KR20170117152A - Manual taping mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

The passive taping mechanism controls the free end or the tape being applied, which can be realized by a drawback device that pulls the leading end of the tape immediately after the tape is cut, or the braking action or adhesive grip, or both, A tape cutting action and a secure cutting knife retaining device. The device may also include a guide that allows the device to move in a direction of relative movement between the tape and the device while the tape is being applied.

Description

Manual taping mechanism

The present invention relates to a passive taping mechanism, and more particularly to an improved device that facilitates the performance of an ergonomic manual tapping operation.

For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 2,582,979 issued to Fritzinger on Jan. 22, 1952; 3,523,053 issued to Zbinden et al. On Aug. 4, 1970; 3,813,275 issued to Weick et al. On May 28, 1974; 4,238,271 issued to Urushizaki et al on Dec. 9, 1980; 4,253,905 issued to Regan on Mar. 3, 1981; 4,345,966 issued to Iiyoma et al. On Aug. 24, 1982; 4,762,586 issued to Wilkie on Aug. 9, 1988; 5,641,377 issued to inventor Chung on June 24, 1997, and 6,799,623 issued to Cheng on October 5, 2005; There are a number of different passive tape applicators, such as 7.669.631 issued to inventor Bailey on May 2,

In general, everything inevitably leaves a relatively long free end that should be applied to the next taped object that interferes with the taping operation. Typically, these conventional manual tapers or aka tape dispensers allow the operator to pull the free leading end with his finger and attach it onto the object to begin the taping process.

A cutting knife is also needed because the tape is typically supplied as a continuous ribbon from a supply of such rolls of tape. Generally, the blade is positioned away from the tape patch and the object to prevent accidental tape cutting or damage to the object during the tape process. A safety guard for the blade is also provided to prevent worker injury. No. 5,641,377 discloses a date of retraction from a conventional cutting position for safety purposes. U.S. Patent No. 7,669,631 shows an apparatus for restricting the snap back of the free end of a tape.

In some manual tape dispensers, the cutting operation is manually initiated by some form of triggering operation that provides tape to the cutting blade to cut the tape. U.S. Patent 4,762,586; 4,345,966; 4,253,905; And 3,813,275.

4,345,966 and 3,813,275, as well as 4,238,271; 3,523,053; And 2,582,979 provide a sort of withdrawal system that moves the free end of the tape away from the application point by physically moving the tape roll or the like in most cases. 4,762,586, the slides are manually released to change the orientation of the tape and move towards the tape roll where the tape is dispensed onto the applicator roll.

These devices disclosed in the reference patent relies solely on manual operation of the operator to move the device in the desired direction during taping and / or in many cases to cause tape cutting to complete the operation.

The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved hand-held taping device which is easy to use, safe and maintains control of the leading end of the tape on the device.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hand-held taping device having a drawback device that provides a short free end on the tape to pull the leading end of the tape immediately after the tape has been cut and to apply it to the next object to be taped will be.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hand-held taping device having an applicator and a cutting device to create a short free end on the tape for application to the next object to be taped.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hand-held taping device having an applicator and a cutting device to provide a blade with a more preferred cutting angle and to produce a more positive cutting action and a cleaner cutting edge on the tape.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cutting edge safety feature that requires tape tension to release the cutting edge from its retracted position.

It is a further object of the present invention to combine a tape dispensing guide that guides the device to better ensure that the movement of the device during tape application is in the relative direction of movement between the tape and the device.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a manual taping device that applies releasable braking to the tape during the cutting operation to ensure a cleaner cut. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a manual taping device that includes a guide for holding the tape in position relative to the tape attached wiper.

In general, the present invention relates to a tape dispenser comprising a frame, a tape source of tape applied by the applicator mounted on the frame, a handle extending from the frame, a tape path extending from the tape source to the applicator for applying the leading edge of the tape, And a tape drawback device mounted on the frame, wherein the drawback device includes a tape retracting arm that is movable toward the tape path and biased toward an extended position From a tape retraction position for moving the tape from a normal tape path when the tape is dispensed from the tape roll under tension to a displacement position for applying force to the tape from the normal path to the contraction tape path, Of the So that the leading end of the tape is retracted in the direction of the tape roll.

Another method according to the present invention for obtaining a shortened free end on the tape and / or for improving the cutting operation comprises a frame, a tape source of the tape to be applied by the applicator mounted on the frame, A handle, a tape path extending from the tape source to the applicator means for applying the leading end of the tape, mounting means for mounting the applicator means on the frame, application of the leading end of the tape from the retracted position And means for biasing the applicator means to orient the applicator means to the initial position for the applicator means.

The present invention also relates to a tape dispenser comprising a frame, a tape source of the tape to be applied by the applicator mounted on the frame, a handle extending from the frame, a tape path extending from the tape source to the applicator for applying the leading edge of the tape, And a tape guide provided by an edge mounted on said frame spaced from said handle and extending from said frame in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of said tape, said tape being movable along said tape path in a direction of movement To a manual tape applicator.

In general, the invention relates to a main frame, at least one guide roll mounted on the main frame for rotation on a first axis, the wiper assembly being pivotally mounted on the main frame in a second axis from the feeding of the tape, At least one guide roll for guiding a tape having an adhesive surface and a non-adhesive surface to face the tape applicator wiper, said applicator being adapted to move said wiper between an extended inactive position and a retracted cut position, Means for biasing the wiper assembly and the applicator wiper to the extended disengaged position; a cutter assembly pivotally mounted on the mainframe in a third axis, the cutter assembly mounted on and extending from the cutter assembly, A wiper and a sheet on the cutter assembly And a cooperating cam on the wiper assembly, the latch and cooperating cam interacting to cause the applicator to move in the extended disengaged position And to free the cutter assembly for pivotal movement on the third axis when the applicator wiper is moved at least partially between the extended and retracted positions, 1 and the third axis are parallel.

Advantageously, the latch cam includes a cam element connected to the cutter assembly by an arm, the cooperative cam including a slot having a notch formed in the wiper assembly in which the cam element is received.

Advantageously, the applicator extends between a first end adjacent the at least one guide roll and a free end, the at least one guide roll being a braking guide roll, the first end being adjacent to the braking guide roll Wherein said one end is spaced apart from said braking guide roll when said applicator wiper is in said extended position and said applicator wiper is in said retracted position when said applicator wiper is in said extended position, And is urged toward the braking guide roll to clamp the tape between the braking guide roll and the one end.

Preferably, the applicator wiper extends between a first end and a free end adjacent the at least one guide roll, the first end being on a side of the second shaft adjacent to the at least one guide roll, A pair of opposing tabs mounted from the frame and positioned adjacent each side of the applicator wiper between the second axis and the free end, Wherein the tabs are pressed against the adhesive surface of the tape when the applicator wiper is in the extended position and the tabs and the tape are applied to the side So that the wiper is separated as it moves toward the retracted position.

Preferably, the wiper is wider at a location adjacent to the free end than adjacent to the first end to provide a narrow portion extending at least half of the length of the applicator wiper between the one end and the free end, Wherein the tab is adjacent to the narrower portion of the applicator wiper and each tab overlaps an adjacent side edge of the tape but does not overlap with the applicator wiper, The tabs are pressed against the adhesive surface of the tape and the tabs and tape are positioned to separate when the applicator wiper moves towards the retracted position.

Additional features, objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings;
Figure 1A (prior art) shows a conventional hand-held tape applicator at the moment of completing the carton taping by cutting the tape and shows a wiper that folds the tape downwardly on the back vertical surface of the box.
1B (prior art) shows the same hand-held tape applicator (FIG. 1A) at the position of tape application on the box front vertical surface.
1C (prior art) shows the adjacent edge of the tape cut using a prior art cutting system.
Figure 2a shows a hand applicator of the present invention comprising a spring bias tape drawback device.
FIG. 2B shows that the same hand-held tape applicator (FIG. 2A) is ready to apply the tape onto the illustrated arrayed vertical surface of the box.
Figure 3 shows a hand-held tape applicator comprising the present invention in a normal position ready to apply the tape on the front vertical surface of the box.
Figure 4 shows the tape applicator of Figure 3 at the moment of tape cutting.
Figure 4a shows the adjacent edge on the opposite side of the cut performed using the preferred cutting system of the present invention (including Figures 3-6).
Figure 5 shows another form of handheld tape dispenser incorporating the present invention in a normal position ready to apply the tape on the front vertical surface of the box.
Figure 6 shows the tape applicator of Figure 5 at the moment of tape cutting.
Figure 7a shows a simplified side view illustrating the operation of a preferred form of an actuation guide or center guide gauge.
7B is an end elevational view showing the guide of Fig. 7A positioned in a gap between adjacent ends of the box's closing flap, which guides movement of the applicator.
7C is an end elevational view showing the guide of Fig. 7A positioned on the side of the box to facilitate application of half the width of the tape to the top of the box in the illustrated application.
Figure 8 shows a blocking system similar to that of Figures 3 and 4, but the cutting edge is fixed to the frame.
9 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention, in which a portion is omitted for the sake of clarity.
Figure 9a is a view of the bottom of the present invention shown in Figure 9 showing the positioning tab for holding the tape adjacent the applicator wiper.
Figure 10 shows an applicator wiper in an extended position and an applicator wiper in a latched position and a pressure gauge to press the tape between the positioning tab and the applicator wiper to hold the tape in a position adjacent the cutter assembly 1 is a partial view similar to Fig.
Fig. 11 is a partial view similar to Fig. 2, except that the applicator wiper is moved to a retracted position and a position at which the tape is no longer pressed against the tab, i.e. the position where the tape is pulled and applied freely from the tape source And the cutter assembly is in an unlatched position.
Figure 12 is a partial view similar to Figure 10 but the applicator wiper moves to a retracted position and is in a position to be clamped between the guide roll and the proximal end of the applicator wiper to facilitate cutting , The cutter assembly is in the cutting position and the tape is free from the positioning tab.

