TAPE CONTAINER AID KIT

Abstract

A tape container aid kit includes a cylindrical spool having substantially circular first and second spool edges longitudinally separated by a spool sidewall defining a spool circumference. An elongate piece of adhesive-backed tape is coiled around the spool circumference. A containing chamber, cooperatively defined by first and second end coverings and the spool sidewall, is wholly enclosed when both of the first and second end coverings are spanning the spool sidewall. At least one of the first and second end coverings is configured to selectively allow access to the containing chamber from outside the tape container aid kit. A plurality of accessory items are located inside the containing chamber. Each of the accessory items bears a categorical relationship to a type of the adhesive-backed tape, such that the accessory items and the adhesive-backed tape collectively form a tape container aid kit of a given categorical type.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use of a tape container aid kit and, more particularly, to an aid kit having an adhesive-backed tape container and containing a plurality of accessory items, each of the accessory items bearing a categorical relationship to a type of the adhesive-backed tape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

First aid and survival aid kits are commonly available for use during hiking, camping, boating, motoring, natural or manmade disasters, and many other recreational and emergency situations. It is often desirable that the aid kit have a compact form factor for ease of use, storage, transport, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the present invention, a tape container aid kit is described. A cylindrical spool has substantially circular first and second spool edges longitudinally separated by a spool sidewall defining a spool circumference. An elongate piece of adhesive-backed tape is coiled around the spool circumference. A first end covering spans the spool sidewall at the first spool edge. A second end covering spans the spool sidewall at the second spool edge. A containing chamber is cooperatively defined by the first and second end coverings and the spool sidewall. The containing chamber is wholly enclosed when both of the first and second end coverings are spanning the spool sidewall. At least one of the first and second end coverings is configured to selectively allow access to the containing chamber from outside the tape container aid kit. A plurality of accessory items are located inside the containing chamber. Each of the accessory items bears a categorical relationship to a type of the adhesive-backed tape, such that the accessory items and the adhesive-backed tape collectively form a tape container aid kit of a given categorical type.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing a tape container aid kit is disclosed. A cylindrical spool having substantially circular first and second spool edges longitudinally separated by a spool sidewall defining a spool circumference is provided. An elongate piece of adhesive-backed tape is coiled around the spool circumference. The spool sidewall is spanned at the first spool edge with a first end covering. The spool sidewall is spanned at the second spool edge with a second end covering. A containing chamber is cooperatively defined with the first and second end coverings and the spool sidewall. The containing chamber is wholly enclosed when both of the first and second end coverings are spanning the spool sidewall. At least one of the first and second end coverings is configured to selectively allow access to the containing chamber from outside the tape container aid kit. A plurality of accessory items are located inside the containing chamber, each of the accessory items bearing a categorical relationship to the adhesive-backed tape.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a tape container aid kit is disclosed. A cylindrical spool has substantially circular first and second spool edges longitudinally separated by a spool sidewall defining a spool circumference. An elongate piece of material is coiled around the spool circumference. A first end covering spans the spool sidewall at the first spool edge. At least a portion of the first end covering is located radially within the spool sidewall. A second end covering spans the spool sidewall at the second spool edge. At least a portion of the second end covering is located radially within the spool sidewall. A containing chamber is cooperatively defined by the first and second end coverings and spool sidewall. The containing chamber is wholly enclosed when both of the first and second end coverings are spanning the spool sidewall. At least one of the first and second end coverings is configured to selectively allow access to the containing chamber from outside the tape container aid kit. A plurality of accessory items are located inside the containing chamber, the accessory items bearing a categorical relationship to the elongate piece of material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic top perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C are options of schematic cross-sectional views taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of an optional configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of providing the embodiment of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1 schematically depicts a tape container aid kit 100. The term “tape” is used herein to indicate a narrow flexible strip or band of material. Suitable “tapes” for use with the present invention include, for example, adhesive-backed tapes like masking tape, “invisible”/cellophane tape, drywall tape, electrical tape, painter's tape, surgical/medical tape, trainer's/athletic tape, packaging tape, foam tape, duct tape, and the like. “Duct tape” is defined herein as a wide cloth adhesive tape originally designed for sealing joints in heating or air-conditioning ducts, and a suitable type is available as Duck® brand duct tape produced by ShurTech Brands of Avon, Ohio. Other suitable materials which can be used as non-adhesive “tapes” include, for example, such elongate pieces of material as monofilament/fishing line, sewing thread, plumber's tape, rope, cord, webbing, paper tape, bathroom tissue, wire, and the like. The term “kit” is used herein to indicate a packaged collection of related material.

The tape container aid kit 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a cylindrical spool 102 having substantially circular first and second spool edges 104 and 106, respectively, longitudinally separated by a spool sidewall 108 defining a spool circumference 110. In this description, the term “circumferentially” refers to a direction corresponding to a circumference of the spool 102, as shown by the circumferential arrow 112. The term “longitudinal” likewise refers to a direction corresponding to a length of the spool 102, as shown by the longitudinal arrow 114. Similarly, the term “radial” refers to a direction corresponding to a radius of the spool 102, with one of many possible “radial” arrows shown at 116.

An elongate piece of tape 118, which is optionally adhesive-backed, may be coiled in a circumferential direction around the spool circumference 110. The term “coil” is used to indicate that the tape 118 is wound into rings around a core, discussed herein as being the spool 102. The spool 102 need not always be cylindrical, but it is contemplated that a cylindrical aspect will be helpful in coiling the tape 118 evenly about the spool. In many applications of the present invention, the tape 118, when coiled around the spool 102, may resemble a commonly available roll of tape.

Optionally, the elongate piece of tape 118 may have a total length substantially shorter than the length of a commonly commercially available piece (not shown) of a similar type of tape. For example, if a commercially available roll of duct tape includes a piece of tape having a length in the range of 20-60 yards (depending upon the size of roll purchased), the elongate piece of tape 118 might have a length in the range of 1-10 yards so that it is more practical for use with a given type of kit. Furthermore, this shorter-than-usual piece of tape 118 may help to make the tape container aid kit 100 more compact than would a longer piece of tape.

A plurality of elongate pieces of tape 118 may each be coiled around the spool 102 at different longitudinal locations with respect to the spool sidewall 108. That is, the spool 102 could support multiple pieces of tape 118 along a length thereof, with each tape being positioned longitudinally side-by-side with the other tapes, all of the tapes being coiled around the spool 102.

A first end covering 120 spans the spool sidewall 108 at the first spool edge 104. The term “span” is used herein to indicate that one structure (here, the first end covering 220, visible in FIGS. 2A-2C) extends across another structure (here, the spool sidewall 108). Similarly, a second end covering 122 spans the spool sidewall 108 at the second spool edge 106. More particularly, the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 are oriented substantially perpendicular (i.e., in a radial plane) to the longitudinally-oriented spool sidewall 108. At least one of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 may be selectively removable from the spool sidewall 108.

In most applications of the present invention, the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 will have a footprint/silhouette equal to or greater than the area encompassed by the spool circumference 110, in order that the first and second end coverings may completely span the spool sidewall 108 in all radial directions 116. In this manner, a containing chamber 124 is cooperatively defined by the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 and the spool sidewall 108. The containing chamber 124 may be wholly enclosed when both of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 are spanning the spool sidewall 108.

FIGS. 2A-2C depict various options and configurations for the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 and the spool 102. The arrangements depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C may be combined as desired for a particular application of the present invention. A feature depicted on a first end covering 220 in the Figures may be used instead on a second end covering 122, and vice versa. In FIG. 2A, the first end covering 220 is a flat plate-like structure and is placed across the first spool edge 104 without protruding into the spool sidewall 108 in the longitudinal direction 114. The second end covering 122 in FIG. 2A is a semi-recessed cap-type structure, having a portion which protrudes longitudinally into the spool sidewall 108 and also having an outer recess 226 which is longitudinally recessed into the body of the second end covering. That is, the second end covering 122 of FIG. 2A is at least partially located radially within the spool sidewall 108.

In FIG. 2A, the leftmost sides (in the orientation of the Figures) of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 do not extend appreciably outward beyond the spool sidewall 108 in the radial direction and lie relatively flush with the spool sidewall. In contrast, the rightmost sides (in the orientation of the Figures) of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 in FIG. 2A protrude radially outward from the spool sidewall 108 to form protruding flanges 228. When present, these protruding flanges 228 may act to protect the longitudinally outermost edges of the coiled tape 118 from damaging contact with ambient structures.

Normally, the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 will be symmetrical about the circumference thereof and will not exhibit the differential protrusion distances shown in FIG. 2A by way of example. It is contemplated, however, that a portion of the circumference of the first and/or second end coverings 220 and 122 might jut outward from the rest of those structures to act as a hanging tab, handle, or in any other capacity.

FIG. 2B depicts a tape container aid kit 100 which also is shown, by way of example, as having a leftmost side (in the orientation of the Figures) of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 being flush with the spool sidewall 108 and a rightmost side (in the orientation of the Figures) including protruding flanges 228. As with the arrangement of FIG. 2A, the first and/or second end coverings 220 and 122 will usually, though not always, either include a protruding flange 228 along an entire circumference thereof or will be wholly radially substantially flush with the spool sidewall 108.

In the configuration depicted in FIG. 2B, the first end covering 220 is shown as being integrally formed as a single piece with the spool sidewall 108. The second end covering 220 shown in FIG. 2B is a non-recessed cap-type structure, similar to the second end covering 220 of FIG. 2A except without the outer recess 226 in the previously discussed arrangement. Instead, the second end covering 220 of FIG. 2B presents a substantially flat outer surface, while being partially located longitudinally adjacent to the second spool edge 106 and partially located radially within the spool sidewall 108.

The integrally formed first end covering 220 and spool sidewall 108 of the FIG. 2B configuration provide an example of a tape container aid kit 100 having a containing chamber which is at least one of water-resistant (i.e., difficult for fluid to enter) and waterproof (i.e., substantially impossible for fluid to enter). However, it is contemplated that water-resistance or waterproofness could be provided to the containing chamber due to any suitable configuration of at least of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 and the spool sidewall 108 using any one or combination of the depicted structures, or any other desired structures. Optionally, and as would be easily possible with the configuration of the tape container aid kit 100 shown in FIG. 2B, the spool sidewall 108 and a chosen one of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 may cooperatively define a fluid-holding container for temporary use when the other one of the first and second end coverings is removed from the tape container aid kit and the containing chamber 124 is emptied of any contents other than the fluid desired to be carried therein. The fluid-holding container thus formed may either be useful as a simple bowl or cup, or could include telescoping sidewalls (similar to those of a collapsible drinking cup often used by campers), a spout, and/or other features used to facilitate the temporary use of portions of the tape container aid kit 100 as a fluid-holding container.

In FIG. 2C, the entirety of both the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 is located wholly radially within the spool sidewall 108. Also, neither of the first or second end coverings 220 and 122 protrudes longitudinally further than the longitudinal extents of the spool sidewall 108. No protruding flanges 228 are shown in FIG. 2C. FIG. 2C depicts two possible means for attaching the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 to the spool 102. The first end covering 220 shown in FIG. 2C is threadably attached to the spool sidewall 108—that is, the first end covering is screwed into the spool sidewall. The second end covering 122 is press-fit (i.e., frictionally engaged) with the inner surface of the spool sidewall 108. Other ways (not shown) of attaching the first and/or second end coverings 220 and 122 to the spool sidewall 108 include adhesive, fasteners, welding, and the like.

With reference once again to FIG. 1, a plurality of accessory items 130 (shown in dashed line as being hidden by the second end covering 122 in FIG. 1) may be located inside the containing chamber 124. Each of the accessory items 130 bears a categorical relationship to a type of the tape 118. The term “categorical” is used herein to indicate something (here, a relationship) of, relating to, or constituting any of several fundamental and distinct classes to which entities or concepts belong. Accordingly, the accessory items 130 and the tape 118 collectively form a tape container aid kit 100 of a given categorial type, which is contained within and carried by the structures formed by the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 and the spool 102.

That is to say, the tape 118 and accessory items 130 are chosen to coordinate and complement each other such that the tape container aid kit 100 has a “theme”. A user may choose to carry (or otherwise access) the tape container aid kit(s) which are best suited to the task at hand, and the categorical relationship between the type of tape 118 and the accessory items 130 will help to ensure that the user is not burdened by having to transport and/or store tape or accessory items which are not useful to the task at hand. The tape container aid kit 100 also has a compact form factor which may facilitate the storage of a large number of the kits in a relatively small area. Accordingly, the tape container aid kit 100 may be well-suited for use as an emergency kit, for storage and use by individuals and/or for storage by an aid organization and provision (e.g., via airdrop) to individuals in an emergency situation.

A first aid kit, for example, may have a tape 118 which is duct tape or medical tape, and the accessory items may include bandages, cleaning wipes (e.g, antiseptic or antibacterial wipes), medical ointment (e.g., anti-inflammatory cream or burn salve), pharmaceuticals (e.g., painkillers or antihistamines), medical liquids (e.g., eyewash), gauze pads, scissors, tweezers, minors, printed first aid instructions, and the like. The tape 118 can be used to create a tourniquet, splint, or temporary sling, or to hold large wounds closed, while the other items can be used to treat other health or medical issues. The first aid kit could be kept in a home, office, or vehicle, or could be carried for as-needed use (e.g., by a hiker, camper, or emergency responder), or could otherwise be easily carried, stored, and accessed by virtue of its small size and carefully selected components.

Another example of a categorical tape container aid kit 100 is a survival kit. The tape 118 may again be duct tape, and the accessory items 130 may include bandages, cleaning wipes, water purification tablets, mirrors (e.g., for signaling), safety pins, matches, food (e.g., freeze-dried edibles), printed survival instructions, fishing line, fish hooks, compact blankets, cutting blades, and the like. This survival kit could have some overlap in contents with the first aid kit, but the categorical type of “survival kit” is different from that of “first aid kit”. These survival kits might be useful, for example, for aid workers to distribute during natural disasters to help victims solve minor problems without drawing resources away from those with larger issues.

In a non-emergency context, an electrician's kit could have a tape 118 which is electrical tape, and the accessory items 130 could be different sizes of wire nuts, mini pliers, mini cutters, mini strippers, and the like. The electrician's kit could also be a subset of a broader motorists' kit, which also includes (coiled side-by-side with the electrical tape) duct tape and accessory items 130 such as automobile fuses, light bulbs, tire sealant, fuel additive, flares, adhesive reflectors (for placement on the clothing of a person working by the roadside), and the like. All of the items in the motorists' kit would be intended for use in fixing minor vehicle problems in a non-emergency (e.g., a burned-out light bulb or missing gas cap) or minor emergency (e.g., duct tape to cover a gap in a window that does not roll completely up or a leaking hose/radiator).

One of ordinary skill in the art can readily think of many categories of tape container aid kits 100 and the types of tape 118 and accessory items 130 which could be provided in each for emergency or non-emergency use. Examples of possible categories may include pest removal, clothing repair, office supplies, forensic science, child amusement, outdoor recreation, household repairs, cosmetics, personal hygiene, computer repair, travel, painting (household or art), exercise, and many others. The type of tape 118 and number/type(s) of accessory items 130 chosen for combination into a single tape container aid kit 100 are not essential to the present invention, as long as a single category or theme links these contents of the kit. The tape container aid kit 100 is anticipated to be a low-cost, easy-to-use compilation of items in a compact and durable configuration which can be readily stored and/or carried until needed.

FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view of a tape container aid kit 100 according to the present invention. A variety of accessory items 130 are shown—here, the accessory items all may be useful for first aid purposes. To that end, the tape 118 depicted may be duct tape. As previously discussed, the amount of tape 118 provided may be substantially less than an amount of the same kind of tape customarily sold as a roll/unit. This is because compactness is a desirable property for the tape container aid kit 100. Accordingly, it is undesirable for the user to have to carry or store appreciably more tape 118 than is likely to be needed during the times that the tape container aid kit 100 is needed. Both the tape 118 and the accessory items 130 may be refillable as needed, possibly with different “themes” or categories of tape and accessory items available to permit the user to refill and reuse a spool 102 and first and second end coverings 220 and 122 which have had their original contents (tape and accessory items) depleted.

At least one of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 may include an accessory item 130 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 3, the accessory item 130 may be a minor 130′, attached to either an inner or outer surface of at least one of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122. The mirror 130′, when present, may be useful in at least first aid (seeing a hidden laceration) and survival (signaling) categories of accessory items 130. Another example of an accessory item 130 which may be attached to at least one of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 is a reflector (not shown), which may be useful in making the user visible to oncoming traffic during a roadside emergency.

Visible indicia 332 may be located on the tape 118, the indicia 332 bearing a categorical relationship to at least one of the tape 118 and at least one accessory item 130. The term “indicia” is used herein to mean distinctive marks or indications. As shown in FIG. 3, the indicia 332 is a measuring scale, which may be useful, for example, in measuring the length of a laceration to help choose the most appropriate treatment for an injury of that size from a list in a printed first aid pamphlet which is provided as an accessory item 130. Another example of an indicia 332 may be a “temporary tattoo” design on a glue/ink strip attached to a paper backing tape 118 which is used with a “child amusement” category of tape container aid kit 100 which also may include such accessory items 130 as crayons and glitter.

At least one accessory item 130, such as the pill packet 130″ shown in FIG. 3, may be packaged in a frangible packet. The term “frangible” is used herein to indicate a structure that is readily or easily broken. For example, the pill packet 130″ of FIG. 3 may be one of the commonly known “tear to open” foil pillow packs. Optionally, the frangible packet may be at least one of water-resistant and waterproof.

Frangible packet 130′″ of FIG. 3 includes an outer profile, as shown, which is configured to be coextensive with at least a portion of the spool circumference 110 when the packet 130′″ is located within the containing chamber 124. The term “coextensive” is used herein to indicate that structures have the same spatial boundaries. For example, and as shown here, the packet 130′″ has a curved outer profile which substantially matches a portion of the spool circumference 110. Therefore, the packet 130′″ will readily “nest” into position with the curved outer profile against the spool circumference 110, for efficient use of space within the containing chamber 124. Another example (not shown) of a packet having a coextensive outer profile is one which is round and just slightly smaller than the spool circumference 110, in order to entirely fill one longitudinal “layer” of space within the containing chamber 124.

Efficiency in use of space is likely to be desirable in many applications of the present invention, wherein the spool 102 may have a longitudinal length, for example, in the range of one-half inch to four inches and may have a radial diameter, for example, in the range of one inch to six inches. Larger or smaller dimensions of spools 102 are contemplated, however, and the size of a spool or any other component of the tape container aid kit 100 can be readily chosen by one of ordinary skill in the art for a particular application of the present invention.

Regardless of the dimensions of the tape container aid kit 100, one of ordinary skill in the art may find it useful to provide the containing chamber 124 with some type of internal structure to help keep the accessory item(s) 130 neatly contained therein. For instance, and with reference to FIGS. 4-5, at least one divider 434 may be provided, each divider 434 separating the containing chamber into a plurality of subchambers 436, the subchambers being oriented at least one of longitudinally, circumferentially, and radially with respect to the spool sidewall 108. It should be noted that the subchambers 436 need not extend the entire longitudinal length of the containing chamber 124. The divider 434 shown in FIGS. 4-5 separates a portion of the containing chamber 124 into substantially concentric subchambers 436.

The outermost (rightmost, in the orientation of FIG. 4) subchamber 436 may be sized to contain, for example, flat adhesive bandages (not shown, such as those sold under the Band-Aid® brand by Johnson & Johnson of New Brunswick, N.J.). By being contained in the outermost subchamber 436, the bandages can avoid unsightly and possible damaging disfiguration caused by repeated contact with other accessory items 130 within the containing chamber 124. The subchambers 436 may be useful for isolating certain accessory items 130 within the containing chamber 124, such as for keeping liquid accessory items, which could leak or spill, away from moisture-sensitive accessory items.

Similarly, an item support structure 438 may be located within the containing chamber 124. When present, the item support structure 438 may be configured to maintain at least one accessory item 130 in a predetermined relationship with the spool sidewall 108 regardless of the orientation of the tape container aid kit 100 in ambient space. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 4-5, the item support structure 438 shown is maintaining the upright position of the accessory items 130 shown in dashed line. The item support structure 438 may be a simple “wall” within the containing chamber 124 or may include slots, sockets, fasteners, adhesive, or other means for interacting with the accessory items 130 to restrain them from unwanted movement.

A divider 434 may also act as an item support structure 438, and vice versa, but the item support structure is intended to keep an accessory item 130 in a predetermined position within the containing chamber 124, while the divider merely separates the space within the containing chamber 124 into subchambers 436.

As shown in FIG. 5, at least one of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 may include an access panel 540 configured to selectively allow access to the containing chamber 124. The access panel 540 is a reduced-size area of the first and/or second end covering 220 and 122, and may allow access to the containing chamber 124 in at least one of a frangible manner (e.g., may be a tearaway strip or other destroyed-upon-use structure) and a reusable manner (e.g., may be a resealable flap). The access panel 540 may be particularly useful when the accessory items 130 are perishable (in that a frangible access panel may be used to dissuade re-sealing and re-use of the tape container aid kit 100 at a later time) or when the first/second end covering 220/122 is permanently attached to the spool 102 (in that a reusable access panel 540 can allow access without requiring that the bond between the end covering and the spool be broken).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of providing a tape container aid kit 100. In order to package the group of accessory items 130, such as with the tape 118, the spool 102 is provided at 642. An elongate piece of tape 118 or other material is coiled around the spool circumference 110 at 644. Optionally, this portion of the assembly may be done in bulk through the use of a master spool (not shown) which has a longitudinal dimension greater than the longitudinal dimensions of at least two of the cylindrical spools 102. When a master spool is used, a very long sheet of material (the tape 118) may be coiled around the master spool, and then, when the tape 118 has been sufficiently coiled, the master spool may be cut (perhaps in several locations) in a radial direction to form a plurality of spool sections (not shown). Each of the spool sections is an individual cylindrical spool 102 and has a section of tape 118 wound around it, ready for the next step in assembly of the tape container aid kit 100.

Regardless of the manner in which the spools 102 are provided and coiled with tape 118, the spool sidewall 108 may be spanned at the first spool edge 104 with a first end covering 220 at 646. When the first end covering 220 completely spans the entire spool sidewall 108, the first end covering may be referred to as “capping” the spool sidewall.

The containing chamber 124 is cooperatively defined at 648 by the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 and the spool sidewall 108. At least one of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 is configured to selectively allow access to the containing chamber 124 from outside the tape container aid kit 100.

A plurality of accessory items 130, each bearing a categorical relationship to the tape 118, are placed atop the first end covering 220 within the containing chamber 124 (when the second end covering 122 is not present) at 650. The accessory items 130 are arranged as desired with respect to any divider 434 and/or item support structure 438 which may be present. Then the spool sidewall 108 is spanned at the second spool edge 106 with a second end covering 122 at 652. (It should be noted that the sequence of installation of the first and second end coverings 220 and 122 could be reversed from that given.)

The first and second end coverings 220 and 122 are tightened, if needed, and any other final packaging steps are taken. For example, the entire tape container aid kit 100 may be shrink-wrapped; instructions or other indicia may be printed, stickered, engraved, or otherwise marked on any suitable component of the tape container aid kit; or the tape container aid kit may undergo quality assurance testing. Once the tape container aid kit 100 has been deemed ready for provision to the user, it may be combined into a multi-pack with other tape container aid kits or otherwise prepared for storage and/or transport and ultimate provision to the end user.

While aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiment above, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, any of the structures of the tape container aid kit 100 could be made of any material, using any manufacturing process (integrally formed as one unit or separately made up of component parts), and may have any dimensions. A device or method incorporating any of these features should be understood to fall under the scope of the present invention as determined based upon the claims below and any equivalents thereof.

Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tape container aid kit, comprising:

a cylindrical spool having substantially circular first and second spool edges longitudinally separated by a spool sidewall defining an inner circumference and a spool circumference;

an elongate piece of adhesive-backed tape coiled around the spool circumference;

a first end covering spanning the spool sidewall at the first spool edge;

a second end covering spanning the spool sidewall at the second spool edge;

both of the first and second end coverings include a single unitary piece of material directly contacting the entire inner circumference of the spool sidewall and completely spanning the spool sidewall in all radial directions;

a containing chamber cooperatively defined by the first and second end coverings and the spool sidewall, the containing chamber being wholly enclosed when both of the first and second end coverings are spanning the spool sidewall, at least one of the first and second end coverings being configured to selectively allow access to the containing chamber from outside the tape container aid kit; and

a plurality of accessory items located inside the containing chamber, each of the accessory items bearing a categorical relationship to a type of the adhesive-backed tape, such that the accessory items and the adhesive-backed tape collectively form a tape container aid kit of a given categorical type.

2. The tape container aid kit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second end coverings is at least one of partially located within the longitudinal dimension of the spool sidewall and integrally formed as a single piece with the spool sidewall.

3. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein a plurality of elongate pieces of material are each coiled around the spool circumference at a different longitudinal location with respect to the spool sidewall.

4. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein at least one of the first and second end coverings includes an access panel configured to selectively allow access to the containing chamber, the access panel allowing access to the containing chamber in at least one of a frangible manner and a reusable manner.

5. The tape container aid kit of claim 1, including at least one divider which separates the containing chamber into a plurality of subchambers, the subchambers being oriented at least one of longitudinally, circumferentially, and radially with respect to the spool sidewall.

6. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein at least one of the first and second end coverings is attached to the spool sidewall through at least one of a threadable engagement, a frictional engagement, adhesives, fasteners, and welding.

7. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein at least one of the first and second end coverings includes an accessory item attached thereto, the accessory item being at least one of a reflector and a mirror.

8. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein the elongate piece of material has a total length substantially shorter than the length of a commonly commercially available piece of a similar adhesive-backed tape.

9. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, including visible indicia located on the elongate piece of material, the indicia bearing a categorical relationship to at least one of the elongate piece of adhesive-backed tape and at least one accessory item.

10. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein the elongate piece of material is an adhesive-backed duct tape, and at least one accessory item is selected from the group comprising bandages, cleaning wipes, medical ointment, pharmaceuticals, water purification tablets, medical liquids, gauze pads, scissors, tweezers, mirrors, safety pins, matches, food, printed first aid instructions, printed survival instructions, fishing line, fish hooks, compact blankets, and cutting blades.

11. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein the elongate piece of material is an adhesive-backed electrical tape, and at least one accessory item is selected from the group comprising wire nuts, mini pliers, mini cutters, and mini strippers.

12. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein the containing chamber is at least one of water-resistant and watertight due to a configuration of at least one of the first and second end coverings and the spool sidewall.

13. The tape container aid kit of claim 12, wherein the spool sidewall and a chosen one of the first and second end coverings cooperatively define a fluid-holding container for temporary use when the other one of the first and second end coverings and the accessory items are both removed from the tape container aid kit.

14. The tape container aid kit of claim 1, including an item support structure located within the containing chamber and configured to maintain at least one accessory item in a predetermined relationship with the spool sidewall regardless of the orientation of the tape container aid kit in ambient space.

15. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein at least one accessory item is packaged in a frangible packet, the packet being at least one of water-resistant and waterproof.

16. The tape container aid kit of claim 15, wherein at least one packet includes an outer profile configured to be coextensive with at least a portion of the spool circumference when the packet is located within the containing chamber.

17. A method of providing a tape container aid kit, the method comprising:

providing a cylindrical spool having substantially circular first and second spool edges longitudinally separated by a spool sidewall defining a spool circumference;

coiling an elongate piece of adhesive-backed tape around the spool circumference;

spanning the spool sidewall at the first spool edge with a first end covering;

spanning the spool sidewall at the second spool edge with a second end covering;

cooperatively defining a containing chamber with the first and second end coverings and the spool sidewall, the containing chamber being wholly enclosed when both of the first and second end coverings are spanning the spool sidewall, at least one of the first and second end coverings being configured to selectively allow access to the containing chamber from outside the tape container aid kit; and

locating a plurality of accessory items inside the containing chamber, each of the accessory items bearing a categorical relationship to the adhesive-backed tape.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein providing a cylindrical spool includes:

providing a master spool having a longitudinal dimension greater than the longitudinal dimension of at least two cylindrical spools, and

cutting the master spool in a radial direction to form a plurality of spool sections, wherein each spool section is an individual cylindrical spool.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first and second end coverings is integrally formed as a single piece with the spool sidewall.

20. The method of claim 17, including selectively allowing access to the containing chamber through an access panel in at least one of the first and second end coverings.

21. The method of claim 17, including attaching at least one of the first and second end coverings to the spool sidewall through at least one of a threadable engagement and a frictional engagement.

22. A tape container aid kit, comprising:

a cylindrical spool having substantially circular first and second spool edges longitudinally separated by a spool sidewall defining a spool circumference;

an elongate piece of material coiled around the spool circumference;

a first end covering spanning the spool sidewall at the first spool edge, at least a portion of the first end covering being located within the longitudinal dimension of the spool sidewall;

a second end covering spanning the spool sidewall at the second spool edge, at least a portion of the second end covering being located within the longitudinal dimension of the spool sidewall; and

a containing chamber cooperatively defined by the first and second end coverings and the spool sidewall, the containing chamber being wholly enclosed when both of the first and second end coverings are spanning the spool sidewall, at least one of the first and second end coverings being configured to selectively allow access to the containing chamber from outside the tape container aid kit; wherein

a plurality of accessory items are located inside the containing chamber, the accessory items bearing a categorical relationship to the elongate piece of material.

23. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein the elongate piece of material is at least one of adhesive-backed tape, monofilament line, sewing thread, rope, cord, webbing, paper tape, bathroom tissue, and wire.

24. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein at least one of the first and second end coverings is integrally formed as a single piece with the spool sidewall.

25. The tape container aid kit of claim 22, wherein the elongate piece of adhesive-backed tape has a total length substantially shorter than the length of a commonly commercially available piece of a similar adhesive-backed tape.

26. The tape container aid kit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second end coverings has a portion which protrudes longitudinally into the spool sidewall and also has an outer recess which is longitudinally recessed into the body of the second end covering.

27. The tape container aid kit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second end coverings has a portion which protrudes longitudinally into the spool sidewall and also has an outer recess which is longitudinally recessed into the body of the second end covering.