Tape take-up roller

The spool assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

• the axle rotatably coupling the base to the bearing housing;
• the bearing housing including:
• a) an internal bearing that permits the base and series of prongs to rotate together around a longitudinal axis via the axle;
• and
• b) the internal bearing is configured to assist with winding tape around the series of prongs for collection.

A spool assembly, comprising:

• a cantilevered series of prongs;
• the series of prongs having a closed first end secured to a base and an opposite open second end;
• an axle coupling the base to a bearing housing;
• and
• the spool assembly configured to take up tape thereon.

A method of collecting and disposing of tape, comprising:

• providing a spool assembly, comprising:
• a) a series of prongs positioned coaxially from one another;
• b) the series of prongs having a closed first end and an opposite open second end;
• c) each prong of the series of prongs sloping inwardly from the closed first end towards the open second end;
• d) the series of prongs cantilevered on one side wherein the closed first end is secured to a base;
• e) a support column;
• f) the support column positioned internally to the series of prongs;
• g) the support column having a first end and an opposite second end;
• h) the first end of the support column secured to an internal side of the base;
• i) the second end of the support column secured to an interior side of each prong;
• j) an axle coupling the base to a bearing housing;
• k) an arm for securing the bearing housing to a frame;
• and
• l) the spool assembly configured to take up tape thereon;
• incorporating the spool assembly into a food processing process by attaching the frame to existing mechanical equipment of a food processing facility;
• providing tape used to attach individual, plastic bags together when packaging food at the food production facility;
• winding the tape around the series of prongs of the spool assembly for collection;
• removing the tape from the spool assembly by sliding the tape off the open second ends of prongs;
• and
• disposing or recycling the tape that has been removed from the spool assembly.