U.S. patent application number 10/241019 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-13 for system for opening sealed packages, tape dispenser and tape.
Invention is credited to DeMunda, John W., Epstein, Harvey, Hebert, Robert J., Lay, Roger F., LeMoine, George, White, Phillip L..
Application Number | 20030029294 10/241019 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24698642 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030029294 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lay, Roger F. ; et
al. |
February 13, 2003 |
System for opening sealed packages, tape dispenser and tape
Abstract
A system for easy opening of sealed packages. The system
comprises a tape dispensing apparatus, and a tape. The tape
dispensing apparatus has a cutter therein. The tape is used for
sealing a seam of a package. The tape is sized and shaped for being
dispensed from the tape dispensing apparatus. The tape dispensed
from the dispensing apparatus has a predetermined length cut by the
cutter. The predetermined length of tape has a first side with a
self-adhesive section for attaching the predetermined length of
tape to the package. The predetermined length of tape also includes
a non-adhesive section, and a ribbon disposed on the first side of
the tape section. The predetermined length of tape has a tear strip
defined by the ribbon, and non-adhesive section of the first side
together. The tear strip extends longitudinally along the
predetermined length of tape. The tear strip ends in a pull tab for
pulling the tear strip open and opening the predetermined length of
tape attached to the package.
Inventors: |
Lay, Roger F.; (Woodbury,
CT) ; DeMunda, John W.; (Oakville, CT) ;
White, Phillip L.; (Prospect, CT) ; Epstein,
Harvey; (Newton, MA) ; Hebert, Robert J.;
(Southbury, CT) ; LeMoine, George; (Trumbull,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERMAN & GREEN, LLP
425 Post Road
Fairfield
CT
06430
US
|
Family ID: |
24698642 |
Appl. No.: |
10/241019 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10241019 |
Sep 11, 2002 |
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09672463 |
Sep 28, 2000 |
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6474392 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
83/649 ; 156/575;
225/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 35/0026 20130101;
B65H 2701/1944 20130101; C09J 2400/283 20130101; Y10T 156/1795
20150115; Y10T 156/1798 20150115; B65B 69/00 20130101; B65H 35/00
20130101; B65H 35/0086 20130101; Y10T 156/179 20150115; Y10T
225/238 20150401; Y10T 83/896 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
83/649 ; 225/39;
156/575 |
International
Class: |
B26D 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for opening sealed packages, the system comprising: a
tape dispensing apparatus having a cutter therein; and a tape for
sealing a seam of a package, the tape being sized and shaped for
being dispensed from the tape dispensing apparatus, the tape
dispensed from the dispensing apparatus having a predetermined
length cut by the cutter; wherein the predetermined length of tape
has a first side with a self adhesive section for attaching the
predetermined length of tape to the package, a non-adhesive
section, and a ribbon disposed on the first side, and wherein the
predetermined length of tape has a tear strip defined by the ribbon
and non-adhesive section of the first side together, and extending
longitudinally along the predetermined length of tape, the tear
strip ending in a pull-tab for pulling the tear strip open and
opening the predetermined length of tape attached to the
package.
2. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the ribbon is
between the first side of the predetermined length of tape and the
package when the predetermined length of the tape is attached to
the package.
3. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the pull-tab is
formed when the tape is dispensed from the tape dispensing
apparatus.
4. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tape is gummed
tape.
5. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the pull-tab is
formed by the cutter cutting the tape.
6. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the non-adhesive
section of the first side of the predetermined length of tape is
disposed to generally bi-sect the self-adhesive section
longitudinally, and wherein the ribbon is disposed on the
non-adhesive section of the predetermined length of tape.
7. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tear strip
extends from a first end of the predetermined length of tape to a
second end of the predetermined length of tape.
8. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tape dispensing
apparatus comprises an adhesive activation section for activating
an inactive adhesive on the tape, the adhesive activation section
having a moisture delivering area delivering moisture to the tape
being dispensed from the tape dispensing apparatus and forming the
self-adhesive section on the first side of the predetermined length
of tape.
9. A system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the tape dispensing
apparatus has a shield strip over the moisture delivering area for
preventing moisture delivery to a section of the tape being
dispensed from the tape dispensing apparatus and forming the
non-adhesive section on the first side of the predetermined length
of tape.
10. A gummed tape comprising: a tape base material having a first
base layer, and a second base layer with reinforcing threads
sandwiched between the first and second base layers, the first
layer having an outer side with a moisture activated adhesive layer
thereon; and a ribbon disposed longitudinally on the outer side of
the first base layer.
11. A gummed tape in accordance with claim 10, wherein the ribbon
has a generally flat shape and is made of plastic.
12. A gummed tape in accordance with claim 10, wherein the ribbon
is disposed on the moisture activated adhesive layer on the outer
side of the first base layer.
13. A gummed tape in accordance with claim 10, wherein the ribbon
is located generally over a longitudinal centerline of the
tape.
14. A gummed tape in accordance with claim 10, wherein the first
base layer, and the second base layer are made of paper, and
wherein the reinforcing threads are made of fiberglass.
15. A gummed tape in accordance with claim 10, wherein the ribbon
is made from at least one of a mono-oriented polypropylene material
or a biaxial-oriented polypropylene material.
16. A gummed tape in accordance with claim 10, wherein the moisture
activated adhesive layer has an activated section, and an
inactivated section, the activated section providing a
self-adhesive for attaching the tape to a surface of an object, and
the ribbon being located on the inactivated section when the tape
is attached to the surface of the object.
