Support strap dispensers and methods

Abstract

A dispenser for storing and dispensing a rolled support strap, including but not limited to hanger straps (sometimes referred to as “plumber's tape”) such as those sold under the trade name TAB TAPE®, as well as assemblies that include a dispenser and a rolled support strap therein, and associated methods.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A dispenser for use with a support strap, the dispenser comprising:
 a housing including an internal storage region configured to store a support strap roll and an outlet; and   an apparatus, associated with housing, that is configured to frictionally engage the support strap to prevent movement of the support strap relative to the outlet absent user-applied force.   
     
     
         2 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein
 the apparatus is adjacent to the outlet.   
     
     
         3 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein
 the apparatus comprises a dispenser head.   
     
     
         4 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein
 the apparatus includes a upper guide and a lower guide that define a gap therebetween through which the support strap passes; and   at least one of the upper guide and the lower guide is configured and positioned to frictionally engage the support strap.   
     
     
         5 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein
 the upper guide and the lower guide are configured and positioned to frictionally engage the support strap at respective locations that are spaced from one another.   
     
     
         6 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein
 the upper guide and the lower guide undulate.   
     
     
         7 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein
 the apparatus includes a first guide and a second guide that define a gap therebetween through which the support strap passes; and   at least one of the first guide and the second guide is configured and positioned to frictionally engage the support strap.   
     
     
         8 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein
 the first guide and the second guide are configured and positioned to frictionally engage the support strap at respective locations that are spaced from one another.   
     
     
         9 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein
 the first guide has a pair of spaced guide surfaces that are separated by a recess.   
     
     
         10 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein
 the first guide and the second guide undulate.   
     
     
         11 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein
 the housing includes first and second housing members that are pivotably connected to one another by a hinge.   
     
     
         12 . A dispenser for use with a support strap, the dispenser comprising:
 a housing including an internal storage region configured to store a support strap roll and an outlet; and   means, associated with housing, for frictionally engaging the support strap and preventing movement of the support strap relative to the outlet absent user-applied force.   
     
     
         13 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein
 the means is adjacent to the outlet.   
     
     
         14 . A dispenser as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein
 the housing includes first and second housing members that are pivotably connected to one another by a hinge.   
     
     
         15 . A method of dispensing a support strap, the method comprising the steps of:
 storing the support strap in rolled form within a housing that includes an internal storage region and an outlet; and   frictionally engaging the support strap to prevent movement of the support strap relative to the outlet absent user-applied force.   
     
     
         16 . A method as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein
 the support strap includes a top portion, a bottom portion and side edges; and   the top portion and the bottom portion is frictionally engaged at longitudinally spaced locations.   
     
     
         17 . A method as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein
 the step of frictionally engaging the support strap comprises engaging the support strap at a first location with enough force to bend the support strap at the point of engagement from a first curvature to a second curvature.   
     
     
         18 . A method as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein
 the step of frictionally engaging the support strap comprises engaging the support strap at a second location, that is longitudinally spaced from the first location, with enough force to bend the support strap at the point of engagement from the second curvature to a third curvature.