Patent Description:
For example, <CIT> teaches a preformed labeling article of elastic and non-elastic sections for holding bananas constantly under tension as they shrink. The ends of the elastic and non-elastic sections of the band are overlapped and adhesively or otherwise bonded together. <CIT> discusses banding of merchandise by a technique involving in situ bonding of the ends of a strip of elastic material with or without an interposed separate strip of material that is not necessarily elastic. In situ bonding, however, involves carrying bonding equipment to the site where banding of merchandise is to be done (e.g., for bonds formed by heat sealing) or involves removing and disposing of a release liner at the site of banding (e.g., for bonds formed by using liner-protected contact or pressure-sensitive adhesive layers). Neither approach is ideal for field application of labels. Also, when either a preformed band of bonded sections or an in situ formed band of bonded sections is stretched about merchandise, it exerts a compressive force on the merchandise. Relatively strong bonds are needed to prevent bond separation under such circumstances since the bonds are in the line of stretching and are subjected to the tension of stretching during use. A still further problem is the questionable reliability of machine-readable codes on stretched bands encircling merchandise, such as UPC bar codes, for example.

Where endless bands of rubber (commonly called rubber bands) are used, as in teachings of <CIT>); <CIT>); and <CIT>), a second step arises for attaching a tag. The two-step approach is not the most efficient, although it has been one of the more popular approaches in the past because the tag is distinct from the rubber band and can carry reliable UPC bar coding that is easy to handle at checkout scanning.

A known merchandise marking article capable of single-step application to achieve simultaneous banding and scan-reliable bar-coding of merchandise is described in <CIT>, where the tag is attached to the rubber band by encircling a section of the tag about the rubber band prior to the time the rubber band is fastened in banding condition about merchandise. However, economy is not a hallmark for the manufacture of this prior art article.

<CIT> discloses a tamper-evident shrink sleeve, to be shrunk around at least a mouth portion of a container and a closure member closing the mouth portion so as to provide a seal. The shrink sleeve comprises breaking means and a tab arranged adjacent the breaking means for tearing the shrink sleeve as defined by the breaking means. The shrink sleeve is formed from heat-shrinkable sheet material having a first end portion and a second end portion overlying the first end portion and being bonded or adhered to the first end portion at a bonding section to define an annularly closed sleeve portion of the shrink sleeve.

<CIT> discloses a heat shrinkable sleeve or cover strip for enclosing the mouth of a container includes an integral flap for use as a level or marker extending tangentially from the container surface. This is said to eliminate difficulties connected with securing a separate label, especially of a projecting pattern. The sleeve is fitted using hot air jets angled or shrouded so as not to impinge on the ancillary projecting panel if this is also heat-shrinkable.

<CIT> discloses a hang tab and product tag assembly, comprising a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The first panel includes an aperture configured to engage with a retention mechanism, the second panel includes an aperture that is configured to adjust to different dimensions.

<CIT> discloses a sleeve label, fabricated from a sheet of polyethylene which is folded upon itself along two longitudinal fold lines with the overlying layers then being joined together along a seal line. The seal line is located so that the outer layer of the folded sheet forms an outer flap, which may be adhered to the body of the sleeve by a releasable adhesive strip. The outer flap can be printed to comprise a redeemable coupon, or it may be printed with detailed product information, or it may be configured to serve as a handle for the product. The label may also include a tubular header of small diameter, which can also serve as a coupon, or be printed with detailed product information, or configured to serve as a handle.

An issue encountered when using elastic bands for labeling is that the bands can easily be removed by a user. Such removal may undesirably allow consumers to remove or switch labels or tags between products. Accordingly, in some cases, a more permanent method for attaching a tag to a product is desirable.

The present invention therefore provides an article as set out in the claims. This includes a first sleeve formed from a first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet, the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet having opposed first and second edges, wherein the first sleeve is formed with a first seam proximate the first edge. A portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet extends between the first sleeve and the second edge. A tag is bonded to the portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet proximate the second edge at a first overlap zone of the tag and the portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet. The first seam is substantially linear, and a height dimension of the tag parallel to the first seam is equal to or less than a length of the first seam between first and second open ends of the first sleeve. A neck is disposed on the portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet, having a dimension measured parallel to the height dimension of the tag that is less than the height dimension of the tag.

A joint between the tag and the portion of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet can be located on the neck.

The first sleeve can include a hole disposed through the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet. The hole can be positioned on an opposite side of the first sleeve from the first seam.

The first overlap zone preferably does not include an entirety of the tag.

A second sleeve can be provided, formed from a second heat-shrinkable polymer sheet, the second heat-shrinkable polymer sheet having opposite third and fourth edges, wherein the second sleeve is formed with a second seam proximate the third edge, and wherein the tag is bonded to the second heat-shrinkable polymer sheet proximate the fourth edge. Generally, the first sleeve will have a first height between first and second open ends and the second sleeve will have a second height between third and fourth open ends; we prefer that the first height is different from the second height.

This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.

The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. It is contemplated that all descriptions are applicable to like and analogous structures throughout the several embodiments.

While the above-identified figures set forth several embodiments of the claimed invention, other embodiments are also contemplated as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the claims.

The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, vertical, horizontal, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise.

<FIG> show consecutive steps in a method for attachment of a tag article 30a to a product 32a. In the illustrated embodiment, product 32a is configured as a bottle having a neck <NUM> and lid, cover or cap <NUM>. However, it is contemplated that tag article <NUM> can be configured for use with products of other configurations, such as, for example, cans, tubes, boxes, bags and bundles of products, for example. Moreover, while the illustrations depict the attachment of a tag article <NUM> to a top portion of a product <NUM>, it is also contemplated that the tag article could be additionally or alternatively positioned about other portions of a product or about an entirety of a smaller product. In this description, some elements will be referenced with numbers that may or may not include lower case letters. When a particular embodiment of an element is described, the description will use the number and letter designation. When the element in general is described, the description will use only the number without the letter designation. All descriptions of elements also apply to like or analogous elements (designated with the same number) except in the case of conflicting descriptions.

In an exemplary embodiment, tag article <NUM> is configured with a tag <NUM> attached to shrink film <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, shrink film 40a is configured as a sleeve sized to pass over cap <NUM> and neck <NUM> of product 32a, as shown in <FIG>. While a sleeve with substantially circular cross-section is illustrated, it is contemplated that the sleeve can have other shapes, such as an open-ended tubular sleeve having a square or rectangular cross-section, for example. Once in position, heat can be applied to shrink film 40a to shrink the sleeve about neck <NUM> and cap <NUM>, thereby permanently attaching tag article 30a and thereby its associated tag 38a, to product 32a, as shown in <FIG>. In an exemplary embodiment, a suitable material for shrink film 40a is oriented so that maximum shrinkage occurs in the diameter direction of the sleeve, and minimal shrinkage occurs in the height direction of the sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, a sleeve with an initial diameter (as in <FIG>) of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) can shrink down to a diameter of about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) at neck <NUM> if needed (as in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a plan view of a portion of a laminated web <NUM> from which a plurality of tag assemblies 30a may be formed. <FIG> is a plan view of the web <NUM> after cutting to define a plurality of connected tag assemblies 30a. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the web <NUM>, taken along line <NUM>--<NUM> of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, in an exemplary method of manufacturing tag assemblies 30a, an in-line web processing system is used to form a laminated web <NUM> including a strip of shrink film <NUM> and a strip of tag material <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, adjacent tag assemblies 30a are delineated, in an exemplary embodiment, by a line of demarcation <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, web <NUM> includes a strip of shrink film <NUM> having a plurality of tags 38a attached thereto. Web <NUM> has front surface <NUM> and an opposed back surface <NUM> (labeled in <FIG>). In an exemplary embodiment, tag material strip <NUM> overlaps shrink film strip <NUM> at overlap zone <NUM>, so that a joint <NUM> between tag material strip <NUM> and shrink film strip <NUM> is visible on the front surface <NUM> of web <NUM>. Overlap zone <NUM> is sufficient in area to ensure that tag material strip <NUM> does not separate from shrink film strip <NUM> when the material of shrink film strip <NUM> is subjected to heat in order to cause shrinkage.

As shown in <FIG>, web <NUM> has been processed, such as by cutting, to define a plurality of connected tag articles <NUM>. Such cutting can be performed by a laser cutting apparatus, for example. Web <NUM> can be made of sufficient length to include a desired number of articles <NUM> in series. Alternatively, a web can also be provided with more than one strip of tag material <NUM>. A second strip of tag material <NUM> could be provided in to overlap and bond to shrink film <NUM> proximate edge <NUM>, for example. The web could be cut to provide an array of articles <NUM>, rather than the single illustrated row. Other web layouts are also contemplated to provide numerous rows of tag articles on a web. Moreover, while the illustrated embodiment includes an edge <NUM> of shrink film <NUM> that does not extend to edge <NUM> of tag strip <NUM>, it is contemplated that shrink film <NUM> may be provided in the form of a continuous sheet that underlies a plurality of parallel strips <NUM> of tag material.

In the illustrated embodiment, a continuous cut is provided along cut line <NUM>, and at least partial cuts are provided at lines of demarcation <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, cut line <NUM> is configured to completely sever and separate adjacent tags 38a from each other and provide narrowed necks <NUM> proximate joint <NUM> between each tag <NUM> and its respective shrink film <NUM>. In some embodiments, a seam at joint <NUM> is positioned on a narrowed portion of tag article <NUM>, such as at neck <NUM>. Thus, shrinkage of shrink film strip <NUM> does not cause undesirable wrinkling or other deformation on a major portion of tag <NUM>.

In another embodiment, a full cut is provided at each demarcation line <NUM> to fully separate the tag articles 30a of web <NUM> from each other. In one method of use, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, shrink film <NUM> of web <NUM> is rolled (horizontally if oriented as in <FIG>; vertically if oriented as in <FIG>) to position edge <NUM> proximate necks <NUM>. A seam <NUM> is provided to form a continuous sleeve <NUM> of shrink film <NUM> across many tag articles 30a. The seamed web <NUM> is flattened and wound up into a roll or spool configuration for use on an application machine. The application machine would cut the web <NUM> along demarcation line <NUM> just before placing an individual tag article 30a on a product 32a.

Excess web material (i.e., "weed") resulting from the cutting of cut line <NUM> is preferably removed. In some embodiments, adjacent tags <NUM> can remain ruptureably connected to each other. Line of demarcation <NUM> can delineate ruptureably connected adjacent tag articles <NUM> with perforations, score lines, cut lines of full or partial depth, and other mechanisms for forming a ruptureable line or contour of weakness connecting adjacent tag articles <NUM>. Moreover, while a particular shape and configuration of the demarcation <NUM> is illustrated, it is contemplated that other forms and shapes can be used. For example, demarcation <NUM> need not be straight and can include curves and other shapes. Web <NUM> can be further processed while retaining at least some of the tag articles in connection, such as by rolling, folding, or cutting into sheets and stacking the cut sheets, for example. Adjacent tag articles <NUM> can remain ruptureably connected at demarcation <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, individual tag articles <NUM> may be fully severed for further use.

As shown in <FIG>, the strip of tag material <NUM> and the strip of shrink film <NUM> are joined along a flat overlap zone <NUM>. Web <NUM> is sheet-like in the sense that shrink film <NUM> is formed of a sheet of heat-shrinkable polymer, and the material for tag <NUM> is formed from a strip of sheet material that is flat in character, although they may be drapeable and floppy and thus not always displayed in flat form. Tag strip <NUM> and shrink film sheet <NUM> are joined so that the sheet character of each is aligned with the sheet character of the other, giving a total unitary sheet-like character to web <NUM>.

Overlap zone <NUM> is formed where tag strip <NUM> overlies and overlaps shrink film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, tag strip <NUM> and shrink film <NUM> may be bonded along the entire overlap zone <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, tag strip <NUM> and shrink film <NUM> may be bonded together only at portions of the overlap zone <NUM>. Moreover, to assist in bonding tag strip <NUM> and shrink film <NUM> together, an adhesive may be provided between tag strip <NUM> and shrink film <NUM> along portions or all of overlap zone <NUM>.

A material for tag strip <NUM> is preferably flexible and pliable but inextensible (e.g., not stretchable and not elastic) for most applications. For purposes of this disclosure, an elastic material is one that has an initial dimension in a relaxed state; the dimension increases under tension, such as by stretching; moreover, upon release of the tension force, the dimension returns to, or nearly to, the initial unstretched dimension. In an exemplary embodiment, the material for tag strip <NUM> is substantially non-elastic and non-stretchy under hand-applied forces. For example, the sheet material for tag strip <NUM> can have sufficient dimensional stability to carry a reliably scannable (i.e., non-distorted) print of a Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol as well as other human-readable or machine-readable markings. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, a material for tag strip <NUM> does not shrink, melt, or otherwise change form due to application of heat sufficient to shrink the shrink film <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sheet material for tag strip <NUM> is sufficiently water resistant to not disintegrate and not significantly pucker, wrinkle, or otherwise disfigure or deform when placed in water. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, inks or other printing media used for indicia <NUM> are sufficiently water resistant to avoid disintegration or destruction when repeatedly subjected to water and washing operations (as is common for produce displays in supermarkets). The sheet material for tag strip <NUM> also should be somewhat tough in the sense of being sufficiently tear resistant to deter damage to it during handling.

Suitable materials for forming the tag strip <NUM> include paper, polystyrenic thermoplastics, polyolefinic thermoplastics, polyesters, and others. Exemplary suitable thermoplastic materials include polymers of styrene, ethylene, propylene, as well as a variety of other monomers and mixtures of monomers (e.g., to make co-polymers and ter-polymers, etc.). Sheet thickness for polyester plastics and some others can be quite thin, even down to the <NUM> mil (<NUM>) or <NUM> mil (<NUM>) range, and still exhibit the toughness and the practical non-elasticity desired.

The polymers may be formulated so that printing inks are readily accepted on the surface of the sheet material. Polymers can also be treated with special surface treatments to enhance acceptance of printing inks for indicia <NUM>, which can be provided on a front and/or back surface of tag <NUM>. The exact structure and composition of suitable sheet materials for tag strip <NUM> can vary widely. Any of a variety of commercially available inks compatible with or accepted on tag strip <NUM> and retained thereon, and in any desired color, may be used to print indicia <NUM>. In a case where it is desirable to use a water-soluble ink, a thin film of water-insoluble plastic may be applied over the ink to enhance water resistance of the printed markings.

To increase impact resistance of tag strip <NUM>, a styrene-butadiene-styrene impact modifier can be useful in amounts up to about <NUM> percent of the weight of a polystyrene material. Tag strips <NUM> of such material are highly stable against stretching. They have desired flexibility balanced by a slight stiffness that contributes to ease of handling during manufacture and use. Such tag strips <NUM> also can be reliably printed, especially when first subjected to a surface treatment such as, for example, a corona treatment such as available from Pillar Technologies of Hartland, Wisconsin, a division of Illinois Tool Works. The treatment enhances wettability and adhesion characteristics of inks and adhesives on plastic substrates.

Shrink film <NUM> may be made from any of a variety of heat-shrinkable materials. For example, suitable polymer materials include printable heat-shrinkable poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), polyester (PETG) or styrene butadiene-styrene (SBS/OPS) commercially available from Bonset America Corporation of Greensboro, North Carolina. Another suitable material is polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable shrink film, available from Plastic Suppliers Inc. of Columbus, Ohio.

Selection of materials for tag article <NUM> may take into account factors such as cost and bonding compatibility with shrink film <NUM>. Generally, similar materials tend to bond together (as by polymer bonding) better than dissimilar materials; and materials of like polarity usually bond better than materials of unlike polarity. Thus, tag material selection can be made from polymers in the same family as the shrink film, such as those including at least some monomers related to, or the same as, those present in shrink film. Surface treatments such as corona treatments also help to improve bonding. Still further, compatibilizers that adjust the polarity of material can be used to improve bonding. Additional information is described in <CIT> to Ludlow et al. , to which the reader is referred.

Heat welding as by applying heat and pressure on overlap zone <NUM> be useful to form the bond between tag <NUM> and shrink film <NUM>. Sonic welding is another way to unify the layers and achieve a cohesive bond between tag <NUM> and shrink film <NUM>. Extruding a molten polymer of shrink film <NUM> to tag strip <NUM> is another way of forming web <NUM>. This method can be particularly effective where molecules or parts of molecules of the shrink <NUM> film and tag strip <NUM> at the overlap zone <NUM> interdiffuse with each other. Bonds can also be formed by interposing an intermediate layer at the overlap zone <NUM> (e.g., an adhesive) to which both the tag material and the shrink film material will readily bond because of their compatibility to the intermediate material. Still further, treatment of the surface areas where bonding is to be accomplished can be effective. Even mechanical bonding can be effective, as where the tag material is porous (e.g., paper and the porous polymer product called "Teslin"), and the shrink film material is applied in molten condition or at least in a softened condition and pressed into the voids or interstices of the porous tag <NUM>. Any useful bonding technique and structure that joins the tag <NUM> with the shrink film <NUM> in a manner forming a unifying flat bond at overlap zone <NUM> that can withstand delamination in expected use is suitable.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an individual tag article 30a, removed from the web <NUM>, such as by rupture along demarcation <NUM>, and rolled into a sleeve configuration. As shown in <FIG>, shrink film <NUM> includes an edge <NUM> distant from tag material strip <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, that edge <NUM> is rolled, and a bonded seam <NUM> is formed at or near a location where edge <NUM> meets another portion of shrink film <NUM>. Because shrink film <NUM> is formed of a visually transparent or translucent material in exemplary embodiments, seam <NUM> is visible from an outside of tag article 30a. However, it is to be understood that in the illustrated embodiment, edge <NUM> contacts shrink film <NUM> on an underside thereof (inner surface of sleeve <NUM>). Seam <NUM> is formed by bonding portions of shrink film <NUM> to itself, such as by ultrasonic welding. Suitable equipment for forming such a sleeve configuration in shrink film <NUM> includes the AccraSeam™ FC Stanford Shrink Sleeve Converting Equipment, commercially available from Accraply, Inc. of Plymouth, Minnesota.

Many different configurations of tag article <NUM> are possible to impart desired display characteristics. For example, <FIG> shows a second exemplary embodiment of a tag article 30b in use with a product 32b. <FIG> shows a third exemplary embodiment of a tag article 30c in use with a product 32c.

<FIG> shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a tag article 30d in use with a product 32d. <FIG> show a variation of the tag article 30d of <FIG>. In tag article 30d' of <FIG>, neck 56d' has a longer dimension so that tag 38d' is suspended from and hangs downward from sleeve 72d' when tag article 30d' is attached to product 32d'. Moreover, overlap zone 50d' between tag 38d' and shrink film 40d' is relatively small. On a portion of tag 38d' outside overlap zone 50d', a tear-off line <NUM> is provided by which a user can tear a major portion of tag 38d' off from tag article 30d'. In this manner, the major portion of tag 38d' can serve as a severable coupon for the product 32d', for example. Placing the tear-off line <NUM> outside of the overlap zone 50d' allows the tearing to be accomplished more easily, as only the material of tag 38d' must be torn, and the integrity of shrink film 40d' is not affected. While perforations are illustrated as forming tear-off line <NUM>, it is contemplated that any form of line of weakness can be used, including those described with reference to demarcation <NUM>.

Thus, it is contemplated that tag assemblies <NUM> of the present disclosure can be configured in many different shapes and designs, including changes to the shapes and sizes of tags <NUM>, shrink films <NUM>, and a form of connection therebetween, such as the presence or absence of a neck <NUM>, and variations in forms thereof.

Moreover, indicia <NUM> may be provided on tag <NUM> and/or shrink film <NUM>. Indicia <NUM> may include informational or decorative matter to be printed, embossed, or otherwise provided on tag article <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, tag article <NUM> may carry other substances, such as fragrances or light emitting or reflective particles, for example.

<FIG> are exploded views of components for the embodiments of tag article 30b shown in <FIG> and tag article 30c shown in <FIG>, respectively. To form the tag assemblies 30b, 30c, those components of shrink film <NUM> and tag <NUM> would be overlapped and bonded together, as shown in <FIG>, for example.

<FIG> is an exploded view of components for a fifth exemplary configuration of tag article 30e. To form tag article 30e, the components of shrink film 40e and tag 38e, would be overlapped and bonded together, as explained with reference to <FIG>, for example. As shown in <FIG>, shrink film 40e includes an aperture <NUM> therethrough, sized to allow passage therethrough of cap 36e of product 32e. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, after insertion of cap 36e through aperture <NUM>, a portion of shrink film 40e rests at neck 34e of product 32e, and the sleeve of shrink film 40e encircles top and side portions of cap 36e. As shown in <FIG>, after the application of heat sufficient to shrink the shrink film 40e, tag article 30e is attached to product 32e in a manner that allows for display of tag 38e and indicia <NUM> thereon.

<FIG> is an exploded view of components of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a tag article 30f including two shrink films 40f and 40f a and a tag 38f configured to be bonded between and to each of the shrink films 40f, 40f'.

<FIG> is an exploded view of components of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a tag article <NUM>', including two shrink films <NUM> and <NUM>', configured for bonding to opposite ends of an intermediate tag <NUM>', having a stepped configuration with end widths corresponding to those of the respective shrink films <NUM>, <NUM>'.

<FIG> is an exploded view of components of an eighth exemplary embodiment of a tag article <NUM>", including two shrink films <NUM> and <NUM>', configured for bonding to opposite ends of an intermediate tag <NUM>", having a tapered configuration with end widths corresponding to those of the respective shrink films <NUM>, <NUM>'.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the tag article 30f in use, wherein each of the shrink films 40f, 40f' is formed into a sleeve, such as described with shrink film 40a of <FIG>. The two sleeves of shrink films 40f, 40f' are attached to respective products 32f, 32f', in a manner similar to that shown with respect to <FIG> for tag article 30a. As shown in <FIG>, tag article 30f allows for the permanent attachment of product 32f' to product 32f while allowing for display of indicia <NUM> on a tag 38f therebetween. Use of such a tag article 30f is especially advantageous in situations where product 32f is a primary product, and product 32f i is a supplemental, complementary, or sample product, for example. Because of the permanent nature of the shrink sleeve bond to product 32f, 32f' at each of shrink films 40f, 40f', the tag article 30f prevents unintentional or improper detachment of product 32f' from product 32f. Moreover, the tag 38f can be formed longer than illustrated to serve as a handle between the two attached products 32f, 32f'.

<FIG> is a plan view of an ninth exemplary embodiment of a tag article <NUM>. In this embodiment, tag <NUM> and shrink film <NUM> are joined as discussed above with respect to <FIG>, for example. However, rather than forming shrink film <NUM> in a sleeve configuration, shrink film <NUM> is configured as a flat film piece having an aperture <NUM> through central area <NUM>.

Shrink film strip <NUM> extends from edge <NUM> distant from tag <NUM> to edge <NUM> positioned adjacent tag <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, aperture <NUM> is circular, and a portion of shrink film <NUM> surrounding aperture <NUM>, concentrically, is also substantially circular. However, it is contemplated that other shapes and configurations for a substantially flat shrink film portion <NUM> are also suitable. In the illustrated embodiment, shrink film <NUM> includes a plurality of cuts, slots or slits <NUM> formed partially concentrically and surrounding aperture <NUM>. These slits <NUM> facilitate the shrinkage of shrink film <NUM> out of the initial flat or plane configuration, to allow shrink film <NUM> to more readily conform to contours of a portion of product <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, for example.

An advantage of a tag article <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is that the flat, initially planar configuration does not require an additional tube or sleeve forming step. Another difference is that a biaxial shrinkable material is most suitable for shrink film <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, such a biaxial shrinkable material is able to shrink about <NUM>% in each of two orthogonal directions. In contrast, in the sleeve variations of the other tag articles 30a-g, the shrink material usually shrinks monoaxially primarily in a horizontal direction with respect to the product <NUM>, so that any graphics or other indicia provided on the shrinkable film 40a-g will not be overly distorted upon shrinkage.

For use, as shown in <FIG>, shrink film <NUM> of tag article <NUM> is placed over a product <NUM> so that a portion of the product, such as cap <NUM> and neck <NUM> are inserted through aperture <NUM>, for example. Subsequently, heat is applied to shrink shrink film <NUM>, so that shrink film <NUM> contracts, thereby forming closely to the contours of product <NUM>.

<FIG> show a tenth exemplary embodiment of a tag article 30i, which is similar to tag article <NUM>, except that shrink film 40i does not have an aperture therethrough. Accordingly, in use, as shown in <FIG>, the shrink film 40i remains on top of a portion of product 32i, such as cap 36i, and shrinks around the cap 36i to conform thereto.

<FIG> is an elevation view of an eleventh exemplary embodiment of a tag article 30j, which is similar to tag article 30i except that wherein tag 32j has an extended, elongated neck <NUM> and a seamless tag presentation up to the top of neck <NUM>. Because the shape of product 32j has a pronounced shoulder <NUM> between the neck <NUM> and the body of the product, the elongated neck <NUM> allows tag 38j to hang downward along the body of product 32j rather than project out sideways along shoulder <NUM>. Moreover, the material of tag 38j extends entirely onto neck <NUM> to offer a seamless tag presentation. In the illustrated embodiment, joint <NUM> between tag <NUM> and shrink film <NUM> (on the presentation side of tag <NUM> bearing indicia <NUM>) is positioned at the top of the neck portion <NUM>. The overlap of tag <NUM> and shrink film <NUM> on the opposite side of tag <NUM> extends along neck <NUM> and optionally downward onto a portion of the major display area of tag 38j. It is contemplated that many variations can be made in the components of tag assemblies <NUM>, taking into consideration the desired display features of the tag article <NUM> relative to a product <NUM> on which the tag article <NUM> is to be used.

Non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of disclosed articles are described. In exemplary embodiments as shown in <FIG>, an article <NUM> includes a sleeve <NUM> (labeled in <FIG>) formed from a heat-shrinkable polymer sheet <NUM>. The sheet <NUM> has opposed first and second edges <NUM>, <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> has opposed first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the sleeve <NUM> is formed with a seam <NUM> proximate the first edge <NUM>. A portion <NUM> of the sheet <NUM> extends from the sleeve <NUM> to the second edge <NUM>. Tag <NUM> is bonded to the portion <NUM> of the sheet <NUM> proximate the second edge <NUM> at an overlap zone <NUM> of the tag <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the sheet <NUM> between joint <NUM> and edge <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the overlap zone <NUM> does not include an entirety of the tag <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, seam <NUM> is substantially linear, and a height dimension <NUM> of the tag <NUM> parallel to the seam <NUM> is less than a length <NUM> of the seam <NUM> between the first and second open ends <NUM>, <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, a neck <NUM> is disposed on the portion <NUM> of the sheet <NUM>, the neck <NUM> having a dimension measured parallel to the height dimension <NUM> of the tag <NUM> that is less than the height dimension <NUM> of the tag <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, a joint <NUM> between the tag <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the sheet <NUM> is located on the neck <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> includes a hole <NUM> disposed through the sheet <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the hole <NUM> is positioned on an opposite side of the sleeve <NUM> from the seam <NUM>.

In exemplary embodiments, article 30f, <NUM>', <NUM>" includes a first sleeve 72f and a second sleeve 72f'. First sleeve 72f is formed from a first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet 40f, <NUM> the first sheet 40f, <NUM> having opposite first and second edges <NUM>, <NUM>. The first sleeve 72f is formed with a seam <NUM> proximate the first edge <NUM>. The second sleeve 72f' is formed from a second heat-shrinkable polymer sheet 40f', <NUM>'. The second sheet 40f', <NUM>' has opposite third and fourth edges <NUM>, <NUM>. The second sleeve 72f' is formed with a seam <NUM> proximate the third edge <NUM>. Tag 38f, <NUM>', <NUM>" is bonded to the first sheet 40f, <NUM> proximate the second edge <NUM> and is bonded to the second sheet 40f', <NUM>' proximate the fourth edge <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments of article 30f, <NUM>', <NUM>", the tag 38f, <NUM>', <NUM>" is bonded to the first sheet 40f, <NUM> at a first overlap zone <NUM>; and the tag 38f, <NUM>', <NUM>" is bonded to the second sheet 40f', <NUM>' at a second overlap zone <NUM>. In the exemplary article 30f, <NUM>', <NUM>", a height of the tag 38f, <NUM>', <NUM>" at the first overlap zone approximately matches a height of the first sheet 40f, <NUM> at the first overlap zone. In the exemplary article 30f, the height of the first sheet 40f at the first overlap zone (near edge <NUM>) differs from a height of the first sheet 40f outside the first overlap zone (such as near edge <NUM>). In the exemplary article <NUM>', <NUM>", the height of the tag <NUM>', <NUM>" at the first overlap zone (with sheet <NUM>) differs from a height of the tag <NUM>', <NUM>" at the second overlap zone (with sheet <NUM>').

In exemplary embodiments, article <NUM>, 30i, 30j includes a heat-shrinkable polymer sheet <NUM>, 40i, 40j having a central area <NUM> and a plurality of slits <NUM> disposed through the sheet <NUM>, 40i, 40j. At least one of the plurality of slits <NUM> is oriented to partially surround or encircle the central area <NUM>. Tag <NUM>, 38i, 38j is bonded to the sheet <NUM>, 40i, 40j. In exemplary embodiments, the central area <NUM> is circular and the at least one of the plurality of slits <NUM> is concentric with the central area <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the central area <NUM> and plurality of slits <NUM> form a product attachment portion of the article <NUM>, 30i, 30j, and the article <NUM>, 30i, 30j further includes a neck <NUM> disposed between the product attachment portion and the tag <NUM>, 38i, 38j. In the embodiment of article 30j, the neck <NUM> is formed as part of the tag 38j. Tag <NUM>, 38i, 38j is bonded to the sheet <NUM>, 40i, 40j at an overlap zone <NUM>. In some embodiments, the overlap zone <NUM> does not include an entirety of the tag <NUM>, 38i, 38j. In the embodiment of article <NUM>, the central area <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM> through the sheet <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, aperture <NUM> is circular, and the at least one of the plurality of slits <NUM> is concentric with the aperture <NUM>. Although a circular shrink film, circular aperture and partially circular cuts are illustrated, it is contemplated that other shapes for these components are also suitable, including oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, and other curved and polygonal shapes.

Claim 1:
An article (<NUM>) including:
a first sleeve (<NUM>) formed from a first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (<NUM>), the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (<NUM>) having opposed first and second edges (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the first sleeve (<NUM>) is formed with a first seam (<NUM>) proximate the first edge (<NUM>);
a portion (<NUM>) of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (<NUM>) that extends between the first seam (<NUM>) and the second edge (<NUM>); and
a tag (<NUM>) bonded to the portion (<NUM>) of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (<NUM>) proximate the second edge (<NUM>) at a first overlap zone (<NUM>) of the tag (<NUM>) and the portion (<NUM>) of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (<NUM>);
wherein the first seam (<NUM>) is substantially linear, and wherein a height dimension (<NUM>) of the tag (<NUM>) parallel to the first seam (<NUM>) is equal to or less than a length (<NUM>) of the first seam (<NUM>) between first and second open ends (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the first sleeve (<NUM>); and
characterized by a neck (<NUM>) is disposed on the portion (<NUM>) of the first heat-shrinkable polymer sheet (<NUM>), the neck (<NUM>) having a dimension measured parallel to the height dimension (<NUM>) of the tag (<NUM>) that is less than the height dimension (<NUM>) of the tag (<NUM>).