US3385150A - Tape dispenser - Google Patents

Description

y 1968 A. P. KRUEGER 3,385,150 7 TAPE DISPENSER Filed March 24, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I NVEN TOR. flz F ipfimufaae A. P. KRUEGER TAPE DISPENSER May 28, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 24, 1966 Mum R O N EUv m United States Patent ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLGSURE A random length electric tape dispenser having a control arm movable from a rest position to and past a tape feeding position which arm has a cam for controlling the position of a drive roll to move the same out of the tape feeding position in the rest position or when advanced past the operative position toward a severing position.

This invention relates to a tape dispensing machine and in one aspect to a random length tape dispenser having control means affording rapid or gradual advance of the tape and an operator controlled severing means.

There have previously existed many tape dispensing machines for dispensing random lengths of tape and such machines have been both manually operated and power or electrically operated. A manual machine of the type referred to is disclosed in US. Patent No. 2,350,281. This machine utilized a manually operated lever to drive the tape, and has the advantage, upon proper operation of the lever, of producin gradual feeding or inching of the tape until the desired length was dispensed, then upon release of the handle the tape was severed. This type of machine however has a fatigue factor which in this day and time renders such devices of less commercial value. The power operated dispensers for dispensing random lengths of tape characteristically include a drive motor connected in circuit relation with a switch and solenoid. The solenoid serves to move opposed feed rollers into tape driving relation and also serves to raise the severing blade to an out-of-the-way position during the advancement of the tape. Thus, as long as the switch was closed by the operator, tape would be advanced, and when the switch was released, tape advancement would stop and the dispensed tape would be severed immediately and automatically. These machines did not afford any means for inching the tape to allow the gradual or progressive addition of small increments of tape before severing of the dispensed strip, such as was possible with the manually operated machines.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a power operated dispensing mechanism for dispensing random lengths of tape and affording inching of the tape such that the operator has extensive control of the length of tape dispensed.

The present invention provides not only a more exacting random length tape dispensing device, but also a less expensive unit by the elimination of certain parts. Not oniy is the machine of the instant application less expensive initially due to the elimination of these parts but the elimination of these parts, which tend to wear or burn out, i.e., the solenoid, lessen the maintenance required during the life of the dispenser.

The tape dispenser of this invention utilizes an operator control arm for initiating the drive, and cam means on said arm affords control of the movementof the driven roller toward driving engagement with the idler roller affording control of the tape advance by controlled movement of the arm to advance the tape, stop the advance and by proper manipulation inch the tape from the dispenser in small increments before the dispensed length Patented May 28, 1968 is severed. The mechanism includes means affording resistance to the movement of the control arm at the commencement of the tape severing movement, such that the operator can sense the position of the control arm, and if a greater length is desired, the control arm may be raised to advance more tape before the control arm is moved past the resistance to operate the severing means. Further, the cam means on the control arm, when the same is moved to the point of resistance, separates the feed rolls before operation of the severing means is initiated.

The above and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description which refers to the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a plan View of the dispenser of the present invention with certain portions removed for purposes of clarity;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the lines 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a diagram of the power train of the dispenser as viewed along the lines 3-3 of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURES 4 and 5 are schematic views showing the control mechanism of the dispenser in the various positions during operation.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like parts have the same reference numeral throughout, the tape dispensing device made in accordance with the present invention comprises a frame, means for supporting a roll of tape, means defining a path for advancement of the tape, tape feeding means, tape severing means, tape moistening means and control means for said feeding and severing means.

The frame 6 comprises a pair of transversely spaced upstanding side walls 13 and 14 between which extend base members 15 and 16. Secured to the frame 6 and supported thereby is the means for supporting the roll of tape 17 which includes a pivoted tray 18 (only part of which is shown) and two adjustable side plates 19 and 21, adapted to engage the sides of the roll of tape and support the rear portion of the tray 18. Transversely extending and vertically positioned plates 22 and 23 define a guide path for the tape between the tape feeding means and the severing means and serves to guide the same to the moistening device.

The moistening device comprises a reservoir 26, in which is disposed a brush 27, and a pressure plate 28 which retains the tape in engagement with the brush.

The feeding means serves to advance the tape through the machine from the supply roll past the moistening device and comprises a pair of feed rolls 31 and 32 positioned adjacent the path of the tape. The roll 31 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 33 affixed to the frame side walls 13 and 14. The roll 32 is fixed to a shaft 34 and is driven thereby. The shaft 34 is supported at one end in a self-aligning bearing 35 in the side wall 13 and extends through a slotted opening 36 (see FIG. 3) in the side wall 14 and has a spur gear 33 secured to the extended end thereof. A link 39, pivoted on a pin 40, journals the extended end of the shaft 34. The teeth on the spur gear 38 mesh with those of an idle wheel 41 rotatably mounted on a stubshaft 42. The spur gear 38 is positioned adjacent the second quadrant (upper left) of wheel 41 or at about a ten oclock position relative to said wheel center. A drive gear 43 is supported on the end of a drive shaft 44, extending through side wall 14: and driven from an electric motor 46 equipped with a suitable gear housing 47, drives the wheel 41 and gear 38. Energization of the motor 46 drives the gear 43 in a clockwise direction, driving the wheel 41 in a counterclockwise direction, thus placing a clockwise rotation to the spur gear 38 and the driven roll 32. The torsional driving force of the wheel 41 and resistance of the spur gear 38 and shaft 34 to rotation urges the spur gear 38 and shaft 34 downwardly to bring the roll 32 into frictional engagement with the upper surface of the tape 17, forcing the tape against the idler roll 31 such that the tape will be gripped strongly in the roll bite of the rolls 31 and 32 and advanced off the supply roll and toward the moistening device.

Control of the dispensing device is afforded by an operator control arm 50 which comprises a U-shaped frame having a first leg 51 and a second leg 52 extending forwardly from across bar 53. The legs 51 and 52 are pivoted on the shaft 33 and are joined at their forward ends by a transversely extending handle 54. The first leg 51 has a depending cam portion 51a to which is secured a rearwardly extending arm 56. Arm 56 has a pin 57 fixed thereon to which is connected one end of a tension spring 58 and has a pin 59, which supports an enlarged roller, adapted to engage a plunger 61 of a normally closed switch 62 to open the switch when the arm 56 is in the position shown in FIGURE 2. The cam portion 51a has a cam surface engaging a roller 64 rotatably mounted on a shaft 65 supported by a link 66, which link is pivoted on the frame 6 by a stubshaft 67 and biased toward the cam surface by a tension spring 68 connected to the link and to the frame 6. Movement of the roller 64 under the bias of spring 68 is limited by the shaft 65 engaging one end of a slot formed in the side wall 13. The biased roller 64 and the cam surface 51a afford means for resisting downward movement of the handle 54 through the tape cutting position.

The second leg 52 has an upwardly extending cam portion 52a formed thereon adjacent the pivot point of the control arm on shaft 33. Cam portion 52a engages a cam follower roller 71 which is rotatably mounted on the driven shaft 34. In the off position of the control arm 50 (FIG. 2 and solid line position of FIG. 4) an irregular projection on the cam surface of the cam portion 52a lifts or pivots the shaft 34 and drive roll 32 away from the idler roll 31. Vertical movement of the control arm 50 is limited by a transverse rod 72. Downward movement of handle 54 pivots the legs 51 and 52, and arm 56 initially energizes the drive motor 46. The irregularity in the cam surface on cam portion 52a is moved away from the roller 71 allowing the shaft 34 to pivot and progressively bring roll 32 toward roll 31 and feeding begins. Further downward movement of the handle 54 affords rapid tape advancement by allowing the driven roll 32 to be strongly urged toward the idler roll 31. Below this point, downward movement of the handle 54 causes the high arcuate cam surface on cam portion 52a to raise the shaft 34, discontinuing advancement of the tape. Additional downward movement, after the control arm 50 meets the resistance imposed by roller 64, affords the cutting and tape severing step.

A transverse rod 78, which extends between and through the legs 51 and 52 of the control arm, engages and actuates the tape severing means.

The tape severing means illustrated, functions in a manner similar to the tape severing mechanism shown in U.S. Patent No. 2,761,503, comprises a U-shaped knife or cutter frame consisting of a pair of transversely spaced legs 81 and 82, pivoted on the shaft 33 and positioned outwardly of the legs 51 and 52 and inwardly of the side walls 13 and 14, respectively, and a transverse bar 83 connecting said legs 81 and 82. A knife bar 84 is loosely supported by the legs 81 and 82 at their forward ends. The bar 84 carries a knife blade 86 which, while being generally vertically disposed, is inclined slightly downward and rearward and has a depending side portion 87 guided by a roller 88 which prevents the forward movement of the blade 86 under the pressure of its contact with a lower cooperating shear 89, which is supported by a pivoted frame 91 and biased forwardly by a tension spring 92. The shear 89 is wider on the near side as viewed in FIGURE 2 and is urged rearward under the downward movement of knife 86 during the cutting or severing of the tape. The leg 82 of the cutter frame has an upwardly projecting cam portion 82a, which corresponds to the highest cam surface on cam portion 52a, and aids in raising the shaft 34 when the knife 86 is lowered and holds the shaft raised until the knife is urged to the raised position by the control arm 50 and the biased roller 64. Cam portion 51a on leg 51 has a pin 93 projecting therefrom toward the side wall 13 and disposed below a depending triangular portion 81a formed on leg 81. This pin raises the cutter frame upon return movement of control arm 50 toward an off position. The apex of triangular portion 81a engages roller 64 which biases and retains the cutter frame in a raised out-of-theway position. Upward movement of the cutter frame is limited by short pins 94 extending inwardly from the side walls 13 and 14 and downward movement is limited by a transverse rod 96 positioned between the side walls 13 and 14 at a position above the shear 89.

Referring now particularly to FIGURES 4 and 5 the operation of the illustrated dispensing device will be de scribed. In the solid line position of FIGURE 4 the control arm 50 is in the off position with the switch 62 open and with the shaft 34 in a raised position. The cam follower roller 71 is resting on the small irregular projection of the cam portion 52a. When the operator moves the handle 54 of the control arm 50 to the dot and dash line position, the roller on pin 59 releases the plunger 61 and switch 62 is closed to energize the motor 46 and rotate the gear 43, idle wheel 41 and spur gear 38. In this position the feed rolls 31 and 32 are engaging the tape and feeding begins as the irregular projection is moved away from roller 71. The further downward movement of handle 54 to the broken line position of FIGURE 4 moves cam surface on cam portion 52a away from the cam follower roller 71 and spur gear 38 is urged under the torsional force of idle wheel 41 to place the drive roll 32 into contact with the tape 17 to rapidly feed tape from the dispensing device. Further downward movement handle 54 to the broken line position of FIGURE 4 separates the feed rolls and feeding is stopped. The dashand-line position of FIGURE 4 corrseponds to the solid line position of FIGURE 5. In the next lower position, indicated by broken lines in FIGURE 5, the control arm 50encounters resistance to further movement by the biased roller 64. Roller 64 is positioned in the arcuate cam surface of cam portion 51a. Between the broken line position in FIGURE 5 and the solid line position in FIGURE 5 the handle 54 may be oscillated without either feeding tape or actuating the severing means, thus defining a neutral position. If the handle is raised slightly above the solid line position of FIGURE 5 tape is again fed and the handle 54 may be oscillated between this raised position and the broken line position in FIGURE 5 to inch tape in desired increments at will. This process of inching by oscillation of handle 54 may be repeated many times until the desired length of tape is dispensed, thus affording the advantage of inching present with manually operated machines but heretofore not possible in power operated machines. Movement of the handle from the broken line position of FIGURE 5 to the lower dash-and-line position, against the resistance imposed by the biased roller 64, severs the tape 17. In this lower position, the cam portion 82a and the high portion of cam portion 52a have raised the roll 32 against the torsional force of the idle wheel 41 acting on spur gear 38. Return of the handle to the solid line position of FIGURE 4 will again stop the machine. During the return movement the pin 93 lifts the cutter frame, and the cam portions 82a and 52a cooperate to maintain drive roll 32 in the raised position during the return of the handle 54.

In the device shown a tension spring can be connected to the link 39 to place a biasing force on the link to urge shaft 34 downward. This spring would serve only to bring the feed rolls 31 and 32 together faster. The tension in this spring should be very light since the feed rolls are brought into proper feeding relation by the mechanism hereindescribed.

The dispenser described affords a semi-automatic device for dispensing tape and one which permits an operator to exercise control over the dispensing of tape by feel and timing during operation. The operator can feed tape, stop feed, start feed, etc. until he has the length of ta e desired, at which time he can sever the length dispensed. The device does not require the use of any solenoids to control its operation during either the advance of the tape or the cutting operation, thus eliminating an element which is subject to burning out or wearing out and which increases machine maintenance and cost.

Having described the present invention with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that some modifications could be made therein without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A random length tape dispenser having a frame, means on said frame for supporting a roll of tape, feeding means to feed a length of tape from said roll along a predetermined path, said feeding means comprising a first roll mounted for rotation about a fixed axis, a second roll supported by a driven shaft, said driven shaft being mounted for movement to move said second roll toward and away from said first roll to an operative tape feeding position and a retracted inoperative position, respectively, drive means for said driven shaft, means effective upon the application of a rotating torque to said driven shaft to urge the same toward said operative tape feeding position, the improvement comprising an electric motor for energizing said drive means, circuit means including a normally closed switch for operating said motor, a control arm pivoted on said frame, means normally biasing said control arm to a rest position, means carried by said arm for engaging and opening said switch when said arm is in the rest position, and cam means on said arm engageable with follower means on said rotating shaft for controlling movement of said drive shaft and said second roll toward said first roll upon movement of said am from said rest position and for moving said drive shaft away from said first roll upon further pivotal movement of said control arm or return movement of said control arm.

2. A dispenser according to claim '1 including tape severing means mounted adjacent said path and comprising a blade movable from an out-of-the-way position to a severing position.

3. A dispenser according to claim 2 wherein said control arm includes means for moving said blade upon said further pivotal movement of said control arm, and said cam means includes means for separating said first and second rolls upon movement of said blade by said con trol arm.

4. A dispenser according to claim 1 wherein said driven shaft is journalled and pivotally mounted at one end and the opposite end is supported for substantially vertical movement and supports a drive gear thereon.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,732,636 10/1929 Gautier 83-24l X 1,904,861 4/1933 Ettl 83-241 X 2,537,499 1/1951 Williamson 83-241 X 3,176,563 4/1965 Sharpe 83-241 WILLIAM S. LAWSON, Primary Examiner,

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