Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6431242
-
Patent Number
6,431,242
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, May 24, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, August 13, 200221 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
- Crispino; Richard
- Chan; Sing P.
Agents
- Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 156 540
- 156 542
- 156 574
- 156 577
- 156 578
- 156 579
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A self-adhesive item dispenser includes a base portion, a lid portion and a roller. The base portion generally includes an item cavity for storing a roll of self-adhesive items and a roller cavity, which incorporates a number of extending ribs. The roller is positionable within the roller cavity and interfaces with the ribs of the base portion to pull a release liner from the self-adhesive items and expel the release liner through the base portion. The lid portion is releasably closeable over the base portion and is connected thereto via a living hinge or a mechanical hinge.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to dispensers capable of dispensing items that are maintained in a roll format and, more particularly, to a dispenser capable of dispensing items that are maintained in a roll format, wherein the items include a top, self-adhesive layer and a lower release layer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The United States Post Office has recently provided customers with the option of self-adhesive stamps. For convenience sake, a customer has the further option of buying the self-adhesive stamps in a 100 stamp roll configuration. Without any type of storage and/or dispensing device, the roll configuration is somewhat awkward tending to unwind and/or flop around undesirably. Further, without any type of dispensing device, the user is required to peal away the release liner beneath the self-adhesive stamp. However, because the release liner is the same size as the stamp, i.e., no edge extending beyond the length or width of the stamp, the user must attempt to slide a fingernail or other lifting means beneath the stamp to remove it from the release liner. While removing the stamp from the release liner is not overly burdensome, it can become frustrating and tedious.
As such, various types of stamp dispensers have been developed to aid in the storage and removal of self-adhesive stamps from the release liner. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,384 describes a self-adhesive postage stamp dispenser and applicator that includes a housing with an insertable cartridge. The insertable cartridge incorporates a ratchet wheel that is attached to a strap for grabbing the release liner. Once the release liner is grabbed, it is drawn inside the housing and wrapped about a spool in the cartridge. The numerous components, e.g., housing, cartridge, ratchet wheel, strap and spool, add complexity and cost to the design. Further, because the release liner is spooled within the housing and cartridge, the possibility of a jam, e.g., the bunching of the release liner within the cartridge, exists.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,347 describes a stamp affixer apparatus and method. The affixer in this case includes a rotatable housing as well as two gear assemblies and a drive roller. And, as with the earlier described patent, the release liner is spooled within the housing. Once again, the numerous components add to the complexity and cost of the design while the inner spooling of the release liner presents the possibility of a jam.
Thus, there is a need for a self-adhesive stamp dispenser that has a minimal number of distinct components to reduce the cost and complexity of manufacture of the dispenser. Further, there is a need for a dispenser that eliminates the interior spooling of the release liner to reduce the possibility of jams, and thus, the resetting of the dispenser for operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The needs described above are in large measure met by a self-adhesive stamp dispenser of the present invention. The dispenser has only two components, a housing and a roller, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of manufacture and, as well, eliminates the need for interior spooling of the release liner. More specifically, the dispenser includes a housing, having a base portion and a lid portion, and a roller incorporating a tacky surface. The base portion generally includes a stamp cavity for storing the roll of self-adhesive stamps and a roller cavity, which incorporates a number of extending ribs. The roller is positionable within the roller cavity and interfaces with the ribs of the base portion to pull the release liner and expel the release liner through the base portion. The lid portion is releasably closeable over the base portion.
Upon closing the lid portion over the base portion, at least part of the roller extends up through the lid portion thereby presenting itself for manual propulsion. As indicated above, the roller is preferably provided with a tacky surface to aid in propulsion and in the pulling and expelling of the release liner. Both the lid portion and the base portion are preferably provided with a resistance feature. This resistance feature is generally in the form of an extending wall or rib and helps to separate the self-adhesive items from each other upon being dispensed from the dispenser. Further, both the lid portion and the base portion are preferably provided with a centering feature to aid in the centering of the self-adhesive stamps within and about the dispenser. Lid portion and base portion may be unitary in nature, i.e., connected by a living hinge, allowing them to be manufactured as a single mold. Alternatively, the lid portion and the base portion may be manufactured as distinct components and connected via a mechanical hinge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective assembly view of the self-adhesive item dispenser of the present invention showing a base portion, a lid portion, and a roller.
