Variable stretch detackification adhesive tape unitizer system

A unitizing apparatus comprising:

• (a) means for carrying an array of articles to be unitized;
• (b) supply means for carrying a supply of stretchable adhesive tape, the tape being of the type which progressively detackifies when stretched;
• (c) stretching means, arranged and configured to threadably receive the tape from said dispenser means, for automatically applying a stretching force to the tape and stretching the tape at predetermined intervals along its longitudinal axis, said stretching means including first, second, and third tape translation means for translating the tape at disparate speeds at predetermined times to stretch the tape, said disparate speeds occurring between said first and second tape translation means forming a first stretching zone, and said second and third tape translation means forming a second stretching zone and wherein said stretching means further comprises a plurality of clutches for creating said disparate speeds, whereby when said clutches are engaged said first and second tape translation means are powered and when said clutches are not engaged said first and second tape translation means free wheel;
• and
• (d) means for adhering the tape to the array by reducing the stretching force on the tape, including:
• (1) means for creating relative rotation between said stretching means and said array carrying means, whereby the array to be taped rotates relative to said stretching means;
• (2) elevation means, cooperatively connected to said stretching means, for elevating said stretching means in a predetermined manner relative to the array;
• and
• (3) controller means, operatively connected to said stretching means, for providing a control signal to selectively activate said stretching means to stretch the tape at desired locations responsive to the control signal, wherein the tape is adhered to the array except at said desired locations.

A method for unitizing a plurality of articles, comprising the steps of:

• (a) rotatably mounting a supply of stretch detackification adhesive tape, wherein the adhesive of the tape is detackified when said tape is stretched, said detackification being defined as the adhesive of the tape being reduced to an approximate level where it does not damage the surface of the articles to which it is applied;
• (b) feeding the tape through a dispenser which transports the tape from the supply to a dispenser outlet;
• (c) selectively stretching the tape in the dispenser by frictionally entraining the tape over a plurality of rotating curvilinear surfaces which either freewheel or are constrained to rotate at a predetermined rate, wherein when said curvilinear surfaces are rotated at said predetermined rate said curvilinear surfaces have a differing circumferential velocity with respect to one another thereby stretching the tape lying therebetween, and selectively reducing the stretching force on the tape by allowing the curvilinear surfaces to freewheel;
• whereby predetermined lengths of stretched and unstretched tape may be automatically and continuously delivered to the output;
• (d) winding the tape about a take-up reel located proximate the outlet;
• (e) rotatably mounting said take-up reel onto a hand-held device;
• (f) moving said take-up reel about the articles while imparting up and down movements with said take-up reel so as to form a wrap pattern;
• and
• (g) adhering the tape to the articles at the predetermined lengths of unstretched tape, whereby the articles are unitized.

A method for unitizing a plurality of articles, comprising the steps of:

• (a) rotatably mounting a supply of stretch detackification adhesive tape, wherein the adhesive of the tape is detackified when said tape is stretched, said detackification being defined as the adhesive of the tape being reduced to an approximate level where it does not damage the surface of the articles to which it is applied;
• (b) feeding the tape through a dispenser which transports the tape from the supply to a dispenser output;
• (c) selectively stretching the tape in the dispenser by frictionally entraining the tape over a plurality of rotating curvilinear surfaces which either freewheel or are constrained to rotate at a predetermined rate, wherein when said curvilinear surfaces are rotated at said predetermined rate said curvilinear surfaces have a differing circumferential velocity with respect to one another thereby applying a stretching force and stretching the tape lying therebetween, whereby predetermined lengths of stretched and unstretched tape may be automatically and continuously delivered to the output, and wherein said predetermined lengths of unstretched tape to be adhered to the articles are defined by reducing the stretching force on the tape;
• and
• (d) applying the tape from the dispenser output to the plurality of articles to unitize the articles, the tape applying step including the step of adhering the tape to the articles at said predetermined lengths of unstretched tape.