Abstract:
The invention provides a tape dispenser system, apparatus, and method for dispensing strips of tape used for masking or tacking. The tape dispenser includes a frame, attachment/securement means, a quick release locking expandable tape hub expansion member mechanism for removably securing a tape roll to the expandable tape hub, and a user preference adaptable tape cutter assemblage for easily accommodating left-handed and right-handed users. The cutter assembly of the invention includes at least one heavy duty blade for increased ease of cutting a plurality of types of tapes.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a system, apparatus, and method that permit a user to dispense various types of tape strips quickly and efficiently. In particular, the invention relates to a system, apparatus, and method that permit the user to easily and quickly removably secure tape rolls in a plurality of widths to the apparatus using a quick release hub expansion mechanism. More particularly, the invention relates to a system, apparatus, and method that allow easy conversion of the apparatus to easily accommodate left-handed and right-handed preference users thereby permitting increased ease of dispensing for all users. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Most people often believe they know everything they need to know about the task of painting, an assumption that often can lead to poor quality work. This specifically applies to the general preparation of areas that are to be painted as much as it does to the actual application of the paint. Therefore, proper preparation of surface areas is easily assessed as the key to overall success in the painting environment. Few people realize this, or even like to admit it, since it leads to increased work. One must be sure that he or she understands and uses the proper equipment for preparation and painting in addition to adhering to proper application procedures to ensure an overall quality paint job. 
   In the preparation phase, the proper application of masking tape, tacking or the like, is often vital to achieving a desirable and professional looking painted surface. It is a step that is all too often left out, and the final job can reflect its omission. It is easy to start painting and not go through the certain preparation steps. Indeed, for a while the paint job may look satisfactory, but sooner or later the poor quality will appear. Masking off woodwork, trim, doors, windows, and other surfaces with newspaper and masking tape can often provide the results desired. Often, the ease of application of the masking tape, or the like, is inhibited by the tape dispenser mechanism itself. Many dispensers are cumbersome and require the use of two hands to load the tape roll and to actually dispense the tape from the dispenser. 
   Today, tape dispensers are generally known in the art and can range from very complex devices to those of extreme simplicity. Many tape dispensers provide enhanced convenience and ease of use by simply allowing the dispenser to be located within easy reach of the user and/or work space. In addition, simplicity of dispensers has also provided the convenience of attaching the apparatus to the user&#39;s belt enabling a user to dispense tape from their waist area. However, consideration of whether the user was left or right handed and was not considered or even determined to be a factor and was therefore not remedied. Furthermore, many tape dispensers provide various forms of cutting blades used to sever the strip of tape once dispensed to the desired length. 
   However, in view of the foregoing it would be advancement in the art to provide a tape dispenser system, apparatus, and method wherein a tape roll is easily, quickly, and removably secured onto a expandable tape hub using only one hand wherein the expandable tape hub has a quick release hub expansion mechanism built into the hub. In addition, it would be an advancement to provide the dispenser as described but with the further ability to accommodate left and/or right-handed users. In addition, it would be an advancement to provide a dispenser that provides a way to apply radial pressure to the tape roll while cutting to prevent turning of the tape roll. Such a system, apparatus, and method is disclosed and claimed herein. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   The invention disclosed herein provides a system, apparatus, and method for dispensing tape, wherein the tape dispenser apparatus can be removably worn by the user or removably attached to an object for rigid support. The dispenser comprises a frame, an extension post, at least one frame attachment means, a tape roll hub, a quick-release expandable tape hub mechanism for removably securing the tape roll to the expandable tape hub, and a user preference adaptable tape cutter assemblage mechanism for quickly and easily accommodating left-handed and right-handed users, wherein the cutter assemblage includes a tape cutting blade. The tape dispenser of the present invention permits the user to dispense tape in either a left or right-handed orientation without having to remove hands and/or eyes from what they are working on, thus increasing safety. It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide improvements in tape dispenser assemblies and methods of use in general. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide improvements in the system, apparatus and methods for removably securing a tape roll onto a expandable tape hub. Such improvements provide ease of securement of tape rolls and permit quick and easy tape roll removal using only one hand while concurrently accommodating left-handed and right-handed users. 
   Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A better understanding of the invention can be obtained from the following detailed description of one exemplary embodiment when considered in conjunction with the following drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view depicting the tape dispenser in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view depicting the tape dispenser with a tape roll installed onto the expandable tape hub device in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 3A  is a front elevation view depicting the tape dispenser of  FIG. 1  with the cutter assemblage mechanism configured for left-handed operation in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 3B  is a front elevation view depicting the tape dispenser of  FIG. 1  with the cutter assemblage mechanism configured for right-handed operation in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 4A-1  is a side elevation view depicting the expandable tape hub and the expansion hub retaining ring. 
       FIG. 4A-2  is a front elevation view of the expansion hub retaining ring in  FIG. 4A-1  of the tape dispenser of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 4B  is rear elevation view depicting the expandable tape hub with the expansion hub retaining ring and hub expansion member in relative positional agreement in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view depicting the rear side of the cam hub expansion member in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 6A  is an elevation view depicting the inner side of the expandable tape hub with elliptical aperture in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 6B  is an elevation view depicting the inner side of the expandable tape hub with elliptical aperture and cam hub expansion member rotated so as to collapse the expandable tape hub in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 6C  is an elevation view depicting the inner side of the expandable tape hub with elliptical aperture and cam hub expansion member rotated 90 degrees to expand the expandable tape hub in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective exploded view of the various parts of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a perspective view of the tape dispenser system and apparatus according to a preferred embodiment is shown generally at  1  in relation to a tape roll  160  workpiece being un-installed ( FIG. 1 ) and installed ( FIG. 2 ). The tape dispenser  1  of the present invention is constructed from high impact durable material, such as resilient plastic or the like, metal, or other similar durable materials, having an innovative unique design. The tape dispenser  1  is shown in  FIG. 1  configured having an arcuate frame  100  but can be constructed in a plurality of shapes such as a generally straight frame  100  without detracting from the spirit of the invention. The arcuate frame  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , permits the dispenser  1  to be comfortably worn about the waist of the person using the tape dispenser  1 . If the tape dispenser is configured with a generally straight frame  100  it can easily be attached to an object also having a generally straight edge or flat surface. 
   The tape dispenser  1  of the preferred embodiment can be releasably attached or clipped to the belt (not shown) or clothing of a user by utilizing clips  105   a  and  105   b  provided and mounted near each end of the frame  100  structure. The clips  105   a ,  105   b  are attached to the frame  100  by use of threaded fasteners  110 . In an alternate embodiment the frame  100  can be alternatively constructed without clips  105   a ,  105   b . In this alternate embodiment, the frame  100  is manufactured having at least one vertical or horizontal slot (both not shown) near each end of the frame to permit the user to interweave a belt (not shown), or similar object through the slots for removably and securely retaining the tape dispenser  1  to an object or about the waist of the user. 
   In further reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  a cutter assemblage mechanism  115  is provided on the tape dispenser  1  and is pivotally mounted via a mounting hole (not shown) in cutter assemblage arm  117  to the tape dispenser  1  frame  100  using fasteners  120 . The mounting hole (not shown) in the cutter assemblage arm  117  is located near a proximal end of arm  117  and opposite a distal end of arm  117  containing blade assembly  125 . The pivotable mounting allows for the cutter assemblage mechanism  115  to be moved from one side of the tape roll to the other thereby effectively accommodating both left-handed and right-handed users. The cutter assemblage mechanism further comprises a blade assembly  125 , and a tape tensioning slot  126 , at least two cutting surface blades  130   a ,  130   b  wherein at least one cutting surface has a plurality of cutting teeth disposed thereon, at least two multi-purpose non-cutting tape retaining/bearing surfaces  720  disposed in an adjacent contiguous parallel relationship to each cutting surface blades. When used as a retaining surface, the tape retaining/bearing surface  720  provides a non-cutting and generally flat surface to hold the edge of the tape  161  off of the tape roll  160  between uses. When used as a bearing surface, retaining/bearing surface  720  provides a non-cutting and generally flat surface that permits a weight-bearing force to be applied against the tape preventing the tape roll and hub  140  from rotating and preventing cutting of the tape on the tape roll  160  by the non-cutting blade. 
   Tape tensioning slot  126  includes a horizontal slot for accommodating removal of the tape for the blade and for tensioning which can be applied to the tape while pulling back towards the tape roll for the cutting of the tape by the upper facing blade ( 130   a  or  130   b ), depending upon configuration of the cutter mechanism. Such tensioning forces permit tapes to be more easily cut by blade  130   a  or  130   b.    
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , the frame extension post  715  is disposed in a generally downward orientation extending from the base of frame  100  and having an axle member  700  attached thereto and extending out generally perpendicularly, with respect to the frame, from the extension post  715  to support expandable tape hub device  140 . The axle member includes axle shaft  705  and primary axle nodule  710 , wherein the axle nodule  710  protrudes outwardly approximately from the center end of axle  705 . Axle nodule  710  acts as the pivotal mounting point for the expandable tape hub device  140  to the axle member  700  and as the predominant weight bearing point for the tape hub device  140 . In the preferred embodiment, the extension post  715 , having the axle member attached thereto, extends downward at about a 90 degree angle relative to the frame  100 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B  a side elevation of the present invention is shown depicting the expandable tape hub device  140  having a first hub half  441   a  and a second hub half  441   b  in relation to positional retaining ring  425 . The expandable tape hub device  140  of  FIG. 4A  further depicts the plurality of raised ribs  342  protruding outwardly about the outer diameter of the expandable tape hub device  140  for assisting in effective engagement of the inner diameter  165  of a tape roll  160 . Expandable tape hub device  140  comprises a retaining ring  425  for maintaining relational position of the first hub half  441   a  as to the second hub half  441   b . Retaining ring  425  removably attaches to the expandable tape hub device  140  via a plurality of gripping tips  430 , as viewed along axis  420 , located on the retaining ring  425  wherein the gripping tips  430  exert frictional gripping attachment to the expandable tape hub device  140  along two diametrically opposed inner partition walls  450  located on the inner side surface of hub halves  441   a  and  441   b  of the expandable tape hub  140 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4B , the inner side surface  441  viewed along axis  410  of the expandable tape hub device  140  is shown with retaining ring  425  removably attached in position on the plurality of inner partition walls  450  located on both halves  441   a ,  441   b  of the expandable tape hub  140 . Further reference to  FIG. 4B  shows the inserted end of cam expansion member elliptical stubshaft  460  having an expansion ellipse in place and in positional agreement with the hub device  140 . The position of the cam expansion elliptical stubshaft  460  as shown in  FIG. 4B  depicts hub halves  441   a ,  441   b  being transversely positioned by the expansion ellipse of the stubshaft  460  to bring adjacent straight walled partitions  436   a ,  436   b  of hub halves  441   a ,  441   b  into a collapsed contact relation  435 . This positioning effectively causes the outer diameter of hub device  140  to decrease by approximately ¼ inch to allow for easy mounting of a tape roll  160 . 
     FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of the rear side of the cam hub expansion member  348  in accordance with the preferred embodiment. The hub device  140  is advantageously and transversely collapsed and expanded in diameter utilizing the cam hub expansion member  348 . The cam hub expansion member  348  comprises an expansion member face plate  346  whereon the cam expansion member finger grip  145  is integrally disposed. The cam hub expansion member  348  further comprises a cam expansion member elliptical stubshaft  460  having a generally elliptical cross-section allowing transverse collapse and causing transverse expansion of halves  441   a ,  441   b  of hub device  140 . The cam expansion member elliptical stubshaft  460  is integrally formed to the back side  547  of the cam expansion member faceplate  346 . The integration of the stubshaft  460  to the backside  547  of the faceplate  346  of the cam expansion member  348  allows for rotation of the stubshaft  460  utilizing the cam expansion member finger grip  145 . 
   The cam hub expansion member  348  further comprises a circumferential raised ring  550  integrally formed to the backside  547  of the faceplate  346 . The circumferential raised ring  550  fits in positional agreement into a circumferential channel  730  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) allowing movement in unison of hub halves  441   a  and  441   b  and prevents opposing lateral displacement of hub halves  441   a  and  441   b  when the cam expansion member  348  is rotated. 
   Advantageously, the foregoing sequences is not only accomplished using one hand, but the forces imposed on the tape dispenser  1  are such that they do not dislodge the tape dispenser  1  from its desired mounted or attached position. In addition, the foregoing sequences are accomplished the same by both left-handed as well as right-handed persons simply by adapting the tape dispenser  1  cutter assemblage  117  to the desired position. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 6A–6C , the inner side surface  441  of the expandable tape hub device  140  is depicted in relation t hub expansion member  348 .  FIG. 6A  shows the hub halves  441   a  and  441   b , a plurality of inner partition walls, adjacent straight walled partitions  436   a ,  436   b , a self-locking indentation  640 , and the elliptical aperture  660  created for containing an inserted expansion member elliptical stubshaft  460 . In  FIG. 6A  the expansion member  348  is not inserted. The elliptical aperture of the expandable hub device  140  is formed when the two halves  441   a ,  441   b  are in proximal relation to each other. 
     FIG. 6B  shows the expandable tape hub device  140  as in  FIG. 6A  but having the expansion member  348  inserted positionally so as to cause halves  441   a ,  441   b  to rest in a proximate relation to each other. 
     FIG. 6C  shows the expandable tape hub device  140  with the expansion member elliptical stubshaft  460  inserted as in  FIG. 6B  but further depicting the expansion member elliptical stubshaft  460  after having been rotated approximately 90 degrees. The resulting transversely displaced relation  235  of halves  441   a ,  441   b  along adjacent straight walled partitions  436   a ,  436   b  now provides for frictional securement of a tape roll  160  onto the expandable tape hub device  140 . Self-locking indentation  640  provides a resting indent for the elliptical shape of stubshaft  460  when expansion member  348  is rotated, as described above, to expand tape hub  140 . This provides a self-locking action to the hub  140  until rotated from resting in the indentation  640 . The plurality of raised ribs  342  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) along the outer diameter of the expandable hub assists in effective engagement of a tape roll  160  after the hub  140  has been expanded by rotation of the expansion member  348 . 
   To load and secure a tape roll  160  onto the tape dispenser&#39;s  1  expandable tape hub device  140 , the cam expansion member finger grip  145  of cam expansion member  348  is rotated approximately 90 degrees in either a counterclockwise  155  or clockwise  156  direction. By rotating the cam expansion member  348 , the first hub half  441   a  and second hub half  441   b  of hub device  140  are moved radially inward along the adjacent straight walled partitions  436   a  and  436   b . When installing a tape roll  160 , the rotation of the cam expansion member finger grip  145  will effectively cause the outer diameter of the expandable tape hub device  140  to transversely decrease thus allowing easy mounting of a tape roll  160  having an inner aperture  165  onto the expandable tape hub device  140 . The tape dispenser  1  of the present invention is capable of accommodating the installation of tape rolls in a plurality of widths up to and including 2 inches wide. 
   After mounting the desired width of tape roll  160  onto a expandable tape hub  140  the tape roll  160  must be must be removably secured upon the expandable tape hub device  140  for effective and efficient dispensing of the tape  161 . To accomplish proper securement of the tape roll  160  the cam expansion member finger grip  145  of cam expansion member  148  must be rotated approximately 90 degrees in either a counterclockwise  255  or clockwise  256  direction. By rotating the cam expansion member  348  as described the first hub half  441   a  and second hub half  441   b  of hub device  140  are caused to be transversely separated  235  approximately ¼ inch as measured along the adjacent straight walled partition found on the center portion of first hub half  441   a  and second hub half  441   b . The transverse movement of the first hub half  441   a  and second hub half  441   b  of the expandable tape hub device  140  effectively causes the outer diameter of the expandable tape hub device  140  to transversely increase approximately ¼ inch, thus causing an outward circumferential friction gripping force to be exerted on the inner diameter  165  of the mounted tape roll  160 . 
   Now referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  is shown a close-up of a front elevation view of the tape dispenser  1  of the present invention. More specifically,  FIG. 3A  shows the tape dispenser  1  pivotally configured in a left-handed configuration wherein the cutter assemblage arm  117  and blade assembly  125  having cutting surface blades  130   a  and  130   b  is pivotally configured to rest generally to the left of the expandable tape hub  140 .  FIG. 3B  shows the tape dispenser  1  configured in a right-handed configuration wherein the cutter assemblage arm  117  and blade assembly  125  having cutting surface blades  130   a  and  130   b  rests generally to the right of the expandable tape hub  140 .  FIG. 3A  also depicts threaded fasteners  110  used for mounting clips  105   a ,  105   b . Cam expansion member is attached to the frame  100  extension post  715  via fastener  147 . 
   To dispense strips of tape  161  the tape  161  is pulled tangentially outward  256  from the mounted tape roll  160  as shown in  FIG. 2  and pulled downwardly  257  over cutting surface blade  130   a  or  130   b  as determined by either left or right-hand configuration of the cutter assemblage mechanism  115 . Specifically, cutting surface blade  130   a  is used for left-handed configuration and cutting surface blade  130   b  is used for right-handed configuration. 
   The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and in any way restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.