U.S. patent application number 11/972947 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for adhesive tape dispenser and applicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to HENKEL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Dan Dureiko, Michael J. Maczuzak, Erin Q. Riddell.
Application Number | 20090179061 11/972947 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40849784 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090179061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dureiko; Dan ; et
al. |
July 16, 2009 |
ADHESIVE TAPE DISPENSER AND APPLICATOR
Abstract
A one handed reusable tape dispenser and applicator comprises
side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall which may be flexed to
allow loading of a roll of tape through an open front. Further, the
tape dispenser is provided with tabs, a button and a pressing bar
which present a leading length of tape in an arched condition
across its width extending forwardly from the dispenser ready to be
applied to a substrate.
Inventors: |
Dureiko; Dan; (Cleveland
Hts., OH) ; Maczuzak; Michael J.; (Bratenahl, OH)
; Riddell; Erin Q.; (Bay Village, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY SHARPE/HENKEL
1228 Euclid Avenue, 5th Floor, The Halle Building
Cleveland
OH
44115-1843
US
|
Assignee: |
HENKEL CORPORATION
Gulph Mills
PA
|
Family ID: |
40849784 |
Appl. No.: |
11/972947 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
225/46 ;
225/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 35/0073 20130101;
Y10T 225/246 20150401; Y10T 225/257 20150401; B65H 35/0033
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
225/46 ;
225/56 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/672 20060101
B65D085/672; B65D 85/67 20060101 B65D085/67 |
Claims
1. A tape dispenser adapted to dispense tape from a roll of tape
carried on a hollow cylindrical tape core, said tape dispenser
comprising: a first side wall having an inwardly facing surface, an
outwardly facing surface, a tape core support portion having at
least one tape core support element projecting from said inwardly
facing surface, and a cutter support portion extending from said
tape core support portion; a second side wall having an inwardly
facing surface, an outwardly facing surface, a tape core support
portion having at least one tape core support element projecting
from said inwardly facing surface, and a cutter support portion
extending from said tape core support portion; a top
interconnecting wall generally perpendicular to said first side
wall and said second side wall and extending between the cutter
support portions of said first side wall and said second side wall,
said top interconnecting wall having a distal end a first distance
from said tape core support elements and a proximal end a second
distance from said tape core support elements, said first distance
greater than said second distance; a cutter extending between said
first side wall and said second side wall proximate said top
interconnecting wall distal end; said first side wall extending
beyond said cutter a third distance and said first side wall distal
end terminating in a smoothly curved distal surface; said second
side wall extending beyond said cutter said third distance and said
second side wall distal end terminating in a smoothly curved distal
surface whereby a substrate is protected when tape is cut from said
roll of tape by action of said cutter when said dispenser is
rotated with said side wall distal ends in contact with said
substrate wherein said first side wall has a first thickness,
second side wall has said first thickness and said first side wall
distal edge has a width greater than said first thickness adjacent
said cutter and said second side wall distal edge has a width
greater than said first thickness adjacent said cutter.
2. The tape dispenser of claim 1 wherein said distal edges are
thickest adjacent said cutter.
3. The tape dispenser of claim 2 wherein each side wall distal edge
has a width at least twice as large as said first thickness
adjacent said cutter.
4. The tape dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a pressing bar
generally perpendicular to said first side wall and said second
side wall and extending between the cutter support portions of said
first side wall and said second side wall, said pressing bar being
parallel to and below said cutter, said pressing bar having a
smooth surface facing downwardly and forwardly at the lower distal
edges of said first and second side wall distal portions, said
pressing bar being adapted to press a portion of tape against a
substrate adjacent said cutter.
5. The tape dispenser of claim 4 further comprising a first tape
retaining tab extending inwardly from said lower distal edge of
said first side wall cutter support portion closer to said tape
core support element than said pressing bar and adjacent said
pressing bar, a second tape retaining tab extending inwardly from
said lower distal edge of said second side wall cutter support
portion closer to said tape core support element than said pressing
bar and adjacent said pressing bar, said first and second tape
retaining tabs having generally flat coplanar upper surfaces, and a
narrow button extending downwardly and rearwardly from said
pressing bar, said button being spaced from said first side wall
and said second side wall, said button having a lower surface
extending below the upper surfaces of said tabs whereby a length of
tape in said dispenser will be held in an arch across its width
when adjacent said tabs and button.
6. The tape dispenser of claim 5 further comprising a tab extension
extending inwardly from one of said first and second tabs, said tab
extension being below said tabs whereby a length of tape may be
easily threaded through said tabs and button but securely retained
between said tabs and button.
7. The tape dispenser of claim 6 wherein said tabs upper surfaces
are textured.
8. The tape dispenser of claim 7 wherein a gap exists between said
tabs.
9. The tape dispenser of claim 1 wherein said first side wall, said
second side wall and said top wall are an integral molded plastic
structure.
