Tape dispenser with tape aerial

Abstract

A tape dispensing apparatus comprising a frame and at least one tape creasing part. The frame has a tape supply section for holding a tape supply therein, and a tape dispensing opening for dispensing tape from the apparatus. The tape creasing part is connected to the frame for creasing tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening and forming a self-supporting tape section extending from the tape dispensing apparatus substantially without droop.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/228,529, filed Aug. 28, 2001, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a tape dispensing apparatus and, more particularly, to a tape dispensing apparatus with a tape aerial for dispensing tape from the apparatus in a self-supporting manner.

[0003] 2. Prior Art

[0004] Conventional tape dispensers for dispensing gummed tape such as may be used to seal cardboard boxes and any other type of packages in general, typically have a wetting system in order to activate the adhesive on the gummed tape dispensed from the dispenser. Thus the user need not wet the dispensed tape, and may immediately apply the dispensed tape to the desired packages. Tape dispensed from conventional tape dispensers generally exits a tape dispensing opening of the apparatus with the gummed side of the tape down. In addition when dispensed from conventional apparatus, the dispensed tape may droop down, under its own weight, from the tape dispensing opening to rest against any surface (e.g. counter or table top) on which the apparatus is seated, or possibly against a side of the apparatus itself. In the event that the adhesive on the gummed surface has been activated (i.e. the tape is sticky), as is generally the case, the tape may adhere to any surface it comes into contact with. This makes the dispensed tape difficult to handle, may result in particulate matter being deposited on the adhesive thereby degrading its adhesive properties, as well as resulting in adhesive being left on surfaces where it is not desired (i.e. the counter top or side of the apparatus). The present invention overcomes the problems of conventional tape dispensing apparatus as will be described in greater detail below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, a tape dispensing apparatus is provided. The tape dispensing apparatus comprises a frame, and at least one tape creasing part connected to the frame. The frame has a tape supply section for holding a tape supply therein. The frame includes a tape dispensing opening for dispensing tape from the apparatus. The at least one tape creasing part is connected to the frame for creasing tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening. The tape creasing part forms a self-supporting tape section extending from the tape dispensing apparatus substantially without droop.

[0006] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, a tape dispensing apparatus is provided. The tape dispensing apparatus comprises a frame, and a tape creasing device connected to the frame. The frame has a tape supply section for holding a tape supply therein. The tape includes a dispensing opening for dispensing tape from the apparatus. The tape creasing device has a tape creasing part defining a general wedge-shaped edge.

[0007] The wedge-shaped edge of the tape creasing device is located to press into tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening. The wedge-shaped edge creases the tape longitudinally so that at least one longitudinal portion of the tape is disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinally adjoining portion of the tape.

[0008] In accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention, a tape dispensing apparatus is provided. The tape dispensing apparatus comprises a frame, and a tape creasing assembly mounted to the frame. The frame has a tape supply section for holding a tape supply therein. The tape includes a tape dispensing opening for dispensing tape from the apparatus. The tape creasing assembly is provided for creasing tape dispensed from the tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening. The tape creasing assembly comprises a crease roller and a groove roller. The crease roller has a circumferential crease edge which interfaces with a groove of the groove roller. When tape is dispensed from the tape dispensing opening, the crease roller directs dispensed tape between the crease roller and groove roller. The circumferential crease edge of the crease roller presses the dispensed tape into the circumferential groove of the groove roller.

[0009] In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a tape dispensing apparatus tape creasing assembly is provided. The tape creasing assembly comprises a frame, a first roller, and a second roller. The frame is adapted for being mounted to a tape dispensing apparatus. The first roller is rotatably mounted to the frame. The second roller is rotatably mounted to the frame substantially opposite the first roller. The first roller and second roller interface with each other wherein when substantially flat tape is fed between the first roller and the second roller, the first roller and second roller bend the tape forming a longitudinal crease in the tape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a tape dispensing apparatus incorporating features of the present invention and a section of tape dispensed from the apparatus;

[0012] FIG. 2 is another schematic partial elevation view of the tape dispensing apparatus in FIG. 1 showing a tape aerial assembly of the apparatus moved from its installed position;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a partial top perspective view of the tape dispensing apparatus with the tape aerial assembly located in its installed position on the apparatus;

