US20070062844A1 - Cover tape and method for manufacture - Google Patents
Cover tape and method for manufacture Download PDFInfo
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- US20070062844A1 US20070062844A1 US11/228,956 US22895605A US2007062844A1 US 20070062844 A1 US20070062844 A1 US 20070062844A1 US 22895605 A US22895605 A US 22895605A US 2007062844 A1 US2007062844 A1 US 2007062844A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- article
- base film
- film layer
- adhesive
- cover tape
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K13/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or adjusting assemblages of electric components
- H05K13/0084—Containers and magazines for components, e.g. tube-like magazines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D73/00—Packages comprising articles attached to cards, sheets or webs
- B65D73/02—Articles, e.g. small electrical components, attached to webs
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
- Adhesive Tapes (AREA)
Abstract
An article includes a cover tape, which includes a base film layer, recessed areas, tear enabling features, and an adhesive. The base film layer has opposed longitudinal edges. The recessed areas extend along the longitudinal edges of the base film layer. The tear enabling features are substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges. The adhesive is disposed on the recessed areas.
Description
- The present invention relates to tapes for carrying components and a method and apparatus for making such tapes.
- In manufacturing settings, it is often necessary to hold and transport components. For example, in the field of electronics circuit assembly, electronic components are often carried from a supply of components to a specific location on a circuit board for attachment thereto. The components may be of several different types, including surface mount components. Particular examples include memory chips, integrated circuit chips, resistors, connectors, processors, capacitors, gate arrays, etc. It is possible to transport small and delicate components using a carrier tape/cover tape system, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,654.
- The electronic industry is continually moving towards smaller devices and thus smaller components, which in turn require more delicate and precise removal of such components from the carrier tape/cover tape system. Most known cover tapes use heat activated adhesive (HAA) or pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) to bond the cover tape to the carrier tape. Removal of the components is done by first carefully peeling or debonding the cover tape off of the carrier tape to expose the component to vacuum nozzles or other component handling equipment for safe component removal.
- However, known cover tapes present several operational difficulties. For instance, peeling the cover tape from the carrier tape can create “shocky”, rough, nonuniform and inconsistent peels, which cause movement of the carrier tape/cover tape that can displace the small components. Shocky peels have also been known to eject the small components out of the pocket in the carrier tape, thus causing miss-picks and eventual shut down of automated component handling equipment.
- The peel force of adhesive cover tape can vary considerably depending on the width of the cover tape and the type of carrier tape used. Wider HAA cover tapes require higher heat to get secure bonds. Likewise, wider PSA cover tapes have lower peel forces and require wider adhesive exposure to get secure bonds. In addition, cover tapes that are designed for one type of carrier tape (e.g., polystyrene) do not always have good performance from other types of carrier material (e.g., polycarbonate). Even if cover tapes do nominally work with different types of carrier tapes, they may have less than optimum peel force and nonuniform peels. Moreover, HAA cover tapes also have poor stability as the peel force degrades with time and temperature.
- Additionally, known cover tapes present difficulties in storing and transporting the cover tape. For instance, adhesive “squeeze-out” can occur when adhesives on a bottom surface of a tape migrate and deform under pressure and/or heat such that adhesive moves beyond the edges of the tape. This is problematic, as it can cause adhesives to adhere in undesired locations, lead to contamination, necessitate undesired cleaning, lessen aesthetic values, as well as present other problems such as undesired equipment downtime. Moreover, where a cover tape made of a flat film (i.e., a film without recesses) is wound upon itself, it can cause undesired sagging in between adhesive stripes, which leads to an unstable roll.
- In one aspect of the present invention, an article includes a cover tape, which includes a base film layer, recessed areas, tear enabling features, and an adhesive. The base film layer has opposed longitudinal edges. The recessed areas extend along the longitudinal edges of the base film layer. The tear enabling features are substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges of the base film. The adhesive is disposed on the recessed areas.
- In another aspect of the present invention, a method of making a cover tape includes providing a base film layer having opposed longitudinal edges, forming a recessed area extending along each longitudinal edge, forming tear enabling features substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges, and applying an adhesive on each of the recessed areas.
- The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description, which follow, more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.
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FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a cover tape according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of a cover tape according to the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of a cover tape according to the present invention. -
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of a cover tape according to the present invention. -
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of a cover tape according to the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the cover tape ofFIG. 1 after heat and pressure have been applied. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic side view of a portion of a roll of cover tape according to the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a carrier tape/cover tape system according to the present invention, showing separation of the cover tape therefrom. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a cover tape scoring apparatus according to the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic side view of a portion of the scoring apparatus ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is a schematic back view of a portion of the scoring apparatus ofFIGS. 8 and 9 . -
FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional schematic view of an embodiment of a series of cover tapes according to the present invention. -
FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of a series of cover tape according to the present invention. - While the above-identified drawing figures set forth several embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers have been used throughout the figures to denote like parts.
- Aspects of the present invention relate to a cover tape, a carrier tape/cover tape system, as well as to a method and apparatus for making a cover tape. A cover tape according to the present invention can be adhered to a carrier tape, which can hold components for storage and transportation. The cover tape can cover pockets in the carrier tape that can hold components, and has a portion that can be separated from the system to expose the pockets in the carrier tape. Tear enabling features on the cover tape permit the portion of the cover tape to be separated from other portions of the cover tape (and a carrier tape to which the cover tape was adhered) with a substantially consistent and uniform separation force, which reduces the possibility of undesired movement of components held by the carrier tape during the separation process. As used herein, the term “tear” means generally controlled separation of portions of a component. In addition, the cover tape according to the present invention provides recesses along the longitudinal edges of the cover tape, which help the cover tape maintain a relatively flat profile during storage and application. The location of the adhesive is spaced from the edge of the cover tape, which helps prevent contamination of the adhesive and undesired adhesion of the adhesive to other surfaces, such as cover tape handling equipment.
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FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of acover tape 20 suitable for use in a carrier tape/cover tape system. Thecover tape 20 includes anelongate film 22 that has opposedlongitudinal edges film 22 can be a polymer film, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, oriented polypropylene (e.g., biaxially oriented polypropylene), oriented polyamides, oriented polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyolefin and polyimide films. Thefilm 22 can be transparent. Additionally, thefilm 22 can be intrinsically electrically conductive or static dissipative. Longitudinally extendingtear enabling features recesses bottom face 30 of thefilm 22. Thetear enabling features central portion 40 of thefilm 22 is defined therebetween. Atop coating 42 is optionally provided alongtop face 28 offilm 22. Thetop coating 42 can include a static dissipative (SD) coating, LAB (i.e., an adhesive release coating), an anti-reflective or glare-reducing coating, and other coatings and combinations of coatings. Abottom coating 44 is also optionally provided along thebottom face 30 of thefilm 22, which can be a SD coating or other type of coating and can be at least partially blended with thefilm 22. Longitudinally disposedadhesive stripes recesses - The
recesses longitudinal edges film 22. Therecesses bottom face 30 andlongitudinal edges film 22. Alternatively, recesses may be formed on both surfaces of the cover tape. This feature would be useful, for example, if the thicknesses of the adhesive stripes are greater than depth DR, because it would facilitate winding of the cover tape. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 , abottom portion 50 and aside portion 52 define each of therecesses adhesive stripes bottom portions 50 of therecesses bottom portions 50 of therecesses FIG. 1 ) for better adhering theadhesive stripes film 22. It should be recognized that other recess shapes can be utilized, so long as therecesses elongate edge film 22 and thebottom face 30 of thefilm 22. - The
film 22, includingrecesses recesses film 22 can be formed using a film that can fracture or delaminates along a centerline (i.e., a line halfway between the top and bottom faces 28 and 30 of the film 22), and separation lines can be cut from the top and bottom to the centerline in order to form the recesses. As illustrated inFIG. 11A , the fracture or delamination centerline can be established, for example, by laminating or co-extruding two layers ofdifferent material Multiple cover tapes 20 can be formed from a single film web of the two layer material by cutting multiple separation lines across the width of the sheet. Separation lines in one layer will be a width W0 apart. These separation lines will form opposedlongitudinal edges adjacent cover tape 20. Separation lines in the second layer will be spaced away from the separation lines in the first layer by a width WR. These separation lines will formside portions 52 of each adjacent cover tape, which side portions are a width W1 apart. The portion of the second layer opposite the separation line in the first layer will bescrap material 29. After the separation lines are cut,tapes 20 are formed by separating sections offilm 22 alongedges side portion 52, andfracture line 31.Fracture line 31 forms the interior side ofscrap material 29. - As shown in
FIG. 11B , to avoid having this scrap material, a different process may be used. In this case, both the top and bottom layers of the film web are made of thesame material 25 with a thin layer of adifferent material 27 between these layers to allow for fracture or delamination. Preferably, the cohesive strength ofmaterial 27 is less than the adhesive strength betweenmaterials longitudinal edge side portion 52 of an adjacent tape. In other words, separation lines on each of the layers will alternately be separated by a width of W0 and a width of W1. In the relation of one layer to another, the distances between separation lines will alternate in opposite orders such that a width W0 in onelayer 25 will be paired with a width W1 in theother layer 25. After the separation lines are cut,tapes 20 are formed by separating sections offilm 22 alongedges 24/52, 26/52 andfracture line 33. - The
adhesive stripes bottom portion 50 ofrecesses adhesive stripes areas adhesive stripes areas areas bottom portions 50 of therecesses adhesive stripes cover tape 20 is not applied to a surface (i.e., is not under tension). - The
tear enabling features bottom face 30 of thefilm 22, and can be located adjacent therecesses side portions 52 thereof. However, in further embodiments, thetear enabling features top face 28,bottom face 30, or both faces of thefilm 22, so long as they are each spaced from thelongitudinal edges film 22. As shown inFIG. 1 , thetear enabling features film 22. Such scoring lines can be formed by cutting into the film 22 (e.g., with lasers, die cutters, and blades, for instance, according to the blade scoring procedure described below). In further embodiments, thetear enabling features central portion 40 of thefilm 22 and a second material comprises the region of thefilm 22 between thebottom portions 50 of therecesses - In one embodiment, provided by way of example and not limitation, the
cover tape 20 can have the following dimensions. An overall width W0 of the film 22 (measured betweenelongate edges 24 and 26) is about 1 inch (2.54 cm). A thickness T of thefilm 22 is about 2 mil (0.0254 mm) (measured at the thickest portion of thecentral region 40 of the film 22). Therecesses tear enabling features bottom face 30 of the film 22). It should be recognized that dimensions of thecover tape 20 can vary, as desired. For instance, a width of thecentral portion 40 of thefilm 22 can be selected such that it is at least as wide as the pockets of a carrier tape with which thecover tape 20 is used. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of acover tape 80 according to the present invention. Thecover tape 80 shown inFIG. 2 is generally similar to thecover tape 20 shown and described with respect toFIG. 1 . Thecover tape 80 ofFIG. 2 further includescoatings elongate edges film 22. Thecoatings elongate edges -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of acover tape 90 according to the present invention. Thecover tape 90 shown inFIG. 3 is generally similar to thecover tape 20 shown and described with respect toFIG. 1 . Thecover tape 90 ofFIG. 3 further includesouter recess coatings inner recess coatings outer recess coatings bottom portions 50 of therecesses adhesive stripes elongate edges film 22. Theinner recess coatings bottom portions 50 of therecesses adhesive stripes side portions 52 of therecesses Coatings adhesive stripes recesses -
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional schematic view of a further embodiment of acover tape 100. Thecover tape 100 is generally similar to covertape 20; however, thefilm 22 includes afirst material 104 and asecond material 106. Withcover tape 100, thesecond material 106 is located at (i.e., above) therecesses elongate edges central portion 40 of thefilm 22 is defined between material interfaces 108. - The material interfaces 108 exhibit weaker bonding or connection strength than internal bonding or cohesion of either the
first material 104 or thesecond material 106. The relative weakness of the material interfaces 108 facilitates substantially consistent and uniform tearing, that is, the separation of thefirst material 104 and thesecond material 106 at the material interfaces 108. Thus, the material interfaces 108 can form tear enabling features. - The first and
second materials FIGS. 1-3 above. In some embodiments thefirst material 104 can be weaker than thesecond material 106, or vice versa. In other words, one material can have weaker internal cohesive or bonding properties than the other. Moreover, thecentral portion 40 of thefilm 22 can be transparent and have high optical clarity. - The
films 22 ofcover tapes 100 can be fabricated using processes such as co-extrusion and profile extrusion. With co-extrusion, the first andsecond materials second materials second materials interface 108 inFIG. 4A ). One advantage of this embodiment is that the tear enabling features do not require scoring. -
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of acover tape 102. Thecover tape 102 is generally similar to covertape 100, and thefilm 22 includes afirst material 104 and asecond material 106. Withcover tape 102, thesecond material 106 is disposed inelongate bands side portions 52 of therecesses first material 104 disposed on either side ofbands second material 106. Thecentral portion 40 of thefilm 22 is defined between thebands second material 106. - The
second material 106 is generally weaker than thefirst material 104. In other words, thesecond material 106 has weaker internal cohesive or bonding properties than does thefirst material 104. This facilitates consistent and uniform tearing of thefilm 22 within thebands second material 106. Thebands first material 104 can resist tearing. Thesecond material 106 can comprise a different and weaker form of the type of material as thefirst material 104, or can be an entirely different type of material. The first and second materials can generally be selected from the same types of materials discussed with respect toFIGS. 1-3 above. In addition, the weakersecond material 106 can be made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). One advantage of this embodiment is that the tear enabling features do not require scoring. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view of thecover tape 20 ofFIG. 1 after heat and pressure have been applied. In use, thecover tape 20 may be placed in contact with a surface (e.g., wound upon itself) such that tensile and compressive forces act on thetape 20. Heat and pressure can cause portions of thefilm 22 near therecesses adhesive stripes adhesive stripes first shapes second shapes First shapes second shapes adhesive stripes recesses second shapes adhesive stripes side walls 52 ofrecesses elongate edges film 22. By substantially containing theadhesive stripes recesses 36 and 38 (even when deformed by heat and/or pressure), thecover tape 20 can be securely adhered to a desired location without undesired exposure of adhesive or adhesion in undesired locations. It should be noted that the features of therecesses FIG. 5 . - It is possible to place cover tape according to the present invention in the form of a roll.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic side view of a portion of aroll 120 ofcover tape 20. Thecover tape 20 is wound upon itself on a core 122 (e.g., a substantially cylindrical cardboard core). In this configuration, thetop face 28 of thecover tape 20 is substantially smooth and flat, and theroll 120 is generally stable. In addition, sides 124 of theroll 120 are generally tack-free, as adhesive generally does not protrude from thecover tape 20 along thesides 124 of the roll 120 (adhesive is spaced from the side edges of the tape within the recesses). Theadhesive stripes top coating 42 of thecover tape 20. - Cover tape can be placed in a roll (e.g., the
roll 120 ofFIG. 6 ) after it has been fabricated and prior to being adhered to a carrier tape. Placing the cover tape in a roll facilitates storage and transportation, as well as automated handling of the cover tape. Coating materials on the top face of the cover tape can facilitate peeling portions of the cover tape away from the roll. - Cover tape can be used in a carrier tape/cover tape system.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a carrier tape/cover tape system 130 that includes acarrier tape 132 and covertape 20. Thecarrier tape 132 has a pair of opposedelongate lip portions 134, and one ormore pockets 136.Components 138, such as electronic components, can be placed in thepockets 136. After thecomponents 138 have been placed in thepockets 136 ofcarrier tape 132, as desired, covertape 20 can be adhered to elongatelip portions 134 in order to cover thepockets 136 and contain thecomponents 138 between thecarrier tape 132 and thecover tape 20. Thecover tape 20 can be dispensed from a roll. - In order to expose and remove the
components 138, a portion of thecover tape 20 is separated from thesystem 130. As shown inFIG. 7 , thecentral portion 40 of thecover tape 20, defined betweentear enabling features Outer portions 140 ofcover tape 20 remain adhered tocarrier tape 132 after thecentral portion 40 of thecover tape 20 is torn away. After being torn away, thecentral portion 40 of thecover tape 20 can be wound into aroll 142 for discard or recycling. - The
central portion 40 of thecover tape 20 is separated at thetear enabling features 32 and 34 (e.g., score lines in the embodiments shown and described with respect toFIGS. 1-3 ). In other embodiments, separation can occur at material interfaces (e.g., material interfaces 108 as shown and described with respect toFIG. 4A ), at bands of weaker material (e.g.,bands second material 106 as shown and described with respect toFIG. 4B ), or other locations depending on the type and location of tear enabling features. - It is desirable to have a substantially uniform tear force when tearing away a portion of the cover tape. Although lasers or blades can be used to create scoring lines, making multiple precise scoring lines capable of less than 0.001 inch (0.0254 mm) in variation can be expensive with lasers, and is nearly impossible with known uses of blades that are hindered by variations in blade cutting edge alignment.
- In order to achieve uniform tearing with cover tapes having scoring lines, it is desired to provide scoring lines with very little variation in depth along the length of the cover tape as well as between distinct scoring lines. Scoring lines with substantially uniform depth can be simply and efficiently formed in a film web using the method and apparatus described below. Scoring lines are generally formed in a film web after the film has been formed with recesses; however, scoring lines can be performed at other stages of a cover tape fabrication process. For example, one possible manufacturing process includes forming a plurality of parallel, laterally spaced apart and longitudinally extending recesses in a large film web. Next, longitudinal scoring lines are formed in the large film web. Then longitudinal adhesive stripes are applied to the recesses of the film (e.g., two spaced apart stripes of adhesive, with one stripe within each recess). Finally, the large film web is cut and separated into a plurality of individual cover tape strips by cutting through each recess between the adhesive bands therein.
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FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of ascoring apparatus 200 that includesweb support rollers blade assembly 204.FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic side view of theblade assembly 204. Theblade assembly 204 includes amain structure 206 with acavity 208 defined along arear face 210 and a generally-U-shaped opening 212 defined along afront face 214. Themain structure 206 is supported by apivot 216. Alignment means 218 (e.g., adjustable micrometer assemblies) are provided in order to provide precise alignment of thescoring apparatus 200 relative toroller 202B, for instance, to adjust the scoring depth. In order to maintain a substantially constant scoring depth, it is preferable to reduce the impact of variability in geometry ofsupport roller 202B. This can be achieved by attaching one or more scoringdepth control rollers 228 to themain structure 206. These scoringdepth control rollers 228 are in direct contact with theweb support roller 202B and enable themain structure 206 to follow the contour of theweb support roller 202B, which will minimize variations in scoring depth. One or more blades 220 (e.g., conventional flat metallic blades having linear tapered cutting edges in configurations generally resembling that of a single-edged razor blade) are inserted intocavity 208 such that cuttingedges 222 of theblades 220 face thefront face 214 of themain structure 206 and contact a precision inner surface 224 (FIG. 9 ) of thecavity 208 that defines a plane. Theblades 220 are biased against theprecision surface 224, using biasing means such as ties, springs and bumpers (biasing means not shown inFIG. 8 ). Generally central portions of the cutting edges 222 of theblades 220 are exposed through theopening 212 in order to permit theblades 220 to cut a film web material that contacts them. - The
main structure 206 of theblade assembly 204 can be formed of any material (e.g., metal, glass, polymers, etc.) such that the precisioninner surface 224 resists cutting by theblades 220. In one embodiment, themain structure 206 is formed of a metallic material that is at least as hard as theblades 220. - In operation, an
unscored film 22A passes between theroller 202B and theblade assembly 204. The cutting edges 222 of theblades 220 are adjusted with alignment means 218 relative to theroller 202B, such that desired cutting depths are achieved. It is possible to provide different cutting depths for different blades. For instance, some blades can provide scoring while other blades can simultaneously cut apart individual cover tape strips from an article that includes a plurality of connected cover tape strips. However, cutting to separate individual cover tape strips need not be performed at the same time as scoring. - After passing the
blade assembly 204, the now scoredfilm 22B can be moved by theroller 202C to other locations for further processing, and can be ultimately wound in a roll (e.g., roll 120 as shown and described with respect toFIG. 6 ). - It is possible to provide a plurality of score lines in a film simultaneously using the apparatus shown and described with respect to
FIGS. 8 and 9 .FIG. 10 is a schematic back view of theblade assembly 204. InFIG. 10 , the blades have been omitted for clarity. A number oflateral spacers 226 are inserted into thecavity 208 of theblade assembly 204. Gaps are formed between adjacent spacers such that a blade can be inserted into the gap. The spacers provide for alignment of the blades across a width of a film to be scored. In addition, the spacers provide support to the blades, which can be thin, in order to increase rigidity of the blades and promote the formation of straight and uniform scoring lines. The number, size, and arrangement of thespacers 226 will vary according to the desired scoring pattern. Thespacers 226 can be formed of a metallic or polymer material. - In further embodiments, the
spacers 226 can be integrally formed with themain structure 206 of theblade assembly 204. In such embodiments, a blade alignment plane can be collectively defined by the plurality of precision surfaces 224 formed relative to each gap. - In light of the discussion above, numerous advantages and benefits of the present invention should be recognized. One advantage of the cover tape according to the present invention is that it has a very uniform removal force of the central portion of the tape, which reduces the risk of miss-picks during storage and transportation operation due to parts or components “jumping” out of the carrier pocket of the carrier tape. In addition, the cover tape can be made more cost effective by using adhesive stripes while resolving the winding issues normally encountered with adhesive stripe-coated tapes (e.g., unstable rolls with sagging problems). In addition, the cover tape of the present invention also reduces a risk of adhesive build-up on equipment due to adhesive “squeeze-out” by keeping the adhesive substantially contained in the recesses before and after tearing of the middle portion of the tape. It also has substantially tack-free side edges when wound in a roll format, which reduces a risk of contamination when the roll of cover tape is laid on a table or other surface. Further, while forming the cover tape, no cutting through adhesive is required, which may lead to more effective processing by avoiding adhesive build-up on cutting equipment.
- The method and apparatus for scoring the film also present numerous advantages. Scoring can be accomplished, simply, efficiently, and in a cost-effective manner. The scoring apparatus of the present invention permits substantially uniforms scoring depth to be provided, with relatively little variation in scoring depth. By using conventional blades (e.g., blades resembling single-edged razor blades) in the manner of the present invention, the scoring apparatus is relatively simple, and the blades and apparatus are relatively inexpensive. Moreover, by aligning the blades directly at their respective cutting edges, rather than using blade reference features (e.g., notches and holes) that are spaced from the cutting edges, undesired variation in cutting or scoring depth due to individual variations in the blades can be reduced.
- Although the present invention has been described with reference to several alternative embodiments, 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. For instance, various types of tear enabling features can be used according to the present invention, and those tear enabling features can have various arrangements.
Claims (23)
1. An article comprising:
a cover tape comprising:
a base film layer having opposed longitudinal edges;
recessed areas extending along the longitudinal edges;
tear enabling features substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges; and
an adhesive on the recessed areas.
2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the base film layer is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyamides, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyolefin and polyimide.
3. The article of claim 1 , wherein the base film layer is composed of an oriented film.
4. The article of claim 1 , wherein the base film layer is transparent.
5. The article of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of pressure sensitive, heat activated and microencapsulated adhesives.
6. The article of claim 1 wherein the article is wound upon itself, and wherein prior to being wound the adhesive has a thickness less than or equal to a depth of the recessed areas.
7. The article of claim 1 wherein the article is wound upon itself, and wherein prior to being wound the adhesive has an initial thickness greater than a depth of the recessed areas, and wherein the adhesive can be displaced after being wound such that the article has a substantially flat profile.
8. The article of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive has a width equal to or less than a width of the recessed areas.
9. The article of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive in each recess is spaced from the longitudinal edge of the base film layer.
10. The article of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive in each recess is spaced from an adjacent tear enabling feature.
11. The article of claim 1 , further comprising a tack-free material on the recessed area.
12. The article of claim 1 , wherein two tear enabling features are provided, and each tear enabling feature is continuous.
13. The article of claim 1 , wherein each tear enabling feature comprises a weaker zone in the base film layer.
14. The article of claim 1 , wherein the base film layer comprises a first material and a second material, and the tear enabling features comprise a transition between the first material and the second material.
15. The article of claim 1 , wherein the tear enabling features provide a substantially consistent tear force.
16. The article of claim 1 and further comprising:
a carrier tape having compartments formed therein for holding components,
wherein the cover tape can be adhered to the carrier tape for sealing components in the compartments.
17. The article of claim 1 , wherein each recessed area is open along an adjacent longitudinal edge of the base film layer.
18. A method of making a cover tape, the method comprising:
providing a base film layer having opposed longitudinal edges;
forming a recessed area in the base film layer extending along each longitudinal edge;
forming tear enabling features in the base film layer substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges; and
applying an adhesive on each of the recessed areas.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the step of forming a recessed area comprises a process selected from the group consisting of scoring, extrusion, calendaring, micro-replication, laser ablation, ultrasound, chemical etching and stripping.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the base film layer comprises two layers of laminated or coextruded materials that have a weak interface, and wherein the step of forming a recessed area comprises cutting each layer to the interface at offset locations, then separating sections of the two-layer base film layer from each other along the cuts and a portion of the interface.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein the base film layer comprises two outer layers of laminated or coextruded materials separated by a intermediate layer of material having a weaker cohesive force than adhesive force with the outer materials, and wherein the step of forming a recessed area comprises cutting each outer layer to the interface with the intermediate layer at offset locations, then separating sections of the three-layer base film layer from each other along the cuts and a portion of the intermediate layer.
22. The method of claim 18 , wherein the step of forming tear enabling features comprises a process selected from the group consisting of scoring, extrusion, calendaring, micro-replication, laser ablation, ultrasound, die cutting, and chemical etching.
23. The method of claim 18 , wherein the base film layer comprises a first longitudinal strip of a film substrate having a plurality of such longitudinal side-by-side strips, and wherein the steps of claim 18 are performed in parallel to define a plurality of side-by-side cover tapes, and further comprising:
separating adjacent cover tapes.
Priority Applications (20)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/228,956 US20070062844A1 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2005-09-16 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
US11/463,569 US8247057B2 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-08-09 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
CNA2006800352502A CN101273678A (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-13 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
CN200680035062XA CN101273677B (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-13 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
EP06803519A EP1932408A1 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-13 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
JP2008531292A JP2009508773A (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-13 | Cover tape and manufacturing method |
EP06803520A EP1932409A1 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-13 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
MYPI20080681A MY154939A (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-13 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
KR1020087006230A KR20080052592A (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-13 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
PCT/US2006/035705 WO2007035375A1 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-13 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
JP2008531293A JP5474349B2 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-13 | Cover tape |
KR1020087006228A KR20080052591A (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-13 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
PCT/US2006/035704 WO2007035374A1 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-13 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
TW095134144A TWI418270B (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-15 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
TW095134147A TWI389826B (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-09-15 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
IL190163A IL190163A0 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2008-03-13 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
MYPI20080682A MY157358A (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2008-03-14 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
IL190188A IL190188A0 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2008-03-16 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
US13/545,452 US20120273461A1 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2012-07-10 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
JP2013161370A JP2014015263A (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2013-08-02 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/228,956 US20070062844A1 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2005-09-16 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/463,569 Continuation-In-Part US8247057B2 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-08-09 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070062844A1 true US20070062844A1 (en) | 2007-03-22 |
Family
ID=37622523
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/228,956 Abandoned US20070062844A1 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2005-09-16 | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070062844A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1932408A1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP2009508773A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20080052592A (en) |
CN (2) | CN101273678A (en) |
IL (1) | IL190163A0 (en) |
MY (1) | MY154939A (en) |
TW (1) | TWI418270B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007035374A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070208395A1 (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2007-09-06 | Leclerc Norbert H | Phototherapy Device and Method of Providing Phototherapy to a Body Surface |
US20090145543A1 (en) * | 2006-08-09 | 2009-06-11 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Carrier tapes having tear-initiated cover tapes and methods of making thereof |
US20110259772A1 (en) * | 2008-09-25 | 2011-10-27 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Devices and method for handling microelectronics assemblies |
CN103601029A (en) * | 2013-11-19 | 2014-02-26 | 贵溪若邦电子科技有限公司 | Manufacturing equipment for SMD (surface-mounted) heat-seal type upper cover tapes |
CN106604878A (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2017-04-26 | 住友电木株式会社 | Cover tape for electronic part package, packaging material for electronic part package, and electronic part package |
USD896633S1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-09-22 | Golden State Foods Corp. | Container |
USD896634S1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-09-22 | Golden State Foods Corp. | Container |
CN111977174A (en) * | 2020-09-16 | 2020-11-24 | 江西若邦科技股份有限公司 | Easily-torn cover tape and preparation method thereof |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070062844A1 (en) * | 2005-09-16 | 2007-03-22 | Velasquez Urey Ruben E | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
US8247057B2 (en) * | 2005-09-16 | 2012-08-21 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
US20110023548A1 (en) * | 2009-07-29 | 2011-02-03 | Garner Sean M | Glass substrate comprising an edge web portion |
CN101879962A (en) * | 2010-06-25 | 2010-11-10 | 广东风华高新科技股份有限公司 | Tape package of chip components and preparation method and device thereof |
CN101955015A (en) * | 2010-09-15 | 2011-01-26 | 吴江耀鑫光电有限公司 | Surface mount component carrier tape upper cover tape and processing method thereof |
US20170072659A1 (en) * | 2014-03-04 | 2017-03-16 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Cover tapes and assemblies and method for making |
TWI612858B (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2018-01-21 | 盟立自動化股份有限公司 | Carrier substrate and method for removing adhesive layer from carrier substrate |
TWI622532B (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2018-05-01 | Jenimetal Chemical Factory Co Ltd | Improved structure of the cover tape |
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US3467250A (en) * | 1968-01-25 | 1969-09-16 | Anthony N D Elia | Easy tear tape with lift tab |
US4584220A (en) * | 1982-01-15 | 1986-04-22 | Kroy Inc. | Laminated tape |
US4944979A (en) * | 1989-10-19 | 1990-07-31 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Tape conveyers for components |
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MY103125A (en) * | 1987-07-24 | 1993-04-30 | Lintec Corp | Cover tape for sealing chip-holding parts of carrier tape |
TW393405B (en) * | 1997-09-13 | 2000-06-11 | Four Pillars Entpr Co Ltd | Compound membrane for packaging |
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US20070062844A1 (en) * | 2005-09-16 | 2007-03-22 | Velasquez Urey Ruben E | Cover tape and method for manufacture |
-
2005
- 2005-09-16 US US11/228,956 patent/US20070062844A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-09-13 CN CNA2006800352502A patent/CN101273678A/en active Pending
- 2006-09-13 EP EP06803519A patent/EP1932408A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2006-09-13 JP JP2008531292A patent/JP2009508773A/en active Pending
- 2006-09-13 WO PCT/US2006/035704 patent/WO2007035374A1/en active Application Filing
- 2006-09-13 MY MYPI20080681A patent/MY154939A/en unknown
- 2006-09-13 CN CN200680035062XA patent/CN101273677B/en active Active
- 2006-09-13 KR KR1020087006230A patent/KR20080052592A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2006-09-15 TW TW095134144A patent/TWI418270B/en active
-
2008
- 2008-03-13 IL IL190163A patent/IL190163A0/en unknown
-
2013
- 2013-08-02 JP JP2013161370A patent/JP2014015263A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3467250A (en) * | 1968-01-25 | 1969-09-16 | Anthony N D Elia | Easy tear tape with lift tab |
US4584220A (en) * | 1982-01-15 | 1986-04-22 | Kroy Inc. | Laminated tape |
US4944979A (en) * | 1989-10-19 | 1990-07-31 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Tape conveyers for components |
US5346765A (en) * | 1990-02-06 | 1994-09-13 | Sumitono Bakelite Company Limited | Cover tape for packaging chip type electronic parts |
US5208103A (en) * | 1991-02-28 | 1993-05-04 | Sumitomo Bakelite Company Limited | Cover tape for packaging chip type electronic parts |
US5325654A (en) * | 1992-06-19 | 1994-07-05 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Carrier tape with cover strip |
US5390472A (en) * | 1992-06-19 | 1995-02-21 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Carrier tape with cover strip |
US5691038A (en) * | 1993-12-22 | 1997-11-25 | Lintec Corporation | Cover tape and coating applicator |
US6027802A (en) * | 1997-10-23 | 2000-02-22 | Four Piliars Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Cover tape for packaging |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070208395A1 (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2007-09-06 | Leclerc Norbert H | Phototherapy Device and Method of Providing Phototherapy to a Body Surface |
US20090145543A1 (en) * | 2006-08-09 | 2009-06-11 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Carrier tapes having tear-initiated cover tapes and methods of making thereof |
JP2010500261A (en) * | 2006-08-09 | 2010-01-07 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Carrier tape having tear-initiating cover tape and method for producing the same |
US8323442B2 (en) | 2006-08-09 | 2012-12-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Carrier tapes having tear-initiated cover tapes and methods of making thereof |
US20110259772A1 (en) * | 2008-09-25 | 2011-10-27 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Devices and method for handling microelectronics assemblies |
US9048272B2 (en) * | 2008-09-25 | 2015-06-02 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Devices and method for handling microelectronics assemblies |
CN103601029A (en) * | 2013-11-19 | 2014-02-26 | 贵溪若邦电子科技有限公司 | Manufacturing equipment for SMD (surface-mounted) heat-seal type upper cover tapes |
CN106604878A (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2017-04-26 | 住友电木株式会社 | Cover tape for electronic part package, packaging material for electronic part package, and electronic part package |
USD896633S1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-09-22 | Golden State Foods Corp. | Container |
USD896634S1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-09-22 | Golden State Foods Corp. | Container |
CN111977174A (en) * | 2020-09-16 | 2020-11-24 | 江西若邦科技股份有限公司 | Easily-torn cover tape and preparation method thereof |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2009508773A (en) | 2009-03-05 |
MY154939A (en) | 2015-08-28 |
KR20080052592A (en) | 2008-06-11 |
CN101273677B (en) | 2013-03-27 |
IL190163A0 (en) | 2008-08-07 |
CN101273677A (en) | 2008-09-24 |
TWI418270B (en) | 2013-12-01 |
CN101273678A (en) | 2008-09-24 |
EP1932408A1 (en) | 2008-06-18 |
TW200726341A (en) | 2007-07-01 |
JP2014015263A (en) | 2014-01-30 |
WO2007035374A1 (en) | 2007-03-29 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY, MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VELASQUEZ UREY, RUBEN E.;DEVANEY, LAURA C.;VANOVERBEKE, DAVID J.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017085/0717;SIGNING DATES FROM 20051130 TO 20051202 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |