AU2020101772A4

AU2020101772A4 - Improved applicator that automatically affixes tags to penetrable surfaces

Info

Publication number: AU2020101772A4
Application number: AU2020101772A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Smith Kevin
Original assignee: Warburton Tags & Labels Ltd
Current assignee: Warburton Tags & Labels Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-12
Filing date: 2020-08-12
Publication date: 2020-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-12

Abstract

In many industries it is required that items be quickly and efficiently tagged in order to identify, log, name, grade, number, give destinations, identify origin, etc. of said items. An example of such a requirement is the wood and timber industry where tags are affixed to the ends or sides of logs and timber. In this environment an operator, working at speed, applies tags to multiples of timber or wood pieces, often for extended periods of time. Tag application is usually by the use of hand powered, or pneumatically powered, hand held applicators that staple tags to the targeted surfaces. Described herein is an applicator that automatically affixes tags to penetrable surfaces. More specifically, a labeller apparatus to automatically affix labels or tags to an object such as wood or timber comprising an auto trigger mechanism, although this should not be seen as limiting the potential use of this invention. 12 feeds around firstguide post ... ote second guide post. o-...Wheretapeom taperoll, (retained in roll holder) movestofIrtguidepost. enters curved guide channels wherethepawl.oftheoscillating feeder mechanism, engages with a tape sprocket hole.. ... moving the tap* around the curved guid channels along straight guide channels... to a gullotine, where the tape Is cut. afterbeingfedinfrontef the applicator and stapled to a targeted object, and this movement Is mechanicany Completing tagner tran sfered to the manually operated trigger, operation sequence which starts a sequence ofevents Tapgeroperation is Initiated when contactbar ofauto trigger mechanism Is moved rearards when taggerIs pushed against surfaceto betagged FIGURE 3 3/3

Description

feeds around firstguide post

... ote second guide post. o-...Wheretapeom taperoll, (retained in roll holder) movestofIrtguidepost. enters curved guide channels

wherethepawl.oftheoscillating feeder mechanism, engages with a tape sprocket hole..

... moving the tap* around the curved guid channels

along straight guide channels...

to a gullotine, where the tape Is cut.

afterbeingfedinfrontef the applicator and stapled to a targeted object, and this movement Is mechanicany Completing tagner tran sfered to the manually operated trigger, operation sequence which starts a sequence ofevents

Tapgeroperation is Initiated when contactbar ofauto trigger mechanism Is moved rearards when taggerIs pushed against surfaceto betagged

FIGURE 3

3/3

IMPROVED APPLICATOR THAT AUTOMATICALLY AFFIXES TAGS TO PENETRABLE SURFACES TECHNICAL FIELD

Described herein is an improved applicator that automatically affixes tags to penetrable surfaces. More

specifically, a labeller apparatus to automatically affix labels or tags to an object such as wood or timber

comprising an auto trigger mechanism, although this should not be seen as limiting the potential use of

this invention.

BACKGROUND ART

In many industries it is required that products are able to be efficiently and easily labelled. For example,

in one industry where this is important is the wood and timber industry. In this case, labels indicating the

grade, amount, type or destination of timber or logs are affixed to the ends or sides of the logs or timber.

Due to the nature of the wood and timber industry it is important that labels are securely fastened. If

not, the labels may be easily dislodged during handling or processing. Hence, secure labelling allows for

easy processing and distribution of the logs or timber.

One of the significant disadvantages in labelling objects such as wood or timber is that it involves high

repetition labelling of a high number of objects. With methods previously used, this created a number of

significant problems to the workers undertaking same.

Traditionally labels or tags were applied individually and manually. This may have been via, for example a

staple or nail. The main disadvantages of this method are that it is slow, time consuming and highly

repetitive.

Manual labelling also required a high degree of force to drive a staple into a dense object such as wood.

Again, this increases the difficulty and effort required to label high numbers of objects, and increases the

strain, and possibility of injury to the worker.

Automatic staplers, driven by air pressure have been previously developed, and used for attaching labels

vis staples to objects such as wood or timber. An example of a previous automatic staple tool is that

disclosed in Australian Patent No. 659843.

Automatic staplers include a pressurised air flow being introduced which controls at least one ram.

When the trigger us activated, the ram provides the force to apply a staple (or other fastening means)

through a label and into the object.

One advantage of air driven staplers is that the staple is expelled at a high speed and/or force. This

allows it to be easily driven into dense objects, such as wood or timber. A roll of labels was developed,

along with an automatic feed mechanism to feed the labels through the stapler.

In a number of prior art devices, the feed mechanism has a significant number of disadvantages,

including the following:

Firstly, the feed mechanism has a large number of moving parts, which may be damaged or pushed out

of alignment if the device is roughly handled or dropped. Secondly, the environment with which the

device is used includes airborne dust, moisture and debris which affects the functionality of the

mechanism and need for frequent maintenance. Notwithstanding this type of construction contributes

to poor ergonomics such as weight and poor balance in use.

Furthermore, some apparatus do not have a blade (or guillotine) and rely on using serrated tags on the

roll tape. However, the tags can easily become separated from the tape prior to the tagger being

withdrawn from wood or timber surface. One such apparatus has a friction feeding mechanism having a

housing and a driving head associated with the housing which is operable to drive a penetrating fastener

into a fixing surface. A strip of material is fed by a feed mechanism to a cutter such that a portion of the

strip can be cut by the cutter to form a tab. The portion of the strip to form the tab is presented to a

position where it can be brought into contact with the fixing surface and fixed thereto by impact delivery

of the penetrating fastener. Fixing of the portion of the strip can take place prior to or in conjunction

with the portion being cut from the strip by the cutter. The apparatus can include a printer to apply

indicia to the strip.

However, a disadvantage of the above apparatus is that air pressure fluctuations can produce a varying

tag protrusion from the tagger prior to stapling, resulting in a non-central staple location on the torn off

tag.

Other prior art devices comprise a linear feed mechanism. However, this configuration does not easily

allow for repositioning of componentry, mechanical structures and mechanisms therein for applicator

compactness and balance.

From the above, it can be seen that it would be beneficial to those in the wood or timber industry, or any

other industry requiring the use of automatic stapling or other fastening devices if there were available

an apparatus that is simple, quick and easy method of fixing a tag or label to an object from subsequent

labels in the roll or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the apparatus, methods and uses thereof will become apparent from

the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY

this invention.

In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus to automatically affix tags to penetrable surfaces, the

apparatus comprising:

a rotary feed mechanism for feeding a strip of tape or label material;

a receptacle for housing the strip of tape or label material;

an air accumulation chamber; and

a cutter means connected to at least one moving element of the rotary feed mechanism,

wherein the rotary feed mechanism feeds the strip of tape material housed in the receptacle to a stapler

location of the apparatus and the moving element of the rotary feed mechanism connected to the cutter

means simultaneously actuates the cutting means to operate and sever the strip of tape material, and

wherein the air accumulation chamber between the stapler and feed air supply provides an adjustable

pause in the tape feed;

and wherein the apparatus comprises an auto trigger mechanism initiated by a tagger assembly coming

into contact with the surface, to which the tag is attached.

In a second aspect there is provided a method of automatically affixing tags to penetrable surfaces, the

method comprising the steps of:

a) feeding a strip of tape or label material into a rotary feed mechanism of an applicator;

b) actuating an auto trigger mechanism;

c) operating the applicator with a cutter means connected to at least one moving element of the

rotary feed mechanism, such that the rotary feed mechanism feeds the strip of tape material

housed in the receptacle to a stapling location of the apparatus and, wherein the moving

element of the rotary feed mechanism connected to the cutter means simultaneously actuates

the cutting means to operate and sever the strip of tape material; and

d) adjusting or pausing the tape feed as the operator withdraws the applicator from the last

penetrable surface.

Advantages of the above include a simplified mechanism for improved ergonomics and weight balance.

For example, a tape roll holder having internal walls in contact with the roll when at its larger diameter,

to restrain the tape roll from running on (inertia) between tag applications, thus negating the use of

dedicated friction devices to counter this roll on effect. A tape cutter operated by a mechanical

connection with the tape feed mechanism, thus negating the use of a separate dedicated air cylinder

contributing to the applicator's overall compactness, lightness, weight distribution, operator comfort

and simplicity of operation. A tape rotary feed mechanism that moves tape in an arced path compared

with a linear feed mechanism, thus allows for better placement of components and mechanical

structures and mechanisms therein for applicator compactness and balance. There is provision for an

adjustable accentuated pause in tape feed, following tag application, due to a deliberate increase in air

containment volume (in this case an air tank) within the pressurised air supply to the driving air cylinder

of the tape feeder mechanism. Due to the serpentine path of the guideways that the tape follows from

the roll holder to the rotary feed mechanism, and around the feed mechanism then on to the stapling

location; the inherent resistance offered by this pathway means, there is no requirement for additional

componentry such as pawls, or other mechanical intervention that locates in the tape sprocket holes, to

prevent the backwards movement of tape during the return travel of the tape feed mechanism. Finally, a

tagger assembly comprising an auto trigger mechanism negates the operator having to manually trigger

the tagger for tag attachment/cutting. After placing the tagger against the surface to be tagged, this

initiates tag attachment and cutting from tape stock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the apparatus, methods and uses thereof will become apparent from the following

description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in

which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the applicator and features of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a section view of the applicator of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an improved applicator and features of the present invention

comprising an auto trigger mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, described herein is an applicator that automatically affixes tags to penetrable surfaces.

More specifically, a labeller apparatus to automatically affix labels or tags to an object such as wood or

timber although this should not be seen as limiting the potential use of this invention.

For the purposes of this specification, the term 'about' or 'approximately' and grammatical variations

thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

The term 'substantially' or grammatical variations thereof refers to at least about 50%, for example 75%,

85%,95% or 98%.

The term 'comprise'and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will

be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other

non-specified components or elements.

The term 'automatic' or grammatical variations thereof refers to the applicator operating with minimal

human control where the tags are affixed to penetrable surfaces through the operation of a pre-existing

mechanisms and arrangements within the applicator that are initially triggered by the user and/or an

automated mechanism.

The term 'label' or grammatical variations thereof should be taken to include any tag or label affixed to

an object. The label may be manufactured out of paper, cardboard, plastic or any other suitable material

which is desired to be used to label an object. The label may be pre-printed prior to affixing the object,

to provide relevant information such as, but not be seen as limited to log, name, grade, number,

destinations, identify origin of objects and the like.

apparatus comprising:

a rotary feed mechanism for feeding a strip of tape or label material;

a receptacle for housing the strip of tape or label material;

an air accumulation chamber; and

pause in the tape feed;

into contact with the surface, to which the tag is attached.

The feed mechanism may be a rotary actuated feed mechanism, and shall be referred to as a 'rotary feed

mechanism' as such herein. Throughout this specification the phase rotary feed mechanism should be

taken to include any device which uses rotary motion to move the tape stock in an arc around the

applicator. In this way, moving the tape stock in an arc reduces the overall footprint of the applicator and is hence more compact relative to current feeding mechanisms which make use of a linear ram. Further advantages provided by the rotary motion include the reduction in moving parts required, thereby decreasing the maintenance time and cost required. A further significant advantage is that because at least the outer surface of the roller only turns in a unidirectional manner it is easy to manually pull the labels through the device. This allows easy adjustment of the label position if this becomes out of alignment.

As above, the rotary feed mechanism may move the tape in an arc or curving trajectory to move the tape

from a tape roll a stapling location of the applicator. In this way, a tape rotary feed mechanism that

moves tape in an arced path allows for better placement of components and mechanistic structures for

applicator compactness and balance.

The receptacle for housing the strip of tape or label material may be a tape roll holder or container that

utilises the roll holder internal wall surfaces to locate and constrain the tape roll when at its larger

diameter, to restrain the tape roll from running on (inertia) between tag applications. The inventor has

found that the interior wall surfaces of the container (roll holder) can be used to locate the roll, when at

its larger diameter (and when inertia is at its greatest). In this way, dedicated friction devices are not

required to counter this roll on effect. This compares with other prior art devices that require additional

componentry such as spring loaded plungers and the like to achieve the equivalent resistance.

Preferably, the roll holder supplying tape to the tape feeder mechanism may be in an elevated position

in an axial plane relative to the plane of the tape of the tape being fed from the feeder mechanism to the

point of tag application. In this way, the roll holder is stacked upon the tape feeder and associated

mechanism in order to centralise/distribute weight and make the applicator more compact.

The rotary feed mechanism may comprise at least one or a plurality of moving elements connected to

the cutter means for mechanical actuation of the cutting means for severing the joined tape into

separate tags. In this way, the cutting means may be mechanically driven from the feed mechanism, thus

negating the use of a dedicated separate air cylinder as is known in the art. Hence, this configuration

where there is a linkage between the feed mechanism and cutting means contributes to the overall

compactness, simplicity cost and reduced weight of the applicator.

The applicator may comprise an air accumulation chamber between the stapler and feed air supply to

provide an adjustable pause in the tape feed following tag application. The inventor has unexpectedly

found that using a form of momentary air accumulation between the stapler and feed cylinder air supply

(i.e. a deliberate increase in air containment volume (in this case an air tank) within the pressurised air

supply to the driving air cylinder of the tape feeder mechanism) provides a momentary pause with the

tape feed, as the operator withdraws the tagger from the last application. In this way, this configuration

pauses forward movement of the tape during the forward travel tape feed cycle of the tape feed

mechanism.

