EP0894726A1 - Mechanismus zum Anbringen von Etiketten an der Innenseite eines Kartons - Google Patents

Mechanismus zum Anbringen von Etiketten an der Innenseite eines Kartons Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0894726A1
EP0894726A1 EP98202431A EP98202431A EP0894726A1 EP 0894726 A1 EP0894726 A1 EP 0894726A1 EP 98202431 A EP98202431 A EP 98202431A EP 98202431 A EP98202431 A EP 98202431A EP 0894726 A1 EP0894726 A1 EP 0894726A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
carton
labels
label
cartons
head
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98202431A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
William J. Meyers
Alex Saveliev
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eastman Kodak Co
Original Assignee
Eastman Kodak Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eastman Kodak Co filed Critical Eastman Kodak Co
Publication of EP0894726A1 publication Critical patent/EP0894726A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
    • B65C1/00—Labelling flat essentially-rigid surfaces
    • B65C1/02—Affixing labels to one flat surface of articles, e.g. of packages, of flat bands

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a label feeder. More particularly, the invention relates to a label applicator mechanism and method which delivers individual labels to open-ended containers as the containers move through the infeed process of cartoning machines.
  • Label applicators typically apply labels to articles as the articles are presented to the label applicator.
  • the labels are releasably adhered, in a single column, to an elongated backing strip.
  • the label applicator removes one of the labels from the backing strip ad releasably retains it at a labeling station.
  • Label applicators of this type are shown, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,574,027; 4,787,953; 4,915,565; 5,112,430; 5,091,040; 5,174,852; 5,275,685; and 5,306,375.
  • Label applicators of this type while satisfactory for many applications can introduce delay into an assembly or packaging operation in which labeling must be carried out. For example, time is lost when label insertion through the end of a container, application of the label to the inside of a container and withdrawal of the applicator must occur during the dwell time (carton stationary) of the process cycle. Also, all three operations must occur at the same station since the tooling would interfere with the motion of the container during the index period (carton moving) of the process cycle.
  • An additional problem in adding labeling capacity to cartoning machines is accessibility to the containers as they move down through their erection, product loading, flap gluing and discharge areas.
  • Tagging is not normally a process that is done on a cartoning machine. Tagging is generally the last process before the carton is sealed her the product is loaded into it.
  • the present invention provides a method of tagging before the carton is retained/captured in carton buckets on most cartoning machines.
  • an automatic labeling device for applying the labels to product units.
  • the device consists of a commercially available carton picker in which each picker head is modified by adding additional hardware.
  • This hardware includes a label applicator head, that accepts a label from a label dispenser, along with its actuator.
  • the modified picker head partially erects the carton, inserts a pre-dispensed label into the carton and applies the label.
  • This modified picker head which we call a picker nest then continues its normal function of loading the labeled carton into the carrier bucket of the cartoning machine.
  • the carton picker device includes 3-head carton picker nests affixed radially on a center hub. Each picker nest has a vacuum cup component along with a label applicator component.
  • the label applicator slides in the same direction as the axis of rotation, thus enabling the applicator to travel inside the carton as the carton travels around the center axis. This actuation could be accomplished through a pneumatic gland in which ports are opened or closed as the nest rotates.
  • These nests are integrated with a commercially available label dispensing machine such that a label is dispensed to a vacuum grid on the label applicator head. Since the label applicator is linked to the vacuum cup which holds the partially erect carton, a predetermined motion may be executed that will permit the applicator head to enter the carton and apply the label.
  • tags or labels can be applied to the inside of cartons while the product is being packaged; the percentage of product tagged or labeled can be 25, 33, 50 or 100 depending on the request by the customer; packaging of the product is not dependent upon receiving pre-tagged or labeled cartons which could be a scheduling concern; and all product currently requiring tags or labels need not be done manually.
  • Figure 1 describes the process of picking non-erect cartons from a carton hopper, transporting, and then loading erect labeled cartons into the carrier bucket of a cartoning machine.
  • Figure 2 shows the position of the vacuum cup picker, the applicator head, and a label.
  • Figure 3 shows a modified vacuum cup picker head (picker nest).
  • Figure 4 shows a stationary element of air vacuum porting gland.
  • Figure 1 shows the process a commercially available 3-head carton picker 20 goes through, starting with picking a non-erect carton 21 by means of vacuum, using a vacuum cup from a carton hopper 5 in a carton storage area.
  • the cartons are stacked together in their flat, non-erect state.
  • the carton picker head/vacuum cup picker moves the carton in proximity to the carrier bucket 18 of a commercially available cartoning machine (not shown).
  • These cartoning machines move equally spaced carrier buckets in line on a horizontal plane.
  • the carrier buckets are designed to hold open cartons and convey them through the process where product is loaded into each carton. The carton is then sealed shut while still retained in the carrier bucket.
  • the carton is then discharged off the end of the cartoner as the carrier buckets reach the end of their travel and are conveyed back into position to accept a new carton.
