Patent Application
20050178678
The present invention is related to packaging tape and more specifically to an easy-open package sealing tape containing an integrated tearing cord and an apparatus for dispensing the cord embedded packing tape.
Adhesive-backed packaging tapes are ubiquitous items of commerce that are used by commercial industries and consumers for sealing packages or packing materials prior to their shipment. Tape has generally replaced strings or cords in securing packing materials as they are easier to apply and do not create any surface that may become ensnared in package sorting equipment.
However, when the sealed packages are to be opened, the adhesiveness of the tape prevents the tape from easily being removed. Further, the tape tears when an attempt to pull it occurs because the tape is generally very thin. Thus, a cutting tool, e.g., knife, box-cutter, scissors, etc., is typically used to slice through the tape to open the package. In one case, the use of a cutting tool requires that the tool be readily available, otherwise time is lost while the user searches for the cutting tool. In a second case, the use of a cutting tool presents a danger to its user or the product contained within the package as the sharp edge or blade may cut the user or scratch or damage the product. In these cases, significant loss in productivity may occur as the user searches for a cutting tool, or when using the tool is injured or damages the product.
Thus, there is a need in the industry for a sealing tape that can be used to properly seal packages while not requiring cutting tools to open the sealed packages.
A packing tape containing an integrated slicing means and an apparatus for dispensing the packing tape is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the dispensing apparatus comprises a cutting blade operable to cut the packing tape perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, a roller operable to deliver the packing tape to the cutting blade. In another aspect the apparatus includes a notch creating means that forms a tab and/or notch in the packing tape. In still another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes at least one protrusion creating means positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between the cutting blade and the roller operable to create a plurality of protrusions a fixed distance from an edge created by the cutting blade.
a illustrates perspective view of a sealing tape in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
b illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sealing tape shown in
a illustrates a prospective view of a sealing tape in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
b illustrates a prospective view of a sealing tape in accordance with a second aspect of the exemplary embodiment shown in
c illustrates a prospective view of a sealing tape in accordance with a third aspect of the exemplary embodiment shown in
It is to be understood that these drawings are solely for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The embodiments shown in figures herein and described in the accompanying detailed description are to be used as illustrative embodiments and should not be construed as the only manner of practicing the invention. Also, the same reference numerals, possibly supplemented with reference characters where appropriate, have been used to identify similar elements.
a illustrates a perspective view 100 of an exemplary embodiment of the sealing tape 110 in accordance with the principles of the invention. In this embodiment, a slicing means 120 is integrally attached to the material comprising packaging tape 110. In this illustrative embodiment, slicing means 120 is placed substantially in the center of tape with regard to its longitudinal axis. The slicing means 120 may for example be selected as a cord, string, rope, twine, or filament that may be manufactured from materials such as fabric or a metal.
Slicing means 120, thus, when pulled, separates packaging tape 110 about the cord enabling the sealed package to be opened without the use of an extrinsic cutting tool. In one aspect, slicing means 120 is selected based on the composition of the tape such that the slicing means 120 contains sufficient tensile strength to cut or slice through the material of tape 110 without itself breaking. For example, slicing means 120 may be a fabric, a nylon, an aluminum etc. filament.
b illustrates a cross-sectional view through section A-A, which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the packing tape 110 shown in
Also shown is integrated slicing means 120 substantially centered with regard to the longitudinal edges of tape 110. Although slicing means 120 is shown external to material 1120, one skilled in the art would recognize that slicing means 120 may be internally positioned between top surface 125 and bottom surface 130.
a illustrates a second embodiment 200 of the invention. In this embodiment, tape 110 includes a tab 210 at a first end 202 that may be used to capture an end of slicing means 120. In still another aspect, also shown in
Further illustrated are perforations 230 that, in this illustrated case, extend a fixed distance from first edge 202 and tab 210. The use of perforations 230 in tape 110 is advantageous as it insures that the force applied by the slicing means 120, when pulled, will cause tape 110 to tear along perforations 230 and assist in preventing slicing means 120 from being pulled from the tape 110. In the illustrated embodiment, perforations 230 are shown to be within fixed distance, preferably one inch, from tab 210. This aspect of the invention is useful when the material of the sealing tape will tend to tear continuously along an initial cut point, e.g., cellophane. Although not shown, it would be appreciated that perforations 230 may be formed within a fixed distance from notch 220.
b illustrates another aspect of the embodiment shown in
c illustrates another aspect of the embodiment shown in
Further illustrated is perforation means 330 that is positioned to create perforations 230 substantially adjacent to the center line of tape 110. Perforation means 330 may be used to selectively pierce tape 110 to create perforations 230 adjacent to slicing means 120. In another aspect, a second perforation means 330′ may be positioned substantially adjacent to a second side of slicing means 120 to create perforations 230 adjacent to slicing means 120 opposite perforations 230 created by first perforation means 330.
Also shown is tape guide 610 that may be used to guide and retain tape in a fixed position relative to protrusion means 330 or 510 and cutting blade 320.
While there has been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novel features of the present invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the apparatus described, in the form and details of the devices disclosed, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated.
