Abstract: An apparatus for applying a length of adhesive tape from a supply of adhesive tape along the length of the leading edge of a roll of web material includes a cutting mechanism for cutting the length of web material to form a leading edge on the roll of web material. An application mechanism of the apparatus is configured to remove adhesive tape from the supply of adhesive tape and apply adhesive tape along the leading edge of the web material. A take-up mechanism removes a liner from the adhesive tape prior to the application of the adhesive tape to the leading edge. A tape cut off mechanism cuts the adhesive tape to form the length of adhesive tape along the leading edge of the web material. A buffing mechanism contacts the adhesive tape uniformly and simultaneously along the length of the leading edge to ensure contact between the adhesive tape and an outer layer portion of the roll of web material that is directly adjacent the leading edge.

Abstract: A continuous tape supply apparatus is provided in accordance with the present invention for supplying tape at a substantially consistent tension to a tape applicator machine having an indexing demand, such as a box sealing and taping machine. In general, the continuous tape supply apparatus includes plural tape sources, such as in roll form, from which tape can be supplied to the tape applicator machine, a splicing station for splicing the tape from at least one of the tape sources to another of the tape sources, a means for causing the splice and thus the changeover of tape from one source to another, and a tension control means for providing the tape from the continuous tape supply apparatus at a substantially consistent tension under an indexing demand. Preferably, the splicing mechanism also splices tape in the reverse order from the other tape source station back to the first tape source stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a length of adhesive tape from a supply of adhesive tape along the length of a leading edge of a roll of web material includes a cutting mechanism for cutting the length of web material to form a length of leading edge on the roll of web material. An application mechanism of the apparatus is configured to remove adhesive tape from the supply of adhesive tape and apply adhesive tape along a length of the leading edge of the web material. A take-up mechanism removes a liner from the adhesive tape during the application of the adhesive tape to the leading edge. A buffing mechanism contacts the adhesive tape applied along the length of the leading edge to insure contact between the adhesive tape and an outer layer portion of the roll of web material that is directly adjacent the leading edge. A cutoff mechanism cuts the adhesive tape to form the length of adhesive tape along the leading edge of the web material.

Abstract: A fastening tab for a disposable diaper having a free end having a distal half with a maximum width X-V and a proximal half minimum width y, where x is the width of the manufacturer's end. The tape provides a maximum peel front at the distal end of the attached fastening tab providing a more secure closure and is capable of being cut from a stock roll in a repeating pattern without any waste.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tape onto a cartridge includes a frame and a rotatable tape roll support mounted on the frame. A pivoting tape applying arm is mounted on the frame and a pair of nip rollers are mounted on the lower end of the tape applying arm. The nip rollers allow linered tape movement only in the direction away from the tape roll. Tape unwinds from the tape roll only in response to movement of the tape applying arm after tape has been applied and before the next application. The tape travels from the tape roll, through the nip rollers and along the tape applying arm before a pin mounted on the applying arm strips the tape from its liner. A paddle then tacks the tape onto the cartridge and a buff roller presses the tape against the cartridge to insure adhesion. A cutter fixed on the frame cuts the applied tape and includes an electrically heated wire mounted in a sleeve with a ceramic backup component.

Abstract: An applicator wheel and guide system are provided in order to accurately align and position web material, either as discrete lengths or as a continuous strip, to articles or a continuous web. Specifically, the guide system includes a lateral edge guide disc rotatable with the applicator wheel which exhibits an edge guide surface at a first point along the periphery of the wheel applicator to precisely laterally align the web material and which moves radially inward from the surface of the applicator wheel at an application point so as not to obstruct the application of the web material to the articles or continuous web moved at a constant rate thereby. Moreover, the guide system includes the provision of an air bar for forming a loop in the supplied strip of web material prior to handling by the wheel applicator. The air bar eliminates roller inertia and guarantees consistent lengths of discrete lengths of web material to be applied to articles or a web when used on a wobbler arm.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is described for providing a strip of flexible closure material to be affixed to a receptacle. The strip of flexible closure material comprises a combination of a plurality of interengaging strip portions in their interengaged state. The process includes the step of supplying a tape of flexible closure material having a transverse width with a plurality of interengaging elements across the transverse width that extend from the tape. Then, the tape is separated along its longitudinal length into a plurality of strip portions with at least two of the strip portions having an interengaging element extending therefrom. Lastly, the strip portions having an interengaging element are brought into contact with one another while mating the interengaging element of each of the strip portions brought together with that of the other. The process takes place continuously in line with equipment for affixing the flexible closure material to a receptacle.