A TAPE DISPENSER

Abstract: A tape dispenser (110) supports a roll (112) of adhesive tape to be dispensed manually in one or more lengths onto one or more surfaces as required. The tape dispenser (110) comprises a holder (114) for supporting a roll (112) of tape having a leading edge (112<u>a</u>); a pathway (118) from the holder (114) for the tape being dispensed from the roll (112); a blade (120) arranged above the pathway (118), the blade (120) having a downwardly extending cutting edge (122); and means for spacing the blade (120) from the holder (114), the spacing means (124) being shaped and dimensioned to permit manual access to the tape in the pathway (118) so that, in use, the tape can be gripped adjacent the leading edge (112<u>a</u>) and unrolled beyond the blade (120) and the length of tape cut by the blade (120).

Description: A TAPE DISPENSER The present invention relates to a tape dispenser for supporting a roll of adhesive tape to be dispensed manually in one or more lengths onto one or more surfaces as required. According to the present invention there is provided a tape dispenser for dispensing at least one length of tape, the tape dispenser comprising a holder for supporting a roll of tape having a leading edge; a pathway from the holder for the tape being dispensed from the roll; a blade arranged above the pathway, the blade having a downwardly extending cutting edge; and means for spacing the blade from the holder, the spacing means being shaped and dimensioned to permit manual access to the tape in the pathway so that, in use, the tape can be gripped adjacent the leading edge and unrolled beyond the blade and the length of tape cut by the blade. Preferably, the spacing means is an arm extending obliquely relative to the pathway. More preferably, the arm and the blade form a substantially "V-shape", the apex of the "V-shape" being laterally displaced relative to the pathway so that, in use, the pathway is manually accessible between the arm and the blade. Even more preferably, the plane defined by the arm and the blade is disposed substantially obliquely to the plane defined by the pathway. Advantageously, the spacing means is shaped and dimensioned to permit manual access from above to the tape in the pathway. More advantageously, the tape dispenser is provided with means for holding the leading edge of the tape adjacent the pathway when the length of tape has been cut from the roll. Even more advantageously, the holding means is a finger arranged spaced from, and below, the pathway so that, in use, passage of the length of tape along the pathway is not impeded when the tape is being unrolled and, when the length of tape has been cut by the blade and a new leading edge formed on the tape, the new leading edge tends to return towards the roll and releasably engages the finger. Preferably, the surface of the finger adjacent the pathway is convexly shaped so that, in use, the new leading edge is disposed for manual access. More preferably, the blade is obliquely disposed and a projection is provided at each end of the blade so that, in use, the tape dispenser is pivoted about the projections until the blade is substantially perpendicular to the tape in the pathway. Advantageously, the tape dispenser is provided with finger grip means. More advantageously, the finger grip means comprise a pair of wings extending laterally from the tape dispenser, the wings being shaped so that, in use, a thumb and an index finger of a user's hand grip the tape dispenser adjacent the respective wings. Even more advantageously, the finger grip means additionally comprise a pair of knurled regions laterally disposed on the tape dispenser adjacent the respective wings. Preferably, a boss extends laterally from the tape dispenser, the boss being shaped and dimensioned to permit rotatable movement of the roll of tape around the boss. More preferably, the tape dispenser additionally comprises position means shaped and dimensioned to hold the roll of tape axially fast on the boss. Even more preferably, the position means comprises a cover, the cover and the holder being provided with inter-engaging co-operating means, so that the roll of tape, when located in the tape dispenser, is enclosed between the cover and the holder. Three embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a tape dispenser according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the tape dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of a tape dispenser according to the invention (knurled region omitted); Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of the tape dispenser of Figure 3 (hook omitted); Figure 5 is a perspective view from below of the tape dispenser of Figure 3 (hook omitted); Figures 6-8 are sequential plan views of the tape dispenser of Figure 3 (hook omitted) in use; Figure 9 is a perspective view of an alternative use of the tape dispenser of Figure 3; Figure 10 is a side view of a third embodiment of a tape dispenser according to the invention; and Figure 11 is an underneath plan view of the tape dispenser of Figure 10. In the drawings, similar numerals have been used to indicate like parts. Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated a first embodiment of a tape dispenser according to the invention generally indicated at 10 for supporting a roll 12 of an adhesive tape. The tape dispenser 10 includes a holder 14 having a boss 16 projecting laterally from the holder 14. A core of the roll 12 of tape is locatable for relatively free rotatable movement about the boss 14. The holder 14 has a radial projection (not shown) around which a length of tape having a leading edge 12a can be unwound from the roll 12 to pass along a pathway 18 towards a blade 20 with a downwardly extending cutting edge 22 whose length is at least the full width of the tape to be cut. The blade 20 is supported spaced from the holder 14 at the end of a spacing means or arm 24 extending from the holder 14 above the pathway 18. The arm 24 is of width less than the width of the tape to provide finger access to the pathway 18, to grip and extend a length of tape beyond the blade 20. The arm 24 and the blade 20 form a substantially "V-shape" as shown in Figure 2. The plane defined by the arm 24/blade 20 is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the pathway 18 as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the arm 24 may be centrally positioned and of a width less than the width of the tape, to provide finger access on both lateral sides of the arm 24 (not shown). A radially disposed guideway 26 is provided above the pathway 18 adjacent the holder 14, under which guideway 26 a length of tape, adhesive side lowermost, is adapted to pass. The radial projection (not shown) is aligned with the guideway 26. Means for holding a length of tape adjacent the pathway 18 after a length of tape has been cut therefrom comprises a finger 28 supported on a bracket 40 extending from the holder 14. This permits ready visual access of the leading edge 12a^ The upper surface of the finger 28 is spaced from, and under, the guideway 26 to define the pathway 18 therebetween. The spacing between the guideway 26 and the finger 28 is such as not to impede passage towards the blade 20 of the length of tape pulled under pressure but, on a length of tape being cut to form the new leading edge 12a and pressure released, the new leading edge 12a of the tape in the pathway 18 tends to return towards the roll 12 and temporarily adheres to the finger 28. The surface of the finger 28 adjacent the pathway 18 is convex, in the direction of outward travel of the tape. The finger 28 may be omitted and, in that event, the bracket 40 serves the function of the finger 28 instead. The cutting edge 22 of the blade 20 is serrated and a projection 30 is provided at each end of the blade 20. The two projections 30 mask the ends of the blade 20 and extend below the level of the cutting edge 22 to space the blade 20 and any tape thereat or thereadjacent from any surface on which the holder 14 is placed. The blade 20 is obliquely disposed relative to the pathway 18 as shown in Figure 1. Two feet 32 extend from the holder 14 to support the arm 24 off, and space the pathway 18 from, a surface on which the holder 14 is placed. It will be appreciated that the two feet 32 may be replaced by a single foot member (not shown). Position means or a cover 34 is provided to hold the roll 12 of tape axially fast on the boss 16. The cover 34 is shaped similarly to the holder 14 and is reversibly securable to the holder 14 by the provision, on the holder 14 and on the cover 34, of inter-engaging co-operating means (not shown), whereby the roll 12 of tape, when located in the tape dispenser 10, is enclosed therein on both sides, by the holder 14 and the cover 34. Two wings 36, one integral with the holder 14 and one with the cover 34, are provided to assist in the holding by a user of the tape dispenser 10 during dispensing of tape. Alternatively, the wings could be semi-cylindrical or substantially "finger-shaped" in form. A hook 44 is provided, from which the tape dispenser 10 can be hung, when not in use. Referring now to Figures 3-5 of the drawings, there is illustrated a second embodiment of a tape dispenser according to the invention generally indicated at 110. In the second embodiment, the plane defined by the arm 124/blade 120 is obliquely disposed relative to the plane defined by the pathway 118 as shown in Figure 3, by the provision of a wedge member 138. Two knurled regions 142 (not shown in Figure 3), one on the holder 114 and one on the cover 134, are laterally disposed adjacent the respective wings 136, to assist in the holding by a user of the tape dispenser 110 during operation. For use, the roll 112 of tape is located in the holder 114 with its leading end 112a extended along the pathway 118. Referring now to Figures 6-8 of the drawings, the tape dispenser 110 according to the invention may be used in the following manner. Holding the tape dispenser 110 in one hand with the wings 136 above and abutted by the sides of the thumb and index finger of a user's hand, the length of tape is gripped adjacent the leading edge 112a by the user's other hand and is manually pulled along the pathway 118, beyond and below the blade 120 (see Figure 6); is attached to a required surface(s) and, once attached, the length of tape can be extended by pulling the tape dispenser 110 away from the surface (see Figure 7) . When the required length of tape has been extended, the tape dispenser 110 is pivoted forwardly about the projections 130 so that the cutting edge 122 of the blade 120 abuts the tape and the blade 120 is substantially perpendicular to the tape. The tape dispenser 110 is then pivoted laterally about one of the projections 130 so that, by twisting and pulling the tape dispenser 110, the tape is cut (see Figure 8). Due to the downward disposition of the blade 120 and the manual and, therefore, visual access, from above the tape dispenser 110, to the pathway 118 adjacent the blade 120, the exact length of tape required can be relatively accurately judged. Referring now to Figure 9 of the drawings, there is illustrated an alternative method of using the tape dispenser 110 according to the invention. The tape dispenser 110 is held in one hand with the wings 136 abutted by the sides of the thumb and index finger of a user's hand and a length of tape is gripped adjacent the leading edge 112a by the user's other hand and manually pulled beyond and below the blade 120. When the required length of tape has been extended, the tape is urged against the cutting edge 122 of the blade 120 and, by a twisting and pulling action, the tape is cut. Referring now to Figures 10 and 11 of the drawings, there is illustrated a third embodiment of a tape dispenser according to the invention generally indicated at 210. The tape dispenser 210 comprises a holder 214 having an arm 224 carrying a blade 220 and having a finger 228 supported by a bracket 240 extending from the holder 214. In the third embodiment, lateral manual access is provided. The boss 216 is of greater axial length than that of the roll 212 of tape placed thereover and the position means (not shown) may be one or more tongues cut from the wall of the boss 216 beyond the width of the roll 212 of tape, the tongue(s) being biassed outwardly from the boss 216 to abut against a core of the roll 212 of tape to hold the roll 212 axially fast on the boss 216. Use is made of the tape dispenser 10 and 210 in the same manner as described with reference to Figures 6-9 for the second embodiment of the tape dispenser 110. It will be appreciated that the tape dispenser 10, 110, 210 according to the invention can be used with double-sided tape, one side being masked until after the other side has been adhered to a surface and cut as described hereinabove. It will also be appreciated that the tape dispenser according to the invention can be shaped and dimensioned to support and unroll any width and diameter of a roll of tape and any width of tape. For example, the tape dispenser 10,110, 210 according to the invention can be shaped and dimensioned for use with a roll having a large diameter core and, in that event, the tape dispenser 10, 110, 210 is adapted to slide circumferentially about the roll 12, 112, 212 and is provided with spacing means as described hereinabove adapted to permit manual access adjacent the leading edge 12a, 112a, 212a of the roll 12, 112, 212 (not shown). It will further be appreciated that the tape dispenser 10, 110, 210 according to the invention can be adapted to provide a desk-top dispenser as desired (not shown) .

Claims: CLAIMS : 1. A tape dispenser for dispensing at least one length of tape, the tape dispenser comprising a holder for supporting a roll of tape having a leading edge; a pathway from the holder for the tape being dispensed from the roll; a blade arranged above the pathway, the blade having a downwardly extending cutting edge; and means for spacing the blade from the holder, the spacing means being shaped and dimensioned to permit manual access to the tape in the pathway so that, in use, the tape can be gripped adjacent the leading edge and unrolled beyond the blade and the length of tape cut by the blade. 2. A tape dispenser according to Claim 1, in which the spacing means is an arm extending obliquely relative to the pathway. 3. A tape dispenser according to Claim 2, in which the arm and the blade form a substantially "V-shape", the apex of the "V-shape" being laterally displaced relative to the pathway so that, in use, the pathway is manually accessible between the arm and the blade. 4. A tape dispenser according to Claim 2 or 3, in which the plane defined by the arm and the blade is disposed substantially obliquely to the plane defined by the pathway. 5. A tape dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the spacing means is shaped and dimensioned to permit manual access from above to the tape in the pathway. 6. A tape dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the tape dispenser is provided with means for holding the leading edge of the tape adjacent the pathway when the length of tape has been cut from the roll. 7. A tape dispenser according to Claim 6, in which the holding means is a finger arranged spaced from, and below, the pathway so that, in use, passage of the length of tape along the pathway is not impeded when the tape is being unrolled and, when the length of tape has been cut by the blade and a new leading edge formed on the tape, the new leading edge tends to return towards the roll and releasably engages the finger. 8. A tape dispenser according to Claim 7, in which the surface of the finger adjacent the pathway is convexly shaped so that, in use, the new leading edge is disposed for manual access. 9. A tape dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the blade is obliquely disposed and a projection is provided at each end of the blade so that, in use, the tape dispenser is pivoted about the projections until the blade is substantially perpendicular to the tape in the pathway. 10. A tape dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the tape dispenser is additionally provided with finger grip means. 11. A tape dispenser according to Claim 10, in which the finger grip means comprise a pair of wings extending laterally from the tape dispenser, the wings being shaped so that, in use, a thumb and an index finger of a user's hand grip the tape dispenser adjacent the respective wings. 12. A. tape dispenser according to Claim 10 or 11, in which the finger grip means additionally comprise a pair of knurled regions laterally disposed on the tape dispenser adjacent the respective wings. 13. A tape dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a boss extends laterally from the tape dispenser, the boss being shaped and dimensioned to permit rotatable movement of the roll of tape around the boss. 14. A tape dispenser according to Claim 13, in which the tape dispenser additionally comprises position means shaped and dimensioned to hold the roll of tape axially fast on the boss. 15. A tape dispenser according to Claim 14, in which the position means comprises a cover, the cover and the holder being provided with inter-engaging co-operating means, so that the roll of tape, when located in the tape dispenser, is enclosed between the cover and the holder.

Inventors: WRIGHT CARSON, WRIGHT, CARSON
Applicants: WRIGHT CARSON, WRIGHT, CARSON
Application year: 1995
Main classification: B65H35
IPC codes: B65H35