10. The tape dispenser of claim 1 wherein said second side wall is
generally a mirror images of said first side wall.
11. A tape dispenser adapted to dispense tape from a roll of tape
carried on a hollow cylindrical tape core, said tape dispenser
comprising: a first side wall having an inwardly facing surface, an
outwardly facing surface, a tape core support portion having at
least one tape core support element projecting from said inwardly
facing surface, and a cutter support portion extending from said
tape core support portion; a second side wall having an inwardly
facing surface, an outwardly facing surface, a tape core support
portion having at least one tape core support element projecting
from said inwardly facing surface, and a cutter support portion
extending from said tape core support portion; a top
interconnecting wall generally perpendicular to said first side
wall and said second side wall and extending between the cutter
support portions of said first side wall and said second side wall,
said top interconnecting wall having a distal end a first distance
from said tape core support elements and a proximal end a second
distance from said tape core support elements, said first distance
greater than said second distance; a cutter extending between said
first side wall and said second side wall proximate said top
interconnecting wall distal end; a bottom interconnecting wall
generally perpendicular to said first side wall and said second
side wall and extending between the tape core support portions of
said first side wall and said second side wall; said first side
wall tape core support portion, said second side wall tape core
support portion, said top interconnecting wall and said bottom
interconnecting wall defining a roll of tape containing volume,
said roll of tape containing volume having an open front adapted to
permit the insertion of a roll of tape into said roll of tape
containing volume.
12. The tape dispenser of claim 11 wherein said bottom
interconnecting wall is generally planar.
13. The tape dispenser of claim 12 wherein said first side wall and
said second side wall are sufficiently resilient (flexible) to
allow said first side wall and said second side wall to flex away
from one another a distance sufficient to allow the loading of a
roll of tape onto said tape core support elements when said top
interconnecting wall and said bottom interconnecting wall are
compressed toward one another.
14. The tape dispenser of claim 13 wherein said first side wall,
said second side wall, said top interconnecting wall and said
bottom interconnecting wall are an integral molded plastic
structure.
15. The tape dispenser of claim 14 wherein first side wall has an
upper edge with a rear portion, said second side wall has an upper
edge with a rear portion, said top interconnecting wall terminates
above said roll of tape containing volume such that said first side
upper edge rear portion and said second side wall upper edge rear
portion are not connected.
16. The tape dispenser of claim 15 wherein said first side wall has
a forward edge and a forward opening unshaped slot opening on said
forward edge and said second side wall has a forward edge and a
forward opening unshaped slot opening on said forward edge, said
forward opening slots facilitating the flexing of said first side
wall and said second side wall for loading a roll of tape.
17. The tape dispenser of claim 16 wherein said bottom
interconnecting wall and said top interconnecting wall converge
toward one another from front to rear.
18. The tape dispenser of claim 17 wherein said bottom
interconnecting wall has a rear end and a central gap in said
bottom interconnecting wall rear end.
19. The tape dispenser of claim 18 further comprising a rear wall
extending between said first side wall tape core support portion
and said second side wall tape core support portion, said rear wall
having a slot extending in a plane parallel to said first side wall
and said second side wall from said bottom interconnecting wall gap
through the entire rear wall.
20. The tape dispenser of claim 19 wherein said first side wall has
a rearward edge and at least one rearward slot adjacent said
rearward edge and said second side wall has a rearward edge and at
least one rearward slot adjacent said rearward edge, said rearward
slots facilitating the flexing of said first side wall and said
second side wall for loading a roll of tape.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to adhesive tape dispensers made of
molded plastic from which tape may be dispensed and severed from a
roll of tape supported on the dispenser.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Adhesive tape is used in great quantities by consumers and
by businesses. Adhesive tape is used in packaging, mailing, gift
wrapping, and numerous other applications in factories, and
businesses and by the consumers at home. One widely used type of
adhesive tape is transparent adhesive tape which is used by
businesses and consumers in stationery applications, gift wrapping,
craft projects and the like. Transparent adhesive tape is often
supplied in rolls having a width of one-half or three-quarters of
an inch and a length of several yards. The tape comprises a plastic
film strip with adhesive on one side. The tape is wound upon a core
which is often a cardboard cylinder or a plastic cylinder. The core
normally has a hollow center of uniform diameter. Rolls of
transparent adhesive tape are sold to businesses and consumers as
is for mounting on reusable tape dispensers. Such tape dispensers
are common in office environments in which a heavy tape dispenser
is a frequent desk accessory and is also frequently available at
mailing stations. Rolls of transparent adhesive tape are also
frequently sold on dispensers. Many rolls of transparent adhesive
tape are sold on single use dispensers having a single side wall, a
flat base, a cutter support extending from the base, a hub
extending from the side wall, and a merchandising card on the side
of the hub opposite the side wall. Such single use tape dispensers
are often seen on pegs in drug stores and general merchandise
stores. The consumer purchases the tape dispenser, removes a
portion of the merchandising card, and is left with a tape
dispenser suitable for sitting a flat surface such as a table. The
consumer can remove a length of tape and apply it to a substrate
with the consumer's fingers. Thus, the dispenser is a dispenser,
not an applicator.
[0003] Other tape dispensers, particularly those used with two inch
wide packaging tape, also function as applicators. These dispensers
often comprise two generally flat side walls each of which has a
hub projecting inwardly from the side wall. The side walls extend
away from the hub in one direction and are interconnected by a flat
piece. The end of the flat piece away from the hubs often bears a
cutter for severing a piece of tape. A roll of tape is supported on
the hubs on the side walls. The end of the length of tape on the
roll is fed along the cross piece and can be applied to a
substrate, such as a package, by pulling the dispenser along the
substrate. When sufficient tape has been applied, the cutter at the
end of the cross piece is used to sever the dispensed length of
tape. Such dispenser/applicators often include various additional
pieces addressing problems with dispensing tape. Such dispensers in
various configurations have been available for several years,
especially in the two inch packaging tape width.
[0004] Rolls of tape on dispensers are popular with consumers.
Consumers do not always use tape on a daily basis. Therefore,
consumers often do not have heavy reusable tape dispensers as a
desk accessory. Consumers often prefer to keep a roll of
transparent adhesive tape on a dispenser in a drawer or the like.
Thus, transparent adhesive tape on a dispenser is a popular
consumer product.
[0005] Many consumer products are price sensitive. An inexpensive
product which provides good functionality has an advantage when
compared to a product providing the same functionality at a higher
cost. The cost of manufacturing is therefore is therefore an
important characteristic of a product such as a roll of tape on a
tape dispenser. Part count, method of manufacture, and choice of
materials can have a significant impact on the cost of a consumer
product. Providing a tape dispenser and tape of high quality, with
good features and at a low price is a challenge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention contemplates a new and improved tape
dispenser which overcomes the above problems and others. The
present invention provides a tape dispenser for adhesive which also
acts as an applicator and which is inexpensive to manufacture.
[0007] In accordance with the invention there is provided a tape
dispenser for tape carried upon a hollow cylindrical tape core, the
tape dispenser having a first side wall having inwardly facing hub
elements, a second side wall having inwardly facing hub elements,
an interconnecting top wall generally perpendicular to the first
and second side walls and extending between the two side walls with
a cutter supported on the top wall remote from the hub portions,
the portions of the side walls adjacent the cutter extending beyond
the cutter and being provided with thickened portions such that the
width of the side walls is greater at the edges adjacent the
cutter.
[0008] Further in accordance with the invention, a pressing bar
generally parallel to the cutter extends between the cutter support
portions of the first side wall and the second side wall parallel
to, below, and behind the cutter, the pressing bar having a smooth
surface facing downwardly and forwardly and being adapted to press
tape downwardly upon a substrate and apply tape to that
substrate.
[0009] Yet further in accordance with the invention, tape retaining
tabs extend inwardly from each of said side walls, the tape
retaining tabs having upper surfaces somewhat lower than the
pressing surface of the pressing bar and positioned adjacent the
pressing bar, between the pressing bar and the roll of tape to be
dispensed.
[0010] Still further in accordance with the invention a central
button projects downwardly from the pressing bar toward the roll of
tape and into the gap between the two tape retaining tabs, said
tabs and button adapted to urge a length of tape into a downwardly
bulging arch in the area adjacent the pressing bar.
[0011] Yet further in accordance with the invention, a tab
extension extends downwardly and laterally from one of the tape
retaining tabs below the gap between the two tape retaining tabs
but maintaining a space between the tab extension and the other of
the tabs wherein the length of tape can be threaded into position
above the tabs and securely maintained in that position by the tabs
and the tab extension.
[0012] Still further in accordance with the invention, the tape
dispenser, with the possible exception of a metallic cutting bar,
is a unitary plastic molded structure.
[0013] Still further in accordance with the present invention, a
tape dispenser is provided having two side walls and a top
interconnecting wall, the top interconnecting wall bearing a cutter
on its distal end, the two side walls also interconnected by a
bottom interconnecting wall generally perpendicular to the side
walls and extending between them, the top interconnecting wall, the
bottom interconnecting wall, and the two side walls forming a roll
of tape containing volume opening to the front and adapted to
permit the insertion of a roll tape into the dispenser from the
front.
[0014] Still further in accordance with the present invention, the
bottom interconnecting wall is generally planar and adapted to form
a base allowing the tape dispenser to stand upon the bottom
interconnecting wall stably.
[0015] Still further in accordance with the present invention, the
top interconnecting wall and the bottom interconnecting wall
diverge from one another from back to front and, when pressed
together, are adapted to cause the side walls to bulge away from
one another facilitating the loading of a roll of tape.
[0016] Yet, further in accordance with the present invention, the
two side walls are provided with slots facilitating the bulging
apart and loading of a roll of tape.
[0017] It is a principal object of the present invention to provide
a tape dispenser for adhesive tape which also acts as an applicator
and is usable with a single hand.
[0018] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a tape applicator which is adapted to hold an end of the roll of
tape extending from the front of the tape applicator in a ready to
use position.
[0019] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a tape dispenser which can be used with one hand by
grasping the tape applicator, applying the end of the supported
tape to a substrate, pressing the tape into position with a
pressing bar, applying a selected amount of tape, and rotating the
tape dispenser to cut off the applied tape and at the same time
present a leading end for further applications of length of
tape.
[0020] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a tape dispenser which supports the end of a roll of tape to be
dispensed with the end arched and projecting straight away from the
front of the dispenser.
[0021] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a tape dispenser which has an enlarged forward area
allowing one to dispense and cut off tape while holding down
delicate substrates such as wrapping paper without ripping
them.
[0022] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a tape dispenser which can be reloaded by holding an
compressing the dispenser in one hand and inserting a roll of tape
with the other hand.
[0023] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a tape dispenser, roll of tape combination, which is inexpensive to
manufacture, has superior operational characteristics which are
readily visible to the consumer, and which is easy to
merchandise.
[0024] Further objects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments thereof and from the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be
describe in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings
which form a part hereof and wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rear of the tape
dispenser and roll of tape of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front of the tape
dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the tape dispenser of FIG.
1;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the tape dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the tape dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a front view of the tape dispenser of FIG. 1 with
a roll of tape in place;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a top view of the tape dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a perspective of the front of the tape dispenser
of FIG. 1 shown without a roll of tape;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 with the near side half
of the tape dispenser cut away to show internal components;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 with a (half) roll of
tape installed on the dispenser and the leading end of the tape
threaded in the dispenser;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 with a (half) roll of
tape installed on the dispenser without the leading end of the tape
threaded in the dispenser;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tape dispenser in use
applying tape to a substrate;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 8 with a roll
of tape mounted in the dispenser;
[0039] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing the side walls
bulging outwardly allowing the insertion of a roll of tape;
[0040] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing a roll of tape
about to be inserted into the dispenser;
[0041] FIG. 16 is a view from the lower front of the dispenser
showing the sidewall bulging outwardly;
[0042] FIG. 17 is a view from the upper front of the dispenser
showing the sidewalls bulging outwardly.
[0043] FIG. 18 is a enlarged detail of the tape retaining tabs of
the dispenser seen in FIG. 1; and,
[0044] FIG. 19 is a cross section of a tab taken along line 19-19
of FIG. 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0045] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
the purposes of illustrating a detailed description only and not
for the purposes of limiting the claims, the figures show a tape
dispenser 10 for a roll of tape 12. The tape dispenser 10 has a
right side wall 16, a left side wall 18, a top interconnecting wall
20, rear wall segments 22, 72 and a bottom interconnecting wall 24.
The right side wall 16 has an inwardly facing surface and an
outwardly facing surface. The right side wall 16 includes a tape
core support portion 30 and a cutter support portion 32 extending
from the tape core support portion 30. The inwardly facing surface
of the right side wall 16 supports three inwardly extending tape
core support elements 34, 36, 38. (See FIGS. 15-17) The tape core
support elements, also called hub elements, are short curved
inwardly extending protrusions with axially extending curved
surfaces forming short portions a circle of a diameter slightly
less than the interior diameter of the tape core of the roll of
tape to be supported.
[0046] With respect to the elements thus far described, and most
elements of the side walls, the left side wall 18 is the mirror
image of the right side wall 16. Thus, the left side wall 18
comprises a left side wall tape core support portion 50, a left
side wall cutter support portion 52, and three inwardly extending
tape core support elements 54, 56, 58.
[0047] For purposes of this description, the tape dispense
orientation will be presumed to be with the bottom interconnecting
wall 24 on the bottom, the top interconnecting wall 20 on the top,
the portion of the top interconnecting wall 20 most remote from the
roll of tape 12 being the front, the portion of the dispenser most
remote from the cutter being the back. The inside surfaces of the
right side wall 16 and the left side wall 18 face toward one
another and "inwardly" means facing toward the mid plane between
the planes of the two side walls 16 and 18. The axis of the tape
dispenser is coincident with the axis of the roll of tape 12 and is
thus perpendicular to the side wall 16 and 18 and the mid plane of
the dispenser. A line perpendicular to the mid plane of the
dispenser will be described as parallel to the axis of the
dispenser and thus parallel to the axis of the tape roll 12.
[0048] The two side walls are generally planar and the planes of
the two side walls are generally parallel to one another. A slight
amount of "draft" from back to front may be provided to ease
manufacturing.
[0049] The top interconnecting wall 20 is gently curved from back
to front but flat from side to side.
[0050] The tape roll 12 is conventional. It comprises a core,
either cardboard or plastic, having a hollow cylindrical interior;
and, a long length of tape wound upon the core in many turns. In
the preferred embodiment the tape is 3/4 inch wide plastic
transparent adhesive tape. Adhesive is carried on one side of the
tape, the inside as rolled upon the core. The roll of tape and the
tape core are generally symmetrical about a central axis. When the
roll of tape 12 is mounted in the tape dispenser 10, the inside
surface of the tape core rides upon the axially outwardly facing
curved surfaces of the tape core support elements 34, 36, 38, 54,
56, 58. The axially outwardly facing surfaces of the tape core
support elements form small segments of a circle slightly smaller
than the inside of the tape core having an axis 60 generally
coaxial with the axis of the roll of tape 12. Of course, the roll
of tape has some slight play with respect to the tape core support
elements. The axis of the roll of tape will sometimes be only
generally coaxial with the axis 60 of the tape dispenser 10.
[0051] The bottom interconnecting wall 24 is continuous over a
portion of its length from the right side wall 16 to the left side
wall 18. Likewise, the top interconnecting wall 20 is continuous
over at least a portion of its length from the right side wall 16
to the left side wall 18. Thus, the right side wall 16 and the left
side wall 18 are held a predetermined distance apart. In the
preferred embodiment, the inside surfaces of the right side wall
and the left side wall are spaced slightly greater than 3/4 inch
apart. This allows a 3/4 inch width roll of tape to be carried upon
the tape for support elements 34, 36, 38, 54, 56, 58 and freely
rotate while still being supported closely enough so as not to
escape from the dispenser 10.
[0052] Looking in more detail at the tape core support elements,
(FIGS. 15, 16, 17), the lower forward tape core support elements
34, 54 have a curved axially outwardly facing surfaces which curve
downwardly towards the rear. These curves are a portion of a circle
having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the inside of
the tape core described above. These axially outwardly facing
surfaces can vary from a circular shape. The very forward edge 66
of the lower forward tape core support elements 34, 54 is generally
perpendicular to the side wall just adjacent to the side wall and
curves to the rear with increasing distance from the side wall
providing a smooth transition to a straight edge parallel to the
side wall over most of the length of the tape core support
element.
[0053] The upper forward tape core support elements 36, 56 also
have a forward edges 67 generally perpendicular to the side wall
adjacent to the side wall but curving to the rear remote from the
side wall. The rearward tape core support elements 38, 58 have
curved exterior surfaces facing the rear of the dispenser. A
tapered ramp 68 extends from the forward side of the rearward tape
core support elements and tapers to the inside surface of the side
walls. The curved forward edges 66 and tapered ramp 68 facilitate
the loading of a roll of tape into the tape dispenser 10.
[0054] Rear wall segments 22, 72 extend from the rear of the right
side wall tape core support portion 30 and left side wall tape core
support portion 50 respectively. The rear wall segments 22, 72
extend inwardly toward the central plane of the tape dispenser. The
rear wall segments 22, 72 stop just short of the central plane of
the dispenser. Thus, the real wall segments 22, 72 are not
continuous but are distinct one from the other. A long narrow slot
or gap 76 is present along the central plane of the dispenser
between the two rear wall segments 22, 72. The rear wall segments
22, 72 are curved with a radius of curvature about the axis of the
tape dispenser 60 slightly larger than the radius of the largest
roll of tape expected to be used with the tape dispenser 10. The
bottom edges of the rear wall segments 22, 72 join the bottom
interconnecting wall 24. The bottom interconnecting wall 24 is
provided with a central, trapezoidal opening 78 (FIG. 16) at its
center rear which joins long narrow slot 76 between the rear wall
segments 22, 72.
[0055] The rear wall segments 22, 72 end at a large opening 80
extending from the right side wall 16 to the left side wall 18 at
the top rear of the side wall tape core support portions 32,
34.
[0056] The forward edge of the side wall tape core support portions
30, 32 are gently curved in their lower portions leading to forward
opening U-shaped recesses 82, 84 in the right side wall tape core
support portion 30 and the left side wall tape core support portion
50. The side wall cutter support portions 32, 52 extend from the
tape core support portions 30, 50 above these U-shaped recesses 82,
84.
[0057] Additionally, a pair of rear slots 86, 88 extend rearwardly
across the rear 1/3 of the right side wall tape core support
portion 30 to and into the right rear wall segment 72. A parallel
pair of rear slots 92, 94 extend through the rear portions of the
left side wall tape core support portion 52 into the left rear wall
segment 74.
[0058] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom interconnecting
wall 24 and the top interconnecting wall 20 diverge from one
another in the forward direction.
[0059] The bottom interconnecting wall 24, the side wall tape core
support portions 30, 50, the rear wall segments 72, 74 and a
portion of the top interconnecting wall 20 define a tape roll
containing volume 100.
[0060] A roll of tape can be inserted into the tape roll containing
volume 100 by pressing the bottom interconnecting wall 24 toward
the top interconnecting wall 20. This is conveniently done with the
thumb and forefinger of one hand. This pressing causes the side
wall, particularly the tape core support portions 30, 50 of the
side walls to bulge outwardly from one another moving the tape core
support elements 34, 36, 38 on the one side wall away from the tape
core support elements 54, 56, 58 on the other side wall, as seen in
FIGS. 14, 16 and 18. The curved and ramped forward facing elements
described above guide a roll of tape past the support elements when
a user places the roll of tape into the dispenser with the other
hand. Thus, as seen in FIG. 15, a user compresses the top wall 20
toward the bottom wall 24 causing the side walls to bulge
outwardly. The roll of tape is moved toward the dispenser. When the
roll of tape is properly aligned with the interior of the tape
core, concentric with the tape core support elements, (FIGS. 14, 16
and 17) pressure on the bottom interconnecting wall 24 and top
interconnecting wall 20 can be released. The side walls spring back
toward one another and the tape core support elements 34, 36 38,
54, 56, 58 enter into the tape core and restrain and hold the tape
core within the tape roll containing volume 100. (FIGS. 13, 1 and
2) The tape roll is supported but allowed to rotate.
[0061] With reference to FIG. 1, the right side wall cutter support
portion 32 is generally coplanar with and extends from the upper
forward portion of the right side wall tape core support portion
30. In a similar manner, the left side wall cutter support portion
52 extends from the upper forward portion of the left side wall
tape core support portion 50. The top interconnecting wall 20
extends between the top edges of the right side wall cutter support
portion 32 and the left side wall cutter support portion 52. These
three elements, as well as the elements previously described
forming the tape roll containing volume 100, are all integrally
molded as a unitary plastic part.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 5-13, the inside surfaces of the side
wall cutter support portions 32, 52 and the element connected
thereto can be seen. A right tape retaining tab 112 extends
inwardly from the right side wall cutter support portion 32.
Similarly, a left tape retaining tab 114 extends inwardly from the
left side wall cutter support portion 52. The two tape retaining
tabs 112, 114 are mirror images of one another.
[0063] With respect to the cutter support portions 32, 52 and the
elements associated with the cutter support portions 32, 52 the
terms proximal and distal will be used. Proximal refers to that
portion of an element closer to the axis of the tape dispenser 60
and the roll of tape 12. Distal means that portion of an element
more distant from the axis of the tape dispenser 60 and the roll of
tape 12.
[0064] The tape retaining tabs 112, 114 have curved proximal ends
116, 118 and straight distal ends 120, 122. The tabs extend
inwardly to inward edges 124, 126. The inward edges have a distal
portion which is generally parallel to the side walls and a
proximal portion which curves to merge with the tab proximal ends
116, 118. The tabs extend inwardly from the side walls toward the
central plane of the dispenser but do not meet. Rather a
substantial gap is left between the two tabs 112, 114. The tabs
each extend toward the other side wall a distance between one
quarter of the spacing between the two side walls and one third the
spacing between the two side walls. Thus, a gap between the two
tabs 112 and 114 of one third the distance between the interior
surfaces of the two side walls or slightly greater is created.
[0065] FIGS. 18 and 19 show the tabs 112 and 114 in more detail.
The right tab top surface 130 and the left tab top surface 132 are
best seen in FIG. 18. The distal portions 131, 133, tab top
surfaces 130, 132 are textured rather than having a polished,
smooth surface. Moreover, the proximal portion of the top surfaces
127, 128 of the tabs angles downwardly toward their proximal edges.
These two structures allow a length of tape to slide along the tab
top surfaces 130, 132 more easily than if the tab top surfaces were
not textured and were fully in the plane of tape movement.
[0066] A pressing bar 134 extends from the right side wall cutter
support portion 32 to the left side wall cutter support portion 52
parallel to the axis of the tape dispenser 60. The pressing bar 134
is positioned somewhat forward of the tabs 112, 113 and slightly
above the top surface of the tabs 130, 132. The pressing bar 134
serves two functions. The forward lower surface 136 of the pressing
bar is smooth, gently curved and has a uniform profile across its
entire width from the right side wall to the left side wall. The
forward lower surface 136 of the pressing bar 134 extends a slight
distance below the lower edges of the rights side wall cutter
support portion 32 and the left side wall cutter support portion
52. This allows the pressing bar to be used to press a length of
tape against a substrate as will be hereinafter described.
[0067] The pressing bar 134 also supports a button 140 which
extends downwardly and rearwardly from the center of the pressing
bar 134. The button 140 has a smooth rounded lower surface which
extends downwardly into the gap between the tabs 112 and 114. The
pressing bar 140 has a width less than one third the distance
between the two side walls 16, 18.
[0068] A tab extension extends downwardly from the proximal portion
of one of the tabs 112, 114. In the illustrated dispenser, the tab
extension 142 extends from the left tape retaining tab. However,
the tab extension could just as effectively extend from the right
tape retaining tab. The tab extension 142 extends below the plane
of the tabs 112, 114 and substantially below the button 140. The
tab extension 142 does not contact the other of the tape retaining
tabs 112, 114. Thus, as seen in FIG. 6, there is a gap between the
end 144 of the tab extension 142 and the right tape retaining tab
112.
[0069] As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 9, a bar 150 containing a slot
extends from the right side wall cutter support portion 32 to the
left side wall cutter support portion 52 above the pressing bar 134
and forward of the pressing bar. A cutter 154 is secured in the
slot. The cutter 154 and bar 150 are near the top of the cutter
support portions 32, 52 and near the forward ends of the cutter
support portions 32, 52. However, side wall cutter support portions
32, 52 extend slightly beyond the forward edge 156 of the cutter
154. The forward edge 156 of the cutter 154 is serrated and
sharpened and capable of cutting tape.
[0070] The right side wall cutter support portion 32 and the left
side wall cutter support portion extend forwardly of the forward
edge of the cutter 156. The forward edges 162, 164 of the side wall
cutter support portions 32, 52 extend beyond the forward edge 156
of the cutter 154. The cutter support forward edges, 162, 164 are
curved with their most forward points being close to the cutter
154. Moreover, the forward edges 162, 164 are widened when compared
to the thickness of the rest of the side walls 16, 18. Thus, in the
preferred embodiment, the forward edges 162, 164 have a maximum
width, that is the dimension measured parallel to the axis of the
dispenser 60 and the cutter 154, which is generally at least twice
the thickness of the side walls elsewhere in the dispenser. This
width varies and tapers over the forward edges of the side walls
162, 164. Thus, at the bottom of the forward edges 162, 164
adjacent the forward lower surface 136 of the pressing bar 134, the
width of the forward edge is only slightly greater than the
adjacent thickness of the side walls. The width of the forward edge
gradually increases to its maximum adjacent the cutter 154 and
forward of the cutter 154 and then tapers back to a smaller value
as the forward edges reach the top edge of connecting wall 20. The
forward edges 162, 164 are generally transversely flat and smooth.
The widened forward edges protect delicate substrates from being
torn in operation of the tape dispenser as will be hereinafter
described.
[0071] The above-described structures support operation of the
dispenser as follows. A roll of tape 12 may be inserted into the
dispenser 10 by pressing the top interconnecting wall 20 and the
bottom interconnecting wall 24 toward one another. As previously
described, this causes the side walls 16, 18 to bulge away from one
another increasing the distance between the tape core support
portions 30, 32, 34, 50, 52, 54. The roll of tape 12 is inserted
into the tape roll containing volume 100 and pressure on the top
wall 20 and bottom wall 24 released allowing the dispenser to
engage the roll of tape 12. The end of the tape 170 is separated
from the roll of tape 12 and the leading length of tape 172 is
pulled from its adhered position on the tape roll 12. This leading
length of tape is threaded over the tab extension 142 and tabs 112,
114 (FIG. 2). The leading length of tape 172 is threaded beneath
the pressing bar 134 and the button 140. Because the button 140
extends below the top surfaces of the tabs 112, 114, the leading
length of tape 172 is forced into a curved or arched configuration
across its width (FIGS. 2 and 6) with the center of the length of
tape below the edges of the length of tape. Because the length of
tape 172 is arched across its width it is biased into a straight
configuration along its length and the forward portion and tape end
172 extend forwardly beyond the pressing bar 134 and thus beyond
the side walls 16, 18 (FIGS. 2 and 10). The tape dispenser is ready
for use. Alternatively, the tape dispenser is ready for being
positioned at rest with the bottom interconnecting wall 24 resting
on a flat surface and the tape held upwardly and away from other
surfaces extending from the front of the dispenser 10 (FIG. 1).
[0072] To dispense tape, a user grasps the tape dispenser 10 with a
thumb on one of the tape core support portions 30, 50, an index
finger on the top interconnecting wall 20 and some or all of
remaining fingers on the other of the side wall tape core support
portions 30, 50 (FIG. 12). This provides a comfortable and
controlled grip upon the tape dispenser with the leading tape end
170 positioned just forwardly of the tip of the index finger. The
user may then apply tape to a portion of a substrate such as two
overlapping portions of wrapping paper on a gift. By angling the
tape dispenser 10 downwardly, the tape end 170 is presented and
applied to the substrate and the pressing bar 134 engages the
leading length of tape 172 on the substrate at a selected location.
The tape dispenser 10 is then drawn in the rearward direction of
the tape dispenser with the pressing bar 134 applied to the leading
length of tape 172 on the substrate. Because the tape dispenser is
conveniently used one handed, the user may steady and position the
substrate with the other hand. The tape dispenser 10 is drawn along
the substrate for the distance requiring tape. The user may then
rotate the tape dispenser while maintaining the pressing bar 134
and then the forward edges 162, 164 of the side walls 16, 18 in
contact with the tape and/or substrate. The rotation is in the
direction which takes the top interconnecting wall 20 into a
vertical position and then slightly past the vertical position.
Longitudinal movement of the tape dispenser can also be continued
along the substrate during this rotation. The two widened side wall
forward edges 162, 164 slide along and hold the substrate, such as
delicate wrapping paper, away from the cutter 150 while the
rotation and longitudinal motion of the dispenser 10 pulls the tape
upwardly into contact with the cutter 154, severing it. For
particularly delicate substrates, such as light tissue paper, the
forward motion as well as rotation provides a short length of tape
which has not been pressed down by the pressing bar 134 between the
substrate and the cutter 154 protecting the substrate. After the
applied piece of tape is cut off, the tape dispenser is pulled up
and it is ready for subsequent use. A short length of tape (again
referred to as 172) extends forward of the pressing bar ready for
application to a substrate. This length of tape is maintained in a
transverse arched shape by the action of the tabs and button
described above. This length of tape is restrained from falling
away from the tabs 112, 114 by the tab extension 142.
[0073] The tab extension 142 acts as a tape lock. Should the
leading length of tape 172 shift laterally toward one side wall or
the other, it may become disengaged from one or the other of the
tabs 112, 114. The adhesive side of the length of tape 172 is then
likely to engage the tab extension 142 rather than completely
leaving the threaded state. The user may then easily rethread the
length of tape 172 and continue use.
[0074] Additionally, if a user lays the dispenser down with the
cutter support portions 32, 52 lowermost, as in FIG. 12, the
leading length of tape 172 may adhere to the surface it contacts.
If the tab extension was not present, when the user lifted the
dispenser 10, the leading length of tape 172 might disengage from
the tabs 112, 114 and leave the threaded state. The tab extension
142 prevents this. If the dispenser 10 is laid down in the
orientation seen in FIG. 12, the leading length of tape 172 may
still adhere to the surface it contacts. When the user next picks
up the dispenser, the leading length of tape may start to disengage
from the tabs 112, 114. The leading length of tape 172 then comes
against the tab extension 142 and is prevented from leaving the
threaded state. The user may then remove the leading length of tape
172 from the surface to which it adhered, check the state of tape
threading and continue use.
[0075] Additionally, because the top surface of the tabs 112, 114
are engaged to the bottom (adhesive) surface of the length of tape
172, the tape 172 is restrained from rolling back onto the roll of
tape 12.
[0076] The elements of the tape dispenser described above consist
of two parts: A molded plastic part comprising all of the elements
except the cutter 154, and, the cutter 154. The molded plastic part
is molded from any appropriate polymer material resulting in a
reasonably rigid yet somewhat flexible frame. Moreover, for certain
kinds of tapes and plastics, the metallic cutter 154 may be deleted
and the bar 150 provided with a serrated forward edge replacing the
cutter 154. This results in a single piece dispenser which is less
expensive to manufacture.
[0077] In the preferred embodiment, the tape dispenser is provided
preloaded with a roll of tape. Because the dispenser is inexpensive
to manufacture, some users may treat the dispenser as a single use
dispenser and discard it with the core from an exhausted roll of
tape. However, the tape dispenser is reusable. A consumer may buy
an additional roll of tape 12 and reload the dispenser as described
above.
Forward opening U-shaped recesses 82, 84 and rear slots 86, 88, 92,
94 as well as slot 76, bottom wall opening 78 and a gap to the rear
of the top wall 20 have been described. These features aid in
providing appropriate flexibility allowing one to reload the tape
dispenser. However, these configurations are not the only way to
achieve this flexibility and resiliency. Different side wall
configurations can be easily implemented to achieve the same
functionality. Thus, the U-shaped recesses can be of a different
shape or dispensed with altogether as can be the rear slots. One
may select a different plastic to achieve the flexibility necessary
or one may use different slots, wall thicknesses or the like.
[0078] The invention has been described with reference to preferred
embodiments. It will appreciated that modifications or alterations
can be made without deviating from the present invention. Such
modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading
and understanding of this specification. It is intended that all
such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come
within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *