Patent Description:
Labels are used for a large variety of purposes, for example, they are attached to packaging for commercial products or food products to indicate their contents, to machinery to indicate their model number, for pricing purposes and also for branding, to name a few. Labels can also be used for postage, to indicate the address for postal. Typically, labels are provided with an adhesive side that can be used to stick (i.e. adhere) to the target surface. A non-adhesive backing sheet is usually used to cover the adhesive side and separated when the adhesive label is to be stuck to the desired surface. Traditionally, a roll of adhesive label having a backing sheet attached, is provided in a continuous roll. The continuous roll is then cut to the desired length which may be for example, a single label, or a number of labels. However, the use of traditional adhesive labels having a backing sheet is not preferable because the backing sheet, once removed for the adhering process, becomes waste. Also, having both adhesive label and backing sheet on a roll requires two layers of materials, thus generally half of the material on a roll of adhesive layers is wasted. That is, the backing sheets represent approximately one half of the total thickness and mass of the label.

The cutting of the continuous roll can be carried out using a cutter such as a guillotine or scissors, or a cutting apparatus having a blade such as an industrial knife cutting machine. Some label cutters have an integrated sensor which can detect the end of a label, and provide precision cutting of labels at a high speed. For example, machine-readable markings are provided on the label so that a cutter or a printer having an integrated cutter can detect and precisely cut labels into units. However, this results sometimes in markings still being visible after cutting. The markings on the labels, which may be barcodes or quick response (QR) codes or the like, sometimes become unreadable.

There have been attempts to produce a label that is capable of being stuck to a desired surface, but which does not have a backing layer (i.e. a linerless label) in efforts of removing or at least partially mitigating these problems. However, the cutting process for separating a continuous roll of adhesive label becomes difficult. Typically, guillotines, scissor-type cutters, or other two-bladed cutter designs have been used. However, the cutting surface used to cut the labels come into contact with the adhesive surface of the label and struggles to cut the label, or fails to provide a precise cut. This is because the label adheres to the cutting surface of the blade and causes the build-up of adhesive or glue, making subsequent cuts increasingly more difficult. This problem can be realised when cutting a label with scissors having the backing layer already removed. The wiping action of cutting of opposing blades causes adhesive to dull the blades, which requires a more regular replacement of the blades. The build-up of adhesive or glue is also problematic as it requires cleaning of the blades. <CIT> discloses a cutter unit capable of improving cutting efficiency, the cutter unit comprises a movable blade that is configured to swing with respect to a fixed blade by making use of a rotating arm assembly. <CIT>provides a device having an arcuate blade, fixed to a skid, and a roller mechanism in contact with the skid to actuate the skid to provide a rolling shear cut.

It is an object of the invention to alleviate or mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems. Particularly, it is desirable to provide a label cutter that can be used to cut linerless labels. More specifically, it would be desirable to provide a label cutter that can be used to cut linerless labels having an adhesive on one side, and which is more resistant to dulling and thus, requires less frequent replacement. It would also be desirable to provide a label cutter which is resistant to the build-up of adhesive or glue on its surface.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a label cutter according to the appended claims.

According to the present invention, a label cutter is provided comprising a blade having a curved cutting edge configured and arranged to move towards a platen in order to cut a label material placed between them; a force applicator comprising a roller being arranged and configured to apply a force to a portion of the blade in the direction of the platen; an actuator operatively coupled to the force applicator and operable to cause the force applicator to move; the force applicator being moveable in order to, in use, apply a force to consecutive portions of the blade in the direction of the platen so as to provide a rolling engagement between the blade and the platen, wherein the blade comprises an engaging portion protruding from a body portion of the blade, at an edge opposite to the curved cutting edge, to contact the force applicator to define a pivot position, the engaging portion having at least one surface which is hook-shaped for being contacted by the force applicator, and wherein the engaging portion is arranged to retain the blade in place.

Thus, a label cutter with a blade having a curved cutting edge is provided, the curved cutting edge being capable of cutting the label material in a rolling motion (i.e. a rocking motion) such that consecutive portions along the surface of the curved cutting surface contact and cut the label material in a sequential manner. That is, there is provided point-to-point contact along the surface of the blade onto the label material. This is advantageous, because force from the blade is distributed along the surface of the platen, which reduces wear of both, the platen and the blade. The frequency of replacing the platen and the blade is therefore reduced. Additionally, a width-full cut across the curvature of the blade onto the platen is also provided, while reducing the footprint of the cutter. That is, a curved-edge cutting blade of a smaller size is capable of cutting a label of a given width, compared to a cutting blade having a non-curved profile.

In some embodiments, the curved cutting edge is a curved cutting surface or an otherwise curved profile that is capable of performing a cut.

In some preferred embodiments, the blade comprises a body portion having the curved cutting edge at a first edge and a supporting edge at the opposing edge. By having a blade which comprises a body portion having a curved cutting edge at a first edge and a supporting edge at the opposing edge, the label material can be positioned in place on the first edge of the blade. The supporting edge of the blade provides safety for handling the blade, and provides a surface for engaging with additionally parts of the label cutter. The label cutter may, for example have a roller that engages with the supporting edge of the blade to urge it towards the platen and thus, cut the label therebetween.

In specific embodiments, the blade is a mezzaluna (half-moon) blade.

In specific embodiments, the blade comprises a single curved cutting edge. A blade comprising a single curved cutting edge provides a continuous rolling motion the label material and distributes the force exerted by the blade.

In some embodiments, the curved cutting edge is convex in the direction of the platen. This provides a smooth profile across the cutting edge of the blade, providing a uniform distribution of force from the blades. This is advantageous since replacement of the blade and/or the platen will be required less frequently. That is, the label cutter can undergo a high number cutting cycles before parts of the label cutter, i.e. the blade and/or the platen, need to be replaced.

In specific embodiments, the force applicator is configured and arranged to, in use, apply an equal force to consecutive portions of the blade in the direction of the platen. By applying an equal force to consecutive portions of the blade in the direction of the platen, wear of the blade and wear of the platen is further prevented. That is, the impact of the blade is reduced by applying an equal force across the consecutive portions.

In specific embodiments, the consecutive portions comprise substantially the full length of the blade. By having consecutive portions comprising substantially the full length of the blade, the equal force can be applied across the full length of the blade. This is particularly advantageous because the label cutter can be cut across the whole length of the blade cutter without dulling the blade. This also prevents the adhesive side of the label from sticking and building up adhesive or glue on the surface of the cutting edge of the blade.

According to the invention, the force applicator is moveable along the length of the blade. In this way, force applicator being arranged and configured to apply a force to the whole length of the blade towards the platen.

According to the invention, the force applicator comprises a roller.

In specific embodiments, the roller comprises a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the curved cutting edge of the blade and further wherein the roller is caused to move, by the actuator, in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and parallel to the curved cutting edge of the blade. Thus, the roller can be moved along and apply a force along consecutive portions of the curved cutting edge of the blade towards the platen.

In some preferred embodiments, the roller exerts a force on the supporting edge of the blade in which the force is transferred through the body portion of the blade to the curved cutting edge of the blade.

In some embodiments, the roller exerts a constant force on the curved cutting edge of the blade as it moves along the length of the blade. Applying a constant force on the curved cutting edge via a roller as it moves along the length of the blade provides an advantageous of reducing the wear of the cutting edge of the blade. Thus, the blade can be used for an increased number of cutting cycles before needing to be replaced. The blade can also, or alternative be used for an increased number of cutting cycles before needing to be cleaned. The maintenance of the blade can thus be reduced.

In some preferred embodiments, the roller is resiliently biased against the blade. This is particularly advantageous because the roller is urged into contact with the blade so as to provide a constant force when cutting.

According to the invention, the blade comprises an engaging portion that protrudes from the body portion. This is beneficial because the engaging portion can retain the blade in place. Moreover, the blade engaging portion repositions the blade to maintain the blade in the desired position. Also according to the invention, the engaging portion contacts the roller and defines a position where the blade is pivoted around a corner. This causes the blade to rotate downwards, providing space for paper or adhesive feed past the blade.

According to the invention, the engaging portion contacts the force applicator to define a pivot position. That is, the pivot position is defined by a contact point between the engaging portion and the force applicator. Advantageously, when the force applicator contacts the engaging portion, a small amount of additional travel towards the engaging portion causes the force applicator to urge further towards the engaging portion.

