Patent ID: 12195293

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS.1-7schematically depict a tape dispenser TD according to an embodiment of the invention.FIG.1depicts a side view,FIG.2depicts a top view,FIG.3depicts a cross-sectional view along line A-A as shown inFIG.2,FIG.4depicts a front view,FIG.5Adepicts a perspective view,FIG.5Bdepicts an exploded view,FIG.6depicts an opposite side view, andFIG.7depicts a cross-sectional view along line B-B as shown inFIG.6.

The tape dispenser TD according to the invention is especially suitable for applying masking tape for painting or sealing to an object, e.g. a window. A corresponding method for operating the tape dispenser to apply the masking tape will be described later on in more detail by reference toFIGS.9A-18C.

The tape dispenser TD comprises a housing H with a space S delimited by a wall1and side walls SW1, SW2for accommodating a roll TR of masking tape. An example of a roll TR suitable to be used in combination with the tape dispenser TD is shown inFIG.8and will be described below in more detail. For now, it is only necessary to know that the roll TR has a width W1and carrying a certain length of masking tape.

In a centre of the space S, a member3is provided to engage with a core C of the roll TR. The member3is configured to allow the core C of the roll TR to rotate about the member3. In this example, the member3is stationary and defines a virtual rotation axis in the centre of the space S. In an alternative embodiment, the member3is rotatably arranged to rotate about a rotation axis and thus is configured to rotate along with the core C of the roll TR.

In this embodiment, the member3is mounted to the side wall SW2using three screws SC, but any other mounting provision is envisaged.

The housing H comprises an opening7allowing the masking tape to extend from the roll TR through the opening7around the housing towards a pressure surface PS at a bottom of the tape dispenser TD.

In use, it is intended that any adhesive layer or sticky side of the masking tape faces away from the tape dispenser TD at the pressure surface PS. The pressure surface can then be used to apply pressure to the object while a masking tape portion is present in between the pressure surface PS and the object thereby applying the masking tape portion to the object.

The pressure surface PS has a length L extending from an entry side ENS to an exit side EXS of the pressure surface PS. The pressure surface PS also has a width W2, which is the dimension of the pressure surface PS in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The housing H and the pressure surface PS are configured to guide masking tape from the roll TR of masking tape via the entry side ENS of the pressure surface PS along the pressure surface PS towards the exit side EXS of the pressure surface PS in a longitudinal direction of the pressure surface PS.

When the pressure surface PS is used to apply pressure to an object while an masking tape portion is present in between the pressure surface PS and the object OB, the masking tape portion will adhere to the object so that moving the tape dispenser TD in a direction from exit side EXS to entry side will automatically unwind the masking tape from the roll TR and apply the masking tape to the object.

The tape dispenser TD further comprises a first cutter C1to cut masking tape upstream of the entry side ENS of the pressure surface PS, i.e. the first cutter C1is arranged to engage with a masking tape portion extending in use between the roll TR of masking tape and the entry side ENS of the pressure surface PS.

The tape dispenser TD also comprises a second cutter C2to cut masking tape downstream of the exit side EXS of the pressure surface PS, i.e. the second cutter C2is arranged to engage with a masking tape portion extending in use beyond the pressure surface PS.

An advantage of the first and second cutter C1, C2is that the masking tape can be cut to the desired length at both sides of the tape dispenser TD making this tape dispenser easier to apply masking tape to an object, especially in corners, and making the tape dispenser suitable to allow a user to start in either corner of an object in order to start applying masking tape.

In this embodiment, the first and second cutter C1, C2are embodied by cutting blades guided by grooves G to be moved in a longitudinal direction of the cutters C1, C2. The first and second cutter C1, C2each have a rest position as shown inFIG.3, in which the first and second cutter C1, C2do not extend beyond the housing H and thus masking tape is able to pass the first and second cutter C1, C2without engaging with the first and second cutter C1, C2.

The tape dispenser TD comprises an actuation system to selectively operate the first cutter C1and the second cutter C2, meaning that either the first cutter C1performs a cutting action or the second cutter C2performs a cutting action. It is preferred that the first and second cutter are not able to simultaneously perform a cutting action as this allows to apply a variety of different lengths of masking tape to the object.

The actuation system comprises a slider9provided with teeth11to cooperate with a gear13. The slider9with teeth11and the gear13function similarly to a rack and pinion. The first and second cutter C1, C2are connected to the slider9. Clockwise rotation of the gear13as shown inFIG.3will move the first cutter C1from the rest position to a cutting position in which the first cutter C1extends beyond the housing H to engage with masking tape. Counter-clockwise rotation of the gear13as shown inFIG.3will move the second cutter C2from the rest position to a cutting position in which the second cutter C2extends beyond the housing H to engage with masking tape. Due to the fact that both the first cutter C1and the second cutter C2are connected to the slider9and move simultaneously, the first cutter C1is moved to a retracted position when the second cutter C2is moved to the cutting position and likewise the second cutter C2is moved to a retracted position when the first cutter C1is moved to the cutting position.

The gear13is rotated by means of an operating member15, which operating member15comprises a gear element17, a spring element19and a sliding element21. The gear element17is received in a circularly shaped space23surrounding the space S. In this embodiment, the space23is concentric to the space S and the wall1, so that the space23defines a circular moving path for the gear element17with a centre coinciding with the rotation axis as defined by the member3. The gear element17comprises teeth14to cooperate with the gear13.

