object, the tape is wrapped around the object by using
TAPE DISPENSER/APPLICATOR the braking system. The second buffing pad presses the
last two inches of tape to the object. However, the
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION device does not include a surface for applying direct
This invention pertains to the field of dispensing and 5 and continued pressure to the tape,
applying tape that has an adhesive side, and specifically Sti11 another device uses banding or filament tape for
to one-piece, hand-held devices that both dispense and bundling or strapping applications. It includes an ele
apply such tape. ment for holding the tape roll so the tape can be drawn
A device that dispenses tape commonly does not also tightly. But this device includes no element for pressing
apply tape. That is, a dispenser is a device that houses a 10 the tape as it is applied.
roll of tape and includes a cutting edge; an applicator Another multi-piece device comprises a one-hand
further includes elements for applying the tape as it is dispenser with a guide on the interior of the frame for
dispensed. To apply tape from a dispenser, an individual directing the tape with its adhesive side downward to
must use two hands. One hand grasps the dispenser for an opening. A pressing surface at the opening is adja
stabilizing it; the other hand pulls an approximate length *5 cent a movable cutting edge. The cutting edge guides
of tape from the roll. The tape then is twisted over a the tape through the opening to cut the tape, but only
cutting edge to sever it from the roll. When the individ- after the dispenser has been rotated counterclockwise
ual then has an approximate length of tape in one hand, approximately 90 degrees, he must attempt to apply the tape evenly and accurately
while avoiding its tendency to curl or stick to itself. 20 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Simultaneously, the individual must steady the surface My object has been to produce a one-piece, handto be taped while simultaneously holding opposite ends held dispenser/applicator that both dispenses and apof the tape. To minimize sticking the tape to fingers and piies any 0f a variety of tapes with an adhesive side. The ruining the tape's adhesiveness and transparency, the device is quick and easy to use_ and evenly presses tape individual should avoid fingertip contact with the adhe- 25 tQ surfaces It reduces the pOSsibility 0f wrinkling the s.ve side at several locations, tape, and aligns the tape accurately on its object. It also These problems are widely experienced and point to eliminates flnger contact with the adhesive side with the the need tor incorporating both dispensing and applying consequent chance that the ta e will curl
or stick to
functions into a structure that accomplishes them itself. TaPe can be accurately measured during applica
quickly and easily and that can be used with one hand. 30 ^ c one ^ ^ The
Although some combination dispenser/applicators automatically positions for its next use. exist in the prior art, these are distinct from my inven- . * j u tion. Commonly, they are intended for applying a par- Jhese ^vantages are achieved by mounting a tape ticular type of tape. One such device comprises ajla- r?U onfa h»b ?nT! *V ^ ^ £ A nar, triangular, open frame. A handle extends from one 35 element extends substantially radially from the frame A apex. A hub at a second apex supports a roll of tape. A taPe rest, ,ntefral Wlth the element and transverse to the pressing roller and cutting edge are located at the third Plane of the frame 8"PP°rt»the lead end °{the taPe' A apex. Tape is led from the roll through a closed, spring curved Passing surface, also on the extending element loaded gate between the handle and pressing roller and and transverse to the plane of the frame, presses the lead then past the roller. The tape is unsupported between 40 end of the tape against an object. As the device is drawn the roller and the cutting edge, and the unsupported over the area t0 be taPed> the tape is dispensed, applied, portion must be smoothed and applied by hand. More- a"d Pressed accurately and easily. A cutting edge adover, the rather substantial length of tape extending joining the pressing surface severs the tape neatly and from the gate is free and leaves the adhesive side ex- precisely.
posed. 45 This invention has been pointed out with particular
Another device applies an "adhesive transfer" tape ity in the appended claims. The above and further ob
that retains a liner on the exposed surface of the tape as jects and advantages of this invention will be apparent
it is applied. After the tape has been applied, the liner from the following description taken in connection with
can then be removed. In addition to a frame and a hub, the accompanying drawings,
this device includes a guide pin under which the lead 50 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS end of the tape extends, and a cutting edge forward of
the guide pin. No distinct area exists for pressing the FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the dispenser/ap
tape to a surface as it is applied; instead, the cutting edge plicator;
is angled to contact the tape as it is applied. Although FIG. 2 depicts the dispenser/applicator of FIG. 1 in
this might be sufficient to engage the liner of a lined 55 a position for applying and pressing tape to an object;
tape, the cutter's sharp edge limits the pressure that can FIG. 3 depicts the dispenser/applicator of FIG. 1 in
be applied to a tape with a less substantial surface. Fur- a position for cutting the tape after it is applied; and
thermore, the frame restricts the operator's view of the FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the dis
tape at its point of application, thereby limiting the penser/applicator shown in FIG. 1.
precision with which a length of tape can be applied and 60 DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION cut.
Another device is designed primarily for dispensing FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of my invention, and applying "L" and "C"-shaped sections of filament This dispenser/applicator is a one-piece device that can tape. This tape is used for binding or strapping, and the be, for example, molded plastic. It includes a supportdevice includes specific elements for providing tension 65 ing, generally circular, planar main frame 10 and a to the tape as it is drawn from the roll, including a transverse, stationary hub 11 integrally formed with the braking system and buffing pads. After one buffing pad frame 10. The hub 11 may be an annulus with a smooth is used to press the first two inches of drawn tape to the outer surface, or, as shown in FIG. 1, with radially
