Automatic tape applicator and method of applying tape to a panel

A method of applying a tape to a surface of a panel having a perimeter including a plurality of edges that form a plurality of successive panel corners, comprising:

• providing a panel support for aligning a first corner panel with a predetermined reference point on the panel support;
• providing a tape applicator selectively movable over a panel positioned on the panel support, the tape applicator having a sensing mechanism for selectively determining the position of the tape applicator relative to the panel;
• positioning a panel on the panel support such that a first corner is positioned at the predetermined reference point thereby presenting a panel surface for tape application;
• dispensing tape from the tape applicator and applying the tape to the surface of the panel starting proximate the first panel corner and moving the tape applicator along a path proximate each successive corner generally corresponding to the perimeter of the panel so that a plurality of tape corners are formed on the surface that correspond to the plurality of successive panel corners;
• sensing the position of the tape applicator relative to the approach of at least one successive corner along the path;
• in response to approaching each successive corner, selectively partially cutting the tape such that:
• a notched portion of the tape formed as the tape applicator approaches each panel corner, except the first corner, which notched portion is used to form a corresponding tape corner which is relatively flat;
• and
• a partially severed tape section is formed as the tape applicator approaches the first corner which partially severed portion is used to form a relatively flat tape corner corresponding to said first panel corner;
• and
• subsequent to the tape applicator approaching the first corner, preventing the feeding of additional tape from the tape applicator while continuing to move the tape applicator causing the tape to separate from the tape applicator at the partially cut section whereby a single piece of the tape is adhered to the surface of the panel in a pattern corresponding generally to the perimeter of the panel.