US2035373A - Strip serving apparatus - Google Patents

Description

March 24, 1936.

I R. w. PHILLIPS 2,035,373

STRIP SERVING APPARATUS Filed April '7, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet l R. W. PHILLIPS 2,035,373

STRIP SERVING APPARATUS March 24, 1936.

Filed April '7, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 R. W. PHILLIPS 2,035,373

STRIP SERVING APPARATUS March 24, 1936'.

Filed April '7, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 March 24, 1936. I R.' W, p|||| ||r= 2,035,373

STRIP SERVING APPARATUS Filed April 7, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 /eg a Eig-11 06 Inveor: Y usseZZ 9M? MTW y@ March 24, 19364 R. W. PHILLIPS STRIP SERVING APPARATUS Filed April '7,' 1932 5 sheets-*sheet 5 m 0 m a 61. @FQ oo mm Patented Mar. 24, 1936 UNIE!) STATES PATENT FFICE signor, by

mesne assignments, to Nashua Gummed & Coated Paper Company, Nashua, N. H., a corporation of Massachusetts Application April 7, 1932, Serial No. 603,777

5 Claims.

My present invention relates to apparatus for moistening, or moistening and serving or delivering stripmaterial, such as adhesive or gummed tape and labels, particularly in connection with packaging, labeling and the like, and aims to provide simplified, inexpensive and otherwise improved means of the class referred to. As to all common subject matter, this application is a continuation in part of my co-pending applications Serial No. 451,773, filed May 12, 1930, now Patent No. 1,959,293, dated May 15, 1934, and Serial No. 526,659, filed March 31, 1931, now Patent No. 1,959,294, dated May 15, 1934. The claims of the present application are directed to the moistening means per se or novel combinations thereof with other elements in strip serving or moistening mechanism. Claims to other novel subject matter herein illustrated and disclosed, including features other than moistening, are contained in my co-pending application Serial No. 603,778, iiled' April 7, 1932, now Patent No. 1,958,443, dated May 15, 1934.

In the drawings, illustrating, byway of example, certain embodimentsy of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a plan View of a strip server in. accordance with one form of the invention, it being shown supported in operative position as upon a store counter, table, wall or the like;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation'of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical longitudinal section through the device of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-section on the line 4--4 of Fig. 3; i

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section, on a larger scale, illustrating. a modified form of strip delivering and moistening means;

Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 5 but showing a further modified form for the delivery end of the strip server including a moistening means;

Fig. 7 is a vertical cross-section, looking toward the right in Fig. 6, illustrating a stop means which may be employed in the device of Fig. 6;

Figs. 8 and' 9 are elevations of modified forms of tape supporting rollers;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional detail View of adjusting means usefulv with the moistening mechanism of Figs. 6 and 7;

Figs. 11 to 19 illustrate different embodiments of the invention including various features which may be employed in connection with the forms of the preceding figures. In said Figs. 11 to 19,

Fig. 11 is a plan view corresponding to Fig. 1;

Fig. 12 is a side elevation ofthe device of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a vertical section on the line l3-l3 of Fig. 12;

(Cl. S31-14.5)

Fig. 14 is a rear or left end elevation of the device of Figs. 11 and 12, upon a larger scale;

Fig. 1-5 is a plan, on the scale of Fig. 14, corresponding to the right portion of Fig. 11, but with the severing device removed to display the underlying parts;

Fig. 16 is a side elevation showing moistening. means in accordance with one form of the invention;

Fig. 17 is a side elevation of portions of a modied form of moistening means also embodying the invention;

Fig. 18A isa side elevation of a brush moistener element useful in connection with any of the figures; and

Fig. 19 is a vertical cross-section on the line |9-l9 of Fig. 15.

Referring rst to Figs. 1 to 4, the illustrative embodiment of the invention as there shown is particularly adapted for use Where the space available is limited horizontally, as for example on store counters, tables, shelves, or in other confined areas, such as the narrow aisles or inside counter spaces of certain chain stores.

f Accordingly the device as a-whole isconstructed and arranged to have its major extent vertically, and means is desirably provided for supporting or suspending the device in such position, asupon the edge portion of a counter, shelf, table or the like, or upon a Wall, or the device may be sunk into the horizontal top of a counter or the like.

As herein illustrated, the device comprises a housing or container including side walls or upright members I connected at their lower parts by cross pieces or flooring 2, and at their upper ends by a top wall or platform 3, providing a feed table, these parts preferably being formed of one or more pieces of sheet metal, stamped or otherwise fashioned. The side walls I may be cross-connected at other points, as by the front cross member 4, Fig. 3. At the rear, that is, at the left in Figs. 1 to 3, the described housing or receptacle is open or openable for the'insertion and removal of the strip supply in the form of a roll S, the described parts providing a well for the latter.

Suitable means for supporting the roll S in position to be drawn upon is provided, in this instance including a roller 5 rotatably carried, as at 6, on the side Walls of the housing. 'Ihe strip supply or roll S rests by gravity upon this roller, and its axis is retained in a given vertical plane with respect to the supporting roller as by means of a oating spindle 'l seen in elevation in Fig 4. At points spaced the width of the container, the spindle 'I is provided with noncircular flattened or reduced portions 8 and 9 adapted to be received in vertical slots ID-III in the respective container side walls I. At the upper ends of these slots are the enlarged portions or eyes I I, at least equalling in diameter that of the spindle, so that the latter may be entered through the eyes and through the core of the roll S, bringing the non-circular portions 8 and 9 of the spindle into the plane of the side Walls I and in alignment with the guide slots.

'I'he spindle desirably has a head I 2 for convenience in manipulating it. Once the spindle is inserted with a roll upon it, and its reduced portions have been engaged in the slots, the spindle is held against unintentional withdrawal and is guided for vertical movement. 'Ihe roll and spindle thus in effect float upon the under roller 5;

while the roll S is permitted to turn readily upon the spindle. The tape or strip is preferably drawn off from the under face of the supported roll, and to the rear, as indicated at T in Fig. 2, in which case the described roll supporting and guiding means automatically aords a braking action upon the roll, preventing undesirable overrunning of the latter, by reason of the frictional resistance resulting from the weight of the roll and spindle upon the roller 5. The roll S is thus in effect self-braking. As illustrated in Fig. 2 the tape in the roll S is assumed to be wound gummed side in. Should the tape be wound gummed side out, it may be led 01T in the opposite direction at the bottom of the roll, that is, to the right, and reversed back around the roller 5, or it may be taken olf at the top of the roll, directly to the left. l

The tape or strip T is directed upwardly from the supply over a guide roll I3 journaled in the container sides, and thence forwardly over the top wall or platform 3, through a receiving and guiding throat provided by the latter and by the opposed inwardly extending longitudinal flanges, throat sides or strip members I4-I4 on the housing. The throat is preferably equipped with a longitudinally extending tape arching and friction reducing means or rib-like element I4a, which, together with the throat structure as a whole may be similar to that disclosed and claimed in my above-mentioned co-pending applications. The strip or tape is fed through the throat by the operator by placing4 one or more fingers upon it at the selected point on its upper face exposed between the throat sides and moving his hand along the throat toward the delivery end.

At or near the front end of the feed throat means is provided for cutting off the tape. The container top wall or platform 3 is continued forwardly beyond the throat sides I4. The container sides are extended upwardly or otherwise formed with projections or ears I5-I5 carrying a cross-bar or pin I6. Hinged on the latter, as at I'I, is a forwardly and downwardly extending guide plate or strip depressor I8, having its front end substantially in a vertical plane with a cross slot I 9 in the feed table or platform 3.

A tape severing blade or knife 20 is adapted to be moved across the path of the tape and downwardly through said slot, to sever the strip. This blade is attached as at 2I to an actuator 22 which may be generallysirnilar to that of my said copending application Serial No. 526,659, being positioned for operation by a continuation of the operators strip-feeding ringer movement, in the course of a single uninterrupted and substantially uni-planular down-bearing forward movement of the latters fingers or hand. In the present instance the cutter actuator 22 is reinforced and guided by side flanges 23, the rear portions of which stand atwise adjacent, and herein outside, the ears I5, and receive the cross-pin IB,

whereby the actuator is rotatably supported. The actuator and blade are normally held in up Y position, substantially as in Figs. 2 and 3, by suitable spring means, herein including the spring 24 of general U shape, the forward yoke portion of which underlies an intermediate portion of the actuator. The two legs of the spring extend rearwardly, beneath studs 25 on the housing ears I5, and are turned about and supported on the cross pin I6 previously mentioned. The rear end ofthe cutter actuator 22 has a downwardly extending tail 26 adapted to abut the tops of the side strips I4 of the throat, or other adjacent stationary part, thereby to limit the upward movement of the actuator.

In advance of the cutting-off point the strip is conducted up to and across the moistening means to be described, being guided across the front end of the feed table or platform 3, between the latter and a top guide 27 which forms in eiect a continuation of the feed throat. This guide may be generally similar to that disclosed and claimed in my said co-pending application, being preferably in the form of a removable cliplike member Y having down-turned feet 28 equipped with spring detents 2S adapted to snap into openings or depressions in the housing walls.

For moistening the strip I have provided means including a reservoir or tank 3i] having an enclosed rear portion 3| and a somewhat higher front portion 32. The reservoir is operatively supported between the front parts of the side frames I and upon a. cross-member` 33 extending between the latter, where it is removably retained as by a spring member 34 having a finger piece 35 whereby it may conveniently be depressed to release the reservoir. The front wall of the reservoir is turned over rearwardly and downwardly to form an angular lip 36, and the front edge of the top wall of the lower portion of the reservoir is extended angularly upwardly as at 3'! in substantial parallelism with said lip, leaving a transverse opening between them.

'I'he moistening element proper is illustrated as a wick or brush 38; see particularly Fig. 3. The brush itself may consist of a multiplicity of bristles or hairs set into a suitable anchoring composition, as indicated at 38a. held in the clip-like lower portion 39 of the bristle-supporting plate or support 40. This latter desirably extends substantially the full length of the bristles, to support and align these practically to their extreme free ends. The brush and its supporting plate 4Q are received between the previously described parallel lip portions 36, 3'I of the reservoir, which assist in positioning the brush moistener and in retaining it in substantially the forwardly inclined angular position as illustrated. It will be noted that the rea-r flange or lip 31 is adapted to contact the upper side face of the group of bristles, confining and guiding them, and to a certain extent limiting the quantity of moisture which will be conducted upwardly by capillary action.

'Ihe brush may further be positively located as by means of hook-like down-turned fingers 4I, 42 at the front end of the bristle-support 45. The inner finger 4I is adapted to set down through an It is removably I appropriate opening in` the irontv lip` 36? of the reservoir, while the outer 1in-gerer fingers 4&2 en` tend down over the reservoir front wall.

It will' be noted that in accordance with the described constructionl the reservoir, brush and brush-support may be removed bodily asF a. unit, or the brush element, including the brush and the bristle-supporting plate 40, maybe removed?? while leaving the reservoir in place. Directv aecess to the brush may be had merely by removing the front guide 2T. The latter includes the forwardly and upwardly projecting porti-'on 2"!-al directly overlying the outer endof the brush and' serving to confine and direct the free end'sof the bristles to insure proper moistening engagement between the lower face of the tape and' thezbrush, as the tape is passed forwardly over the latter. front element or clip 2T, 21e thus may here-- in directly cooperate with andconstitute an element of the feed means, the severing means, and the moistening mechanism. .It partly provides the blade-guiding front wall of the cutting slot, and assists to pressA the moving blade into proper cutting positio-n. If desired the 'Vfore edge of'thi's element 2'I-2'la may be made to serve as: a stationary knife or severing element, against which the strip may be deflected andi cut or torn off, being for that purposeserrated or otherwise formed.

In some instances, and'- particul'arly where the device is intended for handling only strips of minimum width, the supporting under vrollt for the strip supply may be cylindrical, as illus-I trated in Figs. l to 4". In other instances, more particularly when the device is of a width adapt-- ing it to dispense strips of greater than minimumv width, or in any case, the under roll may have either of the forms as illustrated in Figs. 8i and. 9'. In Fig. 8, for example, the peripheral. surface of the roller 5a is concaved, thek roller being' of greater diameter at its ends 5h and of decreasing diameter toward its centralportion. By reason of this construction' tape rolls oi" different widths will' be centered and guided automatically by the supporting roller.

In the further' modified form of bearing roller shown in Fig.. 9, the roller, indicatedA as a whole by the numeral 5, includes a main roller portion 5d of a width to receive a given minimum width tape, for example, 11/2" or 2". At the endsv of this main roller portion are cooperating stepped portions 5e, 5e, 5f, 5f, respectively spaced to receive and center wider rolls, for example, 21/2'" and 3". It will be understoodv that rollers such as those of Figs. 8 and, 9. may be employed in connection with the device of Figs. 1i to 41, with a similar self-braking action as previously referred to.

As stated, the strip server of Figs.. l tov t is particularly constructed and arranged for snspension, or lateral support, in a vertical position. To this end means is provided whereby the de- Vice may be so operatively positioned'v adjacent a vertical face of a counter, table; wall or the like, indicated at C in Figs. I and 4. Such means in this instance includes one or more. bayonet. slots 44, 45, in one or both side walls of the housing. These bayonet slots are adapted to cooperate with buttons 46 of a bracket or like device 41` to be secured` as by screws to the counter C or other part upon which the device is to bev hung. Said bracket is herein illustrated as of general T- shape, including a leg 48 havingv a lateral foot 49 at its lower end which is adapted to underlie and support the bottom of the housing when the buttons are in' locked position in the respective bayonet slots; If more than one such slot is used at either side wallf, two of the slots in a given wall preferably are arranged. substantially at right angles to' each other, as. shown in- Figs, 2 and 3,

whereby` the device is held against unintentional displacement both vertically and horizontally. Whensoarranged, asin Figs. 2 and 3, the device as a whole is readily removed from its suspended or operating position as there shown. by rocking it slightly upward at its front or right hand end, about the button in the horizontal slot 44 as a pivot. The vertical slot 45 may then be withdrawn from its button, whereupon the device may be shifted rearwardly or to the left in Figs. Zand Bsumciently to free the horizontal slot 44 from its` cooperating button. By supplying similar attaching means such as the describedbayonet. slots at both sides of the device, it may be selectively supported at either side, to deliver the tape in the desired" direction.

Referring now to- Fig. 5, I have there shown a modified form of moistening means and associated parts, the same being illustrated in connectionwith the strip server shown and described in my said col-pending applica-tion Serial No. 451,773. It will be understood, however, that the moistening means is equally applicable to various constructions of strip server, including that of Figs. 1 tof4 herein. The illustrated stripserving device includes a base 5! and side walls, one oif'whiclr is indicated at 52, these being connected' by a cross strap seen in section at 53. The moistening means includes a reservoir 56' received on the base 5I between the framev sides 52 and positioned asby a rear stop 5l'. In oonjunction therewith I have illustrated novel means for supporting a capillary-feed or brush moistener 58', inimproved cooperative relation with the strip to be moistened. As in Figs. l to 4, the moistening element operates at a relatively7 small angle with the horizontal, Vapproximately 45 as shown. Heretofore in this type of moistener, the capillary feed element or brush has stood substantially erect, with the free ends of its hairs or bristles projecting above the reservoir, approximately perpendicular to the path of the tape or at a relatively great angle with respect to it, and the bristles or hairs have been unsupported over considerable portions oi their length and at their extremities. As a result they soon became objectionably deformed and inefhcient. As in the moistening means of Figs. l to 4 previouslyV described, the moistening element of Fig. 5- is so arranged that the moisture-conveying fibers or hairs of the brush 58 remain substantially straight, being held against objectionable flexing at their free endsv or elsewhere. For this purpose the front wall 59 of the reservoir is extended inwardlyl and downwardlyas at 59a, at a relatively small angle with respect to the path of the tape or to the horizontal, at approximately 45 orless as shown. In substantial continuation of this inclined portion 59ar is a hat brush rest 6E! in which the moistener is removably but rrnly held' as by the reversel'y extending clamp or holder 60a. Thisl brush support as a whole is in this instance vertically movable, being movably associated with the reservoir as by the pivot 6I, and being yieldingly urged upwardly by suitable spring' means illustrated as a curved spring lingerY 62 anchored at one end in the reservoir. The reservoir and brush are removable as a unit as by means' of the nger piece 63.

Referring still to Fig. 5, the strip or tape T coming from the supply is passed across the brush along a path approaching parallelism with the hairs or bristles of the latter. Cooperating with the brush is an overlying plate or guide 64, in this instance illustrated as a fixed element or guide member having an up-turned rear edge 64a beneath which the tape is received. This plate serves to guide the tape to and across the moistener in proper moistening relation with the latter, in cooperation with the spring 62.

Provision may be made for adjusting the positionof this plate or guide 64, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 10.

Referring to Fig. 10, the guide, plateor depressor 64EL is pivotally supported as at 65 between the side frames and has attached to it an upright post 66 which extends loosely through l ears 61 on a lug 68 rotatably held in the adjacent side frame. On this post there is adjustably threaded a nut 69lying between the ears 61. By turning this nut the guide element or plate 64a may be shifted t0 adjust its relation to the moistener, whereupon the plate will be held fixed in the selected position. The means of Fig. 10 is applicable to the strip serving device of Figs. 1 to 4 as well as that of Fig. 5, or in other instances where similar moistening means are employed.

In Figs. 6 and 7 I have illustrated a still further form of moistening mechanism of general use in connection with strip serving devices of the class described, the device shown in said figures, for illustrative purposes, being that of my previously mentioned co-pending application Serial No. 526,659.

Referring to said Figs. 6 and 7, the strip server again includes a housing of which one side wall is seen at 10. The tape T is delivered through a feed throat to and past a guiding device including a movable blade '|2 and a pivoted operating member '|3, and thence up to and across the moistening means. A reservoir or tank 14 including an enclosed rear part 15 and a front portion '|6, is received between the sides of the housing, where it is removably held as by a spring latch The front end of this latch is upturned as at 18 to form an abutment or positioning element and guide at the front of the reservoir, but may be depressed as by its knob or finger piece 19 to release the reservoir for withdrawal.

The moistening element proper is in the form of a Wick or brush set in a suitable composition to provide a butt 8|. It is removably held in the clip-like lower portion 82 of the inclined bristlesupporting plate or support 83 which may be generally similar to that of Figs. 1 to 4, including the positioning fingers or flanges 86 and 85 adapted to lie over and at opposite sides of the upper edge of the reservoir front wall. As in Figs. l to 4, the moistening unit, including the brush and its support, is bodily removable from the reservoir, or the reservoir with the contained moistener may itself be removed as a unit.

In the form of Figs. 6 and 7, the reservoir, containing the brush and the other parts previously mentioned, is itself bodily movable vertically, so that the moistening element or brush may be yieldingly urged upwardly against the under face of the strip to be moistened. For this purpose any suitable spring means may be employed and I have herein shown one or more leaf springs 81 beneath the reservoir and preferably but not necessarily secured to it. VWhether or not secured to the reservoir these springs rest on under supporting means herein including a front cross upright members strip 88 extending between the housing side frames, and a supplemental and generally similar cross strip 89 having an upturned portion 90 which serves as a rear stop for the reservoir and, together with the flange 18 of the latch '11, as a guide for its vertical movement.

In cooperation with the reservoir I preferably provide means for accurately determining the vertical position of the reservoir and its brush, and which may also serve to adjust the position of the brush as the latter becomes worn, and for other purposes, such as to control the tension upon the reservoir-supporting spring means. For this purpose I have in Figs. 6 and 7 shown an adjustable stop 9| adapted to engage over the top or other part of the reservoir in the manner clearly seen in Fig. 7. This stop carries a pin 92 which is vertically movable in a slot 93 in the adjacent side frame. A clamping nut 94 is threaded on the outer end of said pin. By releasing the clamping nut, the stop may be adjusted so as to vary the position of the reservoir and brush as desired and to control the tension upon the spring means. If desired, similar stops may be employed at both sides of the strip server. It will be noted that in addition to the novel features mentioned, the described moistening means cooperates with the associated elements in novel combination, to effect the delivery of moistened lengths of the tape material.

Referring now to Figs. 11 to 15, the strip serving apparatus there illustrated is a combined or convertible counter or aisle form, adapted for use either in standing position upon a counter, table or the like, or in suspended position in a store aisle, upon a wall, at the edge of a counter or like locations. In respects not otherwise mentioned the construction may be substantially the same as in the preceding figures.

In said Figs. 11 to 15, the frame or housing of the strip server includes the side frames or |00 interconnected at their lower portions as by the cross strips |0|, |02, |053, and at their intermediate and upper portions by the floor, top wall or platform |04 constituting the bottom of the tape guide channel or feed throat, and being preferably of the ribbed construction |14a generally similar to that of the top wall or platform 3 of Figs. 1 to 4. Inwardly projecting flanges |05, generally similar to the f members I4, |4 of the preceding figures, serve to confine the side portions of the strip or tape and furnish a feed slot between them for feeding access to the tape.

At the forward end of the feed channel is a tape severing blade, cutter or knife |06 having a finger or hand-engaging portion or actuator |01 of generally similar construction as in the preceding figures. The knife and actuator are pivotally supported as by a sleeve |013, Fig. 15, at the rear of the actuator received on a pin |08 held in ears |09 upon the respective side frames |00. A slot ||0, Fig. 11, in the feed platform |04 permits the blade |06 to be depressed to sever the tape. The blade and its actuator are normally elevated by a suitable spring of general U-shape, having its ends turned about the knife pivot pin |08.

As best seen in Figs. 15 and 19, the cutter lever or actuator |01, together with the blade |06, are constructed and arranged for ready dismounting. This is effected merely by forcing out the pivot pin |08, axially, the latter being normally releasably held in assembled position by the spring For that purpose one or more annular grooves I I2 are formed 4in the pin |08, disposed to receive the end or other portions of said spring, as indicated at I IIa in Fig. 19. `While the pin and cutter are thus -rmly held in place, the cutter may quickly be removed lfor sharpening, replacement, or to afford access to underlying parts.

The tape or adhesive strip supply iri roll form is received in position to be drawn upon, between the side frames of the housing, as indicated at S. The roll S has a floating support upon a roller 5g as in the previous figures, and the axis of the tape roll is confined to a given path, as the tape roll S decreases in size, Vby means of the slot formations I0a in the opposite side frames. Said slot formations have enlarged portions IIa for entrance of a spindle `|a Yhaving a head |22L and reduced guide portions whereby it is retained against unintentional withdrawal, as previously described.

In Fig. 12 the tape `roll S is assumed to be wound with the adhesive face of the tape outside, the tape passing upwardly from the roll supply, as indicated at T, over an upper guide roll |3a journaled on the machine frame, thence through the feed channel |04, |05, past vthe cutter |106 and the moistening means, to be described, for delivery as indicated by the full line T 'at the right in Fig. 12.

The interior of the housing :or tape well desirably is closed at the rear or left endfas viewed in Figs. 11 and 12. For this purpose I have illustrated a rear cover plate |I3 pivotally lsupported on the side frames near the bottom of the latter, as at II4, and extending upwardly substantially to the guide roll I3a. The upper end of the cover |`I3 may be recessed or otherwise formed as at II5, Fig. 11, for engagement of the operators finger to open it against the closing tension of a suitable spring IIS, herein supported on the cover pivot I I4.

It will be observed that the tape roll supporting means, the feed channel and guides, and the tape severing means are similarly cooperatively disposed as in the preceding figures, but with the .feed channel somewhat downwardly and forwardly inclined. As in the form of Figs. 1 to 10, the tape may be engaged by the operators finger at any desired point along the chan-nel |04., |05, and is fed out past the severing andthe moistening means by forward down-bearing movement of the operators finger or hand along an uninterrupted substantially uni-planular path, the feeding, moistening and severing operations vbeing effected in the course of this single co-ntinuous manual operation.

In accordance with my invention the strip -server of Figs. 11 to 15 is constructed-and .arranged for use either as a counter or table device, either upon a horizontal supporting surface, or as a suspended device as described in connection with Figs. 1 to 4. Further, `when used in suspended position, as in a store aisle, it maybe supported so as to face and feed in either direction. Accordingly I have provided, at each side of the strip server, suspending formations for cooperation with suspension means lupon the counter, wall or other part upon which the device is to be mounted. As best seen in Fig. 12, such suspension formations, as herein illustrated, comprise a series of key-hole slots II-'|, I|8 and 4I I0,-on each of the side frames |00. The longitudinal center lines of two of these slots, herein IIB and I-I9, are -disposed substantially along arcs drawn from acentral point I ||EL at the closed end of the other slot III as a center. A bracket I 20 is provided for attachment, as by means of screws -|-2I, to the counter or the like C, Fig. 11. The bracket carries laterally projecting studs I 22, |23, |24 located .to correspond with the positions of the key-hole slots II'I, IIB, |I9.

In attaching the lstrip server the stud |22 is first entered into the larger end of the slot II'I, and the strip server is then moved forwardly to `bring the stud into the narrower portion of said slot II'I. With the front portion of the device slightly elevated about the stud |22 as a pivot, -the `studs v|23 and |24 may then be entered into the larger portions `of their corresponding slots IIS and i E9, whereupon the forward portion of the strip server may be dropped down into its operative supported position as in Fig. 12. Subsequent removal of the strip server is readily eifectedby a reverse procedure. Preferably, similar and correspondingly arranged key-hole slots are provided in each side frame, whereby the strip server may be mounted with its left side face adjacent the bracket, -to deliver tape toward nthe right, as in Fig. 12, or with its right side face adjacent the bracket, to deliver the tape in the opposite direction. It will be understood that the slots and studs may be interchanged, as to the element on which they are provided, and -that the demountable suspension means may otherwise be widely varied in construction. A

To adapt the described strip server for use as a counter type I may provide detachable base elements or supporting means, Ashown in assembled position in Fig. 14. Herein for the .purpose I have employed, as one convenient form, a yokelike strap Vor cross bar |25 having an upstanding central .portion or' shoulder |26 dimensioned for reception between the side f-rames |00, to which it may be removably secured as by means of the screws cor the like |21 received in apertures |28,

ksee Fig. 12, in the adjacent portions of the side frames. The outwardly projecting portions of this strap |25, at the two sides Iof the strip server,

preferably carry rubber-tipped or other `supporting feet |29. Any-desired .number of such straps and feet may be provided, disposition for two of Athem being indicated in Fig. 12, at the Yopposite ends of the device as a whole, by means of the screw apertures |28. Obviously one or more -of the described Vdetachable base elements may have the feet centrally or otherwise arranged, or the feet may be dispensed with. Also within the scope of my invention the `side frames may themselves -be interchangeable, some having Vsuspension means and others `provided with base elements, for use selectively in the vmachine as a Whole.

- The tape moistening means, as well as Athe strip supply holding means, the feed provisions and the severing means already described may be similar in Figs. .1:1 to 15 as in any of the preceding gures, but as illustrated in Figs. 11 to 19 vthe moistening 4means and associated parts of the responding aperture in the detent 34B serves to limit the down movement of the latter. A filling lip |32 may be provided at the front of the reservoir. The side frames |00 may be recessed as at |30a to afford a grip on the reservoir for inserting or removing it. -As indicated at |30h a portion of the reservoir top wall is extended angularly upwardly and forwardly, similarly as the part 31 of Figs. 1-4, and is adapted to contact transversely the upper side face of the group of bristles of the brush |33 to be described, confining or compacting and guiding them, and to a certain extent limiting the quantity of moisture which will be conducted upwardly by capillary action.

The moistening means further includes a brush |33 illustrated separately in Fig. 18. The brush comprises a multiplicity of bristles or hairs set into a suitable anchoring composition as at |34. The brush is adapted to be disposed with its lower portion in the reservoir and the free ends of its hairs or bristles projecting from it, but in the markedly forwardly inclined position, at an angle desirably substantially not greater than 45 degrees with the horizontal, as described in connection with the previous gures. In this instance the brush is provided with unitary or self-contained supporting means for retaining it at the described operating angle.

As best seen in Fig. 18, this means comprises a supporting strip or plate |35 formed with a cliplike lower portion |36 in which the butt |34 of the brush is removably but firmly held. The supporting plate |35 extends upwardly and forwardly along the under face of the brush for substantially its entire length and at its front end is provided with an integral or other rest or foot |31. One or more lips I 38 may be provided at the fore part of the described brush unit, as by turning over the upper edge of the foot |31, or a portion thereof, such lip or lips being adapted to engage over the top of the front wall of the reservoir. y

It will be noted that the described brush unit is a self-supporting device, the base of the foot and of the clip |36 being adapted to rest on the oor of the reservoir, and always holding the brush in the desired operative position. Hence the brush cannot slip down into the reservoir, even though the operator should merely drop it Vinto the latter without taking the slight care between ears or upward extensions 4| on the side frames 100. These ears are formed with bearing apertures or slots |42 for reception of the roller journal or bearings |43. Thus the brush-cooperative roller is supported on the frame of the strip server in position for either fixed or vertically movable moistening cooperation with the brush when the latter is in operative position. Rearwardly of the roller |40 is a guide clip |44 having side portions holding it resiliently in position overlying the lower portion of the feed channel, in a manner generally similar to the element 21 of Figs. 1 to 3. In the present instance the clip 7l |44 is elongated to extend from a point rearwardly of the cutter |06, past the latter and substantially up to the moistener roller |40, so as to overlie and accurately guide the tape up to and between the latter and the brush. A slot |45, Fig. 11, is formed in the clip, in line with the underlying slot ||0 in the platform itself, for the down passage of the knife |06.

In a modification as illustrated in Fig. 16, the moistening roll |40a is mounted upon the removable reservoir, as an element thereof. In this instance, referring to said Fig. 16, the reservoir side walls are formed with ears or projections 46 having apertures or slots |41 for the bearings |43a of the roll. This construction, wherein the roll remains in operative association with the reservoir, whether or not the latter is in place in the machine, has been found desirable in some instances, particularly where a plurality of reservoirs are provided in connection with any given strip server, whereby the same roll and brush are continuously employed as a couple.

In a further embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 17, the overlying tape bridge or guide member |44e, corresponding to the element |44 of Fig. 12, is formed with a rear extension |48 including an eye |49 whereby this guide may be hingedly related to the machine frame, as by reception upon the knife pivot pin |08. In this instance a moistener-roller |40b is supported upon the guide element, |44a, the latter being formed with up-set members or ears |50 having the bearing apertures or slots |5| for the bearings |52 of said roller |401. Here again the roll is supported upon the machine as a whole but may be bodily elevated to afford ready access to the brush. This construction, as well as the others described, permits of substantially uninterrupted guiding of the tape fully to the moistening point. The guide element or clip |44a carrying the roll may be resiliently held in position, similarly as the element 44 of Fig. 12, with or without pivotal or other connection, if preferred.

Claims for the moistening means or couple comprising a brush and cooperating roller means, per se and in combination with strip serving Amechanism but irrespective of the particular lform of brush support or positioning means, are

contained in a copending divisional application, Serial Number 57,587, led Jan. 4, 1936.

My invention is not limited to the particular illustrative embodiments herein shown and described, its scope being set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a strip moistening mechanism, in combination with a reservoir and its support, a brush moistener, and a brush support receivable in and bodily removable from the reservoir, said reservoir being elongated in the direction of strip movement to permit a markedly inclined posi- .tioning of the brush, and said brush support having a lower, clip portion to hold the butt of the brush, an inclined portion forwardly and upwardly extending in general direction of strip feed to lie under the brush in advance of its butt, and a, rest to support the upper end of said inclined portion to present the brush in operative position.

2. In a strip moistening mechanism, in combination with a reservoir and its support, a brush moistener, and a brush support receivable in and bodily removable from the reservoir, said reservoir being elongated in the direction of strip movement to permit a markedly inclined positioning of the brush, and said brush support having a lower, clip portion to hold the butt of the brush, an inclined portion to lie under the brush in advance of its butt, a rest to support the upper end of said inclined portion to present the brush in operative position, and means adapted positively to interengage the brush support and reservoir to position the support longitudinally.

3. In a strip serving apparatus, a strip moistening element constructed and arranged for unitary insertion into and removal from a reservoir, said element comprising a brush and a brush support, the latter including a holder for the brush butt, an inclined backing plate and a plate-supporting foot extending downwardly from the fore part of said` plate, to position the brush in forwardly and upwardly inclined position.

4. In a strip serving apparatus, a brush supporting element constructed and arranged for unitary insertion into and removal from a reservoir, said element comprising a receiver for the butt of a brush, an inclined backing plate extending forwardly and upwardly from said receiver, and an integral rest at the fore part of the plate to support the inclined portion at a given angle with the horizontal.

5. In a strip serving mechanism, in combination with a support for a, strip supply, guide means providing a service path for the strip from the supply, a reservoir for liquid, a strip guiding roller rotatably supported adjacent the reservoir, a strip-moistening brush having its butt end in the reservoir and its fore end underlying said roller, and a bodily removable brush support including an inclined backing plate, a holder for the butt of the brush and a plate-supporting foot at the fore part of said plate, whereby the brush is operatively positioned at a forward and upward inclination and with its fore part in cooperative strip-moistening relation with said guiding roller.

RUSSELL W. PHILLIPS.

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