[0014] FIGS. 3A-3C respectively are bottom rear perspective view of the tape aerial assembly, a top plan view of the tape aerial assembly, and rear elevation view of the tape aerial assembly of the apparatus in FIG. 1;

[0015] FIGS. 4A-4B respectively are a partial side elevation view of the tape aerial assembly and a section of tape, and a partial rear elevation view of the tape aerial assembly and the section of tape; and

[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the of the tape aerial assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic perspective view of a tape dispensing apparatus 10 incorporating features of the present invention, a section of tape 100′ dispensed from the apparatus 10. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the single embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

[0018] The present invention will be described below in with particular reference to a tape dispensing apparatus 10 for dispensing gummed tape such as may be used for sealing seams on packages or cartons. However, the present invention is equally applicable to tape or ribbon dispensing apparatus of any kind.

[0019] In accordance with the present invention, the tape dispensing apparatus 10 holds, and dispenses tape 100, 100′ (see FIG. 1). As noted before, the tape 100 may be gummed paper tape which has an adhesive underside 102. The adhesive on the gummed tape 100 may be initially in an inactive state. When dispensed from apparatus 10, the tape 100 is cut by the tape dispensing apparatus 10 into sections, of desired length to be used for sealing seams on packages. The adhesive on the tape 100 is activated by the tape dispensing apparatus 10 so that cut sections of tape 100 are self-adhesive. Tape dispensing apparatus 10 is provided with a tape aerial assembly 40 which receives tape sections dispensing from the apparatus and forms a crease in the tape sections as the tape sections are being dispensed. The crease provides the tape with inherent rigidity such that the cut tape section becomes self supporting and does not droop down under its own weight. The tape aerial assembly 40 also supports the dispensed tape section, preventing the tape section from falling away from the apparatus, and allowing the user to readily remove the dispensed tape section without mess.

[0020] In greater detail now, tape 100 may be reinforced gummed paper tape, though any suitable type of tape may be used including plastic tape and non-reinforced paper tape. Gummed tape (similar to tape 100) generally has a top layer a contact pressure layer, reinforcing strands, and a bottom layer. The top layer and bottom layer are made of suitable paper. The contact pressure layer may be a suitable adhesive which holds the top layer, the reinforcing strands and the bottom layer together. The tape 100 is initially flat (see FIG. 4A). The width of the tape is preferably about 60 mm, though the present invention is equally applicable to gummed tape of any width and length. The lower surface (see FIG. 1) of the tape 100 has an adhesive (not shown) deposited thereon. The adhesive may be deposited on the bottom of the tape after the tape is manufactured, or during the manufacture of the tape. The adhesive is preferably a moisture activated adhesive, such as for example, an organic, nontoxic adhesive with a modified corn starch, smooth coat, high tack formulation, though any other suitable organic, or non-organic adhesive may be used. The adhesive on the lower surface of the tape 100 is preferably in an inactive (i.e. non-adhesive) state when the tape is loaded into the apparatus 10. The adhesive surface may then be activated by adding moisture when the tape is dispensed from the apparatus. The top surface 104 of the tape may not be provided with an adhesive thereon.

[0021] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the tape dispensing apparatus 10 generally comprises a frame 12, a tape storage area 14 defined in the frame 12, a tape feeding mechanism (not shown), a cutting mechanism (not shown), a tape wetting system 20, and tape aerial assembly 40. The tape dispensing apparatus may also include a tape coding mechanism (not shown) similar to the coding mechanism described in U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed on ______, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In alternate embodiments, the tape dispensing mechanism may be provided with any desired features. Housing 21 covers the frame 12. The feeding and cutting mechanisms are located in the housing 21. The wetting system 20 is located at least in part outside the housing 21. Tape aerial 40 is mounted to the frame 12 as will be described in greater detail below. The tape dispensing apparatus 10 has an exit 26 through which tape 100 is dispensed. The tape is stored in the tape storage area 14. The feeding mechanism draws tape out of the storage area and feeds it past the cutting section, and wetting system 20 to the exit 26 through which the tape is dispensed from the apparatus. The tape is cut into tape sections at the cutting section. In the preferred embodiment, the cutting section is located along the direction of travel of the tape within the apparatus before the wetting system. Thus, a given portion of tape arrives at the cutting section before that portion reaches the wetting section 20. The wetting system 20 wets the tape sections (which have already been cut) to activate the moisture activated adhesive. Preferably, the apparatus 10 includes a programmable controller 22 which is controllably connected to the feeding mechanism, and cutting mechanism of the apparatus 10. A user interface 24 is provided to allow a user to interface with controller 22. In the preferred embodiment, the user interface 24 has function keys 24A, used by the user to input commands, such as for example, “Start/Stop”, and identifying the dispensed tape lengths, to the controller 22. In alternate embodiments, the user interface may use any other input means such as a touch display, or PC keyboard for entering commands in the controller. The tape moves from the exit 26 into the tape aerial which applies a crease to the tape, and delivers the tape sections dispensed from the apparatus in a ascending manner.

