Tape applicator for glazing applications

• US 6,615,890 B1
• Filed: 06/09/2000
• Issued: 09/09/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/09/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: Venture Tape Corporation (3M Company)
• Inventors: Sigafoes, Robert T.
• Primary Examiner(s): GRAY, LINDA LAMEY
• Application Number:
  US09/591,681
• Time in Patent Office: 1,187 Days
• Field of Search: 156/522, 156/355, 156/106, 156/107, 156/105, 156/475, 156/200, 156/270, 156/271, 156/250, 156/297, 156/212, 156/256, 156/351, 156/269
• US Class Current: 156/355
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 63/02 using sheet or web-like material B29C63/26 and B29C63/38 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/005 for making window frames windows B29L2031/778
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2701/3772 Double-sided
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 35/0013 and applying the article or the web by adhesive to a surface B65H35/002 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 21/1657 for applying tape to joints, e.g. drywall taper tools
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 21/28 for glazing glass cutters C03B33/10
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/385 for adaptation of a particular data processing system to different peripheral devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2213/3814 Wireless link with a computer system port
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1084 of continuous or running length bonded web
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1343 Cutting indefinite length web after assembly with discrete article

Abstract

A tape applicator for application of a double-sided adhesive tape to a member which can be cut and assembled to form a frame or sash for glazing for a skylight, a window or a door, or which can be used to form a muntin. The tape applicator includes a drive roller for advancing members sequentially through the apparatus. The tape applicator also includes a pressure roller for urging the tape onto the member, and for urging the member into engagement with the drive roller. A guide roller guides the location of the tape to the member so that it is applied to the proper location. A cutting mechanism is automatically actuated for cutting the tape adjacent the trailing end of each member at a desired location. The cutting mechanism is actuated by a switch which is engaged by the member.

Claims

1. Apparatus for applying tape having an adhesive layer to a plurality of members in sequence, said apparatus comprising:

a feed mechanism for moving the members sequentially to and through said apparatus in a feed direction;

apparatus for dispensing the tape onto the members;

apparatus for urging the tape against each member as that member is advanced in the feed direction, said apparatus for urging the tape comprising;

a roller rotatable about a central axis;

slideways disposed substantially perpendicular to said feed direction; and

a slide movable along said slideways toward and away from the members, said roller being mounted on said slide;

guide mechanisms for guiding each member to and through the apparatus whereby the tape is applied only to a desired surface of each member; and

a cutter mechanism for cutting the tape adjacent a trailing edge of each member after application of the tape thereto, said cutter mechanism comprising;

a switch actuable by a member being advanced in the feed direction;

a cutting blade slidably mounted for movement in a direction toward and away from the member;

an actuator for advancing said blade toward the member in response to actuation of said switch by the member; and

an arm operatively connected to said switch for activation of said switch, said arm extending through an opening in an upper surface of a table upon which the member resides, said arm being engageable by the member moving in said feed direction;

wherein the upper surface of the table includes a first portion adjacent said feed mechanism and a second portion adjacent said switch arm, and wherein said second portion of the upper surface of the table is recessed below the first portion of the upper surface of the table, whereby a member passing from the first portion to the second portion of the upper surface of the table is spaced above a distal end of said switch arm until a trailing end of that member passes from the first portion to the second portion of the upper surface of the table.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said apparatus for urging the tape against each member further comprises a guide for guiding tape from said apparatus for dispensing to said roller.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said guide comprises:

a guide roller rotatable about a central axis and having an outer perimeter; and

a guide channel disposed about the outer perimeter of said guide roller.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said apparatus for urging the tape against each member further comprises apparatus for applying a controlled pressure on said slide directed toward the member.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said apparatus for applying a controlled pressure is a pneumatic cylinder.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said feed mechanism comprises:

a drive roller having a central axis and an outer perimeter positioned to engage a member; and

a motor operatively coupled to said drive roller for rotating said drive roller about the central axis.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein said apparatus for urging urges members against said drive roller.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said guide mechanisms comprise at least one roller freely rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to the feed direction, said at least one roller having an outer perimeter positioned to sequentially engage each member.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said cutter mechanism further comprises apparatus spaced downstream from said blade in said feed direction for urging the member against the upper surface of the table.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein a location of said cutting blade is adjustable with respect to said switch in a direction parallel to said feed direction.

11. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said cutting blade is replaceable.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said actuator comprises a pneumatic cylinder.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said switch arm includes a roller disposed on the distal end.

14. Apparatus for applying tape having an adhesive layer to a plurality of members in sequence, said apparatus comprising:

a feed mechanism for moving the members sequentially to and through said apparatus in a feed direction;

apparatus for dispensing the tape onto the members;

apparatus for urging the tape against each member as that member is advanced in the feed direction;

guide mechanisms for guiding each member to and through the apparatus whereby the tape is applied only to a desired surface of each member; and

a cutter mechanism for cutting the tape adjacent a trailing edge of each member after application of the tape thereto, said cutter mechanism comprising;

a cutting blade slidably mounted for movement in a direction toward and away from a member;

a switch;

an arm operatively connected to said switch for activation of said switch, said arm extending through an opening in an upper surface of a table upon which the member resides, a distal end of said arm being engagable by the member moving in said feed direction; and

an actuator for advancing said blade toward the member in response to activation of said switch;

said upper surface of said table including a first portion adjacent said feed mechanisms, and a second portion adjacent said switch arm, said second portion of said upper surface of said table being recessed below said first portion of said upper surface of said table, whereby a member passing from said first portion to said second portion of said upper surface of said table is spaced above said distal end of said switch arm until a trailing end of a member passes from said first portion to said second portion of said upper surface of said table.