Patent Publication Number: US-2016225292-A1

Title: Labeling Sleeve Assembly, and Methods of Manufacturing and Use Thereof

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to labels for use with various articles (e.g., commercial products and other items). In particular, the present disclosure relates to sleeve-based labels for use with articles, and methods of manufacturing and use thereof. 
     It is known to use an elastic material to affix a label or tag to an item such as a product package, bottle or the like. In those instances where the item being tagged has an irregular shape or if it is desired to bind several items together, the elastic material is desirably resilient enough to be placed around the item(s) (e.g., a watermelon, bunch of asparagus, large container or other item) yet maintain its labeling function without distortion to the label. In many cases, the label may include not only human detectable indicia, but also machine detectable indicia (e.g., a UPC bar code). In addition, the label and its elastic fastening component must be strong enough to stand the rigors of transport and handling, and retain itself in position on the item without damage thereto. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a labeling sleeve assembly that includes a label strap having a first end segment and a second end segment, where the label strap is configured to be formed into a loop, and an elastic band. The elastic band includes a first anchor region configured to bond to the first end segment of the label strap while the label strap is formed into the loop, a second anchor region configured to bond to the second end segment of the label strap while the label strap is formed into the loop, and a bridging segment derived from an elastic layer, where the bridging segment connects the first anchor region and the second anchor region. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an elastic band for use with a label strap having first and second end segments, and which is formable into a loop. The elastic band includes a first anchor region, a second anchor region, and an elastic layer. The first anchor region includes a first adhesive layer having a first side and a second side, the first side of the first adhesive layer being configured to adhere to the first end segment of the label strap, and a first support layer disposed against the second side of the first adhesive layer. The second anchor region includes a second adhesive layer having a first side and a second side, the first side of the second adhesive layer being configured to adhere to the second end segment of the label strap, and a second support layer disposed against the second side of the second adhesive layer. The elastic layer includes a first portion disposed against the first support layer opposite of the first adhesive layer, a second portion disposed against the second support layer opposite of the second adhesive layer, and a bridging segment disposed between the first and second portions of the elastic layer to connect the first anchor region and the second anchor region. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for securing a labeling sleeve assembly to one or more articles at an intended placement location. The method includes forming a label strap having first and second end segments into a loop, where the loop has an interior perimeter length that is shorter than a length of a footprint perimeter of the article(s) at the intended placement location, and adhering a first anchor region of an elastic band to the first end segment of the label strap while the label strap is formed into the loop. The method also includes adhering a second anchor region of the elastic band to the second end segment of the label strap while the label strap is formed into the loop, where the first and second anchor regions of the elastic band are connected with an elastic bridging segment of the elastic band, thereby providing the labeling sleeve assembly. The method further includes expanding the labeling sleeve assembly to increase the interior perimeter length of the loop, where the expanding stretches the elastic bridging segment of the elastic band, positioning the expanded labeling sleeve assembly around the article(s) to the intended placement location, and releasing the positioned labeling sleeve assembly such that the stretched elastic bridging segment partially contracts to a relaxed state, thereby holding the labeling sleeve assembly around the article(s) under elastic tension. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for securing a labeling sleeve assembly to one or more articles at an intended placement location, which includes forming a label strap having first and second end segments into a loop around the article(s) at the intended placement location, and adhering a first anchor region of an elastic band to the first end segment of the label strap while the label strap is formed into the loop, where the elastic band also includes a second anchor region and an elastic bridging segment that connects the first and second anchor regions. The method also includes stretching the elastic band to an expanded state while the first anchor region is adhered to the first end segment, but while the second anchor region remains apart from the second end segment of the label strap. The method further includes adhering the second anchor region of the stretched elastic band to the second end segment of the label strap, thereby providing the labeling sleeve assembly, and releasing the stretched elastic band such that the elastic bridging segment partially contracts to a relaxed state, thereby holding the labeling sleeve assembly around the article(s) under elastic tension. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a supply of multiple elastic bands. The supply includes a pair of adhesive web strips, a pair of support web strips disposed against the pair of adhesive web strips, and an elastic web disposed against the pair of support web strips, thereby defining a pair of web-based anchor strips connected by a web-based bridging strip of the elastic web. The adhesive web strips, the support web strips, and the elastic web are scored to designate individual elastic bands. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a labeling sleeve assembly that includes a label strap having a first end segment and a second end segment, wherein the label strap is configured to be formed into a loop, and an elastic band. The elastic band includes a first anchor region bonded to the first end segment of the label strap, a second anchor region configured to bond to the second end segment of the label strap while the label strap is formed into the loop, and a bridging segment derived from an elastic layer, where the bridging segment connects the first anchor region and the second anchor region. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a labeling sleeve assembly that includes a label strap having a first end segment and a second end segment, where the label strap is configured to be formed into a loop, and an elastic band. The elastic band includes a front-facing anchor region configured to bond to the first end segment of the label strap while the label strap is formed into the loop, a rear-facing anchor region configured to bond to the second end segment of the label strap while the label strap is formed into the loop, and a bridging segment derived from an elastic layer, where the bridging segment connects the front-facing anchor region and the rear-facing anchor region. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of one or more concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the claimed subject matter, and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. 
     DEFINITIONS 
     Unless otherwise specified, the following terms as used herein have the meanings provided below: 
     The terms “at least one” and “one or more of” an element are used interchangeably, and have the same meaning that includes a single element and a plurality of the elements, and may also be represented by the suffix “(s)” at the end of the element. For example, “at least one article”, “one or more articles”, and “article(s)” may be used interchangeably and have the same meaning. 
     The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The terms “about” and “substantially” are used herein with respect to measurable values and ranges due to expected variations known to those skilled in the art (e.g., limitations and variabilities in measurements). 
     The terms “loop” and “footprint perimeter” are explained below (see e.g.,  FIGS. 5A-8C ). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure is referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of a labeling sleeve assembly of the present disclosure having a label strap secured around an article. 
         FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view of the labeling sleeve assembly, illustrating multiple elastic bands of the labeling sleeve assembly, which hold the label strap secured around the article. 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of an example elastic band of the labeling sleeve assembly, prior to being affixed to the label strap. 
         FIG. 2B  is a rear view of the elastic band of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a side view of the elastic band of  FIG. 2A , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility. 
         FIGS. 3A-3G  are schematic illustrations of a first technique for forming and securing the labeling sleeve assembly around an article. 
         FIGS. 4A-4F  are schematic illustrations of a second technique for forming and securing the labeling sleeve assembly around an article. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a technique for determining a footprint perimeter of a rectangular article. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a technique for determining a footprint perimeter of a cylindrical article. 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate a technique for determining a footprint perimeter of an irregular article. 
         FIGS. 8A-8D  illustrate a technique for determining a footprint perimeter of multiple bundled articles. 
         FIGS. 9A-9F  are schematic illustrations of an example web-based process for manufacturing multiple elastic bands of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10A  is a front view of a first alternative elastic band of the labeling sleeve assembly, which includes an extended liner, prior to being affixed to the label strap. 
         FIG. 10B  is a rear view of the first alternative elastic band of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10C  is a side view of the first alternative elastic band of  FIG. 10A , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility. 
         FIG. 10D  is a front view of a variant to the first alternative elastic band of the labeling sleeve assembly, which includes an extended liner, prior to being affixed to the label strap, and where the elastic layer extends laterally around the anchor regions. 
         FIG. 10E  is a rear view of the first alternative elastic band of  FIG. 10D . 
