Heat shrink packaging system and method.

(54) Title: HEAT SHRINKABLE PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD. (54) Title: HEAT SHRINK PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD.

(57) Summary

A packaging system is described that includes a heat shrinkable flexible wall container (1) and a heat shrinkable label (50). Label 50 can be applied to container 20 prior to thermal shrinkage. By subjecting the labeled container containing the items or merchandise of interest to a thermal shrink operation, the label and flexible wall container undergo shrinkage. The shrinkage characteristics of the flexible wall packaging and the label are equivalent to each other. Various methods for packaging using the known systems are also described.

(57) Abstract

A packaging system including a heat shrinkable flexible wall container (1) and a heat shrinkable label (50) is described. The label (50) can be applied to the container (20) prior to heat shrinking. Upon subjecting the labeled container containing the Items or goods of interest to a heat shrink operation, the label and flexible wall container both undergo shrinking. The shrinkage characteristics of the flexible wall container and the label are matched to one another. Also described are various methods of packaging using the noted systems.

SHRINKABLE PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of Numbers of 5 North American Provisional Application 61 / 333,777 filed on May 12, 2010, and 61 / 454,603 filed on March 21, 2011, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to heat shrinkable packaging systems that include a heat shrinkable flexible wall container or wrap, and a heat shrinkable label that can be applied to the container or wrap prior to shrinkage. The invention also relates to the methods for using the packaging and labeling systems.

Background of the Invention

Heat shrinkable flexible wall packaging such as bags or pouches and heat shrink wrap have been widely used to package and / or encapsulate a wide range of products. A first application of heat shrink packaging or bags is to package perishable foods such as red meat and poultry. Commonly, a food item is placed inside a heat shrink bag, air is removed or otherwise evacuated from inside the bag, the bag is sealed, and the bag is then heated rapidly to induce shrinkage. bag on the contents of the bag, for example food. After packaging and collapsing, one or more paper or film labels were then applied to the outside of the bag as desired to transport information such as bag content, weight, expiration date, supplier, etc. As an alternative to or in addition to applying paper or film labels, it is also known to print directly to the outer bag after shrinking.

Applying paper or film labels or printing to the outside of the shrink bag or other flexible wall packaging is difficult and has many drawbacks. After shrinkage, the flexible wall bag or container commonly exhibits an irregular contour corresponding to the contents of the bag or package. As will be appreciated, the application and retention of labels to irregular non-flat surfaces is challenging and may require particular application techniques and adhesive or bonding strategies. Printing on uneven, non-flat surfaces is also particularly difficult.

In view of these and other drawbacks, it will be desirable to provide a packaging system and method in which post shrink labeling or printing can be avoided, yet the desired information and the like can be provided on the outside of the package.

Brief Description of the Invention

The difficulties and disadvantages associated with previously known systems are addressed in the present methods and systems for a packaging system having heat shrinkable components matched to each other.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of labeling and packaging an item. The method comprises providing a shrinkable material and a shrinkable label. The method also comprises applying the label to the shrinkable material. The method further comprises including an article to be packaged with the shrinkable material having the label applied thereto. And, the method comprises shrinking the shrinkable material and the label on the article to thereby package the article.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of labeling and packaging an article. The method comprises obtaining a collapsible flexible wall container defining an inner region and an outer surface. The method also comprises applying a shrink tag to the outer surface of the flexible wall container. The method further comprises placing an article within the interior region of the flexible wall container and evacuating the interior region of the flexible wall container. And, the method also comprises collapsing the flexible wall container and the label applied thereto.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a packaging system comprising providing a collapsible flexible wall container having a first set of shrinkage characteristics and providing a shrinkable label having a second set of shrinkage characteristics. The method also comprises equating the first set of shrink characteristics of the flexible wall container with the second set of shrink characteristics of the label such that by attaching the label to the flexible wall package and concurrently collapsing the flexible wall package and the label , the flexible wall packaging and the label shrink to the same degree.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a packaging system comprising a collapsible flexible wall container or wrapper having a first set of shrinkage characteristics. The packaging system also comprises a shrink tag that has a second set of shrink characteristics. The first set of shrinkage characteristics and the second set of shrinkage characteristics are equivalent to each other.

