TAPE DISPENSER
United States Patent 3556367
A tape dispenser for use with a roll of tape having a curved interior surface, and an exterior surface concentric to such interior surface. The dispenser comprises an arcuate, resilient bearing member arranged to engage the interior surface of the roll of tape, a tape-cutting assembly arranged to engage the exterior surface of the roll of tape, and a mounting structure for securing together the bearing member and the tape-cutting assembly in positions for engaging the interior and exterior surfaces, respectively, of the roll of tape.
US Patent References:
Tape dispenser
Hanington - September 1952 - 2609877
Tape cutter
Coldiron - January 1953 - 2626666
Tape cutting device
Burns - January 1956 - 2731084
Device for dispensing tape from an annular roll
Schluchter - November 1966 - 3283977
Tape dispenser
Hanington - September 1952 - 2609877
Tape cutter
Coldiron - January 1953 - 2626666
Tape cutting device
Burns - January 1956 - 2731084
Device for dispensing tape from an annular roll
Schluchter - November 1966 - 3283977
Application Number:
04/802382
Publication Date:
01/19/1971
Filing Date:
02/26/1969
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
International Classes:
B65H35/00; B26F3/02
Field of Search:
225/65,66,67,71,56
Primary Examiner:
Andrew, Juhasz R.
Assistant Examiner:
Leon, Gilden
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Jack, Wiseman M.
Claims:
1. A tape dispenser for use with a roll of tape having a curved interior surface, and an exterior surface disposed concentric to said interior surface, said dispenser comprising: a. a leaf spring bearing member adapted to engage said interior surface, at least a portion of said bearing member being of the same radius of curvature of said interior surface; b. a tape-cutting assembly adapted to engage said exterior surface; and c. a mounting structure for securing together said bearing member and said tape-cutting assembly in said respective positions for engaging said interior and exterior surfaces, said mounting structure being secured to
2. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 1 in which said bearing member
3. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 1 in which said tape-cutting assembly includes a guide member adapted to engage the exterior surface of
4. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 3 in which said guide member is a bar, said bar being of a length substantially equal to the width of
5. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 1 in which said tape-cutting assembly includes a tape-engagement member adapted to engage a free end
6. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 5 in which said tape-engagement member is a bar, said bar being of a length substantially
7. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 5 in which said tape engagement member is adapted to form, in conjunction with the exterior surface of said roll of tape, a slot for receiving said free end portion
8. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 5 in which said tape-engagement member is formed with means for severing said free end
9. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 8 in which said severing means
10. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 1 in which said mounting structure provides a pair of connector members for securing said bearing member to said tape-cutting assembly, said connector members being adapted
11. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 10 in which each of said
12. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 10 in which a mounting plate is secured to said mounting plate, said connector members being mounted on
13. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 12 in which a pair of flanges extend from the opposite ends of said ledge, respectively, each of said connector members being mounted on one of said flanges, each connector members being formed with a slot for receiving the respective flange.
2. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 1 in which said bearing member
3. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 1 in which said tape-cutting assembly includes a guide member adapted to engage the exterior surface of
4. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 3 in which said guide member is a bar, said bar being of a length substantially equal to the width of
5. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 1 in which said tape-cutting assembly includes a tape-engagement member adapted to engage a free end
6. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 5 in which said tape-engagement member is a bar, said bar being of a length substantially
7. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 5 in which said tape engagement member is adapted to form, in conjunction with the exterior surface of said roll of tape, a slot for receiving said free end portion
8. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 5 in which said tape-engagement member is formed with means for severing said free end
9. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 8 in which said severing means
10. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 1 in which said mounting structure provides a pair of connector members for securing said bearing member to said tape-cutting assembly, said connector members being adapted
11. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 10 in which each of said
12. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 10 in which a mounting plate is secured to said mounting plate, said connector members being mounted on
13. A tape dispenser in accordance with claim 12 in which a pair of flanges extend from the opposite ends of said ledge, respectively, each of said connector members being mounted on one of said flanges, each connector members being formed with a slot for receiving the respective flange.