         FIG. 10F  is a side view of the first alternative elastic band of  FIG. 10D , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility. 
         FIG. 10G  is a side view of a variant of the first alternative elastic band of  FIG. 10C , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility, and where the bridging segment of the elastic layer extends down to contact the liner. 
         FIG. 10H  is a side view of a variant of the first alternative elastic band of  FIG. 10F , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility, and where the bridging segment of the elastic layer extends down to contact the liner. 
         FIG. 11A  is a front view of a second alternative elastic band of the labeling sleeve assembly, which includes a non-necked bridging segment, prior to being affixed to the label strap. 
         FIG. 11B  is a rear view of the second alternative elastic band of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11C  is a side view of the second alternative elastic band of  FIG. 11A , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility. 
         FIG. 12A  is a front view of a third alternative elastic band of the labeling sleeve assembly, which includes necked and shouldered bridging segment, prior to being affixed to the label strap. 
         FIG. 12B  is a rear view of the third alternative elastic band of  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 12C  is a side view of the third alternative elastic band of  FIG. 12A , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility. 
         FIG. 13A  is a front view of a fourth alternative elastic band of the labeling sleeve assembly, which includes a bridging segment that has edge geometries that are individually tailored, prior to being affixed to the label strap. 
         FIG. 13B  is a rear view of the fourth alternative elastic band of  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 13C  is a side view of the fourth alternative elastic band of  FIG. 13A , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility. 
         FIG. 14A  is a front view of a fifth alternative elastic band of the labeling sleeve assembly, which includes a bridging segment with individually-tailored cut out holes, prior to being affixed to the label strap. 
         FIG. 14B  is a rear view of the fifth alternative elastic band of  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 14C  is a side view of the fifth alternative elastic band of  FIG. 14A , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility. 
         FIG. 15A  is a front view of an alternative labeling sleeve assembly, which includes the label strap attached to the elastic band prior to use. 
         FIG. 15B  is a rear view of the alternative labeling sleeve assembly of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15C  is a side view of the alternative labeling sleeve assembly of  FIG. 15A , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility. 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  are schematic illustrations of an example web-based process for manufacturing multiple alternative labeling sleeve assemblies as shown in  FIGS. 15A-15C . 
         FIG. 17A  is a front view of a sixth alternative elastic band of the labeling sleeve assembly, which includes opposing anchor regions, prior to being affixed to the label strap. 
         FIG. 17B  is a rear view of the sixth alternative elastic band of  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 17C  is a side view of the sixth alternative elastic band of  FIG. 17A , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility. 
         FIG. 17D  is a side view of a second aspect of the sixth alternative elastic band of  FIGS. 17A-17C , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility, and which includes a shortened front liner. 
         FIG. 17E  is a side view of a third aspect of the sixth alternative elastic band of  FIGS. 17A-17C , with separate layers distinguished by hatching for ease of visibility, and which includes shortened front and rear liners. 
         FIG. 18A  is a rear perspective view of the labeling sleeve assembly with the elastic band shown in  FIGS. 17A-17C  holding the label strap secured around the article. 
         FIG. 18B  is a side view of the elastic band shown in  FIGS. 17A-17C  being used to securing the label strap assembly around an article in a preferred example. 
         FIG. 18C  is a side view of the elastic band shown in  FIGS. 17A-17C  being used to securing the label strap assembly around an article in a comparative example. 
         FIGS. 19A-19E  are schematic illustrations of an example web-based process for manufacturing multiple elastic bands of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  is a side viewing illustrating an alternative use for an elastic band, in which the elastic band is affixed to a rear surface of a label strap. 
         FIG. 21A  is a side viewing illustrating a labeling band assembly in use with an article and a button assembly, where the button assembly may be used with or without the labeling band assembly. 
         FIG. 21B  is a side view of the button assembly. 
         FIG. 21C  is a front perspective view of a pair of labeling sleeve assemblies secured around an article with the use of multiple button assemblies. 
     
    
    
     Although the above-identified figures set forth various features of the disclosed subject matter, other combinations of features are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and feature combinations can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this disclosure. It should be understood that the figures have not been drawn to scale as it has been necessary to enlarge certain portions for clarity of illustration. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is directed to a unique labeling sleeve assembly that may be secured around an article (e.g., a commercial product or other item) under elastic tension. As discussed below, the labeling sleeve assembly includes a label strap that is formable into a loop (as explained below), and one or more elastic bands configured to hold the label strap as a loop around an article under elastic tension. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1A , labeling sleeve assembly  10  of the present disclosure may be secured snugly around board  12 , where board  12  is an example article (e.g., a cutting board) that labeling sleeve assembly  10  may be used with. However, labeling sleeve assembly  10  may be used with a variety of different articles, such as commercial products and other items. 
     Additionally, labeling sleeve assembly  10  may be secured around a bundle of multiple articles, such as bundles of agricultural produce, writing utensils, stackable items (e.g., notepads, boards, books, etc. . . . ), and the like. For ease of discussion, the following disclosure focuses primarily on the use of labeling sleeve assembly  10  with a single article (e.g., board  12 ). However, it is understood that labeling sleeve assembly  10  may also be secured around a bundle of multiple articles in the same manner. 
     As shown, labeling sleeve assembly  10  includes label strap  14  secured as a loop around board  12 , such that label strap  14  preferably extends around front side  12   a  and rear side  12   b  of board  12  (rear side  12   b  shown below in  FIG. 1B ). This presents display surface  14   a  of label strap  14  for viewing, which may include printed indicia  15 , such as textual indicia, illustrative indicia, machine-readable indicia, and the like. For instance, display surface  14   a  may include product-related information for board  12 , such as a brand logo, UPC code, safety and use instructions, and the like. If desired, the back surface of label band  14  that rests against board  12  (referred to as back surface  14   b , shown below in  FIG. 3B ) may also include printed indicia  15 . 
     Label strap  14  may be produced from any suitable printable material, such as paper-based and/or polymeric materials, and may be a single-layer or multiple-layer strap. For printed indicia  15 , any suitable ink or other printing composition compatible or accepted on label strap  14 , in any desired color(s), may be used. 
     In some embodiments, label strap  14  is produced from one or more paper-based materials suitable for receiving printed indicia  15 . Many paper-based materials are known for their compatibility with printing inks. However, the material for label strap  14  is also preferably water resistant so as to not degrade or otherwise deform when exposed to water, and is also preferably tough enough to be sufficiently tear resistant to deter damage to it from customer handling. 
     In addition, printed indicia  15 , particularly any printed machine-readable information (e.g., a bar code), should be sufficiently water resistant to avoid degradation when repeatedly subjected to water and washing operations (e.g., as is common for produce displays in supermarkets). Accordingly, label strap  14  produced from one or more paper-based materials may also include one or more polymeric layers configured to protect and reinforce the paper-based materials, and to protect any printed indicia  15 . For example, display surface  14   a  of label strap  14  may include a thin film of water-insoluble, transparent plastic disposed over the indicia  15  to enhance water and wear resistance. 
     Alternatively, label strap  14  may be produced from one or more polymeric materials that may receive printed indicia  15 , and may be opaque, translucent, or transparent, as individual needs may require. Suitable polymers for label strap  14  include polystyrenic thermoplastics, polyolefinic thermoplastics (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters, copolymers thereof, blends thereof, and the like. 
     The polymeric material(s) may be formulated so that printing inks are readily accepted on display surface  14   a , and/or treated with special surface treatments to effect acceptance of printing inks. The surface treatment may enhance wettability and adhesion characteristics of label strap  14  to printing inks. The polymeric material(s) of label strap  14  may also optionally include one or more compatible additives to achieve coloration, opacification, resistance to degradation on exposure to some environments, improved impact properties, improved adhesion properties, and the like. 
     Additionally, the material(s) for label strap  14  are preferably non-elastic, such that label strap  14  itself is substantially non-stretchable. This prevents the printed indicia on display surface  14   a  from being distorted by the stretching. It cannot be emphasized enough that, in situations where reliable machine-readable information (e.g., UPC codes) is critical, the label strap  14  should be sufficiently non-elastic to avoid the risk of unscannable distortion for the machine-readable information. This non-stretchable characteristic also assists in maintaining good adhesion between label strap  14  and elastic bands  16 , as discussed below. 
     In the shown example, label strap  14  is provided as a sheet or film-like member that is substantially longer than it is wide. However, label strap  14  may alternatively have any suitable dimensions, which may vary depending on the particular needs. For example, label strap  14  may have dimensions that cover the entirety of front side  12   a  and/or rear side  12   b  of board  12 . Furthermore, label strap  14  may have dimensions and shapes that vary along its length, such as a sinusoidal pattern, widths that vary along the length, individually-tailored designs (e.g., brand logos), and the like. Moreover, label strap  14  may include cut-out holes with individually-tailored designs, if desired, to further provide information and aesthetic characteristics. In additional alternative embodiments, label strap  14  may be provided as multiple connected pieces to provide its overall shape (e.g., a first portion being paper-based and a second portion being polymeric). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , labeling sleeve assembly  10  also includes multiple elastic bands  16 , which hold label strap  14  closed as a loop around article  10  under elastic tension. To minimize their visual impact, elastic bands  16  are preferably retained at the rear side  12   b  of board  12 . While illustrated with multiple elastic bands  16 , labeling sleeve assembly  10  may include one or more elastic bands  16  to hold label strap  14  closed as a loop around board  12  under elastic tension, where the number of elastic bands  16  may vary depending on the dimensions of label band  14  and the size of board  12  (or other article(s)). However, labeling sleeve assembly  10  preferably includes a sufficient number of elastic bands  16  to hold label strap  14  closed as a loop around a desired article (e.g., board  12 ) without labeling sleeve assembly  10  prematurely separating during normal use, such as during transportation, storage, display, purchase, and customer use. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 1B , the end segments of label strap  14  (referred to as end segments  18 ) preferably overlap to reside between rear side  12   b  of board  12  and elastic bands  16 . This assists in sliding labeling band assembly  10  over board  12  to secure labeling sleeve assembly  10  around board  12  under elastic tension. Additionally, as discussed below, elastic bands  16  preferably include elastomeric materials. Many of these materials can leach oils over extended periods of time. Thus, positioning end segments  18  of label strap  14  between elastic bands  16  and the secured article prevents the leached oil from contacting the secured article. This can be beneficial for use with many absorbable articles, such as wooden or paper products (e.g., wooden cutting boards), which can otherwise absorbs such oils and potentially stain the articles. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate an example elastic band  16 , which may be used with any suitable label strap  14 , and provides a unique mechanism for holding an associated label strap  14  closed as a loop under elastic tension. In some embodiments, elastic band  16  may be provided as a separate component from label strap  14 , allowing elastic band  16  to be affixed to a variety of different label straps  14 . Alternatively, as discussed below for  FIGS. 15A-15C, 16A, and 16B , one or more elastic bands  16  may be partially connected to a label strap  14  during the manufacturing process, and prior to forming the label strap  14  into a loop. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , elastic band  16  is a multiple-layer band having elastic layer  20 , a pair of support layers  22 , a pair of adhesive layers  24 , and a pair of liners  26 . Support layers  22 , adhesive layers  24 , and liners  26  define opposing and separate anchor regions  28  connected by a bridging segment  30  of elastic layer  20 . 
     Elastic layer  20  may be derived from one or more elastomeric materials capable of providing elastic characteristics to bridging segment  30 . Suitable elastomeric materials for elastic layer  20  include thermoplastic elastomers, such as styrenic block copolymers (e.g., styrene-butadiene styrene and styrene-ethylene-butylene styrene), olefinic elastomers (e.g., ethylene and polypropylene based polyvinyl chloride-based elastomers, urethanes, nylon, silicon, and the like). 
     The elastomeric material(s) provide elastic layer  20  with sufficient elasticity such that bridging segment  30  may be stretched from a relaxed state to a stretched state (where anchor regions  28  are spaced further apart from each other), and may contract back from its stretched state to its relaxed state. Suitable average thicknesses for elastic layer  20  in its relaxed state range from about 10 mils to about 50 mils, where bridging segment  30  may be thicker than the segments of elastic layer  20  at anchor regions  28 , as shown in  FIG. 2C . In alternative embodiments, typically depending on how elastic band  16  is manufactured, elastic layer  20  may have a substantially uniform thickness above support layers  22 , or bridging segment  30  may extend down to be flush with adhesive layers  24 . 
     Support layers  22  provide structural integrity to anchor regions  28 , and transfer stretching-based stress loads applied to anchor regions  28  during use. This preserves the adhesive bonds between anchor regions  28  and label strap  14 , as discussed below. Support layers  22  are preferably produced from one or more non-elastic materials, such as paper-based materials, polymeric materials, metallic materials, and the like, such that support layers  22  are substantially non-stretchable. Examples of suitable materials for support layers  22  include those discussed above for label tag  14 , which preferably maintain good interlayer bonds to elastic layer  20  and adhesive layers  24 . In some embodiments, support layers  22  may also be surface treated to increase the interlayer bonds to elastic layer  20  and adhesive layers  24 . Suitable average thicknesses for support layers  22  range from about 5 mils to about 20 mils. 
     Adhesive layers  24  may be produced from one or more adhesive materials that are suitable for securely adhering anchor regions  28  to end segments  18  of label strap  14 . Examples of suitable adhesive materials for adhesive layers  14  include pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) (e.g. hot-melt PSAs), such as those based on acrylic monomers and polymers (e.g., bio-based acrylates), block copolymer rubber adhesives, silicone rubber adhesives, and the like, which may optionally include one or more additional tackifying resins. Suitable average thicknesses for adhesive layers  24  range from about 5 mils to about 30 mils. As discussed below, in some embodiments, support layers  22  and adhesive layers  24  may be provided together, such as with a label stock. 
     Liners  26  are release liners or other suitable carrier webs that are configured to releasably cover adhesive layers  24  prior to use with label strap  14 . Liners  26  may be fabricated from a paper and/or polymeric web (e.g., a polyolefin and/or polyethylene terephthalate web) coated with one or more release agents (e.g., a silicone release coating). This allows elastic bands  16  to be packaged, transported, and stored prior to being affixed to label strap  14 . 
     The dimensions of anchor regions  28  and bridging segment  30  may vary depending on the particular uses. However, bridging segment  30  is preferably short enough to maintain good elastic tension on label strap  14 , thereby preventing label strap  14  from sliding off of board  12  or other article(s). Nonetheless, bridging segment  30  is also preferably long enough to prevent excessive stretching from being required to slide labeling sleeve assembly  10  over board  12 . Correspondingly, anchor regions  28  are preferably large enough such that adhesive layers  24  exhibit good adhesive bonding to end segments  18  of label strap  14  while under the elastic tension from bridging segment  30 . 
     Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , elastic layer  20  does not extend across the entirety of support layers  22 , exposing portions of support layers  22  at anchor regions  28  (best illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2C ). This arrangement may be beneficial for relaxing manufacturing tolerances, allowing a small amount of registration float to exist when forming elastic layer  20  on support layers  22 . However, in alternative embodiments, elastic layer  20  may cover the entirety of support layers  22 , or even past support layers  22 , if desired (see e.g.,  FIGS. 10G and 10H  below). 
     Labeling sleeve assembly  10  may be formed from label strap  14  and one or more elastic bands  16 , and secured around one or more articles, using any suitable technique.  FIGS. 3A-3G and 4A-4F  shown below illustrate two different example techniques. In the first example technique shown in  FIGS. 3A-3G , a labeling sleeve assembly  10  is initially formed as a loop, and is then slid over an article (e.g., board  12 ). As shown in  FIG. 3A , this technique may initially involve forming label strap  14  into a suitable loop for board  12 . For instance, as illustrated by arrows  32 , end segments  18  may be folded over together to form a loop  34 , which, in the current example, has a substantially rectangular geometry, as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
     The term “loop” refers to an enclosed or substantially enclosed orientation of a label strap, which allows the label strap to be secured around one or more articles. Correspondingly, the terms “fold”, “folding”, “folded” and the like, with reference to forming a loop from the label strap, include any suitable manipulation of the label strap to form the loop, and do necessarily not require crease lines to be formed in label strap  14 . As further explained below in  FIGS. 6A-8C , the formed loop may have any suitable geometric shape for being secured around a given article(s) (e.g., circular, rectangular, irregular, and the like), which typically conforms to a “footprint perimeter” of the article(s) under the elastic tension. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , the formation of loop  34  positions display surface  14   a  on the exterior side of loop  34 , and positions backing surface  14   b  of label strap  14  on the interior side of loop  34 . As mentioned above, end segments  18  preferably overlap, as shown, such that display surface  14   a  at one of end segments  18  extends behind backing surface  14   b  of the other end segment  18 . However, in alternative embodiments, end segments  18  may abut against each other, or be separated by a small offset distance that is less than the distance between the anchor regions  28  of the associated elastic bands  16  (i.e., a substantially enclosed orientation for loop  34 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 3C , for each elastic band  16 , the technique may involve removing liners  26  from adhesive layers  24 , as illustrated by arrows  36 , to expose adhesive layers  24 . Liners  26  may be removed from adhesive layers  24  at any suitable time, such as prior to, after, or simultaneously with forming label strap  14  into loop  34 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3D , while end segments  18  are held in the overlapped manner, each elastic band  16  may be affixed to label strap  14 , as illustrated by arrows  38 . In particular, this involves adhering one of the exposed adhesive layers  24  to display surface  14   a  at one of end segments  18 , and adhering the other exposed adhesive layer  24  to display surface  14   a  at the other end segment  18 . This secures anchor regions  28  to the opposing end segments  18 , thereby securing label strap  14  as loop  34 , which forms labeling sleeve assembly  10  (as shown in  FIG. 3E ). 
     If desired, each elastic band  16  may be stretched by a small amount after adhering the first anchor region  28  to label strap  14 , and prior to adhering the second anchor region  28  to label strap  14 . Thus, when both anchor regions  28  are adhered and the small amount of stretching is then released, the resulting contraction of bridging segment  30  to its relaxed state pulls end segments  18  of label strap  14  together to reduce the size of loop  34  by a small amount. 
       FIGS. 3E-3G  illustrate an example technique for securing the formed labeling sleeve assembly  10  to board  12 , and may alternatively be used with any suitable article (or multiple bundled articles). As shown in  FIG. 3E , this technique may involve stretching labeling sleeve assembly  10  to an expanded state that is preferably large enough to fit around the perimeter of board  12 . 
     As mentioned above, label strap  14  is preferably produced from material(s) that are non-elastic to prevent the printed indicia  15  on display surface  14   a  from being distorted by the stretching. As such, the stretching of labeling sleeve assembly  10  preferably does not stretch label strap  14 . Instead, end segments  18  of label strap  14  pull apart at the overlapping region, as illustrated by arrows  40 . This accordingly applies stretching-based stress loads on elastic bands  16 . 
     As can be appreciated, these applied stress loads originate at the adhesive bonds between adhesive layers  24  and end segments  18  of label strap  14 . As such, these adhesive bonds are required to be stronger than the applied stress loads to hold label strap  14  closed as loop  34  in the stretched state. Otherwise, one or both of these adhesive bonds will break. Therefore, any phenomenon that weakens these adhesive bonds is preferably reduced or prevented. 
     An interesting aspect of elastic band  16  is the fact that support layers  22  stiffen their respective adhesive layers  24  in the layer-wise plane that is parallel to the stretching directions. This stiffening prevents adhesive layers  24  themselves from stretching under the transferred stress loads. In effect, this causes adhesive layers  24  to be substantially non-elastic (i.e., substantially non-stretchable), without requiring the use of non-elastic materials in adhesive layers  24  that could otherwise dilute the adhesive properties. 
     If support layers  22  were otherwise omitted, the transferred stress loads could cause adhesive layers  24  themselves to stretch. This stretching of adhesive layers  24  could correspondingly weaken the adhesive bonds between adhesive layers  24  and end segments  18  of label strap  14 , which would undesirably reduce the adhesive bond strengths. 
     Instead, the stiffness attained by support layers  22  transfers the received stress loads to bridging segment  30  of elastic band  16 . In comparison to support layers  22 , bridging segment  30  is a section of elastic layer  20 , which is produced from one or more elastomeric materials. As such, the stress loads transferred from anchor regions  28  to bridging segment  30  cause bridging segment  30  to stretch from its relaxed state to a stretched state, as illustrated by arrows  42 . As shown in  FIG. 3F , this allows labeling sleeve assembly  10  to be stretched to an expanded loop size to fit around the footprint perimeter of board  12 , while also maintaining good adhesive bonds between label strap  14  and elastic bands  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3G , the stretched labeling sleeve assembly  10  may then be slid over board  12 , as illustrated by arrows  44 , until an intended placement location is reached. The “intended placement location” is a location along an article (or bundle of articles) where labeling sleeve assembly  10  is intended to be placed for display. Because end segments  18  of label strap  14  preferably reside between elastic band  16  and rear side  12   b  of board  12  in the overlapped arrangement, the elastomeric material of elastic layer  20 , which typically has a rubbery texture that inhibits sliding, does not contact rear side  12   b . As such, the stretched labeling sleeve assembly  10  may readily slide over board  12  without undue resistance. This is achieved because backing surface  14   b  of label strap  14  is preferably smoother and less grippy than the elastomeric material(s) of elastomer layer  20  (i.e., a lower kinetic friction to the article(s)). 
     Once the intended placement location is reached, the stretching load applied to labeling sleeve assembly  10  may be released, allowing bridging segment  30  to contract partially back to its relaxed state to hold labeling sleeve assembly  10  around board  12  under elastic tension, as shown above in  FIG. 1B . While labeling sleeve assembly  10  is secured around board  12  in this manner, end segments  18  preferably remain overlapped to prevent direct contact between the elastomeric material of elastic layer  20  and board  12 . As mentioned above, this reduces the risk of any oil leaching from the elastomeric material(s) of elastic layer  20  into board  12 . It also allows labeling sleeve assembly  10  to be easily removed from board  12  without undue resistance, which may be performed in the opposite order of the steps shown in  FIGS. 3E-3G . 
