| 摘要 |
<p>A machine and method for applying heat shrink labels or the like to articles such as containers having cylindrical body portions and an end portion or portions adjoining the body portion and sloping inwardly therefrom. The label has a length such that its leading end overlaps the trailing end and a seam is formed at the overlap. The label is secured to the article by adhesive between the leading end and the container and by adhesive between the overlapping leading end and trailing end. The label is of a width such that it projects beyond the junction or junctions of the end portion or portions with the body portion, resulting in free standing edge or edges which are then heat shrunk or to the container by heat from an external source. A tongue is interposed between the heat source and the seam at each free standing edge or edges. This tongue serves as a heat shield to moderate application of heat to the seam. Most advantageously the end of each tongue is wedge shaped so that as it is extended it acts as a wedge to urge the free standing edge toward the article. In a preferred embodiment of the invention heat is applied in the form of hot air in stages such that the free standing edge or edges are shrunk commencing with their junctions with the container and progressing to the outer edges whereby no air is entrapped.</p> |
