Apparatus for forming and securing a tab

Abstract

Abstract An apparatus for cutting a tab which employs a reciprocable punch and a die having an opening in alignment with the movement of the punch and positioned a spaced distance from the punch. A tab supply tape is fed through an opening defined by the spaced distance between the punch and die and, on reciprocation of the punch into contact with the die opening, a tab is cut from the tape. The line of direction of the reciprocatory movement of the punch may be determined by guide means which slidably receive the punch with the punch being pivotally connected to a reciprocable actuator. The connection between the punch and actuator permits pivotal movement of the actuator with respect to the punch while maintaining the alignment of the punch. Adjustable means may interconnect the movement of the punch and movement of the tape such that the distance of movement of the tape is adjustably related to each reciprocation of the punch. Also, means may be provided which control the speed of movement of the tape in relation to the tension in the tape. In addition, centering means may be provided to maintain the position of the long dimension of the tape relatively constant with respect to the position of the punch and the position of the opening in the die. In the movement of the tape through the spaced distance separating the punch from the die, the tape movement is maintained at approximately a right angle to the direction of movement of the punch. Further, the die and punch may have curved lower surfaces. A method for applying a tab to preselected portions of an audio or visual tape in which the tape is held in a curved configuration over a reel having projections which engage holes positioned along a side of the tape. A shoe having a curved surface, a central opening and a depression in the curved surface is aligned with the tape along the axis of the holes in the tape by bringing the curved surface of the shoe into contact with the tape reel with a depression in the bottom curved surface of the shoe in alignment with a projection on the reel. Following this, a tab having a gummy surface is adhered to a preselected portion of the tape by pushing the tab through the central opening of the shoe to bring the gummy surface of the tab into contact with the audio or visual tape. A pushing member having a curved pushing face may be used to push the tab through the opening to provide the tab with a curved configuration prior to its contact with the curved configuration of the audio or visual tape.

Inventors

• 👤 Willard M Hawkins

Bibliographic Details