Steam shrink wrap sleeve with printed label for container and associated method

A shrink wrapping apparatus, and associated process, includes a housing (turbine) having a wall forming a passage dimensioned to receive the associated container assembly and associated sleeve. The passage has an inlet and an outlet spaced therefrom. A steam/hot air path communicates with the passage to provide steam from an associated steam source to at least a portion of the passage in order to shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container assembly as the container assembly and sleeve move through the passage. The apparatus also includes a stop member for engaging the associated container assembly and holding in the passage for a predetermined amount of time.

BACKGROUND

This application is related to commonly owned U.S. Ser. No. 16/454,952, filed Jun. 27, 2019 (US 2020/0002041A1), the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates to container assemblies, and sealing container assemblies, and particularly a container assembly of the type having a container or container body with an opening therein that provides access to a cavity formed in the container, and a cap or closure member that is preferably hingedly connected to the container, or may be a separate component that is received on or over the opening, to close or open the container and preclude/permit, respectively, selective access to the cavity.

The container and cap are preferably a polymer or plastic construction, e.g., typically a molded container assembly construction, where the container and cap are molded in the same machine when hingedly connected together, or the container and cap may be molded in separate machines when the container and cap are separate components. Once a container is filled with a desired product, and the cap closed over the container opening, it is common to also heat shrink a thin, flexible plastic sleeve over the capped container, where at least a portion of the heat shrunk sleeve extends over each of the cap and container, i.e., the sleeve shrink seals over the interface region of the cap and container. In this manner, the heat shrink sleeve serves to retain the cap in a closed condition with the container, and also the sleeve advantageously acts as a tamper evident feature for the container assembly.

Typical shrink sleeve machines are built with horizontal conveyors to feed the sleeve and tubes through the sealing process. Shrink sleeve steamer machines are bulky, expensive, hard to operate, require extensive time to set up, use large amounts of water, and are not easily adaptable to various size tubes or containers. Moreover, operation of a plastic shrink sleeve machine requires a skilled employee which adds an additional burden and cost to the employer. Careful control of the shrink sleeve operation is also required, particularly where the content or product stored in the container is sensitive to elevated temperatures. For example, elevated temperatures may cause certain types of product/content to stick to an interior surface of the container that forms the cavity.

Horizontal conveyors are commonly used and numerous steam nozzles and long process tunnels are required to process the plastic shrink sleeves, e.g., numerous seconds are required to process the containers and shrink sleeves (time that can compromise packaged products). Therefore, a careful balance is required between sufficient heat/elevated temperatures to ensure proper shrink sleeve application to the container assembly versus an extensive resident time in the shrink sleeve machine that potentially adversely impacts product stored in the container assembly.

Another problem relates to printing used on the shrink wrap sleeves applied to the container. Printing on the sleeve prior to shrink wrapping the sleeve has the potential to distort the print. Further, in some instances, the print information may not be learned until just prior to installing the sleeve to the container, e.g., a batch number is required on the sleeve, and yet the batch number is not available until just prior to application on the container. This causes the sleeve and/or container supplier to incur additional expense or handling in an effort to accommodate the last minute inclusion of this information into the print on the sleeve. One solution would be to create the sleeve with a desired design, and/or with some of the printed material that can be included on the sleeve and will not be subject to the distortion issues, or is not part of the last minute information that is required on the packaged container, i.e., the closed container sealed within the shrink wrap sleeve. Application of a label would be desirable where the last-minute information can be added just prior to packaging (i.e., shrink wrapping the sleeve to the container). The industry does not use this solution because the printed label does not work well in the high temperature steam environment of the shrink wrap sleeve applied to the container.

A need exists for an improved arrangement that provides at least one or more of the above-described features, as well as still other features and benefits.

SUMMARY

A shrink wrapping apparatus is configured to shrink wrap associated sleeves on an associated container assembly that includes an associated cap and associated container.

The shrink wrapping apparatus includes a housing (also referred to herein as a turbine) having a wall forming a passage dimensioned to receive the associated container assembly and associated sleeve. The passage is dimensioned to receive the associated container assembly with the unshrunk sleeve received thereover so that the container assembly and sleeve travel through the passage. The passage has an inlet and an outlet spaced therefrom, and the inlet is could be located vertically above the outlet such that the associated container assembly and associated sleeve move from the inlet toward the outlet. A steam path and/or hot air path communicates with the passage to provide steam and or hot air from an associated steam and/or hot air source to at least a portion of the passage between the inlet and outlet in order to shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container assembly as these components pass through the passage of the shrink wrapping apparatus. The shrink wrapping apparatus also includes a stop member for engaging the associated container assembly and holding in the passage for a predetermined amount of time.

The housing preferably may further include a turning member that rotates the associated container assembly with the sleeve received thereon as the associated container assembly and associated sleeve pass through the passage.

The turning member in a preferred arrangement includes at least one protrusion such as a helical protrusion that extends from the housing into the passage and prevents the associated container assembly and associated sleeve from contacting the housing wall, and in a preferred arrangement the turning member includes multiple, helical protrusions that extend from the housing wall into the passage. In the preferred arrangement, the turning member is located in the passage between the inlet and outlet.

The steam and/or hot air path includes a steam and/or hot air inlet that communicates with a chamber in the housing wall that preferably surrounds a perimeter portion of the passage between the passage inlet and the passage outlet. More specifically, the steam and/or hot air path preferably includes multiple, spaced apart steam and/or hot air outlets that communicate with the chamber and extend through the housing wall to the passage in order to efficiently and effectively communicate steam and/or hot air from the associated steam and/or hot air source into the passage.

The apparatus preferably may further include a collector adjacent the passage outlet for directing condensate from the steam that has cooled/condensed into a liquid to a recirculation line that communicates with the associated steam source and advantageously reuses the liquid to form steam.

The apparatus preferably may further include a vibrator for imparting vibrations to the housing wall.

The housing is preferably constructed from a polymer material.

In one embodiment, the sleeve includes a region that is printed with information just prior to introduction into the shrink wrapping apparatus. For example, the sleeves are fed through a thermal printer where on-the-spot/just-in-time printing such as bar codes, batch information, sale information, compliance information, etc., is completed, and then immediately thereafter directed through the shrink wrapping apparatus where the quick advancement through the shrink wrapping apparatus has no adverse impact on the on-the-spot print.

Alternatively, a preprinted label with the just-in-time printed information is secured or applied to the sleeve just prior to introduction into the shrink wrapping apparatus. Again, due to the reduced amount of time that the sleeve is present in the passage and exposed to the steam, the label on the sleeve and also the print on the label are not adversely impacted with respect to size or print quality thereon. Likewise in those instances where a label is adhesively secured to the sleeve, the adhesive that secures the printed label to the sleeve is not adversely impacted (i.e., the label remains adhesively secured to the sleeve). Rather, the remainder of the sleeve (that surface area without the label) still undergoes the shrinking when exposed to the elevated temperature steam and then cooled, but the label maintains its original shape and size. The container assembly is still effectively sealed within the shrink wrap sleeve, the last minute information can be added to the label just prior to the shrink wrap process, and the remainder of the sleeve without the label effectively shrinks onto the container assembly.

A method of shrink wrapping sleeves on a container assembly that includes a cap and container is disclosed. The method includes providing a housing or turbine having a wall forming a passage dimensioned to receive the container assembly and sleeve, the passage having an inlet and an outlet spaced from one another. The method further includes locating the inlet vertically above the outlet such that the container assembly and sleeve move downwardly from the inlet toward the outlet. The method could alternatively include locating the inlet horizontally next to the outlet. The method also includes providing steam and/or hot air from a steam and/or hot air source to a steam and/or hot air path that communicates with at least a portion of the passage in order to shrink wrap the sleeve on the container assembly. The method also includes providing a stop member for engaging the associated container assembly and holding in the passage for a predetermined amount of time.

The method may further include rotating the associated container assembly as the associated container assembly passes through the passage.

The method may further include extending at least one protrusion (preferably a helical protrusion) from the housing into the passage to rotate the associated container assembly.

The method further including providing at least one protrusion that extends from the housing into the passage where the at least one protrusion prevents the associated container assembly from contacting the housing wall.

The method includes collecting steam condensate or liquid and communicating the condensate through a recirculation line to the associated steam source.

The method further comprising imparting vibrations to the housing wall.

The method further comprising forming the housing of a polymer material.

The method may include providing a region on the sleeve on which on-the-spot/just-in-time printing such as bar codes, batch information, sale information, compliance information, etc., is completed. The sleeve with the just-in-time print thereon is then positioned on the container assembly and immediately the sleeve is introduced into the shrink wrapping apparatus where the steam shrinks the sleeve on to the container assembly (e.g., along the interface of the container and cap) and the just-in-time print region remains unaffected.

Alternatively, the method may include using a sleeve with a label applied or secured thereto. The label may include pre-printing and the label may be previously attached to the sleeve and supplied to the packaging station. It is also contemplated that additional printing can be added to the label just prior to the shrink wrap process so that last minute information can be included on the label. The shrink wrap sleeve does not shrink along that surface area region where the label is applied during the shrink process, while the remainder of the sleeve without any label attached thereto, will shrink on the container assembly as desired.

The present disclosure advantageously uses the fact that steam rises to its advantage.

Another benefit is associated with the significantly reduced time required to apply the shrink sleeve to accurately, effectively, and inexpensively apply the shrink sleeve to the container assembly.

Still another advantage is the reduced cost to manufacture and operate the shrink wrapping apparatus.

Other benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from reading and understanding the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific details of different embodiments and should be construed as including all changes and/or equivalents or substitutes included in the ideas and technological scope of the appended claims. In describing the drawings, where possible similar reference numerals are used for similar elements, and it will be understood that the drawings are not to scale.

The terms “include” or “may include” used in the present disclosure indicate the presence of disclosed corresponding functions, operations, elements, and the like, and do not limit additional one or more functions, operations, elements, and the like. In addition, it should be understood that the terms “include”, “including”, “have” or “having” used in the present disclosure are to indicate the presence of components, features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or a combination thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or a combination thereof.

The terms “or” or “at least one of A and/or B” used in the present disclosure include any and all combinations of words enumerated with them. For example, “A or B” or “at least one of A and/or B” mean including A, including B, or including both A and B.

Although the terms such as “first” and “second” used in the present disclosure may modify various components or elements of the different exemplary embodiments, these terms do not limit the corresponding components or elements. For example, these terms do not limit an order and/or importance of the corresponding elements, nor do these terms preclude additional elements (e.g., second, third, etc.). The terms may be used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first mechanical device and a second mechanical device all indicate mechanical devices and may indicate different types of mechanical devices or the same type of mechanical device. For example, a first element may be named a second element without departing from the scope of the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and similarly, a second element may be named a first element.

It will be understood that, when an element is mentioned as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled to another element, and there may be an intervening element between the element and another element. To the contrary, it will be understood that, when an element is mentioned as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there is no intervening element between the element and another element.

The terms “generally” or “substantially” are intended to describe a range, such as “generally perpendicular”, “substantially perpendicular”, or “perpendicular” are intended to be interchangeably used as synonymous terminology (e.g., may represent an angular range between two components for example from 85 to 95 degrees; or may represent an angular range relationship for example from 87 to 93 degrees, or may represent an angular relationship of 90 degrees) unless the description otherwise describes and limits the term to a specific angular range for a specific reason or purpose, or is specifically described otherwise such as “exactly perpendicular”.

The terms used in the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are for the purpose of describing specific exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

All of the terms used herein including technical or scientific terms have the same meanings as those generally understood by an ordinary skilled person in the related art unless they are defined otherwise. The terms defined in a generally used dictionary should be interpreted as having the same meanings as the contextual meanings of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted as having inconsistent or exaggerated meanings unless they are clearly defined in the various exemplary embodiments.

FIGS.1and2illustrate an apparatus or steamer apparatus100for a shrink wrap or shrink sleeve such as a thin, hollow plastic sleeve or cylinder received over a container assembly (where the container assembly includes a container or container body and a cap) such as illustrated inFIG.16. As will become more apparent below, the container and the cap may be separate components or integrally formed and joined together in both the open and closed positions, for example, via a hinge. More particularly, apparatus100heats and shrinks the plastic sleeve over portions of both the container body and the cap, particularly along the interface of the cap closed on the container body as will be described in greater detail below.

The steamer apparatus100includes a housing102having a base104that has a wide footprint allowing the apparatus to be stably positioned on a work surface. A power switch106when switched to the “on” position provides power to the steamer apparatus100(e.g., AC or DC power). A reservoir108is provided in the housing102and well or recess110provides selective access to refill the reservoir with a fluid, such as water. Internal to the housing is a heater (not shown) that is controlled by the power switch106. With water in the reservoir108, and the power switch106turned “on”, the water is quickly heated to a boiling point to produce steam. The steam exits the housing102through outlet112which is in fluid communication with the steam produced in the housing. Thus, the description to this point can generally be referred to as a steam source, and does not preclude another conventional steam source that may be used with the shrink sleeve apparatus100to be described further below (and which in this instance, the shrink sleeve apparatus is a part of a steamer apparatus). It is also contemplated that in some instances hot air could be used (i) instead of steam, and/or in combination with water (e.g., fine water droplets), and/or (iii) in combination with steam.

