Labeled container, and method for manufacturing a labeled container.

Abstract

To suppress the formation of angular protrusions in the radial direction of the upper surface when packaging (sealing) a container with a portion that protrudes only in one radial direction (protruding radial direction) on the upper surface, such as a bottle with a pump, using a shrink label. [Solution] The labeled container of the present invention comprises a cylindrical shrink label whose main shrinkage direction is circumferential, and a container to which the shrink label is attached. The shrink label covers the outer circumferential surface and the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the container. The container has a portion that protrudes only in the protruding radial direction, which is one radial direction on the upper surface. The shrink label has a notch at the upper edge, which is the edge on the upper surface side. The shrink label is attached to the container such that the notch is located in the protruding radial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a labeled container and a method for manufacturing a labeled container.

Background Art

[0002] Shrink labels enable attachment following the shape of a container by heat shrinkage, and are widely used, for example, for containers filled with various beverages, foodstuffs, toiletries, etc. Attachment of a shrink label to a container is performed, for example, by forming the shrink label into a cylindrical body, externally fitting the cylindrical body onto the container, and then performing heat treatment at the heat shrinkage temperature of the label (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, referring to FIG. 9, when a shrink label 20 is placed over and shrunk on a bottle with a pump (container 3), a horn-shaped protrusion 201 (a corner) formed from a part of the shrink label 20 that could not shrink sufficiently may be formed on the upper surface 331a of the nozzle 331 of the pump head portion 33. Incidentally, the following reasons are considered to be the cause.

[0005] In the pressing portion 332 of the pump head portion 33, the nozzle 331 protrudes only from one radial direction (the protruding radial direction 33X). Here, the upper end portion of the shrink label 20 shrinks so as to cover the peripheral edge portion of the upper surface 33a (the upper surface of the container 3) of the pump head portion 33 from the tip of the nozzle 331 to the peripheral edge of the pressing portion 332. In this case, in radial directions other than the protruding radial direction 33X (such as the direction opposite to the nozzle 331), the peripheral shape of the pressing portion 332 is rounded, so each part of the outer circumference of the upper end of the shrink label 20 shrinks while being pulled from both sides in the outer circumference along its rounded shape. As a result, the upper end of the shrink label 20 can cover the peripheral edge of the upper surface 332a of the pressing portion 332 by following its contour. However, the portion of the shrink label 20 near the tip of the nozzle 331 at the upper end requires a larger shrinkage rate for the shrink label 20 located on both sides in the outer circumference direction (horizontal direction perpendicular to the protruding radial direction 33X) to conform to the nozzle 331. However, the shrink label (film) reaches its shrinkage limit, resulting in insufficient shrinkage and preventing it from conforming to the upper surface of the nozzle. As a result, the upper end of the shrink label 20 is lifted away from the upper surface 331a of the nozzle 331, and it is thought that a horn-shaped protrusion 201 is formed. Furthermore, in the protruding radial direction 33X, the nozzle 331 protrudes, resulting in large radial irregularities in the vertical direction. This maximizes the amount of thermal shrinkage required for the shrink label 20 in the protruding radial direction 33X to conform to the side surface of the container 3. In this respect as well, the shrink label (film) reaches its shrinkage limit, resulting in insufficient shrinkage. Consequently, the shrink label 20 no longer conforms to the upper surface of the nozzle 331, making it easier for more angular protrusions 201 to form.

[0006] Thus, when a shrink label 20 is fitted onto a container 3 having a portion that protrudes only in one radial direction (protruding radial direction 33X) on its upper surface (upper surface 33a of the pump head portion 33), and the shrink label 20 is heat-shrinked, there were cases where a horn-shaped projection 201 (angular) was formed on the shrink label 20 in the protruding radial direction of the upper surface of the container 3.

[0007] When protrusions 201 are formed on the shrink label 20, it shrinks to its limit, becoming thick and hard, which is undesirable because it results in an unattractive appearance and texture, and can cause pain when people touch the product (labeled container 1) with the shrink label 20 attached on the production line or in stores.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to suppress the formation of angular protrusions in the radial direction of the upper surface when packaging (sealing) a container that has a portion protruding only in one radial direction (protruding radial direction) on its upper surface, such as a bottle with a pump, with a shrink label. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The labeled container of the present invention comprises a cylindrical shrink label whose primary shrinkage direction is circumferential, The system comprises a container to which the aforementioned shrink label is attached. The shrink label covers the outer surface and the peripheral edge of the top surface of the container. The container has a portion that protrudes only in the radial direction, which is one radial direction, from its upper surface. The shrink label has a notch at its upper edge, which is the upper edge. The shrink label is attached to the container such that the notch is located in the direction of the protruding diameter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when packaging (sealing) a container having a portion that protrudes only in one radial direction (protruding radial direction) on the upper surface, such as a bottle with a pump, with a shrink label, it is possible to suppress the formation of angular protrusions in the protruding radial direction on the upper surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a partial perspective view showing a labeled container of an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the container (bottle with pump) used in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a partially perspective view showing the shrink label used in the embodiment fitted onto the container. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the shrink label used in the embodiment. [Figure 5]It is a top view showing a state where the shrink label used in the embodiment is externally fitted to the container. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing a manufacturing process of the shrink label used in the embodiment. Note that FIG. 6(b) is a view of the cross section of FIG. 6(a) seen from the upstream side (raw roll side) in the length direction of the base material film 2A. [Figure 7] It is a top schematic view showing a manufacturing process of the container with the shrink label of the embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional schematic view showing a shrinking process of the shrink label in the embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a partially transparent perspective view showing a conventional labeled container.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same parts or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0013] In this specification, "inside" means the inner surface side in the state where the shrink label is cylindrical. The "inside" of the shrink label is also the side facing the container (object) when the shrink label is in use. "Outside" means the opposite direction to the "inside" and means the outer surface side in the state where the shrink label is cylindrical. Also, "front surface" means the surface on the outside of the shrink label attached to the container, and "back surface" means the surface on the inside of the shrink label attached to the container.

