The present invention relates to a tape dispenser. In particular, the present invention relates to a tape dispenser that includes a mandrel that moves with respect to movement of a cover on the tape dispenser.
Tape dispensers can be provided to a user in a disposable form or a reusable form. In the disposable form, typically the user does not have access to the mandrel to replace the used roll of tape with a new roll of tape. Therefore, when the tape is completely used, the entire tape dispenser is discarded.
In a reusable form of a tape dispenser, the user is able to replace the used roll of tape with a new roll of tape. The user is able to remove what is remaining of the used roll and only discard that portion, which usually is just the support core for the tape film. Then, the user will replace only the roll of tape, which typically includes a new support core for the tape film, onto the mandrel of the tape dispenser.
Often replacing the tape roll can be a complicated and difficult task, particularly in mailing and packaging tape dispensers. The user must access the spindle on the mandrel that supports the tape roll, insert a new roll, and feed the tape film through the dispenser to have the end of the tape ready for use at the discharge end of the dispenser. If the dispenser is relatively small, it may be difficult to accomplish each of these tasks in the relatively small area of the tape dispenser. Increasing the size of the dispenser will typically make reloading easier because a larger area allows easier access to the larger tape dispenser. However, a larger tape dispenser will typically be heavier and will take up more storage space.
A tape dispenser including a cutting mechanism is disclosed that allows for improved access to the mandrel during reloading. In one embodiment, the tape dispenser comprises a base, a cover, and a mandrel disposed within the base and cover. The cover is capable of securely engaging with the base. The base, the cover, and the mandrel are connected along a pivot point. The cover actuates the mandrel to an open, loading position.
In another embodiment, the tape dispenser includes a cutting mechanism and further comprises a base, a cover capable of engaging with the base, a tape discharge end when the cover is engaged with the base, and a mandrel disposed within the base and cover and including a spindle for supporting a roll of tape and a rear face plate. The base, cover and mandrel are connected along a pivot point distal the tape discharge end. When the cover contacts the rear face plate of the mandrel, the cover actuates the mandrel to an open, loading position.
In another embodiment, the tape dispenser comprises a housing and a mandrel. The housing comprises a base having a bottom surface and two projecting sidewalls further includes a lock opening and a handle, a cover having a top surface and two projecting sidewalls further includes a cutting mechanism and a lock projection that is capable of engaging with the lock opening, and a tape discharge end adjacent the cutting mechanism when the cover and base are engaged. The mandrel is disposed within the housing and includes a spindle for supporting a roll of tape and a rear face plate. The base, cover and mandrel are connected along a pivot point opposite the tape discharge end. The cover contacts the rear face plate of the mandrel to actuate the mandrel between a closed, dispensing position and an open, loading position.
While the above-identified drawings and figures set forth embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of this invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale.
The tape dispenser 100 includes a base 120, a cover 130, and a mandrel 140 (see
As shown in
The base 120 includes a lower surface 122 and lower sidewalls 123 that project from the lower surface 122 to form a portion of the housing 110. In the embodiment shown, lock openings 124 are included in each of the lower sidewalls 123 near the tape dispensing end 112. Although, two lock openings 124 are shown, it is understood that only one, or more than two can be included.
The cover 130 includes an upper surface 132 and upper sidewalls 133 that project from the upper surface 132 to form a portion of the housing 110. Generally, the upper surface 132 of the housing is an arc-like shape that is smooth without indentations or depressions. However, the tape dispenser 100 may include wipe down surface 134 on the cover. Wipe down surface 134 is a planar surface that provides a surface on the tape dispenser 100 to assist with adding friction to ensure between the tape and the surface that the tape is being adhered to. The wipe down surface 134 is particularly suited for closing boxes and making contact between the tape and the vertical surface of the box.
A cutting mechanism 135 is located at the tape dispensing end 112 of the cover 130. The cutting mechanism 135 typically is a blade that may be metal or plastic. However, other suitable cutting mechanisms 135 are within the scope of the invention. Sidewall projections 139 are located at the dispensing end 112 of the cover 130 on each side of the cutting mechanism 135 to prevent the cutting mechanism 135 from contacting the surface that the tape 200 is being adhered to. As can be seen in the side view from
In the embodiment shown, lock projections 136 are included and extend from each of the upper sidewalls 133 near the tape dispending end 112. The lock projections 136 align with the lock openings 124 of the base 120 such that when the cover 130 is in a closed position, as shown in
To open the tape dispenser 100 and release the lock projections 136 from engagement with the lock openings 124, the lock projections 136 passing through the lock openings 124 are pressed and disengaged to allow the cover 130 to open, as shown in
The mandrel 140 is contained within the base 120 and cover 130 as shown in
Near the tape dispensing end 112, when the base 120 and cover 130 are in a closed position, the mandrel 140 includes a guide 144 that the dispensing tape runs adjacent to. A wipe down ridge 145 is included on the mandrel 140, and is visible in
As can be seen in
In one embodiment, a pivot restraint 128 is included on the base pivot projection 126. The pivot restraint 128 mechanically interacts with the mandrel 140 to prevent further rotation of the mandrel 140 beyond the open position. The mandrel 140 will not be capable of continuing to rotate and nest entirely within the cover. Instead, the mandrel 140 will remain in the position shown in
In the embodiment of the invention shown in
To load the tape dispenser 100, the cover 130 is released from the base 120 by disengaging the lock projections 136 from the lock openings 124 of the base 120. Then, the cover 130 is able to rotate about the pivot pin 152 to an open position as shown in
With the spindle 142 of the mandrel 140 accessible, a roll of tape (not shown) is inserted onto the spindle 142. The film of tape is pulled from the spindle 142 along the guide 144 and beyond the wipe down ridge 145. The non-adhesive side of the tape film extends along the guide 144 surface.
Following loading of the tape, the cover 130 is closed, as shown in
To use the tape dispenser 100, the user holds the handle 160, if included, as shown in
Protrusions 125 may also be included on the base 120 at the tape discharge end 112. The protrusions 125 provide a plurality of raised surfaces that make contact with the adhesive side of the tape 200 at the tape discharge end 112. Having an intermittent surface, instead of a smooth continuous surface, that makes contact with the adhesive side of the tape, limits the adhesion of the tape 200 to the dispenser.
Reference to upper, lower, top, bottom, left and right are for reference purposes only with respect to the embodiment of the tape dispenser 100 shown and described in
Although specific embodiments of this invention have been shown and described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the many possible specific arrangements that can be devised in application of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be devised in accordance with these principles by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the structures described in this application, but only by the structures described by the language of the claims and the equivalents of those structures.
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