The air accumulation chamber may be selected, but not limited to any one of the following: pneumatic accumulator, over-sized tubing, and/or any other means of pressurised air storage, or temporary air storage, placed within the air supply reticulation system that may connect the pneumatic stapler to the tape feed drive mechanism.

In preferred embodiments, the applicator may comprise those which use staples, tacks, pins or other

fastening devices to secure the label.

Preferably, the applicator may be configured for use with a generic staple gun operated pneumatically,

electrically, gas powered, mechanically and/or any other form of a device that may dispatch fasteners

into penetrable surfaces such as a nail gun, tack gun that may be attached to an assembly.

In one embodiment, the auto trigger or automated tagger actuation may be initiated by the tagger

assembly coming in contact with the surface, to which a tag is to be attached. In this way, this

mechanism negates the operator having to manually trigger the tagger during tag attachment/cutting.

After placing the tagger against the surface to be tagged, this results in the attachment of tags to those

penetrable surfaces and cutting from tape stock without further operator input or control.

The tagger assembly may comprise a rocker lever for transmitting movement to the manually operated

trigger when the contact bar of the applicator is pushed onto the surface to be tagged.

In preferred embodiments, the automated tagger actuation may be facilitated by the use of mechanical,

pneumatic, electrical, and/or hydraulic principles, by which intended contact by the operator of the

tagger unit with surfaces to be tagged, results in the attachment of tags to those penetrable surfaces.

method comprising the steps of:

b) actuating an auto trigger mechanism;

the cutting means to operate and sever the strip of tape material; and

penetrable surface.

The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and

features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and

any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.

Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which

the embodiments relate, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually

set forth.

WORKING EXAMPLES

The above described apparatus, methods and uses thereof are now described by reference to specific

examples.

EXAMPLE 1

With reference to Figure 1, an exemplary representation of the tag applicator is shown.

The tag applicator comprises of a generic or proprietary staple gun, nail gun, tack gun or the like (1),

which is driven by a powered source as known by those skilled in the art such as pneumatic, electric, gas

or hand powered, or any other form of device that dispatches fasteners into penetrable surfaces.

The staple gun (1) is attached to an assembly with a rotary tape feed mechanism (3) configured to

transfer pre-printed tape at set length increments from a storage tape roll holder (2) located at the rear

of the assembly, about the rotatory feed mechanism (3) to a label affixing position (5) at the front of the

assembly where a staple, or other fastener is driven through the tape, affixing it to the object being

targeted such as timber.

During this operation, a cutter in the form of a guillotine (4) incorporated within the rotary feeder

mechanism (3) and connected to the cutter (4) by a plurality of moving elements for mechanical

actuation, seperates or severs that portion of tape from the pre-printed continuous strip of tape material

travelling through the feeder mechanism (3), resulting in a singular tag that is attached to the targeted

object or timber.

EXAMPLE 2

With reference to Figure 2, a sectional view of the tag applicator is illustrated showing the internal

componentry in use and is designed to operate as follows.

In use, in combination with a generic air stapler (1), the stapler (1) during operation controls and/or also

powers the tape feed mechanism (3) and guillotine (4) by using pressurised air sourced from the stapler

(1).

The applicator has an air accumulation chamber located between the stapler (1) and feed air supply to

provide an adjustable pause in the tape feed following tag application. The momentary air accumulation

between the stapler (1) and feed cylinder air supply (i.e. a deliberate increase in air containment volume

(in this case an air tank) within the pressurised air supply to the driving air cylinder of the tape feeder

mechanism) provides a momentary pause with the tape feed, as the operator withdraws the tagger from

the last application. In this way, this configuration momentarily prevents forward movement of the tape

by pausing the forward travel of the tape feed mechanism (3) during the tape feed cycle.

The above operation has a sequence. The stapler (1), is triggered by an operator and a staple is ejected

from the stapler (1) and through the tape or tag, into the targeted object. The tape or tag is now

attached to the surface of the targeted object.

During this operation, the feeder mechanism (3) resets, ready to deliver the next length of tape to the

stapling position, while at the same time mechanically actuating the cutter (4) that seperates the affixed,

or in the process of being affixed, tape from the preceding pre-printed continuous tape from which the

tag was part of.

