Patent Abstract:
The present invention is a machine to perform two or more processes to an bottle wherein registration of the first process to the second process is required. The products produced with such registration have distinct advantages over prior art. These include labeling systems comprising multiple labels that can be incorporated into many useful variants for promotional items. Additionally, novel packaging systems can utilize this technology.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/295,098, entitled “BOTTLE WITH MULTIPLE LABELS”, filed Jun. 1, 2001 by Richard Schaupp, Timothy Klein, and John Hickey and U.S. provisional application No. 60/309,679, entitled “MACHINE FOR PLACEMENT OF MULTIPLE LABELS”, filed Aug. 2, 2001 by Richard Schaupp, Timothy Klein, and John Hickey, the entire disclosures of both applications are herein specifically incorporated by reference for all that they disclose and teach. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    a. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention pertains generally to high speed label placement machines and specifically to high speed label placement machines wherein multiple labels are placed on an object.  
           [0004]    b. Description of the Background  
           [0005]    Labels on beverage bottles and the like are critical sales tools for differentiating one product from another. The ability to stand out from the crowd of beverages can make a large difference in the sales of the product and an increase in market share.  
           [0006]    Labels for beverage bottles and the like are applied by different methods. A common method is the roll wrap label wherein a label is presented in the form of a web that is glued at the edges and wrapped around the circumference of the bottle. A second form is a label that is presented on a web carrier and attached with pressure sensitive adhesive. Other forms of labels and methods of application are widely known and practiced.  
           [0007]    It is common from time to time for a beverage manufacturer to have a marketing campaign wherein a premium, game piece, coupon, or other promotional item is to be attached to the packaging in some form. Ideally, the promotional item would be included on the beverage bottle directly. However, the manufacturing complexities have so far limited the promotional items to places such as the bottle cap or applied to a carton or other container in which the bottle comes. It is also common for a manufacturer to place RF identifier tags and bar codes to items at the request of a retailer.  
           [0008]    One of the difficulties is that the game piece or promotional item is likely to be manufactured in a different manner than the exterior label. For example, it may be a multi-folded item made of card stock and the exterior label may be a plastic film. The promotional item may also be attached to the bottle with pressure sensitive adhesive or other mechanism other than the glue strip of the exterior label.  
           [0009]    The difficulty of labeling two dissimilar labels lies primarily in the registration of the two labels with respect to one another. This is due to the fact that one type of label may optimally be manufactured, presented, and applied using one method, such as thin, plastic roll wrapped labels adhered with a strip of glue, and a second type of label may be optimally manufactured, presented, and applied using a second method that is incompatible with the first, such as a cardstock label presented by peeling off of a disposable web backing and applied with pressure sensitive adhesive. In high speed inline labeling machines used in bottling factories, the only option available is a large rotary labeling machine that holds the bottles from the top and bottom during all of the processing done at the machine. These machines are very expensive to buy and operate compared to high-speed in-line machines.  
           [0010]    It would therefore be advantageous to provide a high speed in-line machine for applying a first item to a bottle, such as a pressure sensitive label, maintaining control of the orientation of the bottle while adjusting the orientation to a position to receive a second item of the same or different composition, and applying a second item, such as a roll wrapped label. It would further be advantageous to control the registration of the placement of the items to achieve a variety of functions.  
           [0011]    c. Definitions  
           [0012]    The following definitions are presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the terms to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the teachings of this specification.  
           [0013]    Bottle: an object that is processed by a high speed in-line or similar machine, such as a beverage bottle. The bottle may be one of several types containers such as plastic bottles, cups, metal cans, glass wine bottles, tubular cardboard containers, aerosol spray cans, pharmaceutical containers, glass jelly jars, plastic jugs, rotationally molded lidded containers for hardware items like screws and such. Further, the bottle may be any object that is typically sold with labels attached, such as highlighter markers, candles, rolls of paper products, and sundry others. The outside shape of the object does not have to be cylindrical, but can be square, elliptical, or can have other cross-sectional shapes.  
           [0014]    Label: an item that is applied by a high speed in-line or similar machine to a bottle, such as a pressure sensitive label. The label may be a conventional advertising or descriptive label of various constructions, such as paper, cardstock, plastic film, or other label material. The label may be constructed of a single ply of material, or may be a multiple ply construction. Further, the label may be a booklet construction with multiple pages that are glued or bound on an edge. The conventional label may be applied by many different methods, such as pressure sensitive adhesive, hot glue, cold glue, ultraviolet cure glue, dry peel adhesive, heat transfer, or any other type of adhesive. Further, the label may be applied by static charge or other mechanical method so that it stays on the bottle during assembly until a second label captures and contains the first label. Additionally, the label may be a shrink-wrap label that envelops the bottle and is shrunk to the bottle with a heat source. Alternatively the label may actually be a promotional item such as a premium, game piece, coupon, souvenir, phone card, tickets, or the like. Further, the label may comprise a package for holding a liquid or other items, such as a foil packet. Further, the label may be a passive electrical device, such as an RF identifier tag. Further, the label may be an active electronic device, such as a battery operated light or a device for playing a sound. Alternatively, the promotional item or electrical device may be web converted and presented on a carrier, the carrier being attached directly to the bottle. Further, the label may be a printed mark, logo, set of characters, barcode, or other design that is applied directly by a printing mechanism, such as a sprayed ink printer, transfer printing, pad printing, laser etching, or other printing method. Further, the label may be a brand identifier, logo, or special advertising item. For example, the label may be a holographic image, diffraction grating, reflective media, or other special material. A label may also be a device for tearing or removing a second label. These examples are not meant to limit the types of labels and of course, those skilled in the arts of promotional items, labels, and the general packaging industry would be able to expand these examples and still fall within the scope of this invention.  
           [0015]    Game piece: an item specifically adapted for a promotional game. The typical game piece may be of several varieties. These include instant win game pieces where a consumer can redeem the game piece for a prize instantly, may be a collection type game where two or more game pieces must be collected and redeemed together, or other type of game where the consumer compares the game piece code to a code on a website or other advertisement. The game piece typically involves a variable printing process whereby the text or image on the game piece can be varied during the printing process. The game piece may be a simple printed mark on the bottle comprising text, graphics, barcode, or other images. The game piece may be a multipart label where the consumer must peel apart one layer of the label to expose the variable printed image. These examples are not meant to limit the types of game pieces and of course, those skilled in the arts of promotional items, labels, and the general packaging industry would be able to expand these examples and still fall within the scope of this invention.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0016]    The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art by providing a high speed in-line machine to assemble labels on a bottle. The machine can be used to apply two dissimilar labels to a bottle wherein each label is applied by a different mechanism. The dissimilar labels may be placed and registered with respect to one another on the bottle. The combinations may be used to create advertising devices and product packaging devices that were heretofore impractical to produce.  
           [0017]    One embodiment of the present invention pertains to a high speed in-line bottle labeling machine, wherein bottles travel through the machine in a cradle that allows the bottle to rotate. A first label is presented and applied to the bottle under positive control as it passes through the machine. A positioning mechanism rotates the bottle a controlled amount in the cradle to a second orientation. A second label is presented and applied to the bottle as it continues through the machine and then exits the machine. The registration of the two labels is controlled with the repositioning devices.  
           [0018]    The first label to be applied can be of any desired construction and attached to the bottle by any desired method. For example, the label may comprise a preprinted, adhesive backed label, an RF identifier tag on a pressure sensitive backing, a promotional game piece applied with glue, a package of liquid additive for the contents of the bottle applied with hot glue, or a barcode image printed directly on the bottle, etc. Of course, this list is merely an example of the diverse set of articles that may be placed, printed, adhered, applied or otherwise assembled to the surface of the bottle.  
           [0019]    The cradle mechanism is constructed to support the bottle and allow the bottle to rotate while it is presented to the first label station, the positioning device, and the second label station.  
