Method and apparatus for making fiber reinforced tape

An apparatus for manufacturing a fiber reinforced tape comprising:

• means for moving a strip of tape through a first area,
• means for looping a thread on one side of the strip of tape in a plane transverse to the direction of movement of the strip of tape in the first area with each end of the loop being near the edge of the strip of tape,
• means for supporting each end of the loop as it is formed,
• means for moving each end of a single loop at a right angle to the plane of the tape in the first area into the plane of the strip of tape to deposit the thread against the strip of tape, and
• means for securing the thread to the strip of tape.

A machine for manufacture of a fiber reinforced tape having fibers in a zig-zag pattern by a winding method comprising:

• at least one looping belt positioned transverse to the longitudinal position of the tape and adjacent to the tape,
• a thread carrier attached to the side of the belt and moving in a closed loop with the belt,
• means for moving the tape relative to the belt,
• means at each end of the belt for supporting the thread as it loops around the end,
• means cooperating with the supporting means to carry the looped end from the supporting means to a vacuum belt,
• a vacuum belt on each side of the tape for holding the thread against the tape and securing the looped end of the thread against the belt by a vacuum force, and
• a pair of securing rollers spaced from the belt for securing the thread to the tape.