Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be mounted on a conveyor that passes by a tagging machine, wherein the tagging machine is configured to apply a labeling article. The apparatus includes a first cup attached to the conveyor, a second cup slidably attached to the first cup, and a biasing mechanism that biases the second cup toward the conveyor. A method of applying a labeling article to a product comprises attaching a receptacle to a conveyor that passes by a tagging machine and positioning the product in the receptacle. An apparatus comprises a bar configured to be mounted on the conveyor and a receptacle including a base. The receptacle is configured to receive a product to which the labeling article is to be applied. The bar and base have a sliding interface for mutual connection and disconnection.

Abstract: A ring is configured for use with an automated tying machine with a twist tie and tag. The ring includes a channel through which the twist tie is configured to travel, a first guide, and first and second surfaces. The first guide includes a tip and first and second inclined sides extending from the tip. The first and second surfaces are spaced from portions of the first and second inclined sides, respectively. A system for automatically banding and tagging a product includes a tying machine and a tag feeding assembly. The tying machine is configured to band the product with a twist tie. The tag feeding assembly is configured to position an attachment portion of a tag into a ring of the machine.

Abstract: A system is configured to produce a series of printed clips. The system includes a source of web material, a cutting station, a drive assembly and a printing station. The web material is configured to pass through the system in a machine direction. The cutting station is configured to cut a first portion of the web material into at least a first clip, index the first portion after cutting, and sequentially cut a second portion of the web material into at least a second clip. Cut portions of the web material exit the cutting station in a free loop. A drive assembly is configured to feed web material of the free loop through the printing station at a web speed. The printing station is configured to print indicia on a first surface of the cut portions of the web material.

Abstract: A system is configured to automatically band a product with a portion of twist tie material and includes a tying machine which includes a twisting barrel, a tie payout assembly, a tie feeding assembly, a main drive belt, and a tying ring. The tie payout assembly includes a spool shaft configured for mounting a tie spool of the twist tie material. The tie feeding assembly is configured to receive the twist tie material from the tie payout assembly and includes a feedroller, a nip roller, a forward feedroll clutch, a reverse feedroll clutch, and a feedroll belt. The nip roller is configured to contact the feedroller with the twist tie material therebetween. The forward feedroll clutch is engageable with a forward feedroll pulley that surrounds a forward feedroll shaft. The reverse feedroll clutch is engageable with a reverse feedroll pulley that surrounds a reverse feedroll shaft.

Abstract: A reclosure article is configured for permanent attachment to a flexible container. The article includes a resilient, elongated strip including first and second fasteners proximate each of two opposed ends, wherein at least the first fastener includes a slot configured to receive one of first and second opposite side edges of the flexible container. A method is described for closing a flexible container using a reclosure article that is permanently attached to the container. The method includes inserting one of first and second opposite side edges of the flexible container into a slot of the article.

Abstract: In one aspect, an article is configured to close a first product and attach to a second product. The article includes a tag and a fastener. The tag has a perimeter. The tag includes an aperture and a first cut connecting the aperture and the perimeter. The aperture and first cut are configured to accept a portion of the first product. The fastener is connected to the tag at a joint, wherein the fastener is configured to attach to the second product.

Abstract: A system is configured to automatically band a product with a portion of twist tie material and includes a tying machine which includes a twisting barrel, a tie payout assembly, a tie feeding assembly, a main drive belt, and a tying ring. The tie payout assembly includes a spool shaft configured for mounting a tie spool of the twist tie material. The tie feeding assembly is configured to receive the twist tie material from the tie payout assembly and includes a feedroller, a nip roller, a forward feedroll clutch, a reverse feedroll clutch, and a feedroll belt. The nip roller is configured to contact the feedroller with the twist tie material therebetween. The forward feedroll clutch is engageable with a forward feedroll pulley that surrounds a forward feedroll shaft. The reverse feedroll clutch is engageable with a reverse feedroll pulley that surrounds a reverse feedroll shaft.

Abstract: A system is configured to produce a series of printed clips. The system includes a source of web material, a cutting station, a drive assembly and a printing station. The web material is configured to pass through the system in a machine direction. The cutting station is configured to cut a first portion of the web material into at least a first clip, index the first portion after cutting, and sequentially cut a second portion of the web material into at least a second clip. Cut portions of the web material exit the cutting station in a free loop. A drive assembly is configured to feed web material of the free loop through the printing station at a web speed. The printing station is configured to print indicia on a first surface of the cut portions of the web material.

Abstract: A tie article has a substantially elongated configuration having opposed first and second longitudinal edges. The tie article includes a base layer, a cover layer, a closure device, an adhesive and an extension. The base layer includes a central segment and two arm segments, each of the arm segments extending from opposing sides of the central segment. The cover layer overlaps the base layer. The closure device is sandwiched between the base layer and the cover layer so that the base layer and cover layer are bonded together around the closure device. The adhesive is disposed on the central segment of the base layer. The extension is of either or both of the base layer and cover layer and extends beyond at least one of the first and second longitudinal edges. A method is described for attaching a second item to a first item with a tie article.

Abstract: In one aspect, an article is configured to close a first product and attach to a second product. The article includes a tag and a fastener. The tag has a perimeter. The tag includes an aperture and a first cut connecting the aperture and the perimeter. The aperture and first cut are configured to accept a portion of the first product. The fastener is connected to the tag at a joint, wherein the fastener is configured to attach to the second product.

Abstract: In one aspect, an article includes a tag, an elastic panel, and a tab. The tag has a perimeter. The tag includes an aperture and a first cut connecting the aperture and the perimeter. The elastic panel is bonded to the tag. The tab is bonded to the elastic panel at a joint, wherein a portion of the tab is configured for insertion into the aperture.

Abstract: A tie article has a substantially elongated configuration having opposed first and second longitudinal edges. The tie article includes a base layer, a cover layer, a closure device, an adhesive and an extension. The base layer includes a central segment and two arm segments, each of the arm segments extending from opposing sides of the central segment. The cover layer overlaps the base layer. The closure device is sandwiched between the base layer and the cover layer so that the base layer and cover layer are bonded together around the closure device. The adhesive is disposed on the central segment of the base layer. The extension is of either or both of the base layer and cover layer and extends beyond at least one of the first and second longitudinal edges. A method is described for attaching a second item to a first item with a tie article.

Abstract: A tie article has a substantially elongated configuration having opposed first and second longitudinal edges. The tie article includes a base layer, a cover layer, a closure device, an adhesive and an extension. The base layer includes a central segment and two arm segments, each of the arm segments extending from opposing sides of the central segment. The cover layer overlaps the base layer. The closure device is sandwiched between the base layer and the cover layer so that the base layer and cover layer are bonded together around the closure device. The adhesive is disposed on the central segment of the base layer. The extension is of either or both of the base layer and cover layer and extends beyond at least one of the first and second longitudinal edges. A method is described for attaching a second item to a first item with a tie article.

Abstract: In one aspect, an article includes a tag, an elastic panel, and a tab. The tag has a perimeter. The tag includes an aperture and a first cut connecting the aperture and the perimeter. The elastic panel is bonded to the tag. The tab is bonded to the elastic panel at a joint, wherein a portion of the tab is configured for insertion into the aperture.

Abstract: In one aspect, an article is configured to close a first product and attach to a second product. The article includes a tag and a fastener. The tag has a perimeter. The tag includes an aperture and a first cut connecting the aperture and the perimeter. The aperture and first cut are configured to accept a portion of the first product. The fastener is connected to the tag at a joint, wherein the fastener is configured to attach to the second product.

Abstract: A labeling sleeve assembly includes a label strap having a first end segment and a second end segment, where the label strap is configured to be formed into a loop, and an elastic band. The elastic band includes a first anchor region configured to bond to the first end segment of the label strap while the label strap is formed into the loop, a second anchor region configured to bond to the second end segment of the label strap while the label strap is formed into the loop, and a bridging segment derived from an elastic layer, where the bridging segment connects the first anchor region and the second anchor region.

Abstract: A bundling article that includes a panel that defines panel apertures, and at least one elastomer element, where the at least one elastomer element is bonded to the panel and has non-bonded portions that overlay the panel apertures. The non-bonded portions of the at least one elastomer element define stretchable apertures having dimensions that are smaller than respective dimensions of the panel apertures.