Rotating Shrink Label Locking Features for Conical Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conically-shaped consumer product containers pose challenges for labeling due to their non-parallel surfaces, leading to issues like buckling, creasing, and slippage of standard labels, and existing promotional systems lack interaction between game pieces and labels, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A conically-shaped container with first and second label locking features and a rotatable top shrink label that contacts these features, along with a game piece or promotional element that links with the label to complete a promotional event, providing expanded labeling space and interactive promotional capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard flat labels are used on conically-shaped containers, then labeling is simple, but the labels buckle, crease, or tear due to non-parallel surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The label material's physical properties are changed by applying heat, causing the material to shrink and conform to the conical surface. This parameter change (from flat to shrunk state) allows the label to adapt to the non-parallel surfaces without buckling or creasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The label is transformed from a flat two-dimensional surface to a curved three-dimensional surface that conforms to the conical container. The shrinkage process creates the necessary curvature to match the container's non-parallel sides, preventing label deformation.
2Ease of manufacture
If shrink labels are applied to conically-shaped containers without locking features, then application is easier, but the labels slip off during use
Solution Approach 1:
Locking features are pre-formed on the container surface at specific locations before label application. These features are positioned to engage with corresponding features on the label, creating predetermined retention points that prevent slippage during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking features act as intermediary elements between the container and the label. These features provide mechanical interlocking that transfers and distributes the holding force, preventing the label from slipping off the conical surface during consumer use.
3Loss of information
If promotional information is placed on separate inserts, then all information can be provided, but costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The promotional information is merged directly onto the label surface that is already applied to the container. This combines the labeling function with the promotional communication function, eliminating the need for separate inserts and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The label serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides container identification, maintains structural integrity through shrinkage, and delivers promotional information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate promotional inserts, reducing complexity while preserving all necessary information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures stable and interactive labeling on conically-shaped containers, preventing label slippage and providing enhanced promotional engagement without separate inserts, thus reducing costs and improving consumer interaction.
Implementation Method 1
shrink labels for conically-shaped containers... applying heat to shrink the label to conform to the cup
Implementation Method 2
conical shaped container with interlocking shrink label holding mechanism... label locking features
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to container and shrink label systems. The container may comprise multiple label locking features that hold a shrink label in place on a conically-shaped container. The system may further comprise an interactive promotional label system comprising multiple promotional elements that may be linked to complete a promotional event.