LABEL FIXATION BY RETRACTABLE FILM

Abstract

In one aspect, an article (30) includes a first sleeve (72) formed from a first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (40), the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (40) having first (58) and second (59) opposite edges, wherein the first sleeve (72) is formed with a first seam (60) adjacent to the first edge (58). A portion (78) of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (40) extends between the first sleeve (72) and the second edge (59). A label (38) is attached to the portion (78) of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (40) adjacent to the second edge (59) in a first overlap zone (50) of the label (38) and the portion (78) of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (40). In another respect, an article (30) includes a heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (40) and a label (38) attached to the sheet (40).The heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (40) has a central area (84) and a plurality of grooves (68) arranged across the sheet (40), at least one of the plurality of grooves (68) oriented to partially surround the central area (84).

Description

LABEL FIXATION BY RETRACTABLE FILM FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The prior art is replete with merchandise labeling that uses bands around goods. Sometimes, the bands known so far have elastic sections attached to non-elastic sections, and sometimes they are endless elastic bands commonly called rubber bands. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For example, U.S. Patent No. 2,516,292 (Bennett) dated July 25, 1950, discloses a preformed labeling article of elastic and non-elastic sections for keeping bananas constantly under tension when contracted. The ends of the elastic and non-elastic sections of the band overlap and are held together by adhesive or other bonding. U.S. Patent No. 5,733,652 (Stowman et al.) dated March 31, 1998, discusses the placement of merchandise bands by a technique involving the in-situ joining of the ends of a strip of elastic material with or without a separate interposed strip of material that is not necessarily elastic.On-site bonding, however, involves bringing the bonding equipment to the site where the merchandise bands will be applied (for example, for bonds formed by heat sealing) or involves removing and applying a peelable liner at the banding site (for example, for bonds formed using pressure-sensitive contact adhesive layers or protected by a liner). Neither approach is ideal for labeling applications. Also, when a preformed band of bonded sections or an on-site formed band of bonded sections is stretched around the merchandise, it exerts a compressive force on the merchandise. Relatively strong bonds are needed to prevent separation under these circumstances, since the bonds are on the stretch line and are subjected to tensile stress during use.Another problem is the questionable reliability of machine-readable codes on stretched strips that encircle merchandise, such as UPC barcodes, for example.

[0003] Where endless rubber belts (commonly called rubber bands) are used, as in the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 5,617,656 (Ludlow et al.); U.S. Patent No. 5,697,177 (Ludlow et al.); and U.S. Patent No. 6,058,639 (Tinklenberg), a second step arises for attaching a label. The two-step approach is not the most efficient, although it has been one of the most popular approaches in the past because the label is distinct from the rubber band and carries a reliable UPC barcode that is easy to handle at the checkout.

[0004] A known merchandise marking device capable of being applied in a single step to achieve simultaneous placement of bands and reliable barcoding of merchandise is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,778,583 (Larsen) dated July 14, 1998, wherein the label is affixed to the rubber band before the rubber band is secured in its position around the merchandise. However, cost-effectiveness is not the hallmark of quality for manufacturers of this prior art device. nocann / ι 7n7 / E / YL

[0005] One problem encountered when using elastic bands for labeling is that the bands can be easily removed by a user. This removal can undesirably allow consumers to remove or switch labels or tags between products. Consequently, in some cases, a more permanent method of affixing a label to a product is desirable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one aspect, an article includes a first sleeve formed from a first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet, the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet having opposing first and second edges, wherein the first sleeve is formed with a first seam near the first edge. A portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet extends between the first sleeve and the second edge. A label is attached to a portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet near the second edge in an overlap zone of the label and the portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet.

[0007] In another aspect, an article includes a heat-shrinkable polymer sheet and a label attached to the sheet. The heat-shrinkable polymer sheet has a central area and at least one of the plurality of slots arranged through the sheet, with at least one of the plurality of slots oriented to partially surround the central area.

[0008] This description, in various combinations, can also be characterized by the following list of items: 1. An article that includes: a first sleeve formed from a first sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer, the first sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer having first and second opposite edges, wherein the first sleeve is formed with a first seam close to the first edge; a portion of the first heat-shrink polymer sheet extends between the first sleeve and the second edge; and a label attached to the portion of the first heat-shrink polymer sheet near the second edge in a first overlap zone of the label and the portion of the first heat-shrink polymer sheet. 2. The article of point 1 where the first seam is substantially linear and where the dimension of the height of the label parallel to the first seam is equal to or less than the length of the first seam between the first and second open edges of the first sleeve. 3. The article in point 2 which includes a neck disposed on the portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet, the neck having a dimension measured parallel to the height dimension of the label which is less than the height dimension of the label. 4. The article in point 3, where a joint between the label and the portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet is located over the neck. 5. The article of any of points 1-4 where the first sleeve includes an orifice disposed through the first sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer. 6. The item in point 5, where the hole is placed on an opposite side of the first sleeve at the first seam. 7. The item in any of points 1-6 where the first overlap zone does not include a label entry. 8. The article of any of points 1-7 which includes a second sleeve formed from a second sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer, the second sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer having opposite third and fourth edges, wherein the second sleeve is formed with a second seam close to the third edge and where the label is attached to the second sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer close to the fourth edge. 9. The article in point 8, where the label is attached to the second heat-shrink polymer sheet in a second overlap zone. 10. The article in point 9, where a label height in the first overlap zone differs from a label height in the second overlap zone. 11. An article that includes: a heat-shrinkable polymer sheet having a central area and at least one of the plurality of slots arranged through the sheet, in at least one of the plurality of slots oriented to partially surround the central area; and a label attached to the sheet. 12. The article of point 11, where the central area is circular and at least one of the plurality of grooves is concentric with the central area. 13. The article of point 11 or 12, wherein the central area and the plurality of slots form a product fixing portion of the article and wherein the article further includes a neck disposed between the product fixing portion and the label. 14. The article in point 13 where the collar is formed as part of the label. 15. The article of any of points 11-14, where the label is attached to the foil in an overlap zone. 16. The article in point 15 where the overlap zone does not include a label entry. 17. The article of any of points 11-16 where the central area includes an opening through the sheet. 18. The article in point 17 where the opening is circular at least one of the plurality of slots is concentric with the opening. [00 09] This brief description is provided to introduce concepts in a simplified form that are more fully described below in the Detailed Description of the Invention. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the described or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe every disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, the features described herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Furthermore, this brief description is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The Figures and the following description more specifically exemplify the illustrative embodiments. nocann / ι 7n7 / E / YL BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [00 10] The subject matter described will be best explained with reference to the accompanying Figures, where structural elements or similar systems are referenced with similar reference numbers across the different views. It is intended that all descriptions are applicable to similar or analogous structures across the different modalities. [00 11] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary label item placed for use on a product. [00 12] Figure 2 is an exemplary view of the label article with a sleeve of the same placed around a cap and neck of the product. [00 13] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the label article attached to the product, pulling the sleeve around the cap and neck. [00 14] Figure 4A is a plan view of a portion of a laminated strip assembly from which a plurality of label assemblies can be formed. [00 15] Figure 4B is a plan view of the band assembly after cutting to define a plurality of connected label assemblies. [00 16] Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the band assemblies of Figure 4, wound into a sleeve configuration. [00 17] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second exemplary modality of a label item attached to a product. [00 18] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a third exemplary modality of a label item attached to a product. [00 19] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary modality of a label item attached to a product. [00 20] Figure 8A is a plan view of a variation of the label item in Figure 8. [00 21] Figure 8B is a perspective view of the label item in Figure 8A attached to a product. [00 22] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 9-9 of Figure 4B. [00 23] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the components of the label item in Figure 6. [00 24] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the components of the label item in Figure 7. [00 25] Figure 12 is a view of the exploded view of a label item in a fifth exemplary modality. [00 26] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an attached label item having the components of Figure 12, positioned for use with a product. [00 27] Figure 14A is a perspective view of a product with the fifth modality of a label item placed on it. [00 28] Figure 14B is a perspective view of a product with the fifth modality of an attached label article fixed to it by retracting a removable film sleeve around a portion of the product. nocann / ι 7n7 / E / YL [00 29] Figure 15 is a component breakdown view of a sixth exemplary modality of a label article. [00 30] Figure 16A is an exploded view of the components of a seventh exemplary modality of a label article. [00 31] Figure 16B is an exploded view of the components of an eighth exemplary modality of a label article. [00 32] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a attached label article of the sixth embodiment exemplary modality in use with two products. [00 33] Figure 18 is a plan view of a ninth exemplary label item. [00 34] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the label item in Figure 18 positioned for use with a product. [00 35] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the label item in Figures 18 and 19 attached to the product. [00 36] Figure 21 is a plan view of the tenth