Adhesive tape cutting jig assembly

Abstract

A tape cutting jig assembly (10) is provided including a main body (12) configured to rotatably receive at least one tape roll (14) therein, the main body (12) defining at least one track (16) extending in a direction in which the roll (14) can be unwound, at least one tape carriage (18) slidably engaged with the track (16) and arranged to extend distally from the main body (12) in use. The tape carriage (18) generally defines at least two protruding gantry members (20) upon which unwound tape (22) can be adhered such that a cutting tool (24) can freely pass between the gantry members (20) to cut the unwound tape (22) to simultaneously provide multiple lengths of tape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates broadly to adhesive tape and tape dispensers, and more specifically to a tape cutting jig assembly and a related method for cutting tape. Background Technology

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended only to facilitate understanding of the invention. This discussion is not an admission or confession that any material mentioned was, or was, part of the general public at the priority date of this application.

[0003] As is known in the art, a tape dispenser is generally an object that holds a roll of tape and has a mechanism (such as a serrated blade) at one end for cutting the tape. Such tape dispensers are often used to hold a roll of tape in their body, allowing a user to pull out the desired length of tape from the roll and tear off the tape as needed for use.

[0004] Improvements to such conventionally manually operated tape dispensers typically include automatic dispensers, which are usually electrically assisted to automatically measure, cut, and dispense tape of predetermined lengths. Examples of such conventional automatic tape dispensers have been identified and described in Korean Patent No. 10-2024720 by Motex Co., Korean Patent No. 10-1509124 by Choi Chahyeon, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2002-0000154 (Publication No. KR20030059860) by Jang San-Bin.

[0005] These conventional automatic tape dispensers typically include a supply roller from which tape is dispensed from a roll onto a guide roller. The guide roller has radially projecting arms or fingers that interact with another cutting roller equipped with blades. As the respective roller rotates, the blades fit between these projecting arms or fingers to cut the tape on the guide roller to a fixed length. The rollers are usually electrically actuated for ease of use when dispensing tape lengths from a roll, but at least mechanical coupling is necessary to ensure that the respective rollers interact as intended.

[0006] Inherently, such conventional automatic tape dispensers are typically mechanically complex devices, requiring various parts with interacting electrical and / or mechanical components, making them difficult to design and manufacture, and expensive to produce. The complexity of these interacting mechanisms further introduces various potential points of failure, and these devices still dispense tape from single rolls, which can lead to inefficiencies in activities requiring tape.

[0007] For example, anyone who has ever wrapped a gift or textbook can attest that having to use single-length dispensing tape can be both time-consuming and laborious, especially when one hand needs to hold the work position while the other is used to retrieve the tape from a regular dispenser, whether manual or automatic.

[0008] In view of this, the applicant has recognized the need in the art for a simple, elegant and inexpensive means that allows users to obtain multiple lengths of tape at the same time when engaging in handicrafts (such as wrapping gifts, textbooks, art, etc.), and the present invention is conceived for this purpose. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a tape cutting clamp assembly is provided, comprising: A body, configured to rotatably receive at least one roll of tape therein, the body defining at least one race extending in an unspoolable direction of the roll; and At least one tape carriage is provided, which engages slidably with the track and is arranged to extend distally from the body in use. The tape carriage defines at least two projecting gantry members, to which unwound tape can adhere, allowing a cutting tool to pass freely between the gantry members to cut the unwound tape, thereby providing multiple lengths of tape simultaneously.

[0010] In one embodiment, the body defines opposing slots for receiving the ends of the spindle of the tape roll therein, such that the tape roll is rotatable to unwind the tape.

[0011] In one embodiment, the body is configured to receive a plurality of tape rolls arranged side by side.

[0012] In one embodiment, the body defines at least one protruding gantry member on which unwound tape can be received.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one protruding gantry member includes a cutter configured to cut tape.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cutter includes blades, such as serrated blades or sliding blades, arranged along a protruding gantry member.

[0015] In one embodiment, the body defines at least one track along its surface, and at least one tape carriage defines a lug configured to engage complementaryly with the track, such that at least one tape carriage is extendable distally from the body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the body defines a pair of tracks on its opposite surfaces, with at least one tape carriage engaging the tracks in a telescoping manner.

[0017] In one embodiment, the clamp assembly includes a plurality of tape carriages that are retractably engaged with the body and slidably with each other.

[0018] In one embodiment, at least one tape carriage defines at least one track along its surface, and a further tape carriage defines a lug configured to complementally engage the track, such that the further tape carriage is extendable distally from the at least one tape carriage.

[0019] In one embodiment, the protruding gantry member is arranged substantially transversely to the direction in which at least one roll can be rewound.

[0020] In one embodiment, the protruding gantry members are configured such that cutting tools (such as scissors) can freely pass between the gantry members to cut the unwound tape.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for cutting adhesive tape is provided, the method comprising the following steps: A tape cutting clamp assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided; Unwind the tape from at least one tape roll onto the protruding gantry component; and The cutting tool is passed between the protruding gantry members to cut the unwound tape, thereby providing multiple lengths of tape simultaneously.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of slidably extending at least one tape carriage from the body.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of extending or retracting at least one tape carriage from another tape carriage.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention, a tape cutting fixture assembly and a related method for cutting tape are provided, substantially as described and / or illustrated herein. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The description will refer to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1This is a schematic perspective view of one possible embodiment of a tape cutting clamp assembly according to various aspects of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of the tape cutting fixture assembly; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Further schematic exploded view of the tape cutting fixture assembly; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the main body of the component; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the first tape carriage of the component; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the second tape carriage of the component; Figure 7 It shows Figure 4 The corresponding front view, side view and top view of the main body; Figure 8 It shows Figure 5 The corresponding front view, side view and top view of the first tape carriage; Figure 9 It shows Figure 6 The corresponding front view, side view and top view of the second tape carriage; Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A schematic top-down overview of the tape cutting clamp assembly being deployed in use; and Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of the tape cutting fixture assembly extending distally on the tape carriage and the tape adhering to the gantry member for cutting. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Further features of the invention are described more fully in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included merely to illustrate the invention to those skilled in the art and should not be construed as a broad summary, disclosure, or limitation of the above description.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings incorporated to illustrate features of one or more exemplary embodiments, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same parts in all views. Furthermore, features, mechanisms, and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail, as such features, mechanisms, and aspects will be within the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0028] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are not engineering or design drawings, but only provide a functional overview of the invention. Therefore, the features and actual construction details required for each embodiment may not be shown in every drawing, but such construction requirements will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0029] In a broader sense, this disclosure provides a tape cutting clamp assembly 10 specifically configured to simultaneously position multiple lengths of tape for cutting and retrieval. The accompanying drawings illustrate one possible embodiment of such a cutting clamp assembly 10, which broadly comprises a body 12 and at least one tape carriage 18, as described in more detail below.

[0030] The tape cutting jig assembly 10 typically includes a body 12 configured to rotatably receive at least one roll of tape 14 therein and / or thereon. In one embodiment, the body 12 defines opposing slots 26 for receiving the end of a mandrel 28 of the tape roll 14 therein (as shown), such that the roll 14 is rotatable to unwind the tape therefrom. In a typical embodiment, the body 12 is configured to receive a plurality of tape rolls 14 arranged side by side.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications or variations of the tape cutting jig assembly 10 are possible and within the scope of the principle of mechanical equivalence. For example, embodiments of assembly 10 may have one tape roll 14 received within or on the body 12, or may have three or four (or more) tape rolls 14. Similarly, the manner in which such rolls are received may vary while allowing the same overall functionality.

[0032] For example, the cutting fixture assembly 10 may include a suitable tape core (also indicated by reference numeral 14) having a mandrel 28 engageable with the body 12, around which the tape roll can be positioned. In such embodiments, a user can wind the tape onto the tape core 14, such as by interference fit or friction fit. In another embodiment, the body 12 may include a platform on which an existing or conventional tape dispenser can be placed or received, rather than the body 12 directly receiving such a tape roll. For example, the body 12 may be shaped and sized to have a receptacle for receiving a conventional tape dispenser from which tape unwound lies horizontally on a protruding gantry member 20.

