Abstract:
Disclosed is a tape dispenser including a housing configured to support a roll of tape, such that the tape is dispensable from the roll. A tape cutter is engageable with the tape. The tape cutter includes a heating element. A power source, such as batteries, is in electrical communication with the heating element. When a flow of electricity passes from the power source to the heating element, a temperature of the heating element increases to sever the tape. Buttons and/or switches are preferably included and designed as a safety feature. The buttons and switches are to be operated in a certain manner in order to prevent unwanted heating of the heating element.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/572,260, filed May 18, 2004, as well as U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/610,913, filed Sep. 17, 2004. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates to devices for dispensing and applying adhesive tape, and especially to a mechanism for cutting adhesive tape dispensed from such a device.  
         [0004]     2. Brief Description of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     Various types of dispensers for adhesive tape are known. These can be generally classified as either handheld models or base-type models. Handheld models are designed to be held in one hand while the user applies tape to a surface. These models typically include a handle that supports a spool for holding a roll of tape and a device to guide and dispense the tape. Base-type models hold a roll of tape in a base designed to rest on a surface, such as a table or desktop, while the user pulls tape off of the roll. Both handheld and base-type dispensers typically include a sharp, usually serrated cutter for cutting the tape after the desired length of tape has been dispensed.  
         [0006]     The tape cutters found on such prior art tape dispensers have several disadvantages. First, they are typically exposed, posing a danger that the user or others may be cut by the sharp edges. In addition, the teeth of such serrated cutters may be dulled or bent by accidentally striking the cutter against hard objects. In addition, in order to cut a piece of tape using such cutters, it is necessary to manipulate the tape or the tape dispenser in a way that exerts uneven force on the tape so that a cut or tear is initiated at one edge of the tape. Especially in the case of handheld tape dispensers, which are most commonly used with packaging tape that may be up to 3.5 inches wide, the twisting action needed to initiate the cut can result in twisting of the tape itself, causing the tape to stick to itself and resulting in wasted tape and frustration for the user.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tape dispenser having a tape cutter capable of quickly and simply cutting a piece of tape without the need for exerting uneven force on the tape against the cutter. It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a tape dispenser having a tape cutter that does not present the risk of cutting the user. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a tape dispenser having a cutter that is not subject to dulling. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a tape dispenser having a hot wire tape cutter that requires the user to execute a simple series of coordinated actions in order to activate the hot wire tape cutter.  
         [0008]     Specifically, the present invention provides a tape dispenser having a tape cutter that employs a resistance heating element heated by a momentary electrical current to rapidly burn through the tape at the point where the user desires to cut the tape. Since the resistance heating element burns through the entire width of the tape at one time, there is no need to twist the tape or the dispenser in order to cut the tape. In addition, there is no risk of the tape cutter becoming dull or cutting the user, since it does not employ sharp edges.  
         [0009]     In a preferred embodiment, batteries power the tape cutter. Because of the low-voltage power supply of batteries, the resistance heating element only gets hot enough to cut the tape and thereafter cools quickly, minimizing the danger of burns. In addition, in order to minimize the possibility of accidental contact with the cutter, when not in use, the cutter is disposed within a compartment in the tape dispenser housing. In order to expose the cutter and initiate a flow of electricity to the heating element, the user must push a first button down, then slide a second button associated with the first button forward while also pressing the device against a surface, thus depressing a pivoting switch arm. When the second button is released, the cutter automatically retracts into its compartment within the housing of the dispenser, so that the cutter cannot be accidentally touched.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a tape dispenser of the present invention showing a right side;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the tape dispenser showing a left side;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the tape dispenser;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the tape dispenser;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the tape dispenser;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view showing the left side of the tape dispenser;  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the tape dispenser;  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a rear elevational view of the tape dispenser;  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view showing the right side of the tape dispenser;  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is an elevational view of the tape dispenser indicating the cross sections for  FIGS. 11, 12 ,  14 ,  15 , and  16 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken through a top as indicated in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken through a roller as indicated in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view taken through a switch pivot as indicated in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken through a front as indicated in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken through a switch as indicated in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view taken through a guide as indicated in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 17  is a side elevational view showing the right side of a tape dispenser of the present invention; and  
         [0027]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view taken through a front of the tape dispenser illustrated in  FIG. 17 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     Using the above-identified figures, the invention will now be described with respect to various preferred embodiments. Although many specificities will be mentioned, it must be emphasized that the scope of the invention is not to be taken to be that of only the preferred embodiments, but should be construed in accordance with the claims appended hereto.  
         [0029]     For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.  
         [0030]     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the present invention is a tape dispenser  200  including a housing  210 . The housing  210  supports a roll of tape  212  so that the tape  214  is dispensable from a roll  216 . A tape cutter  218  engages with the tape  214 . The tape cutter  218  includes a heating element- 220  in electrical communication with a power source. When a flow of electricity passes from the power source to the heating element  220 , a temperature of the heating element increases to sever the tape  214 .  
         [0031]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a preferred embodiment handheld tape dispenser  100  has a right housing portion  1  and a left housing portion  2 , which are joined together by handle portion screws  32  and a frame portion screw  23 , forming a handle portion  102  and a frame portion  104 . The housing portions are preferably constructed of a lightweight, durable material, such as high-impact plastic. A hanger loop  36  is attached at an end of handle portion  102  to allow tape dispenser  100  to be conveniently hung from a hook.  
         [0032]     Right housing portion  1  includes a battery compartment  60  to hold batteries  62 , which are retained within battery compartment  60  by battery door  3 .  
         [0033]     Tape spindle  4  is rotatably mounted on tape spindle bolt  42  so that it covers battery compartment  60  and is retained on tape spindle bolt  42  by tensioning knob  5 . A tape roll  64  is retained on tape spindle  4  via a friction fit.  
         [0034]     A sliding button  12  and a push button  14 , having a button compression spring  16  disposed therebetween, are retained on hot wire switch chassis  11  by button retaining screw  13  in such a way that sliding button  12  and push button  14  are disposed on top of and toward the front of handle portion  102 .  
         [0035]     Hot wire switch chassis  11  is connected to a tape cutter bar  70  by linkage  72 , which is disposed within a channel  74  within frame portion  104 . A resistance heating wire  21  is mounted on tape cutter bar  70 . In the resting position, when the tape dispenser is not in use, tape cutter bar  70  is disposed in a compartment in a front of frame portion  104 .  
         [0036]     Sliding button  12  and push button  14  are so arranged that sliding button  12  cannot slide forward until push button  14  is depressed. When push button  14  is depressed and sliding button  12  is pushed forward, linkage  72  pushes tape cutter bar  70  out of the compartment in frame portion  104 . Chassis lock extension spring  20  has one end attached to a back of hot wire switch chassis  11  and another end attached to handle portion screw  32  at a back of handle portion  102 , so that when sliding button  12  is released, chassis lock extension spring  20  will pull hot wire chassis  11  toward a rear of handle portion  102 , causing tape cutter bar  70  to retract into the compartment in frame portion  104 .  
         [0037]     Referring to  FIGS. 3, 6 ,  7 , and  9 , tape guide  24  is mounted on frame portion  104 , so that it extends transversely across a path of the tape. Hollow spacer  22  is coaxially disposed within hollow roller  15 . Roller  15  is disposed transversely between forward portions of right and left housing portions  1 ,  2 , respectively, and can rotate freely about spacer  22 . Tape is threaded from tape roll  64  around tape guide  24  and roller  15  and toward front of tape dispenser  100 . Tape guide  24  may be mounted such that it is moveable between a load tape position and a use position. The load tape position facilitates loading tape roll  64  on tape spindle  4  when the construction of tape guide  24  and roller  15  provides minimal clearance for the path of the tape. The use position permits proper use of tape dispenser  100 .  
         [0038]     A tape wiper  30  is affixed to the front of tape dispenser  100  to press the tape down as it is applied in order to smooth wrinkles and remove air bubbles under the tape.  
         [0039]     A switch arm  31  is pivotingly connected at a rear of tape wiper  30  so that a portion of switch arm  31  protrudes through an opening in a bottom of tape wiper  30  (best seen in  FIGS. 6, 7 , and  9 ). When switch arm  31  engages a surface, switch arm  31  is pushed up through the opening in tape wiper  31 .  
         [0040]     When tape cutter bar  70  is pushed out of the compartment in frame portion  104  and switch arm  31  is pushed up through the opening in the bottom of tape wiper  30 , electrical contacts are closed to complete a circuit with batteries  62 , causing current to flow through resistance heating wire  21 .  
         [0041]     In the embodiment illustrated, the current also results in illumination of an optional light emitting diode  76  positioned on tape wiper  30 , which signals when current is flowing through resistance heating wire  21 .  
         [0042]     Since sliding button  12  cannot be pushed forward to expose tape cutter bar  70  until push button  14  is depressed, and current cannot flow through resistance heating wire  21  until cutter bar  70  is exposed and switch arm  31  is depressed, all of these operations must be completed before resistance heating wire  21  becomes hot. When one operation is undone, electrical current is terminated. Optionally, a time-out device may be incorporated to automatically terminate the electrical current through the resistance heating wire  21  after a predetermined time in order to ensure that the resistance heating wire  21  is deenergized if the push button  14  and sliding button  12  are not released. These features are safety-conscious to aid in the prevention of unintended harm to a user or article.  
         [0043]     In use, a user presses roller  15  against the surface where tape is to be applied, such as a shipping carton. Tape that has been threaded from tape roll  64  around tape guide  24  and roller  15  adheres to the surface. The user draws tape dispenser  100  backward across the surface, causing additional tape to be applied while pressing tape wiper  30  down on the freshly-applied tape in order to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. When the desired amount of tape has been applied, the user depresses push button  14  and pushes sliding button  12  forward, causing linkage  72  to push tape cutter bar  70  out of the compartment in frame portion  104  and into contact with the tape. Pressing tape wiper  30  against the surface of the tape pushes switch arm  31  up through the opening in the bottom of tape wiper  30 , closing the electrical contacts (not shown) associated with the switch arm  31 , thereby permitting current to flow through resistance heating wire  21 . Resistance heating wire  21  rapidly becomes hot enough to melt through the tape. Once the tape has been melted, the user releases push button  14  and sliding button  12 , allowing tape cutter bar  70  to retract.  
         [0044]     The retractable tape cutter bar having a resistance heating element that heats up in order to burn through tape may also be used in base-type embodiments of the present invention (not shown in the Figures). In other embodiments (not shown) power to heat the resistance heating element could be provided from an external A/C power source, rather than from batteries.  
         [0045]     According to the provisions of the patent statutes, we have explained the principle, preferred construction, and mode of operation of the invention, and have illustrated and described what we now consider to represent its best embodiments. However, it should be understood that within the scope of the foregoing description and the claims appended hereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise than a