APARELHO E MÉTODO PARA REMOVER RÓTULOS DE RECIPIENTES REUTILIZÁVEIS

Abstract

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REMOVING LABELS FROM REUSABLE CONTAINERS. An apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers, comprising support means (2) for at least one reusable container (3), on the outer lateral surface (3a), to which at least one label (4) to be removed is applied; the apparatus comprises at least one cutting device (5), which is provided with at least one blade (6) that is configured to be disposed, with its cutting portion (6a) in a position that is facing at least one portion (4a) of the label (4) and motion means for moving the aforementioned portion (4a) of the label (4) that are adapted to actively transmit, under command, to the portion (4a) of the label (4), a movement away from the outer lateral surface (3a) of the container (3), in order to bring the portion (4a) of the label (4) against the cutting portion (6a) of the blade (6).

Description

1 / 9 “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REMOVING LABELS FROM REUSABLE CONTAINERS”

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for removing labels from reusable containers.

[0002] As is well known, there is currently a need to reduce pollution caused by plastic containers and the dispersion of packaging in the environment.

[0003] In order to find a solution to this problem, in some countries, the use of reusable plastic containers has been mandated.

[0004] In this case, the reusable containers, which normally have a label applied to their outer surface, are returned by users after use so that they can be washed and sterilized, in order to make them ready to be refilled and therefore reused.

[0005] One problem that arises once the used containers have been collected is removing the labels from them.

[0006] Typically, labels affixed to plastic containers are removed from a strip of labels made of plastic material and are wrapped around the side surface of the corresponding container.

[0007] In particular, labels are typically affixed to containers using two strips of adhesive placed at opposite ends of the labels, which may, in turn, also be placed one on top of the other.

[0008] Currently, removing labels from containers is done by placing the labeled containers directly into washing machines, so that the washing liquid, typically consisting of a solution of hot water and detergent products, used during the washing of the containers can result in the separation of the labels from the containers.

[0009] Although removing labels in the manner described above is conceptually valid, in practice it has been found, however, that due to the difficulty of the washing liquid penetrating the space between the labels and the side surface of the corresponding containers, and also due to the difficulty of extracting a container from a label completely wrapped around it, it often happens that the Petition 870220085933, dated 09 / 20 / 2022, page 11 / 26 2 / 9 labels remain attached to the containers or they are not completely separated from the containers.

[0010] Furthermore, it is easy for the detached labels to clog the washing machine, causing it to become clogged and consequently compromising its proper functioning.

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers that is capable of improving the known technique in one or more of the aspects mentioned above.

[0012] Within this purpose, an objective of the invention is to provide a device for removing labels that makes it possible to ensure the complete detachment of labels from containers as a result of being washed in washing machines.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide a device for removing labels that can be used in line with other devices that make it possible to prepare previously used containers for reuse.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device for removing labels from reusable containers that is capable of offering the highest guarantees of reliability and safety in operation.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art in a way that is an alternative to any existing solutions.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to provide an apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers that is relatively easy to implement and that can also be competitive from a purely economic point of view.

[0017] This purpose and these and other objectives that will become more evident below are achieved by an apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers, according to claim 1, optionally provided with one or more of the features of the dependent claims.

[0018] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Petition 870220085933, dated 09 / 20 / 2022, p. 12 / 26 3 / 9

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic top plan view of the apparatus according to the invention in one possible embodiment thereof;

[0020] Figure 2 is a front elevation view in cross-section of a detail of the apparatus according to the invention;

[0021] Figure 3 is a partially transparent plan view of the detail in Figure 2.

[0022] With reference to the figures, the apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers according to the invention, generally designated by reference number 1, comprises support means 2 for at least one reusable container 3, on the outer lateral surface of which at least one label 4 to be removed is applied.

[0023] In particular, the label 4 is wrapped around at least a portion of the outer lateral surface 3a of the container 3 and is applied to the outer lateral surface 3a of the container 3 using at least two adhesive strips, which are preferably located at opposite longitudinal ends of the label 4, one of which may optionally be arranged so as to overlap the other, but it is also possible that the label 4 is not wrapped 360° around the container 3.

