US20160058161A1

US20160058161A1 - Tape dispensing case

Info

Publication number: US20160058161A1
Application number: US14/469,970
Authority: US
Inventors: Patrick Francis Brennan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-27
Filing date: 2014-08-27
Publication date: 2016-03-03

Abstract

A tape dispensing case is provided. The tape dispensing case may include a base that has a sidewall extending from an outer perimeter of the base. The tape dispensing case may further include a cap that releasably attaches to the base. A housing is formed in between the base, the sidewall, and the cap. A spindle is fixed within the housing. A core inner surface of a tape roll may fit over the spindle. A holster clip may be attached to the tape dispensing case so that a user may attach the tape dispensing case to themselves.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tape dispensing case and, more particularly, to a tape dispensing case attachable to a waistband or belt.
Masking tape, also known as sticky tape, is a type of pressure-sensitive tape made of a thin and easy-to-tear paper, and an easily released pressure-sensitive adhesive. It is available in a variety of widths and adhesive strengths. It is used mainly in painting, to mask off areas that should not be painted. The adhesive is the key element to its usefulness, as it allows the tape to be applied to a surface in a manner intended to create sharp finished paint edges, yet remain easily removable without leaving residue or damaging the surface to which it is applied.
The effectiveness of masking tape is directly related to preventing foreign particles from contaminating both the adhesive and the integrity of the fine edge created by the paper backing. Handheld tape dispensers must be put aside while applying a portion of tape to a surface with both hands, risking contamination by dust and debris of the tape remaining on the roll. Additionally, a roll of tape risks direct contamination from the user's hand when being unreeled in a continuous fashion. Solid mounted tape dispensers are suitable only for use at a workbench or other stationary site and are therefore useless at a remote work site. Neither of these methods of tape dispensation include provisions for isolating the tape from contamination and neither method allows the end user to remain at a remote work site (e.g. up a ladder, on a scaffold, etc.) and retain control of the tape roll from which they are working while leaving both hands free to apply the tape.
As can be seen, there is a need for a case that properly protects the tape and secures the tape to a user when so desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a tape dispensing case comprises: a base comprising a sidewall extending from an outer perimeter of the base; a cap releasably attachable to the base, wherein a housing is formed in between the base, the sidewall, and the cap; a spindle fixed within the housing, wherein the spindle is formed to receive a roll of tape; and a holster belt clip attached to the tape dispensing case.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a forward perspective view of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 3 is a forward perspective exploded view of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective exploded view of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a section view of the present invention along line 5-5 in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
The present invention includes a substantially enclosed and wearable masking tape dispenser. By providing a convenient mounting for the tape dispenser on the users person (the belt line), as well as a hard cover, removable for installation of masking tape onto the device, the issues caused by foreign matter contaminating the adhesive and the fine edge on the masking tape itself are effectively eliminated. Additionally, both of the user's hands are free to apply the tape to the desired surface in two distinct ways: while wearing the device on the beltline and removing individual strips of adhesive tape to be applied to a surface with both free hands; and while holding the removable portion of the dispenser in one hand and applying a single continuous portion of tape to a surface as one might when laying out patterns to be painted on a large portion of wall, without the risk of dropping the unprotected tape and causing further contamination.
After removing the cover and installing a roll of masking tape onto the dispenser with the leading edge of the tape protruding from a small opening, the end user may then situate themselves at any work site and apply the tape to the work surface without the need to hold the dispenser by hand (unless desired, as with continuous dispensation) or conversely repeatedly move between a permanently mounted roll and the work site. The present invention effectively eliminates contamination of the tape roll from airborne contaminants, contamination of the tape roll from work site debris as well as the user's own hands, time wasted by the end user moving between the work site and a permanently mounted tape roll, time wasted by the end user moving between the worksite and an unprotected roll that has been repeatedly dropped, and the risk to the end user of dropping the unprotected tape, causing further contamination and/or physical damage to the tape roll itself, all while still allowing said tape, when contained within the dispenser, to be intuitively handled as if it were in not in an enclosure.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the present invention includes a tape dispensing case 10. The tape dispensing case 10 may include a base 12 that has a sidewall 13 extending from an outer perimeter of the base 12. The tape dispensing case 10 may further include a cap 14 that releasably attaches to the base 12. A housing is formed in between the base 12, the sidewall 13 and the cap 14. A spindle 22 is fixed within the housing. A core inner surface 20 of a tape roll 16 may fit over the spindle 22. A holster clip 34 may be attached to the tape dispensing case 10.
In certain embodiments, the spindle 22 may be fixed to the base 12 and may extend from the base 12 in between the sidewall 13. In certain embodiments, the spindle 22 may include an internal surface forming a threaded female portion 24. Extending from the cap 14 may include a threaded male portion 26 that may releasably attach to the threaded female portion 24. Therefore, the cap 14 may releasably secure to the base 12 via the threaded portions 24, 26.
The present invention may further include a holster plate 11. The holster plate 11 may include the holster clip 34. The holster clip 34 may be sized to fit and attach to a belt or a waistband. In certain embodiments, the base 12 may be substantially rounded and may include an outer rim 28 extending therefrom. Further, the cap 28 may also be substantially rounded and may include an outer rim 28 extending therefrom. The holster clip 34 may include a receiving lip 32 which may receive and secure the outer rim 28 of either the cap 14 or the base 12.
In certain embodiments, the tape dispensing case 10 may be made of a strong material, such as metal, plastic or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the holster plate 11 may include a magnetic material 36. Therefore, the holster plate 11 may attract the metal portions of the tape dispensing case 10, and thereby the tape dispensing case 10 may releasably attach to, and detach from, the holster plate 11. In certain embodiments, the magnetic material 36 may be embedded in the receiving lip 32 of the holster plate 11. Therefore, the metal rim 28 may securely attach within the receiving lip 32.
In certain embodiments, the sidewall 13 may include a gap 30 formed so that the end of the tape 18 may protrude from the tape dispensing case 10. To use the present invention, a user may unscrew the cap 14 from the base 12. The user may place the roll of tape 16 over the spindle 22 and align the end of the tape 18 with the gap 30 in the sidewall. The user may then screw the cap 14 back onto the base 12. The base 12 or the cap 14 may be attached to the holster plate 11. The user may then attach the holster belt clip 34 to their belt or waistband. The user may now use the tape 16 both hands free or in hand as earlier described, as well as keeping the tape 16 clean.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A tape dispensing case comprising:

