Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HAND-HELD TAPE DISPENSER WITH INTEGRATED BRAKE MECHANISM
[0001] Thisinventionrelatestohand-heldtapedispensers,andparticularlytohand-
heldtape
dispensers for adhesive tape of the sort which is used for ordinary household
and office purposes.
The invention particularly is directed to tape dispensers for dispensing
household tape, where the
dispenser has a selectively operable brake mechanism to preclude unwanted
dispensing or unreeling
of the tape, especially when it is being cut.
[0002] Two kinds oftape dispenser are generallyknown, for two different kinds
of tape. One
kind of tape is wide tape - typically 6 to 10 cm wide, of the sort which is
typically used to seal boxes
and cartons, and the Iike. Many applications of such tape axe from automatic
machines; however,
there are also many hand-held dispensers of the sort which are particularly
used in warehouses and
stores, fox purposes of assembling andlor sealing boxes.
[0003] The other kind of adhesive tape which is in very wide usage, and for
which the
present invention is particularly intended, is that which is used for
household or office purposes.
Typically, such tape ranges from 1 to 2 cm in width, and may have varying
degrees of tackiness
depending on whether the tape is intended for permanent use or temporary use.
Some such tapes
may have a high gloss, others may have a low gloss such that they may be
written on and are
essentially invisible to imaging equipment such as photocopiers and facsimile
machines.
[0004] For purposes of the present invention, such adhesive tape'is referred
to herein as
"household tape". Household tape is generally sold and available in two
formats: in rolls that are
typically sold in boxes, for the purpose of being placed in a dispenser; and
already installed in a
dispenser. Dispensers, particularly of the hand-held variety, are generally
formed of a moulded
plastics material, and may or may not be capable of being disassembled for
purposes of installing
a new roll of adhesive tape therein. It is that kind of hand-held dispenser
which is particularly the
subject matter of the present invention.
[0005] Even such dispensers as are described immediately above may have metal
cutters,
although generally they are formed with an integral plastic cutter. Metal
cutters are more likely to
be found, however, on desktop dispensers which axe generally very heavy, and
into which a roll of
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....eusoe~v~~/~~
household adhesive tape is placed to be dispensed therefrom. Also, metal
cutters may be found on
older tape dispensers from before 1990 or so.
[0006] Of course, any tape dispenser which has a metal cutter generally is
such that it has a
superior ability to cut tape due to the cutter's sharper and thinner
construction; but such tape
dispensers are more expensive to mmufacture. Even if it were possible to
provide plastic cutters
which have significant sharpness, they become dull in use, and present
somewhat of a danger -
especially to the fingers of young children who might well be using household
adhesive tape in their
play, or for a school project or the like.
[0007 Plastic cutters may also accumulate shreds of adhesive tape or particles
of adhesive,
over time, and become somewhat clogged as a result. On the other hand, it has
been discovered that
if a plastic cutter- especially one which is molded integrally with the
structure ofthe tape dispenser
- is wider than the adhesive tape by at least about 25%, then after the
adhesive tape has been
unreeled it is possible to achieve a satisfactory cutting effect.
[0008] Of even greatex concern in most instances is the fact that hand-held
adhesive tape
dispensers tend to overrun when the tape is being dispensed by pulling on the
outer end thereof and
unreeling the tape from the roll mounted on a hub within the tape dispenser.
Still further, because
of the somewhat loose condition of the free end of the tape between where it
has left the roll and the
cutter, and due particularly as well to the general dullness of plastic
cutters, obtaining a clean cut of
a particular desired length of tape may be difficult. Quite often,
considerable manual dexterity is
required, with some experimentation as to aligning the length of the tape
which is to be cut from the
roll at a particular angle either diagonally or vertically with respect to the
cutter.
[0009] It has been observed that such difficulties, particularly when the
adhesive tape is to
be cut, can be overcome by applying some kind of braking action to the
unreeled portion of adhesive
tape - generally by pressing down with a finger on the tape just behind the
cutting edge of the cutter
on the dispenser. Even that arrangement is unsatisfactory, requiring
considerable manual dexterity,
and patience. On the other hand, a braking action applied to the roll of tape,
and particularly to the
hub on which the adhesive tape has been spirally wound, will achieve the
desired braking effect on
the tape as it is being cut, thereby permitting an easier cut. Still further,
applying minimal braking
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action on the hub, while at the same time unreeling adhesive tape from the
hub, can result in a very
specific length of tape being unreeled and cut, if necessary.
[0010] Another manner of applying a braking action is to have a brake element
which may
selectively be applied against the circumference of the roll of tape. However,
because the diameter
of the roll of tape decreases as tape is unreeled therefrom, a considerable
amount of travel is required
for the braking element, especially when the last portions of the adhesive
tape are being unreeled
from the roll and off the hub on which they have been spirally wound.
[OOII] It is possible to provide an adhesive tape dispenser fox household
adhesive tapes
where one or both sides of the dispenser has certain flexibility, whereby a
braking action can be
applied against one or both sides of a roll of tape, or against one or both
ends of the hub on which
the tape has been spirally wound. Moreover, as a roll of tape is unreeled its
diameter becomes
smaller, and therefore the side surface of the roll of tape becomes smaller
and a braking action
against the side of the roll of tape may become less effective. Still further,
depending on the
conditions in which the tape has been made, spirally wound on the hub, and
stored, it is possible that
a deposit of adhesive might develop on the inside surface of the side of the
tape dispenser if the side
has been intermittently pressed against the side surface of the roll of tape,
and that condition might
cause considerable difficulty in smoothly unreeling adhesive tape away from
the roll.
[0012] Another manner of applying a braking action is to have a brake element
which may
selectively be applied against the circumference of the roll of tape. However,
because the diameter
of the roll of tape decreases as tape is unreeled therefrom, a considerable
amount of travel is required
for the braking element, especially when the last portions of the adhesive
tape are being unreeled
from the roll and off the hub on which they have been spirally wound.
[0013] Several representative examples of tape dispensers, both for industrial
and
commercial tape which tends to be fairly wide, as noted above, and for
narrower household tape, are
noted below.
[0014] Schleicher United States Patent 4,238,272 issued December 9, 1980
teaches a tape
dispenser of the sort which may apply either to wide or narrow adhesive tapes,
but is particularly of
the sort which has relevance to narrow or household adhesive tapes. The device
includes a post
which extends between panels which are tear-drop shaped and between which the
spool of tape is
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mounted, with the post being mounted in a position which is intermediate the
spool of tape and a slot
at the end of the dispenser through which the tape is dispensed directly onto
a surface. A spring
member is attached to the post, with one end having a serrated cutting edge
and anvil which are
disposed in the slot opening, and the other end impinges resiliently on the
supply roll to act as a
brake when a cutting action is undertaken.
[0015] Mathna et al United States Patent 4,729,518, issued March 8, 1988,
teaches a tape
dispenser of the sort which is a hand-held dispenser typically used for
household adhesive tapes, and
has a housing with hub and a roll of tape which is journaled on the hub. A
paper backcard is
disposed around one end of the hub and has a plurality of generally triangular
projecting poutions
which proj ect between the hub and the core. Those proj ections provide a
friction brake between the
hub and the core which thereby restricts rotation of the hub to an extent that
unwanted rotation of
the hub and uncoiling of the tape when it is withdrawn from the dispenser will
be precluded. A
metal cutter is included.
[0016] A self cutting tape dispenser, of the sort which may particularly be
useful in
commercial and industrial applications, is taught in Arnoid United States
Patent 5,171,397, issued
December 15, 1992. Hare, the tape dispenser has a moveable cover and a leeeper
which slides into
a circurnferential housing so as to keep a roll of tape on an axle. A brake
plate is provided, and is
such that when tape is being dispensed the thumb is inserted into an opening
so as to push the brake
plate against the circumference of the roll of tape. W fact, the roll of tape
is pushed against the
housing back at a time when a tape-cutting blade at the outside wall of the
dispenser is pushed
against the tape and given a twist so as to cut the tape. The dispenser is
intended for one hand
operation, and is easily refillable.
[0017] Another patent which particularly is directed to a hand-held dispenser
used for
dispensing industrial or commercial adhesive tape is Luhman et al United
States Patent 5,754,342,
which provides a brake assembly that has a curved brake actuator and a flat
brake plate. The
structure acts to inhibit free rotation of the tape roll, and therefore the
further dispensing of adhesive
tape from the roll, when the operator applies pressure by squeezing with the
thumb against the brake
actuator so as to bend the brake plate about the tape roll and to increase
pressure against the tape roll
so as to facilitate tape cutting or tape stretching.
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[0018] The present invention provides a tape dispenser for dispensing rolled
adhesive tape
mounted on a hub, where the hub comprises at least an outer cylindrical wall
onto which the
adhesive tape is spirally wound, and where the adhesive tape is at least as
wide as the hub. The tape
dispenser comprises a first side member, a second side member, and a cutter
member.
[0019] Each of the first and second side members has a frst major side portion
which
overlies a roll of adhesive tape within the tape dispenser, and a second minor
side portion at an end
thereof remote from the first major side portion.
[0020] The cutter member is mo~.mted between the second minor side portions of
the first
and second side members.
[0021 ] At least one of the first and second side members has at least a first
cylindrical axle
portion formed centrally on the inside surface of the first major side portion
thereof. Furthermore,
the at least first cylindrical axle portion has a cylindrical axis.
[0022] At least the first major side portion of at least one of the first and
second side
members is foamed of a flexible plastics material so that, when the flexible
first major side portion
is pressed using finger pressure in a direction parallel to the cylindrical
axis of the at least first
cylindrical axle portion, the sides of the tape hub interfere with at least
portions of the inner surfaces
of the first major side portions of the first and second side members, such
that a braking effect is
imparted to t he hub to preclude unreeling of the spirally wound adhesive tape
from the hub.