exemplary modality of a label article, shown in use in Figures 22 and 23. [00 37] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the label item in Figure 21 positioned for use with a product. [00 38] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the label item in Figure 21 attached to the product. [00 39] Figure 24 is a perspective view of the eleventh exemplary modality of a label article in use with a product. [00 40] Although the Figures identified above illustrate various forms of the subject matter described, other forms are also contemplated, as noted in the description. In all cases, this description presents the disclosed subject matter as a representation and not as a limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and forms may be considered by those skilled in the art who fall within the scope of the principles of this description. [00 41] Figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to others for clarity. Furthermore, where terms such as above, through, below, over, under, top, bottom, right, left, vertical, horizontal, etc., are used, it should be understood that they are used only to facilitate understanding of the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented differently. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [00 42] Figures 1-3 show consecutive steps in a method for attaching a label article 30a to a product 32a. In the illustrated embodiment, the product 32a is configured as a bottle having a neck 34 and a cap, cover, or lid 36. However, it is envisaged that the label article 30a may be configured for use with products of other configurations, such as, for example, cans, tubes, boxes, bags, and bundles of products. Furthermore, although the illustrations describe attaching a label article 30a to an upper portion of the product 32a, it is also envisaged that the label article could additionally or alternatively be placed around other portions of a product or around an entire smaller product. In this description, some elements will be referred to by numbers that may or may not include lowercase letters.When describing a particular embodiment of an item, the description will use a number and letter designation. When describing a particular modality of an item, the description will use a number and letter designation. When describing the item in general, the description will use only the number without the letter designation. All item descriptions also apply to similar or analogous items (designated with the same number) except in the case of conflicting descriptions. [00 43] In one exemplary embodiment, the labeled article 30 is configured with a label 38 attached to the shrink film 40. In one exemplary embodiment, the shrink film 40a is configured as a sleeve sized to pass over the cap 36 and neck 34 of the product 32a, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Although a sleeve with a substantially cylindrical cross-section is illustrated, it is contemplated that the sleeve may have other shapes, such as an open-ended tubular sleeve having a square or rectangular cross-section, for example. Once in position, heat can be applied to the shrink film 40a to shrink the sleeve around the neck 34 and cap 36, thereby permanently attaching the labeled article 30a, and thus its associated label 38a, to the product 32a, as shown in Figure 3.In one exemplary embodiment, a suitable material for the shrink film 40a is oriented so that maximum retraction occurs in the direction of the sleeve diameter and minimum retraction occurs in the direction along the top of the sleeve. In one exemplary embodiment, a sleeve with an initial diameter (as in Figures 1 and 2) of approximately 5.08 cm (2 in.) can be retracted downward to a diameter of approximately 1.27 cm (0.5 in.) at the neck 34 if required (as in Figure 3). [00 44] Figure 4A is a plan view of a portion of a laminated strip 42 from which a plurality of label assemblies 30a can be formed. Figure 4B is a plan view of the strip 42 after cutting to define a plurality of connected label assemblies 30a. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the strip 42, taken along line 9-9 of Figure 4B. [00 45] As shown in Figure 4A, in an exemplary method for manufacturing label assemblies 30a, an in-line web processing system is used to form a laminated web 42 that includes a shrink film strip 40 and a strip of label material 38. As shown in Figure 4B, adjacent label assemblies 30a are delineated, in an exemplary embodiment, by a demarcation line 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the web 42 includes a shrink film strip 40 having a plurality of labels 38a attached thereto. The web 42 has a front surface 46 and an opposite back surface 48 (labeled in Figure 9). In an exemplary embodiment, the label material strip 38 overlaps the shrink film strip 40 in an overlap zone 50, so that a joint 52 between the label material strip 38 and the shrink film strip 40 is visible on the front surface 46 of the band 42.The overlap zone 50 is sufficient in the area to ensure that the label material strip 38 does not separate from the shrink film strip 40 when the shrink film strip material 40 is subjected to heat to cause shrinkage. [00 46] As shown in Figure 4B, the band 42 has been processed, such as by cutting, to define a plurality of connected label items 30. This cutting can be effected with a laser cutting apparatus, for example. The band 42 can be made sufficiently long to include a desired number of items 30 in series. Alternatively, a band with more than one strip of label material 38 can also be provided. A second strip of label material 38 could be provided to overlap and join the shrink film 40 near the edge 58, for example. The band could be cut to provide an arrangement of items 30, instead of the single illustrated row. Other arrangements of the band to provide numerous rows of label items on a band are also contemplated.Furthermore, although the illustrated form includes a border 59 of the retractable film 40 that does not extend to the border 70 of the label strip 38, it is contemplated that the retractable film 40 may be provided in the form of a continuous sheet underlining a plurality of parallel strips 38 of label material. [00 47] In the polished version, a continuous cut is provided along the cut line 54, and at least partial cuts are provided at demarcation lines 44. In the polished version, the cut line 54 is configured to completely cut and separate adjacent labels 38a from each other and to provide tapered necks 56 near the junction 52 between each label 38 and its respective shrink film 40. In some versions, a seam is placed at the junction 52 over the tapered portion of the label article 30, such as at the neck 56. In this way, the retraction of the shrink film strip 40 does not cause ripple or other undesirable deformation over a larger portion of the label 38. [00 48] In another embodiment, a complete cut is provided at each demarcation line 44 to completely separate the label articles 30a of the band 42 from one another. In one method of use, as illustrated in Figures 4B and 5, the shrink film 40 of the band 42 is wound (horizontally if oriented as in Figure 4B; vertically if oriented as in Figure 5) to position the edge 58 close to the necklines 56. A seam 60 is provided to form a continuous sleeve 72 of shrink film 40 across many label articles 30a. The same band 42 is flattened and wound into a roll or reel configuration for use on an application machine. The application machine would cut the band 42 along the demarcation line 44 just before applying an individual label