Patent Description:
Printers, such as thermal transfer label printers, are often used for printing various labels. In various thermal transfer label printers, a label and a thermal transfer printer ribbon are compressed between a print head and a roller and fed together past the print head. The print head produces sufficient heat in the appropriate locations to transfer the ink from the ribbon to the label to print a label.

The labels produced by the printer are often then applied to the wires being labeled by hand. In various applications, industry or customer specifications may dictate a type of label that can be applied. For example, the label may be a heat-shrink tubing label, a material configured to wrap around an object, a self-laminating label, a flag label, and/or a non-adhesive label. Applying a label to a wire by hand has many drawbacks. No matter the type of label, attempting to apply labels to wires - especially small diameter wires - is time consuming, inaccurate in that it is difficult to place the labels in such a way that the labels are square and aligned on the wire, and inefficient in that it is difficult to properly and evenly secure the label to the surface of the wire.

Label application mechanisms are available that automatically apply tape and preprinted labels to cylindrical objects, such as bottles, cans, and the like. These systems typically require the object being labeled to be conveyed past the applicator mechanism in order for the mechanism to apply a preprinted label. A finishing device can then press the label to the object. However, these systems are designed to be used with large diameter cylindrical objects such as cans or bottles and none of these systems can be used or be easily adapted to be used with elongated, flexible objects of a small diameter such as wires, wire bundles, and non-cylindrical objects. Additionally, label application mechanisms are usually very large and adjustments take a significant amount of time.

Moreover, the application of a flag label onto a cylindrical object having a relatively small diameter, such as a wire, presents a host of additional problems. For example, when applying a flag label to an object, the label can stick to the label applicator as it is pressed against the object or the label may be misaligned. Further, it is difficult to uniformly press a label against the object to avoid bubbles and ensure that opposing sides of the label are uniformly aligned with one another.

From <CIT> an apparatus and a method for dispensing labels onto cylindrical items are known. The document discloses an apparatus for applying a label onto a cylindrical object including a feed mechanism for feeding a label strip.

<CIT> discloses a pollination date marker which attaches a tag for identifying a pollination date of a plant to a vine, branch or stalk of the plant by simple operations. The pollination date marker includes a presser and a tag.

Therefore, a need exists for a device that can securely and uniformly apply a flag label, and many other types of labels, to a relatively small diameter object.

Conventional approaches such as those described above have disadvantages, particularly in the electrical field. The wrapping of labels onto wires may be tedious and lead to many imperfections, such as misalignment. In addition, the misalignment may allow an adhesive on the label to attach to various adjacent objects leading to wear on the label and lower perceived value from a customer.

Provided herein is a novel structure for a label wrapper that addresses many of the aforementioned issues and provides an improved mode of attachment.

According to one aspect of the invention, an assembly for a label wrapper is provided having a support structure defining a receiving space. The receiving space includes opposing sidewalls and a bottom wall. First and second resilient members are positioned on two opposing sides of the receiving space. The first and second resilient members are at least partially vertically aligned with one another. Third and fourth resilient members are respectively positioned between the first and second resilient members and the bottom wall. The third and fourth resilient members are also at least partially vertically aligned with one another. A first flexible sheet is disposed over the first resilient member and along a side portion of the third resilient member. A second flexible sheet is disposed over the second resilient member and along a side portion of the fourth resilient member.

The first and second flexible sheets are configured to support a label having an adhesive material on a first side thereof and the first and second resilient members are configured to press a first segment of the first side of the label against a second segment of the first side of the label after the label at least partially surrounds an elongated object.

In some forms, the assembly also includes a fifth resilient member positioned between the third resilient member and the bottom wall and a sixth resilient member positioned between the fourth resilient member and the bottom wall. The fifth and sixth resilient members are at least partially vertically aligned with one another on opposing sides of the receiving space.

In some forms, the support structure includes first and second brackets each including a first portion and an offset second portion. The first bracket is operably coupled with the first and third resilient members and the second bracket is operably coupled with the second and fourth resilient members.

In some forms, the assembly also includes a first brace positioned on an opposing side of the first bracket from the first or third resilient member and a second brace positioned on an opposing side of the second bracket from the second or fourth resilient member.

In some forms, a bottom portion of the first brace includes a locator projecting therefrom that is configured to interact with a locating hole defined by a bottom portion of the second brace.

In some forms, a first hem is retained by a tab on the first bracket and a second hem positioned within a void defined by the first bracket. The first hem is configured to selectively retain a first end portion of the first flexible sheet. The second hem is configured to selectively retain a second, opposing end portion of the first flexible sheet.

In some forms, a middle portion of the first flexible sheet is wrapped about a retaining pin. The retaining pin allows the first flexible sheet to be a single sheet that extends over a top portion and a bottom portion of the first resilient member, around the retaining pin, along a top portion of the third resilient member, and along a side portion of the fifth resilient member.

In some forms, the third and fourth resilient members each define a chamfered edge.

In some forms, the first and second resilient members are formed from a first material having a first density and the fifth and sixth members are formed from a second material having a second density. The second density is greater than the first density. Thus, in some instances, when the label is to be attached to a wire having a smaller diameter, the wire and label may be positioned between the fifth and sixth resilient members to provide additional compression for full adhesion.

According to still yet another aspect of the invention, a method of attaching a label to a wire that includes positioning said label above first and second abutting resilient members. The label has an adhesive material on a first side thereof. The method also includes positioning the wire on an opposing side of the label from the first and second resilient members. The method further includes sliding the wire between the first and second resilient members. The first and second resilient members press a first segment of the first side of the label against a second segment of the first side of the label. Lastly, the method includes rotating the first and second resilient members relative to the wire.

In some forms, the method may further include the step of sliding the wire between third and fourth resilient members.

In some forms, the sliding the wire between the first and second resilient members step includes positioning the wire between first and second flexible sheets. The first flexible sheet extends between the label and the first resilient member and the second flexible sheet extends between the label and the second resilient member.

In some forms, the rotating the first and second resilient members relative to the wire step includes rotating the first and second resilient members in a first direction relative to the wire followed by a rotation in a second, opposing direction.

These and still other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings. What follows is merely a description of some preferred embodiments of the present invention. To assess the full scope of the invention the claims should be looked to as these preferred embodiments are not intended to be the only embodiments within the scope of the claims.

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description, discussion of several terms used herein follows.

Likewise, the terms "embodiments of the invention," "embodiments", or "invention" do not require that all embodiments of the method, system or apparatus include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

Terms indicating relative position such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower," "rear," "front," and so forth are used for purposes of illustration only, unless otherwise noted and are made with reference to the orientation of the drawings. It should be understood that these terms are not generally meant to indicate a preferred orientation when such an orientation is not inherently or explicitly required.

Reference will be made throughout to applications of embodiments disclosed herein that adhere a label to a wire and wire bundles. Such references are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the claimed invention to such applications. Rather, any elongated object may be used in conjunction with the label applicator described herein.

Looking first at <FIG>, a label applicator <NUM> includes a printer <NUM> and a label wrapper <NUM> mounted on a base assembly <NUM>. A controller electrically connected to both the printer <NUM> and the label wrapper <NUM> integrates the operation of the printer <NUM> and label wrapper <NUM> to print a label and wrap the printed label onto an elongated object, such as a wire. The controller includes any combination of software and/or processing circuitry suitable for controlling various components of the label applicator <NUM> described herein including without limitation processors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable gate arrays, and any other digital and/or analog components, as well as combinations of the foregoing, along with inputs and outputs for transceiving control signals, drive signals, power signals, sensor signals, and so forth. All such computing devices and environments are intended to fall within the meaning of the term "controller" or "processor" as used herein unless a different meaning is explicitly provided or otherwise clear from the context.

