Abstract:
A shrink band application machine includes a conveyor system for packaging to apply a heat shrinkable band that can provide evidence of tampering. The machine allows the placement of shrink bands on randomly spaced and randomly shaped containers in the same run. In one embodiment, the invention utilizes single wound film for form the shrink band and avoids the need stock and setup the system for different shapes or sizes of shrink bands to accommodate different sizes and shapes of containers. Some embodiments of the invention can utilize single wound film and create a shrink film band buy fusing or sealing together two webs of single wound film around the container. This eliminates the need to change from one shrink tube size to another when changing the size of the container.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims any and all benefits as provided by law of U.S. including benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application No. 61/467,700 filed Mar. 25, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    1. Technical Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention is directed to tamper evident security bands and seals. More specifically, the present invention is directed methods and systems for applying tamper evident bands and seals on bottles, containers and other packaging. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0007]    Tamper evident banding is used in the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry as well as other industries, to indicate if a packaging has been opened or otherwise tampered with. Shrink banding is one of several common devices used to indicate if a package has been tampered with. In most cases tamper evident banding with shrink bands is applied by shrinking a heat shrinkable film around the lid of a container. In many cases the shape or size of the container mandates that the band of shrink film be held in physically place until the film is shrunk onto the container. If the band is not held in place it may fall towards the base of the container or it may sag out of position. In some cases the container itself is shaped to accomplish this, in other cases there needs to be a device to hold the film. To date there have been several different conveyors designed to hold the bands in place while the band shrinks. All of the conveyors to date are limited to specific shapes and sizes because of the fact that the conveyor is rigid and doesn&#39;t conform to the container. If the shrink band is not supported the band may fall to the bottom of the container or it may shift and create a product that is not tamper evident or will be rejected at market. 
         [0008]    Another way to create a tamper evident seal is to utilize what are known in the industry as preformed shrink bands. A preformed shrink band is made by utilizing shrink film that is in the form of a tube. The tubing is cut to a specific length and is then placed on an aluminum mold by hand. The mold mimics the shape of a particular container. The shrink film is then preshrunk and it takes the form of the preform mold. The band forms a lip over the top of the mold and the sides are tapered inward towards the top. This lip allows for the bands to be placed over a container without falling to the base of the container. The lip catches on the top of the container. The preforms are tapered so they can nest into one another. The preforms are stacked onto each other for distribution to manufactures. The manufactures apply the preformed shrink band to the container and the lip on the preform holds the film in place until it is shrunk around the container. Preformed shrink bands are logistically difficult because there are hundreds of different sizes and shapes. They are also very expensive to transport because they have a low volume to weight ration. The present invention will eliminate the need for preformed shrink bands in most cases. 
         [0009]    Tamper band application machines to date utilize tubular shrink film. In most cases different containers need different size tubular shrink film. The present invention will drastically reduce the multiple sizes of tubular film needed for different containers because it forms different size bands from single wound film. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The present invention is directed to a method and system for supporting a band that shrinks when heated around a container. The band can be used to seal the container as well as provide evidence of tampering The invention provides for consistent placement of shrink bands on containers. It also provides for flexibility in container change over as well as flexibility in different shapes and sizes of containers without requiring the change parts conveyor parts and with minimum or no setup. Machines and systems according to the present invention can accept containers that are randomly spaced and have different shapes and sizes in same run. In some embodiments of the present invention, the shrink band can be form from a single wound shrink film in order to create different size bands around different size, randomly arranged containers. These bands can be shrunk to create a tamper evident sealed package. The horizontal flexible mover elements allow embodiments of the present invention to adapt to other types of banding operations. The horizontal flexible mover elements according to the invention can be used with existing banding methods and machines as well as the shrink banding method set forth in the present invention. 
         [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyor system that will hold a tamper evident band in the correct position to create a tamper evident package. 
         [0012]    Another object of the present invention conveyor system is to efficiently apply taper evident bands to a series of containers being conveyed on a conveyor. 
         [0013]    Another object of the present invention conveyor system is to provide a system to accurately apply tamper evident bands to a various size and various shape containers. 
         [0014]    Another object of the present invention conveyor system is to apply tamper evident bands to containers of relatively narrow widths. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention conveyor system is to apply tamper evident bands about a container at specific positions of the container. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention conveyor system is to eliminate the need for change parts when running a relatively large variety of sizes as well as a relatively large variety of shapes of containers. 
         [0017]    Another object of the present invention conveyor system is to provide a flexible foundation for the tamper evident shrink film to rest on that maintains a consistent height. 
         [0018]    Another object of the present invention conveyor system is to provide adjustment in both width and height by means of hand cranks or motors. 
         [0019]    Another object of the present invention is to accept packages randomly or with consistent spacing. 
         [0020]    Another object of the present invention is to utilize single wound film to create band of film around a container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0021]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, exemplify the embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain and illustrate principles of the invention. The drawings are intended to illustrate major features of the exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of actual embodiments nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. This view shows the bottom carry belt as well as the horizontal movers and there relative locations. This figure also shows a shrink band resting on the horizontal mover elements. The figure shows the adjustment crank for height of the horizontal movers relative to the carry conveyor. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a top elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention with the guards removed. This view shows the horizontal movers as well as the flexible mover elements. This view demonstrated how the flexible mover elements conform to random shapes and sizes of containers. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  shows a top elevation view of an embodiment of present invention. This figure shows the flexible mover elements that conform to the container. It also shows the webs of single wound film encapsulating a container. The sealing section of the conveyor is shown in this view as well as the heat zone of the conveyor. This figure also shows the side adjustment crank. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  shows how finger style movers also conform to the outside edges of a container. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  shows a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    The present invention is directed to methods, apparatus, and systems for supporting and applying shrink bands on containers that can provide a tamper evident seal. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus can support a shrink band in position relative to a container in order to convey the container through a system that can apply a heat shrinkable film around the circumference of the container that can provide tamper evident seal. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus can accommodate many containers having different shapes and sizes in the same run, without needing to change the setup of the machine. 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , the band application machine  100 ,  200 ,  300  according to one embodiment of the invention includes a bottom carry conveyor  110 ,  210 ,  310 , a pair of horizontal movers  102 ,  202 ,  302 , flexible mover elements  104 ,  204 ,  304 , lead screws for height  116  as well as width  320  adjustment, film feed system  322 , the sealing device  326 , and the heat zone  218 ,  318  for shrinking of the film  106 ,  206 ,  306 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of the system according to an embodiment of the invention (the protective guards and the underlying support frame are not shown). The bottom carry conveyor belt  110  can be designed and adapted to hold the weight of the container or package  108  and move it forward along a horizontal axis  105  from the loading position through a seal applying station  122  for applying a tamper evident shrink band  106  and a heat zone  130  for shrinking the band  106  into place on a container  108 . The bottom carry conveyor can be a conventional conveyor utilizing a belt  110  and support rollers  112 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , the horizontal movers  102  can be positioned above the bottom carry conveyor belt  110  and extend parallel to horizontal axis  105  along either side of the conveyor  110 . In some embodiments, only one horizontal mover  102  can be provided on one side of the conveyor and a guiding edge or wall can be provided on the other side of the conveyor  110 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the horizontal movers  102  can be configured to move at the approximately the same speed horizontally as the bottom carry conveyor belt  110 . The horizontal movers  102  can be mechanically or electronically coupled to the conveyor  110  to enable the horizontal movers  102  and the conveyor  110  to move at substantially the same speed. The mechanical coupling can include gears, chains and sprockets and/or cables and pulleys that mechanically connect the conveyor  110  and one or more of the horizontal movers  102 . The electrical coupling can include a speed sensor, such as an encoder wheel, that measures the speed and direction of the conveyor and sends a signal to a motion controller that controls the speed and direction of at least one of the horizontal movers  102 . 
         [0030]    In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the horizontal movers  102  can include one or more flexible mover elements  104  projecting in a horizontal direction substantially perpendicular or transverse to the horizontal axis  105 . The flexible mover elements  104  can be substantially flexible in the horizontal direction and substantially supportive in the vertical direction such that the mover elements  104  conform around the shape of any container traveling on the conveyor  110 , while at the same time supporting the shrink band at a predefined height above the conveyor  110 . In accordance with the invention, the flexible mover elements support the shrink band  106  in a predefined position vertically, with respect to the container  108 . In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the horizontal movers  102  can be adjustable by lead screws  116  to allow the horizontal movers  102  to be raised or lowered above the bottom carry conveyor belt  110  to adjust the position of the tamper evident band  106  vertically relative to the container  108  and the conveyor  110 . 
         [0031]    In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the bottom carrying conveyor belt  110  moves one or more containers in a horizontal direction along a horizontal axis  105  while supporting the weight of the container. The conveyor  110  can include one or more conveyor belts and each belt can range from less than 1 inch wide to more than 16 inches wide, depending on the width of the containers to be processed. The conveyor  110  can also include turns as well as rising and lowering portions to move the container toward the shrink band applying station and the heating station. One example of a conveyor is the model BCLP105 manufactured by L.K. Goodwin Co., Inc., Providence, R.I. The drive for this conveyor can be powered by an AC power source or a DC power source. The conveyor belt can include a smooth finish carry belt or a rough finish on the carry belt. This conveyor can be mounted on a frame and remain stationary or it can be adjusted up and down along lead screws to position the container at different heights. 
         [0032]    In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the horizontal movers  102  move at the same relative speed as the bottom carry conveyor belt  110 . The horizontal movers  102  and the conveyor  110  can be driven by the same motor or by different motors wherein the motion is synchronized or running at the same speed. In accordance with the invention, the horizontal mover  102  can support and carry the flexible mover elements  104  at a preset height relative to the conveyor  110 . The Flexible mover elements  104  can be incorporated into the horizontal movers  102  or they may be attached to elements the horizontal movers  102 . In one embodiment, the horizontal movers  102  can include chain supported by two or more sprockets, each rotating about a vertical axis. In one embodiment, the chain includes an ANSI Roller Chain Attachment Connecting Link Style D-1 for #40 Chain. This type of connecting link can be used on a #40 chain to provide a connection point for one or more flexible mover elements  104  that are connected to the horizontal movers  102 . In one embodiment, one or more of the chain links can include a post extending vertically from the horizontal surface of the link and one or more flexible mover elements can be removably clamped or fastened by fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, pins) to the post. In some embodiments of the invention, the flexible mover elements can pivot on the post and in other embodiments the flexible mover elements can be fixed to the post. In an alternative embodiment, the horizontal movers  102  can include a drive belt supported by two or more pulleys, each rotating about a vertical axis. The drive belts used in horizontal movers  102  can be toothed or smooth. In some embodiments, the flexible mover elements can be removably fastened to the drive belt using fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, clamps, staples). In some embodiments, the flexible mover elements can be space from 1/32 of an inch to more than 4 inches apart on the chain or belt, depending on the design of the flexible mover elements. In one embodiment, the belt can be a profile belt manufactured by Gates Mectrol, Inc, Salem N.H. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the horizontal movers  102  can be mounted in a perpendicular fashion to the bottom carry conveyor belt  110 . In an alternative embodiment, the horizontal movers  102  can be mounted to extend in a parallel plane to the bottom carry conveyor  110 . In one embodiment, the function of the horizontal mover  102  is to move the flexible mover elements  104  at substantially the same speed as the container that is traveling on the bottom carry conveyor belt  110 . The horizontal movers  102  travel in the same direction as the bottom carry conveyor belt  10 . 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, the function of the flexible mover elements  104  is to move at substantially the same speed as the container  108  and conform to the outer surfaces of the container as it travels on the bottom carry conveyor belt  10 . The flexible mover elements  104  can also support the shrink film  106  in position relative to the container  108  and transport it along with the container  108  as it is conveyed forward on the bottom carry conveyor belt  10  through the heat station. In one embodiment, the flexible mover elements  104  can conform in a random fashion and are not used for indexing or spacing of the containers  108  along the conveyor  110 . The flexible mover elements  04  can be attached to the horizontal movers  102 , or they can be an integral part of the horizontal movers  102 . The flexible mover elements  104  can be molded into the horizontal movers  110  or they can be fastened, such as by welding, brazing, soldering, bolting, riveting or gluing them to the horizontal movers  110 . In one embodiment, the belt is manufactured by F.N. Sheppard &amp; Co. Erlanger, Ky. In one embodiment of the invention, the flexible mover elements  104  can be formed by making a loop of a flat strip of flexible material as shown in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments of the invention, the flexible mover elements  104 , can be formed from a flexible material in the shape of a bristle or finger as shown in  FIG. 4 . The general shape of the flexible mover elements  104  is not as important as its ability to conform to the outside surfaces of the container  108 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the flexible mover elements  104  can be made from Teflon impregnated cloth, or a silicon rubber based or coated material. Other types of flexible polymer materials that can enable a the flexible mover elements  104  to conform to the outside of the container and support the shrink band material can also be use. In some embodiments of the invention, each flexible mover element can be formed from a single loop of 0.25-5 inch wide strip of Teflon impregnated cloth, bent into a loop with the free ends fastened to the chain or belt that makes up the horizontal mover  110 . In other embodiments of the invention, each flexible mover element can be formed from two or more loops of 0.25-5 inch wide strip of Teflon impregnated cloth, bent into a loop with the free ends fastened to the chain or belt that makes up the horizontal mover  110 . The width of the strips of material (e.g., Teflon impregnated cloth) or the thickness of the flexible mover elements can be selected to provide support for the shrink band and enable positioning of the shrink band relative to the container. In some embodiments, the width of the strips (or the thickness of the flexible mover elements) is selected to be less than the height of the shrink band above the conveyor  110  and is preferably selected to be as small as possible to accommodate short containers. 
         [0034]    In alternative embodiments, brushes or springs can also be used as flexible mover elements. In some embodiments, the flexible mover elements  104  can be fabricated from many different materials and each element can have a different flexibility in a different direction. Some examples of the items listed above can be obtained from the following list of companies. 
         [0035]    Taconic Plastics Petersburgh, N.Y.—Teflon impregnated cloth 
         [0036]    AAACME Rubber Company Tempe, Ariz.—Silicon Rubber 
         [0037]    Jones Spring Company Inc. Wilder, Ky.—Springs 
         [0038]    Felton Brush Company Londonderry, N.H.—Brushes 
         [0039]    In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the horizontal movers  110  can be provided with height adjustment and width adjustment. In one embodiment, the horizontal movers  110  can be mounted to adjustment lead screws  116  that can raise or lower the horizontal movers  110  by turning the lead screw in one direction or another to adjust the height of the flexible mover elements  104  relative to the conveyor belt  110  and position the heat shrink bands relative to the container  108  and allow for different placement of the shrink film  106  on the container  108 . The height adjustment can be accomplished by either moving the bottom carry conveyor belt  110  up and down or moving the horizontal movers  102  up and down. The adjustment can be accomplished by a hand crank with adjustment screws, hydraulic lifters, pneumatic lifters, or any type of linear actuator in the vertical plane. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, automatic methods can be utilized to provide for automatic height adjustment for different height containers entering the machine in a random fashion. Sensors can be provided at the entrance and/or along the length of the conveyor to sense the height of the container and adjust the height adjusters automatically. 
         [0040]    In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the horizontal movers  110  can be mounted to width adjustment lead screws that can move the horizontal movers  102  in and out relative to the center of the bottom carrying conveyor belt  110 . The width adjustment allows the flexible mover elements  104  to moved closer together to accept narrower container and allows the flexible mover elements  104  to move apart to accept wider containers. The adjustment can be accomplished by a hand crank with adjustment screws, hydraulic lifters, pneumatic lifters, or any type of linear actuator in the horizontal plane. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, automatic methods can be utilized to provide for automatic width adjustment for different width containers entering the machine in a random fashion. Sensors can be provided at the entrance and/or along the length of the conveyor to sense the width of the container and adjust the width adjusters automatically. 
         [0041]    The height and width adjustment components can be obtained from Bimba Manufacturing Company (University Park, Ill.)—Linear actuators, Pneumatic components 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of a conveyorized system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the horizontal mover elements  202  as well as the flexible mover elements  204  substantially encapsulate different size and shape containers  208 . In this embodiment, the weight of the containers is not supported by the horizontal mover elements  202  or the flexible mover elements  204 . In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the flexible mover elements  204  can function to serve several purposes. One function can include substantially surrounding the circumference of the container  208  and helping the container to maintain its position on the conveyor belt  210 . In some embodiments, the container  208  can be maintained in a substantially central position on the belt. Another function can include support the weight of a shrink band  206  in a predefined position vertically along the vertical extent of the container  208  for shrinking at a predefined place. A further function can include moving the shrink band  206  forward at the same speed as the container  208  and maintain the correct positioning in the heat station  218 . As the container  208  is conveyed forward shrink bands  206  can be placed about the container  208  and supported by the flexible mover elements  204 . The shrink bands  206  can be placed about the container by hand placement, or automatically by a machine. After the shrink band  206  is placed around the container  208 , both components enter the heated zone  218 . The heated zone  218  can include a preshrink zone or it can complete the entire heat shrinking station for completely shrinking the shrink band  206 . The preshrink process can be provided to partially shrink the tamper evident band  206  to tighten it around the container sufficiently to hold it in place such that the heat shrinking process can be completed at another station or another time, such as by using a conventional shrink tunnel. In accordance with some embodiments, the preshrink zone or station and be provided at a location after the shrink band  206  is placed around the container  208  and before the heat zone  218 . In some embodiments, the preshrink station can include a separate heat source that partially shrinks the tamper evident band to tighten it in place prior to the heat zone  218 . In some embodiments, the preshrink zone can receive heat from the heat zone  218  to partially shrink the tamper evident band in place. A gate or throttle valve can be used to control the flow of heat, such as through a port or a duct from the heat zone  218  to the preshrink zone. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention which includes a banding station  321  for forming a shrink band around a container from a strip or web of shrink material. As shown in  FIG. 3 , in this embodiment of the invention, two opposing single wound rolls  328  of shrink film  306  can be utilized to create shrink band  306  around a container  308 . The single wound rolls  328  can be supported on horizontal unwind plates  330  that can rotate about a vertical axis and enable the rolls  328  to unwind easily. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the container  308  can advance forward with the weight of the container  308  resting on the bottom carry belt  310  along the horizontal axis  305 . The shrink band material  306  can be suspended over the flexible mover elements  304  with the ends of the two webs of rolls of single wound roll stock  328  fused or sealed together above the flexible mover elements  304 . As the container  308  enters the machine the flexible mover elements  304  surround the circumference of the container  308 . The container can pass through a sensor  332 . The sensor  332  can indicate to the machine when to make a seal around the container by fusing the shrink band material  306  together in the back of the container  308  as it passes along the conveyor  310 . The sensor can also signal to the machine for other functions or operations, such as stop the conveyor or feed the single wound film through the film feed system  322 . As the container  308  advances into the fused web of single wound shrink film  306 , the leading edge of the container  308  can be enveloped by the web of shrink film  306 . As the container  308  continues to move forward on the bottom carry conveyor  310  the single wound shrink film rolls  328  unwind and envelope the sides of the container  308  as shown in  FIG. 3 . When the container is beyond the linear actuators  324 , the linear actuators extend toward the center of the conveyor and meet in compression over the center of the opposing flexible mover elements  304  and the conveyor  310 . As the linear actuators meet the two webs of shrink material  306  are mated between the elements of sealing device  326  and the webs of shrink film  306  are positioned to be fused together and then cut. The container  308  is enveloped by the shrink film  306  and the sections of shrink film  306  that are mated together behind the container  308  can be fused together to make a continuous shrink band  306  around the container  308 . In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the webs of shrink film  306  can be heat welded together and cut apart from each other, leaving the shrink band  306  around the container  308 , resting on the flexible movers  304 . In some embodiments, the width of the heat weld can be made sufficiently wide and then cut in the middle of the heat weld so that the shrink film material  306  that has come off of the single wound rolls is welded or fused together in suspension over the flexible movers  304  and ready for the next container  308 . The container  308  then advances toward and into the heated zone  318  of the machine where the shrink band  306  can be (optionally, pre-shrunk and then) fully shrunk onto the container  308 . The container  308  can then exit the machine.  FIG. 3  also shows lead screws  320  which can be used to provide width adjustment. The lead screw  320  allows the horizontal mover assemblies  302  to be moved in and out horizontally, relative to the bottom carry conveyor belt  310  to adjust the system to accommodate containers for various widths. 
         [0044]    The roll unwinds  330  support and hold the rolls of shrink film  28  in position while allowing the roll to unwind as the shrink film is fed into the machine. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, two roll unwinds  330  can be provided, each positioned on opposite sides of the bottom carry belt  310 . These unwinds can be mounted in any position as long as the web of shrink film  306  can be fed and positioned at the predefined location along the vertical extent of the container  308 . 
         [0045]    The film feed system  322  can be provided to help reduce the tension of the web of shrink film  306  relative to the container  308  as it is conveyed by the bottom carry conveyor  310 . The film feed system  322  can be driven by a separate motor or it can be driven by the same motor that drives the horizontal movers  302 . The film feed system  322  can be variable speed or it can run at a fixed speed. The film feed system  322  can contain a multiple rollers in order to maintain position and the appropriate tension on the web of film  306 . The film feed system  322  can, for example, be constructed from drive rollers (part number 22875t68) available from McMaster-Carr Robbinsville, N.J. 
         [0046]    The elements of sealing device  326  fuse or fasten together the two ends of the webs of shrink film  306 . These webs of shrink film  306  can be fused or fastened together over the top of the flexible mover elements  304 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the two webs of film  306  can be fused or fastened together after the container has passed the sealing device  326 . A sensor  332  can be provided to detect when the container  308  has passed this area. The fusing or fastening can be accomplished by using heat, Ultrasonic technology, glue or solvent welding, cohesive coated film, or radio frequency welding. The elements of sealing device  326  can also cut the web of film  306  creating a completed band around the container  308 . The two ends of the webs of single wound film  328  can be fused or fastened together over the center section of the flexible mover elements  304  or at a position closer to one side or the other. In some embodiments, the sealing device  326  can fuse or fasten the film using a chisel pointed edge heated in the range from 200 to 500 degrees F., the nominal temperature can be determined as a function of the thickness of the film to be fused and cut. The horizontal width of chisel pointed edge can be sufficient to fuse an area of the two webs of shrink band material with a sufficient thickness that the fused webs are cut through, but the webs on both sides of the cut remain fused after they are cut through. In some embodiments, the chisel pointed edge can be pressed into a (heated or unheated) planar backing plate to form the fused area. In other embodiments, the chisel pointed edge can be pressed into another (heated or unheated) chisel pointed edge to form the fused area. 
         [0047]    The heat station or heated zone  318  shrinks the shrink film  306  around the container  308 . The heated zone  18  can provide a partial shrinking of the shrink film  306  or a full shrink of the shrink film  306 . If the heated zone  318  only partially shrinks the film, preferably, it should have sufficient heat and/or length to shrink the film  306  sufficiently to hold the shrink film  306  in place after it leaves the flexible mover elements  304 . After partial shrinking, the container can be fed into a shrink tunnel or apparatus to finish the shrinking of the band  306  around the container  308 . One example of a shrink tunnel is the EZ-SRB manufactured by Axon LLC Raleigh, N.C. The heated zone can, for example, utilize radiant heat, steam heat, or convection heat to shrink the shrink film  306 . 
         [0048]    In accordance with some embodiments, the linear actuators  324  can be designed or selected to move the sealing devise  326  above the opposing flexible mover elements  304 . This enables the two webs of single wound film  328 ,  306  to be fused or fastened together in a predefined position. The linear actuators can be electric, hydraulic, magnetic, mechanical or pneumatic. 
         [0049]    In accordance with the invention, the shrink band material  306 ,  328  can be made from PLA, PVC, PETG, OPS, or PE, however other polymers can be used. In some embodiments of the invention, the shrink band material  106 ,  206  can be pre-fabricated into loops or rings that can be dropped or positioned over the container to rest on the flexible mover elements  104 ,  204 . In some embodiments of the present invention, conventional shrink band positioning devices can be used in conjunction with the conveyorized system according to one or more embodiments of the invention to deposit shrink bands  106 ,  206  on to containers traveling along the conveyor belt  110 ,  210 . In other embodiments of the present invention, such shown in  FIG. 3 , the shrink band  306  can formed around the container as it passes along the conveyor belt  310 . In some embodiments, the shrink band  306  can be formed from two webs  328  of film that are fused or fastened together in front of the container as it passes along on the conveyor  310  and then fused or fastened together behind the container  308  after the container  308  passes the film dispensing components (the film feed components  322  and film roll unwinds  330 ). In some embodiments, the film  328  can be fused and cut at the same time using a heated edge that heat fuses the two film webs as the heated edge presses them together and then continues to cut through the fused films leaving two fused sections of film, one section forming the back portion of shrink band  306  that was wrapped around the exiting container and another section in front of the entering container. The shrink band film is available, for example, from Klockner Pentaplast (Gordonsville, Va.). 
         [0050]    In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a system without a horizontal carry conveyor can be provided. In this embodiment, the containers or packages to be sealed with a shrink band can be pushed along a horizontal pathway extending between a first horizontal mover and a second horizontal mover, through a band application station that applies the heat shrink band around the container or package as it is pushed through the band application station. At the end of the band application station, a heat zone with a motorized conveyor can be positioned to receive the container or package with the heat shrink band in position on the flexible mover elements to shrink the band in place on the container or package. In some embodiments, a pre-shrink station can be provided to control the application of heat to the band of shrink film to pre-shrink the band of shrink film sufficient to be supported by the container or package until it passes through a heat zone or heat tunnel to completely heat shrink the band of shrink film in place on the container or package. In some embodiments, the pre-shrink station can include a gate that controls the flow of heat from the heat zone or heat tunnel of the heat station to pre-shrink the band of shrink film. In some embodiments, the pre-shrink station can include a separately controlled heat source, either from the side or above, that can be applied to pre-shrink the band of shrink film on the container or package. In this embodiment, instead of using a motorized conveyor, free moving (non-motorized) conveyor belt or a base plate with a smooth surface (e.g. a polished metal plate, or low friction surface, for example, a Teflon coated surface) can be used under the banding station to enable the container or package to slide through the station. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a handle, push bar, or push plate can be used, via human intervention, to manually push the container or package through the band application station and onto the conveyor that moves the container or package through the heat zone. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator (e.g., cylinder or motor) can be used move the handle, push bar or push plate to push the container or package through the band application station. This embodiment can be better suited for small and light weight containers and packages. 
         [0051]    In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the system  500  for applying a band of shrink film on to a container or a package can include a horizontal pathway, such as a support plate  510 A extending between a first horizontal mover  502  and a second horizontal mover  502  and including a banding station  521  followed by a pre-shrink station  518 A and a heat station  518 . In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, each of the first horizontal mover  502  and the second horizontal mover  502  can include a plurality of mover elements (not shown) extending substantially transverse to the horizontal pathway. The mover elements can be substantially flexible such that they engage and surround the container or package as it passes along the horizontal pathway. The mover elements can also be substantially rigid in a vertical direction such that the mover elements can support a band of shrink film in a vertical position with respect to the container or package as it passes along the horizontal pathway. At the band application station  521 , a band of shrink film can be applied to encircle the container or package. In some embodiments of the invention, the applied band of shrink film can be pre-formed to the appropriate size and selected according to size and/or shape of the container or package. In some embodiments of the invention, the band of shrink film can be formed by fusing two webs of shrink film together in front of and behind the container or package as it passes through the band application station. In some embodiments, two webs of shrink film can be fused together before the container or package enters the banding station  521  and as the container or package is pushed through the banding station  521 , the band of shrink film extends around both sides of the container or package and the two webs can be joined together by fusing behind the container or package as it leaves the banding station  521 . The fusing operation can, at the same time or subsequent to fusing, cut the shrink film from the container leaving a band of shrink film formed around the container or package. At the pre-shrink station  518 A, heat can be applied to the band of shrink film to pre-shrink the band in place prior to entry into the heat station  518 . In accordance with one embodiment, a gate  519  can be provided that enables some of the heat from the heat station  518  to flow toward the band of shrink film as it moves toward the heat station  518 . In some embodiments, the movement of the handle, push bar or push plate  544  can be connected by gears, chains or cables to open the gate as the container is moved toward the heat station  518 . In some embodiments, a sensor can be used to detect the container moving into position and activate an actuator, such as a motor or solenoid to open the gate, for example, for a predefined period of time, to apply heat to pre-shrink the band of shrink film. At the heat station  518 , the container or package can be transferred to a horizontal carry conveyor  510 B that carries the container or package with the pre-shrunk band through the heat station  518  to complete the heat shrink process such that the band of shrink film is completely heat shrunk in place. 
         [0052]    In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a handle, push bar or push plate  544  can be used to move the container or package through the banding station  512  and into the heat station  518 . The handle, push bar or push plate  544  can extend around the support plate  510 A that defines the horizontal pathway or the support plate  510 A can include a central slot through which a portion of the handle, push bar or push plate  544  extends. The handle, push bar or push plate  544  can be manually pushed through the banding station  521  or an actuator system  540  can be provided. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the actuator system  540  can include pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder  542  that coupled to the handle, push bar or push plate  544  to push the container or package through the banding station  521 , such as by pressing a button or foot pedal or other control element, for example, after the operator has removed their hands from the system  500 . The motion of the horizontal movers  502  can be coupled to the handle, push bar or push plate  544  to enable the motion of the handle, push bar or push plate  544  to drive the horizontal movers at substantially the same speed as the container or package is moved through the band application station. The coupling can be adapted to drive in one direction and slip in the other to enable the handle, push bar or push plate  544  to be moved in the opposite direction to accept the next container or package. In one embodiment, a set of gears can connect the handle, push bar or push plate  544  to the horizontal movers  502  with at least one gear being ratcheted or slipping in one direction. In another embodiment, the handle, push bar or push plate  544  can be coupled to a rack that engages a pinion gear that is coupled to the horizontal movers  502 , for example, by additional gears or one or more chains and sprockets, such that movement of the handle, push bar or push place drives the horizontal movers  502  at about the same speed. Alternatively, a cable and pulley system can be used to connect the handle, push bar or push plate  544  to horizontal movers  502  using at least one pulley slips in one direction to enable the handle, push bar or push plate  544  to move in one direction without moving the horizontal movers  502 . 
         [0053]    In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, two sets of horizontal movers can be provided. A first set of horizontal movers can be provided in the band application station and a second set of horizontal movers can be provided in the conveyorized heat zone. The first set of horizontal movers can be free to move with the container or package as it is moved through the band application station. The second set of horizontal movers can be coupled to the conveyor of the heat zone to support the heat shrink band as the container or package travels through the heat zone. 
         [0054]    In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, horizontal movers can be coupled to the conveyor in the heat zone such that the flexible elements of the horizontal mover travel at about the same speed as the heat zone conveyor. In this embodiment, the container or package can be pushed (e.g., manually or by pneumatic or hydraulic actuation) through the band application station at about the same speed as the horizontal movers move through the band application station and into the heat zone. 
       LIST OF COMPONENTS (WHERE n=Fig. no.) 
       [0055]    n 02  Horizontal movers 
         [0056]    n 04  Flexible mover elements 
         [0057]    n 05  Horizontal Axis 
         [0058]    n 06  Shrink band material or film 
         [0059]    n 08  Containers of random sizes and shapes 
         [0060]    n 10  Bottom carry conveyor 
         [0061]    n 10 A Support plate 
         [0062]    n 10 B Horizontal Carry Conveyor 
         [0063]    n 12 ,  14  Support rollers 
         [0064]    n 16  lead screws for height adjustment 
         [0065]    n 18  heated zone for shrinking film 
         [0066]    n 18 A pre-shrink zone/station 
         [0067]    n 20  Lead screws for horizontal adjustment 
         [0068]    n 21  Banding Station 
         [0069]    n 22  film feed system 
         [0070]    n 24  Linear actuators 
         [0071]    n 26  Sealing device 
         [0072]    n 28  Single wound shrink film rolls 
         [0073]    n 30  Roll unwinds 
         [0074]    n 32  Sensor for sensing containers 
         [0075]    n 40  Actuator System 
         [0076]    n 42  Pneumatic or Hydraulic Cylinder 
         [0077]    n 44  Handle, Push Bar or Push Plate 
         [0078]    Other embodiments are within the scope and spirit of the invention. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Further, while the description above refers to the invention, the description may include more than one invention.