FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a labelling machine for protruding skin packaging, an assembly comprising a labelling machine and a protruding skin packaging and a method of labelling protruding skin packaging.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Protruding skin packaging is frequently used for packages containing irregular sized and shaped items. In particular, protruding skin packaging is used for consumer packaging containing meat, fish etc. This packaging may be used for joints of meat which are sold in the refrigerated sections of supermarkets. Due to the nature of the product, the size, shape and weight of these products varies and, accordingly, the size and shape of the upper surface of the packaging will likewise vary.

Packaging for such irregular items may previously have included a standard deep sleeve sealed packaging which would always present a planar upper surface onto which an individual label could be simply adhered. Protruding skin packaging maintains the product in a vacuumed atmosphere and such protruding skin packaging may increase the shelf life of the product. In addition, protruding skin packaging uses relatively small tray portions which decreases the material required and subsequently decreases the waste material. Accordingly, protruding skin packaging is currently very popular.

However, the unpredictably shaped and positioned upper surface creates a problem when applying labels to the upper surface of the packaging. These labels generally need to display individual information concerning the weight, cost etc. of the product. Some packaging may comprise an extended planar section offset from the actual product onto which the individual label can easily be applied. This increases the packaging material and also increases the dimensions of the product which may therefore increase the storage, transportation and display required for these products. Linerless labels include adhesive on one surface to enable the labels to be urged and hence adhered to the surface of the product. A labelling machine may include fixed applicator surface to direct the label onto the upper surface of the packaging. Such labelling machines may be very effective when used with packaging of equal predictable sizes as they pass along a conveyor belt underneath the fixed applicator surfaces.

Skin packaging generally comprises a tray having a flange around the periphery and has a flexible film which locates over the product ion the tray and the film is vacuumed sealed to the tray to contain the product in the packaging. Skin packaging may be classified as normal skin packaging in which the upper film surface locates below the flange, protruding skin packaging in which the upper film surface locates slightly above the height of the flange or super-protruding skin packaging in which the upper film surface locates high above the upper film surface.

Labelling machines having fixed applicator surfaces may be adequate when used with a protruding skin package which only protrudes by a relatively small amount since this can be accommodated due to the flexibility of the label. However, such fixed applicator surfaces cannot be used with both protruding skin packaging and also super-protruding skin packaging since the fixed applicator surfaces are not able to accommodate the range of height of a super-protruding skin packaging as well as a normal protruding skin packaging.

Different labelling machines may therefore be provided to cope with different levels of protruding products. For example, a first labelling machine may be used for protrusions in a first range and a second labelling machine may be used for protrusions within a second range. However, this greatly increases the cost and space required by a user.

In addition, the fixed applicator surfaces for the label generally result in the label not being taut across the lateral extent of the packaging and the label may tend to bulge slightly outwardly. Accordingly, such sleeve labels may not provide a neat appearance and the information displayed may be obstructed or not clear.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a labelling machine for a protruding skin packaging, the labelling machine comprising:

a conveying surface for conveying protruding skin packaging through the labelling machine;

label feed means to deliver a label to label applicator means; and

label applicator means for urging the label on to the packaging;

wherein the label feed means comprises:

a central feed means;

a first lateral edge feed means; and

a second lateral edge feed means

wherein the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means extend in a downstream direction beyond the central feed means in order for the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means to drive the label following the removal of the drive from the central feed means.

Preferably the label is arranged to move in a feed direction through the labelling machine from an upstream position to a downstream position. Preferably the packaging is supported on a conveyor surface which moves from an upstream position to a downstream position wherein the conveying direction is the same as the feed direction. Preferably the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means extend in a downstream direction beyond the central feed means in order for the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means to solely drive the label following the removal of the drive from the central feed means.

Preferably the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means extend in a downstream direction beyond the central feed means in order for the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means to drive the label following the removal of the drive from the central feed means and whilst a central portion of the label is being applied to (urged towards) the packaging. Preferably the central feed means provides a central feed surface, the first lateral edge feed means may provide a first lateral edge feed surface and the second lateral edge feed means may provide a second lateral edge feed surface.

