Apparatus and method for assemblying tubular sleeve preforms and containers

摘要

This invention relates to apparatus and method for producing a composite container having a neck label or tubular sleeve mounted temporarily thereon adapted to be shrunken into final surface covering relation. The tubular sleeve is preformed of relatively-stiff material and flat-folded until ready for use when it is fully opened and conveyed into vertical alignment with a container therebeneath. The sleeve preform comprised of heat-shrinkable plastic material is telescopically assembled onto the container while the latter is transported in spaced upright arrangement. The preform is moved downwardly by a pair of gripping vacuum cups moving downwardly and divergently to open the preform and place the same telescopically on the container upper portion. Alternately, the opened preform is placed on a cylindrical mandrel to more fully open the preform prior to its being mounted telescopically on the container neck portion. The preform on the upper portion of the container in finally-aligned relation is then adapted to heat-shrinking in place in permanent conforming arrangement.