According to the present invention, the blade is caused by the force applicator to rotate away from the platen by rotating about the pivot position. Advantageously, the rotation increases the space between the blade and the platen to allow for easy access to insert, remove or adjust material placed between the blade and the platen.

In specific embodiments, the engaging portion is configured to engage the force applicator when the force applicator is in a predetermined position. In this way, the engaging portion provides a locating function to position the force applicator.

In specific embodiments, the force applicator comprises a pair of arms spaced apart from one another along the length of the blade and each operatively coupled to the blade and to the actuator. By providing arms that are spaced apart from one another along the length of the blade, a force can be applied to either or both arms to move the cutting edge of the blade in rolling motion to exert a gradual force towards the platen.

In some specific embodiments, the pair of arms are each pivotably coupled to the blade.

In specific embodiments, the force applicator further comprises a pair of frame members, each of which are operatively coupled to one of the pair of arms respectively and configured to cause the arm to which it is coupled to move towards and away from the platen in response to operation of the actuator.

In some embodiments, the pair of frame members form an articulated linkage configured and arranged to transfer the operating force applied to a portion of the blade by the force applicator from one of the pair of arms to the other in response to operation of the actuator. This is particularly advantageous because the pair of arms can be coupled to one another, transferring operating force smoothly through the linkage of the frame members in response to the actuator. This facilitates a force transfer from one arm to the other along the blade such that the force is evenly distributed along the whole rolling motion of the blade onto the platen.

In specific embodiments, wherein the articulated linkage comprises a gear arrangement between the pair of frame members. The gear arrangement provides a force transfer through the linkage and reduces slippage between the frame members.

In some preferred embodiments, each of the pair of frame members causes the arm to which it is operatively coupled to pivot with respect to the blade such that the force applicator exerts a force in a direction substantially normal to the curved cutting edge. A force can thus be exerted across the length of the blade normal to the direction of the curved cutting edge towards the platen.

In certain embodiments, the force applicator is pivotably coupled to the blade.

In specific embodiments, the force applicator is operable to apply a force to a portion of the blade in the direction of the platen and normal to the portion of the curved cutting edge lying on the vector of the applied force.

In some embodiments, the platen is fixed in position relative to the blade.

In other embodiments, the platen is moveable relative to the blade. By having a platen that is moveable to the blade, the platen can be offset in order to load and unload the label material into and out of the label cutter between the platen and the blade.

In some preferred embodiments, the platen is a rotatable cylinder. This is particularly beneficial because the platen can be rotated such that if a portion of the platen has worn or is otherwise damaged, the platen can be rotated on a surface portion that is not worn, and replacement of the platen is required less frequently.

In some preferred embodiments, the surface of the platen comprises one or more grooves. This is advantageous since the grooves of the platen can produce a label material that is partially cut, or that is cut in certain places and not cut in other portions which are aligned to the grooves.

The one or more grooves can be, for example, provided on a rotatable cylinder platen in certain angular positions so as to provide partial cutting along the width of the label material in those angular positions. The cylinder platen could then be rotated onto a surface which does not have one or more grooves, so as to provide full cutting along the width of the label material. Thus, there is provided a label cutter which can provide both a full cut and a partial cut in a relatively simplistic manner.

In certain embodiments, the platen comprises a resiliently deformable surface. Thus, the action of the blade pushing into the resiliently deformable surface of the platen moves the label material away from the point of cut, further reducing the adhesive and glue otherwise collected on the cutting edge of the blade. Thus, the blade can be used across a larger number of cutting cycles before replacement of the blade is required.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a label issuing device comprising a label cutter. Thus, the label issuing device has an integral label cutter having the benefits as previously described above. Specifically, the label issuing device can produce a linerless label and which can be cut without dulling the blade. The longevity of the label issuing device having the label cutter is therefore improved.

Like reference numerals are used to depict like features throughout.

As used herein, the term "actuator" is used to describe a member that is operable or can be engaged with to operate or cause movement of the label cutter. The actuator may be a lever arm used to operate portions of the label cutter such as, for example, the arm members or the frame members to move the blade generally towards the platen.

As used herein, the term "articulated linkage" is used to describe the assembly of members together such that the movement of one member causes at least another member of the assembly to move. For example, members of an articulated linkage are coupled to one another and in a contacting relationship.

As used herein, the term "blade" is used to describe a surface of a cutter or a tool that is capable of cutting a material by contacting the material.

As used herein, the term "consecutive" is used to describe an adjacent or sequential positioning. For example, consecutive portions of a blade refer to sections of the blade which are next to one another, i.e. gradually moving along the surface of the blade.

As used herein, the term "mezzaluna" is used to describe a substantially semicircular shaped blade.

As used herein, the term "platen" is used to describe an anvil-like structure, against which a blade or a tool can be pressed against.

As used herein, the term "rolling engagement" is used to contact between two surfaces or members involving a rolling motion (i.e. a rocking motion), such as a curved surface meeting a flat surface. For example, the rolling engagement between blade and platen is such that consecutive portions along the surface of the curved cutting surface contact and cut the label material in a sequential manner. That is, there is provided point-to-point contact along the surface of the blade onto the label material.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words 'right', 'lef', 'lower', 'upper', 'front', 'rear', 'upward', 'down' and 'downward' designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted. The words 'inner', 'inwardly' and 'outer', 'outwardly' refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

Further, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives, such as, "first", "second", "third" etc. merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner.

<FIG> illustrates a label cutter <NUM>. The label cutter <NUM> comprises a platen <NUM> and a blade <NUM>. The blade <NUM> has a body with a curved profile. More specifically, blade <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, a cutting edge <NUM> proximal and facing the platen <NUM>, and a supporting edge <NUM> that is distal and facing away from the platen <NUM>. The cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> has a curved surface. In this example, the supporting edge <NUM> also has a curved surface having substantially the same curvature as that of the cutting edge <NUM>. The cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> and the supporting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> are concentric to each other. In some examples, the blade <NUM> is a mezzaluna blade. In some examples, the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> is convex in the direction of the platen <NUM>. In the configuration shown in <FIG>, the blade <NUM> is in a neutral position where a central portion of the blade <NUM> is closer to the platen <NUM> than portions along the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade towards the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. In use, a label material <NUM> is placed between the blade <NUM> and the platen <NUM> to be cut. A portion of the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade is in contact with the label material <NUM> at a given instance in time. For example, in the neutral position, a central portion of the blade <NUM> cutting edge <NUM> is in contact with the label <NUM>. The label <NUM> has a non-adhesive side placed in contact with the platen <NUM>, and an adhesive side facing the blade <NUM>. In some examples, only a tip of the cutting edge <NUM> contacts the label <NUM>.

A first force applicator <NUM> is provided proximal the first end <NUM> of the blade <NUM>. A second force applicator <NUM> is provided proximal the second end <NUM> of the blade <NUM>. Each of the first <NUM> and second <NUM> force applicators are attached near the supporting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> via a pin <NUM>. The first force applicator <NUM> and the second force applicator <NUM> are spaced apart from each other along the length of the blade <NUM>. The first force applicator <NUM> is provided with an additional pin <NUM> through which the first force applicator <NUM> is attached to a first gear arm <NUM>. Similarly, the second force applicator <NUM> is provided with an additional pin <NUM> through which the second force applicator <NUM> is attached to a second gear arm <NUM>. The first gear arm <NUM> is provided with a first gear head <NUM> at an end of the first gear arm <NUM>. The second gear arm <NUM> is provided with a second gear head <NUM> at an end of the second gear arm <NUM>. In this configuration, the first gear head <NUM> and the second gear head <NUM> are arranged to mesh with one another such that gear teeth (not shown) of both the first gear head <NUM> and the second gear head <NUM> can interlock with one another. In this example, the first force applicator <NUM> is pivotable about the pin <NUM> by which the first force applicator <NUM> is attached to the blade <NUM>. Also, the second force applicator <NUM> is pivotable about the pin <NUM> by which the second force applicator <NUM> is attached to the blade <NUM>.

