Method for making a sleeve for covering a container and device for making a sleeve - Patents.com

Abstract

A method is disclosed for making a sleeve for covering a container from a strip (36) of flexible tubular material, the sleeve having a given length measured longitudinally of the strip from a first end to a second end, the method comprising puncturing the strip (36) to form a puncture spaced apart from the first end and the second end.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for making a sleeve for covering a container and to an apparatus for making a sleeve. [Background technology]

[0002] A container, such as a bottle, may have a shrink label attached thereto to display a product name, etc., and to achieve a decorative effect. For example, a typical bottle may have a body configured to hold a product, such as a liquid, within an interior space of the body. The bottle may then have an opening through which the product can be passed and dispensed, and a cap that is threadably coupled to the body to selectively close the bottle opening. In some variations, the cap includes a trigger and a nozzle, allowing a user to squeeze the trigger to dispense the product in the bottle through the nozzle of the cap. In yet other variations, the cap may include a plunger-type pump dispenser with a nozzle. The shrink label is typically applied to the bottle such that the top end of the shrink label is positioned just below the bottom of the cap, thereby exposing the cap of the bottle.

[0003] US 2013 / 0061559 A1 discloses a device for placing a sleeve-like foil envelope around an object, the foil material being made of a so-called shrink material which shrinks as a result of the application of heat and is formed to closely conform to the shape of the bottle or container around which the sleeve-like envelope is to be placed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors have found that during shipping of the bottle, the cap may loosen from the bottle, causing the product to leak from the bottle through the opening. Therefore, to prevent the cap from loosening from the bottle, it may be desirable to provide a shrink label that further secures the cap to the bottle. This can prevent the product from leaking from the bottle during shipping.

[0005] In other words, what is desired is a shrink label that further secures the cap to the bottle to prevent the cap from coming loose on the bottle. This can prevent product from leaking out of the bottle during shipping. It is possible to provide such a shrink label that extends upwardly from the bottle onto a portion of the cap. The shrink label can then be (e.g., heat) shrunk onto the bottle and cap to further secure the cap to the bottle and prevent the cap from coming loose on the bottle during shipping. However, this arrangement still leaves room for improvement with respect to preventing leakage. A corresponding objective applies generally to sleeves for covering containers, of which a shrink label is one type of sleeve.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to realize a method for making a sleeve for covering a container particularly reliably prevent leakage of the contents of the container. The object is achieved by the subject matter of the respective independent claims. Advantageous further developments are presented in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, there is provided a method of making a sleeve for covering a container from a strip of flexible tubular material, the sleeve having a given length measured longitudinally of the strip from a first end to a second end, the method comprising puncturing the sleeve or strip to form a puncture spaced apart from the first end and the second end.

[0008] Thus, by making a puncture in the sleeve or strip, a protrusion of the container can be inserted through the puncture. The puncture can be made in the strip or sleeve, both of which are cylindrical, i.e. after the material has been formed as a tube. This allows for a higher production efficiency, as compared to, for example, puncturing a non-cylindrical strip for each sleeve, and then joining the tube at its ends to form a tube. The sleeve is more robust. The shape of the puncture can be selected to match the shape of the protrusion. For example, the puncture can have a longitudinal extent and / or a lateral extent. If the protrusion is a trigger, undesired actuation causing leakage can be reduced. If the protrusion is a handle, interference of the sleeve with the handle can be reduced. By spacing the punctures away from the sleeve ends, each sleeve end portion, including the sleeve end, is not punctured by making the punctures (there are areas on both longitudinal ends / extensions of the punctures that do not include the punctures), and therefore the sleeve can better prevent any cap from loosening, and if the container has a nozzle, the sleeve can better prevent leakage from the nozzle. Even if the sleeve does not cover the nozzle, the nozzle as a protrusion can protrude through the slit, so that the sleeve will not deform or burst excessively. The sleeve can prevent the cap from loosening, and optionally any nozzle provided on the cap from loosening (e.g., rotation and / or enlargement).

[0009] A sleeve can be made by removing a length of tubular material from a strip. The strip may therefore have a length greater than a given length of a sleeve, i.e. the strip of flexible tubular material may be long enough that several sleeves are made (e.g. removed) from the strip. Puncturing a sleeve may therefore be understood to mean puncturing a length of tubular material separated from the strip. Alternatively, or in addition, said length may be understood as a sleeve that has not yet been punctured. Alternatively, the strip may have the same length as the sleeve.

[0010] Said puncturing may be performed at a first distance from the free end.

[0011] Sleeves can be cut from the (e.g., pierced) strip having a length greater than a given length of the sleeve, such as the greater length before cutting the strip, thus facilitating the manufacture of multiple sleeves.

[0012] The method may include feeding the strip to an opening device, where the free end of the strip (such as a flat strip) is fed first and the opening device receives the strip, so that the strip is cylindrical even before it is fed.

[0013] The method may include opening a region of the strip by separating opposing inner periphery portions of the strip with a opening device.

[0014] The method may include severing the free end portion from the strip at a second distance from the free end of the strip, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0015] Cutting the strip (such as cutting the free end portion) may be done by cutting the strip at the open area.

[0016] Puncturing said sleeve or strip may be puncturing a sleeve (such as puncturing a sleeve that has been opened or held open by an opening device), such that the sleeve is punctured after it has been cut from the strip.

[0017] After cutting the sleeve from the strip, the sleeve may be moved (eg, moved in the feed / longitudinal direction) away from the remainder of the strip before it is pierced.

[0018] Piercing said sleeve or strip may be piercing the strip, such as piercing an open area of ​​the strip.

[0019] Therefore, by puncturing the open area, the strip can be punctured more easily and accurately in the wall thickness direction. In particular, it is easier to make an even number of punctures, a single puncture, or an odd number of punctures compared to puncturing a strip supported on a roller in a flattened state. This makes it easier to puncture from the outer circumference to the inner circumference of the strip without puncturing from the inner circumference to the outer circumference. When the opening device receives the strip, the strip may be (partially) flat or (partially) open. Opening an area of ​​the strip by separating opposing inner circumference portions of the strip may include further opening an area of ​​the strip by further separating (and / or reducing contact between) opposing inner circumference portions of the strip.

[0020] The opening device can hold open either or both of the open areas of the strip and the open areas of the sleeve.

[0021] The opening device may include a mandrel.

[0022] Piercing said sleeve or strip may consist in piercing the strip, which may then be moved in the feed direction before severing the sleeve from the strip.

[0023] Said piercing (of the sleeve or of the strip, as the case may be) can be carried out upstream or downstream of the cut, in the feed direction of the strip.

[0024] The cutting and the piercing may be performed at least partially simultaneously. The cutting may be performed at least partially before the piercing and / or at least partially after the piercing, with a feeding step intervening therebetween.

[0025] The puncturing of the sleeve or strip may be performed on the flat area of ​​the sleeve or strip. In this manner, it is easier to form two punctures in a single puncturing step. This is useful when covering a container with two protrusions, such as a container with a T-shaped handle / plunger. Nevertheless, it is still possible to form a single puncture if the puncture is aligned with only one folded edge of the material being flattened.

[0026] The method may include forming at least one perforation line (in the sleeve) in addition to creating (providing) the puncture and / or the perforation line does not constitute the puncture. The sleeve may be more easily removed by hand. The perforation line may be provided such that it is separate from the puncture, such as being longitudinally and / or circumferentially spaced from the puncture.

[0027] At least one of the perforations may include a circumferential perforation that extends circumferentially around the strip and is preferably closer to the end of the sleeve than the puncture, such that the end portion of the sleeve can be more easily removed by hand.

[0028] The at least one perforation line may include a longitudinal perforation line extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0029] The puncture may be formed by (or may include) a slit-like opening. If the puncture is a slit, material does not need to be removed by puncturing. The puncture may be a notch, such as a partial notch. The puncture may be a single slit or a single notch.

[0030] The puncture portion may have a central portion formed by (or including) a slit-like opening, and preferably has at least one end portion formed by (or including) a perforation extending from the central portion.

