CA1249797A - Tape dispensing device - Google Patents
Tape dispensing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1249797A CA1249797A CA000495944A CA495944A CA1249797A CA 1249797 A CA1249797 A CA 1249797A CA 000495944 A CA000495944 A CA 000495944A CA 495944 A CA495944 A CA 495944A CA 1249797 A CA1249797 A CA 1249797A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tape
- roll
- edge
- top wall
- side walls
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H35/00—Delivering articles from cutting or line-perforating machines; Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices, e.g. adhesive tape dispensers
- B65H35/0006—Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices
- B65H35/002—Hand-held or table apparatus
- B65H35/0026—Hand-held or table apparatus for delivering pressure-sensitive adhesive tape
Landscapes
- Adhesive Tape Dispensing Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A TAPE DISPENSING DEVICE
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 8 roll of tape. As the shoulders clear the inner core of the tape roll, the shoulders are snaped back beneath the core of the roll and serve to retain the invention on the roll of tape. The top wall includes a thumb-receiving control recess to enhance control and stability. The side walls taper downwardly along an arc of a circle so that the device fits comfortably and securely in the apex of thumb and forefinger.
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 8 roll of tape. As the shoulders clear the inner core of the tape roll, the shoulders are snaped back beneath the core of the roll and serve to retain the invention on the roll of tape. The top wall includes a thumb-receiving control recess to enhance control and stability. The side walls taper downwardly along an arc of a circle so that the device fits comfortably and securely in the apex of thumb and forefinger.
Description
TAPE DISPENSING DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
. ~ .
This invention relates to a device for severing a desired, vAri~ble amount of tape ~rom a roll of tape. More pArticularly, the invention relates to a port~ble, reus~ble tape cutting and dispensing device.
The prior ~rt is repleat wi th variolls tape dispensing and tape cutting inventions~ The term "tape dispenser" is used in the art to refer tc devices which both "cut" and "dispense" t~pe and will be so used in this application. The number of patents in this rel~tively simple technological field is indicative oî the need for a simple, yet highly effective and sa~e tspe dispensing device which may be re-used on ~ number of rolls of tape.
Prior art tape dispensers include one-piece, hand-held tape cutters which are designed to be snapped over, or simply se&ted on, ~
roll o~ t~pe. One such device is disclosed in Horn, U.S. Patent No.
3,970,230. The Horn device, however, relies on downward pressure from a single point of contact, the thumb, as the only means for the user to hold, control, and stabilize the device. Other prior ~rt devices include tnpe cutters with deformable leg~ which must be bent beneath the core of the tape roll to retain the cutter in position. Such deformable legs break frequently. These and other t~pe dispensing and cutting devices include separate parts or members which must be man-ually positloned beneath the core of the t~pe roll to retain it in position on the roll. Still other prior ~rt devices include complex structures in~rolving articul~ted or spring biased members whlch engage the interior of the core o~ the t~pe roll. Not one of the prior know n tape cutting and dispensing devices, however, provides a simple, ergonomically formed device which provides the user with exceptional stability and control to effect safe and accurate cutting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A dispensing device adapted to be mounted on a core mounted roll of flexible material to facilitate manual engagement of the roll and dispensing and severing o-f a length of said material comprising:
a top wall having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a back edge and side edges, said front edge of said top wall having cutting means for cutting a desired length of material to be dispensed, said top surface of said top wall having a user-engageable portion;
a side wall perpendicular to and extending down-wardly from each of said side edges of said top wall, said side walls having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a back edge, said bottom edge of said side walls curving ergonomically downwardly along a continuous concave arc from said back edge of said sidewall toward said front edge of said sidewall so that the downward extension of said side walls from said top wall is greater at said front edge of said side wall than at said back edge of said side wall thereby defining a downwardly curving continuous concave user-engageable bottom edge, said downwardly curving continuous concave arc allowing continuous opposing manual engagement of said user-engageable portion of said top surface of said top wall, said user-engageable portion of said downwardly curving continuous concave bottom edge of said side wall, and core when the dispensing device is mounted on a core mounted roll of flexible material; and a shoulder perpendicular to and projecting inwardly from at least one of said side walls towards the other of said side walls, said shoulder terminating at a point spaced from said other side wall, said shoulder adapted to position and retain said device on said roll.
7~'7 - 2a -A hand-held tape dispensing and severing device adapted to be positioned on a core mounted multi-layered roll of tape having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, and adapted to facilitate manual engagement of the roll of tape, said tape dispensing and severing device comprising:
a top wall having a top surface, said top surface of said top wall having a user-engageable portion adapted to be engaged by a user's thumb, said top wall further having a bottom surface, a front edge, a back edge and side edges, said front edge of said top wall having cutting means for cutting a desired length of tape from a multi-layered roll of tape;
a side wall perpendicular to and extending down-wardly from each of said side edges of said top wall, said side walls having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, a back edge, said bottom edge of said side walls curving ergonomically downwardly along a continuous concave arc from said back edge of said side wall towards said front edge of said side wall so that the downward extension of said side wall said top wall is greater at said front edge of said side wall than at said back edge of said side wall thereby defining a continuous user-engageable portion of said down-wardly curving continuous concave bottom edge, when the tape dispensing and severiny device is mounted on a roll of tape, said downwardly curving continuous concave arc allowing continuous manual engagement of said user-engageable portion of said bottom edge of said side wall and the inner periphery of a roll of tape in opposition to the user's thumb on said user-engageable portion of said top surface; and a shoulder perpendicular to and projecting inwardly from each of said side walls in opposing spaced relation, said shoulders adapted to abut the inner periphery of a roll of tape on which said dispensing device is used in order to retain said device of said roll.
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- 2b -By way of added explanation, the tape dispens3ng and cutting device of the present invention is 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. Except for a cutting blade which is retained in a slot in the device, the device is preferably an ergonomically formed one-piece molded plastic article comprising a top wall ~hich rides over the 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. Inwardly projecting shoulders are ~ixed to the ~ront bottom sur~Ace o~ the slde w~lls in opposing spaced rel~tion ~nd serve to spre~d the slde wall~ ~rt the t~pe di~pen~er is pre~sed down over a roll o~ tape. As the shoulder~ clear the inner core o~ the tape roll, the shoulders are sn~pped b~ck beneath the eore ot the roll ~nd serYe to retain the iment30n on the roll o~ ~Iper The top gur~e ol~ the top wall is preferably providsd ~v3th ~n ergonomi~lly ~orm~ control - recess which ~llows ~or exceptlonal con-trol ~nd l~ter~l st~bility Or the in~ent30n, ~nd f~eilitstes forward and bRckward movement ot the tflpe ffl~pen~er 9111 the roll Or tape.
In ~ pre~erred ~orm9 the bottom ~ge o~ the slde w~ll tapers downwar~Ily from b~ck to ~ront ~long ~n ~rc o~ ~ clrcle so that the downward extenslon o~ the ~Id0 w~ om the top w~ll Is Ere~ter at the rront edge oi~ the s1de w~sll th~n ~t the back edge. Thl3 proYldes ~n ergonomi~ pe whIch flllows the ~orefinger to gr~gp the t~pe and core dlre~tly b~neath the thumb, while the other flngerY curl under the tape core In ~ eomplete ~nd n~tural grip. Thu~, ths devlce Is fully supported ~t the Ylpex between thumb end irore~lnger, whlch ~llows for She complete eontrol o~ the t~qpe snd the dI~penser, no mstter how little tape remains on the roll. The curved taper of the side wall also ensures th~t the downward extent of the side wall is sufficient to laterally stabilize the cutter as tape is used ~nd the radial thickness of the tape roll decreases.
BP~IEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. . .
Figure 1 is A perspective view of a tape dispensing device according to the inYention positioned on Q roll of tape, shown in phantom outline.
Figure 2 is a front plan view of a tape dispenser Qccording to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a side pl~n view of the tspe dispenser of the present invention positioned on ~ roll of tape, with the hand of a user shown in dotted outline.
Figure 4 is a side plarl view of an slternative configuration of the tape dispenser of the present invention.
Dl jTA I j,E O Dl~ Cllll'llOII
The tape dispenser of the present invention is shown generally in Figure 1 ~t 10 positioned on a roll of tape 11 having a core 13.
Tape dispenser 10 includes a top wall 12 having a top surface 14, and ~ bottom sur~ace 16. Top wall 12 81so hQS a front edge 18, a back edge 20 and side edges 22. The width oî top wall 12 is slightly greater than the width of the tape roll on which it is used. The length of top wall 12 snd the rel~tionship and size of ~11 elements are humanly engineered in direct proportion to the natural grip of a per-son's hand and to fit the various generally ~vailable sized t~pe rolls.
