Abstract:
A tape dispenser including a body with having several functional elements formed thereon, including a cutting edge, an anvil, a guide, finger grips, and a thumb rest. The body also defines an opening for receiving a tape roll therein. The opening may be formed between an outer wall and an inner wall. The dispenser may also include a resilient element that causes the outer wall to contact the tape periphery, even as the tape roll is being depleted. The resilient element also allows for relatively easy loading and unloading of the tape roll without the need to remove or dissemble any parts of the system. A brake also allows the user to stop dispensing tape by pressing the outer wall against the outer periphery of the tape roll.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/735,000, filed Dec. 8, 2012. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to dispensers, and more particularly, to a tape dispenser. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Conventional tape dispensers typically include sharp, linearly arranged cutting edges. Linearly arranged cutting edges can be difficult to use as they require that the tape be pulled at an angle to the cutting edge. A difficulty amplified when the cutting edge is not in an optimum position because the gap between the tape and the cutting edge increases, e.g., as the tape roll is depleted. 
         [0006]    Conventional tape dispensers may also include and/or use a plurality of parts to secure the tape roll therein, cut the tape, and make the end of the tape readily available for further dispensing. This complexity adds unnecessarily to the cost of manufacture and assembly of these devices. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    One example of the present invention is a tape dispenser that provides an efficient and cost effective system and method of using the same for dispensing and cutting tape with a relatively straight pull by the user. 
         [0008]    One embodiment of the tape dispenser according to the present invention includes a body structure having a cutting edge and an opening for receiving a tape roll therein. The opening formed between an outer wall and an inner wall. A portion or component of the outer wall urged inward such that it is adjacent to the tape periphery, even as the tape roll is being depleted. The body, including the outer wall and the inner wall may be formed as a single unitary structure; that is, the system may be formed as an integral structure consisting of only one part or component. 
         [0009]    The tape dispenser may include one or more finger grips, e.g., formed on a portion of the inner wall, and a recessed thumb positioner, e.g., formed on a portion of the outer wall, for ergonomic and comfortable handling by the user. 
         [0010]    The tape dispenser may also include a feature to actuate a braking force by the user by applying a squeezing action. This braking action may slow or stop the rotation of the tape roll for providing desired cut tape length. The tape dispenser may also include a feature that inhibits tape roll rotation, thus keeping the end of the tape in location or position for future use. 
         [0011]    The tape dispenser may also provide for easy location of the end of the tape. The tape dispenser allowing the tape to “stand up” (e.g., the free end of the tape does not adhere to any structure or surface of the system) after being cut or allowing it to “lie down” and stick to an anvil for future use. The anvil feature may be configured so as to be shorter in length than the width of the tape in order to facilitate easy access to the side of the end of the tape by the user. 
         [0012]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a tape dispenser system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2   a  is a detail view of an anvil portion of the tape dispenser system depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2   b  is a front view of the anvil portion of the tape dispenser system depicted in  FIG. 2   a;    
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a detail view of a cutting edge of the tape dispenser system depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4   a  is a side view of a spring feature and brake system of the tape dispenser system depicted in  FIG. 1 , wherein a full tape roll is shown deployed in the tape dispenser system; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 4   b  is a side view of the spring feature and brake system of the tape dispenser system depicted in  FIG. 4   a , wherein the tape roll is substantially depleted. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. 
         [0022]    It should be noted that the terms “outer,” “inner,” “back,” “lower,” “upper” and/or “underside,” as used herein, are meant for reference and/or orientation purposes and are not meant to be limiting in scope. 
         [0023]    Referring to the Figures generally, and specifically to  FIGS. 1 ,  4   a  and  4   b , there is illustrated a tape dispenser, shown generally at  10 . The dispenser  10  includes a substantially circular or semi-circular body  12  that is preferably formed as a unitary member; i.e., it consists of a single, integrally formed component. The body  12  may be formed of any number of conventional materials; however, plastic materials may be preferred. By way of a non-limiting example, the body  12  may be easily and inexpensively formed in an injection molding process. 
         [0024]    Still referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  4   a  and  4   b , the body  12  is shown as having a generally cylindrical inner wall  16  sized to correspond to the inner diameter of a conventional tape roll. Accordingly, the inner wall  16  supports a conventional tape roll  36  placed thereon for rotation about the inner wall  16  as tape  34  is pulled or drawn from the tape roll  36 . The body  12  further includes a substantially arcuate or semi-circular outer wall  14  spaced from the inner wall  16  so as to define a cavity  18  formed therebetween. A back or side wall  20  extends between outer wall  14  and the inner wall  16  and connects at least a portion of the outer wall  14  to the inner wall  16 . As only the lower portion  14   a  of the outer wall  14  is joined to the inner wall  16  (e.g., via the back or side wall  20 ), the upper portion  14   b  of the outer wall  14  defines a free end  14   c  operable to move in a direction outwardly—away from or inwardly—closer to the inner wall  16 . Accordingly, the free end  14   c  is movable between a first position, spaced from the inner wall  16  and a second position, located adjacent or near the inner wall  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4   b , because the upper portion  14   b  of the outer wall  14  pivots or moves about a location, seen generally at  50 , near the junction of the outer wall  14  and the back or side wall  20  the adjacent or in some cases the contact point between the outer wall  14  and the tape roll  36  changes. Thus the free end  14   c  typically will not contact the tape roll  36 . Instead the point most adjacent or in some cases the contact point will move rearwardly, that is from a position near the free end  14   c  towards the lower portion  14   a  as the tape role is depleted. However, as set forth below, when pressure is applied to the free end  14   c,  typically through the thumb rest  42 , a part of the upper portion  14   b  of the outer wall  14  will contact the tape roll  36 . In a further example the free end  14   c  is inwardly biased towards the inner wall  16 . 
         [0025]    In one example of the present invention, the upper portion  14   b  of the outer wall  14  is an inwardly biased resilient member. As illustrated in  FIG. 1  the upper portion  14   b  is formed such that the under or contact surface is initially biased inwardly towards the outer peripheral edge of the inner wall  16 . In one embodiment, during manufacture the upper portion  14   b  of the outer wall  14  is molded or formed in a position wherein it extends inwardly past an outer peripheral edge of the tape roll  36 . In this manner when a tape roll  36  is placed in the cavity  18  the upper portion  14   b  of the outer wall  14  exerts an inward pressure or force on the tape roll  36 . As set forth below, providing an inwardly biased or preloaded force helps to hold the tape roll  36  in position thereby assisting in maintaining the position of the end  32  of the tape  36 . Other mechanisms such as a spring hinge may also be used to enable the free end  14   c  to generate and inwardly biased force on the tape rule  36 . Because the back wall  20  interconnects the lower portion  14   a  of the outer wall  14  to the inner wall  16  (and provides structural rigidity thereto), there is significantly less flexion between the lower portion  14   a  of the outer wall  14  and the inner wall  16 . 
         [0026]    Since the upper portion  14   b  in the above example is formed of a resilient material, the upper portion  14   b  functions as a preloaded spring arm, allowing at least partial flexion of the outer wall  14  relative to the inner wall  16 , especially in the area of the free end  14   c  and areas proximate thereto. Furthermore, the resiliency of the outer wall  14 , including the upper portion  14   b,  inwardly bias the upper portion  14   b  of the outer wall  14  towards the inner wall  16 , such that the outer wall  14  maintains, or attempts to maintain, contact with the outer periphery of the tape roll, even as the tape is withdrawn and the tape roll is depleted. Further, depending on the desired inwardly biasing force, the initial location; i.e., before the tape roll  36  is placed in the cavity  18 , of the upper portion  14   b  may vary. For example, given that upper portion  14   b  of the outer wall  14   b  is formed of a resilient material, when the upper portion  14   b  is initially placed or molded in position next to the inner wall  16  it requires a greater force to pull or deflect the upper portion  14   b  and correspondingly the free end  14   c  outward to a point past the outer periphery of the tape roll  36 . Whereby the force generated on the tape roll  36 , as the upper portion  14   b  attempts to “spring back” to its original position, will also be greater. Accordingly, with the present example, there is a necessary balancing of the force applied recognizing that as the tape  34  is withdrawn and the tape roll  36  is depleted the force will gradually reduce. 
         [0027]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an inwardly extending protuberance may be formed or provided on an underside surface  14   d  of the outer wall  14 . In this manner, the cavity  18  may include a first portion or area having a first distance between the outer wall  14  and the inner wall  16  and a second portion or area having a second distance formed between the protuberance and the inner wall  16 . By way of a non-limiting example, the second distance may be less than the first distance. Additionally, or alternatively, the dispenser  10  can be initially formed (e.g., via injection molding) to include a taper in the volume of the cavity  18  as it extends from the lower portion  14   a  towards the free end  14   c  of the outer wall  14 . 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-4   b,  and in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the body  12  may include an area defining a cutting edge  24  formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the cutting edge  24  may be provided in an area proximate to, or in the vicinity of the free end  14   c.  By way of a non-limiting example, the cutting edge  24  may be provided with a plurality of teeth  24   a  that facilitate the cutting and/or tearing of conventional tape. Referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , and by way of another non-limiting example, the cutting edge  24  may include an area defining a curvature or concavity  26  formed thereon. By way of another non-limiting example, the concavity  26  of the cutting edge  24  is preferably between 1 to 10% of the lineal dimension of the cutting edge  24 . Accordingly, the concave cutting edge  24  may be maintained in an optimum position throughout all dispositions of the depletion of the tape roll. Further, a curved or concave teeth arrangement provides a localized stress-riser at the outermost portion of either side of the tape which effectively reduces the pull force required by the user to cut the tape as compared to a straight teeth arrangement. 
         [0029]    Still referring to  FIGS. 1-4   b,  and in accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the body  12  may include an area defining an anvil  28  formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the anvil  28  may be provided in an area proximate to, or in the vicinity of the free end  14   c,  e.g., at or near an end thereof. By way of another non-limiting example, the anvil  28  is preferably sufficiently spaced apart from the cutting edge  24  so as to not to interfere with the cutting action of the cutting edge  24 . By way of another non-limiting example, the anvil  28  is positioned on a flange  30  extending from the outer wall  14  (although it should be appreciated that the anvil  28  could have also been formed on the inner wall  16  alternatively). The anvil  28  and a guide  14   e  formed on the outer wall  14  include an area defining an aperture  48  formed therebetween. The intended purpose of the aperture  48  is to permit the free movement of tape from a tape roll therethrough. 
         [0030]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 2   a , there is illustrated an exemplary position of a free end  32  of a piece of tape  34  (e.g., extending from a tape roll  36 , e.g., that is positioned on the inner wall  16 ) such that the free end  32  is shown lying against the anvil  28  (shown in phantom for purposes of illustration). Referring specifically to  FIG. 2   b , the anvil  28  is shown as being shorter than the width of the free end  32  of the piece of tape  34  to facilitate access to an outer edge of the free end  32  of the piece of tape  34 . Additionally, the relative positions of the cutting edge  24  and the inner wall  16  are shown in relation to the anvil  28 , all of which are preferably aligned for convenient extraction of the piece of tape  34  from the tape roll  36 . 
         [0031]    Referring specifically to  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a ,  4   a  and  4   b , and in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the body  12  may include an area defining a retainer  38  formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the retainer  38  may be provided in an area proximate to, or in the vicinity of the free end  14   c  of the outer wall  14 , although it should be appreciated that the exact position of the retainer  38  (as well as the number of retainers) may be varied. By way of another non-limiting example, the retainer  38  extends radially inward and is intended to prevent the unintentional dislodgement of the tape roll  36  from the inner wall  16  by blocking relative lateral movement of the tape roll  36  away from the inner wall  16  once mounted thereon. 
         [0032]    Referring specifically to  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a ,  4   a  and  4   b , and in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the body  12  may include an area defining a finger grip  40  formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the inner wall  16  may be provided with the finger grip  40 . The exact configuration of the finger grip  40  may vary; however, it may include at least one scalloped shaped finger feature  40   a  in approximate relation to the fingers of a typical human hand. By way of another non-limiting example, it is intended that the user of the dispenser  10  places the fingers of their hand onto the finger grip  40  when handling the dispenser  10 . 
         [0033]    Referring specifically to  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a ,  4   a  and  4   b , and in accordance with still a further aspect of the present invention, the body  12  may include an area defining a thumb locator or rest  42  formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the outer wall  14  may be provided with the thumb rest  42 . The exact location of the thumb rest  42  may vary; however, it may be in proximity to the free end  14   c  of the outer wall  14 , and preferably should be located on an outer surface  14   f  of the outer wall. By way of another non-limiting example, it is intended that the user of the dispenser  10  places their thumb (as opposed to their fingers) of their hand onto the thumb rest  42  when handling the dispenser  10 . However, it should be appreciated that users of the dispenser  10  may vary the placement of their fingers and thumb relative to both the finger grip  40  and the thumb rest  42 . For example, users may wish to rest their thumb on the finger grip  40  and their fingers on the thumb rest  42 , and vice versa. In addition, the thumb rest  42  provides a location whereby an operator may apply an additional inwardly biasing force. 
         [0034]    Referring specifically to  FIGS. 1 ,  4   a  and  4   b , and in accordance with still yet a further aspect of the present invention, the body  12  may include an area defining a ribbed surface  44  formed on a surface thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the outer surface  14   f  of the outer wall  14  may be provided with the ribbed surface  44 . The exact location of the ribbed surface  44  may vary; however, it may extend substantially the entire circumference of the outer surface  14   f  of the outer wall  14 . It is believed that the ribbed surface  44  may enable users to better grip the dispenser  10 . 
         [0035]    In practice, use of the dispenser  10  is fairly simple and straightforward. To insert the tape roll  36  into the system, the outer wall  14  is pulled outwardly away from the inner wall  16 . In this manner, the retainer  38  does not block lateral placement of the tape roll  36  onto the inner wall  16 . 
         [0036]    To dispense the tape  34 , the free end  32  of the tape  34  is pulled through the aperture  48  between the guide  14   e  and the anvil  28 . To cut the tape  34 , it is placed against the cutting edge  24  and cut, in the conventional manner, by the plurality of teeth  24   a.  At this point, the free end  32  of the tape can either remain unattached to any surface, including the anvil  28 , or can be placed onto the anvil  28 . In either scenario, the user can easily find the free end  32  of the tape  34  without having to search and scrape the tape roll  36 . 
         [0037]    Because the dispenser  10  can be used to dispense long lengths of tape (e.g., blocking off surfaces and borders for painting purposes), there is provided a brake system to stop the dispensing of the tape when desired by the user. Referring to specifically to  FIG. 4   a , there is shown a full tape roll  36  installed into the dispenser  10 . The inwardly biasing feature of the outer wall  14  automatically and positively contacts (without unduly impeding the movement/rotation of the tape roll  36 ) the outer periphery of the tape roll  36  concurrently with the inner wall  16  contacting the inner diameter of the tape roll  36 . By way of a non-limiting example, the outer wall  14  exerts a force (i.e., bias) on the tape roll  36  preferably in the range between 0.5 lb/in to 3.0 lb/in. When it is desired, however, to prevent further movement/rotation of the tape roll  36  (e.g., when the user wants to stop tape roll  36  rotation), the user employs the braking system by pressing downwardly on the outer wall  14  (e.g., by the user pressing against the thumb rest  42 , e.g., while simultaneously gripping the finger grip  40 ), thus causing the underside surface  14   d  thereof to tightly contact the periphery of the tape roll  36  and causing the continued movement/rotation of the tape roll  36  to completely stop (or at least slow down depending on the pressure exerted by the user). 
         [0038]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 4   b , there is shown a substantially depleted tape roll  36  installed into the system  10 . Again, the inwardly biased outer wall  14  causes free end  14   c  of the outer wall  14  to positively contact the outer periphery of the tape roll  36  even as the tape roll  36  is being depleted. The braking system described above operates in the same manner regardless of the depletion level of the tape roll  36 , i.e., the braking function should work normally even if the tape roll  36  is mostly depleted. 
         [0039]    While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.