U.S. patent application number 11/683513 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for device for dispensing adhesive tape.
This patent application is currently assigned to Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien (Henkel KGaA). Invention is credited to Gerd DAFFERTSHOFER, Matthias RHODE.
Application Number | 20070170303 11/683513 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35057058 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070170303 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RHODE; Matthias ; et
al. |
July 26, 2007 |
DEVICE FOR DISPENSING ADHESIVE TAPE
Abstract
A table-top tape dispenser, wherein a removable receptacle
holding the tape roll is housed in a casing formed by an
interchangeable plate that covers the receptacle. The plate element
can be customized to display any selected mark or logo, or to add a
functional element to the dispenser.
Inventors: |
RHODE; Matthias; (41564
Kaarst, DE) ; DAFFERTSHOFER; Gerd; (41468 Neuss,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HENKEL CORPORATION
THE TRIAD, SUITE 200
2200 RENAISSANCE BLVD.
GULPH MILLS
PA
19406
US
|
Assignee: |
Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf
Aktien (Henkel KGaA)
Duesseldorf
DE
|
Family ID: |
35057058 |
Appl. No.: |
11/683513 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP05/08175 |
Jul 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
11683513 |
Mar 8, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
242/588 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2407/40 20130101;
B65H 35/0026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/588 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/02 20060101
B65D085/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 8, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 043 367.4 |
Claims
1. A device for dispensing adhesive tape, comprising a receptacle
for a roll of adhesive tape, a support for the roll of adhesive
tape that permits the tape to unwind, and a tearing aid for tearing
off a section of the tape, wherein the receptacle is at least
partially located in a housing that comprises at least one casing
and wherein the at least one casing of the housing is formed as an
interchangeably held plate element on the housing.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the plate element is removably
fixable on the housing.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the plate element can be clipped
on the housing.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the plate element comprises
plastic and at least one integrally molded positive locking element
and an integrally molded clippable element.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises two
opposite side walls each having an external side, the side walls
standing essentially perpendicular and being aligned essentially
parallel to the rotational plane of the roll of adhesive tape,
wherein each of the side walls has a casing on its external
side.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the external sides of the side
walls are inclined such that they run diagonally towards each
other.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein one or both of the side walls on
their external sides and their corresponding casings have an
inverted U-shape.
8. The device of claim 5, wherein the casings have a convex
shape.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein a shaft supports the roll of tape
within the receptacle.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the tearing aid comprises a
blade.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is free-standing and
can be placed upright and remain stationary on a flat surface.
12. The device of claim 6, wherein one or both of the side walls on
their external sides and their corresponding casings have an
inverted U-shape.
13. The device of claim 6, wherein the casings have a convex
shape.
14. The device of claim 7, wherein a shaft supports the roll of
tape within the receptacle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
365(c) and 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 of international application
PCT/EP2005/008175, filed Jul. 28, 2005. This application also
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 of DE 10 2004 043 367.4,
filed Sep. 8, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a device for dispensing adhesive
tape comprising a receptacle for a roll of adhesive tape,
preferably containing a shaft, which supports the roll of adhesive
tape and permits the latter to unwind, and a tearing aid,
preferably a blade, for tearing off a section of adhesive tape,
wherein the receptacle for the roll of adhesive tape is at least
partially located in a housing that is preferably configured as a
free-standing housing and can be placed on a table top or the
like.
[0003] A generic device of a similar type is sufficiently known in
the market, particularly as a tabletop unit.
[0004] A device of this non-modifiable type is usually offered for
sale and is used by the consumer in this way. When the device is
defective or is not liked for whatever reason, it is thrown away. A
shaft to support the adhesive roll in the receptacle is usually
inserted into the adhesive roll and then the adhesive roll,
together with the shaft, is placed in the receptacle. For this, the
shaft usually possesses shaft trunnions that can be installed from
above and fitted into an essentially slotted shaft trunnion
emplacement. Afterwards, a first end section of the free end of an
adhesive roll is led to a tearing aid and stuck with its own
adhesive in preparation for the tearing off of a section of
adhesive tape and for the required unreeling of the adhesive roll.
The housing of the device itself remains essentially untouched and
unchanged during these steps. The device is merely brought from one
place to another when needed, depending on where it will be
used.
[0005] The invention is based on the object of making the housing
of the device itself customizable, namely firstly from the
aesthetic point of view, secondly however, also possibly from the
technical and functional point of view.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by at
least one casing for the housing, which is formed essentially as an
interchangeably held plate element on the housing. According to the
invention, the housing can be advantageously customized or altered
by changing the plate element. In particular, this allows the
appearance of the housing to be changed, and to match the
surroundings in which it is intended to be mainly used. For
example, plate elements could be made available in different colors
to color match, for example the inventive device with various desk
articles, such as e.g. files, hole punches or the like. One could
imagine to match the inventive device with a "Corporate Identity".
This means that an inventive device can simply be matched with or
can be provided with company logos or the like. This is then
particularly interesting when this type of device is also intended
to be offered, for example as promotional gifts.
[0007] Because, according to the invention only the casings have to
be changed, the inventive device can be manufactured essentially
uniformly in high production runs; this brings corresponding cost
advantages. The "individual" casing can moreover be specially
prepared. For example, one can consider to already offer the
inventive device to the consumer with a range of casings, for
example with different colors, such that the client can choose his
own suitable colors and the casing for the device. Seasonal themes
can also be provided on the casing e.g. for Easter or Christmas.
The casings in question are preferably produced from plastic. As
the three-dimensional tool shape for this casing is also preferably
standardized, the casings can also be cheaply produced in large
quantities. For example, only the coloration of the plastic would
be changed, or the otherwise identically colored casings could, for
example, be provided with themes using suitable sufficiently known
techniques. In this way, especially a metallic or wood-grain
effect, for example, could also be produced.
[0008] Moreover, the inventive solution is also advantageous in
regard to the functionality. For example, an inventive device could
fall on the floor thus damaging the housing from cracks or breaks,
for example. Normally, this would not impair the actual function of
the device, only its appearance. This could be repaired by
exchanging appropriate casings, and thus all in all the lifetime of
the device could be increased.
[0009] A following development of the invention provides that the
plate element can be fixed on the housing and is removable. This
could be realized by means of known fasteners, such as, e.g.
screws. Preferably, however, the plate element can be clipped onto
or rested on the housing. Again, this can also be particularly
easily realized using plastic as the material. In particular, a
casing can be affixed in such a manner that it will not fall off in
any orientation of the device.
[0010] For this, the plate element for example, can be provided
with at least one positive locking element and/or a clippable
element. A sort of hook, for example, could be formed on the upper
edge of the plate element to suspend said plate element, and a
clippable element formed on a lower edge, in order that after
suspending the plate element it can be locked into place on the
housing due to the flexibility of the clippable element. Of course,
punctiform locking gudgeons or the like could also be provided, for
example.
[0011] A further development of the invention provides the housing
with two side walls opposite to each other that stand essentially
perpendicular or so and are aligned essentially parallel to the
rotational plane of an incorporated adhesive roll and that each of
these side walls has a casing on each of their external sides.
[0012] In an inventive device, the main surfaces of the housing are
usually formed by two side walls that are aligned essentially
parallel or so to an adhesive roll and extend essentially
perpendicularly, and have a greater lengthwise extension primarily
in the direction in which the adhesive tape is unrolled. In this
respect, according to the invention, these side walls should be
formed according to the invention as a casing. In this respect, the
casing does not have to extend over the whole side wall, but rather
can especially form a distinctive area of the side walls. The
casings can be identical on both sides, with the result that only
one tool or mold is required.
[0013] A further development of the invention stipulates that the
external sides of the side walls are inclined in such a manner that
they run diagonally upwards somewhat towards each other. In
particular, the side walls on their external sides and likewise the
assigned casings can each have essentially the shape of an inverted
U with filled out surfaces. Accordingly, the casing can also be
formed especially in the shape of a curved arch. In addition, the
casing can be designed to be curved, in a slightly convex manner
towards the exterior. These types of shapes increase the stability
of the casings, especially against impact with the floor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] An embodiment, from which further inventive features can
also result, is non-limiting in regard to the scope of the
invention, and is illustrated in the drawing. The drawings
show:
[0015] FIG. 1 an inventive device in a perspective side view,
[0016] FIG. 2 the device of FIG. 1 in the front elevation,
[0017] FIG. 3 the device of FIG. 1 in the view from the rear,
[0018] FIG. 4 the device of FIG. 1 in the top view,
[0019] FIG. 5 the device of FIG. 1 in the view from below,
[0020] FIG. 6 a perspective view of a casing removed from the
device of the previous Figures,
[0021] FIG. 7 the interior view of the casing of FIG. 6,
[0022] FIG. 8 a side view of the casing of FIG. 6,
[0023] FIG. 9 a top view of the casing of FIG. 6 and
[0024] FIG. 10 the view from below of the casing of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an inventive device, namely a tabletop unit for
dispensing adhesive tape, in a perspective side view.
[0026] The device shown comprises a free-standing housing with a
footprint 1 and a receptacle 2 for receiving a roll of adhesive
tape 3 that can be unwound. The receptacle 2 is located essentially
between two sections of side walls 4 of the free-standing housing.
A tearing aid (not shown in detail) for a section of adhesive tape
7 from the adhesive roll of tape 3 is located at the upper end of a
front panel 5 of the free-standing housing. The section of adhesive
tape 7 that is stuck by adhesion with its free end in the area of
the apron can be grasped. By pulling the section of adhesive tape
7, the roll of adhesive tape 3 can be further unwound and the free
section of adhesive tape 7 that then projects further than the
apron 6 can be torn off with the help of the tearing aid, wherein
the section of the adhesive roll 7 remaining on the roll of
adhesive tape 3 is again stretched and sticks to the area of the
apron 6 as is shown in FIG. 1. A shaft 8 (that cannot be seen in
FIG. 1) for unwinding the roll of adhesive tape 3, is located in
the receptacle 2 (FIG. 3).
[0027] A central arch-shaped and the respective side wall 4 of the
distinctive convex area of the side wall 4 is formed as the
removable essentially plate-like casing 9. Accordingly, this area
of the respective side wall 4 can be exchanged for another or
identical casing element 9 that has, for example another color,
another theme and/or for instance another shape, for example an
embossment.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows the frontal view of the device of FIG. 1.
Identical components are designated with the same reference
numerals as in FIG. 1 and as in the other Figures as well.
[0029] The convex curved shape of the casing 9 can be particularly
observed in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows the view of the back of the device of FIG. 1.
In this Figure, the casings 9 can again be observed from the side,
as well as the shaft 8 inserted with its trunnions in the shaft
holding slot 10.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows the top view of the device of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows the view from below of the device of FIG. 1. In
this view from below, particularly the clippable or lockable
elements 11 of the casings 9 can be observed, with which the
casings 9 are fixed to the underneath 1 of the device. In this
view, in particular one can observe that the casings 9 are
essentially plate-like.
[0033] FIG. 6 shows a casing 9 in a perspective view. The design
and the shape of the locking element 11 can also be more clearly
seen in this view.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows an interior view of a casing 9 of FIG. 6.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the casing 9 of FIG. 6.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows the top view of a casing 9 of FIG. 6. In this
view the beginning of the slot 10 for the shaft 8 can be
particularly observed. Above all, by comparing with FIG. 4, in this
top view one can observe which areas of the device are components
of the casing 9.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows the view from below of the casing 9.
[0038] As used herein, and in particular as used herein to define
the elements of the claims that follow, the articles "a" and "an"
are synonymous and used interchangeably with "at least one" or "one
or more," disclosing or encompassing both the singular and the
plural, unless specifically defined otherwise. The conjunction "or"
is used herein in its inclusive disjunctive sense, such that
phrases formed by terms conjoined by "or" disclose or encompass
each term alone as well as any combination of terms so conjoined,
unless specifically defined otherwise.
* * * * *