17. A gummed tape in accordance with claim 16, wherein when
attached to the surface of the object, the gummed tape has a tear
strip formed by portions of the first and second base layers
coincident with the inactivated section of the moisture activated
adhesive layer in combination with the ribbon located on the
inactivated section, and wherein pulling on the ribbon causes the
tear strip to tear from the gummed tape.
18. A sealed package security system comprising the gummed tape
according to claim 17, wherein the tear strip, when opened at least
in part, indicates that the sealed package has been tampered
with.
19. A gummed tape in accordance with claim 10, wherein the ribbon
has a self adhesive disposed on at least one side of the ribbon for
attaching the ribbon to the first base layer of the gummed
tape.
20. A gummed tape dispensing apparatus comprising: a frame with a
storage area for storing gummed tape therein, and having an exit
area through which gummed tape is dispensed; a feeding mechanism
connected to the frame, the feeding mechanism feeding the gummed
tape from the storage area to the exit area; and a wetting system
connected to the frame for wetting a side of the gummed tape and
activating a moisture activated adhesive on the side of the gummed
tape; wherein the wetting system has a shield which covers part of
the wetting system and prevents a portion of the side of the gummed
tape from being wetted while an adjoining portion of the side of
the gummed tape is wetted by the wetting system when the gummed
tape is fed past the wetting system by the feeding mechanism.
21. A gummed tape dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 20,
wherein the wetting system includes a wetting brush disposed in a
bath of adhesive activating fluid, the gummed tape being fed over
the wetting brush with the side having the moisture activated
adhesive coming in contact with a fluid moistened top of the
wetting brush.
22. A gummed tape dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 21,
wherein the shield includes a flat strip member extending over the
top of the wetting brush and preventing the side of the gummed tape
from coming in contact with the top of the wetting brush in way of
the flat strip member.
23. A gummed tape dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 21,
wherein the shield is a one piece member stamped from metal, the
shield comprising a base member, and a flat strip member depending
from the shield member.
24. A gummed tape dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 23,
wherein the base member of the shield is mounted to a side of a tub
holding the bath and wetting brush therein, the flat strip member
extending over the top of the wetting brush in a tape feed
direction.
25. A gummed tape dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 24,
wherein the flat strip member is biased against the top of the
wetting brush and presses the top of the wetting brush away from
the side of the gummed tape.
26. A gummed tape dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 20,
the dispensing apparatus further comprising a cutting section
mounted to the frame, the cutting section having a cutting blade
for cutting the gummed tape into sections dispensed through the
exit area, wherein the cutting blade has a cutting edge shaped to
form a tab at an end of each of the cut sections of gummed
tape.
27. A gummed tape dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 26,
wherein the tab formed by the cutting edge has at least one of a
generally v shape, or a generally semicircular shape.
28. A gummed tape dispensing apparatus comprising: a frame with a
storage area for storing gummed tape therein, and having an exit
area through which gummed tape is dispensed; a feeding mechanism
connected to the frame, the feeding mechanism feeding the gummed
tape from the storage area to the exit area; a cutting section
mounted to the frame, the cutting section having a cutting blade
for cutting the gummed tape into sections dispensed through the
exit area; and a wetting system connected to the frame for wetting
a side of the gummed tape and activating a moisture activated
adhesive on the side of the gummed tape; wherein the cutting blade
has a first cutting edge for making a transverse cut across the
tape, the cutting blade having a pair of secondary cutting edges
projecting from the cutting blade for cutting slots into each
section cut by the cutting blade, the slots being at an angle to
the transverse cut.
29. A gummed tape dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 28,
wherein the cutting blade has a tab projecting from a side of the
cutting blade, the tab having a pair of wall members which are
disposed on the cutting blade to be aligned generally in a tape
feed direction when the cutting blade cuts the gummed tape, and
wherein each of the wall member has a corresponding one of the pair
of secondary cutting blades disposed thereon.
30. A gummed tape dispensing apparatus in accordance with claim 28,
wherein the cutting blade has a tab projecting therefrom, the tab
having a general U shape and forming the pair of secondary cutting
edges of the cutting blade.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a system for quick opening
of sealed packages and, more particularly, to a system for opening
sealed packages comprising a tape dispenser, and gummed tape
dispensed from the dispenser to have a tear strip.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] There are many methods known in the prior art for closing
open seams on packages, such as for example envelopes, and cartons,
in order to facilitate storage, and shipping, as well as provide
security for items inside the packages. Some methods use gummed
paper tape for sealing seams on envelopes, or for sealing flaps
closed on cartons. These methods use gummed paper tape because of
the ruggedness, and consistency of the seals formed with gummed
paper tape. However, in the prior art, when desired to open cartons
or packages thus sealed, some implement will typically be used
because of the strength of the seal, to break through the tape and
release the carton flaps. The implement may be a knife, a simple
door key, a pen or even finger nails. Opening a carton is
considered, by most end users, to be an inconvenience at best but
may also result in injuries to the user, and damage to the carton
contents by virtue of the implement penetrating too deep thereby
cutting or marring the contents. The present invention overcomes
the problems of the prior art as will be described in greater
detail below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention, a system for opening sealed packages is provided. The
system comprises a tape dispensing apparatus, and tape. The tape
dispensing apparatus has a cutter therein. The tape is used for
sealing a seam of a package. The tape is sized and shaped for being
dispensed from the tape dispensing apparatus. The tape dispensed
from the dispensing apparatus has a predetermined length cut by the
cutter. The predetermined length of tape has a first side with a
self adhesive section for attaching the predetermined length of
tape to the package. The predetermining length of tape also has a
non-adhesive section, and a ribbon disposed on the first side. The
predetermined length of tape has a tear strip defined by the ribbon
and non-adhesive section of the first side together. The tear strip
extends longitudinally along the predetermined length of tape. The
tear strip ends in a pull tab for pulling the tear strip open, and
opening the predetermined length of tape attached to the
package.
