Tape for storage of electronic components

Claim 1

A tape (10) for storage of electronic components, said tape comprising a series of recesses (12) along its length which have been depressed out of the original plane of the tape and whose openings lie in the original plane of the tape (10), each recess (12) comprising a floor (12A) and walls, the floor (12A) being disposed at a predetermined depth (W) from the original plane (8) of the tape, the series of recesses (12) being spaced inwardly from the edges of the tape to define outer marginal edge portions on the tape characterised in that along each tape marginal edge portion is provided a row of sprocket holes (23) and, inwardly of said holes (23), a continuous tape surface for reception of a line of adhesive releasably to secure a length of cover film (21) over the series of recesses (12), and in that a portion of the floor (12A) of each recess (12) is deformed to define within the recess (12) an upstand (14) extending in a generally rectilinear fashion around the floor (12A), the upstand (14) being profiled in cross-section to define a generally rectilinear support surface (14A) disposed at a first clearance (X) from said floor and a ridge (14B) at the peripherally outer boundary of the support surface (14A), the top of the ridge (14B) being disposed at a second clearance (Y) from said floor, the second clearance (Y) being greater than the first clearance (X), and the ridge (14B) being spaced by a third clearance (Z) from the adjacent wall (16) of said recess (12), the arrangement being such that in use each recess (12) is adapted to store an electronic flatpack (18) having protruding connector pins (20), the body (19) of the flatpack being carried by the support surface (14A) and held against the support surface (14A) by the cover film (21), and being restricted in lateral movements by the ridge (14B), with the cranked connector pins (20) being disposed over said ridge (14B) and extending into said third clearance (Z).