Variable stretch detackification adhesive tape unitizer system

US5491956A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company · US

Inventors

• Craig S. Donnelly · Hager City, US
• Daniel G. Michalski · Red Wing, US
• David W. Carroll · Grantsburg, US
• Robert L. Cahlander · Red Wing, US
• Thomas Jung · Aschbach, DE
• James D. Ramacier · Hugo, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 13, 1993
• Grant date: Feb 20, 1996
• Expiry date: Dec 13, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B11/045
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A dispenser apparatus comprised of a stretchable adhesive tape which is detackified when stretched longitudinally. The tape is advanced through a stretching station to an array of articles to be unitized. Tension rollers are utilized on either side of the stretching station to ensure that the tape advances evenly and does not recoil. The dispenser apparatus also includes a first prime mover which advances the tape through the tension rollers and stretching station at a rate which ensures proper stretching (at predetermined intervals) and proper feeding of the tape to the array of boxed items. A controller simultaneously controls the z-axis motion (of the dispenser and rotation of the articles to be unitized. Therefore, both the number of wraps about the articles and the location of the wraps between the base of the articles and the top of the articles may be controlled.