[0006] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention, a gummed tape is provided. The gummed tape comprises a
tape base material and a ribbon. The tape base material has a first
base layer, and a second base layer. The tape base material also
includes reinforcing threads which are sandwiched between the first
and second base layers. The first base layer has an outer side with
a moisture activated adhesive layer thereon. The ribbon is disposed
longitudinally on the outer side of the first base layer.
[0007] In accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention, a gummed tape dispensing apparatus is provided. The
gummed tape dispensing apparatus comprises a frame, a feeding
mechanism and a wetting system. The frame has a storage area for
storing gummed tape therein. The frame also has an exit area
through which gummed tape is dispensed. The feeding mechanism is
connected to the frame. The feeding mechanism feeds the gummed tape
from the storage area to the exit area. The wetting system is also
connected to the frame for wetting a side of the gummed tape and
activating a moisture activated adhesive on the side of the gummed
tape. The wetting system has a shield which covers part of the
wetting system and prevents a portion of the side of the gummed
taped from being wetted while an adjoining portion of the side of
the gum tape is wetted by the wetting system when the gummed tape
is fed past the wetting system by the feeding mechanism.
[0008] In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present
invention, a gummed tape dispensing apparatus is provided. The
gummed tape dispensing apparatus comprises a frame, a feeding
mechanism, a cutting section, and a wetting system. The frame
includes a storage area for storing gummed tape therein. The frame
has an exit area through which gummed tape is dispensed. The
feeding mechanism is connected to the frame. The feeding mechanism
feeds the gummed tape from the storage area to the exit area of the
frame. The cutting section is mounted to the frame. The cutting
section has a cutting blade for cutting the gummed tape into
sections dispensed through the exit area. The wetting system is
connected to the frame for wetting a side of the gummed tape and
activating a moisture activated adhesive on the side of the gummed
tape. The cutting blade has a first cutting edge from making a
transverse cut across the tape. The cutting blade also has a pair
of secondary cutting edges projecting from the cutting blade for
cutting slits into each section cut by the cutting blade. The slits
are at an angle to the transverse cut.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing aspects and other features of the present
invention are explained in the following description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a system for easy
opening sealed packages which incorporates features of the present
invention, and a package;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic elevation view of a tape dispensing
apparatus with a roll of tape of the system in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIGS. 3A-3B are respectively a front elevation view and a
side elevation view of a cutting blade of the tape dispensing
apparatus in FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 3C is a partial plan view of the cutting blade mounted
in the tape dispensing apparatus;
[0014] FIGS. 4A-4B are respectively a side elevation view, and a
rear elevation view of a moisture shield of the tape dispensing
apparatus in FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4C is a partial perspective view of the tape dispensing
apparatus, showing the arrangement of the moisture shield relative
to the tape fed by the tape dispensing apparatus and the water tray
of the apparatus;
[0016] FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view of a section of the
tape used in the system shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5B is a top plan view of a section of the tape
dispensed from the tape dispensing apparatus in accordance with a
first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is another top plan view of a section of the tape
dispensed from the tape dispensing apparatus in accordance with a
second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 7 is still another top plan view of a section of the
tape dispensed from the tape dispensing apparatus in accordance
with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded perspective
view of a tape dispensing system 10 incorporating features of the
present invention, and a package A. 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.
[0021] The package A is shown for example purposes in FIG. 1, as
being a carton having a general hexahedron shape. The package A has
at least two generally rectangular flaps B, C on at least one side
D of the package. When the flaps B, C are folded closed, a seam E'
is formed between the flaps. Seams B', C' are also formed between
the folded flaps B, C and one or more of the adjoining sides E of
the package A. In alternate embodiments, the package may be of any
other suitable type or configuration, such as for example, seamed
envelopes of suitable shape and size, or any other suitable
containers or cartons of any other suitable shape, and having flaps
forming sealable seams.
[0022] In accordance with the present invention, the system 10
generally comprises a tape dispensing apparatus 12, and tape 100.
Tape 100 is adapted to be dispensed from tape dispensing apparatus
12. The tape 100 is preferably gummed paper tape which has an
adhesive underside 102. The tape 100 has a flat ribbon 104 attached
to the adhesive underside 102 so that the ribbon 104 extends
longitudinal along the tape. The adhesive on the gummed tape 100 is
initially in an inactive state. As will be described in greater
detail below, the tape 100 is stored and dispensed from tape
dispensing apparatus 12. The tape 100 is cut by the tape dispensing
apparatus 12 into sections, such as for example, section 100A, 100B
of desired length to be used for sealing seams on packages. The
adhesive on the tape is activated by the tape dispensing apparatus
12 so that the cut sections 100A, 100B are self-adhesive. The tape
dispensing apparatus 12 does not activate the adhesive along a
strip 106, 106A, 106B of the tape section 100A, 100B dispensed from
the tape dispensing apparatus. When the section of tape 100A, 100B
is applied to a package A to close the seam E' between flaps B, C,
the section of the tape with activated adhesive attaches to the
package A thereby sealing the package. The ribbon 104B and strip
106B of the tape section 100B cooperate on the tape section 100B to
form a tear strip 108B in the tape section attached to package A.
The tear strip 108B in the tape section 100B is provided with a
starting tab 120B cut into the tape section by the tape dispensing
apparatus 12. The tear strip 108B and pull tab 120B do not adhere
to the package A when the tape section 100B is attached to the
package. Accordingly, when a user desires to open a seam of a
package sealed with a tape section 100B the user lifts and pulls on
the start tab 120B which starts tearing the tear strip 108B from
the tape section 100B which seals the package A. The tear strip
108B is pulled as desired to open the seal formed by the tape
section.
[0023] In greater detail, and with reference now also to FIG. 2,
the tape dispensing apparatus 12 generally comprises a frame 11, a
tape storage area 14 defined in the frame 11, a tape feeding
mechanism 16, a cutting section 18, and a wetting system 20. The
feeding mechanism 16, cutting section 18, and wetting system 20 are
mounted to the frame 11. Housing 21 covers the frame 11. The tape
dispensing apparatus 12 has an exit 26 through which tape 100 is
dispensed. The tape is stored in the tape storage area 14. The
feeding mechanism 16 draws tape out of the storage area and feeds
it past the cutting section 18, and wetting system 20, and then to
the exit 26 through which the tape is dispensed from the apparatus.
The tape is cut at the cutting section 18. The wetting system 20
wets the tape to activate the moisture activated adhesive as will
be described in greater detail below. Preferably, the apparatus 12
includes a programmable controller 22 which is controllably
connected to the feeding mechanism 16, cutting section 18, and
wetting system 20 of the apparatus 12. 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.
[0024] The tape storage area 14 is generally located towards the
rear 8 of the frame 11. In the preferred embodiment, the tape
storage area 14 is sized and shaped to hold tape 100 in a roll
configuration. The roll is positioned vertically in the frame. In
alternate embodiments, the tape may be stored in the storage area
in any other suitable configuration. The tape storage area 14 is
provided with support rollers 28 which support the tape roll stored
therein. The roller configuration shown in FIG. 2 is merely for
example purposes, and the support rollers may be arranged in any
other suitable configuration. The support rollers 28 are disposed
to aid relatively unencumbered rotation of the tape roll when the
feed mechanism 16 draws tape out of the storage area 14.
[0025] The feeding mechanism 16 generally comprises idler rollers
30, guide trays 32, feed roller 34, pinch roller 36, and drive
motor 15. The idler rollers 30 (only one idler roller 30 is shown
in FIG. 2 for example purposes) are located between the tape
storage area 14 and feed roller 36. The idler rollers 30 support
and guide the tape in the feed direction (indicated by arrow X) to
the feed rollers 34. As shown in FIG. 2, one or more guide trays 32
are mounted to the frame 11 in the proximity of the feed roller 34.
The guide trays are shaped and orientated such that the tape riding
upon the guide trays 32 is orientated true to the feed direction X
of the feed mechanism 16, and aligned with the feed roller 34. This
prevents the tape from being skewed or twisted when fed by the feed
roller 34. Feed roller 34 is preferably located towards the front 7
of the apparatus 12. The feed roller 34 is drivingly connected to
electric motor 15 (see FIG. 1) by suitable transmission means (not
shown) such as a belt, or chain drive. When the electric motor 15
is energized, under control from controller 22, the motor rotates
the feed roller 34 in a suitable direction (e.g. counterclockwise)
to transport the tape is the feed direction X of the feed
mechanism. Friction contact between the feed roller 34 and the tape
causes the tape to move when the feed roller turns. Friction
contact between the tape and feed roller 34 is enhanced in the
preferred embodiment by a pinch roller 36 which is located on the
opposite side of the tape from the feed roller 34 (see FIG. 2).
When in the engaged position, shown in FIG. 2, (the pinch roller
also has a disengaged position as will be described below) the
pinch roller 36 presses the tape against the feed roller 34 thereby
increasing the friction force between roller and tape. From the
feed roller 34, the tape is transported to the cutting section 18,
wetting system 20, and exit 26 of the apparatus 12. In the
preferred embodiment, the feed roller 34 is connected to a counter
35 which can indicate the rotation of the feed roller, and hence,
the amount of tape being fed, to the controller 15. The feeding
mechanism 16 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-2, is merely one
example of a suitable feeding mechanism which may be used in the
tape dispensing apparatus of the present invention. The present
invention is equally applicable to dispensing apparatus having any
other suitable feeding mechanism such as for example a manually
operated feeding mechanism.
[0026] Referring now also to FIG. 3C, the cutting section 18 of the
apparatus 12 has a cutting mechanism 38. The cutting mechanism 38,
which is operated by controller 22 to cut the tape fed past the
cutting section 18, generally comprises support tray 46, cutting
blade 40, spring loaded solenoid 42, and pivot link 44. The cutting
blade 40 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3A-3B. The cutting
blade 40 preferably comprises a frame member 48, and a blade member
52. The blade member 52 is substantially flat and has a cutting
edge 54. Blade tab 56 is mounted to a side 58 of the blade member
52. In the preferred embodiment, blade tab 56 is a one piece member
which may be stamped, or cut from suitable sheet metal. The blade
tab 56 has a general U-shape with two sidewalls 60, 61 connected by
bottom wall 62. Alternatively, the blade tab may have any other
suitable shape, such as for example, a V shape. In the preferred
embodiment, sidewall 60 is shorter than sidewall 61. Each sidewall
60, 61 has a corresponding mounting tab 63, 64, cantilevered
therefrom (see FIG. 3A). The free edge each sidewall 60, 61 is
sharpened to form a cutting edge 65, 66. In the preferred
embodiment, blade tab 56 is mounted to blade member 52 by seating,
and spot welding or brazing the mounting tabs 63, 64 to the side 58
of the blade member 52. As seen in FIG. 3A, the blade tab 56 is
mounted on blade member 52 with cutting edges 65, 66 pointed in the
same direction (i.e. down) as the cutting edge 54 of the blade
member. With the blade tab 56 mounted to the blade member 52,
cutting edges 65, 66 are located to project somewhat below the
cutting edge 54, and also project generally perpendicularly from
the cutting edge 54 of the blade member 52. In alternate
embodiments, the blade member and blade tab may be connected in any
other suitable manner. For example, the blade tab and blade member
may be formed as an integral unit by casting or forging the blade
member into the desired shape. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the blade
member 52 is mounted to the side of frame member 48. The blade
member may be connected to the frame member 48 by spot welding,
brazing, mechanical fastening, or any other suitable method. The
cutting edges 54, 65, 66 of the blade member and blade tab are
exposed in the interior opening 50 of the frame member 48. The
blade member 52 is mounted to the frame member 48 to position the
cutting edge 54 at an angle in opening 50 such as in a guillotine.
Frame member 48 has a lower arm member 68 depending from the
bottom. The lower arm member 68 terminates in a sleeve 70.
[0027] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3C, the cutting blade 40 is
slidably supported in frame 11 by guide rails 72. Guide rails 72
allow the cutting blade 40 to slide, in the direction indicated by
arrow Z between an up position (shown in FIG. 2), and a down
position (not shown). In the preferred embodiment, the cutting
blade 40 is orientated generally transverse to the tape as the tape
is being fed by the feed mechanism 16 past the cutting blade 40.
For example, the cutting blade 40 is generally perpendicular to
support 46. In addition, the cutting blade 40 is positioned in the
frame 11 such that the tape is fed through the opening 50 in frame
member 48 when the cutting blade 40 is in the up position, and when
in the down position, cutting edge 54 cuts completely through the
tape. Support tray 46, which supports the tape and prevents it from
buckling during the cutting blades down stroke, has a cut out 74.
The cutout 74 allows the cutting edges 65, 66 on blade tab 56 to
pass by the support tray 46, and hence, cut into the tape. As can
be seen in FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment, the cutting blade
40 is mounted in the frame 11 with blade tab 56 projecting forwards
from blade member 52 of the cutting blade.
[0028] Lower arm member 68 of cutting blade 40 is connected by a
pin to one end of pivot link 44. Pivot link 44 is pivotably mounted
in the middle to frame 11. The opposite end of pivot link 44 is
connected to a spring loaded solenoid 42 which moves generally up
and down when the solenoid is opened and closed. The up and down
motion of the solenoid 42 is transferred to the cutting blade 40 by
pivot link 44 so that the cutting blade is moved up and down under
control of controller 22 (see FIG. 1). By way of example, in the
preferred embodiment, cutting blade 40 is initially in the down
position (not shown) and the solenoid 42 is open. When the solenoid
42 is energized, under a suitable command from controller 22,
solenoid 42 is closed which pivots pivot arm 44 to move the cutting
blade 40 to the up position shown in FIG. 2. Deenergizing the
solenoid 42 again causes the spring loaded solenoid 42 to return to
its open position which, via pivot link 44, in turn moves the
cutting blade 40 back to its down position. As shown in FIG. 2,
pinch roller 36 of the feeding mechanism 16 may also be mounted off
the pivot link 44 such that when the solenoid 42 is energized the
pinch roller 36 is moved up to press the tape against the feed
roller, and when the solenoid 42 is deenergized, the pinch roller
36 is moved down to release the tape (not shown) . 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.
[0029] In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 12 is provided
with a lift arm 76 for manually raising and lowering the cutting
blade 40 in the frame 11. Lift arm 76 is pivotably connected to
frame 11 so that the arm may be rotated between a lowered position
and a raised position (arm 76 is shown in the raised position in
FIG. 2 for example purposes). The arm 76 is connected to a crank
member 78 at one end. The crank member 78 is connected via link 80
to the same end 82 of pivot link 44 to which the cutting blade 40
is connected. The cutting blade 40 may thus be raised and lowered
manually by raising and lowering the lift arm 76. By way of
example, when the cutting blade 40 is in the down position (not
shown), which is the initial position of the cutting blade when the
apparatus is deenergized, the lift arm is in its down position (not
shown). In order to raise the blade without energizing the
apparatus, the lift arm 76 is raised by rotating the arm in the
direction indicated by arrow R in FIG. 2, to the up position. This
in turn raises (via link 80) the end 82 of pivot link 44 to which
the cutting blade 40 is connected, thereby sliding the cutting
blade to the up position shown in FIG. 2. In alternate embodiments,
the tape dispensing apparatus may include any other suitable means
for manually moving the cutting blade.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, and 4C, in the preferred
embodiment, the wetting system 20 of the apparatus 12 generally
comprises a fluid reservoir or bottle 82, a basin or tray 84, a
wetting brush 86 and a moisture shield 88. Tray 84 is mounted to
the front 7 of frame 11, and is open at the top. The tray 84 of
wetting system 20 holds a suitable fluid, such as for example,
water for activating of the moisture activated adhesive on the tape
dispensed from the apparatus. Bottle 82 holds a fluid reserve. The
bottle 82 is mounted external to the housing 21 to feed reserve
fluid into the tray 84 at a suitable rate to replenish the fluid
therein. In the preferred embodiment, the reserve bottle 82 is
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 86 is located inside the tray 84. The
top 90 of the brush 86 projects above the lip of tray 84 (see FIG.
4C) . The bottom of the brush 86 sits in the fluid bath in tray 84.
The brush 86 is made of a suitable material to allow fluid to be
drawn, by capillary action, along the bristles of the brush from
the fluid bath in which the bottom of the brush is immersed to the
top 90 of the brush 84. The bristle density in the brush 86 is
sufficient to provide the top 90 of the brush with a consistent
wetting surface 92. The brush 86 is located in the tray 84 so that
the wetting surface 92 of the brush is generally coincident with
the bottom surface of the tape 100 being dispensed through exit 26
of the apparatus (see FIGS. 2 and 4C). Accordingly, when tape, fed
by feeding mechanism 16, is dispensed through exit 26 of the
apparatus, the bottom surface of the tape contacts the wetting
surface 92 of the wetting system 20 thereby wetting the tape.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 12 is provided
with a heater element 94 (see FIGS. 1-2). The heater element 94
referably has a heating plate 96 which is disposed over the wetting
surface 92. The position of heating plate 96 may be adjusted
vertically to bring the plate into contact with wetting surface 92.
The heating plate thus directly warms the wetting surface 92 and
then via heat transfer through the wet bristles of brush 86 warms
the fluid bath in tray 84. The heating plate 96 may be raised away
from the wetting surface 92 when tape 100 is being dispensed from
the apparatus and being wetted from wetting surface 92. In this
case, thermal inertia of the fluid bath in tray 84 maintains the
wetting surface 92 warm for a desired period of time. In alternate
embodiments, the fluid in the wetting system holding tray may be
heated by any other suitable means.
[0032] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4C, the wetting system 20 has
a shield 88 for selectively wetting portions of the bottom of the
tape dispensed from the apparatus 12. Referring now also to FIGS.
4A-4B, the shield 88, in the preferred embodiment, is a one piece
member made from a sheet of suitable material, such as for example,
stainless steel though any other suitable material may be used
including plastic. The shield 88 has a base member 87, and a tab or
arm 89 depending therefrom. In alternate embodiments, the shield
may have any other suitable configuration. For example, the arm
depending from the base may not be flat, but could have a general V
or U-shaped cross section, or any other suitable cross section. The
shield 88 is mounted to the tray 84. Base member 87 of the shield
88 is disposed against the rear side 85 of the tray 84. In
alternate embodiments the shield may be mounted to any other side
of the tray, or may be mounted off the frame of the apparatus. The
base member 87 is clamped or fastened to the tray 84 by any
suitable means (not shown). Arm 89 of shield 88 is biased against
the top 90 of the brush 86 in the tray 84. This presses a strip 93
of the top 90 of the brush down below the wetting surface 92. The
shield 88 is positioned on the tray 84 so that arm 89 generally
bisects the wetting surface 92. When the tape is dispensed from the
tape apparatus 12, the bottom of the tape comes in contact with
wetting system 92 but is otherwise prevented by shield arm 89 from
contacting strip 93 on the top of the brush. Thus, as the bottom of
the tape passes across the top 90 of the brush, the bottom of the
tape has a strip along the middle which is generally unwetted,
while the sections of the bottom on either side are wetted by the
wetting system as will be described in greater detail below.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5B, there is shown respectively
and exploded perspective view, and a top plan view of the tape 100
in accordance with the present invention. Though the description of
the tape will be with particular reference to tape 100, sections
100A, 100B of the tape are substantially similar. As noted before,
tape 100 is preferably reinforced gum paper tape, though any
suitable type of tape may be used including plastic tape. In the
preferred embodiment, the tape generally has a top layer 110, a
pressure contact layer 112, reinforcing strands 114A-114C, a bottom
layer 116, and a ribbon 104. The top layer 110, and bottom layer
116 are made of suitable paper, such as for example, virgin kraft,
high tensile paper having a 24 lb. basis weight, though any other
suitable paper may be used. In alternate embodiments, the top and
bottom paper layers may be made of different paper such as for
example, the top layer may have heavier weight paper than the
bottom layer or vice versa. The top and bottom layers 110, 116 are
substantially the same width. The width of the top and bottom
layers is preferably about 60 mm, though the present invention is
equally applicable to gum tape of any width and length. The contact
pressure layer 112 is preferably made of an amorphous polypropylene
laminate material which is non-asphaltic, such as that made by
Huntsman Chemical, though any other suitable pressure contact
material may be used. The pressure contact layer 112 is preferably
a flexible, water resistant, non-staining layer. The pressure
contact layer 112 preferably has a high melt point index with a
softening point between about 180.degree. and 200.degree. F. In the
preferred embodiment, tape 100 has an array of reinforcing strands
114A-114C in three directions. In alternate embodiments, the gummed
tape may be reinforced in any number of directions, or may not be
reinforced with reinforcing strands. Reinforcing strands 114A-114C
may be made of fiberglass, or any other suitable strand material of
appropriate tensile strength, including plastic, or organic fiber
(e.g. cotton). Each strand 114A is preferably made from 150 denier
fiberglass filament. Each strand 114B and 114C is preferably made
from 450 denier fiberglass filament. The ribbon 104 of tape 100 may
be made from either biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), or
mono-axial polypropylene (MOPP) material. In alternate embodiments,
the ribbon of the gummed tape may be made of any other suitable
material, such as for example, metallic ribbon, non-metallic carbon
fiber, or organic fiber. The ribbon 104 preferably has a width of
about 2.5 to 3 mm, and a thickness of about 26 to 40 microns,
though the ribbon may have any other suitable width and thickness
dimensions. The ribbon 104 is provided with a suitable
self-adhesive on one side 102.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, tape 100 may be manufactured as
follows. The top layer 110, with the pressure contact layer 112
thereon, the reinforcing strands 114A-114C, the bottom layer 116,
and the ribbon 104 are pressed together. The reinforcing strands
114A-114C are sandwiched between the top and bottom layers 110,
116. The contact pressure layer 112 may be deposited on the
underside of the top layer 110 (see FIG. 5A) before the top and
bottom layers 110, 116 are pressed together. The contact pressure
layer 112 may be deposited on layer 110 using a hot melt method
wherein the amorphous polypropylene material is melted and then
applied by suitable means (not shown) in a layer of suitable
thickness to the underside of top layer 110. When applied to the
top layer 110, the contact pressure layer 112 forms an adhesive
bond therewith. The contact pressure layer 112 is also in an
adhesive state so that it may form an adhesive bond when pressed
against the bottom layer 116. The reinforcing strands 114A-114C may
be placed between the top and bottom layers 110, 116 before the top
and bottom layers are joined together with the pressure contact
layer 112. As shown in FIG. 5B, reinforcing strands 114A-114C are
laid out to provide three way reinforcement. In the preferred
embodiment, there are four strands 114A, though any other suitable
number may used, which are orientated into longitudinal or machine
direction of the tape 100. The longitudinal strands 114A are
distributed equally across the width of the tape. Reinforcing
strands 114B, 114C are oriented diagonally across the tape at an
angle about 42.degree., though any other suitable angle may be
used. Reinforcing strands 114B extend in one direction, and strands
114C extend in the opposite direction forming a crossing pattern
with strands 114B. The strands 114B, 114C crossing in each
direction may be spaced at about 50 mm to 60 mm apart, though any
other spacing may be provided between the crossing strands. The
tape composite may be pressed together by any suitable means such
as rollers (not shown). In combination with the pressure, heat may
be applied with appropriate means (not shown) in order to cure the
pressure contact layer 112 if desired and form a bond between the
top and bottom layers 110, 116. Reinforcing strands 114A-114C are
thus sandwiched between top and bottom layers 110, 116 and are then
substantially fixed in the matrix formed by the now set pressure
contact layer 112. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, in the preferred
embodiment, the lower surface 102 of the bottom layer 116 has an
adhesive deposited thereon. In alternate embodiments, 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, non-toxic 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 may be deposited on
the bottom layer 116 by any suitable means, such as spraying,
rolling, or brushing the adhesive onto the bottom layer. The
adhesive on the lower surface 102 of the bottom layer 116 of tape
100 is in an inactive (i.e. non-adhesive) state when the tape is
manufactured. The adhesive surface 102 may then be activated by
adding heat and moisture as will be described in greater detail
below. Ribbon 104 is preferably pressed to surface 102 of the
bottom layer 116 when the tape 100 is manufactured. In alternate
embodiments, the ribbon may be deposited on the lower surface of
the bottom layer of the tape prior to or even after tape
manufacture. The ribbon 104 is applied to bottom layer 116 with the
self-adhesive side 105 against surface 117. The self-adhesive on
side 105 thus connects the ribbon 104 to the lower surface 102 of
the tape. The ribbon is preferably placed substantially along the
center line of the tape 100. The ribbon may be applied in a
generally sinusoidal shape (not shown) which is substantially
centered along the centerline of the tape in order to facilitate
winding the tape into rolls. The sinusoidal shape may be shallow
with a period of about 6" to 12" and an amplitude of about
{fraction (1/16)}". In alternate embodiments the ribbon may be
applied generally straight. Tape 100 can be manufactured thus in
any suitable lengths such as 500 ft or more which can be wound in
rolls for use with a tape dispensing apparatus 12.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 4C, and 5B, a user may dispense
tape 100 from dispensing apparatus 12 as described below. As noted
before, tape 100 is loaded into storage area 14 in a roll
configuration. Water is added to wetting system 20. The user
energizes the apparatus 12 which initiates controller 22. Using
user interface 24, the user may program the controller 22 to
dispense tape 100 into sections such as sections 100A having a
desired length. The controller 22 then opens spring loaded solenoid
42, and activates the feed system motor 15. When the solenoid 42 is
opened, cutting blade 40 which is initially down, is moved by link
44 to the up position (see FIG. 2). The link 44 also raises pinch
roller 36 to press tape 100 against feed roller 34. The feed system
16 operates to feed tape 100 through opening 50 of the cutting
blade 40 (see FIG. 3A) which now is in the up position. The tape
100 continues in the feed direction (indicated by arrow X in FIG.
2) to the wetting system 20. The tape is configured in the storage
area 14 of the apparatus 12 so that when the tape 100 reaches the
tray 84 of the wetting system 20, the lower surface 102 (having the
moisture activated adhesive thereon) faces the top 90 of wetting
brush 86 (see FIG. 4C) . Shield 88 is generally aligned with ribbon
104 of the tape 100. Arm 89 is sufficiently wide to cover the
ribbon 104. As the tape 100 is being fed, wetting surface 92 of
brush 86 brushes against surface 102 of the tape 100, except in way
of the shield arm 89. Shield arm 89 prevents a portion of the lower
surface 102 of the tape from coming into contact with the brush 86.
This forms a strip 106 as the tape 100 is fed where surface 102 is
not wetted (see FIG. 4C). The ribbon 104 of tape 100 is located on
strip 106. Moisture from wetting surface 92 deposited on the tape
100 activates the moisture activated adhesive of the tape on
surface 102 except on strip 106. If desired, the heater element 94
may have been previously activated to heat the water in tray 84 and
on brush 86 to a desirable temperature. This enhances the
activation of adhesive on surface 102 except on strip 106. The
moisture activated adhesive on strip 106 remains dry and inactived.
When controller 22 senses, from counter 35, that the desired length
of tape has been dispensed, the controller deactivates the spring
loaded solenoid 42. This brings the cutting blade 40 down and cuts
the tape 100 into a section such as section 100A (see also FIG.
5B).
[0036] Cutting blade 40 cuts the tape transversely across, to form
a tape section 100A and form start tab 120A at the proximate end
124A of the cut section of tape 100A. Start tab 120A is formed by
edges 66, 65 of the cutting blade (see FIG. 3A) which cut two
substantially parallel slits 122A into the end 124A of the tape
section as shown in FIG. 5B. The slits 122A are formed on either
side of the strip 106A such that the tab 120A is within the strip
106A having inactivated adhesive. The cut section of tape 100A may
then be placed on a package to close a seam of the package.
[0037] The section of tape 100A, may be placed on the package
preferably with the strip 106A which has inactivated adhesive as
well as ribbon 104A thereon, generally aligned with the seam of the
package being closed. By way of example, in FIG. 1, tape section
100B shown as having been already applied to package A, has been
applied so that strip 106B which is substantially similar to strip
106A is generally aligned with seam E' sealed by the tape section
100B. The apparatus 12 may be provided with a folding, or crease
forming mechanism (not shown) which forms the tape section
dispensed from the apparatus into a general V-shape (not shown)
with the strip (similar to strip 106A of tape section 100A) being
located at the bottom of the V. This shape, by increasing
longitudinal rigidity of the tape, renders the tape self supporting
when emerging from the dispensing apparatus exit thereby preventing
the tape with now activated adhesive from drooping down onto a
bench/table top (not shown) holding the apparatus. Moreover, the
V-shape facilitates aligning strip 106A of the tape section 100A
with the seam in the package to which tape section 100A is being
applied. Once aligned with the seam, the tape section may be
pressed against the package so that activated adhesive on surface
102A bonds the tape to the package and seals the seam. Strip 106A
with dry inactivated adhesive, and with ribbon 104A thereon is not
bonded to the package. Once the tape section is bonded to the
package, such as for example, tape section 100B, strip 106B and
ribbon 104B together form a tear strip 108B in the tape section
applied to the package A. The start tab 120B is located at one end
of the tear strip 108.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, when desiring to open seam E' of the
package A, the user merely lifts and pulls on start tab 120B of the
tape section 100B. The start tab 120B which is part of unbonded
strip 106B is also not bonded to the package A and may be readily
lifted and pulled by the user. The tab 120B is pulled in the
direction indicated by arrow Y in FIG. 1. Pulling the start tab
120B, which has a portion of ribbon 104B thereon, in turn, pulls
ribbon 104B in strip 106B thereby tearing of the tear strip 108B
from the tape 100B and opening seam E'. Tear strip 108B tears
easily because the strip 106B which forms the tear strip 108B is
not bonded to the package. This allows the pulling force delivered
by the user to be transmitted in part, in tearing the tape, rather
than pulling against the adhesive holding the tape 100B on the
package A. Moreover, ribbon 104B which is on strip 106B is also
free to lift off the package, and provides mechanical advantage to
break reinforcing strands (similar to strands 114B, 114C in FIG.
5B) of the tape 100B. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the tearing of the
tearing strip 108B from the tape section 100B applied to package A,
preferably causes permanent, visible damage to the tape section
100B in the form of the uplifted, and torn strip 108B. Accordingly,
this provided an indication to a recipient user receiving the
package A, that the package A may have been tampered with. Thus, it
is also within the scope of the present invention to provide a
security system 200 (see FIG. 1) for packages, wherein the tape
100B applied to the package A as described previously gives an
indication to the user, such as by the visibly torn strip 108B,
that the package A has been tampered with. Once tear strip 108B has
been torn, the tape section cannot be restored to its original
condition, and the evidence of tearing will remain visible to a
user.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown a plan view of tape
100' cut into sections in accordance with a second preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Tape 100' is substantially
similar to tape 100 described previously and shown in FIGS. 1,
5A-5B. Hence, similar features have similar numbers. Tape 100' is
cut when dispensed from a tape dispensing apparatus (not shown) so
that the proximal end 124' of the cut section 100A' has a start tab
120' which projects from the end 124'. Start tab 120' has a
generally semicircular configuration, though in alternate
embodiments, the start tab projecting from the cut end of the tape
section may have any other suitable shape. FIG. 7 shows still
another plan view of a tape 100" cut into sections in accordance
with another preferred embodiment of the present inventions. In
this embodiment, the proximal end 124" of the cut section 100A" has
a general V shape. The apex of the V shaped end 124" generally
coincides with the location of ribbon 104A" on the tape 100A".
[0040] 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.
* * * * *