Hand-held electric tape dispenser

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to ergonomically improving the stability and efficiency of a tape dispenser during a taping process. This is accomplished by moving the center of gravity toward the front end of the tape dispenser to the location of the main roller. This can be accomplished by placing the motor and gear components within the main roller of the tape dispenser. The operation of the tape dispenser (e.g., the taping and cutting process) is controlled by the direction of rotation of the motor and the interaction of the various components with the one-way bearings. The motor and gear components within the main roller drive the motorized cutting member, such that the production cost of the tape dispenser is reduced by utilizing the same motor and space is saved by eliminating the need for additional motors and gear components.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63177380, filed on April 20, 2021. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an electric tape dispenser that dispenses and cuts tape at a desired speed. Background Technology

[0004] Generally, handheld tape dispensers using lightweight rollers require the user to further flatten the tape on a surface to completely seal the carton.

[0005] In prior art (US Patent 10,549,941), electric tape dispensers utilize a motor to dispense tape when activated by the user. The user simply holds the handheld electric tape dispenser and positions it as desired; a motor-driven moving roller then moves the dispenser in the direction guided by the user's hand. Compared to manual handheld tape dispensers, electric tape dispensers are faster and more efficient tools, thereby increasing worker productivity. However, one problem with electric dispensers is an ergonomic challenge: improper placement of electrical and mechanical components (additional weight) can shift the dispenser's center of gravity, significantly affecting the tape application process. For example, at high speeds, the electric tape dispenser may sway left or right due to poor weight distribution caused by improper placement of heavier components. This increases the risk of wrist injury for the user after prolonged use. If the tip of the dispenser is lighter than the rest of the body, roller slippage may occur due to insufficient friction required for the roller to maintain continuous contact with the target surface and further pull the tape from the adapter. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention generally relates to improving the stability and efficiency of a tape dispenser in an ergonomic manner during tape application. This is achieved by shifting the center of gravity towards the front end of the tape dispenser, towards the main roller. This can be achieved by placing heavier components (e.g., metal parts) near the front of the tape dispenser. With this invention, the motor and gear components are housed within the main roller of the tape dispenser. In this case, the center of gravity has already shifted towards the main roller, thus ensuring that most of the dispenser's weight falls on the target object. Ideally, the heavier components are placed within the main roller, as placing them anywhere outside the main roller would increase production costs and affect the aesthetics of the dispenser's overall shape. This ideal position reduces the force applied to the user's wrist and generates better friction for the roller's movement on the surface of the target object. As the weight of the main roller increases, the pressure applied to the tape is evenly distributed during tape application. The roller's movement simultaneously guides and pulls the tape smoothly, making the tape application process effortless. Furthermore, the heat generated by the motor may be dispersed onto the main roller, creating a thermal effect that improves the adhesion of heat-sensitive tape. Once the required length of tape has been dispensed, it can be cut via an attached electric cutter without manual intervention. The cutting mechanism is triggered by a trigger located on a shaft on the handle. Once triggered, the cutting mode or cutting process is activated. The electric cutter is driven by a motor and gear assembly within the main roller. This reduces the production cost of the tape dispenser by utilizing the same motor and saves space by eliminating the need for additional motors and gear assemblies.

[0007] It should be understood that the application of this invention is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description and shown in the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments of the invention may be available, or it may be implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a tape dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a tape dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the handle housing has been removed.

[0010] Figure 3 The tape dispenser of the present invention is shown, wherein a main roller, a rotating cap, and a roller seat are shown.

[0011] Figure 4 The tape dispenser of the present invention is shown, wherein a rotating cap, a gear component, and a roller seat are illustrated.

[0012] Figure 5 The tape dispenser of the present invention is shown, wherein gear components and roller seats are shown.

[0013] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the tape dispenser of the present invention, showing the roller seat, motor, gear set and rotating cap.

[0014] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the tape dispenser of the present invention, showing the roller seat, motor, gear set, rotating cap and main roller.

[0015] Figure 8 A second embodiment of the main roller of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figure 9 The main roller of the present invention is shown, wherein a one-way bearing, an output shaft, and a hub are shown.

[0017] Figure 10 The tape dispenser of the present invention is shown, wherein a battery, circuitry, shearing drive, and cutter are illustrated.

[0018] Figure 11 The tape dispenser of the present invention is shown, wherein the central hub of the cutting mechanism, the mechanical linkage, and the cutting element are shown in the retracted position.

[0019] Figure 12 The tape dispenser of the present invention is shown, wherein the central hub of the cutting mechanism, the mechanical linkage, and the cutting element are shown in the extended position.

[0020] Figure 13 The tape dispenser of the present invention is shown, wherein a gear train, a rack, and a cutter are illustrated.

[0021] Figure 14 The tape dispenser of the present invention is shown, wherein an output shaft on a rotating cap, a first one-way bearing on a main roller, and a second one-way bearing on the central hub of the cutting mechanism are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This invention is a handheld electric tape dispenser 1 (see...) Figure 1 The handheld electric tape dispenser 1 includes a handle 10 and a frame 12 mounted inside and above the handle 10. The handle 10 is axially shaped for hand gripping and houses a battery 14 (see [link to product description]). Figure 2Button 16. The handle may also house an electronic circuit board, switch, motor, and gear components, if deemed more efficient. The main structure of frame 12 includes main roller 30, optional adapter 35, optional cutter (not shown), circuit board (not shown), motor, and gear components. The function of the motor and gear components is to drive the main roller 30 of the tape at a desired speed. This speed can be controlled by an optional speed controller circuit board (not shown). Adapter 35 is mounted on and rotates about shaft 33 while supporting a roll of tape 31 thereon. Frame 12 may be available in various designs, sizes, and shapes. Handle 10 can be positioned anywhere in the tape dispenser and may be available in various designs, sizes, and shapes.

[0023] The main function of the main roller 30 is to control the unwinding of the conveyor belt 31 with the support of the conveyor belt guide 3, and to press the conveyor belt 31 onto a surface as dispensing proceeds. The main roller 30 is a hollow roller with an open end. One end of the main roller 30 is connected to the roller plate 7. The roller plate 7 is further connected to the frame 12 via the shaft 29. Roller seat 60 (see...) Figure 3 The main roller 30 surrounds the gear set 19. The roller holder 60 is a hollow roller that holds the gear set 19 in place (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0024] Ambient temperature is one of the factors affecting the tape application process. Higher ambient temperatures result in better adhesion to the target object compared to application at lower ambient temperatures. Especially in cold weather, higher temperatures accelerate the adhesive reaction when the main roller 30 comes into contact with the tape 31. The roller holder 60 is preferably made of a thermally conductive material to allow the heat generated by the motor 18 to be evenly distributed across the body of the main roller 30. To further facilitate heat transfer from the roller holder 60 to the main roller 30, a heat-conducting component can be added between the roller holder 60 and the main roller 30. Optional heating elements powered by the motor 18 or the battery 14 can be added to the main roller 30 or the roller holder 60 to accelerate the heating process on the main roller 30.

[0025] The gear component consists of gear set 19 (see...) Figure 4 It consists of a rotating cap 20 and a motor 18. The rotating cap 20 is a disc including a lower protrusion 63 and an upper protrusion 62. The upper protrusion 62 engages with the hole 39 of the hub 44 (see...). Figure 3 The main roller 30 rotates, and the lower convex piece 63 engages with the eyelet 26 of the gear set 19. It should be noted that the rotating cap 20 can be of any size and shape, as long as it achieves the same effect described above. In this case, the gear set 19 is a planetary gear set consisting of multiple gear components, an input gear 24a, a central gear 25a, planetary gears 24b and 25b, and a ring gear 25c (see...). Figure 5 and 6 ). Figure 6The diagram shows that the shaft of motor 18 is connected to input gear 24a, which, when motor 18 is energized, triggers the movement of gear set 19. It should be noted that gear set 19 can be any type of gear, as long as it achieves the same effect described above. Motor 18 is powered by battery 14 via wiring system 5 (see...). Figure 1 In order to activate the motor 18 of the tape dispenser 1, the button 16 must be placed in the "on" position to form a complete circuit.

[0026] The placement of the motor and gear components increases the total weight of the main roller 30 of the tape dispenser 1, resulting in a shift of the tape dispenser 1's center of gravity towards the main roller 30. During tape application, the weight of the main roller 30 transforms the tape dispenser 1 into an effective front-load compressor. This additional weight not only effectively distributes the pressure applied to the tape evenly during application but also generates better friction for the roller's movement on the target object's surface. The roller's movement simultaneously guides and pulls the tape 31 smoothly from the adapter 35. The user can then effortlessly guide the tape dispenser further in the desired direction by holding the handle 10.

[0027] During tape application, the user places the tape dispenser 1 on the surface of an object (e.g., a cardboard box). The user then engages the button 16 on the handle's shaft. Button 16 is connected to a circuit board. This action forms a complete circuit. A motor 18 (see [link to circuit board]) is powered by battery 14 through input terminal 17. Figure 7 The gear at gear set 19 is activated and rotated, which further causes the rotating cap 20 to move in a circular motion, which in turn drives the main roller 30 to pull the tape from the adapter 35, while simultaneously driving the tape dispenser 1 in the direction guided by the user. Button 16 is preferably arranged along the axis of the handle so that it is in a position easily activated and deactivated by the fingers of the user holding the handle.

[0028] Alternatively, the main roller can be designed to have multiple sections, such as... Figure 8 As shown. The middle section 50 is a smooth section used for conveying and compressing the tape 31 during operation, while the left and right sections 51 are designed for gripping when the roller is driven over the surface of the package. It should be noted that the main roller 30 and roller holder 60 can have a variety of designs, materials, sizes, and shapes. It should also be noted that the main roller can be designed as a single piece and use the same material and surface texture, as long as it allows the tape 31 to adhere smoothly while providing good traction for the tape dispenser to roll over the surface of the object.

[0029] The tape dispenser 1 is equipped with a simple mechanical adapter instead of being motor-driven. In this case, the adapter 35 rotates passively because the work of pulling the tape 31 is applied only to the main roller. Alternatively, a power-driven main roller 30 can be applied to the adapter 35. In this case, during tape application, the motor of the adapter 35 is powered by the battery 14 and causes rotational motion, which in turn conveys the tape 31 to the main roller 30. It should be noted that the adapter 35 can have various designs, materials, sizes, and shapes. The adapter 35 can have various forms and designs, but is not limited to rods, rollers, and spring spindles. The tape 31 can be in various material forms, including but not limited to films, shrink wrap, vinyl resin, polyvinyl chloride, paper, rubber, and silicone.

[0030] When the desired length of tape is dispensed, the tape 31 can be cut by the cutting mechanism. This cutting mechanism can be of various designs, materials, sizes, and shapes, and can operate in different ways, as long as it can cooperate with the tape dispenser for cutting operations. The user places the tape 31 under the cutter and pushes the handle of the tape dispenser toward the tape's adhesive surface to manually cut the tape. Alternatively, the manually operated cutter can be replaced by a power-driven cutter 93 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 10 The power-driven cutting mechanism is triggered by a trigger 97 located on the shaft of the handle. Once triggered, it activates the cutting mode or cutting process. This cutting mode is managed by the cutting circuit controller 37 of the tape dispenser 1.

[0031] During the tape application process, the upper tab 62 (in) Figure 4 (as shown in the image) will be with hub 44 (in Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) engagement, and while the output shaft 40 moves freely, it causes the main roller 30 to rotate in the forward (clockwise) direction. During the cutting process, the motor 18 rotates in the reverse (counterclockwise) direction, which causes the main roller 30 to also rotate in the reverse direction. The reverse movement of the main roller 30 causes the one-way bearing 42 (see diagram) to engage, and while the output shaft 40 moves freely, it causes the main roller 30 to rotate in the forward (clockwise) direction. Figure 9 The one-way bearing 42 engages with the output shaft 40. The one-way bearing 42 is designed to transmit torque between the main roller 30 and the output shaft 40. When the main roller 30 rolls in the forward direction, the one-way bearing 42 allows the output shaft 40 to remain free-moving. When the main roller 30 rolls in the reverse direction, the one-way bearing 42 engages with the output shaft 40 and rotates it, while the output shaft 40, in turn, causes the cutting mechanism's central hub 95 (see...) to rotate. Figure 10Simultaneously, the cutting mechanism rotates. Once the central hub 95 is engaged and rotated, it drives the shear drive 91. The shear drive 91 consists of mechanical elements having a device that engages with the cutting element 93 and drives the cutting element 93 to reciprocate between extended and retracted positions. The mechanical elements may be, but are not limited to, belts, chains, cables, clutches, gear trains, cam and follower systems, linkages, and simple machines. The action of the shear drive 91 causes the shaped metal edge 90 mounted on the cutting element 93 to momentarily enter the path of the packaging tape and cut the tape 31. Figure 11 A shearing drive consisting of a series of mechanical linkages 92, which are composed of various interlocking components, is shown. A central hub 95 of the cutting mechanism is connected to the mechanical linkages 92 via connectors 98. These mechanical linkages are typically designed to convert a given input force and motion into a desired output force and motion. Rotation of the central hub 95 of the cutting mechanism transmits force and motion to the workpiece via the mechanical linkages 92 for the cutting operation. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The cutting element 93 is also shown in both the retracted and extended positions.

[0032] Alternatively, the shearing drive 91 may be designed with a gear train 94 that interacts with a rack 96 located on the bottom surface of the cutter 93 (see [link]). Figure 13 The central hub of the cutting mechanism is a gear. The movement of the gear on the rack causes the cutting element 93 to reciprocate between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0033] Once the cutting process completes its timed cycle, the cutting element 93 enters the retracted position and remains disengaged until the cutting operation is triggered by the trigger 97. The cutting process can also be designed to continue for a fixed time length determined by the cutting element circuit controller 37.

[0034] Alternatively, the rotation of the main roller can be achieved by driving the output shaft, rather than by the engagement of the upper protrusion 62 of the rotating cap 20 with the hub 44 of the main roller. Figure 14 As shown, the output shaft 40b is located on the surface of the rotating cap 20b. A one-way bearing 42a is installed in the hole of the main roller 30b.

[0035] During the tape application process, motor 18 rotates in the forward direction, which causes output shaft 40b to rotate. Output shaft 40b engages with one-way bearing 42a and causes main roller 30b to rotate in the forward (clockwise) direction.

[0036] A second one-way bearing 42b, rotating in the opposite direction to one-way bearing 42a, is installed in a hole in the central hub 95b of the cutting mechanism. The output shaft 40b passes through a hole in the main roller 30b and is further connected to the central hub 95b of the cutting mechanism.

[0037] During the tape application process, since the one-way bearing 42b operates in the opposite order to the one-way bearing 42a, the central hub 95b of the cutting mechanism will move freely and disengage from the shearing drive 91.

[0038] During the cutting process, motor 18 rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise), causing the rotating cap 20b and output shaft 40b to rotate counterclockwise. Simultaneously, output shaft 40b disengages from one-way bearing 42a, allowing the main roller 30b to move freely. Output shaft 40b engages with one-way bearing 42b, causing the cutting mechanism's central hub 95b to rotate. Once the cutting mechanism's central hub 95b is engaged and rotating, it drives the shear drive 91 via connector 98. The shear drive 91 then drives the cutting element 93 to reciprocate between the extended and retracted positions.

[0039] It should be noted that the shearing drive 91 can be assembled and connected in various ways, as long as it enables the cutting component 93 (see Figure 11 It reciprocates between the extended and retracted positions. The formed metal edge, trigger, output shaft, shearing mechanism center hub, and mechanical linkage can also be available in various designs, materials, sizes, and shapes.

[0040] Another aspect to note is that the adapter can be replaced by attaching tape 31 to the main roller; in this case, adapter 35 is omitted. During tape application, the user presses a button located on the shaft of the handle. This action forms a complete circuit. A battery-powered motor activates and rotates a gear set encapsulated within the main roller, which further causes the rotating cap to move in a circular motion, thereby driving the main roller to release the tape from the object's surface.

[0041] It should be understood that the application of this invention is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description and shown in the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments of the invention may be available, or it may be implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

Claims

1. A hand-held electric tape dispenser comprising: (a) at least one housing, wherein said at least one housing further extends to serve as a handle; (b) a power source attached to said housing; (c) at least one circuit powered by said power source; (d) at least one trigger connected to said circuit; (e) at least one motor component connected to said circuit; (f) at least one gear set connected to said motor component; (g) at least one rotatable roller mounted on said at least one gear set, wherein the movement of said rotatable roller is driven by said gear set; (h) at least one output shaft connected to said rotatable roller; (i) at least one adapter connected to said housing; (j) at least one shear drive connected to said housing, wherein said output shaft drives said shear drive through at least one rotating component; (k) at least one cutting element attached to said housing, wherein said shear drive drives said cutting element; (l) said gear set and motor component are enclosed by a roller housing; and (m) said roller housing is enclosed by said rotatable roller, wherein the center of gravity of said hand-held electric tape dispenser moves towards said rotatable roller. Said output shaft is connected to at least one one-way bearing.

2. The hand-held electric tape dispenser of claim 1, wherein, Said rotatable roller is connected to at least one one-way bearing.

3. The hand-held, electrically powered tape dispenser of claim 1 wherein, Said shear drive is a mechanical linkage.

4. The hand-held, electrically powered tape dispenser of claim 1 wherein, Said shear drive is a set of gear trains.

5. The hand-held, electrically powered tape dispenser of claim 1 wherein, 6. A hand-held electric tape dispenser comprising: (a) at least one housing, wherein said at least one housing further extends to serve as a handle; (b) a power source attached to said housing; (c) at least one circuit powered by said power source; (d) at least one trigger connected to said circuit; (e) at least one motor component connected to said circuit; (f) at least one gear set connected to said motor component, wherein said at least one gear set and at least one motor component are enclosed by at least one roller housing; (g) at least one rotatable roller mounted on said at least one roller housing; (i) at least one cutting element attached to said housing; and (j) said roller housing is enclosed by said rotatable roller, wherein the center of gravity of said hand-held electric tape dispenser moves towards said rotatable roller. Said cutting element is driven by at least one motor. At least one adapter is attached to said housing.

7. The hand-held, electrically powered tape dispenser of claim 6 wherein, Said cutting element is driven by at least one shear drive.

8. The hand-held, electrically powered tape dispenser of claim 6 wherein, 10. A hand-held electric tape dispenser comprising:

9. The hand-held, electrically powered tape dispenser of claim 7 wherein, (a) at least one housing, wherein said at least one housing further extends to serve as a handle; (b) a power source attached to said housing; (c) at least one circuit powered by said power source; (d) at least one trigger connected to said circuit; (e) at least one motor component connected to said circuit; (f) at least one gear set connected to said motor component, wherein said at least one gear set and at least one motor component are enclosed by at least one roller housing; (g) at least one rotatable roller mounted on said at least one roller housing; and (h) said roller housing is enclosed by said rotatable roller, wherein the center of gravity of said hand-held electric tape dispenser moves towards said rotatable roller. ​ ​ 11. The hand-held electric tape dispenser of claim 10 wherein, At least one output shaft is connected to the rotatable roller, the output shaft being connected to at least one one-way bearing.

12. The hand-held, electrically powered tape dispenser of claim 10, wherein, The rotatable roller is connected to at least one one-way bearing.

13. The hand-held, electrically powered tape dispenser of claim 10, wherein, At least one cutting member is attached to the housing, at least one shear drive member is attached to the cutting member, the shear drive member being a set of mechanical linkages.

14. The hand-held, electrically powered tape dispenser of claim 10, wherein, At least one cutting member is attached to the housing, at least one shear drive member is attached to the cutting member, the shear drive member being a set of mechanical linkages.

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