           [0020]    The positioning mechanism can be a single powered roller, a continuously moving, constant speed belt, a belt that can be adjusted in speed and direction during the turning process, a stationary frictional surface, or other mechanism or combination of mechanisms to change the orientation of the bottle while it is in the cradle. Further, the positioning mechanism may be incorporated into a processing station, such as a label applicator, or the positioning mechanism may be a separate entity that is not attached to one or more processing stations.  
           [0021]    The second label to be applied can be of any desired construction and attached to the bottle by various methods. For example, the second label may be a roll wrapped plastic film label or other type of label. Of course, the example is meant only for illustrative purposes.  
           [0022]    The invention also includes the advertising and packaging devices heretofore unproducible on conventional packaging equipment. Several variations of multiple labels that are used in accordance with the present invention require registration of the labels with respect to each other that is the result of positive control of the bottle during labeling.  
           [0023]    For example, a first label, such as a promotional game piece, may be placed on a bottle and have a second label placed over the first. The second label must be registered to the first so that the glue used to assemble the second label to the bottle does not overlap the first label. In this embodiment, the consumer can remove the second label to gain access to the first in order to play the game.  
           [0024]    In a second example, a first label such as a game piece, may be placed onto a bottle and a second label may be placed over the first label with a window through the second label so that the first label is visible. The second label must be registered to the first label so that the window is properly located and the first label is therefore visible.  
           [0025]    A third example may be the placement of a first label, such as a game piece on a bottle. A second label having a window may then be placed over the first label, such that the first label is visible through the window. One or more edges of the first label may be viewable through the window. In this example, perforations may be added to the first or second labels to assist the consumer in removing the promotional item. Further, an exposed edge of the first label may not have adhesive applied near the edge so that the consumer may use a fingernail to further assist in removing of the first label. The second label must be registered to the first label so that the window shows the appropriate section of the first label.  
           [0026]    A fourth example may be a bottle that may be labeled first with a booklet attached with pressure sensitive adhesive and covers a portion of the circumference. A second label may be a roll wrapped plastic film label and attached to or near one end of the first label and continue around the remainder of the circumference to end on or near the opposite end of the first label. Registration of the second label to the first is important so that the overlap of the two labels does not interfere with the use and function of the booklet.  
           [0027]    A fifth example is a bottle wherein an adhesive backed RF tag may be placed on a bottle and a second label is roll wrapped around the complete exterior of the bottle, covering the RF tag so that it is not unsightly. Instead of an RF tag, a promotional item, such as a ticket or coupon may be placed underneath the second label. The registration of the RF tag to the roll wrapped label is important since the RF tag may interfere with the gluing of a roll wrapped label if improperly registered.  
           [0028]    A sixth example is a bottle with a roll wrapped label applied with glue with the label covering the circumference of the bottle and a second label which is a promotional item adhered with pressure sensitive adhesive to a specific location to the outside of the first label. In this case, the second label may be a decorative item manufactured of a different method than the first, such as a holographic image or diffraction grating. The second label should be registered to the first so that the promotional item occupies a designated space on the first label.  
           [0029]    A seventh example is a bottle with a first label, such as a removable game piece, viewable through a window in the second label. In this case, the first label has two edges that are exposed through the window and perforations or scoring along the edges that are not exposed. This combination allows the consumer to remove the first label without damaging the second label. The second label must be registered to the first label so that the perforated lines are positioned properly to aid the consumer in removing the game piece.  
           [0030]    An eighth example is a bottle with a first label and a second label that is moveable over the first. The second label may be a roll wrapped label wherein the label is glued only to itself and not the bottle, so that the second label may be twisted on the bottle. One or more windows in the second label can then be moved over the first label, creating a game for the consumer to play. The second label must be registered with respect to the first label to avoid any assembly problems with the roll wrapped label assembly.  
           [0031]    A ninth example is a bottle with a first label that is entrapped on three sides by a second label. The second label has a window or cut out whereby three edges of the first label are covered and the forth edge of the first label is exposed. Registration between the first label and second label must be sufficient so that the first label does not interfere with the assembly process of the second label.  
           [0032]    A tenth example is a bottle with an outside label and a tab label, string, or other device that aids in the removal of the label. The outside label may have perforations, scoring or other devices to aid in the tearing of the label. The device to aid removal may have a tab that is exposed for the consumer to grip as the consumer removes the outer label. The outside label must be registered to the tab label for the tearing action of the tab label to be effective.  
           [0033]    An eleventh example is a bottle with a first label that is opaque and a second label that is printed on a transparent media. The first label may be a standard product label and the second label may be a special promotional label. The second label is selectively transparent so that portions of the first label are visible through the second. The second label must be registered to the first label so that the proper visual effect of the two labels is achieved.  
           [0034]    A twelfth example is a bottle with a first item that is applied and an overlapping label with a window through which protrudes a portion of the first item. The first item may be a container for something or it may be decorative item only. The container may be used for promotional items such as a premium, or it may be used for a complementary product or accessory to the item sold in the container, such as a package of mounting screws for a container of a hardware product. The overlapping label, and its window must be registered with respect to the first item so that the first item fits through the window properly, otherwise the overlapping label will not assemble correctly.  
           [0035]    The above examples are not exhaustive of the combinations of items to be placed on a bottle where the registration of the items is important. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, the present invention would apply to bottles, cans, and other containers or objects especially cylindrical containers and objects to which labels and other articles are applied.  
           [0036]    The present invention may therefore comprise a method of applying at least two labels to a substantially cylindrical object with a predetermined angular orientation of the labels about the axis of the cylinder on an in-line labeling machine comprising: placing the object into a cradle, the cradle allowing the object to freely rotate about the axis, the cradle being mounted to a star wheel comprising a plurality of the cradles; passing the object past a first labeling machine, the first labeling machine being capable of presenting a first label and applying the first label to the object by rotating the object in the cradle; positioning the object with a turning mechanism, the turning mechanism having a mechanism that engages the object on the cylindrical surface and changes the rotational orientation of the object to a predetermined orientation; and presenting the object to a second labeling machine, the second labeling machine being capable of presenting a second label and applying the second label to the object, the second label being in a predetermined angular orientation with respect to the first label.  
           [0037]    The present invention may further comprise an in-line machine for applying at least two labels to a substantially cylindrical object with a predetermined angular orientation of the labels about the axis of the cylinder comprising: a star wheel, the star wheel comprising a plurality of cradles, the cradles allowing the object to freely rotate about the axis; a first labeling machine, the labeling machine being capable of presenting a first label and applying the first label to the object by rotating the object in the cradle; a turning mechanism, the turning mechanism having a mechanism that engages the object and changes the rotational orientation of the object to a predetermined orientation; and a second labeling machine, the labeling machine being capable of presenting a second label and applying the second label to the object, the second label being in a predetermined angular orientation with respect to the first label.  
           [0038]    The present invention may further comprise an object with multiple labels comprising: an object being substantially cylindrical and having a major axis; a first label; and a second label, the second label being placed over at least a portion of the first label, the position of the second label being angularly oriented about the major axis of the object with respect to the first label, wherein the first label and the second label are adhered to the object by different mechanisms.  
           [0039]    The present invention may further comprise a substantially cylindrical object with at least two labels manufactured on an in-line labeling machine using a process comprising: placing the object into a cradle, the cradle allowing the object to freely rotate about the axis, the cradle being mounted to a star wheel comprising a plurality of the cradles; passing the object past a first labeling machine, the first labeling machine being capable of presenting a first label and applying the first label to the object by rotating the object in the cradle; positioning the object with a turning mechanism, the turning mechanism having a mechanism that engages the object on the cylindrical surface and changes the rotational orientation of the object to a predetermined orientation; and presenting the object to a second labeling machine, the second labeling machine being capable of presenting a second label and applying the second label to the object, the second label being in a predetermined angular orientation with respect to the first label.  
           [0040]    The advantages of the present invention are that a plethora of options for the label designer and marketing professional to create product differentiation for their specific application. Further, the ability to accurately place multiple labels of different constructions allows the marketing professional many options for displaying product information, for hiding unsightly RF tags, for developing promotions, and for other options within their purvey. Also, since the labels can be applied at high speed, the manufacturing of these products can be done in a cost efficient manner. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0041]    In the drawings,  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 1 is a top view of a high speed bottle labeling machine showing a first label being attached with pressure sensitive adhesive and a second label being a roll wrapped label applied with hot glue and a positioning mechanism comprising a moving belt.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 2 is a detail view of a section of FIG. 2 showing the first label being applied.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 3 is view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the bottle at the point where the first label has just been applied, and a second bottle ready for the second label application.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a detail of the embodiment of FIG. 4, shown from the opposite side of the machine from FIG. 4.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a detail of the embodiment of FIG. 5.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cradle of the embodiment of FIG. 4.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 8 is a top view of a high speed bottle labeling machine showing a first label being attached with pressure sensitive adhesive and a second label being a roll wrapped label applied with hot glue and a position mechanism comprising an applicator wheel and a friction fence.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 9 is a detail view of a section of FIG. 8 showing the first label ready to be applied and the second label ready to be applied.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 10 is view similar to FIG. 9, but showing the bottle at the point where the first label is being applied and the bottle is being repositioned.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9, but showing the bottle being repositioned.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 12 is a detail view of a section of another embodiment of the invention showing an alternative method for delivering the first label and repositioning the bottle.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 13 is an illustration of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration wherein a first label is hidden by a second label.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of FIG. 13 shown in the exploded state.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventive label configuration of the present invention having a first label and a second label with a window aligned with the first wherein one or more edges of the first label are exposed through the window.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of FIG. 15 shown in the exploded state.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 17 is perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration of the present invention having a portion of a first label appear through a window in a second label.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of FIG. 17 shown in the exploded state. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventive label configuration of the present invention having a first label and a second label wherein the second label attaches to one end of the first label and wraps around to attach to the opposite end of the first label.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of FIG. 19 shown in the exploded state.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 21 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 shown with each element slightly exploded.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration of the present invention having a first label and a second label wherein the second label is attached to the outside of the first label.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of FIG. 22 shown in the exploded state.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration of the present invention wherein a first label is viewable through a window in a second label and two edges of the first label are exposed through the window.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of FIG. 24 shown in the exploded state.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration of the present invention having a first label and a second label wherein the second label is assembled so that it can be twisted about the bottle.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of FIG. 26 shown in the exploded state.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration of the present invention having a first label and a second label wherein the first label is exposed through a window in the second label wherein the window is comprised of a notch in the second label.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 29 is a perspective view of FIG. 28 shown in the exploded state.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration of the present invention having a label and a device to aid in removing the label.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 31 is a perspective view of FIG. 30 shown in the exploded state.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration of the present invention comprising a first label and a second label wherein the second label is a semi-transparent label that covers the first label.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 33 is a perspective view of FIG. 32 shown in the exploded state.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration of the present invention having a first item and a second label wherein the first item protrudes through a window in the second label.  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 35 is a perspective view of FIG. 34 shown in the exploded state. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0076]    [0076]FIG. 1 illustrates an overall view of an embodiment of the inventive machine wherein the positioning device is a moving belt. The bottles move from right to left through the machine. The bottles enter the machine on conveyor  102  and inlet screw  104  separates bottles to be fed into the machine  100 . Bottle  106  is shown in the inlet screw  104 , and bottle  108  is shown traveling on the conveyor  102  properly separated from bottle  110 . The inlet star wheel  112  takes each bottle in turn and nestles it into cradle  128  in the main star wheel  116 . Bottle  110  is shown just prior to being nestled into cradle  128 . The main star wheel  116  is rotated in a counter clockwise direction, moving the bottles past first label station  118 , a positioning device  120 , and a second label station  122 .  
         [0077]    The first label station  118  is a conventional label dispenser for a pressure sensitive adhesive backed label. These types of label applicators transport the labels on a web that is passed over a peel point  124  wherein the web is forced to turn on a very small radius, causing the labels to peel from the web. The web is advanced by a pinch roller mechanism  126  when one label is removed and another one required.  
         [0078]    The positioning device  120  is a powered belt that causes a bottle in a cradle to rotate as it passes past the positioning device  120 . In this embodiment, the positioning device  120  is incorporated in first label station  118 .  
         [0079]    The second label station  122  is a conventional roll wrapped label applicator. These types of label applicators have the labels presented in the form of a web, which is cut and placed on a vacuum drum  132 . A strip of glue is then applied to each end of the labels by the glue dispensing mechanism  130 . The leading edge of the label is applied to the bottle, and the bottle is rolled against a friction pad until the glued trailing edge of the label is adhered to the bottle.  
         [0080]    Those skilled in the art can readily appreciate the various combinations of a first processing station, a registration mechanism, and a second processing station of which the machine  100  is a single embodiment. Alternative embodiments may include any combination of two different or the same label applicators, such as a roll wrapped applicators, applicators for web converted products such as the nip roller style or tamp and blow style, pick and place style applicators, applicators for liner-less labels, burst and place applicators for items separated by perforations or scoring, static charged applicators for adhesive-less application of labels, applicators for labels with ultraviolet cured adhesive, and any other label applicator. Additional embodiments may have one or both processing stations comprise a printing or etching station, such as a laser etching station for etching an image, barcode, or text onto a plastic bottle, a pad printing station, a heat transfer printing machine, an ink jet type printing device, or other direct printing type of station. Further, another embodiment may be the first processing station comprising a glue dispensing station and the second processing station comprising a label applicator that places the label onto the glue.  
         [0081]    Although the number of objects attached to a bottle in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown as two objects, any number of objects (within reason) can be placed on the bottle. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein the number of processing stations can be greater than two.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 2 illustrates a detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the application of a first label  202  to bottle  204  and a second label  206  to bottle  208 . As the bottle  204  advances towards the belt  210 , first label  202  is pinched between the bottle  204  and the belt  210 . At this point, known as the nip point, the belt&#39;s clockwise rotation pulls the remainder of the first label  202  off of the web  212  and presses the first label  202  onto the bottle  204 . As bottle  208  advances toward vacuum drum  132 , second label  206  is applied to bottle  208 . The rotation of vacuum drum  132  in a clockwise direction forces bottle  208  against a frictional fence  214 , which rolls the label  206  onto the bottle  208 . It is not necessary for the proper function of the machine that the two labels be applied simultaneously.  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 3 illustrates a detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, and similar to FIG. 2 except that the main star wheel  116  has advanced to the point where the bottle  204  is being positioned by the belt  210 . At this point, the belt  210  is spinning the bottle  204  in a counter clockwise direction. Bottle  208  is also being spun in a counter clockwise direction by virtue of the clockwise rotation of vacuum drum  132  pressing bottle  208  against frictional fence  214 . Second label  206  is almost fully attached to the bottle  208 .  
         [0084]    The construction of belt  210  may be a timing belt with teeth, or may comprise an o-ring or other belting medium. The belt  210  is such that it frictionally grabs the bottle  204  and causes it to spin. The belt  210  may further comprise an upper and lower belt such that the upper and lower belts touch the bottle in certain areas and avoid touching the bottle in other areas. Such a configuration may be required if, for example, the first processing station applied an area of glue and it was desired that the belt  210  not touch the glue during positioning.  
