US3505153A - Tape dispenser - Google Patents

Description

P 7, 1970 E. c. ADDIS 3,505,153

TAPE DISPENSER Filed Oct. 5, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 EDWIN C. ADDIS INVENTOR.

April 1970 E. c. A'DDIS 3,505,153

TAPE DISPENSER Filed Oct. 5, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 7 0| '3 FIG. 8 l4 8 EDWIN C. ADDIS INVENTOR.

En AWN} United States Patent 3,505,153 TAPE DISPENSER Edwin C. Addis, Florence, Mass., assignor to Avery Products Corporation, San Marino, Calif., a corporation of California Filed Oct. 3, 1966, Ser. No. 589,167 Int. Cl. B44c 7/00 US. Cl. 156577 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A dispenser for narrow width adhesive tape comprises a main body portion with upstanding side walls along its perimeter and a removable cover plate. The side walls of the body portion are provided with a slot through which tape from the dispenser is discharged, and an adapter plate is constructed to fit over the slot and guide the tape being discharged along its edges. By virtue of different adapter plates the width of the slot can be varied to accommodate tapes of different width.

This invention relates to a dispenser for tape, particularly narrow width tape which may be provided at its underside with a pressure sensitive adhesive coating. More specifically, the instant invention concerns a tape dispenser for accepting and dispensing tapes of different widths, the dispenser including means for adapting it to a certain tape width subsequent to the dispenser having been loaded with tape of a particular width. Thus, the instant tape dispenser can be manufactured and stored in larger quantities and be modified to fit certain tapes immediately prior to sale or shipment.

While tape dispensers are known which accommodate a plurality of tape widths and which are modified by an insert, such prior dispensers have been afiiicted with certain shortcomings. In one design, the insert must be provided before the tape is inserted in the dispenser. In several other designs, the narrow and rather flimsy tape may inadvertently become wedged in a small gap between the main dispenser receptacle and the overlying cover plate. Although the existence of such a gap is strictly undesired, it commonly exists because of ill fitting parts, because of a distortion of the large cover plate, or because of localized finger pressure when the dispenser is grasped and held by the user, thus bending the cover plate and destroying accurate mating between the dispenser receptacle and the cover plate.

The construction of the dispenser disclosed hereinafter overcomes these shortcomings by the use of an adapter plate which is independent of the normal cover plate and which is secured firmly to the main receptacle portion of the dispenser. The adapter plate comes in several different configurations in order to provide for the various tape widths.

One of the principal objects of this invention is, therefore, the provision of a new and improved tape dispenser for narrow tapes, avoiding one or more of the shortcomings and disadvantages of prior art devices.

Another important object of this invention is the provision of a new and improved dispenser adapted to dis pense tapes of various widths.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a novel tape dispenser which is adapted to dispense tapes of various widths and which may be modified to a certain tape width after the dispenser has been manufactured, and even after the dispenser has been loaded with a respective tape.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a tape dispenser for comparatively narrow tape, wherein the tape can not become wedged in a small gap between Patented Apr. 7, 1970 the main dispenser housing and a removable overlying cover plate.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a dispenser for comparatively narrow pressure sensitive adhesive tape, the dispenser being adapted to receive one of several adapter plates, such plate being fitted upon the exposed side of the dispenser and modifying it for a certain wirth of tape.

These and still other objects of the present invention will become more clearly apparent by reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the tape dispenser completely assembled, enclosing a roll of tape, and in position for dispensing pressure sensitive adhesive tape upon an underlying surface;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the tape dispenser with its cover removed, thereby revealing the main receptacle portion, and the small adapter plate is shown in exploded position;

'FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the cover plate;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view of the cover plate along the line 4-4 in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of the main receptacle along the line 5-5 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view of the assembled tape dispenser along the line 6-6 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 7 is a partial bottom plan view of the dispenser portion along the line 7-7 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 8 is a view along the line 8-8 in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a partial bottom plan view similar to FIGURE 7, but with an adapter plate and the main cover plate in place;

FIGURE 10 is a view along the line 10-10' in FIG- URE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a sectional view along the line 11-11 in FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of three different adapter plates which may be used to adapt the dispenser to different tape widths;

FIGURE 13 is a view similar to FIGURE 10 with one of the adapter plates shown in FIGURE 12 assembled on the main receptacle of the dispenser;

FIGURE 14 is a view along the line 14-14 in FIG- URE 13, and

FIGURE 15 is a view along the line 15-15 in FIG- URE 13.

Referring now to the figures, numeral 10 generally identifies the main receptacle portion which is adapted to be covered by a cover plate 11 and enclosing therein a roll of comparatively narrow, pressure sensitive adhesive tape. Such tape is dispensed at the underside of the dispenser through a nose portion 12 which extends forwardly from the main receptacle 10. A piece of tape T is shown as being dispensed.

Typical tapes dispensed from this dispenser are drafting type tapes having a width from /2 inch to A inch and carrying various imprints and/or being clear transparent or colored as is well known to those skilled in the art.

The main receptacle 10 and the cover plate 11 preferably are molded from clear transparent synthetic thermoplastic material.

As seen clearly in FIGURE 2, the main receptacle 10 comprises a flat side plate 14 and an upstanding side wall 15 along the perimeter thereof. The height of the wall 15 is equal or slightly greater than the largest width of the tape which is to be dispensed from the tape dispenser.

At the forward nose portion 12 of the dispenser, the nose portion being an integral part of the receptacle 10, there is provided a rib 16 and two blind holes 17 and 18 An adapter plate 20, FIGURE 2, is adapted to fit as a cover upon the nose portion, the flat underside 21 of the adapter plate resting upon the top surface of the peripheral wall 15 and on the rib 16, while the upstanding studs 22 and 23 slip into the blind holes 17 and 18. The studs may be sealed in the holes by adhesive bonding or ultrasonic energy fusing. The inner edge 24 of the adapter plate 20 is dimensioned to overhang beyond the inner edge of the rib 16, FIGURES 2, 8 and 10, but not cover the entire slot 25 which is formed by a gap in the upstanding side wall 15 of the main receptacle at the nose portion. This gap 25 serves to feed the tape T out of the dispenser, and the small open space between the inner edge 24 of the adapter plate and the wall 26 may be used for threading the tape when the cover plate 11 is disposed on the receptacle.

The receptacle is provided also with a centrally disposed dished portion 30, FIGURE '2, at the perimeter of which there is located a plurality of upstanding toothed hub portions 31. These hub portions are indexed to interfit with the complementary hub portions 33 of the cover plate 11. FIGURE 3, which similarly extend from the perimeter of a dished centrally located portion 32. These toothed portions, when interfitted by placing the cover plate 11 on to the receptacle 10, provide a hub for the roll of tape and prevent pinching the core of the tape roll during manipulation of the dispenser and tape.

The cover plate 11 is provided with a small partial rim 36 and two larger extensions 37 and 38, the latter being adapted to slide into the left bottom and upper right hand corners of the main receptacle, as seen in FIGURES 1 and 2. The cover plate is generally of elliptical shape and does not cover the triangular portion 40 disposed at the bottom portion of the receptacle and forming a part of the receptacles nose portion. Therefore, the upstanding side wall of this triangular portion is slightly higher, FIGURE 7, so that when the adapter plate 20 is secured on the receptacles nose portion and the cover plate 11 is in place, all three portions lie substantially in the same plane. The adapter plate 20 is provided with a curved edge portion 24a which abuts the cover plate 11 as is seen in FIGURE 1. The receptacle 10, therefore, is covered when enclosing tape by a removable cover plate 11 and a relatively small adapter plate 20 substantially permanently fastened to the nose portion of the receptacle.

Referring to FIGURES 9 and 11, using an adapter plate 20 which has a flat underside 21, FIGURE '2, there is formed a conduit for the tape, the lateral edges of which are guided essentially by the flat inside surface of the receptacle side plate 14 in the gap 25 and the spaced apart flat underside 21 of the adapter plate 20. The tape dispenser is adjusted, therefore, to dispense tape having the maximum width acceptable, The tape is discharged at the distal end of the nose portion and the underside of this portion is usable to press the tape into intimate contact with the underlying surface to which the tape is being affixed.

In order to feed tape having a narrower width, further small adapter plates are provided which may be fitted upon the nose portion 12-. These alternative adapter plates are shown in FIGURES 12A, 12B and 12C. These plates are substantially identical with the one described above, except for the provision of a respective tab 50A, 50B, or 50C extending from the underside of the adapter plate. The tabs are stepped in height increments, e.g. or inch, so as to conform to the different tape widths. When using one of these adapter plates, the conduit for the tape at the nose portion is made narrower and is limited by the opening between the inner surface of the side plate 14 in the gap 25 and the underside of a respective tab 50A, 50B or 50C, see FIGURES 13 to 15. A respective tab extends parallel along the bottom portion of the gap 25. The top and forward edges of the tab mate with a stepped recess in the nose portion of the dispenser as shown at 52. This step prevents the tape, when being dispensed, from traveling into a gap underneath the adapter plate and becoming wedged therein. The tape is confined, as noted, between the inner surface of the side plate 14 and the underside of the tab 50A, 508 or 500, the height of the tab being proportioned for the width of the tape which is to be dispensed. It will be apparent that the quantity of adapter plates differing with respect to tab height is dependent upon the widths of the tapes which are to be dispensed.

