Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~ W 095~ 9&9 PCTrUS94/08509
2167~3
FLYING SPLICE A~ ~Slvh TAPE
BACKGROUND OF THE l~V~h~lON
The present invention relates generally to web splicing. In
particular, the ~Lasent invention is a flying splice, pressure
sensitive, adhesive tape that is used to splice a leading edge of
a new roll of web material to a trailing edge of an expiring roll
of web material.
In the newspaper and magazine publishing industry, the
lengths of web material ~i.e., paper), from which individual
newspapers or magazines are printed, are contained on rolls (i.e.,
elongate '- a). Typically, the length of web material of a roll
is continuous from its trailing edge at the core of the roll to
its leading edge at the periphery of the roll. The length of web
material from an individual roll is fed into a printing apparatus
where print and/or pictures are applied to the web materiàl in a
continuous, automated process. Next, the length of web material is
cut into sheets of desired size and then these sheets are
assembled into lndividual n~w~pa~s or ~~7in98. The cutting of
the sheets and the assembling of the sheets into their final print
medium format is once again, a continuous, automated proces~.
Typically, durlng the continuous process of printing, cutting and
assembling of the print -~i , the length of web material travels
at speeds of bet~_~r 2000 and 3000 feet per minute. Hence, large
- ` _I 8 of individual ncwspa~ers or magazines can be produced in a
relatively short period of time.
A disadvantage in the use of the rolls of web material
occurs when splicing a leading edge of a "new" roll of web
material to the trailing edge of an ~old" roll of web material
currently traveling through the continuous printing, cutting and
assembllng process. This type of new-to-old roll connection is
referred to as a "flying splice", and is a splice made between an
expiring roll of web material and a new roll of web material in a
continuous manner without reducing either the equipment speed or
the speed of the web. Typically, to splice the leading edge of the
new roll to the trailing edge of the old roll, one or more pieces
of adhesive tape are manually applied to the leading edge of the
40 new roll of web material. Pressure sensitive adhesive on a bottom
surface of the tape secures the tape to the leading edge. With the
tape secured to the leading edge of the new roll, the leading edge
of the new roll 1B brought into contact wlth the old roll, where
pressure sensitive adhesive on the top surface of the tape secures
-1-
W O9SN5989 PCT~US94/08509
~7083-
the leading edge of the new roll of web material to the trailing
edge of the old roll of web material. During this splicing
process, the old roll is traveling at a speed of between 2000 and
3000 feet per minute and acts to continuously and automatically
thread the web material of the new roll into the apparatus
performing the printing, cutting and assembling process.
C~na~;~n Patent Application 2,025,473 to Josef et al. disclo~es
one such adhesive splice tape u~ed to splice an angled leading
edge of a new roll of web material to an expiring roll of web
0 material. The splice tape is divided into three zones. A first
outer zone of the splice tape has both an upper adhesive layer and
a lower adhesive layer. A central zone of the splice tape has
neither an upper or lower layer of adhesive, but is formed with a
longitudinal perforation. A second outer zone of the splice tape
has only a lower adhe~ive layer.
The lower adhesive layer of the first outer zone secures the
splice tape to a lea~ing edge of a new roll of web material. The
lea~ i ng edge of the renewal web material is cut at an angle of
less than ninety dey.aes as measured between the roll off
direction of the web material and the leading edge. The lower
adhesive layer of the second outer zone secures the splice tape to
that portion of the web material that is i -'iately adjacent the
angled lea~; ng edge and forms the next underlying layer of web
material. With the lower adhesive layers secured to the web
material, the longituA i n~ 1 perforation of the central zone of the
splice tape is align~d with the angled leading edge. The upper
adhesive layer of the first outer zone helps to secure the angled
leading edge of the renewal roll to the expiring roll to initiate
the roll changing ~ ocedure. The longitu~;nAl perforation permits
separation of the splice tape along the angled le~ing edge of the
web material to complete the roll changing procedure.
This splice tape and method of preparing a new (i.e.,
repla~ --t) roll of web material has some disadvantages. The
splice tape is applied to a leading edge (of a new roll of web
material) that is cut at an angle of less than ninety degrees as
measured beL~een the roll off direction of the web material and
the leading edge. The splice tape is applied in this manner ~o
that the perforations tear gradually starting at a forward end ~as
dete in~d by the direction of travel of the web) of the angled
lea~ing edge and traveling along the leading edge until separation
of the splice tape is complete at the rearward end (as dete, in~d
by the direction of travel of the web) of the angled leading edge.
~nwe~" since the web material leading edge is angled, forces
applied to printing drums of printing equi --L by the web
W O9~/~5589 ~ 1 5 7 0 ~ ~ PCTAUS94/08509
material as the angled leading edge passes over a printing drum
are not directed ~e.~endicular to a generatrix of the drum that is
parallel to a longituAinAl axis of the drum. The forces effected
on the drum by the angled 1eA~ ing of the web material as it passes
5 over the drum, would be directed generally perpendicular to the
angled leading edge. These angled forces (i.e., forces that are
not applied to the drum ~e.~æn~ic~llar to a drum generatrix that is
parallel to the longitu~inAl axis of the drum) cause the drum to
cant or tilt inducing surface stresses on the printing plate
0 (i.e., blanket) of the drum. These in~Uce~ surface stresses, in
turn, decrease the operational life of the printing plate of the
drum when compared to a web material whose le~Aing edge is
parallel to a longitu~inAl axis of the roll on which the web
material is contained. The forces effected by this nonangled
15 leading edge of web material are applied to the printing drum
generally pe.~andicular to a drum yane a~rix that is parallel to
the longituA;nAl axis of the drum. Thus, the stresses on the
surface (i.e., printing plate) of the drum (caused by these
leA~;ng edge forces) are directed only circumferentially about the
20 drum, hence, p~ -L ~e wear due to cant;ng or tilting of the
printing drum (caused by an angled leA~ing edge) are eliminated.
There are further disadvantages to the splice tape and
method of preparing a new roll of web material as disclosed by the
CAnA~iAn Patent Application. The upper adhesive layer of the first
25 outer zone and the lower adhesive layer of the second outer are
spaced from the longituAinAl perforation by central zone regions
that have neither an upper or lower layer of adhesive. These
central zone regions create splice tape flaps or tails that are
not secured to the web material. These unsecured splice tape tails
30 may catch on printing line equi --t (especially printing,
sheeting and stAcking equipment) causing the web material to tear
or jam, consequently halting printing line production.
In addition, the angled leA~ing edge of the new roll of web
material results in an expiring roll whose spliced, free tail web
35 material length is greater than the spliced free tail web material
length of a new roll of web material implementing a nonangled
leA~ing edge (i.e., a lea~ing edge the is parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the new roll of web material). Typically,
once the new roll web material has been joined to the web material
40 of the expiring roll and splice tape separation has occurred, the
web material of the expiring roll is cutoff to a in; -1,
predete ;n~d length ; -~iAtely past the splice tape creating a
free tail of expiring web material that is not secured to the new
roll web material. This unsecured web material free tail may catch
W 0951'~3~5 ~ ~ 6 ~ ~ 6 3 PCT~US94/08509
on printing line equi - L (especially printing, sheeting and
~tAC~i ng equipment) cau~ing the web material of the new roll to
tear or jam, co~sequGntly halting printing line production. An
angled leading edge creates a free tail that includes a triangular
shaped region of expiring web material defined beLwe-- the forward
and rearward ends of the ~plice tape, and a rectangular shaped
region of expiring web material defined beLwe ?- the rearward end
of the splice tape and the expiring web material cutoff. The use
of a new roll of web material with a nonangled leading edge
creates a free tail that only includes a rectangular shaped region
of expiring web material defined be~ween the rear edge of the
splice tape and the expiring web material cutoff. Hence, the
nonangled leading edge would i n i ; ze the amount of expiring web
material free tail that may catch on printing line e~i ~ L.
There i8 a continu;ng need for flying ~plice adhesive tape
that can be proce~ed through all the equi - t on a printing line
including sheeters and stackers. Specifically there is a need for
flying splice adhesive tape that eliminates any unsecured splice
tape region~ which could catch on printing, gheeting and gtAr~i ng
equi - L causing tearing of the web material. ~G~-O~e ~ there is
a need for flying splice adhesive tape that is applicable to a
leading edge of web material, that iB parallel to a longitu~;
axis of the roll upon which the web material is contained, to
reduce printing drum wear, and ; n; ; ~G the amount of expiring web
25 material free tail that could catch on and jam printing line
equi --t. In addition, the flying splice adhesive tape should be
capable of being applied to the renewal roll of web material
quickly by hand, by a -nll~lly operable tape di~penser or by an
automatic tape applicAtion apparatus.
DISCLOSURE OF THE l~vh~.lON
The pre~ent invention is a flying splice tape for holding
down a 1~A~; ng edge portion of an outer layer of a following roll
35 of web material and for facilitating the splicing of the leading
edge portion to a portion of a leading roll of web material which
is being advanced. The splice tape includes a tape substrate
having a first side and a second side. The tape ~ubstrate has, on
its fir~t ~ide, a first portion adjacent a first edge of the tape
substrate, a second portion adjacent a second edge of the tape
~ubstrate and an int?- -';Ate portion the-abeLween. A W6= ~on~d
section is preferably defined by a plurality of spaced cuts in the
tape substrate along the int? -';Ate portion of the tape
substrate. The first portion of the first side of the tape
`- wogs,~ g 21~7~6~ PCTrUS94/08509
substrate has a first adhesive layer that is spaced from the cuts
and extends towards the first edge of the tape substrate. The
second portion of the first side of the tape substrate has a
second adhesive layer that is adjacent to the cuts and extends
5 towards the second edge of the substrate, while the inte -'iAte
longituA;nA1 portion of the first side of the tape substrate is
free of adhesive. The second side of the tape substrate has a
third adhesive layer that extends from the cuts towards the first
edge of the substrate. A ~ -;ning portion of the second side of
0 the tape substrate is free of adhesive.
The first side of the tape substrate is a~-pted to be
adhered to the following roll of web material, with the first
longitudinal portion adhered to the lea~; ng edge portion of the
outer layer via the first adhesive layer, and the second
15 longituA;nAl portion adhered, via the second adhesive layer, to a
portion of the roll of web material that is i -~;Ately adjacent
the leading edge portion and forms the next underlying layer of
the following roll of web material. The longitu~inAlly exten~ing
w~ n~d section of the int~ -diAte longituA;nAl portion is
aligned with and adjacent to the 1~A~; ng edge portion of the outer
layer of the following roll when the tape substrate is secured to
the following roll of web material. The third adhesive layer is
adapted to adhere to the portion of the leading roll of web
material, to cause separation of the splice tape along the
25 longitudinAlly ext~n~;ng W~ n~d section and splicing of the
following roll of web material to the portion of the leading roll
of web material.
The plurality of cuts define a separation line of the
longitudinally exten~; ng w -~9n~ section. This separation line in
30 one o'; - ~ is substantially parallel to the lea~;ng edge
portion and a longituAinAl axis of the following roll of web
material. A portion of the third adhesive layer on the second side
of the substrate extends past the leading edge portion to
facilitate a adhesion of the third adhesive layer to the portion
35 of the le~; ng roll of web material and thereby separation of the
splice tape at the separation line.
This flying splice adhesive tape can be processed through
all the equipment on a printing line including sheeters and
stackers. In addition, since the second and third adhesive layers
are ; -';Ately adjacent to the plurality of cuts, the amount of
~ecl~red splice tape tail is i n i i ~ed which lessens the
~ likelihood that the splice tape tails could jam in printing and
f;nishing line equipment ~such as sheeters and stackers) or catch
in printing equi ~~~ affecting tracking of the web material,
-5-
W O9S~53~5 ~167~3 PCTrUS94/08509
causing web material wrinkles, web break~ or tear offs that could
affect final print quality. ~oreove" this flying splice adhesive
tape is applicable to a leading edge of web material, that i8
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the roll upon which the web
5 material is contained, which reduces printing drum wear as the
leading edge pa~ses over the printing drum since leading edge
forces are directed peL~ændicular to a printing drum yellera~rix
which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drum. The
nonangled le~; ng edge alBo ; n; ; ~eE the amount of expiring web
0 material free tail that could catch on and jam printing line
equipment when compared to splice tape requiring an angled leading
edge. In addition, since the third adhesive layer extends past the
first adhesive layer, the splice tape p esents a stepwise increase
in splice tape thjckn~ss to the printing drums, which further
reduces printing drum stresse~ that would otherwise exist if the
first and third adhesive layers had the same starting point and
p esenLed an abrupt change in splice tape thickness to the
printing drum.
Using this splice tape with a following roll of web material
20 having a le~;ng edge portion that is parallel to the longitu~;n~l
axis of the roll allows tension to be applied uniformly across the
web material when the "new-to-old" splice is made and as the
splice travels through the printing, cutting and assembling
-rh; n~ry. Uniform web material tension reduces tension upsets
25 thereby resulting in a straight tracking web material which
reduces acci~ent~l web material breakage. In addition, since the
tape is useable with a following roll of web material having a
leading edge portion that is parallel to the longitu~;nAl axis of
the roll, less tape has to be ~ppljrd to the le~;ng edge, thereby
30 reducing waste. ~OLeV~L ~ applying the tape to the leading edge
portion of the roll of web material that is parallel to the roll
axis is easier for both manual and automatic application when
compared to applying a splice tape to an angled le~;ng edge. The
flying splice adhesive tape can be applied to the following roll
35 of web material by hand, by a -n~ ly operable tape dispenser or
by an automatic tape application apparatus. When compared to the
current system of manual application employing a plurality of
paster tabs, paster tapes and splice flags, this splice tape can
be accurately and consistently applied to a leading edge from one
40 roll of web material to the next.
.
W O 95t05989 21 6 7 ~ ~ ~ PCTrUS94/08509
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention iB further described with reference to the
acc- ,~nying drawings, where like '~ 8 refer to like parts in
~everal view~.
FIG. 1 is a per~e~Live view of an upper ~urface of a flying
splice adhesive tape in accordance with the p.L~ent invention with
a release liner shown being peeled away.
FIG. 2 is a ~er~ecLive view of a lower surface of the
flying ~plice adhe~ive tape shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 i8 a ~ectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an elevational view of an upper ~urface of a
further : `-'; t of the flying splice adhe~ive tape shown in
FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of an upper ~urface of a still
further ~ '_'i t of the flying splice adhesive tape shown in
FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a ~e~e~Live view of an upper surface of an
alternative : '-'; - L of a flying splice adhesive tape in
accordance with the ~.al3ent invention with a release liner shown
being peeled away.
FIG. 7 is a ~e.~cLive view of a lower surface of the
alternative flying splice adhesive tape shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a side eleva~innAl view partially in section
illustrating the flying splice adhe~ive tape of FIGS. 1 and 2
applied to a renewal roll of web material with the renewal roll
positioned adjacent to an expiring roll of web material.
FIG. 10 is a ~ide elevational view partially in section
similar to FIG. 9 illustrating the initiation of a roll changing
procedure.
FIG. 11 ic a ~ide elevational view partially in section
similar to FIG. 9 illustrating the ~ucce~sful completion of the
roll changing p.ocedure.
These drawing figures are provided for illustrative purposes
only and are not drawn to scale, nor should they be con~trued to
limit the intended scope and purpose of the pre~ent invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A flying splice adhesive tape 10 in accordance with the
~ p --senL invention is illustrated generally in FIGS. 1-3. The
splice tape 10 includes a tape substrate 12 having a first side 14
(see FIG. 2) and a second side 16 (see FIG. 1).
-7-
W0 95/~53~5 $~ O ~ 3 PCTIUS94/08509
As seen in FIG. 2, the tape substrate 12 has, on it~ first
side 14, a first lonqitudinal portion 18 adjacent a first
longituAinAl edge 20~ a second longituAinAl portion 22 adjacent a
second longituAinAl edge 24 and an inte ~'iAte longituAi
S portion 26 th-~ e}set ~--. A longitudinally extenAing w~-lrc~nDcl
section 25 extends along the inte -~;ate longitudinal portion 26
of the tape substrate 12. The we ~ n~d section 25 is defined by a
plurality of spaced linear cuts 28 through the tape substrate 12
along the inte~ ?d~Ate longituAinA~ portion 26. The linear cuts 28
0 are oriented substantially parallel to the first and second
longitudinal edges 20 and 24 and are located closely adjacent the
second longitudinal portion 22. Located bet ~e~ adjacent linear
cuts 28 are stress cuts 29 that extend through the tape substrate
12 along the int~ -';Ate longitudinAl portion 26. The stress cuts
15 29 further define the we~l~qned section 25 of the ~plice tape 10.
The stress cuts 29 are oriented ~ubstantially parallel to the
linear cuts 28 and are offset therefrom 80 as to be located closer
to the second longituA;nAl portion 22 than the linear cuts 28. The
linear cuts 28 and the stress cuts 29 define a splice tape
20 separation line of the longituclinally extonAing t ~ n~-A section
25. The stress cuts 29 relieve gtress in the tape substrate 12
be~ Je-- the plurality of linear cuts 28~ and thereby aid in
defining the tape separation line 80 that tape separation occurs
substantially along the linear cuts 28. Preferably, the weAlr~n~cl
25 section 25 of the int~ -';Ate longituA;nAl portion 26 i~ defined
by the linear cuts 28 and the stress cuts 29 which extend all the
way through the tape substrate 12. However, the we~ n~cl section
25 may be defined by a plurality of score lineE~ or other means on
the int~ ~'iAte portion 26 of the tape substrate 12 to induce
30 tape separation along a desired separation line.
As seen in PIGS. 2 and 3 ~ the first longitudinal portion 18
of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 has a first pressure
sensitive adhesive layer 34. The second longitudinal portion 22 of
the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 has a second pressure
35 sensitive adhesive layer 36~ while the int~ ;Ate longitu~l;nAl
portion 26 of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 is free
of adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive free int~ -';Ate portion 26
is formed by the selective application of the first and ~econd
adhesive layers 34 and 36 to only the first and ~econd portions 18
40 and 22, respectively, of the tape substrate 12. Hence, the
;nt~ -';Ate portion 26 of the tape substrate 12 lacks any
adhesive layer and is therefore "free of adhesive". Alternatively,
an adhesive layer may be applied to all of the first side 14 of
the tape substrate 12 with the adhesive free int~ -'iAte portion
-8-
W O95/05989 2 ~ 6 7 ~ 6 ~ PcTrus~/06~g
26 formed by applying a suitable A~Adenin~ substrate over the
adhesive layer in the desired location of intermediate portion 26;
or by selectively -~king the adhesive layer, in the desired
location of int~ Ate portion 26, using a spray material.
As seen in FIG. 1, the second side 16 of the tape substrate
12 has a third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 38 that is spaced
from the first longituAinAl edge 20 by an end margin 39. The third
pressure sensitive adhesive layer 38 extends beL-/e~ the end
margin 39 and the linear cuts 28. Both the end margin 39 and a
0 ~ -;ning portion 40 of the second side 16 of the tape substrate
12 that extends beL.e-- the linear cuts 28 and the second
longituAinAl edge 24 are free of adhesive (in the manner
previously described with .aspe~L to int- -~iAte portion 26). As
seen best in FIGS. 1 and 2, the third adhesive layer 38 and the
second adhesive layer 36 are directly adjacent the linear and
stress cuts 28 and 29 to ini i 7e the area of non adhesive
coating. The second side 16 of the tape substrate 12 is c~veLed by
a removably affixed release liner 42. The liner 42 allows the
splice tape 10 to be wound upon a roll since the liner 42 p events
adjacent layers of the tape substrate 12 from bec~ ;n7 pe -n~ntly
adhesively se~u~ed to one another. The end margin 39 permits the
liner 42 to be readily L~ .ed when the flying splice adhesive
tape 10 is to be Appl~eA by hand or a manually operable tape
dispenser. In addition, removal of the liner 42 from the first
longituAinAl edge 20 at the end margin 39 reduces the amount of
stress placed on the linear and stress cuts 28 and 29 el; ;nAting
accidental separation of the splice tape 10 along the linear and
stress cuts 28 and 29 during manual removal of the liner 42.
As seen in FIG. 4, the flying splice adhesive tape 10 may
30 optionally include a visual guide line 41 printed on the second
side 16 of the tape substrate 12 80 as to be located ; ~ Ately
adjacent first adhesive layer 34 on the first side 14 of the tape
substrate 12. The visual guide line 41 is viewable through the
release liner 42 when the release liner 42 is secured to the tape
35 10. The visual guide line 41 acts as a guide for the accurate
positioning of the flying splice adhesive tape 10 on a le~A,A; n~
edge of a following roll of web material when the tape 10 is to be
applied by hand or a manually operable tape dispenser. The tape 10
should be secured to the leading edge of a following roll of web
40 material with the visual guide line 41 located above and AljgneA
with the leA~; ng edge.
- As seen in FIG. 5, the flying splice adhesive tape 10 may
optionally include a visual guide region 43 printed on the second
side 16 of the tape substrate 12 beneath the third pressure
_9_
wo gs,os3ag ~ 7 o ~ 3 PCTIUS94/08509
sensitive adhesive layer 38 and at the end margin 39. The visual
guide region 43 extends from the first longitudinal edge 20 to an
area located; ~ tely adjacent the first adhesive layer 34 on
the first side 14 of the tape substrate 12. The visual guide
5 region 43 acts as a guide for the accurate positioning of the
flying splLce adhesive tape 10 on a leading edge of a following
roll of web material when the tape 10 is to be applied by hand or
a manually operable tape dispenser. The tape 10 should be secured
to the leading edge of a following roll of web material with a
0 guide edge 45 of the visual guide region 43 located above and
aligned with the leA~ling edge. The visual guide region 43 al80
provides a built-in optical flag 80 that photoelectric device~
within the automatic splicing ~chin~ry can identify the leading
edge of the renewal roll for speed match and expiring roll, web
15 material, free tail length control. The visual guide region 43 can
either be of a reflective or AhsorbAtive nature, but is preferably
solid matt black with a ini of 180 densitometer and i8
repulpable.
A further . ~ t of flying splice adhesive tape 110 in
20 accordance with the present invention is illustrated generally in
FIGS. 6-8. The splice tape 110 includes a tape substrate 112
having a first side 114 (Elee FIG. 7) and a second side 116 (see
FIG. 6).
As seen in FIG. 7, the tape substrate 112 has, on its first
25 side 114~ a first longit~lAinAl portion 118 adjacent one
longitu~linA~ edge 120, a second longitudinal portion 122 adjacent
a second longitu~inAl edge 124 and an inte~ ~~iAte longitu~i
portion 126 th--~ebeLween. A longitudinally exten~ling weAl~n~l
section 125 extends along the inte~ - liAte longitudinal portion
126 of the tape substrate 112. The weAlr~ned section 125 is defined
by a plurality of spaced V-shaped cuts 128 through the tape
substrate 112 along the intq -d;Ate longitu~linAl portion 126.
