Abstract:
A self-adhesive item dispenser includes a base portion, a lid portion and a roller. The base portion generally includes an item cavity for storing a roll of self-adhesive items and a roller cavity, which incorporates a number of extending ribs. The roller is positionable within the roller cavity and interfaces with the ribs of the base portion to pull a release liner from the self-adhesive items and expel the release liner through the base portion. The lid portion is releasably closeable over the base portion and is connected thereto via a living hinge or a mechanical hinge.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to dispensers capable of dispensing items that are maintained in a roll format and, more particularly, to a dispenser capable of dispensing items that are maintained in a roll format, wherein the items include a top, self-adhesive layer and a lower release layer. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The United States Post Office has recently provided customers with the option of self-adhesive stamps. For convenience sake, a customer has the further option of buying the self-adhesive stamps in a 100 stamp roll configuration. Without any type of storage and/or dispensing device, the roll configuration is somewhat awkward tending to unwind and/or flop around undesirably. Further, without any type of dispensing device, the user is required to peal away the release liner beneath the self-adhesive stamp. However, because the release liner is the same size as the stamp, i.e., no edge extending beyond the length or width of the stamp, the user must attempt to slide a fingernail or other lifting means beneath the stamp to remove it from the release liner. While removing the stamp from the release liner is not overly burdensome, it can become frustrating and tedious. 
     As such, various types of stamp dispensers have been developed to aid in the storage and removal of self-adhesive stamps from the release liner. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,384 describes a self-adhesive postage stamp dispenser and applicator that includes a housing with an insertable cartridge. The insertable cartridge incorporates a ratchet wheel that is attached to a strap for grabbing the release liner. Once the release liner is grabbed, it is drawn inside the housing and wrapped about a spool in the cartridge. The numerous components, e.g., housing, cartridge, ratchet wheel, strap and spool, add complexity and cost to the design. Further, because the release liner is spooled within the housing and cartridge, the possibility of a jam, e.g., the bunching of the release liner within the cartridge, exists. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,347 describes a stamp affixer apparatus and method. The affixer in this case includes a rotatable housing as well as two gear assemblies and a drive roller. And, as with the earlier described patent, the release liner is spooled within the housing. Once again, the numerous components add to the complexity and cost of the design while the inner spooling of the release liner presents the possibility of a jam. 
     Thus, there is a need for a self-adhesive stamp dispenser that has a minimal number of distinct components to reduce the cost and complexity of manufacture of the dispenser. Further, there is a need for a dispenser that eliminates the interior spooling of the release liner to reduce the possibility of jams, and thus, the resetting of the dispenser for operation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The needs described above are in large measure met by a self-adhesive stamp dispenser of the present invention. The dispenser has only two components, a housing and a roller, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of manufacture and, as well, eliminates the need for interior spooling of the release liner. More specifically, the dispenser includes a housing, having a base portion and a lid portion, and a roller incorporating a tacky surface. The base portion generally includes a stamp cavity for storing the roll of self-adhesive stamps and a roller cavity, which incorporates a number of extending ribs. The roller is positionable within the roller cavity and interfaces with the ribs of the base portion to pull the release liner and expel the release liner through the base portion. The lid portion is releasably closeable over the base portion. 
     Upon closing the lid portion over the base portion, at least part of the roller extends up through the lid portion thereby presenting itself for manual propulsion. As indicated above, the roller is preferably provided with a tacky surface to aid in propulsion and in the pulling and expelling of the release liner. Both the lid portion and the base portion are preferably provided with a resistance feature. This resistance feature is generally in the form of an extending wall or rib and helps to separate the self-adhesive items from each other upon being dispensed from the dispenser. Further, both the lid portion and the base portion are preferably provided with a centering feature to aid in the centering of the self-adhesive stamps within and about the dispenser. Lid portion and base portion may be unitary in nature, i.e., connected by a living hinge, allowing them to be manufactured as a single mold. Alternatively, the lid portion and the base portion may be manufactured as distinct components and connected via a mechanical hinge. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective assembly view of the self-adhesive item dispenser of the present invention showing a base portion, a lid portion, and a roller. 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of the base portion and lid portion in an open, or molded, configuration. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the base portion and lid portion, in an open, or molded, configuration. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base portion and lid portion in a closed, or operational, configuration. 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the base portion and lid portion in a closed, or operational, configuration. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the roller prior to over-molding. 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of the roller of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the roller taken along line A—A of FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the roller after over-molding has occurred. 
     FIG. 10 is a side view of the roller of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the roller taken along line A—A of FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the dispenser with the roller inserted within the base portion wherein the dispenser is in an open configuration. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the dispenser with the lid portion positioned over the roller within the base portion, wherein the dispenser is in a closed configuration. 
     FIG. 14 provides a perspective assembly view of an alternative embodiment of the self-adhesive item dispenser of the present invention wherein the dispenser incorporates a roller pin. 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the self-adhesive item dispenser embodiment of FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 16 provides a perspective assembly view of an alternative embodiment of the self-adhesive item dispenser of the present invention wherein the dispenser incorporates a base portion, an upper lid portion, a lower lid portion, and a roller. 
     FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the self-adhesive item dispenser embodiment of FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 18 provides a perspective assembly view of an alternative embodiment of the self-adhesive item dispenser of the present invention wherein the dispenser incorporates a base portion that is connectable to a lid portion via a mechanical hinge and a roller. 
     FIG. 19 provides a perspective view of the assembled self-adhesive item dispenser of FIG.  18 . 
     FIG. 20 provides a cross-sectional view of the self-adhesive item dispenser taken along line A—A of FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 21 provides a perspective view of the base portion of the self-adhesive item dispenser of FIG.  18 . 
     FIG. 22 provides a perspective view of the lid portion of the self-adhesive item dispenser of FIG.  18 . 
     FIG. 23 provides a perspective view of the roller of FIG. 18 prior to the addition of elastomer rings. 
     FIG. 24 provides a front view of the roller of FIG. 23 after the addition of elastomer rings. 
     FIG. 25 provides a cross-sectional view of the roller taken along line A—A of FIG.  24 . 
     FIG. 26 provides a front view of an elastomer ring for the central rollers of the roller of FIG.  23 . 
     FIG. 27 provides a cross-sectional of the elastomer ring over a central roller as taken along line A—A of FIG.  26 . 
     FIG. 28 provides a front view of an elastomer ring for an end wheel of the roller of FIG.  23 . 
     FIG. 29 provides a cross-sectional view of the elastomer ring over an end wheel as taken along line A—A of FIG.  28 . 
     FIG. 30 provides a first manner of holding the dispenser of the present invention wherein the base portion is supported on the underside by the fingers and the thumb is used to propel the roller. 
     FIG. 31 provides a second manner of holding the dispenser of the present invention wherein the base portion is gripped on both sides by the thumb and fingers, the index finger remaining atop the dispenser for propelling the roller. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Self-Adhesive Item Dispenser—Components 
     A self-adhesive item dispenser of the present invention is preferably used with a one-hundred roll configuration of self-adhesive postage stamps, of course, other types of self-adhesive items may be used with the dispenser without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The dispenser is designed to pull the release layer of the postage stamps forward allowing a stamp to dispense and thereby be applied to a desired surface through use of an applicator lip edge on the dispenser. The dispenser is designed to be durable for long-lasting use. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, self-adhesive item dispenser  10  generally includes a housing  11 , comprising a base portion  12  and a lid portion  14 , and a roller  16 . Base portion  12  and lid portion  14  are depicted in further detail with reference to FIGS. 1-5. As shown, base portion  12  and lid portion  14  are preferably molded as an integral unit from ABS plastic, polypropylene or other suitable materials, and are connected to each other via a living hinge  18 . 
     Base portion  12  generally includes a stamp holding portion  20 , an intermediate roller holding portion  22 , and an upper dispensing portion  24 . Stamp holding portion  20  is defined by two substantially vertical side walls  26  that are joined together by a convex lower wall  28  that extends generally from living hinge  18  to an intermediate, interior wall  30 . Intermediate interior wall  30  extends substantially vertically upward from lower wall  28 , joins side walls  26  thereby creating a stamp holding cavity  32 , and separates stamp holding portion  20  from intermediate roller portion  22 . The interior of each of side walls  26  is provided with an elongate rib  34  that protrudes slightly into cavity  32 . 
     Intermediate roller holding portion  22  of base portion  12  utilizes intermediate interior wall  30 , upper wall  36  and a pair of side walls  38  to define a roller cavity  40 . Extending from intermediate interior wall  30  into roller cavity  40  are three, triangularly-shaped tines  42 , the underside of each tine  42  preferably incorporates a curved configuration. Tines  42  stop just short of a cross-bar  44  that extends between the lower edges of side walls  38 , whereby a gap  45  is left between tines  42  and cross-bar  44 . Cross-bar  44  includes an angled, serrated lip edge  46  as well as an intermediate portion  48  and a substantially vertical edge  50  that define a space to support three ribs  52 . Across a gap  54  from cross-bar  44  is positioned a plate  56  that joins the lower edges of side walls  38  and extends underneath upper wall  36  into upper dispensing portion  24 . Plate  56  includes an angled lip portion  58  at gap  54 . 
     Side walls  38  of intermediate holding portion  22  include an elongate notch  60  that is defined by substantially vertical side walls  62  and a convex lower wall  63 . A trough  64  is defined to the exterior of each of side walls  38  proximate notch  60 . Each trough  64  incorporates a substantially vertical side wall  66  that is joined to the exterior of side walls  38  via convex wall  68 . Each side wall  66  includes an upper edge  70  that includes a shallow notch  72  with an outward-extending lock edge  74 . A sealing edge  76  extends from each trough  64  along side walls  38  into upper dispensing portion  24 . A pair of guide walls  77  are positioned beneath sealing edge  76  to the exterior of plate  56   
     Upper dispensing portion  24  is generally that portion of base portion  12  that extends beyond upper wall  36 . As such, upper dispensing portion  24  is generally defined by upper wall  36 , the portion of plate  56  extending beyond upper wall  36 , the portion of side walls  38  extending beyond upper wall  36 , and the portion of sealing edge  76  extending beyond upper wall  36 , as well as inner guide walls  78  and a dispensing lip edge  80 , which is preferably radiused, e.g., 200 thousandths radius, at the upper edge of plate  56 . 
     Lid portion  14  of dispenser  10 , like base portion  12 , may generally be defined as comprising three integral portions, i.e., a stamp cap portion  90 , a roller cap portion  92 , and a dispensing cap portion  94 . Stamp cap portion  90 , roller cap portion  92  and dispensing cap portion  94  are joined together by a common central cap portion  96 . Central cap portion  96  extends substantially perpendicularly upward from living hinge  18  then curving to a substantially horizontal orientation as shown. 
     Stamp cap portion  90  includes the rear portion of central cap portion  96  and further includes a pair of substantially planar side walls  98 . Side walls  98  are each defined by a substantially horizontal lower edge  100  and a curvedly recessed forward edge  102 . 
     Roller cap portion  92  includes the intermediate portion of central cap portion  96  and further includes a pair of interior side walls  106  and a pair of exterior side walls  108 . Interior side walls  106  incorporate a shallow tab  110 , while exterior side walls  108  incorporate an elongate locking tab  112  with angled lip edge  114 . Interior side walls  106  are separated from exterior side walls  108  by spacers  116  such that a gap  118  is formed intermediate interior side walls  106  and exterior side walls  108 . A hollow  120 , e.g., rounded recess, is present at the underside of the intermediate portion of central cap portion  96  and is centrally located between interior side walls  106 . 
     Dispensing cap portion  94  includes the forward portion of central cap portion  96  and further includes a pair of side walls  124  and a dispensing lip portion  126 . Side walls  124  extend from the forward-most spacers  116  to dispensing lip portion  126  and incorporate a substantially horizontal lower edge  128  and an angularly recessed forward edge  130 . Dispensing lip portion  126  includes a plurality, e.g., three, slots  132  to allow for viewing of the items being dispensed. The underside of dispensing cap portion  94  is defined by a pair of grooves  134  that extend along central cap portion  96 , from interior side walls  106 , into dispensing lip portion  126 , as well as by a ridge  136  that protrudes from central cap portion  96  and is positioned intermediate grooves  134 . 
     Roller  16  is depicted in detail in FIGS. 6-11, wherein FIGS. 6-8 depict roller  16  prior to over-molding, and FIGS. 9-11 depict roller  16  after over-molding. Referring to FIGS. 6-8, roller  16  is defined by a pair of end wheels  140  and a central shaft portion  142 . End wheels  140  are preferably provided with a toothed edge  144  in preparation for over-molding. Central shaft portion  142  is provided with four central rollers  146  each of which is separated from the other by a spacer  148  having a cross-hatch configuration having a lesser diameter than central rollers  146 . Each central roller  146  incorporates a notch or gap  150  in preparation of over-molding. Further, a pair of spacers  152 , of significantly reduced diameter, separates central shaft  142  from end wheels  140 . Roller  16 , as depicted in FIGS. 6-8, is preferably molded as an integral unit from polypropylene or other suitable material. 
     Referring to FIGS. 9-11, roller  16  as depicted in FIGS. 6-8 has now been completely over-molded with a layer  154  of thermoplastic elastomer that preferably has a durometer in the 40&#39;s, e.g., 40±5%, and provides roller  16  with a tacky surface. As shown, toothed edge  144  and gap  150  have been filled in by elastomer layer  154  and a tacky surface is now present. 
     II. Self-Adhesive Item Dispenser—Assembly 
     The assembly of self-adhesive item dispenser  10  is depicted in FIGS. 1,  12 , and  13 . To begin assembly, base portion  12  and lid portion  14  are laid out in their open or molded orientation, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 12. Over-molded roller  16  is then positioned within roller cavity  40 . When positioned within roller cavity  40 , end wheels  140  of over-molded roller  16  are positioned within troughs  44  while spacers  152  are inserted within and supported by elongate notch  60  thereby allowing roller  16  to rotate freely, i.e., without contacting any other component of dispenser  10 . Central rollers  146  are unobstructed during rotation as tines  42  and ribs  52  have been designed to be in substantial alignment with spacers  148  of central shaft  142 . 
     Next, a 100-roll  156  of self-adhesive stamps is placed within stamp holding cavity  32  so as to unwind in a clock-wise direction. Elongate rib  34  within stamp holding cavity  32  operates to center roll  156  within stamp holding cavity  32 . Two to three stamps  158  are then preferably removed from a release liner  160  so that release liner  160  may be pulled forward over over-molded roller  16 . Release liner  160  is further pulled forward over the top of upper wall  36  and lip edge  80 . Release liner  160  is then pulled to the underside of base portion  12  where it is inserted through gap  54  and exited out gap  45  such that release liner  160  runs over support ribs  52  (see FIGS.  4  and  5 ). 
     As release liner  160  is placed in contact with ribs  52 , central rollers  146  of roller  16  are also engaged as ribs  52  force release liner to maintain a lifted position over cross-bar  44 . The tackiness of over-molded roller  16  enables central rollers  146  to grab release liner  160  against ribs  52  and, as such, a clock-wise propelling motion of end wheels  140  causes release liner  160  to be propelled out gap  45 . Serrated lip edge  46  on cross-bar  44  at gap  45  allows any excess release liner  160  to be torn away as desired. 
     With roll  156  and release liner  160  appropriately positioned within base portion  12 , lid portion  14  is raised up from its open orientation (flexing a living hinge  18 ), placed down atop base portion  12 , and locked in position to complete a closed orientation of dispenser  10 . In the closed orientation, side walls  98  of stamp cap portion  90  straddle side walls  26  of stamp holding portion  20 . The curvedly recessed configuration side walls  98  allow a user to grasp side walls  26  of base portion  12  proximate forward edge  102  without feeling the awkward interference of side walls  98 . 
     Further, in a closed orientation, a top portion of each of end wheels  140  extends up through gap  118 . Shallow tab  110  is inserted within elongate notch  60  whereby shallow tab  110  is positioned over spacer  152  of previously inserted over-molded roller  16  helping to maintain roller  16  in an operable position. Locking tab  112  extends down over shallow notch  72  whereby lip edge  114  engages lock edge  74  to hold lid portion  14  tight to base portion  12 . Additionally, side walls  124  of dispensing cap portion  94  straddle side walls  38  and, as well, rest atop sealing edge  76 . A base portion of dispensing lip portion  126  also rests atop sealing edge  76  while the remaining portion extends beyond sealing edge  76 . An upper portion of side walls  38  engages groove  134 . Thus, interior side walls  106  of roller cap portion  92  along with side walls  38  of intermediate roller holding portion  22  and grooves  134  of dispensing cap portion  94 , operate to center the unrolling stamps  158  and release liner  160  as they move through dispenser  10 . Guide walls  77  operate to center release liner  160  as it is fed into gap  54 . 
     Additionally, with respect to the movement of stamps  158  and release liner  160  through dispenser, hollow  120  allows stamps  158  and release liner  160  to traverse through dispenser  10  without touching over-molded roller  16 . In other words, over-molded roller  16  is not used to push stamps  158  out by pushing release liner  160  rather over-molded roller  16  is used only to pull release liner  160  across cross-bar  44  whereby release liner  160  is forced out/expelled through gap  45 . The curved underside of tines  42  keep release liner  160  traveling outward through gap  45  rather than bunching up within roller cavity  40 . Pushing of stamps  158  and release liner  160  with over-molded roller  16  would cause a large loop of stamps  158 /release liner  160  to form thereby hindering operation of dispenser  10 . 
     Further, upper wall  36  of upper dispensing portion  24  keeps stamps  158  and release liner  160  lifted upward preventing bunching within upper dispensing portion  24  while ridge  136  of dispensing cap portion  94  directs stamps  158  and release liner  160  downward, which also helps to prevent bunching within upper dispensing portion  24 . The combination of upper wall  36  and ridge  136  also creates a resistance or tension against stamps  158 , and release liner  160 , so that they may easily be dispensed and separated from the following stamp  158 . 
     The opening and restocking of dispenser  10  may be achieved simply by extending one or both of locking tabs  112  outward to release lid portion  14  from base portion  12 . 
     III. Self-Adhesive Item Dispenser—Use 
     Self-adhesive item dispenser  10 , once assembled as described above, may now be used to dispense and to apply self-adhesive stamps  158 . To dispense one stamp  150 , one or both of end wheels  140  is propelled forward, i.e., in a clock-wise motion, whereby over-molded roller  16  grabs release liner  160 . Upon being grabbed by over-molded roller  16 , release liner  160  is pulled downward and away from stamp  158  such that the free edge of stamp  158  is presented, i.e., extending over dispensing lip edge  80  and preferably just past the front edge of dispensing lip portion  126 . The free edge of stamp  158  may then be placed at a desired position on an envelope. The rear portion of dispenser  10  is lifted upward causing dispensing lip portion  126  to press downward onto stamp  158  thereby affixing stamp  158  in position. Drawing dispenser  10  back while still pressing downward with dispensing lip portion  126  on stamp  158 , with the aid of the resistance caused by upper wall  36  and ridge  136 , causes stamp  158  to separate from the following stamp  158 . 
     With one stamp  158  dispensed, the user is able to see, via slots  132 , that the following stamp  158  is positioned directly under dispensing lip portion  126  and may now propel one or more of wheel ends  140  forward such that the free edge of stamp  158  is presented in the desired fashion, i.e., extending over dispensing lip edge  80  and preferably just past the front edge of dispensing lip portion  126 , for the next application. 
     In view of the above, self-adhesive item dispenser  10  of the present invention provides a user not only with a convenient dispenser but also with an applicator and a compact self-adhesive stamp storage device all in one unit. 
     IV. Self-Adhesive Item Dispenser—Alternative Embodiments 
     FIGS. 14 and 15 depict an alternative embodiment of self-adhesive item dispenser  10  of the present invention. In this embodiment, a rolling pin  170  replaces ribs  52  and is supported by cross-bar  44 . Release liner  160  fed into gap  54 , then between over-molded roller  16  and rolling pin  170 , and out gap  45  whereby release liner  160  is directed downward and outward by tines  42 . While operating similarly to the earlier-described embodiment, the present embodiment utilizes a separate and distinct additional component, i.e., rolling pin  170 , that adds cost and complexity to dispenser  10 . 
     FIGS. 16 and 17 depict yet another alternative embodiment of self-adhesive item dispenser  10  of the present invention. In this embodiment, cross-bar  44  and its ribs  52  are replaced by a lower lid portion  180  that is connected to base portion  12  via another living hinge  182 . Lower lid portion  180  incorporates a plurality of arcuately-shaped ribs  184  such that when lower lid portion  180  is closed against base portion  12  and over-molded roller  16 , ribs  184  operate to press release liner  160  against roller  16 . Lower lid portion  180  is provided with a serrated lip edge  186  for tearing of excess release liner  160 . 
     In assembling dispenser  10  of FIGS. 16 and 17, release liner  160  is pulled back against the bottom of over-molded roller  16  prior to the closing of lower lid portion  180  to base portion  12 . Tines  42  then direct release liner  160  out gap  45  that is created between serrated lip edge  186  of lower lid portion and stamp holding portion  20 . While operating similarly to the earlier described embodiments, the present embodiment requires a second living hinge and, thus, an additional movable component, i.e., lower lid portion  180 , adding complexity to dispenser  10 . 
     FIGS. 18 through 22 depict still another embodiment of self-adhesive item dispenser  10  of the present invention. In this embodiment, base portion  12  and lid portion  14  are not joined by a living hinge but rather are maintained as distinct components. In place of living hinge  18 , a mechanical hinge  200  is provided. Mechanical hinge  200 , with reference to base portion  12 , is comprised of a rounded hook portion  202  extending off of lower wall  28 . Each end of hook portion  202  is provided locking notch  204 . Mechanical hinge  200 , with reference to lid portion  14 , is additionally comprised of end posts  206 , which extend off the rear of central cap portion  96 , and a spindle  208  that extends between end posts  206 . To assemble base portion  12  to lid portion  14 , spindle  208  is inserted into and pulled against hook portion  202  whereby the locking notches  204  at each end of hook portion  208  operate to maintain spindle  208  in a hinged position. 
     Per FIGS. 18-22, additional modifications to dispenser  10  are disclosed. First, the angle of tines  42  has been modified to allow for earlier exit of release liner  160  from base portion  12 . Second, side walls  108  have been rounded and extended to overlay locking tabs  112  allowing for a softer edge against a hand that is holding dispenser  10 . Third, ridge  136  has been blended to a ramp formation  210 , as shown, to allow for a serpentine action between ramp formation  210  and upper wall  36  of base portion  12 . The serpentine action aids the separation of a stamp  158  from release liner  160 . Fourth, the underside of dispensing lip portion  126  is provided with a plurality of breaker blocks  212  that are provided at the sides of slots  132 . Breaker blocks  212  help to break the stamps  158  at their perforation line allowing for easier application of the stamps. 
     Roller  16  has also been modified per FIGS. 23-25 to eliminate the requirement of over-molding. As shown, roller  16  is defined by end wheels  140  and a central shaft portion  142 . Each of end wheels  140  is provided with a central gap  214  for reception of an elastomer ring  216 . Central shaft portion  142  is provided with four central rollers  146  each of which is separated from the other by a spacer  148  having a cross-hatch configuration having a lesser diameter than central rollers  146 . Each of central rollers  146  incorporates a gap or notch  150  for reception of an elastomer ring  218 . Notably, end wheels  140  are of a small diameter than central rollers  146  enabling placement of elastomer rings  218  on central rollers  146 . The present embodiment of roller  16  may be used with any of the earlier described embodiments of base portion  12  and/or lid portion  14 . 
     FIGS. 26-29 show the configuration of elastomer rings  216  and  218 . Specifically, elastomer rings  216  and  218  having a T-shaped cross-section wherein the T-portion is insertable within gap  214  and gap  150 , respectively. Elastomer rings  216  and  218  provide roller  16  with a tacky surface for hand propulsion of roller  16  and for the propulsion of release liner  160  within dispenser  10 . 
     The embodiment of FIGS. 18-29 operates similarly to the earlier described embodiments with the added advantages described immediately above. As such, while each of the described embodiments of dispenser  10  provides unique features, the embodiment of FIGS. 18-29 is the preferred embodiment. It should be noted that the embodiment of FIGS. 18-29 is preferably manufactured with ABS plastic through the use of four molds, i.e., base portion  12 , lid portion  14 , roller  16  and elastomer rings  216 ,  218 . Other plastics and mold configurations may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
     Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, dispenser  10  is shown held within a human hand  220 . FIG. 30 provides a first manner of holding dispenser  10  wherein base portion  12  is supported on the underside by the fingers and the thumb rests atop lid portion  14  and is used to propel roller  16 . FIG. 31 provides a second manner of holding dispenser  10  wherein base portion  12  is gripped on both sides by the thumb and fingers, the index finger remaining atop lid portion  14  for propelling roller  16 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the essential attributes thereof; therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.