Tape dispenser apparatus and method of using the same

Abstract

A tape dispenser includes a body section having first and second side elements separated by a space. Each side element includes a flange projecting into the space between the first and second side elements. A rod extends between the first and second side elements, the rod having a first end coupled to the first element and a second end coupled to the second element. The tape dispenser is adapted to hold a roll of tape having an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface. When the tape dispenser is engaged with the roll of tape, the roll of tape is disposed in the space between the first and second side elements, the first and second flanges are disposed proximate, and in contact with, the inner cylindrical surface, and the rod is disposed proximate, and in contact with, the outer cylindrical surface.

1 . A tape dispenser comprising:
 a body section having a first side element and a second side element, the first and second side element being separated by a space, wherein:
 the first side element includes a first flange projecting into the space between the first and second side elements; and 
 the second side element includes a second flange projecting into the space between the first and second side elements; and 
   a rod extending between the first and second side elements, the rod having a first end coupled to the first element and a second end coupled to the second element;   the tape dispenser being adapted to hold a roll of tape having an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface, wherein when the tape dispenser is engaged with the roll of tape, the roll of tape is disposed in the space between the first and second side elements, the first and second flanges are disposed proximate, and in contact with, the inner cylindrical surface, and the rod is disposed proximate, and in contact with, the outer cylindrical surface.   
     
     
         2 . The tape dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the body section further comprises:
 a cover element extending between and the first and second side elements; and   a cutting blade attached to the cover element.   
     
     
         3 . The tape dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the cutting blade is parallel to the rod; and   the rod and the cutting blade are separated by a second space adapted to allow a segment of tape to pass between the rod and the cutting blade.   
     
     
         4 . The tape dispenser of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the segment of tape comprises a segment of adhesive tape; and   the segment of tape adheres to the rod when the segment of tape passes between the rod and the cutting blade.   
     
     
         5 . The tape dispenser of  claim 4 , wherein the segment of tape adheres to the rod along an entire width of the segment of tape. 
     
     
         6 . The tape dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the rod includes a first end and a second end;   the first side element includes a hole;   the second side element includes a second hole;   the first end of the rod is disposed in the first hole; and   the second end of the rod is disposed in the second hole.   
     
     
         7 . The tape dispenser of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a knob attached to the first end of the rod;   wherein rotation of the knob causes rotation of the rod.   
     
     
         8 . The tape dispenser of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a retaining element removably attached to the second end of the rod;   wherein when the retaining element is removed from the second end, the rod may be removed from the first and second holes.   
     
     
         9 . The tape dispenser of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the first and second side elements are formed of a flexible material;   when the rod is removed from the first and second holes, the first and second side elements may be pulled apart in order to enlarge the space between the first and second side elements.   
     
     
         10 . The tape dispenser of  claim 7 , wherein rotation of the rod causes the rod to move between a portion of tape, including an end of the tape, that is separated from the roll of tape and passes over the rod, and the roll of tape, when the portion of tape has been separated from the roll of tape on a first side of the rod, passes over the rod, and is stuck to the roll of tape on a second side of the rod opposite the first side. 
     
     
         11 . The tape dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the rod is formed of one of: plastic and wood. 
     
     
         12 . The tape dispenser of  claim 11 , wherein the rod has a width equal to three-eighths of an inch. 
     
     
         13 . The tape dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first side element includes a first surface having an edge that forms a round shape; and   the first flange includes a second surface that is perpendicular to the first surface and has the round shape of the edge of the first surface.   
     
     
         14 . The tape dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the rod comprises a plurality of circumferential straight ribs.