[0024] The apparatus comprises at least one cutting device 5, which is provided with at least one blade that is arranged, or may be arranged, with its cutting portion 6a in a position that is facing at least one portion 4a of the label 4 of the reusable container 3 that is placed on the support means 2.

[0025] Also according to the invention, such cutting device 6 further comprises means of movement for moving portion 4a of the label 4, which are adapted to actively transmit, under command, to portion 4a of the label 4, a movement away from the outer lateral surface 3a of the container 3, in order to bring portion 4a of the label 4 against the cutting portion 6a of the blade 6, so as to make at least a partial cut in the label 4.

[0026] The cut thus made in label 4 makes it possible, in a subsequent washing step of container 3, conveniently carried out in adapted washing machines, preferably using a washing liquid consisting of a Petition 870220085933, dated 09 / 20 / 2022, page 13 / 26 4 / 9 high temperature solution of water and detergent products, facilitate the penetration of the washing liquid into the space between label 4 and the outer side surface 3a of container 3, so that the washing liquid can easily reach the areas of label 4 where the adhesive strips are present, in order to promote the detachment of label 4 from container 3.

[0027] Optionally, there may be several cutting devices 5 arranged, in relation to the container 3, in such a way that each one can act on a different portion 4a of the label 4, so as to be able to make multiple cuts in the same label and ensure, whatever the angular orientation of the container 3 around its own axis, the possibility that at least one of these cutting devices 5 can act on a corresponding portion 4a of the label 4 that is arranged in a position that is spaced from the zone of the label 4 where the adhesive strips are.

[0028] In more detail, the aforementioned means of movement of or of each cutting device 5 advantageously comprise means adapted to create a pressure difference between the face of the corresponding portion 4a of the label 4 that is directed towards the outer lateral surface of the container 3 and its opposite face.

[0029] Conveniently, such means adapted to create a pressure difference comprise introduction means 7 for introducing a pressurized gas between the outer lateral surface 3a of the container 3 and the face of the corresponding portion 4a of the label 4 that is directed towards the outer lateral surface 3a of the container 3.

[0030] In particular, such introduction means 7 advantageously comprise distribution means for dispensing at least one jet 8 of pressurized gas, which, in turn, conveniently comprise at least one nozzle 9 that is oriented, with its outlet, so as to emit the jet 8 of pressurized gas between the outer lateral surface 3a of the container 3 and the face of the portion 4a of the label 4 that is directed towards the outer lateral surface of the container 3, as shown in Figure 2.

[0031] Advantageously, each cutting device 5 can also be provided with backing means 10, against which the outer side surface of the container 3 is designed to rest, in order to ensure the positioning of the container 3 at a Petition 870220085933, dated 09 / 20 / 2022, page 14 / 26 5 / 9 preset distance between nozzle 9 and blade 6 of the corresponding cutting device 5.

[0032] For example, such backing means 10 may be provided by a pair of support dampers 11, made of soft material, such as rubber or the like, which are arranged on mutually opposite sides with respect to the blade 6.

[0033] More specifically, the support dampers 11 are arranged, with their free contact surface 11a, at a predefined distance, in the direction of the axis of the container 3, in relation to the cutting portion 6a of the blade 6 of the corresponding cutting device 5, and are mutually spaced angularly in relation to the axis of the container 3, so that, with the container 3 abutting with its outer lateral surface 3a against the free contact surfaces 11a of the support dampers 11, the correct distance is ensured from the cutting portion 6a of the blade 6 and the nozzle outlet 9 of the outer lateral surface 3a of the container 3.

[0034] Preferably, as in the embodiment shown, the support means 2 comprise transport means 12 that make it possible to advance the container 3 along at least one advance path.

[0035] In this case, the cutting device or devices 5 are arranged along such an advance path.

[0036] Conveniently, several containers 3 can be positioned on the conveying means 12, arranged, for example, in succession, and each one carries a respective label 4 to be removed and is made to advance through the conveying means 12, in order to bring the individual containers 3 to one or more cutting devices 5, which are advantageously distributed along the advance path defined by the conveying means 12.

[0037] Conveniently, the conveying means 12 may comprise at least one linear conveyor 12a, such as, for example, a conveyor belt or conveyor or the like, which may advantageously be associated with a screw feeder device 12b that makes it possible to position the containers 3 at a predefined distance or spacing from each other. Petition 870220085933, dated 09 / 20 / 2022, pp. 15-26 6 / 9

[0038] More preferably, the conveying means 12 comprise at least one star conveyor 13, arranged along the path of advance of the containers 3 and provided with a plurality of receptacles 13a, which are uniformly distributed along its outer perimeter and are designed to receive a respective container 3, during the rotation of the star conveyor 13 around its own axis.

[0039] In particular, in this case, it is possible that one or more cutting devices 5 are arranged in at least one of the receptacles 13a of the star conveyor 13.

[0040] Conveniently, for each of the receptacles 13a of the star conveyor 13 there may be at least two cutting devices 5, which are arranged, mutually spaced, along the edge of the corresponding receptacle 8a so as to be able to act on mutually different portions 4a of the labels 4 of the containers 3.

[0041] Advantageously, as shown in Figure 1, there may be at least two star conveyors 13, mutually arranged in series along the advance path of the receptacles 3, in each of which one or more cutting devices 5 may be arranged in each of the corresponding receptacles 13a.

[0042] Advantageously, the two star conveyors 13 are substantially identical to each other and are mutually arranged side by side and in phase with each other, so that, rotating in mutually opposite directions, the first star conveyor 13 encountered by the containers 3, along its forward path, can deliver the containers 3 received in the respective receptacles 13a to a respective receptacle 13a of the second star conveyor 13, which is arranged downstream of the first star conveyor 13, so that, for at least a portion of its forward path, each container 3 can be simultaneously engaged with a receptacle 13a of both star conveyors 13, so that the cutting devices 5 which are arranged in diametrically opposite zones with respect to their axis can act on the corresponding label 4. Petition 870220085933, dated 09 / 20 / 2022, pp. 16 / 26 7 / 9

[0043] Conveniently, there are means to recover the label fragments 4 that are removed from the containers 3 after the activation of the cutting devices 5.

[0044] Such recovery means may, for example, comprise suction means conveniently arranged above the cutting devices 5 and capable of recovering the label fragments 4 removed from the containers 3 and transporting them to a special collection unit.

[0045] Optionally, the recovery means may comprise means for blowing the label fragments 4 towards the collection unit.

[0046] Advantageously, the conveying means 12 can carry the containers 3 towards at least one disposal device, not shown, which is designed to complete the removal of the labels 4 from the containers 3, for example, using a mechanical action.

[0047] In particular, the disposal device may, for example, be provided by a device for washing the containers 3, arranged downstream of the device or cutting devices 5, along the direction of advance of the containers 3.

[0048] Conveniently, such a washing device comprises a washing machine capable of washing the containers 3, conveniently using a washing liquid consisting of a high-temperature solution of water and detergent products and more preferably in a water and soda bath, so as to make it possible, by virtue of the use of the high-temperature washing liquid and by virtue of its mechanical action on the containers 3, to separate the adhesive strips of the labels 4 of the containers 3 from the outer lateral surface 3a of these containers, so as to complete the removal of the corresponding labels 4.

[0049] The operation of the device for removing labels from reusable containers, according to the invention, is as follows.

[0050] The containers 3 with the applied labels 4 to be removed are arranged in the support means 2 and, in particular, in the conveyor means 12, so that they are made to advance along the linear conveyor 12a towards the star conveyors 13, along the advance path.

[0051] The individual containers 3 are then collected by the receptacles 13a Petition 870220085933, dated 09 / 20 / 2022, p. 17 / 26 8 / 9 of the first star conveyor 13 that they encounter on their path of advancement, which delivers each of them to a respective receptacle of the second star conveyor 13, which is arranged downstream of the first.

[0052] During the engagement of the individual containers 3 with the receptacles 13a of the star conveyors 13, the cutting devices 5 arranged in the receptacles 13a of the star conveyors 13 and engaged by the containers 3 are activated and, more specifically, the nozzles 9 of the same are activated, so as to introduce gas under pressure between the outer lateral surface of the containers 3 and the portions 4a of the labels 4 of the containers 3 located in the activated cutting devices 5.

