US2657926A - Tape dispenser - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 3, 1953 T. R. PRICE ET AL 2,657,926

TAPE DISPENSER Filed March 11, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet l THEODORE 12. PRICE RAYMOND L. BROWN 1953 h T. R. PRICE ET AL 2,657,926

TAPE DISPENSER Filed March 11, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS. THEODORE R. PRICE RAYMOND L. BROWN ATTORNEY MW 3, 1953 T. R. PRICE ET AL TAPE. DISPENSER 3 Sheets-$heet 3 Filed March 11. 1948 INVENTORS THEODORE R. PRICE Y RAYMOND L. BROWN M ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 3, 1 953 TAPE DISPENSER Theodore R. Price, Old Greenwich, and Raymond L. Brown, Noroton Heights, Conn., assignors to Electrolux Corporation, Old Greenwich, Conn., a corporation of Delaware Application March 11, 1948, Serial No. 14,298

7 Claims.

Our invention relates to tape dispensing devices and is generally applicable for the production of widely differing lengths and types of tape segments. It may be used with a permanently tacky pressure sensitive adhesive tape, that is a momentarily adherent type, or it may be used with a dry tape. It is herein described more particularly as specifically applicable for the obtainment of predetermined sectional lengths of rolled or otherwise packaged pressure adhesive or similarly pressure responsive insulating tape.

Heretofore considerable diificulty has been experienced in the handling of short segments of tape, especially when the adhesive surface necessitated contact with the operators fingers. Where adhesive and/or insulating tape required cutting as a step in unit assembly operations, considerable delay and undesirable work stoppage frequently resulted where continuous assembly line or work movement depended upon a readily available and/or conveniently obtainable supply of tape sections.

It is a major object of this invention to provide a simple unitary instrument operable to dispense predetermined lengths of adhesive or characteristically similar tape.

It is a further object of this invention to provide means for effecting a speedier operation of an assembly line wherein such tape sections are used for binding purposes in induction coils, electric motor unit coil structures, and similar small compact units.

Among the various other objects of this invention, it is apparent upon further consideration of the drawings illustrating one embodiment and in view of the following description, that it provides a simple, unitary device having a maximum of control while utilizing a minimum of readily available and easily fabricated parts, which device an inexperienced operator can readily learn to control without necessitating undue skill or care.

Another object is to provide means for reducing the number of imperfect sections and ourtailing waste in cutting operations.

Another object is to provide an instrument of the type set forth which will be simple, eificient, easily applied and easily moved from place to place where needed and which is readily adjusted.

Still another object is to improve safety conditions for operators where exposed knife or serrated edges were formerly used to cut tape segments.

A further object is to provide automatic means 2 for supplying exactly measured and uniformly cut segments of tape.

Further objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent and will be suggested upon considering the following specification, particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and where- Fig. 1 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the device shown in Fig. 1 taken from the left hand side thereof;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view, with parts broken away, of the reverse side of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 is a wiring diagram of the component part illustrating the electrical circuit and switching controls for the apparatus shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

Referring more particularly to the drawings where similar elements are correspondingly numbered in each of the figures, base I I has mounted thereon a table [2 which has aflixed thereto a pair of tape roll supporting arms 13, the free ends of which are bifurcated, that is provided with U-shaped openings, as at M in which tape axle I5 is mounted for holding tape roll Is free for rotation. I

The free end of tape from roll [6 is unwound to lie fiat on table top I2 as shown at H, the adhesive surface facing away from, and the smooth surface being contiguous with, the fiat table top. The tape is held firmly against the table top by the sharp end of feeding finger or detent 2i) hinged at 2| between lever arms 22 and 32 which in turn are pivoted at 23 and 33, respectively, to the opposite sides of table I2. Lever arms 22 and 32 are actuated by the piston rod 30 of air cylinder 3| through link members 24 and 34 fulcrumed at 25 and 35 to the respective lever arms and actuated by means of pin 26 which is adapted to ride in the collar or groove 21 of lock nut 23 threaded to the end of piston rod 30.

Thus, upon the actuation of air cylinder 31, piston rod 30 in its forward and backward reciprocating strokes is adapted to rock lever arms 22 and 32 whereupon tape H is progressively fed along the top of table 12. This movement may be effected as above described or through other suitable actuating means.

Where a heavy base tape is used, little or no trouble is experienced with buckling of tape I? as it is advanced or pushed over the top of table l2; however, with thinner tapes some means for keeping the tape flat and in continuous contact with the supporting table top is necessary for practical and consistent operation, particularly when relatively uniform and precisely measured tape lengths are desired. For this purpose a tubular jet 40 is provided and as illustrated is mounted on and moves together with the top of lever arms 22 and 32. A flexible rubber connection (not shown) connects it to an air source. With this modification, jet of air II is directed against the advancing tape I1 and keeps the latter flat against the table top; this facilitates its insertion and progressive travel between the uprights 50 of the tape cutting member described below in considerable detail.

The tape'cutting means includes the upright members 50 mounted at the front end of the table I2 as shown in Fig. 2. It also includes a table top extension piece 5| aflixed to thetable I2 to which a cutting knife 52 is fulcrumed at 53. With this type of cutting device the tape passes between knife edge 54 and the cutting edge 55 of the table top extension piece 5I, whereupon it is cut squarely and cleanly. Lug. 56 of knife 52 is free to slide in a groove formed in extension piece 5| and thus maintains both cutting edges in fixed orientation and in correct cutting alignment throughout their sliding contact, thus assuring perfectly clean cut tape edges.

Link member 51 connects the free end of knife blade 52 with the plunger 50 of solenoid 59, energization of which effects the tape cutting step. Accessory devices such as safety guard 30 are provided for the protection of the operator; a small slit opening being formed in the guard 60 through which the severed pieces of tape emerge.

In order to hold the tape II- against retraction upon the return stroke of feeding finger or detent 20, especially when a relatively thin or light tape is used, a gravity or spring pressed finger I0 is lowered against and rests on top of tape I1 and releasably holds the latter against the table top extension I. Finger I0 is slidably mounted in guide member II and is lifted or released from contact with the top by the plunger I2 of solenoid 13 when the latter is energized.

In the illustrative embodiment of the tape cutting device shown in detail in the drawings, the device is actuated intermittently by the operation of an air cylinder 3I together with cooperating electrical control circuits and microswitches. The cycle of operations is started by depressing a foot switch II4, Fig. 4. However, it is to be understood that various other equivalent electrical and mechanical means may likewise be used to effect the cycle of operational steps, Referring to Fig. 4 where a wiring diagram is symbolically shown, manifestly, the unit is conditioned for operation upon connecting terminals I00 and IN to a 110 volt power source. In the position of the associated elements shown in Fig. l a circuit is then completed for the energization of solenoid I3 for lifting and releasing holding finger I0 which, before the energization of solenoid 13 serves to hold tape l'l against retraction across the top of table I2. The circuit for the energization of solenoid I3 is shown as completed through line IOI, normally closed microswitch I02 and line I03 to solenoid 13, then line I04,- microswitch I05 which is normally open, but which is held closed by pin 39 (Fig. 3) when arm 32 is in retracted position, and thence through'lines I06v and I01 to power source I00.

The tape feeding circuit shown in Fig. 4 is. operated by depressing a foot switch I. This arrangement leaves the operators hands relatively free for further processing or handling of the sectioned tape.

In the embodiment illustrated, a transformer H0 is shown connected to the volt mains through leads III and I I2. An 8 volt secondary is used merely because the air valve electrical controls are more readily available as 8 volt units, completely assembled. The secondary circuit is completed from the transformer, that is, the 8 volt winding, through connecting line II3, foot switch II4, line II5, air plunger forward drive switching coil H6, and line III back to the secondary of the transformer IIO. Closing switch II4 results in the energization of coil Il6 which in turn operates a plunger to open a valve whereupon compressed air is admitted into cylinder 3I and piston rod 30 is driven to the right (Fig. i). This results in the tape feeding or tape advancing step during which lever arms 22 and 32 are rocked forward and detent or tape feeding finger 20 attached thereto is coincidently driven forward to feed a predetermined length of tape I! under the knife edge 54. During this tape feeding step, tape holding finger 10 (Fig. 1) is held in raised position, even though the circuit through microswitch I05 is opened as a result of forward movement of arm 32, by the closing of a microswitch I30 in a shunt circuit around the opened microswitch I05, microswitch I30 being closed by upward movement of the plunger I2 of solenoid "I3. This shunt circuit is completed through lines I3I and I32 to maintain solenoid I3 in energized condition.

At the end of the tape feeding stroke which moves tape advancing detent 20 to its forward limit, link 24 strikes and opens microswitch I02 in the circuit of solenoid I3, whereupon the latter is deenergized and tape holding finger I0 is released and holds tape strip II against retraction by the return motion of finger 20 across the top of tape I'I. Simultaneously, link 34 (Fig. 3) on the other side of table I2 closes a circuit for the return stroke of piston rod 30 through contact with microswitch I20 and a circuit completed through lines I2I', I22, air plunger return drive switching coil I23 and line I ll. Completion of this circuit results in energization of solenoid coil I23 which in turn operates a plunger to open a valve whereupon compressed air is admitted into cylinder 3| in such a direction that piston rod 30 is driven to the left (Fig. 1). This returns tape feeding finger 20 to its original position, as shown in Fig. 1.

The return swing of lever 22 closes a circuit through microswitch I40 to energize solenoid 59. This circuit is completed through line I0I, switch I40, line I4I, solenoid 59 and line I42 to the 110 volt supply circuit. Switch M0 is closed momentarily while detent 29 overrides the rollcontact of this switch, which is released upon completion of the return stroke. Stop 42 temporarily holds detent 29 until the more acutely cut cam face of detent 28 overrides the microswitch contact roller. The energization of solenoid 59 effects the cutting operation of knife 54 through the actuation of an associated plunger and a mechanical link connection 51 previously described. On the forward stroke of arm 22, detent 29 rides over the roller of switch I40 without closing the switch.

The return of lever 22, which is rigidly attached to and moves together with lever 32' (Fig.

3) closes microswitch I05 through contact screw "to complete once again a circuit previously described to raise tape holding finger 10. This conditions the apparatus for repetition of the tape feeding and cutting cycle upon merely closing foot switch H4.

In many cases, especially when a relatively stiff tape is being used, the use of air jet 4|, Fig. l, is unnecessary, particularly when the tape itself has sufiicient rigidity or body to push itself along the table top l2 without buckling along its length. However, when an extremely thin tape is to be sectioned into predetermined lengths, a continuous blast of air greatly facilitates the progress of the strip through and over the knife edge portion of the tape dispenser.

The length of the tape dispensed can be readily controlled by changing the position of threaded stop member 650 which is locked in place by nut l5]. With each change, microswitches I02 and I20 must be correspondingly shifted for actuation at the end of each forward stroke. The extent of travel of the retraction stroke and hence the length of the tape dispensed may be determined similarly by adjusting threaded stop member I66 which is locked in place by nut l6l.

Although the apparatus has been described as operated by compressed air actuation devices and cooperating electromagnetic holding, cutting and switching devices, it is to be understood that with slight modifications the apparatus may be variously otherwise embodied with the aid of an ordinary skilled mechanic.

While the invention is herein described and illustrated with respect to structural detail, it is obvious that the invention is broadly applicable and numerous changes and modifications and resort may be made to the full use of equivalents without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A tape dispensing device comprising means for holding a supply of tape, a supporting surface for the tape, tape advancing means resting on one surface of the tape and adapt-ed when moved in a forward direction to advance the tape a predetermined amount across the supporting surface and when moved in a rearward direction to ride freely over the tape, means operative for reciprocating said tape advancing means through one cycle comprising a forward and a rearward direction of movement, means for initiating the operation of said last mentioned means, and air pressure means for forcing the tape in close contiguity with said supporting surface.

2. A tape dispensing device comprising means for holding a supply of tape, a supporting surface for the tape, tape advancing means resting on one surface of the tape and adapted when moved in a forward direction to advance the tape a predetermined amount across the supporting surface and when moved in a rearward direction to ride freely over the tape, means operative for reciprocating said tape advancing means through one cycle comprising a forward and a rearward direction of movement, means for initiating the operation of said last mentioned means, and means for producing a difference in air pressure on opposite surfaces of the tape for maintaining the tape in close contiguity with said supporting surface.

3. In a dispensing apparatus for pressure adhesive tape having an adhesive and a non-adhesive side, means for rotatably supporting a supply of tape, a supporting surface for receiving the nonadhesive side of the tape, tape advancing means resting on the adhesive side of the tape and adapted when moved in a forward direction to advance the tape across the supporting surface and when moved in a rearward direction to ride freely over the adhesive side of the tape, means operative for reciprocating said tape advancing means through one cycle comprising a forward and a rearward direction of movement, means for initiating the operation of said last mentioned means, and means for producing a difference in air pressure on opposite sides of the tape for holding the tape in continuous contact with said supporting surface.

4. In a dispensing apparatus for pressure adhesive tape having an adhesive and a non-adhesive side, means for rotatably supporting a supply of tape, a supporting surface for receiving the nonadhesive side of the tape, tape advancing means resting on the adhesive side of the tape and adapted when moved in a forward direction to advance the tape across the supporting surface and when moved in a rearward direction to ride freely over the adhesive side of the tape, means operative for reciprocating said tape advancing means through one cycle comprising a forward and a rearward direction of movement, means for initiating the operation of said last mentioned means, an air jet for holding the tape in continuous contact with said supporting surface, and additional means for holding the tape against retraction over said supporting surface during the movement of said tape advancing means in said rearward direction.

5. A tape dispensing device comprising means for holding a supply of tape, a supporting surface for the tape, a detent resting on a forward surface of the tape and adapted when moved in one direction to advance the tape a predetermined amount across the supporting surface and when moved in a rearward direction to ride freely over the tape, means operative for reciprocating said detent through one cycle comprising a forward and a rearward direction of movement, means for initiating the operation of said last mentioned means, an air jet for forcing the tape in close contiguity with said supporting surface, and adjustable stops for determining the length of travel of said detent and the length of the tape dispensed thereby.

6. In a dispensing apparatus for pressure ad hesive tape having an adhesive and a non-adhesive side, mean for rotatably supporting a supply of tape, a supporting surface for receiving the non-adhesive side of the tape, tape advancing means resting on the adhesive side of the tape and adapted when moved in a forward direction to advance the tape across the supporting surface and when moved in a rearward direction to ride freely over the adhesive side of the tape, pneumatic means operative for reciprocating said tape advancing means through one cycle comprising a, forward and a rearward direction of movement, a first electromagnetic means responsive upon energization for initiating the operation of said pneumatic means to advance said tape, switching means momentarily actuated for energizing said first electromagnetic means, a second electromagnetic means responsive upon energization for initiating the operation of said pneumatic means to retract said tape advancing means, and switching means actuated by the terminal travel of said tape advancing means for energizing said second electromagnetic means.

7. In a dispensing apparatus for pressure adhesive tape having an adhesive and a non-adhesiveside; means tor'.rotatablysupporting;a;sup.-s ply of tape, a supporting surface tortreceivinatha non-adhesive side: of the tape; tapeiadvancins means resting on the adhesivesidemtthertape and adapted when moved in a forward direction to advance the tape. acrosssthmsupportingcsurface and when moved in a rearward direction to'lride freely over the adhesive; sidecof then-tape, pneumatic means operative forreoiprocatingsaiditape advancing means throughonecycle;comprising a forward and: arearward direction: of.movement, a first electromagneticwrneansaresponsive upon energization for initiatingetheloperation of said pneumatic means; to advance. said tape, switchingrmeanslmomentarily actuated for energizing said first electromagnetic means, a secondelectromagneticmeans responsive: upon. em ergization ,for' initiating-the: operation of said pneumatic means to retractsaid tape advancing means, switching means actuated .by: theterminal travel of said tape advancing, means: for. energizing said second electromagnetic: means; means including means for producing; a" differencein air pressure onopposite-suriaces.of'the tape for holding the tapein close contiguitywith said supporting surface, and additional means for holding the" tape in advanced position and asainstazretraction by the reciprocating tape advancing means, electromagnetic means selfbiased; upon energization for releasing said holding means; switching means operable at the commencement of said tape advancing step for energizin'g. said self-biased electromagnetic means and operable at the completion of said tape advancingr step for: deenergizing said self-biased electromagnetic means.

THEODORE R. PRICE.

RAYMOND L. BROWN.

Reerences.Cited in the fllerof this patent UNITED STATES .1 PATENTS Number Name Date 13124577 Allen Jan; 12, 1915 1428518 Rohland Feb 16, 1915 1,288,491 Bowen Dec. 24; 1918 1;638',816' Krueger Aug. 9, 1927 1,902,436 Joachim' Mar. 21, 1933 1,981,229 Giliet Nov. 20, 1934 2,025,755 L'yle Dec. 31, 1935

Images