GB2516237A - Apparatus and method for transferring a label from a release liner web to an article - Google Patents

Abstract

A label applicator features a beak 40 over which passes, with labels 401 outermost, a release liner web 403. A transfer roller 50 is positioned adjacent the beak 40. The outer surface of the transfer roller 50 is of a material which provides an attractive force to the labels 401. The labels 401 separate from the release liner web 403 and adhere to the transfer roller 50 just prior to their application to articles A. Such a material may be silicone, or a releasable adhesive coating. Also disclosed is a corresponding method of normal usage of the apparatus. The apparatus may further feature a cleaning roller 60.

Description

Apparatus and Method for transferring a Label from a Release Liner Web to an Article

Background

Labels are applied to products to provide identification, product information and branding.

Product owners seek efficient and effective ways to apply labels and to reduce material usage and waste.

Pressure sensitive labels are an effective way to achieve these objectives and can be applied at high speed.

Traditional high speed labelling commonly known in the art) utilises machines to apply labels to articles advanced to the labelling station on a conveyor belt or other means of carriage. The pressure sensitive labels are pre-cut and adhesively attached to one side of a roll of siliconised release liner.

The label separates from the release liner as the release liner moves over a return which has an acute angle commonly known in the art as a "beak". This separation occurs because the stiffness of the label is greater than the release force adhering the label to the release liner. In this way the label is presented to the article to be labelled with its adhesive surface exposed.

Another type of high speed labelling machine utilises labels attached to one side of a release liner but utilises a vacuum extraction to remove the label and a bellows to apply them.

The above is all described in U.S. Patent 8,168,033 and a proposal made for how to extract and apply labels from both sides of a siliconised release liner in a two pass embodiment of the invention or in a single pass, through the use of contra rotating vacuum extraction wheels. US patent 7,527,843 also describes a similar structure. U.S. patent 8168,033 does not describe or explain how a suitable vacuum could be created to extract the label from the release liner, nor does it offer a solution as to how the labels would be printed and die cut. This invention seeks to address the application stage with an apparatus and method which, at least in preferred embodiments, provides a way to reduce the thickness of the label and potentially the release liner, in order to minimise cost and maximise material savings.

Statements of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for transferring a label from a release liner web to an article, comprising a beak over which the release liner web passes in use with the label outermost; and a transfer roller positioned adjacent the beak so as to contact the outer surface of the label as it passes over the beak) wherein the outer surface material of the transfer roller is configured to provide an attraction force on the label to cause the label to separate from the release liner web and adhere to the roller surface as it is transferred from the release liner to the article.

In accordance with a second aspect, the invention provides a method of transferring a label from a release liner web to an article, comprising: passing a release liner with the label outermost over o beak; positioning a transfer roller adjocent the beak so os to contact the outer surface of the label as it passes over the beak, wherein the outer surface material of the transfer roller is configured to provide an attraction force on the label to cause the label to separate from the release liner web and adhere to the transfer roller surface as it is transferred from the release liner to the article. The method may include the steps of transferring the label from the release liner to the transfer roller surface and transferring the label from the transfer roller surface to the article. These steps could take place simultaneously (i.e. the label may be in contact with the liner, transfer roller and article at the same time) or sequentially (i.e. the label may momentarily be in contact only with the transfer roller and not the release liner or article).

In accordance with a third aspect) the invention provides a system for transferring a label from a release liner web to an article, comprising a release liner web with at least one label attached thereto and the apparatus the first aspect.

As stated above, the outer surface material of the transfer roller is configured to provide an attraction force on the label to cause the label to separate from the release liner web and adhere to the roller surface as it is transferred from the release liner to the article. This may be achieved by the selection of a suitable material for the surface of the roller, or by an appropriate surface treatment. It is the inherent property of the surface material of the roller which provides the attraction force. It is envisaged that many different types of material or surface treatment will provide a suitable attraction force on the label. In one preferred embodiment, the transfer roller outer surface material comprises silicone rubber. In another preferred embodiment, the transfer roller outer surface material comprises a releasable adhesive coating, which is preferably low tack.

Preferably, the attraction force provided by the transfer roller on the label is greater than the adhesion force between the label and the release liner web.

Preferably, the attraction force provided by the transfer roller on the label is less than the "initial grab" or "green tack" adhesion of the label to the article. Preferably, initial grab or green tack is measured using the Finat Test Method FTMY, as described in the Finat Technical Handbook (Test Methods), 7th edition) 2005.

When the apparatus is not in use, it may be preferable to move the transfer roller away from contact with the beak. This will prevent a flat spot occurring or the adhesive setting in contact with the beak. Preferably therefore the transfer roller is movable from the position adjacent the beak to a position spaced from the beak.

The transfer roller may in time become contaminated with dust, dirt and other debris such that the attraction force decreases. Preferably therefore the apparatus further comprises a cleaning roller in contact with the transfer roller, the cleaning roller having an adhesive coating and being configured to remove contaminants from the surface of the transfer roller. The cleaning roller may be movable from the position in contact with the transfer roller to a position spaced from the transfer roller, such as when the apparatus is not in use. Preferably, the cleaning roller exerts a constant pressure against the transfer roller when in contact with the transfer roller.

In at least preferred embodiments, the invention relates to the to the dispensing of labels from one or two sides of a one or two side siliconised release liner, which ordinarily are not stiff enough to dispense over a beak. This is achieved through the use of a beak plus a transfer roller whose radius preferably acts perpendicularly on the point of release from the beak. The transfer roller preferably has a "sticky" surface that has a degree of attraction to the label which in combination to the propensity of the stiffness of the label to break adhesion with the release liner ensures the label will release. The label will then travel round the transfer roller to a point when it is incident with the article being labelled. At this point the degree of attraction to the roller is preferably less than the "green tack" adhesion to the article, and therefore the label is released from the transfer roller and the labelling operation is complete.

The first stage in the process of converting labelstock to finished labels is printing. As labels are generally only on one side of the release liner, the printing of the labels normally has to only be completed to one side. If labelstock on two sides of a two side siliconised release liner are to be printed, the process must take place to both sides. This could take place sequentially but if printing of both sides takes place simultaneously to this novel structure it would be inventive. A suitable machine to simultaneously print on both sides of two sided labelstock on a two side siliconised release liner in register, is the Landa W50 Nanographic Printing Press.

With printing being possible on both sides of a labelstock, either simultaneously or sequentially, the opportunity exists to print and die-cut different images and different labels on the face material to the front) from those on the back of the release liner. If printing is completed digitally an infinite number of different images down the length of the release liner can be provided.

The second stage of the process of producing labels from labelstock is the die-cutting of the reel of printed labels. However, as labels are generally only on one side of the release liner, the die-cutting of the labels normally has to only be completed to one side. If labelstock on two sides of a siliconised release liner are to be die-cut, those processes must take place to both sides. In a preferred embodiment, a suitable machine to simultaneously die-cut both sides of two side labelstock on a two side siliconised release liner to print register is proposed with this invention being achieved either mechanically or through the use of lasers. If die-cutting is achieved through the use of a laser rather than a fixed die, then the label can be an infinite number of different shapes which, when combined with digitally printed images which can also be individual) allows each side of the release liner to have varied images and varied shape labels.

In an alternative version of the die cutting process, the labelstock can be separated from the release liner, die cut and the labels cut from it reattached to the liner. Such a process is known to the art through Avery Dennison and is marketed as ThinstreamTM. The advantage of such a system is that it allows lower gauge release liner to be used as there is no risk of die strike on the liner which can cause mechanical damage and the risk of liner breaks. If such a process was used to strip the labelstock from both sides of a two side siliconised release liner die cut the labels and then place them onto both sides then the same advantage would be gained for double the number of labels per unit of release liner.

The labelling of the article is the final stage of the production. At least in preferred embodiments, the invention achieves the successful high speed labelling of articles using thinner than normal labels.

Two side simultaneous printing in register will ensure production costs are minimised. Printing sequentially is possible but will require two passes and keeping register to the tolerance required for some label applications will be difficult. It will also mean that the structure will be subjected to two lots of heat history, should drying of the inks be effected through the application of heat. This may be disadvantageous to label or adhesive performance.

Having different labels on each side of the release liner or down the length of either or both sides of the release liner may be advantageous on certain occasions but especially when two different labels are applied to articles. Having different labels on the front and back of the release liner will ensure that exactly the same number of front and back labels are supplied and minimise wasted stock when products are discontinued. It will also mean that only one SKU is required to be ordered to provide labels for an article.

Simultaneously die-cutting labels from both sides of a two side labelstock on a two side siliconised release liner will ensure accurate register is maintained and that no stretching of the S release liner occurs caused by act of stripping the matrix waste. The die-cutting can be achieved mechanically or through the use of lasers and can be in-line to the printing operation or off-line, in a secondary operation on a finishing line.

Due to the assisted release afforded by the transfer roller, it is possible to provide a beak with a less acute angle. The result is that the force required on the release liner to pull it through the labelling system may be reduced. This allows the release liner to be made thinner. As a consequence, not only is the release liner material utilised twice by carrying labels on each side, but the thickness of the liner may be reduced and it may be made of a material that has a lower tensile strength or lower modulus and/or lower density. It is believed that this will allow the release liner to be made from oriented polypropylene film rather than oriented polyester film, saving on packaging weight.

Detailed Description

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG 1 is a schematic diagram of a standard labelling system with a beak; FIG 2 is a schematic diagram of the presentation and application of two side labels from a two side siliconised release liner using a standard beak in a double pass; FIG 3 is a schematic diagram of the presentation and application of two side labels from a two side siliconised release liner using a standard beak in a single pass; and FIG 4 is a schematic diagram of the presentation and application of two side labels from a two side siliconised release liner in a double pass using an embodiment of the present invention.

Various embodiments, versions and examples of a process of manufacturing and applying labels will be described. Definitions that are adopted herein for purposes of understanding the claimed invention are also provided.

"Labelstock" as a term used herein, is defined as a roll of material consisting of a multi-layer laminate suitable for self-adhesive labelling applications. The two-sided labelstock of the current invention consists of a release liner with a first side and a second side, a first pressure sensitive adhesive layer positioned adjacent to the first side of the release liner and a first facestock layer positioned adjacent to the first adhesive layer and a second pressure sensitive adhesive layer positioned adjacent to the second side of the release liner with a second facestock layer positioned adjacent to the second adhesive layer.

"Facestock" as a term used herein, is defined as the printable layer located on each of the outward facing sides of the two-sided labelstock, defined above. According to the present invention, each facestock layer may itself comprise a single or multiple layers. The facestock is die-cut to a specified size and shape to form the labels.

"Matrix waste" as a term used herein, is defined as the unprinted portion of the facestock and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer that does not form part of the labels following die-cutting, it is also known in the art as the "skeletal waste". The matrix waste is removed from both sides of the two-sided labelstock surfaces and discarded prior to rewind of the finished rolls and their subsequent application of the labels to the articles.

is "corresponding" labels as a term used herein, are defined as the two opposing labels, one on the first side of the release liner and one on the opposite side of the release liner.

"Polymer" as a term used herein, can refer to homopolymers, copolymers, interpolymers, terpolymers, etc. This application details a process for manufacturing and applying labels to articles utilising high speed labelling machines where those labels have been manufactured from a single side labelstock with pressure sensitive adhesive facestock releasably adhered to one side of a release liner or a two-sided labelstock comprising a release liner with pressure sensitive adhesive facestock releasably adhered to both sides.

Labelstock Labelstock comprises a web of siliconised release liner material upon which pressure sensitive adhesive coated facestock is adhered. Converted labelstock with pressure sensitive adhesive labels adhered to one side of the continuous siliconsied web is commonly used in high speed labelling machine applications.

Two-sided labelstock comprises at least five distinct layers, including the release liner, a first pressure sensitive adhesive layer positioned adjacent to the first side of the release liner and a first facestock layer positioned adjacent to the first adhesive layer, a second pressure sensitive adhesive layer positioned adjacent to the second side of the release liner and a second facestock layer positioned adjacent to the second adhesive layer.

The release liner provides the medium for conveyance of the labels to the labelling machine. The release liner comprises a core layer with a coated layer on one side for standard labelstock and on both sides for two-sided labelstock.

The core may be any conventional flexible material known in the art and may be comprised of either single or multiple layers. The core may be a single-layer or multi-layer substrate selected from the following: glassine, paper, poly-coated paper, oriented or cast polymers of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polystyrene and the like.

The coating layers of the release liner are characterised by low tack and permit the easy release of pressure sensitive adhesive labels thereto applied. The release properties of the coating layers ensure that the adhesive remains with the facestock when it or the labels cut from the facestock are removed from it. The coating layers may include a release agent selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyethylene, polypropylene, fluorocarbons and blends thereof.

The pressure sensitive adhesive bonds relatively weakly to the release liner and relatively strongly to the facestock. This allows removal of the pressure sensitive adhesive labels by a high speed labelling machine for application to the articles.

The pressure sensitive adhesive may be selected from: hot melt adhesives, water-based adhesives, solvent-based adhesives and rubber-based adhesives in preferred embodiments of this invention.

The facestock layers may be single-layer or multi-layer products selected from: paper, metal foils, oriented or cast polymers of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene and the like.

The two sided labelstock structure can be printed on both sides simultaneously in register using a suitable method for determining position and maintaining control of the image. A device for printing such a structure in such a manner is the Landa W50 Nanographic Printing Press.

The two-sided labelstock structure will typically be die-cut on both sides after printing with precision such that only the facestock layers and pressure sensitive adhesive layers are cut into a specified size and shape, to form pressure sensitive adhesive labels and without damaging the release liner. This may be achieved simultaneously with the dies on each side providing the anvil to each other. In alternative arrangements the labels are cut through with the use of a laser or lasers which cut through the facestock and adhesive layers but leave the release liner layer undamaged. In another arrangement, the facestock on each side may be die-cut sequentially, one side followed by the opposite side. In a further alternative arrangement) the facestock may be stripped from both sides of the release liner simultaneously or sequentially and cut and then the label produced re-laminated to the release liner using the Avery Thinstream process.

After cutting, the redundant facestock material surrounding the pressure sensitive adhesive labels on both sides of the two-sided labelstock, commonly known in the art as matrix or skeletal waste, is stripped away leaving the pressure sensitive adhesive labels releasably adhered to both sides of the two side siliconised release liner. The skeletal waste is discarded after removal. The release liner with labels on both sides is then wound into a roll which can be mounted on a high speed labelling machine ready for application of said labels.

Articles to be Labelled The invention can be used for the application of pressure sensitive adhesive labels from one or both sides of a siliconised release liner by a high speed labelling machine to a variety of articles including, but not limited to: bottles, jars, boxes, trays, cartons, books, magazines, food, electrical, mechanical, computer, gardening, sports and leisure equipment, building products, CDs, stationery, office products, furniture, furnishings, decorative products, plants, cleaning and washing products, health and beauty care products, clothing, automotive, aerospace and shipping parts and products, mechanical and machine parts, tools, toys, hobby products, and packaging materials.

Standard Labelling System A schematic view of a standard method for labelling articles is shown in Fig 1. The roll 100 of labels is shown, comprising a plurality of labels 101 adhesively adhered to one side of a one-side-siliconised release liner 102. Roll 100 is mounted on an offwind 10 which is able to rotate on a high speed labelling machine. The release liner 102 is pulled through the system by a powered rewind 20 and correct tension maintained through a braking device and dancing rollers 30. As the release liner moves over a beak 40 the stiffness of the label breaks adhesion with the release liner which is pulled away at an acute angle. The label 103 is presented to the articles A to be labelled which move in a direction Dat an angle (e.g. tangentially, perpendicularly or at an acute angle) relative to the direction of travel of the presented label 103 before attachment. The label may be subsequently brushed down to ensure full adhesion and that there are no trapped air bubbles. A control mechanism times the label release to the movement of the articles A to ensure one label is presented and adhered to each article.

After application of the label, the release liner moves towards the rewind 20 where it is rewound into a roll 104 for later disposal. Alternatively it may be shredded, spooled onto the floor or other surface, directed into a bin or other waste receptacle, or otherwise disposed without rewinding.

Double Pass Embodiment A schematic view of a double pass embodiment of the method for labelling articles is shown in Fig 2. In this embodiment, the method comprises the use of a roll 200 of labels, comprising a plurality of labels 201, 202 adhesively adhered to both sides of a two side siliconised release liner 203, mounted on an offwind 10 which is able to rotate on a high speed labelling machine. The continuous release liner web 203 with labels 201, 202 adhesively applied to both sides is pulled through the high speed labelling machine by a powered rewind 20 and correct tension maintained through a braking device and dancing rollers 30. As the release liner moves over a beak 40 the stiffness of the label on the outside breaks adhesion with the release liner which is pulled away at an acute angle. The label 204 is presented to the articles A to be labelled which move in a direction Oat an angle (e.g. tangentially, perpendicularly or at an angle between zero and 180 degrees) relative to the direction of travel of the presented label 204 before attachment.

The label may be subsequently brushed down to ensure full adhesion and that there are no trapped air bubbles. The labels 202 which were on the inside remain adhered to the release liner 203 and move round the beak 40 and are rewound into a roll 205. In this embodiment the beak should be sufficiently blunt so as to avoid damaging the second side pressure sensitive adhesive labels as they pass around the end of the beak.

Typically, the articles A to be labelled move past the applicator on some form of conveyor or other handling device (not shown), that moves them past the beak 40 and as in the standard system a control mechanism ensures one label is presented to each article, unless a double application is required.

The roll 205 of rewound labels now adhesively adhered to only one side of the two side siliconised release liner 203 is removed from the rewind 20 of the label machine and mounted once again on the offwind 10 for the labels 202 on the second side to be applied to articles (i.e. the second pass). This second application, of labels is as shown and described in Fig 1.

The main advantage of the double pass embodiment is that existing high speed labelling machines can be adapted for use with two-sided labels on a two side siliconised release liner with little modification except to the tension control on the rewind side, to ensure the roll of labels will be wound properly (not shown). This could be achieved by pulling the release liner with labels still adhered to the second side through incident contra rotating rollers on each side of the release liner with a suitable tension control and a powered rewind working in unison. In this manner a well wound roll on the rewind may be achieved, which can then be reloaded for application of labels from the second side. As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, the double pass embodiment could be used with other types of high speed labelling machines that utilize other label dispensing means (e.g. a lay-on roller as shown in FIG 4).

Single Pass Embodiment A single pass embodiment for labelling articles is shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the method comprises the use of a roll 300 of labels, comprising a plurality of labels 301, 302 adhesively adhered to both sides of a two-side-siliconised release liner 303 mounted on an offwind 10 which is able to rotate on a high speed labelling machine. The continuous release liner web 303 with labels 301,302 adhesively applied to both sides is pulled through the high speed labelling machine by a powered rewind 20 and correct tension maintained through a braking device and dancing rollers 30. As the release liner moves over the first beak 40 the stiffness of the label on the outside breaks adhesion with the release liner 303 which is pulled away at an acute angle. The label 304 is presented to the articles Al to be labelled which move in a direction Dl at an angle (e.g. tangentially, perpendicularly or at an angle between zero and 180 degrees) relative to the direction of travel of the presented label 304 before attachment. The label may be subsequently brushed down to ensure full adhesion and that there are no trapped air bubbles.

