Patent Publication Number: US-2009230164-A1

Title: Hands free operation adhesive tape dispenser

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/069,330, filed Mar. 14, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to hands free tape dispensers, and particularly to hands free tape dispensers for adhesive tape and labels of the sort, which is used in construction sites, auto/marine repair shops, warehouse locations, hospitals, medical care facilities as well as office and home. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Tape/label dispensers are generally associated with home and office while few can be found among construction, workshop, industrial or medical care environments. Though there has been a constant effort to create tape dispensers that are handy, easy to use and inexpensive most workers in the construction, workshop, industrial or medical care environments are found using the bare roll of tape to tare off small strips to fasten loose ends of masking paper, bandages and the like. With each application the worker can be found setting aside the work at hand to focus entirely on the roll of tape, using both hands to find the tapes end, pulling out a desired length and tarring that desired length by using the thumb and forefinger. With each repetition the roll tape is set down often exposed to foreign airborne matter, dust, dirt, moister and other elements that can compromise the tape composition. Repeating this task of picking up the roll tape, finding the end of tape, pulling the desired amount and tarring it off then setting the tape back down time and again diminishes worker productivity. The—ready to use at any moment—convenience of a tape dispenser can be enhanced by locating the tape dispenser within easy reach of a workman&#39;s immediate space. Convenience is also enhanced if the roll tape end can be found easily extended from a protective case without visually looking for it and dispensed from the dispenser by using only one hand. This allows the workman to retrieve a clean dry tape end and dispense the tape without having to remove both-hands, nor eyes from the work item requiring tape. 
     Many tape dispensers currently on the market require the user to use both hands while distracting the visual attention from the task at hand. This forces the user to remove both hands and divert sight of the work piece each time a piece of tape is required. Other attempts to address a—hands free—, one hand dispenser of tape include apparatus (like that of a hand masker) with additional tape hub attachments to which a roll of tape is affixed. Although the roll tape remains on hand at the work place, the tape still requires both hands and a visual for dispensing each time the tape is needed. This type of tape dispenser (demanding one hand to hold down the apparatus and the other hand to pull the tape) can be inconvenient where the user repeatedly needs to dispense peaces of tape, which require a repetitive retrieval of the tape dispenser. 
     Therefore there is need for a case type tape/label dispenser in which the tape or label is protected within an enclosed case that will keep tape/label dry and free of contaminants and can remain easily and conveniently accessible to the user at all times as the user moves from work space to work space. There is also the need of a tape/label dispenser that remains easily and conveniently accessible that the user does not need to remove sight from the work place while retrieving and dispensing the tape. There is also a need of a tape dispenser that does not require the user to pick up and put down the dispenser each time a peace of tape or label is needed. Additionally, there is also a need of a tape/label dispenser in which the tape can be retrieved and the desired length acquired by using only one hand. 
     To alleviate the problems of the traditional tape dispensers, some have proposed tape dispensers to be clipped or attached to an article of clothing in order for the dispenser to be with the user as the user moves from place to place. U.S. Pat. No. 2,929,540 to Carey discloses a tape dispenser designed to dispense a spool of tape while having a sturdy clip on its backside so the dispenser can be clipped to the users belt. U.S. Pat. No. 3,217,955 to Tinkey discloses a tape dispenser having a pair of slots in its backside to be affixed to a belt, which is worn around a persons waste. U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,925 to Ridenout reveals a tape dispenser hosting a pair of clips, which allows the dispenser to be clipped to an article of clothing such as a pocket or belt. By having the tape dispenser attached to an article of clothing, the user has the tape with them as they move about from work space to work space. By having the tape attached to the body, tape can be found without visually looking for it while only requiring one hand to retrieve and dispense it. These alleviate necessity of picking up and putting down each time tape is needed. However, these dispensers still fall short of a design that will meet the needs of many users. 
     Some have tried to extend the convenience of tape dispensers by designing them to be worn on the wrist or fingers. U.S. Pat. No. 3,993,230 to Oakes reveals a tape dispenser having one or more openings in which a person&#39;s fingers may be extending through to support the tape dispenser. U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,236 to Waddell reveals a clip on bracket, which is used to selectively support a conventional disposable type dispenser. Unfortunately, these types of dispensers are generally warn around a users hands, which confine the user from full use of both hands. Other wrist worn tape dispensers such as: U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,066 to Hambleton show a roll tape holding devise strapped to a wrist in which the tape rides on a hub. Unfortunately, the device does not offer any protective measures for the tape nor does the device offer a cutting tool to cut the tape and maintain the end of the tape for easy access. No, although the tape is readily available, a person would have to hunt for the end of the tape, peal off the desired amount, then wrestle with one hand to cut the tape. Also U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,955 to Hicks reveal a wrist mount tape holder with cutter that offers dispensing of small diameter roll tape. Unfortunately, where this device does offer utility for small diameter tape rolls, it does not offer tape protection from debris or the elements, nor does it offer platform for large diameter roll tape typically associated with construction and industrial uses. 
     While these units mentioned above may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as described hereafter. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A hands free adhesive tape dispenser comprising a protective housing shell consisting of a base, a body with tape cutting blade and a hinged lid/cover, including an interior turning hub for mounting adhesive tape or label rolls, the running end of which is threaded through a discharge opening to which the tape is available for quick access at the U notch where a finger or thumb easily fits to grasp the running end of the tape to pull and cut the desired length on the serrated cutting edge. The end of such tape rests at the dispenser&#39;s cutting edge ready for the next retrieval. The base housing comprising a rotary mount to which a role tape hub rides and actuated by movement as the user pulls tape from the dispenser housing during the tape retrieving and cutting process. As tape is severed a new tape end remains adhered until released by the next retrieved application. Hands free dispenser is warn on a person by means of the arm/leg harness attachment, chest harness strap, detachable belt hook device, or attached to an object or wall mount by using the same. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tape dispenser according to the present invention mounted on a forearm with a roll of tape installed, the free running end of this roll tape is being dispensed; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan views of the tape dispenser shown in  FIG. 1  with a protective lid raised exposing the interior of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the tape dispenser shown in  FIG. 1  with protective lid raised exposing the interior of the invention with a large (3″ core) roll of tape mounted on the hub and the free running end of the tape loaded for immediate retrieval at the finger notch; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan of the tape dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom plan of the tape dispenser shown in  FIG. 1  with protective lid raised exposing the interior of the invention with a small (e.g. 1″ core) roll of tape mounted on the hub and the free running end of the tape loaded for immediate retrieval at the finger notch; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the bottom plate of the tape dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan showing an attachment clip installed to the tape dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 8A-8D  a multiple views of the tape dispenser with attachment clip shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIGS. 9A-9F  are multiple views of two sizes of free turning tape roll mounting hubs; 
         FIG. 10  provides multiple views of the tape cutter; 
         FIG. 11  provides multiple views of a removable belt clip; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial view of lid latching assembly in the body sidewall of the tape dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  Provides a partial view of the lid hinge ports and the torsion spring axel assembly located the tape dispenser body shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the arm harness with tape dispenser mounting straps. 
         FIG. 15  provides front and back views of a harness for wearing the tape dispenser on a person&#39;s chest or lower torso. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       FIGS. 1-15  refers to a hands free tape dispenser  10  for protecting and securely housing a roll of adhesive tape  20  or labels. As shown in  FIGS. 1 , the tape dispenser  10  is typically made of a plastic material that may be securely fastened onto a user&#39;s lower or upper arm (see  FIG. 14 ). As shown in  FIG. 7  the tape dispenser may also be securely clipped and worn on the users trouser waste band or belt. The tape dispenser may also be worn as shown in  FIG. 15  with an adjustable harness securing the tape dispenser to the user&#39;s chest or lower torso. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the tape dispenser  10  comprises an oval shaped body with rounded sidewalls  16  and slightly domelike lid cover  18 . The body is comprised with an upper and lower segment which are attached to form the rounded sidewall feature. The left sidewall of the tape dispenser shows an opening  34  and a U shaped notch  30 . The left side wall opening  34  allows the free running end of the adhesive tape roll  20  to protrude and adhere to the tape rest and cutting platform  22 . Adhesive tape is retrieved by inserting a finger or thumb into the U shaped notch  30 , grasping the tape, pulling to desired length and applying pressure on the tape against the serrated cutting edge of the tape rest and cut platform  22 . 
     The tape dispenser  10  has a lid  18  attached by a hinge (not shown) to a body with sidewalls  16 . It latches shut using the latching structures shown in  FIG. 12  tape or labels are peeled off of a roll of tape or labels  20  and fed through a sidewall tape extraction port opening  34 , and then torn off with a cutter  22  at the desired length. In this FIG., the tape dispenser  10  is shown attached to the arm  14  of a user with an arm harness  70  and arm harness retaining straps  72 . The tape  20  is shown being torn off by a hand  12  on the arm opposite that to which the tape dispenser  10  is attached. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , access to the interior of the tape dispenser case may be achieved by placing a finger into the concave opening  32  at the top of the tape dispenser and depressing the automatic latch hook or lid latch assembly  24 , which opens the lid/cover  18 . When the lid/cover is open, access is provided to a rotary hub mount  36  on which a roll of adhesive tape  20  can be placed to securely rotate upon. The lid/cover  18  is closed by pressing the lid latch platform  32  on the lid  18 . The lid  18  is attached to the body  16  of the tape dispenser  10  utilizing a hinge boss/torsion spring axel  48  with a double torsion spring  28 . Also shown are the opening for tape, a U-shaped notch opening  30 , and tape rest and cut platform  22 . Also shown, the bottom plate  52  of the tape dispenser offers four rectangle openings  42  that the arm harness  70  straps  72  are threaded through. This FIG. also shows the securing braces  40  that hold the removable belt clip attachment in place. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , with the tape dispenser lid  18  open a large roll (e.g. 3″ core) roll of adhesive tape  20  is pressed upon the rotary hub mount  36 . The free running end of the roll tape is threaded through the left side opening of the tape dispenser body and adhered to the rest and cut platform  22 . The lid  18  is then closed in the same fashion as referred to earlier. 
       FIG. 4  shown an opened tape dispenser lid  18  with a small (1 inch core) tape mounting hub  38  installed. The hub  38  is mounted utilizing a connecting screw and cap  26  inserted through a port  46  in the bottom plate  52  (see  FIG. 6 ).  FIG. 5  shows tape  20  installed on the small tape mounting hub  38  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 6 , a side view of the bottom plate  52  shows the nature of the securing braces  40  that hold the removable belt clip attachment. This view also reveals the stationary hub in which the free turning tape mount turns upon. Also shown attached to the bottom plate  52  is a port  46  for removable binding post and screw for attaching the rotating wheels or hubs  36 ,  38  on which the tape  20  is installed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a bottom plan view  52  of the tape dispenser is seen with the removable belt clip attachment  44  held securely in place by the securing braces  40 . Adjacent to  FIG. 7 ,  FIGS. 8A-8D  reveal multiple views of the removable belt clip attachment. 
       FIGS. 9A-9F  shown multiple views of a large (typically 3 inch) wheel hub  36  and small (typically 1 inch) wheel or hub  38 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10  we can see multiple views of the tape cutter. 
       FIG. 11  offers multiple views of the detachable belt clip  44 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an automatic latch hook  24 /lid latch assembly in the body sidewall  16  of the tape dispenser  10 . When installed in the body sidewall  16 , it latches the lid  18  to close the tape dispenser, and then by depressing the button on the automatic latch hook  24 , the tape dispenser  10  spring activated lid  18  swings open. 
       FIG. 13  shows a partial view of the open ports for the lid axels to be inserted and a hinge/torsion spring axel  48  for which the double torsion springs  28  are installed  48  to provide tension for the lid  18  to open when the automatic latch hook  24  is depressed. 
       FIG. 14  offers a perspective of the arm harness  70  working in concert with the tape dispenser. Notable features such as the harness straps  72  are threaded through the securing ports of the tape dispenser allowing the tape dispenser to ride securely in place. 
     As seen in  FIG. 14 , the arm harness  70 , has two securing straps  72 . Each strap  72  is comprised of hook material (such as VELCRO®)  76 . These harness straps with hook material are used to secure the arm harness comprising the loop material to the desired tension on the arm by allowing the hook material to adhere to the loop material  76  attached to the harness  70 . 
       FIG. 15  offers a perspective of the utility of the tape dispenser  10  as it is worn by using the removable chest harness  80 . Shown are the chest harness  80  with chest harness straps  82  attaching the chest harness  80  to a user&#39;s body. In this example, one strap goes around the chest of the user under his arms, and another strap  82  goes over one shoulder. The two straps  82  are connected in either the front and/or the back with an adjustable strap retaining buckle  86  which allows adjustment of the strap  82  or the user&#39;s shoulder. The chest harness straps  82  are opened and closed with a strap retaining buckle  84 . The type of buckle shown is a typical plastic tongue and flange type fixation clip or buckle which also allows for adjustment of the strap  82  around the user&#39;s chest. 
     The tape dispenser  10  comprises a many possibilities of fastening means. According to the preferred embodiment, the fastening means  70  is a nylon type fabric in which a hook and loop material is attached to offer the securing properties to hold the harness in place. Another preferred embodiment is the detachable clip  44  typically made from the same plastic type material as the tape dispenser body. The other preferred embodiment is the detachable harness  80 , usually made of a nylon type material, is comprised of adjustable straps with a securing hook and eye type closure. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that this invention encompass all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.