article 30a to a product 32a. [00 49] Excess web material (i.e., “waste”) resulting from cutting the cut line 54 is preferably removed. In some embodiments, adjacent labels 38 may remain breakably connected to each other. The demarcation line 44 may delineate breakably connected adjacent label items 30 with perforations, weakening lines, full- or partial-depth cut lines, and other mechanisms to form a breakable weakening line or contour connecting adjacent label items 30. Furthermore, although a particular shape and configuration of the demarcation 44 is illustrated, other shapes and configurations are contemplated. For example, the demarcation 44 need not be straight and may include curves and other shapes.The band 42 can be further processed by retaining at least some of the connected label items at once, such as by lamination, folding, or cutting into sheets and stacking the cut sheets, for example. Adjacent label items 30 can remain brokenly connected at demarcation 44. Alternatively or additionally, individual label items 30 can be completely cut out for future use. [00 50] As shown in Figure 9, the label material strip 38 and the shrink film strip 40 are joined along a flat overlap zone 50. The band 42 is foil-like in that the shrink film 40 is formed from a heat-shrinkable polymer sheet and the label material 38 is formed from a foil strip that is flat, although it can be wrapped and is flexible and is thus not always presented in a flat form. The label strip 38 and the shrink film strip 40 are joined so that the foil character of each aligns with the foil character of the other, giving the band 42 a foil-like appearance. [00 51] The overlap zone 50 is formed where the label strip 38 overlaps and splices to the shrink film 40. As shown in Figures 4B and 9, the label strip 38 and the shrink film 40 can be joined along the entire overlap zone 50. However, in other embodiments, the label strip 38 and the shrink film 40 can be joined together only in portions of the overlap zone 50. In addition, to aid in joining the label strip 38 and the shrink film 40 together, an adhesive can be provided between the label strip 38 and the shrink film 40 along portions of or the entire overlap zone 50. [00 52] A material for a 38 label strip is preferably flexible and applicable but not extensible (e.g., non-stretchable and non-elastic) for most applications. For the purposes of this description, an elastic material is one that has an initial dimension in a relaxed state; the dimension increases under tension, such as by stretching; furthermore, after the release of the tensile force, the dimension returns to, or nearly returns to, the initial unstretched dimension. In an exemplary embodiment, the material for the 38 label strip is substantially non-elastic and non-stretchable under forces applied by hand. For example, the foil material for the 38 label strip may have sufficient dimensional stability to carry an easily scannable (i.e., undistorted) print of a Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol as well as other human-readable or machine-readable markings.Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, a label strip material 38 does not shrink, melt, or otherwise change due to the application of sufficient heat to shrink the shrink film 40. [00 53] In an exemplary embodiment, the foil material for label strip 38 is sufficiently water-resistant so as not to disintegrate and not to melt, wrinkle, or otherwise significantly deform or distort when placed in water. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the inks or other printing media used for indications 62 are sufficiently water-resistant to prevent disintegration or destruction when repeatedly subjected to water and washing operations (as is common for product displays in supermarkets). The foil material for label strip 38 should also be somewhat hard or tough in the sense of being sufficiently tear-resistant to discourage damage to it during handling. [00 54] Suitable materials for forming label strip 38 include paper, polystyrene thermoplastics, polyolefin thermoplastics, polyesters, and others. Exemplary suitable thermoplastic materials include polymers of styrene, ethylene, propylene, as well as a variety of other monomers and monomer mixtures (e.g., to produce copolymers and terpolymers, etc.). The sheet thickness for polyester plastics and some others can be very thin, in the range of less than 3 mils (0.08 mm) or 4 mils (0.10 mm), and still exhibit the desired toughness and lack of practical elasticity. [00 55] Polymers can be formulated so that printing inks are readily accepted onto the surface of the foil material. Polymers can also be treated with special surface treatments to improve the acceptance of printing inks for indications 62, which can be provided on the front and / or back surface of the label 38. The exact structure and composition of foil materials suitable for the label strip 38 can vary widely. Any variety of commercially available inks, accepted on and retained by the label strip 38 and in any desired color, can be used to print indications 62. Where it is desirable to use a water-soluble ink, a thin film of water-insoluble plastic can be applied over the ink to improve the water resistance of the printed markings. [00 56] To increase the impact resistance of 38 label strips, a styrene-butadiene-styrene impact modifier can be useful in quantities up to approximately 40 percent by weight of the polystyrene material. 38 label strips made of this material are highly stable against stretching. They can have desirable flexibility balanced by slight rigidity, which contributes to ease of handling during manufacturing and use. Such 38 label strips can also be reliably printed, especially when first subjected to a surface treatment such as corona treatment, like that available from Pillar Technologies of Hartland, Wisconsin, a division of Illinois Tool Works. This treatment improves the hydration and adhesion characteristics of inks and adhesives on plastic substrates. [00 57] Shrink film 40 can be made from any of a variety of heat-shrinkable materials. For example, suitable polymeric materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as shrinkable, heatable, printable, polyester (PETG), or styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS / OPS) commercially available from Bonset America Corporation of Greensboro, North Carolina. Another suitable material is biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) shrink film, available from Plastic Suppliers Inc. of Columbus, Ohio. [00 58] The selection of the material for the label article 30 may take into consideration factors such as cost and bonding ability with the shrink film 40. Generally, similar materials tend to bond (such as polymer bonding) better than dissimilar materials; and materials of similar polarity usually bond better than materials of opposite polarity. Thus, the label material may be selected from polymers of the same family as the shrink film, such as those that include at least some monomers related to, or the same as, those present in the shrink film. Surface treatments such as corona treatments also help improve bonding. Furthermore, compatibilizers that adjust the polarity of the material may be used to improve bonding. Additional information is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,635,795 to Ludlow et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference.[00 59] Thermal welding, such as applying heat and pressure to the overlap zone 50, is useful for forming the bond between the label 38 and the shrink film 40. Sonic welding is another way to unify the layers and achieve a cohesive bond between the label 38 and the shrink film 40. Extruding a molten polymer of shrink film 40 onto the label strip 38 is another way to form the band 42. This method can be particularly effective where molecules or parts of molecules of the shrink film 40 and the label strip 38 in the overlap zone 50 interdiffuse with each other. Bonds can also be formed by interposing an intermediate layer in the overlap zone 50 (e.g., an adhesive), to which both the label material and the shrink film material will readily bond due to their compatibility with the intermediate material.Furthermore, treating the surface areas where the bonding will take place can be effective. Mechanical bonding can be effective, such as where the label material is porous (for example, the porous polymer paper product called Teslin) and the shrink film material is applied in a molten or at least softened condition and pressed into the gaps or interstices of the porous label 38. Any useful bonding technique and structure that bonds the label 38 with the shrink film 40 in such a way as to form a unified, flat bond in the overlap zone 50 that can resist delamination in the intended use is suitable. [00 60] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an individual label article 30a, removed from the band 42, as if by tearing along the demarcation 44, and rolled into a sleeve configuration. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the shrink film 40 includes a border 58 distant from the strip of label material 38. As shown in Figure 5, the border 58 is rolled up, and a bonded seam 60 is formed at or near the location where the border 58 meets another portion of the shrink film 40. Because the shrink film 40 is formed of a visually transparent or translucent material in the exemplary modalities, the seam 60 is visible from the outside of the label article 30a. However, it should be understood that, in the illustrated mode, the edge 58 makes contact with the retractable film 40 on a lower side thereof (inner surface of the sleeve 72).The seam 60 is formed by joining portions of the shrink film 40 to itself, such as by ultrasonic welding. The appropriate equipment for forming this sleeve configuration includes the AccraSeam™ FC Stanford Shrink Sleeve Conversion Kit, commercially available from Accraply, Inc. of Plymouth, Minnesota. [00 61] Many different configurations of label item 30 are possible to impart the desired display characteristics. For example, Figure 6 shows a second exemplary modality of a label item 30b in use with a product 32b. Figure 7 shows a third exemplary modality of a label item 30c in use with a product 32c. Figure 8 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a 30d label article in use with a 32d product. Figures 8A and 8B show a variation of the 30d label article of Figure 8. In the 30d' label article of Figures 8A and 8B, the neck 56d' has a longer dimension so that the 38d' label is suspended and hangs down from the sleeve 72d' when the 30d' label article is attached to the 32d' product. In addition, the overlap zone 50d' between the 38d' label and the shrink film 40d' is relatively small. A tear line 86 is provided on a portion of the 38d' label outside the overlap zone 50d', by which a user can tear off a larger portion of the 38d' label from the 30d' label article. In this way, the larger portion of label 38d' can serve as a detachable coupon for product 32d', for example.Placing the tear line 86 outside the overlap zone 50d' makes tearing easier, as only the label material 38d' needs to be torn, and the integrity of the shrink film 40d' is unaffected. Although perforations forming a tear line 86 are illustrated, it is understood that any shape of weakening line may be used, including those described by reference to demarcation 44. [00 63] Thus, it is envisaged that the label assemblies 30 of the present description may be configured in many different forms and designs, including changes to the shapes and sizes of the labels 38, nocann / ι 7n7 / E / YL removable films 40 and the form of connection between them, such as the presence or absence of a neck 56 and variations in the shapes of the same. [00 64] In addition, indications 62 may be provided on the label 38 and / or the shrink film 40. The indications 62 may include information on decorative matters to be printed, stamped or otherwise provided on the label article 30. In addition or alternatively, the article 30 may contain other substances, such as fragrances or light-emitting or light-reflecting particles, for example. [00 65] Figures 10 and 11 are exploded views of the components for the modalities of label article 30b shown in Figure 6 and label article 30c shown in Figure 7, respectively. To form the label 30b and 30c assemblies, those components of the shrink film 40 and label 38 would overlap and join together, as shown in Figure 9, for example. [00 66] Figure 12 is an exploded view of components for a fifth exemplary configuration of label item 30e. To form label item 30e, the shrink film components 40e and label 38e would overlap and join together, as explained with reference to Figure 9, for example. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the shrink film 40e includes an opening 62 through it, sized to allow the passage of the cap 36e of product 32e through it. As shown in Figures 13 and 14A, after the cap 36e is inserted through the opening 62, a portion of the shrink film 40e rests on the neck 34e of product 32e, and the sleeve of the shrink film 40e surrounds the top and side portions of the cap 36e.As shown in Figure 14B, after the application of sufficient heat to shrink the shrink film 40e, the label article 30e is attached to the product 32e in such a way as to permit the display or presentation of the label 38e and indications 62 thereon. [00 67] Figure 15 is an exploded view of the components of a sixth exemplary modality of a 30f label article that includes two retractable films 40f and 40f and a 38f label configured to join between each of the retractable films 40f, 40f. [00 68] Figure 16A is an exploded view of the components of a seventh exemplary modality of the 30g' label article, which includes two 40g and 40g' shrink films, configured to join to opposite ends of an intermediate 38g' label, which has a stepped configuration with end widths corresponding to those of the respective 40g, 40g' shrink films. [00 69] Figure 16B is an exploded view of the components of an exemplary eighth modality of a 30g” label article, which includes two 40g and 40g’ shrink films, configured to join to opposite ends of an intermediate 38g” label, which has a beveled configuration with end widths corresponding to those of the respective 40g, 40g’ shrink films. [00 70] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the label article 30f in use, wherein each of the shrink films 40f, 40f is formed into a sleeve, as described with shrink film 40a in Figure 5. The two shrink film sleeves 40f, 40f are attached to the respective products 32f, 32f in a manner similar to that shown with respect to Figures 1-3 for label article 30a. As shown in Figure 17, the label article 30f permits the permanent attachment of product 32f to product 32f while allowing the display of the nocann / ι 7n7 / E / YL indications 62 on a label 38f between them. The use of that item labeled 30f is especially advantageous in situations where product 32f is a primary product and product 32f is a supplementary, complementary, or sample product, for example.Due to the permanent nature of the attachment of the shrink sleeve to product 32f, 32f' on each of the shrink films 40f, 40f, the label article 30f prevents unintentional or inappropriate detachment of product 32f from product 32f. In addition, the label 38f can be formed larger than illustrated to serve as a handle between the two attached products 32f, 32f'. [00 71] Figure 18 is a flat view of a ninth exemplary modality of a label article 30h. In this modality, the label 38h and the shrink film 40h are joined as discussed above with respect to Figure 9, for example. However, instead of forming the shrink film 40h into a sleeve configuration, the shrink film 40h is configured as a flat film piece having an opening 66 through the center area 84. [00 72] The retractable film strip 40 extends from the edge 58 distant from label 38 to the edge 59 located on label 38. In the illustrated version, the opening 66 is circular, and a portion of the retractable film 40h surrounding the opening 66, concentrically, is also substantially circular. However, other shapes and configurations are also considered suitable for a substantially flat portion of the retractable film 40h. In the polished form, the shrink film 40h includes a plurality of cuts, grooves, or indentations 68 formed partially concentrically and surrounding the opening 66. These grooves 68 facilitate the retraction of the shrink film 40h from the initial flat or level configuration, to allow the shrink film 40h to be more easily formed to the contours of a portion of the product 32h, as shown in Figure 20, for example. [00 73] One advantage of a 30h label article as shown in Figure 18 is that the initially flat configuration does not require an additional tube-forming or sleeve-forming step. Another difference is that a biaxial shrink material is more suitable for 40h shrink film. In one exemplary embodiment, that biaxial shrink material is capable of shrinking approximately 50% in each of the two orthogonal directions. In contrast, in sleeve variations of the other 30a-g label articles, the shrink material usually shrinks uniaxially, primarily in a horizontal direction relative to the product, so that any graphic or other indication provided on the 40a-g shrink film would not be excessively distorted after shrinkage. [00 74] For use, as shown in Figure 19, the shrink film 40h of the label article 30h is placed over a product 32h so that a portion of the product, such as the cap 36h and neck 34h, is inserted through the opening 66, for example. Heat is then applied to shrink the shrink film 40h, so that the shrink film 40h shrinks, thus forming close to the contours of the product 32h. [00 75] Figures 21-23 show a tenth exemplary embodiment of a label article 30i, which is similar to the label article 30h, except that the shrink film 40i does not have an opening through it. Accordingly, in use, as shown in Figs. 21 and 22, the shrink film 40i remains on top of a portion of the product 32i, such as the cap 36i, and retracts around the cap 36i to conform to it. [00 76] Figure 24 is an elevation view of an eleventh exemplary modality of a nocann / ι 7n7 / E / YL label article 30j, which is similar to the label article 30i except that label 32j has an extended, elongated neck 56 and a seamless label presentation to the top of the neck 56. Because the form of product 32j has a pronounced flange 70 between the neck 34 and the body of the product, the elongated neck 56 allows label 38j to hang down along the body of product 32j instead of projecting outward, to the sides along the flange 70. In addition, the label material 38j extends fully over the neck 56 to provide a seamless label presentation.In the illustrated version, the junction 52 between the label 38 and the shrink film 40 (on the presentation side of the label 38 containing indications 62) is located at the top of the neck portion 56. The overlap of the label 38 and the shrink film 40 on the opposite side of the label 38 extends along the neck 56 and optionally downward over a portion of the larger display area of ​​the label 38j. It is contemplated that variations may be made to the components of the label assemblies 30, taking into consideration the desired display characteristics of the label article 30 in relation to the product 32 on which the label article 30 is to be used. [00 77] Without limitation, exemplary forms of the described articles are described. In exemplary embodiments as shown in Figures 1-17, an article 30 includes a sleeve 72 (labeled in Figure 5) formed from a heat-shrinkable polymer sheet 40. The sheet 40 has opposing first and second edges 58, 59. The sleeve 72 has open first and second ends 74, 76, where the sleeve 72 is formed by a seam 60 close to the first edge 58. A portion 78 of the sheet 40 extends from the sleeve 72 to the second edge 59. The label 38 is attached to the portion 78 of the sheet 40 close to the second edge 59 in an overlap zone 50 of the label 38 and the portion 78 of the sheet 40 between the seam 52 and the edge 59. In exemplary embodiments, the overlap zone 50 does not include the entirety of the label 38. [00 78] In exemplary embodiments, the seam 60 is substantially linear, and a dimension of the height 82 of the label 38 parallel to the seam 60 is less than a length 80 of the seam 60 between the first and second open ends 74, 76. In exemplary embodiments, a neck 56 is disposed over the portion 78 of the sheet 40, the neck 56 having a dimension measured parallel to the dimension of the height 82 of the label 38 that is less than the dimension of the height 82 of the label 38. In exemplary embodiments, a junction 52 between the label 38 and the portion 78 of the sheet 40 is located over the neck 56. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 12-14B, the sleeve 72 includes an opening 62 disposed through the sheet 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 62 is located on an opposite side of the sleeve. 72 from seam 60. [00 79] In exemplary embodiments, article 30f, 30g', 30g includes a first sleeve 72f and a second sleeve 72f. The first sleeve 72f is formed from a first sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer 40f, 40g, the first sheet 40f, 40g having first and second opposite edges 58, 59. The first sleeve 72f is formed with a seam 60 close to the first edge 58. The second sleeve 72f is formed from a second sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer 40f', 40g'. The second sheet 40f, 40g' has opposite third and fourth edges 58, 59. The second sleeve 72f is formed with a seam 60 near the third edge 58. The label 38f, 38g', 38g” is attached to the first sheet 40f, 40g near the second edge 59 and is attached to the second sheet 40f, 40g' near the fourth edge 59.In exemplary forms of article 30f, 30g', 30g”, the label 38f, 38g', 38g” is attached to the first sheet 40f, 40g in nocann / ι 7n7 / E / YL a first overlap zone 50; and the label 38f, 38g', 38g” is joined to the second sheet 40f, 40g' in a second overlap zone 50. In the exemplary article 30f, 30g', 30g”, the height of the label 38f, 38g', 38g” in the first overlap zone approximately matches the height of the first sheet 40f, 40g in the first overlap zone. In the exemplary article 30f, the height of the first sheet 40f in the first overlap zone (near edge 59) differs from the height of the first sheet 40f outside the first overlap zone (such as near edge 58). In the exemplary article 30g', 30g”, the height of the label 38g', 38g” in the first overlap zone (with the 40g sheet) differs from the height of the label 38g', 38g” in the second overlap zone (with the 40g sheet).

