Apparatus for printing and applying tape and methods of printing and applying tape

#The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for printing and applying tape. The present invention relates more particularly to an apparatus that includes a printer for printing on tape, a tape puller that pulls the printed tape out from the printer, and an applicator that applies the printed tape to an object. The present invention also generally relates to methods of printing and applying tape to objects.

#Containers, packages, and boxes for storing and shipping products typically use box sealing tape, such as an adhesive tape, to secure the flaps or covers so that the container, package, or box will not accidentally open during normal shipment, handling, and storage. Box sealing tape maintains the integrity of a container, package, or box throughout its entire distribution cycle. Box sealing tape can be used on other parts of container, package, or box and on other substrates, and can be used to function in a manner similar to labels. These tapes can be made in roll or pad form, and can have information printed or otherwise applied to, or contained within or on, the tape.

#These containers, packages, or boxes generally display information about their contents. This information most commonly located on the container, package, or box might include lot numbers, date codes, product identification information, and bar codes. The information can be placed onto the container, package, or box using a number of methods. These include preprinting the container, package, or box when it is manufactured, printing this information onto the container, package, or box at the point of use with an inkjet code that sprays a pattern of ink dots to form the image, or by using a flexographic ink rolling coding system. Other approaches include the use of labels, typically white paper with preprinted information either applied manually, or with an online automatic label applicator.

#The present invention will be further explained with reference to the appended Figures, wherein like structure is referred to by like numerals throughout the several views, and wherein:

#FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for printing and applying tape of the present invention in a first position to apply printed tape to the top of an object;

#FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus for printing and applying tape of FIG. 1;

#The apparatus for printing and applying tape prints information onto tape to form a length of printed tape and then applies the length of printed tape to an object, preferably a package or a box. The apparatus may vary the information printed on each length of printed tape and may vary the overall length of each length of printed tape, such that different lengths of printed tape may be produced from one supply roll of tape. The apparatus applies the length of printed tape onto an object, preferably a package or box, either while the package or box is stationary or while the box is moving (such as while the box is being closed and sealed). The apparatus can apply the length of printed tape anywhere on the package or box to serve as a conveyor of information. For example, the apparatus can apply the length of printed tape on the top, bottom, or sides of a package or box to convey information about the contents of the box. Alternatively, the apparatus can apply the length of printed tape along a seam of the box to convey information about the contents of the box and to seal the box.

#A preferred embodiment of an apparatus 10 for printing and applying tape of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tape applicator 10 includes a taping head 12 and a stand 14. The stand 14 includes a first end 16 and a second end 18 opposite the first end 16. The stand 14 includes preferably three legs 20 attached to the second end 18 of the stand 14 to support the stand 14 and the taping head 12. Each of the legs 20 includes at least one foot 19 for supporting the leg.

#As illustrated in the FIG. 2, the taping head 12 is attached to the first end 16 of the stand 14. Preferably, the taping head 12 is slideably attached to a first rod 110 that is perpendicular to the stand 14. The tape head 12 may be moved anywhere along the first rod 110 by turning the lead screw 118. The first rod 110 is attached to the second rod 114 by slider assembly 112. The slider assembly 112 includes a pivot to allow the first rod 110 and the taping head 12 to rotate relative to second rod 114 to allow the taping head to be moved into an alternative position to apply tape to sides of boxes. The second rod 114 is perpendicular to the first rod 110. By turning the lead screw 116, the slider assembly 112 moves up or down the second rod 114 to adjust the height of the taping head 12 relative to the floor. The taping head 12 may be mounted on the stand 14 in any orientation or position that allows it to apply printed tape to an object.