System for dispensing tape

Abstract

A system for dispensing tape from a roll of tape secured to a ladder or horizontal scaffold, the system comprising a gimbal including a horizontal sprocket proportioned for engagement of an interior of the roll of tape, the roll having an axis of rotation. The system includes a platform rotatably secured to an upper surface of the gimbal and the surface substantially parallel to a plane defined by the axis of rotation of the roll and rotation thereof relative to the platform and a means for securing said platform between respective left and right vertical edge elements of said ladder or corresponding surfaces of the scaffold.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Area of Invention

The present invention relates to tape dispensers.

2. Prior Art

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems are concerned with the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and distribution of air within a building. Those who install HVAC systems must use of HVAC tape to secure and maintain the air ducts of the system. Often, HVAC tape is hard to maneuver, while keeping the tape straight in or above ceiling panels and other hard to reach places.

The prior art includes means for vertically mounting a tape dispenser as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,229 to Pagnini. The prior art also includes a portable dual advance dispenser for a supply of linered tape material having an adhesive tape mounted in separable strips on a release liner as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,182 to Thompson et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,066 to Hambleton discloses a hands-free tape dispenser for dispensing tape of varying widths and quantities which is attached to a user's wrist or arm.

It would be desirable to provide a tape dispenser, for use with a ladder or scaffolding for maneuvering into difficult places while allowing the tape to remain straight and not curl. The present invention addresses this long felt need in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for dispensing tape from a roll of tape secured to a ladder or horizontal scaffold, the system comprising a gimbal including a horizontal sprocket proportioned for engagement of an interior of the roll of tape, the roll having an axis of rotation. The system for dispensing tape includes a platform rotatably secured to an upper surface of the gimbal and the surface is substantially parallel to a plane defined by the axis of rotation of the roll and rotation thereof relative to the platform. The system also includes a means for securing the platform between respective left and right vertical edge elements of the ladder or corresponding surfaces of the scaffold.

It is an object of the invention to provide a system for dispensing tape particularly suited for dispensing tape when mounted on a substantially horizontal surface.

It is another object is to provide a system for dispensing tape which can be readily attached to any suitable horizontal surface, including a ladder rung or scaffolding.

It is a further object of the invention to provide system for dispensing tape which spools tape easily for use in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) applications.

The above and yet other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of the Invention, and Claims appended herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational, operational view of a front portion of a ladder showing the rotating swivel motion and position of the inventive system for dispensing tape.

FIG. 2 is a perspective and environmental view of the system for dispensing tape illustrating its placement on a ladder and direction of dispensing the tape.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the system for dispensing tape illustrating how it is secured to the ladder.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side radial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the system for dispensing tape attached to a rectangular ladder rung.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view, similar to that of FIG. 4, of the system for dispensing tape attached to a circular ladder rung, showing another attachment means.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of said second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown, a system for dispensing tape 100 from a roll of tape 110 secured to a vertical ladder 120 or scaffold. In FIGS. 1-3 may also be seen a gimbal 130 which includes a horizontal gimbal sprocket 114 proportioned for engagement of an interior 112 of the roll of tape 110.

As shown in FIG. 3, a platform 150 is rotatably secured to an upper surface 140 of the gimbal 130. The gimbal 130 is attached to a platform 150 and can rotate 360 degrees to allow tape 100 to be dispensed in any direction (See FIG. 1). In FIG. 3, there is also shown a means for securing 160 the platform 150 between respective left 170 and right 180 inner vertical edge elements of the ladder 120.

Shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 is the means for securing 160 the platform 150 between respective left 170 and right 180 vertical elements of the ladder 120. This includes a pair of threaded bolts 162 parallel to the platform 150. Each threaded bolt 162 having one end secured to an opposite end of the platform 150. The means for securing 160 the platform 150 also includes a pair of adjustable opposing elongate members 164 threadibly secured to respective opposite. The pair of adjustable opposing elongate members once threadibly secured may be locked into place by a lock nut 165. The pair of adjustable opposing elongate members 164, corresponding threaded bolts 162, and the lock nut 165, adjusts to enable a snug fit between the respective left 170 and right 180 vertical elements of the ladder. The opposing elongate members 164 also act as handles to assist the user in the placement of the system for dispensing tape 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the end portions 166 attached to said elongate cylindrical female members 164 press firmly and resiliently into the respective left 170 and right 180 vertical elements of the ladder 120 once the entire system has been located on the ladder and adjusted between the vertical elements to the user's satisfaction.

The horizontal gimbal sprocket 114 is proportioned for engagement of an interior of said roll of tape 110 preferably defines a press-fit engagement 112. The horizontal sprocket 114 may also comprise a fixed removable pole or it may have direct internal engagement inside the roll of tape 110. The system 100 may also be manufactured with a removable gimbal sprocket 114 or an internally attached gimbal sprocket 114. The gimbal itself may be rigid or rotatable.

The horizontal sprocket 114 proportioned for engagement of an interior 112 of the roll of tape 110 is preferably proportioned for the engagement of the interior of a roll of HVAC tape. The sprocket 114 can also be proportioned for dry wall tape and other types of tape. The gimbal 130 and horizontal sprocket 114 are preferably made of a flexible material, such as a polymer. The platform 150 is preferably made of a rigid polymer, but may also be comprised of an alternative polymer or wood, or the like. The end portions 166 are preferably made of a rubber-like material that will not harm the left 170 and right 180 vertical edges of the ladder. The platform 150 defines a horizontal length of about 3 to about 6 inches. Each edge of the surface of said gimbal defines a length of about 2.5 to about 5.5 inches.

With reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 there is shown a second embodiment of the system for dispensing tape 200 from a roll of tape 210 secured to a vertical ladder 222 or scaffold including a gimbal 130 which includes a horizontal sprocket proportioned 214 for engagement of an interior 212 of said roll of tape 210.

The second embodiment also includes a horizontal sprocket 214, proportioned for engagement of an interior 212 of said roll of tape 210 and preferably defines a press-fit engagement.

As shown in FIG. 4, a platform 250 is rotatably secured to an upper surface 240 of the gimbal and includes a means for securing 260 the platform 250 to a horizontal element 222 of the ladder 220. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the horizontal element 222 of the ladder 220 as a rectangular rung versus a circular rung. The means for securing 260 the platform 250 to the horizontal element 222 of the ladder 220 can be manually adjusted to fit any standard ladder rung dimensions. The means for securing 260 the platform 250 to the horizontal element 222 of the ladder 220 is preferably a spring clamp. Another type of clamp or securing arrangement may be used in the alternative.

While there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.

Claims

1. A system for dispensing tape from a roll of tape secured to a ladder or horizontal scaffold, the system comprising:

(a) a gimbal including a horizontal sprocket proportioned for engagement of an interior of said roll of tape, said roll having an axis of rotation;

(b) a platform rotatably secured to an upper surface of said gimbal, said surface substantially parallel to a plane defined by said axis of rotation of said roll and rotation thereby relative to said platform; and

(c) a means for securing said platform between respective left and right vertical edge elements of said ladder or corresponding surfaces of said scaffold.

2. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 1, in which said means for securing said platform between respective left and right vertical elements of said ladder comprises:

(a) a pair of threaded bolts, each one of said pair having one end secured to an opposite side of said platform, said bolts parallel to said platform;

(b) a pair of adjustable opposing elongate members threadibly secured to respective opposite; and

(c) an end portion of each member having a swivel attachment to that end of each elongate member that engages said respective vertical elements of said ladder.

3. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 1, in which said horizontal sprocket proportioned for engagement of an interior of said roll of tape defines a press-fit engagement therewith.

4. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 1, in which said roll of tape comprises a roll of dry wall tape.

5. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 1, in which said roll of tape comprises a roll of HVAC tape.

6. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 1, in which said gimbal comprises a flexible material.

7. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 2, in which said end portions comprise a rubber-like material.

8. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 1, in which said platform defines a horizontal length of about 3 to 6 about inches.

9. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 2, in which said upper surface of said gimbal defines an edge dimension of about 2.5 to about 5.5 inches.

10. A system for dispensing tape from a roll of tape secured to a ladder or vertical scaffold, the system comprising:

(a) a gimbal including a horizontal sprocket proportioned for engagement of an interior of said roll of tape, said roll having an axis of rotation;

(b) a platform rotatably secured to an upper surface of said gimbal, said surface substantially parallel to a plane defined by said axis of rotation of said roll and rotation thereby relative to said platform; and

(c) a means for securing said platform to a vertical element of said ladder or corresponding surfaces of said scaffold.

11. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 10, in which said horizontal sprocket proportioned for engagement of an interior of said roll of tape defines a press-fit engagement.

12. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 10, in which said roll of tape comprises a roll of dry wall tape.

13. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 10, in which said roll of tape comprises a roll of HVAC tape.

14. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 10, in which said means for securing said platform to a horizontal element of said ladder comprises a spring clamp.

15. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 10, in which said platform comprises a flexible material.

16. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 10, in which said platform defines a horizontal length of about 3 to 6 about inches.

17. The system for dispensing tape as recited in claim 10, in which said upper surface of said gimbal defines an edge dimension of about 2.5 to 5.5 about inches.