Splicing apparatus and method

A splicing element for use in splicing a first, running tape being dispensed from a tape dispensing device to a second, standby tape, the splicing element comprising a self-supporting body formed with at least one aperture sized to receive the first tape, and a peripheral portion bounding at least a portion of the aperture, whereby the first tape can be introduced into the aperture by inserting the first tape through an opening in the peripheral portion while the first tape is being dispensed by the dispensing device;

• the splicing element further comprising opposing, first and second major surfaces, and wherein the peripheral portion comprises first and second leg portions bounding the aperture and having first and second end surfaces, respectively, wherein the opening is defined between the first and second end surfaces, which are parallel to each other and non-perpendicular to the first and second major surfaces, wherein the leg portions can be moved to a position in which the leg portions overlap and contact each other along a respective portion of each said first and second major surfaces at their adjacent ends to assist in retaining the running tape within the aperture when splicing the running tape to the standby tape.