Folded coupon dispenser for double coated adhesive tape

Abstract

A flexible coupon casing holds and protects a segment of double coated adhesive tape and permits transfer of the segment to any surface without direct human contact to the segment of tape.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a means of dispensing a small piece of double coated adhesive tape, having adhesive on both sides without human contact to the adhesive, and more particularly to a folded coupon flexible casing which contains the tape and is suitable for concealment within billfolds, pocketbooks, purses, clothing pockets and the like.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Adhesive tapes having sticky adhesives on both sides are well known to the art as are labels and postage stamps having pressure sensitive adhesives on their back side mounted on adhesive resistant backings. Various types of dispensers are used for dispensing rolls of tape.

[0005] A need exists for a means of allowing small segments Of double coated adhesive tape to be placed upon objects without the annoyance associated with being touched by human hands. This need is fulfilled by the present invention. No such means is known to exist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a means of allowing small segments of double coated adhesive tape to be placed upon objects without the annoyance of touching the adhesive surfaces with human fingers.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to have a small, compact means of dispensing double coated adhesive tape which can be concealed within billfolds, pocketbooks, purses, clothing pockets and the like.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to protect the active adhesive surfaces from unintended or unwanted contact with other surfaces.

[0009] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide external surfaces which lend themselves to printed messages, advertising and the like.

[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an assembly which, because of its simple construction, can be economically produced by conventional mass production methods and can be easily handled, packaged and distributed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claim. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on section line 1 of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of a paper napkin with adhesive tape attached.

[0015] The drawings are illustrations only, and change may be made in the specific constructions illustrated and described, so long as the scope of the appended claim is not voided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring to the drawings, 10 is a folded coupon (or strip) of reasonably stiff paper, cardboard, sheet plastic or the like. 10A is the major fold of 10 and 10B is the minor fold of 10 positioned so as to prevent 10A from springing up out of the position shown. The interior surface of 10 is coated with an adhesive repelling coating as known to the art. 11 is a strip of double coated adhesive tape firmly affixed against 10 in the same manner that postage stamps are affixed against their coated, folded carrier coupons. 10A serves to protect 11 from extraneous contact. 12 is a napkin with 11 affixed to it.

[0017] To use this invention, the user manually releases 10A from LB and raises 10A so as to expose 11. The user can then place the surface of any object, such as a napkin or a newspaper clipping, firmly against 11 so as to transfer 11 from its mild attachment to 10 to a stronger attachment to the object. The object with 11 so attached can then be affixed to another surface, such as an article of clothing or a book page, as desired.

[0018] The inventor has constructed many kitchen table top models using scissors, mailing labels and tape. He keeps small coupons in his billfold for use in eating establishments. He has found that tape 11 can sometimes transfer from the lower part of 10 to 10A due to rough handling or 11 not being pressed tightly enough into 10. This does not affect the functioning of the invention in any way.

[0019] The use of this invention in restaurants is startlingly effective! The user can pull the coupon 10 out of his billfold, open 10A to expose 11 and slap a paper napkin 12 against 11. 11 is instantly transferred to 12 and 12 can then be stuck to the user's lap or upper garment. No more falling or displaced napkins! They stay put!

[0020] This invention can be used with cloth napkins, but 11 must be large enough to accommodate the extra weight.

[0021] This invention could be especially effective with small children who tend to throw both their food and napkins about, at home and in restaurants.

[0022] Although this invention can be carried about on the user's person, it can be dispensed at eating establishments. A location next to the toothpicks at a cashier's station is suggested. The folded coupons of this invention could bear messages or ads such as “Courtesy of ABC Child Care Center.” Once customers see the efficacy of this invention with children's napkins they may want this invention for their own use.

[0023] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claim to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A flexible casing having increased utility when used in conjunction with a double coated adhesive tape comprising:

a. A flexible casing configured, sized and constructed so as to protect and conceal a double coated adhesive tape contained within the casing.

b. A flexible casing configured, sized and constructed so as to permit access with a foreign object to the double coated adhesive tape contained within the casing.

c. An adhesive resistant coating within said casing which allows said double coated adhesive tape to be affixed within said casing but which permits said tape to be forcibly removed by contact with a foreign object.

d. A flexible casing configured, sized and constructed so as to have the capability of being concealed within a pocket of an article of clothing, a billfold, or a purse, and having a means of opening and closing so as to permit human access to the contents of the casing.

e. A flexible casing which permits messages to be imprinted on its exterior.