Web handling apparatus and method
United States Patent 11 1 Jeffries Apr. 29, 1975 154] WEB HANDLING APPARATUS AND 3.650.866 3/1972 Prentice 156/167 METHOD 3.661.625 5/1972 La MCIS 161/109 3.783.073 1/1974 Wamberg 156/282 Inventor: Dale .Ieffries, Santa Monica, Calif.  
 Assignee: R. A. Jones and Company Incorporated, Covington, Ky.  
 Filed: Dec. 18, 1972 Appl. N6; 315,854  
 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.538.520 1/1951 Holt. Jr. et al..... Q. 156/320 2.988.967 6/1961 Dudnick et a1. 3.038.982 6/1962 Ludlow 156/518 l56/DIG. 36  
 3.434.902 3/1969 Bliss 156/583 Primary Examiner-Charles E. Van Horn Assistant E.\&#39;aminerM. G. Wityshyn Attorney, Agent, or FirmWood, Herron &amp; Evans 57 ABSTRACT Web handling apparatus includes a web clamp for preventing incapacitating adhesive accumulation thereon. The clamp has heated fingers mounting on a reciprocating plate. The fingers are mounted about an aperture and have ends generally defining the shape of labels carried within the web. When the plate is reciprocated toward the web, the fingers engage the web to clamp it against a supporting surface so that the labels can be removed. The fingers engage the web on a side to which adhesive has been applied and should the heated fingers contact the adhesive, they resist accumulation of adhesive thereon.  
 20 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures WEB HANDLING APPARATUS AND METHOD This invention relates to label applying apparatus and more particularly to apparatus for clamping a labelsupporting web during detachment of a label therefrom.  
  Reference is herewith made to the commonly owned. copending. US. Pat. application of Eric W. Scarpa. Ser. No. 320.859. entitled Loop Forming Apparatus filed Jan. 4. 1973. which claims subject matter disclosed but not claimed in this application.  
  It is known to provide a high-speed labeling apparatus utilizing a prepared label supply comprising a web remnant supporting partially precut labels therein. Such a labeling apparatus and prepared supply are disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3.661.625. In that apparatus. the label web is moved intermittently through an adhesive station where an adhesive is established on the label. From that station. the web is intermittently moved to a detaching and applying station where a reciprocating plunger is actuated to pass through an aperture in a frame and to engage the label web. detach the partially precut label therefrom, and apply it to a target. During the intermittent detaching operation, a clamp is actuated to engage the reverse or adhesive side of the label web and to hold the web stationary against the frame while the label is detached. Such a clamp is specifically shown in FIG. 14 of the cited patent in conknown in connection with the apparatus disclosed in the patent. that a similar clamp in the shape of a label can be used without the cutting apparatus and in conjunction with partially precut labels to clamp the web while a partially precut label is detached by the plunger.  
  Where the appearance of the labeled product is not particularly crucial. the clamping apparatus such a described above is satisfactory. It is becoming. however.. increasingly important to apply labels to products such that the resulting package is commercially presentable from an aesthetic view point. Specifically. it is becoming increasingly desirable to supply apparatus capable of applying adhesive to the extreme edges of a label so that all edge portions of a label are positively adhered to the product and no loose edges exist to detract from the product&#39;s appearance.  
  In the apparatus disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3.66l.625. the clamp comprises a frame in the general shape of a label to be applied. This clamp frame engages the adhesive side of the label web and holds it stationary against a backing member of the apparatus just as the plunger is reciprocated through the web from the other side.  
  For a quality separation of the label from its supporting web, the clamp utilized with precut labels in the apparatus of US. Pat. No. 3.661.625 normally contacts the web very near&#39;the label to be removed. Where adhesive is applied to the label&#39;s extreme edges. it invariably contacts the clamp and. over a period of operation. accumulates on the clamp and fouls it as well as other portions of the apparatus. Among other things, this fouling is caused by stringing wherein strings of adhesive from the labels adhere to the clamp and are pulled by the web in random directions over the apparatus. This situation is aggravated where the adhesive pattern overlaps the label onto the supporting web in an effort to insure extreme edge adhesion or overlaps as a result ofa registry error of the glue pattern with the label.  
  The situation is further aggravated by the slight flapping of the label web. a phenomenon due to its high speed. The flapping web occasionally contacts the clamp prior to its positive engagement with the web according to the timed cycle. Premature contact of the clamp with the web and resulting contact with the adhesive thereon leads to further undesired transfer of glue.  
  These factors lead. over a period of operation, to an excessive accumulation of adhesive on the clamp and other elements of the apparatus. This requires mandatory stoppage and clean-up and renders the whole labeling operation less than efficient. Also. the previous apparatus requires a relatively high degree of preciseness in the adhesive applying operation in order to avoid the adhesive pattern-label registry error and excessive overlapping problems.  
  It has thus been one objective of the invention to provide a clamping apparatus for labeling mechanism wherein that portion of the clamping apparatus which contacts the web is heated to prevent an excessive adhesive accumulation on the clamp.  
  It has been a further object of the invention to provide a clamping apparatus for a labeling mechanism wherein the clamping apparatus includes a means for preventing substantial adhesive accumulation on the clamp and to thereby provide for extreme edge adhesion of a label to a product by enabling the application of overlapping or continuous glue patterns on a label supporting web.  
 A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a i clamp comprising a plurality of fingers having heated tips or ends and extending generally toward each other to define the general outline of the label. The fingers are mounted on a reciprocating plate and are moved toward and away from a label supporting web to clamp &#39;andrelease the web in proper sequence. The finger tips are heated to a temperature range similar to that at which a hot melt adhesive is applied to the labels. The adhesive will not build up on the heated fingers despite finger tip contact with the adhesive on the label web.  
  In the preferred embodiment. the finger tips are serially connected to a source of electrical current and the tip portions are of very small cross-section. The corresponding high electrical resistance of the tips causes a heat build up at the tip as a result of the application of the electrical current.  
  Since these concepts have effectively solved the problem of excessive tramp adhesive accumulation on the clamping apparatus. it is possible to insure extreme edge adhesion by utilizing a sequential adhesive pattern overlapping the labels onto the web or by utilizing a continuous glue pattern on the label web. Both the sequential and continuous patterns may be applied by a continuous adhesive applicator and expense is reduced since great registry precision is not required.  
  When a continuous adhesive applicator is combined with an intermittent label detaching station. it has been found that in going from a continuous motion to an intermittent motion. and especially at high speed. the  
 . web experienced a phenomenon known as web shock. This shock in some cases was severe enough to prematurely separate the precut labels from the web. a highly undesirable characteristic.  
 . To solve this problem. a loop is formed in the web between the adhesive applying station and the label detacliing station. To create this loop. a flexible sheet in the form ofan endless band is provided between the continuous adhesive stationand the intermittent detaching station. Pressure air is applied. from a position within the area encircledby thesheet. against the sheet to urge it into contact with the label web and to form the loop. The sheet contacts the web throughout a relatively large area and prevents the pressure air from directly contacting the web and blowing out or prematurely separating the labels.  
  The invention thus provides a means for preventing excessive adhesive accululation on a web clamping apparatus, thereby enabling sequential overlapping or continuous glue patterns to be applied in a continuous manner on the web.  
  These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings in which:  
  FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of the label applying apparatusaccording to the invention;  
 FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus;  
 FIG. v3. is afront view of a web clamp;  
  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 44 of FIG. 3;  
  FIG. 5 :is a plan view of a label web&#39; with a remnant completely surrounding each label;  
  FIG. 6 is a planview of a label web having contiguous labels;  
  FIG. 7 is a view of an alternate web having a modified adhesive pattern; and  
  FIG. 8 is a view of a clamp for use with the web of FIG. 7.  
  Now referring specifically to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows at 10 a diagrammatic view of a label applying apparatus. A clamping mechanism is shown at 11, and the loop forming apparatus is shown at 1 2. An adhesive ap- I plicator is shown at 13. The clamping apparatus is specifically shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. It includes a clamping plate whichis constructed of an insulative material. The clamping plate 20 is provided with an aperture 21 which corresponds generally to the shape of a label L which is defined in FIGS. 2 and 3 by phantom lines 22. The aperture 21, in addition to having the general shape of the label L, is slightly larger than the label in order to provide space for inwardly extending web engaging membersas will be described.  
  The label engaging members of the clamp comprise fingers 23 each having a label engaging tip or end 24.  
 The fingers 23 are formed from a single electrically conductive member 25. The electrically conductive member 25 is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3 and is attached to the clamping plate 20 by any suitable means. The fingers 23 are of small cross-sectional area and the conductive portions between the fingers are of large cross-sectional area.  
  Electrical conductors 26 and 27 are connected to the respective ends of the member 25 at terminals 28 and 29. The conductors 26 and 27 are connected to a source of electrical current and, when the source is activated, an electrical current is passed through the conductive member 25. Since the conductive member 25 comprises portions of fairly large cross-section. the resistance therein is relatively small. Due to the relatively small cross-section of the finger tips24 and theresulting relatively high resistance. however, electrical current passing through the fingers from one large portion r of the member 25 to another causes thetips: 24 and the fingers to become relatively hot. The electricalcurrent 4 is controlled to heat the finger tips to the approximate temper&#39;atu&#39;&#34; range at which adhesive is applied to the label web as will be discussed.  
  As shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings. the fingers 23 extend from the conductive member 25 beyond the aperture 21 in the clamping plate 20 such that the tips 24 of the fingers generally define the outline of a label L within aperture 21. The tips 24 of the fingers 23 may define a pattern slightly larger than the outline of the actual label edge in order to accommodate slight misalignment of the label as it reaches the detaching station.  
  The clamping plate 20 is mounted on reciprocating rods 30 and may be held there by way of the nuts 31. The rods 30 are reciprocated in a timed relationship to draw, as shown in FIG. 4, the tips 24 of the fingers 23 into contact with the label web. in the clamping position. the finger tips 24 pinch or clamp the label web against the stationary frame 32 of the apparatus. The frame 32 has an aperture 33 which substantially corresponds to the general outline of the label.  
  For the purpose of plunging through the label web and attaching a label therefrom. a plunger 35 is provided. The plunger has a face or nose 36 which corresponds in shape generally tothat of a label. As shown in FIG. 1, the plunger reciprocates. in a direction as indicated by the double arrow A. to plunge through the label web. detach a label. and apply it to a target T, such as a bottle or other article of merchandise. The plunger and clamp are timed in their operations so that the clamp engages and holds the web just prior to plunger engagement with a label;  
  The loop forming apparatus as shown generally at 12 includes a pressure air tube 40 which is connected to a source of pressure air. The tube 40 has-a number of apertures 41 which are directed generally downwardly as shown in FIG. 1. A flexible sheet or screen 42 is provided about a tube 40 and adjacent the path ofthe label web. In the preferred embodiment. the sheet has its ends connected together and to the frame of the apparatus. as at 43, so that the sheet. in effect; forms an endless band encircling or surrounding the pressure air tube 40. Of course. the sheet can be utilized effectively in forms or positions other than an endless band. In the preferred endless band form, the flexible sheet does not have a loose free end to cause problems shouldthe web break. Even without the presence of a web; th&#39;e&#39; sheet remains in a generally circular or oblong disposition and a web can be threaded through the apparatus and over the sheet very expediently.  
  The label web extends from the adhesive applying apparatus l3 downwardly, forwardly. and then upwardly toward the label detaching station and clamping mechanism. When air pressure is supplied through the tube 40 and escapes through apertures 41, it impinges on the flexible sheet 42. and urges the sheet downwardly and into engagement with the label web thereby forming a loop 44 in the label web. The force provided by the blowing of pressure air is constant and is sufficient to form a loop in the sheet but is light enough&#39;so that the &#39;loopis resilient to flex up and down and accommodate fluctuations in web tension along the loop. These flucmittent motion of the clamp and plunger on the other &#34;side of the loop.  
  The flexible sheet 42 isnormally somewhat wider than the web so that no pressure air directly engages the web. While the web width may approach that of the a vertical position behind or. in other words. to the left of the sheet 42as shown in FIG. 1. in order to control the horizontal extension of the loop. Guide members could be placed at any position about the sheet 42 in order to provide any desired shape in the operating loop 44. ln addition to shaping the loop. the guides in some positions tend to urge the loop directly against the web. The loop forming force thus can be a combination of the flexible sheets natural resilience and the blowing of air directly onto the sheet.  
 The adhesive applying apparatus is shown at 13 and is operative to establish a tacky surface to at least the labels within the web. While the terms tacky surface. hot melt adhesive. or glue are herein utilized for descriptive purposes. either term means. but is not limited to. any suitable hot melt adhesive of the type which is heated and then applied to a material. In addition. the terms are considered to include thermo-activated adhesive. thermoplastic or other material which can be applied to a web and activated by heat. Also. the term includes any adhesive having the characteristic of not sticking to or accumulating on a heated element.  
  The applying apparatus comprises a glue wheel having a general cylindrical surface 51 and glue holding depressions 52. The glue wheel 50 is disposed above the glue pot 53 such that a portion of the wheel extends below the level 54 of the glue. The glue pot is provided with a means for heating the glue therein to a temperature at which it can be readily applied to the label web. This temperature may be in the range of 300 340F or may vary according to the specific adhesive utilized.  
  As the wheel 50 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B. it is immersed in the glue and some of the glue is picked up by the wheel. Prior to the wheels engagement with the label web. however. the glue on the cylindrical surface 51 is scraped therefrom by a scraper as at 55 so that when the wheel 50 engages the web. no  
 glue resides on the outermost cylindrical surface 51 but glue does remain in the depressions 52. The glue wheel is constructed so that the depressions 52 are. if desired. formed in the same shape or slightly larger than the labels L. in addition. the depressions are spaced on the glue wheel 50 so that they correspond to the sequential spacing of the labels L in the label web. in this manner as the label web is drawn past the glue wheel 50. the depressions therein serve to establish an adhesive on the labels within the web.  
  While many types of label webs may be utilized. two of the preferred types of label webs are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows one form of label web having a web remnant 61 which defines labels L. It will be noted that the web remnant 61 extends about and surrounds each of the labels L so that the labels do not contact each other. Labels are supported within the web by nicks or bridges of web material which remain after the web is partially precut to form the labels. These nicks are normally very small and offer a minimal support to the labels. This results in a fragile web subject to labelseparation in the event of web shock.  
  The illustration in H6. 5 further shows a sequential or web-overlapping glue pattern 62. This glue pattern is shown complete on two of the labels which are attached to the web at the left of FIG. 5. The aperture 63 indicates that area from where a label L has been removed. and it will be noted that the glue pattern 62 has overlapped the label and resides partially on the web. It can thus be appreciated that glue is applied to the extreme edges of the labels L and. in fact. overlapped those edges onto the web remnant.  
  In FIG. 6. a modified label web is illustrated. This web comprises a web remnant 71 which extends along the opposite edges of labels Ll. In this web. it can be seen that the labels are contiguous or, in other words. are connected to each other at their ends so that each label is not completely surrounded by a web remnant. The labels are supported in the web and are attached to each other by nicks as described in the description of the web of FIG. 5. The aperture 72 indicates that area of the web from which the labels have been removed at the detaching station of the apparatus.  
  The glue pattern as shown in FIG. 6 is a continuous one. and it is seen in FIG. 6 that the pattern extends all over the web. having been applied to both the labels within the web and to the web remnant. In order to attain such a glue pattern. a glue wheel with a continuous cylindrical surface could be utilized so that the pattern is a continuous one. rather than the intermittent pattern 62 which is attained by the glue wheel 50 as shown in FIG. 1.  
  lt should be noted that whether the glue pattern established on the label web is a sequential one as shown in FIG. 5 or is a continuous one as shown in H6. 6, the movement of the label web through the adhesive establishing station 13 is a continuous movement. It will also be appreciated that for either type of pattern to be applied. the adhesive extends beyond the label and onto the supporting web. The depressions 52 in the glue wheel 50 do not have to be so precisely made as to print a glue pattern to the very edge of the label with a very small tolerance of error allowed. but rather, in fact. the depression 52 can be constructed larger than the actual label to insure extreme edge application of adhesive. in this manner, the apparatus can efficiently function even with some error in the registry of the glue patterns with the label.  
 OPERATlON In FIG. 1. the label web is withdrawn from a label supply and travels in the direction indicated by the arrow C. Like designated arrows illustrate the direction of label web travel throughout the drawings.  
  The label web is drawn through the adhesive establishing station as indicated at 13. in a continuous manner. the glue wheel 50 establishes a tacky surface of adhesive on labels L within the label web. The web then continues from the glue wheel downwardly and is urged into a loop by virtue of the pressure applied to the web by the flexible sheet 42. The sheet is formed into a loop by the application of the pressure air through the pressure air tube 40 and apertures 41.  
  It will be noted that the pressure air impinges only on the sheet 42 and not directly on the label web. It has been found that when the sheet 42 is omitted and pressure air is. applied directly to the label web. the air has a tendency to blow the partially precut labels out of the web, breaking its supporting nicks and fouling the subsequent operation of the apparatus. This results in machine down&#34; time and in unlabeled products.  
  Utilization of the sheet 42 provides for a constant uniform application of pressure to the complete web to form the loop 44 and, therefore. solves this problem. In  
 addition. the sheet 42 forms a smooth surface to support the web in a generally continuous loop or curve. This is especially advantageous with webs carrying relatively large labels or in webs where portions of the labels edge define straight lines generally transverse to the web. If air is applied directly to such webs. the webs tend to bend along these edges thereby causing the nicks to break and the labels to separate from the web. This bending and nick breakage results from the fact that. aside from the web remnant. the only material resisting the bending across the web is in the label supporting nicks.  
  Also. this structure has an advantage over a vacuum&#34; system as described in US. Pat. No. 3.661.625 since the web is never directly acted upon by the pressure air. In the vacuum system. the web could be drawn against the aperture plate by the vacuum. and if the damper was misadjusted or fouled. the web could be torn.  
 From the loop forming area. the web then continues upwardly toward the detaching station and the clamping mechanism as indicated at 11 in FIG. 1. When a given label reaches the exact detaching station. the clamp plate 20 is actuated to move toward the label web and the frame 32 so that the finger tips 24 engage the label web in areas just adjacent to and surround the label L. The fingers press against the web and clamp it againstthe frame 32 to hold it there for the subsequent detaching operation.  
  At this time, the reciprocating plunger 35 is actuated to plunge through the web. detach a label from the web and apply it to the target. the adhesive on the label serving to bond the label to the target. The plunger and clamp are then withdrawn freeing the web remnant which is then indexed in the direction of arrow C.  
  It will be appreciated that in the preferred embodiment. the web motion through the adhesive station is a continuous motion. while the motion of the web through the clamping and detaching station is an intermittent motion. The forming of the loop 44 and its resiliency due to the nature of the pressure air provides enough resiliency in the web to accommodate tension along the loop and aids in the reduction of web shock. This serves to reduce detachment of labels due to this shock alone. Of course. the adhesive applying station could be adapted to intermittent web motion as shown in the previously mentioned patent. In this case, the loop forming apparatus could be utilized to reduce the web shock due to web inertia or slight timing errors between the adhesive station and the detaching station.  
  Throughout the detaching and clamping operations. an electrical current is supplied to the fingers 23 and the finger tips 24. This electrical current. as previously described causes the tips 24 of the fingers to heat to a temperature range of 300 to 340+F which is similar to that at which adhesive is applied. While a relatively small amount of the hot melt adhesive will accumulate on the finger tips 24, it will not build up in any substantial amount. and the problem of excessive accumulation of tramp adhesive in this area is thereby eliminated. Any small amount of adhesive which does accumulate on the finger tips is maintained at a temperature sufficient to prevent any other adhesive coming into contact with the fingers from sticking thereto and Tstringing&#34; between the web remnant and the clamp.  
  It can be seen in FIG. 4. that the fingers 23 are bent inwardly toward the web so as to engage the web and clamp it against the frame member 32 without requiring the upper or lower portions of the plate 20 to be pressed directly against the web. Thus. the only portion of the clamping apparatus which engages the web are the heated finger tips 24.  
  FIGS. 7 and 8 depict an alternate embodiment of the clamping mechanism. This embodiment is particularly useful where it is not required to apply adhesive to the extreme edge of the label. Many label products do not require this degree of quality and. as shown in FIG. 7, a glue pattern such as the one shown at 80 is applied to a label 81 within the web 82. There is still the possibility ofa mis-registry between the glue pattern and the label, however. and the web flapping problem remains. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8. it is desirable to use heated finger tips in those areas most likely to contact or acquire an adhesive accumulation. In this embodiment. clamp fingers 83 are thus, as shown in FIG. 8. to engage the web remnant near the glue patterns on the labels. The remainder of the clamp comprises merely a solid. unheated. clamp member 84. Of course. any-type of glue pattern and configuration of clamping fingers could be utilized. and the illustrations in FIGS. 7 and 8 are by way of example only to indicate that heated clamp elements are only needed in those areas where there is a possibility of engaging or accumulating adhesive. In other areas where this possibility does not exist. it is sufficient to provide a non-heated clamping ele- &#39;ment such as the one shown at 84.  
  The invention. thus. provides an improved apparatus for applying labels to products and eliminates the heretofore troublesome problem of excessive tramp adhesive accumulation in the clamping mechanism and in other areas of the apparatus. The clamping mechanism of the invention has enabled the use of a variety of web overlapping adhesive patterns on prepared label webs, thereby efficiently attaining extreme edge adhesion of labels to products.  
  While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described. other modifications and alterations will become readily obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. and applicant intends to be bound only by the appended claims.  
 I claim:  
  1. Apparatus for applying labels of varying shapes and sizes from a prepared label supply to a product wherein the label supply includes a&#39;prepared elongated web comprising a web remnant supporting a plurality of removable labels throughout its operable length. and wherein said apparatus is of the type which includes means for establishing a tacky surface to labels within the web. reciprocating plunger means at a detaching station for driving through the web when the web is substantially stationary to detach a label from the web.  
 and for applying said label to a product. and means at the detaching station for holding said web remnant stationary during removal of a ilabel therefrom, the improvement wherein l a said means for establishing a. ,tacky surface to labels includes means for applying a hot melt adhesive to label surfaces comprising portions of one side of said web, and I I wherein said means for holding said web remnant stationary includes heated web engaging means for engaging said one side of-the web adjacent the label surfaces to which hot melt adhesivev has been applied in order to resist accumulation of said hot melt adhesive on said holding means.  
  2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said heated web engaging means comprises a clamp having a plurality of heated finger means for engaging said web.  
  3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein e ach of said finger means includes a web engaging end of relatively narow cross-section with respect to a remainder of the finger means, and including means for supplying an electrical current to ssaid finger means for heating the ends thereof.  
  4. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said ends of said finger means surround a label to be detached from said web.  
  5. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said finger means comprise a continuous electrically conductive member having electrical terminals at each end thereof.  
  6. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said means for applying a hot melt adhesive to label surfaces includes means for applying said adhesive to portions of said label surfaces, and wherein said heated web engaging means are disposed to engage said web near said adhesive portions, and further including non-heated clamping means for engaging said web adjacent non-adhesive portions of said labels.  
 7. Apparatus for applying labels including means for establishing a tacky surface on labels within a label carrying web,  
 reciprocating plunger means at a detaching station for engaging and passing through the plane of the web to detach a label from the web, and  
 means at said detaching station for holding said web adjacent a label during detachment of a label from the web,  
 wherein said means for establishing a tacky surface includes means for applying a hot melt adhesive to label surfaces comprising portions of one side of said web and wherein said means for holding said web comprises a heated web engaging and clamping means for engaging said one side of said web adjacent said label surfaces and for clamping said web against opposite supporting surfaces of said holding means, said heated web engaging and clamping means resisting accumulation of adhesive thereon.  
  8. Apparatus for applying labels including a label supply comprising a label carrying web, means for applying a hot melt adhesive to said labels at one station, reciprocating plunger means for engaging and passing through the plane of said web to detach a label therefrom at another subsequent station, and clamping means for holding said web stationary during detachment of a label therefrom, said clamping means including heated web engaging fingers having ends defining in combination approximate label shapes.  
  9. Apparatus as in claim 8, wherein said heated web engaging fingers are positioned to engage the web adjacent surfaces of the label to which hot melt adhesive has been applied.  
  .10. Apparatus as in claim 9, wherein said hot melt adhesive overlaps the labels onto the web adjacent the labels and said fingers engage said overlapping adhesive but resist accumulation of adhesive thereon.  
  11. Apparatus for clamping a web having hot melt adhesive applied to one side thereof, and for removing an adhesive portion of the web when the web is clamped, said apparatus including means for supporting a non-adhesive side of said web and clamping means for engaging said one adhesive side of said web and for holding said web stationary against said supporting means,  
 said clamping means including a plurality of web engaging fingers having heated tips for resisting accumulations of adhesive thereon,  
 a plunger mounted for movement through the plane of the web and between said fingers for detaching a portion of said web to which adhesive is applied, and  
 said plunger having a predetermined shape and said fingers and heated tips being disposed around an area corresponding to the shape of the plunger to permit the plunger to pass therebetween while said web is clamped.  
  12. Apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said web comprises a web remnant defining partially precut labels supported therein each label having at least portions covered by said adhesive, and wherein said fingers are disposed about an area corresponding to the shape of a label.  
  13. Apparatus as in claim 12 wherein said clamping means hold said web remnant stationary during removal of a label therefrom.  
  14. Apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said clamping means further includes non-heated web engaging means for engaging said one adhesive side of said web adjacent non-adhesive portions of said labels.  
  15. A method for clamping a tacky web between spaced web engaging means on opposite sides of the web, wherein the web comprises a non-adhesive side and a hot melt adhesive at a predetermined temperature on portions of an adhesive side thereof, and further comprises a web remnant supporting a plurality of labels therein, said hot melt adhesive covering at least portions of label surfaces on said adhesive side, the method comprising:  
 heating the web engaging means on the adhesive side of said web to a temperature approximately equal to said predetermined temperature to resist the accumulation of adhesive thereon, and  
 clamping said web between said spaced web engaging means, the heated web engaging means contacting said adhesive side of said web, in areas of said web remnant adjacent a label, to permit the label to be removed from the web while the web is clamped.  
  16. A method as in claim 15 wherein the hot melt adhesive overlaps said label surfaces onto said web remnant and wherein the clamping step includes engaging the adhesive on the web remnant with said heated web engaging means.  
  17. A method of clamping a web between spaced clamping means on opposite sides of the web, wherein the web comprises a non-adhesive side and an adhesive side to which a hot melt adhesive at a predetermined temperature has been applied. said hot melt adhesive covering at least portions of said web. the method comprising:  
 heating the clamping means on the adhesive side of said web to a temperature approximately&#39; equal to said predetermined temperature to resist the accumulation of adhesive thereon clamping said web between the heated clamping means on the adhesive side of the web. and the clamping means on the non-adhesive side of the web. said heated clamping means comprising a plurality of web engaging fingers having heated tips. and said clamping including engaging&#39;said adhesive side of said web with said heated tips. 18. A method as in claim 17 wherein said web is elongated and comprises a web remnant defining partially precut labels supported therein. each label having at least portions covered by said adhesive and wherein the heated tips of web engaging fingers are disposed around an area corresponding to the shape of a label. said clamping including.  
 engaging said web remnant around said labels with said heated tips.  
  19. A method as in claim 18 wherein said heated tips engage said web remnant to hold said remnant stationary against the clamping means on the non-adhesive side of the web. said heated tips resisting adhesive accumulation thereon.  
  20. A method as in claim 17 wherein portions of the clamping means on the adhesive side of the web are not heated, said clamping including,  
  engaging the adhesive side of the web, in areas to which no adhesive has been applied. with said nonheated portions of the clamping means.  
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