Method and apparatus for forming a roll of material

Abstract

An oscillating assembly for oscillating a winding of a web of material includes a controller configured to determine a speed of the web of material, a winding roller configured to wind the web of material thereon into a roll of material, and a shifting assembly slidably coupled to a fixture. The shifting assembly supports the winding roller. The oscillating assembly also includes an actuating mechanism coupled to the shifting assembly. The actuating mechanism includes an actuating rod coupled to the shifting assembly, wherein the actuating rod is movable in a direction substantially transverse to a direction of the winding of the web. The actuating mechanism also includes a driver configured to receive a signal from said controller based on the speed of the web of material, and configured to move said actuating mechanism based on the signal received from said controller.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for forming a roll of material, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for forming a roll of shrink sleeve material.

Winding machines are generally known for winding webs of material into cylindrical rolls. Some known winding machines are used to wind webs of tubular material having a continuous seam along the web. The seam is formed by the overlap of opposing ends of the web, and an adhesive layer positioned between the ends. As such, the material is thicker along the seam than along other portions of the web. One example of the tubular material may be a shrink sleeve for use in labeling or other packaging processes. For storing, shipping, or transportation of the webs of tubular material, the web is typically wound into a continuous roll of material. As the web is wound into the roll, the portion of the web having the seam is built up upon itself with each wrap on the roll. The support for the roll is confined to the narrow stack of the seam. As a result, the rolls are unstable and tend to collapse, thus resulting in an unusable roll of material.

Some known winding machines provide flanges, or guides, that extend on either side of the roll to provide stability to the roll. However, the flanges provide additional cost to each roll and provide addition cost in the forming process due to the need for more complex machinery to form the rolls. Additionally, the flanges increase the complexity and cost of the unwinding and forming processes, such as, for example, the splicing of the individual shrink sleeves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, an oscillating assembly is provided for oscillating a winding of a web of material. The oscillating mechanism includes a controller configured to determine a speed of the web of material, a winding roller configured to wind the web of material thereon into a roll of material, and a shifting assembly slidably coupled to a fixture. The shifting assembly supports the winding roller. The oscillating assembly also includes an actuating mechanism coupled to the shifting assembly. The actuating mechanism includes an actuating rod coupled to the shifting assembly, wherein the actuating rod is movable in a direction substantially transverse to a direction of the winding of the web. The actuating mechanism also includes a driver configured to receive a signal from said controller based on the speed of the web of material, and configured to move said actuating mechanism based on the signal received from said controller.

In another aspect, a shrink sleeve forming apparatus is provided for forming a web of material into a roll of shrink sleeve material. The forming apparatus includes an unwind roller configured to receive the web of material, and a first nip roller mechanism including a first nip roller and a first pinch roller. The first nip roller mechanism is configured to receive the web of material from the unwind roll, and the first pinch roller facilitates retaining the web in substantial contact with the first pinch roller. The forming apparatus also includes a shrink sleeve folding assembly configured to fold the web of material to form a web of shrink sleeve material, and a second nip roller mechanism including a second nip roller and a second pinch roller. The second nip roller mechanism is configured to receive the web of material from the first nip roller mechanism, and the second pinch roller facilitates retaining the web in substantial contact with the second nip roller. The forming apparatus also includes a winding roller configured to form the web of shrink sleeve material into a roll of shrink sleeve material. The winding roller is configured to oscillate in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of winding of the roll of shrink sleeve material.

In yet another aspect, a solvent applicator system is provided for a web of material, wherein the web of material passes through the solvent applicator system. The solvent applicator system includes a plurality of rollers configured to direct the web of material through the solvent applicator system. The plurality of rollers include an unwind roller configured to receive an un-oscillated roll of the web of material, and a rewind roller configured to oscillate in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of winding of the rewind roller such that an oscillated roll of the web of material is formed on the rewind roller. The solvent applicator system also includes a solvent applicator positioned between the unwind roller and the rewind roller, wherein the solvent applicator is configured to apply a continuous seam of solvent along the web of material as it is directed between the unwind roller and the rewind roller.

In a further aspect, a method of forming a roll of shrink sleeve material from a web of material is provided. The method includes providing a shrink sleeve forming apparatus including an unwind roller, and a rewind roller, positioning an unwind roll of material on the unwind roller, directing the material from the unwind roller through the forming apparatus, and oscillating the rewind roller such that the material forms an oscillated roll of material on the rewind roller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a web of material used to fabricate a shrink sleeve in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the shrink sleeve in a formed state and fabricated from the web of material shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary forming apparatus for forming a roll of shrink sleeves in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an end view of a portion of the forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative forming apparatus for forming a roll of shrink sleeves in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a web 10 of material. In the exemplary embodiment, web 10 is fabricated from a plastic material, such as, but not limited to, oriented polystyrene (OPS). In an alternative embodiment, the plastic material may be, for example, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, a polyester (PET) material, a glycol-modified polyester (GPET) material, or the like. In the exemplary embodiment, web 10 travels in the direction of arrow A as a strip of solvent 14 is applied to a surface of web 10. In the exemplary embodiment, solvent 14, also referred to hereinafter as an adhesive, is applied generally in an area of application 16. Area of application 16 is positioned between a first end 18 and a second end 20 of web 10. In one embodiment, area of application 16 is positioned proximate first end 18.

FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of a shrink sleeve 12 in a formed state and fabricated from web 10 (shown in FIG. 1). Specifically, adhesive 14 is applied to a portion of shrink sleeve 12 prior to forming a tubular sleeve. In the exemplary embodiment, adhesive 14 is applied to a first surface 22 of shrink sleeve 12 proximate first end 18. Second end 20 is wrapped around first end 18 and a second surface 24 of shrink sleeve 12 is coupled to adhesive 14 to form the tubular sleeve. As such, adhesive 14 is positioned between an under flap 26, extending from first end 18, and an over flap 28, extending from second end 20. Over flap 28, solvent 14, and under flap 26 define a seam 30 in shrink sleeve 12.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary shrink sleeve forming apparatus 60 for forming a roll of shrink sleeves 12, as shown in FIG. 2, from web 10, as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, web 10 is introduced into forming apparatus 60 as an unwind roll 62 of material. The material is directed through forming apparatus 60 and is folded into a continuous web of shrink sleeves 12. The web of shrink sleeves 12 is directed through forming apparatus 60 to form a rewind roll 64 of material. Specifically, as the web of shrink sleeves 12 is wound on rewind roll 64, rewind roll 64 is oscillated in a predefined pattern to form a rewind roll 64 having a stable configuration.

Forming apparatus 60 includes a plurality of rollers that direct the material through forming apparatus 60. In the exemplary embodiment, forming apparatus 60 includes an unwind roller 66 and a rewind roller 68 for supporting and/or controlling unwind and rewind rolls 62 and 64, respectively, during operation of forming apparatus 60.

In the exemplary embodiment, unwind roller 66 extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the direction of unwinding of unwind roll 62. Specifically, unwind roll 62 may be unwound in a clockwise direction (shown by arrow B) about unwind roller 66 or in a counter-clockwise direction (shown by arrow C) about unwind roller 66. Additionally, unwind roller 66 includes a braking mechanism 70 to facilitate providing tension on the material during operation of forming apparatus 60. In the exemplary embodiment, braking mechanism 70 is controlled by a controller (not shown) receiving inputs from sensors 72 to determine a desired amount of braking force for unwind roller 66 to apply to slow or stop the rotation of unwind roller 66. Sensors 72 include, but are in no way limited to, an encoder for determining the speed of the material and/or the unwind roller 66; a distance measuring device, such as, for example, an ultrasonic diameter detector, for determining the distance from sensor to the unwind roll 62 material, thus measuring a diameter 74 of unwind roll 62 with respect to the unwind roller 66; and a weight measuring device for measuring the weight of unwind roll 62. In an alternative embodiment, unwind roller 66 is driven by a motor (not shown) to control the speed of rotation of unwind roller 66.

In the exemplary embodiment, rewind roller 68 extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the direction of winding of rewind roll 64. Specifically, rewind roll 64 may be wound in a clockwise direction (shown by arrow D) about rewind roller 68 or in a counter-clockwise direction (shown by arrow E) about rewind roller 68. Additionally, rewind roller 68 is driven by a motor 76 to control the speed of rotation of rewind roller 68. In one embodiment, rewind roller 68 is belt driven. In an alternative embodiment, rewind roller 68 is gear driven. In one embodiment, rewind roller 68 is coupled to a braking mechanism 78 to facilitate reducing the speed of rewind roller 68.

Forming apparatus 60 includes a first nip roller mechanism 80 that receives the material from unwind roller 66. First nip roller mechanism 80 includes a first nip roller 82 and a first pinch roller 84 that retains the material in substantial contact with first nip roller 82 during operation of forming apparatus 60. Specifically, first pinch roller 84 is moveable with respect to first nip roller 82 and is actuated against first nip roller 82 to retain the material therebetween. In the exemplary embodiment, first nip roller 82 is driven by a motor 86 to control a speed of rotation of first nip roller 82. In one embodiment, first nip roller 82 is belt driven. In an alternative embodiment, first nip roller 82 is gear driven.

In the exemplary embodiment, a first idler roller 88 is utilized to orient the material along a predefined path of travel. Specifically, first idler roller 88 facilitates positioning the material along a path of travel between unwind roller 66 and first nip roller mechanism 80. In one embodiment, an adhesive is applied to an outer surface 90 of first idler roller 88 such that the material does not shift along outer surface 90 during operation of forming apparatus 60.

In one embodiment, forming apparatus 60 includes an adhesive applicator 92 and a shrink sleeve folding assembly 94 downstream of first nip roller mechanism 80. In the exemplary embodiment, adhesive applicator 92 applies adhesive 14 to a surface 95 of the material, wherein surface 95 may be first surface 22 as shown in FIG. 2. Folding assembly 94 includes a plow wheel 96 and a folding shoe 98. Plow wheel 96 facilitates orienting the material such that the material may be directed through folding shoe 98. In one embodiment, plow wheel 96 extends into a center portion of the material to begin the folding process. Shoe 98 facilitates wrapping the ends of the material around, or folding the ends of the material over, each other such that one end of the material contacts adhesive 14 applied by adhesive applicator 92. As such, folding assembly 94 forms a continuous web of tubular sleeve material. Additionally, a seam, such as seam 30 illustrated in FIG. 2, is formed in the web of tubular sleeve material due to the overlapping ends of the material, and adhesive 14 therebetween. In one embodiment, folding shoe 98 is moveable to accommodate various material widths. In an alternative embodiment, forming apparatus 60 does not include adhesive applicator 92 and/or folding assembly 94, but rather, unwind roll 62 includes a web of tubular sleeve material in a previously formed state. As such, the material is directed through forming apparatus 60 to rewind roller 68, and rewind roll 64 is formed in a stable configuration by the oscillation of rewind roll 64 in a predefined pattern.

In the exemplary embodiment, forming apparatus 60 includes a second nip roller mechanism 100 that receives the material from unwind roller 66. Specifically, second nip roller mechanism 100 receives the formed tubular sleeve material from folding assembly 94. Second nip roller mechanism 100 includes a second nip roller 102 and a second pinch roller 104 that retains the material in substantial contact with second nip roller 102 during operation of forming apparatus 60. Specifically, second pinch roller 104 is moveable with respect to second nip roller 102 and is actuated against second nip roller 102 to retain the material therebetween. In the exemplary embodiment, second nip roller 102 is driven by motor 86 to control the speed of rotation of second nip roller 102. In the exemplary embodiment, second nip roller mechanism 100 facilitates isolating the oscillation of the material downstream of second nip roller mechanism 100, and does not allow the oscillation to impact the folding or solvent application processes performed by folding assembly 94 and adhesive applicator 92, respectively. Specifically, the material is restricted from lateral movement along second nip roller mechanism 100.

In the exemplary embodiment, forming apparatus 60 includes a dancer roller 106 positioned downstream of second nip roller mechanism 100, and upstream of rewind roller 68. Dancer roller 106 is moveable with respect to second nip roller mechanism 100 and/or rewind roller 68. As such, dancer roller 106 facilitates controlling the tension of the material between second nip roller mechanism 100 and rewind roller 68. In one embodiment, dancer roller 106 is controlled by a biasing mechanism 108 to control the position of dancer roller 106 with respect to second nip roller mechanism 100 and/or rewind roller 68. In one embodiment, biasing mechanism 108 is a pneumatic air cylinder coupled to dancer roller 106, and is controlled by a controller (not shown) based on a rotational speed of second nip roller mechanism 100 and/or rewind roller 68. In another embodiment, biasing mechanism 108 is a spring member (not shown) coupled to dancer roller 106, and provides a tension force on dancer roller 106 in response to an amount of tension of the material. The tension of the material may be related to the rotational speed of second nip roller mechanism 100 and/or rewind roller 68.

In the exemplary embodiment, a second idler roller 110 is utilized to orient the material along a predefined path of travel between dancer roller 106 and rewind roller 68. In one embodiment, an adhesive is applied to an outer surface 112 of second idler roller 110 such that the material does not shift along outer surface 112 during operation of forming apparatus 60.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the various components of forming apparatus 60 define different tension zones of the material as the material is directed through forming apparatus 60. In the exemplary embodiment, forming apparatus 60 includes an unwind tension zone 114, a forming tension zone 116, and a rewind tension zone 118. Unwind tension zone 114 is defined between unwind roller 66 and first nip roller mechanism 80. The tension in unwind tension zone 114 is controlled by the rotational speeds of first nip roller mechanism 80 and unwind roller 66, and can be increased or decreased by altering the rotational speed of unwind roller 66 and/or first nip roller mechanism 80. Unwind roller 66 provides a resistance force by rotating at a slower speed than first nip roller mechanism 80. In one embodiment, the rotation speed of unwind roller 66 is controlled by braking mechanism 70. Alternatively, the rotational speed is controlled by a driver (not shown) coupled to unwind roller 66.

Forming tension zone 116 is defined between first nip roller mechanism 80 and second nip roller mechanism 100. The tension in forming tension zone 116 is controlled by the rotational speeds of first nip roller mechanism 80 and second nip roller mechanism 100, and can be increased or decreased by altering the rotational speed of first nip roller mechanism 80 and/or second nip roller mechanism 100. In the exemplary embodiment, second nip roller mechanism 100 has a greater rotational speed than first nip roller mechanism 80, such that a tension force is applied to the material between first and second nip roller mechanisms 80 and 100, respectively. In one embodiment, second nip roller mechanism 100 has an overspeed that is 1% faster than the rotational speed of first nip roller mechanism 80.

Rewind tension zone 118 is defined between second nip roller mechanism 100 and rewind roller 68. The tension in rewind tension zone 118 is controlled by the rotational speeds of second nip roller mechanism 100 and rewind roller 68, and can be increased or decreased by altering the rotational speed of rewind roller 68 and/or second nip roller mechanism 100. Moreover, dancer roller 106 facilitates adjusting the tension of the material due to changes in rotational speed of second nip roller mechanism 100 and/or rewind roller 68. In one embodiment, the rotational speed of second nip roller mechanism 100 and/or rewind roller 68 is controlled based on the position of dancer roller 106. Specifically, as dancer roller 106 is translated in a direction generally towards second nip roller mechanism 100 and/or rewind roller 68, such as in the direction of arrow F, a controller (not shown) adjusts the rotational speed of rewind roller 68 such that rewind roller 68 operates at a slower speed and/or adjusts the rotational speed of second nip roller mechanism 100 such that second nip roller mechanism 100 operates at a faster speed. Alternatively, as dancer roller 106 is translated in a direction generally away from second nip roller mechanism 100 and/or rewind roller 68, such as in the direction of arrow G, a controller (not shown) adjusts the rotational speed of rewind roller 68 such that rewind roller 68 operates at a faster speed and/or adjusts the rotational speed of second nip roller mechanism 100 such that second nip roller mechanism 100 operates at a slower speed.

In the exemplary embodiment, forming apparatus 60 includes a rewind shifting assembly 120. Shifting assembly 120 includes a plurality of mounting brackets 122 moveably coupled to corresponding guide rails 124. Rails 124 extend along an outer surface 126 of forming apparatus 60. In the exemplary embodiment, guide rails 124 extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the path of travel of the material and rewind roller 68 is coupled to shifting assembly 120. As shifting assembly 120 is moved along guide rails 124, rewind roll 64 is wound in a predetermined pattern.

FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of rewind roll 64 coupled to shifting assembly 120. Rewind roller 68 is coupled to a rewind shaft 128 mounted within shifting assembly 120. In the exemplary embodiment, rewind shaft 128 is driven by a motor 130 coupled to shifting assembly 120 during operation of forming apparatus 60. Rewind roller 68 is driven, or rotated about a rewind axis of rotation 132, and as such, the material is wound around rewind roller 68 about rewind axis of rotation 132.

An actuating mechanism 134 is coupled to shifting assembly 120 and to outer surface 126 of forming apparatus 60. Actuating mechanism 134 facilitates moving shifting assembly 120 in a first linear direction 136 parallel to rewind axis of rotation 132, and an opposite second linear direction 138 parallel to rewind axis of rotation 132. Specifically, shifting assembly mounting brackets 122 are moved back and forth along guide rails 124 a predetermined distance and at a predetermined rate. As such, during operation of forming apparatus 60, actuating mechanism 134 facilitates oscillating rewind roll 64 to provide stability to rewind roll 64. Specifically, as shifting assembly 120 is oscillated back and forth, the seam in the tubular sleeves of material is offset in a predetermined pattern along the multiple layers of the rewind roll 64.

Actuating mechanism 134 includes an actuating rod 140 having a distal end 142 coupled to shifting assembly 120. Actuating rod 140 is movable in first and second directions 136 and 138 that are transverse to the path of travel of the web of material. In the exemplary embodiment, actuating rod 140 is coupled to a driver 144 that receives a signal from a controller (not shown). Driver 144 moves actuating rod 140 based on the signal received from the controller. In one embodiment, driver 144 is a servo motor capable of actuating actuator rod 140 at a velocity such as, for example, one inch per second. The controller controls the direction and/or amount of movement of actuating rod 140 based upon the particular application and user defined variables. For example, in one embodiment, the controller receives a signal from an encoder (not shown) relating to the speed of the web of material, and controls the amount of movement of actuating rod 140 based upon the signal received from the encoder. In another embodiment, the controller determines the amount of movement of actuating rod 140 based upon a predetermined oscillation period, oscillation amplitude, and/or oscillation waveform selected by the user. In one embodiment, actuating mechanism 134 includes an encoder (not shown), such as, for example, a linear potentiometer, for determining the position of actuating rod 140 with respect to a datum (not shown). As such, actuating mechanism 134 facilitates functioning as a closed loop system.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an alternative shrink sleeve forming apparatus 160. Forming apparatus 160 includes an unwind roller 162 and a rewind roller 164 for supporting an unwind roll 166 of material and a rewind roll 168 of material, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, both unwind roller 162 and rewind roller 164 are driven by a respective motor 170 and 172. Motors 170 and 172 are operatively coupled to a controller (not shown) to control the rate of rotation of rollers. In one embodiment, unwind roll 166 of material is pre-oscillated, such that the seams of adjacent layers of the material may be offset to provide a more stable roll 166 of material. In such embodiment, the material is directed through forming apparatus 160 without either unwind roller 162 or rewind roller 164 moving in the lateral direction. As such, rewind roll 168 is oscillated with a substantially similar period, amplitude and waveform as unwind roll 166.

In the exemplary embodiment, unwind roller 162 is coupled to a shifting assembly 174, similar to shifting assembly 120 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Specifically, shifting assembly 174 includes a plurality of mounting brackets 176 slidably mounted to corresponding guide rails 178. In the exemplary embodiment, shifting assembly 174 is controlled by a controller (not shown). The controller receives a signal based on the position of the web of material and transmits a signal to a driver 180 coupled to shifting assembly 174. Driver 180 is similar to driver 144 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. In one embodiment, the signal received by the controller relates to the position of the web, and specifically, to variations, or changes, in the position of the web. As such, when a variation in the position of the web is detected, the controller transmits a signal to driver 180 to move shifting assembly to a proper position. In another embodiment, the signal received by the controller relates to the speed of the web of material. In yet another embodiment, the signal received by the controller relates to an oscillation period, oscillation amplitude, and/or oscillation waveform that may be pre-selected by a user.

In one embodiment, the web of material is guided through forming apparatus 160 by a detector 182 connected to the controller. Specifically, detector 182 determines the position of the web, and transmits a signal relating to such position to the controller. Moreover, to facilitate adjusting the position of the material with respect to forming apparatus 160, in one embodiment, detector 182 is moveable in a direction transverse to the path of travel of the material through forming apparatus 160. As such, when detector 182 is moved across the path of travel of the material, a signal is transmitted to the controller relating to the variation in the position of the material with respect to forming apparatus 160. A corresponding signal is transmitted from the controller to driver 180, and shifting assembly 174 is moved accordingly. As such, the web of material is guided through forming apparatus 160 due to the movement of detector 182 and the corresponding movement of shifting assembly 174.

In one embodiment, forming apparatus 160 includes a monitoring assembly 184 for monitoring the quality of the seam along the web of material. Monitoring assembly 184 includes an air jet 186 for directing an air stream at the web of material. The stream of air is direction towards the web of material between a first monitoring assembly roller 188 and a second monitoring assembly roller 190. When the air stream is directed towards the tubular web of material, the tube is inflated forming an air pillow between the layers of the material. When a portion of the web of material having a poor quality seam is directed through monitoring assembly 184, the air pillow will deflate. As such, the portion of the web of material having the poor quality seam can be removed and/or repaired. Specifically, in one embodiment, forming apparatus 160 includes a splice table 192, and the portion of the web of material having the poor quality seam can be directed to splice table 192 for removal.

In another embodiment, forming apparatus 160 includes a detection assembly 194 for detecting the quality of the seam along the web of material. In one embodiment, the seam includes light sensitive material therein and detection assembly 194 includes an illumination source 196 for generating light towards the light sensitive material. Detection assembly 194 detects the presence and/or intensity of the light sensitive material in the seam. When the presence and/or intensity of the light sensitive material is below a predetermined amount, forming apparatus 160 can cease operation, and the portion of the web of material having the poor quality seam can be directed to splice table 192 for removal.

The above-described forming apparatus for forming a roll of tubular sleeves of material operates in a cost-effective and reliable manner. The forming apparatus includes a rewind roller upon which the roll of material is formed. The rewind roller is moveably coupled to the forming apparatus via a shifting assembly, and the shifting assembly is oscillated in a direction transverse to the direction of the winding of the roll of material. Specifically, the shifting assembly is moved by an actuating mechanism. The operation of the actuating mechanism is controlled by a controller that controls the movement of the shifting assembly based on the speed of the web; a predetermined oscillation period; a predetermined oscillation amplitude; and/or a predetermined oscillation waveform. As a result, the forming apparatus facilitates increasing the stability of the roll of material for storing or transporting the roll of material in a reliable and cost-effective manner.

Exemplary embodiments of forming apparatus are described above in detail. The forming apparatus are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each forming apparatus may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. For example, each forming apparatus component can also be used in combination with other forming apparatus components.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An oscillating assembly for oscillating a winding of a web of material, wherein the oscillating assembly comprises: a controller configured to determine a speed of the web of material; a winding roller configured to wind the web of material thereon into a roll of material; a shifting assembly slidably coupled to a fixture, said shifting assembly for supporting said winding roller; an actuating mechanism coupled to said shifting assembly, said actuating mechanism comprising an actuating rod coupled to said shifting assembly, wherein said actuating rod is movable in a direction substantially transverse to a direction of the winding of the web, and a driver configured to receive a signal from said controller based on the speed of the web of material, and configured to move said actuating mechanism based on the signal received from said controller.

2. An oscillating assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said controller receives a signal from an encoder relating to the speed of the web.

3. An oscillating assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the controller is programmable by a user such that said controller is configured to send a signal to said driver relating to at least one of an oscillation period, an oscillation amplitude, and an oscillation waveform of the winding of the web of material.

4. An oscillating assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism comprises a servo motor configured to receive a signal from said controller relating to at least one of an oscillation period, an oscillation amplitude, and an oscillation waveform of the winding of the web of material.

5. An oscillating assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism further comprises an encoder for determining the position of said actuating rod with respect to a datum such that said actuating mechanism facilitates functioning as a closed loop system.

6. An oscillating assembly in accordance with claim 5 wherein said encoder comprises a linear potentiometer.

7. An oscillating assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shifting assembly comprises at least one mounting bracket configured to be slidably mounted to a corresponding guide rail coupled to the fixture.

8. An oscillating assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shifting assembly is configured to shift in a linear direction parallel to an axis of rotation of said winding roller.

9. An oscillating assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the web of material includes a shrink sleeve material including a seam of adhesive extending continuously along the web of shrink sleeve material, said actuating mechanism configured to oscillate said shifting mechanism and said winding roller such that said seam is configured to provide support for the roll of material.

10. A shrink sleeve forming apparatus for forming a web of material into a roll of shrink sleeve material, said forming apparatus comprising: an unwind roller configured to receive the web of material; a first nip roller mechanism comprising a first nip roller and a first pinch roller, said first nip roller mechanism configured to receive the web of material from said unwind roll, said first pinch roller facilitates retaining the web in substantial contact with said first pinch roller; a shrink sleeve folding assembly configured to fold the web of material to form a web of shrink sleeve material; a second nip roller mechanism comprising a second nip roller and a second pinch roller, said second nip roller mechanism configured to receive the web of material from said first nip roller mechanism, said second pinch roller facilitates retaining the web in substantial contact with said second nip roller; and a winding roller configured to form the web of shrink sleeve material into a roll of shrink sleeve material, said winding roller configured to oscillate in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of winding of the roll of shrink sleeve material.

11. A forming apparatus in accordance with claim 10 wherein said first nip roller and said second nip roller are driven by a motor such that said first and second nip rolls direct the web of material through said forming apparatus.

12. A forming apparatus in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a plurality of idler rolls for positioning the web of material.

13. A forming apparatus in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a dancer roller positioned downstream of said second nip roller mechanism, said dancer roller configured to move laterally with respect to said winding roller based on the amount of tension desired in the web of material.

14. A forming apparatus in accordance with claim 10 wherein said forming apparatus further comprises a first tension zone defined between said unwinding roller and said first nip roller mechanism, a second tension zone defined between said first roller nip mechanism and said second nip roller mechanism, and a third tension zone defined between said second nip roller mechanism and said winding roll.

15. A forming apparatus in accordance with claim 14 wherein said second nip roller operates at a faster speed than said first nip roller to establish said second tension zone.

16. A forming apparatus in accordance with claim 10 wherein said shrink sleeve folding assembly comprises a plow wheel configured to initiate the folding of the web of material, and a shoe configured to fold a first end of the web of material onto a second end of the web of material to form the web of shrink sleeve material.

17. A forming apparatus in accordance with claim 10 wherein the winding roller is coupled to an actuating mechanism configured to oscillate said winding roller based on a signal from a controller relating to at least one of a web speed, an oscillation period, an oscillation amplitude, and an oscillation waveform of the winding of the web of material.

18. A forming apparatus in accordance with claim 10 further comprising: a shifting assembly slidably coupled to said forming apparatus, said shifting assembly facilitates supporting said winding roll; and an actuating mechanism coupled to said shifting assembly, said actuating mechanism comprising an actuating rod coupled to said shifting assembly, said actuating rod movable in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of the winding of the roll of material, said actuating mechanism further comprising a driver configured to receive a signal from a controller based on the speed of the web of material and configured to move said actuating mechanism based on the signal received from said controller.

19. A solvent applicator system for a web of material, wherein the web of material passes through said solvent applicator system, said solvent applicator system comprising: a plurality of rollers configured to direct the web of material through said solvent applicator system, said plurality of rollers comprising an unwind roller configured to receive an un-oscillated roll of the web of material, and a rewind roller configured to oscillate in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of winding of said rewind roller such that an oscillated roll of the web of material is formed on said rewind roller; and a solvent applicator positioned between said unwind roller and said rewind roller, said solvent applicator configured to apply a continuous seam of solvent along the web of material as it is directed between said unwind roller and said rewind roller.

20. An applicator system in accordance with claim 19 wherein said plurality of rollers further comprise: a first nip roller mechanism comprising a first nip roller and a first pinch roller, said first nip roller mechanism configured to receive the web of material from said unwind roller, said first pinch roller facilitates retaining the web in substantial contact with said first nip roller; and a second nip roller mechanism comprising a second nip roller and a second pinch roller, said second nip roller mechanism configured to receive the web of material from said first nip roller mechanism, said second pinch roller facilitates retaining the web in substantial contact with said second nip roller.

21. An applicator system in accordance with claim 19 further comprising a shrink sleeve folding assembly positioned downstream from said solvent applicator such that the seam of solvent is applied to the web of material prior to the web of material being directed through said folding assembly, said folding assembly configured to fold the web of material to form a web of shrink sleeve material.

22. An applicator system in accordance with claim 21 wherein said shrink sleeve folding assembly comprising a plow wheel configured to initiate the folding of the web of material, and a shoe configured to fold a first end of the web of material onto a second end of the web of material to form a continuous web of shrink sleeve material.

23. An applicator system in accordance with claim 19 wherein said rewind roller is coupled to an actuating mechanism configured to oscillate said rewind roller based on a signal from a controller relating to at least one of a web speed, an oscillation period, an oscillation amplitude, and an oscillation waveform of the winding of the web of material.

24. An applicator system in accordance with claim 19 further comprising: a shifting assembly slidably coupled to a fixture, said shifting assembly facilitates supporting said rewind roller; and an actuating mechanism coupled to said shifting assembly, said actuating mechanism comprises an actuating rod coupled to said shifting assembly, wherein said actuating rod is movable in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of the winding of said rewind roller, said actuating mechanism further comprises a driver configured to receive a signal from a controller based on the speed of the web of material and configured to move said actuating mechanism based on the signal received from said controller.

25. A method of forming a roll of shrink sleeve material from a web of material, said method comprising: providing a shrink sleeve forming apparatus including an unwind roller, and a rewind roller; positioning an unwind roll of material on the unwind roller; directing the material from the unwind roller through the forming apparatus; and oscillating the rewind roller such that the material forms an oscillated roll of material on the rewind roller.

26. A method in accordance with claim 25 wherein said providing a shrink sleeve forming apparatus further comprises providing a shrink sleeve forming apparatus including a folding assembly, said positioning an unwind roll of material on the unwind roller comprises positioning a roll including continuous web of material on the unwind roller, and said directing the material from the unwind roller through the forming apparatus comprises directing the web of material to the folding assembly, said method further comprising folding the web of material into a continuous web of tubular material using the folding assembly.

27. A method in accordance with claim 26 wherein said providing a shrink sleeve forming apparatus further comprises providing a shrink sleeve forming apparatus including a first nip roller mechanism and a second nip roller mechanism, wherein the folding assembly is positioned between the first and second nip roller mechanisms.

28. A method in accordance with claim 27 further comprising operating the second nip roller mechanism at an overspeed with respect to first nip roller mechanism such that the material therebetween is under tension.

29. A method in accordance with claim 25 further comprising: slidably coupling a shifting assembly to the forming apparatus; and coupling the rewind roller to the shifting assembly.

30. A method in accordance with claim 29 further comprising: coupling an actuating mechanism to the shifting assembly, wherein the actuating mechanism includes an actuating rod coupled to the shifting assembly and movable in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of the winding of the rewind roll of material; and controlling the actuating mechanism with a driver configured to receive a signal from a controller based on the speed of the web of material and configured to move the actuating mechanism based on the signal received from the controller.

31. A method in accordance with claim 25 wherein said oscillating the rewind roller comprises oscillating the rewind roller in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of winding of the roll of shrink sleeve material.