[0031] The piercing portion may extend longitudinally.

[0032] The puncture may extend laterally, which may be understood to be transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0033] The puncture may extend at most partially around the sleeve, so that, for example, if the puncture extends laterally, it is not so long that its ends meet, and therefore any extent of the puncture in the lateral direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, may be less than the circumference of the sleeve.

[0034] The piercing as mentioned above can be understood to be a piercing transversely to the longitudinal direction, the piercing movement therefore being transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0035] At least a portion of the (e.g., longitudinally extending) puncture may be longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal perforation line and circumferentially spaced from the longitudinal perforation line such that the portion of the sleeve adjacent the puncture can be easily removed by hand.

[0036] The longitudinal perforations may merge with the circumferential perforations such that once a user breaks one of the circumferential and longitudinal perforations, it becomes easier for the user to break the other of the circumferential and longitudinal perforations.

[0037] The circumferential perforations may be provided so as not to intersect with the puncture, facilitating removal of the entire circumference of the sleeve.

[0038] The perforation lines can be configured to remain closed (e.g., not form an opening) even when the sleeve shrinks around the container, thus maintaining the shrinking and sealing capabilities of the sleeve.

[0039] The perforation lines may include one or more pairs of parallel perforation lines.

[0040] The method may include a subsequent step of transferring the sleeve with the puncture from the opening device and optionally fitting the sleeve onto a container whilst optionally providing a strip to create the next sleeve.

[0041] One embodiment of the present invention, which may be combined with any of the above configurations, is a method of making a sleeve for covering a container from a strip of flexible tubular material, the sleeve having a given length measured in the longitudinal direction of the strip from a first end to a second end, the method comprising piercing the sleeve or strip transversely to the longitudinal direction to form a longitudinally extending puncture spaced from the first and second ends. The method may comprise feeding the strip to an opening device, the free end of the strip being fed first and the opening device receiving the strip, opening an area of ​​the strip by separating opposing inner circumferential portions of the strip with the opening device, and puncturing the strip by piercing the open area of ​​the strip.

[0042] According to the invention, an apparatus for making a sleeve for covering a container from a strip of flexible tubular material, in particular for making a sleeve according to the method according to the invention, wherein the sleeve has a given length measured in the longitudinal direction of the strip from a first end to a second end, the apparatus comprises puncturing means configured to puncture the sleeve or strip to form a puncture spaced from the end of the sleeve.

[0043] The apparatus may comprise an opening device, the free end of the strip being fed first, which receives a length of the strip fed into the opening device and opens an area of ​​the strip by separating opposing inner circumferential portions of the strip. The piercing means may be configured to pierce the open area of ​​the strip or sleeve. The piercing means may comprise a blade, or several spaced apart blades.

[0044] The opening device may include a recess configured to receive the puncturing means. The recess may be configured to prevent contact of the puncturing means with the opening device.

[0045] The apparatus may comprise cutting means configured to sever the sleeve from a strip, the strip having a length greater than a given length of the sleeve.

[0046] The device may comprise perforation means configured to form at least one perforation line, the at least one perforation line being in addition to (and therefore not constitutive of) the puncture. The perforation line may be spaced longitudinally and / or circumferentially from the puncture.

[0047] The apparatus may be configured to carry out the method.

[0048] The apparatus according to the invention can be embodied as follows: an apparatus for making a sleeve for covering a container, in particular for making a sleeve according to a method, wherein the sleeve is made from a strip of flexible tubular material and has a given length measured in the longitudinal direction of the strip from a first end to a second end, the apparatus comprising an opening device, to which a free end of the strip is first fed, for receiving a given length of the strip fed to the opening device and opening a region of the strip by separating opposing inner circumferential portions of the strip, the apparatus further comprising puncturing means configured to puncture the sleeve or the open region of the strip transversely to the longitudinal direction to form a longitudinally extending puncture spaced from the end of the sleeve. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0049] With the aid of the attached figures, preferred embodiments are explained in more detail below. [Figure 1] 1 shows a side view of a container assembly having a first shrink label made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the container assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a side view of a first shrink label for a container assembly in an open configuration before shrinking. [Figure 4] 2 shows a side view of a second shrink label for a container assembly in an open configuration before shrinking, made by the method and apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a side view of another container assembly having a third shrink label made by methods and apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows a side view of a third shrink label in an open configuration before shrinking. [Figure 7] 2 shows diagrammatically an apparatus according to a first embodiment for producing a second shrink label; [Figure 8]3 shows diagrammatically an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention for producing a third shrink label; [Figure 9] 4 shows diagrammatically a puncturing means for use in a device according to a second embodiment; [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates a method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10B] 1 illustrates a method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10C] 1 illustrates a method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10D] 1 illustrates a method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10E] 1 illustrates a method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11A] 2 illustrates a method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11B] 2 illustrates a method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11C] 2 illustrates a method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11D] 2 illustrates a method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11E] 2 illustrates a method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11F] 2 illustrates a method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11G] 2 illustrates a method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11H] 2 illustrates a method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 3 shows diagrammatically an apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention for producing a third shrink label; [Figure 13A] 3 illustrates a method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13B] 3 illustrates a method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13C] 3 illustrates a method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13D] 3 illustrates a method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13E] 3 illustrates a method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] 3 shows an apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention for producing a third shrink label. [Figure 15] 4 shows a detailed view of the device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0050] Similar or functionally equivalent features are indicated using corresponding reference numbers in the figures.

[0051] These drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is envisioned that various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily shown in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention, with the understanding that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] The following description of a specific embodiment of the present invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is, by way of example, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present invention. As will be understood, the present invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects without departing from the present invention in any way. Thus, the drawings and the specification should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings of this specification. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0053] The first shrink label 1 and 2 show diagrams of a container assembly having a first shrink label made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] 1 and 2, a shrink label 20 is shown attached to a bottle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottle 10 includes a body 12 defining an interior space for storing a product. An upper end portion of the body 12 includes a neck 14 having an opening (not shown) for providing access to the product within the body 12. The neck 14 is threadably coupled to a cap 16. In some other variations, the cap 16 can be coupled to the bottle 10 using other suitable configurations, such as a snap fit, a friction fit, an integral hinge, etc. The cap 16 includes a trigger 18 and a nozzle 19 that allows a user to dispense the product within the body 12 through the nozzle 19 by squeezing the trigger 18 and pivoting the trigger 18 inwardly toward the bottle 10.

[0055] A shrink label 20 is shown positioned about a bottle 10. The shrink label 20 may comprise any suitable plastic material configured to form to the bottle 10 by shrinking when heated. The shrink label 10 includes a lower portion 22 and an upper portion 24 separated by a first perforation line 26. The lower portion 22 of the shrink label 20 thereby extends below the first perforation line 26 to cover at least a portion of the body 12 of the bottle 10. The lower portion 22 may have a length of about 182 mm and a width of about 184 mm, although any other suitable dimensions may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 22 extends to a bottom end portion of the bottle 10. In some other variations, the lower portion 22 extends to cover only a portion of the body 12. The upper portion 24 of the shrink label 20 extends above the first perforation line 26 to cover at least a portion of the cap 16 of the bottle 10. Upper portion 24 may have a length of about 101 mm and a width of about 184 mm, although any other suitable dimensions may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, upper portion 24 extends to the top portion of cap 16 such that upper portion 24 is configured to encase nozzle 19. In some other variations, upper portion 24 extends to cover only a portion of cap 16.

[0056] The first perforation line 26 is positioned to extend circumferentially around the shrink label 20 near the neck 14 of the bottle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first perforation line 26 is positioned just below the neck 14, but in other variations, the first perforation line 26 can be positioned at or above the neck 14. The first perforation line 26 also extends continuously around the entire circumference of the shrink label 20. In some other variations, the first perforation line 26 extends across only a portion of the shrink label 20. The shrink label 10 further includes one or more second perforation lines 28 that extend transversely to the first perforation line 26 from the first perforation line 26 through the upper portion 24 of the shrink label 20 to the top portion of the bottle 10. As shown in Figure 3, the second perforation line 28 may be oriented diagonally relative to the first perforation line 26 in the open configuration, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second perforation line 28 is oriented substantially vertically after the shrink label 20 is applied to the bottle 10. The first perforation line 26 and the second perforation line 28 thereby enable a user to remove the upper portion 24 of the shrink label 20 prior to use of the bottle 10.

[0057] 1 and 2, the shrink label 20 further includes an opening 29 extending through the upper portion 24 to allow the trigger 18 of the bottle 10 to be exposed therethrough. With reference to FIG. 3, the shrink label 20 includes a third perforation line 27 extending along the upper portion 24 transversely to the first perforation line 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the third perforation line 27 extends along only a portion of the upper portion 24 such that the third perforation line 27 is positioned above the first perforation line 26 and below the top surface of the upper portion 24. The third perforation line 27 may have a length of approximately 55 mm and be positioned approximately 16 mm above the first perforation line 26 and approximately 30 mm below the top surface of the shrink label 20, although any other suitable dimensions may be used. Thus, the length of the third perforation line 27 generally corresponds to the length of the trigger 18, although any other suitable length may be used. The third perforation line 27 is configured to be more tearable than the first perforation line 26 and the second perforation line 28. Thus, when the shrink label 20 is heated and shrinks around the bottle 10 to form it thereon, the third perforation line 27 breaks along the third perforation line 27 to form an opening 29, such that the trigger 18 of the bottle 10 may extend through the opening 29. Additionally or alternatively, the third perforation line 27 may be configured as a slit instead of a perforation, such that the slit is configured to expand when the shrink label 20 is applied to the bottle 10. Still other suitable configurations for the third perforation line 27 will be apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0058] First use of shrink labels 3 shows the shrink label 20 of the container assembly described above in an expanded (i.e., uncontracted) configuration. The use of the shrink label 20 to cover a bottle to form the container assembly of FIG. 1 is described below.

[0059] To apply the shrink label 20 to the bottle 10, the bottle 10 can be positioned within the shrink label 20 in an open configuration as shown in FIG. 3. For example, the body 12 of the bottle 10 can be aligned with the lower portion 22 of the shrink label 20, the neck 14 of the bottle 10 can be aligned near the first perforation line 26 of the shrink label 20, and the cap 16 of the bottle can be aligned with the upper portion 24 of the shrink label 20 with the trigger 18 positioned adjacent the third perforation line 27. Energy, such as heat, can then be applied to the shrink label 20 such that the shrink label 20 shrinks and forms to the bottle 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As the shrink label 20 forms to the bottle 10, the third perforation line 27 ruptures to form an opening 29, encasing the nozzle 19 while allowing the trigger 18 to extend through the opening 29. The shrink label 20 thereby holds the position of the cap 16 relative to the bottle 10 and further secures the cap 16 to the bottle 10. This prevents the cap 16 from rotating and / or coming loose relative to the bottle 10, which prevents product from leaking from the bottle 10. The opening 29 in the shrink label 20 can also prevent the shrink label 20 from accidentally leaking product during the heat shrink process. For example, as the shrink label 20 is applied to the bottle 10, compressive forces from the shrink label 20 may cause the trigger 18 to pivot, causing product to accidentally leak from the bottle 10. The opening 29 therefore allows the trigger 18 to extend through the opening 29, preventing the shrink label 20 from accidentally pivoting the trigger 18, causing product to accidentally leak from the bottle 10.

[0060] The user can then pull the upper portion 24 of the shrink label 20 downward, causing the upper portion 24 to break along the second perforation line 28 until it reaches the first perforation line 26. The upper portion 24 of the shrink label 20 can then be torn along the first perforation line 26 to remove the upper portion 24 of the shrink label 20 from the bottle 10, thereby exposing the cap 16 and allowing the product to be dispensed from the bottle 10. Still other suitable configurations for the shrink label 20 will be apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, in some variations, the shrink label 20 may include a pull tab to aid in removing a portion of the shrink label 20.

[0061] Second shrink label A second shrink label made according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 4 and differs from the first shrink label 20 in the following respects: The second shrink label 20A has a single slit 27A instead of the third perforation line 27. In this case, it is not necessary to rupture the perforation line to form the opening 29. When the shrink label shrinks (e.g., upon application of energy such as heat) and / or when a trigger penetrates the slit, the slit widens to form the opening 29 with smooth sides.

[0062] The slit 27A and the above-mentioned third perforation line 27 are each an example of a puncture portion. The puncture portion may extend along at least a portion of the upper portion 24 and / or at least a portion of the lower portion 22. The puncture portion may extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction.

[0063] The first perforation line 26A and the second perforation line 28A correspond to the perforation line 26 and the perforation line 28 of the first shrink label 20.

[0064] Shrink label 20A can be used in place of shrink label 20 to cover bottle 10.

[0065] The third shrink label Figure 5 shows a view of another container assembly having a third shrink label made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows shrink label 20B for the container assembly of Figure 5 in an expanded (i.e., uncontracted) configuration.

[0066] 5, shrink label 20B is shown attached to a bottle 100, which includes a body 120 defining an interior space for storing a product. A cap 160 is secured to the top of the bottle, over an opening in the neck 140 of the bottle, by threading, snap-fitting, friction-fitting, an integral hinge, or the like. Cap 160 includes a pump mechanism having a plunger 180 and a nozzle 19. A user can dispense the product within body 120 through nozzle 190 by depressing plunger 180.

[0067] A shrink label 20B is shown positioned around a bottle 100. The shrink label 20B can be made from the same material as the first shrink label 20 and the second shrink label 20A. The shrink label 10 includes a lower portion 22B and an upper portion 24B separated by a first perforation line 26B. The lower portion 22B of the shrink label 20B thereby extends below the first perforation line 26B to cover at least a portion of the body 120 of the bottle 100. The lower portion 22B extends to a bottom end portion of the bottle 100. In some other variations, the lower portion 22B extends to cover only a portion of the body 120. The upper portion 24B of the shrink label 200 extends above the first perforation line 26B to cover at least a portion of the cap 160 of the bottle 100. The upper portion 24B extends to the upper end portion of the cap 160.

[0068] The first perforation line 26B is positioned to extend circumferentially around the shrink label 20B near the neck 140 of the bottle 100. The first perforation line 26B is positioned just below the neck 140, although in other variations the first perforation line 26B can be positioned at or above the neck 140. The first perforation line 26B also extends continuously around the entire circumference of the shrink label 20B. In some other variations, the first perforation line 26B extends over only a portion of the shrink label 20B. The shrink label 100 further includes one or more second perforation lines 28B extending transversely to the first perforation line 26B from the first perforation line 26B to the top portion of the bottle 100 through the upper portion 24B of the shrink label 20B. The first and second perforation lines 26B, 28B correspond to the first and second perforation lines 26, 26A, 28, 28A of the first and second shrink labels 20, 20A, respectively, which in turn allow a user to remove the upper portion 24B of the shrink label 20B prior to use of the bottle 100.

[0069] 5 and 6, the shrink label 20B further includes an opening 29B extending through the upper portion 24B to allow the nozzle 190 of the bottle 100 to be exposed through the opening 29B. Referring to FIG. 6, the shrink label 20B has a puncture portion 27B extending parallel to the first perforation line 26B along the upper portion 24B. The puncture portion includes a central portion 271B formed as a slit (non-perforated) and perforation portions 272B, 273B on either side of the central portion 271B. The central portion 271B may directly merge with and / or align with the perforation portions 272B, 273B. The puncture portion 27B extends along only a portion of the upper portion 24B, and the puncture portion 27B is positioned above the first perforation line 26B and below the top surface of the upper portion 24B. Thereby, the width of the puncture 27B generally corresponds to the width of the nozzle 190, although any other suitable length may be used. The puncture 27B is configured to be more easily torn than the first perforation line 26B and the second perforation line 28B. Thus, when the shrink label 20B is heated and shrinks around the bottle 100 to form it thereon, the puncture 27B breaks at its perforation portions 272B, 272C to form the opening 29B. The nozzle 190 may thereby extend through the opening 29B. Additionally or alternatively, the puncture 27B may be formed completely as a slit. Still other suitable configurations for the puncture 27B will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the puncture 27B is positioned closer to one end of the shrink label than the punctures 27 and 27A.