[0080] In exemplary embodiments, Article 30h, 30i, 30j includes a heat-shrinkable polymer sheet 40h, 40i, 40j having a central area 84 and a plurality of slots 68 arranged through the sheet 40h, 40i, 40j. At least one of the plurality of slots 68 is oriented to surround or partially encircle the central area 68. The label 38h, 38i, 38j is attached to the sheet 40h, 40i, 40j. In exemplary embodiments, the central area 84 is circular and at least one of the plurality of slots 68 is concentric with the central area 84. In exemplary embodiments, the central area 84 and the plurality of slots 68 form a product fixing portion of article 30h, 30i, 30j, and article 30h, 30i, 30j further includes a neck 56 disposed between the product fixing portion and the label 38h, 38i, 38j. In the embodiment of article 30j, the neck 56 is formed as part of the label 38j.Label 38h, 38i, 38j is joined to sheet 40h, 40i, 40j in an overlap zone 50. In some embodiments, the overlap zone 50 does not include the entirety of label 38h, 38i, 38j. In embodiment 30h, the central area 84 includes an opening 66 through sheet 40h. In one exemplary embodiment, the opening 66 is circular, and at least one of the plurality of slits 68 is concentric with the opening 66. Although a circular retractable film, circular opening, and partially circular cuts are illustrated, other shapes of these components are also considered suitable, including oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, or other curved and polygonal shapes.

