Abstract:
A tape dispenser having a frame and a pair of opposed, unequal diameter hub mounts for rotatably mounting an adhesive tape roll thereon. A hub is provided for supporting the roll of tape thereon and for engaging the hub mounts. The hub comprises a generally cylindrical body having open ends of equal diameter. The diameter of these ends is large enough to engage the larger diameter hub mount but is too large to engage the smaller diameter hub mount. A ring adaptor is provided for insertion into one of the ends to effectively reduce the internal diameter of that end. The hub can therefore be oriented so that the adhesive side of the tape supported thereon will be facing downwardly when dispensed. The adaptor is inserted into the appropriate end of the hub body so that the hub is configured to engage the two unequal diameter hub mounts.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/360,133, filed Feb. 22, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/651,514, filed Aug. 28, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,036,765; which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/460,581, filed Apr. 4, 2003, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Technical Field  
         [0003]     The invention relates to tape dispensers. More particularly, the invention relates to hand-held tape dispensers adapted to dispense adhesive tape. Specifically, the invention relates to a hand-held tape dispenser that has a polarized hub configuration to prevent the user from installing the tape roll in an inverted, incorrect orientation on the supporting frame.  
         [0004]     2. Background Information  
         [0005]     There are numerous types of adhesive tapes that have a wide variety of uses. A frequently used type of adhesive tape is packaging tape that is used to secure the flaps of boxes and packages for shipping. This type of tape is typically two inches wide and is fairly difficult to pull off a roll by hand and maneuver it into position around the package. Industrial hand-held tape dispensers have been proposed in the prior art for applying such wide adhesive tape. Many of these devices, however, experience a number of problems in their usage, one of which is the correct position of the roll of adhesive tape on the frame so that the adhesive side of the tape is properly oriented for correctly dispensing the tape from the dispenser onto a package or other surface.  
         [0006]     These prior art hand-held and operated tape dispensers usually include a frame formed of metal or plastic, which have a pair of axially opposed mounting hubs on which a hub of the roll of tape is engaged for rotatably mounting the roll of tape on the frame. These hub mounts are similar in shape and size, as well as the axial end openings of the hub of the reel of tape so that, unless the operator pays particular attention to the orientation of the adhesive side of the tape, it could be facing in the wrong direction for proper use of the dispenser when mounted on the hub mounts within the dispenser frame.  
         [0007]     Also, for certain applications, it is desirable that a particular type of tape be used with a particular dispenser intended to be used for a particular type of job application. Dispenser having the same size hub mounts and corresponding tape hubs make such a restriction difficult.  
         [0008]     Therefore, the need exists for an improved combination tape dispenser frame and tape roll hub, which is polarized, that is, it induces polarization to the combination to insure correct orientation of the tape reel on the frame, so that the adhesive side of the tape is oriented properly.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The device of the present invention is a tape dispenser that has a frame, a cutter blade at a forward end thereof, and a tape roll rotatably mounted on the frame, and in particular, a polarized dispenser, that is a dispenser in which the hub mounts on the frame are of different sizes in order to require a correct orientation with the hub openings on which the tape roll is mounted, to insure proper orientation of the tape roll on the frame so that the adhesive side of the tape is oriented in a proper direction for correct dispensing of the tape therefrom.  
         [0010]     Another feature of the improved tape dispenser is molding the tape roll hub as a one-piece member, enabling it to be manufactured more economically by eliminating secondary assembly of multiple components.  
         [0011]     A further feature of the invention is to form the hub as a two or three component member, which enables existing hubs to be utilized requiring only a separate polarizing ring to be formed and mounted thereon, which enable the hubs to be compatible with current tape winding machinery and methodology.  
         [0012]     Another feature of the invention is to use two standard wide tape hubs having recessed center cores enabling it to be compatible with current tape winding machinery.  
         [0013]     Still another feature of the invention is to enable the dispenser frame and tape roll hubs to be molded inexpensively of plastic material in various widths, which provides for a relatively simple and durable tape dispenser, yet one which insures correct orientation of the tape roll on the frame for proper positioning of the adhesive side of the tape to insure that the dispenser is used as intended.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     Preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best modes in which applicant contemplates applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the polarized tape dispenser;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded perspective view similar to  FIG. 1  showing the two-piece hub mounted within the tape roll;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is an assembled view of the tape dispenser of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tape dispenser taken on line  4 - 4 , of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective end view of one of the hub members of  FIGS. 1-4 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective end view of the hub member of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is an end elevational view of the hub member of  FIGS. 5 and 6 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken on line  8 - 8 ,  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the polarized tape dispenser;  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a partially exploded perspective view showing the one-piece hub member of  FIG. 9  assembled with the tape roll;  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is an assembled view of the tape dispenser of  FIGS. 9-10 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged sectional view taken on line  12 - 12 ,  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of one end of the hub of  FIGS. 9-12 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the opposite end of the hub of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 15  is an end elevational view of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 16  is a sectional view taken on line  16 - 16 ,  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the polarized tape dispenser;  
         [0032]      FIG. 18  is a partial exploded perspective view of the hub mounted within the tape roll of  FIG. 17 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 19  is an assembled perspective view of the tape dispenser of  FIGS. 17-18 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged sectional view taken on line  20 - 20 ,  FIG. 19 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of one end of the hub of  FIGS. 17-20 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the opposite end of the hub of  FIG. 21 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 23  is an end elevational view of  FIG. 21 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 24  is a sectional view taken on line  24 - 24 ,  FIG. 23 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 25  is an enlarged sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the tape dispenser that is similar to  FIGS. 4, 12 , and  20 ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the three-piece hub removed from the tape dispenser of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 27  is an exploded view of the three-piece hub of  FIG. 26 ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the tape dispenser that is similar to  FIGS. 4, 12 ,  20 , and  25 ;  
         [0043]      FIG. 29  is a view of one end of the hub for a fifth embodiment of  FIG. 28 ; and  
         [0044]      FIG. 30  is an exploded perspective view of the hub of  FIG. 29 . 
     
    
       [0045]     Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0046]      FIGS. 1-8  show a first embodiment of the improved tape dispenser, which is indicated generally at  1 . Tape dispenser  1  includes a frame indicated generally at  3 . Frame  3  includes a curved upper wall  5  and a pair of curved irregularly-shaped side walls  7  and  9 , each of which is formed with a hub mount  11  and  13 , respectively, which extend inwardly toward each other as shown in  FIG. 4 . Each hub mount has an annular configuration and has their centers lie on a common axis  15 . In accordance with one of the features of the invention, hub mount  11  is of a smaller diameter than that of hub mount  13  as shown particularly in  FIG. 4 . The configuration of frame  3  is similar to commonly used tape dispensers, but has the unique feature of the unequal hub mounts, preferably formed integrally thereon. Preferably, frame  3 , including the hub mounts, is a one-piece member molded inexpensively of plastic material, and may have a serrated blade (not shown) mounted or formed on a discharge end  17  of curved upper wall  5 .  
         [0047]     In further accordance with the invention, a tape roll  19 , which is of a usual construction having an adhesive on one side thereof, is mounted on a hub indicated generally at  21 . Hub  21  of embodiment  1  includes a pair of hub members  22  and  23  ( FIGS. 5-8 ), which are substantially identical to each other, and which receive the layers of tape thereon to form tape roll  19 . Therefore, only hub member  22  is shown in detail in  FIGS. 5-8 . Each hub member  22  and  23  has an outer cylindrical wall  27  on which the adhesive tape is wound and layered and includes an internal reduced diameter inner annular core  29 , which is connected to outer wall  27  by a plurality of radially extending flanges or reinforcing ribs  31 , and in addition, may include a circumferentially extending radially outwardly projecting flange  32 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , inner annular core  29  has an inner diameter D which is complementary to the outer diameter of hub mount  11  so as to form a complementary sliding engagement therewith as shown in  FIG. 4 . Outer wall  27  has an internal diameter D 1  which is equal to the outer diameter of hub mount  13 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 8 , inner core  29  is concentrically located within the hollow bore  35  of outer wall  27 , but is offset axially with respect thereto so that one circular edge  37  of core  29  is radially aligned with circular edge  38  of outer wall  27 , with the opposite circular edge  40  of inner core  29  being spaced axially inwardly from circular edge  41  of outer wall  27 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 4 , circular edge  38  of hub member  22  is abutted against circular edge  41  of hub member  23  to provide for a continuous outer cylindrical surface on which tape roll  19  is wound. Outer circular edge  37  of hub member  23  extends over hub mount  11 , and the outer extended edge  41  of outer cylindrical wall  27  of hub member  22  slides over the annular surface of hub mount  13 . Thus embodiment  1  includes two similar or identical hub members  22  and  23  that form hub  21 , which members are placed in axial abutting relationship as shown in  FIG. 4 , with one of the exposed ends having a diameter D, provided by inner bore  29 , which is slidably mounted over hub mount  11 , with inner diameter D 1  of outer cylindrical wall  27  being complementary to the outer diameter of hub mount  13 , and is slidably engageable therewith to rotatably mount tape roll  19  on frame  3 .  
         [0048]     Should a user attempt to place tape roll  19 , and in particular hub  21 , incorrectly on frame  3 , it would provide for a tilted, extremely loose fit thereon which will be recognized immediately by the user that it is incorrectly installed. By placing tape roll  19  in the correct position on frame  3 , the adhesive side of the tape will be properly oriented for correct usage of tape dispenser  1 .  
         [0049]     A second embodiment of the improved tape dispenser is indicated generally at  45 , and is shown in  FIGS. 9-16 . Embodiment  45  includes a tape roll  19  and frame  3 , and includes a one-piece hub indicated generally at  47 . Hub  47  includes a cylindrical outer wall  49 , which has a first open end  50  with an inner diameter D 1  ( FIG. 12 ) complementary to the outer diameter of hub mount  13 . Also, as is shown particularly in  FIGS. 14-16 , outer wall  49  terminates in a second open end  52  formed by an inwardly extending annular flange  54  having an open diameter D, which again, is complementary to the outer diameter of hub mount  11  ( FIG. 12 ). A plurality of radially extending reinforcing flanges or ribs  56  are spaced circumferentially about inner surface  57  of cylindrical wall  49 . Ribs  56  extend only partially toward the central axis of hub  47 , and terminate an axial distance inwardly from open end  50 , a distance at least equal to and preferably slightly greater than the axial length of hub mount  13 , and at open end  52  terminate adjacent the inside annular surface  58  of flange  54  as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 16 . Again, the two different diameters provided by open ends  50  and  52 , which are complementary to hub mounts  13  and  11 , respectively, insure that the tape reel, and in particular hub  47 , can be installed in only one manner on frame  3 . The one-piece configuration of hub  47  provides for a reduction in the number of components required with respect to that of the pair of hub members  22  and  23  of hub  21 , which may reduce manufacturing cost and any secondary assembly processes, but require that they be oriented correctly while the tape is applied thereto.  
         [0050]     A third embodiment of the improved tape dispenser is indicated generally at  60  and is shown in  FIGS. 17-24 . Embodiment  60  includes frame  3  and tape roll  19 , and includes a one-piece hub indicated generally at  62 . Hub  62  includes a main cylindrical body  63  having a cylindrical outer surface on which the tape is wound as shown in  FIG. 20 . In accordance with the invention, the inside diameter of hub  62  to, and in particular, open end  65  of body  63  is indicated at D 1 , which again is complementary to the outside diameter of hub mount  13 . The opposite end of hub  62  has an inwardly extending annular flange  67 , which terminates in an outwardly extending cylindrical-shaped boss  68 , which has an outer diameter D 2  which equals the inside diameter D 2  of hub mount  11 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , diameter D 1  of open end  65  slidably engages the outer cylindrical surface of hub mount  13 , with the outer annular surface of cylindrical boss  68  having a diameter D 2 , is slidably received within the annular opening provided by hub mount  11 , which has a complementary interior diameter D 2  Thus, again, hub  62 , due to its polarized hub, insures that the tape roll can be mounted satisfactorily in only one manner on spaced hub mounts  11  and  13  of frame  3  as shown in  FIG. 20  to insure that the adhesive side of the tape is properly oriented. Also, hub  62  provides for a single component which can be manufactured economically preferably of plastic material, on which the tape is wound, after which it can be mounted only in one manner on frame  3 .  
         [0051]     A fourth embodiment of the improved tape dispenser is shown in  FIGS. 25-27 , and indicated generally at  70 . Embodiment  70  includes a usual tape roil  19  and a three-piece hub indicated generally at  72 . Hub  72  includes a pair of identical hub members  73 , each of which includes an outer cylindrical body  74  having a cylindrical outer surface on which the tape is wound, and a cylindrical inner surface  76 , and a cylindrical inner core  77  located concentrically with respect to outer body  74 . A plurality of radially extending flanges  78  extend between inner core  77  and outer body  74 . An annular end member  80  has an open end  81  with a diameter D End member  80  has an outer diameter complementary to the inner diameter D 1  of cylindrical body  74  and is telescopically engaged therein as shown in  FIG. 25 . Thus, an open end  82  of one hub member  73  has an internal diameter D 1 , which is complementary to the outer diameter of hub mount  13  and is telescopically slidably engaged about hub mount  13 , with hub mount  11  being slidably engaged within open end  81  of end member  80 , again, to insure the correct mounting of tape roll  19  on frame  3  as shown in  FIG. 25 .  
         [0052]     Embodiment  70  enables identical hub members to be produced and utilized, thereby reducing inventory cost and manufacturing costs, but does require a second component in annular end member  80 , which requires another procedure for mounting it within the open end of one of the hub members. Again, flanges  78  terminate axially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the hub members a sufficient distance to permit the insertion of end member  80  in one end thereof, and the insertion of hub mount  13  in an opposite end of the other hub member as shown in  FIG. 25 .  
         [0053]     A fifth embodiment of the polarized tape dispenser is indicated generally at  90 , and shown in  FIGS. 28-30 . Embodiment  90  includes a tape roll  19  and a two-piece hub indicated generally at  92 . Hub  92  includes a cylindrical-shaped body  93  having an outer cylindrical surface  94  about which the tape is wound, which terminates in open ends  95  and  96 . An annular end member  98  has an outer diameter D 1  enabling it to be telescopically slidably mounted within the interior of open end  96  of body  93  as shown in  FIG. 28 , which has a complementary diameter D 1  so as to be slidably engaged and joined therewith. End member  98  has an inner opening  99  which is complementary to the outside diameter D of hub mount  11  so as to be slidably engaged therewith as shown in  FIG. 28 . End opening  95  of body  93  has an inner diameter D 1  which is complementary to the outer diameter of hub mount  13  so as to be slidably, rotatably mounted thereon. Again, a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly extending flanges  97  are formed on the inside surface of hub body  94  to provide rigidity thereto. Also, flanges  97  have an axial length less than the axial length of body  94  so as not to interfere with hub mounts  11  and  13  as shown in  FIG. 28 . This embodiment requires only a two-piece component to form the internal hub.  
         [0054]     In summary, the various embodiments shown above, including other modifications which could be made thereto, provide for a one, two, or three piece internal hub  57  which can be telescopically mounted within the bore of a tape reel, or provide a cylindrical outer surface on which the adhesive tape is wound which hubs provide two different diameter end openings which are complementary to two different sized diameter hub mounts formed on the spaced inner surfaces of a tape dispenser frame, insuring that the tape roll can be mounted correctly in one manner on the frame to insure that the adhesive side of the tape is properly oriented with respect to the dispenser. Furthermore, some of the embodiments enable the tape to be wound on the hub by existing winding machines since it has the same shape and size as that of the hubs used with frames hub mounts, and/or enables reduced inventory to be achieved by the various one-piece hub embodiments shown and described above.  
         [0055]     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.  
         [0056]     Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.