Systems and methods for puncturing packaging tape on a packaging box

A roller system for puncturing packaging tape on a packaging box, the roller system comprising:

• a roller including:
• a plurality of puncturing elements extending radially therefrom, the puncturing elements to puncture the packaging tape when the roller is applied to and rolled over the packaging tape of the packaging box;
• a conveyor for advancing the packaging box toward the roller when the packaging box is upstream relative to the roller and away from the roller when the packaging box is downstream relative to the roller;
• and
• a support frame positioned proximate to the conveyor, the roller movably coupled relative to the support frame such that the roller is movable from an idle position, where the roller is not in contact with the packaging tape of the packaging box moving on the conveyor, and an active position, where the roller is in contact with the packaging tape of the packaging box moving on the conveyor for puncturing the packaging tape.

A method of puncturing packaging tape on a packaging box using a roller system, the method comprising:

• advancing, by a conveyor, the packaging box toward a roller when the packaging box is upstream relative to the roller, the roller movably coupled to a support frame positioned proximate to the conveyor and including a plurality of puncturing elements extending radially therefrom;
• moving the roller from an idle position, where the roller is not in contact with the packaging tape of the packaging box moving on the conveyor, to an active position, where the roller is in contact with the packaging tape of the packaging box moving on the conveyor;
• puncturing the packaging tape by applying the roller in the active position to and rolling the roller over the packaging tape of the packaging box;
• and
• advancing, by the conveyor, the packaging box away from the roller when the packaging box is downstream relative to the roller.