[0081] Although the subject matter of this description has been described with reference to several embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and details can be made without departing from the scope of the description. Furthermore, any feature described with respect to one embodiment can be incorporated into another embodiment and vice versa.

Claims

1. An article comprising: a first sleeve formed from a first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet, the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet having first and second edges, wherein the first sleeve is formed with a first seam close to the first edge; a portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet extending between the first sleeve and the second edge; and a label attached to the portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet close to the second edge in a first overlap zone of the label and the portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet.

2. The article of claim 1 wherein the first seam is substantially linear and wherein a dimension of the label height parallel to the first seam is equal to or less than a length of the first seam between the first and second open ends of the first sleeve.

3. The article of claim 2 including a neck disposed on the portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet, the neck having a dimension measured parallel to the label height dimension which is less than the label height dimension.

4. The article of claim 3 wherein a joint between the label and the portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet is located over the neck.

5. The article of any of claims 1-4 wherein the first sleeve includes an orifice disposed through the first sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer.

6. The article of claim 5 wherein the hole is located on an opposite side of the first sleeve from the first seam.

7. The article of any of claims 1-6 wherein the first overlap zone does not fully include the label.

8. The article of any of claims 1-7 comprising a second sleeve formed from a second sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer, the second sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer having opposite third and fourth edges, wherein the second sleeve is formed with a second seam close to the third edge and wherein the label is attached to the second sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer close to the fourth edge.

9. An article comprising: a heat-shrinkable polymer sheet having a central area and a plurality of slots arranged through the sheet, at least one of the plurality of slots oriented to partially surround a central area; and a label attached to the sheet.

10. The article of claim 9 wherein the central area is circular and at least one of the plurality of grooves is concentric with the central area.

11. The article of claim 9 or 10 wherein the central area and the plurality of slots form a product fixing portion of the article and wherein the article further includes a neck disposed between the product fixing portion and the label.

12. The article of claim 11 wherein the collar is formed as part of the label.

13. The article of any of claims 9-12 wherein the label is attached to the foil in an overlap area. 5 14. The article of any of claims 9-13 wherein the central area includes an opening through the sheet.

15. The article of claim 14 wherein the opening is circular and at least one of the plurality of slots is concentric with the opening.