[0033] The body 12 typically defines at least one track, channel, or similar rail or guide that extends in the unwinding direction of the tape roll 14. Such a track 16 is used for operative engagement by a tape carriage 18 (as described in more detail below) to allow such a tape carriage 18 to extend distally from the body 12.

[0034] The tape cutting jig assembly 10 also includes at least one tape carriage 18, which is slidably engaged with the track 16 and arranged to extend distally from the body 12 in use, and is generally capable of sliding therefrom. Importantly, the tape carriage 18 defines at least two projecting gantry members 20 on which unwound tape 22 can adhere (e.g., ...) Figure 11 (shown in more detail below), allowing a cutting tool 24 (such as a pair of scissors) to pass freely between the gantry members 20 to cut the unwound tape 22 positioned or adhered to the gantry members 20, thereby providing multiple lengths of tape simultaneously.

[0035] In one embodiment, the body 12 defines at least one track 16 along its surface, and at least one tape carriage 18 defines a lug 32 or similar engaging protrusion configured to engage complementaryly with the track 16, such that the at least one tape carriage 18 extends distally from the body 12, i.e., the tape carriage 18 can slide away from the body 12 without disengaging from it. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 12 defines a pair of tracks 16 on its opposing surfaces, and at least one tape carriage 18 engages retractably with the pair of tracks 16, as shown.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the clamp assembly 10 includes two tape carriages 18, one of which is slidably engaged with the body 12, and the other of which is slidably engaged with the first tape carriage 18, as shown. In this way, a plurality of tape carriages 18 can be engaged with the body 12 and with each other in a retractable manner. In such embodiments, at least one tape carriage 18 defines at least one track 16 (as shown) along its surface similar to the track of the body 12, such that a further tape carriage 18 defining a lug 32 is configured to engage complementaryly with said track 16, such that the further tape carriage 18 extends distally from at least one tape carriage 18, as shown. Figure 10 This is shown in more detail below.

[0037] In one embodiment, the protruding gantry member 20 is arranged substantially transversely to the direction in which at least one roll 14 can be unwound. In one embodiment, the body 12 also defines at least one protruding gantry member 20 on which the unwound tape 22 can be received. In one embodiment, at least one protruding gantry member 20 includes a cutter 30 configured to cut the tape. In one embodiment, the cutter 30 may include blades, such as serrated blades or sliding blades, arranged along the protruding gantry member 20. Such a cutter 30 may be arranged on any suitable gantry member 20, whether on the body 12 and / or the carriage 18. Of course, variations are possible and contemplated.

[0038] In a typical embodiment, the protruding gantry members 20 are configured such that a cutting tool 24 (such as scissors) can freely pass between the gantry members 20 to cut unwound tape 22 positioned or adhered to the gantry members 20. Therefore, the gantry members 20 can take various forms, such as protruding or extended posts or beams, with a height sufficient to allow the cutting tool 24 to pass through them to cut the unwound tape 24. Again, variations in this regard are possible and fall within the scope of mechanical equivalence.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will further understand that the present invention includes a related method for cutting tape. Such a method broadly includes the steps of: providing a tape cutting fixture assembly 10, as described; unwinding tape from at least one tape roll 14 onto a protruding gantry member 20; and passing a cutting tool 24 between the protruding gantry members 20 to cut the unwound tape 22, thereby simultaneously providing multiple lengths of tape.

[0040] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of slidably extending at least one tape carriage 18 from the body 12. In another embodiment, the method includes the step of retracting at least one tape carriage 18 from another tape carriage. In this manner, one or more tape carriages 18 can extend from the body 12 and from each other (as related), and the tape is unwound onto the projecting gantry member 20, enabling the cutting tool 24 to cut multiple lengths of tape for use in handicrafts (such as gift wrapping, book wrapping, art, crafts, etc.).

[0041] The applicant believes that a particular advantage of this invention lies in providing a simple, elegant, and inexpensive means for users to simultaneously obtain multiple lengths of tape when engaging in handicrafts (such as wrapping gifts, textbooks, art, etc.). The tape cutting clamp assembly 10 is mechanically easy to implement, inexpensive to manufacture, and allows multiple cut tape lengths to be retained on the protruding gantry member 20 for immediate use when needed. The cutting clamp assembly 10 can also be telescopically or folded away to reduce its overall footprint for storage purposes.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such content will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Alternative embodiments of the invention may also be broadly considered to include all components, elements, and features mentioned or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said components, elements, or features. When a specific integer mentioned herein has a known equivalent in the art to which this invention pertains, such known equivalent is considered incorporated herein as if listed separately.

[0043] This document describes, in textual and / or graphical form, various basic, specific, practical, and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter to implement the claimed subject matter. Thus, one embodiment may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, while other aspects are exemplified in different embodiments. These embodiments are intended to assist those skilled in the art in implementing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein are not made in an exclusive sense.

[0044] Upon reading this application, variations (e.g., modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The inventors expect those skilled in the art to adopt such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend that the claimed subject matter be implemented in ways other than those specifically described herein.

[0045] In the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter), the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and / or similar designations shall be construed as encompassing both the singular and plural, unless otherwise stated herein or the context explicitly contradicts this. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” shall be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”), unless otherwise stated. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The language in the specification shall not be construed as indicating that any unclaimed subject matter is necessary for the implementation of the claimed subject matter.

[0046] Spatial relative terms, such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., may be used herein for convenience in describing the relationship of one element or feature to another, as shown in the figures. Spatial relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would be oriented as “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] Any methods, steps, procedures, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or illustrated, unless explicitly indicated as such. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims

1. A tape cutting clamp assembly, comprising: A body configured to rotatably receive at least one roll of tape therein, the body defining at least one track extending in a direction in which the roll can be unwound; and At least one tape carriage slidably engages with the track and is arranged to extend distally from the body in use. The tape carriage defines at least two projecting gantry members on which unwound tape can adhere, allowing a cutting tool to pass freely between the gantry members to cut the unwound tape, thereby providing multiple lengths of tape simultaneously.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The body defines opposing grooves for receiving the ends of the mandrel of the tape roll therein, such that the roll can be rotated to unwind the tape.

3. The component according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The main body is configured to receive multiple rolls of tape arranged side by side.

4. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The body defines at least one protruding gantry member on which unwound tape can be received.

5. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, At least one protruding gantry component includes a cutter configured to cut tape.

6. The component according to claim 5, wherein, The cutter includes blades, such as serrated blades or sliding blades, arranged along the protruding gantry member.

7. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The body defines the at least one track along its surface, and the at least one tape carriage defines a lug configured to complementally engage with the track, such that the at least one tape carriage can extend distally from the body.

8. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The body defines a pair of tracks on its opposite surfaces, and the at least one tape carriage engages with the tracks in a telescopic manner.

9. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the component comprising a plurality of tape carriages, the plurality of tape carriages being slidably engaged with the body in a telescopic manner and being slidably engaged with each other in a telescopic manner.

10. The component of claim 9, wherein, At least one tape carriage defines at least one track along its surface, and a further tape carriage defines a lug configured to complementally engage with said track, such that said further tape carriage can extend distally from said at least one tape carriage.

11. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The protruding gantry member is arranged substantially transversely to the direction in which at least one roll can be unwound.

12. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The protruding gantry members are configured to allow the cutting tools, such as scissors, to pass freely between the gantry members to cut the unwound tape.

13. A method for cutting adhesive tape, the method comprising the following steps: Provide a tape cutting clamp assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12; Unwind the tape from at least one tape roll onto the protruding gantry component; and The cutting tool is passed between the protruding gantry members to cut the unwound tape, thereby providing multiple lengths of tape simultaneously.

14. The method of claim 13, the method comprising the step of slidably extending at least one tape carriage from the body.

15. The method of claim 13, the method comprising the step of enabling at least one tape carriage to extend from another tape carriage.

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