FIG. 2
is a top view of the base portion and lid portion in an open, or molded, configuration.
FIG. 3
is a side view of the base portion and lid portion, in an open, or molded, configuration.
FIG. 4
is a cross-sectional view of the base portion and lid portion in a closed, or operational, configuration.
FIG. 5
is a bottom view of the base portion and lid portion in a closed, or operational, configuration.
FIG. 6
is a perspective view of the roller prior to over-molding.
FIG. 7
is a side view of the roller of FIG.
6
.
FIG. 8
is a cross-sectional view of the roller taken along line A—A of FIG.
7
.
FIG. 9
is a perspective view of the roller after over-molding has occurred.
FIG. 10
is a side view of the roller of FIG.
9
.
FIG. 11
is a cross-sectional view of the roller taken along line A—A of FIG.
10
.
FIG. 12
is a perspective view of the dispenser with the roller inserted within the base portion wherein the dispenser is in an open configuration.
FIG. 13
is a perspective view of the dispenser with the lid portion positioned over the roller within the base portion, wherein the dispenser is in a closed configuration.
FIG. 14
provides a perspective assembly view of an alternative embodiment of the self-adhesive item dispenser of the present invention wherein the dispenser incorporates a roller pin.
FIG. 15
is a cross-sectional view of the self-adhesive item dispenser embodiment of FIG.
14
.
FIG. 16
provides a perspective assembly view of an alternative embodiment of the self-adhesive item dispenser of the present invention wherein the dispenser incorporates a base portion, an upper lid portion, a lower lid portion, and a roller.
FIG. 17
is a cross-sectional view of the self-adhesive item dispenser embodiment of FIG.
16
.
FIG. 18
provides a perspective assembly view of an alternative embodiment of the self-adhesive item dispenser of the present invention wherein the dispenser incorporates a base portion that is connectable to a lid portion via a mechanical hinge and a roller.
FIG. 19
provides a perspective view of the assembled self-adhesive item dispenser of FIG.
18
.
FIG. 20
provides a cross-sectional view of the self-adhesive item dispenser taken along line A—A of FIG.
19
.
FIG. 21
provides a perspective view of the base portion of the self-adhesive item dispenser of FIG.
18
.
FIG. 22
provides a perspective view of the lid portion of the self-adhesive item dispenser of FIG.
18
.
FIG. 23
provides a perspective view of the roller of
FIG. 18
prior to the addition of elastomer rings.
FIG. 24
provides a front view of the roller of
FIG. 23
after the addition of elastomer rings.
FIG. 25
provides a cross-sectional view of the roller taken along line A—A of FIG.
24
.
FIG. 26
provides a front view of an elastomer ring for the central rollers of the roller of FIG.
23
.
FIG. 27
provides a cross-sectional of the elastomer ring over a central roller as taken along line A—A of FIG.
26
.
FIG. 28
provides a front view of an elastomer ring for an end wheel of the roller of FIG.
23
.
FIG. 29
provides a cross-sectional view of the elastomer ring over an end wheel as taken along line A—A of FIG.
28
.
FIG. 30
provides a first manner of holding the dispenser of the present invention wherein the base portion is supported on the underside by the fingers and the thumb is used to propel the roller.
FIG. 31
provides a second manner of holding the dispenser of the present invention wherein the base portion is gripped on both sides by the thumb and fingers, the index finger remaining atop the dispenser for propelling the roller.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
I. Self-Adhesive Item Dispenser—Components
A self-adhesive item dispenser of the present invention is preferably used with a one-hundred roll configuration of self-adhesive postage stamps, of course, other types of self-adhesive items may be used with the dispenser without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The dispenser is designed to pull the release layer of the postage stamps forward allowing a stamp to dispense and thereby be applied to a desired surface through use of an applicator lip edge on the dispenser. The dispenser is designed to be durable for long-lasting use.
Referring to
FIG. 1
, self-adhesive item dispenser
10
generally includes a housing
11
, comprising a base portion
12
and a lid portion
14
, and a roller
16
. Base portion
12
and lid portion
14
are depicted in further detail with reference to
FIGS. 1-5
. As shown, base portion
12
and lid portion
14
are preferably molded as an integral unit from ABS plastic, polypropylene or other suitable materials, and are connected to each other via a living hinge
18
.
Base portion
12
generally includes a stamp holding portion
20
, an intermediate roller holding portion
22
, and an upper dispensing portion
24
. Stamp holding portion
20
is defined by two substantially vertical side walls
26
that are joined together by a convex lower wall
28
that extends generally from living hinge
18
to an intermediate, interior wall
30
. Intermediate interior wall
30
extends substantially vertically upward from lower wall
28
, joins side walls
26
thereby creating a stamp holding cavity
32
, and separates stamp holding portion
20
from intermediate roller portion
22
. The interior of each of side walls
26
is provided with an elongate rib
34
that protrudes slightly into cavity
32
.
Intermediate roller holding portion
22
of base portion
12
utilizes intermediate interior wall
30
, upper wall
36
and a pair of side walls
38
to define a roller cavity
40
. Extending from intermediate interior wall
30
into roller cavity
40
are three, triangularly-shaped tines
42
, the underside of each tine
42
preferably incorporates a curved configuration. Tines
42
stop just short of a cross-bar
44
that extends between the lower edges of side walls
38
, whereby a gap
45
is left between tines
42
and cross-bar
44
. Cross-bar
44
includes an angled, serrated lip edge
46
as well as an intermediate portion
48
and a substantially vertical edge
50
that define a space to support three ribs
52
. Across a gap
54
from cross-bar
44
is positioned a plate
56
that joins the lower edges of side walls
38
and extends underneath upper wall
36
into upper dispensing portion
24
. Plate
56
includes an angled lip portion
58
at gap
54
.
Side walls
38
of intermediate holding portion
22
include an elongate notch
60
that is defined by substantially vertical side walls
62
and a convex lower wall
63
. A trough
64
is defined to the exterior of each of side walls
38
proximate notch
60
. Each trough
64
incorporates a substantially vertical side wall
66
that is joined to the exterior of side walls
38
via convex wall
68
. Each side wall
66
includes an upper edge
70
that includes a shallow notch
72
with an outward-extending lock edge
74
. A sealing edge
76
extends from each trough
64
along side walls
38
into upper dispensing portion
24
. A pair of guide walls
77
are positioned beneath sealing edge
76
to the exterior of plate
56
Upper dispensing portion
24
is generally that portion of base portion
12
that extends beyond upper wall
36
. As such, upper dispensing portion
24
is generally defined by upper wall
36
, the portion of plate
56
extending beyond upper wall
36
, the portion of side walls
38
extending beyond upper wall
36
, and the portion of sealing edge
76
extending beyond upper wall
36
, as well as inner guide walls
78
and a dispensing lip edge
80
, which is preferably radiused, e.g., 200 thousandths radius, at the upper edge of plate
56
.
Lid portion
14
of dispenser
10
, like base portion
12
, may generally be defined as comprising three integral portions, i.e., a stamp cap portion
90
, a roller cap portion
92
, and a dispensing cap portion
94
. Stamp cap portion
90
, roller cap portion
92
and dispensing cap portion
94
are joined together by a common central cap portion
96
. Central cap portion
96
extends substantially perpendicularly upward from living hinge
18
then curving to a substantially horizontal orientation as shown.
Stamp cap portion
90
includes the rear portion of central cap portion
96
and further includes a pair of substantially planar side walls
98
. Side walls
98
are each defined by a substantially horizontal lower edge
100
and a curvedly recessed forward edge
102
.
Roller cap portion
92
includes the intermediate portion of central cap portion
96
and further includes a pair of interior side walls
106
and a pair of exterior side walls
108
. Interior side walls
106
incorporate a shallow tab
110
, while exterior side walls
108
incorporate an elongate locking tab
112
with angled lip edge
114
. Interior side walls
106
are separated from exterior side walls
108
by spacers
116
such that a gap
118
is formed intermediate interior side walls
106
and exterior side walls
108
. A hollow
120
, e.g., rounded recess, is present at the underside of the intermediate portion of central cap portion
96
and is centrally located between interior side walls
106
.
Dispensing cap portion
94
includes the forward portion of central cap portion
96
and further includes a pair of side walls
124
and a dispensing lip portion
126
. Side walls
124
extend from the forward-most spacers
116
to dispensing lip portion
126
and incorporate a substantially horizontal lower edge
128
and an angularly recessed forward edge
130
. Dispensing lip portion
126
includes a plurality, e.g., three, slots
132
to allow for viewing of the items being dispensed. The underside of dispensing cap portion
94
is defined by a pair of grooves
134
that extend along central cap portion
96
, from interior side walls
106
, into dispensing lip portion
126
, as well as by a ridge
136
that protrudes from central cap portion
96
and is positioned intermediate grooves
134
.
Roller
16
is depicted in detail in
FIGS. 6-11
, wherein
FIGS. 6-8
depict roller
16
prior to over-molding, and
FIGS. 9-11
depict roller
16
after over-molding. Referring to
FIGS. 6-8
, roller
16
is defined by a pair of end wheels
140
and a central shaft portion
142
. End wheels
140
are preferably provided with a toothed edge
144
in preparation for over-molding. Central shaft portion
142
is provided with four central rollers
146
each of which is separated from the other by a spacer
148
having a cross-hatch configuration having a lesser diameter than central rollers
146
. Each central roller
146
incorporates a notch or gap
150
in preparation of over-molding. Further, a pair of spacers
152
, of significantly reduced diameter, separates central shaft
142
from end wheels
140
. Roller
16
, as depicted in
FIGS. 6-8
, is preferably molded as an integral unit from polypropylene or other suitable material.
Referring to
FIGS. 9-11
, roller
16
as depicted in
FIGS. 6-8
has now been completely over-molded with a layer
154
of thermoplastic elastomer that preferably has a durometer in the 40's, e.g., 40±5%, and provides roller
16
with a tacky surface. As shown, toothed edge
144
and gap
150
have been filled in by elastomer layer
154
and a tacky surface is now present.
II. Self-Adhesive Item Dispenser—Assembly
The assembly of self-adhesive item dispenser
10
is depicted in
FIGS. 1
,
12
, and
13
. To begin assembly, base portion
12
and lid portion
14
are laid out in their open or molded orientation, as depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 12
. Over-molded roller
16
is then positioned within roller cavity
40
. When positioned within roller cavity
40
, end wheels
140
of over-molded roller
16
are positioned within troughs
44
while spacers
152
are inserted within and supported by elongate notch
60
thereby allowing roller
16
to rotate freely, i.e., without contacting any other component of dispenser
10
. Central rollers
146
are unobstructed during rotation as tines
42
and ribs
52
have been designed to be in substantial alignment with spacers
148
of central shaft
142
.
Next, a 100-roll
156
of self-adhesive stamps is placed within stamp holding cavity
32
so as to unwind in a clock-wise direction. Elongate rib
34
within stamp holding cavity
32
operates to center roll
156
within stamp holding cavity
32
. Two to three stamps
158
are then preferably removed from a release liner
160
so that release liner
160
may be pulled forward over over-molded roller
16
. Release liner
160
is further pulled forward over the top of upper wall
36
and lip edge
80
. Release liner
160
is then pulled to the underside of base portion
12
where it is inserted through gap
54
and exited out gap
45
such that release liner
160
runs over support ribs
52
(see FIGS.
4
and
5
).
As release liner
160
is placed in contact with ribs
52
, central rollers
146
of roller
16
are also engaged as ribs
52
force release liner to maintain a lifted position over cross-bar
44
. The tackiness of over-molded roller
16
enables central rollers
146
to grab release liner
160
against ribs
52
and, as such, a clock-wise propelling motion of end wheels
140
causes release liner
160
to be propelled out gap
45
. Serrated lip edge
46
on cross-bar
44
at gap
45
allows any excess release liner
160
to be torn away as desired.
With roll
156
and release liner
160
appropriately positioned within base portion
12
, lid portion
14
is raised up from its open orientation (flexing a living hinge
18
), placed down atop base portion
12
, and locked in position to complete a closed orientation of dispenser
10
. In the closed orientation, side walls
98
of stamp cap portion
90
straddle side walls
26
of stamp holding portion
20
. The curvedly recessed configuration side walls
98
allow a user to grasp side walls
26
of base portion
12
proximate forward edge
102
without feeling the awkward interference of side walls
98
.
Further, in a closed orientation, a top portion of each of end wheels
140
extends up through gap
118
. Shallow tab
110
is inserted within elongate notch
60
whereby shallow tab
110
is positioned over spacer
152
of previously inserted over-molded roller
16
helping to maintain roller
16
in an operable position. Locking tab
112
extends down over shallow notch
72
whereby lip edge
114
engages lock edge
74
to hold lid portion
14
tight to base portion
12
. Additionally, side walls
124
of dispensing cap portion
94
straddle side walls
38
and, as well, rest atop sealing edge
76
. A base portion of dispensing lip portion
126
also rests atop sealing edge
76
while the remaining portion extends beyond sealing edge
76
. An upper portion of side walls
38
engages groove
134
. Thus, interior side walls
106
of roller cap portion
92
along with side walls
38
of intermediate roller holding portion
22
and grooves
134
of dispensing cap portion
94
, operate to center the unrolling stamps
158
and release liner
160
as they move through dispenser
10
. Guide walls
77
operate to center release liner
160
as it is fed into gap
54
.
Additionally, with respect to the movement of stamps
158
and release liner
160
through dispenser, hollow
120
allows stamps
158
and release liner
160
to traverse through dispenser
10
without touching over-molded roller
16
. In other words, over-molded roller
16
is not used to push stamps
158
out by pushing release liner
160
rather over-molded roller
16
is used only to pull release liner
160
across cross-bar
44
whereby release liner
160
is forced out/expelled through gap
45
. The curved underside of tines
42
keep release liner
160
traveling outward through gap
45
rather than bunching up within roller cavity
40
. Pushing of stamps
158
and release liner
160
with over-molded roller
16
would cause a large loop of stamps
158
/release liner
160
to form thereby hindering operation of dispenser
10
.
Further, upper wall
36
of upper dispensing portion
24
keeps stamps
158
and release liner
160
lifted upward preventing bunching within upper dispensing portion
24
while ridge
136
of dispensing cap portion
94
directs stamps
158
and release liner
160
downward, which also helps to prevent bunching within upper dispensing portion
24
. The combination of upper wall
36
and ridge
136
also creates a resistance or tension against stamps
158
, and release liner
160
, so that they may easily be dispensed and separated from the following stamp
158
.
The opening and restocking of dispenser
10
may be achieved simply by extending one or both of locking tabs
112
outward to release lid portion
14
from base portion
12
.
III. Self-Adhesive Item Dispenser—Use
Self-adhesive item dispenser
10
, once assembled as described above, may now be used to dispense and to apply self-adhesive stamps
158
. To dispense one stamp
150
, one or both of end wheels
140
is propelled forward, i.e., in a clock-wise motion, whereby over-molded roller
16
grabs release liner
160
. Upon being grabbed by over-molded roller
16
, release liner
160
is pulled downward and away from stamp
158
such that the free edge of stamp
158
is presented, i.e., extending over dispensing lip edge
80
and preferably just past the front edge of dispensing lip portion
126
. The free edge of stamp
158
may then be placed at a desired position on an envelope. The rear portion of dispenser
10
is lifted upward causing dispensing lip portion
126
to press downward onto stamp
158
thereby affixing stamp
158
in position. Drawing dispenser
10
back while still pressing downward with dispensing lip portion
126
on stamp
158
, with the aid of the resistance caused by upper wall
36
and ridge
136
, causes stamp
158
to separate from the following stamp
158
.
With one stamp
158
dispensed, the user is able to see, via slots
132
, that the following stamp
158
is positioned directly under dispensing lip portion
126
and may now propel one or more of wheel ends
140
forward such that the free edge of stamp
158
is presented in the desired fashion, i.e., extending over dispensing lip edge
80
and preferably just past the front edge of dispensing lip portion
126
, for the next application.
In view of the above, self-adhesive item dispenser
10
of the present invention provides a user not only with a convenient dispenser but also with an applicator and a compact self-adhesive stamp storage device all in one unit.
IV. Self-Adhesive Item Dispenser—Alternative Embodiments
FIGS. 14 and 15
depict an alternative embodiment of self-adhesive item dispenser
10
of the present invention. In this embodiment, a rolling pin
170
replaces ribs
52
and is supported by cross-bar
44
. Release liner
160
fed into gap
54
, then between over-molded roller
16
and rolling pin
170
, and out gap
45
whereby release liner
160
is directed downward and outward by tines
42
. While operating similarly to the earlier-described embodiment, the present embodiment utilizes a separate and distinct additional component, i.e., rolling pin
170
, that adds cost and complexity to dispenser
10
.
FIGS. 16 and 17
depict yet another alternative embodiment of self-adhesive item dispenser
10
of the present invention. In this embodiment, cross-bar
44
and its ribs
52
are replaced by a lower lid portion
180
that is connected to base portion
12
via another living hinge
182
. Lower lid portion
180
incorporates a plurality of arcuately-shaped ribs
184
such that when lower lid portion
180
is closed against base portion
12
and over-molded roller
16
, ribs
184
operate to press release liner
160
against roller
16
. Lower lid portion
180
is provided with a serrated lip edge
186
for tearing of excess release liner
160
.
In assembling dispenser
10
of
FIGS. 16 and 17
, release liner
160
is pulled back against the bottom of over-molded roller
16
prior to the closing of lower lid portion
180
to base portion
12
. Tines
42
then direct release liner
160
out gap
45
that is created between serrated lip edge
186
of lower lid portion and stamp holding portion
20
. While operating similarly to the earlier described embodiments, the present embodiment requires a second living hinge and, thus, an additional movable component, i.e., lower lid portion
180
, adding complexity to dispenser
10
.
FIGS. 18 through 22
depict still another embodiment of self-adhesive item dispenser
10
of the present invention. In this embodiment, base portion
12
and lid portion
14
are not joined by a living hinge but rather are maintained as distinct components. In place of living hinge
18
, a mechanical hinge
200
is provided. Mechanical hinge
200
, with reference to base portion
12
, is comprised of a rounded hook portion
202
extending off of lower wall
28
. Each end of hook portion
202
is provided locking notch
204
. Mechanical hinge
200
, with reference to lid portion
14
, is additionally comprised of end posts
206
, which extend off the rear of central cap portion
96
, and a spindle
208
that extends between end posts
206
. To assemble base portion
12
to lid portion
14
, spindle
208
is inserted into and pulled against hook portion
202
whereby the locking notches
204
at each end of hook portion
208
operate to maintain spindle
208
in a hinged position.
Per
FIGS. 18-22
, additional modifications to dispenser
10
are disclosed. First, the angle of tines
42
has been modified to allow for earlier exit of release liner
160
from base portion
12
. Second, side walls
108
have been rounded and extended to overlay locking tabs
112
allowing for a softer edge against a hand that is holding dispenser
10
. Third, ridge
136
has been blended to a ramp formation
210
, as shown, to allow for a serpentine action between ramp formation
210
and upper wall
36
of base portion
12
. The serpentine action aids the separation of a stamp
158
from release liner
160
. Fourth, the underside of dispensing lip portion
126
is provided with a plurality of breaker blocks
212
that are provided at the sides of slots
132
. Breaker blocks
212
help to break the stamps
158
at their perforation line allowing for easier application of the stamps.
Roller
16
has also been modified per
FIGS. 23-25
to eliminate the requirement of over-molding. As shown, roller
16
is defined by end wheels
140
and a central shaft portion
142
. Each of end wheels
140
is provided with a central gap
214
for reception of an elastomer ring
216
. Central shaft portion
142
is provided with four central rollers
146
each of which is separated from the other by a spacer
148
having a cross-hatch configuration having a lesser diameter than central rollers
146
. Each of central rollers
146
incorporates a gap or notch
150
for reception of an elastomer ring
218
. Notably, end wheels
140
are of a small diameter than central rollers
146
enabling placement of elastomer rings
218
on central rollers
146
. The present embodiment of roller
16
may be used with any of the earlier described embodiments of base portion
12
and/or lid portion
14
.
FIGS. 26-29
show the configuration of elastomer rings
216
and
218
. Specifically, elastomer rings
216
and
218
having a T-shaped cross-section wherein the T-portion is insertable within gap
214
and gap
150
, respectively. Elastomer rings
216
and
218
provide roller
16
with a tacky surface for hand propulsion of roller
16
and for the propulsion of release liner
160
within dispenser
10
.
The embodiment of
FIGS. 18-29
operates similarly to the earlier described embodiments with the added advantages described immediately above. As such, while each of the described embodiments of dispenser
10
provides unique features, the embodiment of
FIGS. 18-29
is the preferred embodiment. It should be noted that the embodiment of
FIGS. 18-29
is preferably manufactured with ABS plastic through the use of four molds, i.e., base portion
12
, lid portion
14
, roller
16
and elastomer rings
216
,
218
. Other plastics and mold configurations may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Referring to
FIGS. 30 and 31
, dispenser
10
is shown held within a human hand
220
.
FIG. 30
provides a first manner of holding dispenser
10
wherein base portion
12
is supported on the underside by the fingers and the thumb rests atop lid portion
14
and is used to propel roller
16
.
FIG. 31
provides a second manner of holding dispenser
10
wherein base portion
12
is gripped on both sides by the thumb and fingers, the index finger remaining atop lid portion
14
for propelling roller
16
.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the essential attributes thereof; therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.
Claims
- 1. A self-adhesive item dispenser for dispensing a roll of self-adhesive items that are supported by a release liner, comprising:a base portion, wherein said base portion includes a pair of side-by-side wells having substantially parallel and coplanar latitudinal central axes, wherein a first one of the side-by-side wells has a radius sized to accommodate said roll of self-adhesive items; a roller, wherein said roller is positionable in a second one of the side-by-side wells of said base portion and wherein said second one of said side-by side wells has a radius sized to accommodate said roller; and a lid portion, wherein said lid portion is releasably closeable over said base a portion, wherein upon closing said lid portion over said base portion, at least part of said roller extends out said lid portion to permit manual propulsion of said roller.
- 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said roller has a central shaft portion and wherein said central shaft portion operates only in conjunction with said base portion to pull said release liner with said tacky surface.
- 3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the pulling of said release liner also operates to expel said release liner from said base portion.
- 4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said lid portion and said base portion are provided with a resistance feature.
- 5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said lid portion is unitary with said base portion and is connected to said base portion by a hinge selected from a group consisting of: a living hinge and a mechanical hinge.
- 6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said base portion includes a feature for centering said self-adhesive items within said dispenser.
- 7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said lid portion includes a feature for centering said self-adhesive items within said dispenser.
- 8. A self-adhesive item dispenser for dispensing a roll of self-adhesive items that are supported by a release liner, comprising:a base portion, wherein said base portion includes a stamp cavity and a roller cavity, wherein said stamp cavity stores said roll of self-adhesive items and wherein said roller cavity is provided with a plurality of ribs; a roller, wherein said roller is positionable within said roller cavity and interfaces with said plurality of ribs to pull said release liner and expel said release liner through said base portion; and a lid portion, wherein said lid portion is releasably closeable over said base portion.
- 9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein said roller has a tacky surface.
- 10. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein upon closing said lid portion over said base portion, at least a part of said roller extends out said lid portion for manual propulsion of said roller.
- 11. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein said base portion and said lid portion are provided with a resistance feature.
- 12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein said resistance feature helps to separate said self-adhesive items upon dispensing of said self-adhesive items by said dispenser.
- 13. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein said lid portion is unitary with said base portion and wherein said lid portion is connected to said base portion by a hinge selected from a group consisting of: a living hinge and a mechanical hinge.
- 14. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein said base portion includes a centering feature, and wherein said centering feature centers said self-adhesive items within said dispenser.
- 15. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein said lid portion includes a centering feature, and wherein said centering feature centers said self-adhesive items within said dispenser.
- 16. A self-adhesive item dispenser for dispensing a roll of self-adhesive items that are supported by a release liner, comprising:base means for supporting said roll of self-adhesive items and for providing a ribbed engagement means for aiding in the separation of the self-adhesive items from said release liner; rolling means for interfacing with said ribbed engagement means to pull said release liner and expel said release liner through said base means; and lid means for closing said base means and for presenting at least a portion of said rolling means to permit manual propulsion of said rolling means.
- 17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein said base means and said lid means are provided with a resistance means for aiding in the separation of said self-adhesive items.
- 18. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein said base means and said lid means are unitary, and wherein said base means and said lid means are connected by a hinge selected from a group consisting of: a living hinge and a mechanical hinge.
- 19. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein said base means includes a centering means for centering said self-adhesive items.
- 20. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein said lid means includes a centering means for centering said self-adhesive item.
US Referenced Citations (7)