SUPPORT FOR ADHESIVE TAPE

A Support for adhesive tape, including: a cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical, body configured to be inserted inside the tubular core of the adhesive tape; a base, associated with the cylindrical body, to which, in turn, a connecting element to an operator’s garment, or to an operator’s accessory, or to further parts of the operator’s equipment, is associated; at least a retractable element, provided along the lateral surface of said cylindrical body, including a control suitable for selectively actuating said retractable element from a retention configuration of the adhesive tape on the cylindrical body, to a configuration of free removal of the adhesive tape from the cylindrical body, and vice versa.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a support for adhesive tape.

More in detail, this invention relates to a support for adhesive tape which allows the operator to keep the adhesive tape always in a convenient, accessible and safe location during work.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In various professional fields, adhesive tape is used in the form of a cylindrical or disc-shaped reel.

A typical example of such professional fields (to be considered, however, non limiting) in which very frequent use of adhesive tape is made is that of electricians. In a typical operating situation for an electrician, such as setting up, or repairing, or modifying an electrical system, the operator needs to frequently use portions of adhesive tape, so it is advisable for them to have the aforementioned reel always close at hand.

Normally, for easier availability and accessibility, the operator will keep the adhesive tape in one of the pockets of their clothes, or place it on an easily accessible surface, or even inside a container or tool case.

However, these possible solutions are not always easy to implement, for various reasons linked, for example, to the characteristics of the specific workplace in which the operator is working.

Therefore, it can frequently happen that the operator loses the adhesive tape, or in any case experiences difficulties in finding it, and this obviously causes considerable inconvenience and delays in carrying out the work.

Or, there may be working situations in which the operator must use several adhesive tapes of different types, and therefore they must be able to choose, each time, one or the other quickly and safely.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to improve the state of the art in the field of working equipment and the like.

Within the scope of this technical aim, an object of this invention is to provide a support for adhesive tape that makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks claimed above.

Another object of this invention is to provide a support for adhesive tape which allows the operator to use said tape, when necessary, in a quick, accurate and reliable way.

A further object of this invention is to make a support for adhesive tape available which allows the above mentioned results to be obtained with a simple and economical construction solution.

This aim and these objects are achieved by the support for adhesive tape according to the present application.

The support comprises a cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical, body configured to be inserted inside the tubular core of the adhesive tape.

According to an aspect of the invention, such support comprises a base, associated with said cylindrical body, to which, in turn, a connecting element to an operator’s garment, or to an operator’s accessory, or to further parts of the operator’s equipment, is associated.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the invention, this cylindrical body comprises selective constraint means of the adhesive tape, provided with a control suitable for actuating said selective constraint means from a retention configuration of the adhesive tape on the cylindrical body to a configuration of free removal of the adhesive tape from said cylindrical body, and vice versa.

Thanks to this solution, the adhesive tape can be held firmly and securely in the position established by the operator (for example, but not limited to, fastened to their belt).

Therefore, whenever the use of adhesive tape is required, the operator can simply and immediately reach for it and take it with a simple gesture, and with no risk of losing it or confusing it with other similar objects.

The present application refers to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the annexedFIG.1,1generally indicates a support for adhesive tape according to the present invention.

The support1comprises a cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical body2.

The cylindrical body2is configured to be inserted inside the tubular core A of the adhesive tape N.

The latter is represented schematically and with a broken line inFIG.2, for the sole purpose of a better understanding.

The outside diameter of the cylindrical body2is sized so that it can be inserted comfortably (and therefore with sufficient clearance) inside the tubular core A of the adhesive tape N (the opening of which usually has standard dimensions).

The support1further comprises a base3, associated with the cylindrical body2.

According to an aspect of the invention, the support1comprises a connecting element4; the connecting element4is associated with the base3.

The connecting element4is configured to be connected, in a removable way, to an operator’s garment, or to an operator’s accessory, or to further parts of the operator’s equipment, as better explained below.

According to another aspect of the invention, the cylindrical body2of the support1comprises selective constraint means5of the adhesive tape N.

The aforesaid selective constraint means5are provided with a control6.

Said control6is suitable for actuating said selective constraint means5from a retention configuration of the adhesive tape N on the cylindrical body2, to a configuration of free removal of the adhesive tape N from the cylindrical body2, and vice versa.

The selective constraint means5comprise, in more detail, at least one retractable element7.

The retractable element7is provided along the lateral surface of the cylindrical body2.

In particular – see, for example, again the schematic representation ofFIG.2-when the tubular core A of the adhesive tape N is inserted along the cylindrical body2, so that the adhesive tape N abuts against the surface of the base3, the selective constraint means5are in a retention configuration of the adhesive tape N, and the at least one retractable element7(in particular, the one on the left inFIG.2) is in a projecting position with respect to the lateral surface of the cylindrical body2, so as to create an interference that prevents the tubular core A of the adhesive tape N from coming out of the aforementioned cylindrical body2.