Outlet112receives a shrink sleeve apparatus having a housing or turbine120shown inFIGS.1-2, and more particular details of which are illustrated inFIGS.3-9. The turbine120is mechanically and sealingly secured to the steamer housing102particularly via an attachment portion122, and thus can be considered a part of the steamer housing, or may be made as a separate assembly that is provided steam from the steamer apparatus100or another steam source. The turbine attachment portion122includes an internal channel124that communicates the steam from the steam source, e.g., steam generated in the steamer housing, to the turbine120. As particularly shown inFIGS.3-9, the turbine120includes a passage130defined by a wall132where the passage has a first end or inlet134and a second end or outlet136where the outlet is spaced from the inlet. More particularly, the inlet134is located vertically above the outlet136so that the hot steam from the steam source provided to channel124and passage130advantageously and naturally rises vertically upward in the general direction from adjacent the outlet toward the inlet, and the force of gravity acting downwardly from the inlet toward the outlet is also advantageously used in a manner to be described further below. In the alternative, hot air could be utilized instead of hot steam as hot air also naturally rises.

The turbine120is generally a hollow cylindrical structure in which the passage130extends continuously from the inlet134to the outlet136, and in the preferred arrangement, the passage has substantially the same cross-sectional dimension along the passage. In the preferred arrangement the turbine forms a generally hollow cylinder where the passage has a circular or substantially circular cross-section, although this need not be the particular configuration of the turbine or passage. The internal channel124of the turbine attachment portion122communicates with the steam and/or hot air generated in and supplied by the steamer and/or hot air housing102and directs the steam toward the turbine passage130. Steam inlet150is located adjacent the second end or outlet136of the turbine120(FIG.9). The steam and/or hot air inlet150directs the steam and/or hot air from the steamer and/or hot air housing102(i.e., steam source or hot air source) along a steam path that communicates with at least a portion of the turbine passage130. In this particular instance, a cavity152is provided in the turbine between inner and outer walls thereof, and since the preferred turbine configuration is a hollow cylinder, the cavity152has a generally annular shape although such a shape should not be deemed to be a limiting feature. Thus, the steam and/or hot air elevates the temperature of the turbine, preferably over substantially an entire height of the turbine. Some of the steam and/or hot air passes directly from the inlet150, to a portion of the cavity152and through at least one steam and/or hot air outlet154, and preferably multiple steam and/or hot air outlets154that are located in spaced apart relation around the inner circumferential surface of the wall132of the turbine. The steam and/or hot air outlets154are preferably located near or adjacent to the second end or outlet136of the turbine so that the heated steam and/or hot air rises upwardly through the passage130naturally and advantageously toward the first end or inlet134.

Thus, in the case of steam, the steam created in the steamer housing102by heating the water in reservoir108is directed to internal channel124of the attachment portion122of the turbine120. By angling the attachment portion122upwardly, the steam naturally rises and migrates toward the steam inlet150where a portion enters into annular cavity152and another portion of the steam exits into the turbine passage130via steam outlets154. Further, the steam proceeds upwardly due to the heated fluid rising naturally so that the turbine passage130has steam continuously supplied thereto.

Some of the steam naturally cools either upon contacting the inner surface of turbine passage130or when the steam comes into contact with the associated container assembly and/or associated sleeve (to be described below) as these container assembly components and associated sleeve proceed downwardly from the turbine inlet134to the turbine outlet136. The associated container assembly and sleeve are introduced into the inlet of the turbine and proceed in a first direction (generally vertically downward) toward the outlet and have a temperature less than the temperature of the steam that is rising upwardly in an opposite direction (generally vertically upward). The steam quickly and advantageously raises the temperature of the associated sleeve and the associated container assembly as these components pass downwardly through the rising steam.

