DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is part of the field of labelling systems or labelling machines with particular regard to the application of the plastic or paper label on a container, so as to optimize and facilitate the recovery of glass or plastic bottles or containers for use subsequent to the first one.

PRIOR ART

In the case of bottles with labels, they are uncapped and de-labelled or simply uncapped in case of screen-printed bottles without labels.

Once the cap and label have been removed, they are washed, filled, recapped and labelled again or alternatively they are washed, empty labelled, filled, recapped.

The bottles to be processed are for example those for beer, water or soft drinks, in particular glass or plastic bottle with wrapping label.

The labelling methods within which the invention falls relate to the one called Roll Fed.

Currently, this is the most sought-after among the labelling systems due to economy and aesthetics.

Roll Fed labelling involves using a continuous film reel to label plastic, metal or glass containers. In this case the film is respectively unrolled, cut and applied to the container.

The state of the art provides that the system for fixing the label on the container can be made in different ways; one of the most used ones provides applying the label using glue which may already be present on the reel or applied after cutting the same label, and then transferring it by means of drum devices on the containers.

If the glue is applied after cutting the label, the glue can be distributed on the initial and final flap of the label by means of a spray system, without contact, or by means of a roller system that comes into contact with the projections of a drum on which the label is conveyed, so that the glue is on the two extreme flaps of the label and over their entire height. Said drum will then adhere the label to the bottle.

The label thus created has two strips of glue, one for fixing a first flap of the label to the bottle and one for fixing a second flap on the portion of the label on which the overlap superimposes, after the label has been completely wrapped around the bottle over a whole cylindrical portion thereof.

The use of normal hot-melt glue involves the drawback that the label cannot be easily detached from the bottle, and makes recycling the container more complicated also because the bottle might remain contaminated by the glue.

Alternatively, a known system for fixing the label to the container can be achieved by applying the label using glue strips that are already present on the reel.

Such glue strips are made so as to be dissolved in the washing machine to allow the container to be recycled.

Said reel, also known as pre-adhesive, is cut into labels in which each label has two strips of adhesive, one to fix a first flap of the label to the bottle and one to fix a second flap to the overlap portion of the label, after the label has been completely wrapped around the bottle over its entire cylindrical portion.

This solution also involves the drawback that the label cannot be easily detached from the bottle, and makes recycling the container complicated as it might remain contaminated by the glue.

In addition, said solution has a further drawback.

Said system provides a cutting drum, on which the film for making the label is cut. The cutting drum generally comprises one or more rotating blades as they are installed on the drum and configured to cooperate with a respective fixed blade.

The film is cut when the fixed and rotating blades are in such a position that they are facing each other.

From the cutting drum, the label is then transferred to the transfer drum, which transfers the label on the container.

In order to keep the film under tension before cutting, the drum is rotated at a higher speed than the film feed speed.

This involves the film rubbing against the surface of the cutting drum. As the film is pre-adhesive, the two adhesive strips also rub against the cutting drum, which may alter the adhesion capacity or damage the label.

A disadvantage of said solution is that the surface of said drum must therefore be suitably treated with a suitable surface coating so that the two adhesive strips of the label do not adhere to the drum when the label rubs on it.

Having two pre-adhesive strips on the label involves that rubbing occurs over almost the entire surface of the drum in the frequent case wherein there are at least two rotating blades.

This implies significant costs of manufacturing the drum, which has to be treated along its entire working surface, in addition to maintenance costs, as said treatment is subject to wear and in addition to implying possible damage to the label itself.

To avoid treating the drum surface, Patent DE 102013 215 999 provides for the cutting media to operated directly on the transfer drum. To avoid damaging rubbing, therefore, the transfer drum and cutting drum coincide. Said type of machine implies a less performing cutting system and a labelling unit that cannot be used for application with water or degradable glue, if it is of the low adhesive type. EXPOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The technical problem underlying the present invention is making available a labelling machine for applying a label to articles that is structurally and functionally designed to overcome one or more of the limits set forth above with reference to the mentioned prior art.

In the context of the aforesaid problem, a main object of the invention is to develop a labelling machine which allows obtaining a labelling which simplifies the recycling of the container.

A further object of the invention is also to make available to the art a labelling machine in the context of a reliable solution, and with high rate.

These and other objects are reached by the characteristics of the invention as set forth in the independent claims. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

In particular, an embodiment of the present invention makes available a labelling machine for labelling containers by means of a continuous film tape of a pre-adhesive type, i.e. comprising a plurality of adhesive elements arranged at a pitch along the length of the film tape.

In particular, said film is configured to be cut into labels each one comprising an adhesive element for fixing the label overlap on the label itself.

Preferably the film is further configured for fixing the label to the container by means of an adhesion fluid adapted to make the label adhere to the container, wherein said adhesion fluid is of the type dissolvable within a given time range sufficient to guarantee the function of applying the label to the container and/or removable through the use of suitable removal means.

Preferably the adhesion fluid comprises, or consists of water, or alternatively a degradable glue or a fluid with low-adhesive components.

Thanks to this solution, the detachment of the label from the container is simple and facilitates recycling.

It is also an object of the present invention to enable good label application reliability and low implementation costs.

Indeed, the labelling machine may comprise a cutting device for adhering the label to the container configured to cut the film into labels so that each label comprises an adhesive element placed only at the final flap of the label and suitable for being fixed on the initial flap of the label, for fixing the overlap.

In particular, the cutting device comprises a fixed blade and a rotating drum on which the film, comprising at least one rotating blade that is configured to cooperate with the fixed blade for cutting the film into labels, rests.

Preferably, the cutting device is configured for cutting the film at a final end of the adhesive element so that said adhesive element is on the final flap of the cut label.

Thanks to said solution, which provides an adhesive element placed only at the final flap, rubbing of said adhesive element on the cutting device is extremely low.

To further reduce the rubbing of said adhesive element, the cutting device may comprise feed means for bringing the film to the rotating drum configured to reduce the distance that the film has to run from when it comes into contact with the rotating drum until it reaches a fixed blade for cutting the label.

Preferably the feed means include a diverter element placed near the fixed blade.

This allows only a limited portion of the rotating drum surface to be coated or treated.

Said sliding or rubbing can be further reduced to zero.

In fact, a preferred embodiment provides that the speed of the feed means and the drum are managed in a variable and correlated manner, preferably such that a film feed speed is varied so as to preferably become equal to the peripheral speed of the drum particularly when the initial end of the adhesive element contacts the drum surface.

Preferably, the rotating blade is facing a final end of the adhesive element when said final end contacts the surface of the drum.