[0023] The hub further includes an inner cylindrical wall, an outer
cylindrical wall, and a
centrally located radially extending wall between the inner and outer
cylindrical walls, so as to have
wide "I" cross-section, and an annular void formed between the inner and outer
cylindrical walls at
each side of the radially extending wall. The adhesive tape is spirally wound
on the hub.
[0024] In keeping with the present invention, the first side member has the
first cylindrical
axle portion formed centrally on the inside surface of the first major side
portion thereof, and
upstanding therefrom, and the second side member has a second cylindrical axle
portion formed
centrally on the inside surface of the first maj or side portion thereof, and
upstanding therefrom. The
first and second cylindrical axle portions are dimensioned so as to fit one
inside the other when the
first and second side members are assembled together, and the joined first and
second cylindrical
axle portions have a common cylindrical axis.
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[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least the first side
member has at least
one brake spoke upstanding from the inside surface of the first maj or portion
thereof, and the at least
one brake spoke is arranged so as to be radially extending away from the first
cylindrical axle portion
and spaced away therefrom. When the at least first side member is flexed
towards the second side
member, at least one brake spoke extends into the annular void on the side of
the hub which faces
the first side member so as to cause frictional engagement between the at
least one brake spoke and
at least one of the inner and outer cylindrical walls of the hub.
[0026] Typically, there is a plurality of brake spokes upstanding from the
inside surface of
the first major side portion of the at least first side member. Also, the tape
dispenser may further
include a plurality of arcuate ribs formed on the inside surface of the first
major side portion of the
first side member. The arcuate ribs are spaced away from the first cylindrical
axle portion, and are
interposed among the plurality of brake spokes. Moreover, the tape dispenser
may further include
at least one channel which is formed through the thickness of the material of
the first major side
portion of the first side member, in the region of and extending from each of
the arcuate ribs. The
plurality of brake spokes and the plurality of arcuate ribs are each
configured so as to contact the
outer cylindrical wall of the hub, so as to maintain the hub centered over the
axle portions.
[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first cylindrical
axle portion has
an outer end remote from the first side member, and a pair of wing-like proj
ections formed at
diametrically opposed sides thereof so as to extend radially outwardly
therefrom at a location remote
from the outer end thereof; and the second cylindrical axle portion has an
inner end at the second
side member, and has a pair of notches formed at diametrically opposed sides
thereof so as to receive
a respective one of the pair of wing-lilce projections of the first
cylindrical axle portion. The width
and length of each of the notches is sufficient to receive the wing-like
projections therein when the
first and second side members are assembled together. Accordingly, the wing-
like proj ections
interfere with the ends of the notches to preclude disassembly of the first
and second side members
one from the other, and the wing-like projections move in the notches in a
direction towards the
second side member when the flexible first side member is flexed.
[002] Generally, the first cylindrical axle portion is flexible. Thus, when
the outer end is
squeezed in a manner so that the wing-like projections move diametrically
toward each other and
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are disassociated from the notches of the second cylindrical axle portion, the
tape dispenser may be
disassembled so as to replace a hub from which adhesive tape has been unreeled
with another hub
having adhesive tape spirally wound thereon.
[0029] More typically, slits are formed axially along the first cylindrical
axle portion at each
side of each of the wing-like projections, and the slits extend from the outer
end of the first
cylindrical axle portion towaxds the first major side portion of the first
side member to a length
beyond the wing-like projection. Therefore, when the outer end of the first
cylinch-ical axle portion
is squeezed in a manner so that the wing-like proj ections move diametrically
towards each other and
are disassociated from the notches of the second cylindrical axle portion, the
tape dispenser may be
disassembled so as to replace a hub from which adhesive tape has been unreeled
with another hub
having adhesive tape spirally wound thereon.
[0030] Typically, the first and second side members of any tape dispenser in
keeping with
the present invention, are formed of molded plastics material.
[0031] In keeping with another provision of the present invention, the cutter
member is
formed integrally with one of the first and second side members. Each of the
second minor side
portions of the first and second side membexs is flared upwardly and outwardly
in the region of the
cutter member. The cutter member has a serrated outer cutting edge which is
placed high in the
region of the flared second minor side portions, and the width of the cutting
edge exceed the width
of the adhesive tape by at least 25%. In such a tape dispenser, the cutting
edge is aligned at an angle
to each of the flared second minor side portions.
[0032] Two embodiments of the hand-held tape dispensers with integrated brake
mechanism
of the present invention will be discussed; the first embodiment of the hand-
held tape dispenser of
the present invention is shown in Figures 1 through 4, while the second
embodiment of the hand-held
tape dispenser of the present invention is shown in Figures 5 through 10. It
is important to note that
common elements of the two embodiments are designated by the same reference
numerals.