Preferably the label applicator means comprises:

a central applicator for urging the label towards an upper surface of the protruding skin packaging;

a first lateral edge applicator; and

a second lateral edge applicator. Preferably the lateral edge applicators are arranged to move downwardly from an upper position to a lower position to move the lateral edges of the label downwardly in order for the label to wrap around the lateral edges of the protruding skin packaging and wherein the movement of the lateral edge applicators adheres a portion of the label to the protruding skin packaging at a location adjacent to each edge of the protruding skin packaging.

Preferably the lateral edge applicators are arranged to move downwardly following the removal of the drive from the first lateral drive means and the second lateral edge drive means.

Preferably the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means extend in a downstream direction beyond the central feed means in order for the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means to drive the label whilst a portion of the label is located under the central applicator.

Preferably the central feed means (device) comprises a central belt and more preferably a central driven belt. Preferably the central driven belt extends between a central rear pulley and a central front pulley.

Preferably the first lateral edge feed means (device) comprises a first lateral belt and more preferably a first lateral driven belt. Preferably the first lateral driven belt extends between a first lateral rear pulley and a first lateral front pulley.

Preferably the second lateral edge feed means (device) comprises a second lateral belt and more preferably a second lateral driven belt. Preferably the second lateral driven belt extends between a second lateral rear pulley and a second lateral front pulley.

Preferably the rear central pulley and the first lateral rear pulley and the second lateral rear pulley are all aligned and/or may all rotate about a common axis. Preferably the rear central pulley and the first lateral rear pulley and the second lateral rear pulley are all mounted on a rear shaft and preferably on a driven rear shaft. The driven rear shaft may provide drive and may simultaneously rotate the rear central pulley and the first lateral rear pulley and the second lateral rear pulley at the same time and at the same speed. Preferably the first lateral front pulley and the second lateral front pulley are aligned and/or may all rotate about an identical axis. Preferably the central front pulley is arranged to rotate about an axis which is located downstream relative to the axis of the first lateral front pulley and the second lateral front pulley.

Preferably the rear central pulley and the first lateral rear pulley and the second lateral rear pulley are all mounted on a rear shaft and preferably on a driven rear shaft. The driven rear shaft may provide drive and may simultaneously rotate the rear central pulley and the first lateral rear pulley and the second lateral rear pulley at the same time and at the same speed.

Preferably the label is arranged to be driven by the first lateral feed means and the second lateral feed means as the label is being applied to the packaging by the central applicator.

Preferably the label is driven through the labelling machine in at least three stages in which:

in the first stage the label is driven by the central feed means, the first lateral feed means and the second lateral feed means;

in the second stage the drive from the central feed means is removed and the label is driven by the first lateral feed means and the second lateral feed means (and may also be driven indirectly through the packaging by the conveying means); and

in the third stage the drive from the first lateral feed means and the second lateral feed means is removed and the label is driven by the first lateral edge applicator and the second lateral edge applicator. Preferably the label feed means delivers the label in a downwardly angled direction towards an upper surface of the packaging.

Preferably the central applicator comprises a drum or roller. Preferably the central applicator comprises a floating drum or floating roller. The drum or roller may provide an applicator surface and preferably provides an un-driven applicator surface. Preferably the first lateral edge applicator comprises a moving (applicator) surface and more preferably comprises a driven (applicator) surface. Preferably the first lateral edge applicator comprises a belt. Preferably the belt provides a moving (driven) applicator surface. Preferably the first lateral edge applicator comprises a driven belt which extends between a first pulley and a second pulley. Preferably the belt extends along the longitudinal direction of the packaging. Preferably the belt provides a lower driven surface which is driven in a forwards direction with respect to the movement of the packaging through the labelling machine. Preferably the first pulley and the second pulley simultaneously move downwards.

Preferably the first lateral edge applicator moves downwardly relative to the packaging. Preferably the first lateral edge applicator moves downwardly and to one side of a lateral edge of the packaging. Preferably the first lateral edge applicator moves downwardly and to one side of a lateral edge of the packaging such that the direction of travel of the first lateral edge applicator is preferably spaced from the edge of the packaging and the first lateral edge applicator would preferably be able to move past the edge of the packaging without contacting the edge of the packaging.