[0053] In this way, a movement is actively transmitted in portions 4a of labels 4 of containers 3 that are located in the activated cutting devices 5 away from the outer lateral surface 3a of the corresponding container 3 and towards the corresponding blades 6, until such portions 4a of labels 4 are brought against the cutting portion 6a of the corresponding blades 6 with consequent at least partial cutting of labels 4.

[0054] The label fragments 4 that are removed from the containers 3 after the cutting devices 5 are activated are picked up by the collection device.

[0055] At this point, the containers 3 with the labels 4 thus cut and with the fragments of the label 4 that remain attached to them by means of the adhesive strips, continuing along their path of advancement in the conveyor means 12, can reach a washing device, in which they are subjected to washing with washing liquid at high temperature, in order to obtain the complete detachment of the labels 4 from the containers 3.

[0056] In practice, it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended purpose and objectives, providing an apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers that makes it possible to effectively remove labels from containers in order to prepare them for reuse.

[0057] It should be noted that the possibility of having multiple cutting devices acting on the same label of each individual container makes it possible to Petition 870220085933, dated 09 / 20 / 2022, page 18 / 26 9 / 9 Detachment of label fragments from containers before the container washing stage, thus preventing the washing machine from becoming clogged with labels.

[0058] Another advantageous feature of the invention is the absence, during the label removal process, of contact and relative movement between the blade and the container, which preserves the container's lifespan and the number of potential reuses of that container.

[0059] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, all details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0060] In practice, the materials used, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, can be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0061] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102020000006946 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] When technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, these reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claims and, therefore, such reference signs have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs. Petition 870220085933, dated 09 / 20 / 2022, page 19 / 26

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers comprising support means (2) for at least one reusable container (3), on the outer lateral surface (3a), on which at least one label (4) to be removed is applied, characterized in that it comprises at least one cutting device (5) which is provided with at least one blade (6) which is configured to be disposed, with its cutting portion (6a) in a position facing at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) and movement means for moving said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) which are adapted to actively transmit, by command, to said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4), a movement away from the outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3),in order to bring said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) against the cut portion (6a) of said at least one blade (6)., 2. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that said moving means comprise means adapted to create a pressure difference between the face of said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) that is directed towards the outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3) and its opposite face.

3. Apparatus, according to claim 2, characterized in that said means adapted to create a pressure difference comprise introduction means (7) for introducing a pressurized gas between the outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3) and the face of said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) that is directed to the outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3).

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said introduction means (7) comprise distribution means for distributing at least one jet (8) of pressurized gas.

5. Apparatus, according to claim 4, characterized in that said distribution means comprise at least one nozzle (9) that is oriented, with its outlet, so as to emit said jet (8) of pressurized gas between the outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3) and the face of said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) that is directed to the outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3).

6. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said support means (2) comprise transport means (12) for transporting said at least one container (3) along at least one advance path, said at least one cutting device (5) being disposed along said at least one advance path.

7. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said conveying means (12) comprise at least one star conveyor (13), said at least one cutting device (5) being disposed in at least one of the receptacles (13a) of said at least one star conveyor (13).

8. Method for removing labels from reusable containers, characterized in that it comprises the steps of disposing the cutting portion (6a) of at least one blade (6) in a position that is facing at least one portion (4a) of at least one label (4) applied to the outer lateral surface (3a) of at least one container (3), actively transmitting a movement to said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) away from said outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3), in order to bring said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) against said at least one blade (6).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises, after said step of actively imparting a motion to said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4), at least one step of washing said at least one container (3).

10. Method, according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the said step of actively transmitting a movement Petition 870250101446, dated 05 / 11 / 2025, page 12 / 16 3 / 3 to at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) comprises at least one step of creating a pressure difference between the face of said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) that is directed towards the outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3) and its opposite face.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that said step of creating a pressure difference comprises a step of introducing a pressurized gas between the face of said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) that is directed to the outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3) and the outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3).

12. Method, according to claim 11, characterized in that said step of introducing a gas under pressure comprises a step of distributing, by means of at least one nozzle (9), a jet of gas under pressure that is directed towards a region comprised between the face of said at least one portion (4a) of said at least one label (4) that is directed towards the outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3) and the outer lateral surface (3a) of said at least one container (3). Petition 870250101446, dated 05 / 11 / 2025, p. 13 / 16

Images