Flexible side w811s 24 ~re perpendicular to and extend downw~rdly from each OI the side edges 22 of top wall 12. Side walls 24 eaeh have a top edge 2~, ~ bottom edge 28, a *ont edge 30 and baek edge 32. Top edge 2B OI side walls 24 ~buts and is coextensive with sIde edges 22 of top wall 12, so that at the interse~tion bI the side wall and top wal1, the side wall extends the entire length of the top w~ll aq shown in Figure 1.
Bottom edge 28 of side walls 24 is tapered or otherwise ergonornically shaped to allow the user to comfortably and conveniently grip flnd control dispenser 10. In a preferred embodiment, the taper is downward from back edge 32 towards front edge 30 along Qn ~rc of a circle to thus define a smooth tapering surface, although other ergonomically shaped tapering or cut~way configurations which allow the tape dispenser to fit securely ~nd comfortsbly in the apex between thumb and forefinger may also be used.
O~le alternatiYe configuration is shown in Figure 4, where side wall 24 has a generally L-shaped configuration. ln this coniiguration, bottom edge 28 is "tapered" or cutaway by having a first edge 29A
which extends from b~ck edge 32 towards, but terminating inwardly from, front edge 30 of side wall 24. Bottom edge 29A is parallel to but spaced downwardly from top wall 12. Bottom edge 29B extends from the inner terminal end of edge 29A and is perpendicular to edge 29A. Bottom edge portion 29C connects bottom edge 29B to front edge 30. Thus, in the configuration shown in Figure 4, a "tapered" or ergonomic cutaway portion is formed.
The tapered bottom edge 28 in Figures 1-3, or bottom edge 29A-C in Figure 4 also ~llows the downward extension of side walls 2~
from top wall 12 to be gre~ter at its front edge~ as shown at 34, than at the back edge of side w~ll 24, as shown ~t 36. Although in fl preferred form of the invention, bottom edge 28 tapers from neQr top edge 26 to near front edge 30, and thus includes connecting por-tion 28A which connects bottom edge 28 to front edge 3~, it is within the scope of the invention to have the downwardly tapering bottom edge 28 extend from top edge 26 to front edge 30, while maintAining the ergonomically shaped form of the dispenser. The downward extent 34 of ront edge 30 is sufficient to span the full thickness of a t~pe roll on which it is to be used.
Tape dispenser 10 includes shoulders 38 perpendicul~r to and pro-jecting inwardly from the inner surf~ce of side walls 24. Shoulders 3 8 _ 5 ~
are positioned near the intersection of the bottom edge and front edge of side walls 24 in opposing spaced relatiQn. Sidewalls 2~ are spaced a distance sufficient to allow sidewalls 24 to flank opposite sides of roll 11. This distance may, of course, vary to ~ccom modate tape rolls of different size. Shoulders 38 serve to spread sidewalls 24 as dispenser 10 is placed on a roll of tape 11. After shoulders 38 clear the inner radial edge of roll 11, they sn~p bflck underneath the core and help to retain dispenser 10 on tape roll 11.
Top surface 14 of top wall 12 has a control recess 40 adjacent to back edge 20 of top wall 12. Control recess 40 has sidewalls 41.
In a preferred form, the control recess 40 extends Qpproximately one-sixteenth (1/16) of an inch below top surface 14 and includes a curved front edge 42 to generally conform to the shape of the thumb.
A cutting edge is provided for severing tape. Preferably, the cutting edge is a blade 42 retained within a groove 44 on the inner surface of side wfllls 24. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, cutting bl~de 42 is parallel to and subst~ntially coextensive with top surface 14 of top wall 12. Although A serrated edge blade is shown ~nd is the pre~
ferred blade for generally cutting tape, a spike, pointed, or a pyram i d-shaped blnde may be preferred for cutting certain types of tnpe, such as vinyl tape.
Preferably, dispenser 10 is molded in one piece from plsstic or similar materi~ls. However, light gauge metals or the like may also be used. Also, blade 42 may be integrally formed as part of dispenser 10 rather than a sep~rnte piece inserted in groove 44, as shown.
In use, dispenser 10 is snapped onto 8 roll 11 and may be freely placed at any position on the roll. Dispenser 10 is readily guided ~bout roll 11 by a user's thumb in control recess 40. ~idewall 41 allows the thumb to laterally stabilize dispenser lOo When dispenser 10 has been positioned to cut a desired length oî tQpe, dispenser 10 and roll 11 mny both be gr~sped firmly in the npex of thumb and forefinger to provide a large surface are~ of support for dispenser 10 ."
which provides stability flnd control while severing the tape.
Additionally~ control recess 40 allows the user's thumb to not only pro-vide downward pressure in opposition to the fingers, but to also pro-vide lateral support and stability during tape tearing. Shoulders 3B
abut the inner surface of core 13 and serve to further stabiliæe dispenser 10 on roll 11. Recess 40 also allows the user to adjust the position of dispenser 10 on the tape roll to cut precisely the desired amount of tape. After roll 11 is depleted, dispenser 10 is re~dily removed by spreading sidewalls 24 ~nd may be reused.
Although a p~rticulsr preferred embodiment has been described, it is not intended to limit the invention thereto. Various modifications and changes will occur to those of ordinary skill in the ~rt, and the invention is defined only by the following claims.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
. ~ .
This invention relates to a device for severing a desired, vAri~ble amount of tape ~rom a roll of tape. More pArticularly, the invention relates to a port~ble, reus~ble tape cutting and dispensing device.
The prior ~rt is repleat wi th variolls tape dispensing and tape cutting inventions~ The term "tape dispenser" is used in the art to refer tc devices which both "cut" and "dispense" t~pe and will be so used in this application. The number of patents in this rel~tively simple technological field is indicative oî the need for a simple, yet highly effective and sa~e tspe dispensing device which may be re-used on ~ number of rolls of tape.
Prior art tape dispensers include one-piece, hand-held tape cutters which are designed to be snapped over, or simply se&ted on, ~
roll o~ t~pe. One such device is disclosed in Horn, U.S. Patent No.
3,970,230. The Horn device, however, relies on downward pressure from a single point of contact, the thumb, as the only means for the user to hold, control, and stabilize the device. Other prior ~rt devices include tnpe cutters with deformable leg~ which must be bent beneath the core of the tape roll to retain the cutter in position. Such deformable legs break frequently. These and other t~pe dispensing and cutting devices include separate parts or members which must be man-ually positloned beneath the core of the t~pe roll to retain it in position on the roll. Still other prior ~rt devices include complex structures in~rolving articul~ted or spring biased members whlch engage the interior of the core o~ the t~pe roll. Not one of the prior know n tape cutting and dispensing devices, however, provides a simple, ergonomically formed device which provides the user with exceptional stability and control to effect safe and accurate cutting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A dispensing device adapted to be mounted on a core mounted roll of flexible material to facilitate manual engagement of the roll and dispensing and severing o-f a length of said material comprising:
a top wall having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a back edge and side edges, said front edge of said top wall having cutting means for cutting a desired length of material to be dispensed, said top surface of said top wall having a user-engageable portion;
a side wall perpendicular to and extending down-wardly from each of said side edges of said top wall, said side walls having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a back edge, said bottom edge of said side walls curving ergonomically downwardly along a continuous concave arc from said back edge of said sidewall toward said front edge of said sidewall so that the downward extension of said side walls from said top wall is greater at said front edge of said side wall than at said back edge of said side wall thereby defining a downwardly curving continuous concave user-engageable bottom edge, said downwardly curving continuous concave arc allowing continuous opposing manual engagement of said user-engageable portion of said top surface of said top wall, said user-engageable portion of said downwardly curving continuous concave bottom edge of said side wall, and core when the dispensing device is mounted on a core mounted roll of flexible material; and a shoulder perpendicular to and projecting inwardly from at least one of said side walls towards the other of said side walls, said shoulder terminating at a point spaced from said other side wall, said shoulder adapted to position and retain said device on said roll.
7~'7 - 2a -A hand-held tape dispensing and severing device adapted to be positioned on a core mounted multi-layered roll of tape having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, and adapted to facilitate manual engagement of the roll of tape, said tape dispensing and severing device comprising:
a top wall having a top surface, said top surface of said top wall having a user-engageable portion adapted to be engaged by a user's thumb, said top wall further having a bottom surface, a front edge, a back edge and side edges, said front edge of said top wall having cutting means for cutting a desired length of tape from a multi-layered roll of tape;
a side wall perpendicular to and extending down-wardly from each of said side edges of said top wall, said side walls having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, a back edge, said bottom edge of said side walls curving ergonomically downwardly along a continuous concave arc from said back edge of said side wall towards said front edge of said side wall so that the downward extension of said side wall said top wall is greater at said front edge of said side wall than at said back edge of said side wall thereby defining a continuous user-engageable portion of said down-wardly curving continuous concave bottom edge, when the tape dispensing and severiny device is mounted on a roll of tape, said downwardly curving continuous concave arc allowing continuous manual engagement of said user-engageable portion of said bottom edge of said side wall and the inner periphery of a roll of tape in opposition to the user's thumb on said user-engageable portion of said top surface; and a shoulder perpendicular to and projecting inwardly from each of said side walls in opposing spaced relation, said shoulders adapted to abut the inner periphery of a roll of tape on which said dispensing device is used in order to retain said device of said roll.
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- 2b -By way of added explanation, the tape dispens3ng and cutting device of the present invention is 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. Except for a cutting blade which is retained in a slot in the device, the device is preferably an ergonomically formed one-piece molded plastic article comprising a top wall ~hich rides over the 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. Inwardly projecting shoulders are ~ixed to the ~ront bottom sur~Ace o~ the slde w~lls in opposing spaced rel~tion ~nd serve to spre~d the slde wall~ ~rt the t~pe di~pen~er is pre~sed down over a roll o~ tape. As the shoulder~ clear the inner core o~ the tape roll, the shoulders are sn~pped b~ck beneath the eore ot the roll ~nd serYe to retain the iment30n on the roll o~ ~Iper The top gur~e ol~ the top wall is preferably providsd ~v3th ~n ergonomi~lly ~orm~ control - recess which ~llows ~or exceptlonal con-trol ~nd l~ter~l st~bility Or the in~ent30n, ~nd f~eilitstes forward and bRckward movement ot the tflpe ffl~pen~er 9111 the roll Or tape.
In ~ pre~erred ~orm9 the bottom ~ge o~ the slde w~ll tapers downwar~Ily from b~ck to ~ront ~long ~n ~rc o~ ~ clrcle so that the downward extenslon o~ the ~Id0 w~ om the top w~ll Is Ere~ter at the rront edge oi~ the s1de w~sll th~n ~t the back edge. Thl3 proYldes ~n ergonomi~ pe whIch flllows the ~orefinger to gr~gp the t~pe and core dlre~tly b~neath the thumb, while the other flngerY curl under the tape core In ~ eomplete ~nd n~tural grip. Thu~, ths devlce Is fully supported ~t the Ylpex between thumb end irore~lnger, whlch ~llows for She complete eontrol o~ the t~qpe snd the dI~penser, no mstter how little tape remains on the roll. The curved taper of the side wall also ensures th~t the downward extent of the side wall is sufficient to laterally stabilize the cutter as tape is used ~nd the radial thickness of the tape roll decreases.
BP~IEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. . .
Figure 1 is A perspective view of a tape dispensing device according to the inYention positioned on Q roll of tape, shown in phantom outline.
Figure 2 is a front plan view of a tape dispenser Qccording to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a side pl~n view of the tspe dispenser of the present invention positioned on ~ roll of tape, with the hand of a user shown in dotted outline.
Figure 4 is a side plarl view of an slternative configuration of the tape dispenser of the present invention.
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The tape dispenser of the present invention is shown generally in Figure 1 ~t 10 positioned on a roll of tape 11 having a core 13.
Tape dispenser 10 includes a top wall 12 having a top surface 14, and ~ bottom sur~ace 16. Top wall 12 81so hQS a front edge 18, a back edge 20 and side edges 22. The width oî top wall 12 is slightly greater than the width of the tape roll on which it is used. The length of top wall 12 snd the rel~tionship and size of ~11 elements are humanly engineered in direct proportion to the natural grip of a per-son's hand and to fit the various generally ~vailable sized t~pe rolls.
Flexible side w811s 24 ~re perpendicular to and extend downw~rdly from each OI the side edges 22 of top wall 12. Side walls 24 eaeh have a top edge 2~, ~ bottom edge 28, a *ont edge 30 and baek edge 32. Top edge 2B OI side walls 24 ~buts and is coextensive with sIde edges 22 of top wall 12, so that at the interse~tion bI the side wall and top wal1, the side wall extends the entire length of the top w~ll aq shown in Figure 1.
Bottom edge 28 of side walls 24 is tapered or otherwise ergonornically shaped to allow the user to comfortably and conveniently grip flnd control dispenser 10. In a preferred embodiment, the taper is downward from back edge 32 towards front edge 30 along Qn ~rc of a circle to thus define a smooth tapering surface, although other ergonomically shaped tapering or cut~way configurations which allow the tape dispenser to fit securely ~nd comfortsbly in the apex between thumb and forefinger may also be used.
O~le alternatiYe configuration is shown in Figure 4, where side wall 24 has a generally L-shaped configuration. ln this coniiguration, bottom edge 28 is "tapered" or cutaway by having a first edge 29A
which extends from b~ck edge 32 towards, but terminating inwardly from, front edge 30 of side wall 24. Bottom edge 29A is parallel to but spaced downwardly from top wall 12. Bottom edge 29B extends from the inner terminal end of edge 29A and is perpendicular to edge 29A. Bottom edge portion 29C connects bottom edge 29B to front edge 30. Thus, in the configuration shown in Figure 4, a "tapered" or ergonomic cutaway portion is formed.
The tapered bottom edge 28 in Figures 1-3, or bottom edge 29A-C in Figure 4 also ~llows the downward extension of side walls 2~
from top wall 12 to be gre~ter at its front edge~ as shown at 34, than at the back edge of side w~ll 24, as shown ~t 36. Although in fl preferred form of the invention, bottom edge 28 tapers from neQr top edge 26 to near front edge 30, and thus includes connecting por-tion 28A which connects bottom edge 28 to front edge 3~, it is within the scope of the invention to have the downwardly tapering bottom edge 28 extend from top edge 26 to front edge 30, while maintAining the ergonomically shaped form of the dispenser. The downward extent 34 of ront edge 30 is sufficient to span the full thickness of a t~pe roll on which it is to be used.
Tape dispenser 10 includes shoulders 38 perpendicul~r to and pro-jecting inwardly from the inner surf~ce of side walls 24. Shoulders 3 8 _ 5 ~
are positioned near the intersection of the bottom edge and front edge of side walls 24 in opposing spaced relatiQn. Sidewalls 2~ are spaced a distance sufficient to allow sidewalls 24 to flank opposite sides of roll 11. This distance may, of course, vary to ~ccom modate tape rolls of different size. Shoulders 38 serve to spread sidewalls 24 as dispenser 10 is placed on a roll of tape 11. After shoulders 38 clear the inner radial edge of roll 11, they sn~p bflck underneath the core and help to retain dispenser 10 on tape roll 11.
Top surface 14 of top wall 12 has a control recess 40 adjacent to back edge 20 of top wall 12. Control recess 40 has sidewalls 41.
In a preferred form, the control recess 40 extends Qpproximately one-sixteenth (1/16) of an inch below top surface 14 and includes a curved front edge 42 to generally conform to the shape of the thumb.
A cutting edge is provided for severing tape. Preferably, the cutting edge is a blade 42 retained within a groove 44 on the inner surface of side wfllls 24. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, cutting bl~de 42 is parallel to and subst~ntially coextensive with top surface 14 of top wall 12. Although A serrated edge blade is shown ~nd is the pre~
ferred blade for generally cutting tape, a spike, pointed, or a pyram i d-shaped blnde may be preferred for cutting certain types of tnpe, such as vinyl tape.
Preferably, dispenser 10 is molded in one piece from plsstic or similar materi~ls. However, light gauge metals or the like may also be used. Also, blade 42 may be integrally formed as part of dispenser 10 rather than a sep~rnte piece inserted in groove 44, as shown.
In use, dispenser 10 is snapped onto 8 roll 11 and may be freely placed at any position on the roll. Dispenser 10 is readily guided ~bout roll 11 by a user's thumb in control recess 40. ~idewall 41 allows the thumb to laterally stabilize dispenser lOo When dispenser 10 has been positioned to cut a desired length oî tQpe, dispenser 10 and roll 11 mny both be gr~sped firmly in the npex of thumb and forefinger to provide a large surface are~ of support for dispenser 10 ."
which provides stability flnd control while severing the tape.
Additionally~ control recess 40 allows the user's thumb to not only pro-vide downward pressure in opposition to the fingers, but to also pro-vide lateral support and stability during tape tearing. Shoulders 3B
abut the inner surface of core 13 and serve to further stabiliæe dispenser 10 on roll 11. Recess 40 also allows the user to adjust the position of dispenser 10 on the tape roll to cut precisely the desired amount of tape. After roll 11 is depleted, dispenser 10 is re~dily removed by spreading sidewalls 24 ~nd may be reused.
Although a p~rticulsr preferred embodiment has been described, it is not intended to limit the invention thereto. Various modifications and changes will occur to those of ordinary skill in the ~rt, and the invention is defined only by the following claims.
Claims (13)
1. A dispensing device adapted to be mounted on a core mounted roll of flexible material to facilitate manual engagement of the roll and dispensing and severing of a length of said material comprising:
a top wall having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a back edge and side edges, said front edge of said top wall having cutting means for cutting a desired length of material to be dispensed, said top surface of said top wall having a user-engageable portion;
a side wall perpendicular to and extending down-wardly from each of said side edges of said top wall, said side walls having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a back edge, said bottom edge of said side walls curving ergonomically downwardly along a continuous concave arc from said back edge of said sidewall toward said front edge of said sidewall so that the downward extension of said side walls from said top wall is greater at said front edge of said side wall than at said back edge of said side wall thereby defining a downwardly curving continuous concave user-engageable bottom edge, said downwardly curving continuous concave arc allowing continuous opposing manual engagement of said user-engageable portion of said top surface of said top wall, said user-engageable portion of said downwardly curving continuous concave bottom edge of said side wall, and core when the dispensing device is mounted on a core mounted roll of flexible material; and a shoulder perpendicular to and projecting inwardly from at least one of said side walls towards the other of said side walls, said shoulder terminating at a point spaced from said other side wall, said shoulder adapted to position and retain said device on said roll.
a top wall having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a back edge and side edges, said front edge of said top wall having cutting means for cutting a desired length of material to be dispensed, said top surface of said top wall having a user-engageable portion;
a side wall perpendicular to and extending down-wardly from each of said side edges of said top wall, said side walls having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a back edge, said bottom edge of said side walls curving ergonomically downwardly along a continuous concave arc from said back edge of said sidewall toward said front edge of said sidewall so that the downward extension of said side walls from said top wall is greater at said front edge of said side wall than at said back edge of said side wall thereby defining a downwardly curving continuous concave user-engageable bottom edge, said downwardly curving continuous concave arc allowing continuous opposing manual engagement of said user-engageable portion of said top surface of said top wall, said user-engageable portion of said downwardly curving continuous concave bottom edge of said side wall, and core when the dispensing device is mounted on a core mounted roll of flexible material; and a shoulder perpendicular to and projecting inwardly from at least one of said side walls towards the other of said side walls, said shoulder terminating at a point spaced from said other side wall, said shoulder adapted to position and retain said device on said roll.
2. A dispensing device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a second shoulder perpendicular and projecting inwardly from said other of said side walls, said second shoulder terminating at a point spaced from said one side wall.
3. A dispensing device as recited in claim 2 wherein said shoulders are positioned near the intersection of said bottom edge and said front edge of said side walls in opposing spaced relation.
4. A dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein said user-engageable portion on said top surface of said top wall comprises a control recess to facilitate holding and using the dispensing device.
5. A dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein said cutting means comprises a cutting blade.
6. A dispensing device as recited in claim 5 wherein said cutting blade is parallel to said top surface of said top wall.
7. A dispensing device as recited in claim 5 wherein said top wall, said cutting blade, said side walls, and said shoulder are integrally formed in one piece.
8. A dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein said top wall, said side walls, and said shoulder are inte-grally formed in one piece.