The labels 302 which were on the inside remain adhered to the release liner 303 and move round the beak 40. In this embodiment the first beak 4oshould be sufficiently blunt so as to avoid damaging the second side pressure sensitive adhesive labels 302 as they pass around the end of the beak.

Typically, the articles to be labelled move past the applicator on some form of conveyor or other handling device (not shown), that moves them past the beak and as in the standard system a control mechanism ensures one label is presented to each article, unless a double label application is required.

After passing around the first beak 40, the release liner 303 now with adhesive labels 302 adhered to only one side proceeds toward a second beak 41. As before, the stiffness of the label on the outside breaks adhesion with the release liner which is pulled away at an acute angle. The :ii label 305 is presented to the articles A2 to be labelled which move in a direction D2 at an angle (e.g. tangentially, perpendicularly or at an angle between zero and 180 degrees) relative to the direction of travel of the presented label 305 before attachment.. These articles A2 may be the same articles as presented to the first labelling station or they may be different, and the label 305 may be the same type of label 304 as was presented at the first labelling station or it may be different. The label may be subsequently brushed down to ensure full adhesion and that there are no trapped air bubbles. As before the articles A2 are presented to the second labelling station by a conveyor or other handling device (not shown).

The release liner 303 then moves towards a rewind 20 where it is rewound into a roll 306 for later disposal. Alternatively it may be shredded, spooled onto the floor or other surface, directed into a bin or other waste receptacle, or otherwise disposed without rewinding.

Lay-On Roller Beak An embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 4, comprising a "Lay-On Roller'1 beak, which is a variation on a fixed beak as described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the two side siliconised release liner 403 with labels 401,402 adhesively adhered on one or two sides moves around the beak 40 in a one or two pass embodiment as described above. The "Lay-On Roller" of the present invention may also be used with a standard one side labelstock with a label adhesively adhered to just one side of a single side siliconised release liner.

The lay-on roller of this preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a roller 50.

When made of an appropriate material, roller 50 provide assistance to the label 404 to break adhesion with the release liner 403 as the release liner moves round the beak 40. When brought into contact with the label 404, the label adheres to roller 50 in preference to release liner 403.

The roller of the present invention allows the label to be made from a thinner than normal substrate. A typical thickness of a clear biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film label for consistent high speed dispensing is 50 microns. This thickness is dictated by the stiffness required to dispense over a standard beak. The assistance provided by a lay-on roller 50 has shown that a label of 30 microns BOPP can be dispensed. The present invention also provides the possibility of decreasing the thickness of other facestock substrates that can be used, such as paper, PE, PET, aluminium foil, etc. In order to provide assistance to the release of the label, the roller should preferably be made of or covered with a substance that shows attraction or adhesion to the label. In combination with the stiffness of the label, this attraction or adhesion needs to be greater than the adhesion of the label to the release liner when passing over the beak. This attraction or adhesion can be achieved through the use of rubber or an adhesive coating with relatively low adhesion. Silicone rubber with a shore hardness of approximately 25 has been shown to work. A suitable roller is manufactured by Teknek Ltd. The roller could alternatively be made from urethane rubber or other elastomers.

A range of shore hardness will be suitable for the roller, such as 10-100, 10-40 or 15-35.

In addition to adhesion (whether provided by the presence of actual adhesive or not), the attraction between the label and the rubber on the roller can be governed by van der Waals, electrostatic image, electric double layer or capillary forces. The roller may have its surface topography on a microscopic level modified in a number of ways to increase these forces, including any or a combination of the following: corona, plasma, flame or laser treatments.

Roller 50 may in time become contaminated with dust and other debris. In order to clean the roller a second roller 60 incident on the first and covered with a strong adhesive will remove this debris and ensure the lay-on roller 50 remains functional.

