Coupling for Mounting a Labeling Machine and Method of Adjusting a Labeling Machine

Abstract

A coupling capable of adjustably cantilever-mounting a machine such as a labeling machine to a mounting structure, wherein the attitude or inclination of the machine to other machinery such as a conveyor can be precisely adjusted. Also, there is a method a mounting a machine to mounting structure with the capability to adjust the inclination of the machine that requires only one person.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Method of adjusting a label applicator, comprising: providing a mounting structure, a coupling mounted to the structure, and a label applicator cantilever-mounted to the coupling, wherein the coupling includes coupling elements and a cam to selectively vary the stop position of the coupling elements relative to each other, and moving the cam to vary the inclination of the label applicator. 
     
     
         2 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the label applicator is disposed over a conveyor, and wherein movement of the cam causes the inclination of the label applicator relative to the conveyor to vary. 
     
     
         3 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the inclination may be adjusted by one person 
     
     
         4 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the label applicator is disposed over a conveyor. 
     
     
         5 . Method of mounting a machine to a structure, comprising:
 providing a machine, a mounting structure, and a coupling to couple the machine to the structure, the coupling includes a first coupling element, a second coupling element, and a cam of the coupling operable to vary the inclination of the machine,   securing the first coupling element to the machine,   articulating the second coupling element to the first coupling element,   moving the machine and the coupling relative to the mounting structure to mount the coupling to the machine with the machine in approximate orientation to the mounting structure, and   thereafter moving the cam to adjust the orientation of the machine.   
     
     
         6 . The method as defined in  claim 3 , further including a step of providing a conveyor after the step of providing a machine, such that the cam is moved to adjust the machine relative to the conveyor. 
     
     
         7 . The method as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the machine is aligned with the conveyor by a mounting structure and coupling. 
     
     
         8 . The method as defined in  claim 5 , further including a step of threading a screw into a frame of the machine in order to secure the first coupling element to the machine after the step of providing a machine. 
     
     
         9 . The method as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the screw is tightened or loosened to bring the machine and a delaminator and any applicator roll into alignment. 
     
     
         10 . The method as defined in  claim 5 , wherein he machine has a frame that mounts an applicator, a rewind module and a support arm. 
     
     
         11 . The method as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the support arm mounts a web tension control assembly having a hub for a label supply roll.