Automatic Tape Feeding System

Abstract

An automatic tape delivery system is provided that includes a supply system having a plurality of rollers. The rollers are driven by a motor to peel the tape from a tape roll and to deliver the tape from the delivery system. The system further includes a reel that supports the tape thereon and a track that supports 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 delivered from the system to maintain a desired tension in the tape roll.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tape dispenser, and more particularly to an automatic tape dispenser, and even more particularly to an automatic tape dispenser configured to automatically dispense a measured length of tape for a user.

Background Art

[0002] In a general tape dispensing device, the user has to manually grip a part of the tape, pull the tape out from the roll, and cut it with the teeth of the dispenser. In some devices, however, the dispensing of the tape from the device is automated, and during operation, a predetermined length of tape is supplied from the device. In many of these devices, it is still often necessary to manually grip the dispensed tape and pull it across the blade edge. Furthermore, such devices are prone to malfunction due to inappropriate tape tension and are costly to maintain. There is a need to provide an automatic tape dispenser that overcomes these and other problems.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] According to a first aspect, there is provided an automatic tape dispensing system comprising a supply system having a plurality of rollers, the supply system configured to peel tape from a tape roll and dispense the tape from a dispensing system. The system includes a reel that supports the tape thereon and a track that supports 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 tape being dispensed from the system to maintain a desired tension in the tape roll.

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

[0005] In other embodiments, the reel is provided on a shaft, and the shaft has both ends disposed within the track.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0012] According to a second aspect, there is provided a tape dispenser system comprising a supply system, a track, and a reel for supporting a 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.

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

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

[0015] In yet other embodiments, the reel is provided on a shaft having both ends disposed within the track.

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

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the system comprises a microcontroller configured to change the speed of the motor.

[0018] In another embodiment, the system comprises a removable cover covering the supply system.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the control device is configured to record the number of cycles of the transmitter.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the system further comprises a memory configured to store a plurality of operating modes.

[0021] In some embodiments, the operating mode is selected by the user.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the control device is operable between an operating mode and a diagnostic mode.

[0023] According to a third aspect, a method of using a tape dispenser is provided, the tape dispenser comprising a supply system, a track, and a reel supporting a tape thereon, the reel being movable from a first end of the track to a second end of the track in response to the tape being dispensed from the dispenser system. The method includes providing a scanner to 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 includes reading the predetermined pattern by the scanner. In response to reading the predetermined pattern, one or more operating parameters are adjusted such that when the tape is dispensed from the tape dispenser, the tape dispenser operates according to the one or more operating parameters.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the length of the tape to be sent is adjusted according to the step of reading a predetermined pattern.

[0025] In other embodiments, the speed of the tape to be sent is adjusted according to the step of reading a predetermined pattern.

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Like elements are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0029] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a self - tensioning tape dispensing system 10 for dispensing a tape of measured length is shown. The tape dispensing system 10 includes a removable cover 12 that provides access to internal operating components as will be described in more detail below. The cover 12 is formed having a front wall 14, a pair of side walls 16, 18, a rear wall 20, and upper and lower walls 22, 24, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the rear wall and upper wall 20, 22 have a recess 26 that forms a slot / aperture for receiving a reel assembly 28, and the reel assembly 28 rotatably supports one or more tape rolls 74 (FIG. 5).

[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the front wall includes a display panel 30 and a removable cutter cover 32 that provides access to and covers a cutting assembly (not shown). The cover 32 further includes an aperture 34 that allows for the dispensing of the tape of measured length from the system 10. In operation, as will be described in more detail below, the system 10 is designed such that an appropriate level of tension is applied to the tape while simultaneously eliminating and / or substantially reducing the potential for misfeeding and malfunction associated with the system 10, and the tape is automatically fed from the system 10 and peeled from the roll. During use, a tape of the desired length is discharged from the outlet aperture 34. When the tape is removed from the outlet aperture 34, this process is automatically repeated.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the delivery system 10 is illustrated with the cover 12 removed and separated from the system 10. In FIGS. 2 and 3, a reel guide assembly 50 and a supply system 52 are illustrated, which enables the delivery of a measured length of tape from the delivery system 10 during operation. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reel guide assembly 50 is formed having a track 54 that slidably supports the reel 28 therein. In particular, referring further to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the reel 28 is formed having a shaft 60 with an end having a predetermined diameter sized to fit within the track 54. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the track 54 extends downwardly in an arcuate shape from the uppermost first end 56 to the lowermost second end 58, such that as the tape is peeled from the roll 74 and as a result the diameter of the roll 74 decreases, the arcuately formed track enables the reel 28, and thus the tape roll 74, to gradually move downwardly by gravity toward the supply system 52. This shape of the track 54 positions the reel 28, and thus the tape roll 74, such that sufficient tension is provided to the tape or tension adjustment is facilitated when the tape is peeled from the tape roll 74 in response to the supply of the tape to the supply system 52. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 shows a track 54 formed arcuately downwardly, but it should be understood that other configurations of the track 54 are possible. For example, the track 54 may be formed along a linear path that slopes downwardly from the first end 56 to the second end 58. Further, the arcuate track 54 may be formed having any arcuate path (e.g., a greater or lesser slope), or may be any combination thereof. During operation, as will be described in more detail below, regardless of the shape of the track 54, the track 54 is formed such that the reel 28, and thus the tape roll 74, continuously slides downwardly toward the supply system 52 as the tape is delivered to provide tension to the tape during operation.

[0032] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2 and 3, the supply system 28 includes a tape support deck 62, a push roller 64, a plurality of feed rollers 66, 68, and a motor / gearbox assembly 70 that is operable to drive the feed rollers 66, 68 to advance the tape through the system 52 and ultimately discharge it from the outlet opening 34 (FIG. 1).

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the reel assembly 28 is shown in more detail. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, for example, the reel assembly 28 includes an outer reel 90 removably provided around an inner reel 92, a shaft 60, and optionally a pair of end caps 94. Depending on the inner diameter of the tape roll 74, a reel 90 or 92 of an appropriate size may be used. In use, when a tape roll 74 having a large inner diameter is used, the outer reel 90 is provided around the inner reel 92. Alternatively, the reel assembly 28 can be used within the outer reel 92 when the inner diameter of the tape roll 74 is small. However, it should be understood that reels having different diameters can be used. Regardless of the configuration of the reel assembly 28, as described herein, the reel assembly includes a shaft 60 having a diameter that is slidable and engageable within the track 5. In other embodiments, the shaft 60 can rest on the upper wall 22 of the cover 12 instead of sliding in the track 54. In still other embodiments, the shaft 60 rotates in response to the operation of the system 10, but in addition to rotation, it can be installed in a rotatably fixed position so as not to approach the supply system 52. In addition, although FIGS. 4A and 4B show two adjacent reels 90, 92, it should be understood that more or fewer reels can be used depending on their size.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, the tape tension adjustment when the tape is peeled from the tape roll 74 will be described in more detail. During operation, as the diameter of the tape roll 74 decreases (as a result of the tape being peeled from the tape roll 74), the shaft 60, and thus the tape-roll 74, moves downward along the track 54 and thus approaches the supply system 52. In particular, as the diameter of the tape roll 74 decreases, the shaft 60 slides downward along the arcuate-shaped track 54. As shown, for example, in FIG. 5, the tape roll 74 always rests on the tape support deck 62. As shown, the tape support deck 62 applies and / or exerts a vertical force F in a vertical direction with respect to the point (i.e., the contact point) where the tape roll 74 contacts the tape support deck 62. Thus, when the tape is peeled from the tape roll 74 in the direction of arrow 78, the tape support deck 62 applies a vertical force F to the tape roll 74 in order to maintain an appropriate tension on the tape as the tape is pulled in the direction of arrow 78.

