Plant structure with a shrink label

Abstract

The invention concerns an assembly (20,20') comprising a plant structure (1), a method for providing a plant structure (1), and a system for providing a plant structure (1), in particular a bulb or the like, such as a flower bulb, preferably an amaryllis bulb or hippeastrum bulb, with a shrink label (2). The assembly (20,20') further comprising a shrink label (2), wherein the shrink label (2) is shrunk around at least a part of the plant structure (1).

Description

[0001] Title: A method for providing a plant structure with a shrink label, an assembly comprising a plant structure provided with a shrink label and a system for providing a plant structure with a shrink label.

[0002] Description:

[0003] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for providing a plant structure with a shrink label.

[0004] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to an assembly comprising a plant structure provided a shrink label.

[0005] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for providing a plant structure with a shrink label.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to an assembly comprising a plant structure such as a flower bulb, and more particularly to a novel arrangement that enhances the usability, functionality, or aesthetics of the plant structure in horticultural, ornamental, or agricultural applications.

[0007] Flower bulbs have long been valued for their ability to store nutrients and facilitate the growth of ornamental plants and crops. Various methods and products have been developed to improve the performance and usability of flower bulbs, including protective coatings, planting aids, and growth enhancers. However, there remains a need for an assembly that integrates such enhancements into a unified structure that maintains the natural properties of the bulb while offering improved handling, performance or additional utility such as appearance.

[0008] The present disclosure addresses this need by providing an innovative assembly that combines a flower bulb with additional components or features, enabling novel functionalities while preserving or enhancing the bulb's primary purpose. This assembly is particularly advantageous for users seeking improved planting convenience, optimized growth conditions, or unique decorative effects.Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method for providing a plant structure, in particular a bulb or the like, such as a flower bulb, preferably an amaryllis bulb or hippeastrum bulb, with a shrink label, the method comprising the steps of:

[0009] providing a plant structure, in particular a bulb or the like, and a shrink label; placing the shrink label around the structure;

[0010] receiving, by a heat shrinking apparatus comprising a heat shrinking chamber, the plant structure and the shrink label; and

[0011] transferring, by the heat shrinking apparatus, thermal energy to the shrink label for shrinking the shrink label around the plant structure.

[0012] The method ensures the shrink label is applied in a uniform manner, leading to a more professional and attractive presentation. This reduces the likelihood of errors or inconsistencies in manual wrapping. The method furthermore has the advantage for enabling a high throughput and meeting production demands more effectively. Furthermore, the need for manual labour is significantly reduced, thereby lowering labour costs and increasing productivity, providing long-term financial benefits.

[0013] Various heat application methods for transferring thermal energy to the shrink label can be used, including the use of heat guns, heat tunnels, open flames, steam, infrared heaters, and hot water baths. Each method provides unique advantages in terms of precision, efficiency. The invention optimizes these methods to ensure uniform material shrinkage, minimize material waste, and enhance process scalability.

[0014] In an embodiment, the thermal energy is generated using electrical heater for heating air that is provided to the shrink label.

[0015] The method for providing a plant structure with a shrink label can be improved when the heat shrinking apparatus further comprises a heat shrinking chamber inlet opening, arranged for receiving, via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening, the plant structure and / or the shrink label, wherein the method further comprises the step of;

[0016] providing, via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening, the plant structure and / or the shrink label in the heat shrinking chamber.The method for providing a plant structure with a shrink label can be further improved when the heat shrinking apparatus further comprises a heat shrinking chamber outlet opening arranged for removing the plant structure provided with the shrink label from the heat shrinking chamber, wherein the method further comprises the step of:

[0017] removing, via the heat shrinking chamber outlet opening, the plant structure provided with the shrink label from the heat shrinking apparatus.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure further comprises the step of:

[0019] providing an intermediate material around the plant structure, preferably wherein the intermediate material is provided around the plant structure between the shrink label and the plant structure.

[0020] It was the insight of the inventor, that in particular by providing the intermediate material between the plant structure and the shrink label, the shrink label has a clean and sleek finish, free from wrinkles, after shrinking the shrink label around the plant structure.

