US3403066A - Label or tape dispenser and applicator - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 24, 1968 G. s. IKELHEIMER LABEL OR TAPE DISPENSER AND APPLICAT OR 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 15, 1964 W W y 1 R m K o KP E. e llWS Q W M w an M1 RN m v Q d f \A UJ 4 Am $3 N\ Wm 'BYY ] 41-7 541 ,4- Maroh Sept. 24, 1968 v G. IKELHEIMER 6 LABEL OR TAPE DISPENSER AND APPLICATOR Filed July '15, 1964 6' sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR. era/d 5 JZeZhe/mer BY I flr/Aur 6 Wd/vh Sept. 24, 1968 as. IKELHEIMER LABEL OR TAPE DISPENSER AND APPL]:C'ATOR Filed July 15, 1964 INVENTOR. a-ald/ 3. LkeZ/ie/hyer #kf/mr 4- Mar ch Sept. 24, 1968 G. s. IKELHEIMER 3,403,066

LABEL OR TAPE DISPENSER AND APPLICATOR Filed July 15, 1964 6 Sheets-Shet QM QM QM Rh my 3% Th i Hwme II. I!!! l mm w w p 1968 G. s. IIKELHEIIMER 3,403,066

LABEL OR TAPE DISPENSER AND APPLICATOR Filed July 16, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTQR. kcZ-iem'ver Gerald 5. I

flrfhur A My Fo/7 HT T BA/E Y United States Patent 3,403,066 LABEL 0R TAPE DISPENSER AND APPLICATOR Gerald S. Ikelheimer, 333 W. 56th St., New York, N.Y. 10019 Filed July 15, 1964, Ser. No. 382,915 29 Claims. (Cl. 156-577) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A device for dispensing and applying adhesive strips attached to a backing strip wherein the device has a housing containing a supply of the backing strip with adhesive thereon. A carriage is movably mounted in the housing to effect the feeding and supplying of the backing strip. In addition, peeling means is provided on the carriage and the backing strip is threaded past the peeling means to separate the adhesive strips from the backing strip. Further actuating means is provided attached to the housing to move the carriage in one direction relative to the housing to separate the backing strip from the adhesive strips.

This invention relates in general to a label or tape dispenser and applicator, and more specifically to a dispenser and applicator for labels or tape and the like adhesively backed with a coating of adhesive to a strip of backing material.

An object of this invention is to provide a portable hand held label or tape dispenser for dispensing and applying an adhesively backed label directly to an article to be so labeled or taped.

Another object is to provide an improved label or tape dispenser and applicator for dispensing and applying a label or tape which is adhesively hacked to a strip of backing material.

Another object is to provide an improved dispenser and applicator of a stripped backed adhesive label or tape in which the label or tape is peeled from its backing strip by pulling or feeding of the backing strip from the label or tape in a manner such that the label is maintained relatively immobile to the pull or feed of the back-ing strip.

Another object is to provide a dispenser and applicator of a ribbon or strip back adhesive label or tape in which the feeding, peeling and applying of the dispensed label or length of tape are successively and automatically performed.

Another object is to provide a label and tape dispenser with a wiper or applicator for applying pressure to assure positive adhesion for the dispensed label or length of tape to an article whereby the Wiping action or pressure of the applicator is maintained over the entire length of the dispensed label or tape without eifecting the feed of the next succeeding label or length of tape.

Another object is to provide a label and tape dispenser which is relatively simple in construction, relatively economical to fabricate and positive in operation.

h The foregoing objects and other features and advantages of this invention are attained by a device comprising a housing having a compartment or magazine for-med therein to receive a supply roll of tape or labels adhesively hacked to a strip of back-ing material. Accordingly, a carriage assembly is movably mounted on the housing for effecting the feeding, peeling and the applying of a wiping force on the adhesively backed label or length of tape disice pensed therefrom. The carriage assembly is provided with a peeling roller and cooperating feed rollers about which the ribbon or backing strip of the labels or tape is threaded. The arrangement is such that the label or length of tape is peeled from its backing strip as a predetermined length of backing strip is pulled or fed from the supply roll. This is attained by effecting a transverse movement of the carriage relative the housing whereby a drive means operating on the cooperating feed rollers effects a withdrawal or feed of a predetermined length of the backing ribbon. The transversing movement of the carriage is sufficient to effect a dispensing of a label or a predetermined amount of tape and a peeling backing material from the label or tape dispensed. Accordingly, the label or length of tape is peeled from its adhered backing strip as the former is maintained relatively immobile to the feed of the backing strip.

Means operatively associated with the carriage and movable between operative and inoperative positions are provided to apply a wiping force or pressure on the length of label or tape dispensed and peeled to insure positive adhesion thereof to an article adapted to receive the same. Means are also provided to determine the length of feed of the label or tape to be dispensed in a manner permitting the wiping action to be completed without effecting the feed or dispensing of the next succeeding label or length of tape. Actuating means in the form of a hand operated lever are operatively associated with the carriage assembly to effect the transverse movement of the carriage assembly relative to the housing whereby the feeding of the proper length of tape or label, the peeling of the same from its backing strip, and the application of the wiping pressure thereon are successively and automatically performed.

If desired, means are provided for adjusting the length of the feed of the backing strip so as to adapt the dispenser readily for use in dispensing labels or tapes of varying predetermined lengths.

In a modified form of the invention, means are also provided for effecting the takeup of the backing strip or material as it is stripped of its labels or adhesive tape in the application of such labels or predetermined length of tape.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a label dispenser having a moving carriage assembly that effects the feeding, peeling and applying of the label in a manner such that feeding and peeling is effected by pulling the backing strip from a label or predetermined length of tape as the latter is maintained relatively immobile to the pull or feed of the backing strip.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a clutching mechanism for rendering the feed rollers inoperative through the latter portion of the carriage transversing movement to determine the feed of the label or tape while permitting the wiping action to be completed without effecting the feed of the next succeeding label or predetermined length of tape.

Another feature of this invention resides in the pivoting movement of the pressure applicating means between operative and inoperative position so as to move it out of the line of sight of the label when the label is in position to be dispensed and applied.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of an arrangement for facilitating the threading of the backing strip over the peeling roller and through the feed rollers.

Another feature resides in the provision in which the label dispenser can be readily adjusted to accommodate labels of varying lengths.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and description in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a label dispenser and applicator of the instant invention illustrated in its normal inoperative position, and having parts thereof broken away and shown in section.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view similar to that of FIG. 1 but illustrating the dispenser with the parts thereon shown in an operative position, and having portions thereof broken away and shown in section.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail side view of the carriage assembly shown in a position to illustrate the manner of threading of the labeling strip thereon.

FIG. 4 illustrates a fragmentary side elevation view illustrating the position of the carriage and associated applicating means in the normal inoperative position.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4 but illustrating the carriage assembly and associated applicating means in an intermediate operative position.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIGS. 4 and 5 but illustrating the relative position of the carriage assembly and associated means at the end of its transversing movement.

