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Tape dispenser with cutter assembly and braking mechanism

  • US 10,017,349 B2
  • Filed: 10/20/2015
  • Issued: 07/10/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/26/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of using a tape dispenser comprising:

  • providing a tape dispenser having a first side member with an interior surface and a second side member with an interior surface; and

    a cutter assembly at a front end of the tape dispenser located between the interior surfaces;

    wherein the cutter assembly comprises a base extending between the first and second side members;

    said base having a front region disposed at the front end of the tape dispenser;

    wherein the front region is oriented substantially vertical with respect to a top edge of each of the first and second side members; and

    wherein the top edges are located adjacent the base;

    wherein the front region has a first end and a second end, and a row of plastic teeth extending upwardly and outwardly from the front region; and

    wherein the row of plastic teeth at least a first tooth, a second tooth and a third tooth, wherein the second tooth is adjacent the first tooth and the third tooth is adjacent the second tooth, and wherein each of the first, second and third teeth includes a left front face disposed in a first plane where the first plane is oriented at a first angle relative to the front region of the base;

    a right front face disposed in a second plane where the second plane is oriented at a second angle relative to the front region of the base;

    wherein the left and right front faces meet along a single central front edge and the first plane is angled relative to the second plane; and

    the front edge extends upwardly from the front region of the base and each of the left and right front faces angles rearwardly away from the front edge;

    a left rear face disposed in a third plane; and

    a right rear face disposed in a fourth plane; and

    wherein the left and right rear faces are angled relative to each other and meet along a single central rear edge and wherein the third and fourth planes are angled relative to each other and the left and right rear faces angle forwardly away from the rear edge; and

    wherein the rear edge is opposite the front edge; and

    wherein the first, second, third and fourth planes intersect each other at a discrete point and which point forms an uppermost tip of the tooth; and

    wherein a length of the central rear edge is shorter than a length of the central front edge;

    providing a rotational element including a length of Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) BOPP tape;

    engaging the rotational element in the dispenser so that the rotational element is located between the interior surfaces of the first and second sides and rearwardly of the cutter assembly and so that the rotational element is rotatable about an axis extending at right angles to the interior surfaces;

    withdrawing a length of tape from the rotational element by rotating the rotational element around the axis;

    applying a braking mechanism to the rotating rotational element; and

    slowing or stopping rotation of the rotational element andsevering a desired length of the (BOPP) tape using the row of plastic teeth on the cutter assembly.

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