a base comprising a sidewall extending from an outer perimeter of the base;

a cap releasably attachable to the base, wherein a housing is formed in between the base, the sidewall, and the cap;

a spindle fixed within the housing, wherein the spindle is formed to receive a roll of tape; and

a holster belt clip attached to the tape dispensing case.

2. The tape dispensing case of claim 1, wherein the spindle is fixed to the base and extending from the base in between the sidewall.

3. The tape dispensing case of claim 2, wherein the spindle comprises an internal surface forming a threaded female portion.

4. The tape dispensing case of claim 3, wherein the cap further comprises a threaded male portion configured to releasably attach to the threaded female portion.

5. The tap dispensing case of claim 4, wherein the spindle is substantially hollow and the threaded female portion is substantially hollow so that the tape dispensing case comprises an aperture running through a center portion.

6. The tape dispensing case of claim 1, further comprising a holster base plate comprising the holster belt clip, wherein the base is releasably attachable to the holster base plate.

7. The tape dispensing case of claim 4, wherein the holster base plate comprises a receiving lip, wherein the base comprises an outer rim formed to releasably secure within the receiving lip.

8. The tape dispensing case of claim 4, wherein the base and the cap are made of a metal, and wherein the base plate comprises magnetic material.

9. The tape dispensing case of claim 1, wherein a gap is formed in the sidewall.