PAD SUPPORT FOR LABEL HOLDER

Abstract

A suction strip for a label vacuum-grip cylinder. The suction strip comprising a slide plate and a pad at least partially received within the slide plate. When the at least one suction strip is inserted into the slot of the label vacuum-grip cylinder, the slot compresses the pad into a depression in the slide plate. The slide plate comprises a panel, a rearwardly extending wall extending rearwardly from the panel and a rear peripheral rim extending rearwardly from the rearwardly extending wall. The panel and the rearwardly extending wall define a suction area within the rearwardly extending wall. The depression is on a step defined by a surface of the rearwardly extending wall and within the rear peripheral rim. The slide plate including at least one retaining element for retaining the pad within the depression. Each of the slide plates can have a different character formed in the face thereof.

Claims

1. A labeling apparatus comprising: a label vacuum-grip cylinder having a plurality of slots, the label vacuum-grip cylinder being configured to supply a vacuum force to the slots; and at least one suction strip configured to be inserted into one of the slots of the label vacuum-grip cylinder for suctioning a label against a face of the at least one suction strip, the at least one suction strip comprising a slide plate and a pad at least partially received within the slide plate, wherein when the at least one suction strip is inserted into the one of the slots of the label vacuum-grip cylinder, the one of the slots compresses the pad into a depression in the slide plate; the slide plate comprising a panel, a rearwardly extending wall extending rearwardly from the panel and a rear peripheral rim extending rearwardly from the rearwardly extending wall, the panel and the rearwardly extending wall defining a suction area within the rearwardly extending wall, the depression on a step defined by a surface of the rearwardly extending wall and within the rear peripheral rim; and the suction strip including at least one means for retaining the pad within the depression.

2. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the at least one means for retaining the pad within the depression comprises at least one pin extending from the step.

3. The labeling apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the pin is cylindrical.

4. The labeling apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the at least one means for retaining the pad within the depression comprises at least one hole in the pad, the at least one hole receiving the at least one pin therein.

5. The labeling apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the at least one pin comprises four pins; and at least one hole comprises four holes, each hole being located at a corner of the pad.

6. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein: a first area defined by the entire surface of the step is larger than a second area defined by an opening into the suction area in a center portion of the step.

7. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the slide plate includes a character formed in the face of the suction strip.

8. A labeling apparatus comprising: a label vacuum-grip cylinder having a plurality of slots, the label vacuum-grip cylinder being configured to supply a vacuum force to the slots; and at least one suction strip configured to be inserted into one of the slots of the label vacuum-grip cylinder for suctioning a label against a face of the at least one suction strip, the at least one suction strip comprising a slide plate and a pad at least partially received within the slide plate, wherein when the at least one suction strip is inserted into the one of the slots of the label vacuum-grip cylinder, the one of the slots compresses the pad into a depression in the slide plate; the slide plate comprising a panel, a rearwardly extending wall extending rearwardly from the panel and a rear peripheral rim extending rearwardly from the rearwardly extending wall, the panel and the rearwardly extending wall defining a suction area within the rearwardly extending wall, the depression on a step defined by a surface of the rearwardly extending wall and within the rear peripheral rim; the slide plate including at least one pin extending from the step for retaining the pad within the depression.

9. The labeling apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the pin is cylindrical.

10. The labeling apparatus of claim 8, further including: at least one hole in the pad, the at least one hole receiving the at least one pin therein.

11. The labeling apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the at least one pin comprises four pins; and at least one hole comprises four holes, each hole being located at a corner of the pad.

12. The labeling apparatus of claim 8, wherein: a first area defined by the entire surface of the step is larger than a second area defined by an opening into the suction area in a center portion of the step.

13. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the slide plate includes a character formed in the face of the suction strip.

14. A labeling part comprising: a suction strip configured to be inserted into a slot of a label vacuum-grip cylinder to have a vacuum force supplied to the suction strip for suctioning a label against a face of the suction strip; the suction strip comprising a slide plate and a pad at least partially received within the slide plate, wherein when the suction strip is configured to be inserted into the slot of the label vacuum-grip cylinder such that the slot compresses the pad into a depression in the slide plate; the slide plate comprising a panel, a rearwardly extending wall extending rearwardly from the panel and a rear peripheral rim extending rearwardly from the rearwardly extending wall, the panel and the rearwardly extending wall defining a suction area within the rearwardly extending wall, the depression on a step defined by a surface of the rearwardly extending wall and within the rear peripheral rim; and the slide plate including at least one pin extending from the step for retaining the pad within the depression.

15. The labeling part of claim 14, wherein: the pin is cylindrical.

16. The labeling part of claim 14, wherein: the pad comprises at least one hole, the at least one hole receiving the at least one pin therein.

17. The labeling part of claim 16, wherein: the at least one pin comprises four pins; and at least one hole comprises four holes, each hole being located at a corner of the pad.

18. The labeling part of claim 14, wherein: a first area defined by the entire surface of the step is larger than a second area defined by an opening into the suction area in a center portion of the step.

19. The labeling part of claim 14, wherein: the slide plate includes a character formed in the face of the suction strip.

20. A labeling apparatus comprising: a label vacuum-grip cylinder having a plurality of slots, the label vacuum-grip cylinder being configured to supply a vacuum force to the slots; and a plurality of suction strips, each of the suction strips having a face, each of the suction strips being configured to be inserted into one of the slots of the label vacuum-grip cylinder for suctioning a label against each face of each of the suction strips, each of the suction strips comprise a slide plate and a pad at least partially received within the slide plate, wherein when each of the suction strips are inserted into the one of the slots of the label vacuum-grip cylinder, the one of the slots compresses the pad into a depression in the slide plate; the slide plate comprising a panel, a rearwardly extending wall extending rearwardly from the panel and a rear peripheral rim extending rearwardly from the rearwardly extending wall, the panel and the rearwardly extending wall defining a suction area within the rearwardly extending wall, the depression on a step defined by a surface of the rearwardly extending wall and within the rear peripheral rim; each of the slide plates having a different character formed in the face of each of the suction strips.

21. The labeling apparatus of claim 20, wherein: each of the slide plates has the different character etched into the face thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] One or more embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prior art container filling and labeling system.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art vacuum-grip cylinder.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a top view of the prior art vacuum-grip cylinder.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a detail view of the prior art vacuum-grip cylinder with suction strips partially pushed out.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the prior art view from FIG. 4.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the prior art suction strip.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a side view of the prior art suction strip.

[0032] FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of the prior art suction strip.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a slide plate of the prior art suction strip.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a front view of the slide plate of the prior art suction strip.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the slide plate of the prior art suction strip.

[0036] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the slide plate of the prior art suction strip.

[0037] FIG. 13 is an end view of the slide plate of the prior art suction strip.

[0038] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a pad of the prior art suction strip.

[0039] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the pad of the prior art suction strip.

[0040] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a suction strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 17 is a side view of the suction strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 18 is an exploded side view of the suction strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a slide plate of the suction strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 20 is a rear view of the slide plate of the suction strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 21 is a front view of the slide plate of the prior art suction strip.

[0046] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the slide plate of the suction strip according to an embodiment of the present invention taken along line XXII-XXII of FIG. 21.

[0047] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the slide plate of the suction strip according to an embodiment of the present invention taken along line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 21.

[0048] FIG. 24 is an end view of the slide plate of the suction strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a pad of the suction strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 26 is a rear view of the pad of the suction strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 27 is a front view of a suction strip according to an embodiment of the present invention with a character in a front face thereof.

[0052] FIG. 28 is a rear view of a label illustrating a character void on a rear face thereof.

[0053] The specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] For purposes of description herein, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0055] The reference number 200 (FIGS. 16-26) generally designates a suction strip of the present invention. The suction strip 200 of the present invention is a significant improvement over the prior art suction strip 64 in preventing failure of the pad 94 of the prior art as discussed above. The suction strip 200 of the present invention includes one or more of the following three improvements over the prior art suction strip 64: a smaller suction area 210, pad retaining features 212 on a slide plate 100a and retention features 214 on a pad 94a of flexible material configured to engage with the pad retaining features 212 on the slide plate 100a. The suction strip 200 of the present invention is configured to be slid into the vacuum-grip cylinder 26 of the prior art in the same manner of the suction strip 64 of the prior art. However, the suction strip 200 of the present invention has superior failure prevention characteristics.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the suction strip 200 of the present invention comprises the slide plate 100a of the present invention and the pad 94a of the present invention inserted therein. The slide plate 100a (FIGS. 16-24) includes a panel 102a, a rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104a and a rear peripheral rim 106a. The panel 102a of the slide plate 100a of the suction strip 200 includes an outwardly positioned face 113a when the suction strip 200 is on the vacuum-grip cylinder 26. The outwardly positioned face 113a of the panel 102a includes a flat area 112a and a raised suction angled surface 88a extending outwardly from the flat area 112a. The panel 102a and the raised suction angled surface 88a have suction channels 110a therethrough that provide suction for sucking the labels 14 against the suction strip 200. The rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104a extends rearwardly from the panel 102a.

[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 16, 19 and 20, the illustrated rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104a includes a top wall section 202, a bottom wall section 204, a first side wall section 206 and a second side wall section 208 as viewed from a position when the suction strip 200 is positioned within the vacuum-grip cylinder 26. The top wall section 202, the bottom wall section 204, the first side wall section 206 coincide with a periphery of the panel 102a. The second side wall section 208 is located inwardly from a periphery of the panel 102a such that a cantilevered portion 118a of the panel 102a is formed.

[0058] The illustrated panel 102a and the rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104a of the slide plate 100a define the smaller suction area 210. The suction channels 110a open into the smaller suction area 210. The rear peripheral rim 106a extends rearwardly from the rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104a and forms a pad support step 122a on a rearward surface of the rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104a and inward of the rear peripheral rim 106a. As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104a of the suction strip 200 of the present invention is substantially thicker than the rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104 of the prior art suction strip 64, such that the smaller suction area 210 of the suction strip 200 of the present invention is substantially smaller than the suction area 120 of the prior art suction strip 64. It is contemplated that the area defined by the pad support step 122a can be larger than the area defined by the opening to the smaller suction area 210 to better support the pad 94a on the pad support step 122a and to prevent the pad 94a from being suctioned into the smaller suction area 210.

[0059] The rear peripheral rim 106a includes a top rim section 115a and a bottom rim section 117a as viewed from a position when the suction strip 200 is positioned within the vacuum-grip cylinder 26. The top rim section 115a and the bottom rim section 117a have an outer periphery coplanar with the periphery of the rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104a. Side rim sections 119a of the rear peripheral rim 106a extend between the top rim section 115a and the bottom rim section 117a. The side rim sections 119a have an inner surface coplanar with an inner periphery of the rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104a. The side rim sections 119a extend outboard of the rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104a to form a pair of opposite and parallel slide ledges 130a. The pair of opposite and parallel slide ledges 130a are for sliding within corresponding slots in the vacuum-grip cylinder 26 to connect the suction strip 200 to the vacuum-grip cylinder 26.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the pad 94a (FIGS. 25 and 26) is positioned in a depression 92a on the pad support step 122a within the rear peripheral rim 106a. The smaller suction area 210 is defined between the panel 102a, the pad 94a and the rectangular rearwardly extending wall 104a. The pad 94a has a substantially rectangular profile and has a peripheral edge 124a conforming to the shape of the interior periphery of the rear peripheral rim 106a. The pad 94a includes a pair of centrally located openings 126a to allow a suction force to be supplied to the smaller suction area 120a.

[0061] The illustrated pad 94a and the slide plate 100a include features for maintaining the pad 94 in position in the depression 92a. As set forth above, the slide plate 100a includes pad retaining features 212. In the illustrated example, the pad retaining features 212 comprises pins 218 extending upwardly from the pad support step 122a at each corner thereof. It is contemplated that the slide plate 100a could include any number of pad retaining features 212 at any location thereon for maintaining the pad 94 in position in the depression 92a. For example, the slide plate 100a could include any number of pins 218 at any location on the pad support step 122a (e.g., only two pins 218 or more than four pins 218). The pad retaining features 212 could also include spikes or hooks to hold the pad in position in the depression 92a.

[0062] In the illustrated example, the pad 94 includes retention features 214 configured to interact with the pad retaining features 212 to further help in maintaining the pad 94 in position in the depression 92a. In the illustrated example, the retention features 214 comprises holes 216 extending through the pad 94a adjacent each corner thereof. The holes 216 are configured to receive the pins 218. It is contemplated that the pad 94a could include any number of retention features 214 at any location thereon for maintaining the pad 94a in position in the depression 92a. For example, the pad 94a could include any number of holes 216 at any location on the pad 94a (e.g., only two holes 216 or more than four holes 216). It is contemplated that the pad 94a includes the same number of holes 216 as the number of pins 218 and in corresponding locations.

[0063] When the suction strip 200 of the present invention is slid into the vacuum-grip cylinder 26, the pad 94a is compressed and maintains the suction strip 200 within the vacuum-grip cylinder 26. Such compression helps to seal the smaller suction area 210. In the illustrated example, any one of the smaller suction area 210 (and corresponding larger pad support step 122a), the pad retaining features 212 and/or the retention features 214 help to assist in maintaining the pad 94 in position in the depression 92a and preventing failure of the suction strips 200. However, a combination of all three of the smaller suction area 210, the pad retaining features 212 and the retention features 214 maximize the amount of assistance in maintaining the pad 94 in position in the depression 92a and preventing failure of the suction strips 200.

[0064] As outlined above, the vacuum-grip cylinder 26 includes a plurality of suctions strips 64, 200 thereon. When one of the suction strips 64, 200 fails, it can be difficult to determine which suction strip 64, 200 is failing. FIG. 27 illustrates a suction strip 500 for assisting in determining which suction strip 500 is failing. As shown in FIG. 27, the angled surfaces 88b of the suction strip 500 includes a character 502 formed therein. The character 502 can be any graphic symbol (e.g., number, letter, or symbol). However, each suction strip 500 of the vacuum-grip cylinder 26 has a different character 502. For example, the characters 502 on the suction strips 500 can each be numbered 1 through 8. It is contemplated that the character 502 could be added to either the prior art suction strip 64 or the suction strip 200 of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 28 illustrates a rear side of an individual label 14a that has glue placed thereon by the suction strip 500 with the character 502 formed therein. As shown in FIG. 28, the individual label 14a includes a glue area 504 having glue 506 thereon. The glue area 504 has a mirror image character void area 508 therein with no glue 506 because the character 502 formed in the suction strip 500 prevented such mirror image character void area 508 from having glue 506 placed thereon. If the container manufacturer notices that a number of labels 14a are not properly adhering to containers 18 and that each of the labels 14a has the same mirror image character void area 508 thereon, the container manufacturer will be able to easily identify the particular suction strip 500 that is failing because the mirror image character void area 508 on the failing labels 14a will be the mirror image of the character 502 on the suction strip 500 that is failing. The container manufacturer will therefore know exactly which suction strip 500 to replace and/or fix without any further investigation. Therefore, the down time of the container filling and labeling system 10 in order to fix the vacuum-grip cylinder 26 will be minimized.

[0066] It is contemplated that the character 502 can be formed in the suction strip 500 in any manner. For example, the character 502 can be etched into the suction strip 500. In such an example, the slide plate 100, 100a is formed from 7075 aluminium alloy with a black hardcoat anodizing finish. High velocity oxygenated fuel is then employed to spray 420 stainless steel onto the angled surfaces 88b. A laser then etches the character 502 into the angled surfaces 88b.

[0067] Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.