       FIGS. 4A-4F  illustrate a second example technique, where label strap  14  is initially wrapped around one or more articles (e.g., board  12 ), and then secured with one or more elastic bands  16  to hold the label strap  14  closed as loop  34  around the article(s) under elastic tension. As shown in  FIG. 4A , this technique may initially involve removing liner  26  from one of the adhesive layers  24 , as illustrated by arrow  46 , to expose the adhesive layer  24 . If desired, both liners  26  may optionally be removed at this point. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , the anchor region  28  of elastic band  16  with the exposed adhesive layer  26  may be affixed to display surface  14   a  of label strap  14 , as illustrated by arrow  48 . In particular, this involves adhering the exposed adhesive layer  24  to display surface  14   a  at one of end segments  18 , but not yet adhering the other exposed adhesive layer  24  to display surface  14   a  at the other end segment  18 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4C , label strap  14  may then be wrapped around board  12  (or other article(s)) at the intended placement location to form loop  34 , as illustrated by arrows  50 . As shown in  FIG. 4D , this positions backing surface  14   b  of label strap  14  against board  12 , such that display surface  14   a  is on the exterior side of loop  34 . This wrapping preferably conforms loop  34  to the footprint perimeter of board  12  (footprint perimeter is defined below), but does not yet need to place label strap  14  under tension. In other words, label strap  14  may be somewhat loosely wrapped around board  12  so long as label strap  14  does not slide along board  12  from the intended placement location. 
     At this point in the process, for each elastic band  16 , the non-adhered anchor region  28  preferably remains non-adhered to label strap  14  (e.g., with the liner  26  still attached to the adhesive layer  24 ). Instead, as shown in  FIG. 4E , the non-adhered anchor region  28  may be pulled in the direction of arrow  52  to stretch bridging segment  30 . In the same manner as discussed above, the stiffness attained by support layers  22  transfers the stretching-based stress loads from bridging segments  30  of elastic bands  16  to label strap  14 . As such, when bridging segment  30  expands from its relaxed state to its stretched state, the stress loads transferred from anchor regions  28  to label strap  14  pull one or both of end segments  18  together under the elastic tension, as illustrated by arrows  54 . 
     Then, as shown in  FIG. 4F , the pulled anchor region  28  may be affixed to label strap  14  while bridging segment  30  remains stretched. This involves removing liner  26  (if not previously done so), and adhering the exposed adhesive layer  24  to display surface  14   a  at the non-bonded end segment  18 , as illustrated by arrow  56 . This provides labeling sleeve assembly  10  secured around board  12  under elastic tension, as also shown above in  FIG. 1B . Accordingly, the techniques discussed above in  FIGS. 3A-3G and 4A-4F  illustrate two suitable techniques for attaining the same labeling sleeve assembly  10  secured around board  12  under elastic tension. 
     A surprising feature of labeling sleeve assembly  10  is the ability to hold label strap  14  closed as loop  34  around an article(s) under elastic tension, without stretching label strap  14  itself. In order to produce this elastic tension of labeling sleeve assembly  10  around board  12  (or other article(s)), loop  34 , when not stretched, is preferably smaller than board  12  (or other article(s)) at the intended placement location. Stated another way, the interior perimeter length of loop  34  is preferably shorter than the length of the footprint perimeter of board  12  (or other article(s)) at the intended placement location when elastic band  16  is in its relaxed state (i.e., when bridging segment  30  is in its relaxed state). 
     First, the “interior perimeter length” of loop  34  refers to the length of label strap  34  when folded as loop  34 . In situations where end segments  18  abut each other in loop  34 , but do not overlap, the interior perimeter length of loop  34  is the same (or substantially the same) as the length of label strap  14 . Alternatively, in preferred situations where end segments  18  overlap each other in loop  34 , the interior perimeter length of loop  34  is the length of label strap  14  minus the overlap length of one of end segments  18 . In another, and less preferred situation, end segments  18  may be offset from each other by a small distance in loop  34  (i.e., spaced apart from each other). In this case, interior perimeter length of loop  34  is the length of label strap  14  plus the small offset distance. 
     Next, the “footprint perimeter” of an article or multiple articles refers to a boundary that encompasses an entire cross-sectional geometry of a footprint of the article(s) at the intended placement location. Correspondingly, the “length” of the footprint perimeter is the length of this boundary. The following discussion in  FIGS. 5A-8C  provide examples on how this definition is applied to articles of various geometries. 
     In a simple example, such as with board  12  as shown in  FIG. 5A , board  12  has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional geometry at the intended placement location. This cross-sectional geometry is defined by front side  12   a , rear side  12   b , and edge sides of board  12  (referred to as sides  12   c  and  12   d ). As such, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the footprint of board  12  at the intended placement location (referred to as footprint  62 ) has the same substantially rectangular cross-sectional geometry. Accordingly, the boundary or perimeter of footprint  62  is defined by surfaces  62   a - 62   d , and the length of this boundary (i.e., the length of the footprint perimeter of board  12 ) is the sum of the lengths of surfaces  62   a - 62   d  (which correspond to the sum of the lengths of sides  12   a - 12   d ). 
     In another simple example, as shown in  FIG. 6A , a cylindrical article  64  has a circular cross-sectional geometry at the intended placement location, which is defined by circular surface  64   a . As such, as shown in  FIG. 6B , the footprint of cylindrical article  64  at the intended placement location (referred to as footprint  66 ) has the same circular cross-sectional geometry. The boundary or perimeter of footprint  66 , therefore, is defined by surface  66   a , and the length of this boundary (i.e., the length of the footprint perimeter of cylindrical article  64 ) is the length of surface  66   a  (which corresponds to the length of circular surface  64   a ). 
     However, as shown in  FIG. 7A , irregular article  68  has an irregular geometry cross-sectional geometry at the intended placement location, which is defined by surfaces  68   a - 68   k . In comparison to board  12  (shown in  FIG. 5A ) and cylindrical article  64  (shown in  FIG. 6A ), irregular article  68  has recessed and interior regions, namely recessed pocket  70  defined by surfaces  68   g - 68   j , and interior region  72  defined by surface  68   k.    
     As can be appreciated, when labeling sleeve assembly  10  is secured around irregular article  68  under elastic tension at the intended placement location, label strap  14  and/or elastic band  16  will extend across recessed pocket  70  rather than extending into it. Similarly, labeling sleeve assembly  10  will not extend into any interior region, such as interior cavity  72 . 
     Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the footprint of irregular article  68  at the intended placement location may be determined by placing an imaginary segment across any recessed region in the exterior surface, such as segment  74  across recessed pocket  70 , and ignoring the interior regions, such as interior region  72 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7C , the resulting footprint (referred to as footprint  76 ) has a cross-sectional geometry that substantially encompasses the recessed and interior regions. Correspondingly, the boundary or perimeter of footprint  76  is therefore defined by surfaces  76   a - 76   e , and the length of this boundary (i.e., the length of the footprint perimeter of irregular article  68 ) is the sum of the lengths of surfaces  76   a - 76   f . In this case, the length of surface  76   a  is the sum of the lengths of surface  68   a , surface  68   g , and segment  74  (shown in  FIG. 7B ). 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates yet another complex situation, in which multiple articles  78  are to be bundled together. In this case, articles  78  have separate geometry cross-sectional geometries at the intended placement location, which are defined by the individual surfaces  78   a  of articles  78 . However, the bundle of articles  78  also includes recessed and interstitial regions regions between the separate articles  78 , namely recessed pockets  80  (at the exterior regions) and interstitial regions  82  (at the interior regions). 
