SCISSORS WITH AN INTEGRATED TAPE DISPENSER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a PCT Application which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 11/974,375, entitled "Scissors With An Integrated Tape Dispenser" filed October 12, 2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention combines two common household items frequently used in conjunction with each other, as a single autonomous unit. Specifically, the invention combines scissors with a tape dispenser in a way that makes both easily usable as a single device.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Almost all household scissors and tape dispensers are designed to perform one single respective function. Currently, scissors cut objects and tape dispensers dispense tape, each with its single untque purpose. Very often, when one uses a pair of scissors, one is in need of a tape dispenser, and vice versa. This is especially evident with the tasks of wrapping gifts, which requires the use of scissors and tape. [0004] One apparent problem is that because each item, namely scissors and a tape dispenser, are separate items, and are frequently used in a variety of instances, when it is time to use the items collectively, they cannot be found in the same location. Quite the contrary occurs, that is, it seems that one can never find the scissors when the tape is found, and vice-versa, the tape cannot be found when the scissors are found. [0005] Another problem that exists is that when using tape and scissors in conjunction with each other, the user cannot simultaneously manipulate both at the same time. The user must put down the pair of scissors each time he or she wants to use the tape dispenser, and vice-versa. This process of switching back and forth is inefficient; especially when wrapping multiple gifts, or any project that requires laborious cutting and taping.

[0006] Conventionally, scissors and tape dispensers are stored differently. For example, household scissors and tape are frequently stored out of sight. Scissors are commonly stored in a drawer of a desk, in a cupboard or the like, because they do not "stand alone" and contribute to disorganized clutter when they are placed otherwise.

Traditional scissors lie on their side, slide around, and, consequently, are often tossed in a drawer when they are not being used. However, in an office environment, tape may be stored in a receptacle on a desk in plain view. This compounds the issue of scissors and tape not being located in the same place.

[0007] Another disadvantage is that most household tape dispensers are designed as disposable products. When one gets to the end of the tape roll, the dispenser is now a useless item and discarded, thereby creating waste.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a unitary construction for an integrated apparatus including scissors and a dispenser.

[0009] This invention alleviates the problem of repeatedly switching between using a pair of scissors and a tape dispenser, and vice versa. According to this unitary construction, the tape dispenser may be used to dispense tape while holding the scissors and without having to put the scissors down. This use is compact, more efficient, saves time, and prevents the cumbersome task of having to constantly put down and pick up two different objects, i.e., the scissors and a tape dispenser.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the user may hold the scissors with one hand while the other free hand may be used to pull and cut a swath of tape from the integrated tape dispenser.

[0011] Another aspect of this invention is to construct the scissors and a dispenser in such a manner that the unitary construction apparatus can be placed on a plane surface with the scissor blades in an upright position ready for use. That is, at rest, the blades on the scissors are oriented in a ready to cut position that is perpendicular to the surface on which it is located. The bottom surface of the lower scissor handle preferably has a flat footprint incorporated into the lower scissor handle so the scissor tape dispenser may stand upright with the scissor blades perpendicular to the surface the flat foot of the lower scissor handle is resting upon. As such, the scissor tape dispenser may now sit on top of the user's desk, together, as one useful unitary tool. [0012] According to yet another aspect of this invention, the roll on the tape is preferably reusable. When the user finishes a roll of tape, the user may easily remove the used roll out of the dispenser, and install a new roll.

[0013] Various types of materials may be dispensed by the scissor tape dispenser, including for example, an adhesive tape, ribbon, and the like. The dispensing material of this invention may be a single contiguous roll cut by a cutting implement integrated

therewith or the dispensing material may be pre cut into predetermined usable lengths and consolidated onto the dispensing roll.

[0014] A further object of this invention is to adapt the scissor tape dispenser for various different types of cutting blades, including, but not limited to for example, cutting scissors for sports medicine professionals, and designed in such a way that different types of blades may be switched out depending on the cutting application.

[0015] Yet another aspect of this invention is to provide a cradle (or storage receptacle) including a storage slot into which the blades of the scissor tape dispenser are received. The cradle may include a tray or storage compartments for receiving various items, such as a plurality of paperclips, a spare roll of tape, a note pad, tacks, a pen, and/or any other suitable material.

[0016] These and other objects, features, and/or advantages may accrue from various aspects of embodiments of the present invention, as described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the following figures.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates another view of the exploded isometric combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows another isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 depicts an isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus including a dual material dispenser in accordance with this invention. [0023] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded isometric view of another combination scissor tape dispenser including an alternative blade in accordance with this invention. [0024] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser including the alternative blade in accordance with this invention.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a different view of the exploded isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser including the alternative blade in accordance with this invention.

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of a combination scissor tape dispenser including a tape dispenser in an alternative position in accordance with this invention.

[0027] FIG. 10 depicts another isometric angle of the combination scissor tape dispenser including the tape dispenser in the alternative position in accordance with this invention.

[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser including the tape dispenser in an alternative position with the cover removed in accordance with this invention.

[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser including the tape dispenser in an alternative position with the tape removed in accordance with this invention.

[0030] FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser disposed within a cradle in accordance with this invention.

[0031] FIG. 14 illustrates another isometric view from a different angle of the combination scissortape dispenser disposed within the cradle in accordance with this invention.

[0032] FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser removed from the cradle in accordance with this invention.

[0033] FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser disposed within the cradle in accordance with this invention.

[0034] FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded isometric view of another embodiment for a combination scissor tape dispenser in accordance with this invention.

[0035] FIG. 18 illustrates a rear view of a tape dispenser cover in accordance with this invention.

[0036] FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view showing an alignment groove disposed on the edge of the tape dispenser cover according to this invention.

[0037] FIG. 20 shows a forward facing isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

[0038] FIG. 21 shows a rear facing isometric view of the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

[0039] FIG. 22 depicts a top view of the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

[0040] FIG. 23 shows left side view of the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

[0041] FIG. 24 shows right side view of the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

[0042] FIG. 25 depicts a bottom view of the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

[0043] FIG. 26 shows a left side view of another alternative embodiment for the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

[0044] FIG. 27 illustrates a left side view of yet another alternative embodiment for the combination scissor tape dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS [0045] Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the figures.

[0046] The present invention remedies the problems associated with current scissor an ^° d tape dispenser devices in several ways. First, the scissors and tape dispenser are integrated into one unit. Therefore, when one locates the scissors, the tape dispenser is also located, and vice versa. The functionality of neither the scissors nor tape dispenser is compromised by the integration of the scissor and tape dispenser as a single integral unit.

[0047] This invention also eliminates the problem of putting the scissors down in order to pick up a tape dispenser, and vice versa. Simultaneously, the tape dispenser can be used to dispense tape while holding the scissors and without having to put the scissors down. This is accomplished because while one hand holds the scissors, the other is free hand can pull and cut tape from a tape dispenser incorporated into the scissors. [0048] In operation, the actual taping action can be performed by using the thumb used to grasp the scissors and the "free" hand; thereby allowing one hand to cut and the other hand to tape without monotonously picking up and putting the scissors down. This invention allows the user to be more efficient, save time, and prevent the user from having to constantly switch between picking up and putting down a pair of scissors and a tape dispenser.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment, the scissor tape dispenser may now be used as a "stand alone" object. The construction of the scissor tape dispenser of this

invention can be stored in plain sight and ready for use; similar to an office type standalone tape dispenser because the bottom of the lower scissor handle preferably has a flat foot incorporated into the scissor tape dispenser to allow the scissor tape dispenser to stand upright with the scissor blades parallel to the surface it is resting upon. The scissors and tape may now sit on top of the user's desk, together, as one useful tool. [0050] In addition, the tape roll preferably is reusable. When the user finishes a roll of tape, the user simply pulls the used roll out of the dispenser, and installs a new roll. This eliminates the throw-away disposable Tape dispenser, and saves the consumer money because now the user only needs to buy new rolls. Thus, less waste is produced and, at the same time, money is saved. With reference to the drawings and in more detail, the scissor tape dispenser will now be described.