[0070] The third use of shrink labels The use of shrink label 20B to cover a bottle to form the container assembly of FIG. 5 is described below.

[0071] To apply the shrink label 20B to the bottle 100, the bottle 100 can be positioned within the shrink label 20B in an open configuration as shown in Figure 6. For example, the body 120 of the bottle 100 can be aligned with the lower portion 22B of the shrink label 20B, the neck 140 of the bottle 100 can be aligned near the first perforation line 26B of the shrink label 20B, and the cap 160 of the bottle can be aligned with the upper portion 24B of the shrink label 20B with the nozzle 190 positioned adjacent the puncture 27B. Energy, such as heat, can then be applied to the shrink label 20B, causing it to shrink and form to the bottle 100, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. As the shrink label 20B is formed on the bottle 100, the perforated end portions 272B, 273B of the puncture 27B rupture to form an opening 29B that is wider than the central portion 271B, allowing the nozzle 190 to extend through the opening 29B. The shrink label 20B thereby holds the position of the cap 160 on the bottle 100 and further secures the cap 160 to the bottle 100, particularly since the shrink label 20B has unpunctured areas above and below the nozzle 190. This more reliably prevents the cap 160 from rotating and / or coming loose relative to the bottle 100, preventing product from leaking from the bottle 100. The shrink label 20B may also function as a tamper-evident seal.

[0072] The user can then pull the upper portion 24B of the shrink label 20B downward, causing the upper portion 24B to break along the second perforation line 28B until it reaches the first perforation line 26B. The upper portion 24B of the shrink label 20B can then be torn along the first perforation line 26B to remove the upper portion 24B of the shrink label 20B from the bottle 100. This exposes the cap 160, allowing the user to twist the cap 160, first extending the spring-loaded plunger to activate the plunger, and then depressing the extended plunger to dispense the product from the bottle 100. Still other suitable configurations for the shrink label 20B will be apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, in some variations, the shrink label 20B may include a pull tab to aid in removing a portion of the shrink label 20B.

[0073] Thus, a shrink label for application to a bottle includes a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion configured to be applied to at least a portion of the body of the bottle, the upper portion configured to be applied to at least a portion of the cap of the bottle, the upper portion including a puncture portion, such as a perforation line extending along a portion of the upper portion, the puncture portion configured to expand to form an opening when the shrink label is applied to the bottle, and a protrusion on the cap, such as a trigger or nozzle, positioned to extend through the opening.

[0074] Thus, there is provided a method of applying a shrink label to a bottle, the bottle having a body and a cap having a protrusion such as a trigger or nozzle, a lower portion and an upper portion having a puncture extending along a portion of the upper portion, the method comprising the steps of positioning the shrink label about the body such that the lower portion of the shrink label is aligned with at least a portion of the body and the upper portion of the shrink label is aligned with at least a portion of the cap, and the puncture is positioned adjacent to the protrusion; applying heat to the shrink label to form the shrink label on the bottle; expanding the puncture to form an opening in the shrink label and positioning the protrusion through the opening.

[0075] Even if either or both of the first perforation line 26A and the second perforation line 28A can be omitted, the following advantages can still be achieved: the trigger is positioned through the opening, reducing leakage due to undesired trigger actuation, the nozzle is covered by the shrink label, further reducing leakage, the shrink label tightly covers (shrinks around) at least a portion of the cap and at least a portion of the body, reducing undesired loosening of the cap, thereby preventing leakage, and the shrink label has a larger surface area (advantageously allowing a large design area to be implemented). The compound slit 27B can be replaced with a puncture that includes only a transverse slit or only a transverse perforation.

[0076] First embodiment - device In the following, an apparatus according to a first embodiment is described. The apparatus is for making a second shrink label 20A. As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7, the apparatus 30 comprises a mandrel 32 configured to receive a continuous strip 36 of flexible tubular material. The mandrel 32 is essentially cylindrical and has a vertical, stationary longitudinal axis. A top portion (not shown) of the mandrel 32 has an opening element, as known in the art, capable of converting the strip of flexible tubular material from a flat to an open configuration. The lower portion of the mandrel is shown in FIG. 7 and has a circular cross section. In a variation of this embodiment, the mandrel may have any one or more of a circular, elliptical, polygonal, and plate-like cross section. The strip 36 may be introduced to the mandrel 32 from a previously prepared roll (not shown). The lower portion of the mandrel may be formed from a sleeve shot portion of the mandrel.

[0077] The device 30 comprises delivery means, not shown, known in the art, for feeding the strip 36. The delivery means may include one or more first pairs of rollers engaging the inner and outer walls of the strip 36. In this way, the strip 36 can be fed onto the mandrel 32 from the upper end of the mandrel. The delivery means may include one or more second pairs of rollers engaging the inner and outer walls of the strip 36 at a position on the mandrel 32 lower than the first pair of rollers. In this way, a sleeve cut from the strip 36 can be fed from the lower end of the mandrel to another manufacturing station. One or more of the rollers can be driven by an electric motor. One roller of each pair of rollers can be housed in a recess (not shown) provided in the mandrel 32. The mandrel 32 can be supported by some of the rollers.

[0078] The device 30 comprises as a piercing means a slit-forming blade 40 driven by a piercing mechanism (not shown). More specifically, this mechanism moves the blade 40 in a radial direction indicated by a double-headed arrow 42 toward and away from the mandrel. In this embodiment, this movement is linear, but in other embodiments, this movement may include any one or more of linear, circular, and elliptical movements. For example, the blade 40 may rotate about an axis, and in particular, the blade 40 may be a rotating (spinning) blade with a cutting profile that is eccentric with respect to its axis of rotation. This movement allows the blade 40 to penetrate the strip 36 and create a slit in a region of the strip 36. The movement of the blade 40 may be driven by any one or more of electricity, pneumatics, and hydraulics. For example, the blade 40 may be driven by an electric motor, such as a servo motor. In a preferred embodiment, the blade 40 is driven by a reciprocating pneumatic actuator. The blade 40 pierces the wall thickness of the shrink label 20A from one side (outside) while the mandrel 32 (opening device) supports the strip 36 from the other side (inside). The slit is preferably linear and / or longitudinal. The slit may have a length (longitudinal extent) of any of 2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, and 55 mm or more.

[0079] The blade 40 in this embodiment has a triangular profile. The blade profile may alternatively include multiple triangles arranged on a vertical line. The apex angle of the triangle may have a 45 degree angle. The blade 40 is configured to create a continuous slit of a given length in the strip 36. By providing two or more triangles, such as a sawtooth profile, the stroke of the blade 40 required for a given slit length can be kept short.

[0080] The mandrel 32 comprises on its surface a recess 44 for receiving the blade 40. The blade 40 can enter into the recess 44, which recess is shaped to correspond to the triangular profile of the blade 40. The recess may have other shapes, such as a straight or circular shape, and may extend circumferentially, at least partially, around the mandrel 32. The recess 44 may also be a through hole. The recess may be configured such that the piercing means 40 does not contact the mandrel 32.

[0081] The device 30 includes as cutting means a rotary cutter 46 including one or more blades movable toward and away from the mandrel in a radial direction indicated by double headed arrow 43 to circumferentially cut the strip 36 above the blade 40. Rotary cutters known in the art can be used here. The rotary cutter 46 can be configured to perform the circumferential cut, at least in part, during piercing of the strip 36.

[0082] The assembly 30 has perforation means 50, including perforation blades for making the first and second perforation lines. The perforation means 50 may include a respective perforation blade for each perforation line and / or may include a common perforation blade. The perforation means 50 is configured to pierce a portion or portions of the strip 36 in a reciprocating manner upstream of the mandrel 32, the direction of reciprocating motion being indicated by a double-headed arrow 52. The perforation means 50 is therefore configured to pierce the flattened portion of the strip 36, for example by applying perforation means known in the art. The perforation means 50 may also be provided downstream of the mandrel.

[0083] First embodiment - method In the following, a method according to a first embodiment will be described. Figures 10A-10E depict the steps of this method, which are carried out using the device 30 described above and shown in Figure 7.

[0084] Step A: As shown in Figure 10A, a strip 36 of tubular material is fed onto the mandrel 32 from a top portion thereof, for example by a first pair of rollers (not shown) of a delivery means. The position in Figure 10A can be achieved, at least in part, by cutting and removing a previously produced shrink label from the strip 36.

[0085] Step B: The strip 36 is fed (such as by continuing the feeding in step A) until the free end 33 of the free end portion 34 of the strip 36 reaches a predetermined location along the mandrel 32, such as the bottom end of the mandrel 32 (FIG. 10B). Thus, an area of ​​the strip becomes an open area that is held open and / or supported by the mandrel 32. At this point, feeding is stopped.

[0086] Step C: A piercing step is then carried out (FIG. 10C), in which the slit-forming blade 40 penetrates the strip 36 into the recess 44. The extent of the piercing 27A can be formed corresponding to the extent of the blade 40. In other words, the upper longitudinal extent of the piercing 27A can be formed by (or corresponding to) the upper longitudinal extent of the blade 40, and the lower longitudinal extent of the piercing can be formed by (or corresponding to) the lower longitudinal extent of the blade 40. The strip 36 is therefore pierced at a first distance from its free end 33. The longitudinal end portion of the sleeve is not pierced when making the piercing. The first distance can be measured as the maximum longitudinal extent of the piercing from the free end.

[0087] The strip 36 is optionally cut around its circumference during puncturing (FIG. 10C). The rotary cutter 46 can be configured to begin and optionally complete the cut prior to puncturing. In this case, the blade 40 punctures the shrink label 20A that has already been severed from the strip 36. Thus, the strip 36 is cut at a second distance from its free end 33, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0088] Step D: After cutting, the rotary cutter 46 retracts. After piercing, the blade 40 retracts (see FIG. 10D). The end portion of the strip 36 forms the end portion of the shrink label 20A. The free end 33 becomes the open end of the shrink label 20A.

[0089] To summarise the above, a sleeve is made from a strip of tubular material by feeding a free end portion of the strip of a given length onto a cylindrical mandrel, puncturing the free end portion transverse to the feeding direction at a first distance from its free end to form a puncture, and cutting the free end portion from the strip at a second distance from its free end, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0090] Step E: The shrink label 20A then continues to be advanced by a second pair of rollers in the direction of the solid arrow in FIG. 10E so as to leave the mandrel 32 from the bottom end of the mandrel (FIG. 10E). An unillustrated advance means can transfer the newly created free end portion 48 of the strip 36 into position simultaneously with or immediately after the shrink label 20A is transferred from the mandrel 32. Preferably, the shrink label 20A is transferred from the mandrel 32 to a container (not shown in FIGS. 10A-10E), which is more preferably positioned below the mandrel 32.

[0091] The method includes the step of perforating the flattened portion of the strip 36 upstream of the mandrel (not shown in Figures 10A-10E) by perforation means 50 to form a first perforation line 26 and a second perforation line 28. The first perforation line 26 and the second perforation line 28 are provided on each shrink label 20A.

[0092] Since the puncture is performed on a portion of the strip 36, which portion is provided on the mandrel 32, the accuracy and reproducibility are improved. Also, the blade 40 is prevented from puncturing the wall of the strip 36 twice, as would be the case if the strip 36 were punctured in a flattened state. The puncture is performed by moving the blade 40 in a plane parallel to the axis of the mandrel. Therefore, the accuracy and reproducibility of the puncture can be further improved. More preferably, the slit is (substantially) coincident in the circumferential direction with a longitudinal fold of the tubular material. The fold can be formed when the tubular material is flat. Therefore, the insertion of the projection on the container is facilitated.

[0093] Forming the first and second perforation lines on the flattened portion of the strip 36 facilitates forming pairs of parallel perforations or forming circumferential perforations.

[0094] Advantageously, by cutting and piercing simultaneously, the processing time can be shortened. The delivery means, not shown, the blade 40 and the rotary cutter 46 can be arranged to cooperate in a timed manner by a control unit, not shown.

[0095] When the mandrel 32 is arranged with its axis vertical, the free end 33, the lower longitudinal extent of the puncture 27A, the upper longitudinal extent of the puncture 27A and the location of the cut are longitudinally spaced apart from one another in that order, so that the puncture 27A is surrounded on all sides by non-punctured material.

[0096] The mandrel 32 can be stationary (e.g., rotationally stationary) during piercing and / or cutting. The strip 36 can be stationary relative to the mandrel 32, such as at least rotationally stationary, during piercing. Alternatively, or in addition, at least a portion of the piercing and at least a portion of the dispensing can occur simultaneously.

[0097] The method can be adapted to make shrink labels made according to the first embodiment by replacing the slit forming blade 40 described above with a perforation forming blade. The sleeve may be punctured more than once and / or may have more than two punctures.

[0098] The method can be adapted to produce a modified shrink label of either the first or second embodiment described above by omitting perforating the first perforation line 26 and / or the second perforation line 28 in the strip 36.

[0099] Second embodiment - device In the following, an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described with the aid of Figures 8 and 9 and by comparison with the apparatus of the first embodiment. As shown diagrammatically in Figure 8, the apparatus 230 differs from the apparatus 30 of the first embodiment in that the blade 40 of the apparatus 30 is replaced by a blade 240 shown in more detail in Figure 9. The apparatus 230 is for producing a third shrink label 20B.

[0100] The cutting edge of the blade 240 extends transversely to the longitudinal direction. Figure 9 shows details of the blade 240 when viewed from above in the configuration of Figure 8. The blade includes a central portion 240a as a slit forming portion and respective perforation portions on either side of the central portion. Each of the perforation forming portions 240b, 240c includes a perforation forming blade adjacent to the central portion 240a. Therefore, the blade 240 can be described as a composite blade.

[0101] The apparatus 230 of the second embodiment also differs from the apparatus 230 of the first embodiment in that its mandrel 232 is longer than the mandrel 32 of the first embodiment, the length of which is shown as "L" in FIG. 8, and in that it is configured to carry out the method of the second embodiment described below.

[0102] Second embodiment - method In the following, a method according to the second embodiment is described. The method is for making the third shrink label 20B using the apparatus 230 of the second embodiment. Figures 11A to 11H show the steps of this method carried out using the apparatus 230.

[0103] Step A: As shown in Figure 11A, a strip of tubular material 236 is fed from a top portion of the mandrel 232 onto the mandrel 232, for example by a first pair of rollers (not shown) of a delivery means. The strip may be provided from a roll of tubular material. The strip opens as it passes over the mandrel 232. The position in Figure 11A may be achieved, at least in part, by cutting and removing a previously produced shrink label from the strip 236.

[0104] Step B: Strip 236 is fed (such as by continuing the feeding in step A) until free end 233 of free end portion 234 of strip 236 reaches a predetermined position along mandrel 232, such as a position above the bottom end of mandrel 232 (FIG. 11B). Thus, an area of ​​the strip becomes an open area that is held open and / or supported by mandrel 232.

[0105] Step C: Subsequently, and without simultaneously carrying out a piercing step, a cutting step is carried out in which the strip 236 is cut around its circumference (FIG. 11C). The strip 236 is therefore cut at a second distance from its free end 233 by a rotating cutter (cutting means) 246 capable of reciprocating in the direction of the arrow 243.

[0106] Step D: After cutting, the rotary cutter 246 retracts (FIG. 11D). The free end portion 234 forms an end portion of the shrink label 20B. The free end 233 becomes the open end of the shrink label 20B.

