US20160207729A1 - Standing tape dispenser - Google Patents
Standing tape dispenser Download PDFInfo
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- US20160207729A1 US20160207729A1 US15/082,698 US201615082698A US2016207729A1 US 20160207729 A1 US20160207729 A1 US 20160207729A1 US 201615082698 A US201615082698 A US 201615082698A US 2016207729 A1 US2016207729 A1 US 2016207729A1
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- Prior art keywords
- tape
- legs
- dispenser
- housing
- roll
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- 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
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T225/00—Severing by tearing or breaking
- Y10T225/10—Methods
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to tape dispensers. More particularly, this invention relates to standing tape dispensers. Specifically, this invention is directed to a tape dispenser which is able to stand in two different orientations and retain the cutter blade and the free end of the tape roll a distance away from the surface upon which the dispenser rests.
- a wide variety of tape and tape dispensers is available on the market.
- the dispensers are particularly configured to receive and hold particular tape roll sizes in a suitable orientation for dispensing.
- a first group of dispensers have been designed to rest on flat surfaces such as desktops. These dispensers typically include a solid, heavy housing that rests on the desktop and includes a horizontally oriented support for the tape roll. The tape roll rotates about the horizontal support when tape is dispensed therefrom. Typically, this type of dispenser will retain fairly narrow width tape rolls.
- Other types of dispensers are designed to be hand-held. For narrower width tapes these dispensers may be manufactured from light weight, disposable plastic housings that fit easily within the palm of a user's hand.
- a group of hand-held dispensers may be fabricated from stronger plastics, thereby making the dispensers more substantial devices which can be reused.
- Yet other hand-held dispensers are configured for ease of use for applying wider width tapes for packaging and the like. Many of these dispensers are manufactured from more durable materials as they will undergo repeated, heavy duty use.
- a number of these packaging-type, hand-held dispensers are known as “tape guns” and include a handle for the user to hold onto the dispenser in a more comfortable fashion for a longer period of time.
- Yet another group of tape dispensers is able to be used either as a hand-held dispenser or as a standing dispenser.
- This type of dispenser is particularly useful for dispensing wider tapes that are wound onto larger core rolls, for example tapes in the order of 2′′ in width, wound onto 3′′ cores, in lengths of around 60 yards.
- U.S. patents have been issued for this class of tape dispenser.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,238 (Samuelson) and related Design Pat. No. D362,684 (Samuelson et al) disclose hand-held/standing tape dispenser which includes a pair of front legs and a pair of back legs.
- the dispenser has longer front legs and shorter rear legs and is configured so that it may be used in a standing position in a single orientation. In that single orientation, the dispenser is able to stand on the tips of the front legs and a region of the tape roll which is retained on a hub between the front and rear legs.
- the dispenser disclosed in these patents retains the cutter blade off the surface upon which the dispenser rests but the user has to reach in under the horizontally extending cutter blade in order to grab hold of the free end of the tape. This can result in the user being accidentally cut by the cutter blade.
- U.S. Design Pat. D507,020 (Mueller et al) discloses a tape dispenser that includes two pairs of legs positioned in front of a hub for supporting the tape roll.
- the front legs are shorter than the rear legs and when the tape roll is engaged on the hub, the dispenser rests on all of the front legs, rear legs and a region of the tape roll in a single orientation.
- the problem with this dispenser is that the cutter blade extends toward the surface upon which the dispenser rests and is held only a small distance off that surface. The user has to reach into the dispenser under the cutter blade to grasp the free end of the tape. Obviously, this arrangement presents a bit of a safety hazard.
- U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D442,227 and D448,413 are able to be used as hand-held or standing tape dispensers.
- the Carlson et al dispensers are able to be stood in a single orientation on a flat surface.
- the rear legs of the Carlson et al dispensers are shorter than the front legs thereof and the dispensers are therefore able to stand on the tips of the front legs and a portion of tape roll.
- the cutter blade extends horizontally from the front of the dispenser and therefore presents the same type of hazard as the Samuelson et al dispensers.
- the quantity of tape on the roll is critical because too much tape will tend to create instability in the standing dispenser. This is because the dispenser has to partially rest on the circumferential surface of the tape roll. If the roll is almost full, the circumferential surface of the roll may project for a distance below the tips of the front and/or rear legs. The dispenser can rest on the front legs and tape roll or on the back legs and tape roll. The problem is that the dispenser can therefore move back and forth between these two positions. This makes dispensing tape slightly hazardous because the cutter blade may move suddenly to a new position as the tape is withdrawn from the roll and pressure is applied thereto to cut the tape.
- a tape dispenser which is able to be used as a hand-held and standing dispenser; which is configured to retain larger core, wider widths of tape thereon, which will be able to stand on a flat surface in a stable fashion during dispensing of the tape, and which includes a cutter blade in a position within the dispenser that tends to be safer for a user to access and cut the tape.
- a tape dispenser having a housing, a cavity within the housing and within which a roll of tape is rotatably retained, and pairs of front and rear legs.
- the housing is able to stand on a flat surface in two different orientations. In a first orientation, the housing is supported on curved tips of the front legs and a region of the tape roll. In a second orientation, the housing is supported by curved, rearwardly extending projections on the rear legs and a second region of the tape roll. The housing rotates on the tips or projections as tape is withdrawn from the roll. A blade angles downwardly from the front end of the housing and is retained a distance from the surface when the housing is in each of the first and second orientations. The housing is rotated through about ninety degrees between the first and second orientations.
- the standing tape dispenser of the present invention has advantages over the prior art in that the configuration tends to keep the cutter blade and tape end off the surface upon which the dispenser rests. Furthermore, the orientation and position of the cutter blade relative to the surface upon which the dispenser rests tends to pose less of a safety hazard than previously known devices. Apart from the cutter blade being in a safer operational position, it is also positioned so that the blade is in a more natural orientation for a user to grasp and cut the tape than is possible with previously known devices.
- FIG. 1 is a top right perspective view of a standing tape dispenser in accordance with the present invention shown with a roll of tape engaged therewith;
- FIG. 2 is a right side view of the tape dispenser of FIG. 1 shown without the roll of tape engaged therewith;
- FIG. 3 is a left side view of the tape dispenser of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the tape dispenser shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the tape dispenser shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a front view of the tape dispenser shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7 is a rear view of the tape dispenser shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 8 is a left side view of the tape dispenser of FIG. 1 shown in a first orientation with the dispenser resting on a portion of a substantially full roll of tape and the front legs of the dispenser;
- FIG. 9 is a left side view of the tape dispenser of FIG. 8 shown with the dispenser resting on a portion of a nearly depleted roll of tape and the front legs of the dispenser;
- FIG. 10 is a left side view of the tape dispenser of FIG. 1 shown in a second orientation with the dispenser resting on a portion of a substantially full roll of tape and the rear legs of the dispenser;
- FIG. 11 is a left side view of the tape dispenser of FIG. 10 shown with the dispenser resting on a portion of a nearly depleted roll of tape and the rear legs of the dispenser.
- Dispenser 10 is able to be used as a handheld dispenser but is also able to be used as a standing dispenser in at least two different orientations.
- Dispenser 10 comprises a housing having a first side 12 , a second side 14 , and a top wall 16 which extends between portions of first and second sides 12 , 14 .
- a cutter assembly 18 is provided at a front end 16 a of top wall 16 .
- dispenser 10 is fabricated from plastic.
- Cutter assembly 18 preferably is fabricated from metal but may alternatively be fabricated from plastic.
- Dispenser 10 is configured to engage and retain a roll of tape 20 therein, most particularly adhesive tape.
- Roll of tape 20 includes a core 22 and an elongate length of adhesive tape 24 which is wound onto core 22 .
- Core 22 preferably is of the type that is about 3 inches in diameter, with the tape 24 being around 1 inch in width to around 2 inches in width.
- top wall 16 of dispenser 10 is configured to be complementary to the width of tape 24 to be dispensed from dispenser 10 .
- the tape dispenser 10 in accordance with the present invention preferably retains rolls of tape 20 that are either 55′ or 110′ in length wound on 3′′ diameter cores. Dispenser 10 is able to retain these rolls 20 therein in a stand-up configuration which keeps the free end 24 a ( FIG. 8 ) of tape 24 from sticking to a surface 52 upon which dispenser 10 rests, and which positions a cutter blade 50 thereon in a safer, more natural position for cutting than was the case in previously known devices. Furthermore, dispenser 10 is configured so that it is better able to keep the free end 24 a of tape 24 from contacting the surface 52 upon which the dispenser rests when dispenser 10 is placed in a standing position in two different orientations.
- First side 12 and second side 14 of the housing are mirror images of each other.
- First side 12 is generally U-shaped when viewed from the side and includes an exterior surface 12 a, an interior surface 12 b ( FIG. 4 ), a top edge 12 c, a bottom edge 12 d, a front edge 12 e, and a rear edge 12 f.
- First side 12 further includes a front end 12 g and a rear end 12 h.
- the front end 12 g is the forwardmost region of first side 12 and rear end 12 h is the rearwardmost region of first side 12 .
- bottom edge 12 d is generally shaped as a lower-case “r” when viewed from the right side.
- First side 12 further includes a front leg 26 , a rear leg 28 , and a curved intermediate region 30 which extends between front and rear legs 26 , 28 .
- Front leg 26 is located a short distance inwardly from front end 12 g of first side 12 .
- Front edge 12 e defines the front region of front leg 26 and a portion 26 a of bottom edge 12 d defines the rear region of front leg 26 .
- Portion 26 a preferably is straight and disposed substantially at right angles to a longitudinal axis “Y” ( FIG. 4 ) of dispenser 10 .
- a tip 26 b of front leg 26 transitions between front edge 12 e and the portion 26 a of bottom edge 12 d.
- Tip 26 b is convex in shape, having a curved outer surface which will contact the flat surface 52 upon which dispenser 10 will stand.
- Tip 26 b preferably is not of a uniform radius of curvature between front edge 12 e and the portion 26 a of bottom edge 12 d, and may include a slightly flattened section 26 b ′ ( FIG. 2 ).
- the flattened section 26 b ′ acts to limit rotation of dispenser 10 beyond a certain point as tape 24 is withdrawn from roll 20 .
- Front leg 26 preferably is wider toward top edge 12 c of first side 12 and tapers moving away from top edge 12 c and towards the tip 26 b.
- Front edge 12 e is gently curved and is disposed generally at an acute angle relative to portion 26 a.
- Rear leg 28 of first side 12 is located a spaced distance rearwardly of front leg 26 . Front and rear legs 26 , 28 are thus separated by a gap 13 ( FIG. 2 ) from each other.
- a portion 28 a of bottom edge 12 d forms a front region of rear leg 28 .
- Portion 28 a is substantially straight along its length and is disposed generally at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y” of dispenser 10 .
- a tip 28 b of rear leg 28 transitions between portion 28 a and rear edge 12 f of side 12 .
- Rear edge 12 f comprises the rear region of rear leg 28 and rear end 12 h of first side 12 comprises a projection which extends rearwardly from the rear edge 12 f of rear leg 28 .
- the projection is located proximate a top region of rear leg 28 .
- the term “rear end 12 h ” will be used in the rest of this description to reference the projection on rear leg 28 .
- Both tip 28 b and rear end 12 h are convex in shape and preferably have generally uniform radii of curvature along their curved outer surfaces.
- the curved outer surface of rear end 12 h contacts flat surface 52 when dispenser is stood thereon in a second orientation, as will be hereinafter described.
- Rear edge 12 f forms a concave curve between tip 28 b and rear end 12 h and is disposed at a generally acute angle relative to portion 28 a.
- the shape of rear edge 12 f and position of tip 28 b acts to limit the rotation of dispenser 10 when in the second orientation.
- rear edge 12 f prevents dispenser 10 from rotating on surface 52 on rear edge 12 f. Consequently, when tip 28 b engages surface 52 it acts as a positive stop and prevent further rotation of dispenser 10 about the curved surface of rear end 12 h.
- Front edge 12 e of front leg 26 and rear edge 12 f of rear leg 28 angle outwardly in generally opposite directions to each other when viewed from the side.
- Rear leg 28 is wider proximate top edge 12 c of first side 12 and tapers toward tip 28 b. It should be noted that front leg 26 and rear leg 28 are disposed generally in the same longitudinal plane ( FIG. 5 ) and are longitudinally aligned with each other.
- front leg 26 is longer than rear leg 28 , i.e., front leg 26 extends downwardly from top edge 12 c of first side 12 for a greater distance than does rear leg 28 .
- Tip 26 b of front leg 26 is spaced a distance “D” ( FIG. 2 ) further away from top edge 12 c than is tip 28 b of rear leg 28 .
- tip 28 b of rear leg 28 is disposed less than half way along the front leg 26 when measuring from top edge 12 c.
- Second side 14 is a mirror image of first side 12 and will therefore not be described in any detail other than to identify components identical to those on first side 12 and to provide those components with reference numbers.
- Second side 14 includes an exterior surface 14 a, an interior surface 14 b ( FIG. 4 ), a top edge 14 c, a bottom edge 14 d, a front edge 14 e, a rear edge 14 f, a front end 14 g, and a rear end 14 h.
- Second side further includes a front leg 27 and a rear leg 29 , and a curved extension 31 ( FIG. 3 ) which is disposed between them.
- Front leg 27 includes a portion 27 a of bottom edge 14 d and a tip 27 b.
- Rear leg 29 includes a portion 29 a of bottom edge 14 d and a tip 29 b.
- Rear end 14 h is part of rear leg 29 .
- the term “rear end 14 h ” will be used in the rest of this description to reference a projection which extends rearwardly on rear leg 29 and corresponds to the projection/rear end 12 h on first side 12 .
- Front leg 27 is a mirror image of front leg 26 in position, structure and function; and rear leg 29 is a mirror image of rear leg 28 in position, structure and function.
- Exterior surface 12 a of first side 12 is substantially flat along its length from front end 12 g to rear end 12 h thereof, with the exception of a gripping region 32 which projects outwardly from exterior surface 12 a and a slight inward jog illustrated in FIG. 4 .
- Gripping region 32 is disposed a short distance inwardly from front end 12 g and comprises a series of alternating ridges and valleys which are oriented substantially at right angles relative to the longitudinal axis “Y” of dispenser 10 .
- Gripping region 32 preferably is generally triangular in shape when viewed from the side of dispenser 10 and originates adjacent a horizontal section of front edge 12 e. Gripping region 32 extends for a distance toward top edge 12 c of first side 12 .
- second side 14 includes a gripping region 33 which is substantially identical in structure and function to gripping region 32 on first side 12 and is disposed opposite thereto.
- Interior surface 12 b of first side includes a tape rest 34 which extends inwardly therefrom and toward second side 14 . Tape rest 34 thus projects for a short distance into the cavity between first and second sides 12 , 14 of the housing. Tape rest 34 is located proximate front edge 12 e and a short distance downwardly from a bottom end 32 a of gripping region 32 . Interior surface 14 b of second side 14 includes a substantially identical tape rest 35 . Tape rests 34 , 35 are positioned and oriented to present a surface upon which a free end 24 a of the tape is able to rest between dispensing episodes.
- a first hub section 36 extends inwardly from interior surface 12 b of first side 12 and towards second side 14 .
- First hub section 36 is located rearwardly of tape rest 34 .
- First hub section 36 is generally semi-circular in cross-sectional shape and is complementary to the curvature of the tape roll 20 that is to be engaged therewith.
- FIG. 5 shows that first hub section 36 includes a rear wall region with a first locking detent 38 disposed thereon.
- a second hub section 42 extends inwardly from interior surface 14 b of second side 14 and towards first side 12 .
- Second hub section 42 includes a rear wall region with a second locking detent 40 disposed thereon.
- First locking detent 38 is configured to interlockingly engage complementary second locking detent 40 and to thereby secure rear wall regions of first and second hub sections 36 , 42 together. This interlocking engagement effectively prevents the rear wall regions of first and second sides 12 , 14 from accidentally separating from each other.