In addition, the turbine120includes at least one protrusion, and preferably multiple protrusions shown here as multiple, circumferentially spaced, helical protrusions160that extend from the inner wall132of the turbine and terminate at a radial location within the passage. As illustrated inFIGS.1-9, each of the helical protrusions160preferably has the same pitch. Portions of each helical protrusion160may extend axially outwardly from the passage130at the upper, first end134of the turbine, although this need not necessarily be the case. Similarly, each of the helical protrusions160may terminate within the passage130adjacent the second end136of the turbine120.

The helical protrusions160serve multiple purposes and functions. First, the helical protrusions160serve as a portion of a turning member for rotating or twisting an associated container assembly as the container assembly and associated sleeve pass through the passage130of the turbine120. Secondly, the helical protrusions160extend radially inward from the surface of the inner wall132a sufficient dimension to prevent the associated container assembly and sleeve from contacting the inner wall surface. Third, the helical protrusions serve as ledges or condensate channels to direct condensate (cooled steam) toward a collector ring170located adjacent the second end136of the turbine120. As represented inFIG.2, a return/recirculation line172extends from the collector ring170(and particularly from an opening174in the turbine second end136that communicates with the collector ring170—seeFIGS.7-9). The return/recirculation line172communicates with the collector ring at one end and leads to the reservoir108in the steamer housing102(or other steam or hot air source). In this manner, that portion of the steam that turns to condensate along the inner surface of the turbine120is returned to the reservoir108to be re-heated and sent again as steam into the turbine.

FIGS.10-16show various front, rear, side, top, and bottom views of a first preferred embodiment of a container assembly200, although one skilled in the art will understand from the following description that alternative container assemblies can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure. More particularly, the container assembly200includes a container or container body202and a cap204. The cap204may be a separate component or may be joined to the container202via a hinge206. In the container assembly embodiment200ofFIGS.10-16, the container202is an elongated structure that is open at a first end208and closed at a second end210. As represented by broken lines inFIG.10, container wall212encloses and forms an internal cavity214that is selectively accessed through the open, first end208. Once the desired product, content, or package material is received in the cavity214, the cap204closes the cavity, i.e., the cap is rotated to a closed position (FIG.12) to close the contents of the container202from the external environment. Typically, the container assembly is a plastic construction, i.e., a molded plastic container assembly where the container202and the cap204are formed in a single forming operation where connected by a hinge, and may be formed in separate forming operations when not connected by a hinge.

As evident inFIG.12, with the cap204in a closed condition relative to the container202, the hinge206protrudes outwardly from an external surface of the container. This configuration of the hinge206is advantageously used to cooperate with one of the helical protrusions160in the turbine120in the shrink sleeve apparatus. An outer peripheral dimension of the container200is less than an inner dimension of the helical protrusions160extending into the passage130. The hinge206, on the other hand, extends outwardly from the container a sufficient dimension that the hinge contacts one of the helical protrusions160. Together, the hinge206and one of the helical protrusions160act as a turning member in order to rotate the container assembly200as the container assembly passes via gravity from the upper, first end134of the turbine120to the lower, second end136. Of course, it is also contemplated that an alternative component can be provided elsewhere on the container assembly and protrude outwardly for engagement with the turning member/helical protrusions to serve the same purpose as the protruding hinge.

As represented inFIG.16, a hollow, cylindrical sleeve220is dimensioned for receipt over the container assembly200, typically extending over a major portion of a length of the container assembly. The sleeve220is a conventional thin, plastic structure that shrinks when heated to an elevated temperature in a manner well known in the art. As shown inFIG.16, a first container assembly is identified as container assembly200A and similarly, the sleeve is identified as sleeve220A. This represents the container assembly200A and sleeve220B before the container assembly and sleeve are joined together in the shrink wrapping process associated with the shrink sleeve apparatus, i.e., the sleeve is positioned over the container assembly has an inner dimension greater than an outer dimension of some or all of the container assembly. On the other hand, a second container assembly is identified as container assembly cap200B and similarly, the sleeve is identified as sleeve220B to illustrate the container assembly with a shrink-wrapped sleeve thereon as the assembly exits the shrink wrap apparatus. The heat provided by the steam and/or hot air as the combination container assembly210and sleeve220pass through the passage130shrinks the sleeve into tight fitting peripheral engagement with the container assembly. Preferably the sleeve220B is received over the container assembly200B so that the sleeve integrally covers at least a portion of the cap204B along with a major portion of the container202B. In this manner, the sleeve220B also acts as a tamper evident indicator for the final product.

While conventional hot air ovens are more compact than bulky horizontal steam conveyor units, it is believed that the steamer apparatus of the present invention will be the smallest shrink sleeve system in the market. Further, the conventional steam conveyor units use on the order of 50-60 gallons of water (along with complex boilers or pressure tanks) in a typical 10-12 hour work shift, while the present invention only uses 5-6 gallons in the same period of time without the need for a boiler or pressure tank structure. The shrink sleeve apparatus of the present invention generates sufficient steam to shrink the sleeve on to the container assembly. The turbine120advantageously directs the steam into a 360 degree annulus or doughnut-shaped chamber in the turbine. From there, the steam is introduced through spaced outlets150opening into the vertical passage130. The helical protrusions160space the container assembly with the shrink sleeve220away from the inner wall132of the steam turbine120. The turbine120is preferably oriented upright for the entire process to evenly shrink the sleeve220to the container assembly200. The container assemblies200do not easily stand up on their own so that is why the present shrink sleeve apparatus is designed to drop the container assemblies and accompanying sleeves220through the vertical steam turbine120.

An even, constant steam flow passing the container assembly200and shrink sleeve220is desired so that a uniform shrink is achieved. If not, the resulting product is not aesthetically pleasing, e.g., print on the container assembly may be difficult to read and the container assembly may show wrinkles. The plastic construction of the steam turbine120of the present invention advantageously twists the process steam while also twisting or rotating the container assembly/sleeve as they travel in the opposite direction (from the inlet134to the outlet136) than the steam (generally from outlet to inlet). Gravity advantageously pulls the container assembly200with the sleeve220through the turbine passage130. The amount of dwell or resident time of the container assembly200and sleeve220can be controlled by altering the pitch or twist of the helical protrusions160(or via a stop member which is described below in connection withFIGS.39-42). The hinge206on the container assembly200aligns with the helical protrusions160of the turbine helix to rotate or twist the container assembly and sleeve220on the way down through the turbine passage130.

While some extremely small and featherweight container assemblies and associated shrink sleeves may get stuck on the way down through the turbine passage130, a small vibrator240(FIG.9) may be connected to the wall of the plastic steam turbine120. For example, a small mobile phone-type vibrator240could be used to further assure and even speed up the drop of the container assembly200and sleeve220through the turbine passage130.

The bottom of the plastic steam turbine130includes the condensation collection ring170. The helical protrusions160and the steam chamber wall132collect small amounts of condensation. Gravity directs the small amounts of condensation along the protrusions to channel/direct the flow of condensate water into the collection ring170. From the collection ring170, the collected water proceeds through a small diameter water return line172back to the water reservoir of the steam apparatus. Small amounts of condensation may fall past the collection ring170but can be minimized without changing the basic structure and concept described herein.

The plastic turbine120with the helical protrusions160also allows for uneven diameter container assemblies200to be dropped thru the vertical steam turbine passage130. The protruding hinge206of the container assembly200acts like a tooth on a gear while twisting the container assembly and sleeve220, and the engagement between the protruding hinge and the helical protrusion(s) slows the drop at the same time. A greater degree of pitch or twist of the helical protrusions160can slow the drop through the turbine passage130, and likewise less pitch/twist can speed up the drop time through the turbine passage, or to adjust the heat shrinking of the sleeve220on to the container assembly200.

The turbine120is advantageously constructed or manufactured through an additive manufacturing process (also referred to as a 3-D printing process) because of the internal cavities formed in the turbine wall132. Using multiple walls in the turbine construction also desirably insulates and minimizes heat loss, and likewise minimizes the amount of condensation. Plastic material also allows the external surface of the turbine120to be at a safer, lower temperature, whereas a similar metal construction would potentially be too hot to touch because the internal temperature of the steam turbine120heats to approximately 200 degrees F. The plastic 3-D printed steam turbine120can also easily be changed to accommodate different sized (diameters) container assemblies200, and likewise machining a comparable turbine from metal would be extremely expensive to accommodate different dimensions or diameters.

The process of shrink forming the sleeve220on the container assembly200advantageously includes using a gravity vertical drop of the container assembly and associated sleeve with or without a sidewall helical protrusion160. The steam turbine120can receive different cross-sectional shapes of container assemblies200, e.g. round patterns, square, rectangular or still other designed container assemblies of various lengths can be dropped through the turbine120.