The gear element17is connected to the spring element19which in turn is connected to the sliding element21. The sliding element21can be operated by the hand of a user, e.g. using the palm of the hand while holding the tape dispenser TD. The housing H is configured to guide movement of the operating member15and thus also the sliding element in a longitudinal direction of the housing H. The configuration of the actuation system is in this embodiment such that moving the sliding element in a direction towards the entry side ENS of the pressure surface, i.e. to the left inFIG.3, causes a cutting action of the first cutter C1and such that moving the sliding element in a direction towards the exit side EXS of the pressure surface PS, i.e. to the right inFIG.3, causes a cutting action of the second cutter C2, where cutting action means that the corresponding cutter is moved to the cutting position.

The spring element19is moveably arranged in a space24. Arranged inside space24on both sides of the spring element19are springs25urging the spring element19and thus the operating member15to a position corresponding to the rest position of the first and second cutter C1, C2. Sliding the sliding element21to the left and right can be done by exerting a force to the sliding element that overcomes the forces applied to the spring element19by the springs25. Subsequently releasing the sliding element21will then automatically move the operating member15to the rest position.

The tape dispenser TD further comprises a first clamping mechanism for clamping the masking tape to a housing part at a location upstream of the first cutter C1, In this embodiment, the first clamping mechanism comprises a permanent magnet PM1arranged on the housing H and cooperating with a clamping member CM1. The clamping member CM1is made from or comprises magnetic material, so that the magnet PM1is able to exert a clamping force to the clamping member CM1.

The tape dispenser TD in this embodiment also comprises a second clamping mechanism for clamping the masking tape to a housing part at a location downstream of the second cutter C2. In this embodiment, the second clamping mechanism comprises a permanent magnet PM2arranged on the housing H and cooperating with a clamping member CM2. The clamping member CM2is made from or comprises magnetic material, so that the magnet PM2is able to exert a clamping force to the clamping member CM2.

In this particular embodiment, each clamping mechanism has an associated recess RE in the housing H. This allows to open a clamping mechanism, to draw a portion of masking tape from the roll TR, insert a finger in the recess RE to hold the masking tape, and close the clamping mechanism without interfering with the finger in the recess RE. As a result thereof, it is possible to reliably position a masking tape portion on the pressure surface PS.

The first and second clamping mechanism ensure that the masking tape is held in place while performing cutting actions with the first cutter C1or the second cutter C2, preferably by keeping the masking tape tight.

In this embodiment, the housing is provided with a third permanent magnet PM3and a fourth permanent magnet PM4. The third permanent magnet PM3is provided to exert a holding force to the first clamping member CM1when the first clamping member has been moved to an open position. The fourth permanent magnet PM4is provided to exert a holding force to the second clamping member CM2when the second clamping member has been moved to an open position. The third and fourth permanent magnet PM3, PM4thus are advantageous to keep the first and second clamping member in their respective open positions as clearly indicated inFIG.5B, thereby keeping the hand/fingers of the hand available to perform other actions.

As can be best seen inFIG.2, the housing H and thus the tape dispenser TD have a substantially symmetrical design about a centre plane CP of the tape dispenser TD, wherein the housing H is configured such that when a roll of masking tape is accommodated inside the housing H having a with W1that is substantially identical to width W2, a centre plane of the roll of masking tape substantially coincides with the centre plane of the tape dispenser TD. As a result, the sideways distance between masking tape and side of the tape dispenser is substantially identical to each other on both sides and defined by the thickness of the sidewalls SW1, SW2. It thus does not make a difference which sidewall SW1or SW2is facing a corresponding sidewall of the object, because the masking tape will be applied at the same distance from the sidewall of the object upon engagement between the sidewall of the object and the respective sidewall SW1, SW2of the tape dispenser TD.

To cut the masking tape to a desired length, the tape dispenser TD is provided with a first spacer, in this case two first spacers FS, arranged at the entry side ENS of the tape dispenser, and a second spacer, in this case two second spacers SS, arranged at the exit side EXS of the tape dispenser.

The first spacers FS define a first distance D1between a free end of the first spacers FS and the entry side ENS of the pressure surface PS, and the second spacers SS define a second distance D2between a free end of the second spacers SS and the exit side EXS of the pressure surface PS. Preferably, the first distance D1is equal to the second distance D2. The first distance D1and the second distance D2are measured in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the pressure surface PS.

A length of masking tape extending in use between the entry side ENS of the pressure surface PS and the first cutter C1is denoted L1and a length of masking tape extending in use between the exit side EXS of the pressure surface PS and the second cutter C2is denoted L2. The width of the housing is denoted W and the maximum width of masking tape roll that can be accommodated inside the housing is denoted W2.

In an embodiment, L1=D1−0.5(W−W2) and L2=D2−0.5(W−W2). Or in other words, the length L1is equal to the first distance D1minus half a difference between a width W of the housing and a maximum width W2of the masking tape that can be accommodated inside the housing, and the length L2is equal to the second distance D2minus half a difference between a width W of the housing and a maximum width W2of the masking tape that can be accommodated inside the housing H.

An advantage of an embodiment in which L1=D1−0.5(W−W2) and L2=D2−0.5(W−W2) is that when applying masking tape in a corner, the distance between longitudinal sides of the masking tape to an adjacent wall and a distance between the free end of the masking tape and an adjacent wall are all the same. A further advantage is that when tape is applied in the same corner but perpendicular to already applied tape in said corner, the free end of the to be applied tape can be positioned at one of the longitudinal sides of the already applied tape and one of the longitudinal sides of the to be applied tape can be positioned at the free end of the already applied tape, thereby obtaining full overlap in the corner which is quite difficult to obtain by hand.

As can be best seen inFIG.5AandFIG.5B, the side wall SW1of the housing H comprises a portion SW1athat is releasably mounted to the housing H using a connecting element6. The connecting element6may for instance connect the portion SW1ato the member3using a bayonet mount in which the connecting element comprises a shaft5with cams5athat catch behind respective shoulders of the member3upon sufficient rotation of the connecting element6while a reverse rotation releases the mount. Shaft5is also visible inFIG.3.

By removing the side wall portion SW1a, access is gained to the space S allowing to insert a roll TR of tape and for instance to remove the core C of an empty roll TR of tape. To see how much tape is still present on the core C of the roll TR of tape, a viewing window VW is provided in side wall SW2.

To be able to apply masking tape using the tape dispenser TD according to the invention in a reliable manner, the width W1of the roll TR of tape is close to or substantially identical to a distance D1between the sidewalls SW1and SW2at the space S, which may be equal to the width W2of the pressure surface PS as in this embodiment. Preferably, the following equation applies: DI=W1+ΔTol, where ΔTol is a tolerance factor. ΔTol is preferably in a range between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, more preferably in a range between 0.1 and 0.3 mm and most preferably 0.1 mm. The above assumes that a distance DI between the sidewalls SW1and SW2is equal to the distance DIa between sidewall portion SW1aand sidewall SW2. However, it is also envisaged that distance DIa is non-equal to distance DI. Preferably, a thickness of the sidewall portion SW1ais equal to the thickness of the sidewall SW1.

An advantage when equation DI=W1+ΔTol or DIa=W1+ΔTol applies is that when the roll of tape is inserted in the space S and the space S is closed by sidewall portion SW1a, any sideways deviation in the roll of tape at the time of inserting the roll of tape in the space S, e.g. due to the viscous nature of the glue between the masking tape portions causing misalignment between masking tape portions in the width direction will be substantially reduced, preferably minimized.

FIG.8schematically depicts a roll TR of masking tape suitable for a tape dispenser TD according to theFIGS.1-7. The roll TR of masking tape comprises a core C, a length of masking tape wound on the core C, and a guiding sheet GS1, GS2per side surface of the roll TR of masking tape covering at least partially the masking tape wound on the core C.

The guiding sheets GS1, GS2are arranged such that they rotate along with the roll TR of masking tape, for example by connecting the guiding sheets GS1, GS2to the core C and/or by connecting the guiding sheets GS1, GS2to the respective side surfaces of the roll TR of masking tape, i.e. to the side surfaces of the masking tape itself. The guiding sheets GS1, GS2may for instance be adhered to the side surfaces of the masking tape, e.g. using the same adhesive as the adhesive layer or sticky side of the masking tape used to adhere the masking tape to a surface of an object when applying the masking tape.

The guiding sheets GS1, GS2are further configured such that a surface of the guiding sheets GS1, GS2facing away from the masking tape is configured to slide relative to a slide wall of a housing of the tape dispenser. The coefficient of static friction of the guiding sheets GS1, GS2at the surface facing away from the masking tape may be below 0.6, preferably below 0.3, more preferably below 0.2, and most preferably below 0.1.

The thickness of the guiding sheets GS1, GS2is preferably as low as possible so that masking tape can be as wide as possible. The thickness of the guiding sheets GS1, GS2may for instance be below 0.35 mm, preferably below 0.25 mm, more preferably below 0.15 mm, even more preferably below 0.1 mm, and most preferably below 0.05 mm.

In an embodiment, the guiding sheets are made of or comprise paper.

In an embodiment, the guiding sheets are made of or comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene (PE). The guiding sheets GS1, GS2may also comprise a base sheet to which a low-friction coating is provided on the surface facing away from the masking tape. The low-friction coating may for instance comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon).

Although the roll TR of masking tape has been described including core C, it is also possible that no core C is provided and the roll only comprises a length of masking tape wound as a roll and a guiding sheet per side surface of the roll of masking tape.

It is noted explicitly here that the width W1as depicted inFIG.8indicates the width of the roll of tape including the guiding sheets GS1and GS2. When the width W1is used in other parts of the description, the width W1may also refer to the width of the roll of tape without guiding sheets GS1, GS2, when a roll of tape is used having no guiding sheets. Further, width W1is determined locally, meaning for instance that when a masking tape portion has drifted sideways relative to an adjacent masking tape portion, e.g. due to the viscous nature of the glue, width W1is not the total width including sideways movement, but still the width of the local masking tape portion including, if present, the guiding surfaces GS1, GS2.

FIG.9A to18Cdescribe a method of operating the tape dispenser TD described in relation to theFIGS.1-7. Prior to the situation as shown inFIG.9A, a roll TR of masking tape has been introduced into the housing H, in particular into the space S, so that the core C of the roll TR engages with the member3to allow rotation of the roll TR about the corresponding rotation axis. The introduction of the roll TR of masking tape into the space S, may comprise one or more of the following steps, cf.FIG.5B:a) disconnecting connecting element6from the member3;b) removing side wall portion SW1a;c) removing any remains of a previously installed roll of masking tape, e.g. core and/or guiding sheets, if present;d) introducing the roll TR into the space S with the core C arranged around the member3;e) closing off the space S by positioning the side wall portion SW1aover the space S;f) connecting the connecting element6to the member3.

In an embodiment, prior to method step d) of introducing the roll TR into the space S, a first length of masking tape is unwound from the roll TR of masking tape, and method step d) is carried out such that this first length of masking tape extends through opening7after introducing the roll TR into the space S, so that the first length of masking tape can be used for further unwinding of the masking tape from the roll after closing off the space S. Alternatively, the opening7may be large enough to be able to reach the masking tape inside the space S for unwinding purposes. In an embodiment, the first length of masking tape may be folded on itself so that this first length of masking tape can be handled and/or manipulated without contacting the adhesive layer. A further advantage is that by folding the first length of tape on itself, either in longitudinal direction or in transverse direction, the stiffness of the first length of tape is increased. The first length of masking tape can also advantageously be used to unwind the masking tape from the roll until the first length of masking tape extends beyond the second cutter C2, preferably extends beyond the permanent magnet PM2.

It is preferred that a roll TR of masking tape as described in accordance withFIG.8, hence, including guiding sheets GS1, GS2, is introduced into the space S to avoid any sticking of the masking tape to the inner surfaces of side wall portion SW1aand side wall SW2.

Also prior to the situation as shown inFIG.9A, the clamping members CM1and CM2both have been brought into an open position as shown inFIG.9A. Permanent magnets PM3, PM4keep the clamping members CM1, CM2in the open position, respectively.

Subsequently, masking tape has been unwound from the roll TR to extend from the roll of masking tape through the opening7via the entry side ENS of the pressure surface PS along the pressure surface PS towards the exit side of the pressure surface PS beyond the second cutter C2, in this case into the recess RE at the second clamping member CM2.

As shown inFIGS.9B and9C, the masking tape can be wound tight around the pressure surface PS and housing H also at the locations of the first cutter C1and the second cutter C2, which are in the rest position and thus do not engage with the masking tape yet. It may be important to introduce the roll TR of tape in the space S such that when the masking tape is unwound from the roll TR, the adhesive layer or sticky side of the masking tape is facing away from the housing H and the pressure surface PS.

FIGS.9B and9Calso show that the masking tape is unwound from the roll to extend adjacent the permanent magnets PM1and PM2as this allows to close the clamping members CM1and CM2to clamp the masking tape between the respective clamping member CM1, CM2and the respective permanent magnet PM1, PM2as shown in theFIGS.10A-10C. The clamping members CM1, CM2and the recesses RE in the housing H are preferably such that the masking tape can be held by or manipulated by a finger of a user while closing the clamping members CM1, CM2as this helps in keeping the masking tape tight around the pressure surface PS and in the region of the first and second cutter C1, C2.

FIG.11Ashows an object OB having four surfaces S1-S4arranged at right angles to each other and defining a left corner LC and a right corner RC. The description below relates to applying masking tape to the third surface S3of the object OB.FIGS.11A-110relate to a first step of this method after having gone through all preparatory steps as described above.

In this first step, the masking tape present at the pressure surface PS of the tape dispenser TD is pressed against the third surface S3of the object OB with the second spacers SS facing towards and close to the right corner RC in this embodiment. The tape dispenser TD is preferably positioned such that the side wall SW2of the tape dispenser TD is in engagement with the first surface S1of the object OB.

It would also have been possible to start at or near the left corner LC by positioning the tape dispenser such that the second spacers SS face towards and are close to the left corner LC and the side wall SW1of the tape dispenser TD in engagement with the first surface S1of the object OB.

FIGS.12A-12Cshow a second step in the method in which the tape dispenser while pressing the masking tape to the third surface S3is moved towards the right corner RC, i.e. in a direction from the entry side ENS to the exit side EXS of the pressure surface, until the second spacers SS contact the second surface S2. As a result of this movement and the clamping action by the first clamping member CM1and the permanent magnet PM1, a clearance CL may form between the masking tape and the housing in between the entry side ENS of the pressure surface and the first cutter C1as shown clearly inFIG.12C. At the same time, a length of the portion of masking tape extending beyond the permanent magnet PM2has been reduced, e.g. compare the situation inFIG.11Bwith the situation inFIG.12B. The length of masking tape extending into recess RE inFIG.11Bis larger than the length of masking tape extending into recess RE inFIG.12B.

FIGS.13A-13Dshow a third step in the method in which the operating member15is moved in a direction towards the right corner RC until the sliding element21hits a stop ST1as shown clearly inFIG.13Dthereby moving the second cutter C2to its cutting position as shown inFIG.13Band simultaneously the first cutter C1to its retracted position as shown inFIG.13C. Moving the second cutter C2to the cutting position results in the second cutter C2cutting masking tape downstream of the exit side EXS of the pressure surface PS.

FIGS.14A-14Cshow a fourth step in the method in which the tape dispenser while pressing the masking tape to the third surface S3is moved towards the left corner LC, i.e. in a direction from the exit side EXS to the entry side ENS of the pressure surface, until the first spacers FS contact the fourth surface S4. As a result thereof masking tape is applied to the third surface S3over the entire length expect in the right and left corners RC, LC. Please note that the clamping member CM2and permanent magnet PM2still hold a portion of masking tape after the cutting action described in the third step as can be clearly seen inFIG.14C.

FIGS.15A-15Dshow a fifth step in the method in which the operating member15is moved in a direction towards the left corner LC until the sliding element21hits a stop ST2as shown clearly inFIG.15Dthereby moving the first cutter C1to its cutting position as shown inFIG.15Bad simultaneously the second cutter C2to its retracted position as shown inFIG.15C.

After the fifth step in the method, the tape dispenser TD can be removed from the object leaving the applied masking tape portion AMT on the third surface S3as shown inFIG.16. The pressure surface PS has been used to press the centre portion of the masking tape portion AMT to the surface S3, but both end portions could not be pressed against the surface S3by the pressure surface PS and thus may not adhere completely or not sufficiently to the surface S3. To solve this, a manual step may be added to press these end portions to the surface S3resulting in the situation as shown inFIG.17.

FIGS.18A-18Crelate to the same situation as depicted inFIG.17, but now showing the applied masking tape portion AMT from above.FIG.18Adepicts an overview of the entire object, whileFIG.18BandFIG.18Cdepict a detailed view of the left corner LC and the right corner RC, respectively. The distance between the masking tape portion AMT and the surface S1is denoted X and determined in this case by the thickness of the corresponding sidewall of the tape dispenser.

Because in this embodiment, the tape dispenser is embodied in accordance withFIG.3where L1=D1−0.5(W−W2) and L2=D2−0.5(W−W2), the same distance X is also present between a free end of the applied masking tape portion AMT and the second surface S2and between a free end of the applied masking tape portion AMT and the fourth surface S4.

Subsequent masking tape portions can be applied to the object in a similar manner as described above. For instance, a masking tape portion may be applied to the third surface S3starting in the left corner LC and extending in a direction perpendicular to the applied masking tape AMT. Alternatively or additionally, a masking tape portion may be applied to the third surface S3starting in the right corner RC and extending in a direction perpendicular to the applied masking tape AMT. Due to the dimensions of the tape dispenser used, the same distance X will be obtained in the corners LC and RC, so that the masking tape in the corners completely overlap.

FIGS.19-22schematically depict a tape dispenser kit according a further embodiment of the invention.FIG.19depicts a top view,FIG.20depicts a perspective view,FIG.21depicts a front view,FIG.22Adepicts a side view of the tape dispenser kit, andFIG.22Bdepicts a cross-sectional view of the tape dispenser kit.

The tape dispenser kit comprises a tape dispenser TD, in this embodiment embodied similar to the tape dispenser shown inFIGS.1-18C, and two attachments AT1, AT2. InFIGS.19-22, the attachments AT1, AT2are shown disconnected and at a distance from the tape dispenser TD. This is to show that the attachments AT1, AT2can optionally be used in combination with the tape dispenser. To use the attachments AT1, AT2, a respective alignment pin AP is aligned with respective alignment hole AH on the tape dispenser TD and subsequently the attachments are connected to the side walls SW1, SW2, respectively, using the snap-together connectors STC on the attachments AT1, AT2and the corresponding snap-in holes SIN in the side walls SW1, SW2, see for reference alsoFIG.1.

As can be best seen inFIG.7, a bottom of the alignment holes AH are interconnected to form a rotation axle AX for the gear13.

Instead of snap-fits, other temporarily connections, such as a clamping connection may also be envisaged to temporarily connect the attachments AT1, AT2to the tape dispenser TD.

One function of the attachments AT1, AT2may be to simply add material to the side walls SW1, SW2, thereby setting the distance between applied masking tape AMT and the surface S1to another, i.e. higher, value. The kit may comprise for instance different sets of attachments AT1, AT2, each setting the distance between applied masking tape AMT and the surface S1to a particular value.

Additionally, the function of the attachments AT1, AT2may be to take over the spacing function of the first spacers FS and/or second spacers SS as shown inFIG.22Bwhere a portion of the attachment AT1extends beyond the first spacer over a distance Q, thereby setting the distance between the free ends of the applied masking tape AMT and the surfaces S2and S4to another value, namely X+Q, preferably to the same value as the distance between the applied masking tape AMT and the surface S1when the thickness of the attachments is also Q.

FIG.23andFIGS.24A-24Cschematically depict a tape dispenser kit according to yet another embodiment of the invention. All figures are cross-sectional views similar to the cross sectional view ofFIG.3, wherein inFIG.23a tape dispenser TD is shown similarly embodied as the tape dispenser shown inFIGS.1-18C, and one attachment AT3. InFIG.23, the attachment AT3is shown disconnected at a distance from the tape dispenser TD. This is to show that the attachment AT3can optionally be used in combination with the tape dispenser. To use the attachment AT3, the attachment is connected to the pressure surface using the snap-on connectors SON on the attachment AT3and the corresponding grooves GR1, GR2arranged on the housing H between the entry side ENS and the first cutter C1and the exit side EXS and the second cutter C2.

The attachment AT3then functions as a replacement for the pressure surface PS and defines its own pressure surface PS' including entry side ENS' and exit side EXS'. InFIGS.24A,24B and24C, the attachment AT3is shown when attached to the tape dispenser TD. The situation is similar to the situation as depicted inFIG.10A-10C. An advantage of using the attachment AT3is that the length of masking tape Y1+Y2>L1and the length of masking tape Y3+Y4>L2.

An advantage of attachment AT3with the additional length of masking tape between the first and second cutter is that when masking tape is applied to a third surface of an object OB similar as described before, the applied masking tape does not keep a distance X to the first surface S1with its free end, but extends onto the first surface over a length OL as shown inFIGS.25A and25B.

FIGS.26A to29Bschematically depict a tape dispenser TD according to another embodiment of the invention. The tape dispenser TD according to this embodiment has many similarities with the embodiment depicted inFIGS.1-7. Hence, in the below description, emphasis will be given to the differences between the two embodiments. For a detailed description of the similarities reference is made to the description corresponding to the embodiment ofFIGS.1-7supplemented with the information provided below.

FIG.26Adepicts a perspective view of one side of the tape dispenser TD andFIG.26Bdepicts a perspective view of the other side of the tape dispenser TD.FIG.27depicts an exploded perspective view of the situation inFIG.26A.FIG.28Adepicts a cross-sectional view of the tape dispenser TD along a plane parallel to a longitudinal direction of the tape dispenser TD andFIGS.28B-28Ddepict details thereof.FIG.29Adepicts a cross-sectional view of the tape dispenser TD along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape dispenser, andFIG.29Bdepicts a detail thereof.

The tape dispenser TD comprises a housing H with a space S delimited by a wall1, an outer wall OW, a side wall portion SW1aof a side wall SW1, and side wall SW2to accommodate a roll TR of masking tape.

The housing H comprises an opening7allowing masking tape to extend from the roll TR through the opening7around the housing towards a pressure surface PS at a bottom of the tape dispenser TD.

The pressure surface PS has a length extending from an entry side ENS to an exit side EXS of the pressure surface PS. The pressure surface PS also has a width, which is the dimension of the pressure surface PS in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The housing H and the pressure surface PS are configured to guide masking tape from the roll TR of masking tape via the entry side ENS of the pressure surface PS along the pressure surface PS towards the exit side EXS of the pressure surface in a longitudinal direction LD of the pressure surface PS, which longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tape dispenser itself.

The tape dispenser TD further comprises a first cutter C1to cut masking tape upstream of the entry side ENS of the pressure surface PS, and a second cutter C2to cut masking tape downstream of the exit side EXS of the pressure surface PS. The first cutter C1and the second cutter C2in theFIGS.28A,28B and28Dare in a rest position, in which the first and second cutter C1, C2do not extend beyond the housing H and thus masking tape is able to pass the first and second cutter C1, C2without engaging with the first and second cutter C1, C2.

The main differences between the embodiment ofFIGS.1-7and the currently described embodiment are the configuration and location of the actuation system to selectively operate the first cutter C1and the second cutter C2, and the configuration and size of the roll TR of masking tape that can be accommodated in the tape dispenser TD.

Similar to the embodiment ofFIGS.1-7, the actuation system comprises a slider9, wherein the first and second cutter C1, C2are connected to the slider9. Moving the slider9to the left inFIG.28A, i.e. towards the first cutter C1or towards the entry side ENS of the pressure surface, will move the first cutter C1from the shown rest position to a cutting position in which the first cutter C1extends beyond the housing H to engage with masking tape. Moving the slider9to the right inFIG.28A, i.e. towards the second cutter C2or towards the exit side EXS of the pressure surface, will move the second cutter C2from the shown rest position to a cutting position in which the second cutter C2extends beyond the housing H to engage with masking tape. Due to the fact that both the first and second cutter C1, C2are connected to a common slider9and move simultaneously, the first cutter C1is moved to a retracted position when the second cutter C2is moved to its cutting position and likewise the second cutter C2is moved to a retracted position when the first cutter C1is moved to its cutting position.

The actuation system further comprises a sliding element21that can be connected to the slider9inside the tape dispenser TD via corresponding slits SL in the side walls SW1, SW2. As shown inFIGS.26A and26B, a sliding element21can be provided at either side, but the design of this embodiment is such that it is also possible to use only one sliding element21, e.g. at the side wall SW1as shown inFIGS.29A and29B. An advantage of using only one sliding element21at the side wall SW1is that the side wall SW2can be used as reference surface for aligning the masking tape dispensed from the tape dispenser TD with an object.

The actuation system also comprises a spring25arranged inside a space SP arranged in the housing H and the slider9as can be best seen inFIGS.28A,28C,29A and29B. The spring25has a first end25aand a second end25b. In the rest position of the first and second cutter C1, C2, the first end25aof the spring25engages with both the housing H and the slider9and at the same time the second end25bof the spring25also engages with both the housing H and the slider9. This position of the slider9and the spring25results is an equilibrium position. When the slider9is moved to the right inFIGS.28A and28C, the first end25aof the spring25moves along with the slider9and disengages from the housing H thereby decreasing in length. Similarly, when the slider9is moved from the rest position to the left the second end25bis moved along with the slider9and disengages from the housing H thereby decreasing in length. The decrease in length increases the spring force applied to the slider9which can be overcome manually, but which urges the slider9back to the equilibrium position when the slider is released or the force applied to it is reduced. An advantage of this actuation system is that it makes efficient use of the available space between the roll TR and the pressure surface PS and thus allows to keep the height of the tape dispenser small and/or to use a larger diameter roll TR compared to the embodiment ofFIGS.1-7. An advantage of the actuation system of the embodiment ofFIGS.1-7is that both sidewalls SW1, SW2can be used as a reference surface.

The tape dispenser TD also comprises a first clamping mechanism including permanent magnet PM1arranged on the housing H and a clamping member CM1cooperation with the permanent magnet PM1. Similarly, the tape dispenser TD comprises a second clamping mechanism including permanent magnet PM2arranged on the housing H and a clamping member CM2cooperating with the permanent magnet PM2. The first and second clamping mechanism further each include an associated recess RE in the housing H, which allows to open a clamping member, to draw a portion of masking tape from the roll TR, insert a finger in the recess RE to hold the masking tape, and to close the clamping member without interfering with the finger in the recess RE.

The housing H is further provided with a third permanent magnet PM3and a fourth permanent magnet PM4, respectively provided to exert a holding force to the first and second clamping member CM1, CM2when the clamping member is in an open position as shown for the first clamping member CM1in the respective drawings. The first permanent magnet PM1and the second permanent magnet PM2are respectively provided to exert a clamping force to the first and second clamping member CM1, CM2when the clamping member is in a closed position as shown fir the second clamping member CM2in the respective drawings.

The tape dispenser comprises two first spacers FS, arranged at the entry side ENS of the tape dispenser, and two second spacers SS, arranged at the exit side EXS of the tape dispenser TD, defining a respective distance between a free end of the spacers and the respective entry side ENS and exit side EXS to cut the masking tape using the first cutter C1or the second cutter C2to a desired length when the spacer makes contact with a surface of an object or other reference surface.

As can be best seen inFIGS.27and29A, the side wall portion SW1ais releasably mounted to the housing H using a connecting element6. The connecting element6may for instance be configured to connect the portion SW1ato a member3on the side wall SW2using a bayonet mount in which the connecting element comprises a shaft5with cams5athat catch behind respective shoulders or flange portions of the member3upon sufficient rotation of the connecting element6about a longitudinal axis thereof while reverse rotation releases the mount.

By removing the side wall portion SW1a, access is gained to the space S allowing to insert a roll TR of tape and for instance to remove a core C of an empty roll TR of tape. To see how much tape is still present on the core C of the roll TR of tape, a viewing window VW is provided in side wall SW2.

In this embodiment, a roll TR of masking tape is provided on a clamping ring CR to be received in the space S. The clamping ring CR is then provided between the core C of the roll TR and the cylindrical wall1, so that the clamping ring CR and thus the roll TR can rotate about a rotation axis defined by the cylindrical wall1. Although not necessary, but preferably, the clamping ring has a width that is substantially equal to the internal width of the space S, so that the clamping ring cannot move or the movement is limited and insignificant in a sideways direction, which has the advantage that when a roll TR is clamped on a clamping ring, the roll TR is held in the same transverse position relative to the clamping roll CR and thus the space S. It is then possible to align each roll TR in a similar manner to the side wall SW2acting as a reference surface resulting in a reliable tape dispenser also for masking tape that has a width smaller than the width of the space S.

In this embodiment, the member3also provides an abutment AB for the side wall portion SW1aallowing to provide a support for the side wall portion SW1aand the connecting element6and indicating when the connecting element has been introduced sufficiently far into the member3so that rotation of the connecting element6results in the cams5alocking behind the respective shoulder of the member3.

The clamping ring CR and the wall1are preferably configured such that friction during rotation is limited. In order to reduce friction between the roll TR and the side wall portion SW1and the side wall SW2, a guiding sheet GS1, GS2per side surface of the roll TR of masking tape may be provided to cover at least partially the masking tape wound on the core C. The guiding sheets GS1, GS2may for instance be re-used with each new roll TR or may be consumable and replaced along with each new roll TR.

In order to align the roll TR on the clamping ring CR, the roll TR may be provided on a reference surface such as for instance the top surface of a table and then the clamping ring CR may be pushed in the core C until the clamping ring CR reaches the same reference surface. When the reference surface side of the combination of roll TR and clamping ring CR is introduced to be adjacent the side wall SW2, the roll TR is aligned with respect to the reference surface provided by side wall SW2and reliable tape dispensing can be obtained.

It is noted that the sliding element21in the equilibrium position does not interfere with the side wall portion SW1ato insert or remove a roll TR due to the curved shape at the upper side of the sliding element21that follows the contour of the side wall portion SW1a.

FIG.30depicts the tape dispenser TD according to the embodiment ofFIGS.26A-29Bas part of a tape dispenser kit according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The tape dispenser kit is depicted as an exploded view of the tape dispenser TD and 8 possible attachments AT1-AT8. Each of the attachments AT1-AT8can optionally be used in combination with the tape dispenser TD. The tape dispenser kit thus does not necessarily has to include all attachments AT1-AT8. Any combination of tape dispenser TD and one or more of the attachments AT1-AT8forms a tape dispenser kit according to the invention.

To connect attachment AT1or AT2to the tape dispenser TD, alignment pins AP on the attachment AT1, AT2are aligned with alignment holes AH at the side wall SW2(seeFIG.26B) and subsequently, the connection elements STC are received in hole SIN.

One function of the attachments AT1, AT2may be to add material to the side wall SW2, thereby shifting the reference surface formed by the side wall SW2to a reference surface formed by attachment AT1or AT2which is at a larger distance from the space S. The difference between the attachments AT1and AT2may be the thickness added to the side wall SW2and/or the extension it forms for the first and second spacers FS, SS. The attachments AT1, AT2may further comprise corresponding viewing windows VW1, VW2that are aligned with the viewing window VW in the side wall SW2when the attachment is attached to the side wall SW2.

Although not shown in the embodiment ofFIG.30, butFIG.36schematically depicts an alternative embodiment showing attachments AT1′,AT2′ similar to the attachments AT1, AT2that may be used at the side wall SW1side of the tape dispenser to add material in the same manner at this side of the tape dispenser as shown inFIG.30for side wall SW2. It is possible that attachments AT1, AT1′ form a pair of attachments that are used together. The same is possible for the attachments AT2, AT2′.

Although not shown in the embodiment ofFIG.30, the attachments AT1, AT2, and thus also attachments AT1′, AT2′, may comprise recesses REC at the bottom to allow a sliding element21to be connected to and moved relative to the tape dispenser TD. Such recesses REC are not necessary if it is deliberately chosen to connect the sliding element21at the other side of the tape dispenser only.

It is further noted that the tape dispenser TD and the tape dispenser kit may be used similarly as described in relation toFIGS.9A to22B, but that this description will be not be unduly repeated here again.

The attachment AT3is similar to the one shown inFIGS.23-24B, including snap-on connectors SON that allow to connect the attachment AT3to the grooves GR1, GR2(seeFIG.28A). The use of this attachment AT3is similar to the embodiments described inFIGS.23-25B.

All other attachments AT4-AT8also include the snap-on connectors SON allowing to connect the respective attachment to the tape dispenser TD by mating to the grooves GR1, GR2. The attachments AT4-AT8all also include a guiding plate GPL, the working thereof will be described by reference toFIGS.31to35B.

To describe the use of the attachments AT4-AT8, an object OB is used, which object may represent a frame, e.g. a window frame or a door frame. Visible in the drawings are a top surface S1, inner side surfaces S2and S3, external side surfaces S4, S5, inner top edges E1-E4and outer top edges E5-E8.

FIG.31depicts the application of masking tape on the top surface S1along the edges E1-E4using attachment AT5. InFIG.31, the tape dispenser is not depicted for clarity reasons, but only attachment AT5. However, the skilled person will understand that in order to apply the masking tape the tape dispenser and the attachment AT5are combined and used together. Applied masking tape is indicated using reference symbol AMT.

The guiding plate GPL of attachment AT5is configured such that the masking tape AMT can be applied along the inner edges with some overlap at the corners. To this end, the guiding plate GPL is brought into engagement with the inner surfaces, e.g. the surfaces S2and S3and moved from one corner to the other corner until the guiding plate GPL hits the other inner surface. In each corner, the first cutter or the second cutter is operated to cut the masking tape.

FIG.32depicts the application of masking tape AMT on the top surface S1along the outer top edges E5-E8using attachment AT4. Again, only the attachment AT4is depicted and not the tape dispenser connected thereto. The guiding plate GPL is configured to apply masking tape along the outer edges with some overlap at the corners. To this end, the guiding plate GPL is brought into engagement with the outer surfaces, e.g. the surfaces S4and S5and moved from one corner to the other corner. A stop STO can be used to stop at the corner such that when the masking tape is cut, it is cut to a length sufficient to reach the outer edge. Hence, as shown inFIG.32, the masking tape is applied along outer edge E8until the guiding plate GPL hits the stop STO held against the surface S4. When the masking tape is cut, it has a length to cover the top surface until the edge E4. This stop STO can be used at any corner to cut the masking tape to the desired length.

FIG.32assumes that the edges E5-E8are sharp edges. However, in some instances, the edges E5-E8are rounded and one has to choose whether to apply the masking tape AMT to the rounded edge or not. InFIG.33, the application of masking tape on the top surface S1along the outer top edges E5-E8using attachment AT6is depicted. The differences with the situation ofFIG.32and the attachment AT4is that the guiding plate GPL is at a larger distance from the pressure surface of the tape dispenser, so that when the guiding plate GPL is engaged with the outer surface, the corresponding edge is kept free and the masking tape is applied to the top surface S1without covering the edge.FIG.33Adepicts a detail of the corner A inFIG.33and clearly shows that the masking tape is applied along edge E8without covering it.

InFIG.35, the application of masking tape on the top surface S1along the outer top edges E5-E8using attachment AT7is depicted. The differences with the situation ofFIG.32and the attachment AT4is that the guiding plate GPL comprises a protrusion below the pressure surface PS of the tape dispenser to engage with an outer surface. InFIG.35two situations are shown above each other. With respect to the lower object, the attachment AT7is used to apply masking tape to the top surface.FIG.35Bdepicts corner B after application of the masking tape using the tape dispenser and attachment AT7. The masking tape is applied such that the masking tape extends from the top surface S1above the edge E7. After application of the masking tape, the masking tape extending above the edge E7is pressed against the edge E7to cover the edge E7along with a portion of the top surface S1as shown inFIG.35Afor corner A of the situation shown with respect to the upper object inFIG.35.

FIG.34depicts the application of masking tape on the inner surfaces, e.g. inner surfaces S2and S3along the inner edges E5-E8using attachment ATB, which is similar to attachment AT3but with guiding plate GPL. The guiding plate GPL is used to engage with top surface S1.FIGS.34A and34Bshow in more detail the corners A and B. From these detailed figures it can be clearly seen that the guiding plate GPL is configured to apply the masking tape with some over length such that the masking tape in the corners overlap.

Although the attachments AT1-AT8have been described in relation to a specific embodiment of the tape dispenser, it is noted that any one of the attachments AT1-AT8in principle can also be used in combination with other embodiments, e.g. the embodiment described in relation toFIGS.1-7.