When, instead, the selective constraint means5are in the configuration of free extraction of the adhesive tape N, the at least one retractable element7(in particular, the one on the right inFIG.2) is in a retracted position with respect to the lateral surface of the cylindrical body2, and the aforementioned interference is thus removed; therefore, the adhesive tape N can be freely removed from the cylindrical body2.

According to an aspect of the invention, the selective constraint means5comprise a plurality of retractable elements7.

The retractable elements7are arranged to be angularly equidistant from each other, with reference to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical body2.

More in detail, in the specific embodiments represented in the attached figures, the selective constraint means5comprise three retractable elements7.

The retractable elements7are identical to each other.

The three retractable elements7are arranged to be angularly equidistant from each other at angles of 120°, with reference to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical body2(FIG.3).

In other possible embodiments of the invention, not shown in the figures, or according to other possible configurations, the number of retractable elements7of the selective constraint means5could be any number, and therefore different from three, in relation to the specific uses and/or constructive needs: consequently, their mutual positioning could also be different.

The cylindrical body2is internally hollow; it is open at one of its bases; in particular, at this base, an edge8of the cylindrical body2defines a (circular) opening9.

The other base of the cylindrical body2comprises a central hole10.

Furthermore, the cylindrical body2comprises at least one slot11, oriented to be parallel, or substantially parallel, to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical body2. A respective retractable element7of the selective constraint means5is housed inside this slot11; this retractable element7is movable between the respective protruding position and the respective retracted position, and vice versa, following the operator’s actuation of the control6, as better explained below.

More in detail, in the specific embodiment shown in the figures, which is of particular practical interest, the cylindrical body2comprises three slots11, angularly equidistant at angles of 120° with respect to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical body2.

Inside these three slots11three respective retractable elements7are therefore housed, movable between the respective protruding positions and the respective retracted positions, and vice versa, with respect to the lateral surface of the cylindrical body2.

According to an aspect of the invention, each retractable element7is articulated to the cylindrical body2.

More in detail, each retractable element7is articulated to the edge8of the opening9of the cylindrical body2.

Each retractable element7comprises an elongated body12.

Two opposing and coaxial pins13emerge from one end of said elongated body12. The pins13are configured to engage in respective semi-cylindrical seats13aobtained in the aforementioned edge8of the opening9of the cylindrical body2.

According to another aspect of the invention, each retractable element7comprises a respective tooth14.

The tooth14is shaped by a first side of the elongated body12.

Furthermore, each retractable element7comprises a respective first operating portion15.

This first operating portion15is configured to cooperate with a respective second operating portion16provided in the control6of the selective constraint means5. The first operating portion15comprises a profile17, provided along a second side of the elongated body12, opposite the first side in which the first tooth14is provided.

The profile17in turn comprises a first surface18and a second surface19, connected to each other.

The first surface18and the second surface19of the profile17define an acute angle between them.

The elongated body12also comprises a terminal head20, provided near the tooth14.

The tooth14comprises a flat surface (in use, facing the base3) and a rounded surface (e.g. a sort of cylindrical side surface portion).

According to another aspect of the invention, the control6of the selective constraint means5comprises a button21.

The button21is, for example, cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical, but it could also have another shape.

The button21is slidably engaged in the hole10of the cylindrical body2.

The cylindrical body2forms, at the hole10, a tubular extension22, which extends towards the inside of the cavity of the cylindrical body2.

This tubular extension22allows to correctly guide the translation of the button21along the symmetry axis of the cylindrical body2.

The second operating portion16is integral with the lateral surface of the button21. In the event that the selective constraint means5comprise three retractable elements7, the button21also comprises, correspondingly, three respective second operating portions16(angularly equidistant with respect to the axis of symmetry of the button21).

Each second operating portion16is substantially sharp, or pointed; moreover, it is bent like a sort of hook.

In other words, each second operating portion16has a sort of tip23defined by two surfaces which form an acute angle between them.

Each tip23is configured to be inserted, selectively, between the first surface18and the second surface19of the profile17of the corresponding retractable element7, as better described below.

The button21comprises a first end24for manual actuation, which in use is external to the cylindrical body2(i.e. it protrudes from the latter).

The button21also comprises a second end25, opposite the first end24, which in use is located inside the cavity of the cylindrical body2.

The second operating portions16of the button21are located near this second end25.

The base3, associated with the cylindrical body2, has a substantially discoidal shape.

On one of its faces (facing, in use, towards the cylindrical body2), the base3comprises a central cylindrical raised part26, and a peripheral raised part27(substantially in the shape of a circular crown).

Furthermore, the base3comprises windows28, provided between the central raised part26and the peripheral raised part27.

The windows28have a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape.

In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the base3comprises three windows28, angularly arranged to be equidistant by 120° with respect to the centre of the base3itself.

Correspondingly, the edge8of the opening9of the cylindrical body2forms elastically flexible tabs29(in particular, preferably three elastically flexible tabs29), angularly equidistant from each other (by 120°) and offset with respect to the slots11.

The tabs29are configured to snap-fit elastically into the corresponding windows28of the base3, so as to provide a removable connection between the two parts. According to another aspect of the invention, the selective constraint means5comprise an elastic element30configured to adjust the translation of the button21from an inactive position to an active position, and vice versa.

More in detail, the elastic element30is configured to keep the button21in the aforementioned inactive position.

In this inactive position, shown in particular in the cross-section ofFIG.4, the button21partially protrudes from the cylindrical body2, while each second operating portion16of the button21abuts against the respective first surface18of the profile17of the corresponding retractable element7.

In this configuration of the selective constraint means5, therefore, each retractable element7is maintained in its respective projecting position, with respect to the lateral surface of the cylindrical body2, by the action of the elastic element30.

The further outstroke of each retractable element7from the respective slot11is prevented by the terminal head20, which abuts against the inside surface of the cylindrical body2.

In this configuration, therefore, the adhesive tape N – if present – is held on the cylindrical body2of the support1, and its extraction is prevented by the protruding position of the retractable elements7.

The elastic element30is interposed between the second end25of the button21and the central raised part26of the base3.

The elastic element30can comprise, for example, a cylindrical helical spring. In this case, the end coils of this helical spring are inserted on the second end25of the button21and on the central raised part26of the base3- respectively.

The central raised part26of the base3comprises a central threaded through hole31, the function of which will be clarified further below.

In the embodiment of the support1illustrated inFIGS.1-5, the connecting element4is configured to associate the support1with an accessory of the operator. In particular, in an embodiment of the invention of particular practical interest, the connecting element4is configured to associate the support1with the operator’s belt.

More in detail, the connecting element4comprises a first plate32and a second plate33, associated with each other.

The first plate32is rigidly connected to the base3.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first plate32is connected to the base3by means of a screw34, engaged in the threaded hole31of the base3.

To prevent any relative rotation between the base3and the first plate32of the connecting element4, the first plate32comprises a recess35of quadrangular shape or cross-section (for example square, rectangular, etc.), in the centre of which a passage hole36is provided for the screw34.

A corresponding raised portion37, shaped by the base3, and having a shape complementary to that of the recess35, engages in such recess35(on the opposite face with respect to that in which the central raised part26is provided).

The first plate32and the second plate33are connected to each other so as to define, between them, a compartment38, or interspace.

The compartment38is configured – particularly, but not exclusively - to accommodate the operator’s belt, so as to constrain the support1to the belt.

The internal surface of the first plate32can comprise some sort of raised ribs32a, which have the function of increasing the friction with the belt housed in the compartment38, improving its hold.

The second plate33can comprise a hole33afor accessing the screw34.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first plate32and the second plate33could be made in a single piece, without therefore being separable one from the other. However, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, which is of particular practical interest, the first plate32and the second plate33are mutually coupled by means of an interlocking connection39.

According to an aspect of the invention, this interlocking connection39, while ensuring the rigid connection between the first and second plates32,33, is also suitable for allowing the separation of the aforementioned plates32,33in the case in which the support1, together with the adhesive tape N, suffers an accidental impact (e.g., but not limited to, a side impact).

This precaution constitutes a safety measure for the operator, since it prevents the adhesive tape A, associated with the support1, from becoming entangled/caught somewhere during work: if this occurs, the impact suffered by the adhesive tape N causes the immediate separation of the two plates32,33.

More particularly, the interlocking connection39comprises a plurality of appendages40,41,42shaped on one of the sides, or lateral edges, of the first plate32.

Furthermore, correspondingly, the interlocking connection39comprises a plurality of seats43,44,45shaped on one of the sides, or lateral edges, of the second plate33; the aforementioned appendages40,41,42of the first plate32are intended to engage into these seats43,44,45.

In greater detail, the first plate32comprises a first appendage40; the latter is substantially provided at the centre line of one of the sides, or lateral edges, of the first plate32.

Furthermore, the first plate32comprises a second appendage41and a third appendage42.

The second appendage41and the third appendage42are arranged on the two sides of the first appendage40.

Correspondingly, the second plate33comprises a first seat43; the first seat43is substantially provided at the centre of one of the sides, or lateral edges, of the first plate33.

Furthermore, the second plate33comprises a second seat44and a third seat45. The second seat44and the third seat45are arranged on the two sides of the first seat43.

The second plate33comprises, in more detail, a first edge46and a second edge47, provided along respective opposite sides of the second plate33.

In particular, the seats43,44,45of the second plate33are made in the thickness of the first edge46.

The first seat43is made passing through the thickness of the first edge46of the second plate33.

The first appendage40comprises a terminal tooth48, configured to snap abut on a corresponding surface adjacent to the opening of the first seat43.

The cross-sections of the second seat44and of the third seat45are complementary to the cross sections of the second appendage41and of the third appendage42-respectively.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the second, third seat44,45and the second, third appendage41,42, can have the same substantially polygonal cross section (for example hexagonal, or of another shape).

The mutual constraint between the first plate32and the second plate33is determined, in particular, by the abutment of the terminal tooth48of the first appendage40on the surface adjacent to the opening of the first seat43; consequently, any accidental impact suffered by the adhesive tape N, or by the cylindrical body2, in the lateral direction, determines the immediate release of the first plate32and the second plate33, thus avoiding creating annoying or dangerous situations for the operator.

As can be understood by observing, in particular,FIG.2– if the connecting element4is associated with the operator’s belt - the second edge47of the second plate33allows the belt to be held inside the compartment38; in other words, the second edge47prevents the belt from accidentally coming out of the compartment38.

The way of use of the support1according to the invention is, in the light of what has been described, entirely intuitive.

The support1is normally in the configuration illustrated inFIG.4, wherein each second operating portion16of the button21abuts on the respective first surface18of the respective retractable element7.

In other words, each retractable element7is forced to remain in its respective protruding position with respect to the external surface of the cylindrical body2.

To constrain the adhesive tape N to the support1, the operator acts on the button21, in particular by pressing its first end24.

The button21, therefore, moves towards the base3, opposed by the elastic element30.

In doing so, each second operating portion16of the button21becomes separated from the second surface18of the profile17of each retractable element7, until coming into contact with the first surface19.

In this lowered configuration of the button21, each retractable element7is free to rotate around the axis of the respective pins13, so as to move into the respective retracted position (i.e. inside the cavity of the cylindrical body2).

Therefore, the operator, holding the button21down, inserts the adhesive tape N along the cylindrical body2, until the tubular core A comes into contact with the rounded surfaces of the teeth14.

By further pressing the adhesive tape N in the inserting direction, the retractable elements7rotate towards the inside of the cylindrical body2, towards their respective retracted positions.

In this way, the tubular core A of the adhesive tape N is free to slide along the cylindrical body2, until it comes into contact with the base3.

At this point, the operator can release the button21, which returns to the initial position ofFIG.4through the action of the elastic element30; in this position, the teeth14of the retractable elements7(locked in their respective protruding positions) prevent the adhesive tape N from slipping off the cylindrical body2.

To remove the adhesive tape N from the support1, the operator proceeds by carrying out the previously described operations again, i.e. pressing the button21, so that the translation of the latter allows the free rotation of the retractable elements7towards the inside of the cylindrical body2.

The simple pull exerted on the adhesive tape N, in the direction of extraction from the cylindrical body2, causes the retractable elements7to return to their respective retracted positions, so that the adhesive tape N can be freely removed (since there is no interference from the teeth14).

As can be understood, the operations described for inserting/extracting the adhesive tape N are simple, easy and quick to carry out, possibly even with just one hand. Another embodiment of the support1according to the invention is shown inFIGS.6-10.

This further embodiment differs from the previous one, illustrated inFIGS.1-5, in the shaping of the connecting element4.

In this embodiment, the connecting element4comprises a plate49(e.g. of rectangular shape, or other suitable shape), provided with at least one slot50for fixing the support1to any wall or surface (e.g. the surface of a toolbox, a case, or even specific parts of the operator’s clothing, without limitations).

The shaping of the plate49, in its connection part to the base3, is essentially identical to that of the first plate32described in connection with the embodiment ofFIGS.1-5, i.e. it comprises a recess35with a quadrangular (e.g. square, rectangular, etc.) shape or section.

The slot50can consist of two circular portions having different diameters, joined and connected together, e.g. for the purpose of inserting inside it an element suitable to hold the support, provided with a head and a stem (e.g. a nail, a screw, a stud, or the like).

All the parts and components of the support1previously described can be made of a polymeric material with suitable mechanical characteristics, or also of other types of material, without any particular limitations.

This invention thus conceived allows to obtain important technical advantages.

Thanks to the support solution1according to the invention, the operator can keep the adhesive tape N, in a safe and reliable way, in the most convenient and handy location for them.

According to a preferred, albeit non-exclusive, version of the invention, the support1is conveniently and easily fixed to the operator’s belt, therefore in a position reachable with their hands in a simple and immediate way.

Thanks to the solution according to the present invention, the working conditions of the operator are considerably improved and made more comfortable, since the risk of losing the adhesive tape, or of confusing the adhesive tape sought at a given time with others of a similar type is reduced or eliminated.

It has thus been seen how the invention achieves the intended purposes.

The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variants can still be conceived without departing from the scope of the appended claims.