Stretch film sleeve label applicator

A method for separating a stretchable sleeve label from a continuous web of stretchable sleeve labels and applying the label to an item, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a continuous web of stretchable sleeve labels;
• transporting the web to a label separating assembly;
• separating an individual label from the web of stretchable sleeve labels;
• transporting the label to a label stretching assembly having a plurality of slender upstanding fingers radially arranged and equally spaced from one another relative to a central vertical axis of the label stretching assembly and configured to move radially toward and away from the central vertical axis of the label stretching assembly, between a contracted position for receiving the label and an expanded position for stretching the label, such movement occurring along a radius of a circle formed by the plurality of fingers when in the expanded position, wherein the plurality of upstanding fingers each comprise an integrated air channel disposed between a top opening formed on an outside surface of each finger and a bottom opening formed in a base of each finger, the bottom opening configured to receive a source of air pressure and vacuum and the air channel configured to deliver the air pressure and vacuum to the top opening;
• applying the label in an annular fashion to the plurality of upstanding fingers while the plurality of upstanding fingers is in the contracted position;
• applying a vacuum to the top openings of each of the plurality of upstanding fingers to frictionally engage the label with the outside surface of each of the plurality of upstanding fingers;
• moving the plurality of upstanding fingers from the contracted position to the expanded position to stretch the label and to form a central space therein;
• positioning the item within the central space;
• applying air pressure to the top openings of each of the plurality of upstanding fingers to form a cushion of air between the plurality of upstanding fingers and the label, thereby reducing the friction between the plurality of upstanding fingers and the label and allowing the label to frictionally engage the item and to disengage from the plurality of upstanding fingers;
• transporting the item with the label attached thereto away from the plurality of upstanding fingers.