[0022] The tape storage area 14 may be located towards the rear 8 of the housing 21, and is sized and shaped to hold tape 100 in a roll configuration. The roll may be positioned vertically in the storage area. In alternate embodiments, the tape may be stored in the storage area in any other suitable configuration. The tape roll in the storage area may be supported by rollers (not shown) allowing the roll to turn freely in the storage area when the feed mechanism of the apparatus draws tape out of the storage area 14.

[0023] The feeding mechanism may be any suitable type of tape feeding mechanism. For example, the feeding mechanism may comprise idler rollers, one or more guide trays (not shown), feed rollers (not shown), pinch rollers (not shown), and a drive motor (not shown). The idler rollers, guide trays, feed and pinch rollers, and the drive motor support and guide the tape in the apparatus to feed the tape in a feed direction (indicated by arrow X) to the exit 26. When the motor is energized, under control from controller 22, the motor rotates the feed rollers in a suitable direction (e.g. counterclockwise) to transport the tape in the feed direction X of the feed mechanism.

[0024] The cutting mechanism, is operated by controller 22 to cut the tape 100 fed past the cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism may generally comprise one or more cutting blades (not shown), a spring loaded solenoid (not shown) for operating the cutting blades, and pivot links (not shown) operably connecting the cutting blades to the solenoid. In the preferred embodiment, the cutting blade(s) may be orientated generally transverse to the tape 100, as the tape is being fed by the feed mechanism past the cutting blade, and may be slidably supported on rails to slide back and forth and cut the tape. Movement of the blade is generated with the spring loaded solenoid. The spring loaded solenoid is energized and de-energized as appropriate, and the substantially reciprocal motion of the output post of the solenoid is transferred via the link(s) to the blade effecting the cutting motion of the blade. In alternate embodiments, the cutting blade may be moved up and down by any other suitable means such as directly driving the blade with a compressed air, or fluid piston. The apparatus 10 may also be provided further with a lift arm for manually moving the cutting blade in the frame. For example, the arm may be rotated between a lowered position and a raised position in order to manually move the cutting blade back and forth.

[0025] Referring still to FIGS. 1-2, the wetting system 20 of the apparatus 12 generally comprises a fluid reservoir or bottle 20R, a basin or tray 20T, and a wetting brush 20B. Tray 20T is mounted to the front 7 of frame 12, and is open at the top. The tray 20T of wetting system 20 holds a suitable fluid, such as for example, water for activating the moisture activated adhesive on the tape dispensed from the apparatus. Bottle 20R holds a fluid reserve. The bottle 20R is mounted external to the housing 21 to feed reserve fluid into the tray 20T at a suitable rate to replenish the fluid therein. The reserve bottle 20R may be removable. This allows the bottle to be removed at a suitable time and refilled without interrupting operation of the tape dispensing apparatus. The wetting brush 20B is located inside the tray 20T, and sits in the fluid bath in tray 20T. The top of the brush 20B preferably projects above the lip of tray 20T. The tape 100 dispensed from the opening 26 of the apparatus 10 rests against the top of the brush 20T. As tape 100 is fed out of the apparatus, the tape moves over the top of the brush 20T which wets and activates the moisture activated adhesive on the lower surface of the tape 100 dispensed from the apparatus.

[0026] As seen in FIG. 1, the tape dispensing apparatus preferably includes a heater 30. Heater 30 is used to enhance activation of the tape adhesive by the wetting system 20 of the apparatus 10. The heater 30 is preferably mounted substantially over tray 20T of the wetting system at to the tape dispensing exit 26 of the apparatus 10. Heater 30 preferably includes a housing 30H, heating elements 30E, heating plate 30P, and control means 30C. Referring also to FIG. 4, the heater housing 30H may have a general hexahedron shape and may be made of plastic of metal sheet. Alternatively, the heater housing may have any other suitable shape. The heating elements 30E, which may be resistive heaters, are located in the housing 30H and are connected to the heating plate 30P such that the heating plate is heated by the heating elements. Control means 30C may include a rheostat with a knob 31, mounted substantially at the top of the housing as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, which is controllably connected to the heating elements to allow a user to control the temperature of the heating plate. The heating plate 30P is preferably a flat plate located at the bottom of the housing in contact with the top of the wetting brush of the wetting system. The heating plate is made out a suitable conductive plate such as steel or copper alloy plate. The heating plate has as suitable thickness to provide the heating plate with desired thermal mass. The heating plate may be mounted on an adjustable support (not shown) so that the height of the heating plate over the wetting brush may be adjusted in order to change the extent of contact between the heating plate and wetting brush. The heating mechanism 30 may be used to enhance adhesive activation by heating the water or other fluid dispensed by the wetting system onto the gummed tape. For example, when the heating plate is heated, heat is transferred between the heated plate and wetting brush in contact with the plate, and then via conduction along the wet bristles of the wetting brush to the fluid bath in the wetting system tray 20T. The heated fluid deposited by the wetting system 20 onto the adhesive surface of the gummed tape 100 penetrates into the adhesive and activates the adhesive at a faster rate than when using unheated fluid. This allows a faster feed rate when dispensing tape without loss of effectiveness of the activated adhesive on the dispensed tape.

[0027] Still referring to FIG. 1, the tape aerial assembly 40 is mounted at the front 7 of the apparatus housing 21. The tape aerial 40 may be located adjacent to the tape dispensing exit 26 although in alternate embodiments the tape aerial may be offset somewhat from the exit. Referring now also to FIGS. 3 and 5, there is shown respectively a perspective view of the tape aerial assembly 40 and an exploded, perspective view of the aerial assembly 40. The tape aerial assembly 40 generally comprises a frame 42, a creasing roller 44, and a groove roller 46. The creasing roller 44 and groove roller 46 are mounted to the frame 42 to interface with each other as will be described in greater detail below. As seen best in FIG. 5, in the preferred embodiment, the frame 42 is of modular construction with a base section 48 and a removable upper section 50 removably mounted to the base section. In alternate embodiments, the frame may be a one piece member. Both the base section 48 and upper section 50 may be made of plastic, formed into the desired shape for example by injection molding. Otherwise, the base section and upper section may be stamped or otherwise formed from sheet metal. As seen in FIG. 5, the base section 48 includes a center portion 54 and two mounting arms 52L, 52R cantilevered therefrom. The center portion 54 is substantially hollow (as seen best in FIG. 3a which shows a bottom rear perspective view of the tape aerial assembly). The center portion 54 has a bottom portion 56 and a ramp portion 58 located atop the bottom portion 56. The bottom portion 56 has peripheral walls 54C, 540 as shown in FIG. 3A. The ramp portion 58 has peripheral walls 58P and a top cover 58R. The top cover 58R includes a flat section 60 and inclined or angled section 62. The flat section 60 is located over a portion of the peripheral walls 54C, 54D of the bottom portion 56. The inclined portion 62 is located adjacent, but at an angle relative to the flat section 60. Accordingly, peripheral walls 58P extend between the walls 540 of the bottom portion 56 and the inclined section 62 of the ramp portion 58. The ramp portion 58 of the base section 48 has a channel 64 formed therein. The channel 64 extends through the inclined portion 62 of the top cover 58R thereby forming a slot 640 in the inclined portion. The slot 640 is open at the front of the base section. The top cover 58R also includes a pair of fairings or raised rails 58F which extend longitudinally along the flat section 60 and over a portion of the inclined section 62 (the rails taper down along the inclined section as seen in FIG. 5). The top cover 58R also has an inner pair of raised rails 66 which border the slot 640 in the inclined section 62 and also extend over the flat section 60 as shown in FIG. 5. Both the outer rails 58F and inner rails 66 have rounded or cammed portions 58FE, 66E (see FIG. 3A) which wrap around the top cover 58R to bottom portion edge at the rear 53 of the center section 48.

[0028] As seen in FIGS. 3A, and 5, the longitudinal mounting arms 52L, 52R project rearwards from the rear of the center section 54. The mounting arms 52L, 53R are similar to each other but opposite hand, and hence, will be described below with particular reference to arm 52L. The mounting arm 52L is a resiliently flexible member comprising a web 68 which extends from the peripheral wall 540 of the center section 54. The web 68 has a detent section 70 at its distal end 74. The detent section 70 forms a groove with a flange or seating surface 72 facing towards the center section 54 (see also FIG. 3B). The mounting arm 52L is also provided with a pull tab 76 which projects outwards from the web 68. As can be realized, the pull tab 76 provides the arm with a general angle cross section thereby increasing the stiffness of the arm. The web 68 of the arm 52L also has a mounting slot 78 for mounting the upper section 50 to the base section 48 as will be described below. In alternate embodiments the mounting arms may have any other suitable shape.

[0029] Still referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, and 5, the upper section 50 of the tape aerial frame preferably includes a central transverse span 80 with a general angle shape having a top flange 80T and a front flange 80F. The outer ends of the angle transverse span 80 are closed by two rearward extending flanges 82 as shown in FIG. 5. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the transverse angle span 80 and outer end flanges 82 form a rear recess which is sized to cover the exposed leading edges 79 of the webs 68 on the base section mounting arms 52L, 52R (see also FIG. 5). Also as seen in FIG. 3A, the top flange 80T of the transverse span has a stringer 84 projecting down from the underside of the flange. The stringer 84 extends along the entire length of the top flange 80T and may be connected at opposite ends to the rear flanges 82. The front flange 80F of the transverse span 80 may also have a rear stiffener or chock 86 to stiffen the front flange. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 5, the stringer 84 on the underside of top flange 80T interfaces with the slots 78 in the webs 68 of mounting arms 52L, 52R when the upper section 50 is coupled with base section 48. Accordingly, the stringer 84, at least in the areas where the stringer interfaces with the slots 78, is sized to form a press fit or any other desired fit, with the slots. Each end flange 82 has a catch member 83 (see FIG. 3A) projecting inwards to engage the mounting arm 524, 52R of the base section. In alternate embodiments, the upper section may have any other suitable interface to attach to the base section.

[0030] The upper section 50 has a clevis 88 extending forwards from the transverse span 80 (see FIG. 5). The clevis 88, may be substantially centered, and aligns generally with the channel 64 in the base section 48. The clevis 80 includes a pair of support tabs 90 which depend in general from the front flange 80F of the transverse span. The rear stiffener 86 (see FIG. 3A) on flange 80F may stiffen the front flange in the area from which the tabs 90 depend. Each tab 90 may have a bore 92 formed therethrough, and an annular recess or pocket 94 generally surrounding the bore 92. The rim around the annular recess 92 may have an entry slot 96 which is offset from a top of the recess.

[0031] Still referring to FIG. 5, the creasing roller 84 is mounted to the clevis 88 on upper section 80 with shaft 200. Referring also to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the creasing roller 44 is preferably a one-piece member, though it may be an assembly of a number of pieces, made of metal or plastic. The roller 44 has a general disk shape, as shown in FIGS. 3B-3C. Although the creasing roller 44 may have any suitable shape, in the preferred embodiment, roller 44 has a hub section 110, an outer radial section 112 which is generally tapered down to the circumferential edge 114 of the disk. Hence, when viewed edge on, the outer section 112 of the roller has a wedge appearance tapering down from the hub 110 to the edge 114 (see FIG. 3C). The hub section 110 has a bore 116 for shaft 200. Shaft 200, shown in FIG. 15, is preferably a rod or bar made of any suitable material such as metal or plastic, and has a generally cylindrical shape. The shaft 200 has a center section and spindles 202 at opposite ends. The center section is preferably sized and shaped to form a force/press fit with the bore 116 in the roller 44. The bore 116 and center section of the shaft 200 may also have keying features, such as for example interlocking facets to prevent the roller from rotating relative to the shaft.

[0032] The creasing roller 44 is installed into the clevis 88 on the upper section 50 of the tape aerial frame 42, by deflecting the clevis tabs 90 (which are resiliently flexible) apart a sufficient amount so that the shaft 200 and the roller 44 may be placed between the tabs. When the tabs are released the spindles 202 are received into bores 92 of the clevis locking the roller and shaft into the clevis. Portions of the shaft center section may be located in the recesses 94 which may operate generally as bushings allowing the shaft 200 (and hence creasing roller 44) to rotate freely relative to the tape aerial frame. During installation of the roller and shaft into the clevis, the roller is inserted between tabs 90 so that the ends of shaft 200 move through openings 96 into recess 94. The ends of the center section of the shaft are seated in the recesses forming a close running fit with the recess lip.

[0033] As seen best in FIGS. 3B and 5, the groove roller 46 of the tape aerial assembly is located in the channel 64 of the frame base section 48. The side walls 64S of the channel have a bore or recess formed therein for holding the groove roller shaft 220. The groove roller 46 may also be a one-piece member, or otherwise an assembly of a number of parts, made of plastic or metal. The roller 48 may have a hub section 130 with a bore 136 for shaft 220. Around the hub section 130, is an outer section 132 which has an outer groove 134 extending circumferentially around the roller as seen in FIG. 5. When viewed along any radial cross section, the groove 134 in the groove roller has a general “U” shape, although the groove may have any other desirable cross-sectional shape. Shaft 220 is substantially similar to shaft 200 described before. The center section of shaft 220 conforms to the bore 136 in the groove roller 46 so that there is no relative rotation between roller and shaft. End spindles 222 of the shaft extend out of the roller to be received into the receiving bores in the channel walls 64S of the base section. The channel walls 64S may be provided with entry slots or guide rails 65 which facilitate insertion of the groove roller 46 and shaft 220 into the channel 64 and guide the end spindles 222 into the holding bores. When the end spindles 222 are located in the bores, the shaft 220 and roller 46 may rotate freely relative to base section 48.

[0034] The crease and groove rollers 44, 46 are preferably mounted to the upper section 50 and lower section 48 respectively prior to installing the upper section onto the base section. The upper section 50 is installed by positioning stringer 84 into slots 78 (see FIG. 3A) and seating the leading edges 79 of mounting arms 52L, 52R against the rear side of front flange 80F of the upper section. In the installed position, shown in FIG. 3A, the catch members 83 on the upper section engage the lower edge 68L of the arms 52L, 52R thereby locking the upper section 50 to base section 48. As seen in FIG. 3B, when the upper section 50 is installed on the base section 48, the groove roller 46 in the base section is offset forwards relative to the creasing roller 44. The creasing and groove rollers 44, 46 are otherwise substantially aligned with each other. The outer edge 114 of the creasing roller 44 is inside the groove 134 of the groove roller 46 and may be seated or in contact with against the surface of the groove (see FIG. 3C). Contact between the edge 114 of the crease roller 44 and the groove 134 of the groove roller 46 is at a location offset to the rear from the topmost point of the groove roller. A line L (see FIG. 4A) extending through the axis of rotations respectively of the crease and groove rollers 44, 46 is angled relative to the vertical V axis.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows the tape dispensing apparatus 10 with the aerial assembly 40 in the installed position. In the preferred embodiment, the tape aerial assembly 40 is mounted to the heater 30 in front of the tape dispensing exit 26 of the apparatus 10. In alternate embodiments, the tape aerial assembly may be mounted to the apparatus in any other suitable manner. Referring also to FIG. 2, there is shown another perspective view of the tape dispensing apparatus, in a state where the tape aerial assembly 40 is disconnected from the apparatus and in a position just prior to coupling or just after removal of the tape aerial assembly 40 from the apparatus 10. As seen in FIG. 2, the housing 30H of the heater 30 has side walls 30S (only one wall is visible in the view shown in FIG. 2). Each housing sidewall 30S has a latch projection 30L extending from the sidewall. The latch projection conforms to the shape of the groove in the detent section 70 of a mating mounting arm 52L, 52R of the tape aerial assembly 40. As can be realized from FIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting arms 52L, 52R are spaced sufficiently apart to allow the heater housing 30H to fit in between the arms, while allowing for locking engagement between latch projections 30L on the housing and the detent sections 10 on the mounting arms 52L, 52R. Accordingly, with the tape aerial assembly positioned in front of the heater housing as shown in FIG. 2, the assembly may then be moved towards the heater, until the latch projections 30L engage the grooves in the detent sections 70 of the mounting arms 52L, 52R. A user may resiliently deflect the mounting arms apart, by pulling outwards on tabs 76 (see FIG. 3B) to allow the detent sections 70 to pass over the latch projections 30L on the sidewalls 70S of the housing 30H. Otherwise, the detent sections and/or the latch projections may be provided with cam surfaces to cam apart the aerial mounting arms and allow the mounting arms to snap around the latch projections. As noted before, when the aerial assembly 40 is in the installed position, shown in FIG. 1, the detent sections 70 on the mounting arms 52L, 52R are engaged to the latch projections on the sides of the heater housing 30H. The seating surface 72 of the detent section is seated against the projections thereby holding the tape aerial assembly 40 in position. Additional support may be provided by the lower edges of the mounting arms which may rest on the top rim of the wetting system tray 20T.

[0036] Referring now also to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there is shown respectively a partial side elevation of the tape aerial in the installed position, and a rear elevation view of the installed position with tape 100 dispensed from the dispensing exit 26 of the apparatus being fed through the tape aerial assembly 40. As seen in FIG. 4A, in the installed position, the flat section 60 (see also FIG. 5) of the ramp portion is aligned substantially with the tape dispensing exit 26 of the apparatus. When tape 100 is dispensed from the exit 26, the tape 100 moves from the wetting tray 20T in the direction indicated by arrow X onto the flat section 60 of the tape aerial assembly 40. The flat section 60 is located proximate to the tray 20T so that the leading edge of the tape moves smoothly between the tray 20T and flat section without hanging up on the rear edge of the tape aerial assembly. Rounded portions 66E (shown in FIG. 3A) cam the edge of the tape upward so that the tape 100 transitions smoothly onto the tape aerial assembly. As the tape moves over the flat section 60, the gummed (lower) surface of the tape rests on the outer and inner rails 58F, 66 which prevent the active adhesive on the gummed surface from coming into contact with the top surfaces 62, 60 of the tape aerial assembly.

[0037] As the tape 100 is dispensed in direction X, the tape first encounters the creasing roller 44 . The tapered edge 114 of the creasing roller wedges the tape 100 down into the slot 640 (see FIG. 4B). This commences a longitudinal crease C in the tape. As the tape 100 moves in direction X, the tape 100 rotates the creasing roller 44 (e.g. clockwise). This in turn causes the roller 44 to press the tape 100 into groove 134 of the interfacing groove roller 46 (see FIG. 4A). The edge 114 of the creasing roller 44 and the groove 134 of the groove roller interface with each other to generate longitudinal crease C in the tape as seen in FIG. 4B. Crease C generally bisects the tape 100′ which exits from the tape aerial assembly 40. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 4B the creased tape 100′ has a general angle or “V” shape with the adjoining longitudinal sections 100A′ angled relative to each other. The angle cross section of the tape sections 100′ provides tape section 100′ with sufficient stiffness so that creased tape section 100′ is generally self-supporting and does not drop under its own weight as shown in FIG. 4A. In addition, as tape 100′ feeds past the groove roller 46 (the groove roller 46 is rotated counterclockwise by the tape) the roller 46 urges the tape 100′ in a direction (indicated by arrow U in FIGS. 1 and 4A) which is at an upward angle relative to the initial feed direction X of the tape 100 dispensed from exit 26 of the apparatus 10. Ramp section 58R guides and supports creased tape section 100′ at this inclination as seen in FIG. 4A. This allows the user to readily handle the creased tape section 100′ dispensed from the apparatus 10 as described above.

[0038] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tape dispensing apparatus comprising:

a frame with a tape supply section for holding a tape supply therein, and a tape dispensing opening for dispensing tape from the apparatus; and

at least one tape creasing part removably mounted to the frame for creasing tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening and forming a self supporting tape section extending from the tape dispensing apparatus substantially without droop, wherein the at least one tape creasing part has at least one support arm which interlocks with a mating portion of the frame to removably mount the at least one tape creasing part to the frame.

2. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tape creasing part comprises a creasing roller.

3. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the creasing roller is located generally over a longitudinal center line of tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening of the apparatus.

4. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the creasing roller rotates relative to the frame about an axis of rotation generally orthogonal to a translation axis of the tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening of the apparatus.

5. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the creasing roller has a tapered peripheral edge generally aligned with a translation axis of the tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening of the apparatus.

6. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the peripheral edge of the creasing roller contacts a surface of the tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening of the apparatus.

7. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the peripheral edge of the creasing roller rides upon tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening, the peripheral edge folding the tape as the peripheral edge of the creasing roller rides on the tape to form a generally longitudinal crease in the tape.

8. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one tape creasing part includes a ramp for supporting and directing the self supporting tape section at an upward angle relative to a translation axis of the tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening of the apparatus.

9. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the ramp has a support surface with a channel formed therein, the support surface being disposed to support the tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening against the creasing roller, and wherein the creasing roller has a tapered circumferential edge a portion of which projects past the support surface into the channel of the ramp.

10. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one tape creasing part includes a groove roller with a circumferential groove formed therein, the groove roller being rotatably mounted to the frame of the apparatus generally opposite the creasing roller wherein a tapered circumferential edge of the creasing roller enters into the circumferential groove at least along a portion of a circumference of the groove roller.

11. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the tapered edge of the creasing roller presses tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening into the circumferential groove of the groove roller.

12. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the creasing roller is offset relative to the groove roller along the translation axis of the tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening, the creasing roller being located closer to the tape dispensing opening than the groove roller.

13. A tape dispensing apparatus comprising:

a frame with a tape supply section for holding a tape supply therein, and a tape dispensing opening for dispensing tape from the apparatus; and

a tape creasing device connected to the frame, the tape creasing device having a spring loaded detent biased against a reciprocal member on the frame for removably mounting the tape creasing device to the frame, the tape creasing device having a tape creasing part defining a generally wedge shaped edge, wherein the wedge shaped edge of the tape creasing device is located to press into tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening, creasing the tape longitudinally so that at least one longitudinal portion of the tape is disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinally adjoining portion of the tape.

14. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the tape creasing device includes a support frame with the spring loaded detent for removably mounting the tape creasing part to the frame of the apparatus being disposed thereon.

15. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the tape creasing part is a roller rotatably mounted to the support frame, the generally wedge shaped edge being disposed circumferentially around the roller.

16. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the support frame comprises a center section with a pair of resiliently flexible arms extending from the center section, and wherein the roller is rotatably mounted to the center section on an opposite side from the pair of arms.

17. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the tape creasing device comprises a groove roller with a circumferential groove, the groove roller being rotatably mounted to the center section of the tape creasing device, the groove roller being located on an opposite side of a tape support surface of the center section from the roller forming the tape creasing part.

18. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the wedge shaped edge of the roller presses tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening into the circumferential groove of the groove roller.

19. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the roller is offset relative to the groove roller along an axis of translation of tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening, the roller being located closer to the tape dispensing opening than the groove roller.

20. A tape dispensing apparatus comprising:

a frame with a tape supply section for holding a tape supply therein, and a tape dispensing opening for dispensing tape from the apparatus; and

a tape creasing assembly mounted to the frame for creasing tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening, the tape creasing assembly comprising a crease roller and a groove roller, the crease roller having a circumferential crease edge which interface with a groove of the groove roller, wherein when tape is dispensed from the tape dispensing opening, the crease roller directs dispensed tape between the crease roller and groove roller, the circumferential crease edge of the crease roller pressing the dispensed tape into the circumferential groove of the groove roller.

21. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the crease roller and groove roller redirect tape dispensed from the tape dispensing opening so that a section of tape located after the crease roller and groove roller is oriented at an angle relative to another section of tape located before the crease and groove roller.

22. A tape dispensing apparatus tape creasing assembly comprising:

a frame adapted for being mounted to a tape dispensing apparatus;

a first roller rotatably mounted to the frame;

a second roller rotatably mounted to the frame substantially opposite the first roller, the first roller and second roller interfacing with each other wherein when substantially flat tape is fed between the first roller and the second roller, the first roller and second roller bend the tape forming a longitudinal crease in the tape; and

a spring loaded detent disposed on the frame to be biased against a reciprocal member on the tape dispensing apparatus when the frame is mounted to the tape dispensing apparatus.

23. The tape dispensing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the first roller has a generally tapered circumferential edge, and the second roller has a circumferential groove formed therein, wherein the first roller and second roller are disposed relative to each other so that the circumferential edge of the first roller rides on a surface inside the circumferential groove of the second roller.