Claims:1. A label peel off system for controlling a label peeling operation, said system comprising:
at least one printer side pulley operatively connected to a printer shaft adapted to provide said labels with backing paper after printing;
at least one tensioner system adapted to remove backing paper from said labels, wherein said tensioner system comprises:
at least one rubber shaft means;
at least one knurling shaft means;
at least one tensioner side pulley coupled to said knurling shaft means; and
a timer belt, wherein said timer belt being coupled to said printer side pulley and said tensioner sider pulley;
wherein, said timer belt facilitates transmission of drive from said printer shaft connected to said printer side pulley to said tensioner side pulley to said knurling shaft means to activate removal of said labels from said backing papers.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least two shaft mounting brackets adapted to adjust at least one position of said rubber shaft means and said knurling shaft means to vary space between said rubber shaft means and said knurling shaft means so as to provide sufficient grip on said backing paper and thereby provide tension during removal of said backing paper from said labels.
3. The system as claimed in claims 1-2, wherein said knurling shaft having diameter of 0.5 mm more than the diameter of said print shaft.
4. A label applicator system for applying one or more printed peel-off labels at a specific location on an article surface to each of a plurality of articles, said label applicator system comprising:
at least one label peel off system as claimed in claims 1 to 3;
at least one applicator system comprising:
at least one rotary mechanism;
a vacuum generator; and
at least one tamp pad;
wherein, said applicator system applies waste air generated by said vacuum generator to enable transfer of said peel-off labels to said tamp pad and thereby activate said rotary mechanism and vacuum release from said vacuum generator to apply said peel-off label on said articles.
5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said rotary mechanism comprises an arrangement of at least one rotary pneumatic cylinder, and a liner pneumatic cylinder mounted on a guide block over a guide rail.
6. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said tamp pad comprises plurality of pores to hold said peel-off labels using vacuum generated by said vacuum generator.
7. A method for operating said label applicator system as claimed in claim 4-6 for applying one or more printed peel-off labels at a specific location on an article surface to each of a plurality of articles, said method comprising:
feeding, by a tensioner system, a roll of back paper having printed labels on it;
generating, by adjusting spacing between a rubber shaft means and a knurling shaft means, tension and grip for peeling off said labels from said back paper;
supplying, by a vacuum generator, waste air to said labels for enabling floating of said labels towards a vacuum tamp pad;
applying, by said vacuum tamp pad, said labels to said plurality of articles.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention described herein, in general, relates to a device and a method for applying a label to a package, and more particularly, relates to an automatic label print, peel off and applicator system with applies a label on plurality of articles moving on a conveyor line.
BACKGROUND

[002] Label Printing Applicator (LPA) is a system designed by specialized agencies that integrates special Print Engine with Auto Applicator. All production lines involve Label printing and application of Label on breaker cartons. The printing and application process is a 10 second activity of the packing operator. The Print engine can be serviced by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) outside India only and there is no local support available so far. During breakdown of LPA, output of packing decreases.. Accordingly, there is a need to meet the drawbacks of high cost of service, repair and maintenance.

[003] A basic construction and part function of an LPA consists of primarily 3 units: a print engine, applicator unit and feeder to handle labels and ribbons. The Print engine is usually a proprietary table top industrial printer developed by manufacturers. A print engine’s primary function is to accept print data from computer and print the data onto a label and peels off the label for application. Some of the top selling print engines existing in the market are Sato, Zebra, DataMax, etc. The applicator unit transfers the label onto the product from the printer. The most widely used method for applying the label is a vacuum and blow system. The label is held back on a vacuum tamp pad and is blown off with air to apply on carton / packets / pouch. The labels and ribbons (Feeder) controls how the label stock is delivered to the print engine. It also performs the separation of the label from its backing and rewinds the waste label backing that remains after the label application. The separation process is carried out by another drive system, mounted on a stand. This process can be difficult since consistent tension must be maintained for the label to peel off the liner and onto the applicator. Too much tension can cause the liner to break, which will require service and repair from the manufacturer.

[004] While, the conventional label printer comprises the following advantages which includes: eliminate the expense and inconvenience of pre-printed labels, eliminate label obsolescence, reduce labor costs and fatigue, faster and more accurate labelling, however, the disadvantages of the system includes high breakdown time and high cost of service, repair and maintenance. Also, skilled personnel is required to trouble shoot the equipment during breakdown. The system is not flexible to accommodate any changes and the cost of service and repair is very high against the cost of LPA.

[005] Reference is made to US4561921A, wherein an applicator device receives a label printer label to a package by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive which coats one side of the applicator device includes a label with the adhesive coated side facing upward. The label rests. A label support means into a first position in which it is received between the pair of fingers label by means of a partial vacuum supplied through a vacuum port in the transfer nozzle. The transfer nozzle is then pivoted into a second position in which the adhesive coated side of the applicator device includes a label from the transfer nozzle.

[006] Reference is made to US5425823A, wherein a combined and application device is provided for labeling a plurality of individual product units with customized labels. The individual product units are conveyed through a data determining mechanism, such as a check weigher or electric eye in order to identify data to be imprinted on the label printer. The printer in turn prints either alpha-numeric indicia, bar codes or other desired visual indicia on the label. The label is applied to the product unit by means of a combined vacuum and is fixed on rolls to releasable backing strip. The individual labels are stripped from the backing strip label onto the product unit with sufficient force to cause adhesion of the label to stick to the product unit.

[007] Reference is made to US4367118A, wherein a applicator is described for seizing a printed, adhesive backed and for applying the applicator includes a pick-up head for vacuum-seizing a portion of the and for swinging the label transfer station. At the latter station, the pick-up head releases its grip on the label to the commodity.

[008] However, all the above mentioned prior art teaches about the printer applicators and the corresponding method of applying the label over the boxes. None of the prior art explicitly teaches about how to how the label is received from the device and how the label is peeled off before applying on the object.

[009] Thus, there exists a dire need for a label printing applicator with an integrated peel off system which provides greater flexibility in respect of easy maintenance, readily available parts and reduced Mean Time to Repair (MTTR).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a label applicator system with integrated peel-off system for applying printed peel-off labels at a specific location on an article surface to each of a plurality of articles.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved label applicator system which reduces the cost associated with manufacture of label printer and applicator by reducing the parts associated with the process, reducing the number and intensity of breakdowns.

[0013] Accordingly to one aspect, the present invention provides a label peel off system for controlling a label peeling operation, said label peel off system comprising:
at least one printer side pulley operatively connected to a printer shaft adapted to provide said labels with backing paper after printing;
at least one tensioner system adapted to remove backing paper from said labels, wherein said tensioner system comprises:
at least one rubber shaft means;
at least one knurling shaft means;
at least one tensioner side pulley coupled to said knurling shaft means; and
a timer belt, wherein said timer belt being coupled to said printer side pulley and said tensioner sider pulley;
wherein, said timer belt facilitates transmission of drive from said printer shaft connected to said printer side pulley to said tensioner side pulley to said knurling shaft means to activate removal of said labels from said backing papers.

[0014] In the second aspect, there is provided a label applicator system for applying one or more printed peel-off labels at a specific location on an article surface to each of a plurality of articles, said label applicator system comprising:
at least one label peel off system as described above;
at least one applicator system comprising:
at least one rotary mechanism;
a vacuum generator; and
at least one tamp pad;
wherein, said applicator system applies waste air generated by said vacuum generator to enable transfer of said peel-off labels to said tamp pad and thereby activate said rotary mechanism and vacuum release from said vacuum generator to apply said peel-off label on said articles.

[0015] In third aspect, there is provided a method for operating said label applicator system as mentioned above for applying one or more printed peel-off labels at a specific location on an article surface to each of a plurality of articles, said method comprising:
• feeding, by a tensioner system, a roll of back paper having printed labels on it;
• generating, by adjusting spacing between a rubber shaft means and a knurling shaft means, tension and grip for peeling off said labels from said back paper;
• supplying, by a vacuum generator, waste air to said labels for enabling floating of said labels towards a vacuum tamp pad;
• applying, by said vacuum tamp pad, said labels to said plurality of articles.

[0016] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the peel off system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates the front view of the peel off system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 3 and figure 4 illustrates various views of the tamp pad and applicator system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 5 and figure 6 illustrates the side and front view of the complete assembly of label applicator with integrated peel-off system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0023] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

[0024] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0025] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

[0028] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0029] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0030] It is also to be understood that the term “module” is used in the specification to indicate an apparatus, unit, component and the like. The term “means” when used in the specification is taken to specify the mode by which desired result is achieved.

[0031] In one embodiment, the present invention provide an easy label peel off system which can peel off label and the said label peel off system can be engaged with from any industrial standard printer and an applicator unit which applies label to a carton. The essential feature of the invention is this peel off system and the process of engaging this with the industrial printer. This feature of the invention can allows the conventional manual application of label printed from a standard printer to be applied automatically on the carton.

[0032] In one embodiment, the label applicator system has two major parts, which are: 1. Label peel off system aka Tensioner mechanism; and 2. Applicator system.

[0033] Reference is made to figures 1 and 2 which show a side view and front view of the peel off system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Reference is made to figures 3 and 4 which illustrate various views of the tamp pad and applicator system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Reference is also made to figure 5 and 6 which shows the side and front view of the complete assembly of label applicator with integrated peel-off system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] In one embodiment, the label peel off system as shown in figures 1 and 2, consists of a pulley arrangement consisting of printer side pulley (11) and tensioner side pulley (10). Printer side pulley (11) can be connected to the printer shaft using a mechanical linkage that may include but not limited to, M3 grub screw. The said printer shaft can be used to eject the label from the printer after printing. This can be mounted on the printer shaft with ease, even by untrained personnel.

[0035] In one embodiment, the peel off process will be complete only when the back paper is removed from the label completely. To accomplish this, a tensioner system is used. A tensioner system comprises of a rubber shaft means (9), a knurling shaft means (8), a timer belt (3) and tensioner side pulley (10). Both above said pulleys will be connected with a timer belt (3). The tensioner side pulley 10 is connected to a knurling shaft (8). The mechanical drive in the label peel off system is transmitted from the printer shaft connected to the printer pulley (11) through the timer belt (3) to the tensioner side pulley (10) to the knurling shaft (8). The peel off system is thus self-driven without any external driving system.

[0036] In one embodiment, the shaft (8) is knurled and shaft (9) is made of rubber to have a proper grip on the back paper and also to provide tension. The shaft mounting bracket 12 has provision to adjust the position of the shaft to increase or decrease the space between the knurling shaft 8 and the rubber shaft (9). This space can increase and decrease the tension to pull the back paper. This provision is provided so that the said invention can be used for any thickness of label and back paper. The tensioner system enables pulling of the back paper from the label with enough tension to let the label peel off from the back paper after it leaves from the printer.

[0037] In one embodiment, the size of the diameter of the knurling shaft (8) is 0.5mm more than the diameter of the printer shaft. This size of the knurling shaft is an essential feature because any size of the knurling shaft 8, equal to or less than the printer shaft does not provide the necessary tension for the back paper and thus, label is not peeled properly.

[0038] In one embodiment, to initiate the process of obtaining the peel off labels, the roll of a back paper is fed inside the tensioner. Once the back paper is inside the tensioner mechanism, the rubber shaft (9) provides the tension and grip to pull back the paper, providing enough tension for the label to peel off from back paper.

[0039] In one embodiment, as shown in figures 3 and 4, the applicator system consists of a rotary mechanism (20), vacuum generator (22) and tamp pad (18). The rotary mechanism consists of a rotary pneumatic cylinder (20), a liner pneumatic cylinder (13) mounted on guide block (15) over guide rail (16). The vacuum tamp pad (18) comprises plurality of pores on it through which the label is held back. The vacuum required to hold back the label will be created by a vacuum generator (22). When at home condition, the vacuum tamp pad (18) will be facing down as shown in Figure 6. Once the label is peeled off from the back paper using the label peel off system, the label is made to move to the vacuum tamp pad (18). This will be done with the help of air released from the vacuum generator (22) mounted just below the label. Any vacuum generator while generating vacuum, releases air. In prior art, this air (compressed air) is let out through silencer/nozzle back to environment and the air to float the label is provided by another nozzle and uses compressed air. However, in the label applicator system as shown in figures 5 and 6, this wasted air can be applied on the free label to make it float towards the vacuum pad. Once the label reaches the position, depending on which side the label needs to be applied, the rotary and linear cylinders can be activated and vacuum released to apply the label on carton.

[0040] Some of the noteworthy features of the present invention, are as follows:
• Label peeling system from back paper
• Tensioner mechanism
• Use of any standard printer for simulating LPA
• Integration of standard printer to applicator unit
• Low cost applicator unit

[0041] Some of the advantages of the present invention, are as follows:
• Any standard printer can be converted to a label applicator system.
• Cost of said invention is 35% less than the existing systems.
• Breakdowns/repairs are minimal and associated only with pneumatics and standard printer.
• Easy construction and reduced number of parts making repair and maintenance cheap.
• Ideal for any small-medium scale industries.
• Ideal for fast moving goods on conveyor lines.
• In addition to the advantages of an LPA, the invention dissolves the disadvantages of existing system of being rigid and also provides greater flexibility such as easy maintenance, readily available parts and reduced MTTR.
• The present invention can be implemented easily by any machine house rather than purchasing an LPA which is a costly affair.
• The invention reduces the cost associated with manufacture of label printer and applicator by reducing the parts associated with the process, reducing the number and intensity of breakdowns.
• The said invention can be used for applying labels on side and top of any corrugated box.

[0042] Although a Label applicator with integrated peel-off system and method of label application have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed in the above section are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods or devices described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations of the Label applicator with integrated peel-off system and method of label application.