Apparatus and method for removing labels from reusable containers

A method for removing labels from reusable containers, comprising the steps of:

• arranging a cutting portion of at least one blade in a position that faces an outwardly facing surface of at least one portion of at least one label applied to an outer lateral surface of at least one container, actively imparting a movement to said at least one portion of said at least one label away from said outer lateral surface of said at least one container, in order to bring the outwardly facing surface of said at least one portion of said at least one label against the cutting portion of said at least one blade;
• wherein said step of actively imparting said movement to said at least one portion of said at least one label comprises at least one step of creating a difference in pressure between an inner face of said at least one portion of said at least one label that is directed toward the outer lateral surface of said at least one container;
• wherein said step of creating said difference in pressure comprises a step of introducing a gas under pressure between the inner face of said at least one portion of said at least one label that is directed toward the outer lateral surface of said at least one container and the outer lateral surface of said at least one container;
• wherein said step of introducing said gas under pressure comprises a step of dispensing via at least one nozzle, a jet of gas under pressure which is oriented toward a region comprised between the inner face of said at least one portion of said at least one label that is directed toward the outer lateral surface of said at least one container and the outer lateral surface of said at least one container.

An apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers, comprising:

• supporting means for at least one reusable container, on an outer lateral surface of which at least one label to be removed is applied;
• a cutting device with at least one blade which is configured and arranged with a cutting portion thereof located radially outward of the at least one label, the cutting portion extending along a height of the at least one label in a position that faces an outwardly facing surface of at least one portion of said at least one label, and movement means for moving said at least one portion of said at least one label and configured to actively impart, on command, to said at least one portion of said at least one label, a movement away from the outer lateral surface of said at least one container, in order to bring said outwardly facing surface of said at least one portion of said at least one label against the cutting portion of said at least one blade in order to cut through said at least one portion of said at least one label in a direction from the outwardly facing surface of said at least one portion of said at least one label toward an inwardly facing surface of said at least one portion of said at least one label;
• an abutment device positioned for abutting the at least one container at a location below said at least one label;
• wherein said movement means comprise introduction means, including a nozzle, for dispensing a jet of gas under pressure into a region between the outer lateral surface of said at least one container and the inwardly facing surface of said at least one portion of said at least one label to create a difference in pressure between the inwardly facing surface of said at least one portion of said at least one label and the outer lateral surface of said at least one container;
• wherein the abutment device is configured such that the at least one nozzle and the cutting device, including the cutting portion, are maintained in positions spaced from the at least one container so as to avoid contact with said at least one container.