Abstract:
A multifunction tape applicator for applying a section or sections of pressure sensitive adhesive tape to a carton selectively in different carton sealing configurations, namely C-clip; single L-clip, front and back L-clips and sectional skip-gap taping. The multifunction tape applicator comprises a basic tape applicator unit to apply a common C-clip tape from a tape roll with built-in design apparatus for tape applying, tape cutting, tape tension control to facilitate other functions and a mechanical or powered actuation attachment unit which is to be installed onto the modified basic tape applicator unit to actuate other functions based on the requirement of the application.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a multi-functional tape applicator for selectively applying closure tapes in different configurations such as L-clip and C-clip configurations. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Equipment for applying tape in a C-clip configuration is very well known and is commonplace in the literature and the industry. C-clip configuration generally applies a continuous ribbon of tape starting on a leading face of a case or carton passing through the machine along the surface of the case facing the taper and at least partway along the trailing face of the case i.e. the ribbon of tape forms a C-shape. 
     L-clip configuration generally applies a ribbon of tape along two adjacent a faces of case e.g. around a corner of the case i.e. the ribbon of tape is formed into an L-shape. 
     “L”-clip taping fulfills the “sustainability” packaging requirements in material and cost-saving comparing to the common “C”-clip taping. The concept of L-clip taping is known attention is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,731 that employs 2 separate applicators one to apply an L clip to the leading end and the other to apply an L clip to the trailing end of the case. U.S. Pat. No. 4,642,157 applies an L-clip using and application roll to apply the tape to one wall of the case and then a separate wipe down roll to apply the tape to an adjacent surface of the case. This device can only apply an L clip to the leading end of the case. Similarly U.S. Pat. No. 5,227,002 provides a device that can apply a tape in an L-clip configuration to leading face only of a case. 
     Majority of carton closure do not require a continuous C-clip tape to seal the full length of the flaps, particularly carton package for the domestic business to business market where the tape sealed cartons are stacked, palletized and pallet wrapped with plastic film for shipping and storage. 
     An L-clip configuration of a sealing tape is ideal for light weight cartons; single hinged flap cartons; tray carton with top lid; half slotted case, etc. 
     The L-clips generally may be peeled off easily by hand without the use of box cutting knife, eliminating injuries and product damages when opening the carton with knife. 
     In general, the adhesion and the strength of the pressure sensitive tape material are strong enough to withstand the weight of the content inside the carton with only the front and the back L-clips tape on top or at the bottom of the carton. 
     C-clip taping provides a more secure and dust/inserts/tamper proof package. It is ideal for individual consumer package subject to multi-handling and or over-sea shipping. 
     Regardless of all the obvious benefits of “L”-clip taping, the “C”-clip tape applicators are much more simple, reliable and user-friendly. Mostly operate mechanically without power-driven. They can be removed from the machine for tape replenishing with no tools. Because of its simplicity; low cost; easy to use and low maintenance as well as its long history of taping method, the popularity of C-clip taping remains very strong in the industry. 
     The currently available L-clip tape applicators in the industry are dedicated for L-clip taping only, mostly operated by air cylinder with electrical control, meaning external sensors wiring and two power sources are required. Mechanical non-powered L-clip tape applicators with separated front and back units are too complicated since it has two individual tape rolls and other duplicated apparatus (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,731 referred to above). They are not particularly user-friendly. 
     In general, L-clip tape applicators are much larger in size than conventional C-clip applicators and require more mounting space, extra wiring, special installation and a longer drive system to accommodate the tape applicator. Since the known L-clip tape applicators are dedicated for a single function, the carton sealing machine is dedicated for “L”-clip taping only. In situation where it is required to change the taping configuration, it is necessary to replace the entire tape applicator accordingly. The machine has to be shut down for the removal and disconnection of the existing unit and the installation, connection and set up of a different tape applicator. 
     The concept of a multifunctional taper capable (with minor adjustments) to apply a tape selectively in a C-clip or L-clip configuration not taught in any of the reference Applicant has seen. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide to provide a multifunction tape applicator which is multifunctional in terms of changing from C-clip to single or front and back L-clips or vise versa depending on the carton sealing requirement. It will be apparent that if one were only interested in applying say a pair of L-clips the multifunctionality of the applicator could be compromised and the system be fixed in position to only apply tapes in that manner. 
     Broadly the present invention relates to a multifunction tape applicator for selectively applying a closing tape ribbon to a carton comprising a source of tape, an application roll assembly including an application roll to apply a leading end of a tape from said source to a leading face and around an edge and an adjacent face of a carton moving relative to said tape applicator, a wipe down assembly including a wipe down roll to wipe a tape applied to said carton along a trailing face of said carton remote from said leading face, a push bar link interconnecting said application roll assembly and said wipe down assembly, an over-travel system for moving said application roll from said adjacent face of said carton to an over-travel position and a cutting assembly including a cut off blade against which said tape is moved when said over-travel system moves said application roll to said over-travel position. 
     Preferably said over-travel system is selectively actuable. 
     Preferably the wipe down roll is mounted on and adjacent to a free end of a wipe down arm, via a pivotable connection connecting said wipe down arm to a wipe down link and said wipe down roll is biased toward said carton. 
     Preferably the push bar link is connected to the wipe down assembly via a lost motion connection preferably in the form of a pin and slot connection. 
     In some embodiments the wipe down roll is compressible and a compressible stop is positioned to engage said wipe down assembly and said compressible wipe down roll and said compressible are compressed by movement of said application roll into said over-travel position. 
     Preferably the over-travel system is selectively actuated by an actuator comprised of an actuator cam that combines with a slide plate to which a cam element is mounted to move said slide plate and thereby said cam element to its over-travel position and a cam follower on said push link engages said cam plate to move said application roll to said over-travel position. 
     Preferably, said a cam follower is selectively moveable between an operative position wherein said cam follower is engages and is moved by said cam plate and an inoperative position wherein said cam follower cannot interact with said cam plate. 
     Preferably, said actuator cam comprise a U-shaped element having a leading face engaging leg and a trailing leg interconnected by a bridging section, said actuator cam positioned so that said leading face engaging leg engages said leading face and then said adjacent face of said carton as said carton is moved relative to said tape applicator to move said slide plate to its over-travel position. 
     In another system said over-travel system further comprises a sensors to sense a position of said carton as it is moved relative to said applicator and an actuator actuated by said sensor when said sensor senses said carton in said position to thereby selectively position actuate said over-travel assembly preferably via a slide plate on which is mounted a cam element and said actuator is connected to said slide plate. 
     In another embodiment the push bar includes a means to adjust an effective length of said push bar and said actuator provides said means to adjust an effective length of said push bar. 
     Preferably, said cut off knife has its cutting edge configured to cut said ribbon beginning at each side edge of said tape ribbon. 
     Preferably, the applicator further comprises a tape control system comprising a brake pad mounted on a brake assembly pivotably mounted on an application arm of said application roll assembly adjacent to an exit roll over which said tape travels on route to said application roll, and a pressure cam pin mounted on the push bar link in a position to engage said brake assembly when said application roll is moved to said over-travel position to pitch said tape between brake pad and the exit roller. 
     Preferably, said tape control system comprises a tape path from a source of said tape between as source roll of said tape and said application roller wherein said tape is directed over an entry roll and a one way clutch roll over en route to said application roll assembly and a dancer roller mounted to engage said tape in said tape path between entry roll and said one-way clutch roll and to advance extra length of tape when said application roll assembly is moved to said over-travel position. 
     Preferably, said tape control system further comprises a stationary extension roller positioned to intersect said tape path between a tape guide roller and said exit roller mounted on said applicator arm when said applicator system is moved to said over-travel position thereby to advance extra tape between said brake pad and a one way clutch roll when tape being pinched by the brake pad. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features, objects and advantages will be evident from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which; 
         FIG. 1   a  is a schematic illustration with parts omitted for clarity of the multifunctional tape applicator of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1   b  is a more detailed side elevation of a cutting assembly used in the present invention. 
         FIG. 1   c  is a section through the cam follower showing the follower in operative position and illustrating its ability to be moved between an operative and an inoperative position 
         FIG. 1   d  is a schematic illustration with parts omitted showing the applicator in the over-travel position in tape cutting of the first L-clip to a carton. 
         FIG. 1   e  is a schematic illustration with parts omitted showing the applicator in an advanced position relative to  FIG. 1   d  and applying a lead end of a second L-clip to a carton. 
         FIG. 1   f  is a schematic illustration showing the positions of the applicator roll and wipe down roll during operation of the applicator and illustrating the use of a pin and slot interconnection between the push bar link and the application and wipe down assemblies. 
         FIGS. 1   g ,  1   h ,  1   i ,  1   j  and  1   k  illustrate several forms of interconnections by various forms of push bar links between the application assembly and the wipe down assembly to accommodate movement to the over-travel position of the application assembly. 
         FIG. 1   l  illustrates a method of using a fixed roller to provide the function of the wipe-down roll at over-travel position. 
         FIG. 1   m  shows a fixed roller similar to  FIG. 1   l  and an over-travel linkage with a single-acting normally extended, spring-return air cylinder. 
         FIG. 2   a  is a view similar to  FIG. 1   a  but showing one form of applicator cam. 
         FIG. 2   b  is a side elevation view showing a modified form of actuator cam. 
         FIG. 2   c  shows a screw-in stop pin to be used for applying a single front only “L”-clip tape on the carton with the cam actuator tape applicator as illustrated in  FIG. 6   c.    
         FIGS. 2   d ,  2   e ,  2   f  and  2   g  illustrate the operation of the actuator cam with the travel path of a carton, with  FIG. 2   g  illustrating the cam returned to home position ready for the next carton. 
         FIG. 2   h  illustrates a cam with individual legs 
         FIG. 2   i  shows an alternative actuator cam structure with a two part cam. 
         FIG. 3   a  schematically illustrates a multi-functional tape applicator with solenoid type actuator and sensors to activate in place of the mechanical system employing the actuator cam. 
         FIG. 3   b  is a schematic wiring diagram for the system shown in  FIG. 3   a . Limit switches contacts are being shown for simplicity reason. 
         FIG. 3   c  illustrates the multi-functional tape applicator with solenoid and sensors actuated to perform the tape cutting action for the front or leading L-clip tape. 
         FIG. 3   d  illustrates the rear or trailing L-clip tape application action after the tape-cutting action for the front L-clip as illustrated by  FIG. 3   c.    
         FIGS. 4   a  to  4   h  inclusive illustrates examples of forms of tape applications that may be applied using the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  illustrate tape applications with different cut off patterns. 
         FIGS. 5   c ,  5   d  and  5   e  illustrate different cut off knife configurations that are recommended for use in this invention. 
         FIG. 6   a - 1  shows a carton sealed with top and bottom “C”-clip tape. 
         FIG. 6   a - 2  shows the set-up requirement for C-clip tape application with the cam follower at disengaged position. 
         FIGS. 6   a - 3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7  show the sequence of operation for C-clip tape application of the multifunctional tape applicator with cam actuation and set-up requirement as shown on  FIG. 6   a - 2 . 
         FIG. 6   b - 1  shows a carton sealed with front and rear L-clip tapes on top and bottom. 
         FIG. 6   b - 2  shows the set-up requirement for front and rear L-clip tape application with the cam follower at engaged position. 
         FIGS. 6   b - 3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8  show the sequence of operation for front (leading) and rear (trailing) L-clip tape application. 
         FIG. 6   c - 1  shows a carton sealed with only front or leading L-clip tapes on top and bottom. 
         FIGS. 6   c - 2 ,  3  show the set-up requirements for front only L-clip tape application. 
         FIGS. 6   c - 4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8  show the sequence of operation for front only “L”-clip tape application of the multifunctional tape applicator with cam actuation and set-up requirements as shown on  FIGS. 6   c - 2 , 3 . 
         FIG. 6   d - 1  shows a carton sealed with a discrete section of tape on the top surface. 
         FIGS. 6   d - 2 ,  3  show the set-up requirements for application of a discrete sectional of tape. 
         FIG. 6   d - 4  shows a typical control circuit with two switches or sensor. 
         FIGS. 6   d - 5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8  show the sequence of operation to apply a section of tape on the top surface of the carton. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning to  FIG. 1   a  the multifunctional tape applicator  10  of the present invention is illustrated with parts omitted for clarity. As shown the applicator  10  is composed of a main frame plate or structure  12  on which the various components and/or assemblies are mounted. A tape support  14  carries a roll of tape  16  from which the tape ribbon  18  is dispensed and travels along the tape path  20  from the roll  14  over an entry guide roll  22 , dancer roll  24 , one way clutch roll  26  which turns in the direction of ribbon feed from roll  16 , a guiding roll  27 , exit guide roll  28  to applicator (or application) roll  30 . 
     The application roll or applicator roll assembly  32  is composed of an applicator arm  34  pivotably mounted adjacent to one end thereof on the frame  12  on an axel as indicated at  36  and adjacent to its opposite end i.e. its on the free end the applicator roll  30  is mounted. The guide roll  27  and exit roll  28  are also mounted on the arm  34  as shown in  FIG. 1   a  between the pivot mount  36  and the applicator roll  30 . 
     A dancer arm  38  is also pivotably mounted on the frame  12  via the axel  36  and mounts the dancer roll  24  and one way clutch roll  26 . The dancer arm  38  is biased to the left as viewed in  FIG. 1   a  via the spring  40  connected between the dancer arm  38  and the frame  12 . A stop arm  42  projects to the left from arm in  FIG. 1   a  and is provided with an adjustable abutment  44  positioned to engage the arm  34  when the application roll assembly  32  is in over-travel position (shown in  FIG. 1   d ) as will be described below. 
     A wipe down assembly  50  is composed of a V-shaped wipe down arm  52  pivotably mounted on the frame  12  via the pivot pin  54  and in the illustration of  FIG. 1   a  is biased in a clockwise direction via the spring  56  connected between the arm  52  and the frame  12 . This clockwise movement is limited by a pin  61  that engages the link  60  between the side mechanism  200  (to be described below) and the assembly  50 . It will be apparent that the stop pin  61  (or its equivalent) serves to stop movement of the wipe down roll  70  (described below) and of the push bar link  60  toward the carton  500  being taped. 
     A first leg  57  of the arm  52  is pivotably connected as indicated at  58  to one end of a push bar link  60 , the opposite end of which is pivotably connected as indicated at  62  to the application arm  34  of the application roll assembly  32 . The second leg  63  of the arm  52  adjacent to its free end pivotably mounts as indicted by the pin  64  a wiper roll mounting arm  66  adjacent to one end of the wiper roll mounting arm  66 . The arm  66  rotatably mounts as indicated by pin  68  a wipe down or wiper roll  70  adjacent to its free end. The arm  66  is biased in a counter clockwise direction about the pin  64  via a spring  72  one end of which is connected to the arm  63  and the other to arm  66  to releasably hold the arm  66  in abutting relationship with a stop  74  on the arm  63 . 
     A brake assembly  76  is pivotably mounted on the arm  34  via the pin  62  to which the link  60  is connected. The brake assembly  76  is formed by a V-shaped has a brake arm  78  mounted adjacent to the apex of the V-shape on the pin  62  and one leg  80  carries a brake pad  82  adjacent to its free end and the other leg  84  has a cam  86  at its free end. The brake pad  82  cooperates with the exit roll  28  to, when activated, pinch the tape ribbon  18  there between and brake the movement of the ribbon  18 . A stop pin  85  cooperates with the side of the leg  80  remote from the brake pad  82  to limit the movement of the brake pad  82  away from the path  20  of the tape  18  i.e. away from the exit roll  28 . The cam  86  on the leg  84  cooperates with a pressure cam pin  88  mounted on the link  60  in position to cooperate with the cam  86  when the assembly  32  is in over-travel position (shown in  FIG. 1   d ) as will be described below. 
     A stationary extension roller  90  is mounted on the free end of an extension roller arm  92  the opposite end of which is fixed to the frame  12  as indicated by the bolts  94 . The operation of this extension roller  90  will be described below. 
     A cut off knife assembly  96  (seen  FIG. 1   b ) has a knife  97  and is mounted on the frame  12  via a pivot pin  98 . A cam surface  100  is provided on a free end of the knife assembly which is engages the adjacent surface of a carton being taped to hold the cut off assembly against the pressure of spring  102  to hold the knife assembly  96  and thereby the cut off knife in an elevated position to cut the trailing end of a leading L-clip when a L-clip taping is being done and yet be free when the cam surface  100  clears the adjacent surface of the case being taped to be moved by the spring to cut the tape after the trailing L-clip (or the C-clip) has been completed. 
     Part of the mechanism  200  to move the application assembly to over-travel position shown in  FIG. 1   d  is shown in  FIG. 1   a  (the actuators for the so moving the application assembly are illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  and will be described below). The part of mechanism  200  shown in  FIG. 1   a  includes a slide plate  202  slidably mounted on the frame  12  as indicated by the arrow  204  and is biased toward the carton being processed by the spring  206 . The slide plate  202  has fixed to it a cam plate  208  that is positioned to engage with a cam roller  210  mounted on the link  60  when the application arm assembly  32  is moved to over-travel position. A pin  212  connects the slide plate  202  to the activation cams shown in  FIG. 2  and a suitable cam stop  213  is provided to stop the activating cam  400  as will be described below. 
     The cam roller  210  is moveable between an active engaging position shown in  FIG. 1   c  wherein the roller  210  extends from one side of the link  60  and an inoperative or retracted position wherein the roller  210  is received within the pocket  214 . A suitable detent pin is used to hold the roller in the selected position. When the roller is in active position it will engage with the cam plate  208  and be carried with the slide as it is moved away from the carton being processed thereby to move the application system to its over-travel position as shown in  FIG. 1   d.    
     Turning now to  FIG. 1   d  the applicator assembly  32  is shown in over-travel position  300 . In this position the slide plate  202  has been moved away from the carton  500  being processed via a mechanism or system yet to be described thereby moving the cam plate  208  and thus the roller  210  and thereby the link  60  in the same direction. This movement of the link  60  pivots the assembly  32  further clockwise around the axel or pivot pin and lifts the applicator roll  30  well clear of the adjacent surface  502  of the carton  500  to provide clearance there between as is evident from  FIG. 1   d . Movement to the over-travel position  300  causes several thing to happen, namely: abutment  44  engages the arm  34  thereby moving the arm  38  and the dancer roller to extend the tape path and thus provide slack in the tape when the application assembly is moved from over-travel position; the cam  86  of the brake assembly engages the pressure cam pin  88  to clamp the tape between the pad  82  and the exit roller  28 ; the extension roller  90  traverses the normal path of the tape  18  and extends the length of tape between the guide roll  27  and the exit roll  28  to further provide slack in the tape  18 ; and the tape ribbon  18  is brought in contact with the knife  97  and is cut. 
     Next the mechanism  200  is moved from over-travel position  300  retracting the dancer roll releasing the brake  80 , allowing the extension roll  90  to stay back to the other side of the tape path and the tape (roll  30 ) away from the knife  97 . This movement from the over-travel position  300  moves the roll  30  and thereby the free end of the tape  18  against the adjacent surface  502  of the carton  500  to attach the next length of tape to the adjacent surface of the carton (see  FIG. 1   e ). Normally this next length of tape will form the trailing L-clip. 
     It will be apparent that the leg leading L-clip  504  applied to the leading face  506  of the carton  500  is applied by the application roll  30  in the conventional manner and that the leg of the trailing L-clip that extend along the trailing face  508  of the carton is wiped down via the wipe down roll  70  in the conventional manner as is the tape extending from this leg severed by the cut off mechanism  96 . 
     It will be apparent that it is desirable to have the wipe down roll  70  in engagement with the tape on the adjacent face  502  of the carton  500  when the application assembly is in the over-travel position  300 . This is obtained in the  FIG. 1   a  embodiment by the spring  72  moving the arm  66  away from the abutment  74  to force the roll  70  toward and against the surface  502  even when the movement to the over-travel position would tend to move the roll  70  away from the surface  502 . 
     The push bar link  60  may take a variety of different forms to accommodate movement of the application assembly  32  into over-travel position  300  while maintaining the wipe down roll  70  in the required position. Some alternatives are shown in  FIGS. 1   f  to  1   h . In  FIG. 1   f  the pin  58  is received in a slot  65  which permits lost motion between the link  60  and the assembly  50 . In  FIG. 1   g  a slot  67  is provide at the end of link  60   c  (equivalent to link  60 ) adjacent to the assembly  32  and cooperates with the pin  62  to provide the lost motion connections alternatively the pin  62  could be fixed to the end of link  60  and the slot  67   a  be provided in the arm  34  to achieve the same result (see  FIG. 1   h ). In  FIG. 1   i  the link  60  has been replaced by an expandable link  60   d  biased to expanded position by the spring  69  and compressed baby movement of the assembly  32  to the over-travel position  300 . 
     The action of keeping the roll in contact with the surface  502  when the application assembly is in the over-travel position  300  may be achieved in a variety of different ways examples of which are shown in  FIGS. 1   j  and  1   k.    
     In  FIG. 1   j  this is achieved using a one piece arm  63   a  wherein the arms  63  and  66  are integrated and the pressure toward the surface  502  is obtained by a compressible stop  310  that engages the pocket  312  in the arm  63   a  when the roller  70  is contacting the surface  502  of a carton to resiliently urge a compressible roll  70   a  that replaces roll  70  against the surface  302 . In the solid line position the roll  310  acts as a stop replacing the stop pin  61  of  FIG. 1   a  and in the dash line position engages in the pocket  312  to hold the roll  70   a  against the surface  502 . If desired the stop  61  need not be replaced i.e. the roll  310  need not act as a stop in the solid line position and the position of a stop such as pin  61  may be selected as required. 
     In  FIG. 1   k  the push bar link  60  has been replace by a contractible (or extendable) push link  60   a  that includes a variable length actuator  320  that preferably is a pneumatic cylinder with operating air connections  322  and  324  to contract or extend it&#39;s length as required. In the solid line position shown in  FIG. 1   k  the actuator  320  is expanded and in the retracted position shown in dash lines which corresponds with the over-travel position  300  its length is contracted. Suitable sensors will be provided to sense the position of the carton  500  and activate the actuator  320  to move the system to and from the over-travel position (shown in dash lines) at the appropriate times. A lock collar  53  is normally, secured on the cylinder rod  55  to allow the cylinder to retract to cause over-travel action for tape-cutting or L-clip taping, it can also be used to prevent the over-travel action by re-locating its lock position at the extended position for C-clip tape application, which does not require any air actuation or over-travel action as long as the cylinder is maintained at extended position. 
       1   l  illustrates another embodiment using a one piece wipe down arm  63   a  similar to that of  FIG. 1   j . In the  FIG. 1   l  the roll  70  is moved well above the surface  502  to the dash line position illustrated so that the roll  70  does not press onto the surface  502 . The tape is instead held against the surface by compressible roller  71  rotatably mounted on the frame  12  on an axel  73 . The one piece arm  63   a  is free to move with the over-travel movement but still is provides the function of wiping down the tail end of the tape onto the tailing face  508  (see  FIG. 1   d ) of the carton  500 . In this embodiment the stop pin  61  has been removed to allow the wipe down link to move away from the adjacent surface  502  of the carton  500 . Generally a stop pin (not shown) will be provided at a convenient position to limit movement of the roll  30  and  70  as required to facilitate operation. 
       FIG. 1   m  shows yet another activating system activated by sensors in the same manner as described above with respect to  FIG. 1   k  but in  FIG. 1   m  the cylinder  320  is replaced by a similar cylinder  320   a  one end of which is connected to the pin  62  connecting the arm  34  and link  60  and its opposite end to a pin  321  mounted on the base  12 . If preferred the one end may be connected to the link  32 , the wipe down link  63   a  or the push bar  60  as deemed suitable. The cylinder  322   a  is activated in the same manner as cylinder  320  to move the assembly  32  to the over-travel position  300  at the appropriate time. 
       FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show a simple form of actuator cam  400  in the form of a substantially U-shaped cam element having a front face engaging leg  402  adapted and positioned to engage the leading face (leading edge  501  as will be described below) of a carton  500  to be taped and a trailing leg  404  interconnected by a bridging section  406 . In  FIG. 2   a  the actuator cam is pivotably connected to the slide  202  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   d  and  1   e  and moves the cam against the spring as the leg  402  moves over the leading face  504  to the adjacent face  502  of the carton  500  while the end of the other leg is supported by the adjacent face  502  thereby to move the slide away from the adjacent face  502  and thereby move the applicator assembly  32  to the over-travel position as above described. A spring  408  biases the cam element  400  so that the stop pin  411  tends to engage stop cam  213  on the slide plate  204  and the leg  402  extends the farthest away from the frame  12  when in the rest position before a carton  500  is fed to the taper  10 . 
     In the  FIG. 2   b  embodiment the slide  202  has been replaced by a lever  410  one end of which is pivotably mounted on the frame  12  via the pin  412  and the other is pivotably connected to the cam  400  in the same manner as the slide was connected thereto. The cam plate  208  is mounted on the lever  410  and interacts with the cam  210  as above described. A suitable spring  206   a  replaces the spring  206 . 
       FIG. 2   c  shows a removable pin two of which  438  and  440  will normally be used depending on the configuration and what is to be applied to the carton. One pin namely the one shown at  438  is screwed into the base plate  12  of the tape applicator  10  below the actuating cam tailing leg  404  to restrict its swing-down movement and thereby maintain the application assembly in the over-travel position until the carton discharged completely off the cam when only a leading L-clip is to be applied i.e. without the rear L-clip applied (see  FIG. 6   d ( 1 ). The second pin  440  when used is screwed into the base  12  and is positioned in a hole  442  through the cutting blade cam  96  to hold the cutting knife assembly  96  in depressed position as shown in  FIG. 6   d  when only a strip is being applied to the face  502  using the sensor and solenoid system See  FIG. 3   a  to control the applicator  10  as will be described with respect to  FIG. 6   d.    
     Obviously when the stop pins  438  and  440  are removed the device will function as shown in  FIGS. 2   d  to  2   g.    
       FIGS. 2   d  to  2   g  illustrate the sequence, first as shown in  FIG. 2   d  the cam  400  is turned clockwise as indicated by the arrow  450  by engagement with the leading edge  501  of the carton  500  traveling in the direction indicated by the arrow  503 . When the leading face engaging leg  402  rides onto the adjacent surface  502  of the carton  500  and the trailing leg  404  is also resting on this surface  502  the slide mechanism  200  and applicator assembly  32  are in over-travel position  300  and the spring  206  is extended (see  FIG. 2   e ). When the trailing leg  404  clears the trailing corner  505  the spring  206  drives the slide  202  toward the adjacent face  502  of the carton and the cam  400  is turned clockwise as indicated by the arrow  452  and after the carton  500  has passed the cam  400  the spring  208  rotates the cam  400  about the pin  212  and back to starting position as shown in  FIG. 2   g.    
     In  FIG. 2   h  the simple U-shaped cam  400  has been replaced with a more complicated U-shaped cam which is made up of separate components namely the leading face engaging leg  402   a  which is bolted to a discrete bridging section  406   a  with selectable mounting holes for tape length adjustment as indicated at  420  and similarly the trailing leg  404   a  is connected to the bridge  406   a  with selectable mounting holes for tape length adjustment as indicated at  422 . The selectable mounting holes systems  420  and  422  permit selective adjustment of lengths of the legs  402   a  and  404   a  to permit adjustments so that different tape lengths may be applied to form front and rear “L” clip tapes along on adjacent side  502  of a carton  500 . 
     The legs  402   a  and  404   a  are each provided at their free ends with their respective rollers  405  and  407  to reduce friction when riding on the surface  502  of a carton  500 . 
     The trailing leg  404   a  is made of two separate parts a mounting portion  424  and a caming portion  426  pivotably interconnect by pivot pin  428 . The portions  426  and  428  are biased toward each other via spring  430  one end of which is connect to portion  424  and the other to portion  426 . A stop  432  formed at the end of the portion  426  adjacent to the pivot pin  428  engages with a stop pin  434  on the portion  424  to limit opening movement of the portion  426  relative to the portion  424 . With the portion  426  in the solid line position shown in  FIG. 2   h  the cam  400   a  is operative to move the application roll assembly to the over-travel position. The trailing leg  404   a  moves to the collapsed position shown in dash line position if another carton arrives before the completion of the current taping cycle to prevent carton jamming. The spring  430  is sufficiently strong to maintain the leg  404   a  in the solid line position unless force by an errant carton into the dash line position. 
       FIG. 2   i  shows an alternative two part actuator cam structure  400   b  with cam one part composed of the leading leg  402  and a modified bridging section  406   b  that is extended to form an leading L-shaped member  450  and the trailing leg  404  is eliminated and replaced by a roller  451 . The spring  408  biases the L-shaped member  450  so that the stop pin  411  thereon engages a cam stop  213 . A second “L” shape cam  452  is pivoted on the front of the base plate  12  via pivot pin  454  and a spring  456  biases a first arm  458  of the cam  452  against a stop pin  460  on the base  12 . The second arm  462 , in rest position with arm  458  against stop  460 , is positioned to engage the leading face of the next carton to be taped and is rotated clockwise by the incoming carton and then the end of the second arm  462  and the rounded tip  464  of the arm rides on the surface  502  of the carton  500  being processed. In this position the roller  451  rides on the arm  458  (as shown in dash lines) and hold the application assembly in the over-travel position. The second cam  452  serves as the collapsible leg in carton jamming prevention. 
     In the  FIG. 3   a  embodiment the cam  400  has been replaced by sensors S 1  and S 2  and a solenoid actuator  600  that is actuated and deactivated by the solenoids S 1  and S 2  which sense the carton  500  as it is passed by the actuator or taper  10  to operate the solenoid  600  as required. 
       FIG. 3   b  shows an electrical control circuit with three different selectable taping configurations with two 2-positions selector switches: as shown with the first switch  700  open to cut off the power supply-as shown in dash lines the system will produce C-clip taping. With switch  700  closed as shown in solid line and second switch  702  open as shown in dash lines in  FIG. 3   b  leading and trailing L-clip will be produced and with switches  700  and  702  both closed, only the front or leading L-clip will be produced. 
     The control circuit consists of: in-put devises of selector switches  700  and  702 ; limit switches with normally open contacts or sensors (SW 1  for S 1  and SW 2  for S 2  in  FIG. 3   b ) and the out-put of a solenoid  600  as indicated and shown by standard electrical symbols. In simple terms, the switches and the solenoid are wired to a series circuit between the two power lines are indicated at  706  and  708 . 
     S 2  is positioned to the front of the tape applicator  10 ; S 1  is position to the down stream of the tape applicator  10 . Their positions can be adjusted on the bar  704  to achieve different tape length for the front and rear L-clip tape lengths on surface  502  of the carton as required. They are mounted in equal distance between the cutting blade  97  for equal tape length, and the distance measuring from the cutting blade  97  to each switch is directly proportional to the resulting tape length applied onto the top of the carton. 
       FIG. 3   c  shows the applicator after the sensor S 1  has detected the carton  500  and energized the solenoid  600  to the over-travel position  300  illustrated wherein the tape  18  will be cut off by the knife  97 , and also illustrates the tape braking/tension control movement at over-travel position as described above. 
       FIG. 3   d  illustrates the position of the various parts of the applicator  10  at the commencement of the application of the trailing L-clip tape application action that follows the tape-cutting action for the front “L” clip as illustrated by  FIG. 3   c  when both leading and trailing L-clips are being applied to the carton. The sensor S 2  senses the passing of the rear or trailing side  508  of the carton  500  and activates the sensor S 2  to de-energize the solenoid  600  causing the release from the over-travel position and the roll  30  to apply the rear L-clip tape to the surface  502 . This figure also shows the loose tension condition of the tape provided for easy adhesion contact onto the carton opposite the arrow  750 . 
       FIGS. 4   a  to  h  show some of the variations of tape application that may be done using the present invention.  FIG. 4   a  illustrates the most common case sealing arrangement wherein a C-clip tape  520  is applied to the top and the bottom of carton  500 .  FIG. 4   b  shows a leading L-clip  522  and a trailing L-clip  524  applied to a carton  500  (both top and bottom).  FIG. 4   c  shows leading L-clips  522  to the top and bottom and no trailing L-clips while  FIG. 4   d  shows to trailing L-clips and no leading L-clips being applied.  FIG. 4   e  shows a C-clip applied to one side (top or bottom) and leading and trailing L-clips.  FIG. 4   f  shows leading and trailing L-clips  522  and  524  respectively applied to one side (top) and a C-clip to the bottom of a different form of carton.  FIG. 4   g  illustrates the use of a pair of leading L-clips and tailing L-clips  522  and  524  applied to yet another form of carton and  FIG. 4   h  shows the application of discrete spaced apart tape patches  526 ,  528  and  539  applied to the same face of a carton. 
       FIG. 5   c  shows a conventional serrated edge as is normally used in tape applicators and FIG.  5   a  shows an L-clip  622  cut using such a knife. As indicated at  624  a split has been found to occur regularly when this kind of knife edge is used. To overcome this problem applicant has found that if a serrated cutter is used to cut only adjacent to the edges of the tape  18  as indicated at  626  and  628  in  FIGS. 5   d  and  5   e  and the intervening length between the serrated portion  626  and  628  is cut by a straight or curved blade  630  and  632  respectively the tendency is significantly reduced. The L-clip  634  shown in  FIG. 5   b  is produced using the knife shown in  FIG. 5   d.    
       FIG. 6   a - 1  shows a carton  500  sealed with top and bottom C-clip tapes as indicated at  520  (see also  FIG. 4   a ). This sealed carton shown in  FIG. 6   a - 1  is produced by the mechanical form of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  which uses the set up shown in  FIG. 6   a - 2  wherein the cam follower  210  is in the pocket  214  on the link  60  i.e. in its inactive position. 
       FIGS. 6   a - 3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7  shows the sequence of operation for C-clip tape application of the multifunctional tape applicator  10  with cam actuation of actuating cam  400 . The carton  500  moves against and displaces the roll  30  in the conventional manner as shown in  FIGS. 6   a - 3  and  6   a - 4  to apply tape to the leading face  504  an start along the face  502  and carries on in the conventional manner to complete the taping as shown in sequence in  6   a - 5 , 6   a - 6  and  6   a - 7 . The cam  400  is disabled as the cam roller  210  cannot engage the cam plate  208 . 
       FIG. 6   b - 1  shows a carton sealed with front and rear L-clip tapes on top and bottom as described above with reference to  FIG. 4   b . This sealed carton shown in  FIG. 6   b - 1  is produced by the mechanical form of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  which uses the set up shown in  FIG. 6   b - 2  wherein the cam follower  210  is out of the pocket  214  on the link  60  i.e. in its operative position. 
       FIGS. 6   b - 3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8  show the sequence of operation for front and rear L-clip tape application of the multifunctional tape applicator with cam actuation and set-up requirements as shown on  FIG. 6   b - 2 . With the cam roll  210  in operative position when the slide  202  is moved up by the action of the cam  400  the engagement of the roll  210  with the plate cam  208  moves the application assembly  32  to the over-travel position  300  (see  FIG. 6   b - 5 ) wherein the tape  18  is clear of the face  502  and is cut by the knife  97 . The device remains in this over-travel position until the trailing leg  404  of the cam  400  clears the rear face  508  of the carton  500  and permits the cam  400  to turn clockwise and thereby release the slide  202  so that it is pulled toward the carton by the spring  206  which permits the spring  56  to return the roll  30  into pressing relationship with the surface  502  and apply the leading end of the trailing L-clip to the surface  502  at a spaced distance from the leading L-clip. The remainder of the application of the trailing L-clip is the same as for a conventional C-clip 
       FIG. 6   c - 1  shows a carton sealed with only front or leading L-clip tapes on top and bottom. This sealed carton shown in  FIG. 6   c - 1  is produced by the mechanical form of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  which uses the set up shown in  FIGS. 6   c - 2  and  6   c - 3  wherein the cam follower  210  is out of the pocket  214  on the link  60  i.e. in its operative position and the pin  438  is mounted in the plate  12 . In this set up the pin  438  restricts the movement of the leg  404  toward the carton thereby to prevent the rear L-clip tape application by maintaining the over-travel position until the carton releases the leg  402  as shown by the actions shown in sequence in  FIGS. 6   c - 4  to  6   c - 8 . 
       FIG. 6   d - 1  shown a carton sealed only with a flat tape section  528  such as that shown in  FIG. 4   h . This sealed carton shown in  FIG. 6   d - 1  is produced by the sensor and solenoid form of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 3   a  which uses the set up shown in  FIGS. 6   d - 2  and  6   d - 3  wherein the cam follower  210  is out of the pocket  214  on the link  60  i.e. in its operative position and the pin  440  is mounted in the plate  12  and is received in hole  442  in the knife assembly  96  and the second pin  438  mounted as indicated on the base plate  12  of the tape applicator to hold the applicator roll arm  34  with the apply roll  30  at the surface  502  of the carton. The application roll arm  34  has to be lifted by hand to insert the stop pin  438  onto the base plate  12 . The stop pin  438  restricts the movement of the application roll  30  and the wipe-down roll  70  below the level of surface  502  assuming  502  is at the top of the carton. Obviously if  502  was the bottom this level would be above. 
       FIG. 6   d - 4  shows a typical control circuit with two switches SW 1 , SW 2 , (described above and below as the sensors S 1  and S 2  and may be part of the sensors S 1  and S 2 ) both with normally open and normally close contacts connected to a solenoid SOL  600 , wired to the power sources  706 ,  708 . SW 2  switch is wired with common to the power source  706 , normally close contact to the normally open contact of Sw 1  switch, Sw 1  switch is wired with common to the solenoid  600  and normally close contact to the normally open contact of SW 2  switch. The other power source wire  708  is connected to the solenoid  600 . The control circuit allows the actuation of the solenoid  600  with SW 2  switch activated, SW 1  switch de-activated as shown on  FIG. 6   d - 6  and with SW 2  switch de-activated, SW 1  switch activated as shown on  FIG. 6   d - 8 . The control circuit also turns off the actuation of the solenoid  600  with SW 1  switch activated, S 2  switch activated (as shown on  FIG. 6   d - 7 ) and with both SW 2  switch and S 1  switch de-activated as shown on  FIG. 6   d - 5 . 
     SW 2  switch mounted to the front of the tape applicator, SW 1  switch mounted down-stream of the tape applicator, both with equal distance measuring from the switch or sensor to the cutting blade  97  for positioning the section of tape in the middle of the carton. 
       FIG. 6   d - 5 , shows the normal home position when tape is being applied to the surface  502  but when a carton is initially fed to the machine as sensed for example by sensor S 2  the solenoid  600  is activated to move the roll  30  to the over-travel position so the leading end of the tape can not make contact with surface  502  as shown in  FIG. 6   d - 6  and when the sensor S 1  senses the leading end of the carton  500  the solenoid  600  releases the slide plate  202  and the roll  30  applies the tape to the surface  502  as shown in  FIG. 6   d - 7 . When the trailing end or the carton  500  is sensed passing the sensor S 2  the solenoid  600  is again activated to move the device to the over-travel position as shown in  FIG. 6   d - 8  and the tape  18  is severed to define the length of the patch  528 . When sensor S 1  senses the passing of the trailing end of the carton  500  the solenoid  600  is deactivated to permit the applicator to return to home position shown in  FIG. 6   d - 5 . 
     Having described the invention, modifications will be evident to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.