Detaching linerless labels

A method of dispensing linerless labels disposed in a rolled web having transverse perforations at spaced locations along the length of the web, and the web having a first surface that will not readily adhere to adhesive on a second surface of the web, and the rolled web having a free end;

• the method using a pair of slow speed rolls with a nip between them, and a pair of high speed rolls with a nip between them, and a breaker blade between the slow speed rolls and the high speed rolls;
• said method comprising the steps of:
• (a) pulling the free end of the rolled web with the slow speed rolls, in a first direction;
• (b) feeding the free end of the web beneath the breaker blade, with the second surface facing away from the blade, as the web moves in the first direction;
• (c) gasping the free end with the high speed rolls and pulling the web so that the first surface of the web comes into contact with the breaker blade approximately at a perforation thereof, so that the web detaches at the perforation;
• and
• (d) sensing the detached label downstream of the high speed rolls in the first direction, and stopping the low speed rolls in response to the sensing.

A detacher for linerless label type business forms, comprising:

• first and second low speed rolls rotatable about parallel axes, and forming a nip
• between them with at least the second of the rolls having a non-stick surface;
• first and second high speed rolls rotatable about axes parallel to each other and to said low speed roll axes, and defining a nip between them, with at least the second of the rolls having a non-stick surface;
• said low speed rolls spaced from said high speed rolls in a first direction, with an imaginary plane extending between the nips;
• and
• a breaker blade mounted between said low and high speed rolls and on a first side of the imaginary plane extending between the nips of said low speed rolls and said high speed rolls, said first side being closer to said first roll of said low speed rolls than to said second roll of said low speed rolls, the breaker blade having a tip portion extending to a second side of the plane which is closer to said second roll of said low speed rolls than to said first roll of said low speed rolls, at least the tip portion having a non-stick surface.

A detacher comprising:

• first and second low speed rolls each having a non-stick peripheral surface, forming a nip between them;
• first and second high speed rolls defining a nip between them;
• said first and second low and high speed rolls rotatable about axes which are all parallel to each other, with an imaginary plane extending between the nips of said low and high speed rolls;
• a breaker blade mounted between said low and high speed rolls, and on a first side of the imaginary plane extending between the nips of said low speed rolls and said high speed rolls, said first side being closer to said first roll of said low speed rolls than to said second roll of said low speed rolls, the breaker blade having a tip portion extending to a second side of the plane which is closer to said second roll of said low speed rolls than to said first roll of said low speed rolls;
• a let-off roll on an opposite side of said low speed rolls from said breaker blade, and defining a let-off axis parallel to said axes of said low and high speed rolls;
• a sensor on an opposite side of said high speed rolls from said breaker blade, for sensing a label passing through the nip of said high speed rolls.;
• and
• at least one transport belt disposed between said low and high speed rolls for transporting labels between said low and high speed rolls.