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded isometric view of a combination scissor tape dispenser 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The scissor tape dispenser 10 includes a pair of blades 11 defined as a first elongated cutting member 12 and a . second elongated cutting member 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 -4, the scissor blades 11 may be standard scissor blades. Preferably, the angle of blades 11 is unchanged from the blade 11 to handle.

[0052] The scissor handle 16 of the invention has been re-configured to accommodate a tape dispenser portion 30 as will be described in more detail below. In particular, the scissor handle 16 includes two handle portions 18 and 20. The first handle portion 18 is rigidly connected to the first elongated cutting member 12. The second handle portion 20 is rigidly connected to the second elongated cutting member 14. The first handle portion 18 includes a first looped portion 22. Similarly, the second handle portion 20 includes a second looped portion 24.

[0053] The scissor handle 16 may be made from a variety of different materials, including but not limited to, a polymer, a metal, a rubber, and/or any other type of material suitable to be used as a scissor handle. Another aspect of this invention is to modularly construct the scissors so that cutting blades of the scissor tape dispenser can be interchangeable and swapped out for various other types of implements, such as gauze cutting shears, electrical wire cutting and stripping shears, metal cutting shears, and the like.

[0054] FIGS. 1 -4 depict in various angles, an integrated tape dispenser 30. The tape dispenser 30 includes a tape dispenser housing 31 integrated into the second handle portion 20 of the scissor tape dispenser 10. The first handle portion 18 is shown

ergonomically modified in construction to rest on top of the tape dispenser housing 31 on the second handle portion 20 when the blades 11 are closed. The through-hole of the first looped portion 22 in the first handle portion 18 is also shown ergonomically configured to suit the hand of a user. That is, for comfort, the first looped portion 22 (or thumb hole position) is substantially similarly located in position to a traditional pair of scissors.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, a bottom surface 18a of the first handle portion 18 is contoured to extend over the outer mating top portion 20a surface of the tape dispensing housing 31. A stop tab 36 is suitably disposed on the bottom surface 18a to abut adjacent to a top portion 20a of the tape dispenser housing 31. The stop tab 36 may be designed slightly advanced forward toward the scissor blades 11. The stop tab 36 may take a variety of different configurations depending on the construction of the scissor tape dispenser 10.

[0056] By way of example, FIG. 12, shows the stop tab 36a being configured as a curved portion in the tape dispenser housing 31. According to this figure, an outermost curved portion is defined by the stop lobed-tab 36a that rests against the second handle portion 20 when the scissor tape dispenser 300 is in a closed position as shown in FIGS. 9-10.

[0057] According to this invention, the tape dispenser 30 may be integrated on the handle 16 at various locations. As depicted in FIGS. 1 -4, the tape dispenser housing 31 is disposed on the second handle portion 20 between the second looped portion 24 and second elongated cutting member 14. A through-hole 26 is disposed central to the tape dispenser housing 31 and may be configured to receive at least one of the user's fingers, such as an index finger. In operation, the user may simultaneously grip the second looped portion 24 and the through-hole 26 with one hand to maintain better control of the scissor tape dispenser 10.

