System and method for applying tubular bands to containers utilizing angled band ejection

A machine for applying a tubular band to a container moving in a feed direction, the machine including:

• a mandrel assembly about which tubular film is passed, the mandrel assembly includes a central tooling axis and a lower output end;
• a film cutter positioned for cutting the tubular film into a tubular band sized for application to a cap and neck section of the container;
• a band ejection arrangement associated with the lower output end of the mandrel assembly, wherein the band ejection arrangement includes a tooling segment having a first side facing against the feed direction and a second side facing in the feed direction, a roller wheel protruding from the first side of the tooling segment and a chamfer at the second side of the tooling segment, wherein the chamfer angles against the feed direction when moving downward along the tooling segment, such that, as the tubular band moves downward over the tooling segment, a first side portion of the tubular band contacts and moves over the roller wheel causing the tubular band to tilt relative to the central tooling axis so as to facilitate ejection of the tubular band in an eject direction that is at a non-zero angle relative to the central tooling axis.