Pins <NUM> connect the first force applicator <NUM> to the blade <NUM>, and the second force applicator <NUM> to the blade <NUM>. Additional pins <NUM> connect the first force applicator <NUM> to the first gear arm <NUM>. Additional pins <NUM> also connect the second force applicator <NUM> to the second gear arm <NUM>. This effectively creates a linkage between the first force applicator <NUM> and the first gear arm <NUM>, and a linkage between the second force applicator <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM>. That is, a first linkage is formed from the first force applicator <NUM> and the first gear arm <NUM>. A second linkage is formed from the second force applicator <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM>. Each of the first linkage and the second linkage is connected and coupled to the blade <NUM>. Thus, movement of either the first force applicator <NUM> or the first gear arm <NUM> causes blade <NUM> to move. Likewise, movement of either the second force applicator <NUM> or the second gear arm <NUM> causes the blade <NUM> to move. More specifically, moving either the first force applicator <NUM> or the first gear arm <NUM> causes a force to be applied to the blade <NUM> near the first end <NUM> of the blade <NUM> towards the platen <NUM>. Moving either the second force applicator <NUM> or the second gear arm <NUM> causes a force to be applied to the blade <NUM> near the second end <NUM> of the blade <NUM> towards the platen <NUM>. The first gear head <NUM> and the second gear head <NUM> are arranged to mesh with one another. This a linkage between the first linkage comprising the first force applicator <NUM> and the first gear arm <NUM>, and the second linkage comprising the second force applicator <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM>. Thus, when either of the first force applicator <NUM> and the first gear arm <NUM> is moved (i.e. a force is applied to them), the second force applicator <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM> also move. For example, when a force is applied to the first linkage such that the first force applicator <NUM> moves generally upward, and thus the end proximal the first end <NUM> of the blade <NUM> moves upward, a force in substantially the opposite direction is applied to the second linkage such that the second force applicator <NUM> moves generally downward.

Since both the first force applicator <NUM> and the second force applicator <NUM> are attached to the blade <NUM>, the side of the blade <NUM> near the first end <NUM> moves generally upward while the side of the blade <NUM> near the second end <NUM> moves generally downward. This causes a force to be applied the blade <NUM> along consecutive portions of the blade <NUM>. That is, a force is applied gradually along the profile of the cutting edge <NUM>. For example, the blade <NUM> starts in the neutral position where a central portion of the blade <NUM> is placed in contact with the label <NUM> to be cut. As the first force applicator <NUM> moves upward, the end of the first gear arm <NUM> near the first gear head <NUM> moves downward and causes the second force applicator <NUM> to move downwards. As a result, the curved cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> moves in a rolling motion such that gradually, consecutive portions along the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> contact the label <NUM>. That is, initially contact between the blade <NUM> and the label <NUM> (i.e. the blade <NUM> pushing against the platen <NUM>) occurs at the centre of the blade, and gradually the blade <NUM> rolls such that engagement between the blade <NUM> and the label <NUM> towards the platen <NUM> moves along the surface of the cutting edge <NUM> towards the first end <NUM>. This rolling motion and rolling engagement will be described in more detail with reference to the later drawings. It should be appreciated that in some examples, the blade <NUM> pushes towards the platen <NUM> such that the label <NUM> tends to move away from the point of cut.

An actuator <NUM> in the form of a handle is provided in the label cutter <NUM> assembly. The handle <NUM> can be operated by a user to move the first force applicator <NUM>. In this example, the handle <NUM> is connected to the first gear arm <NUM> of the first linkage, however it should be appreciated that the handle <NUM> could instead be mounted or otherwise coupled to the first force applicator. It should also be appreciated that the handle could be mounted on any component of the first linkage or the second linkage, so long as the operation of the handle causes the first force applicator <NUM> and/or the second force applicator <NUM> to move. The operation of the handle <NUM> causes the components to which the handle <NUM> is coupled to, to move towards or away from the platen <NUM>. For example, the actuator <NUM> could be coupled to the second force applicator <NUM> or to the second gear arm <NUM>, for example. The user could also directly move the first linkage and/or the second linkage to cause cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> to rollingly engage with the platen <NUM> to cut the label <NUM>. The handle <NUM> could also be provided with a gripping portion (not shown) that provides an area for the user to grip. The handle <NUM> could also, or alternatively, have a receiving portion (e.g. see <FIG>, <NUM>) for a user to engage the handle <NUM> with. In this particular example, the first gear arm <NUM> is provided with a pivot point <NUM>. Also in this particular example, the second gear arm <NUM> is provided with a pivot point <NUM>. A constant couple is applied to the first gear arm <NUM> at pivot point <NUM>. Alternatively, a constant couple is applied to the second gear arm <NUM> at pivot point <NUM>. The magnitude of the couple is applied such as to reliably affect a cut of the label <NUM> via an action of the blade <NUM>. The purpose of the pivot points <NUM>,<NUM> will further be made clearer with reference to the subsequent drawings. In other examples, it is envisaged that the actuator <NUM> could be arranged inboard on the blade so as to reduce the overall size and footprint of the label cutter <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a label cutter <NUM> comprising a platen <NUM> and a blade <NUM>. The label cutter <NUM> in this example is provided with a mounting rig <NUM> having a plurality of mounting apertures <NUM> provided and arranged through the surface of the mounting rig <NUM>. The mounting rig <NUM> can be arranged on a surface of an apparatus or a work surface (not shown) and thus can affix the label cutter <NUM> thereon. For example, the mounting rig <NUM> can be mounting onto an end of a label manufacturing apparatus so as to provide a cutting station to unitise the labels. Mounting the rig <NUM> onto, for example, the apparatus or work surface can be done by arranging one or more of apertures <NUM> with apertures on the apparatus or work surface, for example, and placing a fastener therethrough to hold the label cutter <NUM> in place. Alternatively, the mounting rig <NUM> can be placed onto the surface to which the label cutter <NUM> is desired to be mounted, and holes can be drilled to the surface, and a fastener inserted therethrough to hold the label cutter <NUM> in place. The mounting rig <NUM> is further provided with a window <NUM> through which the other side of the mounting rig <NUM> can be viewed.

The label cutter <NUM> is substantially as described in <FIG> so will not be described again in detail. Additionally in <FIG>, however, the blade <NUM> further comprises a number of apertures <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>. More specifically, the blade <NUM> is provided with a first aperture <NUM> near the first end <NUM> of the blade <NUM>, a second aperture <NUM> near the second end <NUM> of the blade <NUM>, and a central aperture <NUM> near the centre of the blade <NUM>. In this example, the mounting rig is additionally provided with first rig aperture <NUM> and a second rig aperture <NUM>. The first rig aperture <NUM> is configured to align with, or at least partially align with, the first aperture <NUM> of the blade <NUM> when the blade <NUM> is at one extreme position. Similarly, the second rig aperture <NUM> is configured to align with, or at least partially align with, the second aperture <NUM> of the blade <NUM> when the blade <NUM> is at another extreme position. At least partially align with, in this context, refers to where two apertures at least partly overlap one another. This is advantageous because it provides an indication of when the blade <NUM> is at an extreme position. An alternative benefit of this is that a fastener can be inserted through for example, the first rig aperture <NUM> and the first aperture <NUM> of the blade <NUM>, holding the blade <NUM> in a desired position.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG> in combination, the label cutter <NUM> is shown at a right-most extremity, where the side proximal the second end <NUM> of the blade <NUM> is arranged to move towards the platen <NUM>. As the first force applicator <NUM> moves down, the end of the first gear arm <NUM> distal the first gear head <NUM> moves downward also. The other end of the first gear arm <NUM> proximal the first gear head <NUM> does not move down since the first gear head <NUM> is in contacting engagement with the second gear head <NUM>. The meshing of the first gear head <NUM> and the second gear head <NUM> causes the second force applicator <NUM> to move upwards, exerting a force on the blade <NUM> in an upward direction on the side proximal the second end <NUM>. The simultaneous downward movement of the first force applicator <NUM> and the upward movement of the second force applicator <NUM> in an articulating linkage causes the blade <NUM> to move in a rolling motion against the platen <NUM> from the neutral position (i.e. central position) to the right-most extremity position shown in <FIG>. As a result, the curved cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> moves in a rolling motion such that gradually, consecutive portions along the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> contact the label <NUM>. The rolling motion of the blade <NUM> onto the platen <NUM> exerts a constant force on the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> as it moves across consecutive portions of the cutting edge <NUM>. That is, the rolling motion of the blade <NUM> causes a point-to-point contact along the surface of the blade <NUM>.

Though not specifically shown in <FIG>, the blade also moves to the left-most extremity, where the side proximal the first end <NUM> of the blade <NUM> is arranged to move towards the platen <NUM>. In the left-most extremity position, second force applicator <NUM> moves downward. In response to the downward movement of the second force applicator <NUM>, the end of the second gear arm <NUM> distal the second gear head <NUM> moves downward also. The other end of the second gear arm <NUM> proximal the second gear head <NUM> does not move down since +the second gear head <NUM> is in contacting engagement with the first gear head <NUM>. The meshing of the second gear head <NUM> and the first gear head <NUM> causes the first force applicator <NUM> to move upwards, exerting a force on the blade <NUM> in an upward direction on the side proximal the first end <NUM>. The simultaneous downward movement of the second force applicator <NUM> and the upward movement of the first force applicator <NUM> in an articulating linkage causes the blade <NUM> to move in a rolling motion against the platen <NUM> towards the left-most extremity position. As a result, the curved cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> moves in a rolling motion towards the left-most extreme position such that gradually, consecutive portions along the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> contact the label <NUM>. The rolling motion of the blade <NUM> onto the platen <NUM> exerts a constant force on the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> as it moves across consecutive portions of the cutting edge <NUM>. That is, the rolling motion of the blade <NUM> causes a point-to-point contact along the surface of the blade <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, on the rear side of the label cutter <NUM> there is provided with a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is provided with a pivot point <NUM> which is aligned with the pivot point <NUM> provided on the second gear arm <NUM> via a pin (not shown). The second gear arm <NUM> is rotatable about pivot point <NUM>. In a similar manner, the handle is provided with another pivot point <NUM> which is aligned with the pivot point <NUM> in the first gear arm <NUM> via a pin (not shown). The first gear arm <NUM> is rotatable about pivot point <NUM>. Thus, the handle <NUM> is configured to rotate about pivot point <NUM> positioned in between the pivot points <NUM>,<NUM>. The handle <NUM> is coupled to each of the first gear arm <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is further provided with a receiving portion <NUM> that is designed for a user to grip and turn the handle <NUM>. In other examples, it is envisaged that the handle is driven by a pin and crank (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, it is envisaged that the handle may be driven by a power source such as, but not limited to a DC motor or a stepper motor (not shown). When the handle <NUM> is turned, the first <NUM> and second <NUM> gear arms move, and therefore the first <NUM> and second <NUM> force applicators move as hereinbefore described. This provides a rolling engagement between the blade <NUM> and platen <NUM>. This arrangement of the handle <NUM> is particularly beneficial over the configuration in <FIG> since the handle <NUM> is coupled to both the first gear arm <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM>. A disadvantage associated with the particular arrangement of <FIG> is that the handle <NUM> in <FIG> is coupled to one of the first gear arm <NUM> and second gear arm <NUM>. That is, the handle <NUM> is closer to one gear arm than the other. Because of this, the forces exerted by the respective force applicators <NUM>,<NUM> are slightly uneven, though this is not substantial. In this particular example, the mounting rig <NUM> is provided with a viewing window <NUM> through which the position of the blade <NUM> can be seen. By providing the handle <NUM> to be coupled to be the first gear arm <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM>, both the first force applicator <NUM> and the second force applicator <NUM> function to provide equal force application to consecutive portions of the blade <NUM> in the direction of the platen <NUM>. That is, an even force is distributed along the blade <NUM> cutting edge <NUM> so as to roll the blade <NUM> cutting edge <NUM> towards the surface of the platen <NUM> to cut the label material positioned in between the blade <NUM> and the platen <NUM>. Given the arrangement of the handle <NUM> coupled to both the first gear arm <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM>, and a constant force applied to the gear arrangement between the first gear arm <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM>, the force applied when the blade <NUM> is positioned at both the left-most and right-most extremities are substantially the same.

<FIG> shows a close-up view of the label cutter <NUM> as viewed from the front. When the blade <NUM> is positioned in the right-most extremity, the corner of the blade <NUM> between the second edge <NUM> and the cutting edge <NUM> is aligned with the end of the platen <NUM>. It is at the end of the blade <NUM> that blade <NUM> stops rolling on the platen <NUM> (i.e. at the end, the blade <NUM> pivots about its corner). This allows cutting across the whole length of the blade <NUM>, i.e. across all the consecutive portions along the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM>. As shown, the second force applicator <NUM> is pivoted to be in a non-vertical position. In the same way, though not shown in <FIG>, when the blade <NUM> is positioned in the left-most extremity, the corner of the blade <NUM> between the first edge <NUM> and the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> is aligned with the end of the platen <NUM> (i.e. at the end, the blade <NUM> pivots about its corner). Likewise, this allows the cutting to be across the entire surface of the blade <NUM> cutting edge <NUM>, i.e. across all the consecutive portions along the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM>. In this arrangement, the first force applicator <NUM> is arranged non-vertically.

<FIG> shows a label cutter <NUM> in a neutral position. where a central portion of the blade <NUM> is closer to the platen <NUM> than portions along the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> towards the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. In this configuration, the first gear arm <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM> are parallel to and in line with one another. The first gear arm <NUM> is coupled to a first force applicator <NUM> via a pin <NUM>, about which the first force applicator <NUM> and the first gear arm <NUM> can pivot relative to one another. The second gear arm <NUM> is coupled to a second force applicator <NUM> via a pin <NUM>, about which the second force applicator <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM> can pivot relative to one another. In the neutral position as illustrated, the first force applicator <NUM> and the first gear arm <NUM> are substantially perpendicular to one another, the first force applicator <NUM> in this example being substantially vertical. Also in the neutral position as illustrated, the second force applicator <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM> are substantially perpendicular to one another, the second force applicator <NUM> being substantially vertical.

<FIG> is a rear view of the label cutter <NUM> in the neutral position, generally as described above with reference to <FIG>. A handle <NUM> is provided and positioned horizontally such that handle aperture <NUM> aligns with pivot point <NUM>, and handle aperture <NUM> aligns with pivot point <NUM>. A pin (not shown) is received through handle aperture <NUM> and pivot point <NUM>. An additionally pin(not shown) is received through handle aperture <NUM> and pivot point <NUM> so as to couple the handle with both the first gear arm <NUM> and the second gear arm <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is further provided with a receiving portion <NUM> that is that is designed for a user to grip and turn the handle <NUM>. In other examples, it is envisaged that the handle is driven by a pin and crank (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, it is envisaged that the handle may be driven by a power source such as, but not limited to a DC motor or a stepper motor (not shown).

<FIG> shows a label cutter <NUM> that is substantially the same as that in <FIG> and thus, aspects and features akin to those in <FIG> will not be described again in detail. The first gear arm <NUM> is further provided with a first extension member <NUM> that is fixedly mounted to the first gear arm <NUM>. The second gear arm <NUM> is provided with a second extension member <NUM> that is fixedly mounted to the second gear arm <NUM>. In this example, the first extension member <NUM> and the second extension member <NUM> are fixedly mounted to the respective gear arms <NUM>,<NUM>. However, it is envisaged that they may instead be pivotably mounted about their respective gear arms <NUM>,<NUM>. A resilient member, which in this example is a coil spring <NUM>, is attached to the ends of the extension members <NUM>,<NUM> distal the ends attached to the gear arms <NUM>,<NUM>. Thus, a biasing force is provided so as to resilient bias the assembly back to the neutral position hereinbefore described. That is, the coil spring <NUM> in the natural position of the label cutter <NUM> is in a compressed state. When the label cutter <NUM> moves from the neutral position towards either the left-most extremity position or the right-most extremity position, i.e. away from the natural position, the coil spring <NUM> extends and provides a restoring force tending towards the compressed state, i.e. the neutral position. In this example, the extension of the coil spring <NUM> over the cutting cycle is substantially less than the initial extension of the coil spring <NUM> when the coil spring <NUM> is assembled. This provides a constant coupling force at points denoted <NUM> or <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that in some other examples, the extension of the coil spring <NUM> over the cutting cycle may be more than the initial extension of the spring <NUM> as assembled. It is further envisaged that the resilient member could be a clock spring, or another means that is capable of providing a restoring force.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is provided a label cutter <NUM> showing only a platen <NUM> and label <NUM>. The platen <NUM> in this arrangement comprises a series of grooves <NUM> along its surface on which the label <NUM> is placed. The grooved surface of the platen <NUM> extends in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platen <NUM>. When a blade (see <FIG>, <NUM>) rollingly engages with the platen, a partial cut can be formed across the width of the label <NUM>. More specifically, the blade (not shown) exerts a force onto the platen <NUM> as the blade (not shown) rolls across its surface. When the blade (not shown) reaches a portion of the platen <NUM> that has a groove surface, the blade cannot exert a force to cut the label <NUM> that is positioned on the surface of the groove <NUM>. Therefore, there is produced a label <NUM> that is only partially cut. It is envisaged that the platen <NUM> could be a rotatable cylinder having an array of grooves <NUM> positioned in the longitudinal axis on its surface. Thus, the rotatable cylinder platen (not shown) can be selectively rotated so as to selectively provide a platen <NUM> that may or may not have grooves <NUM>. This allows the label <NUM> to be partially cut or fully cut, depending on the desired cut for the label <NUM>. It should also be appreciated that perforated cuts of various shapes and sizes can be provided by altering the profile of the grooves.

<FIG> illustrates a label cutter <NUM> having a platen <NUM> and blade <NUM> as hereinbefore described with reference to <FIG>, and so will not be described again in detail. A first force applicator <NUM> is provided on a first side of the blade <NUM>. A second force applicator <NUM> is provided on a second side of the blade <NUM>. Each of the first <NUM> and second <NUM> force applicators are configured to provide a vertical force to the blade <NUM>. By alternating the movement of the first force applicator <NUM> and the second force applicator <NUM>, the curved cutting edge of the blade <NUM> is rolled along the platen <NUM>. More specifically, alternated application of force vertical from the first force applicator <NUM> and second force applicator <NUM> provides a rocking or rolling motion of the blade <NUM> onto the platen <NUM> so as to cut a label (not shown) therebetween. However, vertical force application exerts uneven force on the platen <NUM>. In some examples, the vertical applicator of force from the blade <NUM> onto the platen <NUM> creates wear in the platen <NUM> at the location of the force application by the respective force applicators <NUM>,<NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a label cutter <NUM> having a platen <NUM> and blade <NUM> as hereinbefore described with reference to <FIG>, and so will not be described again in detail. A force applicator <NUM> is provided in the form of a roller having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the platen <NUM> (i.e. into the page). The roller <NUM> is moveable along the length of the blade <NUM> following a path that is substantially parallel to the cutting edge of the blade <NUM>, and perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. In some examples, the roller <NUM> moves parallel to the supporting edge of the blade <NUM>. As the roller <NUM> moves along the blade <NUM>, the roller <NUM> exerts a force onto the supporting edge of the blade <NUM> in the direction of platen <NUM>. The force exerted by the roller <NUM> is thus transferred through the body of the blade <NUM> towards to the curved cutting edge of the blade <NUM>. Thus, a label (not shown) which is placed between the cutting edge of the blade <NUM>, and the platen <NUM> is cut by the blade <NUM>. In some examples, the roller <NUM> exerts a force on the supporting edge of the blade <NUM> that is constant as it moves along the blade <NUM>. In some examples, the roller <NUM> is spring loaded so as to be resiliently biased against the platen <NUM>. This provides a constant force to the bottom curved edge of the blade <NUM>. The force is transferred through the blade <NUM> to the cutting edge. When the roller <NUM> travels in a straight line parallel to the platen <NUM>, the blade <NUM> is caused to roll along the platen <NUM> so as to provide a constant cutting force to the blade <NUM> cutting point at the point of travel.

<FIG> show a label cutter <NUM> comprising a platen <NUM> and a blade <NUM>. The platen <NUM> in this example is provided with a notch <NUM> and the blade <NUM> is provided with a corresponding groove or recess <NUM>. The notch <NUM> and the recess <NUM> provide a gap in between them to allow label (not shown) or paper (not shown) to be fed between the platen <NUM> and the blade <NUM>. This allows loading of the material to be cut, with greater ease. It is envisaged that a similar arrangement to that in <FIG> can be provided, having a label cutter comprising a platen and a blade. The platen in such envisagement is provided with a recess and the blade is provided with a corresponding. The recess and the notch provide a gap therebetween, allowing label, paper, or any other loading material (not shown) to be fed between the platen and the blade. In some examples, it is envisaged that the label or paper is guided over the platen in a trajectory which is appropriate such that the edge of the paper is used to scrape the platen to remove the build-up of adhesive. The scraping action provided by the paper edge may be in the forward feed, or in the backward feed.

<FIG> illustrate a label cutter <NUM> having a platen <NUM> and blade <NUM> as hereinbefore described with reference to <FIG>. The blade <NUM> is provided with an engaging portion <NUM> at the first end of the blade <NUM>. The blade <NUM> comprises the cutting edge <NUM>, the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. The engaging portion <NUM> may be provided in the form of a hook. The engaging portion <NUM> may have at least one surface which is hook-shaped, which is a surface casing inwardly along the blade for being contacted by the force applicator as will be explained. The engaging portion <NUM> protrudes from the bottom edge of the blade <NUM>. The engaging portion <NUM> is at an opposing side of the blade <NUM> from the cutting edge <NUM>. In some examples, the engaging portion <NUM> alternatively or additionally protrudes from the second end of the blade. The engaging portion <NUM> provides a locating function in order to position the roller <NUM>. That is, by providing the engaging portion <NUM>, the extremity (or extremities) of the path of the roller <NUM> is (are) predetermined so as to affect the cut.

<FIG> illustrates axes x, y and z. The roller <NUM> may extend along the z direction. The blade <NUM> may extend parallel to the x-y plane. The platen <NUM> may extend parallel to the x-z plane. The +y direction may be considered as 'towards the platen <NUM>' and the -y direction may be considered as 'away from the platen <NUM>'.

The engaging portion <NUM> forms a corner <NUM> on the blade <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The force applicator, such as the roller <NUM>, moves along the opposing side of the blade <NUM> from the cutting edge <NUM> to contact the engaging portion <NUM>, at a contact point as shown in <FIG>. The contact point defines a pivot position. For example, the pivot position may be the corner <NUM>.

When the roller <NUM> contacts the hook <NUM>, a small amount of additional travel towards the hook <NUM> causes the roller <NUM> to urge further towards the hook <NUM>. The corner <NUM> may force the roller <NUM> to move along the engaging portion <NUM>. This urging of the roller <NUM> towards to hook <NUM> causes the blade <NUM> to rotate about the corner <NUM> of the blade <NUM>. This movement pivots the blade <NUM> around the corner <NUM>. In this way, the blade <NUM> is caused by the force applicator <NUM>, such as the roller <NUM>, to rotate away from the platen <NUM> by rotating about the pivot position.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, when the blade <NUM> is in the x-y plane, the rotation away from the platen <NUM> may be considered as a clockwise or downwards rotation. It will be appreciated that the rotation of the blade <NUM> away from the platen <NUM> by rotating about the pivot position may cause the first end <NUM> to move in the +y direction and the second end <NUM> to move in -y direction, such that the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> to move away from the platen <NUM>.

The downward movement (i.e. the rotation of the blade <NUM> away from the platen <NUM>) of the blade increases the space between the blade <NUM> and the platen <NUM> for the adhesive or label (not shown) to be fed past the blade <NUM>.

The hook <NUM> also provides the function of retaining the blade <NUM>. The hook <NUM> of the blade <NUM> is received in a housing (not shown) below the blade such that when the roller <NUM> moves along the blade, the hook <NUM> engages a portion of the housing below. The hook <NUM> repositions the blade <NUM> each stroke (passing of the roller <NUM> along the blade <NUM>) to prevent the misalignment of the blade. That is, the blade <NUM> is prevented from drifting out of position when effecting the cutting motion of the blade <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a label cutter <NUM> with a roller <NUM> which acts as a force applicator, as in the examples described above with reference to <FIG>. The roller <NUM> is not shown in <FIG> but is shown in <FIG>. The label cutter <NUM> is shown in side-view in <FIG> and is shown rotated approximately <NUM> degrees anticlockwise to an axis running down the page of <FIG>. <FIG> also provide further views of various parts of the label cutter <NUM> as will be explained.

The label cutter <NUM> comprises a frame indicated generally by reference numeral <NUM>. The frame <NUM> provides a support for components of the label cutter <NUM> as described below. The frame <NUM> may comprise a first side frame <NUM> and a second side frame <NUM>. The first and second side frames <NUM>, <NUM> are laterally spaced-apart to form a channel <NUM> there-between. The frame <NUM> may comprise an aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> is provided through both the first and second side frames <NUM>, <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> comprises at least a first edge <NUM> and a second edge <NUM>. The first and second edges <NUM>, <NUM> are in opposed relation. At least a portion of the first edge <NUM>, herein referred to as a lower portion <NUM>, is arranged to receive a force from the roller <NUM> as will be described below.

The frame <NUM> at least partially houses a blade <NUM> which is moveably positioned in the channel <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>) between the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM>. The channel <NUM> retains the blade <NUM> and restricts lateral movement of the blade <NUM>, such that only vertical movement towards and away from a platen <NUM> is permitted. The channel <NUM> may extend within the frame <NUM> above the first edge <NUM> and below the second edge <NUM> i.e. above and below the aperture <NUM>. The first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM> are substantially parallel to the blade <NUM>. The blade <NUM> may be any blade described above, such as the blade <NUM> having the engaging portion <NUM>. The blade <NUM> comprises a curved cutting edge 1820a and a supporting edge 1820b.

The frame <NUM> may be shaped to receive a platen <NUM>. The platen <NUM> is removeably engaged with the frame <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> comprises an elongate opening or slit <NUM> in which the platen <NUM> is inserted. The platen <NUM> may be any platen described above, such as a smooth platen or the platen <NUM> with the grooved surface as shown in <FIG>. The platen <NUM>, when engaged with the frame <NUM>, is arranged perpendicular to the blade <NUM> such that the curved cutting edge 1820a may contact a surface of the platen <NUM> as discussed above.

In some examples, the platen <NUM> is secured to the label cutter <NUM> using a platen carrier <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is shaped to receive the platen carrier <NUM> within which the platen <NUM> is held. The platen <NUM> may protrude from the platen carrier <NUM> such that an end of the platen <NUM> is accessible to the user to assist with removal. The platen carrier <NUM> may be inserted into the elongate opening or slit <NUM>. The platen <NUM> may be removeably engaged with the platen carrier <NUM>. The platen carrier <NUM> may be removeably engaged with the frame <NUM>.

In some examples, the platen <NUM> comprises one or more grips which can be held by the user when removing and inserting the platen <NUM> to improve user safety and convenience. A grip is arranged at one end of the platen <NUM>, for example in the form of a textured pattern on the platen <NUM>. When the platen <NUM> is held within the platen carrier <NUM>, the grip is arranged at the end of the platen <NUM> protruding from the platen carrier <NUM>.

The label cutter <NUM> comprises a shuttle <NUM> which is moveable in relation to the frame <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> is shown in <FIG> in the 'home position'. The label cutter <NUM> comprises at least one track along which the shuttle is moveable in an axis parallel with a surface of the platen <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the shuttle <NUM> is moveable along the second edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> forming part of the track. The shuttle <NUM> carries the roller <NUM> such that movement of the shuttle <NUM> causes movement of the roller <NUM> along the blade <NUM>, which in turn causes vertical movement of the blade <NUM>. The motion of the shuttle <NUM> is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platen <NUM>. The track along which the shuttle <NUM> is moveable comprises an upper track <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper track <NUM> is mounted upon an outer surface of one of the side frames <NUM>, <NUM>. The upper track <NUM> is arranged to engage with a portion of the shuttle <NUM> to stabilise the shuttle <NUM> as it moves along the second edge <NUM>. That is, the second edge <NUM> and the upper track <NUM> form a pair of tracks or guides along which the shuttle <NUM> is moveably mounted and retained there-between. A movement mechanism <NUM> indicated generally by reference numeral <NUM> is arranged to move the shuttle <NUM> in first and second opposed directions along the guides, which in turn causes movement of the roller <NUM> and will described in more detail below. The movement mechanism <NUM> may comprise at least one pulley 2020a, 2020b and a belt <NUM> or chain.

The label cutter <NUM> may comprise a locking mechanism indicated generally by reference numeral <NUM>. The locking mechanism <NUM> is arranged to lockingly engage the platen <NUM> with the frame <NUM> to prevent unintentional removal of the platen <NUM>. In some examples, the locking mechanism <NUM> is arranged to prevent the platen <NUM> from being removed from the frame <NUM> unless the blade <NUM> and the shuttle <NUM> are in the 'home position'.

As shown particularly in <FIG>, the shuttle <NUM> carries a biasing means for biasing the roller <NUM> against the blade <NUM>, urging the blade toward the platen <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the biasing means comprises a roller spring <NUM>. The roller spring is arranged at the second side <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> supports a roller guide <NUM> at an opposite side of the frame <NUM> to the shuttle <NUM>. One or more supports <NUM>, in the illustrated example a pair of supports <NUM>, extend through the aperture <NUM> from a body of the shuttle to support the roller guide <NUM>. The roller guide <NUM> comprises a generally vertical channel within which the roller spring <NUM> is located. The roller spring <NUM> is arranged within the channel against an inner end face of the channel at one end. A carrier <NUM> is moveably located within the channel. The carrier <NUM> supports an axle of the roller <NUM>, such that the roller <NUM> is moveable toward and away from the blade <NUM> and the platen <NUM>. The roller spring <NUM> is arranged to contact the carrier <NUM> to bias the carrier <NUM> and roller <NUM> in a direction toward the blade <NUM>. The roller spring <NUM> applies force between the end face of the channel and the carrier <NUM>.

The roller spring <NUM> causes the roller <NUM> to be spring loaded so as to be resiliently biased toward the platen <NUM>. The roller spring <NUM> is arranged to provide a constant force to the supporting edge 1820b. The force is transferred through the blade <NUM> to the cutting edge 1820a. When the roller <NUM> moves in a line substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platen <NUM>, the roller <NUM> exerts a force on the supporting edge 1820b which causes the curved cutting edge 1820a of the blade <NUM> to move along the platen <NUM> so as to provide the constant cutting force.

The first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM> are co-located, and may be attached to each other in some examples, in a horizontally spaced apart arrangement using attachment means, such as fasteners, or may be formed from a unitary component. The first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM> may be plates, which may be made of metal, such as steel or aluminium. Corresponding apertures in each of the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM> are aligned to form the aperture <NUM>.

The roller <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be the roller <NUM> or roller <NUM> described above and may be arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the roller <NUM> is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the platen <NUM>. The description of the roller <NUM> in relation to <FIG> is applicable to the interaction of the roller <NUM> interacts with the supporting edge 1820b of the blade <NUM> to cut a label (not shown) which is placed between the cutting edge 1820a and the platen <NUM>. Therefore, the description will not be repeated here for clarity and the reader is directed above.

Referring now to <FIG>, which illustrate a portion of the label cutter <NUM>, the shuttle <NUM> is shown from a view offset from a top view. As mentioned above, the shuttle <NUM> is moveable along the second edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> supports the roller <NUM>, such that movement of the shuttle <NUM> causes corresponding linear movement of the roller <NUM>. The linear movement of the shuttle <NUM> and roller <NUM> causes vertical movement of the blade <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> comprises a carriage <NUM> which forms the body of the shuttle <NUM> and at least one guide wheel 2050a, 2050b mounted upon the carriage <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the shuttle <NUM> comprises first and second guide wheels 2050a, 2050b. The carriage <NUM> is disposed within the aperture <NUM> and extends laterally to outside the frame <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> is arranged to support the roller <NUM>, such that when the carriage <NUM> is moved, the roller <NUM> is moved along the same path as the carriage <NUM>. The curved surface of the roller <NUM> faces the first edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>.

Each guide wheel 2050a, 2050b comprises a portion 2055b having an increased radius which is located within the channel <NUM> between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> such that the movement of the at least one guide wheel 2050a, 2050b is limited to the along the second edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. In some examples, the portion having the increased radius is a central portion of the guide wheel 2050a, 2050b such that outer portions of the guide wheel run along respective edges of the first and second side frames <NUM>, <NUM>. The at least one guide wheel 2050a, 2050b is arranged at an opposite side of the carriage <NUM> to the roller <NUM> so the roller <NUM> and at least one guide wheel 2050a, 2050b are vertically displaced from one another on the carriage <NUM>. The at least one guide wheel 2050a, 2050b is arranged such that its axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the platen <NUM>. That is, the axis of the at least one guide wheel 2050a, 2050b is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roller <NUM>.

An abutment <NUM> of the shuttle <NUM> is arranged to engage with a groove <NUM> of the upper track <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Therefore, when the shuttle <NUM> moves along the second edge <NUM>, the abutment <NUM> may move within the groove <NUM> to stabilise and retain the shuttle <NUM>. In some examples, the abutment is an upper guide wheel <NUM> which is mounted upon an upper portion of the shuttle <NUM>. The upper guide wheel <NUM> is arranged to rotate and to move along the groove <NUM>. The abutment or upper guide wheel <NUM> may engage a locking mechanism <NUM> as will be discussed below.

<FIG> illustrates the interaction between the shuttle <NUM> and the movement mechanism <NUM>. The movement mechanism <NUM> causes movement of the carriage <NUM> which in turn causes movement of the roller <NUM> which causes the blade <NUM> to move to perform the cutting motion as discussed above. In particular, the belt <NUM> is driven around the at least one pulley 2020a, 2020b. The belt <NUM> engages with the carriage <NUM> (as shown at point A) so that the belt <NUM> pulls the carriage <NUM> with it as the belt <NUM> moves around the at least one pulley 2020a, 2020b. In the example shown in <FIG>, the belt <NUM> is trapped between a recess within the carriage <NUM>. The movement of the carriage <NUM> along with the belt <NUM> causes the at least one guide wheel 2050a, 2050b to move along the second edge <NUM> and movement of the roller <NUM>. The roller <NUM> is moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platen <NUM> along the supporting edge 1820b of the blade <NUM>. This mechanical arrangement translates the motion of the roller <NUM> caused by the carriage <NUM> into movement of the blade <NUM> as the roller <NUM> exerts a force on the supporting edge 1820b of the blade <NUM> to cause the cutting motion of the curved cutting edge 1820a along the platen <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the carriage <NUM> is generally triangularly shaped with two lower guide wheels 2050a, 2050b and one upper guide wheel <NUM>. The roller <NUM> is located at an upper apex and the two guide wheels 2050a, 2050b are located at two lower adjacent apexes. However, it will be appreciated that other shaped carriages could be used with different positioning of the roller and the at least one guide wheel, such as an oval or rectangle, provided that the roller <NUM> contacts the supporting edge 1820b of the blade <NUM> and the at least one guide wheel 2050a, 2050b moves along the second edge <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the blade <NUM> performing a cutting motion in which the roller <NUM> is exerting force on the supporting edge 1820b of the blade <NUM> which causes a part of the curved cutting edge 1820a to contact the platen <NUM>. When the blade <NUM> performs the cutting motion, the first edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> does not experience any force from the roller <NUM>. This is because the supporting edge 1820b of the blade <NUM> extends beyond, particularly below, the first edge <NUM> of the frame so that the spring- loaded roller <NUM>, which is resiliently biased towards the platen <NUM>, contacts the supporting edge 1820b of the blade <NUM> before the first edge <NUM>. In <FIG>, the blade <NUM> and the shuttle <NUM> are distal from the 'home position' i.e. in a cutting position. However a portion of the first edge <NUM>, indicated as lower portion <NUM>, proximal to the home position is shaped to extend away from the platen <NUM> i.e. further downward than a portion <NUM> of the edge corresponding to the cutting position. The lower portion <NUM> is arranged to remove the force exerted on the blade <NUM> from the roller <NUM> as the shuttle <NUM> approaches the home position.

<FIG> illustrates a line drawing of a portion of the shuttle <NUM> and the blade <NUM> in the 'home position'. The lower portion <NUM> of the first edge <NUM> extends below the supporting edge 1820b so that, when the blade <NUM>, shuttle <NUM> and roller <NUM> move toward the 'home position', the supporting edge 1820b of the blade is subject to a reduced force from the roller <NUM>. In some examples, the roller <NUM> may not contact the blade <NUM> in the home position. This is because the lower portion <NUM> of the first edge <NUM> is curved to extend below the supporting edge 1820b of the blade <NUM> in the 'home position' so that the spring- loaded roller <NUM>, which is resiliently biased towards the platen <NUM>, contacts the lower portion <NUM> before the supporting edge 1820b.

Therefore, in the 'home position', the roller <NUM> exerts a force on the lower portion <NUM> of the first edge <NUM> instead of the supporting edge 1820b of the blade <NUM> because the lower portion <NUM> is at a lower vertical displacement than the supporting edge 1820b of the blade <NUM> when the blade <NUM> is in the 'home position'. This relieves the pressure from the platen <NUM> to enable the platen <NUM> to be easily removed.

The transition of the roller <NUM> from exerting the biasing force on the supporting edge 1820b of the blade <NUM> to exerting force on the lower portion <NUM> of the first edge <NUM> may be facilitated by an inclined portion <NUM> of the first edge <NUM>. As the shuttle <NUM> is moved towards the 'home position', roller <NUM> may be moved from the supporting edge 1820b onto the inclined portion <NUM> and forced downwards onto the lower portion <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that since the position of the blade <NUM> is controlled by the position of the roller <NUM>, when the roller <NUM> (and the shuttle <NUM>) are in the 'home position', the blade <NUM> is also in the 'home position'. The 'home position' of the blade <NUM> is when an end of the cutting edge 1820a of the blade <NUM> is positioned at an end of the platen <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> also illustrate the locking mechanism <NUM> comprising a locking feature <NUM> which is arranged to engage with the platen <NUM> to prevent removal of the platen <NUM> in certain conditions, as will be explained.

The locking mechanism <NUM> comprises a locking arm <NUM>. The locking arm <NUM> is moveable by the shuttle <NUM>. The locking arm <NUM> is moveable between locked and unlocked positions. In <FIG> the locking arm is shown in the unlocked position. The locking arm <NUM> is arranged to rotate around a pivot <NUM> between the locked and unlocked positions. The pivot <NUM> is arranged at a first end of the locking arm <NUM>. The locking arm <NUM> is moved between the locked and unlocked positions by movement of the shuttle. In the home position, as shown in <FIG>, the shuttle <NUM> contacts a second end of the locking arm <NUM> to cause rotation of the locking arm <NUM> from the locked position to the unlocked position.

The locking arm <NUM> is attached to a resilient member <NUM>, which may be a spring <NUM>, such as a coil spring <NUM>, referred to as locking spring <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the locking spring <NUM> is attached to the locking arm <NUM> via a hook extending from the locking arm <NUM>. However, other ways to attach the locking spring <NUM> to the locking arm <NUM> are envisaged. The locking spring <NUM> is arranged to bias the locking arm <NUM> to the locked position. When the shuttle <NUM> contacts a second end of the locking arm <NUM>, a force of the shuttle <NUM> is exerted on the locking arm to overcome the biasing force of the locking spring <NUM> to cause rotation of the locking arm <NUM> about the pivot <NUM> from the locked to the unlocked position.

<FIG> and <FIG> in particular show locking of the platen <NUM> controlled by the locking arm <NUM>. The locking arm comprises a locking feature <NUM> which is a shaped portion of the locking arm <NUM> configured to be received in an opening <NUM> of the platen <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is of a corresponding shape to the locking feature <NUM>. The locking feature <NUM> engages with the platen <NUM> to prevent removal thereof from the label cutter. Movement of the locking arm <NUM> causes corresponding movement of the locking feature <NUM> in and out of the opening <NUM> of the platen <NUM>. The locking feature <NUM> may be attached to or integrated with the locking arm <NUM>. When the shuttle <NUM> is not in the 'home position', i.e. the shuttle is moved along the aperture, the locking arm <NUM> is biased into the 'locked position' where the second end of the locking arm <NUM> extends into the path of the shuttle <NUM>. The 'unlocked position' of the locking arm <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>.

The engagement between the locking feature <NUM> and the opening <NUM> locks the platen <NUM> in position and prevents the platen <NUM> from being able to be removed. The locking feature <NUM> is moved out of the opening <NUM> when the shuttle <NUM> is in the 'home position' so the platen <NUM> is able to be removed as shown in <FIG> and described below.

As previously mentioned, the carriage <NUM> comprises the abutment <NUM>. The abutment <NUM> is arranged to engage the locking arm <NUM> when the shuttle <NUM>, roller <NUM> and blade <NUM> are in the 'home position'. The abutment <NUM> exerts a force on the locking arm <NUM> which causes the locking arm <NUM> to move which in turn causes the locking spring <NUM> to move. When the locking spring <NUM> moves, the locking feature <NUM> is moved out of the opening <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the movement of the locking arm <NUM> is a rotation pivoted around pivot <NUM>. This rotation is slight but causes the locking spring <NUM> to extend which causes the locking feature <NUM> to move out of the opening <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>). Hence when the shuttle <NUM>, roller <NUM> and blade <NUM> are in the home position the platen <NUM> is free to be removed because there is no coupling between the locking feature <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the platen <NUM> to hold the platen <NUM> in place.

When the shuttle <NUM> is moved away from the 'home position', the locking feature <NUM> is moved back into the opening <NUM> so that the platen <NUM> cannot be removed as it is held in place by the coupling of the locking feature <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the platen. This means that the platen <NUM> cannot be removed if the blade <NUM> is not in the home position. This is advantageous because removing the platen <NUM> with the blade <NUM> stopped along the length of the platen <NUM>, could cause the blade <NUM> to become dislodged or jammed, leaving the cutter inoperable and potentially making it less safe.

The abutment <NUM> in <FIG> is illustrated as an alignment wheel attached to the carriage <NUM>. However, it will be appreciated that the abutment <NUM> could have a different shape or could be integrated as part of the carriage <NUM> provided that it is arranged to engage the locking arm <NUM> when the shuttle <NUM> is in the 'home position'. In <FIG>, the locking feature <NUM> is a cut-out of the locking arm <NUM> and the opening <NUM> is a notch in the platen <NUM>. However, it will be appreciated that the locking feature <NUM> and the opening <NUM> are not limited to this example.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of the label cutter <NUM> in which the platen <NUM> mounted in the label cutter <NUM> and detection means <NUM> can be seen. The detection means <NUM> is arranged to detect various parameters associated with the label cutter <NUM>. The parameters may relate to thresholds set for safety, information or operation purposes. For example, the label cutter <NUM> may comprise detection means <NUM> which are arranged to detect at least one of: full insertion of the platen <NUM> and a type of platen inserted. The detection means <NUM> may be at least one detector such as a switch (e.g. a manual switch such as a toggle switch or an electronic switch such as a solid-state switch) or a sensor (e.g. an optical sensor such as a proximity detector). The detection means <NUM> may be arranged to detect the parameters associated with the label cutter <NUM> according to at least one indicator associated with the label cutter <NUM>.

In some examples, the detection means <NUM> comprises a first detect switch <NUM> and a second detect switch <NUM>. As will be appreciated, detect switches comprise an actuator which controls the switch depending on whether the actuator is engaged or not. The actuators of the first detect switch <NUM> and the second detect switch <NUM> may be engaged by a first indicator <NUM> and a second indicator <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the first indicator <NUM> and the second indicator <NUM> are integrated into the shape of the platen <NUM>. The actuators of the first detect switch <NUM> and the second detect switch <NUM> are engaged in dependence on the shape of the platen inserted into the label cutter <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a shape of platen in which the first indicator <NUM> engages the first detect switch <NUM> and the second indicator <NUM> does not engage the second detect switch <NUM>. This configuration of the first and second indicator may correspond to a smooth platen. A platen shaped so that the first indicator <NUM> and the second indicator <NUM> engage the first <NUM> and second <NUM> detect switch respectively may correspond to a platen with a grooved surface. The first detect switch <NUM> is arranged to detect whether the platen <NUM> is fully inserted. Therefore, it will be appreciated that all types of platen will be shaped to engage the first detect switch <NUM>. This improves the safety of the label cutter <NUM> because, for example, if the first detection switch <NUM> detects that the platen <NUM> is not fully inserted, then feedback may be provided to the user or the label cutter <NUM> may not operate until the first detect switch <NUM> detects that the platen <NUM> is fully inserted.

The second detect switch <NUM> is arranged to detect what type of platen is inserted. Therefore, the type of platen inserted into the label cutter <NUM> is indicated by the shape of the platen itself in dependence on whether the second detect switch <NUM> is engaged or not. As previously mentioned, the platen <NUM> may be smooth for a full cut or one or more grooves for a partial cut. Feedback may be provided to the user to inform the user of which type of platen is inserted into the label cutter. Different labels may have different cutting preferences, for example some labels may require a full cut whilst others may require a partial cut. Therefore, advantageously, the user is able to easily identify which platen is inserted and, in some examples, the label cutter may not operate until the second detect switch detects that the correct platen is inserted for the type of label being cut.

The second indicator <NUM> is depicted as a recess in the profile of the platen <NUM> in <FIG> which does not engage the actuator of the second detect switch <NUM>. In order to indicate that a different type of platen is inserted, the second indicator <NUM> may have no recess such that it forms a straight line with the first indicator <NUM>. It will be appreciated that other arrangements may be used in which a protrusion from the platen is used to engage the first and second detect switch <NUM>, <NUM>.

Various modifications to the detailed designs described above are envisaged. It is envisaged that in some examples, the platen comprises a resiliently deformable surface. Therefore as the blade rollingly engages with the label in between the platen and blade, the platen can resiliently deform away from the cutting site, reducing the amount of wear experienced by the platen. Additionally, in some examples, it is envisaged that the platen may be movable away from the blade so as to provide a means of loading label material into and remove label material out of the label cutter. It is further envisaged that the label cutter may comprise a locking mechanism arranged to selectively remove the platen to provide easy access to the materials in between the platen and blade, e.g. label. For example, a section of a fixed platen may be provided to affix the blade in place to facilitate raising, moving or removal of the rest of the platen to provide access to the bottom edge of the platen and to the cutter. It is envisaged that the platen may be drawn through a small gap having a sharp edge for clearing glue, for example, before the platen is returned into its operating condition. In some examples, the platen is configured to rotate about its axis such that when adhesive builds up on the surface which the blade contacts, then the platen may be rotated to present a clean surface. It is also envisaged that the platen comprises a self-healing material such as rubber or acrylic.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that features described in relation to any of the embodiments described above can be application interchangeably between the different embodiments. The embodiments described above are examples to illustrate various features of the invention.

Through the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires.

Claim 1:
A label cutter (<NUM>) comprising a blade (<NUM>) having a curved cutting edge (<NUM>) configured and arranged to move towards a platen (<NUM>) in order to cut a label material placed between them; a force applicator comprising a roller (<NUM>) being arranged and configured to apply a force to a portion of the blade (<NUM>) in the direction of the platen (<NUM>); an actuator operatively coupled to the force applicator and operable to cause the force applicator to move; the force applicator being moveable in order to, in use, apply a force to consecutive portions of the blade (<NUM>) in the direction of the platen (<NUM>) so as to provide a rolling engagement between the blade (<NUM>) and the platen (<NUM>);
wherein the blade comprises an engaging portion (<NUM>) protruding from a body portion of the blade (<NUM>) and forming a corner (<NUM>) on the blade,
at an edge opposite to the curved cutting edge (<NUM>), to contact the force applicator to define a pivot position, the engaging portion (<NUM>) having at least one surface which is hook-shaped for being contacted by the force applicator, such that when the roller (<NUM>) contacts the hook-shaped engaging portion (<NUM>) the corner (<NUM>) urges the roller (<NUM>) towards the hook-shaped engaging portion (<NUM>) and rotates the blade (<NUM>) around the corner (<NUM>) and away from the platen (<NUM>) about the pivot position, and
wherein the engaging portion (<NUM>) is arranged to retain the blade (<NUM>) in place.