As illustrated and described heretofore, the tape dispenser accommodates tapes of various widths and the modification necessary to adapt the dispenser for a certain width of tapecan be made at the very last moment, even at the time when the dispenser is loaded with tape and provided with its cover plate. Also, because of the relatively small size of the adapter plate 20, it rests firmly and securely on the nose portion. Gaps into which the tape may slide during manipulation are eliminated and the tape is guided along its lateral edges and is enclosed in a conduit formed 'by the inner surface of the side plate 14, the underside of the adapter plate 20 or, alternatively, by the underside of the extending tab 50A, 5013 or 50C reaching into the gap 25, and the inner forward edge of the nose portion.

The opening of the triangular portion 40 is usable for a seat or a tramrnel arm for laying the tape in a curved path as shown for instance in U.S. Patent No, 2,904,206 dated Sept. 15, 1959.

Finally, it has been found that the dispenser operates extremely satisfactorily if a liner is placed in the space between the side plate 14 and the roll of tape, and the cover plate 11 and the roll of tape. Most suitably such a liner comprises a single layer of paper having good release properties, for instance silicone treated paper. The provision of an insert prevents the adhesive oozing from the lateral edges of the tape adhering to the Walls of the tape dispenser. Alternatively, the inside walls of the dispenser may be coated with release type material.

While there has been described and illustrated a certain preferred embodiment of my invention, it will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without deviating from the broad principle and intent of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A dispenser for dispensing comparatively narrow tape which is unwound from a roll, comprising in combination:

a main receptacle portion for containing a roll of tape;

a nose portion integral with said receptacle portion and extending forward from said receptacle portion for discharging from said dispenser tape unwound from such roll;

said receptacle and nose portions being constructed to have a common flat main plate provided with an upstanding side wall along the perimeter thereof;

a slot formed by a gap in said upstanding side wall disposed in said nose portion substantially at its distal end, said gap permitting tape unwound from the roll in said receptacle portion to be discharged through said nose portion to the exterior of said dispenser; and

an adapter plate secured to said upstanding side wall at said nose portion and overhanging at least a portion of said gap for forming a conduit for such tape, the open spacing between said main plate and said overhanging part of said adapter plate being dimensioned to approximate the width of the tape fed from said dispenser, whereby to cause the tape while being fed through said conduit to be guided along its lateral edges.

2. A dispenser as set forth in claim 1 and including a cover plate for covering said main receptacle portion.

3. A dispenser as set forth in claim 2 wherein said cover plate and said adapter plate are disposed substantially in the same plane.

4. A dispenser as set forth in claim 2, said receptacle portion and said cover plate including complementary interfitting toothed hub portions for journalling thereabout a roll of tape.

5. A dispenser as set forth in claim 1 and including a cover plate for covering said main receptacle portion, said cover plate when disposed on said receptacle portion being coplanar with said adapter plate and in abutting contact therewith.

6. A dispenser for dispensing comparatively narrow tape which is unwound from a roll, comprising in combination:

a main receptable portion for containing a roll of tape;

a nose portion integral with said receptacle portion and extending forward from said receptacle portion for discharging tape unwound from said roll;

said receptacle portion and nose portion being constructed to have a common flat plate which is provided with an upstanding side wall along the perimeter thereof;

a slot formed by a gap in said upstanding side wall disposed in said nose portion substantially at its distal end, said gap permitting tape unwound from the roll in the receptacle portion to be discharged through said nose portion to the exterior of said dispenser;

an adapter plate secured to said upstanding side wall at said nose portion and overhanging at least a portion of said gap;

a tab extending from said adapter plate substantially at right angle and protruding into said gap for forming a conduit for such tape at said distal end, the

open spacing between said common flat plate and the underside of said tab being dimensioned to approximate the width of the tape to be fed from said dispenser, whereby to cause the tape while being fed through said conduit to be guided along its lateral edges. 7. A dispenser as set forth in claim 6 wherein said adapter plate and said tab are a unitary assembly.

8. A dispenser for dispensing tape as set forth in claim 6 wherein said tab has one edge which mates with a surface of said nose portion disposed in said gap in a stepped recess in order to preclude the existence of a gap into which the tape may slide.

9. A dispenser for dispensing tape as set forth in claim 6 and including means for attaching thereto an instrument to lay the tape dispensed from the dispenser in a curved path upon an underlying surface.

10. A dispenser for dispensing tape as set forth in claim 6 and including material having good release properties interposed in the space between the dispenser side walls and the roll of tape.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,400,435 5/1946 Nelson et a1. 156527 2,904,206 9/1959 Bertschinger 156577 3,274,038 9/1966 Karn 156-577 3,380,874 4/1968 Berman 156577 DOUGLAS J. DRUMMOND, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 22554

Images