[0058] In more detail, the tape dispenser 30 includes a wide flat tape dispenser housing 31 having a central reel 34 defining a central through-hole 26, a cutting implement 40, a tape 32 wrapped around a roll 33 and a removable cover 28. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cover 28 may be removed to replace the tape 32 recessed within the tape dispenser housing 31 when the tape 32 requires replacement. In assembly, the roll 33 of the tape 32 is centrally disposed around the reel 34 and the cover 28 is secured to the tape dispenser housing 31 with a fastener 29. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, in operation

the tape 32 is fed through an opening in the tape dispenser housing 31 toward the cutting implement 40 where a swath can be cut from the tape 32. [0059] The removable cover 28 of the tape dispenser 30 is constructed to enable the reel of tape 32 (and/or other dispensing materials) tojDβ quickly and easily replaced within the tape dispenser housing 31. The removable cover 28 may include a plurality of aligning ridges, seams and/or the like (not shown) which align and secure the removable cover 28 in an operable position over the reel of tape 32 and around the reel 34. In position, a fastener 29 is disposed through ^" an alignment hole 29a and secured to the flat tape dispenser housing 31. Although shown as a threaded fastener, the fastener 29 may be any type of suitable fastening mechanism, such as a clip, a latch, a button and the like.

[0060] The material being dispensed from the reel of tape 32 may be selected from a variety of adhesives and/or materials. For example, the tape 32 used with the scissor tape dispenser 10 may range in material from an adhesive tape, to a non-adhesive tape, such as gauze, ribbon, a polymer, rubber, twine, a measuring tape, string and/or any other type of material capable of being wound around the reel 34. [0061] According to another aspect of this invention, the material dispensed from the reel of tape 32 may be wrapped onto the roll 33 in a variety of different ways. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the tape 32 may be pre cut into predetermined usable swath lengths 32a (as shown in perforated hidden lines) and consolidated onto the roll 33 at the time of manufacture. According to this exemplary embodiment, the pre cut material being dispensed does not have to be cut into lengths by the cutting implement 40.

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates another aspect of this invention in which multiple tape rolls 32b of a material may be dispensed from the tape dispenser housing 31. That is, the tape dispenser by the scissor tape dispenser 10 may accept multiple rolls of material about the reel 34. As shown, the scissor tape dispenser 10 includes a multiple tape rolls 32b wrapped around the tape dispensing reel 34. Each of the individual tape portions of the multiple tape rolls 32b may be dispensed simultaneously or individually as desired. [0063] Referring back to FIGS. 1 -4, the lower portion of the second handle portion 20 that rests on for example, a desk surface, may be constructed with a wide flat lower scissor handle base 20b. The advantage of this construction is that the scissor tape dispenser 10 may sit at rest on a surface in an upward position in which the flat sides of the blades 11 stand vertically upright perpendicular to the surface on which the scissor

tape dispenser 10 is placed. The benefit of this construction is that the scissor tape dispenser 10 is positioned upright and in a ready to cut position. The bottom of the lower scissor handle preferably has a flat footprint incorporated into the scissor tape dispenser 10. As such, the scissor tape dispenser 10 may sit ready for use on top of the user's desk, as a single useful unitary tool.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the cutting implement 40 is provided at the peripheral end of the handle portion (second handle portion 20) including the tape dispenser housing 31 to cut a swath of tape from the reel of tape 32 (or tapes 32a). The cutting implement 40 includes a plurality of sharp serrated edges used for cutting a swath of tape 32 from the tape dispenser 30. It is to be understood that various types of cutting implements may be employed in accordance with this invention which are now know or later discovered.

[0065] Furthermore, it is an object of this invention to provide a safety guard (not shown) to cover the cutting implement 40. For example, the cutting implement 40 may be designed similar to a conventional packing tape dispenser gun which may include an "automatic tape cutter." In use, the cutting implement is concealed until a pressure is applied to cutting implement 40 which in response a cutting implement automatically cuts the tape 32.