[0014] In this specification, the "axial direction" means the direction connecting the center of one opening and the center of the other opening in the state where the cylindrical shrink label is opened in a cylindrical shape, or the direction connecting the center of the bottom surface and the center of the upper surface of the body (bottle part) of the container. The "circumferential direction" means the direction along the outer circumference (the same also for the inner circumference) of the cylindrical shrink label or the outer circumference of the body of the container on a virtual plane orthogonal to the axial direction. In addition, the upper surface (top surface) and the lower surface of the container mean the surfaces facing in the axial direction in the state where the cylindrical shrink label is attached. The upper surface means the surface facing upward in the normal usage mode, and the lower surface means the surface facing downward in the normal usage mode. However, due to the configuration of the present invention, it is not necessary to clearly distinguish between the two. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the container is the surface to which the cylindrical shrink label is mainly attached, and at least a part thereof is along the axial direction.

[0015] In the description of the embodiments, for convenience of explanation, terms indicating directions such as up and down are used, but the relationship between the components of the present invention and the directions is not limited. Such terms indicating directions mean, for example, the directions in the installation state such as during normal display or use of the labeled container.

[0016] Regarding the shrink label, the reference numerals in this specification and the drawings are attached as follows. 2A: Long strip-shaped base film used for manufacturing the shrink label 2B: Long sleeve-shaped shrink label formed by adhering the base film 2A at the center seal portion 2C: Sheet sleeve-shaped shrink label formed by cutting the long shrink label 2B 2D: Shrink label before heat shrinkage in a state where the shrink label 2C is opened in a cylindrical shape 2: Heat-shrunk shrink label formed by heat-shrinking the shrink label 2D

[0017] <Labeled container> The labeled container 1 of the present embodiment includes a shrink label 2 and a container 3 (object: packaged item) to which the shrink label 2 is attached.

[0018] 〔Container〕 The container 3 has an outer peripheral surface, an upper surface, a bottom surface, etc. In the present embodiment, the upper surface of the container 3 is, for example, the upper surface 33a of the pump head portion 33. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the container 3 mainly consists of, for example, the outer peripheral surface 31a of the body portion 31.

[0019] Container 3 has a portion that protrudes only in the radial direction 33X, which is one radial direction on its upper surface. That is, in radial directions other than the radial direction 33X, there are no portions that protrude in the same way as in the radial direction 33X. However, in radial directions other than the radial direction 33X, there may be portions that protrude to the extent that they do not protrude more than in the radial direction 33X.

[0020] In this embodiment, the container 3 shown is a so-called bottle with a pump. In other words, the container 3 has a body portion 31 (bottle portion), a neck portion 32 provided above the body portion 31, and a pump head portion 33 provided above the neck portion 32.

[0021] The top view shape of the body 31 (bottle) is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, circular, square, or elliptical. That is, the shape of the body 31 can be, for example, cylindrical or tubular.

[0022] The neck portion 32 is a part located above the body portion 31 that has a smaller diameter than the body portion 31. The neck portion 32 is a reduced-diameter portion that consists of, for example, a part to which a pump component is attached and fixed above the body portion 31 by screwing or the like, or a connecting pipe to the pump head portion 33. In the labeled container 1 of this embodiment, for example, an unused bottle with a pump, in which the pump head portion 33 is pressed in and maintained (held within the neck portion 32, etc.), is covered and sealed with a shrink label 2.

[0023] The pump head section 33 includes a nozzle 331 for ejecting the contents (liquid, sol, gel, etc.) filled in the body section 31, and a pressing section 332 that is pressed down to eject the contents.

[0024] The nozzle 331 is provided as a single unit in the circumferential direction and extends radially. Furthermore, the nozzle 331 may be curved downward toward the radially outward direction, may be bent downward, or may not be curved or bent at all.

[0025] In container 3 (bottle with pump), the protruding radial direction 33X is the direction toward the tip of the nozzle 331 in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 33a of the pump head portion 33. The shrink label 2, described later, is attached to the container 3 such that the notch 23 of the shrink label 2 is located in the radial direction 33X of the protrusion (direction of the tip of the nozzle 331).

[0026] The top view shape of the part of the pump head 33 other than the nozzle 331 (pressing part 332) is not particularly limited and may be circular or have other shapes. Note that the top view shape of the pump head portion 33 does not have to be such that the nozzle 331 and the pressing portion 332 are clearly distinguished, as in this embodiment.

[0027] For example, in the top view shape of the pump head portion 33, whether the nozzle 331 and the pressing portion 332 are clearly distinguishable or not, the protruding radial direction 33X is the radial direction in which the ratio (A / B) of the radial length A from the axis 32a of the neck portion 32 to the periphery (outer surface) of the top surface 33a of the pump head portion 33 is largest, when viewed from above. The ratio (A / B) is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 1.5 to 10, preferably 2 to 5. When the ratio (A / B) is large, sharp edges are particularly likely to form, and the effect of suppressing sharp edges in this embodiment is useful.

