Open clip automatic splicing system for hot melt coated tape rolls and method of using same
AssigneeMartin Robitaille
InventorMartin Robitaille
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method to auto-splice tapes in a tape dispensing machine where a continuous supply of tape is required. When a new roll of tape needs to be provided, a splicing apparatus or technique must permit to securely and efficiently make the connection between the first roll of tape and the new tape. The apparatus and method provide an open clip which engages one extremity of a running tape and one extremity of a stationary stand-by tape.
Claims22
A clip for use in a tape dispensing machine, said machine comprising a running tape having first engagement means at its first extremity and second engagement means at its second extremity and means to hold, in stand-by relationship to said running tape, a stand-by tape having third engagement means at its first extremity and fourth engagement means at its second extremity, said clip having a perimeter defining an open area adapted to surround said running tape and said stand-by tape, an opening in said perimeter through which said running tape and said stand-by tape can be introduced in said open area, and means to engage with said second engagement means and said third engagement means.
A splicing apparatus for a tape dispensing machine comprising:
- a) a running tape having first engagement means at its extremities,
- b) a stand-by tape, having second engagement means at its extremities, said stand-by tape being located adjacent to said running tape,
- c) a clip having an opening to a generally enclosed open portion, said open portion having a running side and a replacement side,
- whereby said running tape and said stand-by tape are spliced together by said clip with one of said first engagement means of said running tape being connected to said running side of said clip and one of said second engagement means of said stand-by tape being connected to said replacement side of said clip.
A method for splicing tapes in a tape dispensing machine to ensure a continuous supply of tape, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a first running tape with a running direction and first engagement means at both its extremities;
- b) positioning a second immobile stand-by tape with a replacement direction and second engagement means at both its extremities, said second tape being adjacent to said first tape and said replacement direction being generally parallel to said running direction;
- c) inserting said first and second tape into a generally enclosed open portion of a clip having an opening;
- d) having one of said first engagement means of said first running tape connect and drag along said clip,
- e) having said clip connect with one of said second engagement means of said second tape and drag it along.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.