Patent Publication Number: US-2013232831-A1

Title: Method, device and apparatus for delivering promotion and advertising

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a method, device and apparatus for delivering promotion or advertising, and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method and system for delivering promotional or advertising messages via the lids of drink containers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Advertising and other messages are delivered in many ways, via many different types of media. It is known to deliver messages by way of including a message on a drinks-cup lid, or a takeaway drinks container. The messages are applied to the drinks-cup lid by moulding the lids so that the message appears indented or raised on the drinks-cup lid. Note that these drinks-cup lids are generally of plastics material, although they may also be of paper material. 
     It is, however, quite expensive to provide messages in this way. Only one message can be provided per moulding. To change the message, different mouldings have to be used. This increases costs, which will usually be borne by the purchaser of the lids e.g. coffee shop owner. Because of this, this form of message delivery has to date found only limited application. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for delivering promotion or advertising, comprising the steps of providing a drinks container lid having a printed label on the top surface thereof, the printed label including promotional or advertising information. 
     In one embodiment, the drinks container lid is of the type which is arranged to act as a lid for a cup-like container, such as, for example, a takeaway coffee drinks container. In this case, the container is in the form of a cup, and the lid covers the mouth of the cup. 
     In one embodiment, the printed label may cover the majority of the portion of the top surface of the lid. Where the lid is of the type which has a raised rim and an indented central portion, the printed label may cover the indented central portion. 
     In one embodiment, the printed label is adhered to the top of the lid by some means, for example, adhesive. 
     In one embodiment, the printed label is a single layer label having means for adhering on the bottom of the label and the promotional or advertising information on the top of the label. 
     In one embodiment, the label includes a removable section. 
     In one embodiment, the lid is a lid for a takeaway coffee container. 
     An advantage of an embodiment of the invention is that to change the advertising or promotional information it is only necessary to change the printed label, and it is not necessary to change the drinks container lid, for example it is not necessary to remould the drinks container lid. Any appropriate drinks container lids can therefore be used consistently, and advertising messages can be changed by affixing printed labels having different messages. Advertising campaigns can therefore be delivered without it being necessary to change the configuration of the container lid. 
     In one embodiment, the printed label is affixed in a predetermined orientation on the container lid. This has the advantage that any information provided on a printed label will be at a predetermined orientation on the lid and therefore predetermined orientation to the user and when user is drinking through e.g. a spout that may be provided on the lid. In one embodiment, where the lid has a spout or other passageway or hole for fluid to pass through, the predetermined orientation of the printed label may be at a predetermined orientation with respect to the spout or other exit. In one embodiment, the predetermined orientation may be such that a user can easily read the matter when the spout or exit is directed towards them. 
     In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention provides a device for delivering a message, the device comprising a drinks container lid having a printed label on the top surface thereof, which includes promotional or advertising information. 
     In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention provides a printed label for a drinks container lid, the printed label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, and the printed label bearing promotional or advertising material. 
     In one embodiment, the printed label includes a removable section. 
     In one embodiment, the printed label is of a size to substantially cover over fifty percent of the top surface of the lid. In one embodiment, where the lid is of the type which has a raised border and lowered central portion, the printed label is of a size which covers the lowered central portion. 
     The applicants have designed an apparatus for applying printed labels to drinks container lids. In order to facilitate the labelling process, the applicants have discovered that one of the important aspects is the delivery of lids to a labelling station. Handling delivery of the types of lids which are used for drinks containers can be quite difficult. The plastics and paper type lids are quite light and difficult to handle and place. To do this manually would not be cost effective. 
     In accordance with a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a delivery apparatus for delivering drinks container lids to a labelling station for labelling with printed labels, the delivery apparatus including a picker arrangement arranged to carry out an operation involving picking a single lid from a magazine arranged to contain a plurality of lids and placing the lid on a conveyer means for conveying the lid to the labelling station, the picker arrangement being arranged to carry out the operation repetitively to continue to place single lids on the conveyer means. 
     In one embodiment, the picker arrangement includes a picker head which is arranged to grab a lid from the magazine, and picker arm attached to the picker head and arranged to rotate so that the picker head rotates to deliver the lid to the conveyer means. In one embodiment, rotation of the picker arm is implemented by way of a cam arrangement. It is an advantage of this embodiment to be able to deliver single lids to a labelling station quickly and rapidly, with minimum manual intervention. This advantageously keeps labelling costs to a minimum. 
     In accordance with a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a stacker apparatus for stacking drinks container lids which have been labelled with printed labels, the stacker apparatus including a magazine for receiving labelled lids, a stacker position, the stacker position being arranged to receive single lids from a conveyer means, and an impeller arrangement for impelling lids received at the stacker position into the stacker magazine. 
     The magazine in one embodiment is configured to arrange the lids in a stack formation. 
     In one embodiment, the impeller means is a jet of compressed air. 
     It is an advantage of an embodiment of the stacker apparatus to provide a stack of labelled lids for convenient handling and subsequent delivery. 
     In accordance with a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a labelling apparatus for labelling drinks container lids with printed labels, the apparatus including a delivery apparatus for delivering drinks container lids, the delivery apparatus including a picker arrangement arranged to pick single lids from a magazine and place them on a conveyer means for conveying the single lids to a labelling station, a labeller arranged to affix printed labels to each of the single lids, and a stacker apparatus arranged to receive the printed labels from the conveyer mechanism and stack the labels in a magazine. 
     The delivery apparatus in one embodiment is the delivery apparatus of the fourth aspect of the invention. 
     The stacker apparatus in one embodiment is the stacker apparatus of the fifth aspect of the invention. 
     It may be convenient to operate or licence operation of a plurality of labelling apparatus such as discussed in the fifth aspect of the present invention, in order to promote to the public delivery of advertising (or promotions) via drinks container lids. It would be advantageous to be able to monitor operation of a plurality of labelling apparatus. 
     In accordance with a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a system for monitoring labelling apparatus for labelling drinks-cup lids with printed labels, the system including a monitoring means for monitoring a plurality of labelling apparatus to determine a quantity associated with the number of lids being labelled. 
     Advantageously, this quantity can be used to determine the production of the machines and the quantum of any licence fee. 
     In one embodiment, the system includes a control means for controlling the plurality of apparatus. In one embodiment, the control means may be able to stop operation of the apparatus. 
     In one embodiment, the labelling apparatus is the labelling apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention. 
     In order to facilitate advertising campaigns, the present applicants have also invented a distribution system for distributing the lids with printed labels in an effective manner. 
     In accordance with an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a method of promotion via drinks outlets, comprising the steps of providing lids with printed labels including promotional or advertising information to the drinks container outlets at no cost, and receiving revenue for the lids from advertisers who have commissioned the promotional or advertising information on the printed labels. 
     Providing the lids to the drink outlets free is advantageously an incentive for the drink outlets to take the lids. 
     In one embodiment, a provider contracts to continue providing the lids free even where no printed labels with messages are on the lids. 
     In one embodiment, the drinks outlets are cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and the like who provide takeaway drinks, such as takeaway coffee, for example. 
     It is known to run “advertising campaigns” which may include the delivery of advertisements via more than one type of media. For example, via television and billboards. Such different media are quite diverse and may not be totally effective in bringing a promotional message across to the public. 
     In accordance with an ninth aspect, the present invention provides a method of delivering a campaign, comprising the steps of providing drinks container lids with printed labels including promotional or advertising information, and also providing an associated item including further promotional or advertising information associated with the same campaign. 
     In one embodiment, the associated item may include a drinks-cup which includes on the drinks-cup itself promotional or advertising information associated with the promotional or advertising information on the drinks-cup lid. By “associated”, is meant that the promotional or advertising information is related to the same promotion. 
     Other associated items in this embodiment may include a table top at the drinks outlet (providing a message on the table top), a tray (for example a printed sheet on a tray), an associated message on a stand-up holder on a table in the drinks outlet, an associated poster, and other items that may be placed conveniently at the drinks outlet. 
     In accordance with a tenth aspect, the present invention provides a method of monitoring labelling apparatus for labelling drinks-cup lids with printed labels, comprising the steps of monitoring a plurality of labelling apparatus to determine a quantity associated with the number of lids being labelled. 
     The method preferably includes the further step of utilising the quantity to determine a production of the labelling apparatus. 
     In accordance with an eleventh aspect, the present invention provides a method of delivering a campaign, comprising the steps of affixing the printed label in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, to a drinks container lid of the type which is arranged to fit over the mouth of a cup-type container. 
     In accordance with a twelfth aspect, the present invention provides a labelling apparatus for labelling drinks container lids with printed labels, the apparatus including registration means arranged to facilitate placement of the printed labels on the lids in a predetermined orientation. 
     In one embodiment, the predetermined orientation relates to printed matter presented on the lids, so that the printed matter is positioned in substantially the same orientation with respect to the lid for each lid that is labelled. 
     In one embodiment, the drinks container lid is of the type which has a passageway, spout or other exit which enables fluid to pass through e.g. to be imbibed by a consumer. In this embodiment, the orientation of the label is such that a consumer drinking from the passageway, spout or exit would be easily able to view the printed matter. Where that the printed matter includes wording, the user is preferably able to read the wording. In one embodiment, the wording may be placed at “twelve o&#39;clock” to the spout, exit or passageway. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1(   a ), ( b ), ( c ) are printed labels for drinks container lids, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;  FIG. 1(   d ) is a diagram of a printed label with a removable section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view from above and one side of a labelling apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a view from one side of the labelling apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4(   a ), ( b ), ( c ) are perspective views of a delivery apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view from one side of a part of the delivery apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view from one side of a stacker apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view from above and one side of the stacker apparatus of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view from above and behind of the delivery apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 9(   a ), ( b ), ( c ) are views from behind of the delivery apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of a coffee lid utilised in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the coffee lid of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating a distribution system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram of a monitoring system for monitoring labelling apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view of a detail of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 , illustrating means for registration of container lids; and 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view from one side of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates three actual-size printed labels for use on drinks container lids, in accordance with an embodiment with the present invention. In these examples, the labels  1 ,  2 ,  3  are intended for use on takeaway coffee container lids. These types of lids (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) and generally comprise plastics or paper lids  200  having a top surface  201 , which in some cases may have a raised area  202  around the outside, and a skirt  203  depending from the top area with a lip  204  which is arranged to fit to the mouth of the drinks container lid (usually over the mouth of the drinks container lid). The lid may include a spout  205  or hole in the top surface of the lid through which a consumer can imbibe drink. The printed labels in accordance with this embodiment of the invention are arranged to adhere to the top surface  201  of such a drinks container lid. In this example, adhesive is applied to the back surface of the label  1 ,  2 ,  3 , to adhere to the drinks-container lid. 
     As is clearly illustrated in  FIG. 1(   a ), ( b ), ( c ) promotional or advertising information is printed on the top surface  4  of the printed label  1 ,  2 ,  3 . In this example, various messages relating to an anti-litter campaign against cigarettes are illustrated. Any promotion or advertisement information may appear on the printed labels. 
     Providing such labels on drinks container lids, such as coffee cup lids, is believed to be an extremely effective way of delivering messages to the public, having high impact. The message is delivered, on the top of the coffee or other drinks-cup lid, very close to the person (a very short distance away from them when they are drinking the drink, usually via an opening in the top of the drinks-container lid). Even if they remove the lid after they have obtained their takeaway drink, they will have had plenty of opportunity to view the message. 
       FIG. 1(   d ) shows, in diagrammatic form, another example of a printed label in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment  210 , includes a removable section  211 . The removable section may be used to promote a competition, for example, or to include other information that the user may remove from the label and drinks container lid. In this embodiment, the label comprises three sections. Sections  212  and  213  (upper and bottom sections) have adhesive on their back surfaces so they adhere to the drinks container lid. The top surface may be printed with information such as advertisements. The central section  211  does not have adhesive on its rear surface. It is connected to the upper  212  and bottom  213  sections by perforated lines  214 ,  215 . It can therefore be torn away from the upper and bottom sections and removed from the drinks container lid. It may contain information such as (as shown in this example) to instruct the user to send an SMS message in order to enter a competition. 
     As discussed above, prior art lids have been moulded to include some wording. This requires a new moulding for every message to be delivered and does not provide the sophisticated graphics and versatility of a printed label. 
     One of the issues with the prior art moulded lids was cost. In order to provide lids in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention it is necessary to affix the labels to the lids. The applicants have developed an apparatus which implements a process of affixing labels to lids in a cost effective manner. The apparatus will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 2-9 . 
     A labelling apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral  10 . The labelling apparatus comprises a delivery apparatus  11  which is arranged to deliver drinks-cup lids  12  to a labelling station  13 . It also comprises a stacker apparatus  14 , which is arranged to receive labelled lids  12  and stack them in a convenient to handle stack  15 . 
     In more detail, the delivery apparatus  11  delivers single lids  12  sequentially onto a conveyer  16  which is running in the direction shown by arrow A. The lids  12  move with the conveyer towards the labelling station  13  and are guided by a guide  17  to ensure that they are in the right location for labelling. The labelling station  13  comprises a labeller  18  which includes a roll  19  of printed labels to be affixed to the lids  12 . The roll is mounted for rotation on an axle  20  and spindles  21 ,  22  guide a tape  23  mounting the printed labels from the roll to a delivery point  24 . The labeller  18  is of known type. An infrared sensor  25  detects the position of the lid  12  and activates the labeller  18  to place a label on the drinks-cup lid  12 . A sponge roller  26  is arranged to secure the label on the drinks-cup lid as the drinks-cup lid  12  passes under the roller  26 . 
     In order to ensure sufficient throughput with minimal manual intervention (and therefore low cost) single lids are placed on the conveyer  12  sequentially at intervals by, in this embodiment, a delivery apparatus  11  including a picker arrangement  27  which will be now described in more detail and in particular with reference to  FIGS. 4(   a )( b )( c ) and  9 ( a )( b )( c ). 
     The delivery apparatus  11  includes a magazine  28 , which in this embodiment includes four upstanding rods  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 , which are positioned to receive a stack of lids  12  for delivery to the labelling station  13 . The lids  12  are fed by way of a dye  33  ( FIG. 5 ), which defines a hole  34  corresponding to the size of the lids  12 . It can be seen from  FIG. 5  that the magazine comprises a frame  35  supporting the rods  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 . Note that in  FIG. 5  the dye  33  is shown removed from the frame  35 , and in use sits within the frame  35 . Note also from  FIG. 5  that the rods are mounted on adjustable mounts  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39  which are adjustable to enable the rods to be moved inwards or outwards to vary the size of the magazine to take different sized lids (similarly with the dye  33 ). The adjustable mounts  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39  work on a simple screw  40  and slide  41  arrangement in each case. Adjustment of the screw  40  relieves tension on the mount  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39  so that the screw  40  can move relative to the slide  41  to adjust the position of the rod. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 4 , the delivery apparatus  11  includes a picker arrangement  27 . The picker arrangement  27  includes a grabber  42  which, in this example, is in the form of a suction cup. Powered by a compressed air driver  43  (linked to compressed air line, not shown),the suction cup  42  grabs a lid  12  from the magazine  28  ( FIG. 4   a ) removes it from the magazine  28 , and, rotating through  180 ° ( FIG. 4   b ) places the lid  12  on the conveyer  16  and releases it ( FIG. 4   c ). The picker arrangement  27  then repeats this operation and will continue until the lids  12  run out from the magazine  28  or the machine is switched off. 
     One of the problems with delivery of plastics and paper and other types of drinks container lids is that they are light, so that gravity feed to the conveyer is difficult if not impossible. They must be placed. Placing without manual intervention is difficult, and the picker arrangement  27  addresses this issue. The picker arrangement  27  includes a picker arm  44  which rotates to rotate the picker head  42  and moves downwards to place the lid  12  on to the conveyer. The picker arm is rotated by a cam arrangement  45 , which enables the arm  44  and head  42  to be rotated quickly under the power of the compressed air driver  43 . The picker arrangement can therefore operate rapidly and consistently to put in place drinks-cup lids  12  on the conveyer  16 . 
       FIG. 9(   a ),( b ),( c ) show views which are of an operation of the cam arrangement.  FIG. 8  also shows a detail illustration of the cam arrangement. The cam arrangement comprises a guide  230  in the form of a slot in a frame  231  at a back end of the delivery apparatus  11 . The picker arm  44  is mounted for rotation within a movable mounting  232 . The picker arm  44  extends through the mounting  232  out the back thereof and through a cam block  233 . The cam block is mounted on a bearing  234  for movement within the guide  230 . The picker arm  44  forms a hollow shaft through which compressed air can be provided to the grabber  42 . A compressed air hose (not shown) is connected to the picker arm  44 . A piston  235  is arranged to actuate the mounting  232  and move it downwardly in accordance with operation of the air driver  43 . The movement downwardly of the movable mounting  232  also causes the picker arm  44  to move downwardly, removing the lid  12  from the magazine  28 . 
     The guide  230  includes a horizontal section  236  half way down the longitudinal section  237  of the guide. A spring  238  is mounted with one end secured to a projecting portion  239  of the frame  231  and the other end secured to the bearing  234  or bottom surface of the cam block  233 . 
     In operation, as the picker arm moves downwards, the bearing  234  at first remains in the longitudinal portion of the guide  237 . When it reaches the horizontal portion of the guide  236 , however, the spring  238  causes the bearing to move into the horizontal portion of the guide  236 . The cam block therefore rotates through 90° ( FIG. 9(   b ). On further motion downwards of the picker arm  44 , the cam block  233  continues its rotation to 180° ( FIG. 9(   c ). The picker head  42  is then in a position to place the lid  12  on the conveyer  16 . 
     When the movable mounting  232  is moved upwards by the piston  235  in response to the air driver  43 , motion of the cam block  233 , picker arm  44  and picker head  27  is reversed. 
     Note that this cam arrangement is not the only arrangement which could impart the appropriate motion to the picker head. Other arrangements could potentially be used. For example, it may be possible to utilise a rack and pinion (the pinion being attached to rotate the picker arm  44 ) of appropriate size and dimensions. 
     Without such an arrangement, it is believed that the provision of drinks-cup lids with printed labels on them would be much more difficult and expensive. The picker arrangement  27  facilitates production of labelled lids  12  at such rates as to lower cost and make promotions using messages printed on the labels cost-effective. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , when the label lids  12  have passed the roller  26  they are conveyed by conveyer  16  to stacker apparatus  14 . Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7  in particular, stacker apparatus  14  includes a magazine  50  which is similar in construction to the magazine  28  of the feeder apparatus  11 . The magazine  50  includes four rods  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 , which are mounted on similar adjustable mounts  55 ,  56 ,  57 ,  58 . The magazine  50  is thus adjustable in size so that it can receive drinks container lids of different dimensions. A template  59  sits within a frame  60  of the magazine and defines a hole  61  therein for receiving therethrough drinks container lids into the magazine  50 . The template  59  can be removed and replaced with templates of different sizes (with different sized holes) for different sized drinks-container lids. 
     When lids  12  approach the stacker apparatus  14 , they enter the stacker apparatus at a gate  62  defined by the frame  60 . A further conveyer mechanism  63  conveys the lids  12  into the gate and to a position under the magazine  50 . When a lid reaches the position as detected by an infrared sensor (not shown) an air driver  64 , powered by compressed air) is activated to impel the lid  12  into the magazine  50 . A stack  15  of lids  12  with printed labels is eventually built up in the magazine  50 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a stack package  65  is supported by rods  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 . When the stack  15  is built up to the top of the rods, the stack package  65  and stack  15  can be removed as one for distribution to outlets. 
     At the delivery apparatus  11  more lids  12  can be placed in the magazine  28  before a previous load of lids is used. The apparatus can thus operate continuously to provide high productivity of lids with printed labels on them. 
     Because the placement of the lids on the conveyer  16  is automated it can be seen (see  FIG. 20 ) that the lids are placed on the conveyer in the same orientation. In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , the “spout” of each lid  12  is directed towards the right side of a conveyer. This has the advantage that the printed labels are placed in the same orientation as each lid. Information presented by the labels can therefore be positioned with a predetermined orientation e.g. to ensure that the user is able to read the information. 
     Further, in order to ensure that the same orientation is maintained for the label/lid combination, the speed of the conveyer  16  and tape  23  have to be synchronised so that lids arrive at the right time to be labelled. This is done utilising a stepper motor and appropriate software to minimise friction while placing the label on the lid (so as not to move the lid out of orientation). 
     In addition, a registration device, indicated by reference numeral  500  in  FIGS. 14 and 15  is used to facilitate consistent orientation of the drinks container lids so that when a label is placed on the drinks container lid, the label will be in the same respective orientation. In the preferred embodiment, the label is in an orientation such that any text is at “twelve o&#39;clock” to the spout, as indicated in the example of  FIG. 10 . When a user is drinking from the spout, they will therefore be easily able to read any text on the label. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the registration device in this embodiment comprises a pair of rods  501 ,  502  which converge to a relatively narrow distance at the printing station  503 . The rods serve to capture and guide a spout  504  of the drinks container lid so that the drinks container lid is always in the same orientation at the labelling station. Combined with the infra-red receiver  25  and transmitter  506 , which activates labelling (the labelling head is activated when the lid breaks the beam), and combined with the synchronisation of the conveyer and tape, this facilitates labelling in the correct orientation. 
     Note that other registration devices may be utilised and the present invention is not limited to the registration device of the type  500 . 
     The registration device  500  and infra-red receiver and transmitter arrangement also assist with ensuring that the label is placed in position in the central portion of the device. This is particularly important where the drinks lid is of the type having a raised rim and depressed central portion. It is difficult to ensure that the label is placed correctly. For example, it would be very difficult to do in a repetitive manual process. Having the transmitter and receiver arrangement and registration device facilitates positioning of the lid to receive the label. 
     The present applicants have devised a novel distribution strategy for delivering lids with printed labels in accordance with the present invention. 
     It is intended that lids will be utilised at drinks container outlets such as cafes, restaurants, takeaway food and drinks outlets. In order to ensure continuing market take-up, lids will be offered to the outlet owners for no cost. Presently, there is a cost to cafe owners, of for example, coffee cup lids. Offering the lids at no cost is an incentive to being included in whatever promotional campaign is being delivered by the message information on the labels. 
     In operation, a lid marketer (reference numeral  300 ,  FIG. 12 ) will market the lids to advertisers  301  who may wish promotional messages to be placed on the lids. A lid provider  302  markets the lids to outlet  303  owners (the marketer and provider may be a single entity or separate entities), such as coffee shops. Marketer  300  will arrange for messages to be included on printed labels, as dictated by advertisers. Lids with the printed labels on them are then produced using the apparatus discussed above  304 , and delivered to the drink container outlets  303 . 
     Any promotional campaign can be neatly geographically targeted as locations of the outlets will be known. Marketing information can also be fed back to the advertisers, from the particular localities. 
     Promotional campaigns can be delivered on more than one item (not just the drinks container lids). Associated items may include other items in the café, such as café tables, posters in the cafes, menus (or any other item in an outlet). Similar or complementary information can be included on such associated items to implement a “saturation” campaign in particular targeted outlets. 
     Other items may include a takeaway tray for the use of carrying takeaway coffee containers. A pen which may include advertising messages on it. 
     In a variation to the distribution system, the café or other outlet owner may be paid to implement an advertising campaign. That is, they would receive their coffee cups and coffee containers essentially free, and may even make a profit out of the arrangement. 
     One possible business model for operating the labelling apparatus is to have a plurality of franchisees, each operating one or more labelling apparatus. With reference to  FIG. 8 , a system is shown for monitoring output of labelling apparatus. 
     Labelling apparatus  100 , such as the labelling apparatus described above in relation to  FIGS. 2 to 7 , includes counters which count the number of lids that are labelled (or a quantity associated with the number of lids labelled). The labelling apparatus include processing means networked to a control unit  101  via a network such as the Internet  102 . An operator one of the control apparatus  101  (which may be a server computer) via a control unit (which may be a PC  103  networked to the control unit  101 ) can therefore monitor the number of lids (or associated quantity) that each labeller  100  is producing. They can use this information to exert control over the franchisees. 
     In this embodiment, the control unit  101  is also arranged to be able to control an “off” switch of the labeller apparatus  100 . If franchisees are not conforming with requirements, an operator at PC  103  can cause the control unit  101  to switch off a particular labeller  100 . 
     The lids of the present invention may be any drinks-container lid for example, coffee, cocoa, fizzy drink, etc. The drinks container lid may be provided at any outlet, e.g. vending machine drinks, cafes, fast food outlets, etc. 
     The drinks container lid need not be exactly as shown in the drawings as described above, but may include any drinks container lid for covering the mouth of a takeaway container cup. 
     Note that where the term “printed label” is used, it is not limited to labels which only carry matter that has been printed thereon. Labels which have images or text or other devices which have been provided by other means than printing as such also fall within the scope of the present invention under the term. “printed label”. 
     Note that the delivery apparatus magazine forming a stack of lids in the above-described embodiment, may be of a different form. It may comprise a feeder bowl, for example, arrange to feed lids to the picker head. 
     Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.