JP7800165B2 - Tape dispenser - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tape dispenser.

Tape dispensers capable of dispensing tape have been known for some time (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Recently, it has become popular for users to write on the outer surface of masking tape and use it in place of sticky notes or indexes. For this type of tape dispenser, designs that have a base surface on which the tape can be placed to allow users to write are beginning to be considered.

However, most conventional underlay surfaces were generally horizontal and placed close to the top plate, making the structure for guiding the tape onto the underlay surface prone to becoming complicated.

Patent No. 6082754

The present invention was made in response to the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a tape dispenser that allows tape drawn from a storage section to be easily applied to an underlay surface without complicating the structure, and that makes it easy to write on the tape.

In other words, the present invention has the following configuration:

The invention described in claim 1 is a tape dispenser comprising a tape body formed by winding tape, a storage section that can rotatably store the tape body, and a cutting section that cuts the tape pulled out from the storage section, wherein a writing table section is provided between the storage section and the cutting section, the writing table section having an underlay surface to which the tape is attached and which serves as an underlay when writing on the attached tape, the underlay surface being inclined so as to be positioned gradually downward from the storage section side toward the cutting section side, the height position of the end of the underlay surface on the storage section side being set higher than the height position of the rotation center of the tape body, and the underlay surface having a curved shape that is convex upward or downward when viewed from the side .
The invention described in claim 2 is a tape dispenser comprising a tape body formed by winding tape, a storage section that can rotatably store the tape body, and a cutting section that cuts the tape pulled out from the storage section, wherein a writing table section is provided between the storage section and the cutting section, the writing table section having an underlay surface to which the tape is attached and which serves as an underlay when writing on the attached tape, the underlay surface being inclined so as to be positioned gradually downward from the storage section side toward the cutting section side, the height position of the end of the underlay surface on the storage section side being set higher than the height position of the rotation center of the tape body, and a rotating roller is provided between the underlay surface and the storage section, which can guide the tape out as it is pulled out.

The invention described in claim 3 is a tape dispenser described in claim 1 or 2, in which the storage section can store multiple tape bodies lined up and is configured so that each tape pulled out from the multiple tape bodies can be adhered to the underlying surface.

The invention described in claim 4 is a tape dispenser described in claim 3, which is provided with a tip separation means for separating the tip of the tape from the cutting portion, and which has multiple tip separation means provided corresponding to the multiple tape bodies stored in the storage section .

The invention described in claim 5 is the tape dispenser according to claim 1, 2 , 3 or 4 , wherein a mark is displayed on the underlay surface.

As described above, the present invention provides a tape dispenser that allows tape drawn from a storage section to be easily applied to an underlay surface without complicating the structure, and allows for convenient writing on the tape.

1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. XX line cross section in FIG. 3. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line ZZ in FIG. 15. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the embodiment corresponding to FIG. 9 . FIG. 4 is a rear view for explaining a left-right position regulation portion in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of use of the embodiment. FIG. FIG.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 22.

This embodiment is applied to a tape dispenser (masking tape dispenser) that can hold masking tape, which is tape T.

The tape dispenser comprises a tape body S consisting of wound tape T, a storage section 2 capable of storing the tape body S, a writing table section 1 to which tape T pulled out from the tape body S is attached, and a dispenser body A equipped with a cutting section 3 capable of cutting the tape T pulled out from the tape body S; a lid body B capable of adopting an open position (P) and a closed position (Q) and capable of covering the storage section 2 in an openable and closable manner; and a tape extrusion section D serving as a tip separation means for separating the tip end ts of the tape T from the cutting section 3 provided on the dispenser body A.

A tape outlet C is formed between the dispenser body A and the lid body B, allowing the tape T stored in the storage section 2 to be discharged to the outside. A left-right position regulating section G is provided in the area facing the tape outlet C, which regulates the left-right position of the tape S stored in the storage section 2. The left-right position regulating section G is provided between the writing table section 1 and the storage section 2 in the dispenser body A.

The tape dispenser of this embodiment is described in detail below.

<<Tape Body S>>
The tape body S includes a strip-shaped tape T and a tape core U, which is a tape support that supports the tape T. The tape body S is formed by holding the tape T on the tape core U, which is integrally formed from a synthetic resin.

