Automatic tape dispensing system

Abstract

An automatic tape dispensing system includes a feed system having a plurality of rollers driven by a motor for stripping tape from a tape roll and dispensing the tape from the dispensing system. The system also includes a reel for supporting the tape thereon and a track supporting the reel. The rail extends from a first upper end to a second lower end, and the reel is movable from the upper end to the lower end in response to tape dispensed from the system to maintain a desired tension on the tape roll.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to tape dispensers, and more particularly, to automatic tape dispensers, and even more particularly, to automatic tape dispensers configured to automatically dispense measured lengths of tape to a user. Background Art

[0002] Conventional tape dispensing devices require the user to manually grasp a portion of the tape, pull it from the roll, and tear it along the serrated edge of the dispenser. However, in some devices, the dispensing of the tape from the device is automatic, which upon actuation causes a predetermined length of tape to be fed out of the device. In many of these devices, it is still often necessary to manually grasp the dispensed tape and pull it past the cut edge. In addition, such devices are prone to malfunction due to ineffective tensioning of the tape and are expensive to maintain. It would be desirable to provide an automatic tape dispenser that overcomes these and other challenges. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect, an automatic tape dispensing system is provided, the automatic tape dispensing system including a feed system having a plurality of rollers, the feed system being configured to strip tape from a tape roll and dispense the tape from a dispensing system. The system includes a reel for supporting the tape thereon and a track supporting the reel. The track extends from a first upper end to a second lower end, and the reel is movable from the upper end to the lower end in response to the tape being dispensed from the system so as to maintain a desired tension on the tape roll.

[0004] In one embodiment, the track extends arcuately from a first end to a second end.

[0005] In another embodiment, the reel is mounted on a shaft having ends disposed within the track.

[0006] In other embodiments, the second end of the track is located between the feed system and the first end.

[0007] In other embodiments, the system further includes a microcontroller configured to vary the speed of the motor.

[0008] In other embodiments, the system further comprises a removable cover enclosing the supply system.

[0009] In other embodiments, the track is formed on the top surface of the removable cover.

[0010] In other embodiments, the system includes a motor for driving the plurality of rollers.

[0011] In other embodiments, the system includes a microcontroller configured to receive user input for a selected length of the tape output.

[0012] According to a second aspect, a tape dispenser system is provided that includes a feed system, a track, and a spool for supporting tape thereon, the spool being movable from a first end of the track to a second end of the track in response to tape being dispensed from the dispenser system.

[0013] In some embodiments, a first end of the track end is higher than a second end of the track.

[0014] In other embodiments, the track extends arcuately from a first end to a second end.

[0015] In other embodiments, the spool is mounted on a shaft having ends disposed within the track.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, the second end of the track is located between the feed system and the first end.

[0017] In other embodiments, the system includes a microcontroller configured to vary the speed of the motor.

[0018] In another embodiment, the system includes a removable cover enclosing the feed system.

[0019] In other embodiments, the controller is configured to record the number of cycles of the dispenser.

[0020] In other embodiments, the system further includes a memory configured to store a plurality of operating modes.

[0021] In some embodiments, the operating mode is user-selectable.

[0022] In other embodiments, the controller is operable between an operational mode and a diagnostic mode.

[0023] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of using a tape dispenser, the tape dispenser comprising a supply system, a track, and a reel for supporting tape thereon, the reel being movable from a first end of the track to a second end of the track in response to tape being dispensed from the dispenser system. The method comprises providing a scanner on the tape dispenser, the scanner being operable to read a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern indicating one or more operating parameters of the tape dispenser. The method further comprises reading the predetermined pattern by the scanner. In response to reading the predetermined pattern, adjusting the one or more operating parameters so that when tape is dispensed from the tape dispenser, the tape dispenser operates according to the one or more operating parameters.

[0024] According to some embodiments, in response to reading the predetermined pattern, the length of tape to be dispensed is adjusted.

[0025] In other embodiments, the speed of the tape being dispensed is adjusted in response to reading a predetermined pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings facilitate understanding of the various embodiments.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an automatic tape dispenser system.

[0028] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the belt dispenser system with the outer cover removed.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front perspective view of a belt dispenser system with the outer cover removed.

[0030] Figure 4A is an exploded perspective view of the reel assembly.

[0031] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A perspective view of a reel assembly.

[0032] Figure 5 is a side view of a portion of the cover showing the reel assembly on the track.

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 1-5 Block diagram of a system with a distributor.