FIGS.17-36relate to various different embodiments of the container assembly200, i.e., container202and cap204. For ease of reference and purposes of brevity, each embodiment uses the same reference numerals and description associated with the container assembly200ofFIGS.10-15, with an additional suffix “A”, “B”, etc. Each of these ten additional embodiments illustrates a hinged container assembly where the container/container body is connected by a hinge206to the cap204, with different styles of the container (e.g., cylindrical, tapered, elongated, shorter, etc.) and the different style caps (e.g., flat, V-shaped, dome, donut, etc.). It will also be appreciated that still other designs or variations of the container assembly (either the container body or cap) can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure. These different embodiments of the container assemblies are intended to demonstrate that different types of containers can be used with the shrink sleeve apparatus and steam turbine of the present invention. Moreover, it is also contemplated that the container and cap need not be necessarily hinged, although provision of a protruding structure from the container assembly that cooperates with the protrusion in the turbine passage130would be required in order to advantageously employ various ones of the features and benefits of the present invention.

A modified shrink wrap sleeve300is shown inFIGS.37and38. InFIG.37, the sleeve300has a first, total surface area (approximately one-half of the total surface area is illustrated in this plan view). The sleeve300is shipped in a flattened state but deploys into a generally hollow cylindrical shape that is open at opposite first and second ends302,304. Before shrink wrapping, the hollow sleeve300has an inner opening dimension adapted to be freely received around the outer surface of a container310(FIG.38). The sleeve300is formed of a first material such that, when exposed to an elevated temperature (steam) and subsequently cooled, the inner opening dimension shrinks to a smaller, post-shrink dimension whereby the sleeve inner opening tightly wraps on to the external surface of the container310.

Reference numeral320refers to a print region on the sleeve300. In a first embodiment, the print region320is a white area or pre-printed white area, for example, that is used to print on-the-spot/just-in-time printing such as bar codes, batch information, sale information, compliance information, etc. The sleeve300with the just-in-time print on region320is then positioned on the container assembly and immediately the sleeve is introduced into the shrink wrapping apparatus where the steam shrinks the sleeve on to the container assembly (e.g., along the interface of the container and cap) and the just-in-time print region remains unaffected. A thermal printer has been successfully used to print on to the region320and eliminates the time and cost of printing on a separate label that is described as an alternative arrangement/process below. Providing or printing the white area/region320and subsequently printing the print on-the-spot/just-in-time printing such as bar codes, batch information, sale information, compliance information, etc., works effectively without adversely impacting the print quality so that the printed text can be read once the sleeve has been shrink-wrapped onto the container assembly using the quick shrink wrapping apparatus of the present disclosure.

An alternative arrangement/process uses a label320that has a second, total surface area less than the first, total surface area of the sleeve300. That is, the label320preferably covers only a portion of the total outer surface of the sleeve300. The label320is secured to an external surface of the sleeve300in a manner well known in the art, for example, with a suitable adhesive provided between the label and the outer surface of the sleeve that affixes the label to the sleeve. The label320is preferably formed of a second material that is conducive to being printed on, and the label resists shrinkage when exposed to the elevated temperature and subsequently cooled. The adhesive secures the label320to the sleeve300and the adhesively secured label substantially prevents the sleeve from shrinking when exposed to the steam along that external surface portion of the sleeve that receives the label thereon. That is, a comparison ofFIGS.37and38illustrates that the label320has essentially the same dimension before shrink wrapping (FIG.37) and post shrink wrapping, i.e., after being secured to the container310(FIG.38). The label320may include pre-printing and the label may be previously attached to the sleeve300and supplied to the shrink wrap steam apparatus. It is also contemplated that additional printing can be added to the label320just prior to the shrink wrap process so that last minute information can be included on the label just prior to being shrink wrapped to the container310. Thus, the overall sleeve300will shrink when exposed to the steam and/or hot air, but that portion of the sleeve covered by the label and the label itself are essentially immune to shrinkage or a significant amount of shrinkage that would otherwise adversely impact the information/indicia printed on the label. By way of example only, the sleeve and printed label are exposed to the elevated temperature steam for less than 2 seconds, or approximately 1.5 seconds or less (significantly less than prior commercial units of 2-5 seconds).

FIGS.39-42relate to an alternative embodiment of the apparatus100that includes a stop member400for engaging the associated container and holding the container in place for a predetermined amount of time. In this alternative embodiment, the orientation of the turbine120could be vertical, horizontal (substantially horizontal), or any orientation in between.

FIGS.39and40illustrates the alternative embodiment of an apparatus or steamer apparatus100for a shrink wrap or shrink sleeve such as a thin, hollow plastic sleeve or cylinder received over a container assembly (where the container assembly includes a container or container body and a cap) such as illustrated inFIG.16. In particular, apparatus100heats and shrinks the plastic sleeve over portions of both the container body and the cap, particularly along the interface of the cap closed on the container body as described in greater detail above.

The apparatus100ofFIGS.39and40include a housing102having a wall forming a passage dimensioned to receive the associated container assembly and associated sleeve, the passage having an inlet and an outlet spaced therefrom. A path communicates with the passage to provide steam and/or hot air from an associated steam and or hot air source to at least a portion of the passage in order to shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container assembly. In this alternative embodiment ofFIGS.39-42, the apparatus100includes a stop member400for engaging the associated container assembly and holding the container assembly in the passage for a predetermined amount of time. The time is determined based upon the size of the container assembly and the weight of the material contained within the container assembly. For example, a liquid could weigh significantly more than a light substance and thus may require the container assembly to be held for a longer period of time than a light weight substance. For example, some containers may need to have the stop member400engaged for only 1 second, whereas other containers may need the stop member400to be engaged for 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or more. The particular location of the stop member400in the apparatus100may be varied, and one skilled in the art will appreciate that the length of time, stop member location, etc. may vary from one apparatus design to another without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure.

The stop member400could be a mechanical finger, a shutter such as a shutter device that functions like the iris of a camera, or other similar device that could function to hold the container assembly in place for the time necessary to effectively shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container.

The stop member400is coupled to a controller403that controls operation of the stop member400. The controller403preferably includes a motor and a PCB (printed circuit board). The PCB operatively communicates with the motor to control the action of the stop member400between first and second states, for example between an extended, first position and a retracted, second position when the stop member is a finger. Similarly, if the stop member400is akin to a camera iris then the first state of the stop member is dimensioned to engage the associated container assembly and a different, second state where the stop member is positioned or sized to allow the container assembly to pass by the stop member. The controller403also preferably communicates with an indicator406to report a status of the stop member400. For example, in one embodiment, the indicator406is a light that is either one of two colors, such as “red or “green”, to indicate to the user/operator whether the stop member400is engaged with a container and/or whether a new container may be loaded into the apparatus100. If this stop member400is engaged, then the indicator406might be a first color such as “green” notifying the user that the container assembly can be inserted into the apparatus100knowing that the container assembly will stay in place for the time necessary to shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container. If the indicator406is a different, second color such as “red”, the user would understand to wait and insert the container assembly at a later point in time. Of course other types of indicators406could be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure. The PCB could be controlled remotely by a computer, a smart phone, a tablet or other similar device or app contained on any suitable device that communicates or interfaces therewith. The PCB could be programmed to adjust the time the stop member400is engaged with the container assembly, varying the amount of time as desired, based upon the size and weight of the container assembly. This would allow great flexibility in the usefulness of the apparatus100for various sizes and weights of containers.

FIGS.41and42are alternate longitudinal cross-sectional views of the turbine120ofFIG.40. In particular,FIG.41shows some of the steam and/or hot air passing directly from the inlet150, to a portion of the cavity152and through at least one steam/hot air outlet154, and preferably multiple steam/hot air outlets154that are located in spaced apart relation around the inner circumferential surface of the wall132of the turbine. The steam/hot air outlets154are preferably located near or adjacent to the second end or outlet136of the turbine so that the heated steam/hot air rises upwardly through the passage130naturally and advantageously toward the first end or inlet134.

InFIG.42, an alternative embodiment is shown in which the steam/hot air outlets154could be located throughout the inner circumferential surface of the wall132of the turbine and extend from the outlet136up to the inlet134. This could be particularly advantageous if the apparatus100is in a more horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation, allowing the hot air/steam to flow around a container assembly and shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container.

This written description uses examples to describe the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. Other examples that occur to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the invention if they have structural elements that do not differ from the same concept or that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the same concept or from the literal language of the claims. Moreover, this disclosure is intended to seek protection for a combination of components and/or steps and a combination of claims as originally presented for examination, as well as seek potential protection for other combinations of components and/or steps and combinations of claims during prosecution.

Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. Although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and description herein, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. Moreover, the operations of the system and apparatus as disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components, and the methods described herein may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of this application and any resulting patent in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) means plus function interpretation unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.