Abstract:
An apparatus and method are provided for a label drum which may be simply calibrated with respect to label placing machinery, the label drum comprising: a drum; a first bushing including a cavity defined by an interior wall, wherein the first bushing is configured to couple with a second bushing including a cavity; and a shaft having a proximal portion defined by the shape of the interior wall of the cavity, such that the shaft may be received through the first and second bushing and will limit rotational positioning requirements therefore removing the time required for set up post installation.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application, entitled “Label Drum Auto Timed Shaft Assembly,” filed on Aug. 27, 2015 having application Ser. No. 62/210,653. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The field of the present disclosure relates generally to label drums. More particularly, the field of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for a label drum which may be simply calibrated with respect to label placing machinery. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Labels are an efficient and cost-effective means of identifying and decorating a package or product, such as a bottle. In every major industry, various types of labels are applied to many types of containers at a high rate of speed to ensure that products are finalized in a timely manner. 
         [0004]    Generally, labels are comprised of a face material that is coated on one side with an active adhesive. The face may be comprised of paper, plastic, reflective materials, foils, or vinyl, and may be provided in varying thicknesses, lengths, and weight. The label may be carried on a silicone-coated backing material, or a film, to easily release on demand. 
         [0005]    As will be appreciated, while using labels produces a fast, efficient and simple outcome, operating label placing machinery generally offers certain challenges and complexities. For example, the label placing machines may not be economical to purchase, and may require service, sometimes every day, or multiple times a day. 
         [0006]    One challenge to using labeling machines is that certain components within the machines require frequent servicing, such as a periodic application of grease. For example, most labeling machines include one or more drums configured to utilize various types of materials, such as label paper, backing paper, adhesives, grease, various lubricants, and the like. When the material is nearing depletion, it must be refilled. Replenishing a depleted material may entail, for example, removing a labeling drum from a shaft, applying grease, and re-installing the drum. However, every time the drum is removed and subsequently reinstalled, it must be re-calibrated so that the labelling process is timed appropriately. Generally, the reinstallation and recalibration process is very time consuming and slows the production process, thereby decreasing revenue and production output. 
         [0007]    What is needed, therefore, is a label drum which may be automatically calibrated with respect to label placing machinery, whereby the label drum may be easily removed, serviced, and reinstalled without significantly delaying label placing processes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    An apparatus and method are provided for a label drum which may be simply calibrated with respect to label placing machinery. The label drum comprises a drum that is configured to receive a shaft. A first bushing includes an irregularly-shaped cavity defined by an interior wall and is configured to couple with a second bushing that includes a similar irregularly-shaped cavity defined by an interior wall. In some embodiments, the irregularly-shaped of the interior wall is an asymmetrical quadrilateral. Preferably, the upper bushing and lower bushing are configured to be fastened together, thereby retaining the drum there between, by using one or more fasteners. The shaft includes a proximal portion configured to mate with the irregular shape of the interior walls of the cavities, such that the shaft may be received through the first and second bushings. The irregular shape of the interior wall ensures that the shaft may be inserted through the cavities of the upper and lower bushing in only one angular position with respect to the drum. The one angular position decreases the time required for set up post installation. 
         [0009]    In an exemplary embodiment, a label drum which may be simply calibrated with respect to label placing machinery comprises a drum; an upper bushing including a cavity defined by an interior wall, wherein the upper bushing is configured to mate with a lower bushing including a cavity; and a shaft having a proximal portion defined by the interior wall of the cavity, such that the shaft may be received through the upper and lower bushing. 
         [0010]    In another exemplary embodiment, the upper bushing includes a plurality of holes. In another exemplary embodiment, the interior wall is asymmetrical quadrilateral. In another exemplary embodiment, the upper bushing and lower bushing are configured to mate using one or more fasteners. 
         [0011]    In another exemplary embodiment, the proximal portion of the shaft is substantially flush with the upper bushing. In another exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower bushing retain the drum. In another exemplary embodiment, the shaft may be inserted through the cavities of the upper and lower bushing in only one position. In another exemplary embodiment, the upper bushing includes a lip portion that extends past a body portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the first and second bushing are comprised of an interior wall having the same shape. 
         [0012]    In an exemplary embodiment, a method for simply calibrating a label drum with respect to label placing machinery comprises providing a drum configured to be received by an upper bushing including a cavity defined by an interior wall, wherein the upper bushing is configured to mate with a lower bushing including a cavity; and inserting a shaft through the cavity, the shaft having a proximal portion defined by the interior wall of the cavity, such that the shaft may be received through the upper and lower bushing, and whereby the cavity is configured to limit the drum to one axial insertion position relative to the shaft. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The drawings refer to embodiments of the present disclosure in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a label drum in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a label drum in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a side plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a label drum in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2C  is a sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the label drum, illustrated in  FIG. 2B , taken along a midline of the label drum according to principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a top view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a bottom bushing of a label drum in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  is a side plan view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the bottom bushing of  FIG. 3A , according to present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3C  is a detailed view illustrating a portion of the exemplary embodiment of the bottom bushing illustrated in  FIG. 3B  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4A  is a top view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an upper bushing of a label drum in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4B  is a side plan view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the upper bushing of  FIG. 4A , according to present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4C  is a detailed view illustrating a portion of the exemplary embodiment of the upper bushing illustrated in  FIG. 4B  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a shaft for use with a label drum in accordance with the principle of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a longitudinal view of a proximal portion of the shaft illustrated in  FIG. 5A , according to the present disclosure; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 5C  illustrates a detailed view of the proximal portion of the shaft illustrated in  FIG. 5B  in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0027]    While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The invention should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 1-2C  show an exemplary embodiment of a label drum  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure generally describes a shaft  104  that mates with a drum  108  by way of an upper bushing and a lower bushing, such that the upper and lower bushings retain the drum  108  upon the shaft. More particularly, the label drum  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2C  comprises a proximal portion  116  and a distal portion  120 . The proximal portion  116  comprises the drum  108 , an upper bushing  112 , and a lower bushing  128 . The drum  108  may be made of any number of materials including, by way of non-limiting example, metals, plastics, rubbers, any combination thereof, and the like. 
         [0030]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2C , the shaft  104  extends through the bushings  112 ,  128 , such that the shaft  104  is substantially flush with a top surface of the drum  108  at the proximal portion  116 . In an exemplary embodiment, the drum  108  is substantially cylindrical, taking the shape of a wheel or similar structure, although any shape may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft  104  has a diameter of substantially 2.36 inches, and a length of substantially 10.47 inches, although it should be understood that a wide variety of diameters and lengths may be implemented without straying beyond the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0031]    The upper bushing  112  and the lower bushing  128  are configured to retain the drum  108  desirably positioned on the shaft  104 , as best shown in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the upper bushing  112  and the lower bushing  128  are substantially cylindrical, and each comprises a cavity  113  defined by an interior wall  114 . The interior wall  114  is configured to prevent movement of the drum  108  relative to the shaft  104 . As such, the interior wall  114  may be configured with any number of different shapes, including by way of non-limiting example, geometric, symmetric, asymmetric, round, square, or any thereof that are suitable for preventing relative movement between the drum  108  and the shaft  104 . It is to be understood that the bushings  112 ,  128  may comprise any shape suitable for supporting the drum  108  and the shaft  104 . The upper and lower bushings  112 ,  128  may be comprised of the any material suitable for retaining the drum  108  upon the shaft  104  without limitation. It is envisioned, therefore, that the upper and lower bushings  112 ,  128  may be comprised of, by way of non-limiting example, any of various metals, plastics, rubbers, or any combination thereof. 
         [0032]    It will be appreciated that the interior wall  114  comprises a peripheral configuration of the cavity  113  which is configured to receive the shaft  104  in any of a specific number of axial orientations. For example, in some embodiments, the peripheral configuration of the cavity  113  may be configured so as to receive the shaft  104  in any of four axial orientations, corresponding to 90-degree rotational orientations of the drum  108  relative to the shaft. In some embodiments, the peripheral configuration of the cavity  113  may be configured to limit the shaft  104  to two axial orientations, thus limiting the drum  108  to 180-degree orientations relative to the shaft  104 . Preferably, however, the peripheral configuration of the cavity  113  is configured to limit the drum  108  to one axial position relative to the shaft  104 , as described herein. In one embodiment, the upper and lower bushings  112 ,  128  preferably are coupled to one another such that the cavity  113  within both of the bushings  112 ,  128  are aligned so as to receive a shaft  104  through both of the bushings, as shown in  FIG. 1 . As will be appreciated, limiting the shaft  104  to a specific number of axial positions relative to the drum  108  advantageously facilitates removing and reinstalling the drum from the shaft  104  during servicing of the label drum  100  without any need for adjusting timing of the drum  108 , or the label drum, with respect to other production machinery. 
         [0033]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the interior wall  114  comprises an asymmetrical quadrilateral configuration to retain the drum rotationally, relative to the shaft  104 . It should be understood, however, that any number of configurations and interior walls may be incorporated so as to define an external boundary or peripheral configuration of the cavity  113 . As such, it is envisioned that the interior wall  114  of the cavity  113  comprises a shape having one or more of the following attributes, by way of non-limiting example: geometric, symmetric, asymmetric, round, square, or any combination thereof. It is to be understood, however, that the shape selected with respect to the interior wall  114  preferably allows for the one axial position of the drum  108  and the shaft  104  as discussed herein. 
         [0034]    As best shown in  FIG. 2A , the upper bushing  112  comprises a plurality of holes  124  and  126 . Similarly, the lower bushing  128  comprises a plurality of holes  122  position so as to align with the holes  126  in the upper bushing  112 . In some embodiments, the lower bushing  128  may further comprise a plurality of holes aligned with the holes  124  of the upper bushing  112 . The holes  122 ,  124 ,  126  may be formed by way of any of various methods known in the art, including, by way of non-limiting example, drilling, boring, tapping, molding and the like. Further, any number of holes may be included, as deemed necessary. In one exemplary embodiment, adjacent holes  124 ,  126  are disposed on the upper bushing  112  with a separation distance of substantially 1.575 inches, as measured from a centerline of each hole. It is to be understood, however, that the holes  124 ,  126  may be implemented with a wide variety of sizes, diameters, depths and spacing without straying beyond the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0035]    As will be appreciated, the holes  122 ,  124 ,  126  may each be configured to receive a bolt  130 , screw or other similar fastener so as to couple the upper bushing  112  with the lower bushing  128 , such that the shaft  104  is retained in the cavity  113 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the holes  124 ,  126  are disposed on the upper bushing  112 , such that the holes surround the cavity defined by an interior wall  114 . In some embodiments, the holes may alternate between large holes  126  to small holes  124  around the outside perimeter of the interior wall  114 . In an exemplary embodiment, the larger holes  126  have a radius of substantially 1.575 inches, and the smaller holes  124  have a radius of substantially 1.114 inches, although any radius may be used to achieve a desired configuration. 
         [0036]    As best shown in  FIG. 2A , the lower bushing  128  is aligned with the holes  122 ,  126  may comprise threads configured to accept a threaded portion of the bolt  130 , thereby facilitating bolting the upper and lower bushings  112 ,  128  together. As those having skill in the art will appreciate, the larger holes  126  may accept a different type of screw, adapter, or fastener as compared to the smaller holes. The arrangement of holes generally is contingent upon the configuration of the interior wall  114 . For example, interior walls having larger dimensions extend closer to the peripheral edge of the upper and/or lower bushing, thereby leaving less room for large screws, or other similar fasteners. Conversely, possessing relatively smaller dimensions lends greater surface area to accommodate larger holes between the cavity  113  and the peripheral edge. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIGS. 2B-2C , the drum  108  is coupled with the shaft  104 , as described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the drum  108  is disk-shaped, and comprises a plurality of peripherally chamfered edges  202  and  204 . The drum  108  extends longitudinally towards the upper bushing  112 , and transitions gradually to its full thickness, such that a flat portion  206  of the drum is substantially flush with the upper bushing  112 . Similarly, the drum  108  gradually transitions to a flat portion  210 , extending longitudinally toward the lower bushing  128 . As will be appreciated, any number of various different shapes and configurations may be incorporated into the drum  108  without straying beyond the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2C  shows a cross-sectional side view of the label drum  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2B , taken along a midline of the label drum. The shaft  104  couples with the drum  108  such that the shaft is substantially flush at the proximal portion  116  of the label drum  100 . In one embodiment, the shaft is not substantially flush at the distal portion, and in fact the shaft may be substantially recessed, or extend outward, past the upper bushing. A plurality of bolts  130  are configured to mate the plurality of holes of the upper bushing with the lower bushing. The distal portion  120  of the label drum may include one or more interfaces configured to connect the shaft to other components within a larger machine or system. In some embodiments, the distal portion  120  may be configured to have the same general shape as the shaft  104 . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  respectively show top and side views of the bottom bushing  128  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2C . The bottom bushing  128  comprises a disk portion  140  extending peripherally from a cylindrical body  144 . Cylindrical body  144  extends longitudinally beyond the disk portion  140  and cooperates with the upper bushing  112 . The cylindrical body  144  of the bottom bushing  128  comprises a plurality of holes  122  as described herein. Preferably, bolts  130  or any other types of suitable fasteners are received through the holes  126  of the upper bushing  112  and mate with the holes of the lower bushing  128 . In one exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical body  144  has a diameter of substantially 3.934 inches, and extends longitudinally beyond the disk portion  140  a thickness of substantially 1.235 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the disk portion may have a diameter of substantially 5.488 inches and a depth of substantially 0.390 inches. It is envisioned, however, that a wide variety of diameters, depths, and thicknesses may be implemented with respect to the cylindrical body and disk portion of the bottom bushing without straying beyond the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , a relief region  148  is disposed between the disk portion  140  and the cylindrical body  144 . In some embodiments, the disk portion  140  and the cylindrical body  144  may comprise separate components that may be adhered together along the relief region  148 . In some embodiments, the separate components comprising the bottom bushing  128  may be made of distinct materials. It is envisioned that bottom bushing comprising the disk portion  140 , the cylindrical body  144  and the relief region  148  may be formed from a single piece of material. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are respective top and side views of the embodiments of the upper bushing  122  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2C . As discussed above, the upper bushing  112  includes the cavity  113  defined by the interior wall  114 , as well as the plurality of holes  124  and  126 . The plurality of holes  124 ,  126  may be formed by way of any of a plurality of known methods, including by way of non-limiting example, drilling, boring, molding, tapping and the like. Furthermore, any number of holes may be formed in the upper bushing  112 . As will be appreciated, the holes  124 ,  126  may be both configured to receive a bolt such as the bolt  130 , a screw or similar fastener to couple the upper bushing  112  with the lower bushing  128  as described herein. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of holes  124 ,  126  further comprises a countersunk configuration to receive a head portion of the bolt  130 , such that the head portion is below a top-most surface of the upper-bushing  112 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any number of holes, sizes, specific configurations or combinations may be included in the upper bushing  112  without deviating beyond the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , the upper bushing  112  further a lip portion  142  extending peripherally beyond a body portion  146 . As best shown in  FIG. 4C , a relief region  150  is disposed between the body portion  146  and the lip portion  142 . In an exemplary embodiment, the body portion  146  has a diameter of substantially 3.934 inches, the lip portion  142  has a diameter of substantially 4.374 inches, with a thickness of substantially 0.50 inches. Preferably, however, the lip portion  142  is formed so as to be received into a countersink of the drum  108 , as shown in  FIG. 2C . It should be understood, however, that a wide variety of diameters and thicknesses may be implemented with respect to the body portion  146  and the lip portion  142  of the upper bushing  112  without straying beyond the scope of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the lip portion  142  serves to maintain the mounting of the drum  108  in cooperation with the bushings  112 ,  128  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Moreover, the upper bushing  112  is preferably formed out of a single piece of metal, although any suitably rigid materials may be used. In embodiments, the body portion  146  and the lip portion  142  may be adhered together along the relief portion  150 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate top views of the shaft  104  in accordance with the principles of one embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 5A , in an exemplary embodiment, the interior wall  114  comprises of elements  162 ,  163 ,  164 , and  165 ; each have a slightly varying length and shape, such that each of the elements  162 - 165  form a corresponding corner of the interior wall  114 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , it is to be appreciated that the elements  162 ,  163 ,  164  and  165  may be connected to one another to form the interior wall  114 , thereby defining the cavity  113 . However, such connection is not shown in  FIG. 5A  in order to bring special attention to the exemplary shape of the interior wall  114 . In one preferred embodiment, the shaft  104  has a length of substantially 13.736 inches. In one preferred embodiment, the shaft comprises of an insertion region  178  that has a length of substantially 3.66 inches. It is envisioned, however, that a wide variety of lengths and diameters may be implemented with respect to the shaft without straying beyond the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5C  illustrates a side view of a shaft  104  of an exemplary embodiment of a label drum in accordance with the principles of one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the shaft  104  includes a distal portion  174  and a proximal portion  170 . The proximal portion  170  is received through the bushings  112 ,  128  such that the drum  108  is retained. In an exemplary embodiment, once the shaft  104  is received through the upper and lower bushings, the proximal portion  170  is substantially flush with the upper bushing  112 . In one embodiment, the shaft is recessed in comparison to the upper bushing. In one embodiment, the shaft extends past the upper bushing. Persons having skill in the art will appreciate that the proximal portion of the shaft  104  shares the same shape as the same interior wall  114 , such that the shaft couples with the cavity  113  defined by the interior wall  114 . In one preferred embodiment, the cavity  113  is configured to limit the drum  108  to one axial position relative to the shaft  104 , as described herein. The distal portion  174  of the shaft may be coupled with other components as necessary with respect to label placing processes. Although the shaft  104  is shown as having a substantially cylindrical shape, a variety of other shapes may be implemented, including squares, triangles, or other geometric and/or symmetrical/asymmetrical shapes without limitation. 
         [0045]    While the invention has been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. To the extent there are variations of the invention, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the inventions found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well. Therefore, the present disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the appended claims.