Description:
The present invention relates to rolls of tape, such as, e.g., adhesive tape; and more particularly to a device for aiding the dispensing of tape from such a roll. Tape dispensers have been well known in the prior art. U.S. Patents disclosing tape dispensers are as follows: U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,401,286; 3,138,310 and 3,109,570. The known dispensers have, however, exhibited a number of disadvantages, with respect to both their manufacture and use. Thus, many of the known tape dispensers have been of complex structure, the manufacture thereof being inordinately difficult and costly. In addition, many of the tape dispensers known in the prior art have been difficult to employ. A particular problem encountered in the employment of any of the known tape dispensers has been the necessity of adjustment thereof, in order to compensate for the removal of tape from a roll on which the dispenser is mounted.
The present invention provides a tape dispenser, which serves to overcome the above-discussed disadvantages encountered in both the manufacture and use of the tape dispensers known in the prior art. The tape dispenser of the present invention serves to aid the removal of tape, such as, e.g., adhesive tape, from a tape roll. The tape dispenser of the invention is of comparatively simple structure; is comparatively inexpensive; and is comparatively easy to manufacture. In addition, the tape dispenser of the invention is comparatively easy to employ. As one advantage in respect of the employment thereof, the tape dispenser of the invention, being free-floating on a roll of tape upon which it is mounted, does not require adjustment thereof, in order to compensate for the removal of tape from such roll.
The advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art, from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a tape dispenser constructed in accordance with the invention, the dispenser being shown mounted on a roll of tape.
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the tape dispenser and roll of tape of FIG. 1, the movement of the dispenser on the roll, and the removal of tape from the roll, being diagrammatically illustrated.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the tape dispenser of FIGS. 1 and 2, a resilient bearing member of the dispenser, together with associated mounting structure, being shown in a position of separation from the remainder of the dispenser structure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a tape dispenser 10, constructed in accordance with the invention. The dispenser 10 is shown in an operative position of being mounted on a cylindrical roll of tape 12. The roll 12 may, for example, be a conventional roll of adhesive tape.
The dispenser 10, which in the exemplary embodiment is made of plastic material, provides an arcuate, resilient bearing member 14 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3). The member 14 may, for example, be in the form of a leaf spring, constructed of suitable material, such as plastic, or may be of steel or the like. The member 14 is of approximately the same width as the roll 12. An outer-end portion 15 of the member 14 is of the same radius of curvature as the interior cylindrical surface 16 of the roll 12, which may be a suitable cardboard core or the like.
The bearing member 14, at the inner end edge 18 thereof, serves to support a mounting structure 20 for a tape cutting assembly 22. The mounting structure 20 provides a mounting plate 24, which is of the same width as the member 14. The plate 24, at the inner-end edge 26 thereof, is secured in suitable manner to the inner-end edge 18 of the member 14 or may be integrally formed therewith. Secured in suitable manner to the outer-end edge 28 of the plate 24, is a ledge 30. The ledge 30, at the opposite end surfaces 32 and 34 thereof, supports a pair of flanges 36, 38 respectively.
Mounted on the flanges 36 and 38 are a pair of parallel connector members, 40 and 42, respectively. The plates 40 and 42, adjacent the inner-end edges 44 and 46 thereof, are formed with a pair of transversely extending slots 48 and 50, respectively. The slots 48 and 50 receive the flanges 36 and 38, for mounting of the plates 40 and 42 on the ledge 30, respectively. Suitable means, such as an adhesive, or heat-melting, secures the connectors 40 and 42 on the ledge 30.
The plates 40 and 42 are of identical construction. Only the plate 40 will, therefore, be further specifically described. The plate 40, at the opposite-side edges 52 and 54 thereof, is formed with a pair of curved depressions 56 and 58, respectively. At the outer end 60 thereof, the plate 40 is formed with a curved depression 62.
The plates 40 and 42 are so positioned, that the inner surfaces 64 thereof (one being seen) bear against the opposite-side surfaces 66 (one being seen), respectively, of the roll 12. The plates 40 and 42 are of such length, that the respective outer ends 60 thereof are positioned adjacent the exterior cylindrical surface 68 of the roll 12.
The plate cutting assembly 22 is supported by the respective outer ends 60 of the connector plates 40 and 42. The plate cutting assembly 22 provides a guide member 70. The member 70 is in the form of a bar, being located adjacent the respective side edges 54 of the plates 40, 42; and being of a length approximately equal to the width of the roll 12. The member 70 engages the exterior cylindrical surface 68 of the roll 12.
The tape-cutting assembly 22 also provides a tape-engagement member 72. The member 72 is in the form of a bar, being located adjacent the respective side edges 52 of the plates 40, 42. The member 72 is spaced from the exterior surface 68 of the roll 12, so that a slot 74 is formed for receiving the free end portion 76 of the tape of the roll 12.
The member 72 is provided with tape-severing means, in the form of a cutting edge 78. The cutting edge 78 is located at the outer surface 80 of the member 72, and adjacent the depressions 62.
The manner of operation of the tape dispenser 10 will be described with particular reference to FIGS. 2. The dispenser 10 is initially mounted on the roll of tape 12, in the manner already described. The outer-end portion 15 of the bearing member 14 engages the interior cylindrical surface 16 of the roll 12. The connector plates 40 and 42 engage the opposite side surfaces 66 of the roll 12, respectively. The guide member 70 engages the exterior cylindrical surface 68 of the roll 12; while the tape-engagement member 72 is spaced from the surface 68, to provide the slot 74. The free end portion 76 of the tape on the roll 12 is then drawn through the slot 74, and into the position shown in FIG. 1.
When it is desired to remove the tape from the roll 12, the dispenser 10 is manually rotated in a counterclockwise direction around the roll 12, as diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The member 14, at the outer-end portion 15 thereof, moves along the interior cylindrical surface 16 of the roll 12. At the same time, the guide member 70 follows the exterior cylindrical surface 68 of the roll 12. Tape, at the free end portion 76 thereof, is freed for removal from the roll 12. As the thickness of the roll 12 is reduced, the resilient bearing member 14 serves to draw the mounting structure 20 and tape-cutting assembly 22 in an axially inward direction. The guide member 70 and the tape-engagement member 72 are thus maintained in their respective operative positions, relative to the exterior cylindrical surface 68 of the roll 12.
When the desired length of tape has been freed, the free end portion 76 is placed against the cutting edge 78, and severed from the roll 12.
The tape dispenser 10 of the invention provides numerous advantages, in respect of both the manufacture and the employment thereof, as compared to the tape dispensers known in the prior art. The dispenser 10 of the invention, thus is of comparatively simple structure; is comparatively inexpensive; and is comparatively easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the dispenser 10 is comparatively easy to employ. As a particular advantage in respect of the employment thereof, the dispenser 10 is free-floating. Thus, the dispenser 10 provides an automatic adjustment in the position thereof on a roll of tape, to compensate for removal of tape from such roll.
It is to be understood that modifications and variations of the embodiment of the invention disclosed herein may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.
The present invention provides a tape dispenser, which serves to overcome the above-discussed disadvantages encountered in both the manufacture and use of the tape dispensers known in the prior art. The tape dispenser of the present invention serves to aid the removal of tape, such as, e.g., adhesive tape, from a tape roll. The tape dispenser of the invention is of comparatively simple structure; is comparatively inexpensive; and is comparatively easy to manufacture. In addition, the tape dispenser of the invention is comparatively easy to employ. As one advantage in respect of the employment thereof, the tape dispenser of the invention, being free-floating on a roll of tape upon which it is mounted, does not require adjustment thereof, in order to compensate for the removal of tape from such roll.
The advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art, from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a tape dispenser constructed in accordance with the invention, the dispenser being shown mounted on a roll of tape.
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the tape dispenser and roll of tape of FIG. 1, the movement of the dispenser on the roll, and the removal of tape from the roll, being diagrammatically illustrated.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the tape dispenser of FIGS. 1 and 2, a resilient bearing member of the dispenser, together with associated mounting structure, being shown in a position of separation from the remainder of the dispenser structure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a tape dispenser 10, constructed in accordance with the invention. The dispenser 10 is shown in an operative position of being mounted on a cylindrical roll of tape 12. The roll 12 may, for example, be a conventional roll of adhesive tape.
The dispenser 10, which in the exemplary embodiment is made of plastic material, provides an arcuate, resilient bearing member 14 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3). The member 14 may, for example, be in the form of a leaf spring, constructed of suitable material, such as plastic, or may be of steel or the like. The member 14 is of approximately the same width as the roll 12. An outer-end portion 15 of the member 14 is of the same radius of curvature as the interior cylindrical surface 16 of the roll 12, which may be a suitable cardboard core or the like.
The bearing member 14, at the inner end edge 18 thereof, serves to support a mounting structure 20 for a tape cutting assembly 22. The mounting structure 20 provides a mounting plate 24, which is of the same width as the member 14. The plate 24, at the inner-end edge 26 thereof, is secured in suitable manner to the inner-end edge 18 of the member 14 or may be integrally formed therewith. Secured in suitable manner to the outer-end edge 28 of the plate 24, is a ledge 30. The ledge 30, at the opposite end surfaces 32 and 34 thereof, supports a pair of flanges 36, 38 respectively.
Mounted on the flanges 36 and 38 are a pair of parallel connector members, 40 and 42, respectively. The plates 40 and 42, adjacent the inner-end edges 44 and 46 thereof, are formed with a pair of transversely extending slots 48 and 50, respectively. The slots 48 and 50 receive the flanges 36 and 38, for mounting of the plates 40 and 42 on the ledge 30, respectively. Suitable means, such as an adhesive, or heat-melting, secures the connectors 40 and 42 on the ledge 30.
The plates 40 and 42 are of identical construction. Only the plate 40 will, therefore, be further specifically described. The plate 40, at the opposite-side edges 52 and 54 thereof, is formed with a pair of curved depressions 56 and 58, respectively. At the outer end 60 thereof, the plate 40 is formed with a curved depression 62.
The plates 40 and 42 are so positioned, that the inner surfaces 64 thereof (one being seen) bear against the opposite-side surfaces 66 (one being seen), respectively, of the roll 12. The plates 40 and 42 are of such length, that the respective outer ends 60 thereof are positioned adjacent the exterior cylindrical surface 68 of the roll 12.
The plate cutting assembly 22 is supported by the respective outer ends 60 of the connector plates 40 and 42. The plate cutting assembly 22 provides a guide member 70. The member 70 is in the form of a bar, being located adjacent the respective side edges 54 of the plates 40, 42; and being of a length approximately equal to the width of the roll 12. The member 70 engages the exterior cylindrical surface 68 of the roll 12.
The tape-cutting assembly 22 also provides a tape-engagement member 72. The member 72 is in the form of a bar, being located adjacent the respective side edges 52 of the plates 40, 42. The member 72 is spaced from the exterior surface 68 of the roll 12, so that a slot 74 is formed for receiving the free end portion 76 of the tape of the roll 12.
The member 72 is provided with tape-severing means, in the form of a cutting edge 78. The cutting edge 78 is located at the outer surface 80 of the member 72, and adjacent the depressions 62.
The manner of operation of the tape dispenser 10 will be described with particular reference to FIGS. 2. The dispenser 10 is initially mounted on the roll of tape 12, in the manner already described. The outer-end portion 15 of the bearing member 14 engages the interior cylindrical surface 16 of the roll 12. The connector plates 40 and 42 engage the opposite side surfaces 66 of the roll 12, respectively. The guide member 70 engages the exterior cylindrical surface 68 of the roll 12; while the tape-engagement member 72 is spaced from the surface 68, to provide the slot 74. The free end portion 76 of the tape on the roll 12 is then drawn through the slot 74, and into the position shown in FIG. 1.
When it is desired to remove the tape from the roll 12, the dispenser 10 is manually rotated in a counterclockwise direction around the roll 12, as diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The member 14, at the outer-end portion 15 thereof, moves along the interior cylindrical surface 16 of the roll 12. At the same time, the guide member 70 follows the exterior cylindrical surface 68 of the roll 12. Tape, at the free end portion 76 thereof, is freed for removal from the roll 12. As the thickness of the roll 12 is reduced, the resilient bearing member 14 serves to draw the mounting structure 20 and tape-cutting assembly 22 in an axially inward direction. The guide member 70 and the tape-engagement member 72 are thus maintained in their respective operative positions, relative to the exterior cylindrical surface 68 of the roll 12.
When the desired length of tape has been freed, the free end portion 76 is placed against the cutting edge 78, and severed from the roll 12.
The tape dispenser 10 of the invention provides numerous advantages, in respect of both the manufacture and the employment thereof, as compared to the tape dispensers known in the prior art. The dispenser 10 of the invention, thus is of comparatively simple structure; is comparatively inexpensive; and is comparatively easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the dispenser 10 is comparatively easy to employ. As a particular advantage in respect of the employment thereof, the dispenser 10 is free-floating. Thus, the dispenser 10 provides an automatic adjustment in the position thereof on a roll of tape, to compensate for removal of tape from such roll.
It is to be understood that modifications and variations of the embodiment of the invention disclosed herein may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.