Winding – tensioning – or guiding – Tension control or brake – Supply controlled
Patent
1994-05-13
1996-09-03
Stodola, Daniel P.
Winding, tensioning, or guiding
Tension control or brake
Supply controlled
242566, 2425882, 242601, 225 56, B26B 2700, B65H 3500, B65H 3502
Patent
active
055516467
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to a ribbon curling and/or ribbon splitting device, particularly for curling and/or splitting gift ribbon. Such a device is disclosed in GBA-2221871. Gift wrapping ribbon, usually of polypropylene, is relatively cheap and strong. It has the property of curling when the fibres thereof are subjected to stress on one side of the ribbon.
This invention is concerned with a ribbon curling and/or splitting device for direct use with a conventional spool or reel of ribbon.
U.S. Pat. No. 2703208 discloses a drum like device for receiving a roll of curlable cellulosic tape; the device includes a slot for tape exit and a curling edge against which ribbon is curled by the direct application of thumb pressure.
According to one aspect the present invention comprises a ribbon curling device for use with a spool or reel of gift wrapping ribbon, the device being engageable on or around the spool such that the spool may rotate in use relative to the device, and the device defining a ribbon exit pathway generally radially of the spool and a ribbon curling edge whereby a length of ribbon may be curled on being drawn from said spool, characterized in that said pathway defines ribbon guide means to ensure a substantially constant approach angle of ribbon to said edge, and said device further includes means for exerting in use a drag force on the ribbon or on the spool.
According to another aspect the present invent ion comprises a ribbon splitting device for use with a reel or spool of gift wrapping ribbon, the device being engageable on or around the spool such that the spool may rotate in use relative to the device, and the device having a ribbon exit opening generally radially of the spool, said opening defining ribbon splitting means whereby a length of ribbon may be split on being drawn from said spool.
Preferably the device incorporates both a ribbon curling edge and ribbon splitting means.
In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a flexible split band having radially outwardly extending end portions, one of said portions having a radially outward curling edge extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of said band, in use said band substantially encircling a cylindrical spool of ribbon and said end portions defining said exit aperture.
Preferably said band is a close fit about a spool; different band sizes may be provided for different spool diameters.
In one embodiment said end portions may include a circumferentially extending abutment to space said portions by a predetermined amount, in use the foot of one of said portions determining the approach angle of ribbon to said curling edge. Preferably axially spaced abutments are provided to define a ribbon exit gate bounded on all sides.
In another embodiment the end portions are adapted to abut one another, in use squeezing a ribbon therebetween.
The split band may be transparent to enable a user to see the ribbon.
The split band may include latching means to disengageably engage the free ends of said band about a cylindrical spool.
The split band may be sized to circumferentially engage a spool and thereby apply in use a force to retard relative rotation thereof. The band may be radially squeezable.
The device may incorporate ribbon splitting means comprising splitting hooks for splitting ribbon into several strands, said hooks facing from one of said end portions towards the other.
Preferably said hooks extend from the end portion having said curling edge. The hooks may engage in apertures formed in the other end portion.
In another preferred embodiment said split band may engage circumferential slots provided on the inwardly facing side edges of a spool rim. Alternatively said end portions may have radially inwardly extending arms at either side thereof, said arms meeting at the radially inner end and have mutually facing projections for engagement in the centre aperture of a spool. Preferably the arms are flexible though they may be journalled on one another for relative circumferential movement.
Whilst the band is preferably
REFERENCES:
patent: 2588043 (1952-03-01), Rabinowitz et al.
patent: 2703208 (1955-03-01), Tasker
patent: 3378184 (1968-04-01), Mallory
Rivera William A.
Stodola Daniel P.
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