Patent ID: 7604034

Claim:
A tape dispenser comprising: a handle; a rotatable spool for removably receiving a roll of tape; a rotatable applicator wheel for receiving tape unwound from said tape roll; a swing gate disposed between said rotatable spool and said rotatable applicator wheel for guiding tape between said rotatable spool and said rotatable applicator wheel; and means for selectively preventing tape from unwinding from said tape roll, said means for selectively preventing tape from unwinding including a releasable locking element selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, said locking element being arranged to prevent rotation of said applicator wheel when said locking element is in said locked position, said locking element being adapted to act on said swing gate for causing said swing gate to engage said applicator wheel to prevent rotation thereof when said locking element is in said locked position; and an actuator for selectively moving said locking element between said locked position and said unlocked position, said actuator comprising a trigger on said handle, said trigger being biased in said unlocked position of said locking element, said locking element comprising a sliding component movable into said locked position by actuation of said trigger.