Located between adjacent V-shaped cuts 128 and adjacent to the
first longitudinal portion 118 are stress cuts 129 that extend
35 through the tape substrate 112 along the inte -'iAte longitudinal
portion 126. The stress cuts 129 are oriented substantially
parallel to the first and second longitudinal edges 120 and 124.
The V-shaped cuts 128 and the stress cuts 129 define a splice tape
separation line of the longitudinally exten~ing weAk~n~d section
125. The stress cuts 129 relieve stress in the tape substrate 112
be~ween the plurality of V-shaped cuts 128, and thereby aid in
defining the tape separation line 8c that tape separation occurs
substantially along the V-shaped cuts 128. Located at an apex of
each of the V-shaped cuts 128 are tape substrate portions 130. The
-10-
WO9~ 59~5 2~7û63 PCTtUS94tO8509
tape substrate portions 130 p.avant premature separation at the V-
shaped cuts 128 along the inte -';Ate longitudinal portion 126.
Preferably, the we~ ne~l section 125 of the inte -'iAte
longitu~linAl portion 126 i8 defined by the V-shaped cuts 128 and
5 the stress cuts 129 which extend all the way through the tape
substrate 112. T'~~ r, the w--l~n~ d gection 125 may be defined by
a plurality of score lines or other means on the inte -'iAte
portion 126 of the tape substrate 112 to induce tape separation
along a desired separation line.
0 As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8~ the first longitu~linAl portion 118
of the first side 14 of the tape substrate 112 has a first
pressure sensitive adhesive layer 134. The second longit~ inAl
portion 122 of the first side 114 of the tape substrate 112 has a
second pressure sensitive adhesive layer 136, while the
int~- -'iAte long$t~lAinAl portion 126 of the f$rst side 114 of the
tape substrate 112 is free of adhesive (in the manner previously
described with .Lg~æ~L to int~e -~iAte portion 26).
As seen in FIG. 6, the second side 116 of the tape substrate
112 has a third pressure Elensitive adhesive layer 138 that is
spaced from the first longitudinal edge 120 by an end margin 139.
The third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 138 extends be ~.Je~~
the end margin 139 and the V-shaped cutg 128. Both the end margin
139 and a .~ -ining portion 140 of the second side 116 of the tape
substrate 112 that extends between the third pressure sensitive
adhesive layer 138 and the ~econd longitu~iinAl edge 124 are free
of adhesive (in the -- ~ previously degcribed w$th Lg~e-iL to
inte ~diAte portion 26). The Elecond gide 116 of the tape
substrate 112 i8 cova.ad by a removably affixed release liner 142.
The liner 142 allows the splice tape 110 to be wound upon a roll
30 since the liner 142 pr-:venLs adjacent layers of the tape substrate
112 from ~e-_ i ng p~e~ -n~ntly adhesively secured to one another.
The end margin 139 permits the liner 142 to be readily .e vad
when the flying splice adhesive tape 110 is to be applied by hand
or a -nllAlly operable tape di~penser. In addition, removal of the
liner 142 from the first longituAinAl edge 120 at the end margin
139 reduces the amount of stress placed on the V-shaped and stress
cuts 128 and 129 eliminating accidental separation of the splice
tape 110 along the v-shaped and stress cuts 128 and 129 during
-nllAl removal of the liner 142.
As with the first ~ ~o'i ~ of the flying splice adhesive
tape 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3, the flying splice adhesive tape 110
may optior~Ally include a visual guide line (located i -'iAtely
adjacent the first adhesive layer 134) that performs the same
function as the visual guide line 41 of the tape 10, or a visual
-11-
W O9S~5~ ~ PCTrUS94/08509
guide region (extenAi ng from the firgt longitudinal edge 120 to an
area located i -'iAtely adjacent the fir~t adhesive layer 134 on
the first side 114 of the tape substrate 112) that performs the
same function as the visual guide region 43 of the tape 10.
The tape substrate 12, 112 of the flying splice adhesive
tape 10, 110 is preferably formed of a suitable three inch wide
fifty pound paper stock which is preferably rotary die cut with
the cuts 28, 128, 29, 129. Alternatively, the cuts 28, 128, 29,
129 can be formed using laser cutting. The first 34, 134, second
0 36, 136 and third 38, 138 adhesive layers are then applied to the
tape substrate 12, 112 such that the int~ -'iate portion 26, 126,
end margin 39, 139 and .. ~ining portion 40, 140 lack any adhesive
layer. The first 34, 134, second 36, 136 and third 38, 138
adhesive layers are preferably comprised of repulpable 3M 906
double sided tape available from Mi nn480ta Mining and
Manufacturing Co. of St. Paul Minn~sota. Alternatively, the first
34, 134, second 36, 136 and third 38, 138 adhesive layers may be
comprised of a non-repulpable 3M 465 double sided tape available
from Mi nn~80ta Mining and Manufacturing Co. of St. Paul Mi nn~80ta
20 or the selective ApplicAtion of adhesive transfer tape. The
release liner 42, 142 is preferably comprised of a repulpable,
silicone coated liner. It is to be understood that the adhesive
layers may be applied directly to the tape substrate 12, 112 via a
suitable pattern coating p.ocedure with the int- -'iate portion
25 26, 126, end margin 39, 139 and .~ -ining portion 40, 140 left
free of any adhesive; or the adhesive layers may be applied to all
of the first and second sides 14, 114, 16, 116 of the tape
substrate 12, 112 with the adhesive free areas 39, 139, 40, 140,
26, 126 formed by applying a suitable deAdeni ng substrate over the
adhesive in these areas or the selective -~ki ng of the adhesive
layer by a spray material.
As seen in FIG. 9, the splice tape 10 (it is to be
u..de.~ood that the following description also applies to the
splice tape 110) is used to hold down a 1eA~;ng edge portion 44 of
an outer layer 46 of a following roll of web material 48 to a
portion 50 that is i ~~iately adjacent the leading edge portion
44 and forms a next underlying layer 52 of the following roll of
web material 48. The first side 14 of the tape substrate 12 is
adapted to be adhered to the following roll of web material 48,
40 with the first longitu~inAl portion 18 adhered to the leading edge
portion 44, via the first adhesive layer 34; and the second
longitu~inAl portion 22 adhered, via the second adhesive layer 36,
to the portion 50 of the following roll of web material 48 that is
_I;Ately adjacent the leading edge portion 44. The
-12-
W 095/O~g~5 2 ~ C 7 ~ ~ 3 PCTrUS~11C^5~9
longitu~;nAlly exten~ing weA~n~ section 25 of the inte -'iAte
longitu~;nAI portion 26 as defined by the stress cuts 29 is
aligned over and substantially parallel to the leading edge
portion 44 of the outer layer 46 when the tape substrate 12 is
secured to the following roll of web material 48. In this
orientation of the tape substrate 12, at least a portion of the
third adhesive layer 38 extends beyond the leading edge portion
44.
As seen in FIGS. 9-11, the splice tape 10 also facilitates
0 the splicing of the leAA;ng edge portion 44 of the following roll
of web material 48 to a portion 54 of a leading roll of web
material 56 which is being advanced. To splice the following roll
of web material 48 to the leading roll of web material 56, first,
the leading edge portion 44 is formed by cutting in a known
manner. The leading edge portion 44 is cut 80 as to be
substantially parallel to a longitu~inAl axis 58 of the following
roll of web material 48 (i.e., the le~a~ing edge portion 44 is cut
80 as to be substantially ~a,~ ;cular to the roll off direction
of the web material). Next, the splice tape 10 is applied to the
following roll of web material 48 such that the splice tape 10
holds the le~Ai ng edge portion 44 down on the portion 50 that is
; - ;Ately adjacent the leA~ing edge portion 44 and forms a next
underlying layer 52 of the following roll of web material 48. The
tape substrate 12 or the adhesive layers 34, 36, 38 can be colored
to visually contrast with the following roll of web material 48.
The following roll of web material 48 is then rotated (in a
known manner) counter-clockwise, as viewed in FIGS. 9-11 and
.e~,asenLed by arrow 200, about its longitu~inAl axis 58 up to the
speed of rotation (i.e., clockwise as viewed in FIGS. 9-11 and
Lep ese~te~ by arrow 202) of the lea~;ng roll of web material 56.
Next, the following roll of web material 48 is moved into contact
(as ,e~,esenLed by arrow 204 in FIG. 9) with leading roll of web
material 56 such that the third adhesive layer 38 adheres to the
portion 54 of the leA~;ng roll of web material 56 (see FIG. 10).
As seen in FIG. 11, adhesion of the third adhesive layer 38 to the
portion 54 causes separation of the splice tape 50 along the
longitud;nAlly ext~n~;ng ~J~ n~ section 25 defined by the cuts
28 and 29 and splicing of the following roll of web material 48 to
the portion 54 of the leA~ing roll of web material 56. The first,
second and third adhesive layers 34, 36 and 38 exhibit an adhesion
force in excess of a holding force exhibited at the we-~en~
section 25 of the tape substrate 12 such that tape separation
occurs at the we-~n~ section 25.
W 095/~53A~ ~6~ ~ PCTrUS94/08509
The stress cuts 29 (129 in the case of tape 110) direct the
tape separation (i.e., tearing) away from the third adhesive layer
38 (138 in the case of tape 110) eli inAting the possibility of
any e~posed areas of adhesive on the tape substrate 12 (112 in the
case of tape 110) that could come into adverse contact with
printing equi - ~. The stress cuts 129 in the case of tape 110
only, also direct the tape separation (i.e., tearing) away from
the first adhesive layer 134 further eliminating the possibility
of any e~osed areas of adhesive on the tape substrate 112 that
0 could come into adverse contact with printing e~ L. The
extension of the third adhesive layer 38 beyond the leA~i ng edge
portion 44, facilitates adhesion of the third adhesive layer 38 to
the portion 54 and thereby separation of the splice tape 10 at the
cuts 28 and 29. The leA~ing roll of web material 56 is then cut
via a cutting --~Ani 60.
This flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 can be processed
through all the e~ t on a printing line including sheeters
and stackers. In addition, since the second and third adhesive
layers are ; - iAtely adjacent to the plurality of cuts, the
amount of unRecured splice tape tail i8 ; ni i zed which lee~n~
the l~ ih~od that the splice tape tails could jam in printing
and fi n i ~h i ng line equi~ - ~ (such as sheeters and stackers) or
catch in printing e~ affecting tracking of the web
material, causing web material wrinkles, web breaks or tear offs
25 that could affect final print quality. nGrevveL~ this flying
splice adhesive tape 10, 110 is applicAhle to a lea~ing edge of
web material, that is parallel to a longituAinAl axis of the roll
upon which the web material is contained, which reduces printing
drum wear as the le~A.~i ng edge passes over the printing drum since
leA~i ng edge forces are directed pe ~endicular to a printing drum
generatrix which is parallel to a longitu~inAl axis of the drum.
The nonangled leading edge also i n i i 7e~ the amount of expiring
web material free tail that could catch on and jam printing line
eg~ t when compared to splice tape requiring an angled leading
edge. In addition, since the third adhesive layer extends past the
first adhesive layer, the splice tape 10, 110 p -~sents a stepwise
increase in splice tape thickness to the printing drums, which
further reduces printing drum stresses that would otherwise exist
if the first and third adhesive layers had the ~ame starting point
and presented an abrupt change in splice tape thickness to the
printing drum.
Using this splice tape 10, 110 with a following roll of web
material having a leading edge portion that is parallel to the
longitu~inAI axis of the roll allows tension to be applied
-14-
~ W O 95/~S9&9 ~ I ~ 7 ~ ~ ~ PCTAUS94/08509
uniformly across the web material when the "new-to-old" splice is
made and as the splice travels through the printing, cutting and
assembling -chin~ry. Uniform web material tension reduces tension
upsets thereby resulting in a straight tracking web material which
reduces accidental web material breakage. In addition, since the
tape 10, 110 is useable with a following roll of web material
having a leading edge portion that is parallel to the longit~l~;
axis of the roll, less tape 10, 110 has to be applied to the
lea~i ng edge, thereby reducing waste. Moreover, applying the tape
10, 110 to the leA~ing edge portion of the roll of web material
that is parallel to the roll axis is easier for both -n~Al and
automatic application when compared to applying a splice tape to
an angled lea~i ng edge. The flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110
can be applied to the following roll of web material by hand, by a
-n~Ally operable tape dispenser or by an automatic tape
application apparatus such as described in United States Patent
Application Serial No. 08/112,891 entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD
FOR APPLYING ADHESIVE TAPE filed on 27 August 1993 and
incG,~olated herein by reference thereto. When compared to the
current system of manual application employing a plurality of
paster tabs, paster tapes and splice flags, this splice tape 10,
110 can be accurately and consistently Applie~ to a leading edge
from one roll of web material to the next.
Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred . ~ t8, workers skilled in the art
will recognize that chAnges may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be
under~Lood that the flying splice adhesive tape 10, 110 can be
used with a leading edge portion of a following roll of web
30 material that is cut at an angle of less than ninety degrees as
measured between the leA~ing edge and the roll off direction of
the web material. In addition, it is to be unde ~Lood that the
third pressure sensitive adhesive layer 38, 138 of the flying
splice adhesive tape 10, 110 may include adhesive free areas
(i.e., areas of adhesive 38, 138 that are either de~Aden~ by the
application of strips of material over the adhesive or to which no
adhesive has been applied) 80 that the tape 10, 110 is useable
with -~hin~ry employing a belt drive for the web material rolls
such as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,905,924 to Moore.
