Splicing apparatus and method

A method of splicing a first, running tape to a second, standby tape, a trailing end portion of the first tape having a first splicing element and a leading end portion of the second tape having a second splicing element, the method comprising:

• inserting the first tape into an opening of the second splicing element while the first tape is running such that the first tape can pass through the opening and the first splicing element can engage the second splicing element to splice the first tape to the second tape, wherein the first splicing element is secured to the trailing end portion of the first tape such that the first splicing element is caused to lie flat against and aligned with the second splicing element in a stacked configuration when the first splicing element engages the second splicing element;
• wherein each of the first and second splicing elements has respective first and second major surfaces defining a thickness therebetween, a respective peripheral edge defining the major surfaces, and a respective geometric center, and wherein when the first splicing element engages the second splicing element, the second major surface of the first splicing element lies against the first major surface of the second splicing element, the peripheral edge of the first splicing element is aligned with or circumscribed by the peripheral edge of the second splicing element, and the geometric center of the first splicing element is aligned with the geometric center of the second slicing element.