DISPENSER FOR TAPE MATERIAL
United States Patent 3684141
A tape dispensing device formed as a unitary body includes a central dispensing portion with a slot through which tape is withdrawn and wing members integrally connected to opposite sides of the dispensing member and arranged to fold along opposite sides of a roll of tape material to form a saddle-like arrangement; a retainer holds the dispensing member against the outer surface of the roll, and a cutter member formed as an integral part of the dispenser can be moved, as through the use of the thumb and index finger of one hand, into operative position for severing a length of tape while leaving a portion of the tape remaining on the roll extending through the slot for easy grasping when the next length of tape is to be withdrawn.
US Patent References:
Tape dispenser
Seror - July 1964 - 3140805
Tape holder
Schleider - May 1964 - 3134526
Gummed tape dispenser
Islen - February 1954 - 2670042
Tape dispenser and cutter
Anderson - June 1940 - 2203073
Tape dispenser
Seror - July 1964 - 3140805
Tape holder
Schleider - May 1964 - 3134526
Gummed tape dispenser
Islen - February 1954 - 2670042
Tape dispenser and cutter
Anderson - June 1940 - 2203073
Application Number:
05/109241
Publication Date:
08/15/1972
Filing Date:
01/25/1971
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
225/89, 225/85
International Classes:
B65H35/00; B26F3/02
Field of Search:
225/58,65,66,82,84,85,89,91
Primary Examiner:
Juhasz, Andrew R.
Assistant Examiner:
Gilden, Leon
Parent Case Data:
This application is a substitute for Ser. No. 476,620, filed Aug. 2, 1965, now abandoned.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. A device for dispensing lengths of tape material from a multi-layer roll thereof including a core ring on which the tape is wound and from which roll suitable lengths are to be withdrawn and severed, comprising a unitary body formed of a semi-rigid material, said body including a central dispensing member of slightly greater width than the width of the tape to be dispensed and having a slot formed therethrough arranged to extend crosswise of said dispensing member for passage of the tape through the slot, wing members integrally hinged to opposed sides of said dispensing member and arranged to extend along opposite sides of the roll, adjustable means cooperating with said wing members and adapted to press against the inner surface of the core ring to hold said dispensing member against the outer surface of the roll from which the tape is to be dispensed while permitting the entire said body to move relative to the roll as tape is pulled through said slot, a cutter member having one edge integrally hinged to a rear edge of said dispensing member whereby the opposite edge of said cutter member from said one edge can be swung into cutting position over said dispensing member for severing a length of tape drawn through said slot, cutter means on said cutter member adjacent to said opposite edge for engaging the tape outwardly of said slot providing for severing thereof from the remainder of the tape on the roll and leaving that portion of the tape between said cutter means and said slot as an end portion of the tape on the roll available for easy grasping when withdrawing an additional length of tape from the roll through said slot, and a back-up member integrally hinged to said cutter member along said opposite edge thereof to provide a part against which force can be applied to resist movement of said cutter member around its hinged connection with said dispensing member during severing of a piece of tape against said cutter means.
2. A dispensing device as defined in claim 1 including a guide member integrally hinged to the edge of said back-up member opposite from said cutter member and adapted to slide along the outer surface of the roll to guide said back-up member into face-to-face contact with said cutter member.
3. A dispensing device as defined in claim 1 including a lip member integrally hinged to said dispensing member along the edge of said slot farthest from said rear edge of said dispensing member and acting to urge a free end portion of the tape passed through said slot outwardly of said dispensing member to facilitate withdrawing the next length of tape from the roll.
4. A dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein that edge of said slot farthest from said cutter member is formed to a wedge-like configuration capable of being forced under a free edge of the tape adhered to the outer surface of the roll.
5. A device for dispensing lengths of tape material from a multi-layer roll from which suitable lengths are to be withdrawn and severed, said roll including a core ring, comprising a unitary body formed of a flexible plastic material, said body including a central dispensing member of slightly greater width than the width of the tape to be dispensed and having a slot formed therethrough arranged to extend cross wise of said dispensing portion for passage of the tape through the slot, wing members integrally hinged to opposed sides of said dispensing member and arranged to be formed along opposite sides of the roll, an adjustable retainer member engageable with said wing members and adapted to press against the inner surface of the roll to hold said dispensing member against the outer surface of the roll from which the tape is to be dispensed, a cutter member integrally hinged to a rear edge of said dispensing member and including integral cutter means adapted to be swung into cutting position over said dispensing member to sever a length of tape drawn through said slot and beyond said cutter means, and a flexible lip member hinged to said dispensing member along one edge of said slot and operative to move an end portion of the tape on the roll outwardly of said dispensing member for easy grasping when withdrawing an additional length of tape from the roll through said slot.
6. In a tape dispenser of the character described, a dispensing member having an elongated slot therein at least equal in length to the width of the tape to be dispensed and of sufficient widths to pass a single thickness of the tape as it is withdrawn from a roll thereof, a cutter member and a back-up member and a guide member integrally hinged to each other in that sequence, said cutter member having an integral hinge connection to one edge of said dispensing member generally parallel to the length of said slot, wing members integrally hinged to opposite sides of said dispensing member beyond the ends of said slot for folding along the sides of a roll, and retainer means cooperating with said wing members to hold said dispenser in position on the roll while providing for relative movement therebetween in response to withdrawing of tape from the surface of the roll.