- Locking detents 38 , 40 may be temporarily engaged with each other or may be permanently fixed together by any suitable means such as heat welding or application of an adhesive after tape roll 20 has been positioned within dispenser 10 .
- top wall 16 extends between first and second sides 12 , 14 .
- Top wall 16 includes a front end 16 a, a rear end 16 b, and a first section 16 c, a second section 16 d disposed between front and rear ends 16 a, 16 b, and shoulder regions 16 e located in the transition zone between first and second regions 16 c, 16 d.
- Front end 16 a extends between front ends 12 g, 14 g ( FIG. 4 ) of first and second sides 12 , 14 .
- First section 16 c of top wall 16 originates at first end 16 a and terminates in a position generally aligned with a rear end of gripping regions 32 , 33 .
- First section 16 c is integrally formed with or secured to a region of the top edge 12 c of first side 12 and to a region of the top edge 14 c of second side 14 .
- First section 16 c is flat and is of a length “L” ( FIG. 4 ).
- First section 16 c has a width “W” that is substantially equal to the width of the front end 10 a ( FIG. 5 ) of dispenser 10 .
- Dispenser 10 narrows in width at the “jog” in the first and second sides 12 , 14 and the remaining part of dispenser is therefore marginally narrower than width “W”, as can be seen in FIG. 4 .
- dispenser 10 is wider at its front end 10 a and is narrower at its rear end 10 b.
- first and second sides 12 , 14 give first and second sides 12 , 14 a slight spring action when their second ends 12 h, 14 h are pulled apart to insert tape roll 20 between them, as will be described hereafter.
- This spring action helps retain tape roll 20 between first and second sides 12 , 14 prior to locking detents 38 , 40 being engaged with each other.
- Second section 16 d of top wall 16 originates at the rearwardmost region of first section 16 c, extends rearwardly away therefrom and toward rear ends 12 h, 14 h of first and second sides 12 , 14 , terminating in second end 16 b.
- Second section 16 d is an elongate convexly-curved member that is of a width “W 1 ” that is smaller than the width “W” of first section 16 c.
- the width “W 1 ” of second section preferably is also slightly narrower than the gap between the innermost surfaces 36 a, 42 a of first and second hubs 36 , 42 , as is illustrated in FIG. 4 .
- a gap (not numbered) is defined between interior surface 12 b of first side 12 and first side edge 16 f of second section 16 d, and between interior surface 14 b of second side 14 and second side edge 16 g thereof.
- the curvature of second section 16 d is complementary to the curvature of tape roll 20 and second section 16 d will be spaced a short distance above roll 20 .
- Second end 16 b of top wall 16 is spaced a distance forwardly from rear ends 12 h, 14 h of first and second sides 12 , 14 .
- first section 16 c of top wall 16 defines an aperture 44 therein.
- Aperture 44 may be of any desired configuration but in the preferred embodiment of the invention, aperture 44 is generally triangular in shape. Aperture 44 decreases the overall weight of top wall 16 and also serves to indicate to the consumer where the front end of dispenser 10 is located inasmuch as the apex of the triangular aperture 44 is proximate cutter assembly 18 .
- first section 16 c of top wall 16 also includes a concave indentation 46 .
- Indentation 46 is configured to receive a fingertip of user therein.
- a front end 46 a of indentation 46 preferably originates in the base of the triangular aperture 44 .
- the rear end 46 b of indentation 46 is disposed generally in alignment with the shoulder regions 16 e of first section 16 c.
- the portion of indentation 46 which extends between the front and rear ends 46 a, 46 b is generally oval in shape, and extends generally along the longitudinal axis “Y” of dispenser 10 .
- a plurality of alternating ridges and valleys are provided on the exterior surface of fingertip indentation 46 .
- the ridges and valleys preferably are oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis “Y”. These ridges and valleys provide a gripping surface within indentation 46 .
- Cutter assembly 18 is secured to front end 16 a of top wall 16 and includes a housing 48 ( FIG. 5 ) with a blade 50 mounted therein at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”.
- the blade 50 and the teeth (not numbered) on blade 50 extend outwardly to a sufficient degree from housing 48 to be positioned to cut tape 24 when a length thereof is withdrawn from tape roll 20 .
- blade 50 is positioned so that it angles downwardly within dispenser 10 in such a manner that when dispenser 10 stands on surface 52 in a first orientation (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 ), the blade 50 extends toward the surface 52 .
- blade 50 extends downwardly at an angle away from the plane “P” ( FIG. 2 ) along which first section 16 c of top wall 16 is disposed. This orientation of blade 50 provides for safer use of the dispenser 10 when in a standing position in either of the first or second orientations, which will be further described herein.
- Dispenser 10 is used in the following manner.
- Tape roll 20 is engaged in dispenser 10 by disengaging first and second detents 38 , 40 ( FIG. 5 ) at the rear end 10 b of dispenser 10 , moving the first side 12 and second side 14 away from each other in the directions indicated by arrows “A” and “B” and sliding tape roll 20 into the cavity defined between the interior surfaces 12 b and 14 b.
- Tape roll 20 is engaged on first and second hub sections 36 , 42 and first and second sides 12 , 14 are then secured together by engaging first and second detents 38 , 40 .
- tape roll 20 is engaged in dispenser 10 in the manner shown in FIG. 1 and the full length of tape 24 is wound around core 22 of roll 20 .
- Dispenser 10 can be used at this point as a handheld dispenser.
- dispenser 10 may be held in a user's hand while tape 24 is dispensed therefrom.
- the user will grasp dispenser 10 in their right hand, for example, and will place the thumb of their right hand on the gripping surface 32 on first side 12 and one or more of their right middle, right ring, and right little fingers on the gripping surface 33 on second side 14 .
- the user will additionally position their right index finger's tip in the fingertip indentation 46 on top wall 16 .
- the user's index finger and possibly a portion of their palm will rest on second section 16 d of top wall 16 .
- tape 24 may be dispensed therefrom.
- FIGS. 2 through 5 show a variety of orientations in which dispenser 10 can be stood on a surface 52 .
- dispenser 10 is able to stand on surface 52 in such a way that a free end of the tape 24 on roll 20 is able to be kept from contacting surface 52 and is presented in a suitable position for quick and easy dispensing from the dispenser 10 .
- blade 50 is kept a distance away from surface 52 . It should be noted that dispenser 10 is stable, i.e., does not tend to fall over or rock, in these various orientations regardless of how much tape 24 is on roll 20 .
- dispenser 10 is movable between a first orientation where the dispenser is supported on the surface 52 on front legs 26 , 27 and a first region of the roll of tape 20 ; and a second orientation where the dispenser is supported on the surface 52 on the rear ends 12 h, 14 h and a second region of the roll of tape 20 .
- the first and second orientations are substantially at right angles to each other and therefore moving between the two orientations requires rotation of dispenser 10 through about ninety degrees.
- the first orientation is a generally horizontally orientation.
- dispenser 10 is in a standing position, ready for dispensing tape 24 therefrom, and being supported on the pair of front legs 26 , 27 and on a portion of the substantially full roll of tape 20 .
- front leg 27 is not illustrated in FIG. 8 , the dispenser rests on the tips 26 a, 27 a of the dispenser's two front legs 26 , 27 .
- the dispenser 10 rests on the forwardmost curved portion of tips 26 a, 27 a.
- cutter blade 50 When dispenser 10 is in this first orientation, cutter blade 50 is retained a distance away from surface 52 and is therefore in a suitable position to be able to cut tape 24 withdrawn from roll 20 . Since blade 50 angles downwardly toward surface 52 , blade 50 is in a relatively safe position for use. While dispenser 10 is standing in this first orientation, the user may grasp the free end 24 a of tape 24 and, holding the dispenser 10 down on surface 52 with their other hand, withdraw a desired length of tape 24 from roll 20 . When the desired length of tape 24 has been withdrawn, the user will pull the tape upwardly and cut the same on blade 50 .
- the free end 24 a of tape 24 will come to rest on tape rests 34 , 35 and is therefore retained spaced a distance above the surface 52 . This both stops the free end 24 a from sticking to surface 52 but also positions the free end 24 a in a location where it is relatively easily grasped by the user for dispensing of an additional length of tape 24 .
- FIG. 8 shows the tape dispenser 10 in the first orientation but with the amount of tape 24 on core 22 substantially reduced and a completely different region of tips 26 a, 27 a in contact with surface 52 .
- FIG. 10 shows tape dispenser 10 standing in the second orientation on surface 52 .
- the second orientation is a generally vertical orientation.
- dispenser 10 rests on surface 52 on rear legs 28 , 29 and a second region of the substantially full roll of tape 20 .
- This second orientation presents the tape rests 34 , 35 in a far easier position for a person to grasp the free end 24 a of tape 24 . It also makes blade 50 more visible to the user, thus increasing the safety level in using the device.
- tape dispenser 10 particularly rests on rear ends 12 h, 14 h and on the second region of the substantially full roll of tape 20 .
- cutter blade 50 When dispenser 10 is in this second orientation, cutter blade 50 is retained a distance away from surface 52 and is therefore in a suitable position to be able to cut tape 24 withdrawn from roll 20 . Additionally, the free end 24 a of tape 24 sits on tape rests 34 , 35 and is therefore also spaced a distance above the surface 52 and is therefore does not stick on surface 52 and is relatively easily grasped by the user. As tape 24 is withdrawn from roll 24 , the amount of tape wound around core 22 decreases and the thickness of tape 24 is reduced. As this occurs, tape dispenser 10 tends to rotate in the direction of arrow “F” ( FIG. 10 ). This rotation motion is enabled because a progressively new region of the curved outer surfaces of rear ends 12 h, 14 h is brought into contact with surface 52 .
- FIG. 11 shows the tape dispenser 10 standing on surface 52 in the second orientation but with the quantity of tape 24 on core 22 greatly reduced. Tape dispenser 10 is still situated in a position where free end 24 a of tape 24 is presented in a suitable position for dispensing. When tips 27 b, 29 b of rear legs 27 , 29 contact surface 52 , rotation about rear ends 12 h, 14 h substantially ceases.
- the distance between tips 26 a, 27 a and the contact point increases gradually from the initial distance “X 1 ” to the distance “X 2 ”, and then to the final distance (not shown) between tips 26 a, 27 a and the contact point of core 22 on surface 52 when all of the tape has been withdrawn from roll 20 .
- the distance between rear ends 12 h, 14 h and the contact point of the second region of tape 24 on surface 52 is relatively small and is indicated by the reference number “X 3 ” in FIG. 10 .
- the distance between rear ends 12 h, 14 h and the contact point of the second region of tape 24 on surface 52 increases and is indicated by reference number “X 4 ” in FIG. 11 .
- the distance between rear ends 12 h, 14 h and the contact point increases gradually from the initial distance “X 3 ” to the distance “X 4 ”, and then to the final distance (not shown) between rear ends 12 h, 14 h and the contact point of core 22 on surface 52 when all of the tape has been withdrawn from roll 20 .
- tape dispenser 10 remains stable at all times during dispensing of tape 24 therefrom. Additionally, when tape dispenser 10 is in either of the first and second orientations on surface 52 , the cutter blade 50 is kept, at all times, a suitable distance away from the surface 52 upon which dispenser 10 rests and is therefore available to cut tape 24 dispensed from roll 20 in a safe fashion.
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- Adhesive Tape Dispensing Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A tape dispenser having a housing, a cavity within the housing and within which a roll of tape is rotatably retained, and pairs of front and rear legs. The housing is able to stand on a flat surface in two different orientations. In a first orientation, the housing is supported on curved tips of the front legs and a region of the tape roll. In a second orientation, the housing is supported by curved, rearwardly extending projections on the rear legs and a second region of the tape roll. The housing rotates on the tips or projections as tape is withdrawn from the roll. A blade angles downwardly from the front end of the housing and is retained a distance from the surface when the housing is in each of the first and second orientations. The housing is rotated through about ninety degrees between the first and second orientations.
Description
- This is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/687,255 filed Nov. 28, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- This invention relates generally to tape dispensers. More particularly, this invention relates to standing tape dispensers. Specifically, this invention is directed to a tape dispenser which is able to stand in two different orientations and retain the cutter blade and the free end of the tape roll a distance away from the surface upon which the dispenser rests.
- 2. Background Information
- A wide variety of tape and tape dispensers is available on the market. The dispensers are particularly configured to receive and hold particular tape roll sizes in a suitable orientation for dispensing. A first group of dispensers have been designed to rest on flat surfaces such as desktops. These dispensers typically include a solid, heavy housing that rests on the desktop and includes a horizontally oriented support for the tape roll. The tape roll rotates about the horizontal support when tape is dispensed therefrom. Typically, this type of dispenser will retain fairly narrow width tape rolls. Other types of dispensers are designed to be hand-held. For narrower width tapes these dispensers may be manufactured from light weight, disposable plastic housings that fit easily within the palm of a user's hand. For slightly wider tapes, a group of hand-held dispensers may be fabricated from stronger plastics, thereby making the dispensers more substantial devices which can be reused. Yet other hand-held dispensers are configured for ease of use for applying wider width tapes for packaging and the like. Many of these dispensers are manufactured from more durable materials as they will undergo repeated, heavy duty use. A number of these packaging-type, hand-held dispensers are known as “tape guns” and include a handle for the user to hold onto the dispenser in a more comfortable fashion for a longer period of time.
- Yet another group of tape dispensers is able to be used either as a hand-held dispenser or as a standing dispenser. This type of dispenser is particularly useful for dispensing wider tapes that are wound onto larger core rolls, for example tapes in the order of 2″ in width, wound onto 3″ cores, in lengths of around 60 yards. Several U.S. patents have been issued for this class of tape dispenser. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,238 (Samuelson) and related Design Pat. No. D362,684 (Samuelson et al) disclose hand-held/standing tape dispenser which includes a pair of front legs and a pair of back legs. The dispenser has longer front legs and shorter rear legs and is configured so that it may be used in a standing position in a single orientation. In that single orientation, the dispenser is able to stand on the tips of the front legs and a region of the tape roll which is retained on a hub between the front and rear legs. The dispenser disclosed in these patents retains the cutter blade off the surface upon which the dispenser rests but the user has to reach in under the horizontally extending cutter blade in order to grab hold of the free end of the tape. This can result in the user being accidentally cut by the cutter blade.
- U.S. Design Pat. D507,020 (Mueller et al) discloses a tape dispenser that includes two pairs of legs positioned in front of a hub for supporting the tape roll. The front legs are shorter than the rear legs and when the tape roll is engaged on the hub, the dispenser rests on all of the front legs, rear legs and a region of the tape roll in a single orientation. The problem with this dispenser is that the cutter blade extends toward the surface upon which the dispenser rests and is held only a small distance off that surface. The user has to reach into the dispenser under the cutter blade to grasp the free end of the tape. Obviously, this arrangement presents a bit of a safety hazard.
- U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D442,227 and D448,413 (Carlson et al) are able to be used as hand-held or standing tape dispensers. As with the Samuleson et al dispenser, the Carlson et al dispensers are able to be stood in a single orientation on a flat surface. The rear legs of the Carlson et al dispensers are shorter than the front legs thereof and the dispensers are therefore able to stand on the tips of the front legs and a portion of tape roll. The cutter blade extends horizontally from the front of the dispenser and therefore presents the same type of hazard as the Samuelson et al dispensers.
- Several other patents disclose tape dispensers which have two pairs of legs that are generally of the same length. U.S. Design Pat. D573, 645 (Sommers et al) falls into this category. This dispenser may be used as a hand-held dispenser and may also be used as a standing tape dispenser. Sommers et al illustrates in the patent that the dispenser is able to rest on the top wall between the front and rear legs in such a way that the legs extend outwardly from the surface upon which the top wall rests. The dispenser may also be flipped over and stood on two or four of the almost equal length legs and/or portions of the tape roll. In either standing position, the location of the cutter blade is less than ideal and presents a cutting hazard for the user. Additionally, if the tape dispenser stands on its legs, the quantity of tape on the roll is critical because too much tape will tend to create instability in the standing dispenser. This is because the dispenser has to partially rest on the circumferential surface of the tape roll. If the roll is almost full, the circumferential surface of the roll may project for a distance below the tips of the front and/or rear legs. The dispenser can rest on the front legs and tape roll or on the back legs and tape roll. The problem is that the dispenser can therefore move back and forth between these two positions. This makes dispensing tape slightly hazardous because the cutter blade may move suddenly to a new position as the tape is withdrawn from the roll and pressure is applied thereto to cut the tape.
- There is therefore a need in the art for a tape dispenser which is able to be used as a hand-held and standing dispenser; which is configured to retain larger core, wider widths of tape thereon, which will be able to stand on a flat surface in a stable fashion during dispensing of the tape, and which includes a cutter blade in a position within the dispenser that tends to be safer for a user to access and cut the tape.
- A tape dispenser having a housing, a cavity within the housing and within which a roll of tape is rotatably retained, and pairs of front and rear legs. The housing is able to stand on a flat surface in two different orientations. In a first orientation, the housing is supported on curved tips of the front legs and a region of the tape roll. In a second orientation, the housing is supported by curved, rearwardly extending projections on the rear legs and a second region of the tape roll. The housing rotates on the tips or projections as tape is withdrawn from the roll. A blade angles downwardly from the front end of the housing and is retained a distance from the surface when the housing is in each of the first and second orientations. The housing is rotated through about ninety degrees between the first and second orientations.
- The standing tape dispenser of the present invention has advantages over the prior art in that the configuration tends to keep the cutter blade and tape end off the surface upon which the dispenser rests. Furthermore, the orientation and position of the cutter blade relative to the surface upon which the dispenser rests tends to pose less of a safety hazard than previously known devices. Apart from the cutter blade being in a safer operational position, it is also positioned so that the blade is in a more natural orientation for a user to grasp and cut the tape than is possible with previously known devices.
- A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
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FIG. 1 is a top right perspective view of a standing tape dispenser in accordance with the present invention shown with a roll of tape engaged therewith; -
FIG. 2 is a right side view of the tape dispenser ofFIG. 1 shown without the roll of tape engaged therewith; -
FIG. 3 is a left side view of the tape dispenser ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the tape dispenser shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the tape dispenser shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is a front view of the tape dispenser shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the tape dispenser shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 8 is a left side view of the tape dispenser ofFIG. 1 shown in a first orientation with the dispenser resting on a portion of a substantially full roll of tape and the front legs of the dispenser; -
FIG. 9 is a left side view of the tape dispenser ofFIG. 8 shown with the dispenser resting on a portion of a nearly depleted roll of tape and the front legs of the dispenser; -
FIG. 10 is a left side view of the tape dispenser ofFIG. 1 shown in a second orientation with the dispenser resting on a portion of a substantially full roll of tape and the rear legs of the dispenser; and -
FIG. 11 is a left side view of the tape dispenser ofFIG. 10 shown with the dispenser resting on a portion of a nearly depleted roll of tape and the rear legs of the dispenser. - Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-11 , there is shown a tape dispenser in accordance with the present invention, generally indicated at 10.Dispenser 10 is able to be used as a handheld dispenser but is also able to be used as a standing dispenser in at least two different orientations. -
Dispenser 10 comprises a housing having afirst side 12, asecond side 14, and atop wall 16 which extends between portions of first andsecond sides cutter assembly 18 is provided at afront end 16 a oftop wall 16. Preferably,dispenser 10 is fabricated from plastic.Cutter assembly 18 preferably is fabricated from metal but may alternatively be fabricated from plastic.Dispenser 10 is configured to engage and retain a roll oftape 20 therein, most particularly adhesive tape. Roll oftape 20 includes acore 22 and an elongate length ofadhesive tape 24 which is wound ontocore 22.Core 22 preferably is of the type that is about 3 inches in diameter, with thetape 24 being around 1 inch in width to around 2 inches in width. The width oftop wall 16 ofdispenser 10 is configured to be complementary to the width oftape 24 to be dispensed fromdispenser 10. Thetape dispenser 10 in accordance with the present invention preferably retains rolls oftape 20 that are either 55′ or 110′ in length wound on 3″ diameter cores.Dispenser 10 is able to retain theserolls 20 therein in a stand-up configuration which keeps thefree end 24 a (FIG. 8 ) oftape 24 from sticking to asurface 52 upon whichdispenser 10 rests, and which positions acutter blade 50 thereon in a safer, more natural position for cutting than was the case in previously known devices. Furthermore,dispenser 10 is configured so that it is better able to keep thefree end 24 a oftape 24 from contacting thesurface 52 upon which the dispenser rests whendispenser 10 is placed in a standing position in two different orientations. -
First side 12 andsecond side 14 of the housing are mirror images of each other.First side 12 is generally U-shaped when viewed from the side and includes anexterior surface 12 a, aninterior surface 12 b (FIG. 4 ), atop edge 12 c, abottom edge 12 d, afront edge 12 e, and arear edge 12 f.First side 12 further includes afront end 12 g and arear end 12 h. Thefront end 12 g is the forwardmost region offirst side 12 andrear end 12 h is the rearwardmost region offirst side 12. As shown inFIG. 2 ,bottom edge 12 d is generally shaped as a lower-case “r” when viewed from the right side. -
First side 12 further includes afront leg 26, arear leg 28, and a curvedintermediate region 30 which extends between front andrear legs Front leg 26 is located a short distance inwardly fromfront end 12 g offirst side 12.Front edge 12 e defines the front region offront leg 26 and aportion 26 a ofbottom edge 12 d defines the rear region offront leg 26.Portion 26 a preferably is straight and disposed substantially at right angles to a longitudinal axis “Y” (FIG. 4 ) ofdispenser 10. Atip 26 b offront leg 26 transitions betweenfront edge 12 e and theportion 26 a ofbottom edge 12 d.Tip 26 b is convex in shape, having a curved outer surface which will contact theflat surface 52 upon whichdispenser 10 will stand.Tip 26 b preferably is not of a uniform radius of curvature betweenfront edge 12 e and theportion 26 a ofbottom edge 12 d, and may include a slightly flattenedsection 26 b′ (FIG. 2 ). The flattenedsection 26 b′ acts to limit rotation ofdispenser 10 beyond a certain point astape 24 is withdrawn fromroll 20.Front leg 26 preferably is wider towardtop edge 12 c offirst side 12 and tapers moving away fromtop edge 12 c and towards thetip 26 b.Front edge 12 e is gently curved and is disposed generally at an acute angle relative toportion 26 a. -
Rear leg 28 offirst side 12 is located a spaced distance rearwardly offront leg 26. Front andrear legs FIG. 2 ) from each other. Aportion 28 a ofbottom edge 12 d forms a front region ofrear leg 28.Portion 28 a is substantially straight along its length and is disposed generally at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y” ofdispenser 10. Atip 28 b ofrear leg 28 transitions betweenportion 28 a andrear edge 12 f ofside 12.Rear edge 12 f comprises the rear region ofrear leg 28 andrear end 12 h offirst side 12 comprises a projection which extends rearwardly from therear edge 12 f ofrear leg 28. The projection is located proximate a top region ofrear leg 28. The term “rear end 12 h” will be used in the rest of this description to reference the projection onrear leg 28. Bothtip 28 b andrear end 12 h are convex in shape and preferably have generally uniform radii of curvature along their curved outer surfaces. The curved outer surface ofrear end 12 h contactsflat surface 52 when dispenser is stood thereon in a second orientation, as will be hereinafter described.Rear edge 12 f forms a concave curve betweentip 28 b andrear end 12 h and is disposed at a generally acute angle relative toportion 28 a. The shape ofrear edge 12 f and position oftip 28 b acts to limit the rotation ofdispenser 10 when in the second orientation. The concavity ofrear edge 12 f preventsdispenser 10 from rotating onsurface 52 onrear edge 12 f. Consequently, whentip 28 b engagessurface 52 it acts as a positive stop and prevent further rotation ofdispenser 10 about the curved surface ofrear end 12 h. -
Front edge 12 e offront leg 26 andrear edge 12 f ofrear leg 28 angle outwardly in generally opposite directions to each other when viewed from the side.Rear leg 28 is wider proximatetop edge 12 c offirst side 12 and tapers towardtip 28 b. It should be noted thatfront leg 26 andrear leg 28 are disposed generally in the same longitudinal plane (FIG. 5 ) and are longitudinally aligned with each other. - In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention,
front leg 26 is longer thanrear leg 28, i.e.,front leg 26 extends downwardly fromtop edge 12 c offirst side 12 for a greater distance than doesrear leg 28.Tip 26 b offront leg 26 is spaced a distance “D” (FIG. 2 ) further away fromtop edge 12 c than istip 28 b ofrear leg 28. Preferably,tip 28 b ofrear leg 28 is disposed less than half way along thefront leg 26 when measuring fromtop edge 12 c. - As indicated previously,
second side 14 is a mirror image offirst side 12 and will therefore not be described in any detail other than to identify components identical to those onfirst side 12 and to provide those components with reference numbers.Second side 14 includes anexterior surface 14 a, aninterior surface 14 b (FIG. 4 ), atop edge 14 c, abottom edge 14 d, afront edge 14 e, arear edge 14 f, afront end 14 g, and arear end 14 h. Second side further includes afront leg 27 and arear leg 29, and a curved extension 31 (FIG. 3 ) which is disposed between them.Front leg 27 includes aportion 27 a ofbottom edge 14 d and atip 27 b.Rear leg 29 includes aportion 29 a ofbottom edge 14 d and atip 29 b.Rear end 14 h is part ofrear leg 29. The term “rear end 14 h” will be used in the rest of this description to reference a projection which extends rearwardly onrear leg 29 and corresponds to the projection/rear end 12 h onfirst side 12.Front leg 27 is a mirror image offront leg 26 in position, structure and function; andrear leg 29 is a mirror image ofrear leg 28 in position, structure and function. -
Exterior surface 12 a offirst side 12 is substantially flat along its length fromfront end 12 g torear end 12 h thereof, with the exception of agripping region 32 which projects outwardly fromexterior surface 12 a and a slight inward jog illustrated inFIG. 4 .Gripping region 32 is disposed a short distance inwardly fromfront end 12 g and comprises a series of alternating ridges and valleys which are oriented substantially at right angles relative to the longitudinal axis “Y” ofdispenser 10.Gripping region 32 preferably is generally triangular in shape when viewed from the side ofdispenser 10 and originates adjacent a horizontal section offront edge 12 e.Gripping region 32 extends for a distance towardtop edge 12 c offirst side 12. In a similar fashion,second side 14 includes agripping region 33 which is substantially identical in structure and function to grippingregion 32 onfirst side 12 and is disposed opposite thereto. -
Interior surface 12 b of first side includes atape rest 34 which extends inwardly therefrom and towardsecond side 14.Tape rest 34 thus projects for a short distance into the cavity between first andsecond sides Tape rest 34 is located proximatefront edge 12 e and a short distance downwardly from abottom end 32 a of grippingregion 32.Interior surface 14 b ofsecond side 14 includes a substantiallyidentical tape rest 35. Tape rests 34, 35 are positioned and oriented to present a surface upon which afree end 24 a of the tape is able to rest between dispensing episodes. - A
first hub section 36 extends inwardly frominterior surface 12 b offirst side 12 and towardssecond side 14.First hub section 36 is located rearwardly oftape rest 34.First hub section 36 is generally semi-circular in cross-sectional shape and is complementary to the curvature of thetape roll 20 that is to be engaged therewith.FIG. 5 shows thatfirst hub section 36 includes a rear wall region with afirst locking detent 38 disposed thereon. Asecond hub section 42 extends inwardly frominterior surface 14 b ofsecond side 14 and towardsfirst side 12.Second hub section 42 includes a rear wall region with asecond locking detent 40 disposed thereon. First lockingdetent 38 is configured to interlockingly engage complementarysecond locking detent 40 and to thereby secure rear wall regions of first andsecond hub sections second sides detents tape roll 20 has been positioned withindispenser 10. - As indicated earlier herein,
top wall 16 extends between first andsecond sides Top wall 16 includes afront end 16 a, arear end 16 b, and afirst section 16 c, asecond section 16 d disposed between front andrear ends shoulder regions 16 e located in the transition zone between first andsecond regions Front end 16 a extends between front ends 12 g, 14 g (FIG. 4 ) of first andsecond sides First section 16 c oftop wall 16 originates atfirst end 16 a and terminates in a position generally aligned with a rear end of grippingregions First section 16 c is integrally formed with or secured to a region of thetop edge 12 c offirst side 12 and to a region of thetop edge 14 c ofsecond side 14.First section 16 c is flat and is of a length “L” (FIG. 4 ).First section 16 c has a width “W” that is substantially equal to the width of thefront end 10 a (FIG. 5 ) ofdispenser 10.Dispenser 10 narrows in width at the “jog” in the first andsecond sides FIG. 4 . Thus,dispenser 10 is wider at itsfront end 10 a and is narrower at itsrear end 10 b. This configuration gives first andsecond sides tape roll 20 between them, as will be described hereafter. This spring action helps retaintape roll 20 between first andsecond sides detents -
Second section 16 d oftop wall 16 originates at the rearwardmost region offirst section 16 c, extends rearwardly away therefrom and towardrear ends second sides second end 16 b.Second section 16 d is an elongate convexly-curved member that is of a width “W1” that is smaller than the width “W” offirst section 16 c. The width “W1” of second section preferably is also slightly narrower than the gap between theinnermost surfaces second hubs FIG. 4 . Thus, a gap (not numbered) is defined betweeninterior surface 12 b offirst side 12 andfirst side edge 16 f ofsecond section 16 d, and betweeninterior surface 14 b ofsecond side 14 and second side edge 16 g thereof. The curvature ofsecond section 16 d is complementary to the curvature oftape roll 20 andsecond section 16 d will be spaced a short distance aboveroll 20.Second end 16 b oftop wall 16 is spaced a distance forwardly fromrear ends second sides - In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention,
first section 16 c oftop wall 16 defines anaperture 44 therein.Aperture 44 may be of any desired configuration but in the preferred embodiment of the invention,aperture 44 is generally triangular in shape.Aperture 44 decreases the overall weight oftop wall 16 and also serves to indicate to the consumer where the front end ofdispenser 10 is located inasmuch as the apex of thetriangular aperture 44 isproximate cutter assembly 18. - In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention,
first section 16 c oftop wall 16 also includes aconcave indentation 46.Indentation 46 is configured to receive a fingertip of user therein. Afront end 46 a ofindentation 46 preferably originates in the base of thetriangular aperture 44. Therear end 46 b ofindentation 46 is disposed generally in alignment with theshoulder regions 16 e offirst section 16 c. The portion ofindentation 46 which extends between the front andrear ends dispenser 10. A plurality of alternating ridges and valleys (not numbered) are provided on the exterior surface offingertip indentation 46. The ridges and valleys preferably are oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis “Y”. These ridges and valleys provide a gripping surface withinindentation 46. -
Cutter assembly 18 is secured tofront end 16 a oftop wall 16 and includes a housing 48 (FIG. 5 ) with ablade 50 mounted therein at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”. Theblade 50 and the teeth (not numbered) onblade 50 extend outwardly to a sufficient degree fromhousing 48 to be positioned to cuttape 24 when a length thereof is withdrawn fromtape roll 20. In particular,blade 50 is positioned so that it angles downwardly withindispenser 10 in such a manner that whendispenser 10 stands onsurface 52 in a first orientation (shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 ), theblade 50 extends toward thesurface 52. In particular,blade 50 extends downwardly at an angle away from the plane “P” (FIG. 2 ) along whichfirst section 16 c oftop wall 16 is disposed. This orientation ofblade 50 provides for safer use of thedispenser 10 when in a standing position in either of the first or second orientations, which will be further described herein. -
Dispenser 10 is used in the following manner.Tape roll 20 is engaged indispenser 10 by disengaging first andsecond detents 38, 40 (FIG. 5 ) at therear end 10 b ofdispenser 10, moving thefirst side 12 andsecond side 14 away from each other in the directions indicated by arrows “A” and “B” and slidingtape roll 20 into the cavity defined between theinterior surfaces Tape roll 20 is engaged on first andsecond hub sections second sides second detents tape roll 20 is engaged indispenser 10 in the manner shown inFIG. 1 and the full length oftape 24 is wound aroundcore 22 ofroll 20.Dispenser 10 can be used at this point as a handheld dispenser. As will be understood,dispenser 10 may be held in a user's hand whiletape 24 is dispensed therefrom. In order to do this, the user will graspdispenser 10 in their right hand, for example, and will place the thumb of their right hand on thegripping surface 32 onfirst side 12 and one or more of their right middle, right ring, and right little fingers on thegripping surface 33 onsecond side 14. The user will additionally position their right index finger's tip in thefingertip indentation 46 ontop wall 16. The user's index finger and possibly a portion of their palm will rest onsecond section 16 d oftop wall 16. Whendispenser 10 is held in this manner,tape 24 may be dispensed therefrom. -
FIGS. 2 through 5 show a variety of orientations in which dispenser 10 can be stood on asurface 52. In each of these orientations,dispenser 10 is able to stand onsurface 52 in such a way that a free end of thetape 24 onroll 20 is able to be kept from contactingsurface 52 and is presented in a suitable position for quick and easy dispensing from thedispenser 10. Additionally,blade 50 is kept a distance away fromsurface 52. It should be noted thatdispenser 10 is stable, i.e., does not tend to fall over or rock, in these various orientations regardless of howmuch tape 24 is onroll 20. Thus, the orientations are possible when substantially the entire length oftape 24 is wound ontoroll 20 and when the entire length oftape 24 has been unwound fromroll 20 and only thecore 22 ofroll 20 remains. Specifically,dispenser 10 is movable between a first orientation where the dispenser is supported on thesurface 52 onfront legs tape 20; and a second orientation where the dispenser is supported on thesurface 52 on the rear ends 12 h, 14 h and a second region of the roll oftape 20. The first and second orientations are substantially at right angles to each other and therefore moving between the two orientations requires rotation ofdispenser 10 through about ninety degrees. - Thus, when the user no longer wishes to hold
dispenser 10 in one hand, they are able to placedispenser 10 onsurface 52 in the first orientation (FIG. 8 ). The first orientation is a generally horizontally orientation. In this first orientation,dispenser 10 is in a standing position, ready for dispensingtape 24 therefrom, and being supported on the pair offront legs tape 20. It will be understood that whilefront leg 27 is not illustrated inFIG. 8 , the dispenser rests on thetips front legs FIG. 8 , thedispenser 10 rests on the forwardmost curved portion oftips dispenser 10 is in this first orientation,cutter blade 50 is retained a distance away fromsurface 52 and is therefore in a suitable position to be able to cuttape 24 withdrawn fromroll 20. Sinceblade 50 angles downwardly towardsurface 52,blade 50 is in a relatively safe position for use. Whiledispenser 10 is standing in this first orientation, the user may grasp thefree end 24 a oftape 24 and, holding thedispenser 10 down onsurface 52 with their other hand, withdraw a desired length oftape 24 fromroll 20. When the desired length oftape 24 has been withdrawn, the user will pull the tape upwardly and cut the same onblade 50. Once a length oftape 24 has been cut, thefree end 24 a oftape 24 will come to rest on tape rests 34, 35 and is therefore retained spaced a distance above thesurface 52. This both stops thefree end 24 a from sticking tosurface 52 but also positions thefree end 24 a in a location where it is relatively easily grasped by the user for dispensing of an additional length oftape 24. - As the
tape 24 is withdrawn, the amount wound ontocore 22 diminishes, thereby reducing the overall thickness of thetape 24 oncore 22. This progressive reduction in tape thickness causesdispenser 10 to rotate on the curved outer surface oftips front legs FIG. 8 ). This rotation is caused by a progressively different region of the curved outer surface oftips surface 52. The progressive rotation is indicated by arrow “E” inFIG. 8 .FIG. 9 shows thetape dispenser 10 in the first orientation but with the amount oftape 24 oncore 22 substantially reduced and a completely different region oftips surface 52. When flattenedregion 26 b′ is reached in the progressive rotation ofdispenser 10, the tendency to rotate is at least somewhat reduced. -
FIG. 10 showstape dispenser 10 standing in the second orientation onsurface 52. The second orientation is a generally vertical orientation. In thissecond orientation dispenser 10 rests onsurface 52 onrear legs tape 20. This second orientation presents the tape rests 34, 35 in a far easier position for a person to grasp thefree end 24 a oftape 24. It also makesblade 50 more visible to the user, thus increasing the safety level in using the device. In the second orientation,tape dispenser 10 particularly rests onrear ends tape 20. Whendispenser 10 is in this second orientation,cutter blade 50 is retained a distance away fromsurface 52 and is therefore in a suitable position to be able to cuttape 24 withdrawn fromroll 20. Additionally, thefree end 24 a oftape 24 sits on tape rests 34, 35 and is therefore also spaced a distance above thesurface 52 and is therefore does not stick onsurface 52 and is relatively easily grasped by the user. Astape 24 is withdrawn fromroll 24, the amount of tape wound aroundcore 22 decreases and the thickness oftape 24 is reduced. As this occurs,tape dispenser 10 tends to rotate in the direction of arrow “F” (FIG. 10 ). This rotation motion is enabled because a progressively new region of the curved outer surfaces ofrear ends surface 52. Rear ends 12 h, 14 h tend to rotate in the direction of arrow “G” movingtips surface 52.FIG. 11 shows thetape dispenser 10 standing onsurface 52 in the second orientation but with the quantity oftape 24 oncore 22 greatly reduced.Tape dispenser 10 is still situated in a position wherefree end 24 a oftape 24 is presented in a suitable position for dispensing. Whentips rear legs contact surface 52, rotation aboutrear ends - It will be noted that, initially, when
tape dispenser 10 is in the first orientation and theroll 20 is full oftape 24, the distance between thetips tape 24 withsurface 52 is relatively short. This distance is indicated by the line “X1” inFIG. 8 . When thedispenser 10 is still in the first orientation and theroll 20 hasless tape 24 thereon, then the distance between thetips tape 24 withsurface 52 is longer and is indicated by the line “X2” inFIG. 9 . Obviously, the distance betweentips tips core 22 onsurface 52 when all of the tape has been withdrawn fromroll 20. - Similarly, when
dispenser 10 in is the second orientation and thetape roll 20 is full, the distance betweenrear ends tape 24 onsurface 52 is relatively small and is indicated by the reference number “X3” inFIG. 10 . As the amount oftape 24 is reduced onroll 24, the distance betweenrear ends tape 24 onsurface 52 increases and is indicated by reference number “X4” inFIG. 11 . Similarly, the distance betweenrear ends core 22 onsurface 52 when all of the tape has been withdrawn fromroll 20. - Because the two
front legs rear legs tape roll 20 onsurface 52,tape dispenser 10 remains stable at all times during dispensing oftape 24 therefrom. Additionally, whentape dispenser 10 is in either of the first and second orientations onsurface 52, thecutter blade 50 is kept, at all times, a suitable distance away from thesurface 52 upon whichdispenser 10 rests and is therefore available to cuttape 24 dispensed fromroll 20 in a safe fashion. - In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
- Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims (20)
1. A tape dispenser comprising:
a housing having a front end and a rear end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front end and rear end;
a cavity defined within the housing; said housing being adapted to rotatably retain a roll of tape therein;
a cutter blade provided at the front end of the housing;
a pair of front legs provided on the housing a distance longitudinally rearwardly of the cutter blade; wherein each of the front legs terminates in a tip; and
a pair of rear legs provided proximate the rear end of the housing; wherein each rear leg has an upper end and a lower end and a rear edge that extends between the upper and lower ends thereof; wherein the lower end of each rear leg terminates in a tip; and wherein the upper ends of the rear legs are located a distance longitudinally outwardly beyond the lower ends of the rear legs.
2. The tape dispenser as defined in claim 1 , wherein the rear edges of the rear legs are oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the tips of the rear legs.
3. The tape dispenser as defined in claim 1 , wherein the rear edges of the rear legs are curved.
4. The tape dispenser as defined in claim 3 , wherein the rear edge of each rear leg includes a convexly curved section that forms the upper end of the associated rear leg; and a concavely curved section that extends downwardly from the convexly curved section thereof and toward the tip of the associated rear leg.
5. The tape dispenser as defined in claim 1 , wherein the front legs have upper ends located a distance away from the tips of the front legs; and wherein the front legs are of a longer length than the rear legs; where the length of each of the front and rear legs is measured from the upper ends thereof to the tips thereof.
6. The tape dispenser as defined in claim 1 , wherein a rear wall connects a left side wall and a right side wall of the housing together; said rear wall being located proximate each rear leg.
7. The tape dispenser as defined in claim 6 , wherein the rear wall comprises a first wall section that extends outwardly from an inner surface of the left side wall and a second wall section that extends outwardly from an inner surface of the right side wall and the first and second wall sections are adapted to be selectively separated from each other to introduce the roll of tape into the cavity.
8. The tape dispenser as defined in claim 7 , wherein the first and second wall sections are selectively interlockingly engaged with each other.
9. The tape dispenser as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a top wall provided on the housing; and wherein a generally U-shaped depression is provided in the top wall and is adapted to provide a finger-tip rest on the top wall; and wherein a plurality of ridges are provided in the U-shaped depression.
10. The tape dispenser as defined in claim 9 , wherein the top wall is separated from each of a left side wall and a right side wall of the housing by a gap; and the top wall terminate a distance forwardly of the upper ends of the rear legs.
11. The tape dispenser as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of ridges provided on an exterior surface of each of a left side wall and a right side wall of the housing rearwardly of the cutter blade.
12. In combination,
a tape dispenser and a roll of tape; wherein the tape dispenser comprises:
a housing having a front end and a rear end and a longitudinal axis extending between the front end and rear end;
a cavity defined within the housing;
a cutter blade provided at the front end of the housing;
a pair of front legs provided on the housing a distance longitudinally rearwardly of the cutter blade; wherein each of the front legs terminates in a tip; and
a pair of rear legs provided proximate the rear end of the housing; wherein each rear leg has an upper end and a lower end and a rear edge that extends between the upper and lower ends thereof; wherein the lower end of each rear leg terminates in a tip; and wherein the upper ends of the rear legs are located a distance longitudinally outwardly beyond the lower ends of the rear legs;
wherein the roll of tape is receivable in the cavity defined by the housing of the dispenser; and wherein the tape dispenser is adapted to selectively stand upon a flat surface in a first orientation or in a second orientation; and when in the first orientation the tips of the front legs and the roll of tape are in contact with the flat surface; and when in the second orientation, the upper ends of the rear legs and the roll of tape are in contact with the flat surface.
13. The combination as defined in claim 12 , wherein the rear edges of the rear legs are oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the tips of the rear legs and are therefore adapted to be oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the flat surface when the tape dispenser is in the first orientation.
14. The combination as defined in claim 12 , wherein the rear edges of the rear legs are curved.
15. The combination as defined in claim 14 , wherein the rear edge of each rear leg includes a convexly curved section that forms the upper end of the associated rear leg; and a concavely curved section that extends downwardly from the convexly curved section thereof and toward the tip of the associated rear leg.
16. The combination as defined in claim 12 , wherein the front legs have upper ends located a distance away from the tips of the front legs; and wherein the front legs are of a longer length than the rear legs; where the length of each of the front and rear legs is measured from the upper ends thereof to the tips thereof.
17. The combination as defined in claim 12 , wherein a rear wall connects a left side wall and a right side wall of the housing together; said rear wall being located proximate each rear leg; wherein the rear wall comprises a first wall section that extends outwardly from an inner surface of the left side wall and a second wall section that extends outwardly from an inner surface of the right side wall and the first and second wall sections are selectively separated from each other to introduce the roll of tape into the cavity.
18. The combination as defined in claim 17 , wherein the first and second wall sections are selectively interlockingly engaged with each other.
19. The combination as defined in claim 12 , wherein the roll of tape extends outwardly beyond the rear edges of the rear legs.
20. The combination as defined in claim 12 , wherein the housing is movable through about 90 degrees between the first orientation and the second orientation.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/082,698 US20160207729A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2016-03-28 | Standing tape dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/687,255 US20140144964A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2012-11-28 | Standing tape dispenser |
US15/082,698 US20160207729A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2016-03-28 | Standing tape dispenser |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/687,255 Continuation US20140144964A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2012-11-28 | Standing tape dispenser |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160207729A1 true US20160207729A1 (en) | 2016-07-21 |
Family
ID=50772375
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/687,255 Abandoned US20140144964A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2012-11-28 | Standing tape dispenser |
US15/082,698 Abandoned US20160207729A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2016-03-28 | Standing tape dispenser |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/687,255 Abandoned US20140144964A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2012-11-28 | Standing tape dispenser |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20140144964A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN205575295U (en) |
CA (1) | CA2928361A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014083403A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200247638A1 (en) * | 2019-02-06 | 2020-08-06 | Gerald Griffies | Tape dispenser with opening for tape control |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11426000B2 (en) * | 2015-07-20 | 2022-08-30 | Ryan Joseph Klacking | Protective device for fixtures |
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US5672238A (en) * | 1995-07-12 | 1997-09-30 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Hanger sheet and tape dispenser combination |
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USD573645S1 (en) * | 2007-08-08 | 2008-07-22 | Henkel Corporation | Standing tape dispenser |
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USD616940S1 (en) * | 2009-11-05 | 2010-06-01 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Tape dispenser |
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CA2796945C (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2018-05-15 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Adhesive tape dispenser for single hand operation |
-
2012
- 2012-11-28 US US13/687,255 patent/US20140144964A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2013
- 2013-11-25 CN CN201390000922.1U patent/CN205575295U/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2013-11-25 WO PCT/IB2013/002629 patent/WO2014083403A2/en active Application Filing
- 2013-11-25 CA CA2928361A patent/CA2928361A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-03-28 US US15/082,698 patent/US20160207729A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US4817798A (en) * | 1988-01-19 | 1989-04-04 | Glory Formosa Co., Ltd. | Cassette tape holding box and dispenser |
US4961525A (en) * | 1989-06-08 | 1990-10-09 | Manco, Inc. | Reuseable tape dispenser |
US5672238A (en) * | 1995-07-12 | 1997-09-30 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Hanger sheet and tape dispenser combination |
USD442227S1 (en) * | 2000-05-02 | 2001-05-15 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Tape dispenser |
USD451959S1 (en) * | 2001-03-02 | 2001-12-11 | Xyron, Inc. | Adhesive transfer apparatus |
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US20040011473A1 (en) * | 2003-02-15 | 2004-01-22 | Henkel Consumer Adhesives, Inc. | Tape dispenser |
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US20100084450A1 (en) * | 2008-10-07 | 2010-04-08 | Vulpitta Brian A | Tape dispenser |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20200247638A1 (en) * | 2019-02-06 | 2020-08-06 | Gerald Griffies | Tape dispenser with opening for tape control |
US10882712B2 (en) * | 2019-02-06 | 2021-01-05 | Gerald Griffies | Tape dispenser with opening for tape control |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20140144964A1 (en) | 2014-05-29 |
CN205575295U (en) | 2016-09-14 |
WO2014083403A3 (en) | 2015-12-10 |
WO2014083403A2 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
CA2928361A1 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: KITARU INNOVATIONS INC., BARBADOS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CHANDARIA, KAPOOR;REEL/FRAME:038114/0917 Effective date: 20160321 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |