of the present invention may include the manner in which the label 10 is associated with an article 12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of Figs.
• the at least one side surface 20 of the article 12 has a substantially circular cross-section at the location where the label 10 confronts the at least one side surface 20.
• the label 10 may be sized and positioned relative to the article 12 such that it wraps 370° around the at least one side surface 20 (i.e., a portion of the label 10 overlaps itself when applied to the article 12.
• the label 10 may be heat shrunk to confront and conform to the article 12.
• labels which may include pressure sensitive labels
• various aspects of the present invention also allow for applying labels, which may include pressure sensitive labels, to articles by moving the article 12 into proximity with a source of a pressure sensitive label 10, positioning a pressure sensitive label 10 relative to each article 12, and heating the pressure sensitive label 10 to shrink it against the article 12.
• the pressure sensitive labels are heat-shrunk on the articles using high heat along a conveyor belt, upon which the articles and associated pressure sensitive labels are moved.
• various embodiments may include a heated conveyor 42, such that the pressure sensitive labels are shrunk to conform to the contour of the articles due to heat radiating from the conveyor 42 to the labels and articles.
• other methods of applying heat such as via the blowing of hot air onto the pressure sensitive labels and articles may be used.
• an apparatus 40 for shrinking the pressure sensitive labels against articles includes a conveyor 42 that provides a path for the articles to proceed along.
• the labels 10 have already been applied to the articles 12 at the time they are depicted on the conveyor 42.
• the labels 10 may be applied to articles, in one embodiment, using a 370 Q Wrap PS label applicator, known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
• the labeled articles then travel along the conveyor 42.
• the conveyor 42 also includes a heating device 44, which provides heat of a temperature sufficient to cause the pressure sensitive labels 10 to substantially conform to the contour of the articles with which they are associated.
• this heating device 44 is provided along the sides 46 of the conveyor 42.
• the heating device 44 may be any device sufficient to cause the pressure sensitive labels 10 to shrink against the articles 12.
• the heating deice on the conveyor 42 may be one which radiates heat from a heating element.
• it may be a device that blows hot air onto the articles as they pass by the heating device 44.
• the heat for shrinking may be provided by steam.
• heat may be provided by a hot air manifold.
• heat may be applied by a combination of these methods, for example, steam heat coupled with air movement.
• a constant heat may be applied to the pressure sensitive label 10 and article 12.
• the pressure sensitive label 10 and article 12 may experience gradations of temperature as they move along the conveyor 42.
• heat may be applied to the label 10 and article 12 at a temperature at or above about 140°F.
• the temperature may be in a range between about 140°F and about 266 °F.
• the desired temperature along the conveyor 42 may depend upon a number of factors, such as the speed at which the article 12 and label 10 are moved along the conveyor 42, and also the particular composition and thickness of the pressure sensitive label 10. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate alternate ways in which this may be accomplished.
• the heating device 44 will extend along the conveyor 42 for a distance sufficient to ensure that the labels are substantially shrunk against the contour of the articles.
• the conveyor 42 is designed such that the articles rotate as they move along the path of the conveyor 42. This allows the entire surface of the pressure sensitive labels 10 to be exposed to the heating device 44 as they move along the conveyor 42. This is used to facilitate complete shrinkage of the labels 10 against the articles 12 about the entire surface (e.g., circumference) of the labels.
• the article 12 and pressure sensitive label 10 may then be cooled by subjecting the article 12 and label 10 to ambient temperatures to allow for a gradual cooling process.
• the article 12 and pressure sensitive label 10 may undergo other cooling steps, such as subjecting the article 12 and label 10 to cool air or liquid.
• the label 10 may include an adhesive applied to a surface of the label 10, such that the adhesive is positioned between the label 10 and the article 12 when the label 10 confronts the article 12.
• the adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.
• FIGs. 4A-4D another embodiment of the present invention provides a label 10 for an article 12, wherein the label 10 is positioned, and/or prepared from materials, that may reduce or prevent damage (such as breakage) of the article 12.
• the article 12 has a top end 14, a bottom end 16, and at least one side surface 20. The at least one side surface 20 extends between the top end 14 and the bottom end 16 of the article 12.
• the top end 14 may define an opening 22 that provides access to an interior chamber 24 of the article 12.
• the article 12 may further include a centerpoint of the top end 14 and a centerpoint 28 of the bottom end 16 with a radial axis 30 passing therethrough.
