Tape Dispenser System

Abstract

A tape dispenser including a body with having several functional elements formed thereon, including a cutting edge, an anvil, a guide, finger grips, and a thumb rest. The body also defines an opening for receiving a tape roll therein. The opening may be formed between an outer wall and an inner wall. The dispenser may also include a resilient element that causes the outer wall to contact the tape periphery, even as the tape roll is being depleted. The resilient element also allows for relatively easy loading and unloading of the tape roll without the need to remove or dissemble any parts of the system. A brake also allows the user to stop dispensing tape by pressing the outer wall against the outer periphery of the tape roll.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/735,000, filed Dec. 8, 2012. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to dispensers, and more particularly, to a tape dispenser.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventional tape dispensers typically include sharp, linearly arranged cutting edges. Linearly arranged cutting edges can be difficult to use as they require that the tape be pulled at an angle to the cutting edge. A difficulty amplified when the cutting edge is not in an optimum position because the gap between the tape and the cutting edge increases, e.g., as the tape roll is depleted.

Conventional tape dispensers may also include and/or use a plurality of parts to secure the tape roll therein, cut the tape, and make the end of the tape readily available for further dispensing. This complexity adds unnecessarily to the cost of manufacture and assembly of these devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One example of the present invention is a tape dispenser that provides an efficient and cost effective system and method of using the same for dispensing and cutting tape with a relatively straight pull by the user.

One embodiment of the tape dispenser according to the present invention includes a body structure having a cutting edge and an opening for receiving a tape roll therein. The opening formed between an outer wall and an inner wall. A portion or component of the outer wall urged inward such that it is adjacent to the tape periphery, even as the tape roll is being depleted. The body, including the outer wall and the inner wall may be formed as a single unitary structure; that is, the system may be formed as an integral structure consisting of only one part or component.

The tape dispenser may include one or more finger grips, e.g., formed on a portion of the inner wall, and a recessed thumb positioner, e.g., formed on a portion of the outer wall, for ergonomic and comfortable handling by the user.

The tape dispenser may also include a feature to actuate a braking force by the user by applying a squeezing action. This braking action may slow or stop the rotation of the tape roll for providing desired cut tape length. The tape dispenser may also include a feature that inhibits tape roll rotation, thus keeping the end of the tape in location or position for future use.

The tape dispenser may also provide for easy location of the end of the tape. The tape dispenser allowing the tape to “stand up” (e.g., the free end of the tape does not adhere to any structure or surface of the system) after being cut or allowing it to “lie down” and stick to an anvil for future use. The anvil feature may be configured so as to be shorter in length than the width of the tape in order to facilitate easy access to the side of the end of the tape by the user.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a tape dispenser system;

FIG. 2a is a detail view of an anvil portion of the tape dispenser system depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b is a front view of the anvil portion of the tape dispenser system depicted in FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3 is a detail view of a cutting edge of the tape dispenser system depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4a is a side view of a spring feature and brake system of the tape dispenser system depicted in FIG. 1, wherein a full tape roll is shown deployed in the tape dispenser system; and

FIG. 4b is a side view of the spring feature and brake system of the tape dispenser system depicted in FIG. 4a, wherein the tape roll is substantially depleted.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

It should be noted that the terms “outer,” “inner,” “back,” “lower,” “upper” and/or “underside,” as used herein, are meant for reference and/or orientation purposes and are not meant to be limiting in scope.

Referring to the Figures generally, and specifically to FIGS. 1, 4a and 4b, there is illustrated a tape dispenser, shown generally at 10. The dispenser 10 includes a substantially circular or semi-circular body 12 that is preferably formed as a unitary member; i.e., it consists of a single, integrally formed component. The body 12 may be formed of any number of conventional materials; however, plastic materials may be preferred. By way of a non-limiting example, the body 12 may be easily and inexpensively formed in an injection molding process.

Still referring to FIGS. 1, 4a and 4b, the body 12 is shown as having a generally cylindrical inner wall 16 sized to correspond to the inner diameter of a conventional tape roll. Accordingly, the inner wall 16 supports a conventional tape roll 36 placed thereon for rotation about the inner wall 16 as tape 34 is pulled or drawn from the tape roll 36. The body 12 further includes a substantially arcuate or semi-circular outer wall 14 spaced from the inner wall 16 so as to define a cavity 18 formed therebetween. A back or side wall 20 extends between outer wall 14 and the inner wall 16 and connects at least a portion of the outer wall 14 to the inner wall 16. As only the lower portion 14a of the outer wall 14 is joined to the inner wall 16 (e.g., via the back or side wall 20), the upper portion 14b of the outer wall 14 defines a free end 14c operable to move in a direction outwardly—away from or inwardly—closer to the inner wall 16. Accordingly, the free end 14c is movable between a first position, spaced from the inner wall 16 and a second position, located adjacent or near the inner wall 16. As illustrated in FIG. 4b, because the upper portion 14b of the outer wall 14 pivots or moves about a location, seen generally at 50, near the junction of the outer wall 14 and the back or side wall 20 the adjacent or in some cases the contact point between the outer wall 14 and the tape roll 36 changes. Thus the free end 14c typically will not contact the tape roll 36. Instead the point most adjacent or in some cases the contact point will move rearwardly, that is from a position near the free end 14c towards the lower portion 14a as the tape role is depleted. However, as set forth below, when pressure is applied to the free end 14c, typically through the thumb rest 42, a part of the upper portion 14b of the outer wall 14 will contact the tape roll 36. In a further example the free end 14c is inwardly biased towards the inner wall 16.

In one example of the present invention, the upper portion 14b of the outer wall 14 is an inwardly biased resilient member. As illustrated in FIG. 1 the upper portion 14b is formed such that the under or contact surface is initially biased inwardly towards the outer peripheral edge of the inner wall 16. In one embodiment, during manufacture the upper portion 14b of the outer wall 14 is molded or formed in a position wherein it extends inwardly past an outer peripheral edge of the tape roll 36. In this manner when a tape roll 36 is placed in the cavity 18 the upper portion 14b of the outer wall 14 exerts an inward pressure or force on the tape roll 36. As set forth below, providing an inwardly biased or preloaded force helps to hold the tape roll 36 in position thereby assisting in maintaining the position of the end 32 of the tape 36. Other mechanisms such as a spring hinge may also be used to enable the free end 14c to generate and inwardly biased force on the tape rule 36. Because the back wall 20 interconnects the lower portion 14a of the outer wall 14 to the inner wall 16 (and provides structural rigidity thereto), there is significantly less flexion between the lower portion 14a of the outer wall 14 and the inner wall 16.

Since the upper portion 14b in the above example is formed of a resilient material, the upper portion 14b functions as a preloaded spring arm, allowing at least partial flexion of the outer wall 14 relative to the inner wall 16, especially in the area of the free end 14c and areas proximate thereto. Furthermore, the resiliency of the outer wall 14, including the upper portion 14b, inwardly bias the upper portion 14b of the outer wall 14 towards the inner wall 16, such that the outer wall 14 maintains, or attempts to maintain, contact with the outer periphery of the tape roll, even as the tape is withdrawn and the tape roll is depleted. Further, depending on the desired inwardly biasing force, the initial location; i.e., before the tape roll 36 is placed in the cavity 18, of the upper portion 14b may vary. For example, given that upper portion 14b of the outer wall 14b is formed of a resilient material, when the upper portion 14b is initially placed or molded in position next to the inner wall 16 it requires a greater force to pull or deflect the upper portion 14b and correspondingly the free end 14c outward to a point past the outer periphery of the tape roll 36. Whereby the force generated on the tape roll 36, as the upper portion 14b attempts to “spring back” to its original position, will also be greater. Accordingly, with the present example, there is a necessary balancing of the force applied recognizing that as the tape 34 is withdrawn and the tape roll 36 is depleted the force will gradually reduce.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an inwardly extending protuberance may be formed or provided on an underside surface 14d of the outer wall 14. In this manner, the cavity 18 may include a first portion or area having a first distance between the outer wall 14 and the inner wall 16 and a second portion or area having a second distance formed between the protuberance and the inner wall 16. By way of a non-limiting example, the second distance may be less than the first distance. Additionally, or alternatively, the dispenser 10 can be initially formed (e.g., via injection molding) to include a taper in the volume of the cavity 18 as it extends from the lower portion 14a towards the free end 14c of the outer wall 14.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4b, and in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the body 12 may include an area defining a cutting edge 24 formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the cutting edge 24 may be provided in an area proximate to, or in the vicinity of the free end 14c. By way of a non-limiting example, the cutting edge 24 may be provided with a plurality of teeth 24a that facilitate the cutting and/or tearing of conventional tape. Referring specifically to FIG. 3, and by way of another non-limiting example, the cutting edge 24 may include an area defining a curvature or concavity 26 formed thereon. By way of another non-limiting example, the concavity 26 of the cutting edge 24 is preferably between 1 to 10% of the lineal dimension of the cutting edge 24. Accordingly, the concave cutting edge 24 may be maintained in an optimum position throughout all dispositions of the depletion of the tape roll. Further, a curved or concave teeth arrangement provides a localized stress-riser at the outermost portion of either side of the tape which effectively reduces the pull force required by the user to cut the tape as compared to a straight teeth arrangement.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-4b, and in accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the body 12 may include an area defining an anvil 28 formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the anvil 28 may be provided in an area proximate to, or in the vicinity of the free end 14c, e.g., at or near an end thereof. By way of another non-limiting example, the anvil 28 is preferably sufficiently spaced apart from the cutting edge 24 so as to not to interfere with the cutting action of the cutting edge 24. By way of another non-limiting example, the anvil 28 is positioned on a flange 30 extending from the outer wall 14 (although it should be appreciated that the anvil 28 could have also been formed on the inner wall 16 alternatively). The anvil 28 and a guide 14e formed on the outer wall 14 include an area defining an aperture 48 formed therebetween. The intended purpose of the aperture 48 is to permit the free movement of tape from a tape roll therethrough.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2a, there is illustrated an exemplary position of a free end 32 of a piece of tape 34 (e.g., extending from a tape roll 36, e.g., that is positioned on the inner wall 16) such that the free end 32 is shown lying against the anvil 28 (shown in phantom for purposes of illustration). Referring specifically to FIG. 2b, the anvil 28 is shown as being shorter than the width of the free end 32 of the piece of tape 34 to facilitate access to an outer edge of the free end 32 of the piece of tape 34. Additionally, the relative positions of the cutting edge 24 and the inner wall 16 are shown in relation to the anvil 28, all of which are preferably aligned for convenient extraction of the piece of tape 34 from the tape roll 36.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1, 2a, 4a and 4b, and in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the body 12 may include an area defining a retainer 38 formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the retainer 38 may be provided in an area proximate to, or in the vicinity of the free end 14c of the outer wall 14, although it should be appreciated that the exact position of the retainer 38 (as well as the number of retainers) may be varied. By way of another non-limiting example, the retainer 38 extends radially inward and is intended to prevent the unintentional dislodgement of the tape roll 36 from the inner wall 16 by blocking relative lateral movement of the tape roll 36 away from the inner wall 16 once mounted thereon.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1, 2a, 4a and 4b, and in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the body 12 may include an area defining a finger grip 40 formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the inner wall 16 may be provided with the finger grip 40. The exact configuration of the finger grip 40 may vary; however, it may include at least one scalloped shaped finger feature 40a in approximate relation to the fingers of a typical human hand. By way of another non-limiting example, it is intended that the user of the dispenser 10 places the fingers of their hand onto the finger grip 40 when handling the dispenser 10.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1, 2a, 4a and 4b, and in accordance with still a further aspect of the present invention, the body 12 may include an area defining a thumb locator or rest 42 formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the outer wall 14 may be provided with the thumb rest 42. The exact location of the thumb rest 42 may vary; however, it may be in proximity to the free end 14c of the outer wall 14, and preferably should be located on an outer surface 14f of the outer wall. By way of another non-limiting example, it is intended that the user of the dispenser 10 places their thumb (as opposed to their fingers) of their hand onto the thumb rest 42 when handling the dispenser 10. However, it should be appreciated that users of the dispenser 10 may vary the placement of their fingers and thumb relative to both the finger grip 40 and the thumb rest 42. For example, users may wish to rest their thumb on the finger grip 40 and their fingers on the thumb rest 42, and vice versa. In addition, the thumb rest 42 provides a location whereby an operator may apply an additional inwardly biasing force.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1, 4a and 4b, and in accordance with still yet a further aspect of the present invention, the body 12 may include an area defining a ribbed surface 44 formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the outer surface 14f of the outer wall 14 may be provided with the ribbed surface 44. The exact location of the ribbed surface 44 may vary; however, it may extend substantially the entire circumference of the outer surface 14f of the outer wall 14. It is believed that the ribbed surface 44 may enable users to better grip the dispenser 10.

In practice, use of the dispenser 10 is fairly simple and straightforward. To insert the tape roll 36 into the system, the outer wall 14 is pulled outwardly away from the inner wall 16. In this manner, the retainer 38 does not block lateral placement of the tape roll 36 onto the inner wall 16.

To dispense the tape 34, the free end 32 of the tape 34 is pulled through the aperture 48 between the guide 14e and the anvil 28. To cut the tape 34, it is placed against the cutting edge 24 and cut, in the conventional manner, by the plurality of teeth 24a. At this point, the free end 32 of the tape can either remain unattached to any surface, including the anvil 28, or can be placed onto the anvil 28. In either scenario, the user can easily find the free end 32 of the tape 34 without having to search and scrape the tape roll 36.

Because the dispenser 10 can be used to dispense long lengths of tape (e.g., blocking off surfaces and borders for painting purposes), there is provided a brake system to stop the dispensing of the tape when desired by the user. Referring to specifically to FIG. 4a, there is shown a full tape roll 36 installed into the dispenser 10. The inwardly biasing feature of the outer wall 14 automatically and positively contacts (without unduly impeding the movement/rotation of the tape roll 36) the outer periphery of the tape roll 36 concurrently with the inner wall 16 contacting the inner diameter of the tape roll 36. By way of a non-limiting example, the outer wall 14 exerts a force (i.e., bias) on the tape roll 36 preferably in the range between 0.5 lb/in to 3.0 lb/in. When it is desired, however, to prevent further movement/rotation of the tape roll 36 (e.g., when the user wants to stop tape roll 36 rotation), the user employs the braking system by pressing downwardly on the outer wall 14 (e.g., by the user pressing against the thumb rest 42, e.g., while simultaneously gripping the finger grip 40), thus causing the underside surface 14d thereof to tightly contact the periphery of the tape roll 36 and causing the continued movement/rotation of the tape roll 36 to completely stop (or at least slow down depending on the pressure exerted by the user).

Referring specifically to FIG. 4b, there is shown a substantially depleted tape roll 36 installed into the system 10. Again, the inwardly biased outer wall 14 causes free end 14c of the outer wall 14 to positively contact the outer periphery of the tape roll 36 even as the tape roll 36 is being depleted. The braking system described above operates in the same manner regardless of the depletion level of the tape roll 36, i.e., the braking function should work normally even if the tape roll 36 is mostly depleted.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tape dispenser comprising:

a body, said body including an inner wall and an outer wall;

said outer wall having a free end, said free end movable between a first position and second position located radially outward of said first position said free end approximate an outer periphery of a tape roll in both said first position and said second position.

2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the tape roll is selectively operable to engage the inner wall.

3. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein an inner periphery of the tape roll engages an outer periphery of the inner wall.

4. The dispenser according to claim 1, including a cutting edge formed on the outer wall.

5. The dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the cutting edge includes a concave cutting edge.

6. The dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the cutting edge includes a concavity in the range of 1 to 10% of a lineal dimension of the cutting edge.

7. The dispenser according to claim 1 further comprising a thumb rest formed on a surface of the outer wall.

8. The dispenser according to claim 1 wherein said outer wall includes an anvil.

9. The dispenser according to claim 4 wherein said outer wall includes an anvil, said anvil having a width less than a width of the cutting edge.

10. The dispenser according to claim 1 wherein said outer wall includes a guide.

11. The dispenser according to claim 1 including a finger grip formed on a surface of the inner wall.

12. The dispenser according to claim 1 including a plurality of ribs formed on the outer wall.

13. The dispenser according to claim 1 including a retainer formed on the outer wall.

14. The dispenser according to claim 1 including a rear wall connecting at least a portion of the outer wall and the inner wall.

15. The dispenser according to claim 1 wherein said free end of said outer wall exerts a radially inward bias in the range of 0.5 lb/in to 3.0 lb/in.

16. A tape dispenser comprising:

a body, said body including an inner wall and an outer wall;

said at least a portion of said outer wall spaced from said inner wall and defining an opening for receiving a tape roll;

said outer wall having a free end, said free end movable between a first position and second position located radially outward of said first position said free end approximate an outer periphery of said tape roll in both said first position and said second position;

said free end including a cutting edge and an anvil, said anvil spaced from said cutting edge.

17. The dispenser according to claim 16 including a guide surface located between said inner wall and said cutting edge.

18. The dispenser according to claim 16 wherein said cutting edge includes a concave cutting edge.

19. The dispenser according to claim 16 wherein said free end of said outer wall exerts a radially inward bias in the range of 0.5 lb/in to 3.0 lb/in.

20. A tape dispensing comprising:

a body, wherein the body includes an arcuate outer wall and a substantially cylindrical inner wall, said outer wall and said inner wall defining a cavity formed between the outer wall and the inner wall, the cavity is operable to receive a tape roll therein such that an inner periphery of the tape roll is engages an outer periphery of the inner wall said;

at least a portion of outer wall inwardly biased towards said inner wall such that part of said outer wall contacts an outer periphery of the tape roll as the tape roll is depleted, wherein the bias is in the range of 0.5 lb/in to 3.0 lb/in;

a concave cutting edge formed on said outer wall, wherein the cutting edge includes a concavity in the range of 1 to 10% of a lineal dimension of the cutting edge;

an anvil formed on a surface of the outer wall, wherein the anvil has a width less than a width of the cutting edge;

a guide formed on the outer wall, wherein the anvil has a width less than a width of the guide; and

wherein the anvil is spaced apart from the cutting edge to keep a free end of a piece of tape from contacting the anvil after being cut by the cutting edge.