Therefore, this allows the surface of the rotating drum not to be coated or treated.

Consequently, this reduces the costs of manufacturing the rotating drum. Furthermore, eliminating or reducing rubbing of the pre-adhesive glue areas removes the deviation that the film not yet cut would take due to the variation in adhesion and the resulting friction. Such deviation then affects the correct positioning of the label on the drums and ultimately the accuracy of the labelling.

It is also an object of the present invention to allow a good label application reliability.

In fact, the labelling machine can comprise means for adhering the label to the container comprising fluid distribution means for distributing said adhesion fluid.

Furthermore, the adhesion means can comprise application means adapted to guide said label so as to arrange it at or near the surface of said container one towards the other, operating along substantially the entire extension of the area in which the respective faces of said label and the body of said container are mutually facing.

Thanks to this solution it is possible to label ensuring a better precision of positioning of the label on the container.

Further the invention makes available a labelling machine, wherein the application means comprise a transfer drum, rotating around an axis, which provides at least one application area configured to hold the label and apply it to the container, said application area in turn comprises a label guide profile on which the label rests that is shaped so as to keep a distance between the container and the label guide profile substantially constant throughout the application cycle.

Being able to maintain the distance between the container and the label guide profile constant and preferably at a few millimetres, it is possible to position the label precisely even in the absence of a glue that guarantees the adhesion thereof to the container.

Furthermore, this precision allows the label to be closed on the overlap without the glue for closing the overlap, generally of the hot-melt type, ending up on the container due to a too short overlap.

It is also the object of the present invention to provide a labelling method that simplifies the recycling step. In particular said method provides labelling containers by means of a continuous pre-adhesive film tape i.e. comprising a plurality of adhesive elements arranged at a pitch, characterised in that it is provided to cut the film into labels each of which comprise an adhesive element used for fixing the overlap of the label on the label itself and wherein it is provided to fix the label to the container by means of an adhesive fluid dissolvable within a predetermined time range sufficient to guarantee the application function of the label to the container, and/or removable by using suitable removal means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features will be more apparent from the following description of certain embodiments illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.

- Figure 1 : illustrates a schematic plan view of a water labelling machine, according to the invention.

- Figure 2a: illustrates a schematic plan view of a labelling machine with degradable glue in a first embodiment. - Figure 2b: illustrates a schematic plan view of a labelling machine with degradable glue in a second embodiment.

- Figure 2c: illustrates a schematic plan view of a labelling machine with degradable glue in a third embodiment.

- Figure 3: illustrates a plan view of a cylindrical drum for applying the label, according to the prior art.

- Figure 4: illustrates a plan view of a drum for applying the label according to the invention.

- Figure 5: illustrates an elevation view of a drum for applying the label, according to the prior art.

- Figure 6: illustrates a plan view of the steps for applying the label by means of a drum conformed according to the invention.

- Figure 6a: illustrates a plan view of the steps for applying the label in a flag-like manner by means of a drum conformed like a cylindrical roller.

- Figure 6b: illustrates a plan view of the steps for applying the label by means of a drum conformed according to the invention with labelling in negative direction.

- Figure 7a: illustrates a plan view of the cutting means with label.

- Figure 7b: illustrates an axonometric view of the cutting means with label.

- Figure 8: illustrates a schematic plan view of film 2 on the cutting means.

- Figure 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d: illustrates a schematic plan view of the film cutting steps on the cutting means.

- Figure 9a: illustrates the diagram of the drum and film speed according to the prior art referred to a single label.

- Figure 9b: illustrates the diagram of the drum and film speed according to the invention referred to a single label.

- Figure 9c: illustrates the diagram of the drum and film speed according to the invention referred to two labels.

- Figure 10: illustrates an elevation and plan view of a container with label.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring in particular to Figures 1 , 2a and 2b, 2c, possible embodiments of a labelling machine or labeller according to the invention are shown.

Below we will use the term container and bottle, but also more generally articles, as synonyms.

For simplicity's sake of description, as illustrated in Figure 10, we divide the length of the label into a final flap 32, an initial flap 31 and a central portion 33 of the label 3; initial flap 31 means the flap of the label 3 which first comes into contact with the container 4 during application, while the final flap 32 means the flap which lastly comes into contact with the container 4 during application.

As shown in Figure 10, the labelling preferably provides that the final flap 32 of the label 3 overlaps and fixes to the initial flap 31 , i.e. that the label 3 is closed and fixed on the overlap.

In the prior art, fixing on the overlap can be achieved, for example, by means of a fixing device 5 for applying a glue on the final flap 32 of the label 3.

With the term overlap, the person skilled in the art refers to the final flap 32 superimposing on the initial flap 31 of the label 3.

We hereinafter describe the known art related to glue labelling machines, generally of the hot-melt type, to better clarify the differences with the invention. The known labelling machine generally comprises a transfer drum 8a configured to feed the film 2 and feed means 9 for moving the container 4. On the transfer drum 8a, a cutting device 7 operates to cut the film 2 into labels 3.

The feed means 9 are configured to rotate and support the container 4 which is moved along a circumference so as to bring said container 4 near the transfer drum 8a for the adhesion of the label 3.

During the application step, it is provided to distribute the hot-melt glue on the initial and final flap of the label 3 by means of a spray system, without contact, or by means of a roller system which comes into contact with the projections of the transfer drum 8a on which the label 3 is conveyed, so that the glue is on the two extreme flaps of the label 3 and over their entire height.

Alternatively, a known system which does not provide for distributing hot- melt type glue for fixing the label 3 on the container 4, provides working with a film 2 comprising adhesive strips already present on said film 2. In this case, the film reel 2 already has the necessary glue both for fixing the label 3 to the container 4 and for fixing the overlap.

The film 2, also called pre-adhesive film, is cut into labels 3 in which each label has two adhesive strips, one to fix a first flap of the label 3 to the container 4 and one to fix a second flap to the portion of the label 3 on which said overlap is superimposed, after the label 3 has been completely wrapped around the container 4 for its entire cylindrical portion.

In such a case, the labelling machine provides a cutting device for cutting the film 2 into labels 3 which is arranged before the transfer drum 8a.

For both of these known solutions, with hot-melt glue application or with pre-adhesive film reel 2, the label application system 3 is generally as described below.

The transfer drum 8a is configured to transfer the cut label 3 on the container 4.

Said known labelling machines provide that the transfer drum 8a is cylindrical in shape, which for simplicity's sake will be hereinafter called the cylindrical transfer drum 8a, used by means of the labelling cycle, which in the technical jargon is also defined as flag-like as shown in Figure 6a. The cylindrical transfer drum 8a, as shown in Figure 3 comprises at least one application area 80a configured to hold the label 3 and transfer it to the container 4 during application.

This labelling cycle in a flag-like manner, as shown in figure 6a, provides for the label 3 to be pressed onto the container 4 only in its initial flap 31 ; the remaining part of the label 3, arranged in a flag-like manner, is wrapped only by rotation of the container 4. When closing the overlap nothing can guarantee that the label 3 is correctly wrapped until it is precisely superimposed on the overlap.

The cylindrical shape of the cylindrical transfer drum 8a implies that during the application of the label 3 there is a variable distance D' between the container 4 and the application area 80a; said distance D' is therefore high and such as not to guarantee that the label 3 which is positioned in a flaglike manner is held in position.

Generally, known labelling machines use said cylindrical transfer drum 8a, followed by a device for example with brushes which presses the label 3 on the container 4 so as to guarantee the adhesion thereof and the correct wrapping around the container 4.

The object of the present invention relates to a labelling machine 1 and 10 for applying a label 3 to articles in particular containers 4 where said label 3 preferably consists of plastic film and in particular suitably cut from a preferably continuous film tape 2. In particular it can be a labelling machine 1 , 10 of the Roll Feed type.

The film tape 2 in particular is continuous of the pre-adhesive type.

The term pre-adhesive means that it comprises a plurality of adhesive elements 35 arranged at a pitch along the length of the film tape 2.

According to an embodiment, said film 2 is configured to be cut into labels 3 such that each label 3 comprises an adhesive element 35.

In particular, said adhesive element 35 is in such a position as to fix the overlap of the label 3 on the label 3 itself.

Said adhesive element 35 is preferably of a water-dissolvable type so as to allow easy removal of the label 3 during the recycling step of the container 4.

As will be better described below, two preferred embodiments of labelling machine 1 and 10 are provided.

Figure 1 shows a labelling machine 1 according to one first embodiment of the invention for labelling with water; on the other hand, figures 2a, 2b and 2c show a labelling machine 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention for degradable glue, which will be explained in greater detail below.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the labelling machine 1 , 10 is configured for fixing the label 3 to the container 4 by means of an adhesion fluid adapted to make the label 3 adhere to the container 4, characterized in that said adhesion fluid is of the dissolvable type within a given time range sufficient to guarantee the function of applying the label 3 to the container 4 and/or removable through the use of suitable removal means.

Therefore said fluid is such that over time it dissolves or deteriorates, thereby losing its adhesive properties and/or this dissolution step is aided by suitable removal means, for example by washing the labelled container 4, during the recycling step.

In particular, one embodiment provides that the adhesion fluid comprises, or consists of water. Water is in fact a fluid that dissolves by evaporation.

Thus, said adhesion fluid, of the water type, for fixing the label 3 to the container 4, in combination with the adhesive element 35 for fixing the overlap of the label 3 to the label 3 itself, defines a solution which is particularly advantageous, for two reasons:

- it allows creating a labelling machine (1 , 10) that does not require glue units; - it simplifies the recycling step.

Therefore, without the glue unit, which is normally present for at least one of the two aforementioned fixing methods, the labelling machine 1 , 10 is cheaper and easier to manage and maintain.

As described above, there already exist labelling machines that do not have glue units, such as labelling machines that use a film 2 to make a label 3 with two adhesion elements 35.

Although this solution provides the aforementioned advantages of using a simple and cheap labelling machine, it does not allow to simplify the recycling step as the adhesion between label 3 and container 4 is generally strong and therefore difficult to detach without leaving residues on the container 4.

By contrast, the solution provided by the said invention allows, both for the adhesion between label 3 and container 4 and between label 3 and label 3 itself, maximum ease of recycling.

A further embodiment provides that the adhesion fluid comprises, or consists of, a degradable-type glue.

The term degradable-type glue means a fluid that maintains its adhesive properties for a fairly short period of time, for example compatible with the sole function of applying the label 3 to the container 4.

In fact, it is sufficient that it exerts its action only for the time necessary to create the tube of the label 3 around the container 4 during application.

Alternatively, it is intended a glue in which the adhesive components are subject to natural ageing, which attenuates their sealing characteristics, until they are completely exhausted, in particular over the duration of use of the container 4.

According to a different alternative embodiment, the degradable adhesion fluid could be an adhesion fluid which can be deactivated following an appropriate treatment, for example following a washing step of the container 4, in particular with water.

An example of degradable glue can be given by the presence of substances such as dextrins in the fluid.

Still it can further be provided that the adhesion fluid comprises, or consists of, and/or a fluid with low-adhesive components.

The term fluid with low-adhesive components means a fluid that has a very low adhesion, therefore comparable to water sufficient to create a temporary adhesion during the application step of the label 3 to the container 4 capable of subsequently dissolving/degrading or to be easily removed.

Once the label 3 has been applied to the container 4, in the event that the adhesion fluid is of the water type, the label 3 results to be as a tube free to rotate around the surface of the bottle 4 since it is not directly fixed thereto, especially following water evaporation.

In the event that the adhesion fluid is a degradable glue, or fluid with low- adhesive components, the label 3 will result to be as a tube that is free to rotate around the surface of the bottle 4, when the degradation, removal or dissolving step has been completed.

Therefore, said adhesion fluid, for fixing the label 3 to the container 4, in combination with the adhesive element 35 for fixing the overlap of the label 3 to the label 3 itself, defines a solution which is particularly advantageous when recycling the containers 4, as the label 3 is easy to be removed and the container 4 is clean, i.e. not contaminated by glue.

The various steps provided for in the production and application of label 3 are described hereinafter.

The labelling machine 1 , 10 preferably provides to cut the film 2 into labels 3, by means of a cutting device 7, comprising a fixed blade 71 and a rotating drum 72 on which the film 2 rests.

In particular, said rotating drum 72, comprises at least one rotating blade 73 adapted to rotate together with said drum 72, and configured to cooperate with the fixed blade 71 .

Preferably, the film 2 is cut when the fixed blade 71 and the rotating blade 73 are in a position where they are facing each other.

Preferred embodiments provide that the rotating drum 72 comprises a rotating blade 73 or alternatively two rotating blades 73.

Said rotating blades 73 are preferably installed on the periphery of the rotating drum 72.

In the configuration with two rotating blades 73 these are preferably positioned at 180° from each other.

In general, the number of rotating blades 73 depends on the working pitch, as known to a person skilled in the art.

A preferred embodiment provides that the cutting device 7 further comprises feed means 75 configured to carry the film 2 from the reel to the rotating drum 72.

In particular, the film 2 is transferred from the feed means 75 to the drum 72 in such a way that the adhesive elements 35 are facing towards the rotating drum 72.

According to an aspect of the invention, from the rotating drum 72, the label 3 is subsequently transferred to transfer means 800 which place the label 3 on the container 4 and which will be described below.

Unlike Patent DE 102013215999, the object of the invention is to reduce rubbing without the need to have the transfer means 800 coincide with the rotating drum 72; this, as will be hereinafter described, allows transfer means 800 to have a particular shape that facilitates application by means of water or low adhesive glue.

Said cutting means 7 and said transfer means 800 are configured to arrange the label 3 so that the adhesive element 35 is facing towards the container 4. In order to keep the film 2 under tension, prior to cutting into labels 3, the rotating drum 72 is rotated at a higher speed than that of feed means 75 feeding the film 2. We will term by Vt the peripheral speed of the drum 72 and by Vf the feed speed of the film 2. In particular, we will term as Vfs the feed speed of the film 2, according to the prior art. Therefore VfscVt as represented by the graph in Figure 9a.

This graph shows the speed on the ordinate and the angular distance run by the rotating blade 73 on the abscissa. More precisely, a "geometric speed" is represented in graph 9a, i.e. the derivative of the function linking the position of a motor feeding the film 2 to the position of a motor moving the cutting drum 72.

This results in the film 2 rubbing an outer surface 72s of the rotating drum 72 until the label 3 is separated.

As the film 2 is pre-adhesive, the rubbing of the adhesive elements 35 of the film 2 on the rotating drum 72 is verified.

While the rubbing of the film 2 in the non-adhesive part does not cause any problems, rubbing of the adhesive elements 35 is, by contrast, damaging.

In order to better clarify the advantages of the invention, we hereinafter describe the operation according to the prior art, wherein labelling machines are configured to make labels 3 with two adhesive elements 35: one for fixing the initial flap 31 of the label 3 to the container 4 and one for fixing the final flap 32 on the overlap.

In such labelling machines, the rubbing extent of the adhesive elements 35 is very high.

In fact, the extent of said rubbing substantially occurs over the entire outer surface 72s of the rotating drum 72, as will be further explained hereinafter. Particularly in the prior art, i.e. in the case where the label 3 comprises two adhesive elements 35, one on the initial flap 31 and one on the final flap 32, the rubbing of adhesive elements 35 occurs along a section of the outer surface 72s of the rotating drum 72 preceding and following each rotating blade 73 with respect to the direction of rotation of the drum 72.

For the sake of clarity, let us separate the two cases: case 1 ) the rubbing of the adhesive element 35 which, after separation of the label 3 from the film 2, occurs on the initial flap 31 . case 2) the rubbing of the adhesive element 35 which, after separation of the label 3 from the film 2, occurs on the final flap 32.

In the first case, rubbing occurs along a section of the outer surface 72s equal to the entire length of the label 3, in addition to the space that the label 3 must run from when it comes into contact with the rotating drum 72 until it reaches the fixed blade 71 .

In the second case, rubbing occurs along a section of the outer surface 72s equal to the distance that the adhesive element 35 runs through from when it comes into contact with the rotating drum 72, until it reaches the cutting position at the fixed blade 71 .

Therefore, the adhesive element 35, placed on the initial flap 31 , is subjected to the greatest rubbing.

The rubbing extent in the first case affects a large part of the surface, for example a section of the outer surface 72s which subtends an angle of amplitude of about 180°, in case the rotating drum 72 includes two rotating blades 73 and of about 360° in case the rotating drum 72 includes only one rotating blade 73.

Furthermore, a particularly critical situation for the rubbing of the adhesive element 35, placed on the initial flap 31 , occurs when the labelling machine 1 , 10 is operating and is in the condition wherein the film 2 is stationary while waiting for the containers 4 and the drum is rotating. Said situation prolongs the rubbing of the adhesive element 35, placed on the initial flap 31 for a plurality of rotations of the drum 72, until the film 2 is restarted.

This means having to coat and/or treat the entire surface 72s of the rotating drum 72.

A disadvantage of said solution is that the surface 72s of said rotating drum 72 must therefore be suitably treated with a suitable surface coating so that the adhesive elements 35 of the film 2 do not adhere to the surface 72s during the rubbing of the film 2.

This implies significant costs for manufacturing the rotating drum 72 and high maintenance costs. In addition, the high extent of the rubbing movement leads to uncontrolled friction, which has repercussions on the quality of the labelling in terms of the precision of positioning the label 3 on the container 4. The solution object of said invention intends to overcome the aforesaid drawback.

In particular, the labelling machine 1 , 10 according to the invention comprises a cutting device 7, configured to cut the film 2 into labels 3 so that each label 3 comprises an adhesive element 35 placed only at the final flap 32 of the label 3 and adapted to be fixed on the initial flap 31 of the label 3, for fixing the overlap.

Preferably, the cutting device 7 is configured to cut the film 2 at the side of the adhesive element 35 so that said adhesive element is on the final flap 32 of the separate label 3.

The adhesive element 35 provides an initial end 351 and a final end 352. Said initial end 351 , with respect to the total length of the label 3 is the one placed in the innermost position, while the final end 352 is placed in the outermost position, preferably at the end of the label 3. Therefore preferably at the final end 352, the knife 71 operates to make the cut separating the label 3 from the film 2.

According to a preferred embodiment, the adhesive element 35 has a rectangular shape in which the initial end 351 and the final end 352 have a linear profile, i.e. they have a conformation substantially similar to a straight line. Thanks to this solution, which provides for an adhesive element 35 placed only at the final flap 32, rubbing is extremely reduced.

In fact, as there is no adhesive element 35, placed on the initial flap 31 , the rubbing described in case 1 , which is moreover the widest, is completely cancelled.

There just remains the rubbing described in case 2, which can be reduced to zero thanks to the solutions adopted and described below.

Before the label 3 is isolated from the film 2, the adhesive element 35 of the final flap 32 runs through a space having a length which we call film length and indicate by Lf, i.e. the length of the film unwound.

This film length Lf is equal to:

Lf=Lbeta+Lalpha

Where by Lbeta we term an input length which is equivalent to the section that the initial end 351 of the adhesive element 35 runs from when it comes into contact with said surface 72s, at an initial point which we indicate by P1 until it reaches the fixed blade 71 .

By Lalpha we indicate an adhesive length, which is equivalent to the length of the adhesive element 35, i.e. from the initial end 351 to the final end 352.

Figures 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d show, by means of simplified diagrams, the sequence of the various feed steps of the film 2 on the drum 72, before the separation of the label 3. Figures 8b and 8c show two diagrams showing the position of the film 2 on the drum 72 with the position of the adhesive element 35 highlighted, wherein the diagram on the left represents the prior art and the diagram on the right represents the invention.

Next to the diagram referring to the invention, a graph is represented, having the speed as an ordinate and the angular space run by the drum 72 as an abscissa, and wherein the arrow highlights on the graph the instant represented in the diagram.

Figure 8a shows an initial step in which a label 3 has just been separated and the end of the film 2 in which the cutting has taken place is at the fixed blade 71 for the start of a new cutting cycle.

Figure 8b shows the following step in which the initial end 351 of the adhesive element 35 is at the initial point P1 where it contacts the surface 72s.

Figure 8c shows the following step in which the final end 352 is at a final point P2, of the surface 72s, where it contacts the surface 72s.

Figure 8d shows the following step in which the final end 352 reaches the cutting position which we call the cutting point P3, i.e. when the entire adhesive length La of the adhesive element 35 has overcome the fixed blade 71 .

Therefore, before the label 3 is isolated from the film 2, the adhesive element 35 runs a film length:

Lf= Lbeta+Lalpha.

Said input length Lbeta subtends an angle which is indicated in the figures by the letter beta and which we call the input angle, while said adhesive length Lalfa subtends an angle indicated by the letter alpha which we call the adhesive angle.

Therefore the film length Lf subtends, on the surface 72s, a total angle indicated by the letter f where f= alpha+beta.

As described above, in order to keep the film 2 under tension, prior to cutting into labels 3, the rotating drum 72 is rotated at a higher peripheral speed than that with which the feed means 75 advance the film 2. Therefore VfscVt where Vt is the peripheral speed of the drum 72, and Vfs is the film feed speed 2 according to the prior art. In the graph of Figure 9a, the known standard operation is shown, whereby the drum 72 has a speed Vt always greater than the speed Vfs of the film 2.

Thus, while the adhesive element 35 of the final flap 32 runs through a film length Lf, a point on the surface 72s of the drum 72 runs through a larger space which we call drum length Lt = Lf+Ldelta which is equivalent to a subtended drum angle t=f+delta.

Ldelta is a length that we call the sliding length and delta is the sliding angle subtended by said sliding length Ldelta. More precisely and as depicted in Figure 8c, the sliding angle delta corresponds to the angle between the rotating blade 73 and the final point P2 where the final end 352 of the adhesive element 35 contacts the surface 72s.

In particular:

Ldelta=((Vt-Vf)*delta) and therefore the sliding length Ldelta depends on the difference between the film feed speed Vf and the drum peripheral speed Vt.

Therefore, the sliding or rubbing of the adhesive element 35 is greater than the film length Lf because the sliding length Ldelta has to be added thereto. A first embodiment which provides to reduce said rubbing reducing the amplitude of the beta angle is an object of the invention. In fact, reducing the inlet angle beta, the total angle f and consequently, the film length Lf that the adhesive element 35 runs on the drum 7 in which rubbing can occur is reduced.

Reducing said angle beta and therefore Lbeta, i.e. the space that the film 2 has to cover from when it comes into contact with the rotating drum 72 until it reaches the fixed blade 71 , can be achieved by approaching to the fixed blade 71 a diverter element 751 , preferably a last roller of the feed means 75, as shown in Figure 8.

This solution allows only a small portion of the outer surface 72s of the rotating drum 72 to be coated and/or treated.

This means reduced costs for making the rotating drum 72 compared to known solutions. In addition, the reduced extent of the rubbing reduces the inaccuracy of positioning the label 3 on the container 4.

A second embodiment provides to reduce the rubbing of the adhesive element 35 to zero by managing the speed of the feed means 75 and the drum 72 in a variable and correlated manner.

As described above and depicted in Figure 8c, the sliding angle delta corresponds to the angle between the rotating blade 73 and the final point P2 at which the final end 352 of the adhesive element 35 contacts the surface 72s, i.e. it defines the delay that the blade 73 has with respect to the final end 352.

Therefore, in order to reduce or even eliminate the sliding of the adhesive element 35, it is provided to work with varying feed speeds Vf and peripheral drum speeds Vt during the label separation cycle 3.

Said sliding length Ldelta=((Vt-Vf)*delta) may, in an extreme case, be reduced to zero if Vf=Vt.

In particular, one possible embodiment provides to increase the film feed speed Vf until preferably it becomes equal to the peripheral drum speed Vt. In fact, if Vf=Vt there is no more sliding between film 2 and surface 72s of the drum 72.

Since sliding is detrimental if it involves the adhesive element 35, preferably said condition in which Vf=Vt is reached when the initial end 351 of the adhesive element 35 comes into contact at the initial point P1 with the drum 72. In particular, this step is represented in Figure 8b in the part on the right referring to the invention.

Therefore, before the initial end 351 comes into contact with the surface of the drum 72s, the film feed rate Vf starts to increase until it equals the peripheral speed Vt at the initial point P1 .

According to an aspect of the invention, the rotating blade 73, which moves with the drum 72, at the peripheral speed Vt, when Vf=Vt must be in a precise position in order to guarantee the cutting of the label on the final end 352 when said rotating blade 73 is facing the fixed blade 71 at the cutting point P3. In particular, as represented in Figure 8c on the right referring to the invention, the rotating blade 73 when Vf=Vt is upstream with respect to the point P1 of an angle equal to the adhesive angle alpha. This consequently determines that, when the final end 352 contacts the surface 72s at the final point P2, the rotating blade 73 matches P2 and is then faced to the final end 352 wherein the label 3 is to be separated.

Therefore, the rotating blade 73 and the final end 352, remain facing each other until the fixed blade 71 is reached.

Thanks to this solution, the film 2 and drum 72 can work at different speeds VfcVt in the section where the adhesive element 35 has not yet come into contact with the drum 72, so as to ensure the tensioning of the film 2, where sliding is not damaging. Subsequently, the two speeds are the same and preferably the feed speed Vf increases and equals the peripheral speed Vt, in particular this occurs when the initial end 351 of the adhesive element 35 comes into contact in with the drum 72 in order to avoid damaging sliding.

Let us consider, as shown in Figures 9a and 9b, a graph referring to a single isolated label, having in the ordinate the speed and in the abscissa the angular space run by the drum 72.

Said graphs report in the ordinate the speed and in the abscissa the angular distance run by the rotating blade 73. More precisely, in the graph 9a and 9b, a "geometric speed", i.e. the derivative of the function linking the position of the motor feeding the film 2 to the position of the motor moving the cutting drum 72, is represented.

The graph in Figure 9a represents the known working situation wherein VfcVt for the whole length of the label 3; the graph in Figure 9b represents the optimised situation object of the invention in which Vf becomes equal to Vt and this occurs when the initial end 351 comes into contact with the point P2 of the surface 72s.

The graph in Figure 9b shows both an ideal trend in which the feed speed Vf increases abruptly and a possible real trend in which the configuration is trapezoidal and the increase or decrease in feed speed Vf occurs gradually. The graph in Figure 9c shows the same graph as in Figure 9b, but relating to two cycles for the production of two labels 3. If there is only one rotating blade 73, the cycle of a label 3 is completed in 360°, while if there are two rotating blades 73, the cycle of a label 3 is completed in 180°.

Thanks to the described solution, it is possible to reduce to zero the rubbing between the adhesive element 35 and the surface 72s of the drum 72, thus eliminating the need to treat said surface 72s.

In fact, the rotating blade 73 is already in position with respect to the film 2 when the final end 352 contacts the drum 72.

Thanks to this solution, the sliding of the adhesive element 35 on the surface 72s is completely eliminated, reducing the need to coat and/or treat the of the drum 72.

After cutting the film 2 into labels 3, the labelling machine 1 , 10, provides to apply the label 3 to the container 4.

In a formulation of the present invention the labelling machine 1 , 10 comprises means for adhering the label 3 to the container 4 in turn comprising fluid distribution means 6 for distributing said adhesion fluid.

In particular, the first embodiment provides for a labelling machine 1 , preferably configured to work with adhesion fluid of the water type and/or fluid with low-adhesive components.

Said labelling machine 1 preferably comprises feed means 9 configured to rotate and support the container 4 by moving it along a circumference so as to bring each container 4 near the corresponding label 3.

Said labelling machine 1 preferably comprises means 6 for distributing adhesion fluid, configured to distribute said adhesion fluid on the container 4 body and/or on a corresponding face 30 of the label 3 along substantially the whole application surface in order to make the label 3 adhere to the container 4.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment wherein adhesion fluid distribution means 6, are configured to distribute said adhesion fluid on the container body 4 and are arranged near the feed means 9.

The second embodiment provides that the labelling machine 10 for labelling containers 4 by means of a continuous film strip 2 suitably cut into labels 3, is configured for fixing the label 3 to the container 4 by means of an adhesion fluid adapted to make the label 3 adhere to the container 4; said adhesion fluid comprises, or consists of, a degradable type glue adapted to maintain its adhesive properties within a given time sufficient at least to guarantee the function of applying the label 3 to the container 4.

In fact, the use of a degradable type glue allows a secure adhesion of the label 3 to the container 4 and allows reaching high labelling rates that cannot be achieved with water labelling, since the temporary adhesion achieved with water is so not strong and it therefore requires a slower application cycle.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention, said labelling machine 10 can provide for adhesion means which comprise fluid distribution means 6 for distributing said adhesion fluid on the initial flap 31 of the label 3.

In particular, the glue will be placed on the label 3 in a position noninterfering with the adhesion element 35 for fixing the overlap.

Said fluid distribution means 6 are preferably of the dispensing gun type 61 configured to spray the glue on the label 3 as shown in Figure 2a.

The glue is sprayed when the label is held on application means 800, which will be described in detail below.

The dispensing gun 61 has the advantage of being small in size and therefore can be installed on the labelling station.

It is understood, however, that what is described above has an exemplifying and non-limiting value and also a different position of the fixing device 6 which becomes necessary for technical and/or functional reasons, is now considered to be within the same protective scope.

Alternatively, the labelling machine 10 can provide adhesion means which comprise fluid distribution means 6 configured to distribute the adhesion fluid over a portion of container 4 adapted to receive the label 3 as represented in Figure 2b.

Said portion of the container 4 preferably corresponds to the area adapted to receive the label 3 and it further preferably corresponds to the application area of the initial flap 31 of the label 3. It may also be provided to distribute the glue on the central portion 33. In this way the glue is not distributed on the label 3, but directly on the container 4.

Said fluid distribution means 6 are preferably of the dispensing roller type 62 for spreading the glue on the container 4 as shown in Figure 2b.

Therefore the labelling machine 10 can provide that distribution means 6 are configured so as to cooperate with the advancing means 9 for applying the glue on the container 4.

The distribution means 6 and the advancing means 9 of the container 4 will be suitably synchronized by means of the programmable control unit which manages the machine 1 .

Alternatively, the labelling machine 10 may provide a third embodiment in which the adhesion means comprise fluid distribution means 6 configured to distribute the adhesion fluid over a portion of the label 3 as depicted in Figure 2c.

Said portion of label 3 is preferably corresponding to the initial flap 31 of the label 3. It may also be provided to distribute the glue on the central portion 33. Said fluid distribution means 6 are preferably of the dispensing roller type 63 for spreading the glue on the label 3.

The application of the label 3 to the container 4 will now be described in order to obtain a reliable application. According to an aspect of the invention, said labelling machine 10 may provide to apply the label 3 by means known to a person skilled in the art and already used in known glue labelling machines, such as for example cylindrical transfer drum 8a, often followed by a device for example with brushes adapted to press the label 3 on the container 4 so as to guarantee its adhesion and correct wrapping around the container 4.

An object of the present invention is also to allow an optimization of the application of the label 3 and therefore a preferred embodiment of the labelling machine 10 provides that adhesion means further comprise application means 800 adapted to guide said label 3 so as to place it at or near the surface of said container 4 one towards the other, or vice versa, operating along substantially the entire extension of the area in which the respective faces 30 of said label 3 and the body of said container 4 are mutually facing.

In order to aid applying the label 3 by water it is not possible to use the brush device known for glue labelling machines since, being the adhesive power of the water low, the brushes would tend to detach the label 3 from the container 4 by moving it from the correct position.

Therefore, according to a possible configuration, the adhesion means in the machine 1 may further comprise application means 800 adapted to guide said label 3 so as to place it at or near the surface of said container 4, supported by advancing means 9, one towards the other, or vice versa, operating along substantially the entire extension of the area wherein a respective face 30 of said label 3 and the body of said container 4 are mutually facing.

Said labelling machine 1 therefore combines adhesion means for the purpose of applying the label 3 to the container 4; in particular it combines the use of distribution means 6 for distributing an adhesion fluid, with the use of application means 800 adapted to guide and hold/push said label 3 in position on the container 4 during the application step.

Thanks to this solution, precise and reliable labelling is obtained.

In a formulation of the present invention, in both labelling machines 1 and 10, said application means 800 can preferably comprise a transfer drum 8 having particular constructional characteristics which will be described in detail below.

Said labelling machine 1 and 10 differs from the known labelling machines by the presence of a transfer drum 8 having a different conformation from the cylindrical drum 8a.

In fact, especially in machines 1 , in which the adhesion fluid is water and/or fluid with low-adhesive components, the combination of low adhesion and the use of a cylindrical transfer drum 8a in which the distance D' between the application area 80a and the container 4 is variable and high, does not allow the label 3 to be accompanied to the position around the container 4 during application.

In accordance with the aforementioned purposes, the transfer drum 8, according to the invention, configured to advance the film 2, is synchronized with the advancing means 9 of the container 4 by means of a programmable control unit.

The labelling can take place in a positive direction, as shown in Figure 6, or in a negative one, as shown in Figure 6b, where positive means that if the advancing means 9 rotate for example in a direction, such as clockwise, the drum 8 rotates in the opposite direction and therefore anticlockwise; labelling in a negative direction, also called counter speed, instead means that if the advancing means 9 rotate, for example, clockwise, the drum 8 also rotates clockwise. In this second case, shown in Figure 6b, the transfer drum 8 will be the same, but mirrored with respect to that used in the operation in a positive direction.

Once the label 3 has been cut, the transfer drum 8 being configured to rotate around its axis Z, carries the label 3 at the container 4 on which it must be applied. The container 4, moved by the advancing means 9, arrives near the transfer drum 8.

According to an aspect of the invention, the transfer drum 8 comprises at least one application area 80 configured to hold and transfer the label 3 by interfacing with the container 4 during the application of the label 3.

The transfer drum 8 can provide for several application areas 80 depending on the size of the advancing means 9, on the number of sections of the carousel 9 supporting the containers 4.

Said application area 80 preferably comprises a label guide profile 85.

One possible embodiment provides that the application area 80 further comprises, at an initial flap 31 and a final flap 32 of the label 3, respectively, that is at the first point of application of the label 3 to the container 4 and at the overlap superimposing point, an initial sliding block 81 and a final sliding block 82, adapted to guarantee respectively the application to the container 4 and the closure of the label 3 on the overlap.

Said sliding blocks 81 , 82 are preferably made of deformable material, such as rubber.

A preferred embodiment provides that said sliding blocks 81 , 82 are protruding from the label guide profile 85 which is in fact included between said initial sliding block 81 and final sliding block 82. The projection of these sliding blocks 81 , 82 defines an offset H from the label guide profile 85. Such protrusion of the two sliding blocks 81 , 82 from the label guide profile 85, makes them engage on the container 4 exerting the correct pressure for positioning the first flap 31 of the label 3 to the container 4 and for closing the second flap 32. Pressure is thereby applied only at the application of the first flap 31 and the second flap 32, while the central portion 33 of the label 3 is accompanied and guided by the label guide profile 85, near the container 4, but without contact between the label guide profile 85 and the container 4. Preferably a distance D between label guide profile 85 and container 4 is a few millimetres and preferably less than 2 millimetres.

The offset between the final sliding block 82 and the label guide profile 85 may be greater or equal to the offset H between the initial sliding block 81 and the label guide profile 85; this offset H depends on the degree of pressure to be applied to the container 4.

Said transfer drum 8 provides that the label guide profile 85 does not extend according to a circumference having a radius of curvature centred on the rotation axis Z, as is the case for the cylindrical transfer drum 8a.

Said label guide profile 85 in fact has a conformation such as to maintain substantially constant and minimum a distance D between said label guide profile 85 of the transfer drum 8 and the container 4 throughout the whole application cycle of the label 3. Therefore the label 3 is not placed in a flaglike manner, but the transfer drum 8 exerts an action aimed at guiding and holding the label 3 in position throughout the application cycle on the container 4.

According to a preferred embodiment, said distance D is a few millimetres and preferably less than 2 millimetres.

In order to keep said distance D minimal and constant, it is further provided for the transfer drum 8 and the advancing means 9 of the container 4 to be synchronized throughout the application cycle of the label 3.

The use of said transfer drum 8 as conformed, allows overcoming the limits that are found with the cylindrical drum 8a.

In fact the distance D, which remains substantially constant and of a few millimetres throughout the application cycle, makes it possible to guarantee that the label 3 is wrapped in the correct position during its application to the container 4 allowing to increase the precision of the superimposition of the overlap for closing the second flap 32 on the first flap 31 of the label 3, without the adhesion element 35 ending up on the bottle due to a too short overlap. Therefore the reliability of the labelling machine 1 , and/or 10 is increased.

In fact, this minimum and constant distance D between the label guide profile 85 and the container 4 guides and pushes the label 3 into position and allows its wrapping in a tube-like manner around the container 4, even when the adhesion force of water is minimal or when for example the label 3 is very low and therefore with a reduced contact surface with the container 4.

Figure 6 shows the relative positions of the container 4 on the advancing means 9 and of the transfer drum 8 during the application steps of the label 3.

Figure 6 highlights the effect of accompanying, guiding and holding in position of the label 3 that the transfer drum 8 exerts.

In fact, Figure 6 shows the labelling steps, in which the first application point of the label 3 and the last point in which the overlap is glued, are preferably symmetrical with respect to an axis A which connects the centre of the advancing means 9 and the centre of the transfer drum 8.

Figure 6 shows the distance D between the container 4 and the label guide profile 85 which remains substantially constant both near to said axis A and not.

On the contrary, Figure 6a shows the relative positions of the container 4, on the advancing means 9, and of the cylindrical transfer drum 8a, in which the missing effect of accompanying guiding and holding in position of the label 3 is highlighted.

A preferred embodiment of the transfer drum 8, also defined lobed label guide profile 85 and with a lobed initial sliding block 81 , may comprise different radii of curvature:

- a first radius R1 having centre C1 which preferably is not located on the rotation axis Z of the transfer drum 8, - a second radius R2 having centre C2 which preferably is not located on the rotation axis Z,

- preferably a third radius R3 having centre C3 preferably not coinciding with C1 and C2.

Figure 4 shows a particular configuration of said embodiment in which the centres C1 , C2 and C3 coincide and preferably do not coincide with the Z axis.

The first radius R1 defines a curvature of a circumference along which an abutment surface 820 of the final sliding block 82 extends.

The second radius R2 defines the curvature along which the label guide profile 85 extends.

The third radius R3 defines a curvature of a circumference along which an initial abutment surface 810 of the initial sliding block 81 extends.

The second radius R2 is preferably smaller than R1 and R3.

A first embodiment provides that in labelling machines 1 , 10 of the type shown in figures 1 , 2a and 2b, comprising fluid distribution means 6 as described above, the first radius R1 is preferably greater than or equal to R3.

In other words, the place of the points of the abutment surface 810 is in the circle of radius R3 of centre C3 and with respect to the centre C1 at a smaller or equal distance than the radius R1 .

Preferably, the initial sliding block 81 and the final sliding block 82 protrude from the label guide profile 85, and the final sliding block 82 protrudes by a same or greater value than the initial sliding block 81 .

A second embodiment provides that in the labelling machine 10 of the type shown in Figure 2c and described above, the third radius R3 is preferably greater than or equal to the first radius R1 .

In other words, the place of the points of the abutment surface 810 is in the circle of radius R3 of centre C3 and with respect to the centre C1 at a greater or equal distance than the radius R1 .

Preferably the initial sliding block 81 and the final sliding block 82 protrude from the label guide profile 85, and preferably the final sliding block 82 protrudes by a same or smaller value than the initial sliding block 81 .

In the case not shown in the figure, where the place of the points of the initial abutment surface 810 is in the circle of radius R3 with centre C3 and with respect to the centre C1 at a greater distance than the radius R1 , preferably the centre C3 coincides with the axis of rotation Z.

This configuration is advantageous in combination with the labelling machine 10 shown in Figure 2c wherein adhesion means comprise fluid distribution means 6, preferably of the dispensing roller type 63, configured to distribute the adhesion fluid over a portion of the label 3, preferably corresponding to the initial flap 31 of the label 3.

A preferred aspect is that the place of points of the label guide profile 85 is in the circle of radius R2 of centre C2 and with respect to the rotation axis Z is at a shorter distance than the place of points of the abutment surfaces 810 and 820.

In particular, as highlighted in Figure 4, said embodiment may provide that at least the second radius R2 is not constant, but is the starting point of a curve not necessarily circumferential, but more generally a spline along which the label guide profile 85 extends.

In this configuration the label 85 guide profile is termed as lobed.

A further aspect of the invention may provide that the first radius R1 and the third radius R3 are also not constant, but are the starting point of two curves that are not necessarily circumferential, but more generally two splines along which the final abutment surface 820 of the final sliding block 82 and the initial abutment surface 810 of the initial sliding block 81 extend.

Thereby, the fact of keeping the distance constant along the entire length of the initial sliding block 81 is improved. In accordance with an aspect of the invention in said embodiment, the abutment surface 810 and/or 820 of the respective initial and final sliding blocks 81 , 82 may provide for a lead-in so as to connect with the label guide profile 85.

Thanks to this solution, the function of the transfer drum 8 to accompany, guide and hold/push the label 3 in the correct position on the container 4 during the whole application step is further guaranteed.

The labelling machine 1 and/or 10 therefore provides that the adhesion of the label 3 on the container 4 is guaranteed not only by the pressure exerted by the initial sliding block 81 on the initial flap 31 , but the adhesion is further guaranteed by accompanying and guiding the central portion 33 of the label 3, which therefore adheres to the container 4 not only thanks to the adhesive power of water, but also and above all thanks to the aid of the label guide profile 85 of the transfer drum 8.

Furthermore, the use of the transfer drum 8, with the constructive characteristics described above, contributes to the correct adhesion and application of the label 3 to the container 4 not only at the initial 81 and/or final sliding block 82, but also along the whole label guide profile 85.

In fact, the possibility of guiding the label 3 during application to the container 4 by means of the transfer drum 8 reduces the detachment problems that can occur using a traditional cylindrical transfer drum 8a.

In this way it is possible to realise a labelling machine 1 with adhesion fluid, for example water and/or fluid with low-adhesive components, which manages to achieve high reliability in applying the label 3.

Similarly, it is possible to realise a labelling machine 10 with adhesion fluid, for example degradable glue, which manages to reach high application speeds of the label 3.

The result of the labelling of the type obtained with the labelling machine 1 and/or 10 object of the present invention makes a functional result for the recycling of the container 4 possible, from which the label 3 is easily detachable, without leaving said container 4 contaminated from glue.

Furthermore, the first embodiment represented by the labelling machine 1 allows obtaining a water labelling machine 1 with high reliability of application of the label without limiting the use of labels having reduced heights.

The second embodiment represented by the labelling machine 10, makes it possible to reach high rates that are comparable with the rates of labelling machines that use traditional glues for adhering the label 3 to the container 4 where the rate can be about 40/50000 containers/hour and beyond.

In fact, the possibility of fixing the label 3 securely, even if temporarily, to the container 4 by means of glue, ensures a good adhesion of the label 3, during the application step.

In this way, besides increasing production speed, there are no limits to the use of labels with reduced heights.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for labelling containers 4 by means of a preferably continuous film tape 2 of a preadhesive type, i.e. comprising a plurality of adhesive elements 35 arranged at a pitch along the film 2, suitably cut into labels 3 each one comprising an adhesive element 35 placed only at a final flap 32 of the label 3 and suitable for being fixed on an initial flap 31 of the label 3.

Said method provides the following steps:

-cutting the film 2 into labels 3 each one comprising an adhesive element 35 placed only on the final flap 32;

-distributing adhesion fluid on the surface of the container 4 on which the label 3 is to be applied and/or on the surface of the label 3 itself;

- transferring the label 3 on the container 4 by means of application means 800, so that the label 3 and/or the container 4 is guided and held in position one towards the other, or vice versa, operating along substantially the entire extension of the area in which the respective faces 30 of said label 3 and the body of said container 4 are mutually facing;

-overlapping and fixing the adhesion element 35 placed substantially on the final flap 32, to the initial flap 31 of the label 3.

The application means 800, used in said labelling method, may comprise the transfer drum 8 according to the constructive embodiment described above.

Therefore the labelling machine 1 and/or 10, operating according to the method described above or realised in the embodiments provided, allows to achieve high reliability and labelling speed.

Further in this way, in addition to increasing reliability and production speed, there are no limits to the use of labels with reduced heights.

Thanks to this solution it is possible to realise a labelled container 4 which simplifies and allows the complete recycling of the same container 4.

For example, the complete recycling of the container 4, may provide to wash the container 4 with liquid preferably water suitable to deactivate the adhesion fluid for detaching the label 3 from the container 4 and for detaching the overlap, followed by separation of the label 3 from the container 4.

By washing the container 4, any residue of adhesive components of the adhesion fluid is further deactivated/eliminated.

In any case, it is intended that what described above is given by way of non-limiting example; therefore possible detail variants that may be required for technical and/or functional reasons are considered from now as to fall within the same protective scope defined by the hereinafter reported claims.