• the illustrated article 12 (of Figs. 4A-4D) having such
• centerpoints and a radial axis 30 is a common bottle, and thus has such centerpoints and radial axis 30 due to its particular shape.
• the protective label 10 described herein does not need to be applied only to articles having the shape shown in the Figures, but may also be used with articles having other shapes as well.
• the label 10 is positioned around a portion of the side surface 20 of the article 12 to confront the side surface 20. Further, as can be seen, the label 10 extends past the bottom end 16 of said article 12 in this embodiment. Thus, when applied to an article 12 (such as the bottle as shown in Figs. 4C and 4D), the label 10 confronts at least the lower portion 32 of the side surface 20 of the article 12 and at least a portion of the bottom surface 18 of the article 12.
• the label 10 includes a machine direction-oriented film and an adhesive positioned between the label 10 and the article 12, and the label 10 is heat shrunk to the article 12.
• the label 10 of the embodiment of Figs. 4A-4D includes a machine direction-oriented film. More specifically (in certain embodiments) this film may be a single ply machine direction-oriented polyolefin pressure sensitive label 10.
• the label 10 may include a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene. And, in certain embodiments, the label 10 may be greater than 50% polypropylene.
• another aspect of the present invention may include the manner in which the label 10 is associated with an article 12.
• the at least one side surface 20 of the article 12 has a substantially circular cross-section at the location where the label 10 confronts the at least one side surface 20.
• the label 10 may be sized and positioned relative to the article 12 such that it wraps 370° around the at least one side surface 20 (i.e., a portion of the label 10 overlaps itself when applied to the article 12.
• this embodiment of label 10 includes an adhesive applied to a surface of the label 10, such that the adhesive is positioned between the label 10 and the article 12 when the label 10 confronts the article 12.
• the adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.
• a label 10 and labeled article 12 is provided that reduces or eliminates many or all of the drawbacks of present labels described in the Background.
• labels and labeled articles according to the aspects of the present invention may be provided at lower cost than current labels, Additionally, the labels provide minimal coverage of the article 12 in certain embodiments. Further, the small size of certain embodiments of the label significantly reduces the safety concern identified with current labels.
• the present invention may be applicable to any article 12 that can suffer damage (such as upon an impact upon being dropped).
• the present invention is useful for application to articles made of glass, for example, such as glass containers for soda, beer, wine, champagne, condiments, and candles.
• articles made of glass for example, such as glass containers for soda, beer, wine, champagne, condiments, and candles.
• non-glass such as HDPE, PET, PP, etc.
• articles that are made from materials that can be damaged and/or break present certain drawbacks.
• consumers may be dissatisfied by glass breakage associated with dropped bottles.
• the consumer perception of package quality can be diminished when confronted with articles (such as glass bottles) that are broken, such as during transit to the retail environment - or if bottles are broken due to being dropped after purchase.
• the various aspects of the present invention reduce or eliminate these problems by providing labels and labeled articles that reduce or prevent damage (such as breakage) of the article 12.
• Tests were then conducted with the labeled articles by dropping them from a height of approximately five feet onto concrete.
• the beer and wine bottles included bottles that were (1 ) filled and capped, (2) filled but not capped, and (3) filled one third with no cap.
• Example 1 test group bottles were decorated with a label up to just below the neck of the bottles (e.g., the same or similar to that shown in Figs. 4A- 4D).
• the size of the label was reduced in order to cover a lower portion 32 of the side surface of a bottle (thereby leaving a large portion of the side surface underneath the neck of the bottle unlabeled).
• the new test groups of bottles included a label positioned around only a lower portion 32 of the side surface of the article to confront the side surface of the article (e.g., the same or similar to that shown in Figs. 3A-3D).
• a first test group was created with such a label, wherein the label extended 1 ⁇ 2” up the side surface of the bottle from the bottom end of the bottle.
• a second test group was created with such a label, wherein the label extended 1” up the side surface of the bottle from the bottom end of the bottle.
• Example 1 Testing (such as that described in Example 1 ) was again conducted with control bottles (as described in Example 1 ) and the two test groups described in this Example 2 (i.e., bottles having a label extending 1 ⁇ 2” up the side surface of the bottle from the bottom end of the bottle, and bottles having a label extending 1” up the side surface of the bottle from the bottom end of the bottle).
• the control bottles shattered on the first drop.
• one out of two bottles having a 1 ⁇ 2” label survived the drop without damage.
• two bottles having a 1” label survived the drop without damage.
• the standard test method states that any rupture visible to an observer with the unaided eye and normal eyesight is considered a failure; this includes also any evidence of contained liquid on the outside of the container through any aperture other than the molded opening. In the embodiments of the present invention, any damage to a glass bottle greater than a minor chip of glass being removed was considered a failure.
• the drop impact resistance is determined by dropping conditioned containers filled with a liquid (water) from a platform onto a prescribed surface.
• the procedure consists of dropping at least 20 test containers from varying heights above and below the mean failure height of the set.
• a mean failure height and standard deviation are then calculated from the data. In the embodiments of the present invention 15-30 trial were completed, such that the standard deviation was narrow.
• the average is then the peak of the distribution curve (i.e., the point at which 50% of all bottles dropped at that height would break).
• the drop test apparatus 48 (such as that shown in Fig. 5) includes a surface upon which to set the test specimens, wherein the surface can be raised or lowered.
• the apparatus 48 includes a tube 50 with gradations 52 of height, the tube 50 being sized such that a bottle 54 can be placed therein.
• the device used to test the labeled bottles (shown in Fig. 5) was designed to allow a change and control of the height of the drop from 18” to 72”.
• the tube 50 also includes apertures 56 at each of the gradations 52 that can receive a peg 58 that extends into the interior of the tube 50.
• a bottle 54 may be inserted into the tube 50 via the open top 60 of the tube 50 such that the bottom surface of the bottle 54 rests on the peg 58 at the selected height. Removing the peg 58 will then allow the bottle 54 to fall. The bottle will then land on a surface 62.
• the surface 62 may be within a container 64 to house the dropped bottle (or any portions of the bottle that may break).
• the container 64 may, in certain embodiments, include a window 66 to observe the impact of the bottle and/or observe the bottle post-impact.
• test specimens When using the Bruceton Staircase Method, a set of test specimens are dropped from various heights, the drop height being raised or lowered depending on the result obtained on the specimen most recently tested; that is, if the previous specimen failed, the drop height is lowered; if the previous specimen did not fail, the drop height is raised.
• a first test container is dropped from 300 mm (12 in.) below the expected mean failure height. If the mean failure height is unknown, several trial samples can be tested by way of the staircase procedure to obtain at least two failures and two non-failures to establish the starting height. The test containers are then visually inspected for failure as described above.
• the mean failure height from the test data obtained can be calculated as follows:
• N number of failures or non-failures whichever is lesser
• h 0 lowest height at which any one of N occurs
• A where h 0 , hi, h ⁇ , he, etc., are the heights in progressive order of magnitude in the range of heights where N occurs, / ' is the subscript of h, and n is the number of failures or non failures, whichever is pertinent at the level of / ' .
• the negative sign is used in the parentheses to calculate // when N refers to failures and the positive sign when A/ is the number of non-failures.
• the testing began with a bottle from the control group (as described above in Example 1 - a standard beer bottle with a standard pressure sensitive label applied thereto).
• Fig. 6 shows the average height in inches each tested label was able to protect the bottle from breaking.
• the overall best performer includes a single ply MDO Polyolefin pressure sensitive label that was wrapped 370° around the bottom 1” of the bottles and shrunk with heat to conform to the bottle.
• the prior art label tested by contrast, is not bonded to the bottle, but rather shrunk to fit it tightly. As a result, the prior art label does not fully protect the bottle from breaking when dropped. Because the bottle is completely encapsulated in the shrink sleeve, it is possible that the bottle has broken but is being held together with the sleeve. This can result in a safety concern.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Labeling Devices (AREA)
• Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
• Adhesive Tapes (AREA)
• Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
• Packaging For Recording Disks (AREA)
• Laminated Bodies (AREA)

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• 2018
  • 2018-07-26 US US16/046,233 patent/US20200031526A1/en active Pending
• 2019
  • 2019-07-26 DE DE112019003775.7T patent/DE112019003775T5/de active Pending
  • 2019-07-26 GB GB2102312.2A patent/GB2591351A/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2019-07-26 WO PCT/US2019/043627 patent/WO2020023855A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2019-07-26 CA CA3107312A patent/CA3107312A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-07-26 MX MX2021001005A patent/MX2021001005A/es unknown
  • 2019-07-26 GB GB2300286.8A patent/GB2611673A/en not_active Withdrawn

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