Dispensing tray for glue machine

Abstract

A dispensing tray for a glue machine is described which includes a glue reservoir in fluid flow communication, through an elongate narrow slot, to an open trough which at least partially receives a pickup roller of the glue machine in the operative position thereof. Glue within the reservoir is gradually dispensed through the opening or slot to replace glue which is removed by the pickup roller. The tray is pivotally mounted on the machine to permit movement of the tray from a substantially horizontal position wherein the reservoir and trough are substantially the same levels and a substantially vertical position wherein the reservoir is disposed below the trough for permitting flow of glue from the trough back into the reservoir through the elongate opening. Means are provided for maintaining the tray in the operative position during use of the glue machine and for releasing the same to the filling or storage position subsequent to termination of use of the machine. Movement of the tray to the filling position permits filling of the reservoir through the elongate opening and provides accessibility to the rollers of the glue machine to facilitate the cleaning thereof. A covering member is provided for covering the opening or slot of the reservoir in the storage position of the tray to minimize hardening of the glue within the reservoir during long periods of nonuse.