US3288384A - Dispenser for plural layer tape - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 29, 1966 c. E. CLARK DISPENSER FOR PLURAL LAYER TAPE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 14, 1964 INVENTOR Ulmries E. War]? ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,288,384 DESPENSER FQR PLURAL LAYER TAPE Charles E. Clark, Rte. 1, Box 97, Greenback, Tenn. Filed May 14, 1964, Ser. No. 367,297 8 Claims. (Cl. 242-55) This invention relates generally to devices for use in handling rolls of plural layer tape. More particularly, it relates to a device for use in dispensing an adhesivebearing tape layer from a roll of plural layer tape while simultaneously removing and rewinding a liner tape layer interposed between the layers of said adhesive-bearing tape.

There presently is in Widespread use an adhesivebearing tape, both sides of which are coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which tape for convenience will be referred to herein as double-coated adhesive tape. Such double-coated tape is conventionally wound upon a roll for ease of handling, with a liner layer of tape being interposed between the confronting adhesivebearing tape surfaces. The purpose for the liner is to prevent the adjacent adhesive-coated surfaces of the double-coated tape from adhering to each other, and the liner is normally removed and discarded when the double-coated tape is removed from the roll for use.

Double-coated adhesive tape is commonly utilized wherever it is desired to adhere one layer of sheet material or the like to an underlying layer of material. For example, in the manufacture of aluminum foil for the domestic market the foil is wrapped upon a cardboard core as it issues from the manufacturing process. The free end of each roll of foil must be secured to the underlying layer to prevent inadvertent unrolling, and for this purpose it is conventional practice to place a strip of double-coated adhesive tape between the free end of the foil and the underlying foil surface on the cardboard core. Machines have been devised for automatically placing such a strip of double-coated tape in position, and are commonly referred to as automatic taping machines.

In automatic taping machines, the double-coated adhesive tape is unreeled for use from a supply roll. As this unreeling action occurs, the liner interposed between the adhesive-bearing surfaces of the double-coated tape must be removed and disposed of in a manner to prevent it from becoming entangled in the machinery. The present invention is directed to a dispenser device particularly adapted, although not limited to, this purpose.

The dispenser of the invention includes a pair of reels mounted upon a supporting shaft in side by side relationship, a slip clutch assembly being positioned between the two reels to provide a driving connection therebetween. A roll of plural layer tape, i.e., a roll comprising layers of double-coated adhesive tape with a liner interposed between the adhesivecoated surfaces, is placed on a first one of the reels. The liner is fed onto the second reel, and as the first reel is rotated during unreeling of the double-coated adhesive tape, the slip clutch mechanism causes the second reel to rotate for taking up the liner layer. The slip clutch which drivingly connects the two reels is adjustable, and by properly adjusting it to provide the proper degree of slip between the reels the second reel will take up the liner layer at a rate corresponding to that at which the double-coated tape is dispensed. Thus, a dispensing device is provided which effectively gathers onto a reel the disposable liner layer, and which thus prevents said liner layer from becoming enmeshed in the machinery.

The present invention also provides a novel construction for the liner layer take-up reel, whereby when said reel is filled it can be readily partially disassembled so that the rolled liner layer can be readily removed therefrom. In addition, a novel device is provided on the take-up reel to secure the free end of the liner thereto.

While the device of the invention is especially adapted for use with automatic taping machines, it can also be utilized elsewhere to dispense double-coated adhesive tape. Further, the device of the invention is not limited for use with adhesive-coated tape, but can also be used with rolls of other types of plural layer tape to facilitate handling of the same.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for simultaneously winding one layer of a roll of plural layer tape on a take-up reel while a second tape layer is being dispensed from said roll.

Another object is to provide a dispenser for a roll of plural layer tape, incorporating a dispensing reel and a takeup reel interconnected by an adjustable slip clutch mechanism, and constructed so that it can be readily adjusted to compensate for varying operating conditions and for changes in the diameter of the roll as tape is dispensed therefrom.

Another object of the invention is to provide a dispensing device for a roll of plural layer tape, constructed to prevent inadvertent free-wheeling action which might interfere with the proper operation thereof.

It is also an object to provide a novel dispensing reel for receiving and retaining a roll of tape, constructed so that said roll can be readily mounted and dismounted therefrom.

A further object is to provide a novel tape take-up reel, constructed so that one side wall thereof can be readily removed to facilitate removal of tape reeled thereon.

Still another object is to provide a dispensing reel for receiving a roll of tape, provided with a plurality of resilient fingers on the hub thereof arranged to releasably secure said roll thereon.

Another object is to provide a device for securing the free end of a tape layer to a take-up reel.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a dispensing device for rolls of plural layer tape which is economical to construct.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the dispensing device of the invention in operative condition, with portions of the supply tape roll and the take-up reel broken away to show the construction thereof;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the device of FIG. 1, showing the manner in which a liner tape layer is transferred from the dispensing reel to the take-up reel;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, sectional view taken along the line 33 of FIG. 1, showing in detail the device for securing the free end of a tape layer to the take-up reel;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1, showing the mounting for the magnetic fasteners utilized to secure the removable side wall of the take-up reel;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, irregular sectional view, taken along the line 55 in FIG. 1, showing in particular the construction of the dispensing reel and the slip clutches of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 66 of FIG. 5, further showing the construction of one of the slip clutches;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, plan view taken along the line 77 in FIG. 5, further showing the construction of the hub on the dispensing reel;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 88 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the anchor element employed in one of the slip clutch assemblies;

FIG. is a fragmentary front elevational view of the outer end of the dispensing reel of FIG. 5, showing a modification thereof wherein a pair of diametrically op posed spring fingers are mounted thereon to detachably secure a roll of tape in position;

FIG. ll is an enlarged sectional view, taken along the line 1111 of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the invention, adapted for table top use.

Referring now to the drawings, the dispenser of the invention is indicated generally at 2 in FIG. 1, the embodiment shown being constructed for use with a two-layer roll of tape. The dispenser 2 is mounted upon a bracket 4 which is secured to project upwardly from a frame 6, which frame can be part of an automatic taping machine or of some other apparatus to which a layer of tape is dispensed for use. The bracket 4 includes a base plate 8 secured by screws 10 to the frame 6, from which plate an upright frame member 12 extends upwardly. A supporting shaft 14 is carried by the upright 12, and has an outer, or dispensing reel 16, and an inner, or take-up reel 18 mounted thereon.

The dispensing reel 16 is constructed to receive a roll 20 of plural layer tape, which comprises a layer 22 of double coated tape, having a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating on both sides thereof, and a liner layer 24 interposed between the confronting adhesive surfaces of the tape 22 to prevent said surfaces from adhering to each other. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to use with double-coated adhesive tape, but that it can also be utilized with ribbon or other reeled material.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 5, the supporting shaft 14 includes a cylindrical main portion 26 and an enlarged outer portion 28, which portions are separated by an enlarged annular flange 30. The main shaft portion 26 includes an inner unthreaded portion 32, and an outer, thread-bearing portion 34, the latter being received through a bore 36 provided in the upright frame member 12, and being secured by a pair of lock nuts 38 and a securing nut 40. Disposed between the outermost lock nut 38 and the upright member 12 is a washer 42, a second washer 44 being interposed between said upright member and the securing nut 40.

The enlarged outer portion 28 of the shaft 14 has a pair of diametrically opposed, axially extending flats 46 thereon, which extend inwardly from the outer end of said shaft for a major portion of the length thereof. Mounted on the outer shaft portion 28 is the dispensing reel 16.

The dispensing reel 16 includes a front circular plate 48, provided with a central axial circular opening 50 extending therethrough. A collar 52 provided with an axial bore 53 projects from the inner side of the plate 43, and a sleeve bushing 54 extends through the bore 53 and the opening 50, the inner end of the bushing 54 having an integral flange 56 thereon. The flange 56 terminates short of the flange 30, and a bearing washer 58 is interposed therebetween, said washer 58 preferably being made from a self-lubricating material.

Formed integrally with the front plate 48 of the reel 16 is an inwardly extending, generally cylindrical hub 60, the outer surface of which has a slight outward taper from the front to the rear thereof. The hub 60 is provided with four equally spaced, axially extending slots 62 open at the rear end of the hub, and which extend substantially to the front plate 48.

Received on the enlarged outer portion 28 of the shaft 14 outwardly of the dispensing reel 16, and connected with said reel, is a slip clutch mechanism 64. The slip clutch 64 includes an annular anchor washer element 66, shown in perspective in FIG. 9, which has a central bore 68 of a larger diameter than that of the enlarged outer shaft portion 28. The anchor element 66 is provided on the inner surface thereof with three equally spaced anchor lugs 70, which are receivable within mating bores 72 in the outer face of the plate 48, to connect the anchor element for rotation with the reel 16. The periphery of the anchor element 66 is provided with a plurality of axially extending fingers 74, which extend oppositely to and which are interdigitated relative to the lugs 70.

Disposed on the outer portion 28 of the shaft 26 outwardly of the anchor element 66 is a first plurality of annular washers 76, each of which has a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches 78 in the outer periphery thereof positioned for receiving the fingers 74. The inner diameters of the washers 76 are substantially greater than the diameter of the shaft portion 28. A second plurality of annular washers 80 is interdigitated with respect to the plurality of washers 76, the washers 80 being constructed from a softer material than the washers 76. As is perhaps best shown in FIG. 6, each washer 80 of the second plurality of washers is provided with a central bore 82 of a noncircular cross-sectional configuration corresponding to that of the shaft portion 28. Thus, the flats 46 on the shaft portion 28 prevent the washers 80 comprising the second plurality of washers from rotating with the anchored washers 76 as the dispensing reel 16 is rotated on the supporting shaft portion 28.

Engaged with the outermost of the washers 80 is an outwardly facing, cup-shaped washer 84, which also has a bore therethrough of a configuration corresponding to that of the shaft portion 28; thus, the washer 84 is fixed to rotate with said shaft. Engaged with the cup-shaped washer 84 is an outer annular washer 86, having an inner diameter slightly greater than that of the shaft portion 28. A split nut 88 is threaded on the outer end of the shaft portion 28, the halves of said split nut being secured together by a pair of screws 90. The screws 90 can be loosened to permit free rotation of the split nut 88 to the desired position on the shaft portion 28, after which said screws can be tightened to secure the nut against accidental displacement.

In operation, the split nut 88 is threaded onto the shaft portion 28 until the flange on the bushing 56 is engaged with the washer 58, and until the washers 80 and 76 are sufficiently engaged with each other to provide the desired value of friction therebetween as the reel 16 is rotated on the shaft portion 28. This value of friction can be readily varied to a fine degree by merely adjusting the position of the split nut 88. When the slip clutch assembly 64 is thus assembled for operation, it will be seen that as the circular plate 48 rotates about the shaft portion 28, the anchor element 66 will be carried therewith. Because the washers 76 are keyed to the anchor element 66 by the interengaged fingers 76 and notches 78, said washers 76 will also rotate with the circular plate 48. The washers 80, however, are prevented from rotating relative to the shaft portion 28 by the flats 46 on said shaft portion, and are frictionally engaged with the washers 76 to a degree determined by the pressure exerted thereon by the split nut 88. Thus, the friction effect of the slip clutch 64 functions to exert a braking action on the rotation of the outer reel 16, preventing undesirable free-wheeling thereof.

Received on the shaft portion 32 behind the flange 30 is a circular plate 92, which plate forms the rear side wall of the outer, or dispensing reel 16. The plate 92 is provided with a central circular opening 93, within which is fitted a sleeve bushing 94. The sleeve bushing 94 has a flange 96 thereon positioned to confront the flange 30, and a bearing washer 98, preferably made from a self-lubricating material, is interposed between said bushing flange 96 and the flange 30.

The plate 92 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending fingers 100, which are receivable within the axial slots 62 in the hub 60. The outer surfaces 102 of the fingers 100' are knurled, or otherwise roughened, and are arranged to project slightly above the outer surface of the generally cylindrical hub 60. The outer surfaces 102 of the fingers 100 are also preferably tapered to correspond to the slight taper of the outer surface of said hub 60. The circular plate 62 has a diameter somewhat greater than that of the rear or inner end of the cylindrical hub 60 to define a rim 104.

The two layers 22 and 24 of tape on the roll 20 are wound on a cylindrical core 106, which core will typically be constructed of card-board. The diameter of the cylindrical, slightly tapered hub 60 at the outer end thereof is slightly less than the inner diameter of the core 106, whereby said core can be readily placed thereon. When the core 106 is placed on the hub 66, it is moved along the tapered surface thereof until the knurled outer surfaces 102 of the fingers 100* bite into the material of the core, thereby securing the roll 20 in position. The rim 184 is provided as a stop for the roll 20.

Received on the main portion 62 of the supporting shaft 26 is a cylindrical collar 108, which collar has a cylindrical bushing 110 fitted therein. The collar 108 is held in engagement with the bushing 94 by the locknuts 38 on the threaded end 34 of the shaft portion 32, a bearing Washer 112, preferably made from a selflubricating material, and a steel washer 114 being interposed between the confronting surfaces of the collar 108 and the innermost of the locknuts 38. The collar 108 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed, axially extending flats 116 (best shown in FIG. 8), and the outer end 118 thereof is threaded.

The inner, or take-up reel 18 is received on the cylindrical collar 188, and includes a circular hub 120 provided with a central axial opening 122 having a noncircular configuration corresponding to the external configuration of the collar 108. Thus, the hub 128* is slideably receivable on the collar 108, but is keyed against rotation relative thereto. The hub 120 is provided on the front face thereof with a circular boss 124, and a rear side plate 126 is formed integrally with the hub and projects radially outwardly from the outer cylindrical periphery thereof.

While the rear side plate 126 is shown to be formed integrally with the cylindrical hub 120, it could be formed separately and secured thereto by screws or other suitable fasteners. The side plate 126 has a plurality of arcuate cutouts 128 therein, which serve to lighten the same.

An annular front side plate 130 is received on the circular boss 124 carried by the hub 120, and extends outwardly generally parallel to the rear side plate 126. The annular front plate 131) is provided with arcuate cutouts 132 to lighten the same, and is detachably secured to the hub 128 by suitable fastener means.

While any one of several types of fasteners could be utilized to secure the annular front plate 130 to the hub 120, it is desirable that the fastener employed permit ready removal and installation of the plate on the circular boss 124. In the invention as shown in the drawings, the annular front plate 130 is secured to the hub 120 by magnetic fasteners, which have been found to offer great flexibility in use. The annular front plate 130 includes an annular band 134 positioned radially between the cutouts 132, which band is made from a magnetic-responsive material. Recesses 136 are provided in the hub 120 directly behind the annular band 134, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced magnets 138 are received within said recesses and are secured by screws 140, or alternatively by some other suitable securing means. Thus, when the annular plate 130 is placed on the circular boss 124 carried by the hub 120, the magnets 138 will attract and hold the magnetic-responsive annular band 134, thereby detachably securing the plate to said hub.

The annular front plate 130 can be constructed entirely from steel or some other magnetic-responsive material, thus making the entire plate responsive to the magnets 138. Alternatively, the body of the plate could be constructed from a non-magnetic material, and an annular steel band could be secured thereto in the region of the annular band 134. The purpose for the annular configuration of the band 134 is to allow the annular front plate 130 to assume any radial orientation relative to the circular boss 124 on the hub 120, which thereby greatly facilitate-s rapid mounting thereof.

Positioned between the confronting surfaces of the hub on the take-up reel '18 and the plate 92 of the dispensing reel 16 is a slip clutch 142, which is identical in construction to the slip clutch 64. The slip clutch 142 includes .an annular anchor element 144 which has a central opening substantially larger in diameter than the collar 188, and which is provided on the rear surface thereof with a plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs 146 that are received within bores 148 provided on the plate 92 to connect said anchor element for rotation with the reel 16. The anchor element 144 is also provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending fingers 150.

Received on the collar 108 is a first plurality of washers 152, which have inner diameters substantially greater than that of said collar, and the outer peripheries of which are provided with notches for receiving the fingers 151 Disposed alternately between the washers 152 are annular washers 154, the outer diameters of which are substantially less than the diameters of the washers 152. The openings in the washers 154 correspond in cross-section to that of the collar 108, and the washers are slideably received on said collar, the non-circular configuration of said openings and of the collar 108 keying the washers 154 to rotate with said collar. A cupshaped washer 156 and a fiat washer 158, which correspond to the elements 84 and 86, respectively, of the slip clutch assembly 64, complete the washer assemblage of clutch assembly 142.

A split nut 161 identical in construction to the split nut 88, is received on the threaded end 118 of the collar 1G8, and is threaded into engagement with the hub 120 of the inner, take-up reel 18. By tightening the split nut 160, the hub of the reel 18 is slid along the collar 108 and is urged into engagement with the washer assemblage of slip clutch 142, which thereby causes the washers 152 and 154 to frictionally engage each other. When the washers 152 and 154 are thus frictionally engaged, a driving connection is provided between the outer dispensing reel 16 and the inner take-up reel 18, so that when the outer reel 16 is revolved the inner reel 18 will revolve therewith.

Secured to the upright frame member 12 and arranged to extend transversely above the reels 16 and 18 is a guide bar 162, the guide bar being spaced from the outer peripheries of said reels and terminating in an enlarged head 164. The function of the guide bar 162 is to guide tape being transferred between the reels 16 and 18, and to facilitate such transfer the guide bar 162 preferably has a highly polished external surface.

The dispenser of the invention is utilized in the following manner. First, a double-layer roll 20 of tape is placed on the outer, or dispensing reel 16, with the core 186 of said roll being wedged tightly on the knurled, outer surfaces 182 of the fingers 100. Assuming that the roll 20 includes a double-coated layer of tape 22, that is, a tape layer bearing an adhesive coating on both sides thereof, and a liner layer 24, the apparatus is then set up as follows. The double-coated tape layer 22 is first fed downwardly from the roll 20 toward the point of utilization thereof. The liner tape layer 24 is then fed upwardly over the guide bar 162, and down onto the cylindrical hub 120 of the take-up reel 18, to which it is secured.

The free end of the liner 24 can be secured to the outer surface of the hub 120 by any suitable means. However, the present invention incorporates a novel securing device which is easily operated, and which will rapidly secure a free tape end to the hub 120.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 1 and 3, the tape end securing device of the invention is indicated generally at 166, and is mounted on the rear side plate 126 to extend across the periphery of the hub 120. The hub 120 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending arcuate recesses 168, within one of which recesses 168 the device 166 is received. The device 166 comprises a shaft 170 which is received Within a bore 172 provided in the rear side plate 126, said shaft having thereon a ratchet gear 174 which is positioned externally of the side plate 126.

The shaft 170 terminates at its outer end in the finger grasp 176, and is secured to the side plate 126 by a snap ring 178 received within a groove provided in said shaft at the inner side of the plate 126. The inner end of the shaft 170 extends axially of the arcuate recess 168, and is provided with a transverse slot 180 open at its outer end. A pawl mechanism 182 is attached to the outer surface of the rear side plate 126 in position to engage the ratchet gear 174, and functions to limit rotation of the shaft 170 to only one direction.

To secure a free tape end to the device 166, all that is necessary is to insert the said tape end into the slot 180, after which the shaft 170 is rotated manually by grasping the element 176 with the fingers. A portion of the tape end can thus be rapidly wrapped about the shaft 170, thereby securing the tape end to the take-up reel 18.

After the double-coated tape layer 22 has been led to the point of utilization, and after the liner 24 has been secured to the take-up reel 18, the device is ready for operation. When the layer 22 is pulled to unreel the same from the roll 20, the outer, dispensing reel 16 will be caused to rotate. Because the reels 16 and 18 are connected by the slip clutch 142, the inner, take-up reel 18 will rotate with the supply reel 16. Thus, the liner 24 will be reeled onto the take-up reel 18 at the same time and at the same pace as the tape layer 22 is being unreeled from the roll 20.

It should be noted that in order for the device to function, the cylindrical hub 120 must have a diameter at least as great as the initial outer diameter of the roll 20; otherwise, the initial rate of take-up by the reel 18 will be insufiicient to gather the liner 24 thereon at a rate corresponding to that at which the double-coated tape layer 22 is being dispensed from the roll 20. To further explain, it will be noted that the inner, take-up reel 18 is driven by the rotation of the outer, dispensing reel 16, and that it therefore will not rotate at a greater speed than said dispensing reel 16. If the diameter of the hub 120 is less than the initial diameter of the roll 20, it is thus readily seen that the inner, take-up reel 18 would have to rotate at a greater rate than the dispensing reel 16 to reel the liner 24 thereon at a rate corresponding to that at which the double-coated tape layer 22 is being dispensed from the roll 20.

As unreeling of the double-coated tape layer 22 continues, the diameter of the roll 20 will progressively diminish. Simultaneously, as the liner 24 is reeled onto the hub 120, the effective diameter of said hub, that is, the diameter of the hub 120 plus the thickness of the liner 24 reeled thereon, will progressively increase. It is apparent that if the inner reel 18 and the outer reel 16 were to continuously rotate at the same speed, the liner 24 would be placed under extreme tension due to the decreasing diameter of the roll 20 and the increasing effective diameter of the hub 120, which strain would eventually cause the liner 24 to break. However, the slip clutch assembly 142 prevents this from happening.

The slip clutch 142 is adjusted, utilizing the split nut 160, to provide a degree of slip between the reels 16 and 18 sufficient to prevent undue tension being placed upon the liner 24 during operation of the device. Thus, as

the double-coated tape layer 22 is dispensed from the roll 20, and as the diameter of the roll 20 decreases and the liner 24 builds up on the hub 120, the slip clutch assembly 142 will allow the inner, take-up reel 18 to progressively decrease its rotational speed relative to the outer, dispensing reel 16. The slip clutch 142 thereby allows the roll 20 to be completely diminished, while at the same time the liner 24 is completely reeled onto the take-up reel 18, all without causing breakage of the liner 24 or permitting excessive slack in the leadof tape extending between the two reels.

The purpose for the outer slip clutch 64 is to prevent free-wheeling of the dispensing reel 20, which might cause the liner 24 to be broken. The clutch 64 its especially necessary in automatic taping machines, which normally unreel the double-coated tape layer 22 from the roll 20 in a jerking, intermittent manner. Such jerking could, in the absence of the slip clutch 64, cause the dispensing reel 16 to free-wheel about the shaft 14; the clutch 64 will damp out any such tendency. If the doublecoated tape layer 22 is being fed at a continual rate, it is possible that the slip clutch 64 could then be eliminated.

When the double-coated tape 22 has been depleted, the annular front plate is removed from the take-up reel 18, and the reeled liner 22 is removed. The recesses 168 permit easy grasping of the reeled liner 22, and thus facilitate its removal. The plate 130 is then replaced, and a new roll of tape can be installed.

Another problem occurring with tape dispensers utilized on automatic machines is that occasionally the roll of tape 20 will, through machine vibration, be caused to fall off of the dispensing reel 16. When this occurs, the roll of tape will frequently become enmeshed in the machinery, and a breakdown lasting several hours can occur. A modification of the outer, dispensing reel 16 is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, which is constructed to prevent such accidental displacement of the roll 20.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an outer supply reel is indicated generally at 184, and includes a front plate 186 having a generally cylindrical hub 188 projecting therefrom. A pair of diametrically opposed notches 190 are provided in the plate 186 at the outer periphery thereof, for receiving a pair of leaf spring detents 192.

The detents 192 each comprise a generally L-shaped member 194, one leg of which is secured to the front plate 186 by a screw 196. The free legs 198 of the members 194 are received within the notches 190, and normally project a substantial distance above the outer surface of the hub 188. However, said free legs 198 will readily deflect inwardly when the core 200 of a roll of tape 202 is passed thereover during mounting of said roll on the cylindrical hub 188. After the core 200 has passed over the free legs 198, said legs will again return to their projecting positions above the surface of the hub 188, wherein they will prevent accidental displacement of the core 200 from the reel 184. When it is desired to remove the core 200 from the reel 184, the free legs 194 are merely pressed inwardly manually with the fingers, after which the core 200 can be easily slid thereover.

While the present invention has been described pri marily with reference to an automatic taping machine, it is of course not limited to such an application. Referring to FIG. 12, an embodiment of the invention suitable for use in the home or ofiice is shown. In FIG. 12, a base 204 is provided, having a pair of uprights 206 thereon which receive and support the opposite ends of a supporting shaft 208. The ends of the shaft 208 are preferably rectangular, and are received within likeshaped notches 210 in the uprights 206; the rectangular ends on the shaft 208 and the like-shaped notches 210 secure the shaft 208 against rotation relative to the uprights 206.

Also mounted on the base 204 is an upright 212, which extends upwardly from one of the uprights 206 and which 9 has a transversely extending guide bar 214 secured thereto to project generally parallel to the shaft 208. The shaft 208 has mounted thereon a dispensing reel 216 and a take-up reel 218, both of which are arranged and constructed in the manner previously described for the reels 16 and 18, and which are interconnected by a suitable slip clutch (not shown). A roll of tape 220 is received on the dispensing reel 216, and comprises a double-coated tape layer 222 and a liner 224. The construction and operation of the dispensing device of FIG. 12 is identical in concept to that of the dispensing device 2 described hereinabove.

While the present invention has been described primarily with reference to rolls of plural layer tape, wherein one tape layer is coated on both surfaces thereof with an adhesive, and wherein the other tape layer is a liner utilized to separate the confronting adhesive-coated surfaces of the first tape layer, it is of course apparent that other kinds of plural layer tape can also be utilized with the present invention. It should also be noted that the roll of tape 20 can be placed on the dispensing reel 16 with the tape layer 22 leading in either direction therefrom, and that the reels 16 and 18 can properly function when rotated in either direction.

The slip clutches 64 and 142 provide a fine degree of adjustment for the value of friction between the sets of washers associated therewith, and thus permit fine adjustment of the operation of the device. In certain applications, however, it is apparent that such precise clutch adjustment is not absolutely essential. Accordingly, it its to be understood that other types of slip clutches than the type shown and described herein could be employed in the present invention, without departing from the teachings thereof. However, it is important to the invention that the slip clutch provided between the dispensing reel and the take-up reel be constructed to drive the take-up reel at a rate adequate to reel the line-r layer of tape thereon, while at the same time preventing excessive stress from being placed on said liner layer.

It is also apparent that it would be possible to employ more than two reels in the invention, whereby plural layer tape incorporating more than two layers could be handled. For example, a third take-up reel could be mounted on the collar 108, and could be driven by a slip clutch from the take-up reel 18.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

I claim:

1. A dispenser for plural layer tape, comprising: a frame; a supporting shaft carried by said frame; at least a pair of tape receiving reels mounted for rotation on said supporting shaft in side by side relationship, one of said reels of said reel pair including a hub portion for receiving a roll of plural layer tape, and the other of said reels being provided with a noncircular axial central opening; a cylindrical collar having a noncircular external configuration mateable with that of said central opening, said collar being mounted for rotation on and fixed against axial shifting relative to said shaft, and said other reel being slidably mounted on said collar; adjustable slip clutch means positioned between confronting portions of the reels of said reel pair and arranged to provide a driving connection therebetween, so that the other reel of said reel pair will rotate in response to rotation of said one reel, said adjustable slip clutch means including: a first plurality of washers rotatably mounted on said collar between said reels of said reel pair; means constraining said first plurality of washers to rotate with said one reel; a second plurality of washers arranged alternately with said first plurality of washers and provided with noncircular openings therethrough, said second plurality of washers being slidably received on said collar to rotate therewith;

1d and adjustable means on the side of said other reel opposite said one reel operable to urge said other reel toward said one reel to frictionally engage said alternately arranged first and second pluralities of washers; and a guide bar supported by said frame and arranged to extend generally parallel to said supporting shaft, said guide bar being positioned radially outwardly of the peripheries of said reels and being arranged to guide a tape layer between said one reel and said other reel of said reel pair.

2. A dispenser for plural layer tape, comprising: a frame; a supporting shaft carried by said frame; at least a pair of tape receiving reels mounted for rotation on said supporting shaft in side by side relationship, one of said reels of said reel pair including a hub portion for receiving a roll of plural layer tape; first adjustable slip clutch means positioned between confronting portions of the reels of said reel pair and arranged to provide a driving connection therebetween, so that the other reel of said reel pair will rotate in response to rotation of said one reel; second adjustable slip clutch means connected between said shaft and said one reel of said reel pair; and a guide bar supported by said frame and arranged to extend generally parallel to said supporting shaft, said guide bar being positioned radially outwardly of the peripheries of said reels and being arranged to guide a tape layer between said one reel and said other reel of said reel pair.

3. A dispenser for plural layer tape, comprising: a frame; a supporting shaft carried by said frame; at least a pair of tape receiving reels mounted for rotation on said supporting shaft in side by side relationship, one of said reels of said reel pair including: a front radial plate; a rearwardly extending, generally cylindrical hub secured to said front plate for receiving a roll of plural layer tape, said hub having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending slots therein open at the rearward end of said hub; and a rear radial plate provided with a plurality of forwardly extending fingers receivable within said axially extending slots, the outer surfaces of said fingers being roughened and protruding above the surface of said hub; slip clutch means positioned between confronting portions of the reels of said reel pair and arranged to provide a driving connection therebetween, so that the other reel of said reel pair will rotate in response to rotation of said one reel; and a guide bar supported by said frame and arranged to extend generally parallel to said supporting shaft, said guide pair being positioned radially outwardly of the peripheries of said reels and being arranged to guide a tape layer between said one reel and said other reel of said reel pair.

4. A dispenser as recited in claim 3, wherein said one reel further includes means to detachably retain a roll of tape on said hub.

5. A dispenser as recited in claim 4, wherein said retaining means comprises a plurality of resilient fingers mounted at the forward edge of said hub, said fingers being depressible to mount and remove said roll of tape thereover.

6. A dispenser for plural layer tape, comprising: a frame; a supporting shaft carried by said frame; at least a pair of tape receiving reels mounted for rotation on said supporting shaft in side by side relationship, one of said reels of said reel pair including a hub portion for receiving a roll of plural layer tape, and the other reel of said reel pair comprising: a cylindrical hub portion, including a radial front face having a circular boss of reduced diameter thereon; a rear side plate secured to said hub and projecting radially therefrom; an annular front side plate receivable on said circular boss, and arranged when mounted on said base to project radially from said hub parallel to said rear side plate; and fastener means carried by said hub for detachably securing said annular front side plate thereto; slip clutch means positioned between confronting portions of the reels of said reel pair and arranged to provide a driving connection therebetween, so that the other reel of said reel pair will rotate in response to rotation of said one reel; and a guide bar supported by said frame and arranged to extend generally parallel to said supporting shaft, said guide bar being positioned radially outwardly of the peripheries of said reels and being arranged to guide a tape layer between said one reel and said other reel of said reel pair.

7. A dispenser as recited in claim 6, wherein said fastener means includes at least one magnet carried by said hub.

8. A dispenser as recited in claim 6, wherein said other reel includes means for securing one end of a tape thereto, said means comprising: a shaft secured for rotation in a bore provided in said rear side plate of said other reel to extend transversely of and adjacent to said hub, the

outer end of said shaft being provided with handle means, 1

and the inner end thereof being slotted to receive a tape end; and ratchet means mounted on said rear side plate and arranged to confine said slotted shaft to rotation in only one direction.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS FRANK J. COHEN, Primary Examiner. a MERVIN STEIN, W. S. BURDEN, Assistant Examiners.

Claims (1)

1. A DISPENSER FOR PLURAL LAYER TAPE, COMPRISING: A FRAME; A SUPPORTING SHAFT CARRIED BY SAID FRAME; AT LEAST A PAIR OF TAPE RECEIVING REELS MOUNTED FOR ROTATION ON SAID SUPPORTING SHAFT IN SIDE BY SIDE RELATIONSHIP, ONE OF SAID REELS OF SAID REEL PAIR INCLUDING A HUB PORTION FOR RECEIVING A ROLL OF PLURAL LAYER TAPE, AND THE OTHER OF SAID REELS BEING PROVIDED WITH A NONCIRCULAR AXIAL CENTRAL OPENING; A CYLINDRICAL COLLAR HAVING A NONCIRCULAR EXTERNAL CONFIGURATION MATEABLE WITH THAT OF SAID CENTRAL OPENING, SAID COLLAR BEING MOUNTED FOR ROTATION ON AND FIXED AGAINST AXIAL SHIFTING RELATIVE TO SAID SHAFT, AND SAID OTHER REEL BEING SLIDABLY MOUNTED ON SAID COLLAR; ADJUSTABLE SLIP CLUTCH MEANS POSITIONED BETWEEN CONFRONTING PORTIONS OF THE RELS OF SAID REEL PAIR AND ARRANGED TO PROVIDE A DRIVING CONNECTION THEREBETWEEN, SO THAT THE OTHER REEL OF SAID REEL PAIR WILL ROTATE IN RESPONSE TO ROTATION OF SAID ONE REEL, SAID ADJUSTABLE SLIP CLUTCH MEANS INCLUDING: A FIRST PLURALITY OF WASHERS ROTATABLY MOUNTED ON SAID COLLAR BETWEEN SAID REELS OF SAID REEL PAIR; MEANS CONSTRAINING SAID FIRST PLURALITY OF WASHERS TO ROTATE WITH SAID ONE REEL; A SECOND PLURALITY OF WASHERS ARRANGED ALTERNATELY WITH SAID FIRST PLURALITY OF WASHERS AND PROVIDED WITH NONCIRCULAR OPENINGS THERETHROUGH, SAID SECOND PLURALITY OF WASHERS

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