CA2167063A1 - Flying splice adhesive tape - Google Patents
Flying splice adhesive tapeInfo
- Publication number
- CA2167063A1 CA2167063A1 CA 2167063 CA2167063A CA2167063A1 CA 2167063 A1 CA2167063 A1 CA 2167063A1 CA 2167063 CA2167063 CA 2167063 CA 2167063 A CA2167063 A CA 2167063A CA 2167063 A1 CA2167063 A1 CA 2167063A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tape
- tape substrate
- cuts
- web material
- roll
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H19/00—Changing the web roll
- B65H19/10—Changing the web roll in unwinding mechanisms or in connection with unwinding operations
- B65H19/102—Preparing the leading end of the replacement web before splicing operation; Adhesive arrangements on leading end of replacement web; Tabs and adhesive tapes for splicing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
- B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
- B65H2301/46—Splicing
- B65H2301/4606—Preparing leading edge for splicing
- B65H2301/4607—Preparing leading edge for splicing by adhesive tape
Abstract
A flying splice tape (10, 110) for holding down a leading edge portion (44) of an outer layer (46) of a following roll of web material (48) and for facilitating the splicing of the leading edge portion to a portion (54) of a leading roll of web material which is being advanced includes a tape substrate (12, 112) having a first side (14, 114) and a second side (16, 116).
The tape substrate has, on its first side, a first portion (18, 118), a second portion (22, 122) and an intermediate portion (26, 126) therebetween. A weakened section (25, 125) is preferably defined by a plurality of spaced cuts (28, 128) along the intermediate portion (26, 126). The first portion (18, 118) on the first side (14, 114) of the tape substrate (12, 112) includes a first adhesive layer (34, 134) being spaced from the weakened section (25, 125) extends towards a first edge (20, 125) of the tape substrate, while the second portion (22, 122) on the same first side (14, 114) includes a second adhesive layer (36, 136) extending from adjacent the weakened section (25, 125) towards the second, opposite edge (24, 124). The intermediate portion (26, 126) of the first side of the tape substrate is free of adhesive. The second side (16, 116) of the tape substrate (12, 112) includes a third adhesive layer (38, 138) which extends from the cuts (28, 128) towards the first edge (20, 120) of the tape substrate (12, 112). A remaining portion (40, 140) of the second side (16, 116) of the tape substrate (12, 112) is free of adhesive.
The tape substrate has, on its first side, a first portion (18, 118), a second portion (22, 122) and an intermediate portion (26, 126) therebetween. A weakened section (25, 125) is preferably defined by a plurality of spaced cuts (28, 128) along the intermediate portion (26, 126). The first portion (18, 118) on the first side (14, 114) of the tape substrate (12, 112) includes a first adhesive layer (34, 134) being spaced from the weakened section (25, 125) extends towards a first edge (20, 125) of the tape substrate, while the second portion (22, 122) on the same first side (14, 114) includes a second adhesive layer (36, 136) extending from adjacent the weakened section (25, 125) towards the second, opposite edge (24, 124). The intermediate portion (26, 126) of the first side of the tape substrate is free of adhesive. The second side (16, 116) of the tape substrate (12, 112) includes a third adhesive layer (38, 138) which extends from the cuts (28, 128) towards the first edge (20, 120) of the tape substrate (12, 112). A remaining portion (40, 140) of the second side (16, 116) of the tape substrate (12, 112) is free of adhesive.
Description
~ W 095~ 9&9 PCTrUS94/08509 2167~3 FLYING SPLICE A~ ~Slvh TAPE
BACKGROUND OF THE l~V~h~lON
The present invention relates generally to web splicing. In particular, the ~Lasent invention is a flying splice, pressure sensitive, adhesive tape that is used to splice a leading edge of a new roll of web material to a trailing edge of an expiring roll of web material.
In the newspaper and magazine publishing industry, the lengths of web material ~i.e., paper), from which individual newspapers or magazines are printed, are contained on rolls (i.e., elongate '- a). Typically, the length of web material of a roll is continuous from its trailing edge at the core of the roll to its leading edge at the periphery of the roll. The length of web material from an individual roll is fed into a printing apparatus where print and/or pictures are applied to the web materiàl in a continuous, automated process. Next, the length of web material is cut into sheets of desired size and then these sheets are assembled into lndividual n~w~pa~s or ~~7in98. The cutting of the sheets and the assembling of the sheets into their final print medium format is once again, a continuous, automated proces~.
Typically, durlng the continuous process of printing, cutting and assembling of the print -~i , the length of web material travels at speeds of bet~_~r 2000 and 3000 feet per minute. Hence, large - ` _I 8 of individual ncwspa~ers or magazines can be produced in a relatively short period of time.
A disadvantage in the use of the rolls of web material occurs when splicing a leading edge of a "new" roll of web material to the trailing edge of an ~old" roll of web material currently traveling through the continuous printing, cutting and assembllng process. This type of new-to-old roll connection is referred to as a "flying splice", and is a splice made between an expiring roll of web material and a new roll of web material in a continuous manner without reducing either the equipment speed or the speed of the web. Typically, to splice the leading edge of the new roll to the trailing edge of the old roll, one or more pieces of adhesive tape are manually applied to the leading edge of the 40 new roll of web material. Pressure sensitive adhesive on a bottom surface of the tape secures the tape to the leading edge. With the tape secured to the leading edge of the new roll, the leading edge of the new roll 1B brought into contact wlth the old roll, where pressure sensitive adhesive on the top surface of the tape secures W O9SN5989 PCT~US94/08509 ~7083-the leading edge of the new roll of web material to the trailing edge of the old roll of web material. During this splicing process, the old roll is traveling at a speed of between 2000 and 3000 feet per minute and acts to continuously and automatically thread the web material of the new roll into the apparatus performing the printing, cutting and assembling process.
C~na~;~n Patent Application 2,025,473 to Josef et al. disclo~es one such adhesive splice tape u~ed to splice an angled leading edge of a new roll of web material to an expiring roll of web 0 material. The splice tape is divided into three zones. A first outer zone of the splice tape has both an upper adhesive layer and a lower adhesive layer. A central zone of the splice tape has neither an upper or lower layer of adhesive, but is formed with a longitudinal perforation. A second outer zone of the splice tape has only a lower adhe~ive layer.
The lower adhesive layer of the first outer zone secures the splice tape to a lea~ing edge of a new roll of web material. The lea~ i ng edge of the renewal web material is cut at an angle of less than ninety dey.aes as measured between the roll off direction of the web material and the leading edge. The lower adhesive layer of the second outer zone secures the splice tape to that portion of the web material that is i -'iately adjacent the angled lea~; ng edge and forms the next underlying layer of web material. With the lower adhesive layers secured to the web material, the longituA i n~ 1 perforation of the central zone of the splice tape is align~d with the angled leading edge. The upper adhesive layer of the first outer zone helps to secure the angled leading edge of the renewal roll to the expiring roll to initiate the roll changing ~ ocedure. The longitu~;nAl perforation permits separation of the splice tape along the angled le~ing edge of the web material to complete the roll changing procedure.
This splice tape and method of preparing a new (i.e., repla~ --t) roll of web material has some disadvantages. The splice tape is applied to a leading edge (of a new roll of web material) that is cut at an angle of less than ninety degrees as measured beL~een the roll off direction of the web material and the leading edge. The splice tape is applied in this manner ~o that the perforations tear gradually starting at a forward end ~as dete in~d by the direction of travel of the web) of the angled lea~ing edge and traveling along the leading edge until separation of the splice tape is complete at the rearward end (as dete, in~d by the direction of travel of the web) of the angled leading edge.
~nwe~" since the web material leading edge is angled, forces applied to printing drums of printing equi --L by the web W O9~/~5589 ~ 1 5 7 0 ~ ~ PCTAUS94/08509 material as the angled leading edge passes over a printing drum are not directed ~e.~endicular to a generatrix of the drum that is parallel to a longituAinAl axis of the drum. The forces effected on the drum by the angled 1eA~ ing of the web material as it passes 5 over the drum, would be directed generally perpendicular to the angled leading edge. These angled forces (i.e., forces that are not applied to the drum ~e.~æn~ic~llar to a drum generatrix that is parallel to the longitu~inAl axis of the drum) cause the drum to cant or tilt inducing surface stresses on the printing plate 0 (i.e., blanket) of the drum. These in~Uce~ surface stresses, in turn, decrease the operational life of the printing plate of the drum when compared to a web material whose le~Aing edge is parallel to a longitu~inAl axis of the roll on which the web material is contained. The forces effected by this nonangled 15 leading edge of web material are applied to the printing drum generally pe.~andicular to a drum yane a~rix that is parallel to the longituA;nAl axis of the drum. Thus, the stresses on the surface (i.e., printing plate) of the drum (caused by these leA~;ng edge forces) are directed only circumferentially about the 20 drum, hence, p~ -L ~e wear due to cant;ng or tilting of the printing drum (caused by an angled leA~ing edge) are eliminated.
There are further disadvantages to the splice tape and method of preparing a new roll of web material as disclosed by the CAnA~iAn Patent Application. The upper adhesive layer of the first 25 outer zone and the lower adhesive layer of the second outer are spaced from the longituAinAl perforation by central zone regions that have neither an upper or lower layer of adhesive. These central zone regions create splice tape flaps or tails that are not secured to the web material. These unsecured splice tape tails 30 may catch on printing line equi --t (especially printing, sheeting and stAcking equipment) causing the web material to tear or jam, consequently halting printing line production.
In addition, the angled leA~ing edge of the new roll of web material results in an expiring roll whose spliced, free tail web 35 material length is greater than the spliced free tail web material length of a new roll of web material implementing a nonangled leA~ing edge (i.e., a lea~ing edge the is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the new roll of web material). Typically, once the new roll web material has been joined to the web material 40 of the expiring roll and splice tape separation has occurred, the web material of the expiring roll is cutoff to a in; -1, predete ;n~d length ; -~iAtely past the splice tape creating a free tail of expiring web material that is not secured to the new roll web material. This unsecured web material free tail may catch W 0951'~3~5 ~ ~ 6 ~ ~ 6 3 PCT~US94/08509 on printing line equi - L (especially printing, sheeting and ~tAC~i ng equipment) cau~ing the web material of the new roll to tear or jam, co~sequGntly halting printing line production. An angled leading edge creates a free tail that includes a triangular shaped region of expiring web material defined beLwe-- the forward and rearward ends of the ~plice tape, and a rectangular shaped region of expiring web material defined beLwe ?- the rearward end of the splice tape and the expiring web material cutoff. The use of a new roll of web material with a nonangled leading edge creates a free tail that only includes a rectangular shaped region of expiring web material defined be~ween the rear edge of the splice tape and the expiring web material cutoff. Hence, the nonangled leading edge would i n i ; ze the amount of expiring web material free tail that may catch on printing line e~i ~ L.
There i8 a continu;ng need for flying ~plice adhesive tape that can be proce~ed through all the equi - t on a printing line including sheeters and stackers. Specifically there is a need for flying splice adhesive tape that eliminates any unsecured splice tape region~ which could catch on printing, gheeting and gtAr~i ng equi - L causing tearing of the web material. ~G~-O~e ~ there is a need for flying splice adhesive tape that is applicable to a leading edge of web material, that iB parallel to a longitu~;
axis of the roll upon which the web material is contained, to reduce printing drum wear, and ; n; ; ~G the amount of expiring web 25 material free tail that could catch on and jam printing line equi --t. In addition, the flying splice adhesive tape should be capable of being applied to the renewal roll of web material quickly by hand, by a -nll~lly operable tape di~penser or by an automatic tape applicAtion apparatus.
DISCLOSURE OF THE l~vh~.lON
The pre~ent invention is a flying splice tape for holding down a 1~A~; ng edge portion of an outer layer of a following roll 35 of web material and for facilitating the splicing of the leading edge portion to a portion of a leading roll of web material which is being advanced. The splice tape includes a tape substrate having a first side and a second side. The tape ~ubstrate has, on its fir~t ~ide, a first portion adjacent a first edge of the tape substrate, a second portion adjacent a second edge of the tape ~ubstrate and an int?- -';Ate portion the-abeLween. A W6= ~on~d section is preferably defined by a plurality of spaced cuts in the tape substrate along the int? -';Ate portion of the tape substrate. The first portion of the first side of the tape `- wogs,~ g 21~7~6~ PCTrUS94/08509 substrate has a first adhesive layer that is spaced from the cuts and extends towards the first edge of the tape substrate. The second portion of the first side of the tape substrate has a second adhesive layer that is adjacent to the cuts and extends 5 towards the second edge of the substrate, while the inte -'iAte longituA;nA1 portion of the first side of the tape substrate is free of adhesive. The second side of the tape substrate has a third adhesive layer that extends from the cuts towards the first edge of the substrate. A ~ -;ning portion of the second side of 0 the tape substrate is free of adhesive.
The first side of the tape substrate is a~-pted to be adhered to the following roll of web material, with the first longitudinal portion adhered to the lea~; ng edge portion of the outer layer via the first adhesive layer, and the second 15 longituA;nAl portion adhered, via the second adhesive layer, to a portion of the roll of web material that is i -~;Ately adjacent the leading edge portion and forms the next underlying layer of the following roll of web material. The longitu~inAlly exten~ing w~ n~d section of the int~ -diAte longituA;nAl portion is aligned with and adjacent to the 1~A~; ng edge portion of the outer layer of the following roll when the tape substrate is secured to the following roll of web material. The third adhesive layer is adapted to adhere to the portion of the leading roll of web material, to cause separation of the splice tape along the 25 longitudinAlly ext~n~;ng W~ n~d section and splicing of the following roll of web material to the portion of the leading roll of web material.
The plurality of cuts define a separation line of the longitudinally exten~; ng w -~9n~ section. This separation line in 30 one o'; - ~ is substantially parallel to the lea~;ng edge portion and a longituAinAl axis of the following roll of web material. A portion of the third adhesive layer on the second side of the substrate extends past the leading edge portion to facilitate a adhesion of the third adhesive layer to the portion 35 of the le~; ng roll of web material and thereby separation of the splice tape at the separation line.
This flying splice adhesive tape can be processed through all the equipment on a printing line including sheeters and stackers. In addition, since the second and third adhesive layers are ; -';Ately adjacent to the plurality of cuts, the amount of ~ecl~red splice tape tail is i n i i ~ed which lessens the ~ likelihood that the splice tape tails could jam in printing and f;nishing line equipment ~such as sheeters and stackers) or catch in printing equi ~~~ affecting tracking of the web material, W O9S~53~5 ~167~3 PCTrUS94/08509 causing web material wrinkles, web break~ or tear offs that could affect final print quality. ~oreove" this flying splice adhesive tape is applicable to a leading edge of web material, that i8 parallel to a longitudinal axis of the roll upon which the web 5 material is contained, which reduces printing drum wear as the leading edge pa~ses over the printing drum since leading edge forces are directed peL~ændicular to a printing drum yellera~rix which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drum. The nonangled le~; ng edge alBo ; n; ; ~eE the amount of expiring web 0 material free tail that could catch on and jam printing line equipment when compared to splice tape requiring an angled leading edge. In addition, since the third adhesive layer extends past the first adhesive layer, the splice tape p esents a stepwise increase in splice tape thjckn~ss to the printing drums, which further reduces printing drum stresse~ that would otherwise exist if the first and third adhesive layers had the same starting point and p esenLed an abrupt change in splice tape thickness to the printing drum.
Using this splice tape with a following roll of web material 20 having a le~;ng edge portion that is parallel to the longitu~;n~l axis of the roll allows tension to be applied uniformly across the web material when the "new-to-old" splice is made and as the splice travels through the printing, cutting and assembling -rh; n~ry. Uniform web material tension reduces tension upsets 25 thereby resulting in a straight tracking web material which reduces acci~ent~l web material breakage. In addition, since the tape is useable with a following roll of web material having a leading edge portion that is parallel to the longitu~;nAl axis of the roll, less tape has to be ~ppljrd to the le~;ng edge, thereby 30 reducing waste. ~OLeV~L ~ applying the tape to the leading edge portion of the roll of web material that is parallel to the roll axis is easier for both manual and automatic application when compared to applying a splice tape to an angled le~;ng edge. The flying splice adhesive tape can be applied to the following roll 35 of web material by hand, by a -n~ ly operable tape dispenser or by an automatic tape application apparatus. When compared to the current system of manual application employing a plurality of paster tabs, paster tapes and splice flags, this splice tape can be accurately and consistently applied to a leading edge from one 40 roll of web material to the next.
.
W O 95t05989 21 6 7 ~ ~ ~ PCTrUS94/08509 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention iB further described with reference to the acc- ,~nying drawings, where like '~ 8 refer to like parts in ~everal view~.
FIG. 1 is a per~e~Live view of an upper ~urface of a flying splice adhesive tape in accordance with the p.L~ent invention with a release liner shown being peeled away.
FIG. 2 is a ~er~ecLive view of a lower surface of the flying ~plice adhe~ive tape shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 i8 a ~ectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an elevational view of an upper ~urface of a further : `-'; t of the flying splice adhe~ive tape shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of an upper ~urface of a still further ~ '_'i t of the flying splice adhesive tape shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a ~e~e~Live view of an upper surface of an alternative : '-'; - L of a flying splice adhesive tape in accordance with the ~.al3ent invention with a release liner shown being peeled away.
FIG. 7 is a ~e.~cLive view of a lower surface of the alternative flying splice adhesive tape shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a side eleva~innAl view partially in section illustrating the flying splice adhe~ive tape of FIGS. 1 and 2 applied to a renewal roll of web material with the renewal roll positioned adjacent to an expiring roll of web material.
FIG. 10 is a ~ide elevational view partially in section similar to FIG. 9 illustrating the initiation of a roll changing procedure.
FIG. 11 ic a ~ide elevational view partially in section similar to FIG. 9 illustrating the ~ucce~sful completion of the roll changing p.ocedure.
These drawing figures are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale, nor should they be con~trued to limit the intended scope and purpose of the pre~ent invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A flying splice adhesive tape 10 in accordance with the ~ p --senL invention is illustrated generally in FIGS. 1-3. The splice tape 10 includes a tape substrate 12 having a first side 14 (see FIG. 2) and a second side 16 (see FIG. 1).
W0 95/~53~5 $~ O ~ 3 PCTIUS94/08509 As seen in FIG. 2, the tape substrate 12 has, on it~ first side 14, a first lonqitudinal portion 18 adjacent a first longituAinAl edge 20~ a second longituAinAl portion 22 adjacent a second longituAinAl edge 24 and an inte ~'iAte longituAi S portion 26 th-~ e}set ~--. A longitudinally extenAing w~-lrc~nDcl section 25 extends along the inte -~;ate longitudinal portion 26 of the tape substrate 12. The we ~ n~d section 25 is defined by a plurality of spaced linear cuts 28 through the tape substrate 12 along the inte~ ?d~Ate longituAinA~ portion 26. The linear cuts 28 0 are oriented substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal edges 20 and 24 and are located closely adjacent the second longitudinal portion 22. Located bet ~e~ adjacent linear cuts 28 are stress cuts 29 that extend through the tape substrate 12 along the int~ -';Ate longitudinAl portion 26. The stress cuts 15 29 further define the we~l~qned section 25 of the ~plice tape 10.
The stress cuts 29 are oriented ~ubstantially parallel to the linear cuts 28 and are offset therefrom 80 as to be located closer to the second longituA;nAl portion 22 than the linear cuts 28. The linear cuts 28 and the stress cuts 29 define a splice tape 20 separation line of the longituclinally extonAing t ~ n~-A section 25. The stress cuts 29 relieve gtress in the tape substrate 12 be~ Je-- the plurality of linear cuts 28~ and thereby aid in defining the tape separation line 80 that tape separation occurs substantially along the linear cuts 28. Preferably, the weAlr~n~cl 25 section 25 of the int~ -';Ate longituA;nAl portion 26 i~ defined by the linear cuts 28 and the stress cuts 29 which extend all the way through the tape substrate 12. However, the we~ n~cl section 25 may be defined by a plurality of score lineE~ or other means on the int~ ~'iAte portion 26 of the tape substrate 12 to induce 30 tape separation along a desired separation line.
As seen in PIGS. 2 and 3 ~ the first longitudinal portion 18 of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 has a first pressure sensitive adhesive layer 34. The second longitudinal portion 22 of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 has a second pressure 35 sensitive adhesive layer 36~ while the int~ ;Ate longitu~l;nAl portion 26 of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 is free of adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive free int~ -';Ate portion 26 is formed by the selective application of the first and ~econd adhesive layers 34 and 36 to only the first and ~econd portions 18 40 and 22, respectively, of the tape substrate 12. Hence, the ;nt~ -';Ate portion 26 of the tape substrate 12 lacks any adhesive layer and is therefore "free of adhesive". Alternatively, an adhesive layer may be applied to all of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 with the adhesive free int~ -'iAte portion W O95/05989 2 ~ 6 7 ~ 6 ~ PcTrus~/06~g 26 formed by applying a suitable A~Adenin~ substrate over the adhesive layer in the desired location of intermediate portion 26;
or by selectively -~king the adhesive layer, in the desired location of int~ Ate portion 26, using a spray material.
As seen in FIG. 1, the second side 16 of the tape substrate 12 has a third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 38 that is spaced from the first longituAinAl edge 20 by an end margin 39. The third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 38 extends beL-/e~ the end margin 39 and the linear cuts 28. Both the end margin 39 and a 0 ~ -;ning portion 40 of the second side 16 of the tape substrate 12 that extends beL.e-- the linear cuts 28 and the second longituAinAl edge 24 are free of adhesive (in the manner previously described with .aspe~L to int- -~iAte portion 26). As seen best in FIGS. 1 and 2, the third adhesive layer 38 and the second adhesive layer 36 are directly adjacent the linear and stress cuts 28 and 29 to ini i 7e the area of non adhesive coating. The second side 16 of the tape substrate 12 is c~veLed by a removably affixed release liner 42. The liner 42 allows the splice tape 10 to be wound upon a roll since the liner 42 p events adjacent layers of the tape substrate 12 from bec~ ;n7 pe -n~ntly adhesively se~u~ed to one another. The end margin 39 permits the liner 42 to be readily L~ .ed when the flying splice adhesive tape 10 is to be Appl~eA by hand or a manually operable tape dispenser. In addition, removal of the liner 42 from the first longituAinAl edge 20 at the end margin 39 reduces the amount of stress placed on the linear and stress cuts 28 and 29 el; ;nAting accidental separation of the splice tape 10 along the linear and stress cuts 28 and 29 during manual removal of the liner 42.
As seen in FIG. 4, the flying splice adhesive tape 10 may 30 optionally include a visual guide line 41 printed on the second side 16 of the tape substrate 12 80 as to be located ; ~ Ately adjacent first adhesive layer 34 on the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12. The visual guide line 41 is viewable through the release liner 42 when the release liner 42 is secured to the tape 35 10. The visual guide line 41 acts as a guide for the accurate positioning of the flying splice adhesive tape 10 on a le~A,A; n~
edge of a following roll of web material when the tape 10 is to be applied by hand or a manually operable tape dispenser. The tape 10 should be secured to the leading edge of a following roll of web 40 material with the visual guide line 41 located above and AljgneA
with the leA~; ng edge.
- As seen in FIG. 5, the flying splice adhesive tape 10 may optionally include a visual guide region 43 printed on the second side 16 of the tape substrate 12 beneath the third pressure _9_ wo gs,os3ag ~ 7 o ~ 3 PCTIUS94/08509 sensitive adhesive layer 38 and at the end margin 39. The visual guide region 43 extends from the first longitudinal edge 20 to an area located; ~ tely adjacent the first adhesive layer 34 on the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12. The visual guide 5 region 43 acts as a guide for the accurate positioning of the flying splLce adhesive tape 10 on a leading edge of a following roll of web material when the tape 10 is to be applied by hand or a manually operable tape dispenser. The tape 10 should be secured to the leading edge of a following roll of web material with a 0 guide edge 45 of the visual guide region 43 located above and aligned with the leA~ling edge. The visual guide region 43 al80 provides a built-in optical flag 80 that photoelectric device~
within the automatic splicing ~chin~ry can identify the leading edge of the renewal roll for speed match and expiring roll, web 15 material, free tail length control. The visual guide region 43 can either be of a reflective or AhsorbAtive nature, but is preferably solid matt black with a ini of 180 densitometer and i8 repulpable.
A further . ~ t of flying splice adhesive tape 110 in 20 accordance with the present invention is illustrated generally in FIGS. 6-8. The splice tape 110 includes a tape substrate 112 having a first side 114 (Elee FIG. 7) and a second side 116 (see FIG. 6).
As seen in FIG. 7, the tape substrate 112 has, on its first 25 side 114~ a first longit~lAinAl portion 118 adjacent one longitu~linA~ edge 120, a second longitudinal portion 122 adjacent a second longitu~inAl edge 124 and an inte~ ~~iAte longitu~i portion 126 th--~ebeLween. A longitudinally exten~ling weAl~n~l section 125 extends along the inte~ - liAte longitudinal portion 126 of the tape substrate 112. The weAlr~ned section 125 is defined by a plurality of spaced V-shaped cuts 128 through the tape substrate 112 along the intq -d;Ate longitu~linAl portion 126.
Located between adjacent V-shaped cuts 128 and adjacent to the first longitudinal portion 118 are stress cuts 129 that extend 35 through the tape substrate 112 along the inte -'iAte longitudinal portion 126. The stress cuts 129 are oriented substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal edges 120 and 124.
The V-shaped cuts 128 and the stress cuts 129 define a splice tape separation line of the longitudinally exten~ing weAk~n~d section 125. The stress cuts 129 relieve stress in the tape substrate 112 be~ween the plurality of V-shaped cuts 128, and thereby aid in defining the tape separation line 8c that tape separation occurs substantially along the V-shaped cuts 128. Located at an apex of each of the V-shaped cuts 128 are tape substrate portions 130. The WO9~ 59~5 2~7û63 PCTtUS94tO8509 tape substrate portions 130 p.avant premature separation at the V-shaped cuts 128 along the inte -';Ate longitudinal portion 126.
Preferably, the we~ ne~l section 125 of the inte -'iAte longitu~linAl portion 126 i8 defined by the V-shaped cuts 128 and 5 the stress cuts 129 which extend all the way through the tape substrate 112. T'~~ r, the w--l~n~ d gection 125 may be defined by a plurality of score lines or other means on the inte -'iAte portion 126 of the tape substrate 112 to induce tape separation along a desired separation line.
0 As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8~ the first longitu~linAl portion 118 of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 112 has a first pressure sensitive adhesive layer 134. The second longit~ inAl portion 122 of the first side 114 of the tape substrate 112 has a second pressure sensitive adhesive layer 136, while the int~- -'iAte long$t~lAinAl portion 126 of the f$rst side 114 of the tape substrate 112 is free of adhesive (in the manner previously described with .Lg~æ~L to int~e -~iAte portion 26).
As seen in FIG. 6, the second side 116 of the tape substrate 112 has a third pressure Elensitive adhesive layer 138 that is spaced from the first longitudinal edge 120 by an end margin 139.
The third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 138 extends be ~.Je~~
the end margin 139 and the V-shaped cutg 128. Both the end margin 139 and a .~ -ining portion 140 of the second side 116 of the tape substrate 112 that extends between the third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 138 and the ~econd longitu~iinAl edge 124 are free of adhesive (in the -- ~ previously degcribed w$th Lg~e-iL to inte ~diAte portion 26). The Elecond gide 116 of the tape substrate 112 i8 cova.ad by a removably affixed release liner 142.
The liner 142 allows the splice tape 110 to be wound upon a roll 30 since the liner 142 pr-:venLs adjacent layers of the tape substrate 112 from ~e-_ i ng p~e~ -n~ntly adhesively secured to one another.
The end margin 139 permits the liner 142 to be readily .e vad when the flying splice adhesive tape 110 is to be applied by hand or a -nllAlly operable tape di~penser. In addition, removal of the liner 142 from the first longituAinAl edge 120 at the end margin 139 reduces the amount of stress placed on the V-shaped and stress cuts 128 and 129 eliminating accidental separation of the splice tape 110 along the v-shaped and stress cuts 128 and 129 during -nllAl removal of the liner 142.
As with the first ~ ~o'i ~ of the flying splice adhesive tape 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3, the flying splice adhesive tape 110 may optior~Ally include a visual guide line (located i -'iAtely adjacent the first adhesive layer 134) that performs the same function as the visual guide line 41 of the tape 10, or a visual W O9S~5~ ~ PCTrUS94/08509 guide region (extenAi ng from the firgt longitudinal edge 120 to an area located i -'iAtely adjacent the fir~t adhesive layer 134 on the first side 114 of the tape substrate 112) that performs the same function as the visual guide region 43 of the tape 10.
The tape substrate 12, 112 of the flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 is preferably formed of a suitable three inch wide fifty pound paper stock which is preferably rotary die cut with the cuts 28, 128, 29, 129. Alternatively, the cuts 28, 128, 29, 129 can be formed using laser cutting. The first 34, 134, second 0 36, 136 and third 38, 138 adhesive layers are then applied to the tape substrate 12, 112 such that the int~ -'iate portion 26, 126, end margin 39, 139 and .. ~ining portion 40, 140 lack any adhesive layer. The first 34, 134, second 36, 136 and third 38, 138 adhesive layers are preferably comprised of repulpable 3M 906 double sided tape available from Mi nn480ta Mining and Manufacturing Co. of St. Paul Minn~sota. Alternatively, the first 34, 134, second 36, 136 and third 38, 138 adhesive layers may be comprised of a non-repulpable 3M 465 double sided tape available from Mi nn~80ta Mining and Manufacturing Co. of St. Paul Mi nn~80ta 20 or the selective ApplicAtion of adhesive transfer tape. The release liner 42, 142 is preferably comprised of a repulpable, silicone coated liner. It is to be understood that the adhesive layers may be applied directly to the tape substrate 12, 112 via a suitable pattern coating p.ocedure with the int- -'iate portion 25 26, 126, end margin 39, 139 and .~ -ining portion 40, 140 left free of any adhesive; or the adhesive layers may be applied to all of the first and second sides 14, 114, 16, 116 of the tape substrate 12, 112 with the adhesive free areas 39, 139, 40, 140, 26, 126 formed by applying a suitable deAdeni ng substrate over the adhesive in these areas or the selective -~ki ng of the adhesive layer by a spray material.
As seen in FIG. 9, the splice tape 10 (it is to be u..de.~ood that the following description also applies to the splice tape 110) is used to hold down a 1eA~;ng edge portion 44 of an outer layer 46 of a following roll of web material 48 to a portion 50 that is i ~~iately adjacent the leading edge portion 44 and forms a next underlying layer 52 of the following roll of web material 48. The first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 is adapted to be adhered to the following roll of web material 48, 40 with the first longitu~inAl portion 18 adhered to the leading edge portion 44, via the first adhesive layer 34; and the second longitu~inAl portion 22 adhered, via the second adhesive layer 36, to the portion 50 of the following roll of web material 48 that is _I;Ately adjacent the leading edge portion 44. The W 095/O~g~5 2 ~ C 7 ~ ~ 3 PCTrUS~11C^5~9 longitu~;nAlly exten~ing weA~n~ section 25 of the inte -'iAte longitu~;nAI portion 26 as defined by the stress cuts 29 is aligned over and substantially parallel to the leading edge portion 44 of the outer layer 46 when the tape substrate 12 is secured to the following roll of web material 48. In this orientation of the tape substrate 12, at least a portion of the third adhesive layer 38 extends beyond the leading edge portion 44.
As seen in FIGS. 9-11, the splice tape 10 also facilitates 0 the splicing of the leAA;ng edge portion 44 of the following roll of web material 48 to a portion 54 of a leading roll of web material 56 which is being advanced. To splice the following roll of web material 48 to the leading roll of web material 56, first, the leading edge portion 44 is formed by cutting in a known manner. The leading edge portion 44 is cut 80 as to be substantially parallel to a longitu~inAl axis 58 of the following roll of web material 48 (i.e., the le~a~ing edge portion 44 is cut 80 as to be substantially ~a,~ ;cular to the roll off direction of the web material). Next, the splice tape 10 is applied to the following roll of web material 48 such that the splice tape 10 holds the le~Ai ng edge portion 44 down on the portion 50 that is ; - ;Ately adjacent the leA~ing edge portion 44 and forms a next underlying layer 52 of the following roll of web material 48. The tape substrate 12 or the adhesive layers 34, 36, 38 can be colored to visually contrast with the following roll of web material 48.
The following roll of web material 48 is then rotated (in a known manner) counter-clockwise, as viewed in FIGS. 9-11 and .e~,asenLed by arrow 200, about its longitu~inAl axis 58 up to the speed of rotation (i.e., clockwise as viewed in FIGS. 9-11 and Lep ese~te~ by arrow 202) of the lea~;ng roll of web material 56.
Next, the following roll of web material 48 is moved into contact (as ,e~,esenLed by arrow 204 in FIG. 9) with leading roll of web material 56 such that the third adhesive layer 38 adheres to the portion 54 of the leA~;ng roll of web material 56 (see FIG. 10).
As seen in FIG. 11, adhesion of the third adhesive layer 38 to the portion 54 causes separation of the splice tape 50 along the longitud;nAlly ext~n~;ng ~J~ n~ section 25 defined by the cuts 28 and 29 and splicing of the following roll of web material 48 to the portion 54 of the leA~ing roll of web material 56. The first, second and third adhesive layers 34, 36 and 38 exhibit an adhesion force in excess of a holding force exhibited at the we-~en~
section 25 of the tape substrate 12 such that tape separation occurs at the we-~n~ section 25.
W 095/~53A~ ~6~ ~ PCTrUS94/08509 The stress cuts 29 (129 in the case of tape 110) direct the tape separation (i.e., tearing) away from the third adhesive layer 38 (138 in the case of tape 110) eli inAting the possibility of any e~posed areas of adhesive on the tape substrate 12 (112 in the case of tape 110) that could come into adverse contact with printing equi - ~. The stress cuts 129 in the case of tape 110 only, also direct the tape separation (i.e., tearing) away from the first adhesive layer 134 further eliminating the possibility of any e~osed areas of adhesive on the tape substrate 112 that 0 could come into adverse contact with printing e~ L. The extension of the third adhesive layer 38 beyond the leA~i ng edge portion 44, facilitates adhesion of the third adhesive layer 38 to the portion 54 and thereby separation of the splice tape 10 at the cuts 28 and 29. The leA~ing roll of web material 56 is then cut via a cutting --~Ani 60.
This flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 can be processed through all the e~ t on a printing line including sheeters and stackers. In addition, since the second and third adhesive layers are ; - iAtely adjacent to the plurality of cuts, the amount of unRecured splice tape tail i8 ; ni i zed which lee~n~
the l~ ih~od that the splice tape tails could jam in printing and fi n i ~h i ng line equi~ - ~ (such as sheeters and stackers) or catch in printing e~ affecting tracking of the web material, causing web material wrinkles, web breaks or tear offs 25 that could affect final print quality. nGrevveL~ this flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 is applicAhle to a lea~ing edge of web material, that is parallel to a longituAinAl axis of the roll upon which the web material is contained, which reduces printing drum wear as the le~A.~i ng edge passes over the printing drum since leA~i ng edge forces are directed pe ~endicular to a printing drum generatrix which is parallel to a longitu~inAl axis of the drum.
The nonangled leading edge also i n i i 7e~ the amount of expiring web material free tail that could catch on and jam printing line eg~ t when compared to splice tape requiring an angled leading edge. In addition, since the third adhesive layer extends past the first adhesive layer, the splice tape 10, 110 p -~sents a stepwise increase in splice tape thickness to the printing drums, which further reduces printing drum stresses that would otherwise exist if the first and third adhesive layers had the ~ame starting point and presented an abrupt change in splice tape thickness to the printing drum.
Using this splice tape 10, 110 with a following roll of web material having a leading edge portion that is parallel to the longitu~inAI axis of the roll allows tension to be applied ~ W O 95/~S9&9 ~ I ~ 7 ~ ~ ~ PCTAUS94/08509 uniformly across the web material when the "new-to-old" splice is made and as the splice travels through the printing, cutting and assembling -chin~ry. Uniform web material tension reduces tension upsets thereby resulting in a straight tracking web material which reduces accidental web material breakage. In addition, since the tape 10, 110 is useable with a following roll of web material having a leading edge portion that is parallel to the longit~l~;
axis of the roll, less tape 10, 110 has to be applied to the lea~i ng edge, thereby reducing waste. Moreover, applying the tape 10, 110 to the leA~ing edge portion of the roll of web material that is parallel to the roll axis is easier for both -n~Al and automatic application when compared to applying a splice tape to an angled lea~i ng edge. The flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 can be applied to the following roll of web material by hand, by a -n~Ally operable tape dispenser or by an automatic tape application apparatus such as described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 08/112,891 entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD
FOR APPLYING ADHESIVE TAPE filed on 27 August 1993 and incG,~olated herein by reference thereto. When compared to the current system of manual application employing a plurality of paster tabs, paster tapes and splice flags, this splice tape 10, 110 can be accurately and consistently Applie~ to a leading edge from one roll of web material to the next.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred . ~ t8, workers skilled in the art will recognize that chAnges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be under~Lood that the flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 can be used with a leading edge portion of a following roll of web 30 material that is cut at an angle of less than ninety degrees as measured between the leA~ing edge and the roll off direction of the web material. In addition, it is to be unde ~Lood that the third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 38, 138 of the flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 may include adhesive free areas (i.e., areas of adhesive 38, 138 that are either de~Aden~ by the application of strips of material over the adhesive or to which no adhesive has been applied) 80 that the tape 10, 110 is useable with -~hin~ry employing a belt drive for the web material rolls such as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,905,924 to Moore.
BACKGROUND OF THE l~V~h~lON
The present invention relates generally to web splicing. In particular, the ~Lasent invention is a flying splice, pressure sensitive, adhesive tape that is used to splice a leading edge of a new roll of web material to a trailing edge of an expiring roll of web material.
In the newspaper and magazine publishing industry, the lengths of web material ~i.e., paper), from which individual newspapers or magazines are printed, are contained on rolls (i.e., elongate '- a). Typically, the length of web material of a roll is continuous from its trailing edge at the core of the roll to its leading edge at the periphery of the roll. The length of web material from an individual roll is fed into a printing apparatus where print and/or pictures are applied to the web materiàl in a continuous, automated process. Next, the length of web material is cut into sheets of desired size and then these sheets are assembled into lndividual n~w~pa~s or ~~7in98. The cutting of the sheets and the assembling of the sheets into their final print medium format is once again, a continuous, automated proces~.
Typically, durlng the continuous process of printing, cutting and assembling of the print -~i , the length of web material travels at speeds of bet~_~r 2000 and 3000 feet per minute. Hence, large - ` _I 8 of individual ncwspa~ers or magazines can be produced in a relatively short period of time.
A disadvantage in the use of the rolls of web material occurs when splicing a leading edge of a "new" roll of web material to the trailing edge of an ~old" roll of web material currently traveling through the continuous printing, cutting and assembllng process. This type of new-to-old roll connection is referred to as a "flying splice", and is a splice made between an expiring roll of web material and a new roll of web material in a continuous manner without reducing either the equipment speed or the speed of the web. Typically, to splice the leading edge of the new roll to the trailing edge of the old roll, one or more pieces of adhesive tape are manually applied to the leading edge of the 40 new roll of web material. Pressure sensitive adhesive on a bottom surface of the tape secures the tape to the leading edge. With the tape secured to the leading edge of the new roll, the leading edge of the new roll 1B brought into contact wlth the old roll, where pressure sensitive adhesive on the top surface of the tape secures W O9SN5989 PCT~US94/08509 ~7083-the leading edge of the new roll of web material to the trailing edge of the old roll of web material. During this splicing process, the old roll is traveling at a speed of between 2000 and 3000 feet per minute and acts to continuously and automatically thread the web material of the new roll into the apparatus performing the printing, cutting and assembling process.
C~na~;~n Patent Application 2,025,473 to Josef et al. disclo~es one such adhesive splice tape u~ed to splice an angled leading edge of a new roll of web material to an expiring roll of web 0 material. The splice tape is divided into three zones. A first outer zone of the splice tape has both an upper adhesive layer and a lower adhesive layer. A central zone of the splice tape has neither an upper or lower layer of adhesive, but is formed with a longitudinal perforation. A second outer zone of the splice tape has only a lower adhe~ive layer.
The lower adhesive layer of the first outer zone secures the splice tape to a lea~ing edge of a new roll of web material. The lea~ i ng edge of the renewal web material is cut at an angle of less than ninety dey.aes as measured between the roll off direction of the web material and the leading edge. The lower adhesive layer of the second outer zone secures the splice tape to that portion of the web material that is i -'iately adjacent the angled lea~; ng edge and forms the next underlying layer of web material. With the lower adhesive layers secured to the web material, the longituA i n~ 1 perforation of the central zone of the splice tape is align~d with the angled leading edge. The upper adhesive layer of the first outer zone helps to secure the angled leading edge of the renewal roll to the expiring roll to initiate the roll changing ~ ocedure. The longitu~;nAl perforation permits separation of the splice tape along the angled le~ing edge of the web material to complete the roll changing procedure.
This splice tape and method of preparing a new (i.e., repla~ --t) roll of web material has some disadvantages. The splice tape is applied to a leading edge (of a new roll of web material) that is cut at an angle of less than ninety degrees as measured beL~een the roll off direction of the web material and the leading edge. The splice tape is applied in this manner ~o that the perforations tear gradually starting at a forward end ~as dete in~d by the direction of travel of the web) of the angled lea~ing edge and traveling along the leading edge until separation of the splice tape is complete at the rearward end (as dete, in~d by the direction of travel of the web) of the angled leading edge.
~nwe~" since the web material leading edge is angled, forces applied to printing drums of printing equi --L by the web W O9~/~5589 ~ 1 5 7 0 ~ ~ PCTAUS94/08509 material as the angled leading edge passes over a printing drum are not directed ~e.~endicular to a generatrix of the drum that is parallel to a longituAinAl axis of the drum. The forces effected on the drum by the angled 1eA~ ing of the web material as it passes 5 over the drum, would be directed generally perpendicular to the angled leading edge. These angled forces (i.e., forces that are not applied to the drum ~e.~æn~ic~llar to a drum generatrix that is parallel to the longitu~inAl axis of the drum) cause the drum to cant or tilt inducing surface stresses on the printing plate 0 (i.e., blanket) of the drum. These in~Uce~ surface stresses, in turn, decrease the operational life of the printing plate of the drum when compared to a web material whose le~Aing edge is parallel to a longitu~inAl axis of the roll on which the web material is contained. The forces effected by this nonangled 15 leading edge of web material are applied to the printing drum generally pe.~andicular to a drum yane a~rix that is parallel to the longituA;nAl axis of the drum. Thus, the stresses on the surface (i.e., printing plate) of the drum (caused by these leA~;ng edge forces) are directed only circumferentially about the 20 drum, hence, p~ -L ~e wear due to cant;ng or tilting of the printing drum (caused by an angled leA~ing edge) are eliminated.
There are further disadvantages to the splice tape and method of preparing a new roll of web material as disclosed by the CAnA~iAn Patent Application. The upper adhesive layer of the first 25 outer zone and the lower adhesive layer of the second outer are spaced from the longituAinAl perforation by central zone regions that have neither an upper or lower layer of adhesive. These central zone regions create splice tape flaps or tails that are not secured to the web material. These unsecured splice tape tails 30 may catch on printing line equi --t (especially printing, sheeting and stAcking equipment) causing the web material to tear or jam, consequently halting printing line production.
In addition, the angled leA~ing edge of the new roll of web material results in an expiring roll whose spliced, free tail web 35 material length is greater than the spliced free tail web material length of a new roll of web material implementing a nonangled leA~ing edge (i.e., a lea~ing edge the is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the new roll of web material). Typically, once the new roll web material has been joined to the web material 40 of the expiring roll and splice tape separation has occurred, the web material of the expiring roll is cutoff to a in; -1, predete ;n~d length ; -~iAtely past the splice tape creating a free tail of expiring web material that is not secured to the new roll web material. This unsecured web material free tail may catch W 0951'~3~5 ~ ~ 6 ~ ~ 6 3 PCT~US94/08509 on printing line equi - L (especially printing, sheeting and ~tAC~i ng equipment) cau~ing the web material of the new roll to tear or jam, co~sequGntly halting printing line production. An angled leading edge creates a free tail that includes a triangular shaped region of expiring web material defined beLwe-- the forward and rearward ends of the ~plice tape, and a rectangular shaped region of expiring web material defined beLwe ?- the rearward end of the splice tape and the expiring web material cutoff. The use of a new roll of web material with a nonangled leading edge creates a free tail that only includes a rectangular shaped region of expiring web material defined be~ween the rear edge of the splice tape and the expiring web material cutoff. Hence, the nonangled leading edge would i n i ; ze the amount of expiring web material free tail that may catch on printing line e~i ~ L.
There i8 a continu;ng need for flying ~plice adhesive tape that can be proce~ed through all the equi - t on a printing line including sheeters and stackers. Specifically there is a need for flying splice adhesive tape that eliminates any unsecured splice tape region~ which could catch on printing, gheeting and gtAr~i ng equi - L causing tearing of the web material. ~G~-O~e ~ there is a need for flying splice adhesive tape that is applicable to a leading edge of web material, that iB parallel to a longitu~;
axis of the roll upon which the web material is contained, to reduce printing drum wear, and ; n; ; ~G the amount of expiring web 25 material free tail that could catch on and jam printing line equi --t. In addition, the flying splice adhesive tape should be capable of being applied to the renewal roll of web material quickly by hand, by a -nll~lly operable tape di~penser or by an automatic tape applicAtion apparatus.
DISCLOSURE OF THE l~vh~.lON
The pre~ent invention is a flying splice tape for holding down a 1~A~; ng edge portion of an outer layer of a following roll 35 of web material and for facilitating the splicing of the leading edge portion to a portion of a leading roll of web material which is being advanced. The splice tape includes a tape substrate having a first side and a second side. The tape ~ubstrate has, on its fir~t ~ide, a first portion adjacent a first edge of the tape substrate, a second portion adjacent a second edge of the tape ~ubstrate and an int?- -';Ate portion the-abeLween. A W6= ~on~d section is preferably defined by a plurality of spaced cuts in the tape substrate along the int? -';Ate portion of the tape substrate. The first portion of the first side of the tape `- wogs,~ g 21~7~6~ PCTrUS94/08509 substrate has a first adhesive layer that is spaced from the cuts and extends towards the first edge of the tape substrate. The second portion of the first side of the tape substrate has a second adhesive layer that is adjacent to the cuts and extends 5 towards the second edge of the substrate, while the inte -'iAte longituA;nA1 portion of the first side of the tape substrate is free of adhesive. The second side of the tape substrate has a third adhesive layer that extends from the cuts towards the first edge of the substrate. A ~ -;ning portion of the second side of 0 the tape substrate is free of adhesive.
The first side of the tape substrate is a~-pted to be adhered to the following roll of web material, with the first longitudinal portion adhered to the lea~; ng edge portion of the outer layer via the first adhesive layer, and the second 15 longituA;nAl portion adhered, via the second adhesive layer, to a portion of the roll of web material that is i -~;Ately adjacent the leading edge portion and forms the next underlying layer of the following roll of web material. The longitu~inAlly exten~ing w~ n~d section of the int~ -diAte longituA;nAl portion is aligned with and adjacent to the 1~A~; ng edge portion of the outer layer of the following roll when the tape substrate is secured to the following roll of web material. The third adhesive layer is adapted to adhere to the portion of the leading roll of web material, to cause separation of the splice tape along the 25 longitudinAlly ext~n~;ng W~ n~d section and splicing of the following roll of web material to the portion of the leading roll of web material.
The plurality of cuts define a separation line of the longitudinally exten~; ng w -~9n~ section. This separation line in 30 one o'; - ~ is substantially parallel to the lea~;ng edge portion and a longituAinAl axis of the following roll of web material. A portion of the third adhesive layer on the second side of the substrate extends past the leading edge portion to facilitate a adhesion of the third adhesive layer to the portion 35 of the le~; ng roll of web material and thereby separation of the splice tape at the separation line.
This flying splice adhesive tape can be processed through all the equipment on a printing line including sheeters and stackers. In addition, since the second and third adhesive layers are ; -';Ately adjacent to the plurality of cuts, the amount of ~ecl~red splice tape tail is i n i i ~ed which lessens the ~ likelihood that the splice tape tails could jam in printing and f;nishing line equipment ~such as sheeters and stackers) or catch in printing equi ~~~ affecting tracking of the web material, W O9S~53~5 ~167~3 PCTrUS94/08509 causing web material wrinkles, web break~ or tear offs that could affect final print quality. ~oreove" this flying splice adhesive tape is applicable to a leading edge of web material, that i8 parallel to a longitudinal axis of the roll upon which the web 5 material is contained, which reduces printing drum wear as the leading edge pa~ses over the printing drum since leading edge forces are directed peL~ændicular to a printing drum yellera~rix which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drum. The nonangled le~; ng edge alBo ; n; ; ~eE the amount of expiring web 0 material free tail that could catch on and jam printing line equipment when compared to splice tape requiring an angled leading edge. In addition, since the third adhesive layer extends past the first adhesive layer, the splice tape p esents a stepwise increase in splice tape thjckn~ss to the printing drums, which further reduces printing drum stresse~ that would otherwise exist if the first and third adhesive layers had the same starting point and p esenLed an abrupt change in splice tape thickness to the printing drum.
Using this splice tape with a following roll of web material 20 having a le~;ng edge portion that is parallel to the longitu~;n~l axis of the roll allows tension to be applied uniformly across the web material when the "new-to-old" splice is made and as the splice travels through the printing, cutting and assembling -rh; n~ry. Uniform web material tension reduces tension upsets 25 thereby resulting in a straight tracking web material which reduces acci~ent~l web material breakage. In addition, since the tape is useable with a following roll of web material having a leading edge portion that is parallel to the longitu~;nAl axis of the roll, less tape has to be ~ppljrd to the le~;ng edge, thereby 30 reducing waste. ~OLeV~L ~ applying the tape to the leading edge portion of the roll of web material that is parallel to the roll axis is easier for both manual and automatic application when compared to applying a splice tape to an angled le~;ng edge. The flying splice adhesive tape can be applied to the following roll 35 of web material by hand, by a -n~ ly operable tape dispenser or by an automatic tape application apparatus. When compared to the current system of manual application employing a plurality of paster tabs, paster tapes and splice flags, this splice tape can be accurately and consistently applied to a leading edge from one 40 roll of web material to the next.
.
W O 95t05989 21 6 7 ~ ~ ~ PCTrUS94/08509 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention iB further described with reference to the acc- ,~nying drawings, where like '~ 8 refer to like parts in ~everal view~.
FIG. 1 is a per~e~Live view of an upper ~urface of a flying splice adhesive tape in accordance with the p.L~ent invention with a release liner shown being peeled away.
FIG. 2 is a ~er~ecLive view of a lower surface of the flying ~plice adhe~ive tape shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 i8 a ~ectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an elevational view of an upper ~urface of a further : `-'; t of the flying splice adhe~ive tape shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of an upper ~urface of a still further ~ '_'i t of the flying splice adhesive tape shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a ~e~e~Live view of an upper surface of an alternative : '-'; - L of a flying splice adhesive tape in accordance with the ~.al3ent invention with a release liner shown being peeled away.
FIG. 7 is a ~e.~cLive view of a lower surface of the alternative flying splice adhesive tape shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a side eleva~innAl view partially in section illustrating the flying splice adhe~ive tape of FIGS. 1 and 2 applied to a renewal roll of web material with the renewal roll positioned adjacent to an expiring roll of web material.
FIG. 10 is a ~ide elevational view partially in section similar to FIG. 9 illustrating the initiation of a roll changing procedure.
FIG. 11 ic a ~ide elevational view partially in section similar to FIG. 9 illustrating the ~ucce~sful completion of the roll changing p.ocedure.
These drawing figures are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale, nor should they be con~trued to limit the intended scope and purpose of the pre~ent invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A flying splice adhesive tape 10 in accordance with the ~ p --senL invention is illustrated generally in FIGS. 1-3. The splice tape 10 includes a tape substrate 12 having a first side 14 (see FIG. 2) and a second side 16 (see FIG. 1).
W0 95/~53~5 $~ O ~ 3 PCTIUS94/08509 As seen in FIG. 2, the tape substrate 12 has, on it~ first side 14, a first lonqitudinal portion 18 adjacent a first longituAinAl edge 20~ a second longituAinAl portion 22 adjacent a second longituAinAl edge 24 and an inte ~'iAte longituAi S portion 26 th-~ e}set ~--. A longitudinally extenAing w~-lrc~nDcl section 25 extends along the inte -~;ate longitudinal portion 26 of the tape substrate 12. The we ~ n~d section 25 is defined by a plurality of spaced linear cuts 28 through the tape substrate 12 along the inte~ ?d~Ate longituAinA~ portion 26. The linear cuts 28 0 are oriented substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal edges 20 and 24 and are located closely adjacent the second longitudinal portion 22. Located bet ~e~ adjacent linear cuts 28 are stress cuts 29 that extend through the tape substrate 12 along the int~ -';Ate longitudinAl portion 26. The stress cuts 15 29 further define the we~l~qned section 25 of the ~plice tape 10.
The stress cuts 29 are oriented ~ubstantially parallel to the linear cuts 28 and are offset therefrom 80 as to be located closer to the second longituA;nAl portion 22 than the linear cuts 28. The linear cuts 28 and the stress cuts 29 define a splice tape 20 separation line of the longituclinally extonAing t ~ n~-A section 25. The stress cuts 29 relieve gtress in the tape substrate 12 be~ Je-- the plurality of linear cuts 28~ and thereby aid in defining the tape separation line 80 that tape separation occurs substantially along the linear cuts 28. Preferably, the weAlr~n~cl 25 section 25 of the int~ -';Ate longituA;nAl portion 26 i~ defined by the linear cuts 28 and the stress cuts 29 which extend all the way through the tape substrate 12. However, the we~ n~cl section 25 may be defined by a plurality of score lineE~ or other means on the int~ ~'iAte portion 26 of the tape substrate 12 to induce 30 tape separation along a desired separation line.
As seen in PIGS. 2 and 3 ~ the first longitudinal portion 18 of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 has a first pressure sensitive adhesive layer 34. The second longitudinal portion 22 of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 has a second pressure 35 sensitive adhesive layer 36~ while the int~ ;Ate longitu~l;nAl portion 26 of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 is free of adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive free int~ -';Ate portion 26 is formed by the selective application of the first and ~econd adhesive layers 34 and 36 to only the first and ~econd portions 18 40 and 22, respectively, of the tape substrate 12. Hence, the ;nt~ -';Ate portion 26 of the tape substrate 12 lacks any adhesive layer and is therefore "free of adhesive". Alternatively, an adhesive layer may be applied to all of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 with the adhesive free int~ -'iAte portion W O95/05989 2 ~ 6 7 ~ 6 ~ PcTrus~/06~g 26 formed by applying a suitable A~Adenin~ substrate over the adhesive layer in the desired location of intermediate portion 26;
or by selectively -~king the adhesive layer, in the desired location of int~ Ate portion 26, using a spray material.
As seen in FIG. 1, the second side 16 of the tape substrate 12 has a third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 38 that is spaced from the first longituAinAl edge 20 by an end margin 39. The third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 38 extends beL-/e~ the end margin 39 and the linear cuts 28. Both the end margin 39 and a 0 ~ -;ning portion 40 of the second side 16 of the tape substrate 12 that extends beL.e-- the linear cuts 28 and the second longituAinAl edge 24 are free of adhesive (in the manner previously described with .aspe~L to int- -~iAte portion 26). As seen best in FIGS. 1 and 2, the third adhesive layer 38 and the second adhesive layer 36 are directly adjacent the linear and stress cuts 28 and 29 to ini i 7e the area of non adhesive coating. The second side 16 of the tape substrate 12 is c~veLed by a removably affixed release liner 42. The liner 42 allows the splice tape 10 to be wound upon a roll since the liner 42 p events adjacent layers of the tape substrate 12 from bec~ ;n7 pe -n~ntly adhesively se~u~ed to one another. The end margin 39 permits the liner 42 to be readily L~ .ed when the flying splice adhesive tape 10 is to be Appl~eA by hand or a manually operable tape dispenser. In addition, removal of the liner 42 from the first longituAinAl edge 20 at the end margin 39 reduces the amount of stress placed on the linear and stress cuts 28 and 29 el; ;nAting accidental separation of the splice tape 10 along the linear and stress cuts 28 and 29 during manual removal of the liner 42.
As seen in FIG. 4, the flying splice adhesive tape 10 may 30 optionally include a visual guide line 41 printed on the second side 16 of the tape substrate 12 80 as to be located ; ~ Ately adjacent first adhesive layer 34 on the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12. The visual guide line 41 is viewable through the release liner 42 when the release liner 42 is secured to the tape 35 10. The visual guide line 41 acts as a guide for the accurate positioning of the flying splice adhesive tape 10 on a le~A,A; n~
edge of a following roll of web material when the tape 10 is to be applied by hand or a manually operable tape dispenser. The tape 10 should be secured to the leading edge of a following roll of web 40 material with the visual guide line 41 located above and AljgneA
with the leA~; ng edge.
- As seen in FIG. 5, the flying splice adhesive tape 10 may optionally include a visual guide region 43 printed on the second side 16 of the tape substrate 12 beneath the third pressure _9_ wo gs,os3ag ~ 7 o ~ 3 PCTIUS94/08509 sensitive adhesive layer 38 and at the end margin 39. The visual guide region 43 extends from the first longitudinal edge 20 to an area located; ~ tely adjacent the first adhesive layer 34 on the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12. The visual guide 5 region 43 acts as a guide for the accurate positioning of the flying splLce adhesive tape 10 on a leading edge of a following roll of web material when the tape 10 is to be applied by hand or a manually operable tape dispenser. The tape 10 should be secured to the leading edge of a following roll of web material with a 0 guide edge 45 of the visual guide region 43 located above and aligned with the leA~ling edge. The visual guide region 43 al80 provides a built-in optical flag 80 that photoelectric device~
within the automatic splicing ~chin~ry can identify the leading edge of the renewal roll for speed match and expiring roll, web 15 material, free tail length control. The visual guide region 43 can either be of a reflective or AhsorbAtive nature, but is preferably solid matt black with a ini of 180 densitometer and i8 repulpable.
A further . ~ t of flying splice adhesive tape 110 in 20 accordance with the present invention is illustrated generally in FIGS. 6-8. The splice tape 110 includes a tape substrate 112 having a first side 114 (Elee FIG. 7) and a second side 116 (see FIG. 6).
As seen in FIG. 7, the tape substrate 112 has, on its first 25 side 114~ a first longit~lAinAl portion 118 adjacent one longitu~linA~ edge 120, a second longitudinal portion 122 adjacent a second longitu~inAl edge 124 and an inte~ ~~iAte longitu~i portion 126 th--~ebeLween. A longitudinally exten~ling weAl~n~l section 125 extends along the inte~ - liAte longitudinal portion 126 of the tape substrate 112. The weAlr~ned section 125 is defined by a plurality of spaced V-shaped cuts 128 through the tape substrate 112 along the intq -d;Ate longitu~linAl portion 126.
Located between adjacent V-shaped cuts 128 and adjacent to the first longitudinal portion 118 are stress cuts 129 that extend 35 through the tape substrate 112 along the inte -'iAte longitudinal portion 126. The stress cuts 129 are oriented substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal edges 120 and 124.
The V-shaped cuts 128 and the stress cuts 129 define a splice tape separation line of the longitudinally exten~ing weAk~n~d section 125. The stress cuts 129 relieve stress in the tape substrate 112 be~ween the plurality of V-shaped cuts 128, and thereby aid in defining the tape separation line 8c that tape separation occurs substantially along the V-shaped cuts 128. Located at an apex of each of the V-shaped cuts 128 are tape substrate portions 130. The WO9~ 59~5 2~7û63 PCTtUS94tO8509 tape substrate portions 130 p.avant premature separation at the V-shaped cuts 128 along the inte -';Ate longitudinal portion 126.
Preferably, the we~ ne~l section 125 of the inte -'iAte longitu~linAl portion 126 i8 defined by the V-shaped cuts 128 and 5 the stress cuts 129 which extend all the way through the tape substrate 112. T'~~ r, the w--l~n~ d gection 125 may be defined by a plurality of score lines or other means on the inte -'iAte portion 126 of the tape substrate 112 to induce tape separation along a desired separation line.
0 As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8~ the first longitu~linAl portion 118 of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 112 has a first pressure sensitive adhesive layer 134. The second longit~ inAl portion 122 of the first side 114 of the tape substrate 112 has a second pressure sensitive adhesive layer 136, while the int~- -'iAte long$t~lAinAl portion 126 of the f$rst side 114 of the tape substrate 112 is free of adhesive (in the manner previously described with .Lg~æ~L to int~e -~iAte portion 26).
As seen in FIG. 6, the second side 116 of the tape substrate 112 has a third pressure Elensitive adhesive layer 138 that is spaced from the first longitudinal edge 120 by an end margin 139.
The third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 138 extends be ~.Je~~
the end margin 139 and the V-shaped cutg 128. Both the end margin 139 and a .~ -ining portion 140 of the second side 116 of the tape substrate 112 that extends between the third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 138 and the ~econd longitu~iinAl edge 124 are free of adhesive (in the -- ~ previously degcribed w$th Lg~e-iL to inte ~diAte portion 26). The Elecond gide 116 of the tape substrate 112 i8 cova.ad by a removably affixed release liner 142.
The liner 142 allows the splice tape 110 to be wound upon a roll 30 since the liner 142 pr-:venLs adjacent layers of the tape substrate 112 from ~e-_ i ng p~e~ -n~ntly adhesively secured to one another.
The end margin 139 permits the liner 142 to be readily .e vad when the flying splice adhesive tape 110 is to be applied by hand or a -nllAlly operable tape di~penser. In addition, removal of the liner 142 from the first longituAinAl edge 120 at the end margin 139 reduces the amount of stress placed on the V-shaped and stress cuts 128 and 129 eliminating accidental separation of the splice tape 110 along the v-shaped and stress cuts 128 and 129 during -nllAl removal of the liner 142.
As with the first ~ ~o'i ~ of the flying splice adhesive tape 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3, the flying splice adhesive tape 110 may optior~Ally include a visual guide line (located i -'iAtely adjacent the first adhesive layer 134) that performs the same function as the visual guide line 41 of the tape 10, or a visual W O9S~5~ ~ PCTrUS94/08509 guide region (extenAi ng from the firgt longitudinal edge 120 to an area located i -'iAtely adjacent the fir~t adhesive layer 134 on the first side 114 of the tape substrate 112) that performs the same function as the visual guide region 43 of the tape 10.
The tape substrate 12, 112 of the flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 is preferably formed of a suitable three inch wide fifty pound paper stock which is preferably rotary die cut with the cuts 28, 128, 29, 129. Alternatively, the cuts 28, 128, 29, 129 can be formed using laser cutting. The first 34, 134, second 0 36, 136 and third 38, 138 adhesive layers are then applied to the tape substrate 12, 112 such that the int~ -'iate portion 26, 126, end margin 39, 139 and .. ~ining portion 40, 140 lack any adhesive layer. The first 34, 134, second 36, 136 and third 38, 138 adhesive layers are preferably comprised of repulpable 3M 906 double sided tape available from Mi nn480ta Mining and Manufacturing Co. of St. Paul Minn~sota. Alternatively, the first 34, 134, second 36, 136 and third 38, 138 adhesive layers may be comprised of a non-repulpable 3M 465 double sided tape available from Mi nn~80ta Mining and Manufacturing Co. of St. Paul Mi nn~80ta 20 or the selective ApplicAtion of adhesive transfer tape. The release liner 42, 142 is preferably comprised of a repulpable, silicone coated liner. It is to be understood that the adhesive layers may be applied directly to the tape substrate 12, 112 via a suitable pattern coating p.ocedure with the int- -'iate portion 25 26, 126, end margin 39, 139 and .~ -ining portion 40, 140 left free of any adhesive; or the adhesive layers may be applied to all of the first and second sides 14, 114, 16, 116 of the tape substrate 12, 112 with the adhesive free areas 39, 139, 40, 140, 26, 126 formed by applying a suitable deAdeni ng substrate over the adhesive in these areas or the selective -~ki ng of the adhesive layer by a spray material.
As seen in FIG. 9, the splice tape 10 (it is to be u..de.~ood that the following description also applies to the splice tape 110) is used to hold down a 1eA~;ng edge portion 44 of an outer layer 46 of a following roll of web material 48 to a portion 50 that is i ~~iately adjacent the leading edge portion 44 and forms a next underlying layer 52 of the following roll of web material 48. The first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 is adapted to be adhered to the following roll of web material 48, 40 with the first longitu~inAl portion 18 adhered to the leading edge portion 44, via the first adhesive layer 34; and the second longitu~inAl portion 22 adhered, via the second adhesive layer 36, to the portion 50 of the following roll of web material 48 that is _I;Ately adjacent the leading edge portion 44. The W 095/O~g~5 2 ~ C 7 ~ ~ 3 PCTrUS~11C^5~9 longitu~;nAlly exten~ing weA~n~ section 25 of the inte -'iAte longitu~;nAI portion 26 as defined by the stress cuts 29 is aligned over and substantially parallel to the leading edge portion 44 of the outer layer 46 when the tape substrate 12 is secured to the following roll of web material 48. In this orientation of the tape substrate 12, at least a portion of the third adhesive layer 38 extends beyond the leading edge portion 44.
As seen in FIGS. 9-11, the splice tape 10 also facilitates 0 the splicing of the leAA;ng edge portion 44 of the following roll of web material 48 to a portion 54 of a leading roll of web material 56 which is being advanced. To splice the following roll of web material 48 to the leading roll of web material 56, first, the leading edge portion 44 is formed by cutting in a known manner. The leading edge portion 44 is cut 80 as to be substantially parallel to a longitu~inAl axis 58 of the following roll of web material 48 (i.e., the le~a~ing edge portion 44 is cut 80 as to be substantially ~a,~ ;cular to the roll off direction of the web material). Next, the splice tape 10 is applied to the following roll of web material 48 such that the splice tape 10 holds the le~Ai ng edge portion 44 down on the portion 50 that is ; - ;Ately adjacent the leA~ing edge portion 44 and forms a next underlying layer 52 of the following roll of web material 48. The tape substrate 12 or the adhesive layers 34, 36, 38 can be colored to visually contrast with the following roll of web material 48.
The following roll of web material 48 is then rotated (in a known manner) counter-clockwise, as viewed in FIGS. 9-11 and .e~,asenLed by arrow 200, about its longitu~inAl axis 58 up to the speed of rotation (i.e., clockwise as viewed in FIGS. 9-11 and Lep ese~te~ by arrow 202) of the lea~;ng roll of web material 56.
Next, the following roll of web material 48 is moved into contact (as ,e~,esenLed by arrow 204 in FIG. 9) with leading roll of web material 56 such that the third adhesive layer 38 adheres to the portion 54 of the leA~;ng roll of web material 56 (see FIG. 10).
As seen in FIG. 11, adhesion of the third adhesive layer 38 to the portion 54 causes separation of the splice tape 50 along the longitud;nAlly ext~n~;ng ~J~ n~ section 25 defined by the cuts 28 and 29 and splicing of the following roll of web material 48 to the portion 54 of the leA~ing roll of web material 56. The first, second and third adhesive layers 34, 36 and 38 exhibit an adhesion force in excess of a holding force exhibited at the we-~en~
section 25 of the tape substrate 12 such that tape separation occurs at the we-~n~ section 25.
W 095/~53A~ ~6~ ~ PCTrUS94/08509 The stress cuts 29 (129 in the case of tape 110) direct the tape separation (i.e., tearing) away from the third adhesive layer 38 (138 in the case of tape 110) eli inAting the possibility of any e~posed areas of adhesive on the tape substrate 12 (112 in the case of tape 110) that could come into adverse contact with printing equi - ~. The stress cuts 129 in the case of tape 110 only, also direct the tape separation (i.e., tearing) away from the first adhesive layer 134 further eliminating the possibility of any e~osed areas of adhesive on the tape substrate 112 that 0 could come into adverse contact with printing e~ L. The extension of the third adhesive layer 38 beyond the leA~i ng edge portion 44, facilitates adhesion of the third adhesive layer 38 to the portion 54 and thereby separation of the splice tape 10 at the cuts 28 and 29. The leA~ing roll of web material 56 is then cut via a cutting --~Ani 60.
This flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 can be processed through all the e~ t on a printing line including sheeters and stackers. In addition, since the second and third adhesive layers are ; - iAtely adjacent to the plurality of cuts, the amount of unRecured splice tape tail i8 ; ni i zed which lee~n~
the l~ ih~od that the splice tape tails could jam in printing and fi n i ~h i ng line equi~ - ~ (such as sheeters and stackers) or catch in printing e~ affecting tracking of the web material, causing web material wrinkles, web breaks or tear offs 25 that could affect final print quality. nGrevveL~ this flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 is applicAhle to a lea~ing edge of web material, that is parallel to a longituAinAl axis of the roll upon which the web material is contained, which reduces printing drum wear as the le~A.~i ng edge passes over the printing drum since leA~i ng edge forces are directed pe ~endicular to a printing drum generatrix which is parallel to a longitu~inAl axis of the drum.
The nonangled leading edge also i n i i 7e~ the amount of expiring web material free tail that could catch on and jam printing line eg~ t when compared to splice tape requiring an angled leading edge. In addition, since the third adhesive layer extends past the first adhesive layer, the splice tape 10, 110 p -~sents a stepwise increase in splice tape thickness to the printing drums, which further reduces printing drum stresses that would otherwise exist if the first and third adhesive layers had the ~ame starting point and presented an abrupt change in splice tape thickness to the printing drum.
Using this splice tape 10, 110 with a following roll of web material having a leading edge portion that is parallel to the longitu~inAI axis of the roll allows tension to be applied ~ W O 95/~S9&9 ~ I ~ 7 ~ ~ ~ PCTAUS94/08509 uniformly across the web material when the "new-to-old" splice is made and as the splice travels through the printing, cutting and assembling -chin~ry. Uniform web material tension reduces tension upsets thereby resulting in a straight tracking web material which reduces accidental web material breakage. In addition, since the tape 10, 110 is useable with a following roll of web material having a leading edge portion that is parallel to the longit~l~;
axis of the roll, less tape 10, 110 has to be applied to the lea~i ng edge, thereby reducing waste. Moreover, applying the tape 10, 110 to the leA~ing edge portion of the roll of web material that is parallel to the roll axis is easier for both -n~Al and automatic application when compared to applying a splice tape to an angled lea~i ng edge. The flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 can be applied to the following roll of web material by hand, by a -n~Ally operable tape dispenser or by an automatic tape application apparatus such as described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 08/112,891 entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD
FOR APPLYING ADHESIVE TAPE filed on 27 August 1993 and incG,~olated herein by reference thereto. When compared to the current system of manual application employing a plurality of paster tabs, paster tapes and splice flags, this splice tape 10, 110 can be accurately and consistently Applie~ to a leading edge from one roll of web material to the next.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred . ~ t8, workers skilled in the art will recognize that chAnges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be under~Lood that the flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 can be used with a leading edge portion of a following roll of web 30 material that is cut at an angle of less than ninety degrees as measured between the leA~ing edge and the roll off direction of the web material. In addition, it is to be unde ~Lood that the third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 38, 138 of the flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 may include adhesive free areas (i.e., areas of adhesive 38, 138 that are either de~Aden~ by the application of strips of material over the adhesive or to which no adhesive has been applied) 80 that the tape 10, 110 is useable with -~hin~ry employing a belt drive for the web material rolls such as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,905,924 to Moore.
Claims (13)
1. A flying splice tape 10,110 for holding down a leading edge portion 44 of an outer layer 46 of a following roll of web material 48 and for facilitating the splicing of the leading edge portion to a portion 54 of a leading roll of web material 56 which is being advanced, the tape comprising:
a tape substrate 12,112 having a first side 14,114 and a second side 16,116, the tape substrate having, on its first side, a first portion 18,118 adjacent a first edge of the tape substrate, a second portion 22,122 adjacent a second opposite edge 24,124 of the tape substrate, and an intermediate portion 26,126 therebetween, the intermediate portion having a weakened section;
a first adhesive layer 34,134 on the first portion of the first side of the tape substrate, the first adhesive layer being spaced from the weakened section and extending towards the first edge of the tape substrate;
a second adhesive layer 36,136 on the second portion of the first side of the tape substrate, the second adhesive layer being adjacent to the weakened section and extending towards the second edge of the tape substrate, the intermediate portion of the first side of the tape substrate being free of adhesive; and a third adhesive layer 38,138 on the second side of the tape substrate, the third adhesive layer extending from the weakened section towards the first edge of the tape substrate, with a remaining portion 40,140 of the second side of the tape substrate being free of adhesive.
a tape substrate 12,112 having a first side 14,114 and a second side 16,116, the tape substrate having, on its first side, a first portion 18,118 adjacent a first edge of the tape substrate, a second portion 22,122 adjacent a second opposite edge 24,124 of the tape substrate, and an intermediate portion 26,126 therebetween, the intermediate portion having a weakened section;
a first adhesive layer 34,134 on the first portion of the first side of the tape substrate, the first adhesive layer being spaced from the weakened section and extending towards the first edge of the tape substrate;
a second adhesive layer 36,136 on the second portion of the first side of the tape substrate, the second adhesive layer being adjacent to the weakened section and extending towards the second edge of the tape substrate, the intermediate portion of the first side of the tape substrate being free of adhesive; and a third adhesive layer 38,138 on the second side of the tape substrate, the third adhesive layer extending from the weakened section towards the first edge of the tape substrate, with a remaining portion 40,140 of the second side of the tape substrate being free of adhesive.
2. The flying splice tape of claim 1 wherein the first longitudinal portion 18,118 is wider than the second longitudinal portion 22,122.
3. The flying splice tape of claim 1 wherein the first longitudinal portion 18,118 in wider than the intermediate longitudinal portion 26,126.
4. The flying splice tape of claim 1 wherein the intermediate longitudinal portion 26,126 is wider than the second longitudinal portion 22,122.
5. The flying splice tape of claim 1 wherein weakened section is defined by a plurality of spaced cuts along the intermediate portion of the tape substrate.
6. The flying splice tape of claim 5 wherein the plurality of spaced cuts includes spaced V-shaped cuts 128 that extend through the tape substrate.
7. The flying splice tape of claim 6 wherein the plurality of spaced cuts further includes linear stress cuts 129 that extend through the tape substrate and are located between adjacent V-shaped cuts.
8. The flying splice tape of claim 6 wherein an apex of each V-shaped cut 128 is adjacent the second longitudinal portion 122.
9. The flying splice tape of claim 5 wherein the plurality of spaced cuts includes spaced linear main cuts 28 that extend through the tape substrate and are oriented substantially parallel to the first and second edges 20,24 of the tape substrate.
10. The flying splice tape of claim 9 wherein the plurality of spaced cuts further includes linear stress cuts 29 that extend through the tape substrate and are located between adjacent linear main cuts.
11. The flying splice tape of claim 10 wherein the linear main cuts are longer than the linear stress cuts.
12. The flying splice tape of claim 1 wherein the flying splice tape is wound on a roll, and further comprising an adhesive release liner removably affixed to the second side of the tape substrate.
13. The flying splice adhesive tape of claim 1 wherein the first, second and third adhesive layers exhibit an adhesion force in excess of a holding force exhibited by the weakened section of the tape substrate such that tape separation occurs at the weakened section.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11341393A | 1993-08-27 | 1993-08-27 | |
| US08/113413 | 1993-08-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2167063A1 true CA2167063A1 (en) | 1995-03-02 |
Family
ID=22349260
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2167063 Abandoned CA2167063A1 (en) | 1993-08-27 | 1994-07-27 | Flying splice adhesive tape |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0714374A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH09501901A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU687429B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9407565A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2167063A1 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI960885A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995005989A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19625366C1 (en) | 1996-06-25 | 1997-11-06 | Koenig & Bauer Albert Ag | Adhesive label for covering adhesive medium application |
| FR2822159B1 (en) * | 2001-03-19 | 2007-05-11 | Renault | TAPE COMPOSITE ADHESIVE AND METHOD OF DEPOSITING SUCH ADHESIVE |
| DE10144716A1 (en) * | 2001-09-11 | 2003-03-27 | Mitsubishi Hitec Paper Flensbu | Adhesive tape for flying reel change in paper coating or printing machines has two sections separated by tear line, front section carrying line of adhesive and rear section carrying one or two lines |
| WO2003068647A1 (en) * | 2002-02-14 | 2003-08-21 | Ranpak Corp. | Pull tab device for a dunnage machine stock supply |
| US6899933B2 (en) | 2002-09-09 | 2005-05-31 | Permacel | Splicing tape with separating portions |
| US7476429B2 (en) | 2003-11-03 | 2009-01-13 | Permacel | Bridge label for splicing tape |
| DE202011106650U1 (en) * | 2011-10-12 | 2012-02-27 | Max Steier Gmbh & Co. Kg | Self-adhesive splice element |
| EP2615049B1 (en) * | 2012-01-16 | 2015-09-09 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Splicing tape for continuous roll change and method of manufacture |
| DE102017121670A1 (en) * | 2017-09-19 | 2019-03-21 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Supply roll with adhesive marking and method for handling flat and / or strip material |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2149833A (en) * | 1932-04-22 | 1939-03-07 | Donald M Carter | Means for preparing a roll of paper for high speed pasters |
| US3547739A (en) * | 1969-05-15 | 1970-12-15 | Harvey N Beute | Perforated tape |
| DE2116989C3 (en) * | 1971-04-07 | 1978-10-05 | Heinrich Hermann Gmbh + Co, 7000 Stuttgart | Tape, coated on both sides with self-adhesive adhesive, divided into sections |
| EP0418527A3 (en) * | 1989-09-19 | 1992-01-22 | Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag | Method to prepare a roll of breadths of print cloth for an automatic reel changer |
| GB2257931B (en) * | 1991-05-15 | 1995-08-23 | Gary Anthony Barrett | Improvements relating to the joining of coiled stock |
| US5275344A (en) * | 1992-09-28 | 1994-01-04 | Dennis Ray | Paster tab |
-
1994
- 1994-07-27 WO PCT/US1994/008509 patent/WO1995005989A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-07-27 AU AU74064/94A patent/AU687429B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-07-27 CA CA 2167063 patent/CA2167063A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-07-27 JP JP7507584A patent/JPH09501901A/en active Pending
- 1994-07-27 BR BR9407565A patent/BR9407565A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-07-27 EP EP94924044A patent/EP0714374A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1996
- 1996-02-26 FI FI960885A patent/FI960885A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FI960885A0 (en) | 1996-02-26 |
| EP0714374A1 (en) | 1996-06-05 |
| WO1995005989A1 (en) | 1995-03-02 |
| JPH09501901A (en) | 1997-02-25 |
| BR9407565A (en) | 1996-12-31 |
| AU7406494A (en) | 1995-03-21 |
| FI960885A (en) | 1996-02-26 |
| AU687429B2 (en) | 1998-02-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |