Tape dispenser

An improved tape dispenser which is less likely to jam and which has a blade shield to prevent injury. Centrally of the dispenser there is placed a roll of tape conventionally wound in a spiral. The roll of tape has an outwardly exposed adhesive release surface and an inwardly exposed adhesive coated surface. In the dispenser, the tape is threaded on a dispensing path towards a cutting blade. Typically, the path is defined by a combination of guides terminating with a roller. The roll and the dispensing path are encased within a housing to prevent the exposed adhesive from adhering either to dust or nearby objects. The tape path extends past a severing tape blade. The trigger motion of the handle acts to pivot the tape holder on its hinge and move the severing blade holder. The motion of the tape holder is restricted by a guide, a guide slot and a stop. When the tape holder is in its original position, a blade shield keeps the blade from being exposed.