Patent Publication Number: US-2018050883-A1

Title: Tape dispenser

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to hand tools. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tape dispenser. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Adhesive tape dispensers are available in various models. In general, they are most widely known in the form of desk dispensers and hand-held dispensers requiring the use of two hands, whereby the tape roll is stored on a revolving spindle and are able to be cut at the desired length by a blade. Typically, tape dispensers are made up of a considerable number of components and are relatively large. For many devices, changing rolls of tape is often a complicated task. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A tape dispenser includes a first arm, a second arm, a holder, a roller, a retaining device, a blade, spring(s) and one or more guides. The tape dispenser is positioned on a tape roll by positioning the holder on the inside of the tape roll and positioning the roller and retaining device on the outside of the tape roll. Tape is able to be pulled through the tape dispenser and then cut using the blade. After the tape is cut, the tape on the roll remains on the retaining device for easy access. As the tape is removed and the tape roll gets smaller, the tension of the tape dispenser on the inside of the tape roll and the outside of the tape roll keeps the tape dispenser in place and allows it to function. The tape dispenser is also removable for use with many tape rolls. 
     In one aspect, a tape dispensing device comprises a first element, a second element, a roller coupled between the first element and the second element, the roller configured for applying a first force against an outer surface of a tape roll, a holder prong protruding from one of the first element and the second element, the holder prong configured for applying a second force against an inner surface of the tape roll, a retaining area coupled to an opposite element of the first element and the second element of the holder prong, the retaining area configured for retaining a tape end of the tape roll and a cutting device on the retaining area, the cutting device configured for cutting tape off the tape roll. The device further comprises a spring configured for biasing the roller against the tape roll. The roller is configured to roll or ride along the tape roll. 
     The cutting device is coupled to the retaining area. The tape is selected from the group consisting of masking tape, duct tape, scotch tape, packing tape, silicone tape, electrical tape, reinforcing tape, protection tape, marking tape and double sided tape. The device comprises metal, plastic, polymers, rubber or any combination thereof. In another aspect, a tape dispensing device comprises a first element, a second element, a roller coupled between the first element and the second element, the roller configured for applying a first force against an outer surface of a tape roll, a holder prong protruding from one of the first element and the second element, the holder prong configured for applying a second force against an inner surface of the tape roll, a retaining area coupled to an opposite element of the first element and the second element of the holder prong, the retaining area configured for retaining a tape end of the tape roll, a cutting device on the retaining area, the cutting device configured for cutting tape off the tape roll and a spring within the roller, the spring configured for biasing the roller against the tape roll. The roller is configured to roll or ride along the tape roll. The cutting device is coupled to the retaining area. The tape is selected from the group consisting of masking tape, duct tape, Scotch™ tape, packing tape, silicone tape, electrical and vinyl tapes, reinforcing (Fiber) tape, protection tape, security tape, foam tape, urethane tape, marking tape and double sided tape. The device comprises metal, plastic, polymers, rubber or any combination thereof. 
     In another aspect, a method of utilizing a tape dispenser comprises installing the tape dispenser on a tape roll, including positioning a holder prong on the inside of the tape roll and positioning a roller on the outside of the tape roll, pulling tape through the tape dispenser and tearing the tape using a cutting device of the tape dispenser. The tape dispenser is pulled through the holder prong and the roller. The method further comprises removing the tape dispenser from the tape roll. Removing the tape dispenser from the tape roll includes lifting either a first element or a second element, and a retaining device are lifted up and away from the tape roll. The tape dispenser further comprises a spring configured for biasing the roller against the tape roll. The roller is configured to roll while the tape is pulled from the tape dispenser. The tape remains on a retaining area after tearing the tape. The cutting device is coupled to the retaining area. The tape is selected from the group consisting of masking tape, duct tape, Scotch™ tape, packing tape, silicone tape, electrical and vinyl tapes, reinforcing (Fiber) tape, protection tape, security tape, foam tape, urethane tape, marking tape and double sided tape. The tape dispenser comprises metal, plastic, polymers, rubber or any combination thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the components of the tape dispenser according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser on a tape roll according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser on a tape roll according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser on a tape roll according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser on a tape roll according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser on a tape roll according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing a tape dispenser according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A tape dispenser enables a user to dispense tape, cut the tape as well as maintain the remaining tape so that the tape is more easily accessed. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser  100  according to some embodiments. The tape dispenser  100  includes a first arm  102 , a second arm  104 , a holder  106 , a roller  108 , a retaining device  110 , a blade  112  and one or more guides  114 . In some embodiments, one or more springs  120  ( FIG. 2 ) are included within the roller  108  and/or the first arm  102  and the second arm  104 . 
     In some embodiments, an end of each of the first arm  102  and the second arm  104  is coupled to opposing ends of the roller  108 . In some embodiments, the roller  108  is coupled to either the first arm  102  or the second arm  104 . In some embodiments, the opposite end of the first arm  102  and the second arm  104  is coupled to opposing sides of the retaining device  110 . In some embodiments, the retaining device  110  is coupled to the first arm  102  or the second arm  104 . The retaining device  110  includes one or more guides  114  at one end. In some embodiments, the blade  112  is coupled to or extends from the retaining device  110 . The blade  112  is coupled to or extends from the end opposite the guide(s)  114 , and in some embodiments, the blade  112  is coupled to or extends from the same end of the guide(s)  114 . A holder  106  such as a holder protrusion, pin or prong extends out or is coupled to either the first arm  102  or the second arm  104 , whichever does not have the retaining device  110 . 
     The tape dispenser  100  is configured to sit partially on top of a tape roll while also being detachably secured to the roll. The first arm  102  and the second arm  104  are configured to fit snugly around the tape roll. The holder  106  is configured to fit within the opening of a tape roll and then rest and apply a force against the inner ring of the tape roll. The roller  108  is configured to apply a force against the outer surface of the tape roll with the ability to easily roll along the surface of the tape roll. In some embodiments, the roller  108  does not roll and is able to slide or ride on the surface of the tape roll. The retaining device  110  is configured to rest on the outer surface of the tape. The retaining device  110  is also configured to receive and retain the tape so that the tape is easily accessible the next time a user needs the tape. The retaining device  110  also includes one or more guides  114  which are configured to guide the retaining device  110  on the roll of tape. The blade  112  coupled to or extending from the retaining device  110  is configured to cut or facilitate tearing of the tape. The tape dispenser  100  is sized to fit a specified roll of tape. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the components of the tape dispenser  100  according to some embodiments. As described above, the tape dispenser  100  includes a first arm  102 , a second arm  104 , a holder  106 , a roller  108 , a retaining device  110 , a blade  112  and one or more guides  114 . In some embodiments, one or more springs  120  are included within the roller  108  and/or the first arm  102  and the second arm  104 . In some embodiments, the spring(s)  120  apply an additional force on the roller  108  so that the tape dispenser  100  is more firmly secured on the tape roll. In some embodiments, the spring(s)  120  apply an additional force elsewhere. In some embodiments, the spring(s)  120  are configured to bias the roller  108  against the tape roll through a variety of tape roll thicknesses. In some embodiments, the spring(s)  120  are located in other components of the tape dispenser  100 . In some embodiments, the first arm  102  and the roller  108  are a single piece. In some embodiments, the second arm  104  and the retaining device  110  are a single piece. In some embodiments, the first arm  102  and part or all of the roller  108  are a single piece. In some embodiments, the second arm  104  and part or all of the roller  108  are a single piece. In some embodiments, the roller  108  is multiple pieces. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser  300  according to some embodiments. The tape dispenser  300  is similar to the tape dispenser  100  ( FIG. 1 ) except that the tape dispenser  300  is smaller to fit on a narrower roll of tape. The tape dispenser  300  includes a first arm  302 , a second arm  304 , a holder  306 , a roller  308 , a retaining device  310 , a blade  312  and one or more guides  314 . In some embodiments, one or more springs  120  ( FIG. 2 ) are included, and in some embodiments, hidden, within the roller  308  and/or the first arm  302  and the second arm  304 . The spring(s)  120  are able to be any type of spring such as coiled torsion springs. 
     In some embodiments, an end of each of the first arm  302  and the second arm  304  is coupled to opposing ends of the roller  308 . In some embodiments, the roller  308  is coupled to either the first arm  302  or the second arm  304 . In some embodiments, the opposite end of the first arm  302  and the second arm  304  is coupled to opposing sides of the retaining device  310 . In some embodiments, the retaining device  310  is coupled to the first arm  302  or the second arm  304 . The retaining device  310  includes one or more guides  314  at one end. The blade  312  is coupled to or extends from the retaining device  310 . In some embodiments, the blade  312  is coupled to or extends from the end opposite the guide(s)  314 , and in some embodiments, the blade  312  is coupled to or extends from the same end of the guide(s)  314 . A holder  306  such as a holder protrusion, pin or prong extends out or is coupled to the either the first arm  302  or the second arm  304 , whichever does not have the retaining device  310 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser  100  on a tape roll according to some embodiments. As described above, the tape dispenser  100  is secured to the tape roll with the holder  106  fitting on the inside of the roll and applying a force outward from the center of the roll. The roller  108  fits on the outside of the roll and applies a force inward. Further, the first arm  102  and the second arm  104  fit on the sides of the tape roll. The retaining device  110  rests on the tape surface. The guide(s)  114  ensure the retaining device  110  remains on the tape surface. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser  300  on a tape roll according to some embodiments. As described above, the tape dispenser  300  is secured to the tape roll with the holder  306  fitting on the inside of the roll and applying a force outward. The roller  308  fits on the outside of the roll and applies a force inward. Further, the first arm  302  and the second arm  304  fit on the sides of the tape roll. The retaining device  310  rests on the tape surface. The guide(s)  314  ensure the retaining device  310  remains on the tape surface. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser  100  on a tape roll with the retaining device  110  in an open configuration according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the retaining device  110  is put in the open configuration by lifting the arm that the retaining device is coupled to, such as the second arm  104 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser  100  on a tape roll with the retaining device  110  in a closed configuration according to some embodiments. As described above, the tape dispenser  100  is secured to the tape roll with the holder  106  ( FIG. 1 ) fitting on the inside of the roll and applying a force outward from the center of the roll. The roller  108  fits on the outside of the roll and applies a force inward. Further, the first arm  102  and the second arm  104  fit on the sides of the tape roll. The retaining device  110  rests on the tape surface. The guide(s)  114  ensure the retaining device  110  remains on the tape surface. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a tape dispenser  100  on a tape roll with a portion of the tape remaining on the retaining device  110  according to some embodiments. After a user tears a piece of tape from the tape roll, the remaining tape is retained on the retaining device  110 . As tape is removed from the tape roll and the tape roll gets smaller, the holder  106  ( FIG. 1 ) and the roller  108  continuously apply a force to the tape roll, which keeps the tape dispenser  100  in place and allows it to function. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing a tape dispenser according to some embodiments. In the step  900 , a tape dispenser is installed on a tape roll with a holder positioned on the inside of the tape roll and a roller positioned on the outside of the tape roll. Additionally, the retaining device is positioned on the outside of the tape roll as well. The retaining device is maintained in position with the guide(s). In the step  902 , tape is pulled through the tape dispenser. Specifically, the tape is pulled between the roller and the retaining device. The roller is able to roll the tape dispenser around the tape roll as the user pulls out more tape. In the step  904 , the user tears the tape using the blade of the tape dispenser. The pulled-out tape that is still part of the tape roll remains on the retaining device so that the next time the user desires tape, he/she will not have to pick it off of the roll. The user is able to remove the tape dispenser by performing similar but opposite actions as were used to install the tape dispenser on the tape roll. In some embodiments, the arms and the retaining device are lifted up and away from (such as off a side of) the tape roll and then the tape dispenser is slid off to the side. The tape dispenser is able to be reused over and over again on other tape rolls. 
     The tape dispenser is able to be used with any kind of tape including, but not limited to, masking tape, duct tape, Scotch™ tape, packing tape, silicone tape, electrical and vinyl tapes, reinforcing (Fiber) tape, protection tape, security tape, foam tape, urethane tape, marking tape and double sided tape. The tape dispenser is able to be used with other types of material beyond tape as well. 
     The components of the tape dispenser are able to be composed of any material including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, polymers, rubber or any combination thereof. The tape dispenser is able to be any size. In some embodiments, the tape dispenser is sized according to the tape roll, so that the tape dispenser fits securely on the tape roll. 
     In some embodiments, the blade is a separate blade that is coupled to the retaining device. In some embodiments, the retaining device is configured to have a blade or blade-like edge. 
     To utilize the tape dispenser, the tape dispenser is installed on a tape roll by positioning the holder of the tape dispenser on the inside of the tape roll and the roller and the retaining device on the outside of the tape roll. After the tape dispenser is installed on the tape roll, tape is pulled through the tape dispenser. When a desired length of tape is pulled out, the tape is torn using the blade of the tape dispenser. The pulled-out tape of the remaining tape roll stays on the retaining device of the tape dispenser for easy access the next time. 
     In operation, the tape dispenser provides a much smaller in size alternative to the large, bulky tape dispensers currently available. The tape dispenser fits on the tape roll using a holder and a roller. The tape dispenser is able to roll around the tape roll while maintaining a secure fit on the tape roll. The tape dispenser allows a user to easily retrieve tape by securing the end of the tape roll on the retaining device. The tape dispenser is also easily installable and removable so that switching between tape rolls is convenient. 
     The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the device and method of the present invention could be implemented in several different ways and have several different appearances.