US20160207730A1 - Applicators for adhesive tape, such as double-sided adhesive tape - Google Patents
Applicators for adhesive tape, such as double-sided adhesive tape Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160207730A1 US20160207730A1 US14/912,723 US201414912723A US2016207730A1 US 20160207730 A1 US20160207730 A1 US 20160207730A1 US 201414912723 A US201414912723 A US 201414912723A US 2016207730 A1 US2016207730 A1 US 2016207730A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tape
- blade
- housing
- applicator
- pressing finger
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H35/00—Delivering articles from cutting or line-perforating machines; Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices, e.g. adhesive tape dispensers
- B65H35/0006—Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices
- B65H35/002—Hand-held or table apparatus
- B65H35/0026—Hand-held or table apparatus for delivering pressure-sensitive adhesive tape
- B65H35/0033—Hand-held or table apparatus for delivering pressure-sensitive adhesive tape and affixing it to a surface
-
- 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
- B65H35/0073—Details
- B65H35/008—Arrangements or adaptations of cutting devices
- B65H35/0086—Arrangements or adaptations of cutting devices using movable cutting elements
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to adhesive tape applicators. More particularly, it relates to adhesive tape applicators capable of dispensing and cutting double-sided adhesive tape with one hand operation.
- desktop-type adhesive tape dispensers typically include a weighted base maintaining a tape roll on a revolving spindle. A user pulls a leading end of the tape away from the roll, and then cuts a desired length of tape at a stationary blade provided with the dispenser.
- Common handheld adhesive tape dispensers employ a similar format. In either case, use of the dispenser requires two hands to handle the cut length of tape and apply it to the substrate surface(s) in question.
- handheld tape dispensers require both of the user's hands to grasp the dispenser and pull/cut the desired length of tape.
- manually operated adhesive tape applicators are designed to directly apply and cut a length of tape (from a roll of tape) and often times require only a single hand of the user.
- a user can quickly and precisely apply a desired length of the adhesive tape to the substrate surface(s) in question without ever having to touch the tape.
- the applicator rotatably maintains a roll of tape, and provides a tape path ending at a roller or other curved application surface; the user applies pressure to this component as the tape is dispensed, ensuring immediate and complete wetting or adhesive engagement with the substrate surface.
- most single-handed adhesive tape applicators provide a blade or other cutting surface for severing the tape.
- a user-actuated mechanism is associated with the blade, allowing the user to cut a dispensed length of tape at a desired length by simple manipulation of the cutting mechanism using the same hand that is otherwise handling the applicator.
- the mechanism maneuvers the tape relative to a stationary blade. More commonly, however, the mechanism translates the blade into and out of the tape path.
- the adhesive has a tendency to partially adhere to the blade. If this tendency is not accounted for, the cut end of the tape may undesirably stick to the blade following a cutting operation, causing the tape to accumulate (or “jam”) behind the blade (and/or other applicator malfunctions). Dispensing and cutting double-sided adhesive tape (i.e., adhesive coatings on both sides or major surfaces of the base film) is even more problematic. In fact, most available adhesive tape applicators simply cannot function with double-sided adhesive tape.
- the housing assembly includes a housing and an application roller.
- the housing defines a tape dispensing opening.
- the application roller is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening.
- the carriage assembly includes a carriage body, a hub, and an idler roller.
- the carriage body is slidably mounted within the housing.
- the hub is carried by the carriage body and is configured to rotatably support a roll of tape.
- the idler roller is rotatably mounted to the carriage body.
- the blade assembly includes a blade arm, a blade, and a pressing finger.
- the blade arm defines a pivot end that is pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis.
- the blade projects from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminates in a blade tip.
- an articulation plane of the blade assembly is defined by the blade tip and the pivot axis.
- the pressing finger projects from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, and extends through the articulation plane.
- the adhesive tape applicator defines a tape path from the hub to the tape dispensing opening, the tape path being defined, at least in part, by the application and idler rollers. With this construction, the adhesive tape applicator is configured to be transitionable between an application state and a cut state. In the application state, the blade tip is at a first side of the tape path. In the cut state, the blade tip is located at a second side of the tape path opposite the first side.
- the pressing finger interfaces with a length of tape along the tape path during a cutting operation, serving to push or position the cut end of the tape below the blade tip and prevent jamming
- the pressing finger is flexible (e.g., formed of silicone or similar material), and deflects when brought into contact with a tape otherwise tensioned across the tape path.
- one or both of the application and idler rollers are configured to exhibit a low surface energy or affinity to “sticking” to a pressure sensitive adhesive (or other adhesive format commonly employed with adhesive tapes).
- the outer surface of one or both of the application roller and the idler roller can be silicone and/or include a series of spaced apart, circumferential ribs.
- the system includes a roll of adhesive tape and an applicator.
- the applicator includes a housing assembly, a carriage assembly, and a blade assembly.
- the housing assembly includes a housing and an application roller.
- the housing defines a tape dispensing opening.
- the application roller is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening.
- the carriage assembly includes a carriage body, a hub, and an idler roller.
- the carriage body is slidably mounted within the housing.
- the hub is carried by the carriage body and rotatably maintains the roll of adhesive tape.
- the idler roller is rotatably mounted to the carriage body.
- the blade assembly includes a blade arm, a blade, and a pressing finger.
- the blade arm defines a pivot end that is pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis.
- the blade projects from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminates in a blade tip.
- the pressing finger projects from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, and terminates at a contact end opposite the blade arm.
- the system is transitionable from the application state to a cut state in which the blade tip has progressed through the length of tape to sever the length of tape.
- transitioning of the system from the application state to the cut state includes the contact end contacting the length of tape and then deflecting toward the blade.
- the adhesive tape of the roll of adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape.
- the method includes receiving a system including an applicator maintaining a roll of adhesive tape.
- the applicator includes a housing assembly, a carriage assembly, and a blade assembly.
- the housing assembly includes a housing and an application roller.
- the housing defines a tape dispensing opening.
- the application roller is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening.
- the carriage assembly includes a carriage body, a hub, and an idler roller.
- the carriage body is slidably mounted within the housing.
- the hub is carried by the carriage body and rotatably maintains the roll of adhesive tape.
- the idler roller is rotatably mounted to the carriage body.
- the blade assembly includes a blade arm, a blade, and a pressing finger.
- the blade arm defines a pivot end that is pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis.
- the blade projects from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminates in a blade tip.
- the pressing finger projects from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, and terminates at a contact end opposite the blade arm.
- the applicator is manipulated to draw the applicator away from the tacked region while simultaneously maintaining a pressing force on the application roller to successively dispense and apply an additional segment of the length of tape from the applicator and into adhesive contact with the substrate surface.
- the carriage assembly is actuated to pivot the blade arm, including the pressing finger and the blade contacting the length of tape between the application and idler rollers to completely sever the length of tape.
- the pressing finger contacts the length of tape and deforms with further pivoting movement of the blade arm.
- the adhesive tape of the roll of adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape.
- FIG. 1A is an exploded, perspective view of an adhesive tape applicator in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
- FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the adhesive tape applicator of FIG. 1A upon final assembly
- FIG. 2 is an interior plan view of a housing section component of the adhesive tape applicator of FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 3A is an exploded, perspective view of an application roller component of the adhesive tape applicator of FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the application roller of FIG. 2A upon final assembly
- FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the application roller of FIG. 3A relative to a flat surface
- FIG. 4A is an interior perspective view of a portion of a carriage assembly of the adhesive tape applicator of FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 4B is an exterior perspective view of the carriage assembly portion of FIG. 4A ;
- FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a blade assembly portion of the adhesive tape applicator of FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 6A is an interior perspective view of a blade arm component of the blade assembly of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 6B is a front view of the blade arm of FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 6C is side plan view of the blade arm of FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 7A is a side plan view of a finger structure component of the blade assembly of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the finger structure of FIG. 7A ;
- FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the blade assembly of FIG. 5 upon final construction
- FIG. 8B is a side view of the blade assembly of FIG. 8A ;
- FIG. 9A is a side view illustrating mounting of the carriage assembly of the tape applicator of FIG. 1A to the housing section of FIG. 2 and in an application state;
- FIG. 9B is a side view of the construction of FIG. 9A in a cut state
- FIG. 10A is a side view illustrating mounting of the blade assembly of FIG. 5 to the construction of FIG. 9A and in the application state;
- FIG. 10B is a side view illustrating the construction of FIG. 10A in the cut state
- FIG. 11A is a side view illustrating a portion of the adhesive tape applicator of FIG. 1A maintaining a roll of adhesive tape and in the application state;
- FIGS. 11B and 11C illustrate use of the adhesive tape applicator of FIG. 1A in applying adhesive tape to a substrate surface
- FIGS. 12A-12F schematically illustrate use of the adhesive tape applicator of FIG. 1A in performing a cutting operation
- FIG. 12G is a side view illustrating an arrangement of the adhesive tape applicator of FIG. 1A loaded with a roll of adhesive tape following completion of a cutting operation;
- FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating portions of another embodiment adhesive tape applicator in accordance with principles of the present disclosure and loaded with a roll of adhesive tape.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B One embodiment of an adhesive tape applicator 20 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B .
- the applicator 20 When loaded with a roll of adhesive tape (not shown), the applicator 20 facilitates single-handed application and cutting of a length of tape from the roll.
- the applicator 20 includes a housing assembly 22 , a carriage assembly 24 (referenced generally in FIG. 1B ) and a blade assembly 26 (hidden in FIG. 1B ). Details on the various components are provided below.
- the housing assembly 22 maintains the carriage assembly 24 and the blade assembly 26 . More particularly, the carriage assembly 24 is slidable relative to the housing assembly 22 , with articulation of the carriage assembly 24 effectuating movement of the blade assembly 26 .
- a blade 28 provided with the blade assembly 26 is caused to sever a length of tape extending along a tape path defined by the applicator 20 .
- the applicator 20 incorporates one or more features described below that interface with the tape (apart from the blade 28 ) during application and cutting operations so as to prevent the tape from sticking to the blade or other components. These tape handling features account for possible contact with opposing, adhesive-bearing major surfaces of the tape such that the applicator 20 is highly useful with virtually any adhesive tape format, including double-sided adhesive tape.
- the housing assembly 22 includes a housing 40 and an application roller 42 .
- the housing 40 has an open interior for maintaining various other components and, as best shown in FIG. 1B , defines a tape dispensing opening 44 and an optional auxiliary opening 46 .
- the application roller 42 is rotatably mounted to the housing 40 adjacent the tape dispensing opening 44 .
- the auxiliary opening 46 facilitates user interface with the carriage assembly 24 .
- the housing 40 is formed or defined by first and second housing sections 50 , 52 .
- the housing sections 50 , 52 are configured to be releasably mated to one another (e.g., snap fit) in collectively defining the housing 40 , with removal of the second housing section 52 from the first housing section 50 (or vice-versa) permitting user access to an interior of the housing 40 (e.g., for removing or loading a roll of tape (not shown)).
- the housing sections 50 , 52 collectively define an exterior shape or perimeter 60 of the housing 40 .
- the shape or perimeter 60 can include a front side 62 , a rear side 64 , a bottom side 66 , and a top side 68 . Due to the mated construction, the following descriptions of these exterior features 60 - 68 relative to the first housing section 50 apply equally to the second housing section 52 .
- the first housing section 50 defines portions of the front side 62 , the rear side 64 , the bottom side 66 , and the top side 68 .
- the tape dispensing opening 44 is formed or defined at an intersection of the front side 62 and the bottom side 66
- the auxiliary opening 46 is defined along the top side 68 .
- the bottom side 66 can be substantially flat (i.e., within 10 percent of a truly flat surface), promoting sliding movement of the housing section 50 (and thus of the housing 40 ( FIG. 1B ) as a whole) along a substrate surface.
- the first housing section 50 can provide various features that facilitate engagement with other components of the applicator 20 ( FIG. 1A ).
- the engagement features can be defined as projecting inwardly (i.e., out of the page of FIG. 2 ) from a side wall 70 .
- the first housing section 50 can include a spindle 72 (or other structure such as a collet) for rotatably receiving the application roller 42 ( FIG. 1B ).
- the first housing section 50 can form or define a rail 74 configured to slidably maintain the carriage assembly 24 ( FIG. 1A ).
- the rail 74 can assume a variety of forms and in some embodiments can be viewed at defining first-third sections 76 - 80 .
- the second section 78 is located intermediate the first and third sections 76 , 80 , and is bounded by opposing shoulders 82 , 84 .
- the shoulders 82 , 84 are configured to capture a biasing device of the carriage assembly 24 as described below, and can assume a variety of forms.
- the shoulders 82 , 84 are defined as inward projections (e.g., out of the page of FIG. 2 ) from the rail 74 .
- a stop tab 86 is optionally formed along the first section 76 and can be defined as an inward projection from a face of the rail 74 in a direction opposite the side wall 70 . As made clear below, the stop tab 86 serves as a forward stop to sliding movement of the carriage assembly 24 along the rail 74 .
- One or more blade assembly engagement features 90 can also be provided with, or assembled to, the first housing section 50 .
- the blade assembly engagement feature 90 is configured in accordance with complimentary features of the blade assembly 26 ( FIG. 1A ) to establish a pivotable mounting of the blade assembly 26 relative to the first housing section 50 (and thus relative to the housing 40 ( FIG. 1A ) upon final assembly).
- the blade assembly engagement feature 90 is a post projecting from the side wall 70 , although a variety of other pivotable connection constructions are also acceptable.
- the second housing section 52 can include or incorporate one or more features that facilitate mounting of the carriage assembly 24 and/or the blade assembly 26 . In some embodiments, however, the mounting features are provided with only one of the housing sections 50 , 52 such that the housing sections 50 , 52 can be disassembled from one another while maintaining the mounted arrangement of the carriage assembly 24 and the blade assembly 26 relative to the first housing section 50 .
- the application roller 42 is generally configured to press adhesive tape exiting the applicator 20 onto a substrate surface.
- the application roller 42 is configured in accordance with mounting features of the housing sections 50 , 52 (e.g., the spindle 72 ( FIG. 2 )) so as to be rotatably mounted to the housing 40 .
- the application roller 42 can assume a variety of forms, in some embodiments the application roller 42 is configured to readily release from adhesives conventionally employed with adhesive tapes, such as pressure sensitive adhesives. This optional easy release attribute can be provided in various manners, such as via material(s) and/or physical features of an outer surface of the application roller 42 .
- FIGS one exemplary embodiment of the application roller 42 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS.
- the mandrel 100 can be a tube or hub-type body configured to be rotatably mounted over the spindle 72 or other mounting component provided with the housing 40 ( FIG. 1A ).
- the sleeve 102 is coaxially received over the mandrel 100 , and establishes an outer surface 104 of the application roller 42 upon final assembly.
- the sleeve 102 is formed of a material that readily releases from, or does not otherwise adhere to, adhesives (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesives) commonly used with adhesive tapes.
- the sleeve 102 can be formed of a silicone material.
- the sleeve 102 can form the outer surface 104 to have reduced surface contact with a flat surface otherwise in contact with the outer surface 104 .
- the sleeve 102 can form or comprise a plurality of spaced apart, circumferential ribs 106 . As shown in FIG. 3C , when the application roller 42 is directed into contact with a relatively flat surface S (e.g., a major surface of an adhesive tape otherwise being applied to a flat substrate surface), the surface S contacts the outer surface 104 of the application roller 42 only at the ribs 106 .
- a relatively flat surface S e.g., a major surface of an adhesive tape otherwise being applied to a flat substrate surface
- the application roller 42 is not in contact with the surface S at the spacings between the ribs 106 , thus reducing the overall surface area of contact (and surface energy).
- Other outer surface texturing formats are also envisioned. Regardless, by minimizing the surface contact, optionally in combination with use of a release material (e.g., silicone), an adhesive-bearing surface placed into contact with the application roller 42 is unlikely to “stick” to the outer surface 104 .
- a release material e.g., silicone
- the carriage assembly 24 includes a carriage body 120 , a hub 122 , an idler roller 124 , and an optional biasing device 126 .
- the carriage body 120 maintains the hub 122 and the idler roller 124 , and is slidably coupled to the housing 40 .
- the biasing device 126 biases the carriage body 120 to a first position relative to the housing 40 , and can be a coil spring. Further, the biasing device 126 permits sliding movement of the carriage body 120 in response to a user-applied force, such as during a cutting operation.
- the carriage assembly 24 can further optionally include an actuator 128 coupled to the carriage body 120 and configured to facilitate actuation of the carriage assembly 24 by the user as described in greater detail below.
- the carriage body 120 and the hub 122 are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4A and 4B . As implicated by the views, in some embodiments the carriage body 120 and the hub 122 can be integrally formed. Regardless, the carriage body 120 includes a panel 140 that is generally sized and shaped to be received within the housing 40 ( FIG. 1A ).
- the panel 140 defines a front face 142 ( FIG. 4A ) and a rear face 144 ( FIG. 4B ), and forms or includes various features that facilitate mounting with the housing 40 .
- first and second pairs of guide tabs 146 , 148 can be formed as projections from the rear face 144 , each defining a channel 150 sized to slidably receive the rail 74 ( FIG. 2 ).
- a slot 152 is formed through a thickness of the panel 140 , and is sized to slidably receive the stop tab 86 ( FIG. 2 ).
- a shelf 154 projects from the rear face 144 in alignment with the slot 152 .
- the shelf 154 in combination with a structure of a pocket 156 (described in greater detail below) further serves to slidably engage the rail 74 .
- the carriage assembly 24 can incorporate other features for effectuating slidable engagement with the housing 40 .
- the carriage body 120 includes or forms a frame 158 sized and shaped to capture the spring 126 .
- the frame 158 projects from the front face 142 , for example in a region of the hub 122 , with the panel 140 forming an aperture 160 that is aligned with the frame 158 for reasons made clear below. Further, the frame 158 can form or define a groove 162 that facilitates assembly with the housing 40 ( FIG. 1A ).
- the carriage body 120 can form or include additional features that facilitate articulating connection with the blade assembly 26 ( FIG. 1A ).
- the pocket 156 is formed as a depression in the front face 142 of the panel 140 , and defines a bearing surface 164 .
- the pocket 156 is sized and shaped to slidably receive a corresponding component of the blade assembly 26 as described below, and can include a notch 166 through a thickness of the panel 140 for slidably receiving other components.
- the carriage body 120 can include or define a camming member 168 and a support block 170 as inward projections from the front face 142 .
- the camming member 168 can assume a variety of forms, and is generally constructed to slidably interface with a corresponding component of the blade assembly 26 as described below.
- the support block 170 is aligned with, but spaced from, the camming member 168 , and is also configured to interface with the blade assembly 26 in a prescribed manner.
- a bracket 182 can be formed or provided along the front face 142 and is generally constructed for assembly with the actuator 128 ( FIG. 1A ).
- the carriage body 120 can optionally form or provide additional features for interfacing with a length of adhesive tape (not shown) otherwise extending from a region of the hub 122 .
- a platform 190 projects from the front face 142 of the panel 140 and provides a surface for selectively interfacing with an adhesive tape, for example during a cutting operation.
- the platform 190 optionally forms or defines a textured surface 192 , for example the spaced apart ribbed format shown.
- the hub 122 projects from the front face 142 of the panel 140 , and is generally sized and shaped to rotatably maintain a roll of adhesive tape (not shown). While the hub 122 is shown as being affixed to the panel 140 , other configurations appropriate for rotatably maintaining a roll of adhesive tape are equally acceptable.
- the idler roller 124 is configured for rotatable mounting to the spindle 180 of the carriage body 120 (or other optional mounting component), and is generally constructed to selectively interface with a length of adhesive tape.
- an outer surface of the idler roller 124 readily releases from adhesives commonly employed with adhesive tapes (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesives), and thus can have any of the formats described above with respect to the application roller 42 (e.g., the attributes described above with respect to the sleeve 102 in FIGS. 3A-3C ).
- the actuator 128 can assume any form conducive to receiving a user-applied force, and transferring the force into a sliding motion of the carriage body 120 relative to the housing 40 . While the actuator 128 is shown as being a component formed apart from the carriage body 120 , in other embodiments the actuator 128 is integrally formed by or with the carriage body 120 .
- the blade assembly 26 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 5 , and includes the blade 28 , a blade arm 200 , and at least one pressing finger 202 .
- the blade arm 200 maintains the blade 28 and the pressing finger(s) 202 , and is configured for pivoting connection with the housing 40 ( FIG. 1A ).
- the blade arm 200 defines a leading end 210 , a trailing or pivot end 212 , an upper face 214 , and a lower face 216 .
- the leading end 210 is configured to facilitate mounting of the blade 28 , and can form or provide one or more rivet bodies 218 .
- the pivot end 212 is defined opposite the leading end 210 , and is configured to establish pivotable mounting with a corresponding component of the housing assembly 22 ( FIG. 1A ).
- the trailing end 212 can include a bore 220 sized to receive the post 90 ( FIG. 2 ). Regardless, a pivot axis P about which the blade arm 200 rotates or pivots upon final assembly is defined.
- the upper face 214 is shaped to effectuate a desired cammed interface of the blade arm 200 with the carriage assembly camming member 168 ( FIG. 4A ).
- the upper face 214 can be relatively flat or planar adjacent the leading end 210 , and forms or defines an inclined region 230 adjacent the pivot end 212 .
- a crank arm 232 projects from the pivot end 212 (i.e., away from the lower face 216 ), and compliments (in combination with other features) the camming-induced articulation motion effectuated along the upper face 214 .
- the blade arm 200 is further configured to facilitate mounting of the pressing finger(s) 202 .
- the pressing finger(s) 202 is provided as part of a pressing finger structure 240 that includes a plurality of the pressing fingers 202 projecting from a base 242 .
- the blade arm 200 can form a cavity 244 sized and shaped to frictionally maintain the base 242 in a manner that arranges the pressing fingers 202 as outward projections from the lower face 216 .
- a cap 246 can further be provided that is assembled to the cavity 244 adjacent the base 242 so as to be contiguous with the upper face 214 upon final assembly.
- the finger structure 240 includes the base 242 and the at least one pressing finger 202 .
- the finger structure 240 includes the base 242 and the at least one pressing finger 202 .
- three of the pressing fingers 202 are provided, including a first pressing finger 202 a longitudinally offset from second and third pressing fingers 202 b, 202 c.
- a greater or lesser number of the pressing fingers 202 can be included, including only a single one of the pressing fingers (e.g., the first pressing finger 202 a ).
- the pressing finger(s) 202 extends in an angular fashion from the base 242 , with the angular arrangement of the pressing finger(s) 202 relative to the base 242 generating a desired spatial arrangement of the pressing finger( 2 ) 202 relative to the blade arm 200 upon final assembly.
- the pressing finger(s) 202 is configured to interface with a tensioned, adhesive-bearing surface, for example an adhesive surface of an adhesive tape, and in some embodiments is flexible (e.g., elastically deformable) and exhibits an easy or low release characteristic.
- the pressing finger(s) 202 can be formed of silicone, a fluoropolymer, or coated elastomeric materials (e.g., a plasma coating creating the low release coating or non-stick surface), etc.; in other embodiments, an entirety of the finger structure 240 is formed of the flexible, low release material (or low release coating). Elastic flexibility of the pressing finger(s) 202 can alternatively be described relative to a rigidity of the blade arm 200 .
- the blade arm 200 is more rigid or less flexible than the pressing finger(s) 202 (e.g., the blade arm 200 is a molded, rigid plastic material whereas the pressing finger(s) 202 is a deformable silicone body).
- the pressing finger(s) 202 will elastically deform or deflect while the blade arm 200 remains rigid when subjected to an identical force.
- a similar comparison can be made between a flexibility of the pressing finger(s) 202 and a flexibility of the blade 28 .
- the pressing finger(s) 202 is significantly more flexible than the rigid blade 28 .
- the blade 28 can assume a variety of forms, and in some embodiments includes two (or more) blade segments 250 , 252 that combine to define the blade 28 upon final assembly. In other embodiments, the blade 28 can be a homogeneous, integral structure.
- FIGS. 8A and 8B Final construction of the blade assembly 26 is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B .
- the blade 28 is affixed to the leading end 210 of the blade arm 200 , and extends downwardly relative to the lower face 216 .
- the blade 28 terminates at a blade tip 260 opposite the blade arm 200 .
- the pressing fingers 202 a - 202 c also project from the lower face 216 of the blade arm 200 , and each terminate at a contact end 262 opposite the blade arm 200 .
- the pressing fingers 202 a - 202 c are generally arranged to interface with a length of tape otherwise being cut by the blade 28 as the blade arm 200 is rotated about the pivot axis P.
- an included angle ⁇ is established by a plane of the blade 28 and a plane of the first pressing finger 202 a.
- the included angle ⁇ is at least 5 degrees, and in some embodiments is at least 10 degrees.
- the second and third pressing fingers 202 b, 202 c can be arranged to establish a similar included angle relative to the blade 28 .
- the first pressing finger 202 a extends an appreciable distance from the lower face 216 , generally commensurate with a longitudinal location of the blade tip 260 .
- a length of the first pressing finger 202 a can be identified relative to an articulation plane A defined by the blade tip 260 and the pivot axis P. The first pressing finger 202 a passes through or intersects the articulation plane A.
- This geometry better ensures that the contact end 262 of the first pressing finger 202 a will contact a structure “behind” the blade tip 260 (to the right relative to the orientation of FIG. 8B ) as the blade arm 200 is rotated above the pivot axis P (counterclockwise relative to the orientation of FIG. 8B ).
- FIG. 9A illustrates the carriage assembly 24 mounted to the first housing section 50 .
- the carriage body 120 is slidably connected to the rail 74 , for example via the pairs of guide tabs 146 , 148 ( FIG. 4B ).
- the spring (or other biasing device) 126 is disposed within the frame 158 , and is captured at opposing ends thereof by the first and second shoulders 82 , 84 (it being understood that the first shoulder 82 is hidden in the view of FIG. 9A , but is illustrated in FIG. 2 ).
- the second shoulder 84 projects beyond the spring 126 into abutment with the hub 122 and is slidably disposed within the groove 162 .
- the stop tab 86 is slidably disposed within the slot 152 .
- the post 90 is located within the notch 166 .
- the actuator 128 where provided, is assembled to the carriage body 120 and is arranged within the auxiliary opening 46 . With this construction, the spring 126 biases the carriage body 120 to the first or application state of FIG. 9A .
- the carriage body 120 can be transitioned to a second or cut state of FIG. 9B in response to a force placed upon the actuator 128 that in turn causes the carriage body 120 to slide along the rail 74 (i.e., relative to the orientation of FIGS. 9A and 9B , the carriage body 120 is caused to move generally to the right (toward the rear side 64 ) in transitioning from the application state ( FIG. 9A ) to the cut state ( FIG. 9B )).
- the stop tab 86 serves as a forward stop to further sliding movement of the carriage body 120 .
- the carriage assembly 24 self-returns to the first or application state of FIG. 9A via the spring 126 .
- FIG. 10A illustrates mounting of the blade assembly 26 to the carriage assembly 24 and the first housing section 50 (and reflects the application state of the applicator 20 ).
- the pivot end 212 of the blade arm 200 is rotatably coupled to the post 90 (hidden in FIG. 10A but shown, for example, in FIG. 9A ) of the first housing section 50 .
- the crank arm 232 is located within the pocket 156 .
- the carriage assembly 24 retains the blade arm 200 in the spatial arrangement shown via the camming member 168 and the support block 170 . More particularly, the camming member 168 engages or is slightly spaced from the upper face 214 of the blade arm 200 , whereas the support block 170 engages or is slightly spaced from the lower face 216 .
- the blade arm 200 is prevented from freely rotating about the pivot axis P relative to the carriage body 120 .
- the blade tip 260 and the pressing finger contact ends 262 are spatially located away from a tape path defined by and between the application and idler rollers 42 , 124 as described below.
- Transitioning of the carriage body 120 from the application state to the cut state effectuates articulation of the blade assembly 26 as reflected by FIG. 10B .
- the blade arm 200 is spatially connected to the first housing section 50 via the post 90 ( FIG. 9A )
- the blade arm 200 does not slide rearwardly with the carriage body 120 .
- the bearing surface 164 (hidden in FIG. 10B , but shown in FIG. 10A ) of the pocket 156 contacts the crank arm 232 , and as the camming member 168 slides along the inclined region 230 of the blade arm upper face 214 , the blade arm 200 is caused to pivot or rotate about the pivot axis P (counterclockwise relative to the orientation of FIGS. 10A and 10B ), in turn causing the blade tip 260 and the pressing finger contact ends 262 to pass through a tape path defined by and between the application and idler rollers 42 , 124 as described below.
- the various components and mechanisms described above for effectuating articulation of the blade tip 260 and the pressing finger contact ends 262 relative to the application and idler rollers 42 , 124 are but one acceptable embodiment.
- a variety of other components, mechanisms and/or assembly techniques can be employed.
- Features of the present disclosure relate to the manners in which the pressing finger(s) 202 interface with the adhesive tape during the cutting operation formed by the blade 28 , as well as an optional low or easy release adhesive surface interface established along the application and idler rollers 42 , 124 .
- FIG. 11A illustrates, in simplified form, an adhesive tape roll 300 rotatably mounted to the hub 122 , with the applicator 20 in the initial or application state.
- systems of the present disclosure constitute the applicator 20 loaded with the tape roll 300 .
- a length of adhesive tape 302 extends from the roll 300 along a tape path T defined, at least in part, by the application and idler rollers 42 , 124 .
- the adhesive tape 302 otherwise comprising the roll 300 can assume a variety of forms, and generally include a base film or film structure defining opposing, first and second major surfaces 304 , 306 .
- One or both of the major surfaces 304 , 306 can carry an exposed adhesive (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive coating).
- the adhesive tape 302 can be a single-sided or double-sided adhesive tape.
- the tape path T includes the first major surface 304 in contact with the idler roller 124 , and the second major surface 306 in contact with the application roller 42 .
- the length of tape 302 extends from the roll 300 , along the tape path T, and is available for application to a substrate surface via the tape dispensing opening 44 .
- a leading end 310 of the adhesive tape 302 is adhesively secured or tacked to a substrate surface 312 , establishing a tacked region 314 .
- a user grasping the applicator housing 40 manually applies pressure onto the application roller 42 while simultaneously pulling the housing 40 away from the leading end 310 .
- the adhesive tape 302 is caused to unwind from the roll 300 and successively progress along the tape path T with a now longer tacked region 314 being secured onto the substrate surface 312 as shown in FIG. 11C .
- the application roller 42 readily rolls along the second major surface 306 during application of the tape 302 to the substrate surface 312 .
- the release attributes of the application roller 42 as described above e.g., forming an outer surface of the application roller 42 from silicone or other low release material and/or inclusion of the circumferential ribs or other texturing
- the adhesive-bearing second major surface 306 will not stick to the application roller 42 .
- the applicator 20 is operated to cut the tape 302 .
- the adhesive tape 302 Prior to initiation of the cutting operation, the adhesive tape 302 is generally held in tension between the application and idler rollers 42 , 124 and is identified as an intermediate tape segment 320 in FIG. 12A .
- the blade 28 and the pressing finger(s) 202 are spaced from the intermediate tape segment 320 (and the tape path T).
- the carriage assembly 24 ( FIG. 1A ) is then transitioned toward the cut state by a user-applied force on the actuator 128 ( FIG. 1A ) as described above.
- the pressing finger(s) 202 also interfaces with the adhesive tape 302 .
- the blade arm 200 has been rotated or maneuvered to bring the blade 28 and the pressing finger(s) 202 nearly into contact with the second major surface 306 of the adhesive tape 302 .
- the contact end 262 of the first pressing finger 202 a contacts the adhesive tape 302 just prior to the blade tip 260 as shown.
- the blade 28 and the first pressing finger 202 a contact the adhesive tape 302 simultaneously, or the blade 28 may contact the adhesive tape 302 immediately before the first pressing finger 202 a.
- the first pressing finger 202 a With further rotation of the blade arm 200 (i.e., transitioning from the arrangement of FIG. 12B to the successively next intermediate stage of operation arrangement of FIG. 12C ), the first pressing finger 202 a more robustly contacts the intermediate tape segment 320 . Because the intermediate tape segment 320 is under tension between the application and idler rollers 42 , 124 , the adhesive tape 302 exerts a resistance force onto the first pressing finger 202 a. The angled orientation of the first pressing finger 202 a in combination with the flexible material employed for the first pressing finger 202 a results in the first pressing finger 202 a deforming or deflecting in response to this resistance.
- the first pressing finger 202 a does not rigidly retain its linear shape, but instead slightly deforms, with the contact end 262 deflecting toward the blade 28 .
- the blade tip 260 has pierced through a portion of the adhesive tape 302 , but the adhesive tape 302 has not yet been completely severed.
- the blade tip 260 can have the tapered shape shown in FIG. 8A , increasing in width from a central point; while a complete width of the blade tip 260 is commensurate with a width of the adhesive tape 302 , in the initial stages of cutting (e.g., the arrangement of FIG.
- FIG. 12C that otherwise provides a simplified, enlarged cross-section of the blade tip 260 and the adhesive tape 302 corresponding with the state of FIG. 12C .
- a portion of the blade tip 260 has initially pierced through the adhesive tape 302 .
- a width W C of the cut formed by the blade tip 260 is less than a width W T of the adhesive tape 302 .
- the adhesive tape 302 is still intact and is not yet completely severed.
- a tension in the adhesive tape 302 remains, causing deformation of the first pressing finger 202 a as described above.
- Elastic deflection or deformation of the first pressing finger 202 a continues with further rotation of the blade arm 200 , with the blade arm rotation simultaneously directing the blade tip 260 to progressively pierce through an increasing portion of the width W T ( FIG. 12D ) of the tape 302 .
- This arrangement is shown in FIG. 12E .
- the contact end 262 (and other exterior surfaces of the first pressing finger 202 a ) readily slides along the second major surface 306 of the adhesive tape 302 in connection with the above-described deflection, even when the adhesive tape 302 is a double-sided adhesive tape (i.e., the second major surface 306 carries an exposed adhesive).
- FIG. 12E further reflects that the second pressing fingers 202 b can also contact the tensioned adhesive tape 302 and, due to a flexible construction, elastically flex or deflect.
- the adhesive tape 302 can be forced to deflect downwardly (relative to the orientation of FIG. 12E ) at the blade tip 260 interface, and, due to various component geometries, come into contact with the platform 190 .
- the blade tip 260 has progressed through an entire thickness and width of the tape 302 as shown in FIG. 12F , severing the intermediate tape segment 320 .
- the adhesive tape 302 can effectively be defined as having an applied portion 330 downstream of the cut line that is now applied to the substrate surface 312 .
- a remaining portion 332 upstream of the cut line is still connected to, or is part of, the tape roll 300 ( FIG. 11A ), and terminates at a leading end 334 .
- the first pressing finger 202 a serves to prevent the leading end 334 from extending along, or “riding up” on the blade 28 , it being noted that once the adhesive tape 302 has been severed, the tensioned resistance force imparted upon the first pressing finger 202 a is removed, and the first pressing finger 202 a resiliently self-reverts back to its natural shape as shown.
- the second and third pressing fingers 202 b, 202 c can force the adhesive tape 302 onto the platform 190 . Thus, an entirety of the remaining portion 332 , including the “new” leading end 334 , is held away from the blade 28 .
- the blade arm 200 is caused to again pivot, bringing the blade 28 and the pressing fingers 202 a - 202 c out of the tape path T as shown in FIG. 12G .
- the remaining portion 332 of the adhesive tape 302 will not unexpectedly “move” with the blade assembly 26 .
- the remaining portion 332 is spaced from, and does not contact, the blade 28 .
- the low adhesion/release material e.g., silicone
- the first major surface 304 may lightly adhere to the platform 190 , allowing the pressing fingers 202 to readily release from the second major surface 306 as the blade arm 200 articulates the pressing fingers 202 away from the tape 302 .
- the platform 190 simultaneously directs the leading end 334 to the tape dispensing opening 44 such that the leading end 334 is now readily available for subsequent adhesive tape application operation.
- the adhesive tape applicator 20 in applying the adhesive tape 302 to the substrate surface 312 can optionally entail the bottom side 66 readily sliding along, or in close proximity to, the substrate surface 312 (under circumstances where the substrate surface 312 is relatively flat).
- the substantially flat bottom side 66 also facilitates temporary storage of the applicator 20 in the upright orientation on the substrate surface 312 (e.g., during periods of non-use, the applicator 20 is upright, with the bottom side 66 resting on the substrate surface 312 ).
- a stand-off device 400 is included that lifts the application roller 42 away from the substrate surface 312 during periods of non-use.
- the stand-off device 400 can assume a variety of forms, and in some constructions includes a head 402 and a leaf spring or other biasing device 404 .
- the leaf spring 404 connects the head 402 to the housing 40 .
- the head 402 In a normal state of the leaf spring 404 , the head 402 is located such that a leading face 406 is located outside of the housing 40 . In the upright storage orientation of FIG.
- the applicator 20 ′ is maintained upright relative to the substrate surface 312 , resting on the leading face 406 of the head 402 and rear corner 408 of the housing 40 .
- the application roller 42 as well as the leading end 310 of the adhesive tape 302 is held above or away from the substrate surface 312 .
- a downward force is applied to the housing 40 with the user's hand.
- the head 402 retracts into the housing 40 .
- the leading end 310 is brought to contact with the substrate surface 312 , including the application roller 42 pressing on to the adhesive tape 302 .
- Application and cutting operations can then be performed as described above.
- the adhesive tape applicators, system and methods of the present disclosure provide a marked improvement over previous designs.
- Adhesive tapes including double-sided adhesive tapes, are readily applied to a substrate surface and subsequently cut with single-handed operation.
- the flexible pressing finger(s) provided with the tape applicators ensure consistent, jam-free operation, preventing the adhesive tape from adhesively “catching” on the cutting blade.
- Other optional features, such as low surface energy contact rollers, further enhance handling of adhesive-bearing tape surfaces.
Abstract
A tape applicator (20) including housing, carriage, and blade assemblies (22;24;26). The housing assembly (22) includes a housing (40) and an application roller (42). The carriage assembly (24) includes a carriage body (120), a hub (122), and an idler roller (124). The carriage body (120) and hub (122) are slidably mounted within the housing (40). The idler roller (124) is rotatably mounted to the carriage body (120). The blade assembly (26) includes a blade arm (200), a blade (28), and a pressing finger (202). The blade arm (200) pivots relative to the housing (40) about a pivot axis. The blade (28) projects from the blade arm (200) to a tip. An articulation plane is defined by the blade tip and the pivot axis. The pressing finger (202) projects from the blade arm (200) through the articulation plane. The applicator (20) is transitionable between an application state and a cut state to sever tape (302) along an internal tape path. The pressing finger (202) flexes to prevent the tape (302) from adhering to the blade (28) during the cutting operation.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to adhesive tape applicators. More particularly, it relates to adhesive tape applicators capable of dispensing and cutting double-sided adhesive tape with one hand operation.
- Manually operated adhesive tape dispensers are available in a variety of forms. For example, desktop-type adhesive tape dispensers typically include a weighted base maintaining a tape roll on a revolving spindle. A user pulls a leading end of the tape away from the roll, and then cuts a desired length of tape at a stationary blade provided with the dispenser. Common handheld adhesive tape dispensers employ a similar format. In either case, use of the dispenser requires two hands to handle the cut length of tape and apply it to the substrate surface(s) in question. Moreover, handheld tape dispensers require both of the user's hands to grasp the dispenser and pull/cut the desired length of tape.
- As an alternative to tape dispensers, manually operated adhesive tape applicators are designed to directly apply and cut a length of tape (from a roll of tape) and often times require only a single hand of the user. In general terms, with single-handed adhesive tape applicators, a user can quickly and precisely apply a desired length of the adhesive tape to the substrate surface(s) in question without ever having to touch the tape. Conventionally, the applicator rotatably maintains a roll of tape, and provides a tape path ending at a roller or other curved application surface; the user applies pressure to this component as the tape is dispensed, ensuring immediate and complete wetting or adhesive engagement with the substrate surface. Further, most single-handed adhesive tape applicators provide a blade or other cutting surface for severing the tape. Consistent with the single-handed operation goal, a user-actuated mechanism is associated with the blade, allowing the user to cut a dispensed length of tape at a desired length by simple manipulation of the cutting mechanism using the same hand that is otherwise handling the applicator. In some instances, the mechanism maneuvers the tape relative to a stationary blade. More commonly, however, the mechanism translates the blade into and out of the tape path.
- While single-handed adhesive tape applicators (incorporating a cutting mechanism) have been well received, certain concerns exist. For example, many users desire the ability to replace an expended roll of tape with a new roll of tape. To meet this demand, the applicator must allow for the partial disassembly thereof (e.g., temporary removal of one or more outer housing sections to access the roll of tape) in a manner that leaves the various internal components (e.g., the cutting mechanism) intact. This requirement, in turn, places distinct design constraints on the cutting mechanism construction, dictating a minimal number of components and complexity. Consistently cutting an adhesive tape via a relatively simple hand-actuated cutting mechanism can be exceedingly difficult under circumstances due to direct contact with the adhesive-bearing surface of the tape. The adhesive has a tendency to partially adhere to the blade. If this tendency is not accounted for, the cut end of the tape may undesirably stick to the blade following a cutting operation, causing the tape to accumulate (or “jam”) behind the blade (and/or other applicator malfunctions). Dispensing and cutting double-sided adhesive tape (i.e., adhesive coatings on both sides or major surfaces of the base film) is even more problematic. In fact, most available adhesive tape applicators simply cannot function with double-sided adhesive tape.
- In light of the above, a need exists for adhesive tape applicators that can be operated with one hand, and incorporate a cutting mechanism that consistently cuts, without jamming, any format of adhesive tape, including double-sided adhesive tape.
- Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to an adhesive tape applicator including a housing assembly, a carriage assembly, and a blade assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing and an application roller. The housing defines a tape dispensing opening. The application roller is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening. The carriage assembly includes a carriage body, a hub, and an idler roller. The carriage body is slidably mounted within the housing. The hub is carried by the carriage body and is configured to rotatably support a roll of tape. The idler roller is rotatably mounted to the carriage body. The blade assembly includes a blade arm, a blade, and a pressing finger. The blade arm defines a pivot end that is pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis. The blade projects from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminates in a blade tip. In this regard, an articulation plane of the blade assembly is defined by the blade tip and the pivot axis. The pressing finger projects from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, and extends through the articulation plane. Upon final assembly, the adhesive tape applicator defines a tape path from the hub to the tape dispensing opening, the tape path being defined, at least in part, by the application and idler rollers. With this construction, the adhesive tape applicator is configured to be transitionable between an application state and a cut state. In the application state, the blade tip is at a first side of the tape path. In the cut state, the blade tip is located at a second side of the tape path opposite the first side.
- In some embodiments, the pressing finger interfaces with a length of tape along the tape path during a cutting operation, serving to push or position the cut end of the tape below the blade tip and prevent jamming In related embodiments, the pressing finger is flexible (e.g., formed of silicone or similar material), and deflects when brought into contact with a tape otherwise tensioned across the tape path. In other embodiments, one or both of the application and idler rollers are configured to exhibit a low surface energy or affinity to “sticking” to a pressure sensitive adhesive (or other adhesive format commonly employed with adhesive tapes). For example, the outer surface of one or both of the application roller and the idler roller can be silicone and/or include a series of spaced apart, circumferential ribs. With these constructions, the adhesive tape applicator consistently applies and cuts a desired length of adhesive tape from a tape roll, including double-sided adhesive tape.
- Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system for applying adhesive tape. The system includes a roll of adhesive tape and an applicator. The applicator includes a housing assembly, a carriage assembly, and a blade assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing and an application roller. The housing defines a tape dispensing opening. The application roller is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening. The carriage assembly includes a carriage body, a hub, and an idler roller. The carriage body is slidably mounted within the housing. The hub is carried by the carriage body and rotatably maintains the roll of adhesive tape. The idler roller is rotatably mounted to the carriage body. The blade assembly includes a blade arm, a blade, and a pressing finger. The blade arm defines a pivot end that is pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis. The blade projects from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminates in a blade tip. The pressing finger projects from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, and terminates at a contact end opposite the blade arm. Upon final assembly, the system is configured to provide an application state in which a length of tape extends from the roll of tape to the idler roller and then to the application roller for dispensement through the tape dispensing opening. In the application state, the blade and the pressing finger are displaced from the length of tape. Further, the system is transitionable from the application state to a cut state in which the blade tip has progressed through the length of tape to sever the length of tape. In this regard, transitioning of the system from the application state to the cut state includes the contact end contacting the length of tape and then deflecting toward the blade. In some embodiments, the adhesive tape of the roll of adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape.
- Yet other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method of dispensing an adhesive tape. The method includes receiving a system including an applicator maintaining a roll of adhesive tape. The applicator includes a housing assembly, a carriage assembly, and a blade assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing and an application roller. The housing defines a tape dispensing opening. The application roller is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening. The carriage assembly includes a carriage body, a hub, and an idler roller. The carriage body is slidably mounted within the housing. The hub is carried by the carriage body and rotatably maintains the roll of adhesive tape. The idler roller is rotatably mounted to the carriage body. The blade assembly includes a blade arm, a blade, and a pressing finger. The blade arm defines a pivot end that is pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis. The blade projects from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminates in a blade tip. The pressing finger projects from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, and terminates at a contact end opposite the blade arm. In an application state of the system, a leading segment of a length of tape from the roll of tape extends through the dispensing opening and is supported by the application roller. With the system in the application state, the leading segment is pressed into adhesive contact with a substrate surface to define a tacked region. The applicator is manipulated to draw the applicator away from the tacked region while simultaneously maintaining a pressing force on the application roller to successively dispense and apply an additional segment of the length of tape from the applicator and into adhesive contact with the substrate surface. The carriage assembly is actuated to pivot the blade arm, including the pressing finger and the blade contacting the length of tape between the application and idler rollers to completely sever the length of tape. In this regard, due to a tensioned rigidity of the length of tape, prior to the blade completely severing the length of tape, the pressing finger contacts the length of tape and deforms with further pivoting movement of the blade arm. In some embodiments, the adhesive tape of the roll of adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape.
-
FIG. 1A is an exploded, perspective view of an adhesive tape applicator in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the adhesive tape applicator ofFIG. 1A upon final assembly; -
FIG. 2 is an interior plan view of a housing section component of the adhesive tape applicator ofFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 3A is an exploded, perspective view of an application roller component of the adhesive tape applicator ofFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the application roller ofFIG. 2A upon final assembly; -
FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the application roller ofFIG. 3A relative to a flat surface; -
FIG. 4A is an interior perspective view of a portion of a carriage assembly of the adhesive tape applicator ofFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 4B is an exterior perspective view of the carriage assembly portion ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a blade assembly portion of the adhesive tape applicator ofFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 6A is an interior perspective view of a blade arm component of the blade assembly ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 6B is a front view of the blade arm ofFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 6C is side plan view of the blade arm ofFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 7A is a side plan view of a finger structure component of the blade assembly ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the finger structure ofFIG. 7A ; -
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the blade assembly ofFIG. 5 upon final construction; -
FIG. 8B is a side view of the blade assembly ofFIG. 8A ; -
FIG. 9A is a side view illustrating mounting of the carriage assembly of the tape applicator ofFIG. 1A to the housing section ofFIG. 2 and in an application state; -
FIG. 9B is a side view of the construction ofFIG. 9A in a cut state; -
FIG. 10A is a side view illustrating mounting of the blade assembly ofFIG. 5 to the construction ofFIG. 9A and in the application state; -
FIG. 10B is a side view illustrating the construction ofFIG. 10A in the cut state; -
FIG. 11A is a side view illustrating a portion of the adhesive tape applicator ofFIG. 1A maintaining a roll of adhesive tape and in the application state; -
FIGS. 11B and 11C illustrate use of the adhesive tape applicator ofFIG. 1A in applying adhesive tape to a substrate surface; -
FIGS. 12A-12F schematically illustrate use of the adhesive tape applicator ofFIG. 1A in performing a cutting operation; -
FIG. 12G is a side view illustrating an arrangement of the adhesive tape applicator ofFIG. 1A loaded with a roll of adhesive tape following completion of a cutting operation; and -
FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating portions of another embodiment adhesive tape applicator in accordance with principles of the present disclosure and loaded with a roll of adhesive tape. - One embodiment of an
adhesive tape applicator 20 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure is shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B . When loaded with a roll of adhesive tape (not shown), theapplicator 20 facilitates single-handed application and cutting of a length of tape from the roll. Theapplicator 20 includes ahousing assembly 22, a carriage assembly 24 (referenced generally inFIG. 1B ) and a blade assembly 26 (hidden inFIG. 1B ). Details on the various components are provided below. In general terms, however, thehousing assembly 22 maintains thecarriage assembly 24 and theblade assembly 26. More particularly, thecarriage assembly 24 is slidable relative to thehousing assembly 22, with articulation of thecarriage assembly 24 effectuating movement of theblade assembly 26. For example, during a cutting operation, ablade 28 provided with theblade assembly 26 is caused to sever a length of tape extending along a tape path defined by theapplicator 20. In this regard, theapplicator 20 incorporates one or more features described below that interface with the tape (apart from the blade 28) during application and cutting operations so as to prevent the tape from sticking to the blade or other components. These tape handling features account for possible contact with opposing, adhesive-bearing major surfaces of the tape such that theapplicator 20 is highly useful with virtually any adhesive tape format, including double-sided adhesive tape. - The
housing assembly 22 includes ahousing 40 and anapplication roller 42. Thehousing 40 has an open interior for maintaining various other components and, as best shown inFIG. 1B , defines atape dispensing opening 44 and an optionalauxiliary opening 46. As described in greater detail below, theapplication roller 42 is rotatably mounted to thehousing 40 adjacent thetape dispensing opening 44. Where provided, theauxiliary opening 46 facilitates user interface with thecarriage assembly 24. - In some embodiments, the
housing 40 is formed or defined by first andsecond housing sections housing sections housing 40, with removal of thesecond housing section 52 from the first housing section 50 (or vice-versa) permitting user access to an interior of the housing 40 (e.g., for removing or loading a roll of tape (not shown)). In the mated state, thehousing sections perimeter 60 of thehousing 40. With reference to an intended orientation of theapplicator 20 during use, the shape orperimeter 60 can include afront side 62, arear side 64, abottom side 66, and atop side 68. Due to the mated construction, the following descriptions of these exterior features 60-68 relative to thefirst housing section 50 apply equally to thesecond housing section 52. - An interior of one embodiment of the
first housing section 50 is shown in greater detail inFIG. 2 . Thefirst housing section 50 defines portions of thefront side 62, therear side 64, thebottom side 66, and thetop side 68. As generally indicated, thetape dispensing opening 44 is formed or defined at an intersection of thefront side 62 and thebottom side 66, whereas theauxiliary opening 46 is defined along thetop side 68. In some embodiments, thebottom side 66 can be substantially flat (i.e., within 10 percent of a truly flat surface), promoting sliding movement of the housing section 50 (and thus of the housing 40 (FIG. 1B ) as a whole) along a substrate surface. - The
first housing section 50 can provide various features that facilitate engagement with other components of the applicator 20 (FIG. 1A ). In this regard, the engagement features can be defined as projecting inwardly (i.e., out of the page ofFIG. 2 ) from a side wall 70. For example, thefirst housing section 50 can include a spindle 72 (or other structure such as a collet) for rotatably receiving the application roller 42 (FIG. 1B ). In addition, thefirst housing section 50 can form or define arail 74 configured to slidably maintain the carriage assembly 24 (FIG. 1A ). Therail 74 can assume a variety of forms and in some embodiments can be viewed at defining first-third sections 76-80. Thesecond section 78 is located intermediate the first andthird sections shoulders shoulders carriage assembly 24 as described below, and can assume a variety of forms. In some embodiments, theshoulders FIG. 2 ) from therail 74. Astop tab 86 is optionally formed along thefirst section 76 and can be defined as an inward projection from a face of therail 74 in a direction opposite the side wall 70. As made clear below, thestop tab 86 serves as a forward stop to sliding movement of thecarriage assembly 24 along therail 74. - One or more blade assembly engagement features 90 can also be provided with, or assembled to, the
first housing section 50. In general terms, the bladeassembly engagement feature 90 is configured in accordance with complimentary features of the blade assembly 26 (FIG. 1A ) to establish a pivotable mounting of theblade assembly 26 relative to the first housing section 50 (and thus relative to the housing 40 (FIG. 1A ) upon final assembly). In some embodiments, the bladeassembly engagement feature 90 is a post projecting from the side wall 70, although a variety of other pivotable connection constructions are also acceptable. - Returning to
FIG. 1A , thesecond housing section 52 can include or incorporate one or more features that facilitate mounting of thecarriage assembly 24 and/or theblade assembly 26. In some embodiments, however, the mounting features are provided with only one of thehousing sections housing sections carriage assembly 24 and theblade assembly 26 relative to thefirst housing section 50. - The
application roller 42 is generally configured to press adhesive tape exiting theapplicator 20 onto a substrate surface. Theapplication roller 42 is configured in accordance with mounting features of thehousing sections 50, 52 (e.g., the spindle 72 (FIG. 2 )) so as to be rotatably mounted to thehousing 40. While theapplication roller 42 can assume a variety of forms, in some embodiments theapplication roller 42 is configured to readily release from adhesives conventionally employed with adhesive tapes, such as pressure sensitive adhesives. This optional easy release attribute can be provided in various manners, such as via material(s) and/or physical features of an outer surface of theapplication roller 42. For example, one exemplary embodiment of theapplication roller 42 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure is shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , and includes amandrel 100 and asleeve 102. Themandrel 100 can be a tube or hub-type body configured to be rotatably mounted over thespindle 72 or other mounting component provided with the housing 40 (FIG. 1A ). Thesleeve 102 is coaxially received over themandrel 100, and establishes anouter surface 104 of theapplication roller 42 upon final assembly. In some embodiments, thesleeve 102 is formed of a material that readily releases from, or does not otherwise adhere to, adhesives (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesives) commonly used with adhesive tapes. For example, thesleeve 102 can be formed of a silicone material. Other adhesion-resistant or non-stick materials or coatings are also acceptable, such as fluoropolymers, coated elastomeric materials, etc. In addition, thesleeve 102 can form theouter surface 104 to have reduced surface contact with a flat surface otherwise in contact with theouter surface 104. For example, thesleeve 102 can form or comprise a plurality of spaced apart,circumferential ribs 106. As shown inFIG. 3C , when theapplication roller 42 is directed into contact with a relatively flat surface S (e.g., a major surface of an adhesive tape otherwise being applied to a flat substrate surface), the surface S contacts theouter surface 104 of theapplication roller 42 only at theribs 106. In other words, theapplication roller 42 is not in contact with the surface S at the spacings between theribs 106, thus reducing the overall surface area of contact (and surface energy). Other outer surface texturing formats are also envisioned. Regardless, by minimizing the surface contact, optionally in combination with use of a release material (e.g., silicone), an adhesive-bearing surface placed into contact with theapplication roller 42 is unlikely to “stick” to theouter surface 104. - Returning to
FIGS. 1A and 1B , thecarriage assembly 24 includes acarriage body 120, ahub 122, anidler roller 124, and anoptional biasing device 126. In general terms, thecarriage body 120 maintains thehub 122 and theidler roller 124, and is slidably coupled to thehousing 40. Thebiasing device 126, where provided, biases thecarriage body 120 to a first position relative to thehousing 40, and can be a coil spring. Further, thebiasing device 126 permits sliding movement of thecarriage body 120 in response to a user-applied force, such as during a cutting operation. In this regard, thecarriage assembly 24 can further optionally include anactuator 128 coupled to thecarriage body 120 and configured to facilitate actuation of thecarriage assembly 24 by the user as described in greater detail below. - The
carriage body 120 and thehub 122 are shown in greater detail inFIGS. 4A and 4B . As implicated by the views, in some embodiments thecarriage body 120 and thehub 122 can be integrally formed. Regardless, thecarriage body 120 includes apanel 140 that is generally sized and shaped to be received within the housing 40 (FIG. 1A ). Thepanel 140 defines a front face 142 (FIG. 4A ) and a rear face 144 (FIG. 4B ), and forms or includes various features that facilitate mounting with thehousing 40. For example, first and second pairs ofguide tabs rear face 144, each defining achannel 150 sized to slidably receive the rail 74 (FIG. 2 ). Aslot 152 is formed through a thickness of thepanel 140, and is sized to slidably receive the stop tab 86 (FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, ashelf 154 projects from therear face 144 in alignment with theslot 152. Theshelf 154 in combination with a structure of a pocket 156 (described in greater detail below) further serves to slidably engage therail 74. Alternatively, thecarriage assembly 24 can incorporate other features for effectuating slidable engagement with thehousing 40. - With embodiments incorporating the spring biasing device 126 (
FIG. 1A ), thecarriage body 120 includes or forms aframe 158 sized and shaped to capture thespring 126. Theframe 158 projects from thefront face 142, for example in a region of thehub 122, with thepanel 140 forming anaperture 160 that is aligned with theframe 158 for reasons made clear below. Further, theframe 158 can form or define agroove 162 that facilitates assembly with the housing 40 (FIG. 1A ). - In addition to providing features that promote mounting with the housing 40 (
FIG. 1A ), thecarriage body 120 can form or include additional features that facilitate articulating connection with the blade assembly 26 (FIG. 1A ). For example, thepocket 156 is formed as a depression in thefront face 142 of thepanel 140, and defines abearing surface 164. Thepocket 156 is sized and shaped to slidably receive a corresponding component of theblade assembly 26 as described below, and can include anotch 166 through a thickness of thepanel 140 for slidably receiving other components. Finally, thecarriage body 120 can include or define acamming member 168 and asupport block 170 as inward projections from thefront face 142. Thecamming member 168 can assume a variety of forms, and is generally constructed to slidably interface with a corresponding component of theblade assembly 26 as described below. Thesupport block 170 is aligned with, but spaced from, thecamming member 168, and is also configured to interface with theblade assembly 26 in a prescribed manner. - Other mounting features optionally provided with the
carriage body 120 can include aspindle 180 or similar structure projecting from thefront face 142 and configured to rotatably maintain the idler roller 124 (FIG. 1A ). Abracket 182 can be formed or provided along thefront face 142 and is generally constructed for assembly with the actuator 128 (FIG. 1A ). - The
carriage body 120 can optionally form or provide additional features for interfacing with a length of adhesive tape (not shown) otherwise extending from a region of thehub 122. For example, in some embodiments, aplatform 190 projects from thefront face 142 of thepanel 140 and provides a surface for selectively interfacing with an adhesive tape, for example during a cutting operation. In this regard, theplatform 190 optionally forms or defines atextured surface 192, for example the spaced apart ribbed format shown. - The
hub 122 projects from thefront face 142 of thepanel 140, and is generally sized and shaped to rotatably maintain a roll of adhesive tape (not shown). While thehub 122 is shown as being affixed to thepanel 140, other configurations appropriate for rotatably maintaining a roll of adhesive tape are equally acceptable. - Returning to
FIG. 1A , theidler roller 124 is configured for rotatable mounting to thespindle 180 of the carriage body 120 (or other optional mounting component), and is generally constructed to selectively interface with a length of adhesive tape. In some embodiments, an outer surface of theidler roller 124 readily releases from adhesives commonly employed with adhesive tapes (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesives), and thus can have any of the formats described above with respect to the application roller 42 (e.g., the attributes described above with respect to thesleeve 102 inFIGS. 3A-3C ). - The
actuator 128 can assume any form conducive to receiving a user-applied force, and transferring the force into a sliding motion of thecarriage body 120 relative to thehousing 40. While theactuator 128 is shown as being a component formed apart from thecarriage body 120, in other embodiments theactuator 128 is integrally formed by or with thecarriage body 120. - The
blade assembly 26 is shown in greater detail inFIG. 5 , and includes theblade 28, ablade arm 200, and at least onepressing finger 202. In general terms, theblade arm 200 maintains theblade 28 and the pressing finger(s) 202, and is configured for pivoting connection with the housing 40 (FIG. 1A ). - With additional reference to
FIG. 6A-6C , theblade arm 200 defines aleading end 210, a trailing orpivot end 212, anupper face 214, and alower face 216. Theleading end 210 is configured to facilitate mounting of theblade 28, and can form or provide one ormore rivet bodies 218. Thepivot end 212 is defined opposite theleading end 210, and is configured to establish pivotable mounting with a corresponding component of the housing assembly 22 (FIG. 1A ). For example, the trailingend 212 can include abore 220 sized to receive the post 90 (FIG. 2 ). Regardless, a pivot axis P about which theblade arm 200 rotates or pivots upon final assembly is defined. Theupper face 214 is shaped to effectuate a desired cammed interface of theblade arm 200 with the carriage assembly camming member 168 (FIG. 4A ). For example, and as best shown inFIG. 6C , theupper face 214 can be relatively flat or planar adjacent theleading end 210, and forms or defines aninclined region 230 adjacent thepivot end 212. For reasons made clear below, acrank arm 232 projects from the pivot end 212 (i.e., away from the lower face 216), and compliments (in combination with other features) the camming-induced articulation motion effectuated along theupper face 214. - Returning to
FIG. 5 , theblade arm 200 is further configured to facilitate mounting of the pressing finger(s) 202. In some embodiments, the pressing finger(s) 202 is provided as part of apressing finger structure 240 that includes a plurality of thepressing fingers 202 projecting from abase 242. With this in mind, theblade arm 200 can form acavity 244 sized and shaped to frictionally maintain the base 242 in a manner that arranges thepressing fingers 202 as outward projections from thelower face 216. In some embodiments, acap 246 can further be provided that is assembled to thecavity 244 adjacent the base 242 so as to be contiguous with theupper face 214 upon final assembly. - Features of the
pressing finger structure 240 are described in greater detail below with reference to theblade arm 200 upon final assembly. In general terms, however, and with additional reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B , thefinger structure 240 includes thebase 242 and the at least onepressing finger 202. With the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 7A and 7B , three of thepressing fingers 202 are provided, including a firstpressing finger 202 a longitudinally offset from second and thirdpressing fingers pressing fingers 202 can be included, including only a single one of the pressing fingers (e.g., the firstpressing finger 202 a). The pressing finger(s) 202 extends in an angular fashion from thebase 242, with the angular arrangement of the pressing finger(s) 202 relative to the base 242 generating a desired spatial arrangement of the pressing finger(2) 202 relative to theblade arm 200 upon final assembly. As described below, the pressing finger(s) 202 is configured to interface with a tensioned, adhesive-bearing surface, for example an adhesive surface of an adhesive tape, and in some embodiments is flexible (e.g., elastically deformable) and exhibits an easy or low release characteristic. For example, the pressing finger(s) 202 can be formed of silicone, a fluoropolymer, or coated elastomeric materials (e.g., a plasma coating creating the low release coating or non-stick surface), etc.; in other embodiments, an entirety of thefinger structure 240 is formed of the flexible, low release material (or low release coating). Elastic flexibility of the pressing finger(s) 202 can alternatively be described relative to a rigidity of theblade arm 200. Theblade arm 200 is more rigid or less flexible than the pressing finger(s) 202 (e.g., theblade arm 200 is a molded, rigid plastic material whereas the pressing finger(s) 202 is a deformable silicone body). Thus, the pressing finger(s) 202 will elastically deform or deflect while theblade arm 200 remains rigid when subjected to an identical force. A similar comparison can be made between a flexibility of the pressing finger(s) 202 and a flexibility of theblade 28. The pressing finger(s) 202 is significantly more flexible than therigid blade 28. - Returning to
FIG. 5 , theblade 28 can assume a variety of forms, and in some embodiments includes two (or more)blade segments blade 28 upon final assembly. In other embodiments, theblade 28 can be a homogeneous, integral structure. - Final construction of the
blade assembly 26 is shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B . Theblade 28 is affixed to theleading end 210 of theblade arm 200, and extends downwardly relative to thelower face 216. In this regard, theblade 28 terminates at ablade tip 260 opposite theblade arm 200. Thepressing fingers 202 a-202 c also project from thelower face 216 of theblade arm 200, and each terminate at acontact end 262 opposite theblade arm 200. Thepressing fingers 202 a-202 c are generally arranged to interface with a length of tape otherwise being cut by theblade 28 as theblade arm 200 is rotated about the pivot axis P. These attributes are facilitated, for example, by an angular orientation of thepressing fingers 202 a-202 c, as well as a length of thepressing fingers 202 a-202 c. For example, at least with respect to the firstpressing finger 202 a, an included angle θ is established by a plane of theblade 28 and a plane of the firstpressing finger 202 a. In some embodiments, the included angle θ is at least 5 degrees, and in some embodiments is at least 10 degrees. The second and thirdpressing fingers blade 28. Regardless, to better ensure that thecontact end 262 of at least the firstpressing finger 202 a contacts adhesive tape in conjunction with theblade 28 with rotation of theblade arm 200 about the pivot axis P, the firstpressing finger 202 a extends an appreciable distance from thelower face 216, generally commensurate with a longitudinal location of theblade tip 260. In other embodiments, a length of the firstpressing finger 202 a can be identified relative to an articulation plane A defined by theblade tip 260 and the pivot axis P. The firstpressing finger 202 a passes through or intersects the articulation plane A. This geometry better ensures that thecontact end 262 of the firstpressing finger 202 a will contact a structure “behind” the blade tip 260 (to the right relative to the orientation ofFIG. 8B ) as theblade arm 200 is rotated above the pivot axis P (counterclockwise relative to the orientation ofFIG. 8B ). -
FIG. 9A illustrates thecarriage assembly 24 mounted to thefirst housing section 50. Thecarriage body 120 is slidably connected to therail 74, for example via the pairs ofguide tabs 146, 148 (FIG. 4B ). The spring (or other biasing device) 126 is disposed within theframe 158, and is captured at opposing ends thereof by the first andsecond shoulders 82, 84 (it being understood that thefirst shoulder 82 is hidden in the view ofFIG. 9A , but is illustrated inFIG. 2 ). Thesecond shoulder 84 projects beyond thespring 126 into abutment with thehub 122 and is slidably disposed within thegroove 162. Thestop tab 86 is slidably disposed within theslot 152. Thepost 90 is located within thenotch 166. Theactuator 128, where provided, is assembled to thecarriage body 120 and is arranged within theauxiliary opening 46. With this construction, thespring 126 biases thecarriage body 120 to the first or application state ofFIG. 9A . Thecarriage body 120 can be transitioned to a second or cut state ofFIG. 9B in response to a force placed upon theactuator 128 that in turn causes thecarriage body 120 to slide along the rail 74 (i.e., relative to the orientation ofFIGS. 9A and 9B , thecarriage body 120 is caused to move generally to the right (toward the rear side 64) in transitioning from the application state (FIG. 9A ) to the cut state (FIG. 9B )). Thestop tab 86 serves as a forward stop to further sliding movement of thecarriage body 120. Upon removal of the actuation force, thecarriage assembly 24 self-returns to the first or application state ofFIG. 9A via thespring 126. -
FIG. 10A illustrates mounting of theblade assembly 26 to thecarriage assembly 24 and the first housing section 50 (and reflects the application state of the applicator 20). Thepivot end 212 of theblade arm 200 is rotatably coupled to the post 90 (hidden inFIG. 10A but shown, for example, inFIG. 9A ) of thefirst housing section 50. Thecrank arm 232 is located within thepocket 156. Thecarriage assembly 24 retains theblade arm 200 in the spatial arrangement shown via thecamming member 168 and thesupport block 170. More particularly, thecamming member 168 engages or is slightly spaced from theupper face 214 of theblade arm 200, whereas thesupport block 170 engages or is slightly spaced from thelower face 216. Thus, theblade arm 200 is prevented from freely rotating about the pivot axis P relative to thecarriage body 120. In the first or application state ofFIG. 10A , theblade tip 260 and the pressing finger contact ends 262 are spatially located away from a tape path defined by and between the application andidler rollers - Transitioning of the
carriage body 120 from the application state to the cut state effectuates articulation of theblade assembly 26 as reflected byFIG. 10B . In particular, because theblade arm 200 is spatially connected to thefirst housing section 50 via the post 90 (FIG. 9A ), theblade arm 200 does not slide rearwardly with thecarriage body 120. However, as the bearing surface 164 (hidden inFIG. 10B , but shown inFIG. 10A ) of thepocket 156 contacts thecrank arm 232, and as thecamming member 168 slides along theinclined region 230 of the blade armupper face 214, theblade arm 200 is caused to pivot or rotate about the pivot axis P (counterclockwise relative to the orientation ofFIGS. 10A and 10B ), in turn causing theblade tip 260 and the pressing finger contact ends 262 to pass through a tape path defined by and between the application andidler rollers - As a point of reference, the various components and mechanisms described above for effectuating articulation of the
blade tip 260 and the pressing finger contact ends 262 relative to the application andidler rollers 42, 124 (and thus relative to the tape path defined by therollers 42, 124) are but one acceptable embodiment. A variety of other components, mechanisms and/or assembly techniques can be employed. Features of the present disclosure relate to the manners in which the pressing finger(s) 202 interface with the adhesive tape during the cutting operation formed by theblade 28, as well as an optional low or easy release adhesive surface interface established along the application andidler rollers -
FIG. 11A illustrates, in simplified form, anadhesive tape roll 300 rotatably mounted to thehub 122, with theapplicator 20 in the initial or application state. As a point of reference, systems of the present disclosure constitute theapplicator 20 loaded with thetape roll 300. A length ofadhesive tape 302 extends from theroll 300 along a tape path T defined, at least in part, by the application andidler rollers adhesive tape 302 otherwise comprising theroll 300 can assume a variety of forms, and generally include a base film or film structure defining opposing, first and secondmajor surfaces major surfaces adhesive tape 302 can be a single-sided or double-sided adhesive tape. In the application state ofFIG. 11A , the tape path T includes the firstmajor surface 304 in contact with theidler roller 124, and the secondmajor surface 306 in contact with theapplication roller 42. With this arrangement, the length oftape 302 extends from theroll 300, along the tape path T, and is available for application to a substrate surface via thetape dispensing opening 44. - For example, as shown in
FIG. 11B , with theapplicator 20 in the application state, aleading end 310 of theadhesive tape 302 is adhesively secured or tacked to asubstrate surface 312, establishing a tackedregion 314. A user grasping theapplicator housing 40 manually applies pressure onto theapplication roller 42 while simultaneously pulling thehousing 40 away from theleading end 310. With this technique, theadhesive tape 302 is caused to unwind from theroll 300 and successively progress along the tape path T with a now longer tackedregion 314 being secured onto thesubstrate surface 312 as shown inFIG. 11C . Notably, theapplication roller 42 readily rolls along the secondmajor surface 306 during application of thetape 302 to thesubstrate surface 312. With embodiments in which the secondmajor surface 306 carries an exposed adhesive, the release attributes of theapplication roller 42 as described above (e.g., forming an outer surface of theapplication roller 42 from silicone or other low release material and/or inclusion of the circumferential ribs or other texturing), the adhesive-bearing secondmajor surface 306 will not stick to theapplication roller 42. - Once a desired length of the
tape 302 has been applied to thesubstrate surface 312, theapplicator 20 is operated to cut thetape 302. Prior to initiation of the cutting operation, theadhesive tape 302 is generally held in tension between the application andidler rollers intermediate tape segment 320 inFIG. 12A . Theblade 28 and the pressing finger(s) 202 are spaced from the intermediate tape segment 320 (and the tape path T). The carriage assembly 24 (FIG. 1A ) is then transitioned toward the cut state by a user-applied force on the actuator 128 (FIG. 1A ) as described above. As theblade arm 200 is pivoted to bring theblade tip 260 into contact with thetape 302, the pressing finger(s) 202 also interfaces with theadhesive tape 302. For example, in the arrangement ofFIG. 12B (otherwise schematically illustrating an intermediate stage of operation as theapplicator 20 is transitioned toward the cut state), theblade arm 200 has been rotated or maneuvered to bring theblade 28 and the pressing finger(s) 202 nearly into contact with the secondmajor surface 306 of theadhesive tape 302. Recalling that theblade arm 200 is rotating about the pivot axis P, thecontact end 262 of the firstpressing finger 202 a contacts theadhesive tape 302 just prior to theblade tip 260 as shown. In other embodiments, theblade 28 and the firstpressing finger 202 a contact theadhesive tape 302 simultaneously, or theblade 28 may contact theadhesive tape 302 immediately before the firstpressing finger 202 a. - With further rotation of the blade arm 200 (i.e., transitioning from the arrangement of
FIG. 12B to the successively next intermediate stage of operation arrangement ofFIG. 12C ), the firstpressing finger 202 a more robustly contacts theintermediate tape segment 320. Because theintermediate tape segment 320 is under tension between the application andidler rollers adhesive tape 302 exerts a resistance force onto the firstpressing finger 202 a. The angled orientation of the firstpressing finger 202 a in combination with the flexible material employed for the firstpressing finger 202 a results in the firstpressing finger 202 a deforming or deflecting in response to this resistance. That is to say, the firstpressing finger 202 a does not rigidly retain its linear shape, but instead slightly deforms, with thecontact end 262 deflecting toward theblade 28. In the state ofFIG. 12C , theblade tip 260 has pierced through a portion of theadhesive tape 302, but theadhesive tape 302 has not yet been completely severed. As a point of reference, theblade tip 260 can have the tapered shape shown inFIG. 8A , increasing in width from a central point; while a complete width of theblade tip 260 is commensurate with a width of theadhesive tape 302, in the initial stages of cutting (e.g., the arrangement ofFIG. 12C ), only a portion (e.g., the central point) of the complete width of theblade tip 260 has passed through theadhesive tape 302, such that the entire width of theadhesive tape 302 has not been entirely cut. This relationship is reflected inFIG. 12D , that otherwise provides a simplified, enlarged cross-section of theblade tip 260 and theadhesive tape 302 corresponding with the state ofFIG. 12C . As shown, a portion of theblade tip 260 has initially pierced through theadhesive tape 302. A width WC of the cut formed by theblade tip 260 is less than a width WT of theadhesive tape 302. Thus, theadhesive tape 302 is still intact and is not yet completely severed. As a result, and returning toFIG. 12C , a tension in theadhesive tape 302 remains, causing deformation of the firstpressing finger 202 a as described above. - Elastic deflection or deformation of the first
pressing finger 202 a continues with further rotation of theblade arm 200, with the blade arm rotation simultaneously directing theblade tip 260 to progressively pierce through an increasing portion of the width WT (FIG. 12D ) of thetape 302. This arrangement is shown inFIG. 12E . Notably, where the firstpressing finger 202 a is formed of a low release material or coating (e.g., silicone), the contact end 262 (and other exterior surfaces of the firstpressing finger 202 a) readily slides along the secondmajor surface 306 of theadhesive tape 302 in connection with the above-described deflection, even when theadhesive tape 302 is a double-sided adhesive tape (i.e., the secondmajor surface 306 carries an exposed adhesive).FIG. 12E further reflects that the secondpressing fingers 202 b can also contact the tensionedadhesive tape 302 and, due to a flexible construction, elastically flex or deflect. Notably, as theblade tip 260 is driven toward (and through) theadhesive tape 302, theadhesive tape 302 can be forced to deflect downwardly (relative to the orientation ofFIG. 12E ) at theblade tip 260 interface, and, due to various component geometries, come into contact with theplatform 190. - At the end of the cutting motion, the
blade tip 260 has progressed through an entire thickness and width of thetape 302 as shown inFIG. 12F , severing theintermediate tape segment 320. Once severed, theadhesive tape 302 can effectively be defined as having an appliedportion 330 downstream of the cut line that is now applied to thesubstrate surface 312. A remaining portion 332 (upstream of the cut line) is still connected to, or is part of, the tape roll 300 (FIG. 11A ), and terminates at aleading end 334. The firstpressing finger 202 a serves to prevent theleading end 334 from extending along, or “riding up” on theblade 28, it being noted that once theadhesive tape 302 has been severed, the tensioned resistance force imparted upon the firstpressing finger 202 a is removed, and the firstpressing finger 202 a resiliently self-reverts back to its natural shape as shown. The second and thirdpressing fingers adhesive tape 302 onto theplatform 190. Thus, an entirety of the remainingportion 332, including the “new”leading end 334, is held away from theblade 28. As thecarriage assembly 24 is allowed to revert back to the first or application state, theblade arm 200 is caused to again pivot, bringing theblade 28 and thepressing fingers 202 a-202 c out of the tape path T as shown inFIG. 12G . In this regard, even if the secondmajor face 306 carries an exposed adhesive, the remainingportion 332 of theadhesive tape 302 will not unexpectedly “move” with theblade assembly 26. As described above, the remainingportion 332 is spaced from, and does not contact, theblade 28. Further, while one or more of thepressing fingers 202 are in direct contact with the secondmajor surface 306, the low adhesion/release material (e.g., silicone) construction of thepressing fingers 202 has minimal or no adhesion with the exposed adhesive. Along these same lines, the firstmajor surface 304 may lightly adhere to theplatform 190, allowing thepressing fingers 202 to readily release from the secondmajor surface 306 as theblade arm 200 articulates thepressing fingers 202 away from thetape 302. Theplatform 190 simultaneously directs theleading end 334 to thetape dispensing opening 44 such that theleading end 334 is now readily available for subsequent adhesive tape application operation. - Use of the
adhesive tape applicator 20 in applying theadhesive tape 302 to thesubstrate surface 312 can optionally entail thebottom side 66 readily sliding along, or in close proximity to, the substrate surface 312 (under circumstances where thesubstrate surface 312 is relatively flat). In some embodiments, the substantially flatbottom side 66 also facilitates temporary storage of theapplicator 20 in the upright orientation on the substrate surface 312 (e.g., during periods of non-use, theapplicator 20 is upright, with thebottom side 66 resting on the substrate surface 312). - With the alternative
adhesive tape applicator 20′ ofFIG. 13 , a stand-off device 400 is included that lifts theapplication roller 42 away from thesubstrate surface 312 during periods of non-use. The stand-off device 400 can assume a variety of forms, and in some constructions includes ahead 402 and a leaf spring orother biasing device 404. Theleaf spring 404 connects thehead 402 to thehousing 40. In a normal state of theleaf spring 404, thehead 402 is located such that a leadingface 406 is located outside of thehousing 40. In the upright storage orientation ofFIG. 13 , then, theapplicator 20′ is maintained upright relative to thesubstrate surface 312, resting on the leadingface 406 of thehead 402 andrear corner 408 of thehousing 40. As shown, theapplication roller 42 as well as theleading end 310 of theadhesive tape 302 is held above or away from thesubstrate surface 312. - When a user desires to apply the adhesive
tape leading end 310 to thesubstrate surface 312, a downward force is applied to thehousing 40 with the user's hand. Once sufficient force is applied to overcome a bias of the leaf spring 404 (i.e., via a resistance force experienced by thehead 402 at the substrate surface 312), thehead 402 retracts into thehousing 40. As a result, theleading end 310 is brought to contact with thesubstrate surface 312, including theapplication roller 42 pressing on to theadhesive tape 302. Application and cutting operations can then be performed as described above. - The adhesive tape applicators, system and methods of the present disclosure provide a marked improvement over previous designs. Adhesive tapes, including double-sided adhesive tapes, are readily applied to a substrate surface and subsequently cut with single-handed operation. In this regard, the flexible pressing finger(s) provided with the tape applicators ensure consistent, jam-free operation, preventing the adhesive tape from adhesively “catching” on the cutting blade. Other optional features, such as low surface energy contact rollers, further enhance handling of adhesive-bearing tape surfaces.
- Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (26)
1. An adhesive tape applicator comprising:
a housing assembly including:
a housing defining a tape dispensing opening,
an application roller rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing openings;
a carriage assembly including:
a carriage body slidably mounted within the housing,
a hub carried by the carriage body and configured to rotatably support a roll of tape,
an idler roller rotatably mounted to the carriage body; and
a blade assembly including:
a blade arm defining a pivot end pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis,
a blade projecting from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminating in a blade tip,
wherein an articulation plane is defined by the blade tip and the pivot axis,
a first pressing finger projecting from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, the first pressing finger extending through the articulation plane;
wherein the applicator defines a tape path from the hub to the tape dispensing opening, the tape path being defined, at least in part, by the application and idler rollers;
and further wherein the tape applicator is configured to be transitionable between an application state in which the blade tip is at a first side of the tape path and a cut state in which the blade tip is located at an opposite, second side of the tape path.
2. The tape applicator of claim 1 , wherein the first pressing finger is flexible.
3. The tape applicator of claim 2 , wherein the flexibility of the first pressing finger is greater than the flexibility of the blade arm.
4. The tape applicator of claim 1 , wherein the first pressing finger is silicone.
5. The tape applicator of claim 1 , wherein the first pressing finger is configured to deflect upon forced contact with a tape extending along the tape path and tensioned between the application and idler rollers as the applicator is transitioned from the application state toward the cut state.
6. The tape applicator of claim 5 , wherein the first pressing finger terminates at a contact end opposite the blade arm, and further wherein the first pressing finger is configured such that deflection of the first pressing finger in response to contacting a tape extending along the tape path includes the contact end moving more proximate the blade.
7. The tape applicator of claim 1 , wherein the first pressing finger terminates at a contact end opposite the blade arm, and further within the contact end and the blade tip are spatially arranged such that as the applicator is transitioned from the application state toward the cut state, the contact end intersects the tape path prior to the blade tip.
8. The tape applicator of claim 1 , wherein the blade assembly further comprises a second pressing finger extending from the blade arm at a location between the first pressing finger and the pivot end.
9. The tape applicator of claim 8 , wherein the first and second pressing fingers are flexible.
10. The tape applicator of claim 9 , wherein a length of the first pressing finger in extension from the blade arm is greater than a length of the second pressing finger in extension from the blade arm.
11. The tape applicator of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the application roller is a silicone material.
12. The tape applicator of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the idler roller is a silicone material.
13. The tape applicator of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the application roller includes a plurality of spaced apart, circumferential ribs.
14. The tape applicator of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the idler roller includes a plurality of spaced apart, circumferential ribs.
15. A system for applying adhesive tape, the system comprising:
a roll of adhesive tape; and
an applicator comprising:
a housing assembly including:
a housing defining a tape dispensing opening,
an application roller rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening,
a carriage assembly including:
a carriage body slidably mounted within the housing,
a hub carried by the carriage body and rotatably maintaining the roll of adhesive tape,
an idler roller rotatably mounted to the carriage body,
a blade assembly including:
a blade arm defining a pivot end pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis,
a blade projecting from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminating in a blade tip,
a first pressing finger projecting from the blade arm at a location between the blade and a pivot end, the first pressing finger terminating at a contact end opposite the blade arm;
wherein upon final assembly, the system is configured to provide an application state in which a length of tape extends from the roll to the idler roller and then to the application roller for dispensement through the dispensing opening, the application state including the blade and the pressing finger being displaced from the length of tape;
and further wherein the system is transitionable from the application state to a cut state in which the blade tip is progressed through the length of tape to sever the length of tape;
and even further wherein transitioning of the system from the application state to the cut state includes the contact end initially contacting the length of tape and then deflecting toward the blade.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the adhesive tape of the roll of adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape.
17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the pressing finger is silicone.
18. The system of claim 15 , wherein an outer surface of the application roller is a silicone material.
19. The system of claim 15 , wherein an outer surface of the application roller includes a plurality of spaced apart, circumferential ribs.
20. A method of dispensing an adhesive tape, the method comprising:
receiving a system including an applicator maintaining a roll of adhesive tape, the applicator including.
a housing assembly including:
a housing defining a tape dispensing opening,
an application roller rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the tape dispensing opening,
a carriage assembly including:
a carriage body slidably mounted within the housing,
a hub carried by the carriage body and rotatably maintaining the roll of adhesive tape,
an idler roller rotatably mounted to the carriage body,
a blade assembly including:
a blade arm defining a pivot end pivotably mounted to the housing such that the blade arm is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis,
a blade projecting from the blade arm opposite the pivot end and terminating in a blade tip,
a first pressing finger projecting from the blade arm at a location between the blade and the pivot end, the first pressing finger terminating at a contact end opposite the blade arm;
wherein in an application state of the system, a leading segment of a length of tape from the roll extends into the dispensing opening and is supported by the application roller;
pressing the leading segment into adhesive contact with a substrate surface to define a tacked region;
manipulating the housing to draw the applicator away from the tacked region while simultaneously maintaining a pressing force on the application roller to successively dispense an additional segment of the length of tape from the applicator and into adhesive contact with the substrate surface; and
actuating the carriage assembly to pivot the blade arm, including the pressing finger and the blade contacting the length of tape between the application and idler rollers, to completely sever the length of tape;
wherein prior to the blade tip completely severing the length of tape, a contact end of the pressing finger contacts the length of tape and, with further pivoting movement of the blade arm, deflects toward the blade due to a tensioned rigidity of the length of tape.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the adhesive tape of the roll of adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape.
22. The method of claim 20 , wherein the step of actuating the carriage assembly includes the contact end of the pressing finger contacting an adhesive side of the adhesive tape, the method further including the adhesive side not adhering to the contact end.
23. The method of claim 20 , wherein the pressing finger is silicone.
24. The method of claim 20 , wherein an adhesive side of the adhesive tape contacts the application roller during the step of manipulating the housing, the method further included the adhesive side not adhering to the application roller.
25. The method of claim 20 , wherein an outer surface of the application roller is a silicone material.
26. The method of claim 20 , wherein an outer surface of the application roller includes a plurality of spaced apart, circumferential ribs.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/912,723 US20160207730A1 (en) | 2013-08-19 | 2014-08-18 | Applicators for adhesive tape, such as double-sided adhesive tape |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361867482P | 2013-08-19 | 2013-08-19 | |
US14/912,723 US20160207730A1 (en) | 2013-08-19 | 2014-08-18 | Applicators for adhesive tape, such as double-sided adhesive tape |
PCT/US2014/051498 WO2015026723A1 (en) | 2013-08-19 | 2014-08-18 | Applicators for adhesive tape, such as double-sided adhesive tape |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160207730A1 true US20160207730A1 (en) | 2016-07-21 |
Family
ID=51429411
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/912,723 Abandoned US20160207730A1 (en) | 2013-08-19 | 2014-08-18 | Applicators for adhesive tape, such as double-sided adhesive tape |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160207730A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3036181A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2016528130A (en) |
CN (1) | CN105473477B (en) |
TW (1) | TWI629229B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015026723A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170050836A1 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2017-02-23 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Water dispenser |
US20180237253A1 (en) * | 2018-01-16 | 2018-08-23 | Hsueh-Chin Shen | Handheld tape dispenser |
WO2019005667A1 (en) * | 2017-06-27 | 2019-01-03 | Badger Innovative Technologies, LLC | Drywall tape applicator |
CN109761095A (en) * | 2017-11-09 | 2019-05-17 | 桦进胶带股份有限公司 | Hand-held glue platform structural improvement |
US11059279B2 (en) * | 2019-05-07 | 2021-07-13 | Sandar Industries, Inc. | Adhesive tape applicator |
DE102021126287B3 (en) | 2021-10-11 | 2022-10-20 | Tesa Se | Applicator for gluing two parts to be joined using a double-sided self-adhesive tape with display of sufficient contact pressure |
WO2024069004A1 (en) * | 2022-09-30 | 2024-04-04 | Tesa Se | Cutting device for adhesive tape applicators |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105858319A (en) * | 2016-06-27 | 2016-08-17 | 安庆市微知著电器有限公司 | Tape cutter |
TWI695806B (en) * | 2017-09-08 | 2020-06-11 | 樺進膠帶股份有限公司 | Improved structure of hand-held glue table |
CN112105574B (en) * | 2019-02-27 | 2022-12-16 | 天度有限公司 | Multi-width split adhesive tape cutter |
CN109994766A (en) * | 2019-04-22 | 2019-07-09 | 般若涅利(北京)装备技术有限公司 | Adhesive tape device before a kind of automatic change of lap |
CN111039068B (en) * | 2019-11-29 | 2021-05-28 | 绍兴纤逸纺织科技有限公司 | Release paper separating device used during double faced adhesive tape |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USRE25056E (en) * | 1961-10-17 | fritzinger | ||
US3369951A (en) * | 1964-07-06 | 1968-02-20 | George H. Fritzinger | Double-faced adhesive tape applicators |
US3586587A (en) * | 1968-07-26 | 1971-06-22 | Carpenter Paul J | Tape applicator |
GB2367282A (en) * | 2000-10-02 | 2002-04-03 | Lin Shih Chin | Tape dispenser with cutter and tape gripping device |
WO2011133413A1 (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2011-10-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Adhesive tape dispenser for single hand operation |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS6033548U (en) * | 1983-08-10 | 1985-03-07 | 佐々木 徳雄 | tape cutter |
JPH0261866U (en) * | 1988-10-25 | 1990-05-09 | ||
JP2573701Y2 (en) * | 1993-06-08 | 1998-06-04 | マックス株式会社 | Printing tape cutting equipment |
US7320351B2 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2008-01-22 | Huah Jinn Tape Searching Co., Ltd. | Tape cutter |
US20090178767A1 (en) * | 2008-01-13 | 2009-07-16 | Syue-Jin Shen | Tape cutter with an arrangement for retracting a cutting blade after cutting tape |
DE202009015363U1 (en) * | 2009-11-11 | 2011-03-24 | Securasta Gmbh | Dispensers for self-adhesive seals |
EP2520528B1 (en) * | 2009-12-28 | 2015-08-05 | Eizo Research Institute Co., Ltd. | Tape delivery device and tape applicator |
US8656976B2 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2014-02-25 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Switching dual cam adhesive tape dispenser |
-
2014
- 2014-08-18 US US14/912,723 patent/US20160207730A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-08-18 CN CN201480045621.XA patent/CN105473477B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2014-08-18 EP EP14758057.5A patent/EP3036181A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-08-18 WO PCT/US2014/051498 patent/WO2015026723A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-08-18 JP JP2016536352A patent/JP2016528130A/en active Pending
- 2014-08-19 TW TW103128495A patent/TWI629229B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USRE25056E (en) * | 1961-10-17 | fritzinger | ||
US3369951A (en) * | 1964-07-06 | 1968-02-20 | George H. Fritzinger | Double-faced adhesive tape applicators |
US3586587A (en) * | 1968-07-26 | 1971-06-22 | Carpenter Paul J | Tape applicator |
GB2367282A (en) * | 2000-10-02 | 2002-04-03 | Lin Shih Chin | Tape dispenser with cutter and tape gripping device |
WO2011133413A1 (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2011-10-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Adhesive tape dispenser for single hand operation |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
Technical Tidbits, "Cantilever Beams Part 1 - Beam Stiffness". Technical Tidbits, Issue No. 20, August 2010 * |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170050836A1 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2017-02-23 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Water dispenser |
US10053349B2 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2018-08-21 | Lg Electronics, Inc. | Water dispenser |
US11225405B2 (en) | 2015-08-21 | 2022-01-18 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Liquid dispenser |
WO2019005667A1 (en) * | 2017-06-27 | 2019-01-03 | Badger Innovative Technologies, LLC | Drywall tape applicator |
CN109761095A (en) * | 2017-11-09 | 2019-05-17 | 桦进胶带股份有限公司 | Hand-held glue platform structural improvement |
US20180237253A1 (en) * | 2018-01-16 | 2018-08-23 | Hsueh-Chin Shen | Handheld tape dispenser |
US10167164B2 (en) * | 2018-01-16 | 2019-01-01 | Huah Jinn Tape Searching Co., Ltd. | Handheld tape dispenser |
US11059279B2 (en) * | 2019-05-07 | 2021-07-13 | Sandar Industries, Inc. | Adhesive tape applicator |
DE102021126287B3 (en) | 2021-10-11 | 2022-10-20 | Tesa Se | Applicator for gluing two parts to be joined using a double-sided self-adhesive tape with display of sufficient contact pressure |
WO2024069004A1 (en) * | 2022-09-30 | 2024-04-04 | Tesa Se | Cutting device for adhesive tape applicators |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN105473477B (en) | 2017-10-03 |
EP3036181A1 (en) | 2016-06-29 |
TW201527198A (en) | 2015-07-16 |
CN105473477A (en) | 2016-04-06 |
JP2016528130A (en) | 2016-09-15 |
WO2015026723A1 (en) | 2015-02-26 |
TWI629229B (en) | 2018-07-11 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20160207730A1 (en) | Applicators for adhesive tape, such as double-sided adhesive tape | |
US7077185B2 (en) | Tape dispenser | |
US7255767B2 (en) | Single hand operation adhesive tape dispenser | |
JP4793608B2 (en) | Tape delivery device and tape applicator | |
US8656976B2 (en) | Switching dual cam adhesive tape dispenser | |
US9254611B2 (en) | One-handed combination tape dispenser and applicator | |
JP5041742B2 (en) | Adhesive tape pasting device | |
JP2010535678A (en) | Tape dispenser, taping method, and injection mechanism | |
US20220194733A1 (en) | Adhesive tape dispenser, method for noise-reduced application of adhesive tape using an adhesive tape dispenser and use of adhesive tape dispensers | |
JP2012240782A (en) | Tape cutter | |
US9365384B2 (en) | Hand held masking sheet material dispenser | |
JPH08188326A (en) | Tape holder with cutter | |
US7913887B1 (en) | Tilting-carriage pinching spooled material dispenser | |
JP6635710B2 (en) | Tape holder | |
WO2008068555A2 (en) | Single hand operation adhesive tape dispenser | |
JP2007126115A (en) | Adhesive tape application apparatus | |
JP2000302316A (en) | Pressure sensitive adhesive double coated tape sticker, and sticking method for the tape | |
JP2945399B1 (en) | Tape pasting machine | |
JPH08183931A (en) | Hand case for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape | |
JP2004018131A (en) | Paste applying cutter |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY, MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MUELLER, GERALD E.;HAGGLUND, JOEL K.;REEL/FRAME:037768/0490 Effective date: 20160217 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |