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Method and apparatus for producing labeled, plastic foam containers, and product of same

a technology of labeling and packaging, applied in the direction of manufacturing tools, liquid handling, closures using stoppers, etc., can solve the problems of poor printing capability difficult to apply print or graphical designs directly to the surface of plastic foam containers, eps containers suffer from certain limitations, etc., to improve printability, improve rigidity, and reduce cost

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-01-12
GRUPO CONVERMEX DE C V
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention relates to a method and apparatus for labeling plastic foam containers. The method involves positioning a plastic foam container on a mandrel, applying a label to the exterior surface of the container, and heating the container to bond the label to the exterior surface. The label is applied using a cavity that surrounds the exterior surface of the container. The resulting labeled foam container has good printing characteristics and is cost-effective compared to conventional containers. The method and apparatus can be used to manufacture labeled plastic foam containers with improved stiffness and insulation."

Problems solved by technology

Plastic foam containers, however, typically have poor printing capabilities.
That is, it is difficult to apply print or graphical designs directly to the surface of plastic foam containers, such as EPS containers.
Traditional labeling devices suffer from certain limitations.
For example, it is often complicated to apply labels to foam containers with conical surfaces, such as cups.
It is particularly difficult to cover substantially the entire outer surface of such a container, such as the entire outer wall of a cup.
It is also difficult to achieve proper and consistent bonding between the label and the cup.

Method used

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  • Method and apparatus for producing labeled, plastic foam containers, and product of same
  • Method and apparatus for producing labeled, plastic foam containers, and product of same
  • Method and apparatus for producing labeled, plastic foam containers, and product of same

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0032] The following describes machines for labeling plastic foam containers, and a process for using such machines, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, however, that the following description is intended to be merely exemplary of the various features of the invention and should not limit the proper scope of the appended claims.

[0033]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a machine 10 for forming a labeled plastic foam container 15 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the machine 10 includes a turret 12 having a plurality of mandrels 14 attached thereto. Each mandrel 14 has a tapered shape and is configured to receive a plastic foam container 17, which is preferably an EPS cup.

[0034] The turret 12 of this example is driven by a shaft 16, which is operatively connected to an index drive 18, of a type conventionally known in the art. The index drive 18 rotates the turret 12 by 90 degrees so as to precis...

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for producing labeled, plastic foam containers, such as a labeled EPS cup uses a heated pocket to thermally bond a label to a plastic cup. Also described is a labeled plastic foam container, such as a labeled EPS cup, having high quality printing capabilities, sufficient stiffness, acceptable insulation and barrier properties and reduced production cost.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of Application PCT / IB2004 / 003517, filed Oct. 1, 2004, which application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. application Ser. No. 60 / 507,944, filed Oct. 3, 2003, U.S. application Ser. No. 60 / 510,519, filed Oct. 14, 2003. The respective disclosures of each of these related application are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing labeled, plastic foam containers, such as, for example, a labeled expanded polystyrene cup. It further relates to a labeled, plastic foam container, such as a labeled expanded polystyrene cup. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Plastic foam containers, such as cups and other receptacles are widely used. Such containers can be made from different materials, including expanded polystyrene (EPS). Plastic foam containers, such as those made of EPS, are relatively inexpe...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B65C3/16B65C9/00B29D22/00B29C67/00B29DB30B15/34
CPCB29C33/04Y10T428/1352B29C44/14B29C63/18B29C63/22B29C65/18B29C65/26B29C65/7841B29C66/63B29C66/727B29C66/7313B29C66/742B29C66/7486B29C66/919B29C2795/002B29K2105/04B29K2305/02B29K2311/12B29L2031/7132B29L2031/744B65C3/065B65C3/14B65C9/02B65C9/25B29C65/7847B29C66/91421B29C66/9161B29C66/53245B65D25/36B29C65/48B29C65/4815Y10T156/1744Y10T156/1033Y10T428/1393Y10T156/1768Y10T156/1776Y10T428/1376Y10T156/1771Y10T428/139B29C35/049B29C66/8322B29C66/71B29C66/24221B29C66/1122B29K2023/06B29K2023/10B29K2023/12
Inventor ALVAREZ, BENITO
Owner GRUPO CONVERMEX DE C V
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