WO1997047549A1

WO1997047549A1 - Apparatus for producing elements made from an adhesive tape including at least one neutralized portion

Info

Publication number: WO1997047549A1
Application number: PCT/FR1997/001049
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roland Bouschon
Original assignee: S.A.R.L. Cambo
Priority date: 1996-06-11
Filing date: 1997-06-11
Publication date: 1997-12-18
Also published as: FR2749564B1; FR2749564A1; AU3266897A

Abstract

An apparatus for producing elements made from a length of adhesive tape including an intermediate portion neutralized by applying a flexible non-adhesive strip. The apparatus includes a frame (5), a support device (6) for a reel (7) of adhesive tape (2), a hopper (8) for holding a stack of neutralizing strips (3), a pivotable arm (9) and a U-shaped member (46). The arm (9) supports rollers (18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 39) for guiding and reversing the direction of the adhesive tape (2), whereby said tape passes through the hopper (8), a shoe (26) for engaging and feeding the neutralizing strips (3), and cutting means (30, 31). The U-shaped member (46) supports counter-pressure means (47) and may be actuated by manually exerting a pulling force on the tape (2) so that it moves the pivotable arm (9) and collects a fresh strip (3) from the hopper (8) then attaches it to the adhesive tape (2). The apparatus is useful for making adhesive carrying handles.

Description

Apparatus for the production of elements based on adhesive tape, comprising at least one neutralized zone.

The present invention relates to a manual control device, with semi-automatic operation, for the manufacture of elements based on adhesive tape, comprising at least one zone neutralized by affixing a non-adhesive attached flexible strip, these elements being in particular carrying handles, suspension members, grouping and / or labeling means, which can be applied to industrial products, packaging or overpacks, with a view to ensuring gripping and / or grouping and / or identification, without excluding other functions such as decor and / or communication, in particular for advertising purposes. A typical, but non-limiting example of elements that can be produced using this device is a carrying handle constituted by a section of adhesive tape, the middle zone of which is neutralized by a non-adhesive strip generally made of cardboard (also called "cardboard box"). "), to make a carrying handle, which can be applied and glued by its ends to two opposite faces of a product or of a packaging, while its non-adhesive middle zone, and left free, serves as a grip handle , can be entered by the user's hand. Such elements must therefore be produced by starting from rolls of adhesive tape, of appropriate width, which are unwound and cut to the desired length, and by applying on the sections of adhesive tape previously cut neutralization strips, of rectangular shape, of which the length is defined according to the applications, and the width of which is generally equal to that of the adhesive tape. Each neutralization strip must, in principle, be laid in a centered position with respect to the corresponding section of adhesive tape, so as to provide two adhesive zones of the same length, on either side of the neutralized central zone.

To date, we know for example from French patent No. 2688471 fully automatic machines for manufacturing and installing such elements, in particular carrying handles. These machines, capable of working at rates generally between 10 and 80 cycles / minutes, or even higher, are intended for users who must ensure large production volumes, for ranges of products in limited numbers.

On the other hand, these machines are not suitable for productions in small series, and many and varied product ranges, which requires adaptability to different formats. Only tools generally produced by the users themselves exist, aiming to empirically associate (with a purely visual control) a cardboard neutralization strip with an adhesive tape, and to ensure the cutting of the tape by pulling this tape on an unprotected knife.

The present invention aims to avoid these drawbacks, and to satisfy an existing need, by providing a semi-automatic device capable of ensuring the production of elements of the type concerned at a rate of the order of 10 to 20 cycles / minutes. , by meeting the previously defined requirements, in particular by offering guarantees of performance, precision, ergonomics, safety for the user and adaptability to different formats. To this end, the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing elements based on adhesive tape, comprising at least one zone neutralized by affixing a flexible non-adhesive strip, the apparatus essentially comprising, in combination: - a built, - support means for a roll of adhesive tape,

- a store capable of receiving a stack of non-adhesive neutralization strips, previously cut out,

an arm mounted pivoting about a fixed axis on the frame, and carrying means for guiding the adhesive tape unwinding from the reel, and means for cutting this adhesive tape, the aforementioned guide means being arranged to pass the adhesive tape under the magazine before directing it towards the cutting means, the pivoting arm still carrying means capable of temporarily applying a portion of the adhesive tape against the lower strip of the stack of neutralization strips contained in the magazine, and

- A movable member which supports counter-cutting means, cooperating with the aforementioned cutting means, and which is capable of causing the rotation of the arm about its pivot axis, so as to cause, in particular simultaneously with the cutting of '' a section of adhesive tape, previously pulled manually, taking a neutralization strip at the base of the magazine and adhering it to a following section of the same adhesive tape.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned movable member, which supports the counter-cutting means, is constituted by a lever or a stirrup which is pivotally mounted on the frame around a fixed axis parallel to the pivot axis of the arm, and which comprises a grip handle. As for the means, capable of temporarily applying a portion of the adhesive tape against the lower strip of the stack of neutralization strips contained in the magazine, for its sampling, these can be constituted by a simple pad, carried by the pivoting arm and located opposite the base of the store, the pad preferably being reversible or interchangeable to adapt to various formats. The operating principle of such a device is as follows:

The free end of the adhesive tape, unwinding from the reel and circulating under the magazine, is grasped and pulled with one hand, by the operator, up to a mark materialized in front of the device, in the axis from it, at a predetermined distance from the cutting means. Then, with the other hand, the operator lowers the lever or stirrup which carries the counter-cutting means, which causes almost simultaneously when the lever or stirrup arrives in the low position:

- on the one hand, the cut of the length of ribbon previously drawn and,

- on the other hand, by simple contact and mechanical drive, the pivoting of the articulated arm around its axis, accompanied by the rise of the shoe carried by this arm, and the taking of the first neutralization strip by the adhesive tape .

Then the pivoting arm and the pivoting lever or stirrup return to their initial position, and during the next manual traction exerted on the uncut part of the adhesive tape, the latter carries with it the neutralization strip which has just been removed. of the shop. The process being cyclical, it is understood that each cutting operation causes the separation of a section of adhesive tape, on which a neutralization strip is stuck.

Advantageously, the cutting means carried by the pivoting arm comprise a profiled knife support, having a section in the general shape of "U" and accommodating a cutting blade between its two wings, while the counter-cutting means, carried by the mobile organ such as pivoting lever or stirrup, are constituted by another profiled element of section in the general shape of "U". This arrangement allows perfect protection of the cutting blade, which is here fixed, while ensuring by mechanical action counter-cutting means, after each cut, retaining the end of the adhesive tape, by gluing, on the one of the wings of the profiled support of the cutting blade, as well as the retention, on the other wing, of the section of ribbon which has just been separated. As for the means for guiding the adhesive tape, these comprise a set of guide and deflection rollers carried by the pivoting arm and causing the ribbon to circulate along several superimposed strands, one of the strands passing over the means, in particular shaped as pad, grip neutralization strips. Advantageously, at least one of the guide and return rollers of the adhesive tape is carried by a slider, adjustable in position in the longitudinal direction of the pivoting arm, so as to ensure the desired positioning, and in particular the centering, of each strip. of neutralization on the corresponding section of adhesive tape, whatever the respective lengths of this section and of the neutralization strip. Advantageously, a first guide and return roller of the adhesive tape is carried by the fixed pivot axis of the arm, so that the pivoting of this arm, which takes place over a relatively small angle, has practically no effect. influence on the tension and the positioning of the adhesive tape, the fact that the other rollers are carried by the swivel arm also contributing to this result. In particular, any loss of tension of the adhesive tape is avoided, which would risk causing unwanted bonding of portions of the adhesive tape, on adjacent portions of this tape or on neighboring mechanical parts, such incidents requiring manual interventions by the operator to restore operation of the device. In the same vein, the pivoting arm still advantageously carries at least one pressure roller, located opposite one of the guide and return rollers, the adhesive tape passing between these two rollers, one of which is equipped with '' a non-return freewheel.

Preferably, the pivoting arm also carries, on the path of the adhesive tape just downstream of the pad for taking the neutralization strips, an applicator roller which guarantees the application, therefore the good bonding of each neutralization strip taken from the store, which is important in order to avoid any ungluing of said strip on the continuation of the path of the adhesive tape, in particular during changes of direction, when passing over the deflection rollers. The pivoting lever or stirrup, carrying the counter-cutting means, is advantageously provided with automatic return means in the raised non-active position, which not only aims to allow the automatic return of the lever or the stirrup to the high position , as soon as the operator releases his manual action on the handle, but still to obtain the release of the area in which the operator must then grasp the end of the adhesive tape, to exert on this tape the next pull. These return means can be constituted by a counterweight carried by the stirrup, by a return spring or the like. As for the pivoting arm, its design is advantageously such that its center of gravity is located, with respect to its pivot axis, on the side comprising the pad for gripping the neutralization strips; thus, no special means is necessary to return this arm to its initial position, in which the shoe is lowered, therefore far from the store. Stops define the extreme angular positions of the pivoting arm. The invention has been explained so far by considering the mechanical cooperation of the arm and the bracket, both pivotally mounted on the frame of the device. It should however be noted that the pivoting arm can be actuated independently of the stirrup, if desired, so as to obtain the successive grip of two or more neutralization strips, without cutting the adhesive tape between these neutralization strips. , which is interesting for some applications.

