Patent Abstract:
A dual use tape dispenser consisting of a base frame assembly and a cutting blade assembly pivotally connected to the base frame assembly. Integral with the base frame assembly is an array of pins positioned for holding different size reels of tape. Tape from reels of packaging tape is threaded in one and/or two ways so the tape dispenser can be used as a hand-held and/or a desk-top tape dispenser.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This patent application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/785,753, filed Mar. 27, 2006, for Duo Use Sealing Tape Dispenser, by Hugh M. Lyman, Jr., included by reference herein and for which benefit of the priority date is hereby claimed. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to tape dispensers, and more particularly to a dual use device for both hand-held and desk-top use that accommodates reels of tape of different core diameters. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Adhesive tape dispensers, also referred to as sealing tape dispensers and packaging tape dispensers, are numerous and have been used for some time. Common tape dispensers are either, hand-held or desk-top. A problem with many tape dispensers is the awkward manipulations required to load a reel of adhesive tape. Considerable tape can be wasted loading tape reels into tape dispensers as it sticks to parts of the tape dispenser or itself. When long lengths of tape are extracted the tape can twist on itself, creating a tangled mess before it can be applied to an article. 
   Many of the popular tape dispensers used in mailing stores, offices, packaging rooms and mailing rooms are large and complicated mechanisms of considerable weight, but are hand-held. U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,386 issued to Lin, describes a device is made up of dozens of parts and is relatively heavy. This and other hand-held tape dispensers similar to U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,342 have a similar characteristic in that the tape end, when being applied to a package is a considerable distance from the operating hand, thereby limiting the control for positioning and cutting the tape being applied to the package. Further, as with many hand-held tape dispensers, when finished applying and cutting the tape, a flap of tape several inches long extends from the device, free to stick to places not desired. 
   Smaller hand-held tape dispensers are known in the art, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,180 issued to Shah. This tape dispenser is small, light weight and economical, but is limited to use with only a single small reel of adhesive tape. 
   There are many desk-top tape dispensers. One design is illustrated in U.S. Pat. D504,155 issued to Crawford et al. Most of these types of dispensers are used mainly for narrow width masking tape. As common packaging tape is two inches wide and reasonably sticky, some effort is required to extract the tape from the tape reel. With this in mind, desk-top tape dispensers are either heavy or provided with suction cups to hold the dispenser stationary while tape is extracted. 
   Multiple roll tape dispensers are numerous as described in U.S. Pat. No. D399,257 issued to Tang et al. These tape dispensers, however are not designed for hand-held use. 
   Heretofore, prior art fails to address an adhesive backed tape dispenser that is light weight and can be used as a desk-top device and/or a hand-held device, is easy to load and provides a means where extracted tape is prevented from tangling or sticking to itself or other undesirable objects. 
   It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a tape dispenser that can be used as a desk-top device and/or a hand-held device. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a simple tape dispensing device into which a reel of adhesive backed tape can be loaded easily and conveniently. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a tape dispenser that dispenses adhesive backed tape quickly and easily. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a tape dispenser that facilitates holding extracted tape with both hands to keep it from tangling. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a tape dispenser that is light in weight. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a tape dispenser that is of simple construction. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a tape dispenser that is economical to produce. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a tape dispenser that can accommodate different size reels of tape. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a tape dispenser that can be conveniently clamped to a desk-top. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a tape dispenser that prevents a loose tape end from becoming stuck to unintentional objects. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a tape dispenser that can hold more than one roll of tape. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a tape dispensing device for dispensing and applying adhesive backed tape in a hand-held and/or desk-top configuration. Hand-held, the device is portable, the device being positioned appropriately by the operator. Desk-top, the device is stationary, conveniently at rest on a desk-top or work-top while tape is extracted by the operator. 
   The inventive device consists of two components: a base frame and a pivotal blade handle. The base frame is open on one side for conveniently threading the tape end to the desired configuration. The open side of the dispenser and the pivotal blade handle provides for convenient tape feeding. Pins positioned on the device hold a large diameter tape reel or up to two small diameter reels of tape for dual use thereof. Pin tabs on master pins hold the tape reels and restrict them from falling off of the dispenser. Further, the pin configuration allows easy turning of the tape reel while restricting the tape reel from free spooling. In the hand-held configuration the tape is fed through a gap between a pressure bar and the leading edge of a bottom plate. For the desk-top configuration the tape is fed under an upwardly pivotal blade handle and over a crossbar where the tape end extends beyond the provided crossbar. Scalloped finger grips on both side components provide for comfortably holding the device. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric left side view of the tape dispensing device in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric right side view of the tape dispensing device; 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric left side expanded view of the tape dispensing device; 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a back view of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a section view of the tape dispensing device as taken along lines A—A in  FIG. 4  with a large diameter reel of tape installed in the device; 
       FIG. 8  is a section view of the inventive tape dispensing device as taken along line A—A of  FIG. 4  with two small diameter reels of tape mounted in position; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the tape dispensing invention with rotating reel holders in place of an array of pin holders; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective process view of the tape dispensing invention illustrating the tilting position of a reel of tape for mounting in the dispenser; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective process view of the invention with the reel of tape further positioned onto the array of pin holders; 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective process view of the invention in the desk-top configuration with tape being extracted; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective process view of the invention illustrating how the tape is cut in the desk-top configuration; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective process view of a strip of tape held between two hands after being cut; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the invention illustrating how the device is clamped to a work-surface; 
       FIG. 16  is a process left side view of the tape dispenser showing a large diameter tape reel installed and the tape fed for hand-held use; 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective process view of the inventive device holding down the lids of a package to begin the application of tape to the package; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective process view of the device moving across the package sealing the lids of the package; 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective process view of the inventive device at the position where the tape is cut after sealing the package; 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective process view of the invention illustrating how the tape end is secured after use, preventing it from sticking to other objects; and 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective process view of the invention illustrating how the tape is released when the operator is ready to use the device after storage in the hand-held configuration. 
   

   For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the figures. For purposes of brevity the ‘dual use tape dispenser’ will be referred to as ‘device’. 
   The following reference numerals are used to indicate the parts and environment of the invention. 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
                20 
               device 
             
             
                 
               100 
               base frame assembly 
             
             
                 
               105 
               bottom plate 
             
             
                 
               110 
               right side panel 
             
             
                 
               115 
               left side arm 
             
             
                 
               120 
               pressure bar 
             
             
                 
               125 
               crossbar 
             
             
                 
               135 
               axle pin 
             
             
                 
               140 
               finger grips 
             
             
                 
               145 
               finger notch 
             
             
                 
               150 
               tape gap 
             
             
                 
               152 
               bottom plate leading edge 
             
             
                 
               155 
               tape retainer tab 
             
             
                 
               160 
               tapered corner 
             
             
                 
               165 
               gusset block 
             
             
                 
               170 
               hand cutout 
             
             
                 
               175 
               master pin 
             
             
                 
               180 
               pin tab 
             
             
                 
               185 
               master pin 
             
             
                 
               190 
               pin tab 
             
             
                 
               195 
               slave pin 
             
             
                 
               197 
               slave pin 
             
             
                 
               198 
               slave pin 
             
             
                 
               199 
               rotating reel holder 
             
             
                 
               200 
               blade handle assembly 
             
             
                 
               210 
               blade handle arm 
             
             
                 
               215 
               space 
             
             
                 
               220 
               finger guard 
             
             
                 
               230 
               finger grasp 
             
             
                 
               240 
               slotted pin hole 
             
             
                 
               250 
               cutting blade 
             
             
                 
               260 
               cutting blade slot 
             
             
                 
               300 
               large tape reel 
             
             
                 
               305 
               small tape reel 
             
             
                 
               306 
               medium tape reel 
             
             
                 
               310 
               tape 
             
             
                 
               320 
               tape reel core 
             
             
                 
               330 
               cut tape end 
             
             
                 
               340 
               cut tape end 
             
             
                 
               410 
               thumb finger 
             
             
                 
               420 
               index finger 
             
             
                 
               430 
               thumb finger 
             
             
                 
               440 
               index finger 
             
             
                 
               500 
               package 
             
             
                 
               510 
               package lid 
             
             
                 
               520 
               spring clamp 
             
             
                 
               530 
               desk-top 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The following description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, sets forth the preferred embodiment of the present invention in such a manner that anyone with ordinary skill can make and use the invention. The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is the best method envisioned by the inventor for use in a home and office environment, although it should be understood that various modifications can be accomplished within the scope of the present invention. 
   Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIG. 1 , the device  20  comprises two assemblies: base frame assembly  100  which provides a stationary platform, and blade handle assembly  200  which provides for tape cutting. 
   The base frame assembly  100  comprises a bottom plate  105  rigidly connected orthogonally to a right side panel  110 , a crossbar  125 , a pressure bar  120  and an axle pin  135 , all rigidly connected orthogonally to the right side panel  110 . Further, a left side arm  115  is rigidly connected orthogonally to the crossbar  125 , the pressure bar  120  and the axle pin  135 . The left side arm  115  is provided with finger grips  140 . A gusset block  165  is rigidly connected to the bottom plate  105  and the right side panel  110 . In the forward portion of the bottom plate  105  is provided a finger notch  145 . A tape gap  150  is disposed between the bottom plate  105  and the pressure bar  120 . Rigidly connected orthogonally to the bottom plate  105 , and perpendicular to the bottom plate leading edge  152  is a tape retainer tab  155 . Rigidly, connected behind the axle pin  135  to the right side panel  110  is an array of spool pins to support a tape reel: top master pin  175 , bottom master pin  185 , slave pin  195 , slave pin  197  and slave pin  198 . At the ends of the top and bottom master pins  175 ,  185  are rigidly connected pin tabs  180 ,  190 , respectively. The device  20  can be made from wood, metal and/or plastic materials. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates the hand cutout  170  which accommodates the finger grips  140  in the right side panel  110 . Finger grips  140  are shown also on the left side arm  115 . The device  20  can be used either right- or left-handed. 
     FIG. 3  is an expanded view showing the blade handle assembly  200  separated from the base frame assembly  100 . The blade handle assembly  200  has two blade handle arms  210 . As evident to anyone skilled in the art, the blade handle assembly  200  may be of varying designs, such as configured to receive batteries and a thermo cutting blade, not shown. At the rear of the blade handle arms  210  are slotted pin holes  240 , wherein the blade handle assembly  200  pivotally attaches to the axle pin  135  and rests on the crossbar  125  in the closed position. The slotted portion of the slotted pin hole  240  is slightly undersized, wherein when the blade handle assembly  200  is snapped onto the axle pin  135  it is pivotally and removably connected to the base frame assembly  100 . The blade handle assembly rests on the crossbar in a closed position when cutting tape in both hand-held and/or desk-top configuration. To anyone ordinarily skilled in the art it would be apparent that the blade handle assembly  200  may be either permanently connected pivotally to the axle pin, by omitting the slot in the slotted pin hole. 
   The blade handle assembly  200  fits between and flush with the top edges of the right side panel  110  and left side arm  115 . At each front corner of the blade handle assembly  200  are protruding finger grasps  230  which fit to the tapered corners  160  of the base frame assembly  100  when the blade handle assembly  200  is closed. 
   Finger grasps  230  are flush with the outside faces of the right side panel  110  and left side arm  115 . The finger grasps  230  protrude beyond the position of the cutting blade  250  providing finger guards  220 . Disposed in the front edge of the blade handle assembly  200  is a cutting blade slot  260  for receiving and permanently holding the cutting blade  250 . Anyone with ordinary skill in the art would realize there are varying methods for attaching the cutting blade. 
     FIG. 4  is a top view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating clearly the length of the slave pins  195 ,  197 ,  198  which are shorter than the top and bottom master pins  175 ,  185 . A space  215  is provided between the blade handle arms  210  and the right side panel  110  and left side arm  115  to allow the right side panel  110  and left side arm  115  to flex at the finger grips  140  and thereby provide a soft grip feature. 
     FIG. 5  is front view of the inventive tape dispenser illustrating the relative length of the slave pins  195 ,  197  and  198 . 
     FIG. 6  is the back view of the inventive tape dispenser  20 . Here also is shown proportional length of the slave pins  195 ,  197 ,  198  in relation to the length of the top and bottom master pins  175 ,  185 . 
     FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment as taken along lines A—A in  FIG. 4  with a large diameter tape reel  300  in position after being mounted. The dashed lines indicate the two options for feeding the tape  310 , wherein the top dashed line represents the tape  310  fed for the device  20  being used in the desk-top configuration and the bottom dashed line representing the configuration for hand-held use. With a large diameter tape reel  300  the device  20  can be configured for either hand-held or desk-top use. 
     FIG. 8  is the same sectional view as  FIG. 7  with two small diameter tape reels  305  shown in place. The strategic position of the slave pins  197 ,  198  affords easy installation of the small diameter tape reels  305  while preventing them from falling off of the device  20  when the device  20  is oriented or rotated while being used in the hand-held configuration. 
   The dashed line from the top front small tape reel  305  indicates feeding the tape  310  under the blade handle assembly  200  and over the crossbar  125  for the desk-top configuration. The dashed line from the rear bottom tape reel  305  indicates feeding the tape  310  down and through the tape gap  150  for hand-held use. With two small diameter tape reels  305  the device  20  can be used in either hand-held or desk-top configurations without changing the tape feeding position as is required with one large diameter tape reel  300 . 
   As evident to anyone ordinarily skilled in the art it would be evident that the device  20  may be constructed to also hold two large diameter tape reels  300  or constructed to hold one small diameter tape reel  305  and one medium diameter tape reel  306  or any combination thereof. Further it would be evident to anyone skilled in the art that rotating reel holders  199  could be substituted for the array of pins  175 ,  185 ,  195 ,  197 ,  198  as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The device  20  can hold two different diameter tape reels or even one large rotating reel holder. 
     FIG. 10  illustrates mounting the large tape reel  300 , it being positioned to mount to the device  20 . The large tape reel  300  is slightly tilted and placed over the pin tabs,  180 ,  190  at the opposing quadrants at the inside of the tape reel core  320 . The large tape reel  300  is pressed over the pin tabs  180 ,  190  on to the assembly at a tilted angle, the tape reel core  320  contacts the outside edge of slave pin  195  at an equal distance from the pin tabs,  180 ,  190  and slips into a full locking position on the three pins  175 ,  185 ,  195 . The strategic position of master pins  175 ,  185  and the slave pin  195  restrains the large tape reel  300  from falling off of the device  20  in any position. The large tape reel  300  can be as easily removed as it is installed. The placing of the small diameter tape reels  305  is accomplished in a similar manner but requires only two pins  175 ,  198  for the top tape reel  305  and two pins  185 ,  197  for the bottom tape reel  306  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     FIG. 11  illustrates further the process of the large tape reel  300  as it is installed over the master pins  175 ,  185  in a tilted position. At this position the pin tabs  180 ,  190  are centered at the opposite quadrants of the tape core  320 . Once the slave pin  195  is engaged by the tape core  320  the large tape reel  300  is further pressed onto the device  20 . The slave pin  195  forces the tape reel core  320  off center on the master pins  175 ,  185  allowing the outside edge of the large tape reel core  320  to snap inside the pin tabs  180 ,  190  thereby preventing the large tape reel  300  from dislodging during use. 
   Referring to  FIG. 12  illustrated is the process for extracting tape  310  from the device  20  in the desk-top configuration, whereby the tape dispenser is resting stationary on desk-top  530  (see  FIG. 15 ). The distance between the cutting blade  250  and top of the crossbar  125  provides approximately one inch of loose cut tape end  330  ready for griping by the thumb  410  and the index finger  420 . The blade handle assembly  200  is pivoted up and out of the way with one hand gripping the finger grasps  230 , while the tape end  330  is pulled by the thumb  410  and the index finger  420  of the other hand extracting the tape  310  to the desired length. 
   The blade handle assembly  200  is then closed, as shown in  FIG. 13 . With the heal of one hand resting on the blade handle assembly  200 , holding it closed, the index finger  440  of this hand extends over the finger guards  220  making contact with the adhesive side of the tape  310 . By pulling up on the tape  310  it is cut by the cutting blade  250  at the cut tape end  340 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 14  the cut tape end  330  being held by the thumb  410  and the index finger  420  and the cut tape end  340  being held by the other hand thumb  430  and index finger  440  shows the tape being held tight and restricted from sticking to itself or an object until the user places it where desired. This process is very simple and fast. 
     FIG. 15  illustrates the device  20  clamped to a desk-top  530  with a spring clamp  520 . Clamping the device  20  to a desk-top  530  is not required with the device  20  configured for desk-top use, but may be convenient under some conditions. 
   Referring to  FIG. 16  the tape  310  of large tape reel  300  is positioned for hand-held use. This process functions similar to other hand-held devices, however offers several advantages. The flat bottom of the device  20  makes it easy to hold down the package lids  510  of package  500  as shown with a down arrow in  FIG. 17 . The tape end  330  is pressed against the end of the package  500  and with one hand the device  20  is pulled in a rearward motion, along the joint of the package lids  510 , shown in  FIG. 18 . The tape retainer tab  155  shown in  FIG. 16  prevents the tape  310  from inadvertently slipping out of the tape gap  150  while tap  310  is being extracted from the device  20 . The pressure bar  120  seals the tape  310  to the package lids  510  as the tape is applied. To anyone ordinarily skilled in the art it would be evident that the pressure bar  120  could be a rotating cylindrical roller as shown in prior art. As the hand is close to the tape  310 , control of the tape  310  is enhanced for easy positioning. At the opposite end of the package  500  (see  FIG. 19 ) the device  20  is pulled down in the same horizontal position illustrated in  FIG. 18 , applying tape  310  to the package  500  end. At the point desired for cutting the tape  310  with the cutting blade  250 , all that is required is a slight twist of the wrist of the hand holding the device  20 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 20 , after the process of applying tape to a package  500  is completed and the device  20  is to be stored for future use, the tape end  330  is pulled back against the front edge of the bottom plate  105  at the tape gap  150  and stuck to the bottom of the bottom plate  105 , thereby safely keeping the tape end  330  from sticking to undesired objects while in storage. If at anytime the tape  310  between the large tape reel  300  and the tape gap  150  becomes slack within the device  20 , a gusset block  165  prevents the tape  310  from contacting itself where the adhesive side of the tape end  330  is exposed at the finger notch  145 . The next time the device  20  is used, the tape end  330  is released from the bottom of the bottom plate  105  with the thumb  410  and the index finger  420  at the finger notch  145 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . 
   Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modification which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
   Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8