Abstract: A one-piece, core mounted tape dispensing and cutting device wherein the free end of the tape is restrained against being withdrawn onto the roll of tape. The cutter preferably includes a blade which is elevated above the plane of the tape. The tape is withdrawn tangentially from the tape roll between tape tabs, which support the tape, and a tape trap, which presses the tape against the tabs. The tape trap preferably is a spring loaded projection connected to the body of the cutter at the base of the elevated blade. The tape trap is hingedly connected to the base of the blade so that it presses against the tape tabs with a spring action.

Abstract: An ergonomically shaped tape dispensing and cutting device adapted to snap over a roll of masking tape or the like and be retained on the roll, affording a convenient tearing edge for severing the tape. The device is preferably a one-piece molded plastic article comprising a top wall which rides over the outer periphery of the tape roll and two flexible side walls which depend from the top section and flank opposite sides of the roll of tape when the invention is positioned on a roll of tape. A cutting blade may be fixed to or integrally formed with the dispenser. Inwardly projecting shoulders are fixed to the front bottom surface of the side walls in opposing spaced relation and serve to spread the side walls apart as the tape dispenser and cutter is pressed down over a roll of tape. As the shoulders clear the inner core of the tape roll, the shoulders are snapped back beneath the core of the roll and serve to retain the invention on the roll of tape.