GB2381519A

GB2381519A - A tape dispenser with tape tensioning means

Info

Publication number: GB2381519A
Application number: GB0126472A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Jardine Douglas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-11-03
Filing date: 2001-11-03
Publication date: 2003-05-07
Also published as: GB0126472D0

Abstract

A tape dispenser with tape tensioning means comprises a body portion 6, defining a reel receiving region, adapted to allow tension to be applied to a portion of the tape being dispensed. A recess 10 may be provided in at least one side of the body portion. The recess may allow the tensioning of the reel, either by allowing the user to directly grip the reel of by being located in a resilient region which engages with the reel when pressure is applied to the recess. The tape dispenser may be provided with at least one tape support member 16 and a cutter 3 arranged to sever a portion of tape from the reel. The cutting means may allow a free end of the tape to adhere thereto so as anchor the tape reel in the body portion. The body portion may be in the form of a continuous curve so that in use the dispenser may be brought into close proximity to a surface which tape is being applied (fig 12). Clips or protrusions may be provided to hold the reel of adhesive tape within the dispenser without the use of a shaft, spindle, hub or the like.

Description

HAND-HELD ADHESIVE TAPE DISPENSER The present invention relates to a tape dispenser for adhesive tapes or other items or multiple items stored as a coiled elongate strip.

Tape dispensers are used for the dispensing of reels of tape of various types and sizes. They are employed to make the use of such reels of tape, or other suitable materials, more convenient, efficient and easy. One example is ordinary reels of adhesive tape as commonly used when wrapping parcels, sticking together paper or joining things in the home or work place. The handling of such reels is not easy or convenient, because the end of the tape tends to become"lost"and hard to locate, or the reel can become dirty or damaged and the user often has to try and tear off lengths by hand, the tape becoming stuck to the fingers and creased. Other dispensers are suitable for desktop use, but tend not to he very user friendly, compact or efficient.

A particular disadvantage of known tape dispensers is that it is difficult or impossible to conveniently tension the tape whilst it is being dispensed. It is often useful to tension the tape as it is being dispensed so as to neatly and securely fix items together.

A further disadvantage of known tape dispensers is the difficulty often experienced when loading a tape reel into the dispenser. Commonly, known tape dispensers use a hub or require a shaft or spindle arrangement to be passed through the central aperture of the tape reel which is located within the tape dispenser. The use of a shaft or spindle or hub on which the tape reel is mounted can increase the cost and complexity of the tape dispenser and mitigates against easy replacement of tape reels and the interchange of different reels.

According to the present invention there is provided a tape dispenser comprising a body portion defining a tape reel reception region, wherein said body portion comprises tensioning means arranged to allow tension to be applied to a portion of tape being dispensed.

It is therefore possible to provide a tape dispenser which may be easily held by the hand, the finger or fingers and thumb located on openings or apertures within the said body portion which thereby allow pressure to be applied onto a portion of the said tape reel within, in order to facilitate tape speed and tension control during use.

Grip areas may additionally be included on the said body portion and these may be combined with the said openings or apertures.

Preferably, the tensioning means comprises at least one aperture located in the outer surface of at least one of said spaced body sides, whereby said tape reel can be manually gripped through the at least one aperture such that the user's finger or fingers and thumb come into contact with a part of the reel so as to provide a force resisting rotation of the reel.

Additionally or alternatively, said tensioning means comprises a recess located on the outer surface of at least one of said

spaced body Rides, said recess defining a resilient region, said resilient region being arranged to engage with said tape reel when pressure is applied thereto.

Additionally or nlternatively, said tensioning means comprises said body sides at least partially of resilient material to allow the pressure to be applied onto said tape reel.

It is therefore possible to provide a tape dispenser allowing the tape to be tensioned by gripping the body side or sides as tape is dispensed.

Preferably, the body portion comprises at least one tape support member arranged to support an outer surface of said tape reel within said tape reception region.