[0107] Step E: Then, continuing as shown in Fig. 11E, the single cut strip is fed (fed) by a further pair of rollers (not shown) in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 11E to reach the puncture location shown in Fig. 11F. Thus, the single cut strip (unpunctured shrink label 20B) is fed until the free end 233 of the lower free end portion 234 of the cut strip reaches a predetermined position along the mandrel 232, such as the bottom end of the mandrel 232. Thus, the single cut strip is held open and / or supported by the mandrel 232. Then, feeding is stopped.

[0108] Step F: Then, a piercing step is performed (FIG. 11F) in which the blade 240 penetrates the cut strip into the recess 244 by moving in the direction of the arrow 242. The extent of the piercing portion 27B can be formed corresponding to the extent of the blade 240. In other words, the first lateral extent of the piercing portion 27B can be formed by (or corresponding to) the first lateral extent of the blade 240, and the second lateral extent of the piercing portion can be formed by (or corresponding to) the second lateral extent of the blade 240. Thus, one cut strip 236 is pierced at a first distance from its free end 233, which is smaller than the second distance. In this way, the shrink label 20B is formed. The longitudinal end portion of the shrink label 20B is not pierced when the piercing portion is created. The piercing portion 27B extends through only a part of the circumference of the shrink label 20B.

[0109] To summarize the above, the shrink label 20 is produced from a tubular strip of material 236 by feeding a free end portion 234 of a given length of strip 236 onto a cylindrical mandrel 232, cutting the free end portion 234 from the strip 236 at a second distance from its free end 233, feeding the cut piece of strip 236 along the mandrel, and puncturing the cut piece of strip at a first distance from its free end 233 to form a puncture 27B, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0110] Step G: Then, the slit forming blade 240 continues to retract (FIG. 11G).

[0111] Step H: The shrink label 20B is then subsequently fed off the mandrel 232 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 11H using a feeding means (not shown) such that the shrink label 20B leaves the mandrel 232 from the bottom end of the mandrel by a second pair of rollers (not shown) or the like (FIG. 11H). The feeding means can transfer the newly created free end portion 248 of the strip 236 into position simultaneously with or immediately after the shrink label 20B is transferred off the mandrel 232. Preferably, the shrink label 20B is transferred from the mandrel 232 to a container (not shown in FIGS. 11A-11H), which is further preferably positioned below the mandrel 232.

[0112] The method includes the step of forming perforations in the flattened portion of the strip 236 upstream of the mandrel 232 by a perforation means 250 reciprocating in the direction of arrow 252 (shown in FIG. 8) to form a first perforation line 26B and a second perforation line 28B on the shrink label 20B (not shown in FIGS. 11A-11E).

[0113] The method of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment, for example, in the step (FIG. 11E) of feeding the cut strip along the mandrel 232 between the cutting and piercing steps. The length "L" in FIG. 8 may correspond to the feeding distance described above. Doing so allows the shrink label 20B to be pierced near its upper end without the need to position the mechanism for the blade 240 high on the mandrel 232 where there is a risk of interference with the rotary cutter 246.

[0114] If a cutting step is performed for each shrink label 20B before the piercing step, this reduces the likelihood that the presence of the piercing 27B will cause irregularities in the tension that may lead to problems, especially in the cutting step. Irregularities in the tension of the strip or shrink label can occur, especially in the case of transverse piercing, even if the piercing step is not performed simultaneously with the cutting step and even if the rotary cutter and blade are far away from each other.

[0115] Third embodiment - device In the following, the device according to the third embodiment of the invention will be described by comparing it with the device of the first embodiment. As shown diagrammatically in Fig. 12, the device 330 mainly differs from the device 30 of the first embodiment in the following respects: the device 330 is for producing a third shrink label 20B, and instead of the longitudinally aligned blade 40 of the first embodiment, a blade 340 is provided, the shape and orientation of which corresponds to the composite blade 240 of Fig. 9. The cutting edge of the blade 340 therefore extends transversely to the longitudinal direction. The blade 340 is provided above the rotary cutter 346, and not below it as in the first and second embodiments.

[0116] Third embodiment - method In the following, a method according to a third embodiment is described. The method is for making a third shrink label 20B. Figures 13A-13E show the stages of the method carried out using an apparatus 330. The method performs the following steps in a repeated cycle:

[0117] Step A: As shown in Figure 13A, a strip 336 of tubular material is fed from a top portion of the mandrel 332 onto the mandrel 332, for example by a first pair of rollers (not shown) of a delivery means. The strip 332 may be provided from a roll of tubular material. Optionally, the position in Figure 13A may be achieved at least in part by cutting and removing a previously made shrink label from the strip.

[0118] Step B: Strip 336 is fed (such as by continuing the feeding in step A) until free end 333 of free end portion 334 of strip 336 reaches a predetermined location along mandrel 332, such as the bottom end of mandrel 332 (FIG. 13B). Thus, an area of ​​strip 336 becomes an open area that is held open and / or supported by mandrel 332. Strip 336 has punctures 27B created in the puncturing step of the previous operating cycle.

[0119] Step C: Subsequently, a puncturing step is performed (FIG. 13C) in which the composite blade 340 penetrates the strip 336 into the recess 344 by reciprocating in the direction of the arrow 342 (FIG. 12) and creates the puncture 27B. The extent of the puncture 27Ba can be formed corresponding to the extent of the blade 340. In other words, one lateral extent of the puncture 27Ba can be formed by (or corresponding to) the lateral extent of the blade 340, and the other lateral extent of the puncture 27Ba can be formed by (or corresponding to) the other lateral extent of the blade 340. The unpunctured part of the strip 336 extends circumferentially from the extent of the puncture 27Ba.

[0120] The strip 336 is optionally cut around its circumference during puncturing (FIG. 13C). The rotary cutter 346 can be configured to begin and optionally complete the cut before the puncturing of the same step. For example, the blade 40 punctures a cut piece from the strip 336. The strip 336 is thus cut at a second distance from its free end 333 by the rotary cutter 346, which can reciprocate in the direction of the arrow 343 (FIG. 12). The strip 336 is punctured above the cut to form the puncture 27Ba in the next shrink label.

[0121] Step D: The rotary cutter 346 retracts. The blade 340 retracts (see FIG. 13D). The free end portion 334 of the strip 336 forms an end portion of the shrink label 20B. The free end 333 becomes the open end of the shrink label 20B.

[0122] Step E: The shrink label 20B is then subsequently advanced in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 13E, away from the mandrel 332 at its bottom end, such as by a second pair of rollers (not shown) of an advancement means (FIG. 13E). The advancement means may transfer the newly created free end portion 348 of the strip 336 into position simultaneously with or immediately after the shrink label 20B is transferred from the mandrel 332. Preferably, the shrink label 20B is transferred from the mandrel 332 to a container (not shown in FIGS. 13A-13E), which is more preferably positioned below the mandrel 332.

[0123] A subsequent shrink label 20B can be made from the remaining strip of tubular material 336, with its puncture 27Ba already made in the puncture step described above (FIG. 13C).

[0124] The method includes performing the above steps in repeated cycles so that the shrink label 20B is cut into pieces by cutting in one cycle and punctured by puncturing in the previous cycle.

[0125] In summary, shrink label 20B is made from a strip of tubular material 336 by feeding a free end portion 334 of a given length of the strip onto a cylindrical mandrel 332, piercing the free end portion 334 a first distance from the free end 333 of the strip, feeding the strip 336 further along the mandrel 332, and cutting the free end portion 334 a second distance from the free end 333 of the strip, the second distance being greater than the first distance. A blade 340 can be provided upstream of a rotary cutter 346 relative to the feeding direction.

[0126] The method includes the step of forming perforations in the flattened portion of the strip 336 upstream of the mandrel 332 by a perforation means 350 reciprocating in the direction of arrow 352 to form a first perforation line 26B and a second perforation line 28B on the shrink label 20B (not shown in Figures 13A-13E).

[0127] When the blade 340 is provided above (upstream) the rotary cutter 346, this may be advantageous when there is limited space below (downstream) the rotary cutter 346. Compared to a configuration in which the blade 340 is disposed downstream of the rotary cutter 346, particularly in close proximity to the rotary cutter 346, it becomes easier to create the puncture 27B closer to one end (e.g., the upper end) of the shrink label 20B.

[0128] In Figures 7, 8, 10A-10E, 11A-11H, 12, and 13A-13E, the portions of the mandrel that are surrounded by the strip are shown in dashed lines.

[0129] Fourth embodiment - device In the following, a device according to a fourth embodiment is described. The device 430 is for producing a third shrink label 20B. As shown diagrammatically in Figs. 14 and 15, a flattened portion of a strip 436 of tubular material provided from a roll 453 of tubular material is fed to a blade 440, with the free end portion 434 of the strip being fed first. The device 430 is configured to control the feeding of the flattened strip 436 to the blade 440 (in Fig. 14, the feeding direction is downwards). A view along the feeding direction of the device 430 of Fig. 14 is shown in Fig. 15. The transversely extending blade 440 has a slit forming portion 440a and a perforation forming portion 440b. The blade 440 is mounted on a reciprocating mechanism configured to move the blade in the direction of the arrow 442, so that the blade can pierce and retract from the strip 436. A support member 454 for the blade 440 opposite the strip 436 is provided to support the strip at least while it is being pierced. The support member may include a recess (not shown) for receiving the blade 440.

[0130] Fourth embodiment - method In the following, a method according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. The method is for making a third shrink label 20B using the apparatus 430 of the fourth embodiment.

[0131] A straight strip 436 of flattened tubular material, preferably provided by being stretched from a roll 453 of tubular material, is fed (downwards in FIG. 14 ) past a blade 440 which pierces both walls of the strip 436 in a single motion. The blade 440 pierces one (particularly only one) folded edge of the strip 436. In this way, one (particularly only one) puncture 27B is created. The other folded edge of the strip 436 in the width direction can therefore be left unpierced. The folded edge of the strip 436 is not pierced during said piercing, so that two separate slits can also be created, spaced apart from the first and second ends. This can be advantageous when the bottle has two protrusions, such as in the case of a pump dispenser with a T-shaped plunger handle, one protrusion being inserted into each slit.

[0132] The supply of strip 436 is preferably stopped when piercing is being performed. By alternating between piercing and supplying steps, several evenly spaced piercings 20B can be formed in strip 436.

[0133] In a subsequent step, not shown, the strip 436 is cut to form the shrink label 20B. Preferably, said cutting is performed by feeding the strip 436 through an opening means, such as a mandrel, known in the art, to cut the strip into several pieces, each containing one puncture 27B, to produce several opened shrink labels 20B. A rotary cutter, such as the rotary cutter 46, 246, 346 of one of the previously described embodiments, can be used here, or cutters other than rotary cutters can be used.

[0134] The method includes the step of perforating the flattened portion of the strip 436 upstream or downstream of the puncture by perforation means corresponding to the perforation means 50, 250, 350 of the previous embodiment to form a first perforation line 26B and a second perforation line 28B (not shown in Figures 14 and 15). The first perforation line 26B and the second perforation line 28B are provided on each shrink label 20B. The perforation means and the blade 440 may be driven by a common mechanism.

[0135] Instead of a linear reciprocating blade 440, the blade 440 may be provided on the periphery of a rotating wheel, and the device configured to control the speed of rotation. Multiple blades 440 may be positioned on the periphery of the wheel.

[0136] The shrink label can be placed on the container according to the above-mentioned uses. The shrink label can be formed by sequentially cutting the strip at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, a series of containers can be arranged in a line, with each container being sequentially transported to a common location for receiving a shrink label. Each container with a shrink label can be transported to a processing station (not shown) for shrinking, such as a heater for heat shrinking. In this manner, a container assembly is produced by covering the container with the shrink label after carrying out the method for producing the shrink label.

[0137] The invention is not limited to puncturing at the mandrel, and the puncturing means can be provided anywhere the flexible tubular material is open (e.g. not flattened) or anywhere the flexible tubular material is flat. Any opening can be performed by an opening device performed as or in addition to the mandrel. The opening device can include a guide, such as a plate-like guide, a guide of variable cross-section, or any structural member that supports the inside of the strip. Alternatively or in addition, the opening device can include a tunnel or passage aligned in the feed direction and having one or more porous inner surfaces connected to a vacuum, so that when the strip is received by the opening device, the walls of the strip are pulled apart by low air pressure, the porous surfaces can be stationary or transportable, and in this case too the open portion is formed by moving the inner circumferential portion of the strip apart. At least a part of the open portion of the strip can be moved away from the opening device. Alternatively or in addition, the strip can be inflated by internal pressure.

[0138] The puncturing means may include a punch having a circular, elliptical, or polygonal (e.g., square or rectangular) cross section. The puncturing may create a cutout as a puncture, such as by removing a portion of the tubular material, or partially removing a portion of the tubular material such that a flap of material remains. The puncture may have a predefined (e.g., non-zero) width. Puncturing may be understood to mean making a puncture. Making a puncture may form a single slit, or multiple slits.

[0139] The method and / or apparatus of the first embodiment may be modified by providing transversely extending blades instead of the longitudinally extending blades 40.

[0140] The method and / or apparatus of the first embodiment may be modified by providing, instead of the slit forming blade 40, a composite blade corresponding to the configuration of FIG.

[0141] The methods and / or apparatus of the second to fourth embodiments may be modified by providing longitudinally extending blades instead of the transversely extending blades 240, 340, 440.

[0142] The methods and / or apparatus of the second to fourth embodiments may be modified by providing a slit forming blade that is an exclusive slit forming blade or a perforation forming blade that is an exclusive perforation forming blade.

[0143] The method and / or apparatus of any of the above described embodiments may be modified by providing a perforation blade as the piercing means that is an exclusive perforation blade.

[0144] The method and / or apparatus of any of the above-described embodiments may be modified to produce the modified shrink labels described above by omitting to form perforations in the strip to create the first perforation lines 26, 26A, 26B and / or the second perforation lines 28, 28A, 28B.

[0145] The method and / or apparatus of any of the above described embodiments may be modified by providing perforation means 50,250,350 in the open portion of the strip 36,236,336.

[0146] In any of the method and / or apparatus embodiments described above, the shrink label 20, 20A, 20B may be punctured more than once and / or may have more than one puncture 27, 27A, 27B.

[0147] In the first to third embodiments, the cutter is provided as a rotary cutter. The invention is not limited thereto and the cutter can be provided as a different type of cutter, such as a flat cutter. The cutter can circumferentially cut a portion of the tubular material that is not on the mandrel. For example, the portion can be upstream or downstream of the mandrel. The cutting means can be configured to circumferentially form perforations in the strip and then cut the strip by rupturing the perforations.

[0148] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the protrusion is formed as a trigger or nozzle. The protrusion may alternatively or additionally include a handle. For example, if the handle is not covered or not completely covered by the shrink label, it can be more easily gripped by a user. An exposed protrusion may be advantageous for other functional reasons, for example to expose a visual marking.

[0149] Thus, a sleeve for covering a container is made of a flexible tubular material, in particular made by the above-mentioned method, the sleeve having a given length measured in the longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end and may include a longitudinally extending puncture, the puncture being spaced apart from the first end and the second end. The puncture area may be formed by a slit-like opening. The sleeve may comprise at least one perforation line in addition to the puncture.

[0150] Thus, the use of a sleeve to cover a container with a longitudinally extending body and a protrusion extending at least partially transversely to the longitudinal direction includes positioning the sleeve around the container such that the puncture is circumferentially aligned with the protrusion, and contracting the sleeve around at least a portion of the container for insertion through the protrusion into an opening formed by the puncture. Thus, since the puncture is aligned with the protrusion, the protrusion extends from the body through the opening formed from the puncture during contraction. The use of the sleeve after making it according to the method can be understood to be a method of making and using the sleeve. The opening device, the sleeve, and the container can be coaxial at least during some steps, such as when positioning the sleeve around the container. Thus, the sleeve can be easily positioned around the container as soon as it is (essentially) transferred from the opening device.

[0151] Thus, the container assembly comprises a container and a sleeve, the container having a longitudinally extending body and a protrusion extending at least partially transversely to the longitudinal direction, the sleeve in a contracted state covering at least a portion of the container, the protrusion extending through the opening formed by the piercing portion. The container may include a body and a cap attached to the body, more preferably the sleeve in a contracted state covering at least a portion of the body and at least a portion of the cap. Thus, there is a low possibility of the cap being unintentionally separated (e.g. unscrewed) from the body. The container may optionally have a nozzle as part of the cap. After contraction, the perforation line may extend over at least a portion of the cap. Removal of the sleeve near the cap is facilitated. The sleeve in a contracted state may cover the nozzle. The container assembly may be formed by the above use.

[0152] The shrink label as a sleeve may include a page for displaying, for example, a user manual for a pharmaceutical product. The sleeve may also show decoration, such as text or a design. The sleeve may have a packaging function. The sleeve may be only locally shrunk, such as for tamper-evident applications. The sleeve may have a single layer or multi-layer (e.g., co-extruded) construction. The sleeve may be provided as a full label or as a partial label, i.e., covering only a portion of the container, such as a portion of the top and / or a portion of the bottom of the container. The tubular material may include a metal, such as a metal foil. The sleeve may have a uniform thickness in the circumferential and / or longitudinal directions. The tubular material may have, but is not limited to, a circular or elliptical cross section, and the tubular material may have a cross-sectional shape that can fit any opening device or container shape with a more or less larger size. The term "tubular" is understood to mean having at least an inner circumference and an outer circumference. The tubular material may be foil-like and / or film-like.

[0153] If a first perforation line is provided, it may extend around at least a portion of the periphery of the shrink label.

[0154] The perforation lines and punctures can be sized to abut corresponding features on the bottle, taking into account shrinkage of the shrink label. For example, a trigger can be positioned to abut the third perforation line when the shrink label is in a shrunken state.

[0155] The portion of the sleeve that includes the puncture and any first and second perforation lines may be understood to be a leak-proof portion of the sleeve.

[0156] The first and second perforations are examples of perforations present in addition to the punctures. In particular, the first perforation is an example of a circumferential perforation and the second perforation is an example of a longitudinal perforation. By circumferential perforation, it is understood that a perforation extending at least partially in the circumferential direction is understood. By longitudinal perforation, it is understood that a perforation extending at least partially in the longitudinal direction is understood. The third perforation is an example of a puncture away from the sleeve end and may preferably extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction along at least a portion of the upper portion. It may be understood that when the sleeve has a perforation that includes or merges with a puncture away from the sleeve end, the entire perforation may be away from the sleeve end and / or may extend over only a portion of the sleeve circumference. Such a perforation may extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the sleeve is formed as a shrink label. The sleeve can be changeable from an expanded state towards a contracted state by application of energy, such as by any one or more of UV light, infrared radiation, hot air, and steam. Instead of or in addition to contraction, the sleeve can be tightened by mechanical fastening (e.g., ties or bands). Alternatively, or in addition, the sleeve can be contracted by humidity change or by releasing elastic energy, for example, the sleeve as an elastic sleeve can be elastically expanded while placed on a container (expanded state), and then the elastic tension is released (contracted state). This can be done using techniques known in the art, such as by an expandable hollow shipping mandrel or by radially separable finger members. Thus, the sleeve can be a label, such as any one or more of a stretch label, a shrink label, and a shrink sticker.

[0158] A bottle is an example of a container that includes a body and may include a cap. Other examples of containers include receptacles, cups, bowls, and pots. The body may have an interior space and may have an opening. The container to which the sleeve is applied may be referred to as a container assembly. The container and container assembly may be empty or may hold a product such as a liquid or powder.

[0159] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein can be achieved by appropriate modifications by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Some of such possible modifications have been mentioned, and other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, etc. discussed above are illustrative and not required. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the claims and not limited to the details of construction and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

[0160] This application is based on a Luxembourg patent application (Luxembourg Patent Application No. 101715) filed on March 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 10, 100 bottles (containers) 12, 120 Main unit 14, 140 Neck 16, 160 Cap 18, 180 Trigger (protruding part) 19, 190 Nozzle (protruding part) 20, 20A, 20B Shrink Label (Sleeve) 22, 22A, 22B lower part 24, 24A, 24B upper part 26, 26A, 26B 1st perforation line 27, 27A, 27B, 27Ba 3rd perforation line (puncture part) 271B Central part 272B, 273B end part 28, 28A, 28B Second perforation line 29, 29A, 29B opening 30, 230, 330, 430 equipment 32, 232, 332 Mandrel (opening device) 33, 233, 333 free end 34, 234, 334, 434 Free end part 36, 236, 336, 436 Strips of tubular material 40, 240, 340, 440 Blade (Puncture Means) 240a, 440a Slit forming portion 240b, 240c, 440b Perforation forming part 42, 242, 342, 442 Arrows showing blade movement 43, 243, 343 Arrows showing the movement of the rotary cutter 44, 244, 344 recess 46, 246, 346 Rotary cutter (cutting means) 48, 248, 348 Newly created free end 50, 250, 350 Perforation Means 52, 252, 352 Arrows indicating movement of perforation means 453 Roll of tubular material 454 Support member

Claims

1. A method of making a sleeve (20A) for covering a container (10) having a projection from a strip (36) of flexible tubular material, comprising the steps of: the protrusion being a trigger that pivots to dispense a product from the container (10) or a nozzle that expels the dispensed product from the container (10) by depressing a plunger (180); the sleeve (20A) is cut from the strip to have a given length measured in the longitudinal direction of the strip from a first end to a second end, the sleeve being stretchable or contractible; The method comprises: feeding the strip (36) to an opening device (32), the free end (33) of the strip being fed first so that the opening device receives the strip and separates opposing inner periphery portions of the strip, thereby opening the area of ​​the strip received by the opening device; a puncturing means (40) is inserted through the area of ​​the strip (36) opened by the opening device, or the area of ​​the sleeve cut from the strip (36), facing a recess (44) or through hole formed in a side of the opening device, and the puncturing means (40) is inserted into the recess (44) or through hole to puncture the area and form a puncture portion (27A) that is spaced apart from positions corresponding to the first end and the second end and that matches the shape of the protrusion; A method comprising:

2. In addition to providing the puncture, providing at least one perforation line (26A, 28A) in the strip upstream of the opening device; The method of claim 1 , wherein the punctures (27A) are configured to be more susceptible to tearing than the perforations (26A, 28A).

3. 1. An apparatus for making a sleeve (20A) for covering a container having a projection from a strip (36) of flexible tubular material, comprising: the protrusion being a trigger that pivots to dispense a product from the container (10) or a nozzle that expels the dispensed product from the container (10) by depressing a plunger; the sleeve is stretchable or contractible, the sleeve having a given length measured in the longitudinal direction of the strip (36) from a first end to a second end; an opening device (32) receiving a length of the strip (36) fed to it with a free end (33) of the strip fed first, and opening the area of ​​the strip received by the opening device by separating opposed inner circumferential portions of the strip; a puncture means (40) configured to penetrate the region of the strip (36) opened by the opening device, or the region of the sleeve cut from the strip (36), in a state facing a recess (44) or a through hole formed on a side of the opening device, and enter the recess (44) or the through hole to puncture the region and form a puncture portion (27A) that is spaced apart from positions corresponding to the first end and the second end of the sleeve and that matches the shape of the protrusion; An apparatus comprising:

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising perforation means (50) configured to form at least one perforation line (26A, 28A) upstream of the opening device, said at least one perforation line being in addition to said puncture portion (27A), said puncture means (40) puncturing said area such that said puncture portion (27A) is more easily torn than said perforation line (26A, 28A).

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