Component carrier tape

Abstract

A flexible carrier tape used for protecting components while they are being transported, wherein the carrier tape comprise a strip portion having a component-receiving surface and first and second longitudinal edge surfaces. At least two side walls having inner and outer major surfaces extend upwardly from the component-receiving surface between the longitudinal edge surfaces forming at least one component-receiving area. The inner major surface of at least one side wall is inclined inwardly toward the component-receiving area, forming an angle greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees with the component-receiving surface of the carrier tape. When a component is placed in the component-receiving area, the inclined inner major surface advantageously exerts a force on the component that prevents the component from moving within or falling out of the component-receiving area. This obviates the need for an adhesive or cover tape to hold the component in place, and minimizes the possibility of contamination by adhesive residue and damage to the components by static electricity created by removal of the cover tape or movement of the components.