Abstract: A carrier tape and cover strip are provided for storing electronic components and for supplying those components seriatim to a machine. The carrier tape includes a strip portion having spaced longitudinal edge surfaces, and a plurality of pockets formed in the strip portion. The cover strip is applied over the pockets to contain electronic components therein, and is bonded along two outer bonding portions to the edge surfaces of the carrier tape. The cover strip includes a pair of longitudinal tear lines which enable progressive separation of a medial portion of the cover strip overlying the pockets from the bonding portions to expose the contents of the pockets. In one embodiment, the cover strip includes nicks in the bonding portions thereof for providing a predetermined direction of tear in the bonding portions to initiate a tear along each of said longitudinal tear lines when said cover strip is removed from said top surface.

Abstract: A carrier tape and cover strip are provided for storing electronic components and for supplying those components seriatim to a machine. The carrier tape includes a strip portion having spaced longitudinal edge surfaces, and a plurality of pockets formed in the strip portion. The cover strip is applied over the pockets to contain electronic components therein, and is bonded along two outer bonding portions to the edge surfaces of the carrier tape. In one embodiment, the cover strip includes a tear strip attached to a medial portion of the cover strip overlying the pockets, which may be used to separate the medial portion from the bonding portions to expose the contents of the pockets.