The passage of the carrier release liner 403 through the system has been shown to be capable of rotating both the Lay-On roller and the adhesive roller so the existing mechanics of a high speed labelling line can be used. However, the rollers may be powered if necessary and suitable controls provided to synchronise them to the movement of the web and article to be labelled.

The article A to be labelled now moves tangentially past the Lay-On Roller 50 rather than the beak 40, becomes incident with the adhesive side of the label 404 being carried on the Lay-On Roller and the article is labelled. Because the label is completely flat and supported during the labelling process no creasing or entrapment of air should occur and there is no need to brush down the surface to remove air bubbles, saving an operation.

If the line is not used for some time the rubber roller may flat spot. A device to lift the rubber roller when not in use can be provided.

The adhesive roller 60 is a consumable item and the outer layer needs to be removed when the roller becomes too contaminated to work effectively. A device to ensure consistent pressure of the adhesive roller onto the rubber roller may also be provided, which can also allow for contact to be released when the device is not being used.

If the article to be labelled is long, there is a possibility that it will be double labelled as it might continue to rotate the Lay-On Roller. A device to lift and drop the labelling head to the article can be provided and synchronised to the label and article to prevent this occurring.

Variations In other embodiments of this invention, one pressure sensitive adhesive label from the first side of the release liner can be applied to an article at the first labelling station and one pressure sensitive adhesive label from the second side of the release liner can be applied to an article at the second labelling station. Utilising this invention the same roll of labels can have any variation of labels on each side of the two side siliconised release liner and these can be applied in any combination to articles and even on top of each other in a piggyback type arrangement where the surface of the label has been suitably treated or where the adhesive is of a non-permanent type to ensure one label can be peeled from the other. In this manner front and back and piggyback labels or combinations can applied from the same roll at one or other labelling station to the same or different articles.

Claims (13)

1. Claims 1. Apparatus for transferring a label from a release liner web to an article) comprising: a beak over which the release liner web passes in use with the label outermost; and a transfer roller positioned adjacent the beak so as to contact the outer surface of the label as it passes over the beak, wherein the outer surface material of the transfer roller is configured to provide an attraction force on the label to cause the label to separate from the release liner web and adhere to the roller surface as it is transferred from the release liner to the article.
2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the transfer roller outer surface material comprises silicone rubber.
3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the transfer roller outer surface material comprises a releasable adhesive coating.
4. 4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, in which the transfer roller is movable from the position adjacent the beak to a position spaced from the beak.
5. 5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, in which the apparatus further comprises a cleaning roller in contact with the transfer roller) the cleaning roller having an adhesive coating and being configured to remove contaminants from the surface of the transfer roller.
6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, in which the cleaning roller is movable from the position in contact with the transfer roller to a position spaced from the transfer roller.
7. 7. The apparatus of claim 5 or 6, in which the cleaning roller exerts a constant pressure against the transfer roller when in contact with the transfer roller.
8. 8. A method of transferring a label from a release liner web to an article, comprising: passing a release liner with the label outermost over a beak; positioning a transfer roller adjacent the beak so as to contact the outer surface of the label as it passes over the beak, wherein the outer surface material of the transfer roller is configured to provide an attraction force on the label to cause the label to separate from the release liner web and adhere to the transfer roller surface as it is transferred from the release liner to the article.
9. 9. A system for transferring a label from a release liner web to an article, comprising a release liner web with at least one label attached thereto and the apparatus of any of claims ito 7.
10. 10. The system of claim 9, in which the attraction force provided by the transfer roller on the label is greater than the adhesion force between the label and the release liner web.
11. 11. The system of claim 10, in which the attraction force provided by the transfer roller on the label is less than the green tack adhesion of the label to the article.
12. 12. Apparatus for transferring a label from a release liner web to an article substantially as described herein with reference to figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.
13. 13. A method of transferring a label from a release liner web to an article substantially as described herein with reference to figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.