[0021] Advantageously, the step of providing the intermediate material around the plant structure is performed before the step of transferring, by the heat shrinking apparatus, thermal energy to the shrink label for shrinking the shrink label around the plant structure and / or before the step of receiving, by the heat shrinking apparatus, the plant structure and the shrink label.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the step of providing the intermediate material around the plant structure is performed after the step of providing a plant structure and a shrink label and before the step of placing the shrink label around the plant structure.

[0023] Alternatively, the step of providing the intermediate material around the plant structure is performed after the step of placing the shrink label around the plant structure.In a practical embodiment of the method, the intermediate material and the shrink label are provided simultaneously around the plant structure. In this regard, the intermediate material may be adhered to the shrink label at a side of the shrink label that is directed towards the plant structure.

[0024] In particular, the shrink label has a clean and sleek finish, free of wrinkles, after shrinking the shrink label around the plant structure, when the intermediate material is selected from the group consisting of: paper, plastic foil, foam, foam foil, flex foil, flock foil, oil, grease, cotton, latex, rubber, nylon, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, satin, cashmere, wool, spandex and silk or a combination thereof and / or when the intermediate material is solid.

[0025] Preferably, the intermediate material comprises a textile.

[0026] For optimal shrinking of the shrink label around the plant structure, the step of transferring, by the heat shrinking apparatus, thermal energy to the shrink label for shrinking the shrink label around the plant structure comprises providing, by the heat shrinking apparatus, a medium to the shrink label for transferring thermal energy to the shrink label for shrinking the shrink label around the plant structure and wherein preferably the medium comprises a gas and / or water vapor, preferably, the medium consists of air and water vapour.

[0027] Preferably, the shrink label is provided with a print at a side facing away from the plant structure. This is beneficial for obtaining a predetermined decorative effect and / or providing information associated with the plant structure such as the packaging date, type of plant structure and country of origin.

[0028] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of:

[0029] providing, by a first coating unit, a first coating to the plant structure.

[0030] This is beneficial for obtaining a predetermined decorative effect and / or conservation of the plant structure.In this regard, it is beneficial if the first coating unit is arranged for providing a layer of first wax to the plant structure.

[0031] Preferably, the first coating is arranged for blocking direct sight on the outer surface of the plant structure at locations where the first coating is provided.

[0032] Preferably, the step of providing, by the first coating unit, the coating to the plant structure, is performed before the step of placing the shrink label and the intermediate material, if any, around the plant structure.

[0033] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of:

[0034] providing, by a second coating unit, a second coating to the shrink label and / or the plant structure. This is beneficial for obtaining a predetermined decorative effect and / or conservation of the shrink label and / or the plant structure.

[0035] In this regard, it is beneficial if the second coating unit is arranged for providing a layer of second wax to the shrink label and / or the plant structure.

[0036] Preferably, the step of providing, by the second coating unit, the coating to the shrink label and / or the plant structure, is performed after the step of transferring, by the heat shrinking apparatus, thermal energy to the shrink label for shrinking the shrink label around the plant structure.

[0037] In this regard, it is beneficial if the second coating is transparent in the range of wavelengths visible by the human eye, preferably wherein the second coating is at least partly transparent in the range of wavelengths visible to the human eye.

[0038] Preferably, during the step of placing, the shrink label is positioned such that, after shrinking the shrink label, a root and a bulb neck of the plant structure remain uncovered by the shrink label.

[0039] An advantage of positioning the shrink label during the placing step such that, after shrinking, the root and bulb neck of the plant structure remain uncovered is thatit enables proper handling, planting, and inspection of the plant structure without interference from the label. Exposing the root and neck regions allows for adequate ventilation and moisture regulation, reducing the risk of rot or fungal growth. It also facilitates visual inspection of the bulb's quality and condition, supports ease of insertion into soil or planting substrates, and ensures compatibility with automated planting or handling equipment. Overall, this method step optimizes both protection and labelling of the main body of the bulb while maintaining functionality and ease of use at critical areas

[0040] In this regard, it is advantageous if, during the step of providing, the dimension of the shrink label is selected such that the root and the bulb neck of the plant structure remain free from the shrink label after shrinking the shrink label.

[0041] An advantage of selecting the dimension of the shrink label during the providing step such that the root and bulb neck of the plant structure remain free from the shrink label after shrinking is that it ensures consistent and precise positioning of the label, avoiding coverage of critical areas. This facilitates proper handling, planting, and inspection of the bulb, allows adequate ventilation and moisture regulation at the root and neck regions, and reduces the risk of rot or fungal growth. Additionally, it accommodates variations in bulb size while maintaining a uniform appearance and reliable labelling of the main body of the bulb, improving both the functionality and aesthetic quality of the final product.

[0042] In an embodiment of the method, the intermediate material is a flexible foil. An advantage of using a flexible foil as the intermediate material in the method is that it allows the material to conform closely to the shape of the plant structure, ensuring uniform coverage and precise labelling. The flexibility facilitates easy application around curved or irregular surfaces without tearing or wrinkling, accommodates slight variations in bulb size, and improves handling during packaging and transport. Additionally, a flexible foil can provide a protective barrier against moisture, dust, and contaminants, thereby preserving the quality and appearance of the plant structure throughout storage and distribution.Preferably, the intermediate material is free from organic material. An advantage of using an intermediate material that is free from organic material in the method is that it reduces the risk of microbial growth, decay, or contamination, thereby improving the hygiene and shelf-life of the plant structure. It also provides a more stable and durable material that is less prone to degradation over time, ensures consistent protective and labelling performance, and avoids undesirable interactions with the plant, such as chemical reactions or nutrient absorption interference. Overall, this enhances the reliability and safety of the labelling and protection process during storage, transport, and handling.

[0043] In an embodiment of the method, the shrink label completely covers the intermediate material.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly comprising:

[0045] a plant structure, in particular a bulb or the like, such as a flower bulb, preferably an amaryllis bulb or hippeastrum bulb; and

[0046] a shrink label, wherein the shrink label is shrunk around at least a part of the plant structure.

[0047] Embodiments, effects and advantages of the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as presented herein, correspond to and / or are also applicable to the assembly according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, and vice versa.

[0048] The assembly may comprise a flower bulb from the Amaryllidaceae family. The Amaryllidaceae family encompasses a diverse group of monocotyledonous flowering plants, known for their ornamental value, medicinal properties, and unique biochemical compositions. Members of this family, including genera such as Amaryllis, Narcissus (daffodils), Hippeastrum (amaryllis), Allium (onions, garlic), and Clivia, are widely cultivated for aesthetic and practical purposes.In a preferred embodiment the assembly further comprises an intermediate material provided between the plant structure and the shrink label. It was the insight of the inventor, that by providing the intermediate material between the plant structure and the shrink label, the shrink label has a clean and sleek finish, after shrinking the shrink label around the plant structure.

[0049] Advantageously, the intermediate material comprises paper, plastic foil, foam, foam foil, flex foil, flock foil, oil, grease, cotton, latex, rubber, nylon, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, satin, cashmere, wool, spandex and silk or a combination thereof.

[0050] The invention according to the present disclosure enables the shrink label to be free from wrinkles.

[0051] Preferably, the shrink label is provided with a print at a side facing away from the plant structure. This is beneficial for obtaining a predetermined decorative effect and / or providing information associated with the plant structure such as the packaging date, type of plant structure and country of origin.

[0052] In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a first coating that is adhered to the plant structure. In other words, the first coating is provided between the intermediate material and the plant structure or between the plant structure and the shrink label should the intermediate material be omitted.

[0053] In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a second coating that is adhered to a side of the shrink label facing away from the plant structure.

[0054] In this regard, it is beneficial if the second coating is transparent in the range of wavelengths visible by the human eye, preferably wherein the second coating is at least partly transparent in the range of wavelengths visible to the human eye. This is beneficial for providing the plant structure with the appearance of a candle.Preferably, the assembly is obtained by a method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0055] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the present disclosure, a root and a bulb neck of the plant structure remain uncovered by the shrink label.

[0056] An advantage of this feature, wherein a root and a bulb neck of the plant structure remain uncovered by the shrink label, is that it facilitates proper handling, planting, and inspection of the plant structure. By leaving the root and bulb neck exposed, the plant can be easily inserted into soil or other planting substrates without interference from the shrink label. This also allows for adequate ventilation and moisture regulation at the root and neck regions, which can help maintain bulb health and reduce the risk of rot or fungal growth. Furthermore, the exposed regions enable visual inspection of the bulb’s quality and condition without the need to remove the shrink label, improving quality control during storage and distribution. Overall, this design provides a balance between protecting and labelling the main body of the bulb while preserving functionality and ease of use at the critical root and neck areas.

[0057] Preferably, the intermediate material is a flexible foil. An advantage of using a flexible foil as the intermediate material is that it allows the material to conform closely to the shape of the plant structure, ensuring uniform coverage and effective labelling. The flexibility facilitates easy application around irregular or curved surfaces without tearing or wrinkling, improving the aesthetic appearance of the label. Additionally, a flexible foil can accommodate slight variations in bulb size and shape, enhancing the robustness and reliability of the labelling process. The material can also provide a barrier against moisture, dust, or contaminants, thereby protecting the plant structure while maintaining ease of handling during packaging, transport, and storage.

[0058] Preferably, the intermediate material is free from organic material. An advantage of the intermediate material being free from organic material is that it reduces the risk of microbial growth, decay, or contamination, thereby improving the hygiene and shelf-life of the plant structure. It also minimizes the potential for undesirable interactions with the plant, such as chemical reactions or nutrientabsorption interference, and ensures a more stable and durable material that is less prone to degradation over time. Furthermore, using an inorganic intermediate material can enhance the consistency and reliability of the labelling or protective function, particularly under varying storage and transport conditions.

[0059] In an embodiment of the assembly, the shrink label covers the intermediate material, preferably completely covers the intermediate material.

[0060] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for providing a plant structure, in particular a bulb or the like, such as a flower bulb, preferably an amaryllis bulb or hippeastrum bulb, with a shrink label, the system comprising:

[0061] a heat shrinking apparatus comprising a heat shrinking chamber provided with a heat shrinking chamber inlet opening, arranged for receiving, via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening, the plant structure and / or the shrink label and wherein the heat shrinking chamber is provided with a heat shrinking chamber outlet opening arranged for removing the plant structure provided with the shrink label from the heat shrinking chamber; and

[0062] a conveyor, extending through the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening and / or the heat shrinking chamber outlet opening, arranged for forwarding the plant structure, via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening, in a forwarding direction into the heat shrinking chamber and arranged for forwarding the plant structure, via the heat shrinking chamber outlet opening, in the forwarding direction out of the heat shrinking chamber.

[0063] Embodiments, effects and advantages of the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and of the assembly according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, as presented herein, correspond to and / or are also applicable to the system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, and vice versa.

[0064] Preferably, the system further comprises a first supply unit arranged for supplying a heat shrink label around the plant structure. The first supply unit being forexample a robotic arm or another automated device. In another embodiment the heat shrink label can be supplied manually around the plant structure.

[0065] More preferably, the system further comprises a second supply unit arranged for providing an intermediate material around the plant structure or for providing the intermediate material around the plant structure between the plant structure and the heat shrink label. The second supply unit being for example a robotic arm or another automated device. In another embodiment the intermediate material can be supplied manually around the plant structure.

[0066] In an embodiment, the first supply unit and the second supply unit, if any, are provided before the heat shrinking apparatus in the forwarding direction, wherein the first supply unit is provided before the second supply unit in the forwarding direction.

[0067] Preferably, the system further comprises a first coating unit arranged for providing a first coating to the plant structure.

[0068] In this regard, it is beneficial if the first coating unit is arranged for providing a layer of first wax to the plant structure.

[0069] Preferably, the first coating unit comprises:

[0070] a bath of first coating material;

[0071] a movement arrangement for moving the plant structure to a predetermined depth into bath of the first coating material for providing the first coating to the plant structure and removing the plant structure from the bath of first coating material.

[0072] In this regard, it is beneficial if the first coating unit further comprises:

[0073] a first support for supporting the plant structure, wherein the movement arrangement is arranged for moving the support for providing the first coating to the plant structure.

[0074] Preferably, the system further comprises:a second coating unit arranged for providing a second coating to the shrink label and / or the plant structure. This is beneficial for obtaining a predetermined decorative effect and / or conservation of the shrink label and / or the plant structure.

[0075] In this regard, it is beneficial if the second coating unit is arranged for providing a layer of second wax to the shrink label and / or the plant structure.

[0076] In this regard, it is beneficial if the second coating unit further comprises: a second support for supporting the plant structure, wherein the movement arrangement is arranged for moving the support for providing the second coating to the shrink label and / or the plant structure.

[0077] The present disclosure will furthermore be explained in more detail below by means of preferred embodiments of a method according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an assembly according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, and a system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in the drawings, in which:

[0078] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a system arranged for providing a plant structure with a shrink label according to a third aspect of the present disclosure;

[0079] Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the system of Fig. 1, wherein an intermediate material is provided around the plant structure.

[0080] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a method for providing a plant structure with a shrink label according to a first aspect of the present disclosure;

[0081] Fig. 4A and 4B show a schematic side view of an embodiment of the assembly according to a second aspect of the present disclosure;

[0082] Fig. 5A and 5B show a schematic top view of the assembly of Fig. 4A and 4B; Fig. 6A and 6B show a schematic side view of another embodiment of the assembly according to a second aspect of the present disclosure;

[0083] Fig. 7A and 7B show a schematic top view of the assembly of Fig. 6A and 6B; Fig. 8 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of the assembly according to a second aspect of the present disclosure;Figures 4 and 5 show in different views an assembly 20 according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. The assembly 20 comprises a plant structure 1 and a shrink label 2. The plant structure 1 being in particular a flower bulb from the Amaryllidaceae family, such as an amaryllis bulb or hippeastrum bulb, wherein the shrink label 2 is shrunk around at least a part of the plant structure 1. In figures 4A and 5A, the assembly is shown before shrinking, wherein the heat shrink label 2 is supplied around the plant structure 1. In figures 4B and 5B, the assembly 20 is shown after shrinking the shrink label 2 around the plant structure 1.

[0084] Figures 6 and 7 show in different views another embodiment of assembly 20’ according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. The assembly 20’ comprises the plant structure 1, the shrink label 2 and an intermediate material 6, wherein the intermediate material 6 is provided between the plant structure 1 and the shrink label 2. The intermediate material 6 comprises of for example a solid paper or plastic foil or a combination thereof. In figures 6A and 7A, the assembly is shown before shrinking, wherein the heat shrink label 2 is supplied around the plant structure 1 and the intermediate material 6 is supplied between the plant structure 1 and the shrink label 2. In figures 6B and 7B, the assembly 20’ is shown after shrinking the shrink label 2 around the plant structure 1, wherein the shrink label 2 is free from wrinkles.

[0085] At a side facing away from the plant structure 1, the shrink label 2 is provided with a print 8, as can be seen in figure 8, which shows a schematic front view of the assembly 20, 20’.

[0086] Optionally, the assembly 20, 20’ is provided with a first coating that is adhered to the plant structure 1 and a second coating that is adhered to a side of the shrink label 2 facing away from the plant structure 1. The first coating comprises a first layer of wax, arranged for blocking direct sight on the outer surface of the plant structure 1 at locations where the first coating is provided. The second coating comprises a second layer of wax provided to the shrink label 2 and to the part of the plant structure 1 that is not covered with the shrink label 2, wherein the second coating is transparent in the range of wavelengths visible by the human eye, preferably wherein the secondcoating is at least partly transparent in the range of wavelengths visible to the human eye.

[0087] Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic side view of an embodiment of a system 10 arranged for providing the assembly 20, 20’, comprising the plant structure 1, the intermediate material 6 (if any), and the shrink label 2 as described above.

[0088] The system 10 comprises a heat shrinking apparatus 3 provided with a heat shrinking chamber 7. The heat shrinking chamber 7 is arranged for transferring 106 thermal energy to the shrink label 2 for shrinking the shrink label 2 around the plant structure 1, wherein the intermediate material 6 (if any) is shrunk between the shrink label 2 and the plant structure 1. The thermal energy can be generated by an infrared device and / or can be generated by providing a medium to the shrink label 2 for transferring the thermal energy to the shrink label 2, wherein the medium consists of air and / or water vapour.

[0089] The heat shrinking chamber 7 is provided with an heat shrinking chamber inlet opening 4 and an heat shrinking chamber outlet opening 5. The heat shrinking apparatus 3 is arranged for receiving 104, via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening 4, the plant structure 1, the intermediate material 6 (if any), and the shrink label 2. The heat shrinking chamber 3 is further arranged for removing 107 the assembly 20, 20’ provided with the shrink label 2 from the heat shrinking chamber 7.

[0090] The system 10 furthermore comprises a conveyor 9, extending through the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening 4 and the heat shrinking chamber outlet opening 5, arranged for forwarding the plant structure 1. The plant structure 1 is forwarded via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening 4, in a forwarding direction D into the heat shrinking chamber 3 and via the heat shrinking chamber outlet opening 5, in a forwarding direction D out of the heat shrinking chamber 7. Inside the heat shrinking chamber 3, thermal energy is transferred 106 to the shrink label 2 for shrinking the shrink label 2 around the plant structure 1.

[0091] The system 10 further comprises a first supply unit (not shown) arranged for supplying the heat shrink label 2 around the plant structure 1, and a second supplyunit (not shown) arranged for providing the intermediate material 6 around the plant structure 1, wherein the intermediate material 6 is provided around the plant structure 1 between the plant structure 1 and the heat shrink label 2. The first supply unit and the second supply unit, are provided before the heat shrinking apparatus 3 in the forwarding direction D, wherein the first supply unit is provided before the second supply unit in the forwarding direction D.

[0092] The first and second supply units being for example a robotic arm or another automated device. In another embodiment, the heat shrink label 2 and / or the intermediate material 6 can be supplied manually around the plant structure 1.

[0093] The system 10 further comprises a first coating unit and a second coating unit (not shown) arranged for providing 108, 109 the first coating and the second coating respectively to the shrink label 2 and / or the plant structure 1.

[0094] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a method 100 for providing a plant structure 1 with a shrink label 2 according to a first aspect of the present invention. The method 100 is arranged for providing the assembly 20, 20’ according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, preferably using the system 10 according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, as described above in more detail.

[0095] The method 100 comprises the following steps:

[0096] Providing 101 the plant structure 1 and the shrink label 2;

[0097] Providing 108, by the first coating unit, the first coating to the plant structure 1; Placing 102 the shrink label 2 around the structure;

[0098] Providing 103 the intermediate material 6 around the plant structure 1 between the shrink label 2 and the plant structure 1;

[0099] Receiving 104, via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening 4 by the heat shrinking apparatus, the plant structure 1, the intermediate material 6 and the shrink label 2;Providing 105 the plant structure 1, the intermediate material 6 and the shrink label 2, via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening 4, in a forwarding direction D into the heat shrinking chamber 7;

[0100] Transferring 106 thermal energy, by the heat shrinking chamber 7, to the shrink label 2 for shrinking the shrink label 2 around the plant structure 1, wherein the intermediate material is shrunk between the shrink label 2 and the plant structure 1;

[0101] Providing 109, by the second coating unit, the second coating to the shrink label 2 and to the part of the plant structure 1 that is not covered with the shrink label 2;