[0066] The scissor tape dispenser 10 is adapted to work in conjunction with a variety of different types of scissor style implements, such as for example, cutting shears used in the medical field, cutting shears by sports medicine professionals, electrical wire strippers in which an electrical tape may be integrated, metal cutting shears, and the like. In more detail, the blades of the electrical wire cutting and stripping shears may include a section for stripping various gauge wires and a section for cutting the wire as conventionally implemented in typical electrical wire cutting and stripping shears. Likewise, the blades of the electrical wire cutting and stripping shears may be interchanged into the scissor tape dispenser of this invention. In the alternative, the handle and the electrical wire cutting and stripping blades may be constructed as a unitary structure including a dispenser for electrical tape, or the like. [0067] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate isometric views of a medical scissor tape dispenser 200 depicting an alternative set of blades (including a blunt nose on the first elongated cutting member 12) used for example in medical and sports medicine applications. FIG. 6 illustrates the versatility of this invention being applicable to a variety of cutting implements. It is to be understood that the medical scissor tape dispenser 200 shown in

FIGS. 6-8 include the features and functionality of the scissor tape dispenser 10 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-5. The medical scissor tape dispenser 200 illustrates a modified set of blades 11a. Likewise, an alternative material tape 32a (such as an athletic tape, gauze, or the like) is wrapped around the roll 33 that is to be dispensed in according to this embodiment.

[0068] In FIGS. 1-8, the reel of tape 32, 32a is shown housed in a tape dispenser housing 31 located on the lower handle portion 20 between the second elongated cutting member 14 and the second looped portion 24. However, it is also to be understood that the placement of the tape dispenser 30 integrated onto the scissor tape dispenser is versatile and may be located at any position. For example, the tape dispenser 30 may be integrated into the handle, or onto the blades 11 , 11a of the scissor tape dispenser. [0069] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate the tape dispenser housing 31 of the tape dispenser 30 being constructed as part of the upper handle portion 18 of the modified handle 160. According to this exemplary embodiment, the tape dispenser housing 31 is constructed around the first 22 looped portion on the upper handle portion 18. It is further understood that the scissor tape dispenser 300 shown in FIGS. 9-12 includes the features and functionality of the scissor tape dispensers 10, 200 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-8. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the removal of the cover 28 and reel of tape 32 of the scissor tape dispenser 300.

[0070] FIGS. 13-16 depict a cradle 50 (or storage receptacle) capable of being used in accordance with this invention. As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the blades 11 of the scissor tape dispenser 10 are received in a front-entry slot 52. The front-entry slot 52 is configured to receive the blade of the scissor tape dispenser 10. [0071] FIGS. 15 and 16 depict the blades 11 of the scissor tape dispenser 10 being slid into the side-open slot 53 from an open side of the cradle 50. However, the side- open slot 53 may be constructed as a front-entry slot 52 as shown in FIGS. 13-14 into which the cradle 50 directly receives the blades 11 inserted into the front-entry slot 52 in the forward side 54 of the cradle 50. As shown in the storage position in FIGS. 13-14 and 16, the cradle 50 may be designed to allow the tape 32 to be dispensed while the scissor tape dispenser 10 remains firmly secured to the cradle 50. [0072] The cradle 50 may be constructed in variety of different ways and may be adapted for a plurality of uses. FIGS. 13-16 illustrate the cradle 50 including a tray 56 for receiving various items, such as a plurality of paperclips, and the like. Other uses the cradle can provide may include, for example, holding a spare tape 32, holding a pen and

note pad, and/or any other suitable material and/or function aligned with using scissors, a tape dispenser and/or other office equipment.

[0073] FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment for an exploded isometric view of a combination scissor tape dispenser 400 in accordance with this invention. As before, the scissor tape dispenser 400 includes a pair of blades 11 defined as a first elongated cutting member 12 and a second elongated cutting member 14.

[0074] The scissor blades 11 may be standard scissor blades and/or some modification thereof. Typically, two types of scissor blades are made commercially available. As shown in FIG.1 , a first type of blade depicts a first elongated cutting member extension 12a that angles upward at approximately the pivot point 8 where the two cutting members 12, 14 intersect. The second elongated cutting member extension

14a does not substantially angle upward and extends without a bend beyond the intersecting pivot point 8. One aspect of this invention is to integrate standard off the shelf scissor blades 11 with this invention. Likewise, it is also possible to have the scissor blades 11 specially tailored to fit the configuration of the various embodiments of this invention.