The base assembly <NUM> provides support and stability for the label applicator <NUM>, and can slidably mount the printer <NUM> relative to the label wrapper <NUM>. In some embodiments, the base assembly <NUM> includes a base <NUM> having a top wall <NUM> supported by a pair of longitudinal legs <NUM>. In some examples, the top wall <NUM> and legs <NUM> are formed from a single sheet of a rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, plastic, and the like. Although a base <NUM> may be formed from a single sheet of material, the base <NUM> can be assembled from one or more components secured together by screws, bolts and nuts, welding, adhesives, and so on.

As best shown in <FIG>, the printer <NUM> is configured to print indicia onto label <NUM> and dispenses the printed label <NUM> into the label wrapper <NUM>. In some embodiments, the printer <NUM> is a thermal transfer printer having an upper assembly pivotally fixed to a lower assembly. In various embodiments, the printer <NUM> can be any printer known in the art, such as an ink jet printer, laser printer, impact printer, and the like.

The printer <NUM> includes a print head assembly <NUM> that prints indicia onto the label <NUM>. A peel plate <NUM> is mounted forward of a platen roller and defines a dispensing edge. The dispensing edge forms a corner for peeling the label <NUM> from the substrate once the printing is complete. The peel plate <NUM> with the dispensing edge can ensure consistent dispensing of the label <NUM> with minimal tension on the substrate to eliminate feed problems caused by excessive substrate tension.

A label deflector <NUM> guides the label <NUM> detaching from the substrate into the label wrapper <NUM> and is rotatably supported between a pair of end brackets <NUM> above the peel plate <NUM>. The label deflector <NUM> deflects the label <NUM> to prevent the label <NUM> from reattaching onto the substrate and to ensure that the label <NUM> is dispensed in a generally predefined position within the label wrapper <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, a striker <NUM> is mounted within the label wrapper <NUM>. The striker <NUM> contacts a striker roller <NUM> forming part of the label wrapper <NUM>. The striker <NUM> urges the striker roller <NUM> downwardly which clears an opening <NUM> from an attachment assembly <NUM> for insertion of a wire <NUM> being wrapped with the label <NUM>. A locking assembly <NUM> (<FIG>) may clamp onto the wire <NUM> being wrapped to tension the wire <NUM>.

The striker roller <NUM> is contacted by the striker <NUM> to move a slider <NUM> in a vertical direction against the urging of a spring <NUM> away from the opening <NUM> to provide space for inserting a wire <NUM> into the opening <NUM>. Once the wire <NUM> is inserted, the spring <NUM> urges the attachment assembly <NUM> upwardly along an extension axis A to place the wire <NUM> within the attachment assembly <NUM>. Although a spring <NUM> biasing the attachment assembly <NUM> upwardly is illustrated, any biasing mechanism can be used, such as an elastomeric material, leaf spring, a motor, a pneumatic device, or the like. Additional information regarding the various components of a label applicator <NUM> is disclosed in <CIT>, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the attachment assembly <NUM> is coupled to the slider <NUM> and biased upwardly toward the striker <NUM>. The attachment assembly <NUM> includes a support structure <NUM> that defines a receiving space <NUM>. The receiving space <NUM> is defined by opposing sidewalls 54a, 54b and a bottom wall <NUM>. First and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned on two opposing sides of the receiving space <NUM>. Third and fourth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> are respectively positioned between the first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM>. Likewise, in some embodiments, fifth and sixth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> may be respectively positioned between the third and fourth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM>.

A first flexible sheet <NUM> is disposed over the first resilient member <NUM> and along a side portion of the third resilient member <NUM>. A second flexible sheet <NUM> is disposed over the second resilient member <NUM> and along a side portion of the fourth resilient member <NUM>. The first and second sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, in conjunction with the resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, apply pressure to a wire <NUM> and a label <NUM> that is inserted into the attachment assembly <NUM> for attaching the label <NUM> to the wire <NUM> and/or to itself. The first and second flexible sheets <NUM>, <NUM> can serve as a low-friction surface onto which the label <NUM> may be placed. The flexible sheets may also reduce friction between the attachment assembly <NUM> and the wire <NUM> / label <NUM> when the attachment assembly <NUM> is linearly and/or rotationally moving relative to the wire <NUM>, which may improve the end quality of the attached label <NUM>. Additionally, the flexible sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may protect the resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> from wear and tear.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the label <NUM> is positioned on the first and/or second sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. The label <NUM> is configured to fold around the wire <NUM> and have first and second opposing end segments <NUM>, <NUM> that couple with one another remotely from the wire <NUM> thereby forming a flag label <NUM> when the attachment assembly <NUM> is moved from a first position in which the wire <NUM> is separated from the attachment assembly <NUM>, as generally illustrated in <FIG>, to a second position in which the wire <NUM> is disposed within a receiving space <NUM> defined by the attachment assembly <NUM>, as generally illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the support structure <NUM> of the attachment assembly <NUM> can include one or more braces <NUM>, <NUM> and/or brackets <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, such as the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the support structure <NUM> includes a support plate <NUM>. The first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM> are releasably fixed to the support plate <NUM> through one or more fasteners <NUM> positioned through fastener holes within the support plate <NUM> and inserted into the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> may also support a spring rod <NUM> for operably coupling with the spring <NUM>.

As illustrated, the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM> each include a side portion <NUM> and an offset bottom portion <NUM>. Each side portion <NUM> can include a rib structure <NUM> and one or more retainment tabs <NUM>. The rib structure <NUM> and/or the retainment tabs <NUM> may be integrally formed with various other portions of the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM> or later attached thereto. In some examples, the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from a polymeric and/or elastomeric material. However, any other practicable material may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of the polymeric or elastomeric material.

To assist in alignment of the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM>, locators <NUM> and/or voids <NUM> may be formed within the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM>. When a locator <NUM> on the first or second brace <NUM>, <NUM> is positioned within the locator void <NUM> defined by the other of the first or second brace <NUM>, <NUM>, the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM> may be in an aligned relationship. Once aligned, the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM> may also form alignment protrusions <NUM> that can be positioned within alignment spaces <NUM> defined by the support plate <NUM>. Once the alignment protrusions <NUM> are placed within the alignment spaces <NUM>, the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM> can be attached to the support plate <NUM> through the usage of the one or more fasteners <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the support structure <NUM> may include any number of braces <NUM>, <NUM> having any alignment assemblies.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM>, in combination, may define the receiving space <NUM>. For example, the bottom portion <NUM> of the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM> may include a base section <NUM>. First and second lateral walls <NUM>, <NUM> extend from each base section <NUM>. A connecting wall <NUM> couples the first and second lateral walls <NUM>, <NUM> and likewise extend outwardly from the base section <NUM> of each of the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned within the receiving space <NUM> defined by the support structure <NUM>. In some instances, the first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM> each include a first portion <NUM> and an offset second portion <NUM>. The first and second lateral walls <NUM>, <NUM>, along with the connecting walls <NUM>, of the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM> may respectively extend further inwardly than the first portion <NUM> of the first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the first portion <NUM> of the first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM> may be housed, or have their perimeters surrounded by the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in some examples, the first resilient member <NUM> extends into the receiving space <NUM> from the first portion <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM>. Likewise, the second resilient member <NUM> extends into the receiving space <NUM> from the first portion <NUM> of the second bracket <NUM>. In some instances, the first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> may be retained in an at least partially vertically aligned position. As used herein, any two components that are "at least partially vertically aligned" both intersect a common plane that is perpendicular to the actuation axis A of the attachment assembly <NUM>.

Likewise, the third resilient member <NUM> may extend from the first bracket <NUM> in an at least partially vertically aligned position with the fourth resilient member <NUM>, which can extend inwardly of the second bracket <NUM>. Similarly, a fifth resilient member <NUM> may extend inwardly from the first bracket <NUM> and/or be supported by the second portion <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM>. A sixth resilient member <NUM> may extend inwardly from the second bracket <NUM> and/or be supported by the second portion <NUM> of the second bracket <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular cross section. In some embodiments, the second and third resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> may each include a chamfered surface <NUM> on an inward portion. The fifth resilient member <NUM> may be positioned on an opposing side of the third resilient member <NUM> from the first resilient member <NUM> and may extend along the second portion <NUM> of the first bracket <NUM>. Likewise, the sixth resilient member <NUM> may be positioned on an opposing side of the fourth resilient member <NUM> from the second resilient member <NUM> and may extend along the second portion <NUM> of the second bracket <NUM>. In some examples, the fifth and sixth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> may extend further inwardly, or towards one another, than the second portions <NUM> of the first and/or second brackets <NUM>, <NUM>.

A first channel <NUM> may be defined between the first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>. Likewise, a second channel <NUM> may be formed between the third and fourth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> and terminate at the chamfered surfaces <NUM>. A third channel <NUM> may be defined between the fifth and sixth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>. A cavity <NUM> may be bounded by the chamfered surfaces <NUM> of the third and fourth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> and the top surfaces of the fifth and sixth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>.

As a wire <NUM> is inserted into the attachment assembly <NUM>, the wire <NUM> initially passes through the first channel <NUM>. Next, as the attachment assembly <NUM> continues to move along the extension axis A (<FIG>), the wire <NUM> may be disposed within the second channel <NUM>. After the second channel <NUM>, the wire <NUM> continues to be positioned within the cavity <NUM>. Next, in instances when the wire <NUM> has a diameter that is below a predefined diameter, the wire <NUM> enters into the third channel <NUM>. However, when the wire <NUM> has a diameter that is greater than the predefined diameter, the wire <NUM> is maintained in the cavity <NUM>.

Each of the six resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from any practicable material capable of elastic deformation. For instance, in some embodiments, each of the six resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be at least partially formed from an open or closed cell foam material. This material may be elastically compressible and rebound towards and to its original shape. In some examples, the first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of a first material having a first density. The third and fourth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of a second material having a second density. The fifth and sixth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of a material having a third density. In various embodiments, the first and second densities may be substantially similar and lower than the third density. In other embodiments, one or more of the six resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may have a flexible shell that retains a fluid therein. In such instances, the first, second, third, and fourth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may have a fluid with a lower viscosity than the fifth and sixth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each of the six resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be retained in a defined position through the usage of an adhesive material and/or through the usage of one or more fasteners. In seem instances, one or more of the six resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be selectively retained by the first or second sheet <NUM>, <NUM> or integrally formed with any component of the attachment assembly <NUM> for maintaining the resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in a desired position.

Referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first flexible sheet <NUM> may have a first end portion <NUM> retained within a first hem <NUM> and a second end portion <NUM> retained in a second hem <NUM>. The first hem <NUM> may be positioned on an opposing side of the first brace <NUM> from the first resilient member <NUM> and retained against the first brace <NUM> by the retainment tabs <NUM>. In some instances, the retainment tabs <NUM> may each include an elongated arm <NUM> and retainment feature <NUM>, such as a lip, for maintaining the first hem <NUM> in a predefined position. The second hem <NUM> may be positioned on an opposing side of the first brace <NUM> from the fifth resilient member <NUM> and within a void <NUM> defined by the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first flexible sheet <NUM> may be routed along various portions of the first flexible sheet <NUM> and may extend from the first hem <NUM> over a top portion of the first brace <NUM> and a top portion of the first resilient member <NUM>. The first flexible sheet <NUM> may then extend through the first channel <NUM> and between the first and third resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> and/or along a bottom portion of the first resilient member <NUM>.

In some examples, a retaining pin <NUM> may maintain an intermediate portion <NUM> of the first flexible sheet <NUM> between the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the retaining pin <NUM> is positioned on an opposing side of the first bracket <NUM> from the first resilient member <NUM>. The first flexible sheet <NUM> is positioned through a hole <NUM> defined by the first bracket <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>), wrapped around the retaining pin <NUM>, and returns through the hole <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the hole <NUM> may include an upper portion <NUM> having a first width and a lower portion <NUM> having a second width that is less than the first width.

The first flexible sheet <NUM> may then extend from the retaining pin <NUM> to a position over a top portion and along an interior side of the third resilient member <NUM>. Next, the first flexible sheet <NUM> may extend along a side portion of the fifth resilient member <NUM>, through a gap <NUM> between the first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM> and in into the void <NUM> defined by the first brace <NUM>. In some examples, the second hem <NUM> may be retained in compression between the first brace <NUM> and the first bracket <NUM>.

Likewise, the second flexible sheet <NUM> may have a first end portion <NUM> retained within a third hem <NUM> and a second end portion <NUM> retained in a fourth hem <NUM>. The third hem <NUM> may be positioned on an opposing side of the second brace <NUM> from the second resilient member <NUM> and retained against the second brace <NUM> by the retainment tabs <NUM>. The fourth hem <NUM> may be positioned on an opposing side of the second brace <NUM> from the sixth resilient member <NUM> and within the void <NUM> defined by the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM>. The first, second, third, and fourth hems <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may each be formed as any type of fastening device. For example, the hems may be configured as a metallic component that compressively retains the first or second sheet <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the hems may be configured as a threaded connection between the fabric and the support structure <NUM> and/or any other fastening device.

The second flexible sheet <NUM> and may extend from the third hem <NUM> over a top portion of the second brace <NUM> and a top portion of the second resilient member <NUM>. The second flexible sheet <NUM> may then extend through the first channel <NUM> and between the second and fourth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> and/or along a bottom portion of the second resilient member <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a retaining pin <NUM> is positioned on an opposing side of the second bracket <NUM> from the second resilient member <NUM>. The second flexible sheet <NUM> is positioned through a hole <NUM> defined by the second bracket <NUM>, wrapped around the retaining pin <NUM>, and returns through the hole <NUM>. Like the hole <NUM> in the first bracket <NUM>, the hole <NUM> may include an upper portion <NUM> having a first width and a lower portion <NUM> having a second width that is less than the first width.

The second flexible sheet <NUM> may then extend from the retaining pin <NUM> to a position over a top portion and along an interior side of the fourth resilient member <NUM>. Next, the second flexible sheet <NUM> may extend along a side portion of the sixth resilient member <NUM>, through the gap <NUM> between the first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM> and in into the void <NUM> defined by the first and second braces <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, the fourth hem <NUM> may be retained in compression between the second brace <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>. In various embodiments, the first and second sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may each be comprised of or include a non-stick fabric, such as a Teflon coated or impregnated fibers, silicon coated or impregnated fabric, and the like, which provides a non-stick surface.

Referring to <FIG>, a method <NUM> for placing a flag label <NUM> on a wire <NUM> can begin at step <NUM>, where a wire <NUM> is positioned within an opening <NUM> of a label wrapper <NUM>. In response to insertion of the wire <NUM> into the opening <NUM> formed in the label wrapper <NUM>, at step <NUM>, a fixing device is actuated to retain the wire <NUM> in a predefined position. Once the wire <NUM> is secured in the label wrapper <NUM> (or before securement of the wire <NUM>), at step <NUM>, the printer <NUM> prints the label <NUM> and dispenses the label <NUM> onto the first and second flexible sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The label <NUM> can be dispensed such that a surface of the label <NUM> having an adhesive material <NUM> thereon faces the wire <NUM>.

Next, at step <NUM>, the controller sends a signal to move the striker <NUM> upwards from a first position to a second position. As the striker <NUM> moves upward, the attachment assembly <NUM> also moves upward due to the force of the spring <NUM> (<FIG>) such that the wire <NUM> is inserted into the first channel <NUM>, at step <NUM>, as generally illustrated in <FIG>.

In this position, the first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, in conjunction with the first and second sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, may press against the label <NUM> causing the label <NUM> to at least partially surround the wire <NUM>. In addition, the first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, in conjunction with the first and second sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, press a first segment <NUM> of the first side of the label <NUM> against a second segment <NUM> of the first side of the label <NUM> thereby forming a flag extending from the wire <NUM>.

Next, at step <NUM>, the wire <NUM> and the label <NUM> enter the second channel <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the wire <NUM> and the label <NUM> are positioned within the cavity <NUM> defined by the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. While the wire <NUM> is positioned within the cavity <NUM>, the first and second flexible sheets <NUM>, <NUM> apply pressure to the label <NUM> and the wire <NUM> to further adhere the label <NUM> to the wire <NUM> and adhere the first and second segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the label <NUM> to one another. The first and second flexible sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may provide a substantially uniform pressure on the label <NUM> being applied to the wire <NUM> regardless of the size of the wire <NUM> and the label <NUM>.

In some instances, such as when a wire <NUM> is less than a predefined diameter, at step <NUM>, the wire <NUM> may continue into the third channel <NUM>. As provided herein, the fifth and sixth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from a material having a higher density than the remaining resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that the fifth and sixth resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> may apply more pressure to the label <NUM> and wire <NUM> than the first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>.

Once the label <NUM> has been adhered to a portion of the wire <NUM> by insertion into one or more of the cavities of the attachment assembly <NUM>, at step <NUM>, the attachment assembly <NUM> may rotate relative to the wire <NUM> to further adhere the label <NUM> to the wire <NUM>. In some instances, the attachment assembly <NUM> may rotate in a first direction about the axis of the wire, followed by a rotation in a second, opposing direction. In some instances, the first and second rotations may be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. Upon completion of the rotational movement, the striker <NUM> may reengage the slider <NUM>, which in turn, presses the attachment assembly <NUM> away from the wire <NUM> at step <NUM>. Once the wire <NUM> and label <NUM> are removed from the attachment assembly <NUM>, the wire <NUM> is released from the fixing device at step <NUM> and may be removed from the wrapper.

Thus, systems and methods including an attachment assembly configured to adhere a flag label to a wire are disclosed herein. The attachment assembly can be used to efficiently and repeatability attach a flag label to a wire, or any other elongated object. The attachment assembly can uniformly press a label against the wire to minimize bubbles and ensure that opposing sides of the label are generally aligned with one another.

The attachment assembly provided herein may include an array of resilient members having varying geometric shapes and densities such that a wide range of wires and labels may be used with a single assembly. The variability of the attachment assembly may further increase the efficiency of attaching labels to wires, or other elongated objects.

In addition, the attachment assembly includes flexible sheets that can serve as a low-friction surface onto which the label may be placed. The flexible sheets may also reduce friction between the attachment assembly and the wire/label when the attachment assembly is linearly and/or rotationally moving relative to the wire, which may improve the end quality of the label. Additionally, the flexible sheets may protect the resilient members from wear and tear.

Claim 1:
An assembly for a label wrapper, the assembly comprising:
a support structure (<NUM>) defining a receiving space (<NUM>), wherein the receiving space (<NUM>) includes opposing sidewalls (54a, 54b) and a bottom wall (<NUM>);
first and second resilient members (<NUM>, <NUM>) positioned on two opposing sides of the receiving space (<NUM>), the first and second resilient members (<NUM>, <NUM>) at least partially vertically aligned with one another;
characterized in third and fourth resilient members (<NUM>, <NUM>) respectively positioned between the first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM>) and the bottom wall (<NUM>), the third and fourth resilient members (<NUM>, <NUM>) at least partially vertically aligned with one another;
a first flexible sheet (<NUM>) disposed over the first resilient member (<NUM>) and along a side portion of the third resilient member (<NUM>); and
a second flexible sheet (<NUM>) disposed over the second resilient member (<NUM>) and along a side portion of the fourth resilient member (<NUM>),
wherein the first and second flexible sheets (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to support a label (<NUM>) having an adhesive material (<NUM>) on a first side thereof; and
wherein the first and second resilient members (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to press a first segment (<NUM>) of the first side of the label (<NUM>) against a second segment (<NUM>) of the first side of the label (<NUM>) after the label (<NUM>) at least partially surrounds an elongated object.