[0035] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the shape of the tape support deck 62, in combination with the shape of the track 54, enables the location of the alignment and the direction of the force F to vary in direct response to the diameter of the tape roll 74 and thus the position of the reel 28. For example, as the diameter of the tape decreases, the contact point on the tape support deck 62 changes, thereby changing the position of the shaft 60 in the track and maintaining an appropriate and desired tension in the tape as the tape is pulled and / or peeled from the tape roll 74.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 6, a block diagram of the tape delivery system 10 is shown, where a control device 72 is advantageously employed to operate the system 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the delivery system 10 includes a memory 102 having a database 104, a data port 106 that enables remote programming of 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. During operation, the control device 72 controls the operation of the motor 70, for example, by changing the speed of the motor 70 according to the type of tape including width and / or thickness. For example, thin and / or narrow tapes are more effectively delivered at a low speed, while thicker, heavier and / or wider tapes are more effectively delivered at a high speed. Accordingly, the parameters of the desired operating characteristics are stored in the database 104, thereby enabling the user to select a pre-stored operating mode to correspond to the delivery of a specific type of tape when a thin or narrow tape is used. In other embodiments, the sensor 108 detects the characteristics of the tape being delivered and automatically adjusts the speed of the motor 70 based on the characteristics of the tape being delivered. In still other embodiments, the characteristics of the tape being delivered can be determined by the scanner 116 by scanning a barcode associated with a specific tape type. During operation, the control device 72 determines the identification of the tape type via the barcode and obtains the stored characteristics of the tape from the memory 102 for effective delivery (adjusts the delivery speed based on the tape type). In other embodiments, it is possible to set the tape length per cycle using a barcode scanner 116 or other type of system identifier. For example, the control device 72 can be operable to receive a signal from the barcode scanner in response to the scanning of a barcode. The control device 72 accesses the memory 102 for the value corresponding to the barcode and automatically selects a predetermined delivery length.

[0037] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, clock 110 is operable to store the "anniversary date" of system 10. According to some embodiments, the "anniversary date" is the number of supply and disconnection times related to the system. For example, the supply and the corresponding disconnection are one cycle. According to some embodiments, the number of cycles is used to determine the number of years of use and / or the degree of use of system 10 for the purpose of guarantee and maintenance management.

[0038] Counter 112 is operable to count up to a predetermined number of cycles or count down from a predetermined number of cycles. For example, system 10 may be programmed to warn the user that maintenance management is required after reaching 50,000 cycles. Accordingly, counter 112 tracks the cycles, and when a predetermined number of cycles is reached, control device 72 transmits a signal to display a warning to the user via user interface 114 and additionally and / or alternatively via an acoustic warning or other indicator (i.e., a flashing light, system shutdown, etc.). In addition, counter 112 is operable to track manufacturing.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the user interface 114 can be any device operable to receive input from a user and convey output to the user. For example, in some embodiments, the user interface 114 includes a display screen (i.e., LCD) that enables a user to select the speed (including its increase and decrease) and length of the tape to be sent. The user interface 114 is also operable to display the number of cycles, errors, and / or error codes. According to some embodiments, the user interface 114 may include a speaker or a blinking light (not shown) for providing a means of communication to the user. According to other embodiments, the user interface 114 may include a user lockout function by means of a password to prevent adjustment of the preset function by the user, although the user lockout can be configured in other ways, such as a mechanical switch operable by a key, for example.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the delivery system 10 is operable to switch between an operating mode for normal tape delivery and a maintenance or diagnostic mode for testing and diagnosis. In the maintenance mode, the control device 72 executes a self-diagnostic routine for detecting the status and operation of components such as, for example, a feed motor, a cutter motor, an automatic feed sensor, the user interface 114, and certain functions of the circuit board.

[0041] According to certain embodiments, the tape delivery system is battery-powered or can be supplied with alternating current via a power cord 100 as best shown in FIG. 1. According to some embodiments, the tape delivery system 10 is configured to be suspended from a rack or other support structure (such as a wall, etc.) so as to be stored above the work surface. According to some embodiments, the lower wall 24 is configured with one or more slots configured to receive a suspension pin or other structure extending from a wall or other support surface to secure the delivery system.

[0042] The embodiments disclosed herein also provide a method of using a tape dispenser system 10, the tape dispenser 10 comprising a supply system 52, a track 54, and a reel 28 that supports a tape thereon. In operation, the reel 28 is movable from a first end 56 of the track 54 to a second end 58 of the track in response to the tape being dispensed from the dispenser system 10. The method includes, in part, providing a scanner or other detection device 116 to the tape dispenser 10, the scanner 116 being operable to indicate or read a predetermined pattern (e.g., barcode, QR code, etc.) corresponding to one or more operating parameters of the tape dispenser 10 (e.g., speed, length, etc. of the tape being dispensed). The method further includes reading, by the scanner 116, a predetermined pattern, and adjusting, in response to reading the predetermined pattern, one or more operating parameters such that the tape dispenser 10 operates in accordance with the one or more operating parameters when dispensing tape from the tape dispenser 10.

[0043] In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, a particular terminology has been used for clarity. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular terminology so selected, and each particular terminology should be understood to include other technical equivalents that operate similarly and achieve similar technical purposes.

[0044] In this specification and the claims, the term "comprising" should be understood in its "open" sense, i.e., the meaning of "including", and thus is not to be understood as limited to its "closed" sense, i.e., the meaning of "consisting only of". Corresponding meanings, where they appear, shall be attributed to the corresponding terms "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises".

[0045] In addition, only some of the embodiments of the present invention are described above, and modifications, corrections, additions, and / or changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments are illustrative and not limiting.

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention is described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. The present invention should not be limited to the embodiments of the present disclosure, but rather is intended to encompass various modifications and equivalent configurations included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined only by the appended claims. Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in combination with other embodiments. For example, aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of other embodiments to further implement other embodiments. Additionally, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute additional embodiments.

Claims

1. A supply system having a plurality of rollers, configured to peel tape from a tape roll and feed the tape from the supply system; A reel that supports the tape thereon; A track that supports the reel, extending 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 being fed from the system to maintain a desired tension in the tape roll. An automatic tape feed system comprising the above.

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 reel is provided on a shaft, and the shaft has both ends disposed within the track.

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

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

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a removable cover covering the supply system.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the track is formed on an upper surface of the removable cover.

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

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

10. A tape dispenser system comprising: A supply system; A track; A reel that supports the 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 fed from the dispenser system. A tape dispenser system comprising the above.

11. The dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the first end of the track is at a higher position 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 reel is provided on a shaft, and the shaft has both ends disposed within the track.

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

15. The transmitter according to claim 10, further comprising a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller is configured to change the speed of the motor.

16. The transmitter according to claim 10, further comprising a removable cover covering the supply system.

17. The transmitter according to claim 10, further comprising a control device, wherein the control device is configured to record the number of cycles of the transmitter.

18. The transmitter according to claim 17, further comprising a memory, wherein the memory is configured to store a plurality of operating modes.

19. The transmitter according to claim 18, wherein the operating mode is selected by a user.

20. The transmitter according to claim 17, wherein the control device is operable between an operating mode and a diagnostic mode.

21. A method of using a tape dispenser, the tape dispenser comprising a supply system, a track, and a reel supporting a 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: Providing a scanner to 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. Reading the predetermined pattern by the scanner, and Adjusting the one or more operating parameters such that when the tape is dispensed from the tape dispenser, the tape dispenser operates according to the one or more operating parameters in response to reading the predetermined pattern. A method comprising.

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

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the speed of the tape being dispensed is adjusted in response to reading the predetermined pattern.

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