Carrier Tapes Having Tear-Initiated Cover Tapes and Methods of Making Thereof

Abstract

A cover tape for use with a carrier tape, where the cover tape includes at least one tear-initiation feature that defines a predetermined direction of tear to initiate a tear along portions of the cover tape.

1 . A method of using a carrier tape, the method comprising:
 providing the carrier tape having a cover tape bonded to a base portion, wherein the cover tape includes a tear-initiation feature and a score line;   peeling a first portion of the cover tape from the base portion until the peel reaches the tear-initiation feature;   peeling a second portion of the cover tape along the tear-initiation feature;   tearing a third portion of the cover tape in a direction that substantially follows the tear-initiation feature until the tear reaches the score line; and   tearing a fourth portion of the cover tape in a direction that substantially follows the score line.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tear-initiation feature has an arcuate shape. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cover tape comprises a plurality of tear-initiation features. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tear-initiation feature does not intersect the score line. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the tear-initiation feature has a linear shape. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tear-initiation feature is cut prior to applying adhesive materials that bond the cover tape to the base portion.