Protective container and dispenser for adhesive tape

Abstract

A container for dispensing adhesive tape can include a first lid and a second lid, wherein the first lid comprises a first central connector and the second lid can include a second central connector that includes a threaded portion that can be configured to engage with the first central connector to maintain and protect a roll of adhesive tape when the second central connector is connected to the first central connector by the threaded portion when the first lid and the second led are engaged with one another in a closed position and a central circular gap within the roll of adhesive tape surrounds the first central connector and the second central connector within the container.

Claims

1. A container for adhesive tape, comprising: a first lid and a second lid, each having a circular shape, wherein the first lid comprises a first central connector and the second lid comprises a second central connector comprising a threaded portion that is configured to engage with the first central connector to maintain, protect and dispense a roll of adhesive tape when the second central connector is connected to the first central connector by the threaded portion when the first lid and the second lid are engaged with one another in a closed position, wherein the first and second central connectors are concentrically aligned and symmetrically disposed within the container, wherein the first and second lids form a symmetric cylindrical enclosure around the roll of the adhesive tape, wherein a central gap within the roll of adhesive tape surrounds the first central connector and the second central connector within the container when the roll of adhesive tape is disposed within the container, and wherein the first lid is configured with a first gap and the second lid is configured within a second gap such that when the first lid is engaged with the second lid in a closed gap adhesive tape from the roll of adhesive tape passes through a complete gap formed from the first gap and the second gap to permit a user to access the adhesive tape while the roll of adhesive tape is maintained within the container.

2. The container of claim 1 further comprising a raised portion connected to the first lid and the first central connector, wherein the raised portion is located between an inner surface of the first lid and the first central connector.

3. The container of claim 1 wherein the first central connector and the second central connector are each circularly shaped.

4. The container of claim 1 wherein a flange portion is located on the first lid and the second lid and within the first gap and second gap.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the first lid and the second lid engage with one another in a donut-shaped configuration that creates a smooth continuous interior surface to create a moisture/debris seal.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein a flange portion is located on the first lid and the second lid and within the first gap and the second gap and wherein the smooth continuous interior surface comprises an unobstructed surface that comprises a hand hold for ease of use by a user.

7. The container of claim 1 wherein the first lid is configured with an upper lip and the second lid is configured with a lower lip, wherein the upper lip engages with the lower lip to assist in creating a circumferential seal between the first lid and second lid.

8. The container of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism formed from the first central connector and the second central connector when connected to one another.

9. The container of claim 1 wherein threaded portion on a female connector side comprises an interior shoulder that when connected to a male connector side of the threaded portion creates a tight seal and a stop for the first and second central connectors, which allows for an opening for the roll of adhesive tape to in a proper placement when the first and second lids are fully engaged with one another.

10. The container of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism formed from the first central connector and the second central connector when connected to one another, wherein the locking mechanism locks the first lid to the second lid in a closed position.

11. The container of claim 1 wherein the first lid is configured with an upper lip and the second lid is configured with a lower lip.

12. The container of claim 11 wherein the upper lip engages with the lower lip to assist in creating a circumferential seal between the first lid and second lid and wherein the threaded portion comprises continuous threads that engage with one another to facilitate the connection of the second central connector to the first central connector by the threaded portion.

13. A container for adhesive tape, comprising: a first lid and a second lid, each having a circular shape, wherein the first lid comprises a first central connector and the second lid comprises a second central connector comprising a threaded portion that is configured to engage with the first central connector to maintain, protect and dispense a roll of adhesive tape when the second central connector is connected to the first central connector by the threaded portion when the first lid and the second lid are engaged with one another in a closed position, wherein the first and second central connectors are concentrically aligned and symmetrically disposed within the container, wherein the first and second lids form a symmetric cylindrical enclosure around the roll of the adhesive tape, and wherein a central gap within the roll of adhesive tape surrounds the first central connector and the second central connector within the container when the roll of adhesive tape is disposed within the container; and a raised portion connected to the first lid and the first central connector, wherein the raised portion is located between an inner surface of the first lid and the first central connector, wherein the first lid is configured with a first gap and the second lid is configured within a second gap such that when the first lid is engaged with the second lid in a closed gap adhesive tape from the roll of adhesive tape passes through a complete gap formed from the first gap and the second gap to permit a user to access the adhesive tape while the roll of adhesive tape is maintained within the container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first lid of a container for maintaining and protecting a roll of adhesive tape, in accordance with an embodiment;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the first lid of the container shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a container for adhesive tape with the first lid and the second lid engaged with one another in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a second lid of a container for adhesive tape, in accordance with an embodiment;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the first and second lids separated from one another and with the roll of adhesive tape engaged with the first lid, in accordance with an embodiment;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a view of the first and second lids and the roll of adhesive tape separated from one another, in accordance with an embodiment;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the first lid of the adhesive tape container with a roll of the adhesive tape mounted on the first central connector, in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the second lid with the flange portion, in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the first lid with the flange portion, along with the first central connector, in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates a view of both the first lid and the second lid along with both pieces of the flange portion, in accordance with an alternative embodiment; and

(12) FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 illustrate respective side and perspective views of the adhesive tape container in a locked position in which the first lid connected to the second lid, in accordance with an embodiment.

(13) Like reference numerals or reference symbols in the various drawings may indicate like or similar elements. The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

(15) Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiments set forth herein; example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. Accordingly, embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof (other than software per se). The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense.

(16) Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, phrases such as in one embodiment or in an example embodiment and variations thereof as utilized herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase in another embodiment or in another example embodiment and variations thereof as utilized herein may or may not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

(17) In general, terminology may be understood, at least in part, from usage in context. For example, terms such as and, or, or and/or as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may depend, at least in part, upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, or if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term one or more as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe combinations of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms such as a, an, or the, again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term based on may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context. Furthermore, the term at least one as utilized herein can refer to one or more. For example, at least one widget may refer to one or more widgets.

(18) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first lid 102 of a container 100 for maintaining and protecting a roll of adhesive tape (not shown in FIG. 1), in accordance with an embodiment. It should be appreciated that only a portion of the container 100 is shown in FIG. 1 in the form of the first lid 102. A second lid (not shown in FIG. 1) can engage with the first lid 102 to form the full container 100, which is depicted and described further below with respect to one or more of the other figures.

(19) The first lid 102 includes an indented portion 103 within which a first central connector 108 is located centrally within the indented portion 103. A raised portion 104 can be connected to the first lid 102 and the first central connector 108. The raised portion 104 is located generally between an inner surface of the first lid 102 and the first central connector 108. It should be appreciated that the raised portion 104 is not necessarily required in all embodiments. That is, in other embodiments, the first central connector 108 may connect or attach directly to the first lid 102 in a manner that encompasses the space previously filled by the raised portion 104. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the raised portion may form as a base to which the first central connector 108 may be located and attached to the first lid 102 within the indented portion 103.

(20) FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the first lid 102 of the container 100 shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, a spacing or gap 105 may be formed within the walls of the first lid 102. This gap 105 may form a part of a larger gap or inset through which tape from a roll of adhesive tape (e.g., painter's tape) may extend for usage by a user of the roll of adhesive tape when the roll of tape is maintained and protected within the container 100.

(21) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a container 100 for maintaining and protecting adhesive tape with the first lid 102 and a second lid 106 engaged with one another in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment. A roll of adhesive tape 107 is maintained within the container 100 and the full spacing or gap 105 is shown through which tape 107 can extend for access and usage by a user of the tape 107.

(22) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the second lid 106 of the container 100 for maintaining and protective adhesive tape 107, in accordance with an embodiment. The second 106 can be configured with a second central connector 102 comprising a threaded portion. That is, a portion of the sides or walls of the second central connector 102 is configured with a threaded portion or threaded walls that can engage with the first central connector 108 of the first lid 102.

(23) FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the first lid 102 and the second lid 106 separated from one another and with the roll of adhesive tape 107 engaged with the first lid, in accordance with an embodiment. The various components of the container 100 are thus shown spread out from one another on a flat surface in the illustration of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates another view of the first lid 102 and the second lid 106 and the roll of adhesive tape 107 separated from one another, in accordance with an embodiment.

(24) The container 100 thus can include the first lid 102 and the second lid 106, wherein the first lid 102 comprises the first central connector 108 and the second lid 106 comprises the second central connector 109 (which includes the threaded portion), which is configured to engage with the first central connector 108 to maintain and protect a roll of adhesive tape 107 when the second central connector 109 is connected to the first central connector 108 by the threaded portion of the second central connector 109 when the first lid 102 and the second led 106 are engaged with one another in a closed position. A central circular gap within the roll of adhesive tape surrounds the first central connector 108 and the second central connector 109 within the container 100.

(25) The container 100 offers several advantages in terms of storing, maintaining, protecting, and transporting the adhesive tape 107. The threaded engagement between the first central connector 108 on the first lid 102 and the second central connector 109 on the second lid 106 provides a secure closure mechanism. This threaded connection ensures that the container 100 remains closed, protecting the roll of adhesive tape 107 from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors that could compromise its adhesive properties.

(26) The presence of a central circular gap within the roll of adhesive tape, surrounding both the first and second central connectors, enhances the protective nature of the container 100. This design minimizes the risk of the adhesive tape becoming damaged or losing its adhesive qualities during storage and transportation. The inclusion of the raised portion 104 connected to the first lid 102 and the first central connector 108 contributes to the stability of the container 100. This raised portion helps prevent direct contact between the adhesive tape and the inner surface of the first lid 102, reducing the likelihood of unintentional damage to the tape 107.

(27) The circular shape of both the first lid 102 and the second lid 108, as well as the circular shape of the first and second central connectors, provides a symmetrical and uniform design. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the container but also allows for easy handling and stacking, making it convenient for storage and transportation.

(28) The design of the first and second lids with respective gaps (i.e., gap 105) ensures that adhesive tape 107 from the roll can pass through a complete gap when the lids are engaged in a closed position. This feature allows users to conveniently access the adhesive tape without the need to fully open the container, facilitating easy dispensing while keeping the remaining tape 107 protected inside.

(29) In summary, the container 100 offers a combination of secure closure, protection, stability, and user convenience, making it well-suited for the storage, maintenance, protection, and transportation of adhesive tape.

(30) It can be appreciated that the container 100 may be implemented in other embodiments with other features and variations to those shown and described above. For example, in some embodiments, the first lid further can be configured with a sealing gasket along the circumference of the first central connector, and the second lid can include a corresponding recess to accommodate the sealing gasket, thereby providing an additional sealing mechanism to protect the roll of adhesive tape from external elements.

(31) The container 100 may also be equipped with an adjustable tension mechanism associated with the threaded portion of the second central connector, allowing users to vary the tension applied to the roll of adhesive tape based on specific application requirements. In still other embodiments, the material of the first and second lids can include a temperature-responsive element configured to contract or expand based on ambient temperature, providing adaptive protection to the adhesive tape against temperature-induced changes in the storage environment. In still other embodiments, the container 100 may include an integrated cutting mechanism within the first central connector, facilitating convenient and precise cutting of the adhesive tape directly from the container.

(32) In another embodiment, at least one of the first and second lids can be equipped with an indicator window or element allowing visual inspection of the remaining length or status of the adhesive tape within the container. In still other embodiments, the first and second lids can be reinforced with impact-resistant materials or structures, providing enhanced durability and protection for the adhesive tape during transportation and handling. The first and second lids can also be configured in some embodiments with customizable patterns, colors, or branding elements, allowing for personalized aesthetics and branding options for the container.

(33) These additional features such as enhanced sealing, adjustable tension, temperature-responsive protection, integrated cutting, status indicators, reinforced structure, and customizable designs can further improve the functionality and versatility of the adhesive tape container 100.

(34) FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the first lid 102 of the adhesive tape container 100 with a roll of the adhesive tape 107 mounted on the first central connector 108, in accordance with an alternative embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a flange portion 120 can be incorporated, which can be configured in a 45 degree angular arrangement to assist in avoiding shifting of the tape 107 as it is spooled from the adhesive tape container 100 and thereby avoid damaging the tape 107. The flange portion 120 can be located along the edges of the gap through which the tape 107 can be spooled. The flange portion 120 can be located and on both the first lid 102 and the second lid 106 to assist in preventing damage to the tape 107 as it is spooled from the adhesive tape container 100. FIG. 7 also shows the first central connector 108 around which the tape 107 is maintained within the container 100.

(35) FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the second lid 106 with the flange portion 120, in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The second lid 106 can connect to the first lid 102 screwing of the first central connector 108 to the second central connector 109 of the second lid 106. The first central connector 108 and the second central connector 109 together function as a screw-on hub that allows for the connection of the first lid 102 to the second lid 106.

(36) The flange portion 120 is also shown in FIG. 8 with respect to the second lid 106. The flange portion 120 can function as a gasket located on each side of the adhesive tape container 100 with respect to the gap 106 (or slot) to keep the tape 107 centered in the gap 105. FIG. 8 also depicts the second central connector 109. The second central connector 109 together with the first central connector 108 can form a locking mechanism for locking the two lids 102 and 106 to one another.

(37) FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the first lid 102 with the flange portion 120, along with the first central connector 108, in accordance with an alternative embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates a view of both the first lid 102 and the second lid 106 along with both pieces of the flange portion 120. Note that in FIG. 10, the first lid 102 may be configured with an upper lip 123 that can engage with a lower lip 125 configured on the second 106.

(38) Alternatively, the lip arrangement may be modified so that the first lid 102 is equipped with a lower lip and the second lid 106 is configured with the upper lip. In either case, the lower lip and the upper lip may engage with one another to assist in maintaining the first lid 102 and the second lid 106 connected to one another that allows the tape 107 to move seamlessly through the gap 105. The lower lip and the upper lip can engage with one another to assist in creating a circumferential seal between the first lid 102 and second lid 106.

(39) Note that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9 is different from the embodiments shown in the earliest figures. Although containing similar parts and elements, the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 is essentially implemented as a donut shaped container/dispenser for dispensing the tape 107 with a ridge or lips (e.g., such as the lips discussed above) that help to facilitate the seal, which in turn creates a smooth surface between the first lid 102 and second lid 106 when connected to one another. These lips can each be configured in a ridge shaped portion and may be configured from plastic or rubber.

(40) FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 illustrate respective side and perspective views of the adhesive tape container 100 in a locked position in which the first lid 102 is connected to the second lid 106. In the view shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the tape 107 is shown as spooled partially through the gap 105 and placed on the central seam 121 formed between the first lid 102 and the second lid 106 when the two lids connect to one another. The view shown in FIG. 12 shows the central circular gap 130 formed to give this embodiment its donut-shaped configuration.

(41) It should be appreciated that the adhesive tape container 100 in its various embodiments presents a unique solution for maintaining and protecting rolls of tape such as tape 107. Featuring two circular lids, each equipped with central connectors, the container 100 ensures secure storage by engaging these connectors via a threaded portion. This design facilitates easy access to the tape 107 while safeguarding it within the container. Moreover, the container 100 can accommodate tapes of varying diameters and sizes through a central circular gap surrounding the connectors. This versatility enhances its utility across different tape types.

(42) Critical to its innovation is the internal locking mechanism formed by the central connectors. Unlike conventional external tabs prone to breakage, this internal device provides robust security without risk of damage, ensuring long-lasting functionality/. With additional features such as raised portions for stability and flange portions for seamless tape dispensing, this container offers comprehensive tape management capabilities. The container 100 can not only revolutionize tape storage with its adaptable design but also prioritizes durability and user convenience through its unique locking mechanism and other unique combinations of features.

(43) It should be appreciated that the adhesive tape 107 disclosed herein may come in various types, each tailored to specific applications and requirements. Examples of tape 107 include, for example, masking tape, painter's tape, duct tape, electrical tape, double-sided tape, packaging tape, and gaffer tape, to name a few types of example tapes.

(44) Masking tape is a versatile type of adhesive tape primarily used in painting applications. It features a paper backing with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that offers temporary adhesion without leaving residue. It's commonly used to mask off areas when painting to achieve clean edges and protect surfaces from paint drips or splatters. Painter's tape is similar to masking tape but is specifically designed for painting tasks. It usually has a higher adhesion strength compared to masking tape and is available in different widths to accommodate various painting needs. Painter's tape is also known for its clean removal without damaging surfaces or leaving behind adhesive residue.

(45) Duct tape is a robust adhesive tape with a cloth or scrim backing coated with a strong adhesive. It's highly durable and weather-resistant, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including sealing, repairing, and bundling. Duct tape is known for its strength and versatility, often used in construction, automotive repair, and DIY projects. Electrical tape is designed specifically for electrical insulation and protection. It typically has a vinyl backing with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that provides excellent electrical insulation properties. Electrical tape is commonly used to insulate electrical wires, splice connections, and provide protection against moisture and abrasion in electrical installations.

(46) Double-sided tape features adhesive on both sides, allowing it to bond two surfaces together. It's commonly used for mounting applications, such as attaching posters or securing carpets, where a strong, invisible bond is required. Double-sided tapes come in various adhesive strengths and backing materials to suit different surfaces and applications. Packaging tape, also known as parcel tape or shipping tape, is designed for sealing boxes and packages for shipping or storage. It typically has a strong adhesive backing and is available in various widths and thicknesses to accommodate different packaging needs. Packaging tapes may be made of materials like polypropylene or PVC and are often resistant to tearing and splitting.

(47) Gaffer tape, also known as gaff tape, is a heavy-duty adhesive tape with a cloth backing and strong adhesive. It's commonly used in the entertainment industry for securing cables, labeling equipment, and temporarily taping down stage props. Gaffer tape is known for its residue-free removal and is available in various colors to blend in with different surfaces.

(48) These are just a few examples of adhesive tapes available in the market. Other specialized tapes include carpet tape, medical tape, foam tape, and safety tape, each designed to meet specific application requirements and environmental conditions.

(49) It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. It will also be appreciated that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.