Abstract:
A labeling machine comprises a self-regulating arresting member of a label holder tape. The arresting member is able to press the tape against an abutting surface when a label has to be applied on a destination surface and it releases said tape when, on the action of a control device the tape is actuated to advance. The labeling machine further comprises a printing device whose inking roller is associated to a device that enables it to be engaged easily and conveniently on a respective support arm. The support arm in turn is advantageously connected to an access door to internal areas of the labeling machine, whose opening determines the exit of the support arm and the exposure of the inking roller.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application references and claims priority from Italian Application Ser. No. RM2007A000258 filed May 8, 2007. This application additionally claims priority from U.S. Design Pat. App. Ser. No. 29/297,000 filed Nov. 1, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. Des. 607,491 which in-turn claims priority from Italian Design Ser. No. RM20070000065 filed May 8, 2007. The entire contents of each application are herein incorporated fully by reference. 
     FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION 
     
       FIG. 1 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a labeling machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a labeling machine with manual operation for applying labels bearing one or more captions, e.g. indications about the products whereon said labels are applied or the prices of the products. In further detail, the present invention is suitable for use in warehouses and/or in any commercial activity, such as department stores, supermarkets, shops and/or the like in which there is a need to affix various types of commercial and/or informational indications. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The related art involves manually operated labeling machines that comprise a load-bearing structure, within which is provided a device for feeding a label-holder tape. The label-holder tape is appropriately guided within the load-bearing structure to an area of application of the labels, whereat each label borne by the tape is detached therefrom to be affixed on a respective surface of a package or product of interest. 
     To allow the advance of the label holder tape within the load-bearing structure, known labeling machines are provided with an appropriate actuating device which pulls the tape downstream of the application area, making it advance towards an area of discharge of the tape without the labels. 
     Conventional labeling machines are also provided with a device for stopping and/or breaking the tape to enable the application of each label without undesired dragging of the tape. In particular, known labeling machines comprise, between the device for feeding the tape and the area of application of the labels, a series of mechanisms which continuously press the label holder tape against an abutting surface present within the load-bearing structure. In this way, when a label that has been partially detached from the label holder tape is positioned on a destination surface by a combined action of pressure towards said surface and translation of the labeling machine thereon, the label holder tape is maintained in a fixed position, allowing the complete detachment of the label to be applied. 
     Conventional labeling machines further comprise a control device, usually constituted by a movable element which has an appropriate grip, operatively connected to the actuation device to bring, to the application area, consecutively to each other, the labels borne by the tape. In particular, when the control device is operated manually, the co-operation between the latter and the actuation device intensely drive the label holder tape which, overcoming the blocking forces exercised by the arresting device, advances as described above. 
     Within the structure is also provided a printing element able to deposit on each label, upstream of the application area, a predefined quantity of ink according to pre-set motifs, whereby the aforementioned commercial and/or informational indications are obtained. 
     While known labeling machines allow the printing and the satisfactory application of the labels on the packages and/or surfaces of the products of interest, the Applicant has noted that they are not free of serious and detrimental drawbacks, mainly, in relation to the operation and the wear of the arresting device, to the replacement and/or maintenance of one or more components of the printing device, as well as to the wear of the labels and/or of the label holder tape. 
     In particular, the related art has failed to appreciate that that the constant and continuous pressure of the arresting device on the label holder tape against the respective abutting surface, determines, in the long run, significant problems with the calibration of the components of said device, as well as excessive wear of the mechanical parts in rubbing or rolling relationship, requiring constant interventions to maintain and/or replace one or more components of the arresting device. 
     This serious detriment also has an impact on the general conditions of the label holder tape and on the labels themselves, which may be structurally compromised, presenting an aesthetically displeasing outside appearance and/or, worse yet, an irregular printing surface whereon the ink used is deposited imprecisely, giving rise to undesired imperfections. 
     It should also be noted that both the difficulty in accessing the internal areas of the load-bearing structure of known labeling machines, and the difficulty in replacing some components of the printing device, e.g. the inking roller and the like, normally provided, entails and intense maintenance activity, whilst requiring considerable manual skills of the maintenance operator who must, with particular instruments and tools, access the inking roller to extract it from the structure and replace it with another inking roller. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an improved device that overcomes the detriments Applicants have noted in the conventional field. 
     ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An aspect of the present invention is to provide a solution that overcomes at least one of the drawbacks noted in the related art. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to make available a labeling machine that is provided with a self-regulating braking system, i.e. able to manage the pressure of the tape against the corresponding abutting surface according to the advance or arrest of the tape. 
     A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine whose replacement of the components of the printing device is easy and simple to perform. 
     Additionally, an aspect of the invention is to assure the structural integrity of the labels and of the label holder tape, while assuring the quality of the print effected by the printing device. 
     The present invention relates to a labeling machine comprises a self-regulating arresting member of a label holder tape. The arresting member is able to press the tape against an abutting surface when a label has to be applied on a destination surface and it releases the tape when, on the action of a control device the tape is actuated to advance. The labeling machine further comprises a printing device whose inking roller is associated to a device that enables it to be engaged easily and conveniently on a respective support arm. The support arm in turn is advantageously connected to an access door to internal areas of the labeling machine, whose opening determines the exit of the support arm and the exposure of the inking roller. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine comprising: one of a structure, an operating structure, and a supporting structure, at least one member for feeding a tape provided with a plurality of labels associated to the structure, guiding means associated to the structure to drive the tape at least between the feeding member and an area, defined in the structure, for the application of at least one label, the guiding means defining a path of advance of the tape, at least one device for actuating the tape positioned in the structure, the actuating device being movable between a non operative condition in which the tape remains in a predetermined position, and an operative condition, in which the actuating device induces in actuation the tape along the path of advance to bring at least one label of the tape to the area of application, at least one device for arresting the tape operatively positioned in the structure, the arresting device being movable between an arresting position, in which it inhibits the actuation of the tape pressing it against an abutting surface associated to the structure, and a release condition, in which the pressure of the tape against the abutting surface decreases and the tape is free to advance along the path of advance, at least one control device operatively associated to the structure and operatively connected to the arresting member and actuating device to bring, at the application area, at least one label present on the tape, the control device being movable between a first position in which the arresting member is in condition of arrest and the actuating member is in non operative condition, and a second position in which the arresting device is in release condition and the actuating device is in operative condition. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: a first element pivotally engaged to the structure to rotate around an axis of rotation, the first element being operatively connected to the control device so that the movement of the control device between the first and the second condition determines the actuation of the arresting device between the arresting condition and the release condition, a second element pivotally engaged to the structure to rotate around the axis of rotation, the second element engaging the tape to lock the tape against the abutting surface when the arresting device is in arresting condition and to allow the advance of the tape along the path of advance when the arresting device is in release condition, at least one elastic connecting element interposed between the first and second element to connect the first and second element whilst allowing relative rotations around the axis of rotation, the elastic connecting member thrusting the second element against the abutting surface when the arresting device is in arresting condition. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the arresting device comprises two elastic spring members operatively interposed between a respective hitching portion of the first element and a respective engaging portion of the second element positioned in proximity to each other. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the arresting device further comprises an auxiliary elastic member, operatively interposed between an abutting portion of the first element and an abutting surface of the second element oriented opposite to the contrasting surface, the auxiliary elastic member co-operating with the at least one elastic member to enhance the thrusting action of the second element against the contrasting surface when the arresting device is in arresting condition. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the control device comprises at least one thrust portion directly engaged against one end of the first element of the arresting member opposite the second element, the thrust portion maintaining the arresting member in arresting condition when the control device is in first condition and allowing the reduction of the pressure against the abutting surface when the control device is in second condition. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the actuating device comprises at least one drive roller pivotally engaged to the structure along the path of advance of the tape and downstream of the area of application of the at least one label, the drive roller partially defining the path of advance of the tape and being able to be actuated in rotation according to a predefined angle of rotation to advance the tape according to a respective predetermined measure of advance. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the control device is operatively connected to the drive roller to actuate the drive roller in rotation around a respective axis of rotation when the arresting member is in release condition. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the drive roller comprises: a plurality of actuating projections operatively engaged by an actuating member interposed between the drive roller and the control device, the actuating member operating, on the action of the control device, consecutively on each actuating projection to rotate the drive roller around the respective axis of rotation and according to a predefined angle or rotation, a plurality of locking projections operatively engaged by a respective locking member to inhibit rotations in an opposite direction to the rotations imparted by the actuating member to the drive roller. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine comprising: at least one printing device operatively associated to the structure to deposit on at least one label borne by the tape a predefined quantity of ink, according to a pre-set motif, the printing device being movable, under the action of the control device, between a resting condition coinciding with the first position of the control device in which the printing device is distanced from the tape, and a printing condition coinciding with the second position of the control device, in which the printing device operates on a respective label of the tape. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the printing device comprises: at least one support element operatively associated to the structure, the support element having on free end, at least one inking roller, removably engaged to the support element. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine further comprising: at least one engaging device operatively able to be operatively interposed between the support element and the inking roller to allow, integrally with the inking roller, the removable engagement thereof to the support element. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the engaging device comprises snap-in engaging means for engaging the inking roller to the support element. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the engaging device comprises a substantially “U” shaped roller holder structure, comprising two lateral portions each provided with a respective seat for the pivotal engagement of a corresponding longitudinal pivot of the inking roller and a central connecting portion interposed between the lateral portions. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the engaging device further comprises two connecting elastic members, each operatively engaged externally to a respective lateral portion of the roller-holder structure, each elastic connecting element being movable between a first position in which it is distanced from the respective lateral portion of the roller-holder structure and a second position in which it is approached to the respective lateral portion of the roller-holder structure. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: each elastic connecting element has, at the opposite part from the respective lateral portion of the roller-holder structure, at least one hitching projection adapted to engage at least one respective hitching seat obtained internally in a respective supporting projection of the support element, and at least one thrust edge whereby the respective hitching projection is moved from the first to the second position, the hitching projection engaging the respective hitching seat when the roller-holder structure is engaged between two supporting projections of the supporting element. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine comprising: at least one door having a first end hinged to the structure, and a second end, opposite to the first end, provided with at least one element for locking the door on the structure, the door being able to rotate around a hinge axis defined in the first end between a closed position in which the structure is closed by the door and an open position, in which the door is partly removed from the structure and at least one inner area thereof is accessible from the exterior. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the support element of the inking roller is hinged, at the side opposite its own free end, to the second end of the door, the support element being positioned within the structure when the door is in closed position and being positioned at least partially outside the structure when the door is in open position to facilitate access to the inking roller. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine comprising: an elastic tape-guide device removably fastened, at its own ends, to the structure to maintain the tape pressed on the drive roller, the elastic tape-guide having a first end hinged to the structure, by means of two pivots, and a second end, hinged to the structure, by means of a shaft which engages within respective hinging holes obtained on the tape-guide device and on two laminar sections partially forming the structure thereof. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine comprising: a structure, at least one member for feeding a tape provided with a plurality of labels associated to the structure, guiding means associated to the structure to guide the tape at least between the feeding member and an application area of at least one label defined in the structure, the guiding means defining a path of advance of the tape, at least one device for actuating the tape positioned in the structure, the actuating device being movable between a non operative condition in which the tape remains in a predetermined position, and an operative condition, in which the actuating device induces in actuation the tape along the path of advance to bring at least one label of the tape at the application area, at least one printing device operatively associated to the structure to deposit on at least one label borne by the tape a predefined quantity of ink, according to a pre-set motif, the printing device comprising at least one support element operatively associated to the structure, an inking roller removably engaged to the supporting element and at least one engaging device operatively and integrally engaged to the inking roller to allow the removable engagement thereof on the support element, at least one control device operatively associated to the structure and operatively connected to the actuation device and printing device, to print the motif on a label and bring the label to the area of application, the control device being movable between a first position in which the actuating device is in non operative condition and the printing device is in resting condition and a second position in which the actuating device is in operative condition and the printing device is in printing condition. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the engaging device has snap-in engaging means for the engagement of the inking roller to the support element. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the engaging device comprises a substantially “U” shaped roller-holder structure, having two lateral portions each provided with a respective seat for the pivotal engagement of a respective longitudinal pivot of the inking roller and a central connecting portion interposed between the lateral portions. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the engaging device further comprises two elastic connecting elements each operatively engaged externally to a respective lateral portion of the roller-holder structure, each elastic connecting element being movable between a first position in which it is distanced from the respective lateral portion of the roller-holder structure and a second position in which it is approached to the respective lateral portion of the roller-holder structure. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: each elastic connecting element has, at the opposite side relative to the respective lateral portion of the roller-holder structure, at least one hitching projection adapted to engage at least one respective hitching seat obtained internally in a respective support projection of the support element, and at least one thrust edge whereby the respective elastic connecting element is moved from the first to the second position, the hitching projection engaging the respective hitching seat when the roller-holder structure is engaged between two support projections of the support element. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine comprising: at least one door having a first hinged end to the structure, and a second end, opposite the first end, provided with at least one element for locking the door on the structure, the door being able to rotate around a hinging axis defined in the first end between a closed position in which the structure is closed by the door and an open position, in which the door is partly removed from the structure and at least one inner area thereof is accessible from the exterior. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine wherein: the support element of the inking roller is hinged, at the side opposite its own free end, to the second end of the door, the support element being positioned within the structure when the door is in closed position and being placed at least partially outside the structure when the door is in open position to facilitate access to the inking roller. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labeling machine comprising: an elastic tape-guide device removably fastened, at its own ends to the structure to maintain the tape pressed on the driving roller, the elastic tape-guide device having a first end hinged to the structure by means of two pivots, and a second end, hinged to the structure, by means of a shaft which engages within respective hinging holes obtained on the tape-guide device itself and on two laminar sections partially forming the structure thereof. 
     The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conduction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further characteristics and advantages shall become more readily apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a labeling machine, in accordance with the present invention. The description shall be provided below with reference to the accompanying figures, provided purely by way of non-limiting indication, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic section of a labeling machine according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an additional schematic section of the labeling machine of the previous figure, shown in an open condition. 
         FIG. 3  is a representation of a first detail of the labeling machine of the previous figures, shown in a perspective exploded view. 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the detail of the previous figure. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the detail of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a representation of a second detail of the labeling machine of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , shown in perspective and in exploded view. 
         FIG. 7  shows a third detail of the labeling machine, shown in perspective and in exploded view. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a component of the detail of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, and below may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words “connect,” “couple,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through mediate elements or devices. 
     With reference to the accompanying figures, the number  1  globally indicates a labeling machine, in accordance with the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the labeling machine  1  comprises a substantially closed structure  2  presenting a handle  3 , preferably coated with a co-molded rubber shell  2   b , positioned posteriorly for the manual engagement of the labeling machine. 
     Within the structure  2 , in a substantially central area, is provided an element  4  for feeding a tape  5  provided with a plurality of labels  6  (whereof one is schematically shown in  FIG. 1 ) to be printed and affixed onto the outer surfaces of corresponding packages, labels and/or products. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the feeding element  4  preferably comprises a feeding reel  7  pivotally engaged to the structure  2  to rotate around a respective axis of rotation “X”. 
     Advantageously, the feeding reel  7  is removably engaged to the structure  2  in such a way that it can be removed therefrom when the feeding reel  7  is completely empty. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the feeding reel  7  can advantageously be inserted or extracted through an appropriate access opening  8  obtained in a lower part of the structure and appropriately kept closed by additional components of the labeling machine which shall be described below. 
     To guide the tape  5  at least between the feeding element  4  and an area  9  of application of at least one label  6 , the structure  2  is provided with appropriate guidance means which define, according to a predetermined route, a path of advance of said tape  5 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the guiding means lead the tape  5  from the feeding element  4  to the application area  9  which is preferably located inferiorly to the structure  2  of the labeling machine  1  in proximity to a front portion  10  thereof. 
     The labeling machine further comprises at least device  11  for actuating the tape  5  operatively located within the structure  2 . The actuating device  11  is movable from a non operative condition in which the tape  5  does not move, remaining in a predetermined position, and operative condition, in which the actuating device  11  induces the tape  5  to move along the path of advance defined by the guiding means to bring at least one label  6  of the tape  5  to the area of application  9 . 
     Again with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the labeling machine further comprises an element  12  for arresting the tape  5  operatively positioned within the structure  2 . The arresting element  12  is movable between a condition of arrest, in which it inhibits the actuation of the tape  5  pressing the latter against an abutting surface  13  associated with the structure itself, and a condition of release, in which the pressure of the tape  5  against the abutting surface  13  decreases according to a value such that the tape  5  is free to advance along the aforementioned path of advance. 
     In order to operate both the actuating device  11  and the arresting element  12 , the labeling machine comprises at least one control device  14  operatively associated to the structure  2 , preferably inferiorly to the handle  3 . The control device  14  is operatively connected to the arresting element  12  and to the actuating device  11  to bring, to the application area  9 , at least one label  6  present on the tape  5 . 
     More in particular, the control device  14  comprises a control lever  15  hinged to the structure  2  of the labeling machine  1  in a rear area thereof to oscillate around a respective axis of rotation “Y”. The control lever  15  has, inferiorly to the handle  3 , a grip portion  16  shaped ergonomically to facilitate and ease the manual grasping thereof. The control lever  15  develops prevalently within the structure  2  presenting a first control portion  17  located in proximity to the arresting element  17  and a second control portion  18  located in proximity to the actuating device  11 . 
     Advantageously, at least one contrasting elastic element  19 , preferably a helical spring  19   a , is operatively interposed between the grip portion of the control device  14  and the handle  3  of the structure  2  to maintain the latter in a predetermined position. 
     Advantageously, the control device  14  can be moved between a first position in which the arresting element  12  is in arresting condition and the actuating device  11  is in non operative condition ( FIG. 1 ), and a second position in which the arresting element  12  is in release condition and the actuating device  11  is in operative condition, i.e. in condition of pulling the tape  5  that unwinds the respective feeding reel  7 . 
     In greater detail, the movement of the control device  14  from the first to the second position takes place by manually pressing the grip portion  16  of the control lever  15  that consequently rotates around the axis of rotation “Y” counter-clockwise. The grip portion  16  approaches the handle  3  pressing the helical spring  19   a  and the respective control portions  17 ,  19  move determining a change of state relative to the arresting element  12  that reduces its load on the tape  5  and the actuating device  11  that drives the tape  5  along the path of advance. 
     On the contrary, if the manual action of approach of the grip portion  16  to the handle  3  is interrupted, the control device  14  tends to return to the initial position, i.e. completely removed from the handle  3 , rotating clockwise around the axis of rotation “Y”. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , and in particular to  FIGS. 3-5 , the aforementioned arresting device  12  comprises, in detail, a first element  20 , preferably made of plastic material, pivotally engaged to the structure  2  by means of a hinging pivot  21  which defines a respective axis of rotation “Z” substantially parallel to the axis of rotation “X” and “Y” respectively of the feeding reel  7  and of the control lever  15 . At the opposite site from the hinging pivot  21  the first element  20  has a small engagement  22 , preferably metallic, engaged, advantageously by co-molding, in a respective seat  23 . The engagement disk  22  is operatively connected to the first control portion  17  of the control device  14  so that the movement thereof between the first and the second condition determines the actuation of the arresting device  12  between the arresting condition and the release condition. 
     Again with reference to  FIGS. 3 through 5 , the arresting elements  12  comprises a second element  24 , preferably metallic, pivotally engaged to the structure  2  by means of the hinging pivot  21  in such a way as to rotate around the axis of rotation “Z”. Advantageously, the second element  24  has an inclined portion  25  that engages the tape  5  to block it against the abutting surface  13  when the arresting device  12  is in arresting condition and to allow the advance of the tape itself along the path of advance when the arresting device  12  is in release condition. 
     The arresting element  12  comprises at least one elastic connection member  26  interposed between the first and the second element  20 ,  24  to connect the latter and at the same time to allow relative rotations around the axis of rotation “Z”. 
     The interaction between the elastic connecting member  26 , the first and the second element  20 ,  24 , the control device  14  and the tape  5  on the abutting surface  13 , determines, in arrest condition, a thrust by the elastic connecting member  26  on the second element  24  against the abutting surface  13 . In other words, when the control device  14  is in the first position, the first portion  17  of the control lever  15  pushes the engagement disk  22  of the first element  20  of the arresting member  12  upwards by the action of the contrasting spring  19   a . In practice, the first control portion  17  of the control lever  15  has a shaped screw  17   a  a shaped head  17   b  whereof is directly engaged to the engagement disk  22  present in the end of the first element  20  of the arresting member  12  that is opposite to the second element  24 . 
     Being fastened in the pivot  21 , the first element  20  tends to rotate counter-clockwise ( FIGS. 1-3  and  5 ) tensioning the elastic member  26  which induces the second element  24  in rotation around the axis “Z” and counter-clockwise. The rotation of the second element  24  is, however, contrasted by the contrasting surface  13 , transforming itself into a thrust equal to the force exercised by the elastic member  26  on the second element  24  and on the contrasting surface  13 . Naturally, a push of the tape  5  against the contrasting surface  13  causes its blocking. 
     On the contrary if the control device  14  is moved from the first to the second position, the first control portion  17  of the control lever  15  no longer pushes against the metallic disk  22 , enabling the elastic member  26  to unload, freeing the tape  5  which can thus slide. 