     As can also be appreciated in this situation, when labeling sleeve assembly  10  is secured around articles  78  under elastic tension at the intended placement location, label strap  14  and/or elastic band  16  will extend across recessed pockets  80  rather than extending into them. Similarly, labeling sleeve assembly  10  will not extend into any interstitial regions between the adjacent articles  78 , such as interstitial regions  82 . 
     Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 8B , the footprint of articles  78  at the intended placement location may be determined by placing an imaginary segment across any recessed pocket between the exterior-most portions of surfaces  78   a , such as segments  84  across recessed pockets  80 , and ignoring the interstitial regions, such as interstitial regions  82 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8C , the resulting footprint (referred to as footprint  86 ) has a cross-sectional geometry that substantially encompasses the recessed and interstitial regions. Correspondingly, the boundary or perimeter of footprint  74  is therefore defined by surface  86   a , and the length of this boundary (i.e., the length of the footprint perimeter of the bundle of articles  78 ) is the length of surface  86   a . In this case, the length of surface  86   a  is the sum of the lengths of exterior-most portions of surfaces  78   a  extending between segments  84 , plus sum of the lengths of segments  84 . As shown in  FIG. 8D , the length of an exterior-most portion of surface  78   a  for each article  78  is taken along the surface  78   a  between the intersecting segments  84 , as represented by arrow  78   b.    
     The above discussions of board  12 , cylindrical article  64 , irregular article  68 , and bundled articles  78  were made under the assumptions that these articles are rigid and non-compressible. However, in some situations, the articles that labeling sleeve assembly  10  is secured around may be compressible, such as pillows, stacks of clothing, bed linen, and the like. 
     These types of articles may deform at the intended placement location under the elastic tension of labeling sleeve assembly  10 . This causes the footprint perimeters of these articles to be reduced by an extent that is dependent on the applied elastic tension and the compressibility of the articles. As such, in these cases, the interior perimeter length of loop  34  is preferably sized to maintain a sufficient amount of elastic strain on the compressed article(s) to prevent labeling sleeve assembly  10  from sliding off the given article(s). 
     Accordingly, the elastic tension for securing labeling sleeve assembly  10  around one or more articles (e.g., board  12 , cylindrical article  64 , irregular article  68 , and bundled articles  78 ) is achieved because the interior perimeter length of loop  34  in the relaxed state is shorter than the length of the footprint perimeter of the article(s) at the intended placement location (i.e., loop  34  is smaller than the respective article(s)). In comparison, when labeling sleeve assembly  10  is expanded to its stretched state for placement around the article(s) (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3G ), the interior perimeter length of loop  34  in the stretched state is longer than the length of the footprint perimeter of the article(s), allowing labeling sleeve assembly  10  to be placed around the article(s). 
     However, when the stretching load is released, the elastomeric material of bridging segment  30  attempts to contract back to its relaxed state to the fullest extent possible, which contracts loop  34  around the article(s) at the intended placement location. This contraction reduces the length of loop  34  substantially to the length of the footprint perimeter of the article(s) at the intended placement location, thereby snugly holding labeling sleeve assembly  10  around the article(s). This unique mechanism is surprisingly durable and efficient for reliably displaying information (e.g., indicia  15 ) in a prominent manner, which may also be conveniently secured to, and removed from, the article(s) with little effort. 
     Label strap  14  and elastic band  16  may each be manufactured using a variety of different techniques. For example, a supplier may manufacture and sell the label straps  14  and the elastic bands  16 , not affixed to each other, but packaged together in a kit. In this case, the given supplier may receive instructions from a customer for printing label straps  14  with a particular design for indicia  15 . The supplier may then produce label straps  14 , and print indicia  15  on display surface  14   a  and/or backing surface  14   b . The supplier may also manufacture elastic bands  16  for use with the printed label straps  14 , and then package and ship the items to the customer for use. The customer may then form the label sleeve assemblies  10  from the received label straps  14  and elastic bands  16 , and secure them around various articles, manually or in an automated manner, as discussed above. 
     Label strap  14  may be produced in a conventional film or sheet production process, followed by a printing process to form printed indicia  15  on display surface  14   a  and/or backing surface  14   b . Elastic bands  16  may also be produced using a web-based production process. For example,  FIGS. 9A-9E  illustrate a suitable method for manufacturing multiple elastic bands  16  using a web-based process. As shown in  FIG. 9A , the process may initially involve advancing a web of a material for liner  26  (referred to as liner web  26   w ) in the direction of arrow  88 . 
     The shown surface of liner web  26   w , referred to as liner surface  26   a , is preferably the surface that is coated with the one or more release agents for releasably adhering to adhesive layers  24 . In an alternative embodiment, separate web-based strips of liner web  26   w  (not shown) may be formed rather than a single web, where the separate strips are preferably maintained offset from each other with proper registration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9B , web-based strips of the adhesive material(s) for adhesive layers  24  (referred to as adhesive strips  24   w ) may then be laminated over regions of liner surface  26   a . For instance, the adhesive material(s) may be extruded onto liner surface  26   a  and sized with a die roller mechanism. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9C , web-based strips of the non-stretchable material(s) for support layers  22  (referred to as support strips  22   w ) may then be laminated over adhesive strips  24   w . The technique for laminating the material(s) of support strips  22   w  may vary depending on the particular material(s) used. For example, in embodiments in which the material(s) of support strips  22   w  are polymeric material(s), the material(s) may be extruded onto adhesive strips  24   w  with proper registration, and sized with a die roller mechanism. Alternatively, in embodiments in which the material(s) of support strips  22   w  are paper-based material(s), strips of the paper-based material(s) may be laminated onto adhesive strips  24   w  with proper registration, and press fit with a die roller mechanism. In some embodiments, the web shown in  FIG. 9C  with liner web  26   w , adhesive strips  24   w , and support strips  22   w  may be provided as a label stock that may undergo the subsequent steps. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9D , a web of the elastomeric material(s) of elastic layer  20  (referred to as elastic web  20   w ) may then be laminated over support strips  22   w  and the central region of liner web  26   w . For instance, elastic web  20   w  may be extruded and heat sealed to support strips  22   w  with a heated nip roller or a heated die press. The heat sealing preferably provides good heat seal bonds at support strips  22   w  that prevent delamination under normal conditions of use. 
     In alternative embodiments, tie layers may be used to provide adhesive bonding between elastic web  20   w  and support strips  22   w , in addition to, or as an alternative to heat sealing. In further alternative embodiments, other suitable sealing techniques, such as ultrasonic sealing, may be used. The lamination of elastic web  20   w  may also expose the edges of support strips  22   w , as shown in  FIG. 9D . As mentioned above, this may assist in relaxing manufacturing tolerances for laminating elastic web  20   w.    
     As further shown, once elastic web  20   w  is laminated, the resulting web assembly has web-based anchor strips  28   w  corresponding to anchor regions  28 , and a web-based bridging strip  30   w  corresponding to bridging segment  30 . As shown in  FIG. 9E , the individual elastic bands  16  may then be formed from the web assembly with the use of cut lines  90  (or lines of weakness) that extend perpendicular to the moving direction of the web, and preferably do not extend into liner web  26   w . This also defines the neck shapes of each bridging segment  30 , which are separated by excess matrix  92  between adjacent elastic bands  16 . The resulting web with multiple elastic bands  16  may then be provided as a sheet, or more preferably, in a rolled configuration (i.e., as a roll of connected elastic bands  16 ), for subsequent transportation, storage, purchase, and use. 
       FIGS. 9A-9E  illustrate a web-based process that manufactures multiple elastic bands  16  in a single row. Alternatively, the same web-based process may be applied to manufacture multiple elastic bands  16  in two or more adjacent rows.  FIG. 9F  illustrates another alternative step for producing multiple elastic bands  16 , where line web  26   w  is die cut to produce holes  93 , such as for individually-tailored designs. This die cutting step may be performed at any suitable time prior to producing elastic web  20   w . As such, when the elastomer material for elastic web  20   w  is laminated against liner web  26   w , a portion of the elastomer material fills into holes  93 . This produces raised designs above the plane of bridging segment  30  for each elastic band  16 . 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 13A-13C , bridging segment  30  may be cut to have dimensions and shapes that vary along its length, such as a sinusoidal pattern, widths that vary along the length, individually-tailored designs (e.g., brand logos), and the like. Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 14A-14C , bridging segment  30  may be cut to include a variety of different interior holes (e.g., star-shaped holes  98 ), such as for individually-tailored designs. Various combinations of these different embodiments may also be used to individually tailor bridging segment  30  to attain a desired elastic and/or aesthetic properties. 
     In some embodiments, the central region of liner web  26   w  between anchor strips  28   w  (i.e., below bridging strip  30   w ), and/or the lateral-edge portions of liner web  26   w  (referred to as lateral edge portions  94 , shown in  FIG. 9E ), may also be removed. Instead, the remaining strips of liner web  26   w  at anchor regions  28  may remain intact to support a roll or sheet of the scored or cut elastic bands  16 . 
     However, in some embodiments, these portions of liner web  26   w  may remain attached the resulting web assembly. This allows the web to be maintained in roll or sheet form. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C , in this alternative embodiment, a single liner  26  may also connect anchor regions  28  below bridging segment  30  of elastic layer  20 . During use, liner  26  may then be removed from adhesive layers  24  as a single strip in the same manner as discussed above for the separate liners  26 . 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 10D-10F , which illustrate a variant of the elastic band  16  shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C , elastic layer  20  may also extend laterally around the ends of anchor regions  28  to encase the ends of support layer  22  and adhesive layer  24 . In further variants, as shown in  FIG. 10G  (corresponding to  FIG. 10C ) and  FIG. 10H  (corresponding to  FIG. 10F ), bridging segment  30  of elastic layer  20  may alternatively extend down to contact liner  26 . 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate another alternative embodiment for elastic band  16 , in which elastic layer  20  at bridging segment  30  is not necked. In this embodiment, bridging segment  30  will have different elastic properties compared to those of bridging segment  30  as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , typically requiring greater stretching loads to stretch the bridging segment  30 . Accordingly, bridging segment  30  may cut to any desired shape (or remain uncut) to attain a desired elastic property. 
     For instance, as shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C , bridging segment  30  may be cut to include opposing shoulders  96  between the necked portion. In this embodiment, shoulders  96  may further reduce the stress loads applied to anchor regions  28  by laterally distributing the stress loads. Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 13A-13C , bridging segment  30  may be cut to have dimensions and shapes that vary along its length, such as a sinusoidal pattern, widths that vary along the length, individually-tailored designs (e.g., brand logos), and the like. Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 14A-14C , bridging segment  30  may be cut to include a variety of different interior holes (e.g., star-shaped holes  98 ), such as for individually-tailored designs. Various combinations of these different embodiments may also be used to individually tailor bridging segment  30  to attain a desired elastic and/or aesthetic properties. 
       FIGS. 15A-15C  illustrate an alternative to labeling sleeve assembly  10 , in which label strap  14  is connected to one of the anchor regions  28  of elastic band  16  prior to use. In particular, label strap  14  may be adhered to one of the adhesive layers  24  such that end segment  18  of label strap  14  extends below bridging segment  30 . This allows the opposing end segment  18  to overlap with the adhered end segment  18  when label strap  14  is folded into loop  34 , as discussed above. 
     The opposing anchor region  28  may retain liner  26  in the same manner as discussed above. During use, label strap  14  may be formed into loop  34 , where one of the end segments  18  is already adhered to one of the anchor region  28 . For example, liner  26  may be removed from the non-adhered anchor region  28 , and the exposed adhesive layer  26  may then be adhered to the available end segment  18  in the same manner as discussed above. 
     In an alternative embodiment, one or both of support layer  22  and adhesive layer  24  that are shown connected to label strap  14  in  FIGS. 15A-15C  may be omitted, such that the same end segment  18  may be bonded (e.g., heat sealed) directly to elastic layer  20  at the anchor region  28 . In a further alternative embodiment, this anchor region  28  may be mechanically connected to the end segment  18  of label strap  14 , such as with a mechanical fastener. 
     Labeling sleeve assembly  10  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15A-15C  may be manufactured in a variety of manners. For instance, in one embodiment, the manufacturing process may involve a two-stage technique, where label strap  14  and elastic band  16  may be manufactured separately, and then adhered or otherwise bonded together to produce labeling sleeve assembly  10  as shown in  FIGS. 15A-15C . 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 16A and 16B , labeling sleeve assembly  10  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15A-15C  may be manufactured using a web-based process that is similar to the process discussed above for  FIGS. 9A-9E . As such, in this embodiment, label strap  14  may be adhered or otherwise bonded to elastic band  16  during the same process that is used to manufacture elastic band  16 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 16A , a web of the material(s) for label strap  14  (referred to as label web  14   w ) may be positioned adjacent to the liner web  26   w  such that their respective edges abut one another, but do not overlap. In an alternative embodiment, label web  14   w  may partially overlap on top of liner web  26   w , which may assist in maintaining proper registration between the webs during the manufacturing process, and for maintaining the resulting web assembly in roll or sheet form. 
     The remaining steps discussed above for  FIGS. 9B-9D  may then be performed to produce anchor regions  28  connected by bridging segment  30 . As shown in  FIG. 16B , once elastic web  20   w  is laminated, the resulting web assembly has web-based anchor strips  28   w  corresponding to anchor regions  28 , and a web-based central strip  30   w  corresponding to bridging segment  30 . The individual labeling sleeve assemblies  10  may then be formed from the web assembly with the use of cut lines  90  (or lines of weakness) that extend perpendicular to the moving direction of the web. This also defines the neck shapes of each bridging segment  30 , which are separated by excess matrix  92  between adjacent elastic bands  16 . The resulting web with multiple labeling sleeve assemblies  10  may then be provided as a sheet, or more preferably, in a rolled configuration (i.e., as a roll of connected labeling sleeve assemblies  10 ), for subsequent transportation, storage, display, purchase, and customer use. 
     In some preferred embodiments, cut lines  90  do not extend through liner web  26   w . This may assist in maintaining the resulting web in a roll form that is feedable to an automated system for removing individual labeling sleeve assemblies  10  from the roll, and securing them to article(s) as discussed above. For instance, labeling sleeve assembly  10  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16A and 16B  is particularly suitable for being secured to articles pursuant to the second technique discussed above for  FIGS. 4A-4F , where the steps shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  may be omitted because label strap  14  is already bonded to one of the anchor regions  28 . 
       FIGS. 17A-17C  illustrate another alternative embodiment for elastic band  16 , in which the anchor regions  28  face opposing sides of elastic band  16 . In particular, this arrangement has a front-facing adhesive layer  24 , and a rear-facing adhesive layer  24 . As further shown, a pair of liners  26  also face opposing sides of elastic band  16  and are sized to cover adhesive layers  24 . Alternatively, the rear-side liner  26  may extend across elastic band  16  (as shown in  FIG. 17D ) and/or the front-side liner  26  may extend across elastic band  16  (as shown in  FIG. 17E ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 18B , elastic band  16  with the opposing-faced adhesive layers  24  may be secured to label strap  14  in a similar manner as the above-discussed elastic bands  16  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 1A-16B ). However, in this case, elastic band  16  may be secured between end segments  18  of label strap  14 , thereby remaining hidden (e.g., as shown by dashed lines in  FIG. 18A ). 
     During use, label strap  14  may be partially shaped into loop  34  around article  12 , as discussed above. The rear-facing adhesive layer  24  may then be secured to display surface  14   a  of label strap  14  at any suitable location along lower end segment  18 . Upper end segment  18  may then be pulled and pressed against the front-facing adhesive layer  24  to secure the front-facing adhesive layer  24  to rear surface  14   b  of label strap  14 . As shown, the front-facing adhesive layer  24  is preferably secured along the upper end segment  18  at a location that allows the upper end segment  18  to hide elastic band  16 . 
     When adhered in this manner, the tension applied to label strap  14  (as illustrated by arrows  40   a  and  40   b ) pulls anchor regions  28  in opposing directions under shear (as illustrated by arrows  42 ), thereby stretching bridging segment  30 . This is achievable because of the bonding locations of the adhesive layers  24  to end segments  18 . In particular, the rear-facing adhesive layer  24  is secured to display surface  14   a  at an inward location along label strap  14  in the direction of arrow  40   a  relative to the front-facing adhesive layer  24 . Correspondingly, the front-facing adhesive layer  24  is secured to rear surface  14   b  at an inward location along label strap  14  in the direction of arrow  40   b  relative to the rear-facing adhesive layer  24 . This arrangement allows bridging segment  30  to stretch in the opposing directions of arrows  42  to hold label strap  14  closed as loop  34  around the article  12  under elastic tension. 
     In comparison, as shown in  FIG. 18C , if the locations of adhesive layers  24  were reversed, the tension applied to label strap  14  (as illustrated by arrows  40   a  and  40   b ) would undesirably pull anchor regions  28  towards each other (as illustrated by arrows  43 ), thereby contracting bridging segment  30 . This accordingly would reduce the elastic tension applied to label strap  14 , which could increase the size of loop  34  and potentially allow label strap  14  to slide or otherwise fall off of the article  12 . Thus, the arrangement shown above in  FIG. 18B  achieves a unique mechanism to hold label strap  14  closed, as loop  34  extends around the article  12  under elastic tension. 
     The elastic band  16  with the opposing anchor regions  28 , such as illustrated in  FIGS. 17A-18C , may be manufactured in a similar manner to that discussed above (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9F ). For example, as shown in  FIGS. 19A and 19B , multiple elastic bands  16  may be produced by co-laminating adhesive strips  24   w  and support strips  22   w  with elastomer web  20   w  and a pair of opposing liner webs  26   w . In this case, as best shown in  FIG. 19B , adhesive strips  24   w  and support strips  22   w  are introduced in alternating arrangements to provide the opposing anchor regions  28 . In some embodiments, adhesive strips  24   w  and support strips  22   w  may be provided together as a label stock, as discussed above. 
     In the example shown in  FIGS. 19A-19C , multiple elastic bands  16  may be produced in multiple adjacent rows (as well as along the length of the web assembly). Furthermore, the individual elastic bands may be separated by cut lines  91  (or lines of weakness) that extend parallel to the moving direction of the web, and preferably do not extend into rear-side liner web  26   w . This is in addition to the cut lines  90  (or lines of weakness) that extend perpendicular to the moving direction of the web, as discussed above. During use, each individual elastic band  16  may then be removed, manually or with an automated system, from the bottom liner  26   w  and secured to a label strap  14 , as discussed above. 
       FIGS. 19D and 19E  illustrate alternative arrangements for elastic bands  16 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 19D , the front-side liner web  26   w  may be co-laminated in separate strips that cover the front-facing adhesive strips  24   w . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 19E , the rear-side liner web  26   w  may also be co-laminated in separate strips that cover the rear-facing adhesive strips  24   w.    
     The above discussion has been primarily made with reference to elastic bands  16  being affixed to display surface  14   a  of label strap  14 , or between end segments  18  of label strap  14 . However, in alternative embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 20 , elastic band  16  having may be affixed to rear surface  14   b  of label strap  14 , such that elastic layer  20  rests against rear side  12   b  of article  12 . This embodiment is beneficial for hiding elastic band  16 , and is preferably used in conjunction with an article  12  that is not susceptible to oil leaching from elastic layer  20 . An additional benefit of this embodiment is that the grippiness of the elastomeric material(s) of elastic band  16  may further prevent the secured labeling sleeve assembly  10  from sliding along article  12 . 
     The grippiness of the elastomeric material(s) may also be employed in a further alternative manner, as shown in  FIGS. 21A-21C . As shown in  FIG. 21A , in this embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a button assembly  116 , where one or more button assemblies  116  may be affixed to rear surface  14   b  to grip rear surface  12   b  of article  12 . Button assembly  116  may be used in conjunction with labeling sleeve assembly  10 , or separately (e.g., label strap  14  may be secured closed using other means (e.g., tape). 
     As shown in  FIG. 21B , button assembly  116  includes elastic layer  120 , support layer  122 , adhesive layer  124 , and release liner  126  (which correspond to elastic layer  20 , support layer  22 , adhesive layer  24 , and release liner  26  at a single anchor region  28  of an elastic band  16 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 2C ). Accordingly, button assembly  116  may be produced using the same web-based process as discussed above for elastic band  16 , and from the same discussed-above materials. 
     As can be appreciated, button assembly  116  may be used in a variety of manners to prevent slippage between surfaces. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 21C , one or more button assemblies  116   a  may be used to further prevent sliding between article  12  and a pair of labeling sleeve assemblies  10 . Furthermore, an additional button assembly  116   b  may be used to prevent sliding between the pair of labeling sleeve assemblies  10 . Alternatively, labeling sleeve assemblies  10  may be replaced with standard labels or other wrappings for article  12 , where button assemblies  116  (e.g., button assemblies  116   a  and  116   b ) may assist in preventing these labels or wrappings from slipping relative to article  12 . 
     Labeling sleeve assembly  10  of the present disclosure is suitable for use with a variety of different articles, allowing the label straps  14  to display indicia  15  in a prominent manner. The label strap  14  may be folded into any suitable shape for loop  34 , preferably with end segments  18  overlapping each other. One or more elastic bands  16  may affixed to the opposing end segments  18  to hold label strap  14  closed as loop  34  around the article(s) under elastic tension. 
     As discussed above, bridging segments  30  of the elastic bands  16  are preferably the only components of labeling sleeve assembly  10  that stretch when labeling sleeve assembly  10  is expanded from its relaxed state to a stretched state. This prevents the printed indicia  15  on display surface  14   a  of label strap  14  from distorting, and preserves the adhesive bonds between label strap  14  and elastic band(s)  16 . 
     The elastic tension of loop  34  accordingly prevents labeling sleeve assembly  10  from slipping off of the article during normal use, such as during transportation, storage, display, purchase, and customer use. It also allows labeling sleeve assembly  10  to be readily removed from the article(s) without undue effort, providing a low-cost and user-friendly mechanism for displaying information. 
     The features of the present disclosure are also discussed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/877,498 (filed on Sep. 13, 2013) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/911,065 (filed on Dec. 3, 2013), the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.