  • the picker head places the carton into the carrier bucket an interference is created which causes the non-erect carton to be pushed open.
  • As the carton is forced open it is captured in the carrier bucket.
  • the vacuum is turned off the vacuum cup at this time so that it may continue on its circular travel.
  • the process of the present invention allows the labeling of the inside of a carton, such as photographic film containing cartons, while not slowing down or stopping the packaging process where the cartons are conveyed through the process by a conveyor (not shown in the drawings).
  • the process consists of applying labels by a conventional label feeder 1 to cartons which are moving through an infeed of a packaging process by i) picking up labels to be applied to said cartons with applicator heads containing vacuum grids; ii) picking up cartons with vacuum cup pickers; iii) moving said labels on said applicator heads by means of pneumatics from outside the carton to inside the carton; iv) blowing the labels onto the inside of cartons; and v) moving the applicator heads out of the carton so that the cartons can be placed into the carrier bucket on the cartoning machine.
  • steps i to v are repeated and the labels are prepared to be moved at the same speed as the containers.
  • Figure 2 the process begins with a label feeder 1 dispensing a label 2 to the vacuum grid (not shown) on the label applicator head 3 during the time the vacuum carton picker 4 is picking a carton out of the carton hopper 5 (shown in Figure 1).
  • Figure 3 shows a carton picker nest which includes the standard commercially available carton picker head along with additional components affixed to the picker head.
  • the carton picker consists of a rotary support shaft 7 on which a carton picker vacuum cup 8 is mounted.
  • the additional components of the applicator head assembly include a label/tag applicator head 9 with a vacuum grid, vacuum head slide support 11 and a pneumatic actuator 13. This assembly retains the label after it is dispensed from the label feeder.
  • the label applicator head is attached to the rotary shaft support and is able to be moved along the shaft. This allows for a fixed distance between the carton, that is held by the vacuum cup on the carton picker head, and the label that is held by the vacuum grid on the applicator head.
  • the applicator is able to be actuated into and out of the carton residing on the vacuum picker head.
  • the carton picker heads rotate counter clockwise about a common axis.
  • the support shaft 7 is able to move toward and away from the center of this axis while always keeping the vacuum cup pointed away from the center by means of gearing mounting inside the mechanical drive housing 10.
  • the applicator head assembly includes the label applicator head 9 which has vacuum and blow on capabilities, the vacuum head slide support 11 which includes a self adjusting spring loaded pivot mechanism 12 for aligning the applicator head to the label as it is fed off the label feeder, the pneumatic actuator 13 and the pneumatic gland porting hardware that supplies pressurized air and vacuum to the applicator head and actuator.
  • the pneumatic actuator may be a commercially available air cylinder.
  • the pneumatic gland porting unit 18 as shown in Figure 4 powers the actuator that moves the applicator head into and away from the carton 14 being held on the vacuum cup picker.
  • the automatic gland porting has two elements mating flat surfaces rotating against each other.
  • One stationary element 15 has grooves cut in an arc that faces the other element which rotates.
  • air or vacuum is supplied on the non-mating side of the stationary piece.
  • the second rotating element 16 of the automatic gland porting unit has holes in the mating face that lead to devices that need pressurized air or vacuum to function. When the hole in the rotating element travels over the grooved area in the stationary element, flow of air or vacuum from the supply to the device results. This in turn powers the device on the rotating element for the duration of time that the hole is over the groove.
  • Figure 3 shows the pivot mechanism 12 which is self adjusting and spring loaded for aligning the label applicator head 9 to the label feeder.
  • Figure 2 shows the label feeder 1 as the pivot mechanism engages the fixed stop 17 and the label 2 being transferred to the label applicator head 3.
  • the label is applied to the carton by blowing the label off the vacuum grid on the applicator head and onto the inside surface of the carton.
  • the cartons on the vacuum cup picker are in a semi-erect state. This means that the 4-sided carton does not have its adjacent walls set at 90°.
  • Cartons are conveyed for continuously conveying a series of identified product containers in which the product is to be sold. The product is loaded into the containers and closed or glued shut on this machine.
  • the advantages of the apparatus and method are that the labels can be applied to the inside of cartons while the product is being packaged. All product currently requires labels to be applied manually or to stop or slow down the packaging process when the labels are applied. In addition, the packaging of the product is not dependent on receiving prelabeled cartons which causes packaging problems. In addition, a certain percentage of product can be labeled rather than all. Thus, the percentage of product labeled using the apparatus and method of this invention could be anywhere from 1% to 100% of products labeled.
  • the label feeder/dispenser machine can be conventional commercially available machines.
  • the labeling machine advances the label 2 and liner upon demand. As the label liner passes over a peel bar the label separates from the liner and is placed on the vacuum grid of the applicator head.
  • the label liner 6 is the label backing strip. It has release agent on the surface so labels may be removed without damage to the adhesive side of the label.
  • Labeling machines that apply labels to containers are commercially available such as the label application model 2111 by Label-Aire which allows high speed label application up to 1600 inches of label per minute.
  • This labeling machine contains microprocessor controls and can handle a wide variety of label sizes and can be moved from one production line to another.

Landscapes

  • Labeling Devices (AREA)
EP98202431A 1997-07-31 1998-07-20 Mechanismus zum Anbringen von Etiketten an der Innenseite eines Kartons Withdrawn EP0894726A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US90363097A 1997-07-31 1997-07-31
US903630 1997-07-31

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0894726A1 true EP0894726A1 (de) 1999-02-03

Family

ID=25417825

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98202431A Withdrawn EP0894726A1 (de) 1997-07-31 1998-07-20 Mechanismus zum Anbringen von Etiketten an der Innenseite eines Kartons

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0894726A1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITPR20120050A1 (it) * 2012-07-27 2014-01-28 Kinet S R L Testa di trasferimento e inserimento di almeno una etichetta o nastro di etichetta in contenitori

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3841623A (en) * 1972-02-28 1974-10-15 Procter & Gamble Sheet feeding and labeling apparatus
US4574027A (en) 1983-01-18 1986-03-04 Bizerba-Werke Wilhelm Kraut Gmbh & Co. Kg Device for affixing adhesive labels to objects
US4787953A (en) 1987-01-12 1988-11-29 Hobart Corporation Apparatus for label transfer
US4871348A (en) * 1986-12-19 1989-10-03 Shibuya Kogyo Co. Ltd. Carton erecting apparatus
US4915565A (en) 1984-03-22 1990-04-10 Sgs-Thomson Microelectronics, Inc. Manipulation and handling of integrated circuit dice
US5081445A (en) * 1991-03-22 1992-01-14 Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Method for tagging articles used in conjunction with an electronic article surveillance system, and tags or labels useful in connection therewith
US5091040A (en) 1990-05-03 1992-02-25 B & H Manufacturing Co., Inc. Turret type labeling machine with contoured vacuum drum
US5112430A (en) 1990-03-30 1992-05-12 Riuerwood International Corporation Apparatus for applying a sheet to a substrate
US5174852A (en) 1991-02-22 1992-12-29 Krones Ag Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik Method and apparatus for attaching labels to containers
US5275685A (en) 1991-11-07 1994-01-04 Ferag Ag Apparatus for gluing attachment slips to printed products
US5306375A (en) 1989-12-19 1994-04-26 Accraply, Inc. Contour compensating peeler plate

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3841623A (en) * 1972-02-28 1974-10-15 Procter & Gamble Sheet feeding and labeling apparatus
US4574027A (en) 1983-01-18 1986-03-04 Bizerba-Werke Wilhelm Kraut Gmbh & Co. Kg Device for affixing adhesive labels to objects
US4915565A (en) 1984-03-22 1990-04-10 Sgs-Thomson Microelectronics, Inc. Manipulation and handling of integrated circuit dice
US4871348A (en) * 1986-12-19 1989-10-03 Shibuya Kogyo Co. Ltd. Carton erecting apparatus
US4787953A (en) 1987-01-12 1988-11-29 Hobart Corporation Apparatus for label transfer
US5306375A (en) 1989-12-19 1994-04-26 Accraply, Inc. Contour compensating peeler plate
US5112430A (en) 1990-03-30 1992-05-12 Riuerwood International Corporation Apparatus for applying a sheet to a substrate
US5091040A (en) 1990-05-03 1992-02-25 B & H Manufacturing Co., Inc. Turret type labeling machine with contoured vacuum drum
US5174852A (en) 1991-02-22 1992-12-29 Krones Ag Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik Method and apparatus for attaching labels to containers
US5081445A (en) * 1991-03-22 1992-01-14 Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Method for tagging articles used in conjunction with an electronic article surveillance system, and tags or labels useful in connection therewith
US5275685A (en) 1991-11-07 1994-01-04 Ferag Ag Apparatus for gluing attachment slips to printed products

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITPR20120050A1 (it) * 2012-07-27 2014-01-28 Kinet S R L Testa di trasferimento e inserimento di almeno una etichetta o nastro di etichetta in contenitori

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7398871B1 (en) Outsert placer
KR100955830B1 (ko) 무선 인식 태그 및 테이프 부착기
US5798020A (en) Medicine vial labeler
US5865918A (en) Label applicator
US5285620A (en) Apparatus and method for manufacturing a compact disc holder
JPH07503216A (ja) ラベル貼付装置
JPH0285136A (ja) 連続式感圧ラベル貼着装置及び方法
US6551439B1 (en) Ultraviolet labeling apparatus and method
US6527888B2 (en) Surveillance tag applicator
US20080017321A1 (en) Method and device for high speed labeling of articles using two-sided labelstock
US5882474A (en) Labeling machine with radial motion turret
US5890346A (en) Disc packaging machine and method
EP1712476B1 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Aufbringen von Etiketten auf Gegenstände
US5690783A (en) Mechanism for repositioning label applicator head before applying label to interior of carton
EP0894726A1 (de) Mechanismus zum Anbringen von Etiketten an der Innenseite eines Kartons
EP0861787A1 (de) Rotierender Mechanismus zum Anbringen von Etiketten an der Innenseite eines Kartons
EP0831029A1 (de) Mechanismus zum Anbringen von Etiketten an der Innenseite eines Kartons
CN113955266A (zh) 自动贴标系统和包装贴标方法
US5336359A (en) System for applying literature to a wall of an object
US6817287B2 (en) System for applying printed information to a package
EP1292497B1 (de) Etikettiervorrichtung zum spenden von auf einem trägerband haftenden etiketten
US5849140A (en) Label applicator
US20060219365A1 (en) Outsert placer
US6013150A (en) Article tagging apparatus and method
GB2276606A (en) Applying labels to two or more surfaces of an article

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

AKX Designation fees paid
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 19990804

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8566