Method for in-line folding and affixing of tuck label

• Main Authors: LAURASH DAVID F, NIXON TRACY S
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 28.01.2003
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: CONVEYING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES; PACKING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; STORING; TRANSPORTING

An apparatus is provided for in-line folding and affixing a label to an article, the label having a fold line thereacross defining a foldable portion and a cover portion of the label. The apparatus comprises a transfer grid having one or more rollers to convey the label from a first end of the transfer grid to a second end of the transfer grid. An opening is defined between two of the rollers intermediate the first and second ends of the transfer grid. The transfer grid conveys the label in a substantially unfolded orientation from the first end of the transfer grid to the opening of the transfer grid such that the foldable portion of the label is projective through the opening. A folding station is adjacent the opening and receives the foldable portion of the label, urging a projecting portion of the foldable portion over the cover portion to define a substantially folded-over orientation of the label. The transfer grid conveys the label being in the substantially folded-over orientation from the opening of the transfer grid to the second end of the transfer grid, whereat an affixing station is provided adjacent the second end of the transfer grid to receive the label and affix the label to the article.