GB2306372A

GB2306372A - Tape dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2306372A
Application number: GB9521808A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clive Albert Neat
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-10-25
Filing date: 1995-10-25
Publication date: 1997-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 2015-10-25
Also published as: GB9521808D0; GB2306372B

Abstract

A tape dispenser is intended to assist in dispensing tape 22 from a reel of tape 10. The dispenser includes a frame 14 which is located releasably on the reel for movement around the reel. A spring 16 on the frame is biased towards engagement with the inner side of the reel. The frame is formed on its outside with holding means 26 for securing the free end of the tape and cutting means 23 for cutting the tape from the reel. As tape is unwound from the reel the frame moves around the reel but is readily located and removed from the reel.

Description

Tape Dispenser This invention relates to tape dispensers and in particular to dispensers for use in dispensing tape from reels of tape, usually reels of tape having one side covered with an adhesive, the tape being peeled from the reel during dispensing.

Reels of tape are usually in the form of an annulus, the tape being unwound from the outer surface, there being a circular space within the reel. Such tape reels pose problems in cutting a length of tape from the wheel primarily because after cutting the end of the tape is reattached to the outer surface and is difficult to find and, once found, there is often difficulty in releasing the free end from the reel.

Tape dispensers have been proposed whereby the end of tape is retained on a support for the reel which may also serve to enable a length of tape to be cut off. Such tape dispensers tend to be relatively bulky and are unsuitable for different sizes and widths of wheel.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved tape dispenser of compact dimensions.

According to the invention tape dispensing apparatus comprises a frame for releasable location on a reel of tape for movement around the reel, spring means on the frame biased towards engagement with a side of the reel to retain the frame on the reel, holding means on the frame for securing the free end of unwound tape, and cutting means on the frame for cutting a length of tape from the tape on the reel.

Preferably the frame defines a slot for receiving the reel, a radially inner side ofthe slot being defined by the spring means and the outer side ofthe slot being defined by a channel, the slot having a side entry through which the reel is located in the frame.

Conveniently the cutting mean is upstanding from the outer edge of the frame and extends transversely to the reel. The cutting means may be a sharp or serrated edge.

The holding means may be located on the outer surface of the frame and arranged to receive an inner face of the tape.

The spring means is preferably a resilient strip extending radially outwardly ofthe inner part ofthe frame and biased towards the outwards direction to engage with or be located adjacent to the radially inner surface ofthe reel.

Further features of the invention will appear from the following description given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a tape dispenser shown in its operative position on a reel, Fig. 2 is a section in the direction 2-2 in Fig.l, Fig. 3 is a view in the direction of arrow 3 in Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 is a section on the line 44 in Fig. 1 Referring to the drawings a tape dispenser is shown which is intended for use with a reel of tape 10 in the form of an annular reel having an inner surface 11, usually a cardboard former around which is located multiple layers oftape 12 having an adhesive coating on the radially inner surface, the tape being peeled off from the radially outer surface so that lengths of tape may be cut from the reel 12, all in known manner.The reel may be in various widths and diameters and the tape dispenser may be adapted in size to suit the size of reel 10.

The tape dispenser, shown generally at 14, comprises a frame conveniently made out of a plastics moulding. The frame defines a slot in which the reel 10 is located the slot being defined on its radially outer side by a channel portion 15 ofthe frame 14 and on the radially inner side by a spring 16 supported at one end on an inner side 17 of the frame. The slot also defines an entry opening 18 at one side of the frame through which the reel 10 may be located into the slot. It will be appreciated that the entry opening 18 has a size which is matched to the radial depth of the reel whereby the reel maybe located in the slot. In order to locate the reel 10 in the slot the spring 16 is depressed towards the side 17 of the frame.

The spring 16 is biased towards a radially outwards direction towards its free end to urge the reel 10 into the channel 15. The spring 16 is made of resilient material so as to be movable between the radially outward direction at its free end and a position in which it lies closely adjacent the side 17. If necessary the spring 16 may be made out of different material to the frame 14.

Towards the radially outer side ofthe frame there is provided a bar 20 which extends across the width of the reel and provides an opening 21 at one end through which a length of tape from the reel 10 may be admitted under the bar 20. The bar 20 is inclined forward, as shown, to more easily admit the tape 22.

Towards the opposite end of the frame to the bar 20 is located a cutter 23 which extends transversely across the width ofthe reel 10 and extends in a radially outwards direction. As shown the cutter 23 has along its outer edge serrations 24 which are intended, when engaged by the tape 22 to enable a tape length to be severed from the reel. Alternatively the cutter 23 may have a sharp, knife-like cutting edge.

On the outer side ofthe frame 14 there is provided an outwardly inclined surface 26 to which the free end ofthe tape length 22 may be attached after use of the dispenser, the free end of the length 22 extending beyond the surface 26 in the circumferential direction for easy grasp by the user.

In use the end of the tape from the reel 10 is drawn offthe reel through the space beneath the bar 20 after the frame has been located on the reel. In pulling the free end of the tape from the reel the tape is drawn in the direction X so that the length occupies the position 22A in Fig. 1. As the length 22A is drawn off the reel the frame moves around the reel in the direction shown by arrow Y in Fig.l. Once sufficient tape has been unwound the tape length 22A is moved across the frame to position 22 until it engages the cutter 23. When the length 22 is drawn down onto the cutter 23 the selected length is severed from the reel. The remaining part ofthe length of tape 22 can then be secured on the surface 26.

It will be seen that the tape dispenser is compact and easy to use. Lengths of tape of any selected length can be unwound and released from the tape reel 10 as required. The dispenser may accept reels of different widths and with different amounts or depths of tape but the size ofthe frame may also be in accordance with the size ofthe reeL

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. Tape dispensing apparatus which comprises a frame for releasable location on a reel of tape for movement around the reel, spring means on the frame biased towards engagement with the side ofthe reel to maintain the frame on the reel, holding means on the frame for securing the free end of unwound tape, and cutting means on the frame for cutting a length of tape from the tape on the reel
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the frame defines a slot for receiving the reel, a radially inner side of the slot being defined by the spring means and the outer side of the slot being defined by a channel, the slot having a side entry through which the reel is located in the frame.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the cutting means is upstanding from the outer edge of the frame and extends transversely to the reel.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 3 wherein the cutting means has a sharp or serrated edge.
5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding means is located on the outer side ofthe frame and is arranged to receive an inner face ofthe tape.
6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spring means is a resilient strip extending radially outwardly of the inner part of the frame and biased outwards to engage with or be located adjacent the radially inner surface of the reel.
7. Tape dispensing apparatus substantially as described with reference to the drawings.