[0033] In the accompanying drawings:
[0034] Figure 1 is a general perspective view of a first embodiment of an
assembled tape
dispenser, in keeping with the present invention;
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[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the inside
surface of a first
side member of a tape dispenser in keeping with the present invention;
[0036] Figure 3 is a cross-section taken in the direction of arrows III-III in
Figure 2;
[0037] Figure 4 is a fragmentary top view of the portion IV indicated in
Figure 1;
[0038] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a tape dispenser
in keeping
with the present invention;
[0039] Figure 6 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of a tape
dispenser in
keeping with the present invention;
[0040] Figure 7 is a cross-section, taken in the direction of arrows A-A in
Figure 6, when
the sides of the tape dispenser are in an unstressed condition;
[0041] Figure 8 shows details of Figure 7, to a larger scale;
[0042] Figure 9 is similar to Figure 7, but with one side of the tape
dispenser being shown
in a flexed condition; and
[0043] Figure 10 is similar to Figure 8, but showing details of Figure 9.
[0044] Turning first to Figures 1 to 3, some general features of a tape
dispenser 10 in keeping
with the present invention are now discussed.
[0045] A tape dispenser 10 is shown in assembled form at 10 in Figure 1,
having a roll of
adhesive tape 12 placed within the dispenser 10, and being in a condition such
that adhesive tape can
be unreeled from the roll 12. In well known fashion, the adhesive tape is
spirally wound on the roll
12, and is unreeled therefrom when the tape is pulled from the roll in an
essentially tangential
direction and the roll is rotated clockwise as seen in Figure 1.
[0046] In any event, as seen in Figure 3, the rolled adhesive tape 12 is
mounted on a hub I4,
onto which it is spirally wound. The hub 14 comprises an inner cylindrical
wall 16 and an outer
cylindrical wall 18. A centrally located radially extending wall 20 is located
between the inner and
outer cylindrical walls 16, 18, and thus the cross-section of the hub 14 is
such as to have a wide "I"
cross-section as seen particularly in Figure 3. An annular void 22 is formed
between the inner and
outer cylindrical walls 16,18 at each side of the radially extending wall 20,
again as seen particularly
in Figure 3.
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[0047] The tape dispenser 10 comprises two side members; a first side member
30 -which
is shown in more detail in Figure 2, discussed hereafter - and a second side
member 32. A cutter
member 34 is shown generally in Figure 1, and is discussed in greater detail
hereafter with respect
to Figure 4.
[0048] Each of the first and second side members 30, 32 has a first major side
portion 36
which overlies the roll of adhesive tape 12 within the tape dispenser 10, and
a minor side portion 38
which is at an end of the tape dispenser 10 that is remote from the first
major side portion 36. These
first and second major and minor side portions, 36, 38, respectively, are seen
particularly in Figures
1 and 2. It can also be seen particularly in Figures 1 and 4 that the cutter
member 34 is mounted
between the second minor side portions 38 of the first and second side members
30, 32.
[0049] As seen particularly in Figures 2 and 3, at least one of the first side
member 30 and
the second side member 32 has a first cylindrical axle portion 40 (shown, in
this case, on the first
side member 30) which is fornled centrally on the inside surface of the first
major side portion 36,
and is upstanding therefrom - particularly as noted in Figures 2 and 3.
[0050] The other side member may also have a second cylindrical axle portion
42 which is
formed centrally on the inside surface of its first major side portion 36; and
if so, the second
cylindrical axle portion 42 is also upstanding from the inside surface of the
first maj or side portion
36 thereof, as seen in Figure 3. It will also be seen from Figure 3 that the
first and second cylindrical
axle portions 40, 42 are dimensioned so as to fit one inside the other when
the first and second side
members 30, 32 are assembled together. As noted, when there is only a single
axle portion 40, it
may be upstanding from , and formed integrally with, either of the first or
second side members.
[0051 ] Again, referring particularly to Figures 2 and 3, it will be seen that
there is at least one
brake spoke 44 which is upstanding from the inside surface of the first major
side portion 36 of at
least the first side member 30. Typically, there is a plurality of brake
spokes 44.
[0052] As can be seen particularly in Figure 2, the brake spokes 44 axe
arranged so as to be
radially extending away from the first cylindrical axle portion 40, and they
are spaced radially away
from the first cylindrical axle portion 40.
[0053] In keeping with a particular provision of a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention, at least the first side member 30 is flexible in the region of the
first major side portion 36.
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Thus, the first major side portion 36 of the first side member 30 is capable
of flexing inwardly, in
a direction towards the second side member 32. Having regard to Figure 3, the
first major side
portion 3d of the first side member 30 is capable of being flexed in a
direction to the left, towards
the second side member 32.
[0054] It will also be seen from Figure 3 that, when the at least first side
member 32 is flexed
in its first major side portion 36, towards the second side member 32, the
brake spokes 44 will
extend into the annular void 22 on that side of the hub 14 which faces the
brake spokes 44, and thus
which faces the first side member 30. It follows, therefore, that frictional
engagement will occur
between the plurality of brake spokes 44 and at least one of the inner and
outer cylindrical walls 16,
18 of the hub 14.
[0055] Thus, a braking effect is imparted to the hub 14, which in turn
precludes further
unreeling of the spirally wound adhesive tape 12 from the hub 14.
[0056] t~ccordingly, as the adhesive tape is unreeled from the roll of
adhesive tape 12 wound
on the hub 14, generally by having first lifted it away from the cutter member
34 and pulling it away
from the roll of adhesive tape 12, then when it is desired to stop further
unreeling of the adhesive
tape 12 and to cut the then selected length of adhesive tape 12 using the
cutter member 34, the sides
of the tape dispenser 10 are squeezed so as at least to move the flexible
portion of the first side
member 30 towards the second side member 32 and cause the braking effect. The
squeezing action
is generally effected by squeezing the tape dispenser 10 between the thumb and
fingers of the hand.
[0057] When a desired length of tape has been unreeled from the roll of
adhesive tape 12,
it is then lowered over the cutter member 34, and the tape is cut - typically
by a combination of
lowering the loose end of the tape, while in tension, below the cutter member
34 and imparting a
relative twisting motion between the cutter member 34 and the length of
adhesive tape 12 to be cut
off.
[0058] To that end, the cutter member 34 assembly typically includes a
reinforcing or
stiffening rib 50, shown in Figure 2, together with the cutter member blade
52, which is shown in
Figure 4. Typically, the cutter member blade 52 is formed integrally with one
of the first and second
side members - in this case, it is formed integrally with side member 32, and
is formed so as to
overlie the reinforcing rib 50.
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[0059] Typically, the first and second side members 30 and 32 respectively of
the tape
dispenser 10 are formed of a molded plastics material such as a styrene-based
plastics material, or
possibly a polycarbonate.
[0060] Moreover, the tape dispenser 10 may be formed such that the first and
second side
members 30, 32 may be disassembled one from the other so as to replace a hub
14 from which the
adhesive tape 12 has been unreeled, with another hub 14 on which a new supply
of adhesive tape 12
has been spirally wound.
[0061 ] Obviously, a tape dispenser 10 in keeping with the present invention
maybe designed
so as to have a plurality of brake spokes 44 formed on the inner surface of
each of the first maj or side
portions 36 of each of the first and second side members 30, 32. However, it
has been discovered
that a quite satisfactory braking effect can be imparted to the hub 14 by the
particular embodiment
which is illustrated, having the brake spokes 44 molded only on one of the
side members.
[0062] The question of stiffness and flexibility of the side members is one
which may be
important, particularly in certain commercial embodiments of the tape
dispenser of the present
invention. Stiffness of the first major side portion 36 of the at least first
side member 30 which has
the brake spokes 44 formed thereon can be imparted by the presence of a
plurality of arcuate ribs S4
which are also formed on the inside surface of the first major side portion 36
of that first side
member 30. Here, the arcuate ribs 54 are spaced radially away from the first
cylindrical axle portion
40, and are interposed among the plurality of brake spokes 44.
[0063] Moreover, so as to provide flexibility of the first major side portion
36 of the at least
first side member 30, at least one channel 56 or 58 may be formed through the
thickness of the
material of the first major side portion 36 of the first side member 30, each
in the region of and
extending from each of the arcuate side ribs S4. This is seen particularly in
Figure 3.
[0064] Indeed, typically there are the two channels S6, S8 which are formed
through the
thickness of the material of the first major side portion 36 of the first side
member 30, for each of
the arcuate ribs 54. One of the channels 56, 58 extends from one end of the
respective arcuate rib
54, and the other channel extends from the other end of the arcuate rib 54, as
seen particularly in
Figures 1 and 2.
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- . . . v .- . . - ~ YI r.. V
[0065] Typically, when a tape dispenser 10 is assembled, in keeping with the
present
invention, the first cylindrical axle portion 40 is fitted inside the second
cylindrical axle portion 42,
as can be seen in Figure 3.
[0066] It will also be noted that the configuration of the brake spokes 44 may
be such, as
seen particularly in Figures 2 and 3, that a stepped configuration 68 is
employed at the end of the
brake spokes 44 in the region thereof which faces the inner cylindrical wall
16 of the hub 14. This
assumes contact between the brake spokes 44 and each of the cylindrical walls
16, 18 of the hub 14
when a braking action is to be imparted to the hub 14.
[0067] Moreover, the plurality of brake spokes 44 and the plurality of axcuate
ribs 54 may
each be configured so as to contact the outer cylindrical wall 18 of the hub
14, in such a manner as
shown in Figure 3, so as to maintain the hub 14 centered over the assembled
axle portions 40, 42.
This is because the inside diameter of the inner cylindrical wall 16 is
greater than the outside
diameter of the second cylindrical axle portion 42. However, so as to preclude
binding ox uneven
withdrawal or unreeling of the adhesive tape 12 away from the roll, it is best
for the hub 14 to be
centered over the assembled axle poxtions 40, 42 but not in binding contact
therewith.
[0068] It has been found that three brake spokes 44, and three axcuate ribs
54, formed on the
inside surface of the first major side portion 36 of the first side member 30,
will provide very
satisfactory performance of the tape dispenser 10 as described herein.
However, that description and
illustration of three brake spokes 44 and three arcuate ribs 54 is not
intended to be limiting, but is
by way of example only. Any number of brake spokes and arcuate ribs may be
employed - but
typically, at least three and, for practical purposes, less than seven.
[0069] Now, directing our attention to discussion of the cutter member 34, it
will be seen
from each of Figures 1, 2, and 4, that the second minor side portions 38 of
each of the first and
second side members 30, 32 may be flared upwardly and outwardly, as shown at
60, in the region
of the cutter member 34. It will be seen particularly from Figure 1 that the
cutter member 34, and
specifically the cutter blade 52 thereof, is placed high in the region of the
flared second minor side
portions 38 of each of the first and second side members 30, 32, and that
there is a serrated outer
cutting edge 62 provided for the cutter member 34 on the cutting blade 52.
12
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[0070] In keeping with a particular provision of the present invention, the
width of the
cutting edge 62 exceeds the width of the adhesive tape 12 by at least 25%.
That additional width,
together with the flared portion 60, permits easy access of the adhesive tape
12 to the cutter member
34 as the adhesive tape 12 is lowered over the cutter member 34 for cutting.
It will be recalled that,
typically, the adhesive tape 12 is in tension at the time, due to the braking
action on the hub 14.
[0071 ] ~ Another purpose which is served, of course, by the flared portions
60 is to reduce the
possibility of injury- cutting the finger of the user, in particular- from the
wide cutter member 34.
[0072] It has been found that a particularly effective cutting action can be
obtained if the
cutting edge 62 is aligned at a small angle to each of the flared second minor
side portions 60, as
seen in Figure 4. This slightly angled cutting edge 62 more easily
accommodates starting the cutting
action when the tape has been lowered onto the cutter member 34 and a relative
twisting motion is
effected between the adhesive tape and the cutter member.
[0073] Another aspect of the present invention provides for the cutter member
assembly 34
to be arranged with any tape dispenser, such as a tape dispenser of the prior
art. Howevex, it is a
provision of the present invention that, even when the cutter member is
provided with a prior art tape
dispenser, it is mounted in an upper region of the end of the tape dispenser
which is remote from the
region of the hub of the roll of tape is mounted. Moreover, the side members
of the tape dispenser
should be flared upwardly and outwardly in the region of the cutter member,
which has a serrated
outer cutting edge, the width of which exceeds the width of the adhesive tape
by at least 25%.
[0074] Again, typically the cutting edge is aligned at an angle to each of the
upwardly and
outwardly flared side members of the tape dispenser.
[0075] It will be evident that, in some circumstances, the assembly of the
brake mechanism
of the present invention, including particularly the first cylindrical axle
portion 40, and the brake
spokes 44, can be formed as a separate component which is not an integral
portion of the side
member, but is suspended or mounted therein in a suitable fashion.
[0076] Referring now to Figure 5, a tape dispenser 1 I O in keeping with the
present invention
is shown in a disassembled or exploded view. A roll of adhesive tape 12 will
be placed into the tape
dispenser 110, for dispensing therefrom. The roll of adhesive tape 12 is
mounted on a hub which
is shown generally at 14; it will be understood that the hub 14 comprises at
least an outer cylindrical
13
CA 02432933 2003-06-23
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wall 18 onto which the adhesive tape 12 has been spirally wound. Further
details of a typical hub
14 are described hereafter. Also, it will be understood that the adhesive tape
12 is at least as wide
as the hub 14.
[0077] The tape dispenser comprises a first side member 30, a second side
member 32, and
a cutter member 34.
[0078] Each of the first and second side members 30 and 32 has a first major
side portion
36a and 36b, respectively, which overlies a roll of adhesive tape 12 within
the tape dispenser 110.
There is also a second minor side portion 38a and 38b, respectively of each of
the first and second
side members 30 and 32, at an end thereof which is xemote from the respective
first major side
portions 36a and 36b.
[0079] As can be seen in Figure 5, the cutter member 34 is mounted between the
second
minor side portions 38a and 38b of the first and second side member 30 and 32.
[0080] Each of the first and second side members 30 and 32 has a respective
cylindrical axle
portion formed centrally on the inside surface of the first major side portion
36a or 36b thereof.
Thus, there is a first cylindrical axle portion 40 which is formed centrally
on the inside surface of
the first major side portion 36a of the first side member 30; and there is a
second cylindrical axle
portion 42 which is formed centrally on the inside surface of the first major
side portion 36a of the
second side member 32.
[0081 ] It will be understood that the outer diametex of one of the first and
second cylindrical
axle portions is Less than the inner diameter of the second one of the first
and second cylindrical axle
portions, so that one cylindrical axle portion may be telescopically received
within the second
cylindrical axle portion.
[0082] In this case, the outer diameter of the cylindrical axle portion 40 is
less than the inner
diameter of the second cylindrical axle portion 42. Thus, as can be determined
from an inspection
of Figures 7 to 10, the first cylindrical axle portion 40 is telescopically
received in the second
cylindrical axle portion 42.
[0083] Also, the first and second cylindrical axle portions 40, 42 will be
understood to have
a common cylindrical axis 41.
~. 4
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[0084] Clearly, the outer diameter of the second cylindrical axle portion 42
is less that the
inner diameter of the tape hub shown generally at I4, so that the tape hub can
be slidably and
rotatably received on the second, outer, cylindrical axle portion 42.
[0085] As will be described in greater detail hereafter, at least the first
side major portion
(36a or 36b) of at least one of the first and second side members (30 or 32)
is formed of a flexible
plastics material. Thus, when the flexible first major side portion is pressed
in a direction which is
parallel to the common cylindrical axis 41 of the telescopically joined first
and second axle portions
40, 42, the first cylindrical axle portion 40 extends further into the second
cylindrical axle portion
42 until there is an interference between the sides of the tape hub 14
together with the adhesive tape
12 spirally wound thereon, and at least portions of the inner surfaces of the
first major side portions
36a, 36b of the first and second side members 30, 32. This effect is clearly
shown by inspection of
Figures 8 and 10, in particular, and as described hereafter.
[0086] Turning to Figures 7 to 10, and referring first to Figures 7 and 8,
further details of the
assembly of the tape dispenser 110 in keeping with the present invention will
be understood. It is
seen that the first and second side members 30 and 32 are assembled together,
so that they meet
along line 33 except in the upper region of the respective second minor side
portions 38a and 38b.
Typically, as seen in Figure 5, the cutter member 34 and its associated
structure is integrally formed
together with the second side member 32, which is typically formed of a more
rigid plastics material
that the material of the first side member 30.
[0087) Typically as can be seen in anyFigures 7 to 10, the hub 14 on which the
adhesive tape
12 has been spirally wound, comprises an inner cylindrical wall 16, and outer
cylindrical wall 18,
and a centrally located radially extending wall 20 which is placed between the
inner and outer
cylindrical walls 16 and 18. Thus, it is seen that the hub 14 will generally
have a wide "I" cross-
section, with an annular void 22 which is formed between the inner and outer
cylindrical walls 16
and 18 at each side of the radially extending wall 20. It will be appreciated
from Figure 5, in
particular, that the first side member 30 and the first cylindrical axle
portion 40 may be integrally
formed together of a flexible plastics material. Moreover, the second side
member 32, the second
cylindrical axle portion 42, and the cutter member 34, are also integrally
formed together, usually
of a more rigid plastics material.
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[0088] However, it will also be understood that at least the first major side
poz-tion 36a of at
least the first side member 30 may be formed of a flexible plastics material,
with the remainder of
the first side member 30 being formed of a more rigid plastics material. In
that case, the flexible
plastics material of the first major side portions 36a is secured to the more
rigid plastics material of
the remainder of the side member 30, at the periphery of the first major side
portion 36a.
[0089] Thus far, it will be understood that pressing against the at least one
flexible major side
portion 36a of the first side member 30 will thereby cause the first
cylindrical axle portion 40 to
move telescopically within the second cylindrical axle portion 42. As seen in
Figures 7 to 10, that
means that the first cylindrical axle portion 40 moves to the right, so as to
move further within the
second cylindrical axle portion 42. Comparison of Figures 7 and 8 with Figures
9 and 10,
respectively, clearly shows that action. It will also be seen by comparison of
Figures 7 and 8 with
Figures 9 and 10 that an interferance between the sides of the tab hub 14 and
the adhesive tape 12
which is spirally wound thereon, and at least portions of the inner surfaces
of the first major side
portions 36a and 36b, occurs.
[0090] There is a portion 35 which is formed on the inner surface of the
second side member
32, and there maybe a plurality of spokes 44 which are also upstanding from
the inner surface ofthe
first major side portion 36b of the second side member 32, as seen
particularly in Figure 5. Also,
it is seen that there is a clearance 57 between the hub 14 and the adhesive
tape 12, relative to the first
side member 30. This is seen in Figure 8. There may also be a clearance 59 at
the side of the hub
14 relative to the upset portion 35 of the second side member 32. Nonetheless,
as will be seen
particularly by a comparison of Figures 8 and 10, the clearance 57 disappears
when the first major
side portion 36a of the first side member 30 is flexed inwardly along axis 41,
as shown in Figure 10,
so that interference as shown at 61 in Figure 10 occurs between the hub 14
andlor the tape 12; and
interference at 63 between the hub 14 and at least the upset portion 35 of the
second side member
32 is assured. It is that interference 63 which determines the extent at which
the flexible first major
side portion 36a of the first side member 30 may be flexed.
[0091 ] Obviously, when the interference occurs as at 61 and 63, a braking
effect on the hub
14 and or adhesive tape 12 is achieved, thereby precluding further unreeling
of the adhesive tape 12
from the hub 14. Accordingly, a specific length of tape can be dispensed,
without concern of there
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being overrun as fihe adhesive tape 12 is unreeled from the hub 14. This, in
turn, assures a clean cut
of the tape 12 at the cutter member 34, as it is drawn down and across the
cutter member 34 in well
known fashion.
[0092] It will be seen particularly in Figures 5 and 7 to 10, that there is a
pair of wing-like
projections 70 which are formed near the outer end 72 of the first cylindrical
axle portion 40.
Obviously, the end 72 is remote from the first side member 30, or at least the
first major side portion
36a thereof.
[0093] In any event, the pair of wing-like projections 70 is formed at
diametrically opposed
sides of the first cylindrical axle portion 40, so as to extend radially
outwardly therefrom. As noted,
the location of the pair of wing-like projections 70 is remote from the outer
end 72 of the first
cylindrical axle portion 40.
[0094] Moreover, the second cylindrical axle portion 42 has an inner end 74
where it extends
from the second side member 32, and there is a pair of notches 76 which is
formed in the second
cylindrical axle portion 42 at diametrically opposed sides thereof. As seen
particularly in Figures
7 to 10, the width and length of the pair of notches 76 are such as to receive
a respective one of the
pair of wing-like projections 70.
[0095] The length of each of the pairs of notches 76 is sufficient to receive
the wing-like
projections 70 therein, when the first and second side members 30 and 32 are
assembled together,
as seen particularly in Figures 7 and 8. Typically, the wing-like projections
70 interfere with the
ends of the notches 76, and thus they preclude disassembly of the first and
second side members 30
and 32 one from the other. Also, as is seen by comparison of Figures 7 and 8
with Figures 9 and 10,
respectively, the wing-like projections 70 move within the notches 76 in a
direction towards the
second side member 32 when the flexible first side member 30 - at least the
flexible first maj or side
portion 36a thereof - is flexed and moved in a direction towards the second
side member 32.
[0096] Moreover, the material of the first cylindrical axle portion 40 may be
flexible, so that
when the outer end 72 thereof is squeezed in a manner so that the wing-like
proj ections 70 move
diametrically towards each other and are disassociated from the notches 76
formed in the second
cylindrical axle portion 42, then the tape dispenser 110 may be disassembled
so as to replace a hub
14 from which adhesive tape 12 has been unreeled with another hub 14 on which
adhesive tape 12
17
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has been spirally wound. Therefore, the tape dispenser 1 I O of the present
invention is reusable with
additional rolls of adhesive tape.
[0097] However, more commonly, slits 80 are formed axially along the first
cylindrical axle
portion 40 at each side of each of the wing-like proj ections 70. The slits 80
extend from the outer
end 72 of the first cylindrical axle portion 40 towards the first major side
portion 36a of the first side
member 30, to a length beyond the wing-like proj ections 70. Thus, when the
outer end 72 of the first
cylindrical axle portion 40 is squeezed in such a manner that the wing-like
projections 70 move
diametrically towards each other and are disassociated from the notches 76 of
the second cylindrical
axle portion 42, than the tape dispenser 110 may be disassembled in the same
marn~er as discussed
above.
[0098] Referring briefly to the cutter member 34, it is noted that in general
the cutter member
34 is formed integrally with the second side member 32. Also, each of the
second minor portions
38a and 38b of the respective first and second side members 30 and 32 may be
flared upwardly and
outwardly as indicated at 60a and 60b in Figure 5. Thus, the cutter member 34
is wider than the
adhesive tape 12. This assists in placing the adhesive tape 12 across the
cutter member 34 when a
length of the adhesive tape is to be dispensed; and especially because of the
braking action of the
tape dispenser I 10 of the present invention against the roll of adhesive tape
12, an accurate cut of
a specific length of adhesive tape 12 may be made.
[0099] As seen in Figure 5, the cutter member 34 has a serrated outex cutting
edge 62 which
is placed high in the region of the flared second minor side portions 60a and
60b. Such serrated
outer cutting edges are known; it will be noted that the serrated outer
cutting edge of the cutting
member 34 is formed integrally therewith, and is not an additional metal
cutter that is added to the
tape dispenser 110.
[00100] Typically, the width of the edge of the cutting member 34 exceeds the
width
of the adhesive tape 12 by at least 25%.
[00101] There has been described a tape dispenser which functions particularly
to
preclude unwanted unreeling of the adhesive tape from a roll thereof
particularly as the adhesive
tape is to be cut. Several alternative embodiments of the tape dispenser are
suggested, including
particularly where the first maj or side portion 30 may be formed of a
flexible material, or where the
Z8
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first major side portion 36a of the first side member 30 is formed of a
flexible plastics material. Of
course, either side member 30 or 32, or both side members 30 and 32, may be
formed of flexible
material.
[00102] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the
context
requires otherwise, the word "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood
to imply the inclusion
of a stated integer or step of integers or steps of integers but not to the
exclusion of any other integer
or step or group of integer steps.
[00103] Other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and
manufacture of the apparatus of the present invention without departing from
the spirit and scope
of the accompanying claims.
19