Preferably the driven belt extends between a rearward pulley and a forward pulley. Preferably only the forward pulley is arranged to move downwardly and the rearward pulley may be fixed. Preferably the second lateral edge applicator comprises a moving (applicator) surface and more preferably comprises a driven (applicator) surface. Preferably the second lateral edge applicator comprises a belt. Preferably the belt provides a moving (driven) applicator surface. Preferably the second lateral edge applicator comprises a driven belt which extends between a first pulley and a second pulley. Preferably the belt extends along the longitudinal direction of the packaging. Preferably the belt provides a lower driven surface which is driven in a forwards direction with respect to the movement of the packaging through the labelling machine.

Preferably the first pulley and the second pulley simultaneously move downwards. Preferably the second lateral edge applicator moves downwardly relative to the packaging. Preferably the second lateral edge applicator moves downwardly and to one side of a lateral edge of the packaging. Preferably the second lateral edge applicator moves downwardly and to one side of a lateral edge of the packaging such that the direction of travel of the second lateral edge applicator is preferably spaced from the edge of the packaging and the second lateral edge applicator would preferably be able to move past the edge of the packaging without contacting the edge of the packaging.

Preferably the driven belt extends between a rearward pulley and a forward pulley. Preferably only the forward pulley is arranged to move downwardly and the rearward pulley may be fixed.

Preferably the first edge applicator and the second edge applicator simultaneously move downwardly.

Preferably the conveying surface comprises a conveyor belt.

Preferably the protruding skin packaging is supported on a conveyor belt. Preferably the conveyor belt is driven in a forwards direction.

Preferably the label delivery means comprises a central belt and a first lateral edge belt and a second lateral edge belt.

Preferably the label comprises a linerless label.

Preferably the label comprises a sleeve label which is arranged to extend from underneath a tray of the packaging, around one edge and over the top of the packaging and to extend around an opposing edge to the underneath of the tray.

Preferably the label comprises a central adhesive section, two lateral edge adhesive sections and two intermediary adhesive sections. Preferably the central adhesive section is arranged to be adhered to a central (upper) portion of the protruding packaging. Preferably the intermediary sections are arranged to be adhered to edge portions of the protruding skin packaging. Preferably the adhesive edge sections are arranged to be adhered to underneath portions of the protruding skin packaging.

Preferably the labelling machine comprises applicators in order for end portions of the label underneath the protruding skin packaging to be adhered to the underside of the protruding skin packaging. Preferably the protruding skin packaging comprises a tray portion and a film section. Preferably, in use, the film section is arranged to be sealed (vacuum sealed) to the tray portion. Preferably the film section locates over (envelopes) the product which is located on the tray. Preferably the tray portion comprises a flange which locates around the periphery of the tray portion. Preferably the tray portion comprises side walls and end walls and the flange locates around the top of these walls. Preferably the flange extends outwardly from the tray portion. Accordingly, preferably the tray portion provides a shallow base.

The labelling machine is arranged to move the protruding skin packaging through the machine in a forward direction and the label may be applied laterally across the protruding skin packaging. Preferably the label is arranged to be adhered around the protruding skin packaging to form at least a partial sleeve around the protruding skin packaging.

The protruding skin packaging extends in a longitudinal direction from a rear end to a front end and has two lateral sides such that the packaging moves through the labelling machine in the longitudinal direction and the label may be adhered to the packaging in order to extend laterally across the packaging. The conveyor may travel in the longitudinal direction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaging assembly comprise a labelling machine and a protruding skin packaging, the labelling machine comprising:

a conveying surface for conveying protruding skin packaging through the labelling machine;

label feed means to deliver a label to label applicator means;

label applicator means for urging the label on to the packaging;

wherein the label feed means comprises:

a central feed means;

a first lateral edge feed means; and

a second lateral edge feed means

wherein the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means extend in a downstream direction beyond the central feed means in order for the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means to drive the label following the removal of the drive from the central feed means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of applying labels to protruding skin packaging, the method comprising:

conveying protruding skin packaging through a labelling machine;

feeding labels to label applicator means

wherein the feeding of the labels comprises:

a central feed means;

a first lateral edge feed means; and

a second lateral edge feed means

wherein the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means extend in a downstream direction beyond the central feed means in order for the first lateral edge feed means and the second lateral edge feed means to drive the label following the removal of the drive from the central feed means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a labelling machine for a protruding skin packaging.