         [0085]    The gear ratio of the belt  210  to the main star wheel  116  is selected so that the first label  202  is fully applied to the bottle  204  and positions the bottle  204  in the cradle to accept the second label. The gear ratio of belt  210  to main star wheel  116  may be further increased or decreased to adjust the position of the bottle  204  in the cradle. In this manner, the registration of the first label  202  to the second label is adjusted during machine set up and operation. As the speed of the machine increases, the effects of inertia when the bottle is spinning, friction in the cradles, and other elements combine to shift the registration of the first and second labels. By adjusting the gear ratio between the belt  210  and the main star wheel  116  as the speed increases, an operator or set up technician can adjust the registration of the two labels. It is common for the belt  210  to be controlled with a servo motor which is electronically geared to an input, such as an encoder on the main star wheel  116 . Being electronically geared the effective gear ratio to change with different parameters, including speed of the main star wheel  116 .  
         [0086]    An alternative method to a constant gear ratio belt  210  is to change the speed of the belt  210  during the period that it is engaged with the bottle  204 . For example, the belt  210  may begin so that the surface speed of the belt  210  is the same as the surface speed of the bottle  204  as it touches the nip point. After the label  202  is nipped between the belt  210  and the bottle  204 , the belt  210  may be increased in speed to apply the label and position the bottle  204 , and then it may be slowed down to the same speed as at the nip point. This speed profile leaves the bottle  204  in a state where it is not rotating in the cradle, which tends to minimize the inaccuracy of the registration of the first label to the second.  
         [0087]    Further, an alternative embodiment of the positioning mechanism  210  may comprise a series of belts that rotate the bottle at different speeds or speed profiles during the passage of the bottle through the machine. For example, a first belt may apply a first label at a certain preset speed that is geared to the speed of the main star wheel  116 . A second belt may have a variable speed profile that positions the bottle in the cradle.  
         [0088]    A feedback system may be employed in the positioning mechanism to sense the label position and dynamically adjust the exact position of the bottle in the cradle to accept a second label. The feedback system may be attached to any of the embodiments of the positioning mechanism.  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In this view, the bottles move from left to right through the machine. A bottle  402  is shown being separated by inlet screw  404 . A second bottle  406  is shown just prior to being placed in cradle  408  in main star wheel  410  by inlet star wheel  412 . Main star wheel  410  turns in a counter clockwise direction in this view. A portion of the first label feeder mechanism  414  is visible. The bottle  416  is in the positioning station where the first label is fed and the bottle repositioned for the second label. The bottle  416  is guided at the top by guide rail  418 .  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 5 shows a detail perspective view of the machine of FIG. 4, showing the positioning belt  502  from the opposite side of the machine as the view of FIG. 4. In this view, the main star wheel  410  moves in a counter clockwise direction and the bottles progress from right to left. Bottle  416  is shown in cradle  504  being turned by belt  502 . Belt  502  is driven by servo motor  506  shown partially cut away. The servo motor  506  is being driven in a counter clockwise direction. First label  508  is shown attached to the bottle  416  as the bottle  416  is being rotated to a specific position prior to receiving a second label. Vacuum drum  510  turns in a clockwise direction and places the second label on the bottle.  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 6 shows a wider detail perspective view of the machine of FIGS. 4 and 5, taken from the same side of the machine as FIG. 5. In this view, the bottles progress from right to left and main star wheel  410  moves in a counter clockwise direction. Bottle  416  is shown in main star wheel  410  along with motor  506  and guide  418 . Bottle  602  is in the process of receiving second label  604  from vacuum drum  510 . As the bottles begin the process of receiving the second label, they are forced to roll against friction surface  606  that simultaneously removes the bottles from their cradles in main star wheel  410 .  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 7 shows a close up view of a typical cradle in a main star wheel of a typical embodiment of the invention. The cradle comprises several wheels  702  in a semicircular shape. The bottles rest against the wheels  702  without being marred or damaged. The wheels  702  are mounted on axles  704  which are pressed through plate  706 . The wheels  702  are further mounted on bearings that are not seen in this view.  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 8 shows a top view of another embodiment of a high speed bottle labeling machine  800 . The bottles progress through the machine from right to left in this view. The bottles enter the machine on conveyor  802  as inlet screw  804  separates bottles to be fed into the machine  800 . Bottle  806  is shown in the inlet screw  804 , and bottle  808  is shown traveling on the conveyor  802  properly separated from bottle  810 . The inlet star wheel  812  takes each bottle in turn and nestles it into a cradle in the main star wheel  814 . Bottle  810  is shown just prior to being nestled into cradle  816 . Bottle  830  is shown in contact with nip roller  832 .  
         [0094]    The main star wheel  814  is rotated in a counter clockwise direction, moving the bottles past first label station  818 , an optional fixed positioning device  820 , and a second label station  822 .  
         [0095]    The first label station  818  is a conventional label dispenser for a pressure sensitive adhesive backed label. These types of label applicators transport the labels on a web that is passed over a peel point  824  wherein the web is forced to turn on a very small radius, causing the labels to peel from the web. The web is advanced by a pinch roller mechanism  826  when one label is removed and another one required.  
         [0096]    The optional fixed positioning device  820  may be a frictional pad that causes a bottle in a cradle to rotate as the bottle passes over the device  820 . The purpose of the positioning device is to turn the bottle a certain amount between the first label station  818  and the second label station  822 . In this manner, the registration of a label applied by the first label station  818  is maintained with a second label applied by second label station  822 .  
         [0097]    The second label station  822  is a conventional roll wrapped label applicator. These types of label applicators have the labels presented in the form of a web, which is cut and placed on a vacuum drum  828 . A strip of glue is then applied to each end of the labels. The leading edge of the label is applied to the bottle, and the bottle is rolled against a friction pad until the glued trailing edge of the label is adhered to the bottle. The second label station  822  may comprise any type of processing equipment that requires that the bottle be registered between the first and second processing station.  
         [0098]    Those skilled in the art can readily appreciate the various combinations of a first processing station, a registration mechanism, and a second processing station of which the machine  800  is a single embodiment. Alternative embodiments may include any combination of two different or the same label applicators, such as a roll wrapped applicators, applicators for web converted products such as the nip roller style or tamp and blow style, pick and place style applicators, applicators for liner-less labels, burst and place applicators for items separated by perforations or scoring, static charged applicators for adhesive-less application of labels, applicators for labels with ultraviolet cured adhesive, and any other label applicator. Additional embodiments may have one or both processing stations comprise a printing or etching station, such as a laser etching station for etching an image, barcode, or text onto a plastic bottle, a pad printing station, a heat transfer printing machine, an ink jet type printing device, or other direct printing type of station. Further, another embodiment may be the first processing station comprising a glue dispensing station and the second processing station comprising a label applicator that places the label onto the glue.  
         [0099]    Although the number of objects attached to a bottle in the embodiment of FIG. 8 is two, any desired number of stations, as the device physically allows, can be used. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein the number of processing stations can be greater than two.  
         [0100]    [0100]FIG. 9 shows a detail view of FIG. 8, showing the application of a first label  902  to bottle  904 . A nip roller  832  rotates in a clockwise direction and spins the bottle  904  in a counter clockwise direction as it applies first label  902  to the bottle  904 . The main star wheel  814  rotates in a counter clockwise direction and contains a plurality of cradles, of which first cradle  908  and  910  are shown. A second label  912  is shown just prior to being applied to bottle  914  at second label station  822 .  
         [0101]    The nip roller  832  is a powered roller that is geared to the rotation of main star wheel  814 . As the bottle  904  advances towards the nip roller  906 , a first label  902  is pinched between the bottle  904  and the nip roller  906 . At this point, known as the nip point, the nip roller&#39;s clockwise rotation pulls the remainder of the first label  902  off of the web  916  and presses the first label  902  onto the bottle  904 . The nip roller  832  may be mounted on a compliant mechanism so that it can travel outwardly as the bottle  904  passes underneath the nip roller  906 . Alternatively, the surface of the nip roller  832  that contacts the bottle may be a compliant material, such as a foam rubber that will contact the bottle  904  as it passes underneath.  
         [0102]    The gear ratio of the nip roller  832  to the main star wheel  814  is selected so that the first label  902  is fully applied to the bottle  904 . The gear ratio of nip roller  832  to main star wheel  908  may be further increased or decreased to position the bottle  904  in a specific position before it engages the optional positioning pad  918 . In this manner, the registration of the first label  902  to the second label is adjusted during machine set up and operation. As the speed of the machine increases, the effects of inertia when the bottle is spinning, friction in the cradles, and other elements combine to shift the registration of the first and second labels. By adjusting the gear ratio between the nip roller  832  and the main star wheel  814  as the speed increases, an operator or set up technician can adjust the registration of the two labels. It is common for the nip roller  832  to be controlled with a servo motor which is electronically geared to an input, such as an encoder on the main star wheel  814 . Being electronically geared, the effective gear ratio can be caused to change with different parameters, including speed of the main star wheel  814 .  
         [0103]    An alternative method to a constant speed nip roller  832  is to change the speed of the nip roller  832  during the period that it is engaged with the bottle  904 . For example, the nip roller  832  may begin so that the surface speed of the nip roller is the same as the surface speed of the bottle as it touches the nip point. After the label  902  is nipped between the nip roller  832  and the bottle  904 , the nip roller  832  may be increased in speed to apply the label, and then it may be slowed down to the same speed as at the nip point. This speed profile leaves the bottle  904  in a state where it is not rotating in the cradle  908 , which tends to minimize the inaccuracy of the registration of the first label to the second.  
         [0104]    The cradle  908  has a recess and several rotation wheels  920 . The wheels are designed so that the bottle  904  is free to rotate in the cradle  908  without being scratched or damaged. An alternative design would be to provide a slick, yet non-marring plastic as a cradle material.  
         [0105]    Second label  912  is held to vacuum wheel  828 . As vacuum wheel  828  is rotated in a clockwise direction and main star wheel  814  is rotated in a counter clockwise direction, the bottle  914  and second label  912  will meet. The second label  912  has adhesive applied to leading edge  922  and trailing edge  924  on the face of the second label  912  that faces away from vacuum drum  828 . When the second label  912  comes in contact with bottle  914 , the second label  912  will adhere to bottle  914 . At the same point, bottle  914  will be forced against friction rail  926  and caused to rotate in a counter clockwise direction as it exits the cradle  910 .  
         [0106]    [0106]FIG. 10 illustrates a detail view of the embodiment  800  and similar to FIG. 9, except the main star wheel  814  has advanced to the point where the nip roller  832  is disengaging from bottle  904 . Second bottle  914  has just past the nip point for the second label application. The position of second bottle  914  is such that its first label  1002  is positioned appropriately for the second label  912  to be applied.  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 11 shows a detail view of embodiment  800  and similar to FIGS. 9 and 10, except the main star wheel  814  has advanced to the point where the first bottle  904  is engaging the optional positioning pad  918 . The optional positioning pad  918  is a fixed mounted fence that grips the surface of the bottle  904  and causes it to spin in a clockwise direction as the main star wheel  814  progresses in a counter clockwise direction. The length of engagement of the positioning pad  918  and the bottle  904  determines how much rotation the bottle  904  will undergo during the process. The material of the positioning pad  918  can be any material that frictionally grips the surface of the bottle  904 , such as a rubber pad.  
         [0108]    The disengagement point  1102  is generally selected to minimize the distance between the disengagement point  1102  and the second label station  822 . This minimizes the period of time that the bottle  904  is unconstrained. The period that the bottle  904  is unconstrained is a contributor to the inaccuracy of the registration of the first label to the second. As the machine runs faster, the effects of inertia and friction of the bottle change the timing of the sequence and often changes the registration of the first label to the second. Correspondingly, the position and length of the optional positioning pad  918  may be optimized for a particular speed that the machine will run.  
         [0109]    Positioning pad  918  may not be required in embodiment  800  if the rotation of nip roller  832  is sufficient to position the bottle  904  in cradle  908  in the proper location so that first label  902  is in the correct position to receive a second label. If the nip roller cannot reorient the bottle  904  to the correct position, an optional positioning pad  918  may be used.  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment similar embodiment  100  except that the labels are dispensed onto a moving vacuum belt  1202  that serves to both place the label  1204  onto the bottle  1206  and further position the bottle  1206 . The bottle  1206  is carried on main star wheel  1208  in cradle  1210  in a counter clockwise direction. The first label  1202  in this embodiment is a pressure sensitive adhesive backed label transported on a disposable web. The first label  1202  is peeled from the backing  1212  and presented against the vacuum belt  1202 . The vacuum belt  1202  carries the first label  1204  to the nip point  1214  where the first label  1204  is pressed against the bottle  1206 . The bottle  1216  is shown just prior to the point where second label  1218  is about to be placed onto bottle  1216 . The second label  1218  is shown on vacuum wheel  1220 .  
         [0111]    The vacuum belt  1202  is a common method of transport for labels and the like. The construction is belt that has many holes through the surface of the belt. It rides over a track that has openings through which a vacuum is pulled. Lightweight articles with large surface area, such as labels and pieces of paper, are held to the belt as the belt moves.  
         [0112]    The speed of the vacuum belt  1202  is greater than the surface speed of the bottle  1206  and causes the bottle  1206  to rotate counter clockwise, rolling the label  1204  to adhere to the bottle  1206 . The extended length of the vacuum belt  1202  causes the bottle to rotate to a position where it is ready to accept a second label.  
         [0113]    The gear ratio of vacuum belt  1202  to the main star wheel  1208  is selected so that the first label  1204  is fully applied to the bottle  1206  and positions the bottle  1206  in the cradle  1210  to accept a second label. The gear ratio of vacuum belt  1202  to main star wheel  1208  may be further increased or decreased to adjust the position of the bottle  1206  in the cradle. In this manner, the registration of the first label  1204  to the second label is adjusted during machine set up and operation. As the speed of the machine increases, the effects of inertia when the bottle is spinning, friction in the cradles, and other elements combine to shift the registration of the first and second labels. By adjusting the gear ratio between the vacuum belt  1202  and the main star wheel  1208  as the speed increases, an operator or set up technician can adjust the registration of the two labels. It is common for the vacuum belt  1202  to be controlled with a servo motor which is electronically geared to an input, such as an encoder on the main star wheel  1208 . Being electronically geared, the effective gear ratio to change with different parameters, including speed of the main star wheel  1208 .  
         [0114]    An alternative method to a constant gear ratio vacuum belt  1202  is to change the speed of the vacuum belt  1202  during the period that it is engaged with the bottle  1206 . For example, the vacuum belt  1202  may begin so that the surface speed of the vacuum belt  1202  is the same as the surface speed of the web  1212  for the pick up of the label. The speed of the vacuum belt  1202  may be increased to match the surface speed of the bottle  1206  as it touches the nip point  1214 . After the label  1204  is nipped between the vacuum belt  1202  and the bottle  1206 , the vacuum belt  1202  may be increased in speed to apply the label and position the bottle  1206 , and then it may be slowed down to the same speed as at the nip point. This speed profile leaves the bottle  1206  in a state where it is not rotating in the cradle  1210 , which tends to minimize the inaccuracy of the registration of the first label to the second.  
         [0115]    Those skilled in the art of machine design can appreciate that the positioning device may be incorporated into one or more of the processing stations or may be a separate device mounted on the machine. The positioning mechanisms may be stationary, such as a frictional fence, or the positioning mechanisms may be powered devices, such as a moving wheel or belt. Further, the powered devices may incorporate variable speed profiles, sensors, and feedback loops for advanced control. The examples were chosen to best exemplify the invention and those skilled in the art of machine design may find alternative embodiments without deviating from the scope of the invention.  
         [0116]    Further embodiments of the present invention include the assembled bottles with the combinations of labels that heretofore were unproducible.  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an inventive label configuration  1300  of the present invention having two labels applied to a bottle. The bottle  1302  has the first label  1304  underneath the second label  1306 .  
         [0118]    [0118]FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment  1300 . First label  1304  is placed on bottle  1302  and second label  1306  is placed over first label  1304 . Embodiment  1300  maybe, for example, a promotional device wherein first label  1304  is a game piece, ticket, or other premium that is hidden from the consumer. The consumer must remove the second label  1306  to gain access to the game piece  1304 . The position of second label  1306  with respect to first label  1304  is only critical so that the edges of second label  1306  do not overlap the first label  1304 , if, for example, the second label  1306  were attached by glue only at the edges. The glued edges would interfere with the removal of first label  1304 . If this were to happen, the consumer may have difficulty removing the first label  1304  from the bottle  1302 .  
         [0119]    Embodiment  1300  may, for example, comprise a first label  1304  that is an adhesive backed passive electronic antenna that is covered by second label  1306 . The thickness of first label  1304  may interfere with the gluing or placement mechanism used for second label  1306  and the proper registration of the two labels with respect to each other may be for manufacturing reasons and not necessarily cosmetic or other functional reasons. In these cases, the acceptable placement tolerance may be as large or larger than plus or minus 2 inches or as small as plus or minus 0.001 inches for example.  
         [0120]    Another embodiment  1300  may comprise an active electronic device, such as a battery powered circuit comprising a switch, a speaker, and circuitry to play a sound when the switch is activated. The electronic device may be placed on a bottle and surrounded by a label so that the label completely covers the device. The device may then be activated by pressing the switch through the over wrapping label.  
         [0121]    Another embodiment  1300  may consist of the first label  1304  as a game code printed to the bottle  1302  and the second label  1306  may be placed over the first label  1304  to hide the game code from the player. The number of objects attached to the bottle  1302  in the inventive device is not limited to two. Any number of items may be attached to bottle  1302  which each require registration with respect to each other. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein numbers of items greater than two are applied to an object. For example, a bottle may have a game piece attached, a printed code at a second location on the bottle, then a label with graphics overlaying the first two items.  
         [0122]    [0122]FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an inventive label configuration  1500  of the present invention having two labels. The container  1502  has the first label  1504  underneath the second label  1506 , and the second label  1506  has a window  1508  so that the first label  1504  is readily viewable through the second label  1506 .  
         [0123]    [0123]FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment  1500 . First label  1504  is placed onto bottle  1502  and second label  1506  is placed over first label  1504  and registered such that a portion of first label  1504  is viewable through window  1508 .  
         [0124]    The window  1508  may be manufactured by several methods. For a label that is manufactured from a material that is clear, such as a clear plastic film, the window area may be manufactured by selectively not printing any ink across the area defined by the window. Another method, which is applicable to label material that is either opaque or clear, is to die cut and remove the label material in the area of the window. In the case where second label  1506  is printed directly on the bottle, the window  1508  may be created by selectively not printing ink in the area of window  1508 . The window  1508  may be clear, tinted, or selectively tinted through the manufacturing process of the second label  1506 . The size and shape of the window  1508  may be varied widely, including rectangular, circular, or any arbitrary shape.  
         [0125]    The second label  1506  may completely cover the first label  1504  as shown in embodiment  1500 , or may have one or more or all edges of first label  1504  exposed through the window  1508 . The registration of first label  1504  and second label  1506  should be sufficient so that the area of first label  1504  that is designed to be exposed through window  1508  is properly shown through the window  1508 .  
         [0126]    The second label  1506  may entrap the first label  1504  by several methods, regardless of the method of attaching first label  1504 . The second label  1506  may encircle the first label  1504  by purely mechanical means, such as a roll wrapped label which has glue applied to a small strip along edges  1602  and  1604 . An alternative design, applicable to second labels which have a through hole construction for window  1508 , would be to coat the entire inner surface of second label  1506  with adhesive to adhere second label  1506  to bottle  1502 , but also adhere second label  1506  to first label  1504  in the areas of overlap.  
         [0127]    The interaction of the first label  1504  and second label  1506  with respect to the window  1508  takes on many forms. For example, a printed date code may be applied to a container and a label with a window may be positioned so that the date code is visible through the window. Another example would be a game piece or promotion first applied to a bottle, then a second label entraps the game piece with a window through which the game piece is displayed. Further, a first label may be applied which contains bright graphics and a second label with additional graphics applied to a semi transparent film may be applied over the first label as an additional graphic element and to serve as a protective cover to the first label. Another example is the application of a printed color background over which is applied a translucent label with graphics printed in the foreground, giving the visual effect of depth to the label. Further, a second label that is translucent and contains promotional information may be placed over a first label that is the standard label for the product. Another example is the application of a printed game code using a sprayed ink printed which is viewed through a window on a wrap around label, the game code being selectively changed during the production run. Further, a passive electronic device, such as a passive RF identification tag with a date code printed on the outside, may be first placed on the bottle and registered to a window in a label that entraps the tag. Another example has an active electronic device, such as a device with a small battery and a light emitting diode for example, which is placed on the bottle so that a label with a cut out window allows the light emitting diode to show through. Further, the active electronic device may comprise a battery, a switch, a speaker, and circuitry adapted to play an audio recording. The registration tolerance for embodiment  1500  may be as tight as plus or minus 0.001 inches or as loose or looser than plus or minus 2 inches, depending on the construction and design of the components and the assembly method.  
         [0128]    The number of objects attached to the bottle  1502  in the inventive device is not limited to two. Any number of items may be attached to bottle  1502  which each require registration with respect to each other. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein numbers of items greater than two are applied to an object. For example, a bottle may have a graphical image printed directly on the bottle, a game piece attached, then a translucent label with graphics overlaying the first graphics and a window through which the game piece is removable.  
         [0129]    [0129]FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of inventive label configuration  1700  illustrating a bottle  1702  with a first label  1704  exposed through a window  1708  of second label  1706 . Assembly  1700  illustrates the first label  1704  with one edge exposed through window  1708  and typifies an example where the first label  1704  is a promotional game piece to be opened by a consumer after purchase. An optional perforated or scored line  1710  may be created to aid in the removal of the first label  1704 .  
         [0130]    [0130]FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment  1700 . First label  1704  is assembled to bottle  1702  and second label  1706  is assembled over first label  1704  and registered such that first label  1704  may be viewable through window  1708 .  
         [0131]    The first label  1704  may optionally not have adhesive near the edge  1712  so that the consumer can slide a fingernail under the first label  1704  as they remove the first label  1704 . Further, the first label  1704  may optionally not have adhesive at all between it and bottle  1702 . In this case, first label  1704  may be applied by static charge or other mechanical method until the second label  1706  entraps first label  1704 . The second label  1706  may optionally have any adhesive selectively removed in the overlapping areas between second label  1706  and first label  1704 , which effectively forms a pocket for label  1704 . An alternative embodiment would be to use a shrink-wrap construction for second label  1706 , which would hold first label  1704  and form a pocket. Another example is the first label being a printed game code first applied to a bottle and a second label placed so that the printed game code is beneath the area defined by the perforated line  1710  such that the consumer must remove the perforated area defined by line  1710  to play the game. These embodiments may be useful for applications where first label  1704  is, for example, an instruction booklet that could be removed and replaced several times during the use of the product. The registration tolerance for embodiment  1700  may be as tight as plus or minus 0.001 inches or plus or minus ⅛ inch for example. The tolerance may be larger or smaller based on the application.  
         [0132]    The number of objects attached to the bottle  1702  in the inventive device is not limited to two. Any number of items may be attached to bottle  1702  which each require registration with respect to each other. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein numbers of items greater than two are applied to an object. For example, a game code may be printed on a bottle, then a promotional game piece is applied above the printed code, then a label may be wrapped over the game piece with a window through which the game piece can be removed.  
         [0133]    [0133]FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration  1900  showing a bottle  1902 , a first label  1904 , and a second label  1906 . The first label  1904  is attached to bottle  1902 , and then the second label  1906  is applied starting at the tab area  1908  on first label  1904  and continuing around the bottle  1902  until the other end is attached to tab area  1910 .  
         [0134]    [0134]FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment  1900 . First label  1904  is applied to bottle  1902 , then second label  1906  is applied, covering first label  1904  in tab area  1908  and continuing around bottle  1902  until tab area  1910  is covered.  
         [0135]    [0135]FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of embodiment  1900  shown slightly exploded.  
         [0136]    Embodiment  1900  shows first label  1904  as an instructional booklet and the second label  1906  as a plastic film roll wrap label. Another embodiment may be to have the second label  1906  attach directly to bottle  1902  and with its ends either touching or some distance away from the edges  1912  and  1914 , without overlapping onto first label  1904 . Further, another embodiment may comprise a first label  1904  that is printed directly onto bottle  1902  and a second label  1906  of any construction that is subsequently applied. Another embodiment may be to have the first label  1904  comprise adhesive on the exterior surface in the areas where the second label  1906  overlaps the first label  1904 .  
         [0137]    The number of objects attached to the bottle  1902  in the inventive device is not limited to two. Any number of items may be attached to bottle  1902  which each require registration with respect to each other. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein numbers of items greater than two are applied to an object. An embodiment of three items attached to a bottle would be an RF identification tag applied to the bottle with pressure sensitive adhesive, an instructional booklet applied with pressure sensitive adhesive on the position on the opposite side of the bottle from the RF identification tag, and a roll wrapped label that covers the RF identification tag but leaves the instructional booklet exposed.  
         [0138]    [0138]FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration  2200  showing a bottle  2202 , a first label  2204 , and a second label  2206 . The first label  2204  is attached to bottle  2202 , and then the second label  2206  is placed so that it covers a portion of first label  2202 .  
         [0139]    [0139]FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment  2200 . First label  2204  is assembled to bottle  2202  then second label  2206  is assembled so that a portion of second label  2206  covers all or a portion of first label  2204  and occupies a specific location on top of first label  2204 .  
         [0140]    Embodiment  2200  may have the first label  2204  as a roll wrapped label or other large label with brand identification. The second label  2206  may be a game token, coupon, or other promotional item, or the second label  2206  may be a second label designed to make the product catch a consumer&#39;s eye, such as a hologram, diffraction grating, or other label type. Alternatively, the second label  2206  may be a web converted item, such as a phone card, ticket, game token, or other promotional item that has been attached to a carrier, the carrier being attached directly to first label  2204  and facilitating removal of the promotional item. Further, the second label  2206  may comprise a package for holding a liquid or other items.  
         [0141]    The number of objects attached to the bottle  2202  in the inventive embodiment  2200  is not limited to two. Any number of items may be attached to bottle  2202  which each require registration with respect to each other. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein numbers of items greater than two are applied to an object. An embodiment with three items would be to place a roll wrapped label onto a bottle, then place a holographic label onto a specific location on the first label, followed by a promotional game piece onto the first label in a second specific location.  
         [0142]    [0142]FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of embodiment of the inventive label configuration  2400  that comprises a bottle  2402 , a first label  2404 , and a second label  2406 . The first label  2404  further comprises two perforated lines  2408  and  2410 . The window  2412  is a hole formed by cutting away and removing material from the second label  2406 .  
         [0143]    [0143]FIG. 25 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment  2400 . First label  2404  is attached to bottle  2402 , then second label  2406  is attached to bottle  2402  such that at least a portion of first label  2404  is viewable through window  2412 .  
         [0144]    In embodiment  2400 , first label  2404  is embodied as a game piece, coupon, phone card, ticket, or other promotional item that is designed for the consumer to remove. For example the promotional item may be a multi-ply label that contains the perforated lines  2408  and  2410 . The consumer would use a fingernail to peel off the outer ply of the game piece that would separate at perforated lines  2408  and  2410 . Further, first label  2404  may have adhesive selectively applied only under the areas  2414  and  2416  that are outside of the perforated area, better enabling the consumer to remove the center portion of the first label  2404  without damaging the second label  2406 .  
         [0145]    Another embodiment  2400  may comprise a first label  2404  that is a liquid filled packet that has been attached to a paper or other type of backing, the backing being attached to the bottle  2402 . The consumer would then remove the liquid packet portion of first label  2404 .  
         [0146]    The number of objects attached to the bottle  2402  in the inventive embodiment  2400  is not limited to two. Any number of items may be attached to bottle  2402  which each require registration with respect to each other. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein numbers of items greater than two are applied to an object. An embodiment with three items could be to place a passive electrical device and a game piece on a bottle, then place an overwrapping label that covers the electrical device, but leaves the game piece exposed through a window in the overlapping label.  
         [0147]    [0147]FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of embodiment of the inventive label configuration  2600  that comprises a bottle  2602 , a first label  2604 , and a second label  2606 . Several windows  2608 ,  2610 ,  2612 , and  2614  are in second label  2606 .  
         [0148]    [0148]FIG. 27 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment  2600 . First label  2604  is attached to bottle  2602 , then second label is attached to bottle  2606 . Embodiment  2600  comprises second label  2606  that is attached by gluing only the overlapping portion of second label  2606  to itself. This results in second label  2606  being free to rotate about the bottle  2602 . Since the second label  2606  is free to rotate about the bottle, the various windows and the first label  2604  can be combined to form a ‘secret decoder’ type of promotional game. The play of the secret decoder game is to align the windows of the second label  2606  over portions of first label  2604  so that a certain pattern or winning combination is viewable through the windows.  
         [0149]    The number of objects attached to the bottle  2602  in the inventive embodiment  2600  is not limited to two. Any number of items may be attached to bottle  2602  which each require registration with respect to each other. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein numbers of items greater than two are applied to an object. An embodiment with three items could be to place a passive electrical device and a game piece on a bottle, then place an overwrapping label that covers the electrical device, but leaves the game piece exposed through the windows in the overlapping label.  
         [0150]    [0150]FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of inventive label configuration  2800 , comprising a bottle  2802 , a first label  2804 , and a second label  2806 , wherein first label  2804  is viewable through a cut out  2808  in second label  2806 .  
         [0151]    [0151]FIG. 29 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment  2800 . First label  2804  is placed on bottle  2802  and then second label  2806  is placed onto bottle  2802  such that at least a portion of first label  2804  is viewable through cutout  2808  in second label  2806 . The cutout  2808  is shown as a rectangular cutout. However, the shape of the cutout  2808  can be entirely arbitrary. The window  2808  may be manufactured by several methods. For a label that is manufactured from a material that is clear, such as a clear plastic film, the window area may be manufactured by selectively not printing any ink across the area defined by the window. Another method, which is applicable to label material that is either opaque or clear, is to die cut and remove the label material in the area of the window. In the case where second label  2806  is printed directly on the bottle, the window  2808  may be created by selectively not printing ink in the area of window  2808 . The window  2808  may be clear, tinted, or selectively tinted through the manufacturing process of the second label  2806 . The size and shape of the window  2808  may be varied widely, including rectangular, circular, or any arbitrary shape.  
         [0152]    The embodiment  2800  may comprise a first game piece  2804  that is designed to be removed by the consumer. Perforations, scoring, or other mechanisms may be employed to ease the removal of first game piece  2804 . Further, first game piece  2804  may be constructed of a multi-ply construction wherein an outer ply is intended to be removed by the consumer, leaving the bottommost ply on the bottle  2802 .  
         [0153]    Embodiment  2800  may comprise a first label  2804  that is constructed of a material such as a diffraction grating that is designed as an eye catching device and is incorporated into the graphics of the second label  2806 . The shape of cutout  2808  may be a graphical element that is then filled in with the diffraction grating of first label  2804 .  
         [0154]    The number of objects attached to the bottle  2802  in the inventive embodiment  2800  is not limited to two. Any number of items may be attached to bottle  2802  which each require registration with respect to each other. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein numbers of items greater than two are applied to an object. An embodiment with three items could be to place a diffraction grating and a game piece on a bottle, then place an overwrapping label that covers the game piece, but leaves the diffraction grating exposed through the windows in the overlapping label.  
         [0155]    [0155]FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration  3000  that comprises a bottle  3002 , a tear strip  3004 , and a label  3006  that comprises optional perforated lines  3008  and  3010 .  
         [0156]    [0156]FIG. 31 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment  3000 . The tear strip  3004  is attached to bottle  3002 , then label  3006  is attached over the tear strip  3004  to bottle  3002 . The embodiment  3000  may be a container for a beverage with a recipe printed on the inside of label  3006 . In order for the consumer to retrieve the recipe, the consumer would grasp the exposed portion of tear strip  3004  and pull downward, tearing the label  3006  at one or both perforated lines  3008  and  3010 .  
         [0157]    Tear strip  3004  may be constructed of a heavy paper or plastic film, or the pull tab  3004  may be constructed of string or wire. The tear strip  3004  may comprise adhesive between the tear strip  3004  and label  3006 , or the label  3006  may comprise adhesive in the overlapping area between label  3006  and tear strip  3004 . The tear strip  3004  may have an exposed tab or may be hidden behind the label  3006 . These examples are not meant to limit the types of labels and of course, those skilled in the arts of promotional items, labels, and the general packaging industry would be able to expand these examples and still fall within the scope of this invention.  
         [0158]    Perforated lines  3008  and  3010  may be actual perforations, scoring, or other mechanical weakening of the label  3006  in the areas of lines  3008  and  3010 . Alternatively, the label  3006  may be constructed of a material that preferentially tears in the direction of the perforations, eliminating the need for the mechanical perforations or scoring. For applications where the entire label  3006  is to be removed by the consumer, only one perforated line  3008  would be needed. For applications where only a portion of label  3006  is to be removed, two perforated lines would be used.  
         [0159]    Embodiment  3000  may be adapted for labels that have coupons reverse printed, meaning printed on the inner side of the label. Further, labels that are designed to cover a specific printed message may be exposed using the tear strip  3004  as part of a promotional campaign.  
         [0160]    The number of objects attached to the bottle  3002  in the inventive embodiment  3000  is not limited to two. Any number of items may be attached to bottle  3002  which each require registration with respect to each other. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein numbers of items greater than two are applied to an object. An embodiment with three items could be a game piece attached to a bottle, a tear strip attached to the bottle, and a wrap around label covering both the game piece and the tear strip.  
         [0161]    [0161]FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration  3200  of the invention comprising a bottle  3202 , a first label  3204 , and a second label  3206  where the second label  3206  is constructed of a translucent plastic film.  
         [0162]    [0162]FIG. 33 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment  3200 . The first label  3204  is attached to bottle  3202  and a second label  3206  is attached to bottle  3202  over first label  3204 .  
         [0163]    Embodiment  3200  is illustrated as a first label  3204  being a standard packaging for the product normally contained in bottle  3202 . Second label  3206  is a special promotional label that highlights a promotion for the product. The graphics on the second label  3206  are coordinated with the graphics on the first label  3204  to enhance the eye catching appeal at the same time keeping the standard graphics for the product.  
         [0164]    Another embodiment  3200  may comprise a second label  3206  as a game whereby the second label must be removed so that the game may be played. Further, another embodiment  3200  may have a second label  3206  as a second graphical element for a standard package for the product.  
         [0165]    Embodiment  3200  may comprise a first label  3204  printed on a material that is not very scratch resistant and a second label  3206  that is considerably more scratch resistant, whereby the second label  3206  provides a scratch resistant cover for the first label  3204 . The second label  3206  may comprise some printed graphical elements on either the obverse or reverse side of the label. Obverse printing is printing on the exterior side of the label and reverse printing is on the interior side of the label. Obverse and reverse printing on a plastic film can give interesting and eye-catching three-dimensional effects to the packaging, which are only intensified when coordinated with the graphics printed on the first label  3204 .  
         [0166]    Another embodiment  3200  may comprise a first label as a holographic image, diffraction grating, reflective media, or other material and the second label is coordinated so that the advertising elements on the first and second labels work with each other.  
         [0167]    The number of objects attached to the bottle  3202  in the inventive embodiment  3200  is not limited to two. Any number of items may be attached to bottle  3202  which each require registration with respect to each other. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein numbers of items greater than two are applied to an object. An embodiment with three items could be a first label with a specific graphical element, a second label with a second construction and a second graphical element, and a third label which serves as a protective cover as well as contributing a graphical element, all three graphical elements are adapted to work together for brand identity.  
         [0168]    [0168]FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive label configuration  3400  of the invention comprising a bottle  3402 , a second container  3404 , and a label  3406  which comprises a window  3408  through which a portion of container  3404  protrudes.  
         [0169]    [0169]FIG. 35 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment  3400 . Container  3404  is attached to bottle  3402 , then label  3406  is placed on the bottle  3404  so that the window  3408  allows all or a portion of container  3404  to protrude through window  3408 .  
         [0170]    Embodiment  3400  may comprise a container  3404  as an injection molded plastic design used in conjunction with the label  3406  in a purely decorative fashion. In this case, the container  3404  may not contain anything at all, but serve only to add texture to the advertisement on the bottle. In another embodiment, the container  3404  may consist of a piece of soft material that protrudes through the window  3408  to give the product a different tactile sensation to the customer.  
         [0171]    The container  3404  may encapsulate or hold a premium, game token, or other promotional item inside the first object  3404 . The consumer would therefore be required to open the container  3404  in order to play the game.  
         [0172]    In another embodiment  3400 , container  3404  may house a second consumable item that goes with the product sold in the bottle  3402 . For example, if the product sold in the bottle  3402  was iced tea, the object  3404  may be a small container of lemon juice. Further, if the bottle  3402  contained paint, object  3404  may contain a catalyst adapted to be mixed into the paint prior to application. Another example is for object  3404  to contain a light oil or lubricant when the bottle  3402  is a container of hardware items. Further, the object  3404  may contain fasteners that are used to install a component sold inside a container  3402 .  
         [0173]    The number of objects attached to the bottle  3402  in the inventive embodiment  3400  is not limited to two. Any number of items may be attached to bottle  3402  which each require registration with respect to each other. The example of two labels is given only for exemplary purposes and it can be fully appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same principles and concepts of the invention do encompass designs wherein numbers of items greater than two are applied to an object. An embodiment with three items could be a game piece attached to a bottle, a plastic injection molded cover which is placed over the game piece, and an overall label that has the injection molded cover protruding through a window in the overall label.  
         [0174]    The present invention therefore provides an inventive machine that has the unique ability to control the movement of a bottle through an in-line machine in a manner that allows registration between the operations. The operations typified in this specification have been the placement of labels and other decorative elements. However, other operations are envisioned as part of the present invention. For example, the dispensing of glue onto an object at one station and the placement of another object onto the glue would require registration between the glue dispensing and the object placement. Further, multiple printing operations may also require registration between printing operations and may therefore be manufactured on the inventive machine. The mechanisms that control the position of the object in the cradle being processed can vary widely from a stationary friction fence to a servo controlled belt system with varying speed profiles.  
         [0175]    The inventive label configurations comprise at least two different elements that are registered with respect to each other to create unique and useful devices. The placement of specially printed game pieces on a container with a separate display label can take on several forms, including having the game piece being fully or partially hidden from view by the second label. Further, elements that are printed on the container may be registered with respect to other labels and elements that are subsequently applied.  
         [0176]    The inventive packaging configurations comprise the embodiments wherein a first container is applied to a second container and a label is placed or another process performed with respect to the position of the first container. Other embodiments include the case where a label is applied to a first container and a second container is applied to the label, positioned and registered with respect to the label.  
         [0177]    The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8