Label applying apparatus and method therefor

By providing a system for controllably applying and wrapping a label into direct, secure, affixed adhesive engagement with the flange or lip of a container, a dependable, effective, and reliable label applying apparatus and label application method is realized which securely affixes a tamper evident label in its entirety to a product container on a continuous production basis, totally eliminating unwanted tenting of labels. By employing the present invention, a product holding container, having a forwardly protruding lip or flange, is advanced towards a label dispensing zone with the label positioned for contacting the top surface of the forwardly protruding flange. Once the label is attached thereto, the label bearing flange/lip is advanced into contact with the label wrapping cam means for placing the label in the desired position. Thereafter, the label wrapped flange or lip is passed through cooperating rollers which force the label into secure affixation with the top and bottom surfaces of the protruding lip or flange.