[0028] In the illustrated container 3, the tip of the nozzle 331 protrudes outward from the body 31. When it protrudes, the protruding length (the portion that protrudes radially from the body) is about 1 mm to 10 mm. In this case as well, sharp edges are particularly likely to form, and the effect of suppressing sharp edges in this embodiment is useful.

[0029] [Shrink label] A shrink label (heat-shrinkable tubular label) is a tubular label that shrinks in diameter when heated above a certain temperature and can be attached to an object (subject). The primary shrinkage direction of shrink label 2(2D) is the circumferential direction of its tubular body (the tubular shrink label). For example, after fitting the shrink label 2D onto the object, the shrink label can be attached to the object by blowing hot air heated to a predetermined heat shrink temperature (e.g., around 100°C to 180°C) onto the shrink label 2D to a temperature of around 65°C to 100°C.

[0030] The objects to which the shrink label 2 is attached are not particularly limited, but typical examples of such objects include containers filled with food products such as beverages, and containers filled with cosmetics, shampoo, etc. Shrink labels can be used, for example, as labels for various containers such as beverage containers, food containers, and detergent containers; as cap seals for sealing container caps; as outer coverings for various items such as electrical appliances, decorative items, tools, and general merchandise; as protective coverings for various items; and as binding materials for bundling multiple items together.

[0031] The shrink label 2 covers at least the outer surface and the peripheral edge (the edge and the portion adjacent to the edge) of the top surface of the container 3. In other words, the shrink label 2 is attached to the container 3 such that it covers the entire outer surface of the container 3 (mainly the outer surface 31a of the body portion 31), and the upper edge (upper edge 2x) of the shrink label 2 in the axial direction covers the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the container 3 (upper surface 33a of the pump head portion 33). The pump head portion and nozzle tip of an unused pump-equipped bottle can be sealed by covering them.

[0032] (Overview of the manufacturing of shrink labels and labeled containers) The shrink label 2 is generally provided in the form of a long sleeve-shaped shrink label 2B (winding on a roll) formed by shaping a long strip-shaped base film 2A into a tubular form. Shrink labels 2B are manufactured using various known manufacturing methods. For example, referring to Figure 6, shrink labels 2B can be manufactured by a manufacturing method that includes, in this order, a dispensing step and a center sealing step.

[0033] Referring to Figure 6(a), in the unwinding process, the long strip of base film 2A (raw film) that has been wound onto the roll is unwinded from the roll.

[0034] In the folding process, both sides of the base film 2A in the width direction (TD: transverse direction) are folded inward (to the back side) at predetermined fold lines 24 (folding positions) (Figure 6).

[0035] In the center sealing process, the back surface of the first side end 21 (one end in the width direction) of the base film 2A is bonded to the front surface of the second side end 22 (the other end in the width direction) (Figures 6(a) and (b)). In the center sealing process, first, a solvent (or adhesive) is applied to at least one of the back surface of the first end portion 21 and the front surface of the second end portion 22. For example, as shown in Figure 6(a), the solvent may be sprayed from the tip of the nozzle 42 onto the front surface of the second end portion 22, thereby applying the solvent to the front surface of the second end portion 22. With the back surface of the first end portion 21 and the front surface of the second end portion 22, both coated with a solvent (or adhesive), overlapping so that they are in contact with each other, the base film 2A is transported so that the adhesive surfaces pass between a pair of nip rolls 41, thereby bonding the back surface of the first end portion 21 and the front surface of the second end portion 22 together and forming the center seal portion 25 (see Figures 3 and 6).

[0036] In this way, a long, sleeve-shaped shrink label 2B is produced. The shrink label 2B is folded along the fold line 24 during the center sealing process, etc., and becomes flattened. The shrink label 2B is then wound onto a roll in this folded state (sleeve-like) for transport and storage.

[0037] A long, sleeve-shaped shrink label 2B is pulled from the roll and cut to a predetermined length to obtain a single-sheet sleeve-shaped shrink label 2C. In this embodiment, a notch 23 is also formed during this cutting process.

[0038] This shrink label 2C is also folded along the fold lines 24 and folded into a flattened shape. As a result, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the shrink label 2D has two fold lines 24 that run axially from the upper edge 2x to the lower edge 2y. The two fold lines 24 are formed at positions opposite each other in the radial direction of the cylindrical body. Note that the shrink label 2D has fold lines 24 before heat shrinking, but after heat shrinking, the fold lines 24 usually become invisible due to the heat shrinkage (see Figures 1 and 3).

[0039] Before being attached to the container 3, the single-sheet sleeve-shaped shrink label 2C is opened into a cylindrical shape (such as a cylindrical or rectangular tube shape depending on the shape of the container 3) as shown in Figure 3, and a cylindrical shrink label 2D is prepared. The cylindrical shrink label 2D is fitted onto the container 3, and the fitted shrink label 2D shrinks due to heat, thereby creating a labeled container 1 with the shrink label 2 attached.

[0040] (Notch) In this embodiment, the shrink label 2D (before shrinkage) has a notch 23 at the upper edge 2x, which is the upper edge (upper side in the axial direction X) (Figures 3 and 4).