7. A tape dispenser as defined in claim 6, including cutter means in the form of a plurality of teeth formed as an integral part of said cutter member on the surface thereof adapted to face outwardly of the roll and located adjacent to the hinge connection between said cutter member and said back-up member.
8. A tape dispenser as defined in claim 6 including a toothed cutter formed as a separate part and attached to said cutter member adjacent the hinge connection thereof to said back-up member with the teeth of said cutter arranged to be moved into a cutting position over said dispensing member in response to folding of said back-up member and said cutter member into face-to-face relationship moving said teeth outwardly of said dispensing member.
9. A tape dispenser as defined in claim 6 including cutter means on said cutter member located adjacent the hinge connection thereof with said back-up member and adapted to move into cutting position over said dispensing member in response to swinging of said cutter member and said back-up member into face-to-face relationship, said cutter means having at least one piercing tooth of substantially greater length than the other teeth of said cutter means to provide for puncturing the tape material in the area to be severed and thereby to initiate cutting of the tape material.
1. A device for dispensing lengths of tape material from a multi-layer roll thereof including a core ring on which the tape is wound and from which roll suitable lengths are to be withdrawn and severed, comprising a unitary body formed of a semi-rigid material, said body including a central dispensing member of slightly greater width than the width of the tape to be dispensed and having a slot formed therethrough arranged to extend crosswise of said dispensing member for passage of the tape through the slot, wing members integrally hinged to opposed sides of said dispensing member and arranged to extend along opposite sides of the roll, adjustable means cooperating with said wing members and adapted to press against the inner surface of the core ring to hold said dispensing member against the outer surface of the roll from which the tape is to be dispensed while permitting the entire said body to move relative to the roll as tape is pulled through said slot, a cutter member having one edge integrally hinged to a rear edge of said dispensing member whereby the opposite edge of said cutter member from said one edge can be swung into cutting position over said dispensing member for severing a length of tape drawn through said slot, cutter means on said cutter member adjacent to said opposite edge for engaging the tape outwardly of said slot providing for severing thereof from the remainder of the tape on the roll and leaving that portion of the tape between said cutter means and said slot as an end portion of the tape on the roll available for easy grasping when withdrawing an additional length of tape from the roll through said slot, and a back-up member integrally hinged to said cutter member along said opposite edge thereof to provide a part against which force can be applied to resist movement of said cutter member around its hinged connection with said dispensing member during severing of a piece of tape against said cutter means.
2. A dispensing device as defined in claim 1 including a guide member integrally hinged to the edge of said back-up member opposite from said cutter member and adapted to slide along the outer surface of the roll to guide said back-up member into face-to-face contact with said cutter member.
3. A dispensing device as defined in claim 1 including a lip member integrally hinged to said dispensing member along the edge of said slot farthest from said rear edge of said dispensing member and acting to urge a free end portion of the tape passed through said slot outwardly of said dispensing member to facilitate withdrawing the next length of tape from the roll.
4. A dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein that edge of said slot farthest from said cutter member is formed to a wedge-like configuration capable of being forced under a free edge of the tape adhered to the outer surface of the roll.
5. A device for dispensing lengths of tape material from a multi-layer roll from which suitable lengths are to be withdrawn and severed, said roll including a core ring, comprising a unitary body formed of a flexible plastic material, said body including a central dispensing member of slightly greater width than the width of the tape to be dispensed and having a slot formed therethrough arranged to extend cross wise of said dispensing portion for passage of the tape through the slot, wing members integrally hinged to opposed sides of said dispensing member and arranged to be formed along opposite sides of the roll, an adjustable retainer member engageable with said wing members and adapted to press against the inner surface of the roll to hold said dispensing member against the outer surface of the roll from which the tape is to be dispensed, a cutter member integrally hinged to a rear edge of said dispensing member and including integral cutter means adapted to be swung into cutting position over said dispensing member to sever a length of tape drawn through said slot and beyond said cutter means, and a flexible lip member hinged to said dispensing member along one edge of said slot and operative to move an end portion of the tape on the roll outwardly of said dispensing member for easy grasping when withdrawing an additional length of tape from the roll through said slot.
6. In a tape dispenser of the character described, a dispensing member having an elongated slot therein at least equal in length to the width of the tape to be dispensed and of sufficient widths to pass a single thickness of the tape as it is withdrawn from a roll thereof, a cutter member and a back-up member and a guide member integrally hinged to each other in that sequence, said cutter member having an integral hinge connection to one edge of said dispensing member generally parallel to the length of said slot, wing members integrally hinged to opposite sides of said dispensing member beyond the ends of said slot for folding along the sides of a roll, and retainer means cooperating with said wing members to hold said dispenser in position on the roll while providing for relative movement therebetween in response to withdrawing of tape from the surface of the roll.
7. A tape dispenser as defined in claim 6, including cutter means in the form of a plurality of teeth formed as an integral part of said cutter member on the surface thereof adapted to face outwardly of the roll and located adjacent to the hinge connection between said cutter member and said back-up member.
8. A tape dispenser as defined in claim 6 including a toothed cutter formed as a separate part and attached to said cutter member adjacent the hinge connection thereof to said back-up member with the teeth of said cutter arranged to be moved into a cutting position over said dispensing member in response to folding of said back-up member and said cutter member into face-to-face relationship moving said teeth outwardly of said dispensing member.
9. A tape dispenser as defined in claim 6 including cutter means on said cutter member located adjacent the hinge connection thereof with said back-up member and adapted to move into cutting position over said dispensing member in response to swinging of said cutter member and said back-up member into face-to-face relationship, said cutter means having at least one piercing tooth of substantially greater length than the other teeth of said cutter means to provide for puncturing the tape material in the area to be severed and thereby to initiate cutting of the tape material.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This application relates to a dispenser for tape materials, particularly of the type available in a multi-layer roll. Usually, the roll includes a core ring on which the roll of material is wound or formed, and the tape material is withdrawn from the periphery of the roll and severed into strips of desired length. A number of dispensers have been proposed for such tape material. The present invention relates to a novel relatively inexpensive dispensing device for tape materials of this kind.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a novel dispensing device for tape material formed as a unitary body including a central dispensing portion with a slot through which the tape can be withdrawn and wing members integrally connected to opposite sides of the dispensing member and arranged to fold along opposite sides of the roll of tape material to form a saddle-like arrangement, wherein a suitable retainer is provided to hold the dispensing member against the outer surface of the roll, and wherein a cutter member is formed as an integral part of the dispenser and can easily be moved, as through the use of the thumb and index finger of one hand, into operative position for severing a length of tape while leaving a portion of the tape remaining on the roll extending through the slot for easy grasping when the next length of tape is to be withdrawn.
The objects of the invention are to provide a novel dispensing device for tape materials which is easily manufactured in large quantities and which can be produced so inexpensively that it may be disposed of if desired after its use with one roll of the material; to provide such a device which can be molded from a suitable plastic material, preferably polypropylene, as a unitary item which can be readily packaged with a roll of the tape material, and which can readily be assembled in operative position on the roll; to provide such a dispensing device including a lip formed along one edge of the slot therein and arranged to urge the free end portion of the tape outwardly away from the dispensing member into a convenient position for grasping when additional tape is to be withdrawn; to provide such a device including guiding parts for the cutter members which are adapted to slide along the outer surface of the roll of tape material to position the cutter member properly for use in severing a length of the tape; to provide a device for tape materials, particularly thermoplastic tape materials, including a toothed cutter arrangement which is particularly adapted to pierce the tape at the location where it is to be severed, preferably adjacent one edge of the tape, in order to facilitate the severing of the tape; to provide such a device in which the cutter member includes a separate, preferably metallic, cutter which is rigidly attached to the cutter member during manufacture of the dispensing device; and, to provide in such a dispensing device an arrangement in connection with the slot in the dispensing member which facilitates freeing an end of the tape material from the roll to initiate the dispensing operation.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a dispensing device constructed according to the invention, showing the manner in which the device can be formed as a unitary body;
FIG. 2 is a view showing the dispensing device assembled on a roll of tape material, and illustrating the manner in which the cutter member can be moved into operative position, with the approximately operative position shown in dotted lines;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 showing the manner in which the dispensing device is assembled in saddle-like relation on the roll of tape material;
FIG. 4 is a substantially enlarged detail view illustrating a feature of the construction of the dispensing member in the region of the slot through which the tape material is withdrawn;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 with the parts in a moved position approximately as they would occupy when the tape material is being withdrawn through the slot;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 on a somewhat larger scale, illustrating the manner in which the tape material can be picked up from the end of the roll to initiate the dispensing operation;
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4, on a somewhat smaller scale, illustrating a modified form of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a detail perspective view showing the application of a separate toothed cutter to the dispensing device;
FIG. 9 is a detail view showing a modified form of cutter; and
FIG. 10 is a detail view of another modification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawing, which illustrates preferred embodiments of the invention, and particularly with reference to FIG. 1, the dispensing device according to the invention is particularly adapted for manufacture as a unitary member which can be injection molded, or which can be cut from a sheet of suitable material and formed to the desired configuration. A preferred material for this purpose is polypropylene, a thermoplastic material which is well known and which has desirable properties for the formation of integral hinge connections. This material is relatively inexpensive, and the manufacturing techniques for injection molding or for cutting sheets of the material to the desired form, and for cold working where desired, are such that high production can be attained and minimum expense is involved. Other materials having suitable qualities for low cost, mass production are also usable.
Therefore, a dispensing device according to the invention can be manufactured as a unitary device at low cost, such that in fact the device can be incorporated as a part of a package with a roll of tape material to be sold, without substantially increasing the cost of the entire package. In fact, the present invention provides a dispensing device which in some circumstances may be manufactured so inexpensively that it can be actually given away as a sales promotion item, either with rolls of tape material to be dispensed, or as a separate item.
The device is preferably formed as a blank, as shown in FIG. 1, including a central or dispensing member 10. The width of this member, top to bottom, as viewed in FIG. 1 is slightly greater than the width of the tape material to be dispensed. This dimension will, obviously, vary according to the width of the tape material with which the device is to be used. Various sizes and types of such materials are well known, and the widths can range from, for example, one-half inch to as much as 2 inches. Likewise, the tape materials to be dispensed are of many different types. Some may be an essentially paper base tape with a pressure sensitive adhesive on one surface or in some cases, tape materials which have both surfaces provided with adhesives will have a separating strip wound with the tape material, and this strip is disposed of when the tape is dispensed and used.
Attached to the dispensing member 10 are side or wing members 12 and 13. These are attached to the opposite sides of the dispensing member 10 along integral hinge connections indicated by the dotted lines 14 and 15, respectively. The free or front edge 16 of the member 10 preferably is formed with one or more depressions or scallops 18 which form a suitable access to assist in grasping the free end portion of the tape material to be dispensed. In certain forms of the invention this scallop arrangement is not necessary, but it has been found to be a useful part of the dispenser.
Transversely of the dispensing member 10 there is formed a slot 20. This slot is of a length at least equal to, and preferably slightly greater than, the tape material to be dispensed. The slot is preferably slightly wider than the thickness of the tape material, such that the material can be pulled easily through the slot when it is being dispensed. A cutter member 22 is connected to the dispensing member 10 along an integral hinge line 23. This cutter member is of a length, left to right, as viewed in FIG. 1, which preferably, but not necessarily, is approximately equal to the length in the same direction of the member 10. A back-up member 25 is integrally hinged to the cutter member 22 along the hinge line 26, which defines the opposite edge of the cutter member from its hinge connection with the dispensing member 10. A guide member 28 is integrally hinged along the line 29 to the other edge of the back-up member 25, and forms the terminal end of the blank as shown.
On the cutter member 22 there are formed suitable cutter or severing means 30 which may be in the form of molded teeth as an integral part of the member, or in some cases merely a sharp raised edge which is molded above the surface of the member 22. In any event, the cutter means 30 is designed to function as an edge against which the tape material can be pulled, as will be explained, to sever a withdrawn length of the tape.
The wing or side members 12 and 13 are provided with tooth configurations 32 which are preferably located along the edges of these members that are closest to the cutter member 22, as shown. A retainer member 35 is molded or formed, initially as an integral part of the dispenser, being attached along a weakened or "break" line 36 to a suitable part of the device. In the form shown, this location is at one end of the wing member 12. The retainer member 35 is provided with slots 38 spaced apart by a distance approximately equal to the spacing between the hinge lines 14 and 15. The width of the slots 38 is just sufficient to receive the wing members 12 and 13 in rather tight fitting but sliding relation. The length of the slots 38 should be such that it is slightly less than the distance transversely of the wing members from the forward edge thereof to the tip of the teeth, such that the retainer will normally be held by engaging between adjacent teeth on the wing members.
The device as shown in FIG. 1 can be packaged as shown in a roll of tape material, or in a separate package. Being in flat form it occupies very little space. In a typical embodiment the thickness of the polypropylene material is about 0.025 inches, therefore in flat form the dispensing device occupies very little space. If desired the retainer member 35 can be severed at the time of manufacture, and it is possible to arrange for the wing member 12 to be engaged through the slot 38 closest to it as a part of the manufacturing process. This, however, is not an essential feature and in many instances it may be desirable to have the device available for packaging as an integral flat item. However, it should be understood that the dispenser provided hereby is capable of automatic assembly in operative position on a roll of tape, by engaging one wing member with the retainer 35, as mentioned, then automatically folding the dispenser, in saddle-like fashion around a roll and engaging the other wing with the retainer member. This can readily be accomplished with standard techniques.
The dispenser is readily assembled to the roll of tape material as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. This roll usually includes a core ring 40, with the tape material 42 being wound thereon, and with the free end from which lengths are to be withdrawn being located at the periphery of the roll. The dispenser is placed on the roll with the member 10 lying against the outer surface of the tape material and with the wing members 12 and 13 formed along the sides of the roll to present a saddle-like configuration. The retainer member 35 is attached by pushing the wing members 12 and 13 through the slots 38, with the retainer member being pushed up until it engages the outer surface of the core 40, tending to hold the dispensing member 10 against the outer surface of the roll. Before the retainer is moved to this position the free end of the tape material is passed through the slot 20 (see FIG. 6) and is pulled outward somewhat from the member 10.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention one edge of the slot 20 is defined by a flexible lip member 45 (FIGS. 4-6) which has an integral hinge connection 46 with the remainder of the member. As the tape material is pulled through the slot, as shown in FIG. 5, the lip member 45 tends to swing forward and the tape slides between this lip member and the rear edge of the slot. When tension on the tape material is released, for example after a piece has been severed, the tip member tends to return to its normal position shown in FIG. 4, and it pushes the free end portion 42a of the tape into an almost upright position, where this free portion can easily be grasped when it is desired to withdraw an additional length of tape from the roll.
It will be noted that the hinge 46 is somewhat above the bottom or underside of the forward portion 10a of the dispensing member 10, and also that this portion is preferably somewhat thicker than the rear portion 10b. By pressing inwardly on the lip member 45, generally as indicated by the arrow 47, the lower and sharper edge 48 of the lip member 45 can be caused to engage under the initial free end 49 (FIG. 6) which is provided on many rolls of tape. Then, by moving the dispenser the free end 49 can be caused to feed through slot 20, providing a "self-starting" feature.
It should be understood that this lip member is not an essential feature of the invention, since it is possible to have the free end portion of the tape rest on the surface of the member 10 beyond the slot 20. In such case, the scalloped or cut-out part 18 will provide a handy means for grasping the free edge portion of the tape. However, it has been found that the construction including the lip member, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, provides a most convenient arrangement for holding the free end of the tape in a position for dispensing.
With the dispenser in position on the roll, the tape material can be withdrawn merely by pulling it through the slot 20. Due to its saddle-like configuration the dispenser can move relative to the roll. Either the roll can be held while the tape is withdrawn, with the dispenser sliding around the roll, or the dispenser can be grasped at its sides and the roll permitted to move through the dispenser as the tape is withdrawn.
In either event, when the desired length has been withdrawn it is possible to sever the length by the operation shown best in FIG. 2. By placing the thumb of one hand, in which the roll is held, on the guide member 28 and pushing it forwardly toward the dispensing member 10, the cutter member 22 and the back-up member 25 will be pushed into face-to-face relationship, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2. This swings the cutter means 30 into position generally over the member 10 where the tape can be pulled against the cutter means for severing. In some instances it may be found desirable to push these parts sufficienlty forward to bring the cutter means 30 adjacent to the front edge 16 of the member 10. However, this has not been found to be necessary, and with the cutter member in the approximate position shown in dotted lines, it has been found that the length of tape can readily be severed. As the tape material is dispensed and the thickness of the roll decreases, the retainer member 35 can be pushed farther up the wing members 12 and 13, in order to keep the member 10 near to the outer surface of the roll.
Where the lip member 45 is not used it is possible to provide a sharpened edge on one side of the slot 20, this edge being indicated by the reference numeral 50 in FIG. 7. This edge borders the slot, as mentioned, and the sides of the edge are free, if necessary, sufficiently to permit the edge to be deflected below the undersurface of the member 10a, as shown in FIG. 7. With this construction, if the free end of the tape should be adhered to the surface of the roll, the edge 50 can be used to pry the end of the tape loose and to assist in threading it though the slot for dispensing purposes.
FIG. 8 shows a modification of the invention where a metallic strip 55 having a plurality of upwardly formed teeth 56 is attached to the cutter member 22 in place of molding the cutter means as an integral part. With some types of tape material such as tape reinforced with filaments, it may be advantageous to have a metallic cutter of this nature, which may be somewhat sharper, in order to assure a relatively clean line of severance when a strip of tape is severed. The cutter is fastened to the dispensing member by several inwardly formed teeth 57 which are caused to pierce the member 22 and have their ends crimped beneath it.
FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the cutter means, illustrated as a modification of the metallic strip shown in FIG. 8. It should be understood, however, that the same type of modification can be provided with integrally molded teeth. Here, the teeth 58 are provided on the cutter member and one substantially larger tooth 60 is provided, preferably at one end of the cutter means. This larger tooth is intended to pierce the tape material and initiate the severing of the material, and the teeth 58 are slanted toward the larger tooth. An arrangement of this type has been found advantageous in dispensers used for thermoplastic tape materials which tend to stretch unless a tear or cut is initiated at the time the tension is applied to the tape in the severing operation. The larger tooth 60 has been found to form a cut quickly near one edge of the tape, and the other teeth function as a guide for the line of cleavage, whereupon the tape severs immediately crosswise with little additional stretching.
Another feature of the invention should be noted in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3. As previously mentioned the tooth formation on the wing members 12 and 13 is preferably located on the edge of these members closest to the cutter member. Likewise, the wing members preferably are inclined somewhat backward and upward as shown. The retainer members 35 thus is engaged by the successive teeth on the wing members, and a line across the retainer member at this point of engagement defines an axis about which the entire device can rotate, there being the possibility for some movement of the opposite edge of the wing members in the slots 38 of the retainer member. With some types of tape, particularly using pressure sensitive adhesives, it has been found that a rocking action can occur about the aforementioned axis, permitting the tape material to be drawn more easily through the slot 20, since the tape is guided upwardly away from the outer surface of the roll by the underside of the member 10, particularly between the hinge line 23 and the adjacent edge of the slot.
FIG. 10 shows an optional feature that can readily be incorporated in the dispenser. Here, a number of dimples 65 are formed in the undersurface of at least one of the wing members 12 and 13. These dimples are arranged to resist sliding of the dispenser around the roll in a direction away from the free end of tape, without inhibiting or resisting sliding movement desired during normal dispensing.
Another feature of the invention is derived from the fact that the dispenser is preferably molded as a unitary member of flexible thermoplastic, and thus it can be folded into a compact item, roughly the size of a pack of book matches, and can be given away as a promotional item, apart from any roll of tape, with appropriate messages, symbols, trademarks, etc. printed thereon.
As mentioned previously, various forms of materials can be used in the manufacture of a dispenser according to the invention. Preferred materials are thermoplastics, and experience with the device indicates that polypropylene is especially desirable since it has certain unusual characteristics. Particularly, this material can be formed into what has been termed a "living hinge", which demonstrates a virtually unlimited resistance to flex fatigue. The ability of this material to form such hinge connections is discussed in detail in Modern Plastics Encyclopedia, 1963 Issue, Volume 40, No. 1A. On the other hand, since in many cases the present dispensing device may be used as a so-called "throw-away" item, the need for hinge connections having such especially desirable characteristics is not always present. Therefore, depending upon cost and manufacturing factors, it may be desirable to use other thermoplastic or similar materials which provide a lower cost item.
While the forms of apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.
This application relates to a dispenser for tape materials, particularly of the type available in a multi-layer roll. Usually, the roll includes a core ring on which the roll of material is wound or formed, and the tape material is withdrawn from the periphery of the roll and severed into strips of desired length. A number of dispensers have been proposed for such tape material. The present invention relates to a novel relatively inexpensive dispensing device for tape materials of this kind.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a novel dispensing device for tape material formed as a unitary body including a central dispensing portion with a slot through which the tape can be withdrawn and wing members integrally connected to opposite sides of the dispensing member and arranged to fold along opposite sides of the roll of tape material to form a saddle-like arrangement, wherein a suitable retainer is provided to hold the dispensing member against the outer surface of the roll, and wherein a cutter member is formed as an integral part of the dispenser and can easily be moved, as through the use of the thumb and index finger of one hand, into operative position for severing a length of tape while leaving a portion of the tape remaining on the roll extending through the slot for easy grasping when the next length of tape is to be withdrawn.
The objects of the invention are to provide a novel dispensing device for tape materials which is easily manufactured in large quantities and which can be produced so inexpensively that it may be disposed of if desired after its use with one roll of the material; to provide such a device which can be molded from a suitable plastic material, preferably polypropylene, as a unitary item which can be readily packaged with a roll of the tape material, and which can readily be assembled in operative position on the roll; to provide such a dispensing device including a lip formed along one edge of the slot therein and arranged to urge the free end portion of the tape outwardly away from the dispensing member into a convenient position for grasping when additional tape is to be withdrawn; to provide such a device including guiding parts for the cutter members which are adapted to slide along the outer surface of the roll of tape material to position the cutter member properly for use in severing a length of the tape; to provide a device for tape materials, particularly thermoplastic tape materials, including a toothed cutter arrangement which is particularly adapted to pierce the tape at the location where it is to be severed, preferably adjacent one edge of the tape, in order to facilitate the severing of the tape; to provide such a device in which the cutter member includes a separate, preferably metallic, cutter which is rigidly attached to the cutter member during manufacture of the dispensing device; and, to provide in such a dispensing device an arrangement in connection with the slot in the dispensing member which facilitates freeing an end of the tape material from the roll to initiate the dispensing operation.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a dispensing device constructed according to the invention, showing the manner in which the device can be formed as a unitary body;
FIG. 2 is a view showing the dispensing device assembled on a roll of tape material, and illustrating the manner in which the cutter member can be moved into operative position, with the approximately operative position shown in dotted lines;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 showing the manner in which the dispensing device is assembled in saddle-like relation on the roll of tape material;
FIG. 4 is a substantially enlarged detail view illustrating a feature of the construction of the dispensing member in the region of the slot through which the tape material is withdrawn;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 with the parts in a moved position approximately as they would occupy when the tape material is being withdrawn through the slot;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 on a somewhat larger scale, illustrating the manner in which the tape material can be picked up from the end of the roll to initiate the dispensing operation;
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4, on a somewhat smaller scale, illustrating a modified form of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a detail perspective view showing the application of a separate toothed cutter to the dispensing device;
FIG. 9 is a detail view showing a modified form of cutter; and
FIG. 10 is a detail view of another modification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawing, which illustrates preferred embodiments of the invention, and particularly with reference to FIG. 1, the dispensing device according to the invention is particularly adapted for manufacture as a unitary member which can be injection molded, or which can be cut from a sheet of suitable material and formed to the desired configuration. A preferred material for this purpose is polypropylene, a thermoplastic material which is well known and which has desirable properties for the formation of integral hinge connections. This material is relatively inexpensive, and the manufacturing techniques for injection molding or for cutting sheets of the material to the desired form, and for cold working where desired, are such that high production can be attained and minimum expense is involved. Other materials having suitable qualities for low cost, mass production are also usable.
Therefore, a dispensing device according to the invention can be manufactured as a unitary device at low cost, such that in fact the device can be incorporated as a part of a package with a roll of tape material to be sold, without substantially increasing the cost of the entire package. In fact, the present invention provides a dispensing device which in some circumstances may be manufactured so inexpensively that it can be actually given away as a sales promotion item, either with rolls of tape material to be dispensed, or as a separate item.
The device is preferably formed as a blank, as shown in FIG. 1, including a central or dispensing member 10. The width of this member, top to bottom, as viewed in FIG. 1 is slightly greater than the width of the tape material to be dispensed. This dimension will, obviously, vary according to the width of the tape material with which the device is to be used. Various sizes and types of such materials are well known, and the widths can range from, for example, one-half inch to as much as 2 inches. Likewise, the tape materials to be dispensed are of many different types. Some may be an essentially paper base tape with a pressure sensitive adhesive on one surface or in some cases, tape materials which have both surfaces provided with adhesives will have a separating strip wound with the tape material, and this strip is disposed of when the tape is dispensed and used.
Attached to the dispensing member 10 are side or wing members 12 and 13. These are attached to the opposite sides of the dispensing member 10 along integral hinge connections indicated by the dotted lines 14 and 15, respectively. The free or front edge 16 of the member 10 preferably is formed with one or more depressions or scallops 18 which form a suitable access to assist in grasping the free end portion of the tape material to be dispensed. In certain forms of the invention this scallop arrangement is not necessary, but it has been found to be a useful part of the dispenser.
Transversely of the dispensing member 10 there is formed a slot 20. This slot is of a length at least equal to, and preferably slightly greater than, the tape material to be dispensed. The slot is preferably slightly wider than the thickness of the tape material, such that the material can be pulled easily through the slot when it is being dispensed. A cutter member 22 is connected to the dispensing member 10 along an integral hinge line 23. This cutter member is of a length, left to right, as viewed in FIG. 1, which preferably, but not necessarily, is approximately equal to the length in the same direction of the member 10. A back-up member 25 is integrally hinged to the cutter member 22 along the hinge line 26, which defines the opposite edge of the cutter member from its hinge connection with the dispensing member 10. A guide member 28 is integrally hinged along the line 29 to the other edge of the back-up member 25, and forms the terminal end of the blank as shown.
On the cutter member 22 there are formed suitable cutter or severing means 30 which may be in the form of molded teeth as an integral part of the member, or in some cases merely a sharp raised edge which is molded above the surface of the member 22. In any event, the cutter means 30 is designed to function as an edge against which the tape material can be pulled, as will be explained, to sever a withdrawn length of the tape.
The wing or side members 12 and 13 are provided with tooth configurations 32 which are preferably located along the edges of these members that are closest to the cutter member 22, as shown. A retainer member 35 is molded or formed, initially as an integral part of the dispenser, being attached along a weakened or "break" line 36 to a suitable part of the device. In the form shown, this location is at one end of the wing member 12. The retainer member 35 is provided with slots 38 spaced apart by a distance approximately equal to the spacing between the hinge lines 14 and 15. The width of the slots 38 is just sufficient to receive the wing members 12 and 13 in rather tight fitting but sliding relation. The length of the slots 38 should be such that it is slightly less than the distance transversely of the wing members from the forward edge thereof to the tip of the teeth, such that the retainer will normally be held by engaging between adjacent teeth on the wing members.
The device as shown in FIG. 1 can be packaged as shown in a roll of tape material, or in a separate package. Being in flat form it occupies very little space. In a typical embodiment the thickness of the polypropylene material is about 0.025 inches, therefore in flat form the dispensing device occupies very little space. If desired the retainer member 35 can be severed at the time of manufacture, and it is possible to arrange for the wing member 12 to be engaged through the slot 38 closest to it as a part of the manufacturing process. This, however, is not an essential feature and in many instances it may be desirable to have the device available for packaging as an integral flat item. However, it should be understood that the dispenser provided hereby is capable of automatic assembly in operative position on a roll of tape, by engaging one wing member with the retainer 35, as mentioned, then automatically folding the dispenser, in saddle-like fashion around a roll and engaging the other wing with the retainer member. This can readily be accomplished with standard techniques.
The dispenser is readily assembled to the roll of tape material as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. This roll usually includes a core ring 40, with the tape material 42 being wound thereon, and with the free end from which lengths are to be withdrawn being located at the periphery of the roll. The dispenser is placed on the roll with the member 10 lying against the outer surface of the tape material and with the wing members 12 and 13 formed along the sides of the roll to present a saddle-like configuration. The retainer member 35 is attached by pushing the wing members 12 and 13 through the slots 38, with the retainer member being pushed up until it engages the outer surface of the core 40, tending to hold the dispensing member 10 against the outer surface of the roll. Before the retainer is moved to this position the free end of the tape material is passed through the slot 20 (see FIG. 6) and is pulled outward somewhat from the member 10.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention one edge of the slot 20 is defined by a flexible lip member 45 (FIGS. 4-6) which has an integral hinge connection 46 with the remainder of the member. As the tape material is pulled through the slot, as shown in FIG. 5, the lip member 45 tends to swing forward and the tape slides between this lip member and the rear edge of the slot. When tension on the tape material is released, for example after a piece has been severed, the tip member tends to return to its normal position shown in FIG. 4, and it pushes the free end portion 42a of the tape into an almost upright position, where this free portion can easily be grasped when it is desired to withdraw an additional length of tape from the roll.
It will be noted that the hinge 46 is somewhat above the bottom or underside of the forward portion 10a of the dispensing member 10, and also that this portion is preferably somewhat thicker than the rear portion 10b. By pressing inwardly on the lip member 45, generally as indicated by the arrow 47, the lower and sharper edge 48 of the lip member 45 can be caused to engage under the initial free end 49 (FIG. 6) which is provided on many rolls of tape. Then, by moving the dispenser the free end 49 can be caused to feed through slot 20, providing a "self-starting" feature.
It should be understood that this lip member is not an essential feature of the invention, since it is possible to have the free end portion of the tape rest on the surface of the member 10 beyond the slot 20. In such case, the scalloped or cut-out part 18 will provide a handy means for grasping the free edge portion of the tape. However, it has been found that the construction including the lip member, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, provides a most convenient arrangement for holding the free end of the tape in a position for dispensing.
With the dispenser in position on the roll, the tape material can be withdrawn merely by pulling it through the slot 20. Due to its saddle-like configuration the dispenser can move relative to the roll. Either the roll can be held while the tape is withdrawn, with the dispenser sliding around the roll, or the dispenser can be grasped at its sides and the roll permitted to move through the dispenser as the tape is withdrawn.
In either event, when the desired length has been withdrawn it is possible to sever the length by the operation shown best in FIG. 2. By placing the thumb of one hand, in which the roll is held, on the guide member 28 and pushing it forwardly toward the dispensing member 10, the cutter member 22 and the back-up member 25 will be pushed into face-to-face relationship, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2. This swings the cutter means 30 into position generally over the member 10 where the tape can be pulled against the cutter means for severing. In some instances it may be found desirable to push these parts sufficienlty forward to bring the cutter means 30 adjacent to the front edge 16 of the member 10. However, this has not been found to be necessary, and with the cutter member in the approximate position shown in dotted lines, it has been found that the length of tape can readily be severed. As the tape material is dispensed and the thickness of the roll decreases, the retainer member 35 can be pushed farther up the wing members 12 and 13, in order to keep the member 10 near to the outer surface of the roll.
Where the lip member 45 is not used it is possible to provide a sharpened edge on one side of the slot 20, this edge being indicated by the reference numeral 50 in FIG. 7. This edge borders the slot, as mentioned, and the sides of the edge are free, if necessary, sufficiently to permit the edge to be deflected below the undersurface of the member 10a, as shown in FIG. 7. With this construction, if the free end of the tape should be adhered to the surface of the roll, the edge 50 can be used to pry the end of the tape loose and to assist in threading it though the slot for dispensing purposes.
FIG. 8 shows a modification of the invention where a metallic strip 55 having a plurality of upwardly formed teeth 56 is attached to the cutter member 22 in place of molding the cutter means as an integral part. With some types of tape material such as tape reinforced with filaments, it may be advantageous to have a metallic cutter of this nature, which may be somewhat sharper, in order to assure a relatively clean line of severance when a strip of tape is severed. The cutter is fastened to the dispensing member by several inwardly formed teeth 57 which are caused to pierce the member 22 and have their ends crimped beneath it.
FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the cutter means, illustrated as a modification of the metallic strip shown in FIG. 8. It should be understood, however, that the same type of modification can be provided with integrally molded teeth. Here, the teeth 58 are provided on the cutter member and one substantially larger tooth 60 is provided, preferably at one end of the cutter means. This larger tooth is intended to pierce the tape material and initiate the severing of the material, and the teeth 58 are slanted toward the larger tooth. An arrangement of this type has been found advantageous in dispensers used for thermoplastic tape materials which tend to stretch unless a tear or cut is initiated at the time the tension is applied to the tape in the severing operation. The larger tooth 60 has been found to form a cut quickly near one edge of the tape, and the other teeth function as a guide for the line of cleavage, whereupon the tape severs immediately crosswise with little additional stretching.
Another feature of the invention should be noted in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3. As previously mentioned the tooth formation on the wing members 12 and 13 is preferably located on the edge of these members closest to the cutter member. Likewise, the wing members preferably are inclined somewhat backward and upward as shown. The retainer members 35 thus is engaged by the successive teeth on the wing members, and a line across the retainer member at this point of engagement defines an axis about which the entire device can rotate, there being the possibility for some movement of the opposite edge of the wing members in the slots 38 of the retainer member. With some types of tape, particularly using pressure sensitive adhesives, it has been found that a rocking action can occur about the aforementioned axis, permitting the tape material to be drawn more easily through the slot 20, since the tape is guided upwardly away from the outer surface of the roll by the underside of the member 10, particularly between the hinge line 23 and the adjacent edge of the slot.
FIG. 10 shows an optional feature that can readily be incorporated in the dispenser. Here, a number of dimples 65 are formed in the undersurface of at least one of the wing members 12 and 13. These dimples are arranged to resist sliding of the dispenser around the roll in a direction away from the free end of tape, without inhibiting or resisting sliding movement desired during normal dispensing.
Another feature of the invention is derived from the fact that the dispenser is preferably molded as a unitary member of flexible thermoplastic, and thus it can be folded into a compact item, roughly the size of a pack of book matches, and can be given away as a promotional item, apart from any roll of tape, with appropriate messages, symbols, trademarks, etc. printed thereon.
As mentioned previously, various forms of materials can be used in the manufacture of a dispenser according to the invention. Preferred materials are thermoplastics, and experience with the device indicates that polypropylene is especially desirable since it has certain unusual characteristics. Particularly, this material can be formed into what has been termed a "living hinge", which demonstrates a virtually unlimited resistance to flex fatigue. The ability of this material to form such hinge connections is discussed in detail in Modern Plastics Encyclopedia, 1963 Issue, Volume 40, No. 1A. On the other hand, since in many cases the present dispensing device may be used as a so-called "throw-away" item, the need for hinge connections having such especially desirable characteristics is not always present. Therefore, depending upon cost and manufacturing factors, it may be desirable to use other thermoplastic or similar materials which provide a lower cost item.
While the forms of apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.