9. A hand-held tape dispensing and severing device adapted to be positioned on a core mounted multi-layered roll of tape having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, and adapted to facilitate manual engagement of the roll of tape, said tape dispensing and severing device comprising:
a top wall having a top surface, said top surface of said top wall having a user-engageable portion adapted to be engaged by a user's thumb, said top wall further having a bottom surface, a front edge, a back edge and side edges, said front edge of said top wall having cutting means for cutting a desired length of tape from a multi-layered roll of tape;
a side wall perpendicular to and extending down-wardly from each of said side edges of said top wall, said side walls having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, a back edge, said bottom edge of said side walls curving ergonomically downwardly along a continuous concave arc from said back edge of said side wall towards said front edge of said side wall so that the downward extension of said side wall said top wall is greater at said front edge of said side wall than at said back edge of said side wall thereby defining a continuous user-engageable portion of said down-wardly curving continuous concave bottom edge, when the tape dispensing and severing device is mounted on a roll of tape, said downwardly curving continuous concave arc allowing continuous manual engagement of said user-engageable portion of said bottom edge of said side wall and the inner periphery of a roll of tape in opposition to the user's thumb on said user-engageable portion of said top surface; and a shoulder perpendicular to and projecting inwardly from each of said side walls in opposing spaced relation, said shoulders adapted to abut the inner periphery of a roll of tape on which said dispensing device is used in order to retain said device of said roll.
a top wall having a top surface, said top surface of said top wall having a user-engageable portion adapted to be engaged by a user's thumb, said top wall further having a bottom surface, a front edge, a back edge and side edges, said front edge of said top wall having cutting means for cutting a desired length of tape from a multi-layered roll of tape;
a side wall perpendicular to and extending down-wardly from each of said side edges of said top wall, said side walls having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, a back edge, said bottom edge of said side walls curving ergonomically downwardly along a continuous concave arc from said back edge of said side wall towards said front edge of said side wall so that the downward extension of said side wall said top wall is greater at said front edge of said side wall than at said back edge of said side wall thereby defining a continuous user-engageable portion of said down-wardly curving continuous concave bottom edge, when the tape dispensing and severing device is mounted on a roll of tape, said downwardly curving continuous concave arc allowing continuous manual engagement of said user-engageable portion of said bottom edge of said side wall and the inner periphery of a roll of tape in opposition to the user's thumb on said user-engageable portion of said top surface; and a shoulder perpendicular to and projecting inwardly from each of said side walls in opposing spaced relation, said shoulders adapted to abut the inner periphery of a roll of tape on which said dispensing device is used in order to retain said device of said roll.
10. A dispensing device as recited in claim 9 wherein said user-engageable portion on said top surface of said top wall comprises a control recess.
11. A dispensing device as recited in claim 9 wherein said top wall, said side walls, and said shoulders are integrally formed in one piece.
12. A dispensing device as recited in claim 11 wherein said cutting means comprising a cutting blade fixed within a groove in said side walls and top wall.
13. A dispensing device as recited in claim 12 wherein said cutting blade is parallel to said top surface of said top wall.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US67532884A | 1984-11-27 | 1984-11-27 | |
| US675,328 | 1984-11-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1249797A true CA1249797A (en) | 1989-02-07 |
Family
ID=24709992
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000495944A Expired CA1249797A (en) | 1984-11-27 | 1985-11-21 | Tape dispensing device |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0202236A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU4777985A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1249797A (en) |
| MX (1) | MX161934A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1986003182A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2265354A (en) * | 1992-03-25 | 1993-09-29 | Nigel Roy Seal | Device for dispensing tape |
| GB2361910A (en) * | 2000-05-06 | 2001-11-07 | Mark Andrew Kershaw | A masking tape dispenser |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2284807A (en) * | 1938-11-25 | 1942-06-02 | Donahoo William Thomas | Tape cutter |
| DE1066913B (en) * | 1958-08-16 | 1959-10-08 | Colora G M B H | Unwind device for self-adhesive tape |
| GB915691A (en) * | 1959-09-29 | 1963-01-16 | Eric Lionel Hutchings | Improvements in or relating to adhesive-tape dispensing devices |
| US3378184A (en) * | 1966-04-20 | 1968-04-16 | Russell W. Mallory | Simplified roll tape dispensing knife |
| US3970230A (en) * | 1975-02-05 | 1976-07-20 | Alexander Horn | Tape tearing device |
-
1985
- 1985-08-27 WO PCT/US1985/001634 patent/WO1986003182A1/en unknown
- 1985-08-27 AU AU47779/85A patent/AU4777985A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1985-08-27 EP EP19850904382 patent/EP0202236A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1985-11-13 MX MX57985A patent/MX161934A/en unknown
- 1985-11-21 CA CA000495944A patent/CA1249797A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MX161934A (en) | 1991-03-08 |
| EP0202236A1 (en) | 1986-11-26 |
| AU4777985A (en) | 1986-06-18 |
| WO1986003182A1 (en) | 1986-06-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |