GB2530994A

GB2530994A - Film dispenser and method for manufacture thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2530994A
Application number: GB1417597.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Crawley Alan; Cantesanu Beatrice
Original assignee: WRAPEX Ltd
Current assignee: WRAPEX Ltd
Priority date: 2014-10-06
Filing date: 2014-10-06
Publication date: 2016-04-13
Also published as: GB201417597D0

Abstract

A cutting arrangement, for a film dispenser 10, having a first section 4 comprising a tensioning arrangement 30 and a blade 40, and a second section 3 comprising a cutting surface 3 and a slot 33. The first section 4 being moveable relative to the second member 3 between a first position in which a jaw member of the tensioning arrangement 30 is not in contact with the cutting surface 3, a second position wherein the jaw is in contact with the cutting surface 3 but no part of the blade 40 is received in the slot 33, and a third position wherein the blade 40 is received in the slot 33. The jaw member may comprise longitudinal projections 9, with the blade 40 disposed therebetween, and the cutting surface 3 may comprise recesses 32 configured to receive the projections 9 such that film may be gripped and tensioned. A claim is also provided for a film dispenser 10 comprising a housing 20 having a base 3 and a lid 4; the tensioning arrangement 30 formed on the lid and the cutting tray 3 on the base. Claims are also provided for a method of operating and manufacturing a dispenser.

Description

Film dispenser and method for manufacture thereof

Technical Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a film dispenser and to a method of manufacturing a film dispenser. In particular, the method relates to a reloadable film dispenser which is suitable for one-handed operation, and a low-cost method of manufacturing such a film dispenser.

Background to the Invention

Film dispensers typically provide a housing for a roll of film, a means of accessing a free end of the film which allows a user to grasp the free end and pull a desired length of film from the roll, and a means of separating the desired length from the roll.

Many films, such as paper and aluminium foil, are relatively easy to cut because their substantial rigidity coupled with their low elasticity allow them to be gripped with ease during the cutting action. Conversely, PVC film and other thin plastic films are typically very difficult to cut, because their low rigidity, high elasticity, and slipperiness make them difficult to securely grip during the cutting action. If the film is not securely gripped, then it will move with the cutting blade and will be stretched, rather than severed. If a film dispenser is to be suitable for use with such thin plastic films, it must therefore provide a way to firmly grip and tension the film during the cutting action.

Several types of film dispenser are known in the art. For example, one type of common dispenser (such as that described in US 5,292,046) provides a cutting edge (e.g. a serrated blade) attached to an external wall of the dispenser housing. To cut the film dispensed by the device, the user is required to hold the dispenser with one hand whilst the other hand is used to tear the film by pulling it against the serrated blade.

Another known type of dispenser has a cutting edge arranged to slide transversely to the film along a track or rail system. The user therefore cuts a dispensed portion of film by holding the dispenser housing with one hand and moving the cutting edge from one side of the film to the other using their other hand.

It will be appreciated that both of these types of film dispenser require the use of two hands for their operation, which can be inconvenient for the user. Furthermore, many of the known dispensers are formed from two or more independently manufactured sub-sections, which must then be assembled together to form the complete dispenser. This means that such dispensers are relatively expensive to produce.

GB 2011854 seeks to reduce dispenser production cost by supplying a film dispenser as a kit of parts, thereby requiring the user to assemble the dispenser prior to use.

However; the quality of such a dispenser will typically be lower than that of a dispenser which is supplied as a complete assembly, and furthermore the need for home assembly is inconvenient for the user.

EP 1507729 describes a film dispenser which is suitable for low-cost mass-production because its housing is formed by extruded wall sections. However, it is still necessary to manufacture injection moulded end-caps separately from the wall sections, as well as to provide separate high-friction strips to enable tensioning of the film. Substantial assembly is therefore still required, which limits how low the production cost can be.

Furthermore, the dispenser design does not readily allow for the reloading of new rolls of film, meaning that the dispenser must be thrown away when the film roll is exhausted.

A high-quality, reloadable, and convenient to use film dispenser which can be manufactured at low-cost would therefore be desirable. Such a dispenser would preferably be suitable for one-handed operation and for cufting a variety of different types of film, including cling film, aluminium foil, and greaseproof paper.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cutting arrangement for a film dispenser. The cutting arrangement comprises: a first section comprising a jaw member and a blade; and a second section comprising a cutting surface and a slot.

The first section is moveable relative to the second section between: a first position in which the jaw member is not in contact with the cutting surface and no part of the blade is received within the slot; a second position in which the jaw member is in contact with the cutting surface and no part of the blade is received within the slot; and a third position in which the jaw member is in contact with the cutting surface and at least part of the blade is received within the slot. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention ensure that the film is gripped firmly between the jaw member and the cutting suiface before it is contacted by the blade. Consequently, a high degree of tension can be maintained during the whole cutting action, permitting clean cutting of even very flexible and slippery films. Furthermore, cutting arrangements according to the invention can be implemented using a small number of relatively simple parts, which permits such cutting arrangements to be manufactured very cost effectively. This advantageously makes cutting arrangements according to the invention suitable for use in a disposable film dispenser.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention the jaw member is moveable relative to the blade. This advantageously allows the jaw member to maintain a constant grip on the film as the blade contacts and cuts the film. In some embodiments the jaw member comprises a pair of longitudinal projections, and the blade is disposed between the longitudinal projections.

In some embodiments the cutting surface comprises at least one recess configured to receive the jaw member, such that the jaw member is in contact with a base of the recess when the first section is in the second position and when the first section is in the third position. This can improve the strength of the grip on the film by the jaw member.

In some embodiments the cutting surface comprises a film retrieval feature configured to facilitate the grasping by a user of a film resting on the cutting surface. In some such embodiments the film retrieval feature comprises an indentation extending into the cutting surface and/or a protrusion extending upward from the cutting surface.

There is also provided, according to a second aspect of the invention, a film dispenser comprising a housing and a cutting arrangement according to the first aspect. The housing comprises a base and a lid moveably connected to the base. The first section of the cutting arrangement is disposed on the lid and the second section of the cutting arrangement is disposed on the base.

In some embodiments the second section is formed integrally with the base and/or at least part of the first section is formed integrally with the lid. In some embodiments the jaw member is moveably connected to the lid such that the jaw member is permitted to move between an extended position with respect to the lid and a retracted position with respect to the lid.

In some embodiments the housing further comprises a spring arranged to bias the jaw member into the extended position. This advantageously ensures that the jaw member will contact the film before the cutting blade and can improve the strength of the grip on the film by the jaw member. In some embodiments the blade is fixedly connected to the lid.

In some embodiments the lid is pivotally connected to the base. In some such embodiments the lid is formed integrally with the base, and the housing further comprises at least one living hinge connecting the lid to the base. Forming the lid integrally with the base reduces the number of parts comprised in the dispenser and therefore simplifies the manufacturing process. For example, the lid and base may be formed as a single component by injection-moulding.

In some embodiments the base comprises a film storage chamber arranged to receive a supply of film, and a cutting tray moveably connected to the film storage chamber, wherein the cutting surface is disposed on the cutting tray. In some such embodiments the cutting tray is formed integrally with the film storage chamber, and the cutting tray is pivotally connected to the film storage chamber by at least one living hinge. Forming the cutting tray integrally with the film storage chamber reduces the number of parts comprised in the dispenser and therefore simplifies the manufacturing process. For example, the cutting tray and film storage chamber may be formed as a single component by injection-moulding.

There is also provided, according to a third aspect of the invention, a method of operating a film dispenser having a lid comprising a jaw member and a blade, and a base comprising a cutting surface and a slot. The method comprises: moving the lid of the film dispenser from a first position in which the jaw member is not in contact with the cutting surface and no part of the blade is received within the slot to a second position in which the jaw member is in contact with the cutting surface and no part of the blade is received within the slot; and moving the lid of the film dispenser from the second position to a third position in which the jaw member is in contact with the cutting surface and at least part of the blade is received within the slot.

In some preferred embodiments, during movement of the lid from the first position to the second position, there is no relative movement between the jaw member and the lid, and during movement of the lid from the second position to the third position there is relative movement between the jaw member and the lid. In some embodiments, during movement of the lid from the first position to the second position, the jaw member moves from an extended position with respect to the lid to a retracted position with respect to the lid.

In some embodiments moving the lid from the second position to the third position comprises moving the lid against a resistive force. In some such embodiments the resistive force is generated by at least one resilient member configured to bias the lid into an at least partly open configuration.

In some embodiments, during movement of the lid from the first position to the second position, there is no relative movement between the jaw member and the blade, and during movement of the lid from the second position to the third position there is relative movement between the jaw member and the blade.

There is also provided, according to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a film dispenser according to the second aspect. The method comprises: manufacturing a housing comprising a lid and a base, wherein the base includes a cutting surface and a slot; manufacturing a blade; manufacturing a jaw member; connecting the jaw member to the lid; and connecting the blade to the lid.

In some preferred embodiments each of the housing, blade and jaw member is manufactured as a single integral component. In some embodiments each of the housing, blade and jaw member is manufactured from a plastics material by injection-moulding. In some embodiments connecting the jaw member to the lid comprises forming a snap-fit connection between the jaw member and the lid; and/or connecting the blade to the lid comprises forming a snap-fit connection between the blade and the lid.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a film dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 2 shows cut-away perspective view of the film dispenser of claim 1 in a partially closed configuration; Figure 3a shows a perspective view of the housing of the film dispenser of Figure 1 in a first open position; Figure 3b shows a perspective view of the housing of the film dispenser of Figure 1 in a second open position; Figure 4a shows a perspective view of the film-tensioner arrangement of the film dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 4b shows a perspective view of an alternative film-tensioner arrangement; Figure 5 shows perspective view of the cutting blade arrangement of the film dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the housing and springs of the film dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the housing, springs and film-tensioner arrangement of the film dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 with a roll of film loaded therein in a fully open configuration; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 in an open configuration; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 in a partially open configuration; and Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a film dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 show a complete film dispenser 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The dispenser 1 comprises a housing 20, a film-tensioner arrangement and a cutting blade 40. The film tensioner arrangement 30 is connected to the housing 20 via springs 50. All of the components of the dispenser 10 are made of a plastics material, and are suitable to be manufactured by a low-cost mass production technique such as injection moulding. This advantageously means that the production cost of the film dispenser 10 can be very low compared with conventional reloadable film dispensers.

Figure 2 shows the film dispenser 10 with a roll of film 26 loaded into it. An end portion of the dispenser 10 has been cut away in this figure to make it easier to see certain features of the dispenser 10.

Figures 2a and 2b show the housing 20 in isolation, in partly open (Figure 2a) and fully open (Figure 2b) configurations. As can be seen from Figures 2a and 2b, the housing is made up of a base section 2, a cutting tray section 3 and a lid section 4. The connections between the base section 2 and the lid section 4 and between the base section 2 and the cutting tray section 3 are formed by living hinges 5. Advantageously, the use of living hinges permits the entire housing 20 to be manufactured (e.g. by injection moulding) as a single piece.

The base section 2 and the cutting tray section 3 incorporate roll-core location formations 6 at each end, which function to keep the core of a film roll loaded in the dispenser in an optimal position for operation of the dispenser 10. The optimal roll position is in the middle of the housing 20, therefore the roll-core location formations 6 comprise part-circular protrusions which fit around the core of a film roll to support and maintain it in a central position within the housing 20, whilst still permitting rotation of the roll core relative to the housing 20. In some embodiments the roll-core location features 6 incorporate rotational control features (not depicted) which function to restrict the rate and/or direction of rotation of the roll core when film is unwound from the roll. This can advantageously reduce the tendency of the film roll to unwind excessively rapidly, which can lead to counter-winding of the film onto the roll in the wrong direction. In such embodiments the roll core rotational control features include one or more frictional engagement surfaces and/or one or more ratchet-style engagement features that permit the roll core to rotate in one direction only. It will be appreciated, however, that any other mechanism suitable for controlling the rotation of a roll core known in the art could be used.

The cutting tray section 3 has a lower surface (shown as uppermost in Figures 2a and 2b) on which the roll core location formations 6 are provided, and an upper surface (not visible in Figures 2a and 2b). In some embodiments the upper surface of the cutting tray section 3 includes at least one film retrieval feature, for aiding the user to grasp the free end of a roll of film loaded in the dispenser. In preferred embodiments the film retrieval feature is formed integrally with the housing 20. In one such embodiment the film retrieval feature comprises a pair of adjacent recesses separated by an upstanding wall section that is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the cutting tray 3 (and therefore to the film). This allows a user to push their fingers down into the recesses and thereby to pinch the film between their fingers, against the wall section, making it easy to grasp the free end of the film. In preferred embodiments the film retrieval feature is formed integrally with the cutting tray section 3.

In preferred embodiments the cutting tray section 3 includes locking features 29 which function to securely maintain the cutting tray section 3 in the closed position during operation of the dispenser. In some such embodiments (such as the embodiment shown in Figures 2a and 2b) the locking features 29 comprise a pair of protrusions 29, each of which extends outwardly (i.e. along the direction of the long axis of the dispenser 10) from an end of the cutting tray section 3, and a pair of corresponding recesses or holes on each end of the base section 2. The protrusions are resiliently connected to the main body of the cutting tray section 3 such that they can be pushed inwardly with respect to their natural orientation. The protrusions and recesses are configured such that the protrusions engage with (i.e. locate inside) the recesses when the cutting tray section is fully closed. The resilient connection of the protrusions to the cutting tray section 3 biases them into a firm engagement with the recesses/holes, and also allows the protrusions to be pushed inwardly by a user and thereby released from engagement with the recesses/holes. In preferred embodiments the locking features 29 (e.g. the protrusions and the recesses/holes) are formed integrally with the housing 20.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the upper surface of the cutting tray section 3 includes a pair of film retention grooves 32, and a blade receiving slot 33 between the film retention grooves 32. These features will be described in more detail later on, in conjunction with the film tensioner arrangement 30 and cutting blade 40.

Figure 3a shows the film-tensioner arrangement 30 in isolation. The film-tensioner arrangement 30 is a single injection-mouldable component. It comprises a pair of film retention blades 9, each of which has a straight film-interface edge 11. The film retention blades 9 are arranged to be received within the film retention grooves 32 when the cutting tray section 3 is closed (i.e. in the position shown in Figure 2) and when the angle between the lid section 4 and the top edges of the base section 2 is less than a certain angle a. When the film retention blades 9 are fully received within the film retention grooves 32 (as shown in Figure 2) the film-interface edges 11 contact the bases of the film retention grooves 32 so as to be able to grip a film therebetween.

In some embodiments the film retention blades 9 are different heights. In some such embodiments the film retention grooves 32 will correspondingly have different depths.

In preferred such embodiments the film retention blade which is closest to the front face of the assembled dispenser 10 is taller than the film retention blade which is closest to the back face of the assembled dispenser 10. In preferred embodiments the film retention blades 9 are wedge-shaped and the film retention grooves 32 are correspondingly v-shaped. This is advantageous because the fit between the film retention blades 9 with the film retention grooves 32 becomes increasingly tight as further pressure is applied to the film retention blades, thereby improving the grip on a film held between the film retention blades 9 and the film retention grooves 32.

The film-tensioner arrangement 30 has a pair of mounting formations 8 that are configured to engage with corresponding sockets 7 provided on the base section 2 of the housing 20, such that a pivotal connection is formed between the film-tensioner arrangement 30 and the base section 2. In preferred embodiments the mounting formations 8 form a snap-fit attachment to the corresponding sockets 7. The film-tensioner arrangement 30 also includes a pair of resilient members 12 (one at each end of the film-tensioner arrangement). The resilient members 12 are arranged to contact a surface on the base section 2 of the housing 20 when the lid section 4 of the assembled dispenser 10 is partially closed, and thereby to resist further closing of the lid section 4. The resilient members 12 therefore generate an opening force which seeks to partially reopen the lid section 4 if it is closed beyond the point at which the resilient members 12 contact the base section 2 (i.e. during a cutting action).

In the assembled dispenser 10 the film-tensioner arrangement is also connected to the lid section 4 of the housing 20, via springs 50. In some embodiments the connection between the mounting formations 8 and the base section 2 is arranged to restrict the degree and/or rate of pivotal movement permitted between the base section 2 and the lid section 4. This restriction can be achieved, for example, by means of interference contact between the mounting formations 8 and the sockets 7. In some embodiments the sockets 7 are configured to restrict the angle through which the mounting formations can pivot relative to the base section 2. This has the effect of limiting how far the lid section 4 can open out from the base section 2. In some such embodiments the maximum angle permitted between the the lid section 4 and the base section 2 is selected to be the smallest angle at which the lid section 4 can remain open without support from the user. Providing such a restriction advantageously serves to maintain dispenser stability/balance during opening of the dispenser (e.g. to load a new roll of film) and avoids excessive wear on the hinges. It will be appreciated that other embodiments are possible in which the film-tensioner arrangement 30 is attached to a different sub-section of the housing 20, e.g. the lid section 4.

Figure 3b shows an alternative film-tensioner arrangement 31 in which the film retention blades 9 have profiled film-interface edges 13. In some embodiments having such an alternative film-tensioner arrangement 31, the bases of the film retention grooves 32 are correspondingly profiled. In alternative embodiments, the bases of the film retention grooves 32 are profiled in a non-corresponding manner. Such embodiments can advantageously improve the grip on a film held between the film retention interface edges 13 and the film retention grooves 32 by providing a discontinuous interface with the film. Jagged film-interface edges (such as those shown in Figure 3b), whether in combination with corresponding or non-corresponding jagged groove bases, are well suited for gripping certain particularly slippery materials because they create a tortuous pathway for the film, thereby reducing the tendency for the film to slip between the film interface edges 13 and the bases of the film retention grooves 32.

Figure 4 shows the cutting blade 40 in isolation. In preferred embodiments, the cutting blade 40 is a single plastic component, which is suitable for manufacturing by injection moulding. It will be appreciated, however, that the cutting blade 40 could alternatively be made of a different material, e.g. metal. In some embodiments the cutting blade 40 is serrated. In some such embodiments the cutting blade 40 has variable depth teeth 15, thereby reducing the number of teeth in contact with the film at any one time during the cutting action. This advantageously reduces the potential for film-slippage during the cutting action.

The cutting blade 40 is arranged to be received within the blade receiving slot 33 when the cutting tray section 3 is closed (i.e. in the position shown in Figure 2) and when the angle between the lid section 4 and the top edges of the base section 2 is less than a certain angle 1* In preferred embodiments 1 is less than a. The depth of the blade receiving slot 33 is sufficient that the cutting edge of the cutting blade 40 does not contact the base of the blade receiving slot 33 when the lid section 4 is fully closed with respect to the base section 2 (i.e. when the lower front edge of the lid section 4 is in contact with the upper surface of the cutting tray section 3). In preferred embodiments the width of the blade receiving slot 33 is sufficient that the cutting blade 40 does not contact the sides of the blade receiving slot 33 during any part of a cutting action.

In the assembled film dispenser 10 the cutting blade 40 is arranged between the film retention blades 9 of the film-tensioner arrangement 30. The side of the cutting blade opposite to the cutting edge is fixed to the inside surface of the lid section 4 of the housing 20. In preferred embodiments the cutting blade 40 includes clip formations 17 which form a snap-fit connection to corresponding formations on lid section 4. This advantageously provides a simple and cost-effective way of fixing the cutting blade 40 to the housing. It will be appreciated, however, that any other fixing means known in the art could alternatively be used. In some embodiments one or more springs (not shown) may also form part of the cutting blade 40.

The respective configurations of the cutting blade 40 and the film-tensioner arrangement 30 are such that, in the assembled dispenser 10, the cutting blade 40 and film-tensioner arrangement 30 move together (i.e. there is no relative movement between the cutting blade 40 and the film-tensioner arrangement 30) during a first part of the movement of the lid section 4 from an open position (e.g. as shown in Figure 2b) to a closed position, and move independently (i.e. there is relative movement between the cutting blade 40 and the film-tensioner arrangement 30) during a second part of the movement of the lid section 4 from the open position to the closed position. The first part of the movement of the lid section 4 is not associated with cutting of the film, whereas the second part of the movement of the lid section 4 is associated with film-cutting, as will be described in more detail below.

This action is achieved by the provision of one or more slots 16 in the cutting blade 40 (two such slots are provided in the embodiment shown in Figure 4) and corresponding bridge features 14 on the film-tensioner arrangement 30. In the assembled dispenser the bridge features 14 sit within the slots 16. The effect of this arrangement is to permit the film-tensioner arrangement 30 to move towards the lid section 4 (e.g. in response to the application of a force against the film interface edges 11), against the action of the springs 50, whilst the cutting blade 40 remains fixed in place with respect to the lid section 4. Conversely, when no force is applied to the film interface edges 11 the springs 50 force the bridge features 14 against the ends of the slots 16, and the film-tensioner arrangement 30 and the cutting blade 40 therefore move together as a single unit as the lid section is moved.

Figure 5 shows the housing 20 and springs 50, without the film-tensioner arrangement or cutting blade 40. In some embodiments the springs 50 are formed integrally with the housing 20. In alternative embodiments the springs 50 are formed integrally with the film-tensioner arrangement 30. However; in other embodiments (such as the embodiment shown in Figure 5) the springs 50 are separate components. In preferred such embodiments the springs 50 are suitable for manufacturing by injection moulding.

In preferred such embodiments the springs 50 are connected to the lid section 4 of the housing 20 and to the film-tensioner arrangement 30 by means of snap-fit formations. It will be appreciated, however, that any other suitable fixing means known in the art could alternatively be used. Figure 6 shows the film-tensioner arrangement 30 mounted to the lid section 4 of the housing 20 by means of the springs 50.

The operation of the dispenser 10 will now be described, with reference to Figures 7-10.

Figure 7 shows the film dispenser 10 in a fully open position, with a roll of film 26 loaded in the dispenser. Starting from a closed position of the dispenser 10, the fully open position can be achieved by rotating lid section 4 of the housing 20 in an anti-clockwise direction with respect to the base section 2, then rotating cufting tray section 3 of the housing 20 in a clockwise direction with respect to the base section 2. In embodiments which include locking features 29, it will be appreciated that the locking features must be manipulated in the appropriate manner (e.g. by pressing inwardly, if the locking features comprise protrusions as shown in Figures 2a and 2b) before relative movement of the cutting tray section 3 and the base section 2 can be effected.

In the open position of the dispenser a roll of film 26 can be inserted into the base section 2 of the housing 20, and/or an empty roll core can be removed. The roll of film 26 is supported by the roll core location formations 6 on the base section 2 (not visible in Figure 7).

Once a roll of film 26 has been inserted into the base section 2, the cufting tray section 3 is closed by rotating it in an anti-clockwise direction with respect to the base section 2. To prepare the dispenser for use, before closing the cutting tray section 3 the user should unwind a portion of film from film roll 26 and should ensure that the free end of the unwound portion passes between the distal edge of the cutting tray section 3 and the back edge of the base section 2 when the cutting tray section 3 is closed. The film dispenser 10 is then ready for use to dispense a portion of film. If it is not desired to immediately dispense a portion of film, the dispenser can be put into a storage configuration by closing lid section 4. It will be appreciated that, in embodiments which include the resilient members 7, in the storage configuration there will be a gap between the edges of the lid section 4 and the upper edges of the base section 2 because of the resistive force exerted by the resilient members 7.

When the user wishes to dispense a portion of film, they must open the lid section 4 to access the free end of the film, so that the dispenser is in the configuration shown in Figure 8, and then pull the desired length of film from the roll 26. To assist the user in grasping the free end of the film, some embodiments of the invention include a film retrieval formation 28 on the cutting tray section 3, as described above. Once the desired length of film has been pulled from the roll 26, cutting of the film is effected as follows.

First, the lid section 4 of the housing 20 is rotated clockwise until resistance is met from the resilient members 12. At this point the dispenser 10 will be in the configuration shown in Figure 9. The user must then push downwardly on the lid section 4 to perform a cutting action. The first stage of the cutting action is that the film-interface edges 11 of the film-retention blades 9 make contact with the film. As the user continues to push on the lid section 4, the film retention blades push the film into the film-retention grooves 31 on the upper surface of the cutting tray section 3 until the film-interface edges 11 contact the bases of the grooves 31. The film is thereby gripped between the film-interface edges 11 and bases of the grooves 31, and the portion of film between the two film-retention grooves 31 is held in tension across the blade-receiving slot 32.

At this point there is still a gap between the bottom edges of the lid section 4 and the top edges of the base section 2, but the film-tensioner arrangement 30 is prevented from further movement by the contact of the film retention blades 9 with the bases of the film retention grooves 31. However; as discussed above, relative movement between the film-tensioner arrangement 30 and the lid section 4 is permitted by the springs 50, and relative movement between the film-tensioner arrangement 30 and the cutting blade 40 is permitted by the slots 16. Thus, as the user continues to push down on lid section 4, springs 50 are compressed and the film-tensioner arrangement 30 remains stationary with respect to the cutting tray section 3, whilst the lid section 4 (including the cutting blade 40) continues to move downwardly toward the cutting tray section 3. The fact that the film retention blades 9 contact (and grip) the film before the cutting blade means that the film is held in tension before the cutting blade 40 exerts any force on it. A higher tension during cutting can therefore be achieved, which is particularly advantageous for achieving clean cutting of difficult materials such as thin plastic films.

The downward movement of the lid section 4 continues until the lower front edge of the lid section 4 contacts the upper surface of the cutting tray section 3. It will be appreciated that this contact prevents further downward movement of the lid section.

During the final section of the cutting action (i.e. during which the lid section 4 and cutting blade 40 are moving independently of the film-tensioner arrangement 30) the cutting blade 40 moves into the blade receiving slot 32 and thereby severs the film (which is held in tension across the opening of the receiving slot 32). The desired portion of film is thereby separated from the roll 26. It will be appreciated that all of the actions required for dispensing a portion of film can be carried out using one hand, since the dispenser 10 is configured to rest stably on a surface whilst a portion of film is unrolled and whilst the lid section 4 is pressed to cut the unrolled portion.

After cutting of the film is complete and the user ceases to push downwardly on the lid section 4, the lid section returns to a partially open position under the actions of the springs 50 and the resilient members 12. This makes it easy for the user to open the lid to access the free end of the film next time it is desired to dispense a portion of film.

A method of manufacturing the film dispenser (e.g. the film dispenser 10 described above) will now be described with reference to Figure 11.

In a first step 110 a housing is manufactured. The housing comprises a lid section and a base section, and the base includes a cutting surface and a slot. In preferred embodiments the lid section and the base section are connected by at least one living hinge. In some embodiments the housing further comprises a cutting tray section, in which case the cutting surface and the slot are comprised in the cutting tray section. In such embodiments, the cutting tray section is connected to the base section by at least one living hinge. In some embodiments the housing includes at least one spring. In some such embodiments the housing is arranged to connect to a jaw member via the spring. In some embodiments the spring is formed integrally with the housing. In preferred embodiments the housing is manufactured as a single integral unit. In preferred such embodiments the housing is manufactured from a plastics material by injection moulding. It will be appreciated, however, that any other process known in the art suitable for manufacturing a housing could be used in this step.

In embodiments where the housing comprises one or more living hinges, the method includes the additional step of exercising the living hinges. This advantageously can extend the life of the living hinges.

In a second step 120, a blade is manufactured. In preferred embodiments the blade is manufactured as a single integral unit. In preferred such embodiments, the blade is manufactured from a plastics material by injection moulding. In some embodiments the blade includes at least one snap-connector arranged to enable a snap-fit connection to be made between the blade and the housing. It will be appreciated, however, that any other process known in the art suitable for manufacturing a blade could be used in this step.

In a third step 130 a jaw member is manufactured. In preferred embodiments the jaw member is manufactured as a single integral unit. In preferred such embodiments, the jaw member is manufactured from a plastics material by injection moulding. It will be appreciated, however, that any other process known in the art suitable for manufacturing a jaw member could be used in this step. In some embodiments the jaw member includes at least one snap-connector arranged to enable a snap-fit connection to be made between the blade and the housing. In some embodiments the jaw member includes at least one spring. In such embodiments the jaw member is arranged to be connected to the housing via the spring. In some embodiments the spring is formed integrally with the jaw member. In some embodiments at least one snap-connector is formed on the spring.

In some embodiments, an additional step of manufacturing one or more separate springs is performed. Springs may be formed by many means apparent to those versed in the art, including (but not limited to) for example: -from thin spring metal as a stamped spring part, -from spring metal rods as a spirally wound spring part, -as integral and/or separate and individual moulded features formed from any polymer or combination of polymer materials, or -any combination thereof.

However, in preferred embodiments, each of the one or more separate springs is manufactured as a single integral unit. In preferred such embodiments, each of the one or more separate springs is manufactured from a plastics material by injection moulding. This advantageously reduces production costs. In some embodiments the one or more separate springs are injection-moulded in conjunction with larger pads, thereby keeping their production cost to a minimum. Embodiments which involve the manufacture of one or more separate springs also include the further step of either (a) connecting the one or more separate springs to the housing, so that the housing comprises the one or more separate springs, or (b) connecting the one or more separate springs to the jaw member, so that the jaw member comprises the one or more separate springs.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing steps may be performed in any order, and that one or more of these steps may be performed simultaneously.

In a fourth step 140, the jaw member is connected to the lid of the housing. In some embodiments in which the lid of the housing comprises a spring, step 140 comprises connecting the jaw member to the spring. In alternative embodiments in which the jaw member comprises a spring, step 140 comprises connecting the spring to the housing.

In preferred embodiments, connecting the jaw member to the lid of the housing involves forming a snap-fit connection (e.g. by means of snap-fit connectors formed on the jaw member and the housing) between the jaw member and the lid of the housing.

In a fifth step 150, the blade is connected to the lid of the housing. In preferred embodiments, connecting the blade to the lid of the housing involves forming a snap-fit connection (e.g. by means of snap-fit connectors formed on the blade and the housing) between the blade and the lid of the housing. In some embodiments connecting the blade to the lid of the housing involves engaging one or more slots in the blade with corresponding bridge features on the jaw member. In such embodiments the jaw member should be connected to the housing before step 150 is performed.

Although the above described method uses snap-connections, it will be appreciated that other known techniques for connecting two parts could be used. Such techniques include (but are not limited to), for example: -the application of adhesive in any form, -the employment of welding techniques such as ultrasonic or radio frequency welding and the like, -the provision of separate and individual clip parts, or -any combination thereof.

However; the preferred means of connection of the parts of the dispenser is to use integral snap-clip features. Such features can be formed integrally with the parts and can be designed to provide at least partial articulation between the connected parts.

This advantageously makes assembly of the dispenser simple and fast, and therefore low in cost.

The design of the components of dispensers according to embodiments of the invention permits each dispenser component to be manufactured by injection-moulding in a simple tool close-open action which does not require tooling side-actions, lifters or the like. Requiring a very simple injection-moulding minimises the costs of tool construction and maximises the life of the tool, as well as minimising the production cycle-time. The production costs of the dispenser can therefore be very low.

There is therefore provided a low cost injection-mouldable film dispenser apparatus which is suitable for single-handed operation and which is capable of dispensing a variety of different types of film, including thin plastic films.

Although the invention has been described above as being a "film" dispenser for dispensing a portion of "film", it will be appreciated that the dispenser is equally suitable for dispensing any other type of thin planar material provided on a roll. Therefore, whenever the word "film" has been used, it could equally be substituted with, e.g. foil, paper, wrap, etc. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or othel unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

Claims 1. A cutting arrangement for a film dispenser, the cutting arrangement comprising: a first section comprising a jaw member and a blade; and a second section comprising a cutting surface and a slot; wherein the first section is moveable relative to the second section between: a first position in which the jaw member is not in contact with the cutting surface and no part of the blade is received within the slot; a second position in which the jaw member is in contact with the cutting surface and no part of the blade is received within the slot; and a third position in which the jaw member is in contact with the cutting surface and at least pad of the blade is received within the slot.
2. The cutting arrangement of claim 1, wherein the jaw member is moveable relative to the blade.
3. The cutting arrangement of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the jaw member comprises a pair of longitudinal projections, and wherein the blade is disposed between the longitudinal projections.
4. The cutting arrangement of any of claims 1-3, wherein the cutting surface comprises at least one recess configured to receive the jaw member, such that the jaw member is in contact with a base of the recess when the first section is in the second position and when the first section is in the third position.
5. The cutting arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the cutting surface comprises a film retrieval feature configured to facilitate the grasping by a user of a film resting on the cutting surface, wherein the film retrieval feature comprises an indentation extending into the cutting surface and/or a protrusion extending upward from the cutting surface.
6. A film dispenser comprising a housing and a cutting arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a base and a lid moveably connected to the base, and wherein the first section of the cutting arrangement is disposed on the lid and the second section of the cutting arrangement is disposed on the base.
7. The film dispenser of claim 6, wherein the second section is formed integrally with the base and/or at least part of the first section is formed integrally with the lid.
8. The film dispenser of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the jaw member is moveably connected to the lid such that the jaw member is permitted to move between an extended position with respect to the lid and a retracted position with respect to the lid.
9. The film dispenser of any of claims 6-8, wherein the housing further comprises a spring arranged to bias the jaw member into the extended position.
10. The film dispenser of any of claims 6-9, wherein the blade is fixedly connected to the lid.
11. The film dispenser of any of claims 6-10, wherein the lid is pivotally connected to the base.
12. The film dispenser of claim 11, wherein the lid is formed integrally with the base, and wherein the housing further comprises at least one living hinge connecting the lid to the base.
13. The film dispenser of any of claims 6-12, wherein the base comprises a film storage chamber arranged to receive a supply of film, and a cutting tray moveably connected to the film storage chamber, and wherein the cutting surface is disposed on the cutting tray.
14. The film dispenser of claim 13, wherein the cutting tray is formed integrally with the film storage chamber, and wherein the cutting tray is pivotally connected to the film storage chamber by at least one living hinge.
15. A method of operating a film dispenser having a lid comprising a jaw member and a blade, and a base comprising a cutting surface and a slot, the method comprising: moving the lid of the film dispenser from a first position in which the jaw member is not in contact with the cutting surface and no pad of the blade is received within the slot to a second position in which the jaw member is in contact with the cutting surface and no part of the blade is received within the slot; and moving the lid of the film dispenser from the second position to a third position in which the jaw member is in contact with the cutting surface and at least part of the blade is received within the slot.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein during movement of the lid from the first position to the second position, there is no relative movement between the jaw member and the lid, and during movement of the lid from the second position to the third position there is relative movement between the jaw member and the lid.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein during movement of the lid from the first position to the second position, the jaw member moves from an extended position with respect to the lid to a retracted position with respect to the lid.
18. The method of any of claims 15-17, wherein moving the lid from the second position to the third position comprises moving the lid against a resistive force.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the resistive force is generated by at least one resilient member configured to bias the lid into an at least partly open configuration.
20. The method of any of claims 15-19, wherein during movement of the lid from the first position to the second position, there is no relative movement between the jaw member and the blade, and during movement of the lid from the second position to the third position there is relative movement between the jaw member and the blade.
21. A method of manufacturing a film dispenser according to claim 6, the method comprising: manufacturing a housing comprising a lid and a base, wherein the base includes a cutting surface and a slot; manufacturing a blade; manufacturing a jaw member; connecting the jaw member to the lid; and connecting the blade to the lid.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein each of the housing, blade and jaw member is manufactured as a single integral component.
23. The method of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein each of the housing, blade and jaw member is manufactured from a plastics material by injection-moulding.
24. The method of any of claims 21-23, wherein connecting the jaw member to the lid comprises forming a snap-fit connection between the jaw member and the lid; and/or connecting the blade to the lid comprises forming a snap-fit connection between the blade and the lid.
25. A film dispenser substantially as described and illustrated in Figures 1 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.