According to another aspect of the invention, the support means for the reel of adhesive tape comprise, in the region situated above the pivot axis of the arm, two guide columns between which is mounted, movable vertically, a horizontal shaft carrying support and centering members for a reel of adhesive tape, while a roller is provided under said shaft, in particular in the form of a diabolo on which the reel is supported by the effect of its own weight, as well as the weight of the shaft and the aforementioned support and centering members, the unwound adhesive tape separating from the spool at this roller. Thanks to this arrangement, on the one hand the replacement of the reel becomes an easy operation, and on the other hand the unwinding of the adhesive tape, from the reel, is carried out without the jolts usually observed during the unwinding of '' an adhesive tape wound on a reel. In fact, the reaction force applied to the coil by the roller, on the contact generator, and linked to the pulling force, eliminates any tendency to jerk, preventing any abrupt detachment of the adhesive tape. Advantageously, the diabolo-shaped roller has multiple, stepped grooves, making it possible to accept at least two coil widths.

As for the store, receiving a neutralization web stack, the latter comprises two parallel side walls, preferably ^one spacing adjustable to fit the width neutralization bands, a fixed front end preferably comprising at its lower part a spout for retaining the neutralization bands, and a rear end defined by a vertical element shaped as a cursor movable horizontally, to adapt the magazine to the length of said neutralization bands, while the bottom of this store comprises, on the one hand, an open area situated opposite the pad for gripping the neutralization strips, carried by the pivoting arm, and on the other hand, in the extension of the open area, an area comprising screws transverse ensuring the bottom of the store, arranged at intervals in the same horizontal plane, on which rests the lower neutralization strip of the stack contained in the store. Thus, this magazine is easily adaptable to the format of the neutralization strips. The stack of neutralization strips rests only on the tops of the threads of the screws located at the base of the magazine, which limits the contact surface of the adhesive tape to prevent it sticking under the bottom of the magazine when taking a strip of neutralization.

Furthermore, the magazine is open at its upper part, which facilitates its reloading, the upper part of the magazine can however receive a removable or retractable weight, pressing the stack of neutralization strips contained in the magazine.

On the whole, an apparatus for the production of elements based on adhesive tape is thus obtained, comprising at least one neutralized zone, which is manually, ergonomically and safely actuated, which functions in a manner reliable and precise, and which easily adapts to different dimensions of the sections of adhesive tape and neutralization strips.

In any case, the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended schematic drawing representing, by way of example, a embodiment of this device for the production of elements based on adhesive tape, comprising at least one neutralized zone:

Figure l is a perspective view of such an element, illustrating its manufacturing principle;

Figure 2 is an overall view, from the side and in section along II-II of Figure 3, of an apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a plan view from above of the apparatus;

Figure 4 is a partial side view of this apparatus, showing the reel of adhesive tape, the pivoting arm and the path of the adhesive tape;

Figure 5 is a sectional view along V-V of Figure 4, showing more particularly the pressure roller;

Figure 6 and 7 are views, from the side and in plan from above, of the cutting means;

Figure 8 and 9 are views, side and front, of the pad of the neutralization strips;

Figure 10 is a sectional view along X-X of Figure 2, showing the detail of the tape tape support device;

Figure 11 is a sectional view along XI-XI of Figure 10, illustrating the principle of the elimination of jolts;

Figure 12 is a partial side view of the store receiving the stack of neutralization strips,

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the same store, along XIII-XIII of Figure 12;

Figure 14 to 17 are perspective views, illustrating some examples of applications of elements manufactured using the device object of the invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the invention relates to the manufacture of elongated elements 1, each comprising a section of adhesive tape 2, of total length X and width L, and a neutralization strip 3, applied and glued to the adhesive side of the tape 2. The neutralization strip 3 consists of a flexible non-adhesive material, such as paper, cardboard, fabric, plastic, rubber, summer, etc. Its width may be equal to or less than the width L of the adhesive tape 2, while the length Y of the neutralization tape 3 is always less than the length X of the section of adhesive tape 2. The neutralization strip 3 is affixed in the middle zone of the section of adhesive tape 2, so as to reserve, at the two ends of this section, two opposite adhesive zones of respective lengths XI and X2. In the most common case, the neutralization strip 3 is centered on the section of adhesive tape 2, the two adhesive zones having equal lengths XI = X2.

The manufacture of such elements 1 is carried out repeatedly, from an adhesive tape 2 which is unrolled and pulled forward, by exerting a traction T on its free end, so as to make it scroll according to the arrow F, and to which neutralization strips 3, previously cut, are applied one by one at regular intervals, the adhesive tape 2 being cut, as indicated by a line 4, between two neutralization strips 3 consecutive, so as to separate a item 1 as desired.

The device object of the invention, shown as a whole in Figures 2 and 3, allows the repetitive manufacture of such elements 1 from adhesive tape 2 of variable width, presented in a reel, and neutralization strips 3 previously cut out in the desired format, and stacked. In general, this device comprises a frame 5, a support device 6 for a reel 7 of adhesive tape, a magazine 8 receiving a stack of neutralization strips 3, and an arm 9 mounted pivoting around a fixed horizontal axis 10, the arm 9 being the carrier of various members.

The frame 5, of elongated shape, comprises a base plate 11, suitable for being placed on a table or other horizontal surface, plate 11 on which three supports 12, 13 and 14 are fixed in the form of yokes, which receive the assembly equipment.

The pivot axis 10 of the arm 9 is mounted on the intermediate yoke 13. This pivoting arm 9, of one-piece construction, comprises from the axis 10 a first elongated portion 15 substantially horizontal, passing under the magazine 8, a second elongated part 16 substantially horizontal extending opposite to its first, and a third elongated part 17 perpendicular to the previous ones, directed upwards.

On the pivot axis 10 of the arm 9 is mounted, free in rotation, a first deflection roller 18. The pivoting arm 9 itself carries a set of guide and deflection rollers mounted free in rotation, which determine the path adhesive tape 2, this path being clearly visible in FIG. 4 to which reference is also made:

- A second roller 19 is carried by the end of the first elongated part 15 of the arm 9;

- A third roller 20 is carried by a slider 21, mounted to slide along the first elongated part 15 of the arm 9, while being guided in a light provided on this arm 9, and which can be immobilized in the desired position; - A fourth roller 22 is mounted at an intermediate point of the first elongated part 15 of the arm 9;

- A fifth roller 23 is placed in the region of the pivot axis 10 of the arm 9; - A sixth roller 24 is carried by the end of the third elongated portion 17 of the arm 9; - A seventh roller 25 is located near the pivot axis 10 of the arm 9, starting from the second elongated part 16 of the arm 9. Most of the rollers, previously mentioned, are located on the side of the non-adhesive face of the tape 2. In a generally known manner, the rollers situated on the side of the adhesive face of the tape 2 are knurled, so as not to stick to the tape.

The pivoting arm 9 supports, in its first elongated part 15 in front of the fourth roller 22, a shoe 26 which is located under the magazine 8, and which is used to grip the neutralization strips 3 contained in this magazine 8. The first part elongated 15 of the arm 9 still carries an applicator roller 27, located between the shoe 26 and the second roller 19, and positioned so that its contact area with the adhesive tape 2 is located at a level below the plane connecting the active face from the shoe 26 to the upper generator of the roller 19.

The pivoting arm 9 also carries a pressure roller 28, which cooperates with the seventh roller 25, the adhesive tape 2 passing between these two rollers 25 and 28. As shown in FIG. 5, the pressure roller 28, which is made of a material elastic, present seen in section a cut angle 29, facilitating the engagement of the adhesive tape 2 between the two rollers 25 and 28. The roller 25 is equipped with a free wheel (not shown), and it prohibits, by its cooperation with the roller 28, any retraction of adhesive tape 2.

The second elongated part 16 of the pivoting arm 9 carries, at an intermediate point of its length, a transverse profiled support 30, of "U" section, for a cutting blade 31. The arm 9 has a clearance 32, between the two rollers 25 and 28, on the one hand, and the support 30 of the cutting blade 31, on the other hand. As shown more particularly in Figures 6 and 7, the profiled support 30 has two wings 33 and 34, between which a groove is formed against a side of which the cutting blade 31 is applied and fixed. The respective upper faces 35 and 36, not sharp, of the two wings 33 and 34 are contained in the same plane, which is located above the upper cutting edge 37 of the cutting blade 31, which is thus protected simply and effectively. The assembly is fixed to the pivoting arm 9 by means of screws (not shown), which pass through holes 38 made in the wing 33 of the support 30. At its free end, beyond the cutting means 30, 31 , the second elongated part 16 of the pivoting arm 9 also carries a last guide roller 39, mounted free to rotate.

The pivoting arm 9 finally has, as an extension of its first elongated part 15, a part 40 facing upwards, which serves as a stop for limiting the pivoting of the arm 9, by cooperating on the one hand with a plate 41, on the other hand leaves with a cleat 42, both secured to the yoke 12 of the frame 5. These means define the high and low positions of the first elongated part 15 of the arm 9, therefore the stroke of the shoe 26, and they ensure also the vertical guide of the arm 9.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pad 26 for gripping the neutralization strips 3 is a reversible piece, which has, on two opposite faces, respective grooves 43 and 44 of unequal widths LI and L2, adapted to two widths distinct from the adhesive tape 2 and / or the neutralization strips 3. This shoe 26 can be polygonal in shape and have a greater number of grooves, to adapt to a greater number of formats. Each of the formats corresponds to a mounting position of the shoe 26 on the arm 9, the fixing of the shoe 26 being ensured by screws (not shown).

On the yoke 14 of the frame 5 is pivotally mounted, around a horizontal axis 45, a stirrup 46 (see Figures 2 and 3) which carries a counter-cutting device, made in the form of a transverse section 47 of "U" section, not cutting, the two wings of which can engage between the two wings 33 and 34 of the support 30 of the cutting blade 31, when the stirrup 46 is lowered. The stirrup 46 has, at one end, a gripping handle 48. A counterweight 49, carried by the other end of the stirrup 46, automatically recalls this stirrup 46 in its high position, clearly visible in FIG. 2, which provides a clearance angle offering good visibility and good accessibility.

FIG. 10 shows the detail of the support device 6 for the reel 7 of adhesive tape 2. This device 6 comprises two vertical guide columns 50 and 51, which extend upwards the two branches of the yoke 13 of the frame 5. Between the two columns 50 and 51 is mounted a horizontal shaft 52, vertically movable, which carries two cylindrical centralizers 53 and 54 provided with respective annular flanges 55 and 56. The mandrel 57 of the coil 7 is mounted freely rotating on the two centralizers 53 and 54, between their respective flanges 55 and 56.

More particularly, the shaft 52 of the device 6 is shouldered, and has a thread 58 on which is screwed one of the centralizers 53, which thus blocks the other centralizer 54 against the shoulder of the shaft 52. Two smooth holes 59 and 60 are drilled at the ends of the shaft 52, for the passage of the two columns 50 and 51. The two holes 59 and 60, as well as the two columns 50 and 51, are of different diameters, to impose a mounting direction of the axis 52 chosen such that, during the unwinding of the adhesive tape 2, the friction exerted by the rotation of the coil 7 on the centering device 53 urges the latter in the direction of screwing, therefore of the tightening of the other centering device 54 , thus avoiding any risk of unblocking. On each centralizer 53 or 54, the position of the flange 55 or 56 is offset from the middle of the thickness of the centering device, so as to define two unequal bearing surfaces, on either side of the flange 55 or 56. This arrangement makes it possible, by simply reversing the two centering devices 53 and 54, to adapt the device 6 to two widths coil 7.

Under the shaft 52 is disposed a roller 61 in the form of a diabolo, mounted to rotate freely on a horizontal axis 62 held between the two branches of the yoke 13 of the frame 5. The roller 61 has two grooves 63 and 64, of diameters and of different widths, corresponding to the two coil widths 7 accepted by the centralizers 53 and 54. Under the effect of its weight, to which is added that of the shaft 52 and of the centralizers 53 and 54, the coil 7 rests, by its periphery, on the roller 61 in the form of a diabolo and, more particularly, in one of the grooves 63 and 64 of this roller 61, which thus ensures the centering of the coil 7, avoiding any lateral deviation.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the device 6 makes it possible to avoid jolts, during the unwinding of the adhesive tape 2 from the reel 7, while the action of unwinding an adhesive tape to from a reel is usually done in spurts, due to sudden peeling off of the adhesive tape. This phenomenon of jolts is notably observed when the ribbon is unwound tangentially, from a reel freely mounted to rotate on its axis, with a pulling force as indicated in FI in FIG. 11, the force FI being included in inside a certain angle αl.

In the case of the assembly here provided for the coil 7, the reaction force applied to the coil 7 by the roller 61, on the contact generator C, is linked to the pulling force F2 comprised within the limits of the angle α2 , which eliminates any jerky trend. The elimination of jolts makes it possible to control the unwinding of the adhesive tape 2, by providing a regular unwinding, here necessary to obtain the length accuracy of the adhesive tape unrolled manually during each operating cycle of the device.

The store 8, receiving a stack of neutralization strips 3, is located between the two yokes 11 and 12 of the frame 5, above the arm 9 and, more particularly, above the pad 26 for taking up the neutralization strips 3 This magazine 8 is shown in detail in FIGS. 12 and 13.

Two rigid plates 65 and 66, preferably transparent, fixed between two vertical bars 67 and 68 themselves integral with the yokes 11 and 12, constitute the two side walls of the magazine 8. On each of the plates 65 and 66 is provided a clearance 69 , which allows the free passage of the shoe 26. The bottom of the magazine 8 has an open area, located in correspondence with the clearances 69 and with the shoe 26, which is extended by an area comprising transverse screws 70, arranged at short intervals in the same horizontal plane. The screws 70, threaded over their entire length, are screwed fully into one of the plates 65, and pass freely through smooth holes in the other plate 66, which makes it possible to modify the spacing of the two plates 65 and 66, to adapt it to the width of the neutralization strips 3. Thus, the stack of neutralization strips 3, contained in the magazine 8, rests on the threads of the screws 70, which in particular avoid the risk of sticking of the adhesive tape 2 under the bottom of the magazine 8, when the shoe 26 is raised.

The vertical bar 67, located at the front of the magazine 8, has at its lower end a retaining spout 71, serving to hold the neutralization strip 3 located at the base of the stack, with a safety margin h.

A slider 72, adjustable in horizontal position along the two plates 65 and 66, and extending down to the bottom of the magazine 8, allows to adapt the useful length of this magazine to the length of the neutralization strips 3, the stack of which takes place between the bar 67 and the slider 72.

The magazine 8 is open at its upper part, but the latter receives a removable weight 73 which, by gravitational support on the stack of neutralization strips 3, ensures its compression in the grip zone by the pad 26, in order to 'exert a sufficient bonding force on the adhesive tape 2. The weight 73 is integral with a guide column 74, mounted vertically sliding and pivoting in a fixed guide 75, constituted by an upward extension of the bar 67. Thus , the weight 73 "follows" the lowering of the stack of neutralization bands 3, as they are taken, and it guarantees the parallelism of these bands 3 inside the magazine 8. The column 74 and the guide 75 also allow the lifting of the weight 73, and its rotation in the high position over approximately 90 °, to disengage the upper part of the magazine 8 for reloading with a new stack of neutralization strips 3.

The general operation of the device, described so far, is as follows:

The apparatus rests on a table, or other horizontal surface, on which is affixed, in front of the apparatus, a mark or index (not shown) indicating the limit of manual traction of the adhesive tape 2. A coil 7 of adhesive tape 2 is placed on the support device 6, and a stack of neutralization strips 3 fills the magazine 8. Under the effect of its counterweight 49, the stirrup 46 initially occupies its raised position. As for the pivoting arm 9, the center of gravity of which is situated on the left side (with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4) relative to the pivoting axis 10, this is returned by gravity to a position for which the pad 26 is found lowered, therefore far from the magazine 8. The adhesive tape 2, leaving the reel, passes on the various rollers 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27 and 28, the free end of this adhesive tape 2 being applied, and temporarily glued, on the upper face 35 of the support 30 of the blade section 31. Starting from this initial position, the operator begins by grasping with a hand the adhesive tape 2 near its end, in the area of the clearance 32 of the arm 9 made easily accessible from the front and laterally, from a side or the other, taking into account the raised position of the stirrup 46. The operator then takes off the end of the ribbon 2 from the face 36, from the support 30, and he pulls this end of the ribbon 2 towards the front, in a substantially horizontal plane, by passing the adhesive tape 2 over the last roller 39, which prevents during unwinding the adhesive tape 2 on the faces 35 and 36 of the support 30 of the cutting blade 31. The tape adhesive 2 is thus pulled manually, until its free end is brought into coï impact with the above benchmark. It will be noted that, during the drawing of the adhesive tape 2, the roller 24 intervenes to hold the tape 2 in the axis of the device, whatever the angle of drawing of this tape 2 by the operator in the horizontal plane. . Furthermore, the proximity of this roller 24 with the reel 7 allows visual control of the proper maintenance of the direction of unwinding of the adhesive tape 2. The tape 2 is thus unwound and pulled from a predefined length X, corresponding to the length of an element 1 to be manufactured.

Then, using his other hand, the operator grasps the stirrup 46 by its handle 48, and lowers it by rotating it around the axis 45. When the stirrup 46 reaches the low position, the counter-cutting device 47 cooperates with the support 30 to cause the cutting of the adhesive tape 2 by the blade 31. Simultaneously, by contact on the faces 35 and 36 and mechanical drive, the stirrup 46 causes the pivoting of the arm 3 around of its axis 10, in the direction of rotation causing the rise of the pad 26, and the application of the adhesive tape 2, by its adhesive face, against the neutralization strip 3 located at the base of the stack contained in the magazine.

At the mechanical end of the pivoting arm 9, obtained by the stop 40, the operator releases its action on the handle 48 of the stirrup 46, thus allowing the stirrup 46 to return to the high position under the effect of its counterweight 49, while the pivoting arm 9 returns to the initial position. With his hand freed from the lever 46, the operator can then grasp the rear end of the section of adhesive tape 2 separated by the cutting operation, and temporarily retained by gluing on the face 36 of the support 30, to evacuate it. for immediate or deferred use. By repeating the previous cycle, therefore by carrying out a new pulling of the adhesive tape 2, the operator causes the neutralization strip 3 previously taken to be removed from the magazine 8, and its drive with the tape 2, the roller 27 forcing the 'application of the neutralization strip 3 on the adhesive tape 2. The groove 43 or 44 of the shoe 26 ensures the guiding and / or centering of the neutralization strip 3 on the adhesive tape 2, during its setting and its extraction of the magazine 8. The successive advances of the adhesive tape 2 finally bring the neutralization strip 3 considered as far as the front of the apparatus, so that a cutting operation separates a section of adhesive tape 2 having the desired length X, and carrying this neutralization strip 3, therefore constituting the element 1 to be obtained. The position adjustment of the cursor 21 carrying the deflection roller 20 makes it possible, for given values of the total length X of the element 1 and the length Y of the neutralization band 3, either to center this band 3 (therefore achieve equality X1 = X2 - see Figure 1), which is the most frequent case, in some cases particular to obtain for the neutralization band 3 an off-center position (XI ≠ X2).

The repetition of the previously described cycle allows repetitive manufacturing of elements 1 of the same characteristics, in any desired quantity.

An additional possibility consists in actuating only the arm 9, without moving the stirrup 46, between two successive prints of the adhesive tape 2, which makes it possible to successively apply two or more neutralization strips 3 on the same section of adhesive tape 2, without cutting between these strips 3.

FIGS. 14 to 17 illustrate examples of applications of elements 1 manufactured by the device described above, including elements comprising two or more neutralization bands 3, as just indicated:

FIG. 14 shows an element 1 forming an adhesive carrying handle, for a grouped packaging of several bottles 75 under a film 76.

FIG. 15 shows an element 1 forming a carrying handle or a suspension member, for a single object or article 77.

- Figure 16 shows an element 1 encircling a single object or article 78, with several neutralization bands 3 of width less than that of the ribbon 2, constituting here labels, which take place on the different faces of the object or article 78 - Figure 17 shows an element 1 similar to that of Figure 16, used for grouping and labeling of objects or articles 79, for the constitution of a batch.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the sole embodiment of this device for the production of elements based on adhesive tape, comprising at least one neutralized zone, which has been described above by way of example; on the contrary, it embraces all of the variant embodiments and applications respecting the same principle. Thus, one would not depart from the spirit of the invention for the use of all equivalents, for example by replacing the cutting blade with a heating wire, or by replacing the counterweight 49 by a return spring, or by controlling or assisting the movement of the counter-cutting means by means of a pneumatic cylinder, or by assisting the unwinding of the adhesive tape by a motorization of the pair of rollers 25-28, or even by adapting the apparatus to the use of reels of cut adhesive tape, carrying a very long length of adhesive tape, replacing the flat reels, the reel then being supported on a roller replacing the roller in the form of a diabolo.

Claims

1- Apparatus for the manufacture of elements (1) based on adhesive tape (2), comprising at least one zone neutralized by affixing a flexible non-adhesive strip (3), characterized in that it comprises, in combination :

- a frame (5),

- support means (6) for a reel (7) of adhesive tape (2), - a magazine (8) capable of receiving a stack of non-adhesive neutralization strips (3), previously cut,

- an arm (9) mounted pivoting around a fixed axis (10) on the frame (5), and carrying guide means (18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 39 ) adhesive tape (2) unwinding from the reel (7) and cutting means (30, 31) of this adhesive tape (2), the aforementioned guide means being arranged to pass the adhesive tape (2) under the magazine (8) before directing it towards the cutting means (30, 31), the pivoting arm (9) still carrying means (26) capable of temporarily applying a portion of the adhesive tape (2) against the lower strip of the stack of neutralization strips (3) contained in the magazine (8), and

- a movable member (46) which supports counter-cutting means (47), cooperating with the aforementioned cutting means (30, 31) and which is capable of driving the rotation of the arm (9) around its pivot axis (10), so as to cause, in particular simultaneously with the cutting of a section of adhesive tape (2) previously pulled manually, the capture of a neutralization strip (3) at the base of the magazine (8) and of its adhesion on a following section of the same adhesive tape (2) .

2- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned movable member, which supports the counter-cutting means (47), is constituted by a lever or a stirrup (46) which is pivotally mounted on the frame (5 ) around a fixed axis (45) parallel to the pivot axis (10) of the arm (9), and which includes a gripping handle (48).

3- Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means, capable of temporarily applying a portion of adhesive tape (2) against the lower strip of the stack of neutralization strips (3) contained in the magazine (8) , are constituted by a pad (26), carried by the pivoting arm (9) and located opposite the base of the magazine (8), the pad (26) being preferably returnable or interchangeable to adapt to various formats.

4- Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cutting means carried by the pivoting arm (9) comprise a profiled knife support (30), having a section in the general shape of a 'U' and housing a cutting blade (31) between its two wings (33, 34) while the counter-cutting means, carried by the movable member such as lever or pivoting stirrup (46), are constituted by another profiled element (47) of “U” section.

5- Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means for guiding the adhesive tape (2) comprise a set of guide and return rollers (18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 , 25, 39), carried by the pivoting arm (9) and causing the ribbon (2) to circulate on several superimposed strands, one of the strands passing over the means, in particular shaped like a skate (26), for gripping the strips of neutralization (3).

6- Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one (20) of the guide and return rollers of the adhesive tape (2) is carried by a slider (21), adjustable in position in the longitudinal direction of the pivoting arm (9), so as to ensure the desired positioning, and in particular the centering, of each neutralization strip (3) on the corresponding section of adhesive tape (2).

7- Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a first roller (18) for guiding and returning the adhesive tape (2) is carried by the fixed pivot axis (10) of the arm (9). 8- Apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the pivoting arm (9) still carries at least one pressure roller (28), located opposite one of the guide rollers (25) and return, the adhesive tape (2) passing between these two rollers (25, 28) one of which is equipped with an anti-return free wheel.

9- Apparatus according to claim 3 and any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the pivoting arm (9) also carries, on the path of the adhesive tape (2) just downstream of the grip shoe (26). neutralization strips (3), an applicator roller (27) acting on each neutralization strip (3) taken from the magazine (8).

10- Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the lever or the pivoting stirrup (46), carrying the counter-cutting means (47), is provided with automatic return means in the non-active raised position, these means return being constituted in particular by a counterweight (49) or a return spring. 11- Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the center of gravity of the pivoting arm (9) is located, relative to its pivot axis (10), on the side comprising the gripping means, in particular the pad (26) for gripping the neutralization strips (3). 12- Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the support means (6) for the reel of adhesive tape (7) comprise, in the region located above the pivot axis ( 10) of the arm (9), two guide columns (50, 51) between which is mounted, movable vertically, a horizontal shaft (52) carrying members (53, 54) for supporting and centering a coil (7 ) of adhesive tape (2), while there is provided, under said shaft (52), a roller (61) in particular in the shape of a diabolo on which the reel

(7) is supported, by the effect of its own weight, as well as the weight of the shaft (52) and the support and centering members (53, 54), the unrolled adhesive tape (2) separating of the coil (7) at this roller (61). 13- Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the diabolo-shaped roller (61) has multiple stepped grooves (63, 64), making it possible to accept at least two coil widths (7).

14- Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the magazine

(8), receiving a stack of neutralization strips (3), comprises two parallel side walls (65, 66) preferably of adjustable spacing, a fixed front end (67) preferably comprising at its lower part a retaining spout (71), and a rear end defined by a vertical element shaped like a slider (72), movable horizontally, while the bottom of this magazine (8) comprises, on the one hand, an open zone located opposite the gripping means , in particular of the pad (26) for gripping the neutralization strips (3), carried by the pivoting arm (9), and on the other hand, in the extension of the open zone, a zone comprising transverse screws (70), arranged at intervals in the same horizontal plane and ensuring the continuity of the bottom of the magazine, on which rests the lower neutralization strip (3) of the battery contained in the magazine (8).