Carrier tape and cover applying and removal devices for same

摘要

An improved carrier tape is disclosed comprising an elongated base strip and an elongated cover strip both formed of a plastic film material. The base strip is provided with longitudinally spaced cavities for components to be transported therein as well as a series of spaced, longitudinally extending sprocket drive holes for advancing the tape. The cover strip has a raised hump on its top surface positioned so as to align with the sprocket holes when the tape is assembled. The hump defines a living hinge for the adjacent surfaces of the cover strip top face. Accordingly, when the hump is depressed the sidewalls of the cover strip move outwardly so as to clear the edges of the base strip. Conversely, when the hump is released, the sidewalls return to their relaxed position. A device for applying the cover strip to the base strip applies pressure to the hump of the cover strip while guiding the sidewalls of the cover strip around the top edge of the base strip. A device for removing the cover strip from the base strip applies pressure to the cover strip hump thereby disengaging the sidewalls of the cover strip from the base strip while guiding the cover strip away from the base strip.