The present invention relates to tape applicators, and more particularly, to an applicator for applying and cutting of a length of tape from a supply roll.

Tape dispensers include a rotatably mounted supply roll from which a length of tape is withdrawn. The tape dispenser is usually held in one hand, while the second hand withdraws the length of tape. After withdrawing the desired length of tape, the second hand pulls the tape across a serrated cutter to separate the withdrawn tape from the supply roll. The first hand releases the dispenser and cooperates with the second hand to apply the tape to the desired location.

Some tape dispensers include a guide through which the tape passes after removal from the roll. The guide includes a serrated cutting edge proximal to the terminal end of the guide. As the dispenser is held in the first hand, the second hand applies pressure to the back side of the tape as it passes from the guide so as to adhere the tape to the workpiece. The first hand then draws the dispenser away from the adhered length of tape to unroll an increased ^\' length. The additional length is either pressed down by the second hand, or alternatively, the tension in the tape is used to contact the withdrawn length of tape to the workpiece. Upon dispensing the desired length of tape, the dispenser is twisted to draw the cutting edge through the tape. Although the guide aids in dispensing tape, the dispensers require two hands to apply a length of tape from the supply roll.

While tape dispensers having guides provide a decreased dependence on two hands to apply a length of tape, it is still necessary to use both hands to affix a length of tape to a workpiece. Therefore, a need exists for a tape applicator which can be manipulated with one hand to withdraw and apply a length of tape to a workpiece. Summary of the Invention:

The disclosed tape applicator provides for the application of a length of tape to a workpiece with one hand.

The tape applicator includes a housing for rotatably retaining a supply roll.of tape. Preferably, the housing includes a pair of parallel walls wherein the edges of the walls define an application plane and a cutting plane for selectively contacting the workpiece. The housing includes a pressure shoe having a planar surface in the application plane. The pressure shoe contacts the inert side of the tape, to engage the active side of the tape with the workpiece. The housing includes a cutter for cutting the withdrawn tape from the supply roll. Upon reorientation of the housing from the application plane to the cutting plane, the cutter engages the tape to allow for separation of the withdrawn tape. Brief Description of the Drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the tape applicator applying a length of tape to a workpiece;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the tape applicator;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view showing the applicator in a cutting orientation;

Figure 4 is a bottom plane view of the applicator;

Figure 5 is a side elevational view showing the applicator in an application orientation; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of Figure 2; and

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of Figures 5 and 6. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment: Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the tape applicator 6 of the present invention includes a housing 10, a pressure shoe 60, and a cutter 90.

Referring to Figure 6, the housing 10 retains a supply roll 12 of adhesive tape 14. The tape 14 has an active side 16, an inert side 18, and a given width W.

Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the housing 10 includes a pair of parallel walls 20, 22 separated by a distance greater than the width of the tape. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the walls define coincident peripheries, which include linear cutting edges 21 and linear application edges 23, such that the parallel cutting edges 21 define a cutting plane 25, and the parallel application edges 23 define an application plane 27. The cutting edges 21 and application edges 23 intersect forming a vertex 26. Preferably the cutting plane 25 intersects the application plane 27 at an acute angle. The remaining periphery of the walls 20, 22 are configured to provide a contoured housing for easy manipulation by the hand.

Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the housing 10 includes an exit port 40 in the application plane 27.

As shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6, the area of the application plane 27 and the configuration of the housing 10 allow orientation of the applicator 6 in a stable position on a planar workpiece. Similarly, referring to Figure 3, the cutting plane 25 defined by the housing 10 has a sufficient area such that upon orientation of the housing upon the cutting plane, the housing is in a stable position. The housing 10 includes the wall 20 formed integral with the side panels 36. Alternatively, the housing 10 may include side panels 36 extending between the periphery of the walls 20, 22 to substantially enclose the area between the walls. The wall 22 is affixed to the wall 20 by screws 24. The housing 10 includes the wall 20 formed integral with the side panels 36.

Referring to Figure 6, the housing 10 includes a traverse post 32 extending between the walls 20, 22. The post 32 is sized to engage the supply roll 12 and is affixed to the wall 20. The supply roll 12 is rotatable about the post 32 and includes core 12a and tape 14.

As shown in Figure 6, the housing 10 defines a tape path from the supply roll 12 to the exit port 40. A guide 46 defines a portion of the tape path proximal to contacts 44. The guide 46 includes a rounded surface 47 for contacting the inert side 18 of the tape 14. A finger 48 extends proximal to the rounded surface 47, such that the tape 14 passes between the finger 48 and the rounded surface 47.

Referring to Figure 6, the contacts 44 provide a restrictor assembly 42 for inhibiting retraction of the tape 14 about the supply

roll 12. The restrictor assembly 42 releasably contacts the active side 16 along an area sufficient to prevent retraction of the tape 14 about the roll 12. The restrictor assembly may include one or more line contacts 44 extending around the width of the tape.

As shown in Figures 1, 4 and 6, proximal to the vertex 26, the walls 20, 22 include recessed shoulders 28 coterminus with the application plane. As the walls 20, 22 are separated by a distance substantially equal to W, the recessed shoulders 28 increase the distance between the walls in the region of the shoulder.

Referring to Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6, the pressure shoe 60 is disposed proximal to the intersection of the cutting plane 25 and application plane 23. The pressure shoe 60 defines a planar area 64 having a width substantially equal to the width (W) of the tape 14 and a length preferably greater than one-quarter of the width of the tape. The pressure shoe 60 is oriented so that the planar area 64 is located in the application plane.

The pressure shoe also includes the cutter 90 having a blade edge 92 for cutting the tape 14.

Alternatively, the cutter 90 may be an independent element for separate replacement. The cutter 90 includes a tip 94 substantially co-terminus with the vertex 26. The blade edge 92 tapers away from the tip 94 to the side of the cutter 90.

As shown in Figure 6, the tape path extends from the supply roll 12 about the guide 46 past the finger 48 over the line contacts 44, and through the exit port 40 and under the pressure shoe 60. Alternatively, the tape may directly

pass from the supply roll past the restrictor and exit through the exit port. Operation of the Tape Applicator:

In the unattended configuration of the applicator 6, a length of tape 14 protrudes through the exit port 40 to overlie at least a portion of the pressure shoe 60. As there is minimal tension in the tape, the active side contacts the line contacts 44. Sufficient contact is made to prevent retraction of the tape 14 about the supply roll 12.

To operate the applicator 6, the applicator is disposed upon the workpiece, such that the application plane 27 is substantially coplanar with the workpiece as shown in Figures 1 and 6. The protruding length of the tape 14 is between the pressure shoe 60 and the workpiece. The pressure shoe 60 contacts the inert side 18 of the tape 14, and urges the active side 16 against the workpiece.

The applicator 6 is drawn away from the initial area of contact between the tape 14 and the workpiece. As the applicator 6 is withdrawn, the pressure shoe 60 contacts the inert side 18 of the tape 14, thereby engaging the active side 16 of the tape 14 with the workpiece. The passage of the tape 14 along the tape path produces a sufficient resistance to preclude the tape from freely playing out the exit port 40. Referring to Figures 3 and 5, upon the application of the desired length of tape 14, the applicator 6 is rotated in direction R about an axis coincident with the vertex 26 and the workpiece. The applicator 6 is rotated so that the cutting plane 25 is substantially coplanar

with the workpiece, and the housing 10 overlies the withdrawn tape as shown in Figure 3. In this position the tip 94 of the cutter 90 contacts the inert side 18 of the tape 14. Upon continued motion of the applicator 6 along the direction of the applied length of tape, the tip 94 penetrates the center of the tape 14. As the applicator is moved further the blade edge 92 severs the tape from the center to the edges. The tape applicator thereby permits the application and cutting of a length of tape to a workpiece with one hand.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described with particularity, it will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one having ordinary skill in the art upon being apprised of the present invention. It is intended to encompass all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.