FIG. 7 is a sectional side elevation view of a modified form of the invention having parts thereof shown in section and wherein the solid line position shows the carriage assembly in the normal inoperative position and the dotted line position thereof showing the position of the parts at the end of the transversing stroke.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of FIG. 7 having parts thereof broken away.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view illustrating the details of the carriage assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 7 and 8.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary detail side elevation view illustrating an adjustment feature incorporated in the dispenser of FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 11 is a sectional side view of still another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a fragmentary portion of the embodiment of FIG. 11 illustrating the carriage assembly thereof in an intermediate operative position thereof.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged detail illustrating an adjustment feature of the embodiment of FIG. 11 for adapting the dispenser for the dispensing of labels of varying length.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged detail side view of a carriage detail to illustrate the manner in which the backing strip is threaded thereto.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary front elevation view of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a detail sectional view of the feed roller taken along line 1616 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of a further modified form of the invention taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 17 having parts thereof shown in section taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a detail side sectional view illustrating the rewind mechanism of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary front end view of the modification illustrated by FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a detail side elevation view of FIG. 20 illustrating the applicator in operative position.

Referring to the drawings, the label dispenser and applicator 30 of FIGS. 1 through 6 comprises a housing 31 defined by a pair of opposed side walls 32 and 33 which are maintained in substantially parallel spaced relationship by front wall 34 and rear wall 35. Disposed between the opposed side walls 32, 33 are suitable partitions or wall members 36 to define a chamber or magazine 37 adapted to support rotatably therein a roll 38 of labels or tape 39 adhesively backed to a continuous strip or ribbon of backing material 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply roll 38 comprises a continuous strip or ribbon of backing material 40 to which there is adhesively secured a plurality of labels 39 of predetermined length as it is best evidenced in FIGS. 4 to 5. Formed integrally with the respective side walls 32, 33 of the housing are leg projections 41 for supporting the housing 31 on a suitable supporting surface.

Fixed to the respective side walls 32, 33 of the housing 31 is a rail member 42 which extends substantially the length of the associated side wall. Accordingly, the respective rail members 42 have formed therein a recess or groove 42A to define opposed tracks in which a carriage assembly 43 is movably supported therein.

In accordance with this invention, the carriage assembly 43 comprises a pair of spaced carriage side members 44 which are maintained in spaced positon by means of a front bearing pin or axle 45 and a rear bearing pin or axle 46, the ends of which are slidably supported within the opposed tracks 42A formed in the rails 42 fixed to the side walls of the housing. A carriage guide roller 47 is rotatably journalled about the front support pin 45 between the carriage side walls 44. A peeler roller or edge 48 is journalled between the side walls 44 of the carriage adjacent the guide roller 47. A second guide roller 49 is supported between the side wall 44 of the carriage slightly to the rear of the peeler roller or edge 48.

Cooperatively associated with the peeler roller 48 and carried on the carriage assembly are a pair of cooperating feed rollers 50 and 51. The cooperating feed rollers in accordance with this invention comprise a geared clutch roller 50 and a complementary idler 51 roller disposed in rolling engagement. In the illustrated arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2, the idler roller 51 is rotatably journalled about an axle 52 journalled in a slot 53 formed on the respective side walls 44 of the carriage. The geared clutch roller 58 is journalled about a clutch shaft 54 which is journalled between the ends of a pair of clutch levers 55 that are pivotally connected at their other ends about the front bearing pin 45 of the carriage. (See FIG. 3.) Therefore, as best seen in FIG. 3, the geared clutch roller 50 is adapted to be pivoted about the front bearing pin 45 between operative and inoperative position as indicated by the arrow 56 in FIG. 3. As will be hereinafter described, the pivoting of the clutch feed roller 50 to a position as shown in FIG. 3 greatly enhances the feeding of the strip material 40 between the feed rollers 50, 51 carried by the carriage.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 16 the clutch feed roller 50 includes a clutch gear 57 which is fixedly connected to a clutch shaft 54, rotatably journalled between the ends of the clutch levers 55. Rotatably journalled about the clutch shaft 54 by suitable bearing means is a rubber coated feed roller 50. On one end of the clutch shaft a drive spring 58 is interposed between the clutch shaft 54 and the internal surface of the feed roller 50. Thus, when the clutch shaft 54 is rotated, it will wind the drive spring 58 causing the spring to engage both the clutch shaft 54 and the roller 50 to effect a driving relationship between the roller and the clutch shaft to effect a feed of the labels, as will be hereinafter described. On the other end of the clutch shaft 54, there is provided a ferrule 59 which is fixed to the clutch lever 55 and an anti-rotation spring 60 is interposed between the feed roller 50 and the fixed ferrule 59.

In order to effect the drive of the feed rollers 50, 51 so that the backing strip 40 threaded therebetween may be fed so as to effect the dispensing of a label 39 adhered thereto, a rack 61 is disposed into meshing relationship with the clutch gear 57. Thus, as will be hereinafter de scribed, the arrangement is such that a transversing movement of the carriage assembly 43 rearwardly of the housing 31 will cause the clutch gear 57 disposed in meshing relationship to effect a drive of the feed roller 50 coupled to the clutch shaft 54. When this occurs the feeding or withdrawing of a length of backing strip 40' material from the supply roll results.

Acting on the idler roller 51 to maintain it into rolling engagement with the feed roller is a contact pressure spring 62. The tension of Spring 62 is such that it will maintain the idler roller 51 in proper rolling relationship with the feed roller 50', and at the same time will retain the feed roller 50 in its proper position within the notch 44A formed in the side walls 44 of the carriage assembly 43'.

Operatively associated with the carriage assembly 43 is an applicator means 64 which is adapted to be pivoted between operative and inoperative position so as to effect the application of a pressure or wiping action on the label 39 dispensed on the actuation of the label dispenser. In the illustrated embodiment, of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 to 6, the applicating means 64 comprises a pair of spaced wiping levers 65 which are pivotally connected at one end to the front bearing pin 45 of the carriage. Interconnected intermediate the ends of and between the wiping levers 65 is a camming pin 66 which has its end portions projecting beyond the wiping levers 65. Rotatably journalled between the remote ends of the wiping levers 65 is a pressure bearing means. In the form of the invention disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6 the pressure bearing means constitutes a pressure roller 67 which is rotatably journalled about an axle 68 secured between the remote ends of the wiping levers 65. A suitable spring means 69 acting on the wiping levers 65 is provided to normally maintain the levers 65 under spring tension so as to bias the pressure roller 67 toward its raised inoperative position as shown in FIG. 1.

Interposed within the housing 31 are suitable guide means 70 about which the labels or tape is threaded. Accordingly, the free end of the roll is continued under carriage guide roller 47 and around the peeling roller 48 past the secondary carriage guide roller 49 and thence over and between the respective feed rollers 50, 51 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In accordance with this invention an actuating means including a hand lever 71 is pivotally mounted adjacent the upper end of the housing 31 to effect operation of the carriage means for effecting the dispensing of a label. As shown, the hand lever 71 is pivotally mounted about a hinge pin 72 journalled between the side walls 32, 33 of the housing adjacent the upper forward corner thereof. Fixed to the respective ends of the hinge pin 72 within the housing and adjacent the respective side walls thereof is a gear sector 73. A spring 74 coiled about the hinge pin 72 is provided for exerting a spring tension on the respective gear sectors 73 connected to the hinge pin. Accordingly, the hand lever 71 is arranged to rest on the gear sector 73.

Rotatably journalled within the housing 31 is a gear 75 which is disposed into meshing relationship with the gear sectors 73. Fixed to the gear 75 and rotatably journalled about its axis in an operating lever 76. As shown, the lower end of the operating lever 76 is provided with an elongated notch 76A which is adapted to receive therein the rear bearing pin 46 of the carriage assembly 43. It will thus be apparent that whenever one desires to dispense the label, the hand lever 71 is merely depressed to a position shown in FIG. 2 whereby the meshing of the gear sectors 73 with the gear 75 will cause clockwise rotation of the operation lever 76 and connected to the gear 75 about its axis of rotation, thereby causing the carriage 43 to effect a transversing movement to the rear of the housing to a position as shown in FIG. 2.

With reference to the structure described, the operation of the dispensing and applying device of FIGS. 1 to 6 is as follows: Upon the actuation or depressing of the hand lever 71 from its normally inoperative position as noted in FIG. 1, to its operative position as seen in FIG. 2, the gear sectors 73 operatively associated therewith are urged against the bias of spring 74 in a counterclockwise direction about its hinge pin 72. The gear 75 meslhing therewith in turn is rotated clockwise. Accordingly the associated operating lever 76 connected to gear 75 is shifted to the left as viewed in FIG. 1. This movement of the operating lever 76 effects a transverse movement of the carriage assembly 43 to the rear of the housing.

As the carriage assembly 43 is moved to the rear of the housing 31, the wiping levers 65 carried thereby are caused to pivot in a clockwise direction about the bearing pin 45 to a position shown in FIG. 5. As the carriage moves to the rear the cam surface 31A of the main housing causes the wiping levers down against the tongue of the wiping lever spring. Accordingly, the wiping levers 65 and pressure roller 67 carried thereby moves to its almost full down position due to this camming action. Then as the carriage continues to move to the rear, the chamfered surfact 77 (FIGS. 2 and 6) on the tracks 42A forces the wiping levers 65 into its full down position as the camming pin 66 enters the track 42A as evidenced by the solid lines in FIGS. 5 and 6. As this is happening, the clutch gear 57 which is disposed in meshing relationship with the drive rack 61 starts rotating as soon as the carriage initiates its rearward movement upon the actuation of the hand operator 71. Since the clutch gear 57 is fixed to the clutch shaft 54, the clutch shaft 54 also immediately starts to rotate. As a result the clutch shaft 54 will slightly wind up the drive spring 58 causing the drive spring 58 to engage both the clutch shaft 54 and the interior steel surface of the rubber covered clutch roller 50 very tightly. Thus, the roller 50 is driv-ingly connected with the shaft 54. The pitch line diameter of the clutch gear 57 and the outside diameter of the roller 50 are substantially identical. Accordingly, the backing paper 46 of the label roll will move to the rear twice as fast as the carriage because the backing strip is being pinched or fed by the clutch roller 50 and complementary idler roller 51. The contact force between rollers 50, 51 is maintained by the pressure contact spring 62 acting on the idler roller 51 causing the same to be biased toward the feed roller 50. Since the backing strip 40' is moving to the rear twice as fast as the carirage assembly 43 at the clutch roller, the same strip coming down to the peeler roller is standing relatively still with respect to the carriage moving out from under it. The reversal of direction of the strip over the peeling roller or edge 48 causes the label adhered theerto be peeled therefrom and adhered to the surface to which it is to be applied. Consequently, the label 39 is applied with the label dispenser standing immobile relative to the object to be labeled. To enhance the application of the label to a given surface, a wiping action is affected by the applicator roller 67 which is cammed into operative position as the carriage is moved. In accordance with this invention, it is to be noted that as the clutch gear 57 has moved to the end of the rack with which it is meshing, it becomes disengaged therefrom causing rotation of the roller 50 to cease. However, the carriage continues to move to the rear. Consequently, as the gear clutch 57 moves beyond the rear end of the rack meshing therewith, the rotation of the feed roller stops and the feed of the label ceases. However, contined rearward movement of the carriage permits the wiping levers 65 and the presser roller 67 carried thereby to complete 'its wiping action over the full length of the label. After the carirage has reached the end of its transversing movement, the hand lever 71 is released, allowing the coil spring 74 about the hinge pin 72 to return the gear sectors 73 and hand lever resting thereon to their respective normal inoperative position. In doing so the gear 75 is rotated counterclockwise forcing the operating lever 76 to move to the right as viewed in FIG. 1 to return the carriage 43 to its normal forward position. Accordingly, as the carriage is moved to the right the gear clutch 57 once again makes contact with the rack 61. To prevent jamming and to align the teeth of the gear 57 with those of the rack 62 to provide smooth intermeshin g therebetween a gear return ratchet 78 is provided adjacent the end of the rack. In operation the ratchet 78 will engage the teeth of the clutch gear 57 and thereby effects rotation of the clutch gear 57 so that it can be moved into meshing relationship again with the rack regardless of the orientation between the gear and the rack.

On the return trip of the clutch gear 57, the drive spring 58 of the feed roller 50 unwinds thereby disengaging the roller 50 from the clutch shaft 54. However, an anti-rotation spring 60 disposed on the ferrule 59 Winds to bind the clutch roller 50 to the ferrule 59 which is pressed into the associated clutch lever 65. As a result, the action of the anti-rotation spring 60 in binding the clutch roller 50 to the ferrule 59 prevents rotation of the clutch roller 51 as the carriage is returning to its initial forward position, and thereby holds the next label in the proper position for dispensing upon the next cycle of operation.

With the carriage in its fully forward position, the wiping lever spring 69 acting on the wiping levers 65 causes the same to be pivoted to its normal inoperative position, as seen in FIG. 1, so that the pressure roller 67 is pivoted out of the way thereby fully exposing the next label to view.

Upon the dispensing of the last label of the supply roll, a new roll of labels can be installed in the device in the following manner. The hand operating lever 71 which covers the opened end of the housing 31 may be pivoted in a clockwise position so as to expose the full open end of the housing. A roll of labels is then deposited into the label compartment 37 or magazine defined between the side walls of the housing. The hand operating lever 71 is returned to its operative position and fully depressed to move the carriage 43 to the rear. With the hand operator 71 depressed and the carriage 43 positioned in its rearward most position, the clutch roller 57 is disengaged by pivoting the clutch levers 55 carrying the same in a counterclockwise direction so as to position the clutch roller 50 out as far forward as possible. See FIG. 3. With the clutch roller levers and roller thus rotated as seen in FIG. 3, the hand lever 71 is released allowing the carriage 43 to be moved to its full forward position whereby the clutch levers 55 and the clutch roller 50 carried thereby are extended in front of the carriage guide roller. With the carriage so positioned and with the clutch feed roller extended the leading end of the supply roll can be readily fed over the guide means 70 of the main housing and between the housing guide 47A and carriage guide roller 47. From there the end of the tape is reversely folded over the peel roller 48 with the end of the roll extending under the idler 51. Thus, the end of the tape will automatically feed between rollers 50, 51 when the extended clutch roller 50 is rotated to re-engage it.

Accordingly, to re-engage the clutch roller 50, the carriage must be moved again to its full rearward position by actuation of the hand operating lever 71. In this position the clutch levers 55 and roller 50 carried thereon are rotated in a clockwise direction so as to be disposed with the roller 50 in engagement with the idler roller 51..

The idler roller 51 upon engagement with the clutch roller 50 maintains the same in operative position due to the action of the pressure contact spring 62 acting on the idler roller causing the same to be urged in rolling engagement with the roller 50. The hand lever 71 may then be released whereby the return spring 74 acting on the hand lever 71 and the cooperating operating lever 76 allows the carriage 43 to return to its fully forward position. Thus, the device is readied for use.

In an alternative construction (not shown) the installation of the labels may be further enhanced by providing a suitable mechanism for swinging the rack 62 out of the way of the geared clutch roller 50 while the carriage 43 is maintained in its normal forward position. In this manner the clutch roller may be disengaged and brought to its fully forward rotated position of FIG. 3 without requiring the carriage to be first transversed to its rearward movement.

Once the new roll has been properly fed over the respective guide means 70 and over the peeling roller 48 as herein described'the clutch roller 50 is simply pivoted to its operative position. The rack 62 is then again brought back into position so as to be disposed into meshing relationship with the clutch gear of the roller thereby rendering the machine readied for use.

If desired, the length or stroke of feed of the rolled tape or labels can be readily adjusted to accommodate the dispensing tape or labels of varying lengths falling within a given range of lengths. This is attained by adjustably supporting the rack 62 transversely of the housing so that it can be moved relative to the clutch feed roller 50. In accordance with this invention, the rack 62 may be adjustably supported relative to the gear clutch roller 50 by means of an adjusting lead screw 86 which is threaded through a bore extending through the rack 62 to regulate the position of the rack 62 relative to the clutch gear 57 as shown in FIG. 13. Accordingly, the rack 62 can be readily adjusted by rotation of an adjusting nut 81 which is fixed to one end of the rack lead screw 88 to effect rotation thereof. Upon rotation of the lead screw 80, the rack will move forward or backwardly in accordance with the direction of rotation. The rack screw 88 is locked in adjusted position by means of a lock ring 82 and a lock nut 83. It will thus be apparent that by adjusting the position of the rack to the left as viewed in FIG. 13, the length of feed or stroke is increased.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a modified form of the invention. This form of the invention provides a dispenser which is similar to the structure described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, except for a modified carriage 143 and associated rack assembly 161. In this form of the invention, the housing 131 comprises a pair of side walls 132, 133 maintained in spaced relationship by interconnecting front and rear end walls 134, 135. Each of the respective associated side walls 134, 135 is provided with a rail member 142 which has formed therein a groove 142A to define a track in which a carriage assembly 143 is movably supported. In this form of the invention, the carriage assembly 143 comprises a pair of carriage side walls 144 which are maintained in spaced relationship by means of a front bearing pin 145 and a rear bearing pin 146. As hereinbefore described, the ends of the respective bearing pins 145, 146 extend beyond the carriage side walls 144 so as to be slidably received Within the opposed grooves 142A that define the track in which the carriage is transversely moved. Journalled between the side walls 144 of the carriage 143 is a peel roller or edge 148 similar to that hereinbefore described. Disposed slightly to the rear thereof is a carriage guide roller 149.

In accordance with this invention, complementary feed roller means 150, 151 are also carried on the carriage assembly. The feed roller means includes an idler feed roller 151 and a clutch feed roller 150. The arrangement is such that the idler feed roller 151 is journalled upon the rear bearing pin 146 of the carriage 143 so as to be freely rotatable relative thereto. Rotatably journalled to an extended end portion of the rear bearing pin 146 is a driving gear 146A disposed in meshing relationship with a rack 161. In this form of the invention the rack 161 is disposed above the driving gear 146A.

The clutch feed roller comprises a clutch shaft 154 about which the feed roller is rotatably journalled. Fixed to the end of the clutch shaft is a clutch gear 157 which is disposed in meshing relationship with the driving gear 146A associated with the idler roller 151.

In this form of the invention, the feed roller 150 is carried on a latch plate 155 which is adapted to be moved between operative and inoperative position to facilitate the threading of the rolled tape or labels about the feed rollers 150, 151. As best seen in FIG. 9, the latch plate 155 is pivotally movable between operative and inoperative position about a hinge pin 155A extended between the side 144 of the carriage 143. The arrangement is such that the clutch roller 150 can be readily removed to enhance the feeding of the tape between the idler roller 151 and the feed roller 150.

As shown, the latching plate 155 is provided with pposed side walls 155B which are provided with a notch 155C to define a seat for the clutch shaft 157 of the roller 150. The side walls 144 of the carriage 143 respectively are likewise provided with a notch 144A which in the operative position are disposed substantially at right angles to the notches 155C formed in the latch plate 155. Thus, as is readily apparent in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cooperating notches 155C of the latch plate and the notches 144A and side walls 144 of the carriage are such as to provide a bearing for the clutch shaft 154 of the feed roller in the operative position thereof. A suitable spring latch 155D, provided with a hook end 155E, is provided to maintain the latch plate 155 in operative position. Thus, in this form of the invention the threading of the tape is enhanced.

In this form of the invention, the rack means 161 is also adjustably disposed along the associated side wall of the housing to effect an adjustment in the length of feed of the tape which is affected by the cooperating feed rollers 150, 151. As shown, the rack 161A is fixed to a slide 1618 which is rendered tarnsversely adjustable with respect to the side wall of the housing. As shown, the slide 161B has connected thereto a pair of end support members 161C, 161D Which are disposed in juxtaposition to the side wall of the housing. The associated side wall 133 of the housing 130 is provided with an elongated slot 133A adapted to receive a lock screw 161E which is threaded into one of the end support members 161C of the rack slide 161B. The other end support 161D member of the rack slide 161B is provided with a tapped opening adapted to receive an adjusting lead screw 161F which is extended through one of the end walls 135 of the housing 130. Thus it will be readily apparent that with the lock screw 161E supporting one end of the slide loosened, rotation of the adjusting screw 161F will cause the rack slide 161B to be moved either forwardly or rearwardly according to the direction of rotation of the adjusting screw 161R Upon positioning of the rack slide in this adjusted position, the same is locked in position by tightening the lock screw 161E. Thus, by positioning the slide 161B and its associated rack 161 the amount of feed can be controlled accordingly.

Pivotally connected about the front bearing pin 145 of the carriage assembly is a pressure applicatiing means. The applicating means comprises a pair of wiping levers 165 pivotally connected to the ends of the front bearing pin 145. The other ends of the levers 165 have rotatably journalled thereto an applicator or wiping roller 167 similar to that hereinbefore described. A spring 169 acting on the wiping lever 165 normally biases the wiping roller toward its normal inoperative position.

The actuating means for effecting the transverse movement of the carriage comprises an operating hand lever 171, connected gear sectors 173, gear wheel 175, and associated operating lever 176 similar to that hereinbefore described. Therefore, with the structure described, it will readily be apparent that the operation of the device 130 is similar to the dispenser 30 described and need not be repeated. Accordingly, the structure of FIGS. 7 through 10 differ only in the specific details of the carriage assembly 143 which enhances the loading procedure of the roll of tape, and the adjusting means 161 for effecting or controlling the length of feed.

FIGS. 11 through 16 illustrate a further modified form of the invention. In this form of the invention, the housing 231 comprises a casing defining a compartment 237 for receiving a supply roll 238 of adhesively backed tape or labels adhesively backed to a continuous strip of backing material 240, and an integrally connected hand or gun type grip 231A. Access to the supply compartment 237 may be had through an opening formed in the side of the casing. In this form of the invention, the opposed side walls 232, 233 of the casing adjacent the bottom thereof are each provided with a rail member which has formed therein a recess or groove 242 to define opposed tracks in which a carriage assembly 243 is movably sup ported therein in a manner similar to that hereinbefore described. Accordingly, the carriage assembly 243 is similar in structure to that herein described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 6 and therefore a further detailed description thereof is not considered necessary in order to appreciate an understanding of this form of the invention.

However, in this form of the invention, the applicating means 264 for exerting a pressure on the label as it is peeled from the strip 240 comprises a pair of Wiping levers 265 which are pivotally mounted about respective ends of the front bearing pin 245 of the carriage assembly. Connected between the wiping levers 265 are a plurality of spring fingers 167 which are adapted to exert the wiping pressure on the label as the labels are peeled from the backing strip 240 so as to insure positive adhesion thereof to the article to be so labeled. In this form of the invention, a cam rod 266 is interposed between the free ends of the wiping levers. Accordingly, cam rod 266 is employed to effect the camming of the wiping levers and associated applicating fingers 267 to its operative position as seen in FIG. 12.

The rack 62 which is disposed into meshing relationship with the clut-ch gear 57 of the feed roller 50, is adjustably disposed between the front and rear legs of the housing construction 230. As best seen in FIG. 13, the rack 61 is provided with a threaded bore 61A through which a rack lead screw is adjustably threaded. One end of the rack screw 80 is connected to an adjusting nut 81, and the other end of the rack screw 80 is provided with a lock nut 83. Accordingly, the rack lead screw 80 journalled between the respective leg members of the housing, effects adjustment of the rack transversely of the housing by turning of the rack lead screw accordingly.

The actuating means for effecting the transverse movement of the carriage 243 in this form of the invention comprises a hand lever 271 which is pivotally mounted to the hand grip 231A about a pivot pin 271A. The operating lever 276 which effects the movement of the carriage 243 is pivotally connected to the housing 230 about pivot pin 276A. Interconnecting the hand lever 271 to the operating lever 276 is a connecting lever 277. Accordingly, the operating lever 276 is rendered responsive to the movement of the hand lever 271. A coil spring 269 is provided to bias the hand lever 271. Accordingly, one end of the spring 269 is connected to the hand lever 271 and the other end thereof is connected to a lug 230A fixed to the housing 230. Therefore, to efiect actuation of the label dispenser illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 15, the hand lever 271 is squeezed toward the fixed hand grip 231A thereby causing the connecting lever 277 and the operating lever 276 connected thereto to be moved rearwardly, thereby draging the carriage assembly 243 toward the rear of the housing. As the carriage 243 moves, a cam surface 230B, on the end of the housing, cams the wiping lever against the bias of the wiping lever spring. This action causes the wiping lever 265 to rotate clockwise about bearing pin 245. Thus the engagement of the cam pin 266, with the track 24 2 A, maintains the wiping fingers 267 in pressure applying position and the continued operation is similar to that hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1

1 l to 6. Upon release of the hand lever 271, the spring 269 causes the same to return to its inoperative position, thereby causing the carriage 243 to be moved to its initial starting position.

FIGS. 17 through 20 illustrate a further modified form of the invention. In this form of the invention, the housing construction 330 is substantially similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 11 through 16. As shown, the housing 330 comprises a casing constructed and arranged so as to define a magazine or compartment 337 for receiving a supply roll of labels or tape, and an integrally connected hand grip 332. As best seen in FIG. 18, one end of the housing is defined by a closure 33113 which is pivotally mounted about a pivot 331C so as to swing between opened and closed position. Thus the closure 331B defines an access opening to the magazine chamber 337 so as to facilitate the positioning and removal of a supply roll of labels from the casing.

In this form of the invention, the magazine 337 of the casing is provided with a central spindle or boss 337A about which the supply roll is positioned.

Adjacent the lower end of the respective side walls 332, 333 of the housing, there is formed a transversely extending recess or groove 342A to define opposed track means in which a carrier assembly 343 is movably supported.

The carriage assembly 343 comprises a pair of side walls 344 which are maintained in spaced relationship by means of a front and rear bearing pin 345, 346 which have their end portion extending beyond the sides of the carrier side walls 344 to slidably support the carrier in sliding position within the track 342A. In this form of the invention, a carriage guide roller 347 is journalled about the front bearing pin 345 between side walls 344 of the carriage, and a feed roller 35% is journalled about the rear bearing 346 pin. A peel roller 348 is journalled between the side walls 344 of the carriage adjacent the guide roller 347. A carriage guide plate 347A is disposed adjacent the carriage roller 347 and peeler roller 348.

Operatively associated with the carriage assembly 343 is an applicating means 364. Accordingly, the applicating means 364 includes a pair of wiping levers 365 which are pivotally mounted about the end of the front hearing pin 345 of the carriage assembly. Connected between the wiping levers 365 are spring fingers 367 which form the applicator for applying pressure to the peeled label during operative position of the mechanism.

In this form of the invention, the actuating means comprises a hand lever 371 which is pivoted to the fixed grip 331A about a pivot pin 371A. An operating lever 376 is pivoted to the housing at one end about pin 376A. The other end of the operating lever 376 is pivotally connected to a retracting lever 363. The free ends of the retracting lever 363 in turn are pivotally connected to the wiping levers 365. A connecting lever 377 interconnects the actuating or hand lever 371 with the operating lever 376.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 17 to 21, it is to be noted that the operating lever 376 is provided with an elongated slot 376B. Accordingly, one end of the connecting lever 377 is slidably connected thereto by a pin 377A which is free to ride in the slot 376B. The other end of the connecting lever 377 is pivotally connected by pin 371B to the actuating lever 371.

In this form of the invention, means are provided for effecting takeup or winding of the hacking material 340 to conveniently store the same after the labels or tape adhered thereto have been peeled therefrom and applied to the respective subject matter. Accordingly, a windup spool 380 having a spindle 381 is rotatably journalled in a bearing 337A formed integral with the housing casing. In accordance with this invention, a ratchet wheel 38a is fixed to the spindle 381 of the rewinding spool 380 by a pin 383. cooperatively associated with the ratchet wheel 382 so as to restrain the rewinding spool from rotation in one direction is a ratchet 384 pivotally mounted to the housing about a pivot pin 385. One leg portion 384A of the ratchet lever 384 is provided with a holding pawl 386 for engaging the ratchet wheel 382 to prohibit rotation thereof and the other leg portion 384B of the ratchet lever has connected thereto an operating earn 386. As shown, a ratchet operating cam 386 is mounted so as to be slidably adjusted relative to the ratchet lever 384. This is attained by providing the ratchet lever 384 with an elongated slot 387 in its leg portion 384B. Accordingly, the ratchet operating cam 386 is adjustably positioned along the slot 387 by means of lock screws 388. As shown, the leading end of the ratchet operating cam is provided with a cam surface 386A which is adapted to engage by rear bearing pin 346 of the carriage to effect actuation of the ratchet lever as will be hereinafter described.

Rotatably journalled about the winding spool spindle 381 is a rewind gear 389. Accordingly, the rewind gear 389 is connected into driving relationship with the ratchet gear 382 through a drive spring 390. As seen in FIG. 17 the connecting lever 377 is provided with a tooth or rack sector 3773 which is disposed into meshing relationship with the rewind gear 389, and a leaf spring 392 fixed at one end to the housing is provided for maintaining the rack sector 377B of the connectin lever 377 in meshing relationship with the rewind gear 389.

In operation the dispenser, of FIGS. 17 through 21, backing paper 340 is pulled to the rear at substantially twice the speed of the carriage assembly 343 by retaining one end of the backing paper and winding the backing paper about rollers, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19. As shown in FIG. 19, the backing paper with the label is fed past the peeler roller 348 and is then wrapped around the roller 35% carried by the carriage. From there, the backing paper is led around a roller 351 journalled about a stationary axie 351A fixed between the side walls of the housing. From there the backing strip 34-0 is led to the rewind spool 386.

The operation of the rewind label dispenser 330 thus described is as follows: As the hand lever 371 is moved to the rear, thereby effecting displacement of the connecting lever 377 and the associated operating lever 376, the movement of the operating lever clockwise about its point of pivot 376A pulls the retracting lever 363 in such a way as to move the wiping levers 365 and connected wiper 367 into position to wipe down the label as it is peeled from the ribbon moving to the rear, as seen in FIG. 21. Actuation of the operating lever 376 causes the carriage assembly 343 to be pulled to the rear or left as viewed in FIG. 17. As the carriage and carriage roller 450 move to the rear, a tension is placed on the backing tape 340 at the carriage roller 350. During this rearward movement of the carriage the rewind spool 380 is maintained locked by means of the ratchet wheel 382. and cooperating ratchet pawl 386 and therefore the tension in the backing strip exerted by the displacement of the carrier roller 350 pulls the new tape or label from the roll, and as the tape or label moves around the peeler roller 348 it is peeled from its backing strip. This action continues until the rear bearing pin 346 about Which the carriage roller 350 is journalled, engages the ratchet cam 386 thereby causing the ratchet lever 384 to be rotated counterclockwise causing the holding pawl 286 to disengage from the ratchet gear 382. When this occurs, it permits the rewind spool 380 to rotate to unwind some backing tape thereby permitting the carriage assembly 343 to be moved further to the rear without eflfecting the peeling of a next succeeding label or length of tape. This permits the wiping levers 365 and connected wipers 367 to complete its wiping action.

The hand lever 371 is then released and the return spring 369 carries the hand lever 371, the operating lever 376, the connecting lever 377, and the carriage assembly 343 to their respective initial forward position. As the connecting lever 377 moves forward toward its initial starting position, the rack portion 377B which is held engaged with the rewind gear 382 by means of the connecting lever spring 392 forces the rewind gear 380 to rotate in a clockwise direction. The rotation of the rewind gear 389 tends to make the ratchet wheel 382 rotate because of the pressure of the rewind spring 39%) coupling the two together. The ratchet wheel 382 fixed to the spindle of spool in turn will effect rotation of the rewind spool 380 just enough so as to permit the take up of all of the slack in the backing paper. When the hand lever 371 returns all the way toits forward position, it picks up the ratchet lever 384A and causing its holding pawl 386 to re-engage the ratchet wheel 382 to prohibit the rewind spool from rotating until part way through the next cycle. The ratchet lever 384 is pivoted about pin 335 is maintained in any position to which it is moved by means of friction relative to the pin about which it rotates. The ratchet lever is returned to holding position by the engagement therewith of the actuating handle as the latter is returned to initial starting position under the action of the spring.

While the instant invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood and appreciated that variations and modifications of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

I claim:

1. A device for dispensing and applying adhesive strips attached to a backing strip, said device comprising (a) a housing containing a supply of said backing strip with said adhesive strips thereon,

(b) a carriage movably mounted in said housing to effect the feeding and supplying of said backing strip,

(c) peeling means on said carriage, said backing strip being threaded past said peeling means to separate said adhesive strips from said backing strip,

((1) and an actuating means attached to said housing to move said carriage in one direction relative to said housing to separate said backing strip from said adhesive strips.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including means on said carriage for effecting feeding of the backing strip at substantially twice the speed of said carriage.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including a wiper means carried by said carriage to exert a pressure on each adhesive strip as it is applied.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein 'said wiper is operatively associated with said carriage to drive between operative and inoperative positions whereby in the inoperative position the free end of the adhesive strip is exposed and in the operative position said Wiper exerts a pressure to the strip as it is applied.

5. A device for dispensing and applying adhesive strips backed to a continuous ribbon of backing material comprising (a) a housing having a compartment for receiving a strip of said backed adhesive strips,

(b) a carriage mounted on said housing for relative movement with respect thereto and comprising means to effect feeding of said adhesive strip from said backing material and peeling means about which said ribbon is reversely folded to effect the peeling of the adhesive strips therefrom as said ribbon is withdrawn from said compartment,

(c) said means including an applicator for applying a pressure on said strip upon the peeling of said strip from said ribbon for adhering said strip to an object,

((1) actuator means operatively associated with said means to render said means operative,

(e) and means to effect the feeding of said ribbon at a rate faster than the speed of said carriage to permit said adhesive strips to be stationary as withdrawn from said ribbon.

6. A device for dispensing and applying labels having a pressure-sensitive coating adhesively secured to a strip of backing material, said device comprising (a) a housing having a chamber therein for receiving a length of said backed labels,

(b) a carriage assembly movably mounted along the bottom of said housing,

(c) said carriage assembly including means for withdrawing the labels to be dispensed from said housing, a means for peeling each said label from said backing material as said label is withdrawn and a wiper means for applying pressure to said label upon being peeled from said backing material,

(d) and means for effecting operation of said carriage assembly to effect dispensing and application of said labels.

7. A device for dispensing and applying labels adhesively secured to a strip of backing material, said device comprising (a) a housing having a magazine adapted to receive a roll of said backed labels,

(b) a feeding means mounted on said housing for relative movement thereto for withdrawing said labels from said housing,

(0) means operatively associated with said feeding means to peel said label from its backing strip,

(d) means operatively associated with said feeding means for applying pressure on said label as it is peeled from said backing strip,

(e) and an actuator operatively associated with said feeding means to effect automatic actuation of the feeding, peeling and applying of said label.

8. A device for dispensing and applying labels adhesively backed to a continuous strip of backing material comprising (a) a housing having a compartment for receiving a supply roll of said backed labels,

(b) means for successively withdrawing said labels from said compartment,

(c) said withdrawing means including a carriage movably mounted along the bottom of said housing,

(d) a peel means carried by said carriage,

(e) a pair of cooperating feed rollers mounted on said carriage,

(f) means for guiding the free end of said roll of labels over said peel roller and between said feed rollers,

(g) means for driving said feed rollers to feed said labels over said peel roller,

(h) a wiper operatively associated with said carriage for movement between operative and inoperative position to exert pressure on said label as it is peeled from said backing material,

(i) and an actuator connected to said carriage to effect actuation of said carriage and the drive of said feed rollers.

9. A device for dispensing and applying adhesive strips backed to a length of tape-like backing material compIlSlIlg (a) a housing having a magazine for receiving a roll of said backed adhesive strip,

(b) a carriage assembly movably mounted on said housing,

(c) a peel means carried on said assembly and about which said backed adhesive strip is reversely folded so as to effect peeling of the adhesive strip from said backing material as said tape backed strip is withdrawn from said housing,

(d) feeding means carried on said assembly to effect the feeding of said tape backed strip from said compartment,

(e) said feeding means including a pair of rotatably journalled feed rollers for gripping therebetween the stripped tape backing material,

(f) drive means for effecting the drive of said rollers as said carriage is moved relative to its housing to effect 15 Withdrawal of a predetermined length of said backed strip,

(g) an applicator means carried by said carriage to apply a pressure on said strip as it is peeled from its backing material, whereby said applicator is rendered operative upon the cessation of said drive means so as to permit said applicator means to complete a wiping action over the full length of the strip,

(h) and an actuator for effecting operation of said carriage assembly.

10. A device for dispensing and applying an adhesive strip backed to a tape of backing material comprising (a) a housing having a compartment for receiving a roll of said taped backed adhesive strip,

(b) a carriage assembly including carriage,

() means for supporting said carriage for movement relative to said housing,

(d) a peel roller,

(e) a cooperating feed roller means mounted on said carriage,

(f) means for rendering said roller operative for feeding said strip over only a predetermined portion of its traversing movement to limit the feed of said strip,

(g) actuating means connected to said carriage to effect movement thereof,

(h) and means connected to said carriage assembly and rendered operative during its traversing movement of said carriage to apply pressure on said adhesively backed strips peeled from said tape backing whereby said latter means effects a wiping action over the full traversing movement of said carriage.

11. A device for dispensing and applying an adhesive strip backed to a tape of backing material comprising (a) a housing having a compartment for receiving a roll of said taped backed adhesive strip,

(b) a carriage assembly including carriage,

(c) means supporting said carriage for movement relative to said housing,

(d) a peel roller carried on said carriage,

(e) cooperating feed roller means mounted on said carriage,

(f) said feed roller means including a drive roller and a cooperative driven roller disposed in rolling engagement therewith and between which said backing material is threaded,

(g) means for effecting the drive of said rollers to effect the feeding of said strip from said compartment over a traversing portion of said carriage,

(h) actuating means connected to said carriage to effect movement thereof,

(i) means for terminating the drive of said drive roller at a predetermined point along the traverse of said carriage assembly to limit the feed of said tape,

(j) and means connected to said carriage assembly and rendered operative during its traversing movement to apply pressure on said adhesively backed strip peeled from said tape backing whereby said latter means effects a wiping action over the full traversing movement of said carriage.

12. A device for dispensing and applying an adhesive strip backed to a tape of backing material comprising (a) a housing having a compartment for receiving a roll or strip of said taped backed adhesive strip,

(b) rail means mounted on said housing,

(0) a carriage assembly including carriage,

(d) means for slidably supporting said carriage on said rail means for movement relative to said housing,

(e) a peeling means,

(f) cooperating feed roller means mounted on said carriage,

(g) said feed roller means including a clutched drive roller means and a cooperative driven roller disposed in rolling engagement therewith and between which said tape backing is threaded,

(11) said clutched drive roller means including a shaft for mounting said drive roller means on said carriage,

(i) a clutch gear fixed to said shaft,

(j) a roller cylinder journalled on said shaft,

(k) a drive spring operatively connected between said shaft and said cylinder to effect driving relationship between said shaft and said roller cylinder mounted thereon,

(l) and a rack connected to said housing,

(m) said rack having gear teeth normally disposed in meshing relationship with said clutch gear,

( n) actuating means connected to said carriage to effect movement thereof whereby the meshing of said clutch gear with said rack effects the drive of said roller means to feed the tape between said rollers,

(o) the length of said rack being less than the traverse of said carriage assembly to effect a disengagement of said drive roller at a predetermined point along the traverse of said carriage assembly to limit the feed of said tape,

(p) and means connected to said carriage assembly and rendered operative during its traversing movement to apply pressure on said adhesively backed strips peeled from said tape backing whereby said latter means effects a wiping action over the full length of said peeled strip.

13. A device for dispensing and applying an adhesive strip backed to a continuous roll of backing tape comprising (a) a housing having a compartment for receiving a roll of said taped backed strip,

(b) a carriage assembly movably mounted on said housing,

(0) a peel roller carried on said carriage assembly,

(d) cooperating feed rollers mounted on said carrier,

(e) means for guiding the end of said tape over said peel roller and between said feed rollers,

(f) means for effecting the drive of said feed rollers as said carriage assembly is traversed relative to its housing to effect the feed of said tape from said compartment and the peeling of its strip therefrom,

(g) and actuating means connected to said carriage assembly for effecting the traversing of said carriage assembly.

14. The invention as defined in claim 13 wherein said latter means includes (a) a hand lever pivoted to said housing,

(b) a gear sector operatively associated with said hand lever,

(c) a spring means normally biasing said gear sector and associated hand lever toward normal inoperative position,

((1) a gear wheel rotatably journalled in meshing relationship with said gear sector,

(e) and a connecting lever interposed between said carriage assembly and said gear wheel whereby actuation of said hand lever effects traverse movement of said carriage relative to said housing.

15. A device for dispensing and applying an adhesive strip backed to a continuous roll of backing tape comprising (a) a housing having a compartment for containing a roll of said taped backed adhesive strip,

(b) a carriage mounted on said housing for relative traverse movement thereto,

(c) a peeling roller mounted on said carriage about which said backing tape is reversely folded,

((1) feed means mounted on said carriage for pulling said backing tape Over said peeling roller during the traversing movement of said carriage to effect peeling of the adhesive strip from said backing tape as said tape and strip is pulled from said roll,

(e) said feed means including a drive for rendering said feed means operative to feed said tape over only a predetermined portion of the traversing movement of said carriage so as to determine the feed of said adhesive strip to the length desired to be dispensed,

(f) and an applicator means carried by said carrier,

(g) said applicator means being movable between operative and inoperative position,

(h) means for rendering and maintaining said applicator means operative throughout the traversing movement of said carriage for applying a wiping pressure over the entire length of the adhesive strip peeled from its backing tape,

(i) and actuating means operatively connected to said carriage to effect its traversing movement relative to said housing.

16. The invention as defined in claim 15 wherein said feed means includes a pair of feed rollers connected in driving relationship for frictionally feeding therebetween the tape upon actuation thereof.

17. The invention as defined in claim 16 wherein said pair of rollers include a clutched drive roller and an idler roller disposed in rolling engagement.

18. The invention as defined in claim 17 wherein said clutched drive roller includes (a) a shaft rotatably journalled to said carriage,

(b) a drive gear fixed to said shaft to rotate with said gear,

(c) a roller rotatably journalled about said shaft,

(d) a clutch means for engaging and disengagaing said roller to said shaft,

(e) and means for prohibiting anti-rotation of said roller when said clutch means is disengaged.

19. The invention as defined in claim 18 wherein said drive for said feed means includes a toothed rack segment fixed to said housing in meshing relationship with said drive gear over a portion of the traverse movement of said carriage whereby the meshing of said drive gear and rack determine the feed of said tape.

20. The invention as defined in claim 19 including means for adjusting said rack relative to said drive gear to vary the amount of feed during a traversing movement of said carriage.

21. The invention as defined in claim 20 wherein the length of said rack is less than the traverse of said carriage so that the drive gear overrides said rack segment during a traversing movement of said carriage.

22. The invention as defined in claim 15 and including (a) means to rewind the backing tape upon the stripping and application of the adhesive strip therefrom.

23. The invention as defined in claim 15 wherein said actuating means includes (a) a hand lever pivotally connected to said housing,

(b) a gear sector operatively associated with said hand lever,

(c) a spring normally biasing said gear sector into engagement with said hand lever,

(d) a gear wheel rotatably journalled on said housing in meshing relationship with said sector,

(e) and an operating lever connected to said gear wheel and said carriage whereby actuation of said hand lever transmits through aid gear and connected operating lever a traversing movement to said carriage.

24. The invention as defined in claim 15 wherein said housing includes (a) a fixed handle (b) a hand lever pivotally connected to said housing adjacent said fixed handle whereby said handle and hand lever may be squeezed with one hand,

(c) an operating lever pivoted at one end of said housing and connected at its other end to said carriage,

(d) a connecting lever pivotally connected between 18 said hand lever and said operating lever whereby displacement of one effects displacement of the other,

(e) and a spring means connected to said hand lever for maintaining the same in inoperative position.

25. A device for dispensing and applying an adhesive strip backed to a continuous roll of backing tape com- PIlSlllg (a) a housing having a compartment adapted to contain a roll of said taped backed adhesive strip,

(b) a carriage mounted on said housing for relative traverse movement thereto,

(0) a peeling means carried on said carriage about which said backing tape is folded,

(d) a tension means carried on said carriage,

(e) a stationary means journalled on said housing,

(f) and a take-up means, the free end of said backing tape being threaded over said tension and stationary means and connected to said take-up means,

(g) and an actuating means operatively connected to said carriage and said take-up means to effect the traverse movement of said carriage to feed said tape and connected adhesive strip from said roll whereby said take-up means is rendered operative to take up the slack in said tape on the return of said carriage to its initial position.

26. The invention as defined in claim 25 wherein said tape take-up means includes (a) a rewind spool rotatably journalled in said housing,

(b) a ratchet gear connected to said spool,

(c) a ratchet operatively associated with said ratchet gear for locking said gear and connected spool,

(d) a ratchet cam operatively associated with said ratchet, said cam being actuated by said carriage to disengage said ratchet from said ratchet gear to permit spool to rotate to unwind some tape to permit carriage to retract further,

(e) a rewind gear,

(f) a rewind spring interposed between said rewind gear and ratchet gear whereby the latter gear is rotated with said rewind gear on the return stroke of said carriage whereby said spool will rotate with said ratchet gear to rewind the tape thereon,

(g) and said actuating means including a connecting link having a gear rack disposed in meshing relationship with said rewind gear to effect operation thereof.

27. A device for dispensing and applying adhesive strips backed to a continuous ribbon of backing material comprising (a) a housing having a compartment for receiving a roll of said backed adhesive strips,

(b) means movably mounted on said housing for relative translational movement with respect thereto to effect feeding and peeling of said adhesive strip from said backing material,

(c) an applicator for applying a pressure to said strip upon the peeling of said strip from said ribbon for adhering said strip to an object,

(d) an actuator operatively associated with said means to render said means operative,

(e) and means for adjusting the length of feed of said adhesive strip from said compartment.

28. A device for dispensing and applying an adhesive strip backed to a tape comprising (a) a housing,

(b) a carriage,

(c) peeling roller means,

(d) and a take up means, the free end of said backing tape being connected to said take up means,

(e) and an actuating means operatively connected to said carriage and said take up means to elfect the traverse movement of said carriage to feed said tape and adhesive strip from said roll and to hold said take up means to prevent unrolling of said backing 19 20 tape during the retraction stroke of said carriage riage to exert pressure on each said adhesive strip as and to wind up slack in said tape on the return of it i applied. 7 said carriage to its initial position. References Cited 29. The invention as defined in claim 28, comprising UNITED STATES PATENTS (a) means to disengage said take up means to permit 5 2,569,140 9/1951 Avery 156 584 it to unwind said backing tape to allow the carriage 3,222,242 12/1965 lngans at a] 156 584 to retract further without feeding adhesive strips, (b) and a wiper operatively associated with the car- DOUGLAS I. DRUMMOND, Primary Examiner.

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