Figure 2 is a front schematic cross section of part of a preferred embodiment of a labelling machine for a protruding skin packaging. Figure 3 is a schematic view of part of a further embodiment of a labelling machine for a protruding skin packaging.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the labelling machine 10 generally comprises a conveyor system for conveying packaging 20 through the labelling machine 10. As is conventional, the conveying system is arranged to move a line of packagings 20 through the labelling machine 10 in a continuous manner. The labelling machine 10 also provides a label feed system for feeding labels 1 1 through the labelling machine 10 in order to be adhered to the packaging 20. Finally, the labelling machine 10 comprises an applicator system for applying the labels 1 1 to the packaging 20.

The labelling machine 10 may be located adjacent to, and downstream from, a weighing station. At the weighing station, each individual packaging 20 may be weighed such that an individual label 1 1 may be prepared and printed prior to being fed to the label applicator system of the labelling machine 10. This enables specific information for the product 21 to be displayed, for example the weight, cooking time etc. which may vary due to the actual weight of the product 21 .

The labelling machine 10 is for use with protruding skin packaging 20. Furthermore, the labelling machine 10, and specifically, the label feed system and the label applicators 12, 14, 16, may be used with either normal protruding skin packaging or super-protruding skin packaging.

Such packaging 20 comprises a tray 22 or base with a relatively low wall 24 defined around the perimeter such that the product 21 protrudes above the height of the wall 24. The packaging 20 then also provides an upper skin 26 in the form of a (transparent) film which is secured (sealed) to the tray 22 and extends over the upper surface of the product 21 such that the product 21 is enveloped by the skin 28. The packaging 20 provides a flange 28 which extends around the complete upper periphery of the wall 24 and extends outwardly therefrom. This flange 28 thereby provides the lateral (and front and rear) edges to the packaging 20.

In particular, the packaging 20 may be a vacuum skin packaging such that the skin (film) element conforms closely to the shape of the protruding product 21 and is vacuum sealed around the periphery of the product to the tray 22. As it will be appreciated, the upper surface of such a packaging 20 will be determined and defined by the shape of the product 21 . The present invention is of particular use for super-protruding products whereby the product 21 projects by a significant degree above the height of the wall 24 of the tray 22. However, the present invention may also be used with a product 21 which is not super-protruding.

Super-protruding products 21 may comprise roasting joints of meat which may have a height in the range of 5 to 15 centimetres. The height of the wall 24 of the base 22 may be in the range of 1 to 5 centimetres such that the products 21 may project upwardly by up to 10 centimetres. These dimensions are given by way of example only and the present invention may also be suitable for use with other protruding dimensions.

The labelling machine 10 comprises a label feed system including a central feed device 30, a first lateral edge feed device 32 and a second lateral edge feed device 34.

The first lateral edge feed device 32 and the second lateral edge device 34 extend in a downstream direction beyond the central feed device 30 in order for the first lateral edge feed device 32 and the second lateral edge feed device 34 to drive the label 1 1 following the removal of the drive from the central feed device 30.

The label 1 1 is arranged to move in a feed direction 36 through the labelling machine 10 from an upstream position to a downstream position. The packaging 20 is supported on a conveyor surface which moves from an upstream position to a downstream position wherein the conveying direction 72 is the same forwards direction as the feed direction 36.

In particular, the first lateral edge feed device 32 and the second lateral edge device 34 extend in a downstream direction beyond the central feed device 30 in order for the first lateral edge feed device 32 and the second lateral edge feed device 34 to solely drive the label 1 1 following the removal of the drive from the central feed device 30. Accordingly, the two lateral edge feed devices 32, 34 move the label 1 1 forwards after the removal of the drive from the central feed device 30 and whilst a central portion of the label 1 1 is being applied to (urged towards) the packaging by the central applicator drum 12.

The central feed device 30 provides a feed belt with a contact surface, the first lateral edge feed device 32 provides a feed belt with a contact surface and the second lateral edge feed means 34 provides a feed belt with a contact surface. Initially the labels 1 1 extend across these three contact surfaces but the labels are then removed from the central feed contact surface whilst still being supported and driven by the contact surfaces of the lateral edge feed devices 32, 34. The central portion is then urged downwardly on to the packaging 20 by the central applicator 12.

Each feed device 30, 32, 34 comprises a driven belt which extends between a respective rear pulley 80, 82, 84 and a respective front pulley 81 , 83, 85.

The rear central pulley 81 and the first lateral rear pulley 82 and the second lateral rear pulley 84 are all aligned and all rotate about a common axis. The rear central pulley 80 and the first lateral rear pulley 82 and the second lateral rear pulley 84 are all mounted on a rear shaft 86 which is a driven rear shaft. The driven rear shaft 86 provides drive and simultaneously rotates the rear central pulley 80 and the first lateral rear pulley 82 and the second lateral rear pulley 84 at the same time and at the same speed. The first lateral front pulley 83 and the second lateral front pulley 85 are aligned and both rotate about an identical axis. The central front pulley 81 is arranged to rotate about an axis which is located downstream relative to the axis of the first lateral front pulley 83 and the second lateral front pulley 85. The rear central pulley 80 and the first lateral rear pulley 82 and the second lateral rear pulley 84 are all mounted on a driven rear shaft 86. The driven rear shaft 86 provides drive and simultaneously rotate the rear central pulley 80 and the first lateral rear pulley 82 and the second lateral rear pulley 84 at the same time and at the same speed.

The label 1 1 is arranged to be driven by the first lateral feed device 32 and the second lateral feed device 34 as the label is being applied to the packaging 1 1 by the central applicator 12. The label 1 1 is driven through the labelling machine 10 in at least three stages in which:

in the first stage the label 1 1 is driven by the central feed device 30, the first lateral feed device 34 and the second lateral feed device 36;

in the second stage the drive from the central feed device 30 is removed and the label 1 1 is driven by the first lateral feed device 32 and the second lateral feed device 34 (and may also be driven indirectly through the packaging 1 1 by the conveyor belt); and

in the third stage the drive from the first lateral feed device 32 and the second lateral feed device 34 is removed and the label 1 1 is driven by the first lateral edge applicator 60 and the second lateral edge applicator 61 (and may also be driven indirectly through the packaging 1 1 by the conveyor belt).

The label feed system delivers the label 1 1 in a downwardly angled direction towards an upper surface of the packaging 20.

The labelling machine 10 comprises a label applicator for adhering labels to the packaging 21 comprising a central applicator 12, a first (lateral) edge applicator 14 and a second (lateral) edge applicator 16. These three applicators 12, 14, 16 are arranged to urge the label 1 1 onto the upper surface of the packaging 20. Further applicators and guides (not shown) may be provided to subsequently wrap the lateral ends of the label 1 1 around the packaging 21 such that the lateral ends of the label 1 1 are adhered to an underside of the base 22 of the packaging.

The lateral edge applicators 60, 61 are arranged to move downwardly following the removal of the drive from the first lateral drive device 32 and the second lateral edge drive device 34.

The first lateral edge feed device 32 and the second lateral edge feed device 34 extend in a downstream direction beyond the central feed device 30 in order for the first lateral edge feed device 32 and the second lateral edge feed device 34 to drive the label 1 1 whilst a portion of the label 1 1 is located under the central applicator 12.

In the final configuration, the label 1 1 extends from a first end adhered to an underside of the tray 22 and wraps around a first lateral edge of the packaging 20 and over the upper region of the packaging 20 and returns to wrap around the second lateral edge of the packaging 20 and is finally adhered at a second position on the underside of the tray 22 of the packaging 20. Accordingly, the label 1 1 forms a sleeve around the packaging although the lateral ends of the label 1 1 may be spaced apart and adhered in a spaced configuration on the underside of the tray 22 of the packaging 20.

One aim of the present invention is to provide a neat and relatively taut label 1 1 which is not creased or significantly deformed. In particular, the two sections of the label 1 1 extending upwardly between the lateral edges of the tray 22 and the upper region of the packaging 20 may not be adhered and may be unsupported and it is an intention to maintain these sections in a relatively taut and neat condition.

On a lower surface of the label 1 1 there is provided a central adhesive strip 40, two lateral edge adhesive strips 42, 44 and two intermediary adhesive strips 46, 48. The central adhesive strip 40 is arranged to be adhered to the skin/film 26 located on the top of the product 21 . The two lateral edge adhesive strips 42, 44 are arranged to be adhered to the underside of the tray 22 of the packaging 20. Finally, the two intermediary strips 46, 48 are arranged to be adhered at portions of the packaging 20 adjacent to the lateral edges of the packaging 20. This portion may be at the edges of the packaging 20 and may comprise the flange 28 located around an upper extent of the packaging tray 22. The intermediary adhesive strips 46, 48 may to a degree be adhered on a top and/or bottom surface of the edge flange 28 of the packaging tray 22.

The central applicator 12 comprises a drum 52 or roller which is arranged to rotate whilst the surface of the drum 52 urges the label into contact with the upper surface of the packaging 20. In particular, the drum 52 comprises a floating drum which is mounted on a lever arm and urges the label 1 1 into contact with the packaging 20. The drum 52 is not driven and simply rotates as the label 1 1 and packaging 20 pass underneath. In particular, the packaging 20 is moved by the conveyor belt underneath the floating drum 52 whilst an applicator surface of the drum 52 is resilient urged (or biased) towards the surface of the packaging 20. The movement of the conveyor thereby indirectly causes the floating drum 52 to rotate and for the applicator surface of the drum 52 to rotate. This applicator surface is thereby not a static applicator surface.

The drum 52 comprises a resilient surface and this may be in the form of a sponge material which thereby protects the packaging 20 and helps to distribute the application force over the full area (or at least maximises the pressure area) of the central adhesive strip 40.

The first edge applicator 14 is substantially identical to the second edge applicator 16.

The first edge applicator 14 comprises a belt 60 which extends between a front pulley 62 and a rear pulley 64. The belt 60 provides the applicator surface and, in particular, provides a dynamic (moving) applicator surface. One of the pulleys 62, 64 is driven in order for the belt 60 to be driven around both pulleys 62, 64. In particular, the lower section of the belt 60 is arranged to be driven in the same direction 70 as the direction of travel 72 of the packaging 20 and the conveyor system. Furthermore, the speed of the belt 60 may be substantially identical to the speed of the conveyor belt. The first edge applicator 14 is mounted on a movable support in order to move the edge applicator 14 from an upper position to a lower position. Accordingly, the edge applicator 14 is not a simple fixed (static) applicator with a static applicator surface which would purely guide the label 1 1 onto the packaging 20. The edge applicator 14 moves with respect to the packaging 20 and conveyor belt and also the edge applicator 14 further comprises a driven belt 60 (driven applicator surface) which further urges the labels 1 1 directly into adherence on the film 26 of the irregular packaging 20 to provide a neat and clean application of the label 1 1 . The second edge applicator 16 comprises a belt 61 which extends between a front pulley 63 and a rear pulley 65. The belt 61 provides the applicator surface and, in particular, provides a dynamic (moving) applicator surface. One of the pulleys 63, 65 is driven in order for the belt 61 to be driven around both pulleys 63, 65. In particular, the lower section of the belt 61 is arranged to be driven in the same direction 70 as the direction of travel 72 of the packaging 20 and the conveyor system. Furthermore, the speed of the belt 61 may be substantially identical to the speed of the conveyor belt.

The second edge applicator 16 is mounted on a movable support in order to move the edge applicator 16 from an upper position to a lower position. Accordingly, the edge applicator 16 is not a simple fixed (static) applicator which would purely guide the label 1 1 onto the packaging 20. The edge applicator 16 moves with respect to the packaging 20 and conveyor belt and also the edge applicator 16 further comprises a driven belt 61 (driven applicator surface) which further urges the labels 1 1 directly into adherence on the film 26 of the irregular packaging 20 to provide a neat and clean application of the label 1 1 . Accordingly, the labelling machine 10 drives and urges the labels 1 1 on to the packagings as they are continually conveyed through the labelling machine 10. The labels 1 1 are guided by the edge applicators 14, 16 and these both positively drive both lateral side portions of the labels 1 1 forwards and also downwardly on to the surface of the packaging 20 rather than simply guiding the labels 1 1 with a static applicator surface. Accordingly, the edge applicators 14, 16 provide dynamic applicator surfaces and also the edge applicators 14, 16 themselves move with respect to the conveyor surface to force and/or help wrap the label 1 1 around the packaging 20. The edge applicators 14, 16 drive and urge the labels 1 1 forwardly as they are being applied. The labels 1 1 are initially adhered along the central adhesive strip 40. Following this initial adherence, the labels 1 1 will be moved (dragged/pulled) forwards as the packaging 20 moves on the conveyor surface. However, the present invention further provides for the edges (or lateral side portions) of the labels 1 1 to be driven forwards to aid the adherence. A simple fixed or static applicator surface may tend to resist the further the motion of the label 1 1 and create irregularities (creases etc.) as the label 1 1 is being applied. The present invention provides a positive and driving application (dynamic applicator surfaces) which creates a predictable, reliable and uniform application of the labels 1 1 on to irregular sized and shaped protruding packaging and super-protruding packaging. The edge applicators 14, 16 are arranged to move from an upper position to a lower position as the label 1 1 emerges from underneath the central applicator 12. Accordingly, the label 1 1 is initially at least partially adhered to the upper surface of the packaging 20 and then the two edge applicators 14, 16 are moved downwardly whilst the belts 61 , 61 are being driven such that the side portions of the label 1 1 are positively driven forwardly by the belts 60, 61 of the edge applicators 14, 16 whilst also being moved downwardly by the edge applicators 14, 16. The edge applicators 14, 16 are then arranged to move upwardly in preparation for further packaging. Finally, the labelling machine 10 comprises end edge applicators (not shown) located underneath the packaging 20 in order to complete the wrap around of the ends of the label 1 1 and to secure the lateral edge adhesive strips 42, 44 to the underside of the packaging 20. These applicators are simple guides and applicators as conventionally used.

Overall, the present invention provides a labelling machine 10 0 having two driven label transfer belts 32, 34 below the label 1 1 which deliver the label 1 1 to the edges of the pack 20. Then there are two top drive belts 60, 61 (or surfaces) above the pack 20 which apply pressure to stick the label 1 1 to the pack edges 28. The label 1 1 is delivered up to the drum 12 by a belt(s) 30 which is shorter than the edge belts 32, 34. The belts 32, 34 allow the label 1 1 to effectively "absorb" the height variation of the product. In some embodiments of the labelling machine 10, the edge applicator 14, 16 may provide a single pulley (front pulley 62, 63) which moves downwardly in order to provide an angled surface on the belt 60, 61 in order to drive the side portions of the label 1 1 forwardly and towards the packaging 20. In such embodiments, the whole of the edge applicator 14, 16 does not move from an upper position to a lower position but only the front portion of the edge applicator 14, 16. In further embodiments of the present invention as shown in Figure 3, the edge applicators 80, 82 comprise downwardly driven members which provide a simple urging (static) surface which is not also driven forwardly as with the previous embodiments. In particular, the edge applicators 80, 82 do not comprise driven belts moving around two pulleys. The edge applicator 80, 82 may comprise a piston type applicator to move the side portions of the label 1 1 downwardly at the appropriate moment without contributing towards the forward motion of the label

As previously, these edge applicators cause the label 1 1 to wrap around the edges of the packaging 20 and for the intermediary adhesive strips 46, 48 to be secured thereto.

In such embodiments, the edge applicators 80, 82 may further comprise inwardly extending guide surfaces (guide plate members) 88, 90 which extend from the edge applicator 14, 16 towards the central applicator 12. In particular, these plate members 88, 90 may be pivotally mounted by a pivot 84, 86 to the respective edge applicator 80, 82. This guide 88, 90 may comprise a plate surface which is provided on a hinge 84, 86 located on an inner portion of the applicator end. The guide plate will initially contact an upper, outer portion of the product 20 and will attempt to smooth the label 1 1 onto the packaging 20 as the edge region is driven down by the end of the applicator 80, 82. The initial contact region of the guide plate with the packaging 20 effectively provides a pivot region. The guide plate 88, 90 pivots downwardly towards the sides of the packaging 20 from this region to aid the urging of the side portions of the label 1 1 down on to the packaging 20 (between the upper surface and the edges) as the side portions of the label 1 1 are moved down by the edge applicators 80, 82.