HANDHELD TAPE DISPENSER AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improved tape dispensers and their methods of use. Conventional tape dispensers are typically comprised of multiple parts that are assembled during manufacture including a metal tearing device and various components to hold the adhesive tape while it is dispensed. These conventional tape dispensers can be difficult and sometimes dangerous to use for individuals poor motor skills (such as young children or individuals with disabilities).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments, the invention relates to a device for dispensing tape. In various embodiments, the device comprises a housing component including a base, a tape holder and a clip. In various embodiments, the housing component is adapted to a secure roll of tape to said device, while permitting the roll of tape to rotate about a central axis. In various embodiments, the base is positioned so that one side of said roll of tape is flush to said base and wherein said central axis extends perpendicular from the center of said base. In various embodiments, the tape holder has a first end and a second end, the first end extending perpendicularly from said base and said tape holder being curved such that the roll of tape fits over and around said tape holder and around said central axis. In various embodiments, the clip extends from the second end of said tape holder, the second end being opposite to the first end such that the tape roll is secured to said device on said tape holder. In various embodiments, the device comprises a tearing component, the tearing component comprising a tearing device and an arm and said tearing device also comprises a pointed in. In various embodiments, the tearing component is attached to said housing component by an arm that extends longitudinally from the base. In various embodiments, the device includes a handle, wherein said handle is connected and extends perpendicularly from said base.

In various embodiments, said handle extends perpendicularly from the base along the central axis of the device and through the tape holder and clip. In various embodiments, said arm is angled or curved in at least one direction as it extends away from the base in a particular direction relative to the base from said base. In various embodiments, said tearing device comprises a pointed end. In various embodiments, said tearing device is curved in one direction creating a slight curve or subtle hook shape. In various embodiments, said handle comprises a plurality of grooves and ridges. In various embodiments, said plurality of grooves and ridges are on only one side of the handle. In various embodiments, said plurality of grooves and ridges are positioned on the side opposite to the side that faces the tearing component. In various embodiments, the placement of said grooves and ridges indicate to the user how said tape dispenser should be oriented for effective tape dispensing and tearing.

In various embodiments the invention relates to a device for dispensing tape. In various embodiments, the device comprises a housing component including a base, a tape holder and a clip. In various embodiments, said housing component is adapted to secure a roll of tape to said device, while permitting the roll of tape to rotate about a central axis. In various embodiments, said base is positioned so that one side of said roll of tape is flush to said base and wherein said central axis extends perpendicular from the center of said base. In various embodiments, said tape holder is attached to said base and extends perpendicularly from said base; and is curved such that the roll of tape fits over and around said tape holder and around said central axis. In various embodiments, said clip is attached to the end of said tape holder that is opposite to the end that said base is attached to said tape holder; such that the tape role is secured to said device on said tape holder. In various embodiments, the device includes a tearing component, comprising a tearing device and an arm. In various embodiments, said tearing device comprises a pointed end. In various embodiments, said pointed end is curved. In various embodiments, said tearing component is attached to said housing component by said arm that extends longitudinally from said base. In various embodiments, said arm is angled from said base. In various embodiments, said device comprises a handle. In various embodiments, said handle is connected and extends perpendicularly from said base. In various embodiments, said handle comprises a plurality of grooves and ridges. In various embodiments, said plurality of grooves and ridges are on only one side of the handle. In various embodiments, said plurality of grooves and ridges are positioned on the side opposite to the side that faces the tearing component.

In various embodiments, the invention relates to a method for dispensing tape from a device for dispensing tape. In various embodiments, the method comprises securing a role of tape to a housing component within said device, while not hindering the tape's rotational freedom. In various embodiments, the device comprises a housing component including a base, a tape holder and a clip. In various embodiments, said housing component is adapted to secure a roll of tape to said device, while permitting the roll of tape to rotate about a central axis. In various embodiments, said base is positioned so that one side of said roll of tape is flush to said base and wherein said central axis extends perpendicular from the center of said base. In various embodiments, said tape holder is attached to said base and extends perpendicularly from said base; and is curved such that the roll of tape fits over and around said tape holder and around said central axis. In various embodiments, said clip is attached to the end of said tape holder that is opposite to the end that said base is attached to said tape holder; such that the tape role is secured to said device on said tape holder. In various embodiments, said device comprises a tearing component, comprising a tearing device, wherein said tearing device comprises a pointed end, wherein said tearing component further comprises an arm, wherein said tearing component is attached to said housing component by said arm that extends longitudinally from said base. In various embodiments, a handle, wherein said handle is connected and extends perpendicularly from said base. In various embodiments, the method comprises holding said device with said tearing component facing toward from the user. In various embodiments, the method comprises applying tape the outer edge of said tape role to a surface. In various embodiments, the method comprises tearing said tape using the tearing component to tear a piece of tape from the tape roll.

In various embodiments, said tearing device component further comprises an arm, wherein said tearing component is attached to said housing component by said arm that extends longitudinally from said base. In various embodiments, said arm is angled from said base. In various embodiments, said tearing device comprises a pointed end. In various embodiments, said pointed end is curved. In various embodiments, said handle comprises a plurality of grooves and ridges. In various embodiments, said plurality of grooves and ridges are on only one side of the handle. In various embodiments, said plurality of grooves and ridges are positioned on the side opposite to the side that faces the tearing component. In various embodiments, the placement of said grooves and ridges indicate to the user how said tape dispenser should be oriented for effective tape dispensing and tearing. In various embodiments, said method is suitable for children or adults with physical disabilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings, exemplary embodiments; however, the invention is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional rendering of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side-view diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a side-view diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom-view diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a novel tape dispenser that is safe, portable and easy to use. In various embodiments, said tape dispenser system includes a monolithic frame with clips that allow for rolls of tape to snap easily on and off the dispenser. In various embodiments, the system includes a handle with divots that indicate the proper orientation for which a user should hold the tape dispenser while tearing the tape. In various embodiments, the dispenser also includes a tearing mechanism comprised of a single point which punctures the tape easily without risking injury. In various embodiments, the system disclosed herein is compact, lightweight and suitable for all users including children and adults with physical disabilities.

It is an object of this invention to provide a tape dispenser that permits tape to be dispensed by allowing a user to grab pieces of tape from the role by directly tearing said tape from the role using the tearing device and applying them to a surface. In other embodiments, the tape dispenser allows for the application of adhesive tape to a surface directly from the dispenser using only one hand to accurately position the tape at the proper location on the surface and to tear the correct length of tape to be applied. It is yet another object of this invention to provide a tape dispenser capable of accurately aligning the tape on the surface to which it is to be applied, simultaneously pressing it into adhesive contact with such surface and then accurately tearing off the precisely desired length.

Certain specific details are set forth in the following description and figures to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. Certain well-known details often associated with tape dispensers are not set forth in the following disclosure, however, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments of the invention. Further, those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that they can practice other embodiments of the invention without one or more of the details described below. Finally, while various methods are described with reference to steps and sequences in the following disclosure, the description as such is for providing a clear implementation of embodiments of the invention, and the steps and sequences should not be taken as required to practice this invention.

FIGS. 1 through 5 depict various aspects and features of the disclosed invention. In various embodiments, the tape dispenser 1 comprises a base 200 that is attached to a handle 100 and a tearing device 300. In various embodiments, the handle 100 is attached at a perpendicular angle to the center of said base 200. In various embodiments, the tearing device 300 extends longitudinally from the base 200 and is connected to the base by an arm 220. In various embodiments, the base also comprises a clip 400 which is capable of securing a roll of tape 500 to the base 200.

In various embodiments the tape dispenser includes a base 200. In various embodiments, a roll of tape 500 is capable of being secured to the base 200 of the tape dispenser while still being capable of rotation. In various embodiments, the base 200 is planar. The base 200 may or may not be round in shape. The base 200 must simply be adequate in shape and size to provide support for maintaining the attachment of the tape roll 500 to the tape dispensing device (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-2). In various embodiments, the base may have a hole or gap in its center (see, e.g., FIG. 5). The hole in the center of a tape dispenser is there to serve as a core for the tape roll. The tape roll is placed onto this core, allowing it to spin freely as you pull out the desired length of tape. This design makes it easier to use the tape dispenser efficiently, as it prevents the tape from getting tangled or stuck. In various embodiments, the base 200 is affixed or connected with other components of the tape dispenser system including a handle 100, a tearing device 300, an arm 220, a tape holder 210 and a clip 400.

In various embodiments, the tape dispenser further comprises a tape holder 210. In various embodiments, the tape holder 210 extends perpendicularly from the base. In various embodiments, the tape holder 210 consists of two or more separate components (see, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 (210a and 210b). The tape holder 210 is positioned to cradle the inner circumference of the tape roll 500 (see, e.g., FIG. 2) ensuring adequate support while not hindering the tape roll's 500 rotational freedom around the tape holder 210.

In order to ensure that the roll of tape remains secured to the tape dispenser, in various embodiments, the tape dispenser includes a clip 400. The clip 400 is attached to the tape holder 210 and extends outward from the edge of the tape holder 210 for a length sufficient to maintain the tape roll in place. When attaching the tape roll 500 to the tape dispenser, the interior portion of the tape roll 500 must fit around both the clip 400 and the tape holder 210. Thus, the clip 400 must be longer in diameter than the inner circumference of the tape roll 500, and the tape holder 210 and clip 400 must also be comprised of a material with sufficient flexibility to allow tape holder 210 to flex to permit the interior portion of the tape roll to fit over the clip 400 when attaching the tape to the tape dispensing device.

The base 200, tape holder 210 and clip 400 can be of any size or shape so long as said base, tape holder and clip affix the tape roll 500 within the tape dispensing system in a manner that allows the tape roll to freely rotate and be controllably dispensed for tearing (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-5). In various embodiments, the tape holder applies pressure to the inside surface of the tape roll 500 so as to apply resistance to the roll of tape, to allow better control of the tape roll while applying the tape to a surface. In various embodiments, the components of the tape dispensing system are sized to support a roll of masking tape. In various embodiments, the components of the tape dispensing system are sized to support a roll of masking tape, flooring tape, duct tape, electrical tape, packing tape, painter's tape and/or double sided or mounting tape.

In various embodiments, the tape dispenser includes a tearing device 300. The tearing device is responsible for tearing the dispensed tape from tape roll 500. In various embodiments, it is connected to the base 200 by an arm 220 that extends longitudinally from the base. In various embodiments the arm 220 is curved or angled in at least one direction as it extends away from the base in a particular direction relative to the base such that the tearing device is also angled in one direction laterally from the base (see, e.g., FIG. 5).

An angled arm 220 may present several advantages. For example, an angled arm 220 can contribute to a more ergonomic design, making the tape dispenser more comfortable for users to handle. In various embodiments, this reduces the strain and fatigue from prolonged use of the tape dispensing device. Angling the arm may also provide better visibility of the taping surface and the tearing device 300, allowing the user to see the tape they are tearing and the surface they are applying it to more clearly. Moreover, an angled arm is a shape for tape dispenser that most users will be familiar with and find easy to use. Such designs allow for a smaller design which may reduce manufacturing time and cost. In various embodiments, enhanced visibility can lead to more accurate and precise tears. The angled arm 220 can improve the maneuverability of the tape dispenser. This is particularly beneficial when users need to navigate around corners, curves, or irregular shapes. The angle of the arm 220 can influence the tearing direction. This is useful when a specific lateral tearing direction is desired, and the angle helps achieve the desired orientation relative to the material being torn.

The tearing device 300 is the component of the tape dispenser system designed to tear pieces of tape from the tape roll 500. In various embodiments, it is pointed in shape. In other words, the tearing device extends from the arm 220 and terminates in a single point. See, e.g., FIGS. 1-5. A pointed tape tearing device can be useful for several reasons. In various embodiments, the pointed tip allows for more precise tearing, enabling users to make accurate tears in specific locations without excessive effort. In various embodiments, the tearing device enables a piece of tape to be torn simply by pointing the tearing device downward in a simple motion on the tape. In various embodiments, the pointed tip is helpful for initiating tears, especially when dealing with adhesive tapes or materials that may be challenging to pierce with a blunt edge.

In various embodiments, the tearing device 300 is slightly curved in one direction creating a slight curve or subtle hook shape. See, e.g., FIG. 5. In various embodiments, a curved tip facilitates smooth entry into the tape, making it easier to initiate the tearing process. In various embodiments, the curved shape helps minimize the risk of tearing or damaging the tape, contributing to cleaner and more controlled tearing device that are easier to initiate. In various embodiments, the curvature enhances the maneuverability of the tearing tip, allowing for better control when navigating around corners or irregular shapes. In various embodiments, the curve allows for smooth fishtail-shaped tears and allowing for repeatable and consistent tears. Finally, in various embodiments, the curved tip can be versatile, accommodating various tape types and materials while maintaining effective tearing performance. In various embodiments the curved tip may be removable and/or reversible.

In various embodiments, the tape dispenser includes a handle 100. The handle 100 is attached to the center of said base 200 and extends perpendicularly from said base 200. In other embodiments, the handle is angled either toward or away from the arm. The handle 100 can be of any length but should be long enough for the user to hold the tape dispenser upright and at an angle for dispensing the tape, for example, for dispensing said tape 500 for adherence to a surface and then for tearing said tape 500.

In various embodiments, the handle is designed to allow a user to hold the tape dispenser with a single hand. In various embodiment, the handle has indentations that show users where to hold the tape dispenser during use. In various embodiments, said indentations comprise one or more grooves 110 and ridges 120. In various embodiments, the handle comprises four grooves 110 and five ridges 120. In various embodiments, said plurality of grooves 110 and ridges 120 are on only one side of the handle. See, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 4. In various embodiments, the placement of said grooves 110 and ridges 120 indicate to the user how said tape dispenser should be oriented for effective tape dispensing and tearing. In various embodiments, said grooves 110 and ridges 120 are positioned on the side opposite to the side that faces said tearing device 300.

Inclusion of grooves 110 and ridges 120 that assist the user in proper holding of the tape dispenser during use may have several advantages. For example, it provides a comfortable and ergonomic hand positioning, reducing strain during prolonged use. In various embodiments it may also lead to more uniform and controlled tape application. In various embodiments, it makes the tape dispenser more user-friendly, especially for individuals who may be unfamiliar with its operation. Proper finger placement helps reduce the likelihood of errors, such as misalignment or uneven application of tape. Users can achieve greater efficiency with finger guides, as they streamline the process and minimize the need for adjustments during use. In summary, finger placement guides contribute to user comfort, consistent application, and overall efficiency when using a tape dispenser.

In various embodiments, the positioning and angling of the arm 220, tearing device 300 and handle 100 are designed such that the tape dispenser may be used with either hand. In some embodiments, the tape dispenser may be designed for use with the left hand. In other embodiments, the tape dispenser may be designed for use with the right hand.

As shown in these figures, the tape dispenser described herein is used to pull out a desired length of adhesive tape and tear the tape from its role. For example, when packaging various objects into boxes made of cardboard or the like, the tape dispenser is used to close the lids of the box with pieces of adhesive tape and has such a shape that a worker holding it in one hand can stick a piece of tape on to said object and tear it off.

One advantage of the various embodiments of the present invention is that it is easy and safe to use. The various embodiments described herein provide an efficient and precise method for the application of adhesive tape to various surfaces. The tearing mechanism described herein, in combination with the design of the tape dispensers disclosed herein enable users to achieve precise and clean tears, making the tape dispensers disclosed herein suitable for a variety of applications, including packaging, crafting and office tasks. The various embodiments disclosed herein provide an organized and controlled way to access and use tape.

In various embodiments, the present invention can be made of any material. But in preferred embodiments, the invention is made of a single material. In various embodiments, the tape dispenser material is plastic. In various embodiments, the tape dispenser comprises one or more of the following: acrylonitrile butadiene styrine, PETG, polycarbonate, resin, carbon fiber, polypropylene, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic, carbon fibers or any solid material that is safe and non-toxic. One advantage of the present invention is that it is simple to make and can be manufactured as a single material. It may also be manufactured from 2 or more parts that may snap together to form various embodiment of the present invention.

It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the disclosed subject matter. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustrated in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the disclosed subject matter may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter, which is limited only by the claims which follow.