Device for taping containers with stripes of adhesive tape

A unit at a taping station for taping containers with a strip of adhesive tape disposed along a line for conveying containers spaced from one another by a spacing, said taping unit comprising:

• an operating head movable alternatively in a direction transverse to said conveying line between an outer position and an inner position respectively with respect to said spacing, said head being fastened to an end of at least one rod;
• a support body integral with a frame to slidably guide said at least one rod;
• a rear head carrying an articulated arm for driving said operating head between its outer and inner positions, said rear head being driven in reciprocating motion by motive means;
• a pair of articulated rocker means on said operating head to intercept a strip of adhesive tape extending from a longitudinal wall of a container downstream of said taping station, said pair of rocker means being biased to diverge outwardly when inserted into said spacing to act by pressure on front and rear faces of containers disposed downstream and upstream respectively of said taping station;
• a stem slidable within said rod and having at the end of said operating head a cutting means to cut said strip of adhesive tape held by said rocker means;
• means for driving said stem in relation to the insertion of said operating head in said inner position into said spacing at the taping station, means for biasing said driving means to keep said cutting means retracted toward said operating head when said operating head is in said outer position;
• wedge means fastened to a support body for insertion between said rocker means when said operating head is in the outer position to actuate a closing of said pair of rocker means.