Patent ID: 6511569
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: B65C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of in-line folding and affixing a label to a shipping container, said label having a fold line thereacross, said fold line defining a foldable portion of said label and a cover portion of said label, said method comprising the steps of:providing a transfer grid for conveying said label from a first end of said transfer grid to a second end of said transfer grid, said transfer grid having an opening intermediate said first and second ends; providing a folding station adjacent said opening; providing an affixing station adjacent said second end of said transfer grid; inserting said label into said first end of said transfer grid; conveying said foldable portion of said label in a substantially unfolded orientation from said first end of said transfer grid to said opening of said transfer grid such that said foldable portion of said label projects through said opening, while said cover portion of said label is adapted to travel from said first end to said second end without passing through said opening; folding said foldable portion of said label over said cover portion of said label to define a substantially folded-over orientation of said label; conveying said label in said substantially folded-over orientation from said opening to said second end of said transfer grid; receiving said label in said substantially folded-over orientation from said second end of said transfer grid; and affixing said label to said shipping container.