[0041] The shrink label 2 is then attached to the container 3 such that the notch 23 is located in the radial direction 33X (Figures 1 and 3). Furthermore, the position where the notch 23 is provided can also be described as the position where the shrink label 2D is closest to the intended mounting position on the upper surface of the container 3 (upper surface 33a of the pump head portion 33) when the shrink label 2D is fitted onto the container 3 and heat-shrinked.

[0042] In this embodiment, the formation of protrusions 201 (angular protrusions) can be suppressed by cutting off the portion of the conventional shrink label 20 that is placed over the protruding radial direction 33X of the container 3 (such as the upper surface 331a of the nozzle 331 of the pump head portion 33) that corresponds to the protrusions 201 (angular protrusions). Thus, the labeled container 1 of this embodiment can suppress the formation of protrusions 201 (see Figure 9) that occur when using conventional shrink labels 20. This prevents the labeled container 1 from looking bad or feeling bad, and prevents people from feeling pain when they touch the labeled container 1 on the production line or in stores.

[0043] The notch 23 is formed, for example, in the portion that overlaps with one of the fold lines 24. In this case, the notch 23 is formed such that the upper edge 2x is most recessed at the position of the fold line 24.

[0044] For example, referring to Figure 4, a single-sheet shrink label 2C having a notch 23 can be produced by cutting a long, sleeve-shaped shrink label 2B folded along the fold line 24 at a horizontal cut line 232 that forms the upper edge 2x and a straight line (diagonal cut line 231) that slopes downward toward the fold line 24. In other words, when cutting the long, sleeve-shaped shrink label 2B to divide it into the size of a single-sheet shrink label 2C, a notch 23 can be formed in the single-sheet shrink label 2C by making a part of the cut line (horizontal cut line 232) a diagonal cut line 231.

[0045] In this case, the notch 23 will have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the fold line 24. Here, if the diagonal cut line 231 is straight, the notch 23 will have the shape of an inverted isosceles triangle (an isosceles triangle with the base at the top and the vertex relative to the base at the bottom).

[0046] In the inverted isosceles triangle-shaped notch 23, the base angle of the inverted isosceles triangle, that is, the angle θ between the upper edge 2x (horizontal cut line 232) and the diagonal cut line 231, is, for example, 1° to 75°, preferably 1° to 45°, more preferably 15° to 45°, and most preferably around 30°. Thus, when the angle of the diagonal cut line 231 with respect to the upper edge 2x is less than 45° (15-45°), the shape change of the upper edge 2x of the shrink label 2D is gradual, making it easier to cover the tip side of the nozzle 331 and preventing sharp edges.

[0047] Furthermore, the height H of the notch (inverted isosceles triangle) is preferably 10 mm or less, and more preferably 5 to 10 mm. If the height is too high, the upper edge 2x of the shrink label 2D will be too low, making it difficult to cover the upper surface 331a of the nozzle 331. Also, if the height is too low, and the dimensional tolerance of the cut position is, for example, 3 mm (±1.5 mm), and an error of that magnitude in the cut position may occur, it will be impossible to ensure sufficient height of the notch 23. Therefore, it is preferable that the height (set height) of the notch (inverted isosceles triangle) be about 5 mm or more.

[0048] Furthermore, when the upper edge 2x of the shrink label 2D shrinks and covers the peripheral edge of the upper surface 33a of the pump head portion 33, the area around the intersection (end portion 231a) of the horizontal cut line 232 and the diagonal cut line 231 becomes a gently sloping inward convex portion and shrinks inward. As a result, at least a portion of the recessed portion 33b (see Figure 5) (the gap between the outer surface of the shrink label 2 and the pump head portion 33) in the top view from the tip of the nozzle 331 to the pressing portion 332 can be covered by the area around the intersection. This prevents dust and other debris from entering between the container 3 and the shrink label 2 from above.

[0049] (Base film: Heat-shrinkable film) The shrink label 2 is mainly composed of a base film. The shrink label 2(2D) is manufactured, for example, by joining the back surface of the first side end 21 and the front surface of the second side end 22 of the base film 2A at the center seal portion 25 (center seal) (see Figure 6).

[0050] In this embodiment, it is preferable to use a high-shrinkage type (high shrinkage rate in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body) heat-shrinkable film as the base film 2A so that it can cover the peripheral edges of the upper surface of the container 3 (upper surface 33a of the pump head portion 33) (the peripheral edge of the upper surface 332a of the pressing portion 332, and the tip side of the peripheral edge of the upper surface 331a of the nozzle 331).

[0051] Examples of heat-shrinkable films used in this embodiment include single-layer films made of polyester resins, polystyrene resins, polyolefin resins, or mixtures thereof, and multi-layer films made by laminating two or more layers of these resins.

[0052] Suitable heat-shrinkable films include, for example, single-layer or multi-layer films of polyester resin, and laminated films (hybrid type films) made by laminating a layer (at least one layer) of polyester resin and a layer (at least one layer) of polystyrene resin. For hybrid type films, the lamination order of the polyester resin layer and the polystyrene resin layer, as well as the number of each layer, are not particularly limited, but for example, a laminated film laminated in the order of polyester resin layer / polystyrene resin layer / polyester resin layer is an example. In particular, the above-mentioned hybrid type films, which are less prone to shrinkage and distortion even with rapid temperature increases due to high-temperature heating, can be suitably used.

[0053] Examples of polyester resins include various polyesters composed of dicarboxylic acid and diol components as essential constituents (i.e., polyesters containing at least constituent units (structural units) derived from dicarboxylic acid and constituent units derived from diol). The main examples include polymers and copolymers formed by the condensation reaction of dicarboxylic acid and diol. Among these, aromatic polyester resins are preferred from the viewpoint of rigidity, shrinkage characteristics, and heat resistance.

[0054] While there are no particular limitations on the aromatic polyester resin, a substantially amorphous modified aromatic polyester resin containing a modifying component (copolymer component) rather than being composed of a single repeating unit is preferred. A modified PET is preferably exemplified in which part of the dicarboxylic acid component and / or diol component is replaced with a modifying component (i.e., another dicarboxylic acid component and / or another diol component) in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using terephthalic acid as the dicarboxylic acid component and ethylene glycol (EG) as the diol component. Examples of other dicarboxylic acid components include cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, adipic acid, and isophthalic acid. Examples of other diol components include 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and neopentyl glycol (NPG).

[0055] The polystyrene resin is preferably a styrene-diene copolymer, more preferably a styrene-butadiene copolymer or a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS). The polystyrene resin may also contain other styrene-diene copolymers, and may include general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), or styrene elastomers.

[0056] Furthermore, lubricants, fillers, heat stabilizers, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, antistatic agents, colorants, etc., may be added to the resin constituting the heat-shrinkable film (base film) as appropriate.

[0057] The thickness of the heat-shrinkable film is, for example, 10 to 80 μm, preferably 20 to 40 μm.

[0058] The heat shrinkage rate of the heat-shrinkable film is not particularly limited as long as it is able to adhere to at least the peripheral edge of the top surface of the container 3 (the upper surface 33a of the pump head portion 33) by heat shrinkage, but the heat shrinkage rate in the circumferential direction is, for example, 65% or more, preferably 68% to 80%, and more preferably 75% to 80%. Here, the heat shrinkage rate is the circumferential (lateral) shrinkage rate when a heat-shrinkable film cut into a 10cm x 10cm square is immersed in a 140°C oil bath for 10 seconds. In the container 3 of this embodiment, there is a large difference between the amount of shrinkage required for the body portion 31 and the amount of shrinkage required for the pump head portion 33. Therefore, it is preferable to use a heat-shrinkable film of such a high-shrinkage type (for example, heat shrinkage rate: 65% or more). For example, if the pressing portion 332 of the pump head portion is circular and a shrink label that opens into a cylindrical shape with a diameter of three times or more the diameter of the circle is attached, the shrinkage rate of the shrink label needs to be 66% or more in order for the shrink label to shrink to the peripheral edge of the upper surface 332a of the pressing portion 332. In this case, sharp edges are likely to form, so the present invention can be suitably used.

[0059] The above film can be obtained, for example, by extruding a single-layer or multi-layer resin sheet made of the above resin using a T-type die, and then stretching it mainly in the TD direction (width direction) to impart heat shrinkability mainly in the TD direction (width direction) to form a film. When the base film is uniaxially stretched, it exhibits thermal shrinkage primarily in one direction. The stretching ratio is, for example, about 2 to 6 times in the main stretching direction (main shrinkage direction), which is one direction. The base film may also be stretched (biaxially stretched) in a direction perpendicular to the main shrinkage direction at a ratio of about 1.01 to 2 times.

[0060] (Center seal section) The center seal portion 25 is preferably provided in a radial direction other than the protruding radial direction 33X, and more preferably in the region opposite the protruding radial direction 33X (half of the region in the outer circumference direction) from the center of the container 3 (body portion 31) (axis 32a of the neck portion 32) when viewed from above (see Figure 1). This is because the protruding radial direction 33X side of the shrink label 2 changes shape in a complex way during shrinkage, making it prone to sharp edges, and if the center seal portion 25, which is the joint between the two films and is prone to sharp edges, is provided there, it may induce sharp edges on the protruding radial direction 33X side of the shrink label 2.

[0061] (Auxiliary line for division) In this embodiment, the shrink label may have dividing lines (not shown) for removing the upper region of the shrink label 2 corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the pump head portion 33, and for removing the entire shrink label 2 from the container 3. Examples of auxiliary lines used for division include perforation lines. The dividing guide lines may be provided from the upper edge 2x to the lower edge 2y of the shrink label 2, but it is preferable that they be provided in a range from the lower edge 2y to a predetermined height (for example, a range lower than the neck portion 32). This is because if the dividing guide lines are provided at a height of the neck portion 32 or the pump head portion 33, where the shrinkage rate of the shrink label is high, the perforation holes may widen or tear during shrinkage.

[0062] (Printing layer) A printed layer may be provided on the back of the base film 2A (shrink label) for design display. The printed layer may have a design printed layer that displays text or images, and a background printed layer (for example, a solid white printed layer) laminated on the back side of the design printed layer to make the text or images look nice. When a printed layer is provided on the back of the base film 2A (especially when the above-mentioned solid white printed layer is not provided), a transparent resin layer (cover layer) may be provided to cover the back of the printed layer for purposes such as protecting the printed layer. When a printed layer is provided on the back of the base film 2A, a film with excellent light transmittance (a colorless transparent film or a slightly colored transparent film) may be used as the base film 2A. Furthermore, a printed layer, a slippery overcoat layer, a matte coat layer with a non-glossy effect, and the like may be appropriately provided on the front surface of the base film 2A. However, in this embodiment, in order to maintain the adhesion of the center seal portion 25, it is preferable that the printed layer, etc., is not provided on the back surface of the first side end portion 21 and the front surface of the second side end portion 22 of the base film 2A, or is provided very thinly.

[0063] Furthermore, in the labeled container 1 of this embodiment, the pump head portion 33 is maintained in a pressed-in state, which prevents leakage of contents that may occur due to movement of the pump head portion 33 during the distribution process.

[0064] <Manufacturing method for labeled containers> The method for manufacturing a labeled container according to this embodiment comprises at least a notching step, an external fitting step, and a shrinking step.

[0065] The overall process in the manufacturing method of the labeled container of this embodiment mainly includes a shrink label preparation step and a shrink label application step. In the preparation process for shrink labels, a single sheet (sleeve-shaped) shrink label 2C is prepared. This preparation process includes, for example, a cutting process in which a long sleeve-shaped shrink label 2B is cut to obtain a single sheet shrink label 2C. When the labels are continuously cut using an automatic attachment machine such as a shrink labeler and then expanded into the state of a shrink label D2 to be fitted onto a container, it is preferable that the notching process is performed simultaneously with this cutting process. In the shrink label application process, the shrink label 2C is applied to the container 3 after passing through the tubular shrink label 2D stage. This application process includes, for example, an external fitting step and a shrinking step.

[0066] (Notching process) In the notching process, a notch 23 is formed on the upper edge of the shrink label 2C (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0067] In the cutting process, the long, sleeve-shaped shrink label 2B is cut to a predetermined length to obtain a single sheet of shrink label 2C. Normally, the cutting line for cutting the long, sleeve-shaped shrink label 2B is a straight line (horizontal cut line 232) perpendicular to the fold line 24 that runs along its entire width (TD). However, in this embodiment, by making a diagonal cut line 231 in part, a shrink label 2C with a notch 23 formed on the upper edge 2x is obtained. In other words, a notching process is performed during the cutting process.

[0068] The shrink labels 2B are typically cut by a method (so-called guillotine method) in which the long shrink labels 2B are continuously conveyed in the longitudinal direction (MD: machine direction) and fed between cutting blades (receiving blade and pushing blade). Other cutting methods, such as die cutting, may also be used.

[0069] Furthermore, it is preferable that the diagonal cut line 231 is straight. When the cutting surface is not straight (for example, curved), it is difficult to manufacture the cutting blades such as the receiving blade and the pushing blade to fit together properly. Furthermore, when the cutting surface of the cutting blade wears down and the cutting performance decreases, it is necessary to adjust the shape of the cutting surface by grinding it, but this process of adjusting the shape of the cutting surface becomes particularly difficult when the diagonal cut line 231 is curved. However, even if the diagonal cut line 231 is straight, the ends 231a and 231b of the diagonal cut line 231 may be smooth and curved (R-shaped).

[0070] Furthermore, when cutting the long (sleeve-shaped) shrink label 2B, if the cut is made in such a way that the notch 23 described above is formed, a protrusion 26 with the same shape as the notch 23 will inevitably be formed on the lower edge 2y of the cut sheet of shrink label 2C (see Figure 4). The protrusion 26 may be cut off by another cutting process (or it may be cut along the entire width length with a horizontal cut line 232 and then cut with a diagonal cut line 231), but the protrusion 26 may also be left as is. Even if the protrusion 26 is present, the protrusion 26 located at the lower end in the fitting process is formed from a thin film and is therefore prone to being crushed, so the cylindrical shrink label 2D will not tilt, and if the height of the protrusion 26 is low (and the angle corresponding to the angle θ of the notch 23 is small), it will not be very noticeable on the lower edge 2y of the shrink label 2 after heat shrinkage. In particular, if the lower outer edge of the container 3 has an R shape that decreases in diameter downwards (see the lower outer edge of the container 3 in Figure 8), the protrusion 26 will shrink along this R shape and will not be very noticeable. For this reason, it is preferable that the height of the protrusion 26 is low, and it is also preferable that the angle corresponding to the angle θ of the notch 23 is small. Accordingly, within the range in which the angularity suppression effect of this embodiment is achieved, it is preferable that the height of the notch 23 is low and the angle θ is small.

[0071] (Outer fitting process) In the external fitting process, the shrink label 2D is fitted onto the container 3 so that it covers the outer surface of the container 3 and the upper edge 2x of the shrink label 2D is positioned above the upper surface of the container 3 (the upper surface 33a of the pump head portion 33). Therefore, the circumference of the cylindrical shrink label 2D is set to a length that allows it to be fitted onto the container 3, and is set to be longer than, for example, the circumference of the circumscribed circle 3a that is in contact with the periphery of the container 3 as shown in the top view of Figure 5. The circumference of the shrink label 2D may be approximately the same from the upper edge 2x to the lower edge 2y.

[0072] Furthermore, a folded sheet of shrink label 2C is fitted into an expanding mandrel provided in a shrink labeler (automatic loading machine), and while being opened from the inside along the shape of the mandrel, it passes over the outer surface of the mandrel to obtain a tubularly opened shrink label 2D (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 6028173).

[0073] For example, as shown in Figure 5, if the tip of the nozzle 331 protrudes outward from the body portion 31, the shrink label 2D is fitted onto the container 3 such that the center of the shrink label 2D coincides not with the center of the body portion 31, but, for example, with the center of the circumscribed circle 3a.

[0074] In this embodiment, the shrink label 2D is fitted onto the container 3 such that the notch 23 of the shrink label 2D is located in the radial direction 33X of the protrusion (of the container 3). Furthermore, it is sufficient that the position (direction) of the notch 23 in the shrink label and the nozzle of the pump be aligned no later than the start of the shrinking process.

[0075] For example, it is preferable that the shrink label 2D is fitted onto the container 3 such that the notch 23 of the shrink label 2D is located in the protruding radial direction 33X, by controlling the orientation of the container 3 (and / or the orientation of the shrink label when fitted). For example, in the external fitting process, before the shrink label 2D is fitted onto the container 3, control is implemented to adjust the orientation (positioning direction) of the container 3 so that the protruding radial direction 33X of the container 3 (the direction of the tip of the nozzle 331 of the pump-equipped bottle) is aligned with a predetermined orientation in the outer circumference direction, thereby aligning the protruding radial direction 33X of the container 3 with the notch 23 direction. The orientation of the container 3 can be controlled, for example, by a direction control device 51 (positioning device) provided upstream of the conveyor line 7 of the mounting device 5 (see Figure 7). The direction control device 51 has a function (control mechanism) that detects the protruding radial direction 33X of the container 3 placed on the conveyor line 7 using an imaging device or the like, and rotates the container 3 in the outer circumference direction so that the protruding radial direction 33X aligns with the notch 23 of the shrink label 2D to which it is fitted.

[0076] Furthermore, when using a shrink label with a transparent film surface exposed on its inner surface (such as a plain shrink label) fitted into the mandrel for expanding the shrink label, it is preferable to apply a transparent ink (medium) containing a lubricant or wax to the inner surface of the shrink label (the back surface of the base film 2A) in order to improve the sliding properties with the outer surface of the mandrel. The medium can be applied to the back surface of the base film 2A before it is formed into a tubular shape, for example, to a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 μm, by gravure printing or flexographic printing. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the medium is not applied to the upper high-shrinkage portion (for example, the portion attached to the neck portion 32 and pump head portion 33, etc., which shrink at a high rate), but only to the lower low-shrinkage portion (for example, the portion attached to the body portion 31 of the container 3). This is because the portion to which the medium is applied has lower transparency than the plain portion of the film (the portion to which the medium is not applied), and when it shrinks at a high rate, it may whiten or shrinkage unevenness may become noticeable, so it is better not to apply the medium to this high-shrinkage portion. It is preferable that the medium be applied to a range exceeding 2 / 3 of the total length in the height direction of the shrink label, for example.

[0077] (Shrinkage process) In the shrinking process, the shrink label 2D fitted onto the container 3 is heat-shrinked so that the outer periphery of the outer surface and the top edge of the container 3 are covered with the shrink label 2.

[0078] In this embodiment, the shrink label 2D is fitted onto the container 3 so that the notch 23 (or one of the fold lines 24 on which the notch 23 is provided) is close to the protruding radial direction 33X, and the shrink label 2D is then heat-shrinked in that state.

[0079] In the shrinking process, first, as shown in Figure 8(a), the shrink label 2D is fitted over the outer surface of the container 3 (the outer surface 31a of the body portion 31) so that its upper edge 2x is positioned approximately 10 to 20 mm above the height of the upper surface 33a of the pump head portion 33 (the upper surface of the container 3) (see Figure 3). In this state, the shrink label 2D is heat-shrinked as shown in Figures 8(b) and (c).

[0080] First, the preheater 61 blows hot air only onto the lower part of the shrink label 2D, causing only the lower part of the shrink label 2D to shrink and adhere to the outer surface 31a (Figure 8(b)). This is because if the entire shrink label 2D were to be heat-shrinked simultaneously, the lower part of the shrink label 2D might be pulled upwards by the larger shrinkage of the upper part of the shrink label 2D, resulting in it being attached in a distorted position.

[0081] Next, the entire shrink label 2D undergoes thermal shrinkage in the heater chamber 62 (Figure 8(c)). First, the shrink label 2D shrinks to conform to the outer surface 31a (of the body portion 31), and the upper part also shrinks inward. As thermal shrinkage progresses further, the upper part of the shrink label 2D (the portion extending upward beyond the position of the upper surface 33a) folds inward, shrinking to cover the periphery of the upper surface 33a (331a, 332a) and shrinking to fit into the neck portion, thereby attaching the shrink label 2D(2).

[0082] Here, as shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the container 3 is positioned such that the protruding radial direction 33X (nozzle 331) side of the container 3 is in the direction of travel of the conveyor line 7. If the container 3 is positioned in the opposite direction, the side of the shrink label 2D opposite to the protruding radial direction 33X (nozzle 331) will begin to shrink first. This shrinkage will cause the upper edge 2x on the protruding radial direction 33X side of the shrink label 2D to be pulled diagonally downward, etc. As a result, when the shrink label 2D shrinks with a slight delay, it may not catch on the upper surface 331a of the tip of the nozzle 331, potentially leading to a packaging defect.

[0083] For shrinking the shrink label 2D, heating devices such as steam heaters (heaters that heat using heated steam and condensed steam) or dry heat heaters (heaters that heat using hot air or hot air) can be used. For high shrinkage, heaters capable of heating to a high temperature of 100°C or higher are preferred, and hot air heaters capable of blowing hot air at 120°C to 230°C are particularly preferred. In the heater chamber 62, it is preferable to use a heater that blows hot air from multiple outlets installed on the side in the direction of travel. Alternatively, a hot air heater such as the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-81219, which blows hot air in a swirling pattern around the moving container 3, may be used.

[0084] As described above, a labeled container 1 packaged (sealed) with shrink label 2 can be manufactured (Figure 8(d)).

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways. Two or more embodiments selected from the various embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate, or at least one configuration (part of a configuration) selected from the various embodiments described above may be replaced with a part of a configuration of another embodiment.

[0086] <Summary> The embodiments of the present invention described above are listed below as examples.

[0087] (1) A labeled container comprising a cylindrical shrink label whose main shrinkage direction is circumferential, and a container to which the shrink label is attached, The shrink label covers the outer circumferential surface and the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the container. The container has a portion that protrudes only in the radial direction, which is one radial direction, on its upper surface. The shrink label has a notch at the upper edge, which is the upper edge. A labeled container, wherein the shrink label is attached to the container such that the notch is located in the direction of the protruding diameter.

[0088] (2) The container has a body, a neck that is smaller in diameter than the body and is provided above the body, and a pump head that is provided above the neck. The labeled container according to (1), wherein the radial direction of the protrusion is the radial direction in which the ratio of the radial length from the axis of the neck to the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the pump head to the radial length from the axis of the neck to the outer surface is maximized.

[0089] (3) The pump head portion includes a nozzle for ejecting the contents filled in the body portion, A labeled container according to (1) or (2), wherein the radial direction of the protrusion is the direction of the tip of the nozzle.

[0090] (4) A labeled container according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the notch has the shape of an inverted isosceles triangle.

[0091] (5) A method for manufacturing a labeled container as described in any of (1) to (4), A notching step, in which the notch is formed on the upper edge of the shrink label, An external fitting step of fitting the shrink label onto the container such that it covers the outer surface of the container and the upper edge of the shrink label is positioned above the upper surface of the container, The process includes a shrinking step of attaching the shrink label to the container by heat-shrinking the shrink label so that the outer periphery of the outer surface and the upper edge of the container are covered with the shrink label, A manufacturing method comprising the above fitting step, wherein the shrink label is fitted onto the container such that the notch of the shrink label is located in the direction of the protruding diameter.

[0092] (6) The manufacturing method according to (5), wherein in the fitting step, the shrink label is fitted onto the container by controlling the orientation of the container so that the notch of the shrink label is positioned in the direction of the protruding diameter. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1. Labeled container 2. Shrink label (after heat shrinking) 2A Base film (long strip) 2B Shrink Label (Long Sleeve Type) 2C shrink labels (single-fed sleeve type) 2D shrink label (before heat shrinking) 2x upper edge 2y lower edge 20 Conventional shrink labels 201 Protrusion 21 First side end 21a 1st side edge 22 Second side end 22a 2nd side edge 23 Notches 231 Diagonal cut line 231a,231b end 232 Horizontal cut line 24 Fold lines 25 Center seal section 26 Convex part 3 containers 3a circumcircle 31 Torso 31a Outer surface 32 Neck 32a axis 33 Pump head section 33a Top side 33b Recessed area 33X Protrusion radial direction 331 Nozzles 331a top side 332 Pressing part 332a top side 41 Nip Roll 42 nozzles 5. Mounting device 51 Directional control device 61 Preheater 62 main heater chambers 7. Conveyor Line Lengths A and B X-axis direction θ angle

Claims

1. A labeled container comprising a cylindrical shrink label whose primary shrinkage direction is circumferential, and a container to which the shrink label is attached, The shrink label covers the outer circumferential surface and the peripheral edge of the top surface of the container. The container has a portion that protrudes only in the radial direction, which is one radial direction, on its upper surface. The shrink label has a notch at the upper edge, which is the upper edge. A labeled container, wherein the shrink label is attached to the container such that the notch is located in the direction of the protruding diameter.

2. The container comprises a body portion, a neck portion located above the body portion and having a smaller diameter than the body portion, and a pump head portion located above the neck portion. The labeled container according to claim 1, wherein the radial direction of the protrusion is the radial direction in which the ratio of the radial length from the axis of the neck to the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the pump head to the radial length from the axis of the neck to the outer surface is maximized.

3. The pump head portion includes a nozzle for ejecting the contents filled in the body portion. The labeled container according to claim 2, wherein the radial direction of the protrusion is the direction of the tip of the nozzle.

4. The labeled container according to claim 1, wherein the notch has the shape of an inverted isosceles triangle.

5. A method for manufacturing a labeled container according to claim 1, A notching step, in which the notch is formed on the upper edge of the shrink label, An external fitting step of fitting the shrink label onto the container such that it covers the outer surface of the container and the upper edge of the shrink label is positioned above the upper surface of the container, The process includes a shrinking step of attaching the shrink label to the container by heat-shrinking the shrink label so that the outer periphery of the outer surface and the upper edge of the container are covered with the shrink label, A manufacturing method comprising the above fitting step, wherein the shrink label is fitted onto the container such that the notch of the shrink label is located in the direction of the protruding diameter.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein in the external fitting step, the shrink label is fitted onto the container such that the notch of the shrink label is positioned in the direction of the protruding diameter, by controlling the orientation of the container.

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