<Tape T>
The tape T has an adhesive surface tn on one side that can be attached to various articles, and a writable surface tk on the other side that can be written by the user.

<Tape Core U>
The tape core U is capable of winding and holding the tape T. The tape core U is set to a size that can be housed in the housing portion 2 provided in the dispenser main body A.

The tape core U has a cylindrical portion u1 located in the center and extending in the left-right direction, which serves as a tape winding shaft, and left and right side plates u2, which serve as guide portions located at the left and right ends of the cylindrical portion u1.

[Cylindrical portion u1]
The cylindrical portion u1 has a cylindrical shape that penetrates in the left-right direction. The tape T is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion u1.

[Left and right side panels u2]
The left and right side plates u2 extend in a flange-like manner from both left and right end edges of the cylindrical portion u1 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion u1. In this embodiment, the left and right side plates u2 are substantially donut-shaped in side view.

The outer edge portions u21 of the left and right side plates u2 each form a continuous ring shape in side view. The left and right side plates u2 are set to be approximately the same size. The left and right side plates u2 are located on the outside in the width direction of the tape T wound around the cylindrical portion u1.

As shown in Figure 18, the left and right side plates u2 are configured to abut against the inner surface of the lid B (the inner peripheral surface of the lid body K) when the tape T is pulled out from the tape body S. In other words, the outer edge portions u21 of the left and right side plates u2 are configured to move within the storage section 2 and temporarily abut against the abutment portion k1 of the lid B when the user pulls the tape T from the tape body S.

One of the left and right side plates u2 has a protrusion u3 that protrudes outward. The other of the left and right side plates u2 has an engagement hole u4 into which a protrusion u3 on another tape core U of the same structure can fit. Multiple tape cores U of the same structure can be connected by engaging the protrusion u3 on the left and right side plates u2 with the engagement hole u4.

<<Dispenser body A>>
The dispenser body A has left and right side walls E and a base F provided between the left and right side walls E. The dispenser body A is provided with a left and right position regulating portion G that is associated with the base F and can regulate the left and right position of the tape body S stored in the storage section 2.

<Left and right side walls E>
The left and right side walls E are provided as a pair. The left and right side walls E are generally symmetrical. Each of the left and right side walls E is mainly configured with a shape in which the vertical dimension gradually decreases toward the front.

The left and right side walls E are the areas that are gripped by the user's fingers when the user holds the tape dispenser in use.

The left and right side walls E each have a rear partial arc edge a1 that is partially arc-shaped in side view, an upper straight edge a2 that continues from the rear partial arc edge a1 and extends forward to form the upper edge, a lower straight edge a3 that continues from the rear partial arc edge a1 and extends forward to form the lower edge, and a front partial arc edge a4 that is partially arc-shaped in side view and connects the front end of the upper straight edge a2 and the front end of the lower straight edge a3.

The left and right side walls E are shaped so that the upper straight edge a2 and the lower straight edge a3 gradually approach each other from the rear to the front. The upper straight edge a2 gradually moves downward from the rear to the front. The lower straight edge a3 extends approximately horizontally in the front-to-rear direction. When the tape dispenser is placed on a placement surface such as a top plate, the lower straight edges a3 of the left and right side walls E come into contact with the placement surface.

A cylindrical rear connecting portion e1 with an engaging claw e11 at its tip protrudes from the inner surface of the rear of the left and right side walls E. The rear connecting portion e1 engages with the left and right storage section side plates 22 of the storage section 2. The rear connecting portion e1 protrudes inward, i.e., toward the storage section 2 side of the base F.

A plate-shaped front connecting portion e2 with an engaging claw e21 at its tip protrudes from the inner surface of the front of each of the left and right side walls E. The front connecting portion e2 engages with the connecting frame portion 12 provided on the writing table 1. The front connecting portion e2 protrudes inward, i.e., toward the writing table 1 side of the base F.

Block-shaped positioning protrusions e3 protrude from the left and right side walls E below the front connecting portion e2. The positioning protrusions e3 engage with the connecting frame portion 12 provided on the writing table 1. The positioning protrusions e3 protrude inward, i.e., toward the writing table 1 side of the base F.

A groove-like first fitting portion e4 is provided on the inner surface of the left and right side walls E near the upper edge, i.e., near the upper straight edge a2, so that it can fit onto the side edge of the base portion 11 of the writing table 1. The first fitting portion e4 is provided in a straight line along the upper straight edge a2.

A hole-shaped second fitting portion e5 is provided on the inner surface near the front edge of each of the left and right side walls E, extending vertically and capable of fitting onto the side edge of the cutting portion 3.

<Base F>
The base body F connects the left and right side walls E. The base body F is an integrally molded product made of synthetic resin and provided with the writing table portion 1, the storage portion, and the cutting portion 3.

The base body F comprises a writing table section 1 located in the center in the front-to-rear direction and having a tape holding section, an underlay surface m, formed on its upper surface; a storage section 2 arranged behind the writing table section 1 and having a storage space sp capable of storing tape body S; a cutting section 3 arranged in front of the writing table section 1 and capable of cutting tape T; a front connecting section 4 interposed between the writing table section 1 and the cutting section 3 and connecting the writing table section 1 and the cutting section 3 while separating them; and a rear connecting section 5 connecting the writing table section 1 and the storage section 2.

The portion of the base F between the writing table portion 1 and the storage portion 2, in other words, the rear portion of the rear joint portion 5, faces the tape outlet C, and is equipped with a left-right positioning member G that can engage with the tape body S.

[Writing stand part 1]
The writing table 1 is provided between the storage section 2 and the cutting section 3. The writing table 1 can function as a base to which the tape T drawn out from the storage section 2 is attached.

The writing table 1 comprises a base portion 11 having an underlay surface m to which tape T is attached and which serves as a base when writing on the attached tape T, and a connecting frame portion 12 provided on the underside of the front end of the base portion 11 and having connecting holes 121 open in the left-right direction at both ends.

The base portion 11 is generally plate-shaped overall. The upper surface of the base portion 11 is formed with a backing surface m, which functions as a backing when writing on the tape T. The base portion 11 is installed between the upper parts of the left and right side walls E. The rear end of the base portion 11 is integrally connected to the storage section 2 via the rear connecting section 5.

The underlay surface m functions as a tape holding surface that holds the tape T located between the storage section 2 and the cutting section 3. The underlay surface m faces upward and is generally smooth.

The underlay surface m is inclined so that it gradually descends from the storage section 2 toward the cutting section 3. The underlay surface m is configured to be large enough to allow the tapes T pulled out from the two tape bodies S arranged side by side in the storage section 2 to be adhered approximately parallel to each other without interfering with each other.

In this embodiment, the height position of the end mt on the underlay surface m facing the storage section 2 is set above the axis js, which is the center of rotation of the tape body S. In other words, the height position of the rear end mt on the underlay surface m is set above the height position of the axis js of the cylindrical portion u1 of the tape core U.

The underlying surface m is rectangular in plan view, i.e., a rectangle with its longitudinal axis extending in the front-to-rear direction. The underlying surface m is the area where the portion of the tape T that is pulled out from the tape body S and that is located between the tape core U and the cut portion 3 is temporarily adhered.

As shown in Figure 20, the user can write (write) on the tape T attached to the underlay surface m using a writing implement or the like. In other words, the underlay surface m serves as a base surface for the tape T, helping the user to comfortably write on the writable surface tk.

The underlay surface m and the left and right side walls E may have markings on them to indicate where to apply the tape T pulled out of the storage section 2 or to serve as guides for writing characters or other materials in a balanced manner on the tape T. The markings on the underlay surface m and the left and right side walls E may be colored or may be made up of projections and depressions.

Furthermore, the underlay surface m may have a curved shape that is convex upward or downward as a whole when viewed from the side.

[Storage section 2]
The storage section 2 defines a storage space sp capable of accommodating the tape body S. The storage section 2 is capable of rotatably accommodating the tape body S. The storage section 2 includes a storage section main body 21 having an inner peripheral surface that can engage with the outer edge portions u21 of the left and right side plates u2, which serve as guide portions. The storage section 2 is configured to be able to rotatably accommodate the left and right side plates u2.

The storage section 2 is configured to accommodate multiple tape bodies S, i.e., two tape bodies S, side by side. In this embodiment, the storage space sp of the storage section 2 is set to a width dimension that allows two tape cores U of a predetermined size to be stored side by side.

The storage section 2 does not have a partition separating the two stored tape bodies S. For example, when only one tape body S is stored in the storage section 2, the left and right side plates u2 of that tape body S can be slid against the inner surface of the storage section main body 21, allowing the tape body S to be moved freely left and right.

Furthermore, the storage section 2 is configured to be able to store and remove multiple, i.e., two, tapes S individually. The storage section 2 of this embodiment is not equipped with a mechanism for always keeping the two tapes S in the same position (for example, a mechanism for providing an axial member inserted into the cylindrical portion of the tape, a bearing for supporting the tape shaft, or a mechanism for constantly pressing the outer periphery of the tape). Therefore, the tape dispenser allows two tapes S to be easily inserted and removed from the storage section 2 simply by opening the lid B.

The storage unit 2 comprises a partially cylindrical storage unit main body 21 having an internal storage space sp capable of storing the tape body S, and left and right storage unit side plates 22 provided on both the left and right ends of the storage unit main body 21. The storage unit 2 is cantilevered relative to the writing table 1 via the rear connecting portion 5.

The storage unit main body 21 is approximately half cylindrical in shape. The storage unit main body 21 is shaped to surround the lower and front of the tape S placed in the storage space sp. The storage unit main body 21 is open to the rear. The inner surface of the storage unit main body 21 is adapted to be abutted by the outer edge portions u21 of the left and right side plates u2 of the stored tape S. The roller support portion 7 (upper and lower shaft support arms 71, 72) that constitute the left and right position regulation portion G are integrally formed at the upper end of the storage unit main body 21.

The left and right storage section side panels 22 extend integrally from both left and right end edges of the storage section main body 21. The left and right storage section side panels 22 are arranged inside the left and right side walls E.

The left and right storage section side plates 22 each have a disk-shaped side plate base 221 and a shaft portion jk that protrudes outward from the center of the side plate base 221.

The side plate base 221 is provided with an engagement protrusion 2t that can engage with the first and second engagement holes n4 and n5 provided in the lid side wall N of the lid B. The engagement protrusion 2t is disposed on the lower part of the side plate base 221, located below the shaft jk. A U-shaped slit st is provided around the engagement protrusion 2t. The engagement protrusion 2t is surrounded by the U-shaped slit st, and is configured to be elastically displaceable in the thickness direction when the lid B is rotated.

In addition, a curb-shaped edge step 2d is formed on the inner side of the storage unit side plate 22 at the boundary with the storage unit main body 21. The edge step 2d is a portion against which the outer surface of the tape S stored in the storage unit 2, i.e., the outer surfaces near the outer edge u21 of the left and right side plates u2, can come into contact, restricting the outward movement of the tape S.

The shaft jk is boss-shaped. The shaft jk is cylindrical. A pair of cantilevered portions n1, which are shaft engagement portions provided on the lid side wall N of the lid B, engage with the shaft jk. The shaft jk is capable of supporting the lid B so that it can rotate between the closed position (Q) and the open position (P).

A through-hole an is provided in the center of the shaft jk, penetrating in the left-right direction. Rear connecting portions e1 protruding from the left and right side walls E are inserted into the through-hole an from the outside toward the inside. Engagement claws e11 formed at the tips of the rear connecting portions e1 engage with the inner surfaces of the left and right storage unit side plates 22, attaching the left and right side walls E to the storage unit 2 in a manner that makes them difficult to separate.

The protruding end of the shaft jk is set to abut against the inner surface of the left and right side walls E near the rear connecting portion e1. The shaft jk rotatably supports the lid B and also functions as a spacer that forms a space between the side plate base 221 and the left and right side walls E in which the lid side wall portion N of the lid B can be disposed.

[Cutting part 3]
The cutting section 3 is capable of cutting the tape T pulled out from the tape body S stored in the storage section 2. The cutting section 3 is disposed in front of the writing table section 1. The cutting section 3 is integrally connected to the writing table section 1 via a front connecting section 4. The left and right ends of the cutting section 3 are connected to the left and right side walls E.

The cutting unit 3 has a blade h at its upper end that can cut the tape T pulled out from the tape body S. In this embodiment, the tip of the blade h in the cutting unit 3 is positioned below the imaginary extension line ms of the underlay surface m.

The cutting portion 3 is shaped like an upright plate extending in the left-right direction. Both left and right ends of the cutting portion 3 fit into second fitting portions e5 formed on the left and right side walls E.

The back side of the cutting section 3 has two mountain-shaped recesses 3a and 3b formed at the top and bottom. The upper and lower recesses 3a and 3b can selectively engage with the elastic engagement section 82 provided on the tape extrusion section D.

<Left and right position regulating part G>
The left-right position regulating portion G is provided near the storage portion 2. The left-right position regulating portion G is capable of regulating the left-right position of the tape body S stored in the storage portion 2 when the tape T is pulled out from the tape body S.

The left-right position restricting portion G serves to restrict the tape S stored in the storage portion 2 from excessive left-right movement. The left-right position restricting portion G is located in a position facing the tape outlet C of the dispenser main body A.

The left-right position regulation unit G includes a rotating roller 6, which serves as a tape guide unit that can guide the tape T outward as it is pulled out. Specifically, the left-right position regulation unit G includes a plurality of rotating rollers 6 rotatably supported on the base F, and a roller support unit 7, which is adjacent to the plurality of rotating rollers 6.

The left and right positioning restriction portion G has a recessed step portion gd formed therein so that the outer edge portions u21 of the left and right side plates u2, which act as guide portions, can engage with the rotating roller 6 and roller support portion 7.

[Rotating roller 6]
The rotating roller 6 can rotate in conjunction with the movement of the tape T as it is pulled out while the adhesive surface tn of the tape T is adhering. A plurality of rotating rollers 6, i.e., four rollers 6, are arranged at intervals with their axes aligned in the left-right direction.

Each rotating roller 6 comprises a roller body 61 consisting of multiple disc-shaped portions spaced apart in the left-right direction, and roller shafts 62 protruding from both sides of the roller body 61.

[Roller support part 7]
The roller support part 7 is capable of rotatably supporting the rotary roller 6. The roller support part 7 is provided with a pair of upper and lower shaft support arms 71, 72 that are capable of rotatably sandwiching the roller shaft part 62 provided on the rotary roller 6. The shaft support arms 71, 72 are provided behind the writing table part 1 and protrude rearward.

[Dan gd]
The step portion gd is formed by the roller body portion 61 of the rotating roller 6 and the lower shaft support arm 72.

As shown in Figure 19, the step portion gd is formed by positioning the lower end of the roller main body portion 61 below the lower end of the lower shaft support arm 72.

The outer edge portions u21 of the left and right side plates u2 can engage with the stepped portion gd when the tape T is pulled out from the tape body S.

<<Lid body B>>
The lid B can open and close to cover the storage section 2. The lid B is rotatably supported with respect to the dispenser body A so that it can take an open position (P) in which the tape S can be stored in and removed from the storage section 2, and a closed position (Q) in which the tape S cannot be removed from the storage section 2.

In addition, the lid body B is configured to be able to engage with the dispenser body A with a snap, so that the lid body B can be maintained in the open position (P) and the closed position (Q).

The lid B comprises a partially cylindrical lid body K and left and right lid side walls N integrally formed on both sides of the lid body K. The lid B is made by integrally forming the lid body K and the left and right lid side walls N from synthetic resin.

[Lid body K]
The lid body K has a roughly half-cylindrical shape. The lid body K has a partial cylindrical shape with a larger radius than the storage section main body 21. The inner surface of the lid body K is provided with abutment portions k1 against which the left and right side plates u2 of the tape core U can abut when the tape T is pulled out.

In this embodiment, the contact portion k1 is located on the inner surface of the lid body K. In other words, the inner surface of the lid body K is configured so that the left and right side plates u2 of the tape body S, which are moved by the operating force of the user when the tape T is pulled out, can contact it.

A tape outlet C is formed between the rear end of the writing table 1 of the dispenser body A and the front end of the lid body K of the lid B in the closed position (Q), allowing the tape T to be discharged to the outside.

[Left and right lid side walls N]
The left and right lid side walls N are plate-like members integrally connected in a direction perpendicular to the lid main body K. The left and right lid side walls N are symmetrical.

The lid side wall N has a pair of cantilevered portions n1 that are axial engagement portions that can engage with the shaft portions jk of the storage section side plates 22, a reinforcing portion n3 that connects the pair of cantilevered portions n1, and first and second engagement holes n4, n5 that are provided at two spaced locations and can selectively engage with engagement protrusions 2t protruding from the storage section 2.

The pair of cantilever portions n1 each have a partially arcuate shaft abutment edge n11 that abuts against the shaft portion jk of the storage portion 2. The pair of cantilever portions n1 are designed to sandwich the cylindrical shaft portion jk from the outside so that the shaft abutment edge n11 can slide along the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion jk. A slit n2 is provided between the base ends of the pair of cantilever portions n1 to promote flexible elastic deformation of the pair of cantilever portions n1.

The portions of the pair of cantilevered portions n1 closest to the lid body K are connected by a reinforcing portion n3. The reinforcing portion n3 has a partially annular shape. The outer edge of the reinforcing portion n3 is capable of sliding against the back surface of the base portion 11 that constitutes the writing table portion 1 when the lid body B opens and closes between the open position (P) and the closed position (Q).

The lid side wall N has a cavity formed between the pair of cantilever portions n1 and the reinforcing portion n3.

The first and second engagement holes n4 and n5 can selectively engage with the engagement protrusion 2t provided on the dispenser body A to engage the lid body B with the dispenser body A.

The first engagement hole n4 is located at the bottom of the lid side wall N when the lid B is in the closed position (Q). When the lid B is in the closed position (Q), the first engagement hole n4 engages with the engagement protrusion 2t provided on the storage section 2, thereby maintaining the lid B in the closed position (Q).

The second engagement hole n5 is located at the bottom of the lid side wall N when the lid B is in the open position (P). When the lid B is in the open position (P), the second engagement hole n5 engages with the engagement protrusion 2t provided on the storage section 2, thereby maintaining the lid B in the open position (P).

<<Tape extrusion section D>>
The tape extruding section D constitutes a leading end separating means for separating the leading end ts of the tape T from the cutting section 3. The tape extruding sections D are provided at two locations, left and right, corresponding to the multiple, i.e., two, tape bodies S housed in the housing section 2. The left and right tape extruding sections D have the same shape.

The tape extrusion unit D is supported so that it can move back and forth relative to the dispenser body A. The tape extrusion unit D is configured to move relative to the dispenser body A when operated by the user, and to extrude the tape T in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the tape T.

The tape extrusion section D comprises an upper section 8 extending in the vertical direction and having an extrusion head formed at its upper end that contacts the adhesive surface tn of the tape T, and a lower section 9 extending forward and backward from the lower end of the upper section 8.

<Top part 8>
The upper portion 8 has a plate shape extending in the left-right and up-down directions as a whole. The upper portion 8 includes an extrusion head portion 81 provided at the upper end thereof and capable of contacting the tape T, and an elastic engagement portion 82 provided at the middle portion in the up-down and left-right directions.

The upper part 8 is located in the gap sk formed between the writing table part 1 and the cutting part 3, and is guided by this gap sk so that it can move up and down.

The elastic engagement portion 82 selectively engages with either the upper or lower engagement recess 3a or 3b provided on the back side of the cutting portion 3, allowing the tape extrusion portion D to be securely held in place at either the upper extrusion position (a) or the lower retracted position (b).

<Lower part 9>
The lower part 9 is integrally extended forward and backward from the lower end of the upper part 8. The lower part 9 has a pressable part 91 located below the front part of the dispenser body A and capable of being pressed upward by the user.

In other words, by pressing upward with the user's fingers the pressed portion 91 of the tape extruding portion D, which is in the retracted position (b), the tape extruding portion D can be moved to the extruding position (a).

During this process, the tape extrusion section D pushes the tape T pulled out from the tape body S from below upward. When the tape extrusion section D reaches the extrusion position (a), the tip end ts of the tape T moves away from the cutting section 3 to an extent that the user's fingertips can fit in, making it easier for the user to grasp the tip end ts of the tape T with their fingers.

<<Explanation of the operation of the lid body B and left/right position regulation part G>>
Here, the operation of the cover body B and the left and right position regulating portion G when the tape T is pulled out from the tape body S will be described.

When tape T is pulled out from tape body S, tape body S stored in storage section 2 moves within storage section 2 toward the open side of storage section 2 due to the pulling force of the tape T applied by the user. Tape body S can move within storage section 2 when tape T is pulled out by the user because tape body S inserted into storage section 2 is not axially supported by an axial support mechanism such as an axle.

When the tape S moves toward the open side within the storage section 2, the outer edge portions u21 of the left and right side plates u2 of the tape S abut against the inner surface (abutment portion k1) of the lid B in the closed position (Q).

In other words, when the tape body S is in the closed position (Q), the outer edge u21 abuts against the abutment portion k1 of the lid body B, restricting rearward movement within the storage section 2 and preventing the tape body S from completely slipping out of the storage section 2.

At this time, the tape body S in the storage section 2 will tend to move upward, toward the tape outlet C, due to the pulling force of the tape T by the user. Therefore, the outer edge portions u21 of the left and right side plates u2 of the tape body S can also engage with the step portions gd of the left and right positioning members G located at the top of the storage section 2.

The outer edge portions u21 of the left and right side plates u2 of the tape body S engage with the step portions gd of the left and right positioning portions G, thereby preventing left and right displacement.

In addition, whether a single tape S or two or more tapes S are stored in the storage section 2, the outer edge u21 of the tape S can engage with the step gd provided at a predetermined position. Therefore, the left-right position restriction section G can perform the desired function of suppressing left-right misalignment, not just when two tapes S are stored in the storage section 2.

As described above, the tape dispenser according to this embodiment comprises a tape body S formed by winding tape T, a storage section 2 capable of rotatably storing the tape body S, and a cutting section 2 that cuts the tape T pulled out from the storage section 2.

Between the storage section 2 and the cutting section 3, a writing table section 1 is provided, to which the tape T is attached and which has a base surface m that serves as a base when writing on the attached tape T.

The base surface m of the writing table 1 is inclined so that it gradually slopes downward from the storage section 2 side toward the cutting section 3 side, and the height position of the end mt of the base surface m on the storage section 2 side is set above the height position of the axis js, which is the center of rotation of the tape body S.

For this reason, the tape dispenser of this embodiment makes it easy to attach the tape T drawn out from the storage section 2 to the underlay surface m without complicating the structure, and allows for convenient writing on the tape T using the underlay surface m.

In particular, the height position of the end mt of the base surface m facing the storage section 2 is set higher than the height position of the axis js, which is the center of rotation of the tape body S, so the user can easily apply the tape T pulled out from the storage section 2 to the base surface m.

The storage section 2 can store multiple tape bodies S, i.e., two tape bodies S, side by side. Each tape T pulled out from the two tape bodies S can be attached to the underlay surface m of the writing table section 1.

This allows two tapes T to be attached side by side to the underlay surface m, allowing the user to conveniently write on both tapes T.

In this embodiment, two tapes T are adhered to the underlay surface m in a generally parallel relationship, making it easy to write letters, lines, designs, etc. of approximately the same size on both tapes T while aligning their front and back positions.

A tape extrusion section D is provided as a leading edge separating means for separating the leading edge ts of the tape T from the cutting section 3. These tape extrusion sections D are provided in pairs on the left and right to correspond to the two tape bodies S stored in the storage section 2.

As a result, the leading ends ts of the tape T unwound from the two tape bodies S can be easily picked up separately and independently by the tape extrusion sections D provided on the left and right sides.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

Marks may be displayed on the underlay surface and left and right side walls of the writing table. These marks may serve as indicators for where to apply the tape after it has been pulled out of the storage section, or as guides for writing characters in a balanced manner on the tape. The marks displayed on the underlay surface and left and right side walls may be made of color such as paint, or may have visible irregularities.

Furthermore, the underlay surface m may have a curved shape that is convex upward or downward as a whole when viewed from the side.

The storage section may be sized to accommodate only a single tape body, or it may be sized to accommodate two or more tape bodies.

It goes without saying that the width of the tape can be set as appropriate. For example, the storage section may be configured to store multiple tapes of different widths.

The guide portion need only be able to contact the inner surface of the lid at least when the tape is pulled out, and is not limited to the left and right side panels as shown in the above embodiment.

The storage section may be any section capable of storing a tape, and its specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the above-described embodiment. For example, the storage section may have a storage section main body that is partially rectangular tubular.

The lid body may be any body that can cover the storage section in an openable and closable manner, and its specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the above-described embodiment. The lid body may also be configured to be detachable from the dispenser body.

The contact portion need only be a surface that the guide portion can contact when the tape is being pulled out, and is not limited to the curved inner surface shown in the above embodiment. For example, a rib-like protruding portion may be formed on the inner surface of the lid, and this rib-like portion may serve as a contact portion that the guide portion can contact.

The left-right position restriction portion may be provided in any position facing the tape outlet, and is not limited to being provided on the dispenser body as shown in the above-described embodiment. For example, the left-right position restriction portion may be provided in a position facing the tape outlet on the lid.

The left-right position regulation section may not include a tape guide section.

The tape guide section is not limited to a rotating roller, but can have any configuration that can guide the tape from the storage section to the outside.

The portion adjacent to the tape guide portion need only be adjacent to the tape guide portion, and is not limited to being capable of supporting a rotating roller.

When the lid body engages with the dispenser body in a snap-fit manner, the lid body must be configured to be able to snap-fit with the dispenser body at least in the closed position.

Various types of tape can be used and are not limited to masking tape.

The cutting portion can be any suitable blade as long as it is capable of cutting the tape pulled out from the tape body, and it goes without saying that any suitable blade material and shape can be used.

The tip separation means may be any means that separates the tip of the tape from the cut portion, and its specific configuration is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment.

In addition, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

A...Dispenser body 1...Writing table section 2...Storage section 3...Cutting section S...Tape body B...Cover body C...Tape outlet D...Tape extrusion section G...Left and right position regulation section m...Underlay surface

Claims (5)

A tape dispenser comprising: a tape body formed by winding a tape; a storage section capable of rotatably storing the tape body; and a cutting section for cutting the tape pulled out from the storage section,
a writing table section is provided between the storage section and the cutting section, the writing table section having a base surface to which the tape is attached and which serves as a base when writing on the attached tape;
the underlay surface is inclined so as to be positioned gradually downward from the storage section side toward the cutting section side, and the height position of the end of the underlay surface on the storage section side is set higher than the height position of the rotation center of the tape body ,
The tape dispenser has a shape in which the underlay surface is curved so as to be convex upward or downward in a side view . A tape dispenser comprising: a tape body formed by winding a tape; a storage section capable of rotatably storing the tape body; and a cutting section for cutting the tape pulled out from the storage section,
a writing table section is provided between the storage section and the cutting section, the writing table section having a base surface to which the tape is attached and which serves as a base when writing on the attached tape;
the underlay surface is inclined so as to be positioned gradually downward from the storage section side toward the cutting section side, and the height position of the end of the underlay surface on the storage section side is set higher than the height position of the rotation center of the tape body ,
The tape dispenser is provided with a rotating roller between the underlay surface and the storage section, which can guide the tape to the outside when the tape is pulled out . The storage section can store a plurality of the tape bodies side by side,
3. The tape dispenser according to claim 1, wherein each tape drawn out from a plurality of said tape bodies can be applied to said underlay surface. 4. The tape dispenser according to claim 3, further comprising a leading end separating means for separating the leading end of the tape from the cutting portion, and a plurality of leading end separating means are provided corresponding to the plurality of tape bodies stored in the storage section. 5. The tape dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein a mark is displayed on the underlay surface.