Patent GB-1228024-A (GB)
IPC: B65C11/02
Filed: 1968-04-16
Abstract: 1,228,024. Labelling device. K. BURBIDGE. 16 April, 1968 [17 April, 1967], No. 17753/68. Heading B8F. A label dispenser of the kind employing selfadhering labels lightly adhered to a backing tape which is conveyed step by step around an edge or sharp corner whereby the labels become partly peeled from the tape and poised for complete removal, comprises means for frictionally gripping the tape, means enabling the gripping means to draw the tape over an edge member by a distance causing a label to become partly peeled from the tape and drawing means acting to compensate for slackness produced in the tape as a consequence of the partly peeled label being plucked from the tape. As illustrated the dispenser comprises a body portion 10 to which is rigidly secured guides 11 for a slidably mounted clamp 42 for effecting the draw movements of tape 20. A fixed clamp 43 integral with body portion 10 is provided to prevent feedback movement of the tape. The movable clamp 42 is mounted between stops 16A, 16B on a rod 15 to which is rigidly secured a push plate 14 for effecting movement of clamp 42. Movement of the clamp 42 is opposed by a tension spring 26 which effects return movement and a comparatively weak spring 34 controls the movement of the clamp 42 on rod 15 to enable slack in tape 20 to be taken up after a label has been plucked therefrom. In operation tape 20 is withdrawn from a supply roll 19, passed round an edge member 21 over a guide bar 41 through the fixed clamping device 43 and thence through the moving clamping device 42. A variable leaf-spring drag device 31 acts on the tape to produce drag on the movement of the tape. To use the device, push plate 14 is pushed in, which action initially locks the clamping device 42 on to the tape and thereafter the clamp 42 pulls the tape through the device. As the tape passes around the edge 21 a label is partially peeled therefrom and protrudes ready for application. Movement of clamp 42 compresses the weak compensating spring 34 and tensions the return spring 26. When the label is plucked from the tape 20 by applicator roll 22 slack is produced in the tape 20 which slack is taken up by movement of the clamp 42 under the action of spring 34 thus ensuring accurate positioning of the tape for the next label application. Pressure on the push plate is then released and the return spring 26 returns the clamp 42, rod 15 and plate 14 to the initial position, the clamp 42 sliding over the tape 20, to complete the operation cycle. The clamping devices shown are the ball and inclined surface type but various other types are shown in other embodiments. Many other and various embodiments are described which include the following features: (1) means for producing double the movement of clamp 42 for long labels (Fig. 6, not shown); (2) a device in which movement of the clamp is produced by a gripping action on two parts of the body member hinged together and spring urged apart (Figs. 7, 8, and 9, not shown); (3) means for printing labels as they are fed from the supply (Fig. 10, not shown); (4) hand held and operated devices from which the labels are plucked and applied by hand, the feed of the tape being effected by a lever type mechanism acting on the clamp and incorporating various types of return springs (Figs. 12 to 16, not shown); (5) means for applying labels in an automatic manner to articles moving in a continuous stream including a roller driven by the articles in turn and operating through a wedging roller clutch arrangement and a rack and pinion to move the clamping device (Figs. 17-14, not shown). The driven roller may also be used to apply the labels; (6) means in which a roller contacting article pivots an arm to produce movement of the clamping means (Figs. 20, 21, not shown). (7) means in which clamping devices are moved by articles rotating a crank and connecting rod through an escapement device, such means also effecting the return movement of the clamping device (Figs. 22-23, not shown); (8) means similar to (7) but operated by a continuously driven roller in tractive contact with a segmented roller having an interrupting escapement device (Figs. 24-25, not shown); (9) instead of the compensating movement taking up the slack tape before the return movement of the clamping device it may be delayed to allow the return movement to be completed before the label is plucked. A further movable compensating clamp being incorporated for this purpose (Figs. 26-33, not shown; (10) means whereby the dispenser is actuated by pressure of an article to be labelled on a pressure plate (Figs. 37-39, not shown) (11) means for adjusting the position of the peeling edge and the length of the drawing movement (Figs. 37-39, not shown); (12) a hand-grip applicator to which a label supply cartridge can be attached and incorporating tongue-type drawing clamps (Fig. 40, not shown); (13) a device in which the compensating drawing means is formed as a resilient tyre on a roller which contacts articles to be labelled (Figs. 41, 42, not shown); (14) means for preventing looping of the tape between drawing means (Figs. 43-44, not shown); (15) operation by compressed air (Fig. 47, not shown); (16) drawing mechanism in which the point at which the main drawing movement ends and the compensating movement begins is determined by spring action waning and becoming enfeebled (Figs. 48-52, not shown); (17) drawing mechanism consisting of mating rollers which can be urged apart (Figs. 48-52, not shown), such rollers, particularly for wide label tapes having interengaging ribs incorporating " flats " for the compensating draw movement (Figs. 50, 51, not shown); (18) an angled peeling edge combined with a dragging leaf spring for use with tapes with multiple labels arranged across the width of the tape (Figs. 50-52, not shown).