[0075] As before, the scissor blades 11 of the scissor tape dispenser are interchangeable and may be swapped out for various other types of implements, such as gauze cutting shears, electrical wire cutting and stripping shears, metal cutting shears, and the like.

[0076] Referring back to FIG. 17, the scissor handle 116 has been configured to accommodate a modified tape dispenser portion 130 as will be described in more detail below. The scissor handle 116 includes two handle portions 118 and 120. The first handle portion 1 18 extends over the first elongated cutting member extension 12a (as can be seen in FIG. 1). The advantage of constructing the first handle portion 118 to extend over the first elongated cutting member extension 12a is to provide better stability and to strengthen the connection of the first handle portion 118 by extending it back to the pivot point 8.

[0077] As before, the second handle portion 120 is rigidly connected to the second elongated cutting member 14 through the tape dispenser housing 31. The first handle portion 118 includes a first looped portion 22, and the second handle portion 120 includes a second looped portion 24.

[0078] FIGS. 21 , 23 and 25 illustrate an alternative foot stand 122 provided to assist the wide flat lower scissor handle base 20b of the scissor tape dispenser 400 in sitting in

an upright position while resting on a flat surface. The foot stand 122 includes a flat edge 124 adapted to sit flat against the flat surface.

[0079] FIGS. 17 and 20-27 depict in various angles, an integrated tape dispenser 130. The tape dispenser 130 includes a tape dispenser housing 31 integrated into the second handle portion 120 of the scissor tape dispenser 10. As best shown in FIGS. 20 and 23-27, the first handle portion 118 is shown ergonomically modified in construction to surround the tape dispenser 130 and to rest on top of the tape dispenser housing 31 on the second handle portion 120 when the blades 11 are closed. As shown in FIG. 1 , a stop tab 36 may be added to align the fist handle portion 118 over the tape dispenser housing 31 in this embodiment.

[0080] The through-hole of the first looped portion 22 in the first handle portion 118 is also shown ergonomically configured to suit the hand of a user. That is, for comfort, the first looped portion 22 (or thumb hole position) is substantially similarly located in position to a traditional pair of scissors. Likewise, the index finger may be placed through the central through-hole 26, and the remaining fingers of the user may be comfortably slid into the second looped portion 24 in the first handle portion 118. It is an object of this invention to optimally position the through-hole of the first looped portion 22, the central through-hole 26, and the second looped portion 24 so that the user may comfortably grasp and operate the combination scissor tape dispenser 400 in a cutting manner. [0081] FIGS. 23 and 26-27 illustrate that the position of the through-hole of the first looped portion 22 in the first handle portion 118, the central through-hole 26, and the second looped portion 24 in the second handle portion 120 may all be modified in a variety of different configurations. For example, in FIG. 23, the first looped portion 22, the central through-hole 26, and the second looped portion 24 are shown in a first configuration. In FIGS. 26 and 27, the first looped portion 22, the central through-hole 26, and the second looped portion 24 are shown in a second and a third exemplary configuration.

[0082] In use, another object of this invention is to cut through a piece of material nearly effortlessly and without the lower surface of the scissor tape dispenser 400 getting caught up in the way of the material being cut. Likewise, the lower surface of the scissor tape dispenser 400, that is, primarily composed of the lower surface of the blades 11 , the lower end of the tape housing 31 and the lower end of the second handle portion 120 may be configured in a plurality of different ways. An obstruction disposed on the lower surface may cause the material being cut to get caught up on along the lower surface of

the scissor tape dispenser 400 if the lower surface includes irregular obstructions. One example would be the tape dispenser housing 31 and/or the second handle portion 120 hanging too low below a plane substantially defined by the lower end of the blades 11. As shown in each of the FIGS. 23-24 and 26- 27, the lower surface of the scissor tape dispenser 400 is substantially smooth and does not include irregular and/or unsmooth obstructions that would cause the material being cut to get caught up during the cutting operation.

[0083] FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 depict another exemplary embodiment in which the tape dispenser housing 31 includes an alternative configuration for removal of the tape 32 from behind the cover 128. As shown in exploded view in FIG. 17, the cover 128 is attached by a rotatable fastener 29 through an alignment hole 29a and is secured to a pivot 127. The cover 128 is constructed to rotate about the pivot 127 into an open (as shown counter-clockwise) and a closed (as shown clockwise) position. The cover 128 includes a raised guide 129 into which a finger may be positioned to grip the cover 128 in a counter-clockwise, or clockwise, direction in order to open and close the cover 128 so that access to the tape 32 contained within the tape dispenser housing 130 may be gained by the user.

[0084] FIGS. 17-19 illustrate an exemplary securing mechanism in accordance with this invention. It is to be understood that various securing mechanisms may be integrated in order to secure the cover 128 over the tape dispenser housing 130. Although various may be employed, the securing mechanism shown in FIG. 19 illustrates an alignment groove 132 disposed on an edge of the cover 128. FIG. 17 depicts a mating protrusion 134 being constructed on an edge of an internal surface of the tape dispenser housing 31. FIG. 18 further discloses a raised alignment protrusion 136 adapted to be aligned and secured to an upper lip 31a on the tape dispenser housing 31 when the cover 128 is in a closed position.

[0085] In operation, a user may place a finger on the guide 129 and may rotate the cover 128 counter-clockwise to open the cover 128 to expose and remove the tape 32. After the tape 32 has been replaced, the user may place a finger back on the guide 129 and may rotate the cover 128 clockwise to close the cover 128 back over the tape 32 securing it within the tape dispenser housing 130. To secure the cover to the tape dispenser housing 31 , the mating protrusion 134 on an edge of an internal surface of the tape dispenser housing 31 is lined up between the recess in the alignment groove 132

and the raised alignment protrusion 136 is snapped into place against the upper lip 31a formed by the tape dispenser housing 31.

[0086] FIGS. 17, 20-21 and 27 best illustrate another exemplary illustration for a cutting implement 140. The cutting implement 140 is provided to cut a swath of tape from the reel of tape 32 and is located on top of the second handle portion 120. The cutting implement 140 includes a plurality of sharp serrated edges 142 used for cutting a swath of tape 32 from the tape dispenser 130. As shown, a safety guard 144 is constructed to guard the sharp serrated edges 142 of the cutting implement 140. As shown in FIG. 27, the guard 144 of the cutting implement 140 may also be used as a stop on top of which the looped portion 22 of the upper handle portion 118 may rest in a closed position, thereby covering the sharp serrated edges 142 of the cutting implement 140.

[0087] It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the various embodiments shown above for the exemplary scissor tape dispensers 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 are scaleable. That is, the various scissor tape dispensers and the components thereon may be enlarged or reduced in size to fit the size of a large or small hand. The various scissor tape dispensers 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 may be enlarged and made substantially more sturdy to cut through tougher materials, such as leather, metal and/or thicker materials. Likewise, the various scissor tape dispensers 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 may be reduced in size and adapted for use by a person with a smaller hand, such as a child. [0088] It is also within the scope of this invention to integrate various other features and/or components in combination with the scissor tape dispensers 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, such as for example, by integrating a stapler, a magnet or other paperclip holder mechanism, a tape measurer, a receptacle for dispensing a swath of tape, and/or any other feature commonly employed in combination with the use of a pair of scissors, and a tape dispenser that is now known or later disclosed in accordance with this invention. [0089] It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the various embodiments shown above, changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It is understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment which is described, but is intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention.