Tape dispenser with cutter assembly and braking mechanism

Abstract

A cutter assembly suitable for cutting BOPP adhesive tape and a tape dispenser incorporating the same. The cutter assembly has a row of plastic teeth where each tooth includes left and right front and rear faces, each face being disposed on a different plane, and where the planes intersect each other at the tip of the tooth. A front edge extends between the left and right front faces; a rear edge extends between the left and right rear faces; a left side edge extends between the right front and rear faces; and a right side edge extends between the left front face and the right rear face. The various edges are set at particular angles relative to each other. A protrusion for supporting the tape is provided rearwardly of the teeth and a braking mechanism is also provided on the dispenser.

Claims

1. A method of using a tape dispenser comprising: providing a tape dispenser having a first side member with an interior surface and a second side member with an interior surface; and a cutter assembly at a front end of the tape dispenser located between the interior surfaces; wherein the cutter assembly comprises a base extending between the first and second side members; said base having a front region disposed at the front end of the tape dispenser; wherein the front region is oriented substantially vertical with respect to a top edge of each of the first and second side members; and wherein the top edges are located adjacent the base; wherein the front region has a first end and a second end, and a row of plastic teeth extending upwardly and outwardly from the front region; and wherein the row of plastic teeth at least a first tooth, a second tooth and a third tooth, wherein the second tooth is adjacent the first tooth and the third tooth is adjacent the second tooth, and wherein each of the first, second and third teeth includes a left front face disposed in a first plane where the first plane is oriented at a first angle relative to the front region of the base; a right front face disposed in a second plane where the second plane is oriented at a second angle relative to the front region of the base; wherein the left and right front faces meet along a single central front edge and the first plane is angled relative to the second plane; and the front edge extends upwardly from the front region of the base and each of the left and right front faces angles rearwardly away from the front edge; a left rear face disposed in a third plane; and a right rear face disposed in a fourth plane; and wherein the left and right rear faces are angled relative to each other and meet along a single central rear edge and wherein the third and fourth planes are angled relative to each other and the left and right rear faces angle forwardly away from the rear edge; and wherein the rear edge is opposite the front edge; and wherein the first, second, third and fourth planes intersect each other at a discrete point and which point forms an uppermost tip of the tooth; and wherein a length of the central rear edge is shorter than a length of the central front edge; providing a rotational element including a length of Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) BOPP tape; engaging the rotational element in the dispenser so that the rotational element is located between the interior surfaces of the first and second sides and rearwardly of the cutter assembly and so that the rotational element is rotatable about an axis extending at right angles to the interior surfaces; withdrawing a length of tape from the rotational element by rotating the rotational element around the axis; applying a braking mechanism to the rotating rotational element; and slowing or stopping rotation of the rotational element and severing a desired length of the (BOPP) tape using the row of plastic teeth on the cutter assembly.

2. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of providing the tape dispenser includes providing the first side member made from a flexible material; and the step of apply the braking mechanism includes depressing the flexible first side member inwardly to contact the rotational element.

3. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of applying the braking mechanism includes contacting the rotational element with a circuitous pathway provided on the first side member.

4. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of applying the braking mechanism includes reducing a distance between the interior surface of the first side member and the interior surface of the second side member.

5. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of applying the braking mechanism includes depressing the first side member inwardly to bring radial spokes on the first side member into contact with the rotational element.

6. A combination of a rotational element including an extended length of Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) tape and a tape dispenser for retaining the rotational element therein and for selectively dispensing desired lengths of tape therefrom, wherein said tape dispenser includes: a first side member having an interior surface; a second side member having an interior surface, wherein the rotational element is retained between the interior surfaces and is rotatable about an axis oriented at right angles to the interior surfaces; a cutter assembly provided on a front end of the dispenser and extending between the interior surfaces of the first and second side members; said cutter assembly being provided for severing desired lengths of tape from the rotational element; wherein said cutter assembly comprises: a base extending between the interior surface of the first side member and the interior surface of the second side member; said base having a front region disposed at the front end of the dispenser; wherein the front region is oriented substantially vertical with respect to a top edge of each of the first and second side members and the top edges are located adjacent the base; wherein the front region has with a first end and a second end; a row of plastic teeth extending upwardly and outwardly from the front region and including at least a first tooth, a second tooth and a third tooth, wherein the second tooth is adjacent the first tooth and the third tooth is adjacent the second tooth, and wherein each of the first, second and third teeth includes: a left front face disposed in a first plane where the first plane is oriented at a first angle relative to the front region of the base; a right front face disposed in a second plane where the second plane is oriented at a second angle relative to the front region of the base; wherein the left and right front faces meet along a single central front edge and the first plane is angled relative to the second plane; and the front edge extends upwardly from the front region of the base and each of the left and right front faces angles rearwardly away from the front edge; a left rear face disposed in a third plane; and a right rear face disposed in a fourth plane; and wherein the left and right rear faces are angled relative to each other and meet along a single central rear edge and wherein the third and fourth planes are angled relative to each other and the left and right rear faces angle forwardly away from the rear edge; and wherein the rear edge is opposite the front edge; and wherein the first, second, third and fourth planes intersect each other at a discrete point and which point forms an uppermost tip of the tooth; and wherein a length of the central rear edge is shorter than a length of the central front edge; and a braking mechanism provided on the tape dispenser, wherein the braking mechanism selectively engages the rotational element to slow or stop rotational motion thereof.

7. The combination as defined in claim 6, wherein the first side member is flexible and is selectively depressible inwardly to engage the rotational element and to thereby act as the braking mechanism.

8. The combination as defined in claim 7, wherein a central region of one or both of the first and second side members is depressed inwardly to act as the braking mechanism.

9. The combination as defined in claim 6, wherein the tape dispenser includes a first axle portion extending from the interior surface of the first side member and a second axle portion extending from the interior surface of the second side member, the first and second axle portions being slidably engaged with each other; wherein the rotational element is received on the engaged axle portions; and wherein a depressible region of one of the first and second sides engages an end of one of the first and second axles and acts as the braking mechanism.

10. The combination as defined in claim 9, wherein the first axle is telescopingly received inside a bore of the second axle; and wherein first axle is pushed inwardly further into the bore when the braking mechanism is applied.

11. The combination as defined in claim 6, wherein a width of the tape dispenser is defined between the interior surfaces of the first and second side members, and wherein the width is selectively decreased by the braking mechanism to cause rotational motion of the rotational element to be stopped or slowed.

12. The combination as defined in claim 6, wherein the braking mechanism includes a circuitous path provided on one of the first and second side members for slowing or retaining the rotational element.

13. The combination as defined in claim 12, wherein the circuitous path is provided in a central region of one of the first and second side members.

14. The combination as defined in claim 6, wherein the braking mechanism includes one or more channels defined in the first side member and the one or more channels enable a central region of the first side member to be depressed inwardly toward the second side member.

15. The combination as defined in claim 14, wherein the one or more channels radiate outwardly from the central region.

16. The combination as defined in claim 15, wherein the one or more channels are arranged in a spiral that radiates outwardly from the central region.

17. The combination as defined in claim 14, further comprising one or more brake spokes provided on the interior surface of the second side member, and wherein the rotational element contacts the one or more brake spokes when finger pressure is applied to the first side member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tape dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the tape dispenser showing a first side member, a second side member and the roll of tape;

(4) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional rear view of the tape dispenser taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the cutter assembly taken from the highlighted region of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front view of the cutter assembly;

(7) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional left side view of the cutter assembly taken through line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 7 is a top view of the cutter assembly taken through line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

(9) FIG. 8 is a partial front view of the cutter assembly taken through line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

(10) Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) Referring to FIGS. 1-8 there is shown a hand-held tape dispenser in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated by the reference number 10. Tape dispenser 10 comprises a first side member 12 and a second side member 14 that are engaged with each other to define an interior cavity 16 within which is housed a roll 18 of adhesive tape. As indicated previously, dispenser 10 is especially suitable for dispensing BOPP adhesive tape. As best seen in FIG. 2, roll 18 comprises a circular hub 20 made from a suitable material, such as plastic, and around which a length of BOPP adhesive tape 22 is wound. Roll 18 is configured so that it will rotate about an axis that extends through the center of hub 20 in order to dispense sections of tape 22 therefrom.

(12) First side member 12 of dispenser 10 comprises a side wall 24 and a peripheral wall 26. Peripheral wall 26 is disposed generally at right angles to side wall and extends inwardly for a distance therefrom. Side wall 24 forms the side of first side member 12 and peripheral wall 26 forms a top, bottom, front and back wall thereof. Side wall 24 and peripheral wall 26 bound and define approximately one half of cavity 16.

(13) Referring to FIGS. 1-3, side wall 24 of first side member 12 has an exterior surface 24a and an interior surface 24b. Exterior surface 24a is provided with a central region 28 that is substantially planar and suitable for positioning one of a forefinger and thumb of a user thereon. A cylindrical first axle portion 30 (FIG. 2) extends inwardly from interior surface 24b disposed opposite central region 28. First axle portion 30 is disposed generally at right angles to interior surface 24b. First axle portion 30 is of a first external diameter A. First axle portion 30 comprises a perimeter wall 32 that originates proximate interior surface 24b of side wall 24 and extends outwardly therefrom, terminating in an outermost edge 32a. Perimeter wall 32 and the interior region 28a of central region 28 bound and define a cavity 34 therein. Perimeter wall 32 is not circumferentially continuous in that it defines four longitudinal slots 36 therein. As best shown in FIG. 3, each slot 36 is widest proximate outermost edge 32a of perimeter wall 32 and tapers in a direction extending toward interior region 28a. Slots 36 are in communication with cavity 34 and are arranged in pairs. Each pair of slots 36 defines a first region 32b of perimeter wall 32 between them and the adjacent pairs of slots 36 define second regions 32c of perimeter wall 32 between them. The two first regions 32b are disposed opposite one another and the two second regions 32c are disposed opposite one another. Preferably, each second region 32c is larger in area than each first region 32b. A detent 38 is provided on an exterior surface of each of first regions 32b. Detent 38 is disposed a short distance inwardly from outermost edge 32a of perimeter wall 32 and runs substantially circumferentially on first region 32c.

(14) In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, a reinforcing ridge 40 is provided on interior surface 24b. Reinforcing ridge 40 is disposed a short distance away from perimeter wall 32 of first axle portion 30 and is disposed substantially parallel thereto. A plurality of channels 42 is defined in first side member 12, with each channel 42 extending between the exterior and interior surfaces 24a, 24b of side wall 24. Each channel 24 radiates outwardly from proximate perimeter wall 32 in an arcuate fashion. Channels 42 are arranged in pairs, with each pair including a shorter arcuate channel 42a and a longer arcuate channel 42b. The pairs of channels 42 are radially spaced from each other. The channel pairs cut through ridge 40 and ridge 40 is absent from the region between the shorter and longer channels 42a, 32b of each pair. Channels 42 are provided to give side wall 24 sufficient flexibility so as to enable central region 28 to be deflected somewhat inwardly toward second side member 14 upon application of pressure thereto, as will be hereinafter described.

(15) Still referring to FIG. 2, second side member 14 comprises a side wall 44 and a peripheral wall 46 which extends inwardly from the side wall 24 and generally at right angles thereto. Side wall 44 forms the side of second side member 14 and peripheral wall 46 forms a top, bottom, front and back portion of second side member 14. Side wall 44 and peripheral wall 46 bound and define approximately one half of cavity 16, with side wall 24 and peripheral wall 26 of first side member 12 bounding and defining the other half of cavity 16, as previously described and illustrated in FIG. 3.

(16) Side wall 44 of second side member 12 has an exterior surface 44a (FIG. 3) and an interior surface 44b. Exterior surface 44a is substantially planar. A cylindrical second axle portion 48 extends outwardly from interior surface 44b of side wall 44. Second axle portion 48 includes a perimeter wall 50 that originates at interior surface 44b and terminates at an outermost end 50a. Perimeter wall 50 of second cylindrical axle portion 48 bounds and defines a bore 52 that is of a second diameter B. Diameter B is greater than diameter A of first axle portion 30 and first axle portion 30 is able to be received within bore 52 of second axle portion 48 when first and second sides 12, 14 are joined together. A pair of opposed apertures 54 are defined partially in side wall 44 and partially in perimeter wall 50. Depressions 53 are provided adjacent apertures 54 to aid in correctly positioning the user's finger or thumb during application of the brake mechanism, i.e., when the user compresses first and second side members 12, 14 toward each other. When first and second side members 12, 14 are engaged, detents 38 on first axle portion 30 are received through the apertures 54, specifically those portions of the apertures 54 defined on perimeter wall 50. This situation is illustrated in FIG. 3. The interlocking engagement of detents 38 in apertures 54 holds first and second side members 12, 14 together. Detents 38 prevent first axle portion 30 and second axle portion 48 from accidentally disengaging from each other. It will be understood, however, that dispenser 10 may be manufactured so that first and second side members 12, 14 can be separated from each other to replace roll 18 when tape 22 thereon is finished. In that instance, it is possible to disengage detents 38 from apertures 54.

(17) A plurality of ribs 56 extend longitudinally along an exterior surface of perimeter wall 50 from proximate interior surface 44b of side wall 44 to outermost end 50a. The interior surface 20a of hub 20 contacts ribs 56 as roll 18 rotates about second axle portion 48.

(18) One or more brake spokes 58 extend inwardly from interior surface 44b of side wall 44 and into cavity 16. When tape 22 is to be dispensed from roll 18, the user will pull a sufficient length of tape 22 from roll 18 and will then squeeze first and second side members 12, 14 together by compressing the central region 28 and side wall 44 opposite central region 28 toward each other between their thumb and forefinger. This compressive force causes first axle portion 30 to slide inwardly deeper into bore 52 of second axle portion 48 in the direction of arrow C (FIG. 3). This movement causes hub 20 of roll 18 to be compressed between ridges 40 on the interior surface 24b of first side wall 24 proximate central region 28 and brake spokes 58, causing all rotational motion of roll 18 to cease. The length of tape 22 extending outwardly from the roll 18 at that point can be severed from roll 18 as will be hereinafter described.

(19) Referring to FIG. 1, first side member 12 is generally comprised of a major side region 12a and a minor side region 12b and second side member 14 is comprised of a major side region 14a and a minor side region 14b. When first and second side members 12, 14 are engaged with each other, major side region 12a of first side member 12 is disposed opposite major side region 14a of second side member 14, and minor side region 12b of first side member 12 is disposed opposite minor side region 14b of second side member 14. Roll 18 of tape 22 is retained between major side regions 12a, 14a of first and second sides 12, 14 and a cutter assembly 60, in accordance with the present invention, is retained between minor side regions 12b, 14b.

(20) Cutter assembly 60 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4-8. Cutter assembly 60 is provided at a front end of first side member 12 and essentially is formed as an integral part of peripheral wall 26. Cutter assembly 60 extends outwardly from side wall 24 and at right angles thereto. Unlike the rest of peripheral wall 26, however, cutter assembly 60 extends for a sufficient distance outwardly from side wall 24 so as to span the entire gap between side wall 24 and side wall 44 of second side member 14 when first and second side members 12, 14 are engaged with each other. (The rest of peripheral wall 26 extends only about half way across the gap between side walls 24 and 44.

(21) Referring to FIGS. 4 & 6, cutter assembly 60 includes a front region 60a from which a row of teeth 62 extend upwardly and outwardly. A protrusion 64 is formed on cutter assembly 60 a distance rearwardly from front region 60a. Protrusion 64 is a generally inverted V-shape and includes a substantially planar apex region 64a, a downwardly sloping front surface 64b, and a downwardly sloping rear surface 64c. The angled front surface 64b causes a valley 66 to be defined between apex region 64a and teeth 62. Portions of side walls 24 and 44 extend between apex region 64a and teeth and these portions, referenced by characters 68a, 68b form shields that assist in protecting the user from accidentally cutting themselves on teeth 62 while dispensing tape 22. A plurality of reinforcing members 70 are provided on one or both of the interior surfaces 24b, 44b of side walls 24, 44. Reinforcing members 70 are provided to stiffen and strengthen the front end of dispenser 10 so that it does not flex or deflect when tape 22 is dispensed from dispenser 10. Reinforcing member(s) 70 on first side member 12 are configured to engage reinforcing member(s) 70 on second side member 14.

(22) As indicated previously, teeth 62 extend upwardly and outwardly from front region 60a and the row of teeth 62 extends from the interior surface 24b of side wall 24b to the interior surface 44b of side wall 44b. Teeth 62 are spaced a distance in front of apex region 64 and are separated therefrom by valley 66. This valley 66 aids in ensuring that there is adequate room to manipulate tape 22 downwardly for a distance along angled surfaces of teeth 62 as will be hereinafter described in order to sever the tape 22.

(23) In accordance with the present invention, each tooth 62 has a plurality of angled faces that meet at a tip 72. When viewed from above, such as in FIG. 7, each tooth 62 is substantially diamond-shaped. Each tooth has a left front face 62a, a right front face 62b, a left rear face 62c and a right rear face 62d. Each of these faces 62a, 62b, 62c and 62d lie in a different plane. Left front face 62a and right front face 62b meet along a front edge 74. Left front face 62a and left rear face 62c meet along a left side edge 76. Right front face 62b and right rear face 62d meet along a right side edge 78. Left rear face 62c and right rear face 62d meet along a rear edge 80. Left and right front faces 62a, 62b and left and right rear faces 62c, 62d intersect at tip 72.

(24) Left front face 62a extends from front edge 74 to left side edge 76 and is disposed in a first plane. Right front face 62b extends from front edge 74 to right side edge 78 and is disposed in a second plane. The first plane is disposed at first angle relative to the second plane and the first and second planes intersect each other along front edge 74. Left rear face 62 extends from left side edge 76 to rear edge 80 and is disposed in a third plane. The third plane is disposed at a second angle relative to the first plane and the third and first planes intersect each other along left side edge 76. The third plane and second plane are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced a distance apart from each other. Right rear face 62d extends from right side edge 78 to rear edge 80 and is disposed in a fourth plane. Fourth plane is disposed at the first angle relative to third plane and at the second angle to the second plane. Fourth plane intersects third plane along rear edge 80 and intersects second plane along right side edge 78. Fourth plane and first plane are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced a distance apart from each other. First, second, third and fourth planes intersect each other at an uppermost tip 72 of tooth 62.

(25) In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, each of left and right side edges 76, 78 preferably is about 1.97 mm long, rear edge 80 preferably is about 1.78 mm long, and front edge 74 preferably is about 2.55 mm long. The total depth of each tooth 62 from the base of front edge 74 in front region 60a to the base of rear edge 80 in front surface 64b preferably is 2.74 mm. Finally, the distance between the interior surfaces of shields 68a and 68b preferably is about 23.09 mm.

(26) Referring still to FIG. 7, each tooth 62 in the row of teeth on cutter assembly 60 is substantially identical in configuration and the relationships between the various faces 62a-62d and the edges 74-80 on a single tooth and the relationships between various components of adjacent teeth in the row of teeth are substantially identical. These relationships will be described with reference to three adjacent teeth in the row, those teeth being referenced as teeth D, E and F. Right front face 62b of first tooth D is disposed at a first angle G to the left front face 62a of second tooth E. The first angle G is between 105 and 115, and preferably is 110.30. Right rear face 62d of first tooth D is disposed at a second angle G2 relative to left rear face 62c of second tooth E. Second angle G2 is between 120 and 130 and preferably is 127.26.

(27) Referring to FIG. 8, left side edge 76 of second tooth E is at a third angle H relative to right side edge 78 of first tooth D. The third angle H is between 60 and 70 and preferably is 68.4. Additionally, left side edge 76 of first tooth D is at the third angle H relative to right side edge 78 of first tooth D. That third angle H is, again, between 60 and 70 and preferably is 68.4. It should also be noted that right side edge 78 of first tooth D meets left side edge 76 of second tooth E at a trough 82.

(28) Referring to FIG. 6, front edge 74 is disposed at a fourth angle I relative to rear edge 80. Angle I is between 45 and 55 and preferably is at 50.9. The length of rear edge 80 from tip 72 to the point where edge joins front surface 64b preferably is 2.55 mm.

(29) Dispenser 10 is used in the following manner. The free end 22a (FIG. 1) of tape 22 is grasped and pulled forwardly in the direction of arrow J and beyond cutter assembly 60 until the desired length of tape extends between free end 22a and teeth 62. When the desired length of tape 22 has been attained, the user applies pressure using their finger and thumb to first and second side members 12, 14 to engage the braking mechanism. As central region 28 is pushed inwardly, hub 20 of roll 18 is engaged by brake spokes 58. Brake spokes 58 cause rotation of roll 18 to cease. A portion of the tape rearwardly of teeth 62 rests on apex region 64a of protrusion 64 and adheres slightly thereto. Thus, the application of the braking mechanism in conjunction with the adhesion of tape 22 on protrusion 64 anchors tape 22 in an ideal position to be severed by teeth 62. The length of tape extending beyond teeth 62 is then pulled downwardly in the general direction of arrow K. This downward movement brings the adhesive underside of tape 22 into contact with tips 72 of teeth 62. Tips 72 perforate tape 22 and as the downward movement continues, the initial perforations are expanded as tape 22 slides down along front, back, left side and right side edges 74-80 to the point that the length of tape is severed from the roll 18. The portion of tape 22 resting on apex region 64a remains adhesively engaged with apex region 64a and thus is in ideal position for a subsequent dispensing of tape 22 from roll 18.

(30) It will be understood that various modifications may be made to dispenser 10 such as providing cutter assembly 60 on second side member 14 instead of on first side member 12. Such modifications are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

(31) In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

(32) Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.