US2333378A - Device for dispensing tape - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 2, 1943. c. s. JACKSON 2,333,378

DEVICE FOR DISPENSING TAPE Filed Feb. 12, 1942 E. a 26 :R I 26 INVENTOR.

5 CLHRE/VCE $.J/7CA50/V Z 13 A m HTTORNEY Patented Nov. 2, 1943 DEVICE FOR DISPENSING TAPE Clarence S. Jackson; Brooklyn, N. Y., assignor to Peters Bros. Rubber 00., Inc., Brooklyn, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application February 12, 1942, Serial No. 430,556

7 Claims. (Cl. 242-555) The invention relates to devices for dispensing tape and more particularly adhesive tape of the type known as pressuresensitive adhesive tape sometimes referred to as Scotch tape, and commonly used as a mending tape for torn papers, documents and the like, and for other purposes. Tape of the indicated character is generally coated on one surface with an adhesive having a relatively high degree of adhesiveness which renders the tape .inherently emcient for its intended purposes, but at the same time makes said tape somewhat troublesome to handle.

The invention has for its object to provide a novel dispensing device for such tape in which the latter, in the form of a roll, is rotatably supported in an efficient manner and so as to be adequately protected against injury.

The invention contemplates further the provision of a novel dispensing device constructed and arranged in a manner to facilitate the withdrawal of said tape at will for severing into selective lengths as may be required.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel dispensing device in which the initial free end and subsequent successive free ends of the tape are effectively maintained in a position of ready accessibility for periodic and successive withdrawals of the tape from the device in selected lengths or sections dependent upon the purposes to be served thereby.

In addition, the invention seeks to provide a dispensing device of the indicated character constructed and arranged in a novel manner to avoid and overcome objections inherent in existing types of tape dispensing devices.

The invention also has in mind the production of a novel dispensing device in which the introduction of the rolls of tape into the device and the removal of empty cores or spools therefrom is easily accomplished.

Other additional objects will appear from the description hereinafter and the features of novelty will be pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawing, which illustrates an example of the invention without defining its limits,

Fig. l is an exterior perspective view of the novel dispensing device in a preferred position of rest;

Fig. 2 is a dismantled view of the device showing the two complemental sections thereof;

Fig. 3 is a view looking at the bottom of Fig. 1 and illustrating the device in a position for withdrawing tape therefrom;

Fi 4 is. a perspective view of the tape severing member or tearing device included in the device;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detail view howing the cutting member or' tearing device mounted in place; i

Fig. 6 is a detail section on-the line 66 of Fig. 2, and

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary enlarged view similar to Fig. 3 with parts broken away and in section.

The novel device comprises a hollow container consisting of two complemental sections A, B, fitted together in registry with each other and provided with means for supporting a roll of tape and with severing means whereby the severing or tearing of the adhesive tape into selective lengths is facilitated, The complemental sections may be maintained in detachable association with each other by the frictional contact of contiguous parts, it being understood that other means may be employed for fixing said sections in position relatively to each other. In its preferred form the container is curved at one end portion and relatively straight at the opposite end to provide a base upon which the container may be supported'in the upright position of rest illustrated in Fig. 1.

Each section A, B comprises fiat side walls in and transverse flanges ii projecting from said side walls into abutting engagement in registry with each other to form the hollow container shown in the drawing. The side walls ii) are provided with straight edges i2 maintained in spaced relation with each other by the transverse flanges i i to provide a base upon which the container may be supported in anupright position of rest, for instance, as shown in Fig. 1. The side walls i0 and the flanges i I in the illustrated example are curved or arched as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, it being understood however that this is not an arbitrary requirement and that the container may be made in any other suitable shape desired.

With the arrangement so far described, the container is open at the base I! thereof and is provided with shoulders i4 formed as integral parts of the side walls #0, and projecting therefrom toward and into contact with each other preferably at points in registry with the free end edge portions of the flanges II. The shoulders M in addition to their other functions to be more fully described hereinafter, serve to properly position the section A and B relatively to each other and to stabilize the construction thereof. Additional spacing members l5 preferably comprising integral parts of the side walls In project therefrom and toward and into engagement with each other as shown in Fig. 3. The spacing members I! are located in spaced relation to the shoulders i4 and in co-operation therewith form an exit opening ii, the spacing members H5 in addition co-operating with each other to provide a holding surface for the free end of the tape; as will appear more fully hereinafter.

'In addition to the parts so far described, the sections A and B are provided with tubular sleeves i1 and i8 projecting inwardly from the side walls ll) of each section A and B in axial registry with each other and fitted together telescopically in the assembled condition of the device to constitute a bearing for rotatably supporting a roll of tape within said container. A cutting member or tearing device to facilitate the severing of the adhesive tape into selected lengths is provided in the device and as shown comprises an angular member I! having a serrated tearing edge 20 and being jointly supported by the sections A and B by fltting into right angular slots 2i formed in the shoulders l4 in registering relation to each other as shown in Figs. 5 and 7. The arrangement issuch that the tearing device is extends transversely across the open end of the container so as to bridge the joint between the opposed shoulders i4. The

parts are so dimensioned that the tearing device i9 fits snugly into the slots 2| with the one leg thereof located in surface engagement with the flanges ii and the serrated edge 20 positioned in contiguous relation to the open end of the container as shown in Fig. 5. The frictional engagement of the tearing device I! with the surthermore may have a relatively high polish.

The tubular members 22 and 22- preferably are arranged to rotate on the studs 23 in the nature of rollers, although said tubular members 22 and 22 in some instances may be fixed on said studs 23 in which case the frictional telescopic engagement between the tubular members 22 and 22 and the studs 23 will assist in maintaining the sections A, B in associated detachable relation with each other. The tubular members 22 and 22 are located in the exit opening it in contiguous relation to the blocks i4 and spacing members 15 respectively as illustrated in Fig. '1.

Adhesive tape 24 of the kind for which the dis-,

pensing device is especially adapted is generally coiled in rolls upon tubular cores 25 of any suitable material in the well-known and conventional manner. In practice a roll of tape 24 is placed within the container with its core 25 mounted upon the tubular sleeve H, the outer diameter of which is such that it will readily fit into said core 25 without interference with the rotation of the latter on the sleeve ii. The free end portion of the tape 24 is unwound from the roll and passed outwardly through the exit opening i6 between the tubular members 22 and 22* and over and in contact with the tubular memaasasvs ber 22 and brought into overlying relation with the spacing members ii. To maintain the same in ready accessibility for use, the free end portion of the tape 24 may be adhesively attached to the outer common surface of said spacing members I5 was to project somewhat beyond the same as illustrated in the section A in Fig. 2. To facilitate access to this temporarily fastened free'end portion a of the tape 24, the flanges Ii at the free ends thereof are curved as indicated 1 at 28 in Fig. 6 to provide a recess 21 through which the fingers of the human hand may be inserted when accessibility to said free end por- I tion a of the tape 24 is desired.

When a section or length of tape is to be obtained from the dispensing device, the free end a of the tape 24 is released from adhesive attachment with the common surface ofthe spacing members I5 and an outward pull is exerted thereon to draw the tape outwardly through the exit opening it and specifically through the space between the tubular members 22 and 22*. During this withdrawal of the tape, the uncoated surface of the latter may be in contact with the tubular member 22 whereby such withdrawal is guided and facilitated. After a sufilcient length of tape has thus been withdrawn from the con-- tainer to provide a section of said tape sumcient for the intended purpose, the tape is folded overthe tearing device IS with the uncoated surface of said tape in contact with the serrated edge 20 thereof and said tape is torn across such serrated edge 20 to sever the tape transversely at this point. Because of its inherent tendency as the result of its coiled condition on the core 25,

the free end of the tape 24 which remains on the roll will have a natural tendency to spring away from the tubular member 22 toward the other tubular member 22* and may accordingly be again adhesively attached to the common surface of the spacing members i6 ready for subsequent removal when severance of a length of tape 24 is again desired.

If it becomes necessary or desirable to do so, the tape 24 may be withdrawn from the device over the tubular member 22 with the adhesive coated side of said tape 24 in contacttherewith. In such case, because of the fact that the member 22 is capable of rotating on its axis as a roller, there will be no tendency to scrape or disturb the adhesive coating on said tape. This means not only that the coating of adhesive will not be injured, but also that the transparency of the tape will not be reduced as would be the case if the adhesive coating thereof is scraped or disturbed.

During the operation of withdrawing the tape enables the tape to be readily handled without difllculty and without messiness when lengths or sections of said tape are desired for use. During inactive periods, the dispensing device may rest upon the straight edges i2 or in other words, upon the base provided thereby, in the upright position illustrated in Fig. 1. In this position the free end portion of the tape 24 which is in temporary adhesive connection with the spacing members i5 is protected against injury and contamination by the surface upon which the dispensing device rests at the time. Similarly this surface closes the open end of the container and 2,838,378 accordingly serves to correspondingly protect the roll of tape which is located within tainer.

A roll of tape may be readily inserted into the dispensing device by first separating the sections A and B from each other in the manner illustrated in Fig. 2 so as to leave the tubular sleeve I'I freely accesssible for insertion into the core or spool 25 of said roll of tape. The removal of an empty core or spool25 may be readily accomplished in the same way and replaced with a new roll oftape without difiiculty.

By maintaining the current free end portion a of the tape 24 in detachable adhesive connecsaid contion with the spacing members l5, said free end portion a is at all times maintained in an accessible position easily available when it is desired to sever a length of tape from the roll thereof.

In addition to its other functions, the novel dispensing device also constitutes an efllcient and ornamental package in which said tape may be transported and displayed for sale and sold to the purchasing public.

The novel dispensing device may be constructed of any suitable materials and is specially adapted to be made of plastic materials which not only enhance the appearance of the device but enable it to be easily maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such variations and modifications are considered to be within the purview and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

A device for dispensing adhesive tape comprising two complemental sections provided with side walls and transverse flanges projecting therefrom into abutting engagement in registry with each other to space said side walls apart to form a hollow container, said side walls having straight edges in spaced parallel relation to provide said container with a base and with an open end, shoulders projecting from said side walls toward each other across said open end and provided with registering slots in communication with each other, spacing members extending from said side walls toward each other across said open end in spaced relation to said shoulders to form therewith an exit opening and co-operating with each other to provide a tape-holding surface, a tearing device fitted into and held in the slots of said shoulders and having a tearing edge in accessible position in co-operative relation to said exit opening, tubular sleeves projecting inwardly from said side walls and fitted together telescopically to constitute a bearing for rotatably supporting a roll of adhesive tape within said container, the tape from said roll passing outwardly through said exit opening and having its free end adhesively attached to said tapeholding surface in overhanging relation thereto, said transverse flanges being shaped to provide a finger recess in co-operative relation to said tape-holding surface whereby the overhanging free end of said tape is accessible for ready detachment from said tape-holding surface at will for withdrawing the tape through said exit opening and bringing its ungummed surface into contact with the tearing edge of said tearing device for severing into selective lengths, and guide members in said exit opening in associated relation with said shoulders and spacing members respectively for engagement by the tape.

2. A device for dispensing adhesive tape comprising two complemental sections detachably fitted together to form a hollow container having spaced side walls and an open straight end on which, said container may rest in an upright position, tubular sleeves projecting inwardly from said side walls and fitted together telescopically to constitute a bearing for rotatably supporting a roll of adhesive tape within said. container, spacing members extending from said side walls toward each other across said open end to define an exit opening and co-operating with each other to provide a tape-holding surface, a tearing device supported on said complemental sections and having a tearing edge in contiguous relation to said exit opening, tubular guide members extending across said exit opening in spaced parallel relation to each other, and pins projecting from the respective side walls into said tubular members for supporting the same in operative position, the tape from said roll passing outwardly over one of said guide members and having its free end in temporary adhesive attachment with said tape-holding surface and being releasible therefrom at will for withdrawing the tape through said exit opening over the other guide member and into contact with the tearing edge of said tearing member to sever said tape into selective lengths. V

3. A device for dispensing adhesive tape comprising two detachably connected complemental sections co-operating to form a hollow container having an open straight end on which said container may stand in an upright position of rest, means on the respective sections in telescopic connection with each other and co-operating to form a bearing for rotatably supporting a roll of adhesive tape Within said container, registering spacing members extending toward each other from the respective sections across said open end to define an exit opening and co-operating with each other to provide a tape-holding surface, and a tearing device supported jointly by said complemental sections and having a tearing edge in associated relation to said exit opening, the tape from said roll passing outwardly through said exit opening and normally having its free end in temporary adhesive attachment with said tape-holding surface and being releasible therefrom at will for withdrawing the tape through said exit opening into contact with the tearing edge of said tearing device to sever said tape into selective lengths.

4. A device for dispensing adhesive tape comprising two detachably connected complemental sections co-operating to form a hollow container having an open straight end on which said container may stand in an upright position of rest for rotatably supporting a roll of adhesive tape within said container, tape-holding means in the.

' ment with the holding surface of said tape-holding means and being releasible therefrom at will for withdrawing the tape through said open end tainer without interference with the detachability or said complemental sections, registering spacing members projecting toward each other from each of said sections and co-operating with each other to provide a holding surface for normally maintaining' the free end or said adhesive tape in an accessible position for withdrawing the tape through said exit opening at will, and tearing means carried Jointly by said sections, with which the withdrawn tape may be engaged for severing the same into selected lengths.

' 6. A device for dispensing adhesive tape comprising two detachably connected complemental sections co-operating to form a hollow container having an exit opening, means for rotatably supporting a roll of adhesive tape within said container without interference with the detachability of said complemental sections, registering spacing members projecting toward each other from each of said sections and co-operating with each other to provide a holding surface for normally maintaming the tree end of said adhesive tap in an accessible position for withdrawing the tape through'sald exit opening at will, rotatable means located in said exit Opening tor guiding the tape in its withdrawal from the container, and tearing means carried Jointly by said sections, with which the withdrawn tape may be engaged ior withdrawing the tape through said exit opening.

at will, a pair 01 rollers rotatably mounted in spaced parallel relation in said exit opening for guiding the tape in its withdrawal from the container and to said tape holding means respectively, and tearing means carried jointly by said sections, with which the withdrawn tape may be engaged for severing the same into selected lengths.

CLARENCE S. JACKSON.

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