APPLICATORS FOR ADHESIVE TAPE, SUCH AS DOUBLE-SIDED ADHESIVE TAPE
A tape applicator (20) including housing, carriage, and blade assemblies (22;24;26). The housing assembly (22) includes a housing (40) and an application roller (42). The carriage assembly (24) includes a carriage body (120), a hub (122), and an idler roller (124). The carriage body (120) and hub (122) are slidably mounted within the housing (40). The idler roller (124) is rotatably mounted to the carriage body (120). The blade assembly (26) includes a blade arm (200), a blade (28), and a pressing finger (202). The blade arm (200) pivots relative to the housing (40) about a pivot axis. The blade (28) projects from the blade arm (200) to a tip. An articulation plane is defined by the blade tip and the pivot axis. The pressing finger (202) projects from the blade arm (200) through the articulation plane. The applicator (20) is transitionable between an application state and a cut state to sever tape (302) along an internal tape path. The pressing finger (202) flexes to prevent the tape (302) from adhering to the blade (28) during the cutting operation.
The present disclosure relates to adhesive tape applicators. More particularly, it relates to adhesive tape applicators capable of dispensing and cutting double-sided adhesive tape with one hand operation.
Manually operated adhesive tape dispensers are available in a variety of forms. For example, desktop-type adhesive tape dispensers typically include a weighted base maintaining a tape roll on a revolving spindle. A user pulls a leading end of the tape away from the roll, and then cuts a desired length of tape at a stationary blade provided with the dispenser. Common handheld adhesive tape dispensers employ a similar format. In either case, use of the dispenser requires two hands to handle the cut length of tape and apply it to the substrate surface(s) in question. Moreover, handheld tape dispensers require both of the user's hands to grasp the dispenser and pull/cut the desired length of tape.
As an alternative to tape dispensers, manually operated adhesive tape applicators are designed to directly apply and cut a length of tape (from a roll of tape) and often times require only a single hand of the user. In general terms, with single-handed adhesive tape applicators, a user can quickly and precisely apply a desired length of the adhesive tape to the substrate surface(s) in question without ever having to touch the tape. Conventionally, the applicator rotatably maintains a roll of tape, and provides a tape path ending at a roller or other curved application surface; the user applies pressure to this component as the tape is dispensed, ensuring immediate and complete wetting or adhesive engagement with the substrate surface. Further, most single-handed adhesive tape applicators provide a blade or other cutting surface for severing the tape. Consistent with the single-handed operation goal, a user-actuated mechanism is associated with the blade, allowing the user to cut a dispensed length of tape at a desired length by simple manipulation of the cutting mechanism using the same hand that is otherwise handling the applicator. In some instances, the mechanism maneuvers the tape relative to a stationary blade. More commonly, however, the mechanism translates the blade into and out of the tape path.
While single-handed adhesive tape applicators (incorporating a cutting mechanism) have been well received, certain concerns exist. For example, many users desire the ability to replace an expended roll of tape with a new roll of tape. To meet this demand, the applicator must allow for the partial disassembly thereof (e.g., temporary removal of one or more outer housing sections to access the roll of tape) in a manner that leaves the various internal components (e.g., the cutting mechanism) intact. This requirement, in turn, places distinct design constraints on the cutting mechanism construction, dictating a minimal number of components and complexity. Consistently cutting an adhesive tape via a relatively simple hand-actuated cutting mechanism can be exceedingly difficult under circumstances due to direct contact with the adhesive-bearing surface of the tape. The adhesive has a tendency to partially adhere to the blade. If this tendency is not accounted for, the cut end of the tape may undesirably stick to the blade following a cutting operation, causing the tape to accumulate (or “jam”) behind the blade (and/or other applicator malfunctions). Dispensing and cutting double-sided adhesive tape (i.e., adhesive coatings on both sides or major surfaces of the base film) is even more problematic. In fact, most available adhesive tape applicators simply cannot function with double-sided adhesive tape.
In light of the above, a need exists for adhesive tape applicators that can be operated with one hand, and incorporate a cutting mechanism that consistently cuts, without jamming, any format of adhesive tape, including double-sided adhesive tape.
SUMMARYSome aspects of the present disclosure relate to an adhesive tape applicator including a housing assembly, a carriage assembly, and a blade assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing and an application roller. The housing defines a tape dispensing opening. The application roller is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening. The carriage assembly includes a carriage body, a hub, and an idler roller. The carriage body is slidably mounted within the housing. The hub is carried by the carriage body and is configured to rotatably support a roll of tape. The idler roller is rotatably mounted to the carriage body. The blade assembly includes a blade arm, a blade, and a pressing finger. The blade arm defines a pivot end that is pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis. The blade projects from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminates in a blade tip. In this regard, an articulation plane of the blade assembly is defined by the blade tip and the pivot axis. The pressing finger projects from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, and extends through the articulation plane. Upon final assembly, the adhesive tape applicator defines a tape path from the hub to the tape dispensing opening, the tape path being defined, at least in part, by the application and idler rollers. With this construction, the adhesive tape applicator is configured to be transitionable between an application state and a cut state. In the application state, the blade tip is at a first side of the tape path. In the cut state, the blade tip is located at a second side of the tape path opposite the first side.
In some embodiments, the pressing finger interfaces with a length of tape along the tape path during a cutting operation, serving to push or position the cut end of the tape below the blade tip and prevent jamming In related embodiments, the pressing finger is flexible (e.g., formed of silicone or similar material), and deflects when brought into contact with a tape otherwise tensioned across the tape path. In other embodiments, one or both of the application and idler rollers are configured to exhibit a low surface energy or affinity to “sticking” to a pressure sensitive adhesive (or other adhesive format commonly employed with adhesive tapes). For example, the outer surface of one or both of the application roller and the idler roller can be silicone and/or include a series of spaced apart, circumferential ribs. With these constructions, the adhesive tape applicator consistently applies and cuts a desired length of adhesive tape from a tape roll, including double-sided adhesive tape.
Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system for applying adhesive tape. The system includes a roll of adhesive tape and an applicator. The applicator includes a housing assembly, a carriage assembly, and a blade assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing and an application roller. The housing defines a tape dispensing opening. The application roller is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening. The carriage assembly includes a carriage body, a hub, and an idler roller. The carriage body is slidably mounted within the housing. The hub is carried by the carriage body and rotatably maintains the roll of adhesive tape. The idler roller is rotatably mounted to the carriage body. The blade assembly includes a blade arm, a blade, and a pressing finger. The blade arm defines a pivot end that is pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis. The blade projects from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminates in a blade tip. The pressing finger projects from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, and terminates at a contact end opposite the blade arm. Upon final assembly, the system is configured to provide an application state in which a length of tape extends from the roll of tape to the idler roller and then to the application roller for dispensement through the tape dispensing opening. In the application state, the blade and the pressing finger are displaced from the length of tape. Further, the system is transitionable from the application state to a cut state in which the blade tip has progressed through the length of tape to sever the length of tape. In this regard, transitioning of the system from the application state to the cut state includes the contact end contacting the length of tape and then deflecting toward the blade. In some embodiments, the adhesive tape of the roll of adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape.
Yet other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method of dispensing an adhesive tape. The method includes receiving a system including an applicator maintaining a roll of adhesive tape. The applicator includes a housing assembly, a carriage assembly, and a blade assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing and an application roller. The housing defines a tape dispensing opening. The application roller is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening. The carriage assembly includes a carriage body, a hub, and an idler roller. The carriage body is slidably mounted within the housing. The hub is carried by the carriage body and rotatably maintains the roll of adhesive tape. The idler roller is rotatably mounted to the carriage body. The blade assembly includes a blade arm, a blade, and a pressing finger. The blade arm defines a pivot end that is pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis. The blade projects from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminates in a blade tip. The pressing finger projects from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, and terminates at a contact end opposite the blade arm. In an application state of the system, a leading segment of a length of tape from the roll of tape extends through the dispensing opening and is supported by the application roller. With the system in the application state, the leading segment is pressed into adhesive contact with a substrate surface to define a tacked region. The applicator is manipulated to draw the applicator away from the tacked region while simultaneously maintaining a pressing force on the application roller to successively dispense and apply an additional segment of the length of tape from the applicator and into adhesive contact with the substrate surface. The carriage assembly is actuated to pivot the blade arm, including the pressing finger and the blade contacting the length of tape between the application and idler rollers to completely sever the length of tape. In this regard, due to a tensioned rigidity of the length of tape, prior to the blade completely severing the length of tape, the pressing finger contacts the length of tape and deforms with further pivoting movement of the blade arm. In some embodiments, the adhesive tape of the roll of adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape.
One embodiment of an adhesive tape applicator 20 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure is shown in
The housing assembly 22 includes a housing 40 and an application roller 42. The housing 40 has an open interior for maintaining various other components and, as best shown in
In some embodiments, the housing 40 is formed or defined by first and second housing sections 50, 52. The housing sections 50, 52 are configured to be releasably mated to one another (e.g., snap fit) in collectively defining the housing 40, with removal of the second housing section 52 from the first housing section 50 (or vice-versa) permitting user access to an interior of the housing 40 (e.g., for removing or loading a roll of tape (not shown)). In the mated state, the housing sections 50, 52 collectively define an exterior shape or perimeter 60 of the housing 40. With reference to an intended orientation of the applicator 20 during use, the shape or perimeter 60 can include a front side 62, a rear side 64, a bottom side 66, and a top side 68. Due to the mated construction, the following descriptions of these exterior features 60-68 relative to the first housing section 50 apply equally to the second housing section 52.
An interior of one embodiment of the first housing section 50 is shown in greater detail in
The first housing section 50 can provide various features that facilitate engagement with other components of the applicator 20 (
One or more blade assembly engagement features 90 can also be provided with, or assembled to, the first housing section 50. In general terms, the blade assembly engagement feature 90 is configured in accordance with complimentary features of the blade assembly 26 (
Returning to
The application roller 42 is generally configured to press adhesive tape exiting the applicator 20 onto a substrate surface. The application roller 42 is configured in accordance with mounting features of the housing sections 50, 52 (e.g., the spindle 72 (
Returning to
The carriage body 120 and the hub 122 are shown in greater detail in
With embodiments incorporating the spring biasing device 126 (
In addition to providing features that promote mounting with the housing 40 (
Other mounting features optionally provided with the carriage body 120 can include a spindle 180 or similar structure projecting from the front face 142 and configured to rotatably maintain the idler roller 124 (
The carriage body 120 can optionally form or provide additional features for interfacing with a length of adhesive tape (not shown) otherwise extending from a region of the hub 122. For example, in some embodiments, a platform 190 projects from the front face 142 of the panel 140 and provides a surface for selectively interfacing with an adhesive tape, for example during a cutting operation. In this regard, the platform 190 optionally forms or defines a textured surface 192, for example the spaced apart ribbed format shown.
The hub 122 projects from the front face 142 of the panel 140, and is generally sized and shaped to rotatably maintain a roll of adhesive tape (not shown). While the hub 122 is shown as being affixed to the panel 140, other configurations appropriate for rotatably maintaining a roll of adhesive tape are equally acceptable.
Returning to
The actuator 128 can assume any form conducive to receiving a user-applied force, and transferring the force into a sliding motion of the carriage body 120 relative to the housing 40. While the actuator 128 is shown as being a component formed apart from the carriage body 120, in other embodiments the actuator 128 is integrally formed by or with the carriage body 120.
Blade Assembly 26The blade assembly 26 is shown in greater detail in
With additional reference to
Returning to
Features of the pressing finger structure 240 are described in greater detail below with reference to the blade arm 200 upon final assembly. In general terms, however, and with additional reference to
Returning to
Final construction of the blade assembly 26 is shown in
Transitioning of the carriage body 120 from the application state to the cut state effectuates articulation of the blade assembly 26 as reflected by
As a point of reference, the various components and mechanisms described above for effectuating articulation of the blade tip 260 and the pressing finger contact ends 262 relative to the application and idler rollers 42, 124 (and thus relative to the tape path defined by the rollers 42, 124) are but one acceptable embodiment. A variety of other components, mechanisms and/or assembly techniques can be employed. Features of the present disclosure relate to the manners in which the pressing finger(s) 202 interface with the adhesive tape during the cutting operation formed by the blade 28, as well as an optional low or easy release adhesive surface interface established along the application and idler rollers 42, 124.
Methods of UseFor example, as shown in
Once a desired length of the tape 302 has been applied to the substrate surface 312, the applicator 20 is operated to cut the tape 302. Prior to initiation of the cutting operation, the adhesive tape 302 is generally held in tension between the application and idler rollers 42, 124 and is identified as an intermediate tape segment 320 in
With further rotation of the blade arm 200 (i.e., transitioning from the arrangement of
Elastic deflection or deformation of the first pressing finger 202a continues with further rotation of the blade arm 200, with the blade arm rotation simultaneously directing the blade tip 260 to progressively pierce through an increasing portion of the width WT (
At the end of the cutting motion, the blade tip 260 has progressed through an entire thickness and width of the tape 302 as shown in
Use of the adhesive tape applicator 20 in applying the adhesive tape 302 to the substrate surface 312 can optionally entail the bottom side 66 readily sliding along, or in close proximity to, the substrate surface 312 (under circumstances where the substrate surface 312 is relatively flat). In some embodiments, the substantially flat bottom side 66 also facilitates temporary storage of the applicator 20 in the upright orientation on the substrate surface 312 (e.g., during periods of non-use, the applicator 20 is upright, with the bottom side 66 resting on the substrate surface 312).
With the alternative adhesive tape applicator 20′ of
When a user desires to apply the adhesive tape leading end 310 to the substrate surface 312, a downward force is applied to the housing 40 with the user's hand. Once sufficient force is applied to overcome a bias of the leaf spring 404 (i.e., via a resistance force experienced by the head 402 at the substrate surface 312), the head 402 retracts into the housing 40. As a result, the leading end 310 is brought to contact with the substrate surface 312, including the application roller 42 pressing on to the adhesive tape 302. Application and cutting operations can then be performed as described above.
The adhesive tape applicators, system and methods of the present disclosure provide a marked improvement over previous designs. Adhesive tapes, including double-sided adhesive tapes, are readily applied to a substrate surface and subsequently cut with single-handed operation. In this regard, the flexible pressing finger(s) provided with the tape applicators ensure consistent, jam-free operation, preventing the adhesive tape from adhesively “catching” on the cutting blade. Other optional features, such as low surface energy contact rollers, further enhance handling of adhesive-bearing tape surfaces.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An adhesive tape applicator comprising:
- a housing assembly including: a housing defining a tape dispensing opening, an application roller rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing openings;
- a carriage assembly including: a carriage body slidably mounted within the housing, a hub carried by the carriage body and configured to rotatably support a roll of tape, an idler roller rotatably mounted to the carriage body; and
- a blade assembly including: a blade arm defining a pivot end pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis, a blade projecting from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminating in a blade tip, wherein an articulation plane is defined by the blade tip and the pivot axis, a first pressing finger projecting from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, the first pressing finger extending through the articulation plane; wherein the applicator defines a tape path from the hub to the tape dispensing opening, the tape path being defined, at least in part, by the application and idler rollers;
- and further wherein the tape applicator is configured to be transitionable between an application state in which the blade tip is at a first side of the tape path and a cut state in which the blade tip is located at an opposite, second side of the tape path.
2. The tape applicator of claim 1, wherein the first pressing finger is flexible.
3. The tape applicator of claim 2, wherein the flexibility of the first pressing finger is greater than the flexibility of the blade arm.
4. The tape applicator of claim 1, wherein the first pressing finger is silicone.
5. The tape applicator of claim 1, wherein the first pressing finger is configured to deflect upon forced contact with a tape extending along the tape path and tensioned between the application and idler rollers as the applicator is transitioned from the application state toward the cut state.
6. The tape applicator of claim 5, wherein the first pressing finger terminates at a contact end opposite the blade arm, and further wherein the first pressing finger is configured such that deflection of the first pressing finger in response to contacting a tape extending along the tape path includes the contact end moving more proximate the blade.
7. The tape applicator of claim 1, wherein the first pressing finger terminates at a contact end opposite the blade arm, and further within the contact end and the blade tip are spatially arranged such that as the applicator is transitioned from the application state toward the cut state, the contact end intersects the tape path prior to the blade tip.
8. The tape applicator of claim 1, wherein the blade assembly further comprises a second pressing finger extending from the blade arm at a location between the first pressing finger and the pivot end.
9. The tape applicator of claim 8, wherein the first and second pressing fingers are flexible.
10. The tape applicator of claim 9, wherein a length of the first pressing finger in extension from the blade arm is greater than a length of the second pressing finger in extension from the blade arm.
11. The tape applicator of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the application roller is a silicone material.
12. The tape applicator of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the idler roller is a silicone material.
13. The tape applicator of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the application roller includes a plurality of spaced apart, circumferential ribs.
14. The tape applicator of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the idler roller includes a plurality of spaced apart, circumferential ribs.
15. A system for applying adhesive tape, the system comprising:
- a roll of adhesive tape; and
- an applicator comprising: a housing assembly including: a housing defining a tape dispensing opening, an application roller rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening, a carriage assembly including: a carriage body slidably mounted within the housing, a hub carried by the carriage body and rotatably maintaining the roll of adhesive tape, an idler roller rotatably mounted to the carriage body, a blade assembly including: a blade arm defining a pivot end pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis, a blade projecting from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminating in a blade tip, a first pressing finger projecting from the blade arm at a location between the blade and a pivot end, the first pressing finger terminating at a contact end opposite the blade arm;
- wherein upon final assembly, the system is configured to provide an application state in which a length of tape extends from the roll to the idler roller and then to the application roller for dispensement through the dispensing opening, the application state including the blade and the pressing finger being displaced from the length of tape;
- and further wherein the system is transitionable from the application state to a cut state in which the blade tip is progressed through the length of tape to sever the length of tape;
- and even further wherein transitioning of the system from the application state to the cut state includes the contact end initially contacting the length of tape and then deflecting toward the blade.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the adhesive tape of the roll of adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the pressing finger is silicone.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein an outer surface of the application roller is a silicone material.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein an outer surface of the application roller includes a plurality of spaced apart, circumferential ribs.
20. A method of dispensing an adhesive tape, the method comprising:
- receiving a system including an applicator maintaining a roll of adhesive tape, the applicator including. a housing assembly including: a housing defining a tape dispensing opening, an application roller rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening, a carriage assembly including: a carriage body slidably mounted within the housing, a hub carried by the carriage body and rotatably maintaining the roll of adhesive tape, an idler roller rotatably mounted to the carriage body, a blade assembly including: a blade arm defining a pivot end pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis, a blade projecting from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminating in a blade tip, a first pressing finger projecting from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, the first pressing finger terminating at a contact end opposite the blade arm;
- wherein in an application state of the system, a leading segment of a length of tape from the roll extends into the dispensing opening and is supported by the application roller;
- pressing the leading segment into adhesive contact with a substrate surface to define a tacked region;
- manipulating the housing to draw the applicator away from the tacked region while simultaneously maintaining a pressing force on the application roller to successively dispense an additional segment of the length of tape from the applicator and into adhesive contact with the substrate surface; and
- actuating the carriage assembly to pivot the blade arm, including the pressing finger and the blade contacting the length of tape between the application and idler rollers, to completely sever the length of tape;
- wherein prior to the blade tip completely severing the length of tape, a contact end of the pressing finger contacts the length of tape and, with further pivoting movement of the blade arm, deflects toward the blade due to a tensioned rigidity of the length of tape.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the adhesive tape of the roll of adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of actuating the carriage assembly includes the contact end of the pressing finger contacting an adhesive side of the adhesive tape, the method further including the adhesive side not adhering to the contact end.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the pressing finger is silicone.
24. The method of claim 20, wherein an adhesive side of the adhesive tape contacts the application roller during the step of manipulating the housing, the method further included the adhesive side not adhering to the application roller.
25. The method of claim 20, wherein an outer surface of the application roller is a silicone material.
26. The method of claim 20, wherein an outer surface of the application roller includes a plurality of spaced apart, circumferential ribs.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 18, 2014
Publication Date: Jul 21, 2016
Inventors: Gerald E. Mueller (Eagan, MN), Joel K. Hagglund (Lonsdale, MN)
Application Number: 14/912,723