Component feeder mechanism with floating frame

A mechanism for detaching a portion of a covertape from a tape, the mechanism comprising:

• a base having a top surface and including a groove extending along the top surface, the base further defining first and second cavities each extending through the base from a first surface of the base to a second surface of the base;
• a frame having a first L-shaped portion coupled to a second L-shaped portion forming a U-shaped geometry, the frame including:
• a knife portion arranged to detach one side of the covertape from the tape;
• and
• a creasing portion arranged to crease a portion of the covertape such that the covertape folds back on itself;
• wherein the first L-shaped portion includes a first boss arranged to be received within the first cavity and wherein the first L-shaped portion includes a second boss arranged to be received within the second cavity;
• a first spring positioned between the base and the first boss and a second spring positioned between the base and the second boss, wherein the first and the second springs are arranged to force the frame towards the base and to apply a compressive force between the frame and the base;
• a pin extending through the first spring and through the first boss, wherein a portion of the pin is received within a hole defined by the base;
• and
• at least one fastener flexibly coupling the frame to the base and allowing the frame to move relative to the base to accommodate variations in a thickness of the tape and/or the covertape.