1A and 1B, which illustrate the prior art, are included to illustrate the major drawbacks of the prior art. The figure shows a simple form of an applicator 10 having a frame 12, a handle 14, and a tape roll mount 15 on which a tape roll 16 is mounted. The tape 18 (having an adhesive surface 17 and a non-adhesive surface 19) exits the roll 16 and passes along the tape path 21 and is on the applicator roll 20, Is guided by a guide plate or blade (23) and is applied to the object (22) in which the object (17) of the tape (18) is tapped. The trailing wipe down wiper 24 with the cutting edge 26 is mounted on the frame 12 in front of the applicator roll 20 in the direction of movement of the tape 18. [ (Although a relatively simple cutting system including a wipe-down wiper (24) and blade is shown, it will be appreciated that a more modern but well known system with a knife guard will generally be used). The source of the problem is associated with the length of the loose fee end 28 of the tape 18 having a length denoted X. This length X is the distance between the cutting edge 26 and the periphery of the applicator roll 20 Lt; / RTI >

1B, the problem created by the length X of the loose end 28 of the unsupported tape 18 extends freely from the applicator roll 20 on the same remote side from the tape roll 16, And is effectively pressurized on the surface. The noncontact or free end 28 of length X is not in a position to be pressed against the box 22 by the normal action of the tape applicator and must be pressed against the box 22 by other means such as a hand . Only the tape 18 on the opposite side of the roll 20 to the free end 28 is applied to the box 22 by the roll 20. The present invention provides a solution to these deficiencies that have been ongoing for many years.

The same reference numerals as previously used are used to denote the equivalent parts of the passive tape dispenser 10 shown in Figures 2A and 2B, which represents a relatively simple modification to the deficiencies of the prior art described above. Figure 2a similar to Figure 1 a shows a passive applicator 10a wherein the distance between the cutting edge 26 and the periphery of the applicator roll 20 is the same as in Figure 1 so that it is formed by the applicator 10a The length X1 of the free end 28 is the same as that of the free end 28 formed by the prior art applicator 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

1C shows that cutting edges 500 and 502 formed by the cutting operation of FIG. 1A as shown in FIG. 1C are jagged and more important, and show sharp edges of sawtooth blades 26 commonly used in the industry Or the tip creates a groove 504 in which the depth is increased until the tip passes through the tape to complete the cut. The undesirable cutting edges 500, 502 shown in FIG. 1C are caused by a tape path that moves vertically toward the knife when cutting the tape, i.e., a conventional cutting direction with an entry angle of 90 degrees. The preferred cutting edges 600 and 602 shown in FIG. 4C are achieved by the present invention by cutting the tape path when the cutting of the tape is described below.

Figures 2a and an applicator (10a) shown in Figure 2b, the peripheral and the tape 18 of the tape roll (16) for the tape (18) providing a tape source exiting by the applicator (10a) for applying Has been modified to provide a different tape path (30) for the tape (18) between the applicator rolls (20) applying the adhesive surface (17) to the object being taped (box 22 in the illustrated case). The tape path 30 is defined by a pair of spaced parallel guide rolls 32 and 34 through which the tape 18 passes on its way to the applicator roll 20. By a lever arm 38 and a spring 42 pivotally mounted on the frame 12 as indicated at 40 in the system shown in Figures 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b, And 34 are positioned between the two rollers 32 and 34. The tape drawback device is formed by a spring biased toward the path 30 between the two rollers 32 and 34. [ The frame 12 of the embodiment of Figures 2a and 2b is slightly modified with respect to the frame 12 of Figures 1a and 1b to accommodate the modified path 30 and the drawback device 36, . The arm 38 preferably extends across the entire width of the tape 18 and is provided with a curved free end 44 to facilitate passage of the tape 18 thereon.

In operation, the tension of the tape 18 overcomes the pressure from the spring 42 and causes the path 30 between the rolls 32 and 34 to be relatively straight and short, The lever arm 38 of the draw bag 36 is pressed to move the arm 38. [ At the moment the tape 18 is cut by the knife 26 the tension of the tape is removed and the spring 42 urges the lever arm 38 towards the stop 46 projecting from the frame 12. [ 2b, and the path 30 between the rolls 32 and 34 is configured so that the length or amount of the tape 18 extending between the rolls 32 and 34 increases, 2B to the curved path 31 shown in Fig. 2B from the relatively straight path shown in Fig. 2A (shown by dashed lines in Fig. 2B). An additional length is obtained by pulling the free end 28 back along the path 30 towards the roll 16. I.e. the loose or free end 28 of the tape 18 which is no longer held by the tension is freely contracted to form a curved path 31 to form an excessive amount of contactlessness exposed at the free end of the tape 18. [ . By setting the length of the tape pulled back by the drawback device 36 the applicator roll 20 of the applicator 10a is moved relative to the box 22 over the intrinsic overall length (" Y & The tape 20 is moved from the application start point of the tape 18 to the box 22 to the upper portion 46 of the box so that the tape 18 can be pushed up to the upper portion 46 of the box 22 It may be unnecessary to manually wipe on the tail end 28 to pressurize the tail end 28).

In all of the embodiments shown, the applicator roll 20 can be replaced with an applicator wiper, and vice versa. These words used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

A guide 48 suitable for preventing lateral movement of the tape 18 may be provided.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6, by using at least one of the devices incorporated in this embodiment-that is, by using a drawback device 150 that is similar to but simpler than the device 36 described above and / By positioning the free end 152 of the applicator wiper 154 proximate to the cutting edge 156 as the cutting edge 156 cuts the tape so that the loose or free end 128 of the tape 118 The length will be described below.

The manual tape applicator 110 of Figures 3 and 4 includes a frame 12 and a tape roll mounting portion 115 is mounted on the frame 112 and includes a roll 116 on which the tape 118 is discharged, Are sequentially mounted on the tape roll mounting portion (115).

The dancer arm 160 includes a frame 112 adjacent to one end of the arm 160 on an axel 162 serving as an axel of the turning roll 164, As shown in Fig. A nip roll 166 which is opposite the outer periphery of the tape roll 116 is adjacent to the free end and which nip rolls the tape 160 through a spring 168 extending between the arm 160 and the frame 112. [ And the spring directs the free end of the arm 160 toward the tape roll 116 and thus directs the nip roll 166 to the tape roll 116. The tape roll 116,

The dancer arm 160 is not essential to the present invention, but if it is used, the edge folding station 170, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,393,375, issued to Lam on March 12, 2013, Can be used for mounting.

The drawback device 136 operates in a manner similar to the drawback device 36 described above except that the arms 174 pivotally mounted on the frame 112 as indicated at 176 in a spaced- And a roller 172 mounted on the free end of the roller. Pivoting the arm 174 about the mounting portion 176 may cause the path shown in Figure 3 when the tension on the tape 118 is released and the path shown in Figure 4 It will be apparent that the roll 172 is moved relative to the tape path 130 to change the length of the tape path 130 between the tape paths 130 shown in Figs. To accomplish this, the roll 172 is biased towards the tape path 130 by a spring 178 that holds the arm 174 against the stop 180 when there is no tension on the tape, Is moved to the position shown in Figure 4 by being compressed by the force generated against the roll 172 when tension is applied to the tape 118. [ The pullback device 36 or 136 may extend the length of the tape path from the tape roll 16 or 116 to the applicator roll 20 or wiper 154 when the tension on the tape 18 or 118 is released It will be apparent that it operates in essentially the same way thereby drawing back the free end 28 or 128 of the tape 18 or 118.

The applicator and cutting device of the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4 are significantly different from those described above with reference to Figures 2a and 2b.

In Figures 3 and 4 (Figures 5 and 6), the applicator is mounted on the mounting arm 202 of the applicator in the form of an L-shaped lever pivotally mounted on the frame 112, Shaped lever 200 in the form of a wiper 154 to be mounted and a mounting arm 202 on one side of the pivoting mounting portion 204 and on the other side of the mounting portion 204, (206). The spring 208 biases the wiper to the extended position and the stop arm 206 is urged toward the stop 210 which is secured to the frame 112. The edge of the arm 202 adjacent the free end of the arm 202 and on the farther side from the wiper 154 provides the cam surface 212 to be described later.

Trailing or actuation wipers 220 are used to activate the cutting edge 222 which are all mounted on the arm 224 to cut the tape 118 and form an important part of the cutting device 225. The arm 224 is pivotally mounted on the frame 112 as indicated by 226 and is biased by a spring 228 toward a stop 230 that is fixed to the frame 112. The adjacent edge 232 of the arm 224 cooperates with the stop portion 230 to stop the counterclockwise movement about the mounting portion 226.

A cooperative cam 234 is mounted on the arm 224 adjacent to the end of the arm 224 adjacent the wiper 154 and is shown as a cam roller but may be any suitable cam surface, Is positioned to cooperate with the cam (212) on the arm (202) to inhibit or permit relative movement between the applicator formed by the L-shaped lever (200) and the activation or trailing wiper (220).

Fig. 4 shows the cutting action of the knife 222. Fig. The positions of the applicator wipers 154 immediately after the cams 212 and 234 are separated are shown in solid lines and the positions immediately before and after the tape 118 is cut by the knife are shown by dotted lines. Therefore, the wiper 154 is in the solid line position only for the moment immediately before the cutting. This separation is accomplished by activating the cutting device 225 or by trailing the wiper 220 as indicated by the arrow 250 to move the arm 224 away from the stop 230 and move relative to the cam 212 This occurs when the cam 234 is moved and separated from the cam 212.

As soon as the cams 212 and 234 are separated the tension of the tape 118 acts against the spring 208 and moves the wiper 154 from the dotted position to the solid line position and the knife 222 of the cutting device 225, Releases the tension and cuts the tape 118 to allow the spring 208 to return the wiper 154 to the solid line position.

Until the tape 118 is cut, the drawback device 136 is held in the position shown in Fig. The tension on the tape compresses the spring 178 to define a shorter tape path 130 between the tape roll 116 and the applicator 154 but the tape is cut by the knife 222 and the tension of the tape The spring 174 moves the drawback device to the position shown in Figure 3 and increases the length of the path 130 between the tape roll 116 and the wiper 154 so that the freedom of the tape 118 Pulls the end 148 back toward the roll 116, which creates a shorter free leading end on the tape and can replace the drawback device 36 or 136 if it is sufficiently reduced for a particular operation. That is, the drawback device may not be necessary, assuming that the shorter free end of the produced tape is acceptable.

The movement of the wiper to the solid line position shown in FIG. 4 changes the entry angle of the knife 222 and penetrates and cuts the tape 118 to facilitate the cutting operation.

The cutting operation of the preferred form of the present invention allows the tape path entry angle or attack angle to be adjusted between tape and knife (e.g., between tape and knife) when tape 118 and cutting edge 222 are relatively moved to cut tape 118 Angle) to direct the tape 118 against the cutting edge 222. The angle C shows the change in the angle between the application wiper at the moment of application of the tape (dotted line) and the direction of the wiper at the moment of cutting (solid line position). The cutting angle is not vertical as in the prior art device. The direction of the knife 222 relative to the tape 18 at the moment of cutting produces cutting edges 600 and 602 that are essentially the same and do not form a groove equivalent to those shown in FIG. 1C at 504.

The retracted wiper also reduces the distance between the cutting edge 222 and the proximal end 152 of the wiper 154 (see FIG. 3), thus reducing the length of the free end of the tape 118 as well.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an alternative example of a more complex cutter and applicator system that may be applied in lieu of the system shown in Figures 3 and 4. In this embodiment, the pullback device and other parts delivering the tape to the application point are essentially the same and only the changes in the downstream will be described.

In this embodiment, the tape 118 is directed from the drawback device 136 through the guide 302 to the cutting and applicator device 300. The applicator portion 301 of the device 300 is pivotally mounted on the frame 312 as indicated by 306 and is configured to be in the form of an L-shape with an applicator or applicator wiper 308 on one arm 312 The free end 314 of another arm 316 formed by the application lever 304 and which in effect forms the first cam cooperates with a push plate on the device 317 as described below.

The cut portion 317 of the apparatus 300 is comprised of a second L-shaped arm 321 pivotally mounted on the frame 312 as indicated by 321 and biased clockwise by a spring 323 . The trailing or operating wiper 320 and the cutting edge 326 are mounted on the arm 321. Adjacent the free end 314 is a press plate 334 which forms a cooperating cam with the arm 316 mounted on the cutting portion 317 on the side of the knife opposite the cutting edge and is located adjacent to the cam 314 To be connected to the arm (316).

The coupling bar 336 connects the arm 310 to the arm 321 through a limited slip connection 338 and thus connects the device portions 301 and 317 together for combined action.

The system shown in Figures 5 and 6 operates the drawback 136 function described above based on the tension of the tape 118 as follows. At the beginning of the taping operation the device is in the position shown in Figure 5 and when the tape is applied to the box 122 a tension is applied to the tape 118 and the drawback device 136 moves to the position of Figure 6 do. The device 300 is activated by moving the activation or trailing wiper 320 as the taping operation rotates about the trailing edge of the box 122 and moves to the position shown in FIG. The initial movement of the wiper 320 in the clockwise direction of Figure 6 causes the free end 314 to move around the mounting portion 306 until the free end 314 can pass through the pressure plate 334 (which in effect forms a cooperative cam) The pusher plate 334 rotates the arm 304 by contacting the abutment surface of the arm 316 (which in effect provides a cam) to rotate the wiper blade 321 in the direction So that the arm 304 rotates in the opposite direction. This changes the orientation of the application wiper 308 and moves the free end much closer to the knife 326 to improve the entry angle of the knife 326 to facilitate cutting when piercing and cutting the tape 118, Thereby shortening the length of the free end (as described above with reference to Figures 3 and 4).

The cam 212 and the upper edge of the arm 316 adjacent the free end 314 cooperate with the respective cooperating cams 234 and 334 to disengage by movement of each of the trailing or operating wipers 220 or 320 It will be apparent that the applicator wiper 154 or 308 acts as a latch cam that, when released, causes the applicator wiper 154 or 308 to move relative to the frame 112. This release movement is controlled by the deformation of the arm 202 or the cam surface 212, such that the counterclockwise rotation of the arm 202 as shown in these figures is prevented by the stop 210. This similar clockwise movement of the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 is regulated by a limited slip connection 338. [

As described above, the apparatus of Figs. 5 and 6 reduces the angle of attack and reduces the free end of the tape as described above with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig.

All manual applicators may be equipped with an applicator guide that assists the operator in locating the tape 18 or 118 at the desired location for the article to be tape-fastened, such as box 22, 122, One embodiment of such a guide is shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6, and yet another embodiment is shown in Figs. 7a, 7b and 7c. Each includes a guide edge 400 mounted on the frame 12 or 112 and extending parallel to the normal running direction of the tape 18,118 when the tape is applied to the box 22,122. That is, the guide edge 400 extends perpendicular to the pivot axis 40 or 176.

In the version shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the guide 400 is formed by being provided by a disk or the like 402 and is formed to protrude from the free end of the handle 14 or 114, But may also include a second edge formed by a flat planar portion 404 that extends in alignment. The operation of the positions 402 and 404 and the guide 400 with respect to the width W (see Figs. 7A, 7B and 7C) of the tape 18 or 118 will be described with reference to Figs. 7A, 7B and 7C.

Referring now to Figures 7a, 7b and 7c, a preferred form of guide 400 is shown. In this embodiment, the thin guide plate 406 includes a continuous guide (not shown) extending from the frame 12 or 112, spaced from adjacent portions of the handles 14, 114 adjacent the free end of the handle, It is possible to replace the disk 402 and the planar portion 404 to provide an edge and define the hole 410 so that the operator's hand is accommodated in the hole when the device is in use and the guide plate can also serve to protect the operator have. 7B, the plane of the guide 406 is aligned with the middle width (1 / 2W) of the tape extending parallel to the tape moving direction and generally having the center line of the tape, i.e., the tape width W, do.

It is evident that the guide 400 can simply be used as an aiming reference for initially positioning the leading end of the tape relative to the box, but a better way of using the guide 400 is shown in Figure 7b Another method is shown in Fig. 7C. 7B, the guide is positioned between adjacent edges 420 and 422 of the closing flaps 424 and 426 of the box 22,122 such that the guide 400 is positioned between these edges 420 and 426 of the closing flaps 424 and 426, Or 422 so that the tape 18 or 118 is aligned parallel to these edges 420 and 422 and the centerline 425 of the tape, i.e., from both sides of the tape 18 or 118 A guide 400 spaced apart by 1 / 2W ensures that essentially the same width of tape is applied to each flap 424 and 426.

7C, the guide 400 is positioned in contact with the side 450 of the box so that 1 / 2W of the tape 18 or 188 is applied to the adjacent surface of the box 22 or 122 and the remaining 1 / 2W protrude therefrom and fold over the wall 450 to seal the corners of the box.

In the preferred form of the invention as shown in Figures 3-6, the cutting edges 222 and 326 respectively move relative to the frames 112 and 312 during the cutting operation. Figure 8 shows a modified version of Figure 3 where the cutting edge 422 is fixed directly to the frame 112. [ In this arrangement, an apparatus 425 equivalent to apparatus 225 of FIG. 3 is mounted on frame 412 in the same manner as mounting pivot mount 426, arm 424 of FIG. 3 through spring 428 Except that the stop portion 430 is received in the slot 431 so that the arm 424 can pivot about the mounting portion 426, 230, which are not shown in the drawings. The cam 434 corresponding to the cam 234 cooperates with the cam surface 212 of the L-shaped lever 200 in the same manner as the cams 234 and 212, And functions as a latch cam for releasing the L-shaped arm 200 to be rotated so that the L-shaped lever 2008 is rotated to a position where it is cut by the knife 422. The cams 434 and 212 function in the same manner as the cams 234 and 212 when the trailing wiper 420 corresponding to the wiper 200 moves and causes the rotation of the arm 424. [

In the illustrated embodiment, the tape source is a roll mounted on an applicator, but any other suitable tape source may be used. Also shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the applicator 200 is shown pivotally mounted to the frame 112 at 204. The applicator 200 may also be made of an elastic material that can be deformed by the tension on the tape when the applicator is freed to allow the cams 212 and 234 to separate and to be moved by tension on the tape 118 have. In this situation, the upstream end of the applicator 200 can be fixed against the frame pivotally mounted relative to the frame.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in Figs. 9-12, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a hand-held tape of the present invention comprising a main frame 512 with a handle 514 protruding from a position where the operator can grasp when using the apparatus. FIG. The tape roll 516 providing the supply of the tape 518 to be applied by the applicator 10 is mounted on the frame 512 in the general manner as indicated by 520. [ The tape 18 has an adhesive or sticky face 522 and a non-adhesive face 524. The tape 518 passes through guide rolls 526 and 528 that define a portion of the tape path 30 from the tape roll 516 to the applicator wiper 532. As will be described below, the guide roll 28 also functions as a braking guide roll 528 and is mounted for rotation of the accelerator defining a first axis 534. [

An applicator assembly 538 comprised of an applicator frame 40 to which an applicator wiper 532 is attached is mounted on the main frame 512 for rotation on a second accelerator defining a second axis 536 Which includes an arm 542 connected to a pin 546 mounted on a frame 552 of the cutter assembly 550 via a spring 544 as described below. The spring 544 biases the assembly 538 to rotate counterclockwise on the axis 536 in the view of Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12, and extends in an extended position, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, The applicator wiper 532 is moved.

A cutter assembly 550 composed of a cutter frame 552 with a cutter or cutter blade 554 and an upper or operating wiper 556 is mounted on a rotation about a third axle defining a third axis 48 Gt; 512 < / RTI > The latch cam 558 is mounted on the arm 60 extending from the frame 552. The latch cam 558 is connected to a cooperating cam 562 in the form of a slot extending through the applicator frame 540. The slot or cam 562 may be a slot adjacent to the second accelerator 536 in which the latch cam 558 is received when the applicator wiper 532 is in the extended position as shown in Figures 9 and 10, And a notch 564 extending laterally at the end of the cam 562. In this position, movement of the cutter assembly 550 is inhibited and is maintained in position essentially when the latch cam is in the notch 564. The cam 562 provides a bottom surface that cooperates with a proximal edge 565 of the cam 558 to stop clockwise movement of the applicator assembly 538. [

One end of the spring 544 is connected to the pin 546 as described above. The pin 546 is mounted to the cutting frame 552 through an arm 566 that is slightly offset from the second shaft 548 and connected to the cutting frame 552, Which maintains the cutter assembly 550 against a stop 568 projecting from the main frame 512. The cutter assembly 550 is shown in FIG. Likewise, the second stop portion 570 protruding from the main frame 512 also limits the movement of the cutter assembly 550 in the clockwise direction as shown in the example of Figs.

9 and 10, when the cutter assembly is pressed against the stop 568 by a spring 544 and the applicator assembly 538, i.e. the applicator wiper 532, is in its extended position The latch cam 558 is received in the notch 564 of the cooperative cam 562 to prevent movement of the cutter assembly 550. [

1A, applicator wiper 532 has a first end 574 adjacent to the braking guide roll and a free end 572 adjacent the cutter assembly 550. As shown in FIG. The wiper 532 is wider than the first end 574 adjacent the free end 572 and preferably is less than half the length of the wiper 532 from the first end 574 toward the free end 572. [ And provides a narrow portion 576 that extends relative to a substantial portion (e.g. The first end 574 is on one side of the axis 536 adjacent the braking guide roll 528 and the free end 572 is on the opposite side of the axis 536.

A pair of opposing tabs 578 and 580 extend from the peripheral or side edges 582 and 584 of the tape 518 to form a plurality of opposing tabs 582 and 584 in the region where the side edges 582 and 584 are not supported by the applicator wiper 532 That is, the tabs 578 and 580 are located on opposite sides of the narrow portion 576 and do not extend across the tape in the illustrated version, so that the narrow portion 576 overlaps the adjacent side edges 582 and 584, Lt; / RTI >

The tabs 580 are directly fixed to the main frame 512 while the tabs 578 opposed to the tabs 580 are located at the free ends of the axles 536 and 548 And is protruded therefrom. Both tabs 578 and 580 have trailing edges 579 and 585 (in the direction of tape movement) that are inclined in the direction of movement, so that free ends 583 and 585 are adjacent to the downstream end of the tab. This configuration facilitates threading of the tape so that the edge 582 can be positioned between the tabs 578 and 580 and the applicator assembly 538 as shown, Face 522 faces tabs 578 and 580.

The tape 518 is withdrawn from the roll 516 and passed around the roll 526 and over the roll 28 and is used to apply the tape 518 to the box & Wiper 532 (see Figs. 11 and 12).

When not in use or when starting the taping operation, the various parts of the device 510 are in the position shown in Fig. That is, the applicator wiper 532 is in the extended position and the latch cam 558 is received in the notch 564 of the cam 562, positioned by the spring 544, Thereby preventing movement of the cutter assembly 550 from the stopper 568. [ In this position, the taps 578 and 580 contact the adhesive surface 522 of the tape 518 (only 580 is shown) to hold the tape 518 in place.

When starting the taping operation, the application assembly 538 and the applicator wiper 532 are removed from the extended position and moved to the position shown in FIG. 11, . In this position, latch cam 558 is withdrawn from notch 564 to allow free movement of cutter assembly 550, but is held against stop 568 by spring 544, The engagement of the lower edge 563 with the edge 565 of the cam 558, i.e. the engagement of the adjacent edges 563 and 565, prevents further movement of the applicator assembly 538. The tape 518 (which tends to move with the applicator wiper 532) is also detached from the taps 578 and 580 to free the tape 518 and free to distribute while being applied to the box < RTI ID = 0.0 > .

When such a box 590 is tapped, the operation is completed by cutting the tape 18 as shown in Fig. This is done by pressing the upper or working wiper 556 against the adjacent corner 592 of the box like 590 which moves the operating wiper 556 to move the cutter assembly 550 to the stop 570 And moves the cutter 554 to the cutting position. The movement of the operating wiper 556 causes the lower edge 565 of the latch cam 558 to slide away from the engagement with the lower edge 563 of the cam 562 which causes the applicator assembly 538 to move clockwise Let's move further. At the same time, the tension of the tape 518 created by the movement of the apparatus 510 moves the applicator wiper 532 to the retracted position by pressing the applicator assembly 538 to rotate clockwise , Wherein the free end 572 of the wiper 532 immediately moves to a position adjacent the cutter 554 to minimize the distance between the cutter 554 and the free end 572, And the end 574 of the applicator wiper 532 adjacent to the roll 528 moves to press the tape against the roll 528 to prevent further movement of the tape 518. (I.e. the end portion 574 is on the side of the axle or shaft 536 adjacent to the braking guide roll 528 so that the clockwise movement of the assembly 538 presses the end 574 against the tape, (Clamping equally between roller 574 and roll 528)

It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims, that the wiper 532 may be replaced with a roller mounted on the applicator assembly In which case the free end of applicator 538 is located in the illustrated embodiment and is used to apply tape 518. [ Obviously, if this is done and the brakes have to be provided, an element similar to the end 574 should be provided to cooperate with the roll 528 in the same way that the end 574 cooperatively provides the brakes.

10a: Manual applicator
12: frame
14: Handle
15: tape roll mounting part
16: tape roll
24: Wiper
26: Cutting blade
30: Tape path
31: Curved path
32, 34: parallel guide roll
38: Lever arm
42: spring
44: free end

Claims (17)

frame,
A tape source of a tape to be applied by the applicator mounted on the frame,
A handle extending from the frame,
A tape path extending from the tape source to the applicator means for applying the leading end of the tape,
And a tape drawback device mounted on the frame,
Wherein the drawback device comprises a tape retractable arm that is movable toward a deflected and extended position toward the tape path and is configured to retract from the normal tape path when the tape is dispensed from a tape source under tension, To the extended position when the tension of the tape on the path decreases from the tape retracted position for moving the tape to the displaced position for applying the force to the tape by the tape path So that the leading end of the tape is pulled back toward the tape roll. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the tape shrink arm is pivotally mounted on the frame and the end of the arm spaced from the pivotable mount is spring biased towards the tape path. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein said applicator means further comprises an applicator wiper further comprising mounting means for mounting said applicator means onto said frame and a means for applying said applicator means from said retracted position to said applicator means for applying said leading end of said tape And means for biasing the tape to an initial position at a location for the tape. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein said applicator means further comprises an applicator wiper further comprising mounting means for mounting said applicator means onto said frame and a means for applying said applicator means from said retracted position to said applicator means for applying said leading end of said tape And means for biasing the tape to an initial position at a location for the tape. The method of claim 3,
Mounting means for pivotally mounting an operating wiper on said frame, and biasing means for biasing said operating wiper toward an initial position. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 13 > 5. The method of claim 4,
Mounting means for pivotally mounting an operating wiper on said frame, and biasing means for biasing said operating wiper toward an initial position. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 13 > 6. The method of claim 5,
First cam means connected to and movable with said applicator means, and cooperative cam means connected to said operating wiper,
Said first and cooperative cam means cooperate to prevent movement of said applicator means towards said biasing means until movement of said actuating wiper releases said applicator means through said first and cooperative cam means Features a manual tape dispenser. The method according to claim 6,
First cam means connected to and movable with said applicator means, and cooperative cam means connected to said operating wiper,
Said first and cooperative cam means cooperate to prevent movement of said applicator means towards said biasing means until movement of said actuating wiper releases said applicator means through said first and cooperative cam means Features a manual tape dispenser. frame,
A tape source of a tape having an adhesive surface and a non-adhesive surface to be applied by the applicator mounted on the frame,
A handle extending from the frame,
A tape path extending from the tape source to the applicator means for applying the leading end of the tape,
Mounting means for mounting said applicator means on said frame,
And means for biasing the applicator means from an retracted position toward an initial position in which the applicator means is in a position for applying the leading end of the tape. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the applicator means comprises a dispensing wiper for applying the tape. 10. The method of claim 9,
Operation wiper,
Second mounting means for pivotally mounting the operating wiper on the frame located downstream of the applicator means with respect to the direction of movement of the tape along the tape path,
Further comprising a cutting blade connected to move with said operating wiper. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 17 > 12. The method of claim 11,
First cam means connected to and movable with the applicator,
Further comprising cooperative cam means connected to said operating wiper,
Wherein said first and cooperative cam means cooperate to prevent movement of said applicator towards said biasing means until movement of said operating wiper makes said applicator means free through said first and said cooperative cam means Manual tape dispenser. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the applicator means comprises a wiper assembly including an applicator wiper,
The cutter assembly is pivotably mounted on the frame pivoting on a second axis parallel to the axis,
An operating wiper is mounted on and extends from the cutter assembly,
A cutter blade is mounted on the cutter assembly,
Said mounting means pivotally mounting said applicator means on said frame for pivotal movement of said wiper on an axis between said retracted and initial positions,
Wherein the retracted position is a cutting position, the latch cam element extends from the cutter assembly, and the cooperative cam is on the wiper assembly, and wherein the latch and cooperating cam engages the cutter when the applicator wiper is in the extended position. Interacts to prevent movement on the assembly and frees the cutter assembly for pivotal movement on the third axis when the applicator wiper has moved at least partially between the extended and retracted positions Manual tape dispenser. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the latch cam includes a cam element connected to the cutter assembly by an arm and the cooperating cam includes a slot having a notch formed in the wiper assembly in which the cam element is received. 15. The method of claim 14,
The latch cam and the cooperative cam having adjacent edges positioned to interact and prevent movement of the applicator assembly toward the retracted position until released by movement of the upper wiper separating the adjacent edge Features a manual tape dispenser. The method of claim 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15,
Wherein the applicator wiper extends between a first end and a free end adjacent the braking guide roll on the tape path and the first end is on a side of the shaft adjacent the braking guide roll, Is spaced apart from the braking guide roll when the applicator wiper is in the extended position and is urged toward the braking guide roll when the applicator wiper is in the retracted position so that the braking guide roll and the one And clamping said tape between said end portions. The method of claim 1, 3, 9, or 13,
Wherein the tape extends along the tape path in a direction of movement of the tape and the tape applicator comprises a guide edge spaced from the handle and mounted on the frame and extending from the frame in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the tape Further comprising a plurality of adhesive tapes.

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