[0102] Removing 107, via the heat shrinking chamber outlet opening 5, the plant structure 1 provided with the intermediate material 6 and the shrink label 2 from the heat shrinking apparatus 3.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (100) for providing a plant structure (1), in particular a bulb or the like, such as a flower bulb, preferably an amaryllis bulb or hippeastrum bulb, with a shrink label (2), the method (100) comprising the steps of:providing (101 ) a plant structure (1 ), in particular a bulb or the like, and a shrink label (2);placing (102) the shrink label (2) around the structure, wherein;providing (103) an intermediate material (6) around the plant structure (1), between the shrink label (2) and the plant structure (1);receiving (104), by a heat shrinking apparatus (3) comprising a heat shrinking chamber (7), the plant structure (1) and the shrink label (2); andtransferring (106), by the heat shrinking apparatus (3), thermal energy to the shrink label (2) for shrinking the shrink label (2) around the plant structure (1); wherein, during the step of placing (102), the shrink label (2) is positioned such that, after shrinking the shrink label (2), a root and a bulb neck of the plant structure (1) remain uncovered by the shrink label (2).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the heat shrinking apparatus (3) further comprises a heat shrinking chamber inlet opening (4), arranged for receiving, via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening (4), the plant structure (1) and / or the shrink label (2), wherein the method (100) further comprises the step of:providing (105), via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening (4), the plant structure (1) and / or the shrink label (2) in the heat shrinking chamber (7).

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat shrinking apparatus (3) further comprises a heat shrinking chamber outlet opening (5) arranged for removing the plant structure (1) provided with the shrink label (2) from the heat shrinking chamber (7), wherein the method (100) further comprises the step of:removing (107), via the heat shrinking chamber outlet opening (5), the plant structure (1) provided with the shrink label (2) from the heat shrinking apparatus (3).

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of providing (103) the intermediate material (6) around the plant structure (1) is performed before the step of transferring (106), by the heat shrinking apparatus (3), thermal energy to the shrink label (2) for shrinking the shrink label (2) around the plant structure (1 ).

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of providing (103) the intermediate material (6) around the plant structure (1) is performed before the step of receiving (104), by the heat shrinking apparatus (3), the plant structure (1) and the shrink label (2).

6. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of providing (103) the intermediate material (6) around the plant structure (1) is performed after the step of providing (101) a plant structure (1) and a shrink label (2) and before the step of placing (102) the shrink label (2) around the plant structure (1).

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of providing (103) the intermediate material (6) around the plant structure (1) is performed after the step of placing (102) the shrink label (2) around the plant structure (1).

8. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate material (6) is selected from the group consisting of: paper, plastic foil, foam, foam foil, flex foil, flock foil, oil, grease, cotton, latex, rubber, nylon, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, satin, cashmere, wool, spandex and silk or a combination thereof.

9. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate material (6) is solid.

10. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of transferring (106), by the heat shrinking apparatus (3), thermal energy to the shrink label (2) for shrinking the shrink label (2) around the plant structure (1)comprises providing, by the heat shrinking apparatus (3), a medium to the shrink label (2) for transferring thermal energy to the shrink label (2) for shrinking the shrink label (2) around the plant structure (1) and wherein preferably the medium comprises a gas and / or water vapor, preferably, the medium consists of air and water vapour.

11. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shrink label (2) is provided with a print (8) at a side facing away from the plant structure (1).

12. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) further comprises the step of:providing (108), by a first coating unit, a first coating to the plant structure (1).

13. The method (100) according to claim 12, wherein, during the step of providing (108), by the first coating unit, the first coating to the plant structure (1), a layer of first wax is provided to the plant structure (1).

14. The method (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first coating is arranged for blocking direct sight on the outer surface of the plant structure (1) at locations where the first coating is provided.

15. The method (100) according to any one of the claims 12 to 14, wherein the step of providing (108), by the first coating unit, the first coating to the plant structure (1), is performed before the step of placing (102, 103) the shrink label (2) and the intermediate material (6), if any, around the plant structure (1).

16. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) further comprises the step of:providing (109), by a second coating unit, a second coating to the shrink label (2) and / or the plant structure (1).

17. The method (100) according to claim 16, wherein, during the step of providing (109), by the second coating unit, the second coating to the shrink label (2) and / or theplant structure (1) a layer of second wax is provided to the shrink label (2) and / or the plant structure (1).

18. The method (100) according to claim 17, wherein, the step of providing (109), by the second coating unit, the coating to the shrink label (2) and / or the plant structure (1), is performed after the step of transferring (106), by the heat shrinking apparatus (3), thermal energy to the shrink label (2) for shrinking the shrink label (2) around the plant structure (1).

19. The method (100) according to any one of the claims 16 to 18, wherein the second coating is transparent in the range of wavelengths visible by the human eye, preferably wherein the second coating is at least partly transparent in the range of wavelengths visible to the human eye.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, during the step of providing (101), the dimension of the shrink label (2) is selected such that the root and the bulb neck of the plant structure (1) remain free from the shrink label (2) after shrinking the shrink label (2).

21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate material is a flexible foil.

22. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate material is free from organic material.

23. An assembly (20, 20’) comprising:a plant structure (1), in particular a bulb or the like, such as a flower bulb, preferably an amaryllis bulb or hippeastrum bulb; anda shrink label (2), wherein the shrink label (2) is shrunk around at least a part of the plant structure (1) and wherein a root and a bulb neck of the plant structure (1) remain uncovered by the shrink label (2);an intermediate material (6) provided between the plant structure (1) and the shrink label (2).

24. The assembly (20, 20’) according to claim 23, wherein the plant structure (1) is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, more preferably wherein the plant structure (1) is an amaryllis bulb or an hippeastrum bulb.

25. The assembly (20’) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the intermediate material (6) comprises paper, plastic foil, foam, foam foil, flex foil, flock foil, oil, grease, cotton, latex, rubber, nylon, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, satin, cashmere, wool, spandex and silk or a combination thereof.

26. The assembly (20’) according to claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the shrink label (2) is free from wrinkles.

27. The assembly (20, 20’) according to any one of the claims 23 to 26, wherein the shrink label (2) is provided with a print (8) at a side facing away from the plant structure (1).

28. The assembly (20, 20’) according to any one of the claims 23 to 27, wherein the assembly (20, 20’) further comprises a first coating that is adhered to the plant structure (1).

29. The assembly (20, 20’) according to any one of the claims 23 to 28, wherein the assembly (20, 20’) further comprises a second coating that is adhered to a side of the shrink label (2) facing away from the plant structure (1).

30. The assembly (20, 20’) according to claim 29, wherein the second coating is transparent in the range of wavelengths visible by the human eye, preferably wherein the second coating is at least partly transparent in the range of wavelengths visible to the human eye.

31. The assembly (20, 20’) according to any one of the claims 23 to 30, wherein the assembly (20, 20’) is obtained by a method (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 20.

32. The assembly according to any one of the claims 23 to 31, wherein the intermediate material is a flexible foil.

33. The assembly according to any one of the claims 23 to 32, wherein the intermediate material is free from organic material.

34. A system (10) for providing a plant structure (1), in particular a bulb or the like, such as a flower bulb, preferably an amaryllis bulb or hippeastrum bulb, with a shrink label (2), the system comprising:a heat shrinking apparatus (3) comprising a heat shrinking chamber (7) provided with a heat shrinking chamber inlet opening (4), arranged for receiving (104), via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening (4), the plant structure (1) and / or the shrink label (2) and wherein the heat shrinking chamber (7) is provided with a heat shrinking chamber outlet opening (5) arranged for removing the plant structure (1) provided with the shrink label (2) from the heat shrinking chamber (7); anda conveyor (9), extending through the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening (4) and / or the heat shrinking chamber outlet opening (5), arranged for forwarding the plant structure (1), via the heat shrinking chamber inlet opening (4), in a forwarding direction (D) into the heat shrinking chamber (7) and arranged for forwarding the plant structure(1), via the heat shrinking chamber outlet opening (5), in the forwarding direction (D) out of the heat shrinking chamber (7).

35. The system (10) according to claim 34, wherein the system (10) further comprises:a first supply unit arranged for supplying a heat shrink label (2) around the plant structure (1).

36. The system (10) according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the system (10) further comprises:a second supply unit arranged for providing an intermediate material (6) around the plant structure (1) or for providing the intermediate material (6) around the plant structure (1) between the plant structure (1) and the heat shrink label (2).

37. The system (10) according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the first supply unit and the second supply unit, if any, are provided before the heat shrinking apparatus (3) in the forwarding direction (D).

38. The system (10) according to claim 37, wherein the first supply unit is provided before the second supply unit in the forwarding direction (D).

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