Abstract:
A manual dispenser of material of indeterminate length, which is engaged on a rotating roller assembly, such that when the end of the material is pulled, the roller rotates with the material until reaching a stop, whereafter by slipping, additional material is advanced a length suitable to the user. The material is then forced to sever against a cutter, creating a useful material segment, and also releasing the roller assembly to rotate backwards, powered by a biasing spring. Upon return, the roller holds the remnant end of the material extended, readily accessible for grasping. An alternate embodiment comprises a movable cutter.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application is also related to application serial 09/207,533 filed on even date herewith, entitled “Dispenser Feeder Providing Extended Material End,” by inventor Lars D. Jensen. Which application is not admitted to be prior art by its mention as this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Materials of indeterminate length fall into two general categories: a) web-like shapes, such as paper, aluminum foil, and tape; and b) filament-like shapes, such as string, wire, and tubing. Web dispensers must be designed to overcome common problems such as handling and cutting across wide material. Filament dispensers may have common problems such as controlling twisting and backlash. However, every dispenser (regardless of type of material) must provide some kind of feeding action. The feeding action is that way of advancing new material and controlling the cut end (which remains after the previously dispensed segment has been removed.) The cut end must be “retained” so as not to become loose or hard to find. It is also preferable that the cut end be at a “convenient position,” having moved away from the cutter (or whose cutter has been moved away.) Finally, an ideal feeder would provide an extended end of material, ready to simply grasp and pull. 
     Using a common dispenser of prior art, where a material is cut manually by forcing it against a sharp edge, the user leaves with the segment. The user has no further involvement with the dispenser, so the cut end typically stays near the cutter. 
     Some inventions of prior art have included additional mechanisms to advance the material. Sometimes, this is done by pushing a button or pulling a lever. This is not desirable, since it requires an extra step, making an extra effort. Other prior art dispensers advance the material automatically, using a motor or air cylinder. Some dispensers also cut automatically. While convenient, these automatic dispensers are complicated and not as affordable as manual dispensers. 
     In a few prior art dispenser designs, the user first pulls the desired length of material, and then uses the lateral cutting movement to activate some mechanism. However, none of these has been entirely satisfactory, the proof of which is that they have not become popularly used. Accordingly, there is a need for an inexpensive manually powered dispenser with that provides an extended material end for easy grasping. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a device which dispenses material of indeterminate length which presents to the user an extended material end (which is the remnant from a previously dispensed segment.) This objective is achieved by the present invention in two ways. First, by having a rotating roller which reverses rotation after the cut is made, leaving the end exposed in a cantilever manner. Secondly, by having a rotating roller and a movable cutter, both of which move after the cut, to positions which make the extended material end readily accessible. 
     A second object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser which is manually-powered. This objective is achieved by storing energy from the act of advancing the material while rotating the roller, and by using the act of cutting to release that energy to reverse the rotation of the roller. 
     A third objective of the present invention is to provide a dispenser which is affordable for typical home and office use. This objective is achieved by a simple design, having few moving parts, most of which can be fabricated inexpensively using the plastic injection molding process. 
     The following illustrations and descriptions will disclose an entirely new dispensing action. Dispensers of prior art have actions where the user first pulls the material longitudinally to a desired length. Secondly, the user moves the material laterally (on the way to the cutter) against some “push away” or “triggering” device. By contrast, the present invention acts first to rotate and store energy in a roller during the longitudinal movement. Then, the material is allowed to slip, to advance a length of material as desired. After cutting, the roller reverses to provide an easily accessible extended material end. These and other features, aspects, and advantages will become better understood with regard to the following drawings, description, and appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grooved roller. 
     FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention in the initial position, ready to dispense a new segment of material. 
     FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention at the moment when a new segment of material is cut. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a self-engaging roller. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along cutting line  5 — 5  in FIG. 4 
     FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention in the initial position, ready to dispense a new segment of material. 
     FIG. 6A is a side elevational view of an alternate roller with a ledge. 
     FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention at the moment when a new segment of material is cut. 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an outer roller and an inner roller. 
     FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention in the initial position, ready to dispense a new segment of tape. 
     FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention at the moment when a new segment of tape is cut. 
     FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a cambered outer roller and an inner roller. 
     FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention in the initial position, ready to dispense a new segment of tape. 
     FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention at the moment when a new segment of tape is cut. 
     FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention in the initial position, ready to dispense a new segment of tape. 
     FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention at the moment when a new segment of tape is cut. 
     FIG. 16 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention after returning to the initial position. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 100 
                 grooved roller 
               
               
                   
                 101 
                 groove 
               
               
                   
                 102 
                 shaft 
               
               
                   
                 103 
                 arm 
               
               
                   
                 104 
                 spring mount 
               
               
                   
                 105 
                 spring anchor 
               
               
                   
                 106 
                 spring 
               
               
                   
                 107 
                 cut out edge 
               
               
                   
                 108 
                 wheel 
               
               
                   
                 109 
                 shaft 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 arm 
               
               
                   
                 111 
                 spring mount 
               
               
                   
                 112 
                 pin 
               
               
                   
                 113 
                 spring 
               
               
                   
                 114 
                 spring anchor 
               
               
                   
                 115 
                 stop 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 151 
                 supply of material 
               
               
                   
                 152 
                 drawn piece of material 
               
               
                   
                 153 
                 slack shape 
               
               
                   
                 154 
                 straight shape 
               
               
                   
                 155 
                 extended material end 
               
               
                   
                 155 
                 new extended material end 
               
               
                   
                 156 
                 segment of material 
               
               
                   
                 157 
                 cutter 
               
               
                   
                 158 
                 screw 
               
               
                   
                 159 
                 side guard 
               
               
                   
                 160 
                 initial pull direction 
               
               
                   
                 161 
                 continued pull direction 
               
               
                   
                 162 
                 cutting direction 
               
               
                   
                 163 
                 cut edge 
               
               
                   
                 164 
                 sharp edge 
               
               
                   
                 170 
                 self-engaging roller 
               
               
                   
                 171 
                 deep groove 
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 grooved roller 
               
               
                   
                 200a 
                 alternate grooved roller 
               
               
                   
                 201 
                 ledge 
               
               
                   
                 202 
                 shaft 
               
               
                   
                 203 
                 arm 
               
               
                   
                 205 
                 link 
               
               
                   
                 206 
                 weight 
               
               
                   
                 207 
                 link pin 
               
               
                   
                 208 
                 wheel 
               
               
                   
                 209 
                 shaft 
               
               
                   
                 210 
                 arm 
               
               
                   
                 211 
                 spring mount 
               
               
                   
                 212 
                 pin 
               
               
                   
                 213 
                 spring 
               
               
                   
                 214 
                 spring anchor 
               
               
                   
                 215 
                 stop 
               
               
                   
                 220 
                 cutter 
               
               
                   
                 221 
                 shaft 
               
               
                   
                 222 
                 cutter arm 
               
               
                   
                 223 
                 foot 
               
               
                   
                 224 
                 floor stop 
               
               
                   
                 250 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 251 
                 supply of material 
               
               
                   
                 252 
                 extended piece of material 
               
               
                   
                 253 
                 slack shape 
               
               
                   
                 254 
                 straight shape 
               
               
                   
                 255 
                 extended material end 
               
               
                   
                 255a 
                 extended material end 
               
               
                   
                 255′ 
                 new extended material end 
               
               
                   
                 256 
                 segment of material 
               
               
                   
                 257 
                 cutter blade 
               
               
                   
                 258 
                 screw 
               
               
                   
                 259 
                 side guard 
               
               
                   
                 260 
                 initial pull direction 
               
               
                   
                 261 
                 continued pull direction 
               
               
                   
                 262 
                 cutting direction 
               
               
                   
                 263 
                 cut edge 
               
               
                   
                 264 
                 sharp edge 
               
               
                   
                 300 
                 roller assembly 
               
               
                   
                 301 
                 outer roller 
               
               
                   
                 302 
                 inner roller 
               
               
                   
                 303 
                 arm 
               
               
                   
                 304 
                 spring mount 
               
               
                   
                 305 
                 spring anchor 
               
               
                   
                 306 
                 spring 
               
               
                   
                 307 
                 cut out edge 
               
               
                   
                 308 
                 left stop 
               
               
                   
                 309 
                 right stop 
               
               
                   
                 310 
                 shaft 
               
               
                   
                 311 
                 keeper 
               
               
                   
                 350 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 351 
                 roll of tape 
               
               
                   
                 352 
                 drawn piece of tape 
               
               
                   
                 353 
                 slack shape 
               
               
                   
                 354 
                 straight shape 
               
               
                   
                 355 
                 extended tape end 
               
               
                   
                 355′ 
                 new extended tape end 
               
               
                   
                 356 
                 segment of tape 
               
               
                   
                 357 
                 cutter 
               
               
                   
                 358 
                 screw 
               
               
                   
                 359 
                 side guard 
               
               
                   
                 360 
                 initial pull direction 
               
               
                   
                 361 
                 continued pull direction 
               
               
                   
                 362 
                 cutting direction 
               
               
                   
                 363 
                 cut edge 
               
               
                   
                 364 
                 sharp edge 
               
               
                   
                 400 
                 roller assembly 
               
               
                   
                 401 
                 outer roller 
               
               
                   
                 402 
                 inner roller 
               
               
                   
                 403 
                 arm 
               
               
                   
                 404 
                 pin hole 
               
               
                   
                 405 
                 link 
               
               
                   
                 406 
                 weight 
               
               
                   
                 407 
                 link pin 
               
               
                   
                 408 
                 cambered surface 
               
               
                   
                 410 
                 shaft 
               
               
                   
                 420 
                 cutter 
               
               
                   
                 421 
                 shaft 
               
               
                   
                 422 
                 cutter arm 
               
               
                   
                 423 
                 foot 
               
               
                   
                 424 
                 floor stop 
               
               
                   
                 425 
                 wall stop 
               
               
                   
                 450 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 451 
                 roll of tape 
               
               
                   
                 452 
                 drawn piece of tape 
               
               
                   
                 453 
                 slack shape 
               
               
                   
                 454 
                 straight shape 
               
               
                   
                 455 
                 extended tape end 
               
               
                   
                 455′ 
                 new extended tape end 
               
               
                   
                 456 
                 segment of tape 
               
               
                   
                 457 
                 cutter blade 
               
               
                   
                 458 
                 screw 
               
               
                   
                 459 
                 side guard 
               
               
                   
                 460 
                 initial pull direction 
               
               
                   
                 461 
                 continued pull direction 
               
               
                   
                 462 
                 cutting direction 
               
               
                   
                 463 
                 cut edge 
               
               
                   
                 464 
                 sharp edge 
               
               
                   
                 500 
                 roller assembly 
               
               
                   
                 501 
                 outer roller 
               
               
                   
                 502 
                 inner roller 
               
               
                   
                 503 
                 axle 
               
               
                   
                 504 
                 spring lug 
               
               
                   
                 505 
                 spring anchor 
               
               
                   
                 506 
                 spring 
               
               
                   
                 507 
                 cut out edge 
               
               
                   
                 508 
                 stop 
               
               
                   
                 550 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 551 
                 roll of tape 
               
               
                   
                 552 
                 drawn piece of tape 
               
               
                   
                 553 
                 slack shape 
               
               
                   
                 554 
                 straight shape 
               
               
                   
                 555 
                 extended tape end 
               
               
                   
                 555′ 
                 new extended tape end 
               
               
                   
                 556 
                 segment of tape 
               
               
                   
                 557 
                 cutter 
               
               
                   
                 558 
                 screw 
               
               
                   
                 559 
                 side guard 
               
               
                   
                 560 
                 initial pull direction 
               
               
                   
                 561 
                 continued pull direction 
               
               
                   
                 562 
                 cutting direction 
               
               
                   
                 563 
                 cut edge 
               
               
                   
                 564 
                 sharp edge 
               
               
                   
                 565 
                 reversing rotation direction 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An essential component of the present invention is a roller (such the one shown as reference numeral  100  in FIG. 1) which provides a path for material of indeterminate length. The material is “engaged” on the roller, although sometimes it “slips” on the roller. Therefore, it is instructive to first define these terms in detail. 
     In regard to the present invention, material can be “engaged” on the surface of a roller in two ways. Firstly, the material can be impressed against the roller by another component (like the spring-loaded wheel  108  of FIG. 2) The result is that the surface of the material is frictionally cohered with the surface of the roller. Secondly, a tape which has adhesive on at least one side can be “engaged” on a roller by simply adhering to the roller. It is possible to be continuously adhered to the roller, even while the material is moving tangentially and while the roller is rotating. 
     Once engaged, if one were to pull on the material, it would cause the roller to turn if it were free to do so. Or, if a roller (such as grooved roller  100  of FIG. 2) reverses (turns counterclockwise in this view) it moves the material (to the left in this view.) Therefore, if a material is engaged to the roller, then the material can move the roller, or the roller can move the material. If the material were not engaged, the loose end could become lost (or in the case of adhesive tape might re-stick to the roll.) After the cut, the material is engaged so as to provide an extended material end supported in a cantilever manner. 
     As will be explained in the first embodiment of the present invention, it is sometimes necessary for a material to slip on the roller. This simply means that the frictional cohesion is overcome by a pulling force so great that the material slides along the roller even while still in contact. In the special case of adhesive tape, which cannot slip, a second roller is provided which slips relative to a first roller. 
     The first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1,  2  and  3 . A dispenser base  150  is shown in cross-section and may be considered to have a full construction symmetrical about the cutting plane. Conventional elements include a supply of material  151 , a drawn piece of material  152 , a cutter  157  with a sharp edge  164 , which is fixed relative to the base by a screw  158 . There is a side guard  159  adjacent to the cutter on each end to protect the user from being accidentally cut. 
     There is a grooved roller  100  whose features are shown in FIG. 1 as a groove  101 , and an arm  103  having a spring mount  104  at the end. FIG. 2 shows the roller rotatably supported on a shaft  102  which is fitted into a corresponding opening on each internal side of the base  150 . The axis of the shaft is fixed relative to the base. A spring anchor  105  is a feature in the base. There is a spring  106  which is attached at one end to the spring mount and to the spring anchor at the other. 
     A means of engaging the material comprises a wheel  108  which is supported and rotates freely on a shaft  109 , which is mounted on an arm  110  which has a spring mount  111  and which pivots about a pin  112  which is fitted into a corresponding opening on each internal side of the base  150 . The wheel is forced downward against the drawn piece of material  152  by a spring  113  which is attached at one end to the spring mount, and at the other end to a spring anchor  114 . In this way, the wheel is forced against the material to impress the material against the roller. 
     The spring  113  is sized to provide a force which normally keeps the drawn piece of material  152  engaged on the surface of the grooved roller  100 . However, if the grooved roller is stopped from rotating, and if the material is pulled with a certain force or greater, then the material slips advancing an additional length of material. This certain force is presently defined as the “drag force.” Therefore, if the pulling force is less than the drag force, then the material will not move relative to a surface of the roller, and if the pulling force is equal to or greater than the drag force, then the material moves relative to the surface of the roller. 
     There is a bias torque exerted on the grooved roller  100 , created by the spring  106  acting upon the arm  103 . The bias torque urges the roller to rotate in a reversing rotation direction (which is opposite the feeding rotation direction.) This bias torque causes a bias force to be felt at a surface of the grooved roller by way of resistance to the extended material end being pulled. The value of the bias force changes as a function of the grooved roller angle. However, the spring is sized to provide a bias force which is less than the drag force at every roller angle. The spring is one of many ways of providing a stored energy means, whose energy increases when the roller rotates away from the initial angle in the feeding rotation direction. 
     The initial (at rest) position of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2 where the drawn piece of material  152  is engaged on the grooved roller  100 , which is at the initial angle (most counterclockwise in this view) stopped by the complete contraction of the spring  106 . There is a cutout edge  107  in each side of the base  150  which allows easy finger access to an extended material end  155  which is disposed on the roller in a cantilever manner. To begin the dispensing cycle, the user grasps the extended material end and moves in an initial pull direction shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  160 . Notice that there is a slack shape  153  in the material between the supply of material  151  and the grooved roller. This is a consequence of the final act of the dispensing cycle, which will be described later. 
     As the extended material end  155  is pulled toward the user (to the right in FIG. 2) the grooved roller  100  rotates in a feeding rotation direction (clockwise in this view) and also the coacting wheel  108  turns (counterclockwise in this view.) Even though the bias force increases as the spring  106  is lengthened, it remains less than the drag force. However, when the arm  103  strikes a stop  115 , the pulling force increases to a value which equals or exceeds the drag force. At this point, the tension in the material causes it to slip, advancing an additional length of material. This stop is one of many versions of providing a stopping means for preventing rotation of the roller beyond the cutting angle in the feeding rotation direction. 
     The user moves in a continued pull direction shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  161  in FIG.  3 . The drawn piece of material  152  is pulled into a straight shape  154  and then additional material is advanced from the supply of material  151  and slips over the grooved roller  100  until a length of material as desired by the user is extended. Finally, the user manually forces the material in a cutting direction as shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  162 , until the material is severed against the sharp edge  164  (FIG. 2) of the cutter  157 . 
     FIG. 3 shows the position where all of the components are located at that moment in time when a segment of material  156  is severed. This segment was previously the extended material end  155  (FIG. 2) plus additional length advanced by the user. After the cut, there is a new extended material end  155 ′ (FIG. 3.) 
     Just before the position shown in FIG. 3 the continued pulling and tension in the material kept the grooved roller  100  stopped (clockwise in this view) at the cutting angle. But, after the cut is made, the tension is removed so that the grooved roller is free to rotate in the reversing rotation direction, to return to the initial angle, powered by the bias torque provided by the spring  106 . Finally, the present invention again looks as shown in FIG.  2 . Notice that a surplus of the drawn piece of material  152  forms a slack shape  153  again, and that a cut edge  163  has moved away from the sharp edge  164 . 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 show an alternate means of engaging the material, which is a self-engaging roller  170  with a deep groove  171 . The deep groove should have a width slightly less than the diameter of the pliable material which passes through it. This causes a drag force when the material is pulled with a force great enough to cause the material to slip. The advantage of this construction, is that it eliminates the need for a spring-loaded wheel. This means of engaging the material could also be incorporated into the other embodiments of the present invention which follow. 
     A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. A dispenser base  250  is shown in cross-section and may be considered to have a full construction symmetrical about the cutting plane. Conventional elements include a supply of material  251 , a drawn piece of material  252 , a cutter blade  257  with a sharp edge  264 , which is held in place by a screw  258 . There is a side guard  259  adjacent to the cutter blade on each end to protect the user from being accidentally cut. 
     There is a grooved roller  200  which has a groove similar to that shown by reference numeral  101  in FIG.  1 . The grooved roller is rotatably supported on a shaft  202 , which is fitted into a corresponding opening on each internal side of the base  250 . The axis of the shaft is fixed relative to the base. There is a sector of the roller between the shaft  202  and a hole to receive a link pin  207 , which acts as an arm  203 . 
     A means of engaging the material comprises a wheel  208  which is supported and rotates freely on a shaft  209 , which is mounted on an arm  210  which has a spring mount  211  and which pivots about a pin  212  which is fitted into a corresponding opening on each internal side of the base  250 . The wheel is forced downward against the drawn piece of material  252  by a spring  213  which is attached at one end to the spring mount, and at the other end to a spring anchor  214 . In this way, the wheel is forced against the material to impress the material against the roller. 
     The spring  213  is sized to provide a force which normally keeps the drawn piece of material  252  engaged on the surface of the grooved roller  200 . However, if the grooved roller is stopped from rotating, and if the material is pulled with a certain force or greater, then the material slips advancing of an additional length of material. This certain force is presently defined as the “drag force.” Therefore, if the pulling force is less than the drag force, then the material will not move relative to a surface of the roller, and if the pulling force is equal to or greater than the drag force, then the material moves relative to the surface of the roller. 
     FIG. 6A shows an alternate grooved roller  200   a  which has a ledge  201  whose function it is to help support an extended material end  255   a  out in a more horizontal straight shape. The ledge is one of many non-cylindrical shapes that acts as an “end support means.” This means could also be comprised in the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     There is a cutter  220  which is movably supported about a shaft  221 . A cutter arm  222  supports the cutter blade  257 , with the sharp edge  264 , the screw  258 , and the side guard  259 . The cutter is movable relative to the base and is also movable relative to the axis of the grooved roller  200 . While this embodiment shows a cutter which rotates, an alternate embodiment (not shown for brevity) could utilize a cutter which instead translates. 
     There is a link  205  which is connected by a link pin  207  at each end, to the arm  203  of the grooved roller  200 , and to the cutter  220 . The link acts as a means of powering the cutter, where the link is pivotably connected at a first end to the arm, and which is pivotably connected at a second end to the cutter. If the roller rotates, then the link moves the cutter, and if the roller stops then the link stops the cutter. The link is designed so that when the roller is at the initial angle, then the cutter is at a start position; and if the roller is at a cutting angle, then the cutter is at a severing position. A feature of the link is a weight  206 . 
     There is a bias torque exerted on the grooved roller  200 , created by the unbalanced weight of all of the moving parts (including the weight  206 ) acting upon the arm  203 . The bias torque urges the grooved roller to rotate in a reversing rotation direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 6.) This bias torque causes a bias force to be felt at a surface of the grooved roller by way of resistance to the extended material end being pulled. The value of the bias force changes as a function of the grooved roller angle. However, the weight is sized to provide a bias force which is less than the drag force at every roller angle. The weight is one of many ways of providing a stored energy means, whose energy increases when the roller rotates away from the initial angle in the feeding rotation direction. 
     The initial (at rest) position of the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6 where the drawn piece of material  252  is engaged to the grooved roller  200 , which is at an initial angle (most counterclockwise in this view), stopped by a foot  223  impinging on a floor stop  224 . An extended material end  255  is disposed on the roller in a cantilever manner. To begin the dispensing cycle, the user grasps the extended material end and moves in an initial pull direction shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  260 . Notice that there is a slack shape  253  in the material between the supply of material  251  and the grooved roller. This is a consequence of the final act of the dispensing cycle, which will be described later. 
     As the extended material end  255  is pulled toward the user (to the right in FIG. 6) the grooved roller  200  rotates in a feeding rotation direction (clockwise in this view.) Even though the bias force increases as the weight  206  is lifted, it remains less than the drag force. However, when the weight strikes a stop  215 , the pulling force increases to a value which equals or exceeds the drag force. At this point, the tension in the material causes it to slip, advancing an additional length of material. This stop is one of many versions of providing a stopping means for preventing rotation of the roller beyond a cutting angle in the feeding rotation direction. 
     The user moves in a continued pull direction shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  261  in FIG.  7 . The drawn piece of material  252  is pulled into a straight shape  254  and then additional material is advanced from the supply of material  251  and slips over the grooved roller  200  until a length of material as desired by the user is extended. Finally, the user manually forces the material in a cutting direction as shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  262 , until the material is severed against the sharp edge  264  (FIG. 6) of the cutter blade  257 . 
     FIG. 7 shows the position where all of the components are located at that moment in time when a segment of material  256  is severed. The cutter  220  is shown at the severing position. This segment was previously the extended material end  255  (FIG. 6) plus additional length advanced by the user. After the cut, there is a new extended material end  255 ′ (FIG. 7.) 
     Just before the position shown in FIG. 7 the continued pulling and tension in the material kept the grooved roller  200  stopped (clockwise in this view) at the cutting angle. But, after the cut is made, the tension is removed so that the grooved roller is free to rotate in the reversing rotation direction, to return to the initial angle, powered by the bias torque provided by the weight  206 . Simultaneously, the cutter  220 , returns to the start position, powered by the link  205 . Finally, the present invention again looks as shown in FIG.  6 . Notice that a surplus of the drawn piece of material  252  forms a slack shape  253  again, and that a cut edge  263  has moved away from the sharp edge  264 . 
     The first and second embodiments of the present invention are directed at a dispenser of a filament-like material of indeterminate length, by having a groove feature. However, by making slight changes, such as providing a very wide non-grooved roller, and using a very wide wheel, one can easily envision alternate embodiments of the present invention which dispense web-like material of indeterminate length. These embodiments, while not shown for the sake of brevity, are envisioned to be within the scope of what will be later claimed of the present invention. 
     The third, fourth, and fifth embodiments of the present invention are directed more specifically toward a manually powered tape dispenser for dispensing segments of tape of the type which has adhesive on at least one side. 
     The third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 8,  9 , and  10 . A tape dispenser base  350  is shown in cross-section and may be considered to have a full construction symmetrical about the cutting plane. Conventional elements include a roll of tape  351 , a drawn piece of tape  352 , a cutter  357  with a sharp edge  364 , which is fixed relative to the base by a screw  358 . There is a side guard  359  adjacent to the cutter on each end to protect the user from being accidentally cut. 
     There is a roller assembly  300  whose features are shown in FIG. 8 as an outer roller  301 , and an inner roller  302 , which has an arm  303 , whose end has a spring mount  304 . FIG. 9 shows the roller assembly rotatably supported on a shaft  310  which is fitted into a corresponding opening on each internal side of the base  350 . The axis of the shaft is fixed relative to the base. The inner roller has a rotation limited between an initial angle and a cutting angle, and has a feeding rotation direction when it rotates away from the initial angle, and a reversing rotation direction which is opposite the feeding rotation direction. A spring anchor  305  is a feature in the base. There is a spring  306  which is attached at one end to the spring mount and to the spring anchor at the other. 
     For purposes of illustration, there is a slight frictional fit of the outer roller  301  on the inner roller  302 , so that they would ordinarily turn together. However, if the inner roller is stopped from turning, then there is a certain torque at which the outer roller slips and rotates around the inner roller. The torque at which outer roller slips is presently defined as the “drag torque.” The interference fit is only one of many ways to provide a means of slipping frictional contact. Another construction could include a spring-loaded friction disk. The drag torque causes a drag force to be felt at a surface of the outer roller by way of resistance to the extended tape end being pulled. Therefore, if the inner roller is stopped, and if a pulling force which is less than the drag force is exerted on an extended tape end, then the outer roller will not rotate. And if the inner roller is stopped, and if a pulling force which is equal to or greater than the drag force is exerted on an extended tape end, then the outer roller rotates. 
     There is a bias torque exerted on the inner roller  302 , created by the spring  306  acting upon the arm  303 . The bias torque urges the inner roller to rotate in a reversing rotation direction (which is opposite the feeding rotation direction.) This bias torque causes a bias force to be felt at a surface of the outer roller by way of resistance to the extended tape end being pulled. The value of the bias force changes as a function of the inner roller angle. However, the spring is sized to provide a bias force which is less than the drag force at every inner roller angle. The spring is one of many ways of providing a stored energy means, whose energy increases when the inner roller rotates away from the initial angle in the feeding rotation direction. 
     The initial (at rest) position of the third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9 where the drawn piece of tape  352  passes under the keeper  311  and is engaged or adhered to the outer roller  301 . The keeper is a cantilever non-rotating shaft whose purpose is to keep the tape from lifting off the roller in the event the user lifts too much while extending the tape. If the tape has adhesive on both sides, then the keeper could be designed as a rotating roller. However, the present invention will work without a keeper at all, so long as one side of the tape is adhered to the outer roller. The inner roller  302  is shown at the initial angle (most counterclockwise in this view), stopped by the arm  303  impinging on a right stop  309 . There is a cutout edge  307  in each side of the base  350  which allows easy finger access to an extended tape end  355 , which is disposed on the outer roller in a cantilever manner. To begin the dispensing cycle, the user grasps the extended tape end and moves in an initial pull direction shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  360 . Notice that there is a slack shape  353  in the tape between the roll of tape  351  and the roller assembly  300 . This is a consequence of the final act of the dispensing cycle, which will be described later. 
     As the extended tape end  355  is pulled toward the user (to the right in FIG. 9) the roller assembly  300  rotates in a feeding rotation direction (clockwise in this view.) Even though the bias force increases as the spring  306  is lengthened, it remains less than the drag force. However, when the arm  303  strikes the left stop  308 , the pulling force increases to a value which equals or exceeds the drag force. At this point, the outer roller slips, allowing an additional length of tape to be advanced. This stop is one of many versions of providing a stopping means for preventing rotation of the inner roller beyond a cutting angle in the feeding rotation direction. 
     The user moves in a continued pull direction shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  361  in FIG.  10 . The drawn piece of tape  352  is pulled into a straight shape  354  and then additional tape is advanced from the roll of tape  351  (even while continuously adhered to the outer roller  301 ) until a length of material as desired by the user is extended. Finally, the user manually forces the material in a cutting direction as shown by the arrow noted by reference numeral  362 , until the material is severed against the sharp edge  364  (FIG. 9) of the cutter  357 . 
     FIG. 10 shows the position where all of the components are located at that moment in time when a segment of material  356  is severed. This segment was previously the extended tape end  355  (FIG. 9) plus additional length advanced by the user. After the cut, there is a new extended tape end  355 ′ (FIG. 10.) 
     Just before the position shown in FIG. 10 the continued pulling and tension in the tape kept the inner roller  302  stopped (clockwise in this view) at the cutting angle. But, after the cut is made, the tension is removed so that the inner roller is free to rotate in the reversing rotation direction and to return to the initial angle along with the outer roller on which the new extended tape end  355 ′ is adhered, powered by the bias torque provided by the spring  306 . Finally, the present invention again looks as shown in FIG.  9 . Notice that a surplus of the drawn piece of tape  352  forms a slack shape  353  again, and that a cut edge  363  has moved away from the sharp edge  364 . 
     The fourth and preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 11,  12 , and  13 . A tape dispenser base  450  is shown in cross-section and may be considered to have a full construction symmetrical about the cutting plane. Conventional elements include a roll of tape  451 , and a drawn piece of tape  452 . 
     There is a roller assembly  400  whose features are shown in FIG. 11 as an outer roller  401 , and an inner roller  402 , which has an arm  403 , whose end has a pin hole  404 . FIG. 12 shows the inner roller rotatably supported on a shaft  410  which is fixed into a corresponding opening on each internal side of the base  450 . The axis of the shaft is fixed relative to the base. The inner roller has a rotation limited between an initial angle and a cutting angle, and has a feeding rotation direction when it rotates away from the initial angle, and a reversing rotation direction which is opposite the feeding rotation direction. The outer roller has a cambered surface  408  (FIG. 11) which causes an extended tape end  455  to be supported in a straight shape and in a cantilever manner. This cambered shape could also be utilized on other embodiments of the present invention. 
     For purposes of illustration, there is a slight interference fit of the outer roller  401  on the inner roller  402 , so that they would ordinarily turn together. However, if the inner roller is stopped from turning, then there is a certain torque at which the outer roller slips and rotates around the inner roller. The torque at which outer roller slips is presently defined as the “drag torque.” The interference fit is only one of many ways to provide a means of slipping frictional contact. Another construction could include a spring-loaded friction disk. The drag torque causes a drag force to be felt at a surface of the outer roller by way of resistance to the extended tape end being pulled. Therefore, if the inner roller is stopped, and if a pulling force which is less than the drag force is exerted on an extended tape end, then the outer roller will not rotate. And if the inner roller is stopped, and if a pulling force which is equal to or greater than the drag force is exerted on an extended tape end, then the outer roller rotates. 
     There is a cutter  420  which is movably supported about a shaft  421 . A cutter arm  422  supports a cutter blade  457  with a sharp edge  464 , which is held in place by a screw  458 . There is a side guard  459  adjacent to the cutter blade on each end to protect the user from being accidentally cut. The cutter is movable relative to the base and is also movable relative to the axis of the roller assembly  400 . While this embodiment shows a cutter which rotates, an alternate embodiment (not shown for brevity) could utilize a cutter which instead translates. 
     There is a link  405  which is connected by a link pin  407  at each end, to the pin hole  404  and to the cutter  420 . The link acts as a means of powering the cutter, where the link is pivotably connected at a first end to the arm  403 , and which is pivotably connected at a second end to the cutter. If the inner roller  402  rotates, then the link moves the cutter, and if the inner roller stops then the link stops the cutter. The link is designed so that when the inner roller is at the initial angle, then the cutter is at a start position; and if the inner roller is at a cutting angle, then the cutter is at a severing position. A feature of the link is a weight  406 . 
     There is a bias torque exerted on the inner roller  402 , created by the unbalanced weight of all of the moving parts (including the weight  406 ) acting upon the arm  403 . The bias torque urges the inner roller to rotate in a reversing rotation direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 12.) This bias torque causes a bias force to be felt at a surface of the outer roller by way of resistance to the extended tape end being pulled. The value of the bias force changes as a function of the inner roller angle. However, the weight is sized to provide a bias force which is less than the drag force at every inner roller angle. The weight is one of many ways of providing a stored energy means, whose energy increases when the inner roller rotates away from the initial angle in the feeding rotation direction. 
     The initial (at rest) angle of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 12 where the drawn piece of tape  452  is adhered to the outer roller  401 . The inner roller  402  is at the initial angle (most counterclockwise in this view) stopped by a foot  423  impinging on a floor stop  424 . To begin the dispensing cycle, the user grasps the extended tape end  455  and moves in an initial pull direction shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  460 . Notice that there is a slack shape  453  in the tape between the roll of tape  451  and the roller assembly  400 . This is a consequence of the final act of the dispensing cycle, which will be described later. 
     As the extended tape end  455  is pulled toward the user, the roller assembly  400  rotates in the feeding rotation direction (clockwise in this view.) Even though the bias force increases as the weight  406  is lifted, it remains less than the drag force. However, the inner roller stops turning when a foot  423  strikes a wall stop  425  (FIG. 13.) This stop is one of many ways of providing a stopping means for preventing rotation of the inner roller beyond the cutting angle in the feeding rotation direction. When the inner roller is stopped, the pulling force increases to a value which equals or exceeds the drag force. At this point, the tension in the tape causes the outer roller to slip, advancing an additional length of tape. 
     The user moves in a continued pull direction shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  461  in FIG.  13 . The drawn piece of tape  452  is pulled into a straight shape  454  and then additional tape is advanced from the roll of tape  451  (even while continuously adhered to the outer roller  401 ) until a length of tape as desired by the user is extended. Finally, the user manually forces the tape in a cutting direction as shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  462 , until the tape is severed against the sharp edge  464  (FIG. 12) of the cutter blade  457 . 
     FIG. 13 shows the position where all of the components are located at that moment in time when a segment of tape  456  is cut. The cutter is shown in the severing position. This segment was previously the extended tape end  455  (FIG. 12) plus additional length advanced by the user. After the cut, there is a new extended tape end  455 ′ (FIG. 13.) 
     Just before the position shown in FIG. 13 the continued pulling and tension in the tape kept the inner roller  402  stopped (clockwise in this view) at the cutting angle. But, after the cut is made, the tension is removed so that the inner roller is free to rotate in the reversing rotation direction, and to return to the initial angle along with the outer roller on which the new extended tape end  455 ′ is adhered, powered by the bias torque provided by the weight  406 . Simultaneously, the cutter  420 , returns to the start position, powered by the link  405 . Finally, the present invention again looks as shown in FIG.  12 . Notice that a surplus of the drawn piece of tape  452  forms a slack shape  453  again, and that a cut edge  463  has moved away from the sharp edge  464 . 
     The fourth embodiment of the present invention is preferred because, after the cut, the linkage tilts the extended tape end  455  up, while retracting the cutter  420  into the base  450 , thus providing the best finger access to the extended tape end. 
     The third and fourth embodiments of the present invention show the outer roller ( 301 , 401 ) fitting around the inner roller ( 302 , 402 ). However, an alternate embodiment of the present invention (not shown for brevity) could be constructed where the two rollers are supported side-by-side on a common shaft, and where the ends of the rollers rub together to provide the means of frictional rotary connection. This being the case, a more general way of naming the rollers (those shown in the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention) is where the inner roller is also called a “first roller” and where the outer roller is also called a “second roller.” 
     The fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 14,  15 , and  16 . The fifth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment and functions identically, but the components of the roller assembly have been rearranged. A tape dispenser base  550  is shown in cross-section and may be considered to have a full construction symmetrical about the cutting plane. Conventional elements include a roll of tape  551 , a drawn piece of tape  552 , a cutter  557  with a sharp edge  564 , which is fixed relative to the base by a screw  558 . There is a side guard  559  adjacent to the cutter on each end to protect the user from being accidentally cut. 
     There is a roller assembly  500  which comprises an outer roller  501 , also called a secondary roller, which rotates freely about an inner roller  502 , also called a primary roller. The outer roller has a spring lug  504 , and the inner roller has a spring anchor  505 . There is a spring  506  which is attached at one end to the spring lug and to the spring anchor at the other. FIG. 14 shows the roller assembly mounted on fixed axle  503  which is mounted with a non-rotating fit into a corresponding opening on each internal side of the base  550 . 
     For purposes of illustration, there is a slight frictional fit of the inner roller  502  on the fixed axle  503 , which would ordinarily prevent the inner roller from turning. This slight frictional fit is one of many ways of providing a means of slipping frictional contact. (For example, a spring-loaded friction disk, and the like, could also be utilized.) However, there is a certain torque at which the inner roller slips and rotates around the fixed axle. This torque is presently defined as the “drag torque.” The drag torque causes a drag force to be felt at a surface of the outer roller by way of resistance to the extended tape end being pulled. Therefore, if the outer roller  501  is stopped from rotating relative to the inner roller, and if a pulling force which is less than the drag force is exerted upon the extended tape end, then the inner roller will not rotate relative to the axle, but if the pulling force is equal to or greater than the drag force, then the inner roller slips and rotates relative to the axle; 
     There is a bias torque on the outer roller  501 , created by the spring  506  acting upon the spring lug  504 . This bias torque causes a bias force to be felt at a surface of the outer roller by way of resistance to the extended tape end being pulled. The value of the bias force changes as a function of the relative angle between the inner and outer rollers. However, the spring is sized to provide a bias force which is less than the drag force at every outer roller angle. (The bias torque could also be provided by a torsion spring, resulting in an alternate embodiment of the present invention which has a smaller roller assembly.) The spring is one of many ways of providing a stored energy means, whose energy increases when the outer roller rotates away from the initial angle in the feeding rotation direction. 
     The initial (at rest) position of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 14 where the drawn piece of tape  552  is adhered to the outer roller  501 . The inner roller  502  is held steady by the slight frictional fit on the fixed axle  503 . The outer roller is at an initial angle (most counterclockwise in this view), stopped by the complete contraction of the spring  506  . There is a cutout edge  507  in each side of the base  550  which allows easy finger access to an extended tape end  555  which is disposed on the outer roller in a cantilever manner. To begin the dispensing cycle, the user grasps the extended tape end and moves in an initial pull direction shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  560 . Notice that there is a slack shape  553  in the tape between the roll of tape  551  and the roller assembly  500 . This is a consequence of the final act of the dispensing cycle, which will be described later. 
     Initially, as the extended tape end  555  is pulled toward the user (to the right in FIG.  14 ), only the outer roller  501  rotates (clockwise in this view.) Even though the bias force increases as the spring  506  is lengthened, it remains less than the drag force. However, when the spring lug  504  strikes the stop  508  as shown in FIG. 15, the pulling force increases to a value which equals or exceeds the drag force. At this point, the inner roller slips around the fixed axle  503 , allowing both rollers to turn in unison, advancing an additional length of tape. The stop is one of many versions of providing a stopping means for preventing rotation of the outer roller beyond a cutting angle in the feeding rotation direction. 
     The user moves in a continued pulling direction shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  561  in FIG.  15 . The drawn piece of tape  552  is pulled into a straight shape  554  and then additional tape is advanced from the roll of tape  551  (even while continuously adhered to the outer roller  501 ) until a length of tape as desired by the user is advanced. Finally, the user strokes the tape in a cutting direction as shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  562 , by which the additional length of tape is manually forced against the sharp edge  564  (FIG. 14) of the cutter  557  causing it to sever. 
     FIG. 15 shows the position where all of the components are located at that moment in time when a segment of tape  556  is severed. This segment was previously the extended tape end  555  (FIG. 14) plus additional length advanced by the user. After the cut, there is a new extended tape end  555 ′ (FIG. 15.) 
     Just before the position shown in FIG. 15 the continued pulling and tension in the tape kept the outer roller  501  stopped clockwise relative to the inner roller  502 . But, after the cut is made, the tension is removed so that the outer roller is free to rotate in the reversing rotation direction and to return to the initial angle (relative to the inner roller) along with the new extended tape end  555 ′, powered by the bias torque provided by spring  506 . Finally, the present invention looks as shown in FIG.  16 . Notice that the inner roller has not moved in FIG. 16 from its position shown in FIG. 15, due to its frictional fit on fixed axle  503 . A surplus of the drawn piece of tape  552  forms a slack shape  553  again, and a cut edge  563  has moved and rotated in the reversing rotation direction shown by an arrow noted by reference numeral  565 , away from the sharp edge  564 . 
     The outer roller ( 301 ,  401 , and  501 ) of the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments of the present invention are able to rotate back to the initial angle, after the cut is made, because the bias force also acts to unstick the cut edge ( 363 ,  463 , and  563 ) from the sharp edge ( 364 ,  464 , and  564 .) Therefore, the bias force must be large enough to unstick the cut edge, and also to reliably return the roller assembly to the initial angle. 
     Many inventions of prior art include a brake to stop the material while being cut. However, a unique feature of the present invention is that the material may still be extended during the cut. Yet, it is desirable to hold the material steady for achieving a clean cut. This is accomplished by making the drag force significant, while not so large as to discourage the user. 
     Each of the cutters and cutter blades shown by reference numerals  157 ,  257 ,  357 , 457 , and  557 , is shown attached by a screw ( 158 ,  258 ,  358 ,  458 , and  558 ). However, the cutter blade could also be fitted into a slot or it could be made an integral feature of the cutter (and not a separate part.) The cutter blade is shown having a sharp edge, which can be serrated, vee-notched, or uninterrupted, and can be straight or nonstraight. 
     Since it would be more convenient to use the present invention with one hand, it is desirable that the base be weighted sufficiently to prevent it from moving across the table. 
     Since the drag force is provided by friction, it is now instructive to discuss the nature of a slipping friction action. A static friction force may be greater than a dynamic friction force. With respect to the present invention, when making comparisons to the value of the bias force, and when pulling to advance the material, the value of the drag force is determined by the dynamic friction characteristics. However, when describing the action at the instant when the material or roller slips, the drag force is determined by the static friction characteristics. 
     Although the need for (and means of providing) bias torque and bias force has been discussed, the device which provides this torque is more properly defined as a “stored energy” device. This is because some of the energy of pulling the material is stored, and then released to create a “torque acting about an angle of rotation” to return the roller. Springs and weights are convenient stored energy means, but there are other well-known stored energy devices which could be used in the present invention. 
     Referring again to the second and fourth embodiments of the present invention, the cutter ( 220 , 420 ) may advance at a faster rate than the extended material end ( 255 , 455 ) itself. Therefore, it might interfere with the hand of the user during the early stages of dispensing. If this happens, the linkage will automatically balance the forces, allowing a short length of material to advance. In practice, this happens without the user taking much notice. 
     A dispenser roller on which a material of indeterminate length is engaged has been disclosed. Five embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. General considerations about how best to configure and operate the present invention have been disclosed. The special case of using the present invention to dispense adhesive tape has been described by way of example, rather than by limitation. It is clear that the present invention is equally applicable for the improved dispensing of ribbon, film, sheet foil, wrapping paper and the like, as well as string, wire, hose, and the like. Therefore, the invention presently disclosed which dispenses these and other materials of indeterminate length is deemed to be within the spirit and scope of the following claims.