And, in yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of labeling and packaging an item. The method comprises providing a shrinkable material and a shrinkable label. The method also comprises applying the label to the shrinkable material. The method additionally comprises forming at least one of the label and the shrinkable material thereby to change its shape. The method further comprises including an article to be packaged with the shrinkable material having the shrinkable label applied thereto. And the method comprises shrinking the shrinkable material and the shrinkable label onto the article, thereby labeling and packaging the article.

As will be understood, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its various details are capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment packaging system in accordance with the present invention.

io Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a process of the preferred embodiment according to the present invention. Detailed Description of the Modalities

Preferably, the present invention provides a packaging system comprising (i) a heat shrinkable flexible wall or wrap package, and (ii) the heat shrinkable label, label mount, or other laminate. The heat shrinkable label or laminate and / or the flexible wall or wrap heat shrinkable package have heat shrink characteristics that adapt to each other. Therefore, the label can be applied to the flexible wall packaging or wrap, prior to shrinkage. After affixing the label, the resulting assembly of the container or wrapper and the label are concurrently subjected to a collapsible operation. Preferably, the heat shrink characteristics (i) the flexible heat shrinkable packaging or wrapper, and (¡i) the heat shrinkable label or laminate correspond to one another or substantially so, such that after subjecting (i) and (ii) To an operation that Induces contraction, components (I) and (I) experience similar degrees and / or rates of contraction. This ensures that the contraction does not create undue stress or physical deformation in (i) and / or (ii), and promote intimate retention and contact between (i) and (i). The heat shrink wrap and flexible wall heat shrink packaging, each having a label applied thereto, may undergo one or more operations to achieve particular types of shrinkage such as blister packaging as known in the art, and shrinkage specifically as is known in the art. Although the various components are generally described herein as being heat shrinkable and therefore shrink after sufficient heating, it will be appreciated that the components and materials is may also be shrinkable by other strategies and thus do not necessarily require heating to effect or induce contraction. Additional details and aspects of the systems and methods of the preferred embodiment are provided herein as follows.

Shrink-wrap flexible wall or wrap

A wide range of flexible wall, wrap, film, and / or laminate containers can be used in packaging systems of the preferred embodiment. The flexible wall or wrap heat shrinkable package preferably includes a biaxially oriented heat shrinkable film. Biaxially oriented heat shrinkable films are commonly produced by extruded or co-extruded polymers from a cast melt into a thick film, followed by rapid cooling and by orientation of the thick film by stretching the film under temperature conditions where the molecular orientation of the film and the film is not torn. Upon subsequent overheating to a temperature near the orientation temperature the film will tend to contract, attempting to regain its original dimensional state. Biaxially oriented heat shrinkable films can be obtained by extruding or co-extruding the polymers with a round matrix yielding a thick tubular film commonly referred to as tape, which is cooled immediately and rapidly by means of a water bath or cascade commonly at about room temperature. The tape was then heated to orientation temperature and stretched biaxially, while at this temperature, for example by a so-called trapped bubble technique, uses internal gas pressure to expand the diameter of the tape to form a large bubble and advance the tube expanded at a speed faster than the extrusion speed to obtain machine and transverse directions of orientation respectively. Generally the stretch is at least about 3 times in each direction. The film was then cooled and rolled in the cooled state to retain heat shrink properties. The orientation temperature range generally depends on the type of polymers used. The orientation temperature used for the manufacture of heat shrinkable films is in any case less than the melting temperature of at least one polymer present in the film. Alternatively, biaxially oriented heat shrinkable films can be obtained by extruding the polymers through a flat die in the form of a sheet, and then a rapid cooling step, heating the sheet to the orientation temperature and stretching the sheet. Longitudinal orientation is generally obtained by passing the sheet over at least two series of traction rollers where the second set operates at a higher speed than the first set. Cross or cross orientation is generally performed on a tensioning frame where the edges of the sheet are held by fasteners carried by two continuous chains that operate on two tracks that move further apart as they go. In an alternative method to sequential stretching, that is to say either the first longitudinal and then transversal or vice versa, stretching can be carried out simultaneously in both directions. The stretched film was then cooled and rolled up as observed. Also in the case of orientation using a tensioning frame, stretching is generally at least approximately 3 times in each direction, but high rates are common.

The films used in the flexible wall heat shrinkable containers or wraps used in the packaging systems of the preferred embodiment commonly include multiple layers, the different layers providing the films with required physical and mechanical properties. In general, the films used for manufacturing the heat shrink bags of the preferred packaging systems have an overall thickness of up to about 150 pm, preferably up to about 100 pm, and more preferably up to about 95 pm. Commonly, the films have thicknesses of from about 25 to about 150, preferably from about 35 to about 100, and more preferably from about 35 to about 95.

Generally, heat shrinkable flexible wall or wrap packages will shrink from about 1% to about 40%, more preferably from about 20% to about 40%, more preferably from about 25% to about 35%, and more preferably from about 30% to about 35%, in the longitudinal direction, and from about 1% to about 50%, more preferably from about 20% to about 50%, more preferably from about 30% to about 45%, and more preferably from 38% to 45%, in the transverse direction when heated to 85 ° C. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is by no means limited to these particular degrees of shrinkage.

These degrees of shrinkage are periodically referred to herein as the shrinkage characteristics associated with flexible wall packages or wraps of the preferred embodiment.

Details regarding preferred temperatures and techniques for effecting shrinkage are described in detail herein in conjunction with descriptions of preferred methods.

Flexible wall packages or wraps commonly exhibit a multilayer structure comprising a gas barrier layer, such as, for example, a layer comprising

PVDC, EVOH, a poly- or copolyamide, etc., as known in this field. Other layers may be present to provide the structure with the required thickness and mechanical properties.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, polyester, and polyolefin families of contractile films provide a wide range of physical film characteristics and performance. Film characteristics play an important role in the selection of a particular film and may differ for each type of packaging application. Polyolefins have been more successful with applications where moderate to high contraction forces are preferred. Polyolefin films are also used in high-speed shrink wrap automatic equipment, where shrink and seal temperature ranges are more clearly controlled. Polyolefin films are particularly suitable for this application because polyolefin films tend to be clean, leaving few deposits and less residue, which extend the life of the equipment as well as reduced maintenance of the equipment. For many applications, polystyrene may also be preferred.

For packaging applications involving processed meat products, poultry, fresh red meat, cheeses, and the like, the following coating assembly is particularly preferred for shrink material, whether provided in the form of a flexible wall packaging, wrapping , fabric, article, or leaf shape. Preferably, a multilayer film assembly is provided comprising at least one thermoplastic resin layer as an outer layer (A), a gas barrier resin layer as a base layer (B), and a sealing resin layer. as an innermost layer (c), and optionally adhesive layer between the individual layers. The innermost layer sealing resin layer (C) is a layer formed of a resin material (A) comprising a linear ethylene-1-octene copolymer (B) and having a 1-octene content between about 1% by weight to about 20% by weight and a density of about 0.885 g / cm³ at about 0.960 g / cm³. An intermediate layer (D) formed from at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyamide resins, thermoplastic polyester resins, and ethylene copolymer resins is provided between the outer layer (A) and the base layer (B). The intermediate layer (D) can also include at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyamide resins, thermoplastic polyester resins and ethylene copolymer resins and is also provided between the base layer (B) and the innermost layer (C).

The resin material (A) that forms the innermost layer sealing resin layer (C) may preferably be a resin material comprising 10-100% by weight of the ethylene-1-octene copolymer (B ) and 0-90% by weight of at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of linear io low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low-density polyethylene (VLDPE, and elastomers of the ethylene-1-octene copolymer and having a 1-octene content of 18% by weight or greater and a density of 0.885 g / cm3 or less preferably.

The thermoplastic resin that forms the outer layer (A) may preferably be at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyolefin resins such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low-density polyethylene ( VLDPE); thermoplastic polyester resins such as copolyester (Co-PET); polyamide resins such as aliphatic nylon and aromatic nylon; and the ethylene-1-octene copolymer (b). In particular, when an ethylene-1-octene copolymer layer (B) is also provided as the outer layer (A), a heat shrinkable multilayer film is provided which has excellent sealing properties, clarity and mechanical strength, and excellent strength. lock and slip property. Additional details of this preferred construction and materials are provided in US Patent Number 6,146,726 and its equivalent EP

EP 0810087.

Those of skill in the art will understand that a flexible wall container can have various shapes and can have rounded, straight, or irregular edges, one or more of which are commonly heat sealed. Bags or purses commonly include one or two factory seals, and one or two folded edges. One edge, the open mouth of the bag adapted to receive an article, is preferably heat sealed after loading the article into the bag. In addition, the invention includes the use of a single or multi-layer heat shrink wrap. In this version of the invention, the wrap is not formed in a package, bag, or purse configuration. Instead, the wrap is in a sheet or roll form. During use, the wrapper is placed on the item or product to be packaged, and then sealed or otherwise affixed thereto.

Heat Shrink Label

The heat shrinkable label or label mount of the preferred embodiment may be in a variety of different shapes and configurations. Preferably, the heat shrinkable label includes a layer of heat shrinkable film and an adhesive layer for attaching the label to a substrate such as the flexible wall or wrap heat shrinkable packaging noted above. The label mount may also include a release layer that covers an otherwise exposed face of the adhesive layer. And, the label mount may further include an outer face or layer that has characteristics suitable for receiving printing inks or other decorative layers. The label mount can include layers that promote additional strength as needed through the particular application.

As explained hereinabove, the ability of a film to shrink during exposure to heat occurs from the orientation of the film during manufacture. During film making, the films are commonly heated to their orientation temperature range, which varies depending on the particular polymers used for the films, but they are generally above room temperature and below the melting temperature of the polymer. The film is then stretched, sequentially or simultaneously, in the longitudinal or machine direction (MD) and in the cross or transverse direction (TD) to orient the film, as want. After stretching, the film rapidly cooled, therefore freezing the film in its biaxially oriented state. Upon heating, the orientation stresses are relaxed and the film will begin to contract back to its original unoriented dimension.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, polyester, and polyolefin families of contractile films provide a wide range of physical film characteristics and performance. Film characteristics play an important role in selecting a particular film and may differ for each type of packaging or labeling application.

As previously noted, polyolefins have been most successful with applications where moderate to high shrinkage forces are preferred. Polyolefin films are also used in high-speed shrink wrap automatic equipment where shrink and seal temperature ranges are more clearly controlled. Polyolefin films are particularly suitable for this application because polyolefin films tend to be cleaner, leaving fewer deposits and less residue, which extend equipment life as well as reduce equipment maintenance. However, it is contemplated that for many applications, particularly food or product packaging, polystyrene may be preferred.

The heat shrinkable label or label mount commonly includes multiple layers and uses a variety of different films depending on the required physical and mechanical properties. Generally, the labels exhibit a total thickness of up to about 100 pm, and preferably from about 20 pm to about 90 pm.

The label or label assembly includes a film that shrinks from about 1% to about 40%, more preferably from about 20% to about 40%, more preferably from about 25% to about 35%, and more preferably from about 30% to about 35% in the longitudinal direction, and from about 1% to about 50%, more preferably from about 20% to about 50%, more preferably from about 30% to about 45%, and more preferably from about 38% to about 45% in the transverse position when heated to 85 ° C. It will be understood that the invention is by no means limited to these particular degrees of shrinkage. These degrees of shrinkage are periodically referred to herein as the shrinkage characteristics associated with the preferred embodiment labels.

Details regarding preferred temperatures for effecting shrinkage are described in detail herein in conjunction with descriptions of preferred methods.

Heat shrink labels can undergo subsequent processing steps such as printing, metallizing, or laminating for fashionable decorative or aesthetically appealing labels for use on packaging.

As noted above, the heat shrinkable label or label mount includes a layer of adhesive along its underside to bond the label to a region of the flexible wall package. As described in greater detail herein, the label is applied prior to contraction, and is applied to the flexible wall package prior to contraction of this component. After affixing the label adhesive to the flexible wall packaging, the two components are simultaneously or substantially subjected to one or more shrinkage operations. As will be appreciated, operations that affect shrinkage commonly involve heating and may also include the use of steam and / or hot water. Accordingly, the selected adhesive should exhibit good performance and stability at elevated temperatures and over exposure to high humidity and / or liquid water.

A wide range of adhesives can be used. Although not necessary, it is preferred that an effective amount of adhesive be carried with the label and placed along a lower side of the label assembly. In many applications, it is preferred that the adhesive, and more particularly, use an acrylic emulsion adhesive that exhibits relatively high water resistance properties. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is by no means limited to such adhesives. Instead, it is contemplated that the packaging systems of the present invention, and in particular the label mounts, may utilize other adhesives and adhesive systems.

Preferred emulsion-based pressure sensitive adhesives are based on a first emulsion polymer which contains, on a weight percent basis, of about

95% to about 97.5% by total weight of at least one alkyl ester or acrylic acid containing about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. Useful a I qui I a cri latos include n-butylacrylate, 2-et i I hexi I a cri I a, isooctylacrylate and the like. Butylacrylate, 2hexylethylacrylate and mixtures thereof are preferred. Butylacrylate is more preferred.

The second monomeric component is one or more σ / 3-unsaturated carboxylic acids present in a total amount of at least about 2.5% by weight, preferably from about 2.5 to about 5% by weight.

Unsaturated carboxylic acid can contain from about 3 to about 5 carbon atoms and includes, but is not limited to, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, and the like. Mixtures of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid in a respective weight ratio of from about 1: 1 to about 1: 3 are preferred, preferably from about 1: 1 to about 1: 2. Additional details of preferred adhesives are found in one or more of US Patent Numbers 5,492,950; 5,563,205; 5,264,532; and 5,164,444.

Preferably, the shrink characteristics of the heat shrinkable label and flexible wall or wrap heat shrinkable package are matched to each other or matched such that upon being subjected to a shrinking operation, the label and package exhibit similar degrees and / or indices of contraction. The term matched as used herein refers to selecting, producing, or otherwise designing the heat shrink label to exhibit equivalent shrink characteristics such as flexible wall or shrink wrap such that when the components are simultaneously subjected to an operation of contraction, without undue stress or material deformations that are induced leading to rupture along the interface between the components. Thus, no kinking, peeling, or distortion is exhibited on the label or in regions of the flexible wall container adjacent to the label. The matched term also io refers to selecting, producing, or otherwise designing the flexible, heat-shrinkable packaging or wrapping to display

<td></td><td>characteristics</td><td>equivalent shrinkage like</td><td>the</td><td>label</td>

<td></td><td>heat shrinkable.</td><td colspan="2">And, the matched term also</td><td>It includes</td>

<td></td><td colspan="2">select, produce, or otherwise design</td><td>the</td><td>container</td>

<td> 15</td><td>heat shrinkable</td><td>flexible wall or wrap, and</td><td>the</td><td>label</td>

<td></td><td>heat shrinkable</td><td>to display characteristics of</td><td colspan="2">contraction</td>

equivalent to each other. More specifically, the term matched refers to one of the components of the packaging system, i.e. the flexible wall package or label, to exhibit a degree of shrinkage that is from about 90% to about 110% of the degree of shrinkage of the another component. For example, for a biaxially oriented flexible wall heat shrinkable packaging exhibiting 30% shrinkage in the longitudinal direction and approximately 32% in the transverse direction, the heat shrinkable label is matched by adapting the label and selecting materials for use therein such that the label is biaxially oriented and exhibits a shrinkage of about 27% to about 33% in the longitudinal direction and a shrinkage of about 28.8% to about 35.2 % in the transverse direction. More preferably, the contractions of the components are within 95% to 105% of each other, more preferably within 98% to 102% of each other, and more preferably they are approximately 100% or equivalent to each other.

It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to, or based on, any particular phenomenon with respect to the relationship between the flexible wall or shrinkable container and the shrinkable label. That is, although the invention can suitably selectively characterize and / or design these components relative to one another such that their degrees of shrinkage are Equalized, the invention also includes systems in which the shrinkage forces are balanced with the bonding forces. For example, it is contemplated that the invention includes a system of a flexible wall collapsible container and a collapsible label having characteristics such that during attachment of the label to the flexible wall container and shrinkage of both components, no bending, detachment, or distortion is exhibited on the label or strands of the flexible wall container adjacent the label because the contraction forces associated with the flexible wall package and the label are balanced with the bonding forces between those components.

Packaging System

The present invention also provides a packaging system comprising the aforementioned collapsible flexible wall or wrapper container, and the collapsible label mount. These two components can be supplied together with one another to an end user such as a food processor, packaging entity, or other end user. The packaging system will find wide application in a variety of industries as exemplified by the following description with reference to its use and associated methods.

Methods

The present invention provides a wide range of methods and processes for packaging products through the use of the systems described herein. Generally, a preferred embodiment method involves obtaining a flexible wall heat-shrinkable container having the appropriate size, configuration, and characteristics for the products to be packaged or retained therein. One or more heat shrink labels or other laminate mounts as described herein are appropriately selected and / or matched and applied to the flexible wall package as desired. Commonly, the effective amounts of adhesive are used to adhere the label to an outer region of the container. The labeled container is then filled or otherwise introduced with articles to be placed therein. After evacuation of air and / or fluids from inside the container, the container is sealed. Although sealing is commonly used, other sealing methods can be used as adhesive sealing, acoustic sealing, and / or mechanical sealing techniques. Commonly, an evacuation operation conventionally known as vacuum wrapping can be used. The sealed flexible wall labeled container containing the articles of interest is then subjected to one or more operations to concurrently collapse the flexible wall container and label. Commonly, shrinkage can be effected by exposure to elevated temperatures, such as from about 70 ° C to about 99 ° C, and preferably from about 85 ° C to about 92 ° C, for a period of time from about 0.1 seconds to 5 or more seconds and preferably from about 1.5 seconds to 2 seconds.

It will be appreciated that the invention is by no means limited to these particular temperatures and / or times. Instead, it is contemplated that depending on the materials used in the flexible wall heat shrinkable packaging and heat shrinkable label mount, temperatures less than 70 ° C or greater than 99 ° C may be used to shrink the indicated components. In addition, exposure times other than the stated preferred range may be used. Furthermore, a wide range of heating strategies can be used to induce shrinkage, and thus in no way is the invention limited to heating by exposure to steam or hot water. For example, exposure to hot air or other gas flows may be used. And, various process equipment or operations can be employed to effect shrinkage, such as steam tunnels, hot fluid containers, and so on.

In addition, it is also contemplated that a method for labeling and packaging an item or other products may utilize a series of operations in which a heat shrinkable label or label mount is applied to a heat shrinkable material such as sheet or fabric form, and after Application of the label, the heat shrinkable material is then formed into a flexible wall container such as a bag or purse. Preferably, such a method comprises providing a heat shrinkable material and a heat shrinkable label or label mount. The label is then applied to the heat shrinkable material in a desired location. As is described herein, the application of adhesive is preferred. Next, one or more items to be packaged are then included, using the heat shrink material. This can be accomplished in several ways, such as by wrapping the item in the heat shrinkable material. Another process is to form a flexible wall package as described herein from the heat shrinkable material that has the label applied thereto and then place the items within the flexible wall package. After the articles are properly enclosed with the heat shrinkable material having the label applied thereto, the heat shrinkable material and the label are subjected to one or more operations to affect shrinkage on the articles.

In addition, it is also contemplated that other strategies may be performed to induce contraction, in addition to heating. For example, it is also contemplated that other techniques can be used to induce shrinkage of the flexible wall package and / or label. For example, exposure to electromagnetic radiation and in particular infrared radiation or microwave radiation may be used to induce contraction.

The present invention also provides methods of producing a packaging system. These methods involve providing a flexible wall heat shrink packaging and a heat shrink label. The flexible wall packaging and / or label are selected such that their heat shrinkable characteristics are matched to each other as described herein. This ensures that during attachment of the label to the flexible wall package prior to shrinkage of either, followed by shrinkage, the label and flexible wall package undergo equivalent degrees of shrinkage.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a packaging system 10 of the preferred embodiment according to the present invention. The preferred embodiment system 10 comprises a flexible wall heat shrinkable package 20 and a label heat shrinkable assembly 50, as follows. Flexible wall container 20 defines an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 24 which in turn define an inner region 26 within container 20. Flexible wall packaging 20 may include one or more sealed regions 28 and / or side walls 30, and initially, at least one open region 32 through which the inner region 26 can be accessed. Flexible wall packaging 20 includes a heat shrinkable film layer 42, an optional barrier layer 40, and one or more optional outer layers 44 or intermediate layers (not shown). The label mount 50 defines an outer face 52 and an oppositely directed underside or inner face 54. By attaching and attaching the label mount 50 to the flexible wall container 20, such as io at a target location 36 defined along the outer surface 22 of container 20, inner face 54 of label 50 is preferably directed toward outer surface 22 of container 20. Label assembly 50 comprises a heat shrinkable film layer 62, an optional outer layer 60, and one or more secondary layers such as secondary layer 64. Label assembly 50 also includes an adhesive layer 66 and a release layer 68 which sets the otherwise exposed face of the adhesive layer 66 contacting.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment process 100 in accordance with the present invention. Process 100 generally comprises an operation 110 to provide a flexible wall heat shrinkable package as described herein. Process 100 also comprises an operation 120 to provide a heat shrinkable label assembly as described herein. It will be appreciated that these steps can be performed in reverse order or performed concurrently. Process 100 also comprises an operation 130 for applying the label mount to the flexible wall container. This operation is commonly performed through the use of an effective amount of adhesive placed between the label and the flexible wall container. For the preferred embodiment system 10 described in Figure 1, this operation was performed by removing the release layer 68 from the label assembly 50 thereby exposing one side of the adhesive layer 66. The adhesive side io is then contacted with the flexible wall container to attach the label to it. The preferred process 100 also comprises an operation 140 for placing one or more products or articles within the flexible wall container. Process 100 further comprises steps 150 and 160 in which the flexible wall container and its contents are sealed while the air is evacuated, followed by the sealed closure of the container. It will be understood that operations 150 and 160, therefore, can be performed in reverse order or can be performed concurrently or substantially with each other. It is contemplated that conventional vacuum packaging methods can be used for operations 150 and 160. Process 100 also comprises an operation 170 in which the flexible wall package and label assembly are heated or otherwise exposed to high temperatures to cause shrinkage of the flexible wall package and label assembly. Preferably, these components undergo contraction at the same time with each other. A variety of techniques can be employed to effect shrinkage of the flexible wall package and label mounting. Preferably, shrinkage is achieved by heating, dipping, or exposing the components to water having a temperature of from about 70 ° C to about 99 ° C, for a period of time from about 0.1 seconds to about 5 seconds. It will be understood that the present invention is in no way limited to this form of heating to cause shrinkage. After performing step 170, the articles or products within the interior of the container are generally sealed and protected against external agents and / or factors.

Another method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is to use a forming operation before heat shrinking the package and the label applied thereto. For example, in this preferred embodiment method, a heat shrinkable label as described hereinabove, is applied to a plastic formable fabric or equivalent material. The plastic material is also preferably heat shrinkable. The label and plastic sheet, tray, or container for housing the products of interest are then also subjected to a forming operation in which the plastic sheet, tray, or container is deformed or otherwise modified to receive or better accommodate the products of interest. During the forming operation, the label can also become deformed. Preferably, the forming operation is a thermoforming operation. Once the label and plastic sheet, tray or container have been properly formed, the products to be packaged are placed in or on the thermoformed assembly. The resulting packaging product or products are then subjected to a shrink operation in which the label and the plastic sheet, tray or container are heated to thereby close and seal the package.

It will be understood that the present invention and various preferred embodiments can be used in conjunction with the molded shrinkable materials and / or molded shrink packaging systems. Generally, molded shrinkage involves providing a package mold or thermoformed package. Loading of the packaging or package is done to form a strong sealing seam commonly without overlapping film edges. The film and seal are cut in detail to fit the package. In the last stage of the packaging system, the film shrinks, commonly in a heated tank. In a preferred molded shrink process, a heat shrinkable fabric is provided, which is commonly a multi-layer laminate. One or more heat shrink labels are optionally applied to the laminate. The laminate along with any labels applied is then thermoformed to a desired shape.

Commonly, the shape to which the laminate is thermoformed corresponds to the shape of the item or package to be sealed.

After the laminate is properly formed, a thermoformed package is formed. The items are then placed inside the thermoformed package. A first fabric is sealed to a second fabric to thereby include the items within the thermoformed package. Preferably, simultaneously with this sealing operation, vacuum lamination is performed to evacuate the contents of the package or interior region within which the articles are placed. At this stage, another heat shrinkable label and preferably a pressure sensitive label can be applied to the outer surface of the resulting package or packaging. Preferably, the io package or packaging is then subjected to heat to thereby shrink the fabrics and labels. Preferably, the application of water having a temperature of approximately

85 ° C to 92 ° C.

Many other benefits will undoubtedly become apparent from the future application and development of this technology.

All patents, published applications, and articles indicated herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

It will be understood that any one or more feature or component of one embodiment described herein may be combined with one or more other feature or component of another embodiment. Thus, the present invention includes any and all combinations of components or features of the embodiments described herein.

As described herein above, the present invention solves many problems associated with previously known systems and methods. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in component details, materials, and arrangements, which have been described and illustrated herein to explain the nature of the invention, can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the invention, as expressed in the appended claims.