Tape-form packaging system and apparatus for effecting assembly and disassembly thereof

摘要

A tape-form packaging system comprises an elongate carrier tape (10) and a cover tape (11) which are of indeterminate length disposed in superposed relationship to each other. Integrally formed in the carrier tape are a plurality of article receiving pockets (15). Articles are retained in respective pockets by cooperative interaction of the tapes (10,11) when they are mechanically secured together by interconnecting locking apertures (31) formed in one of the tapes and locking projections (36) formed in the other tape. The apertures (31) and projections (36) forming a particular interconnecting set extend in alignment transversely across the tapes intermediate adjacent pairs of longitudinally spaced pockets (15). Each projection (36) is provided with integrally formed locking tabs (39) which extend a distance laterally outward from the sides of the projection to engage a surface of the other tape. The tabs (39) have a flexible characteristic to enable them to bend permitting passage of the associated portion of the projection through a locking aperture but having sufficient rigidity to retain the tapes in interlocked relationship. Tape assembly and tape separation mechanisms are described.