Preferably, the body portion comprises a pair of spaced body sides, the tape reception region being located between the body sides.

Additionally, the tape or each support member may extend laterally between the spaced body sides.

Additionally or alternatively, the tape dispenser also comprises cutting means arranged to sever a portion of tape from the tape reel.

Additionally, the cutting means may comprise a serrated cutting bar extending substantially laterally across the tape.

Preferably the cutting means may be located at the end of at least one arm extending from the body portion. Preferably the cutting means extends between the ends of a pair of spaced arms extending from the body portion.

Preferably, the cutting means is arranged to allow a free end of the tape reel to adhere thereto or another part, whereby the tape reel is anchored within said dispenser by said adhered free end when tape is not being dispensed.

Preferably, each of the body sides includes a continuous curved underside or lower surface whereby in use said dispenser is arranged to be brought into close proximity to a surface to which said tape is being applied and may be efficiently slid backwards along or over or just above the surface being taped.

Preferably, the at least one arm extending from the body portion comprises a continuous extension of the curved surface of the body sides.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings and part descriptions.

Drawings and Part Descriptions : Figure 1.

Shows a side view of a tape dispenser, facing left, according to the present invention with a tape reel inserted therein, (reel shown by dashed lines).

Figure 2.

Shows a side view of the tape dispenser shown in Figure 1 illustrating the insertion of a tape reel.

Figure 3.

Shows a perspective view of the tape dispenser (empty), according to the present invention.

Figure 4.

Shows a front elevation of a dispenser according to the present invention.

Figure 5.

Shows a rear elevation of the tape dispenser shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6.

Shows a sectional view of the tape dispenser (facing Jeft) shown in Figures 1 to 5.

Figure 7.

Shows a plan view of the tape dispenser shown in Figures 1 to 6.

Figure 8.

Shows a further view of a tape dispenser according to the present invention illustrating the location of tape support means in dashed lines.

Figure 9.

Shows a view of the tape dispenser of Figure 8 shown from below.

Figure 10.

Shows a further view (facing right) of a tape dispenser according to the present invention.

Figure 11.

Showes a rear perspective view of a tape dispenser according to the present invention with a tape reel located therein, and Figure 12.

Illustrates a tape dispenser according to the present invention in use.

List of Notated Parts :-

1. Main body.

2. Shaped arms.

3. Supported cutting bar.

4. Shaped upper cross member, also acting as tape reel support/guide.

5. Front access area through which tape is pulled.

6. Body housing for tape reel.

7. Adhesive tape or suitable material.

8. Reel to be dispensed.

9. Finger/thumb grip areas.

10. Apertures to provide finger/thumb brake.

11. Tape end.

12. Cut away, shaped and chamfered upper edges of arms.

13. Curved underside of main body.

14. Finger applying tape to surface.

15. Rounded edges.

16. Shaped lower cross member, also acting as tape reel support/guide.

17. Shaped edges to reel rests/supports/guides.

18. Opening to allow for loading of tape reel.

Referring to Figure 1, the dispenser comprises two body sides forming a rounded body portion (Pt. I) which is extended at the front in the form of two curved arms (Pt. 2). Extending across the front end of the curved arms (Pt. 2) is a cutting bar (Pt. 3).

The body sides are connected by shaped cross menbers (Pt. 4 and 16), shown in Figure 6. The cross members are curved on the inside so as to hold and position the tape reel when inserted, yet allow it to spin or turn freely within the main body portion. The body sides define a tape reel reception region that contains the reel and there are shaped edges (Pt. 17) so as to more easily allow the tape reel to be slipped in when loading and tape to be extracted through the front of the dispenser.

The tape reel (Pt. 8) is loaded into the dispenser by simply dropping or slotting it into the body through the opening (Pt. 18), formed between the body sides, as shown in Figure 2, with an end (Pt. 1I) of the tape facing forwards. The opening (Pt. 18) may be provided as shown or its position may be altered and may he higher or lower on the main body as required.

The reel (Pt. 8) is supported in position within the housing (Figure 1, Ptl) with no need for spindles, hubs or other devices holding or passing through a portion of the central hole of the reel. The tape end, (Pt. 11) is pulled through the front aperture as most clearly seen in Figure 3, and over the cutting bar (Pt. 3) where it is cut and adheres to the bar or other structure.

When not in use, the tape reel (Pt. 8) is retained within the body housing (Pt. l) supported on the shaped cross-members (Pt. 4 and 16) and ready for use as the cut tape end remains adhered to the cutting bar (Pt. 3) itself or other structure.

The adhered free end thus anchors the tape reel (Pt. 8) within the dispenser. There is therefore no need for any other means or method of keeping the tape reel (Pt. 8) within the dispenser or correctly positioned within the housing (Pt. 1).

If desired, clips or protrusions or other suitable mechanical means may be incorporated into the dispenser to further retain the reel (Pt. 8) in the required position. However, such further retaining members are not necessary for operation of the dispenser in accordance with the present invention.

On one or each side of the body (Pt. 1) is a side recess or moulding (Pt. q) that is designed to allow the dispenser to be conveniently held and gripped with the fingers and thumb of one hand. Apertures (Ft. 10) on one or both sides of the dispenser may also be provided to allow the gripping fingers and thumb to exert pressure, either directly or indirectly, on the reel (Pt. 8) inside the housing (Pt.]) to resist rotation of the tape reel and thereby to control the tape reel speed and tension. This direct or indirect braking of the tape reel (Pt. 8) prevents overrun of the reel and gives additional tension to the tape whilst it is being extracted and applied.

The apertures (Pt. lO) may be formed within the recesses (Pt. 9) as shown, so as to combine them and allow the same finger or finger and thumb to simultaneously hold the dispenser and exert controlled direct or indirect pressure on the reel as required.

Having loaded the tape dispenser and pulled the tape end through the front onto the supported cutting bar (Pt. 3) the rounded body (Pt. l) may be comfortably held in one hand with the finger and thumb of the gripping hand located on the shaped grip recesses (Pt. 9), as shown in Figure 12. The upper areas of the extended arms (Pt. 2) are shaped and cut away with chamfered edges (Pt. 12) Figure 10, allowing the tape to be easily lifted off the supported cutting bar (Pt. 3).

The tape can then be drawn off the reel (Pt. 8) with the other hand whilst the full length integrated curved underside of the extended arms (Pt. 2) and the curved main body (Pt. l), together with the reduced thickness of the underside of the housing, are designed to allow the dispenser to be conveniently brought into very close proximity with the surface or article to which the tape is to be applied and slid in a rearward direction along or over or just above the surface or article, whilst maintaining the tape taut and uncreased, as illustrated in Figure 12. When the required length of tape has been dispensed the tape may be cut on the cutting bar (Pt. 3). If shorter lengths of tape are required, they may be conveniently dispensed by holding the dispenser in a similar manner as previously described, pulling out the required length of tape and cutting it across the cutting bar (Pt. 3) after which it can be separately applied where required.

In the embodiment shown, the main body shape of the dispenser is specifically curved so as to fit efficiently and comfortably into the hand of the user and has a continuous curve that extends over the length of the bottom portion of the main body portion ( !'t.)) and smoothly continues into the bottom portion of the cxt. pode' ! : irms (Pt-, 2) so as to n)) ow efficient and ease of use whilst taping.

Claims

1) A tape dispenser comprising a body portion defining a tape reel reception region, wherein said body portion comprises tensioning means arranged to allow tension to be applied to a portion of tape being dispensed.

2) A tape dispenser according to claim I, wherein said body portion comprises a pair of spaced body sides, said tape reception region being located between said sides.

3) A tape dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said tensioning means comprises a recess located on the outer surface of at least one of said spaced body sides, said recess defining a resilient region, said resilient region being arranged to engage with said tape reel when pressure is applied thereto.

4) A tape dispenser according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said tensioning means comprises at least one opening or aperture located in the outer surface of at least one of said spaced body sides, wherein said tape reel can be manually gripped through the at least one opening or aperture such that a user's finger or thumb come into contact with the reel so

as to provide a force resisting rotation of the reel.

5) A tape dispenser according to any preceding claim comprising a body portion defining a tape reel reception region wherein said body portion is arranged to allow a tape reel to be freely placed into said tape reel reception area.

6) A tape dispenser according to claim 5, wherein said body portion comprises at least one tape support member arranged to support an outer surface of said tape reel within said tape reel reception region.

7) A tape dispenser according to claim 6 wherein said tape support member or members extends laterally between said spaced body sides.

8) A tape dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein said tape dispenser further comprises cutting means arranged to sever a portion of tape from said reel.

9) A tape dispenser according to claim 8, wherein said cutting means comprises a serrated cutting bar extending substantially laterally across said tape.

10) A tape dispenser according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said cutting means is located at the end of at least one arm

extending from said body portions.

1 I) A tape dispenser according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said cutting means or other structure is arranged to allow a Free end of the said tape reel to adhere thereto, whereby, when loaded but not in use, said tape reel is

anchored within. said dispenser by said adhered free end.

12) A tape dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to ll, wherein each of said pair of body sides includes a continuous curved surface, whereby in use said dispenser is arranged to be brought into close proximity to a surface to which said tape is being applied.

13) A tape dispenser according to claim 12, when dependent on claim 10, wherein said at least one arm comprises a continuous extension of said curved surface.

14) A tape dispenser according to any claim 1 to 4 and 15 to 17, wherein the said body sides are arranged to enable indirect pressure to he applied onto a part of the said reel by indirect means.

15) A tape dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at lensl one of t. hp said spaced body sides is pierced with shaped opening or openings or apertures to allow said dispenser to be conveniently picked up, gripped and held with the finger or fingers and thumb.

16) A tape dispenser according to any claim 1 to 4 and 15 or 17 wherein the said opening or openings or apertures are generally rounded or"afmond"in shape and situated on one or either side of the said spaced body sides.

17) A tape dispenser as claimed in any claim 1 to 4 wherein the said tension openings or apertures are combined with the shaped grip openings according to claim 15, thus allowing the samo thumb and finger or fingers to simultaneously hold the snid dispenser and exert pressure on the reel therein to

17) Con't. control tape tension.

18) A tape dispenser as claimed in any claim 2 and 5 to 7 wherein the said tape reception area includes an opening through which the said tape reel may be freely dropped or slotted.

19) A tape dispenser as claimed in any claim 2 and 5 to 7 wherein the said tape reel to be loaded is slipped, dropped or slotted whilst in a vertical plane into said reel reception area in a generally downward or forward and downward motion.

20) A Lape dispenser according to any claim 2 nnd 5 to 7 and 19 and 21 wherein the said reel support member or members or guides have shaped edges to allow for improved or easier insertion of said reel and extraction of tape during use.

21) A tape dispenser as claimed in any claim 2 and 5 to 7 and 18 to 20 wherein the said tape support means or guides are curved and form part of or define or partially define the shaped body housing.

22) A tape dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the loaded reel is at least partially retained within the said tape reception area by clips, protrusions or other such devices without the use of spindle, shaft or hub configuration.

23) A tape dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the said curved arms have a cut away upper part and/or have chamfered upper outer edges to allow the said tape end to be conveniently and easily picked up for use.

24) A tape dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 11 wherein the lower edges or parts of the said arms and body define a single continuous uninterrupted and integrated smooth external curve flowing down the rear of and underneath the said body and projected forward to produce the said extending arm or arms.

25) A tape dispenser according to any claims J to 5, wherein the said spaced body sides are at least in part of a resilient material that allows pressure to be applied onto the said tape reel.

26) A tape dispenser substantially as described herein with reference to, or as shown in, the accompanying figures.