     Again with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 5 , the arresting device  12  comprises two elastic member  26 , preferably traction springs  26   a , operatively interposed between a respective hitching portion  20   a  of the first element  20  and a corresponding engagement portion  24   a  of the second element  24  positioned in proximity to each other. 
     The arresting device  12  further comprises an auxiliary elastic member  27 , preferably a torsion spring  27   a , operatively interposed between an abutting portion  20   b  ( FIG. 4 ) of the first element  20  and an abutting surface  24   b  ( FIG. 5 ) of the second element  24 , oriented substantially opposite relative to the contrasting surface  13 . The auxiliary elastic member  27  co-operates with the elastic members  26  to enhance the thrusting action of the second element  24  against the contrasting surface  13  when the arresting device  12  is in arresting condition and assure the tensioning of the tape  5  when the control device  14  is in the second position in such a way as to obtain the correct detachment of the labels from the tap in the application area  9 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 ,  2 , and in particular to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the actuating device  11  comprises at least one driving roller  28  pivotally engaged to the structure  2  along the path of advance of said tape  5  and downstream of the area of application  9  of the labels  6 . The driving roller  28  partially defines the path of advance of the tape  5  and it can be actuated in rotation according to a predefined angle of rotation to advance the tape  5  according to a respective predetermined measure of advance. 
     The driving roller  28  is advantageously connected to the control device  14 , so that it is actuated in rotation around a respective axis of rotation “W”, substantially parallel to the axes of rotation “X”, “Y” and “Z” when the arresting member  12  is in release condition. 
     Describing more in detail the structure of the actuating device  11 , the driving roller  28  has a plurality of actuating projections  29  positioned at both the planar lateral surfaces  28   a  thereof, operatively engaged by an actuating member  30  interposed between the driving roller  28  and the second control portion  18  of the control lever  15  of the control device  14 . The actuating member  30  operates, on the action of the control device  14 , consecutively on each actuating projection  29  to rotate at constant pitch the driving roller  28  around the respective axis of rotation “W” clockwise and according to a predefined angle of rotation. 
     More in detail, the actuating member  30  is preferably constituted by a pawl  31  hinged at its ends to the structure  2  between the driving roller  28  and the grip portion  16  of the control device  14 . 
     When the control device  14  moves from the second to the first position on the action of the spring  19   a , the pawl  31  enmeshes the actuating projections  29  of the driving roller  28  obtaining a stepped rotation thereof around the axis “W”. 
     In order to inhibit any counter-rotations of the driving roller  28  during the movement of the control device  14  from the first to the second position the driving roller  28  is provided with a plurality of locking projections  32  ( FIG. 8 ) operatively engaged by corresponding locking members  33 . In particular, the locking projections  32  are obtained circumferentially inside the driving roller  28  and they are accessible through two annular recesses  34 . The locking members  33  constitute a one-way pawl mechanism provided with two elastic tongues that intervene on the profile of the locking projections  32 . 
     On the cylindrical surface at the sides of a central annular recess  35 , the driving roller  28  has a series of notches  36  able to engage inside corresponding slits (not shown) obtained on the tape  5 . 
     Peripherally to the cylindrical surface of the driving roller  28  is provide an elastic tape-guiding device  37  with arched shape which is fastened removably, at its ends to the structure  2  and it is able to maintain the tape  5  pressed on the driving roller  28 . 
     In particular, the elastic tape-guide device  37  has a first end  37   a  hinged to the structure  2 , by means of two pins  37   b , and a second end  37   c , hinged to the structure  2 , by means of a shaft  37   d  that engages within respective hinging holes  37   e  obtained on the structure of the tape-guide device itself. The tape-guide device  37  is advantageously made elastic by two laminar sections  37   f  that can rotate because they are hinged on the shaft  37   d  through the opening  37   e  so the settling and the phasing of the advance of the tape  5  are assured. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , both the abutting surface  13  and the actuating device  11  are supported by a portion  2   a  of the structure  2 , able to rotate around a hinging axis “K”, coinciding with the axis of hinging of the actuating member  30 . The displacement of the portion  2   a  of the structure  2 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , defines the aforementioned access opening  8  for the insertion and/or the extraction of the reel  7  for feeding the tape  5 . 
     Again with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and in particular with  FIG. 6 , the labeling machine  1  comprises a printing device  38  operatively associated to the structure  2  to deposit on at least one label  6  a predefined quantity of ink according to a pre-set motif. The printing device  38  is movable, upon operation of the control device  14 , between a condition of rest ( FIG. 1 ) coinciding with the first position of the control device  14  in which the printing member  38  is distanced from the tape  5 , and a printing condition coinciding with the second position of the control device  14 , in which the printing member  38  operates on a respective label of the tape  5 . 
     Advantageously, the printing member  38  comprises at least one support element or support arm  39  operatively associated to the structure  2  and having a free end  40  preferably provided with two support projections  41 . The printing member  38  further comprises at least one inking roller  42  removably engaged to the support element  39  between the support projections  41 . 
     As visible in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the printing member  38  is also provided with means for feeding the ink  43  to be provided to the inking roller  42  which are only mentioned here because they do not represent the subject of the present invention. Advantageously, the printing member  38  comprises at least one engagement device  44  ( FIG. 6 ) able to be operatively interposed between the support element  39  and the inking roller  42  to allow, integrally with the inking roller  42 , the removable engagement thereof to the support element  39 . In other words, the engagement device  44  enables the inking roller  42  to be engaged or removed from the support element  39  within coming in contact with the cylindrical surface of the inking roller  42 . 
     Preferably, the engagement device  44  has snap-in engagement means  45  for the engagement of the inking roller  42  to the support element  39 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 6 , the engagement device  44  comprises a substantially “U” shaped roller-holder structure  46  having two lateral portions  46   a , each provided with a respective seat  47  for the pivotal engagement of a respective longitudinal pivot  48  of the inking roller  42  and a central connecting portion  46   b  interposed between the lateral portions  46   a.    
     The engagement device  44  further comprises two elastic connecting elements  49  each operatively engaged externally to a respective lateral portion  46   a  of the roller-holder structure  46 . Each elastic connecting element  49  is movable between a first position in which it is distanced from the respective lateral portion  46   a  of the roller-holder structure  46  and a second position in which it is approached to the respective lateral portion  46   a  of the roller-holder structure  46 . 
     Each elastic connecting element  49  has, at opposite side relative to the respective lateral portion  46   a  of the roller-holder structure  46  at least one hitching projection  50 , adapted to engage at least one respective hitching seat  51  obtained internally in a respective support projection  41  of the support element  39  and at least one thrust edge  52  through which the hitching projection  50  is displaced from the first to the second position, engaging the respective hitching seat  51  when the roller-holder structure  46  is engaged between the support projections  41  of the support element  39 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , the labeling machine advantageously comprises at least one door  53  having a first end  53   a  hinged to the structure  2  and a second end  53   b , opposite the first end  53   a , provided with at least one element  54  for locking the door  53  on the structure. The door  53  is able to rotate around a hinging axis “Q”, defined in the first end  53   a , between a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) in which the structure  2  is closed by the door  53 , and an open position ( FIG. 2 ), in which the door  53  is at least partially removed from the structure  2 . 
     Advantageously, the support element  39  of the inking roller  42  is hinged, at the opposite side from its free end  40 , to the second end  53   b  of the door  53 . According to said connection, the support element  39  is positioned within the structure  2  when the door  53  is in closed position and it is positioned at least partially, preferably completely ( FIG. 2 ) outside the structure  2  when the door  53  is in open position to facilitate accessibility to the inking roller  42 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , at the axis of hinging “Q” is also pivotally engaged an application roller  55  by means of which it is possible to press the label exiting the corresponding application area against an underlying surface. 
     The present invention solves the problems observed in the prior art and achieves the proposed objects. 
     First of all, the subject of the present invention enables structurally to preserve the components of the arresting member as well as the labels borne by the feeding tape. 
     In particular, the arresting system whose braking or locking action regulates automatically in relation to the positions assumed by the control device prevents the arresting member from being subjected to excessive rubbing friction which lead to rapid structural wear. 
     It should also be considered that the arrangement of a device for engaging the inking roller like the one described above together with a system for opening and extracting said inking roller like the one represented by the door hinged to the support element of the printing device, facilitates any operation for the maintenance, cleaning and/or replacement of the inking roller without coming in contact with dirty parts thereof, i.e. without intercepting surfaces that are inked for printing the labels. 
     In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw&#39;s helical surface positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt&#39;s head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures. 
     Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.