[0034] The same elements are marked with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] refer to Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment shows a self-tensioning tape dispensing system 10 for dispensing measured lengths of tape therefrom. The tape dispensing system 10 includes a removable cover 12 that provides access to internal operating components as explained in more detail below. The cover 12 is formed with a front wall 14, a pair of side walls 16 and 18, a rear wall 20, and top and bottom walls 22 and 24, respectively. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the rear wall 20 and the top wall 22 have slots / openings that form a recess 26 for receiving a reel assembly 28 that rotatably supports one or more tape rolls 74 thereon ( Figure 5 ).

[0036] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the front wall includes a display panel 30 and a removable cutter cover 32 for providing access to and enclosing a cutting assembly (not shown). The cover 32 also includes an opening 34 for allowing a measured length of tape to be dispensed from the system 10. In operation and as explained in further detail below, the system 10 is designed so that a sufficient level of tension is applied to the tape to enable the tape to be automatically fed through the system 10 and peeled from the roll while eliminating and / or substantially reducing the possibility of misfeeding and malfunctioning of the system 10. During use, the desired length of tape is ejected through the outlet 34. After the tape is removed from the outlet 34, the process automatically repeats.

[0037] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the dispensing system 10 is shown with the cover 12 removed and otherwise disassembled from the system 10. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a spool guide assembly 50 and a feed system 52 are shown which enable measured lengths of tape to be dispensed from the dispensing system 10 during operation. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the reel guide assembly 50 is formed with a track 54 to slidably support the reel 28 therein. Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the reel 28 is formed to have a shaft 60 having an end of a predetermined diameter that is sized to fit within the track 54. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the track 54 extends arcuately from the uppermost first end 56 downwardly toward the lowermost second end 58 such that the arcuately formed track enables the spool 28, and therefore the roll of tape 74, to gradually move downwardly toward the feed system 52 by gravity as the tape is peeled from the roll 74 and the diameter of the roll 74 decreases. The shape of the track 54 positions the spool 28, and therefore the roll of tape 74, to facilitate and otherwise create sufficient tension on the tape as the tape is peeled from the roll 74 in response to feeding the tape into the feed system 52. Although Figure 2 and Figure 3 The embodiment shown in shows a track 54 that is formed downward and in an arcuate shape, but it should be understood that other configurations of the track 54 are possible. For example, the track 54 can be formed along a linear path that slopes downward from the first end 56 to the second end 58. In addition, the arcuately shaped track 54 can be formed to have any arcuate path (e.g., a greater or lesser slope), or any combination thereof. As explained in more detail below, in operation, regardless of the shape of the track 54, the track 54 is formed so that the spool 28, and therefore the tape roll 74, continuously slides downward toward the feed system 52 as tape is dispensed so as to provide tension on the tape during operation.

[0038] Continue to refer Figure 2 and Figure 3 The feed system 28 includes a tape support table 62, a push roller 64, a plurality of feed rollers 66 and 68, and a motor / gearbox assembly 70 operable to drive the feed rollers 66 and 68 to advance the tape through the system 52 for ultimate output through the outlet 34 ( Figure 1 ).

[0039] refer to Figure 4A and 4B , the reel assembly 28 is shown in more detail. Figure 4A In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the reel assembly 28 includes an outer reel 90 that is removably disposed above and around an inner reel 92, the shaft 60, and optionally a pair of end caps 94. Depending on the inner diameter of the tape roll 74, an appropriately sized reel 90 or 92 can be used. During use, when a tape roll 74 with a larger inner diameter is used, the outer reel 90 is disposed on the inner reel 92. Alternatively, in the case where the inner diameter of the tape roll 74 is smaller, the reel assembly 28 can be used within the outer reel 92. However, it should be understood that reels of different diameters can be used. Regardless of the configuration of the reel assembly 28, the reel assembly includes the shaft 60, which has a diameter capable of sliding engagement within the track 54, as described herein. In other embodiments, the shaft 60 can rest on the top wall 22 of the cover 12 instead of sliding in the track 54. In other embodiments, shaft 60 may be mounted in a rotationally fixed position so that it rotates and responds to operation of system 10 and does not move closer to feed system 52 except for rotation. Figure 4A and 4B Two adjacently positioned spools 90 and 92 are shown, but it will be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of spools may be used, depending on the size of the spools.

[0040] Reference now Figure 5 , explains in more detail the tensioning of the tape as it is peeled from the tape roll 74. In operation, as the diameter of the tape roll 74 decreases (as the tape is peeled from the tape roll 74), the shaft 60, and therefore the tape roll 74, moves downward along the track 54 and thus closer to the feed system 52. In particular, as the diameter of the tape roll 74 decreases, the shaft 60 slides downward along the arc-shaped track 54. The tape roll 74 always rests on the tape support table 62, such as Figure 5 As shown, the tape support table 62 provides and / or applies a normal force F in a direction perpendicular to the point where the tape roll 74 contacts the tape support table 62 (i.e., the tangent point). Therefore, when the tape is peeled off the tape roll 74 in the direction of arrow 78, the tape support table 62 applies a normal force F on the tape roll 74 to maintain appropriate tension on the tape as the tape is pulled in the direction of arrow 78.

[0041] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the shape of the tape support platform 62 coupled with the shape of the track 54 enables the positioning of the normal position and directional force F to vary in direct response to the diameter of the tape roll 74, and therefore in response to the position of the spool 28. For example, as the diameter of the tape decreases, the contact point on the tape support platform 62 changes, and the position of the shaft 60 within the track changes to maintain the proper and desired tension on the tape as it is pulled and / or otherwise peeled from the tape roll 74.

[0042] refer to Figure 6 , a block diagram of a tape dispensing system 10 is shown, wherein a controller 72 is used to advantageously operate the system 10. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing system 10 includes a memory 102 having a database 104, a data port 106 capable of remotely programming the system 10, a sensor 108, a clock 110, a counter 112, a user interface 114, and a scanner 116, such as a barcode scanner. In operation, the controller 72 controls the operation of the motor 70, such as, for example, changing the speed of the motor 70 according to the type of tape (including its width and / or thickness). For example, thinner and / or narrower tapes are more efficiently dispensed at lower speeds, while thicker, heavier and / or wider tapes are more efficiently dispensed at faster speeds. Therefore, parameters of desired operating characteristics can be stored in the database 104 so that when using thinner or narrower tapes, the user can select a pre-stored operating mode to adapt to the specific type of tape being dispensed. In other embodiments, the sensor 108 detects the characteristics of the tape being dispensed and automatically adjusts the speed of the motor 70 based on the characteristics of the tape being dispensed. In other embodiments, the characteristics of the tape being dispensed can be determined by scanning a barcode associated with a specific tape type via the scanner 116. In operation, the controller 72 determines the identity of the type of tape via the bar code and retrieves the stored characteristics of the tape from the memory 102 for efficient dispensing (adjusting the dispensing speed based on the tape type). In other embodiments, a bar code scanner 116 or other type of system identifier may be used to establish the length of tape for circulation. For example, the controller 72 may be operable to receive a signal from a bar code scanner in response to scanning a bar code. The controller 72 accesses the memory 102 to obtain a value corresponding to the bar code to automatically select a predetermined dispensing length.

[0043] Continue to refer Figure 6 , the clock 110 is operable to store the "birthday" of the system 10. According to some embodiments, the "birthday" is the number of feeds and cuts of the system. For example, a feed and corresponding cut is a cycle. According to some embodiments, the number of cycles is used to determine the age and / or degree of use of the system 10 for warranty and maintenance purposes.

[0044] The counter 112 is operable to count up or down from a predetermined number of cycles. For example, the system 10 can be programmed to alert the user that maintenance is required after 50k cycles. In this way, the counter 112 will track the cycles, and once the predetermined number of cycles have occurred, the controller 72 can send a signal to display an alert to the user via the user interface 114 and additionally and / or alternatively via an audible alarm or other indicator (i.e., a flashing light, system shutdown, etc.). In addition, the counter 112 is operable to track production.

[0045] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, user interface 114 can be any device operable to receive input from a user and to transmit output to the user. For example, in some embodiments, user interface 114 includes display screen (i.e., LCD) to allow the user to select speed (it increases or decreases) and the length of band to be distributed. User interface 114 is also operable to display number of cycles, error and / or error code. According to some embodiments, user interface 114 can include a speaker or flashing light (not shown) to provide a device for communicating with the user. According to other embodiments, user interface 114 can include a user lock function via a password to prevent the user from adjusting the preset function, although the user lock can be configured in other ways, such as, for example, via a key-operable mechanical switch.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the dispensing system 10 is operable to be placed between an operating mode for normal dispensing of tape and a maintenance or diagnostic mode for testing and diagnostics. In the maintenance mode, the controller 72 performs self-diagnostic routines to detect the condition and operation of components, such as the feed motor, cutter motor, automatic feed sensor, user interface 114, and certain functions of the circuit board.

[0047] According to certain embodiments, the tape dispensing system may be battery operated or supplied with AC power via power cord 100, such as Figure 1 According to some embodiments, the tape dispensing system 10 is configured to be hung from a rack or other support structure (e.g., a wall or other) for storage above a work surface. According to some embodiments, the bottom wall 24 includes one or more slots configured to receive a hanging pin or other structure extending from a wall or other support surface to secure the dispensing system thereto.

[0048] Embodiments disclosed herein also provide a method of using a tape dispenser system 10, the tape dispenser 10 including a supply system 52, a track 54, and a reel 28 for supporting tape thereon. In operation, the reel 28 can move from a first end 56 of the track 54 to a second end 58 of the track in response to dispensing tape from the dispenser system 10. The method includes, in part, the step of providing a scanner or other detection device 116 on the tape dispenser 10, the scanner 116 being operable to read a predetermined pattern (e.g., a bar code, a QR code, etc.) indicating or corresponding to one or more operating parameters of the tape dispenser 10 (e.g., a speed, a length, etc. of the tape to be dispensed). The method also includes reading the predetermined pattern by the scanner 116, and in response to reading the predetermined pattern, adjusting one or more operating parameters so that when the tape is dispensed from the tape dispenser 10, the tape dispenser 10 operates according to the one or more operating parameters.

[0049] In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific terms have been used for clarity. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it should be understood that each specific term includes other technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar technical purposes.

[0050] In the description and claims, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, i.e., in the sense of "including", and is therefore not limited to its "closed" sense, i.e., in the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning should be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

[0051] Furthermore, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and changes, modifications, additions and / or variations may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, which are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0052] Furthermore, the present invention has been described in conjunction with what are currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, and it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included in the spirit and scope of the present invention, and the spirit and scope of the present invention are limited only by the appended claims. In addition, the various embodiments described above can be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, for example, aspects of one embodiment can be combined with aspects of another embodiment to implement other embodiments. In addition, each independent feature or component of any given component can constitute an additional embodiment.

Claims

1. An automatic belt dispensing system comprising: a feed system having a plurality of rollers, the feed system being configured to peel tape from a tape roll and dispense the tape from the dispensing system; a reel for supporting the belt thereon; A track supports the spool, the track extending from a first upper end to a second lower end, the spool being movable from the upper end to the lower end in response to tape being dispensed from the system so as to maintain a desired tension on the tape roll.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The track extends arcuately from the first end to the second end.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The spool is mounted on a shaft having an end disposed within the track.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The second end of the track is located between the feed system and the first end.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a microcontroller configured to vary the speed of the motor.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a removable cover enclosing the supply system.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The track is formed on a top surface of the removable cover.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a motor for driving the plurality of rollers.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a microcontroller configured to receive user input for the selected length of tape output.

10. A tape dispenser system comprising: Feeding system; track; A reel for supporting the tape thereon is movable from a first end of the track to a second end of the track in response to tape being dispensed from the dispenser system.

11. The dispenser according to claim 10, wherein The first end of the track is higher than the second end of the track.

12. The dispenser according to claim 10, wherein: The track extends arcuately from a first end to a second end.

13. The dispenser according to claim 10, wherein: The spool is mounted on a shaft having an end disposed within the track.

14. The dispenser according to claim 10, wherein: The second end of the track is between the supply system and the first end.

15. The dispenser of claim 10, further comprising a microcontroller configured to vary the speed of the motor.

16. The dispenser of claim 10, further comprising a removable cover enclosing the feed system.

17. The dispenser of claim 10, further comprising a controller configured to record a cycle count of the dispenser.

18. The dispenser of claim 17, further comprising a memory configured to store a plurality of operating modes.

19. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein: The operating mode is user selectable.

20. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein: The controller is operable between an operational mode and a diagnostic mode.

21. A method of using a tape dispenser comprising a feed system, a track, and a reel for supporting the tape thereon, the reel being movable from a first end of the track to a second end of the track in response to dispensing tape from the dispenser system, the method comprising: providing a scanner on the tape dispenser, the scanner being operable to read a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern being indicative of one or more operating parameters of the tape dispenser; reading the predetermined pattern by the scanner, and In response to reading the predetermined pattern, the one or more operating parameters are adjusted such that when tape is dispensed from the tape dispenser, the tape dispenser operates according to the one or more operating parameters.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: In response to reading the predetermined pattern, the length of tape to be dispensed is adjusted.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein: In response to reading the predetermined pattern, the speed at which the tape is dispensed is adjusted.

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