Apparatus and method for conforming a label to the contour of a container

An apparatus for conforming a detached edge portion of a label to a contoured section of a container, the apparatus comprising:

• a conveyor configured to move the container along a travel path,
• a heat source positioned along the conveyor, the heat source configured to heat at least the detached edge portion of the label to a sufficient temperature to achieve a sufficient degree of plasticity as the container moves along the travel path;
• a mechanical pressure applicator positioned along the conveyor downstream from the heat source, the mechanical pressure applicator configured to apply pressure to at least the heated detached edge portion of the label to conform it to the contoured section of the container as the container moves along the travel path.

A method of conforming upper and lower detached edge portions of a label to upper and lower contoured sections of a container, respectively, the method comprising:

• heating at least the upper and lower detached edge portions of the label to a sufficient temperature to achieve a sufficient degree of plasticity;
• and
• applying mechanical pressure to at least the heated upper and lower detached edge portions of the label to conform them to the upper and lower contoured sections of the container, respectively.

A method of conforming a label to the contour of a container, the method comprising:

• heating at least a portion of the label to a sufficient temperature to achieve a sufficient degree of plasticity;
• and
• applying mechanical pressure to at least a portion of the heated label to conform it to the contour of the container.

An apparatus for conforming a label to the contour of a container, the apparatus comprising:

• a conveyor configured to move the container along a travel path,
• a heat source positioned along the conveyor, the heat source configured to heat at least a portion of the label to a sufficient temperature to achieve a sufficient degree of plasticity as the container moves along the travel path;
• a mechanical pressure applicator positioned along the conveyor downstream from the heat source, the mechanical pressure applicator configured to apply pressure to at least a portion of the heated label to conform it to the contour of the container as the container moves along the travel path.