摘要 |
An apparatus and method for laying a composite tape on an elongated molding is provided. The apparatus includes a reciprocatable carrier for carrying the molding, a composite tape applicator adapted to apply a pair of parallel strips of composite tape to the back of the molding, and a release-paper-adhering tape applicator adapted to apply release-paper-adhering tape to the release paper on the composite tape. The composite tape applicator includes a composite tape advancing mechanism, a cutter for cutting an expended strip of composite tape from a supply of the composite tape, and a pressing roller for pressing the composite tape securely onto the molding. The release-paper-adhering tape applicator includes a second tape advancing mechanism, a cutter for cutting a section of the release-paper-adhering tape from a supply of the release-paper-adhering tape, and a pressing member and a heater for securely bonding the section of release-paper-adhering tape to the release paper of the composite tape. The apparatus further includes a controller operably connected to the carrier, the composite tape applicator and the release-paper-adhering tape applicator for automatic operation, the controller including the capability of automatically applying release-paper-adhering tape to the end of composite tape strips and also to spliced locations on the composite tape strips so that the release paper can be later removed easily with a single pull when the molding is to be assembled to a vehicle. An article manufactured in accordance with the above is also provided.
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