The tape stock roll holder (2), were the tape is sourced and retained, uses its interior wall surfaces to

locate and restrain the tape roll. The tape roll is not made to accurately rotate around a centre axle or

pivot (as per prior art devices).

Instead, the tape travels from the tape roll holder (2) which feeds around a first guide post onto a second

post within the tape feeder mechanism (3) in incremental preset steps, where it enters curved guide

channels where the pawl of the oscillating feeder mechanism (3) engages with a tape sprocket hole, the

tape being pulled forward around the curved guide channels and along straight guide channels by the

tape feeder mechanism when the staple gun is untriggered by the operator. When the tape is pulled

forward by the feeder mechanism a fresh length of preprinted tape is placed in position ready to be

stapled after the first tape material is fed in front of the applicator and stapled to the targeted object to

the guillotine (4). Each movement of feed tape corresponds, in travel distance, to the length of a tag,

after being guillotined.

As above, the tape feeder mechanism (3) transports the feed tape in an arc, and then along linear

guides, from the tape stock roll holder (2) to the position of stapling.

EXAMPLE 4

With reference to Figure 3, an exemplary representation of the tag applicator is shown.

As per Figure 1, the tag applicator comprises of a generic or proprietary staple gun, nail gun, tack gun or

the like (1), which is driven by a powered source as known by those skilled in the art such as pneumatic,

electric, gas or hand powered, or any other form of device that dispatches fasteners into penetrable

surfaces.

targeted such as timber.

However, in this embodiment the tag applicator comprises an automatic trigger mechanism where

tagger actuation is initiated by the tagger assembly coming in contact with the surface, to which a tag is

to be attached.

The tagger assembly comprises a rocker lever for transmitting movement to the manually operated

trigger when the contact bar of the applicator is pushed onto the surface to be tagged. This action

negates the operator having to manually trigger the tagger, for tag attachment/cutting, after placing it

against the surface to be tagged.

As described above and shown in Figure 3, a rocker lever transmits movement, created by the contact

bar of the applicator/tagger being pushed onto a surface to be tagged, thereby activating the manually

operated trigger of the applicator tagger unit. In this example, of mechanical actuation, the tagger unit

either pneumatically or electrically powered.

Alternatively, a pneumatic valve incorporated within the air circuitry of the tagger unit may either; (1)

cause an air cylinder, or other air powered mechanism, to mechanically depress the tagger unit's

manually operated trigger, or (2) pneumatically bypass the tagger unit's manual trigger, thus taking

direct pneumatic control of tagger actuation. It should be appreciated that both options occur due to the

pneumatic valve being directly, or indirectly, actuated upon tagger contact with the surface to be tagged.

With regard to an electrically powered tagger unit, the tagger uses an electrical switch to: (1) electrically

bypass the operator controlled manual trigger, making the use of the manual trigger an option, or totally

redundant with the switch having direct control of tagger actuation, or (2) power an electrical actuator,

servo, or other such driving device to depress the manually operated trigger. As above, the electrical

switch is actuated, directly or indirectly, upon tagger contact with a surface to be tagged.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be

appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of

the claims herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus to automatically affix tags to penetrable surfaces, the apparatus comprising:

a rotary feed mechanism for feeding a strip of tape or label material;

a receptacle for housing the strip of tape or label material;

an air accumulation chamber; and

wherein the rotary feed mechanism feeds the strip of tape material housed in the receptacle to

a stapler location of the apparatus and the moving element of the rotary feed mechanism

connected to the cutter means simultaneously actuates the cutting means to operate and sever

the strip of tape material, and wherein the air accumulation chamber between the stapler and

feed air supply provides an adjustable pause in the tape feed;

and wherein the apparatus comprises an auto trigger mechanism initiated by a tagger assembly

coming into contact with the surface, to which the tag is attached.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rotary feed mechanism moves the tape in an

arc or curving trajectory to move the tape from a tape roll stapling location of the apparatus.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the receptacle for housing the strip of

tape or label material is a tape roll holder or container that utilises the roll holder internal wall

surfaces to locate and constrain the tape roll when at its larger diameter, to restrain the tape

roll from running on (inertia) between tag applications.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle supplying

tape to the tape feeder mechanism is in an elevated position and in an axial plane relative to

the plane of the tape of the tape being fed from the feeder mechanism to the point of tag

application.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auto trigger

mechanism comprises a rocker lever for transmitting movement to a manually operated trigger

when a contact bar of the applicator is pushed onto the surface to be tagged.