Tape dispensing tool

A tape dispensing tool includes a hub, a fixed holder arm, and an adjustable holder arm. The hub extends through a core of a roll of tape. The fixed holder arm extends from the hub along a first side of the roll of tape and has a fixed orientation relative to the hub. The fixed holder arm includes a first cradle configured to receive a cable bundle therein. The adjustable holder arm extends from the hub along an opposite, second side of the roll of tape. The adjustable holder arm includes a second cradle configured to receive the cable bundle therein. The adjustable holder arm has an adjustable position relative to the hub and the fixed holder arm to select an angular position of the second cradle relative to the first cradle for setting an overlap amount as the tape is applied to the cable bundle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter herein relates generally to tape dispensing tools.

In many manufacturing facilities, groups of bundles of electrical wires and/or cables are wrapped in a tape. The bundles are wrapped for various reasons, such as to organize a working space by tying all of the wires and/or cables in the bundle together and to provide abrasion resistance for the wires and/or cables in the bundle. For example, some complex manufactured products, such as automobiles, include many electrical wires and cables. Wrapping bundles of wires and/or cables in tape serves to organize and simplify routing of the wires and/or cables during the manufacturing process. Tape wrapping also protects the cable bundles during operation of the manufactured product, such as while the automobile is driven, from abrasions caused by the cable bundles contacting one another, other parts of the product, or environmental components, such as dirt and debris.

One known tape wrapping technique is manual wrapping, which involves a user manually swinging a roll of tape around a cable bundle along a length of the bundle. Manual wrapping is not without disadvantages, however, including quality control issues. For example, manual wrapping at an efficient rate with a consistent amount of overlap during each revolution of the roll of tape is difficult and requires a significant learning curve. Some automatic tape-wrapping tools have been developed to attempt to alleviate the quality control issues associated with manual wrapping, but the known automatic and manual-assist tools are not without disadvantages. Such known automatic and manual-assist tools are expensive and not user-friendly. For example, some such tools are heavy, have a cord that interferes with the operation, and/or vibrate during operation, which may be uncomfortable for the user. In addition, some automatic tools put tension on the cable bundle as the tape is wrapped around the bundle, which may damage the electrical connections at the ends of the wires and/or cables in the bundle.

A need remains for a tape dispensing tool that is user-friendly and is able to provide a consistent amount of overlap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a tape dispensing tool is provided that includes a hub, a fixed holder arm, and an adjustable holder arm. The hub extends through a core of a roll of tape. The fixed holder arm extends from the hub along a first side of the roll of tape. The fixed holder arm has a fixed orientation relative to the hub. The fixed holder arm includes a first cradle configured to receive a cable bundle therein. The adjustable holder arm extends from the hub along an opposite, second side of the roll of tape. The adjustable holder arm includes a second cradle configured to receive the cable bundle therein. The adjustable holder arm has an adjustable position relative to the hub and the fixed holder arm to select an angular position of the second cradle relative to the first cradle for setting an overlap amount as the tape is applied to the cable bundle.

In another embodiment, a tape dispensing tool is provided that includes a hub, a fixed holder arm, and an adjustable holder arm. The hub extends through a core of a roll of tape. The fixed holder arm extends from the hub along a first side of the roll of tape. The fixed holder arm has a fixed orientation relative to the hub. The fixed holder arm includes a first cradle configured to receive a cable bundle therein. The adjustable holder arm extends from the hub along an opposite, second side of the roll of tape. The adjustable holder arm includes a second cradle configured to receive the cable bundle therein. The first and second cradles each include two wheels rotatable about two corresponding axles, the two wheels of each of the first and second cradles being spaced apart from one another and defining a cleft therebetween. The cable bundle being received at least partially into the clefts of the first and second cradles to engage both wheels of the respective first and second cradles. The adjustable holder arm has an adjustable position relative to the hub and the fixed holder arm to select an angular position of the second cradle relative to the first cradle for setting an overlap amount as the tape is applied to the cable bundle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments described herein disclose a tape dispensing tool that assists a user wrapping tape around a bundle of electrical wires and/or cables. As used herein, the term “cable bundle” is used broadly to represent a group of multiple electrical wires and/or cables, including a wire harness. Thus, electrical wires and cables are used interchangeably. A cable bundle may also include optical conductors, such as fiber optic cables, in addition to or instead of electrical cables. Cable bundles may be used in automobiles and other transportation vehicles, industrial machinery, household appliances, and the like.

The tape dispensing tool is configured to be rotated around the bundle of wires and/or cables, such that the tape dispensing tool is moved around a perimeter of the bundle to helically apply tape to the bundle. The tape dispensing tool is configured to provide a consistent amount of overlap of the tape as the tool revolves around the bundle, thus improving the quality of tape wrapping relative to known manual methods. The tape dispensing tool is adjustable such that the tool can be used with cable bundles of different diameters and can dispense the tape at a selected one of multiple different overlap amounts based on desired or required specifications.

Tape overlap amounts represent a fraction or percentage of a width of a previous loop of tape that is covered by a subsequent loop of the tape as the tape is helically wound around the cable bundle. For example, a 50% overlap covers or overlays half of the width of the previous loop of tape. A higher overlap amount may provide more protection for the cable bundle against abrasions and contaminants than a lower overlap amount, but also requires more tape and a longer duration to apply the tape. Overlap amounts may vary greatly, such as from 100% (which fully covers the previous loop) down to negative percentages. In negative percent overlaps, the cable bundle is exposed between subsequent loops of tape (sometimes referred to as candy cane style wrapping). The amount of overlap may be based on the application, such that a safety-related cable bundle (e.g., associated with an automobile airbag) may have a greater overlap amount than a non-safety-relate cable bundle (e.g., associated with an automobile seat-warmer).

The embodiments of the tape dispensing tool disclosed herein may be more user-friendly than known available automatic and manual-assist tape dispensing tools and machines. For example, the embodiments of the tape dispensing tool may have less weight and a more compact size than known taping tools. In addition, the embodiments of the tape dispensing tool may be less costly and easier to assemble and disassemble (for replacing rolls of tape) than the known taping tools. Furthermore, the embodiments of the tape dispensing tool may provide more accurate and consistent overlap than the known taping tools.

FIG. 1is a side perspective view of a tape dispensing tool100according to an embodiment. The tape dispensing tool100has a roll of tape102loaded on the tape dispensing tool100. As used herein, the tape dispensing tool100may be referred to as tape dispenser100. The roll of tape102may be an electrically insulative tape composed of vinyl and/or one or more plastics, such as electrical tape. The tape dispenser100includes a holder assembly104or housing that contains the roll of tape102. The holder assembly104is configured to be held and manipulated by a user in order to wrap the tape helically along a length of a cable bundle108(shown inFIG. 2).

The holder assembly104includes a hub106that extends through a core (not shown) of the roll of tape102. The holder assembly104also includes a first cradle110and a second cradle112that are each configured to receive a segment of the cable bundle108(shown inFIG. 2) therein. The first cradle110is located along a first side114of the roll of tape102, and the second cradle112is located along an opposite, second side116of the roll102. The cradles110,112are disposed adjacent to, or radially outward of, an outer edge117of the roll of tape102. Thus, a portion of tape extending from the roll102can be applied directly to the cable bundle108in the cradles110,112. In an embodiment, the first and second cradles110,112each include two prongs118that define a respective passage120therebetween. The prongs118extend generally radially outward relative to the hub106.

Reference is now made toFIG. 2, which shows the tape dispenser100at two different positions relative to the cable bundle108during a tape wrapping operation according to an embodiment. The tape dispenser100may be rotated around the cable bundle108in a rotational direction109such that the tape is applied to the cable bundle108from right to left along a length. Thus, the position of the tape dispenser100in the right image occurs prior to the position shown in the left image. Alternatively, the tape dispenser100may be rotated in the opposite direction to apply the tape from left to right. In an embodiment, the tape is applied to the cable bundle108by loading the cable bundle108into the passages120of the cradles110,112and attaching an end segment122of the tape to the cable bundle108such that an adhesive portion of the tape adheres to the cable bundle108. Then, with the tape attached to the cable bundle108and the cable bundle108engaged with the first and second cradles110,112, the tape dispenser100is revolved around the perimeter of the cable bundle108. The tape is wound around and applied to the cable bundle108as the tape dispenser100revolves around the cable bundle108. In an embodiment, tension along the segment122of the tape that extends between the roll102and the cable bundle108holds the cradles110,112in contact with the cable bundle108during the revolutions. Thus, in an embodiment, the tape dispenser100generally maintains contact with the cable bundle108along each revolution of the tape dispenser100due to the tension in the tape. The cradles110,112“walk” (for example, slide or roll) along a perimeter surface125of the cable bundle108.

Referring now back toFIG. 1, in an embodiment each of the cradles110,112includes two wheels124that are rotatable about corresponding axles126. The axles126may be pins, shafts, or fasteners that are coupled to the holder assembly104, or alternatively may be rods or shafts that are integral to the holder assembly104. The two wheels124of the first cradle110align in a common plane, such that a broad face128of one wheel124A is coplanar with the broad face128of the other wheel124B. The plane of the two wheels124may be parallel to a plane or orientation of the roll of tape102, such that the roll102rotates along a plane parallel to the rotation of the wheels124. The two wheels124A,124B of the first cradle110are spaced apart from each other. A radial outer edge130of the wheel124A faces but does not contact the radial outer edge130of the other wheel124B. The outer edges130of the two wheels124A,124B may be proximate to one another such that a relatively small clearance exists between the two outer edges130at a midpoint location along a straight line that extends between the two axles126. The two wheels124A,124B define a cleft132between the outer edges130of the wheels124A,124B in the passage120between the prongs118. The cleft132is generally V-shaped, with each side of the “V” defined by the convex curve of the outer edge130of one of the wheels124A,124B.

The second cradle112may be identical, or at least similar, to the first cradle110, such that the second cradle112also defines a cleft132between the respective wheels124of the second cradle112. The wheels124of the second cradle112align in a common plane that may be parallel to the plane of the wheels124of the first cradle110and/or the plane of the roll of tape102. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the cable bundle108(shown inFIG. 2) is configured to be received in the clefts132of the first and second cradles110,112to engage both wheels124of each of the cradles110,112during the tape wrapping operation.

In one or more alternative embodiments, the first and second cradles110each include more or less than two wheels, such as one wheel or three wheels. Alternatively, one or both of the cradles110,112may not include any wheels, such that the cable bundle108is configured to engage the prongs118and/or other stationary surfaces instead of rotating wheels. In another alternative embodiment, one or both of the cradles110,112do not include the prongs118. Instead of the prongs118, the tape dispenser100may include a strap, a clamp, or another feature that extends around the cable bundle108to retain the cable bundle108within the cradles110,112.

Referring now to bothFIGS. 1 and 2, the first cradle110is offset angularly from the second cradle112. The cradles110,112are offset from each other to allow the tape dispenser100, when revolved around the perimeter of the cable bundle108, to move axially along the length of the cable bundle108. Such movement of the tape dispenser100applies the tape around the cable bundle108in a helical fashion. The relative angular position of the two cradles110,112and the diameter of the cable bundle108affects the pitch and amount of overlap of the tape that is applied to the cable bundle108. In an embodiment, the holder assembly104is adjustable to allow a user to select the relative angular position of the cradles110,112. By selecting the relative angular position, the user can set a desired overlap amount, such as 20% or 30% for example.

As shown inFIG. 2, the tape dispenser100is configured to “walk” along the length of the cable bundle108as the tape dispenser100is moved around the perimeter thereof. The cable bundle108engages both wheels124of each of the first and second cradles110,112, such that the tape dispenser100rolls along the perimeter surface125of the cable bundle108. Since the cradles110,112are offset angularly, the wheels124drive the tape dispenser100axially along the length of the cable bundle108as the tape dispenser100revolves, which provides the helical wrapping. As stated above, the tension in the segment122of the tape extending from the roll102holds the wheels124of the cradles110,112in relatively constant engagement with the perimeter surface125. In an alternative embodiment, the use of a clamp, a strap, or the like on the cradles110,112maintains the wheels124in relatively constant engagement with the cable bundle108. The wheels124steer the movement of the tape dispenser100, which guides the application of the tape to the cable bundle108.

The cradles110,112, including the wheels124thereof, allow the tape dispenser100to provide consistent amounts of overlap of the tape. The tape overlap may be more consistent than known manual and manual-assist taping techniques and devices. Thus, the tape dispenser100may provide better quality wrapping than the known manual and manual-assist taping techniques and devices. Furthermore, since the cradles110,112are adjustable, the tape dispenser100is able to provide consistent overlap at different desired overlap amounts.

FIG. 3is a side perspective view of the tape dispensing tool100showing the other side of the tape dispensing tool100relative toFIG. 1. InFIG. 3, the roll of tape102(shown inFIG. 1) is absent. In an embodiment, the holder assembly104includes a first holder arm140and a second holder arm142that both extend radially outward from the hub106. The first cradle110is part of the first holder arm140and is located at a distal end144thereof. The distal end144is the portion of the first holder arm140that is farthest from the hub106. The first cradle110may be integral to the first holder arm140, coupled to the first holder arm140, bonded or otherwise adhered to the first holder arm140, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheels124and the prongs118of the first cradle110are separate components that are coupled to the first holder arm140. The second cradle112is part of the second holder arm142. The prongs118of each of the cradles110,112are integral parts of respective U-shaped plates176that are coupled to the respective holder arms140,142at the locations of the axles126. Alternatively, the two prongs118of each cradle110,112may be discrete parts. In an embodiment, the wheels124of the first and second cradles110,112include a rubberized material along the outer edges130to provide enhanced grip on the cable bundle108(shown inFIG. 2), reducing slipping. The rubberized material may be rubber or a rubber-like polymer, for example. One example is an O-ring179that extends around the outer edge130of each wheel124.

The first and second holder arms140,142may be frame members that are coupled to the hub106. In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the first or second holder arms140,142may be formed integral to the hub106as a unitary, one-piece body that couples to the other holder arm. The first and second holder arms140,142may be composed of a dielectric material, such as one or more plastics, and/or a conductive material, such as one or more metals. The holder arms140,142may be molded or stamped and formed, for example. The first holder arm140in an embodiment is adjustable relative to the hub106such that the first holder arm140can be set in multiple positions and/or orientations relative to the hub106and the second holder arm142. The second holder arm142may be non-adjustable relative to the hub106such that the second holder arm142has a fixed orientation and position relative to the hub106. As used herein, the first holder arm140may be referred to as adjustable holder arm140, and the second holder arm142may be referred to as fixed holder arm142. In an alternative embodiment, the second holder arm142may be adjustable instead of, or in addition to the first holder arm140.

In an embodiment, the fixed holder arm142further includes an applicator head146at a distal end148of the fixed holder arm142. The applicator head146is disposed laterally between the first and second cradles110,112such that the applicator head146aligns with the roll of tape102(shown inFIG. 1) on the hub106. The applicator head146is configured to cut the tape and also to retain an exposed or extended segment of the tape to aid in starting a new tape-wrapping operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the applicator head146is formed integral to the fixed holder arm142as a unitary, one-piece component, but in other embodiments the applicator head146may be discrete from the fixed holder arm142and coupled or bonded to the holder arm142.

The applicator head146has a top side150and an opposite bottom side152. As used herein, relative or spatial terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” and “bottom” are only used to identify and distinguish the referenced elements and do not necessarily require particular positions or orientations relative to the surrounding environment of the tape dispenser100. The applicator head146further includes first and second side walls154,156that each extend between the top side150and the bottom side152. The applicator head146defines a cavity158between the side walls154,156. The cavity158is generally open along the top side150. A cutting blade160is held within the cavity158. The cutting blade160is recessed from the top and bottom sides150,152to prevent unintentional user contact with the blade160. The first and second walls154,156also include respective end wall segments162,164that extend from the respective walls154,156toward the opposing wall156,154. In the illustrated embodiment, the end wall segments162,164are separated from one another to define a channel166therebetween. Although the end wall segments162,164do not engage one another inFIG. 3, in an alternative embodiment the end walls segments162,164may be joined such that the applicator head146has an end wall that extends between the side walls154,156, and the end wall defines a slot or channel that extends from the top side150towards, but not fully to, the bottom side152. The applicator head146further includes retainer tabs168that extend from each of the side walls154,156laterally inward towards the cavity158. The retainer tabs168are located at or proximate to the top side150. Any number of retainer tabs168may be used, and need not extend from both side walls154,156.

FIG. 4is a perspective view of the tape dispenser100connected to the cable bundle108via an extended segment170of tape according to an embodiment. Once a designated length of the cable bundle108is wrapped, the applicator head146is used to break or split the tape to disconnect the tape dispenser100and roll of tape102thereon from the cable bundle108. For example, the tape dispenser100is pulled away from the cable bundle108such that the bundle108is removed from the cradles110,112. The tape dispenser100is moved (for example, pivoted and/or translated) relative to the cable bundle108to cause the segment170of tape to enter the cavity158of the applicator head146through the top side150. The segment170is pinched in the channel166between the end wall segments162,164. The extend segment170of tape is disposed under the retainer tabs168and above the cutting blade160. In an embodiment, an adhesive side172of the extended segment170faces the retainer tabs168. Further pivoting of the tape dispenser100relative to the cable bundle108causes the cutting blade160to cut and break the segment170of tape.

The portion of the extended segment170that extends from the blade160to the roll of tape102forms an end segment174that is retained at the applicator head146via the retainer tabs168. For example, the adhesive side172of the end segment174within the cavity158contacts the retainer tabs168and adheres to the retainer tabs168. The end segment174retained on the applicator head146assists in starting a subsequent wrapping operation as the end of the tape is easily accessible for a user without having to search for the end of the tape on the roll102.

FIG. 5is a partially exploded view of the tape dispenser100according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the tape dispenser100includes a hub lock180that is configured to couple to the hub106. The hub lock180is removable from the hub106. When assembled to the hub106, the hub lock180maintains the tape dispenser100in the assembled state and locks the roll of tape102on the hub106. In order to remove the roll of tape102, such as for replacing an empty roll, the hub lock180is removed from the hub106, which allows the fixed holder arm142to be removed from the hub106. The roll102is able to slide off of the hub106once the fixed holder arm142is removed. Thus, the hub lock180in the connected state secures the fixed holder arm142to the hub106.

The hub lock180may be connected to the hub106via a bayonet coupling, helical screw threads, an interference fit, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub lock180includes at least one keying feature182that is configured to be received in a complementary inner keying feature184of the hub106in a bayonet-style coupling. Thus, rotating the hub lock180relative to the hub106(for example, 90 degrees) is used to secure and unsecure the hub lock180in the hub106. The illustrated keying feature182is a protrusion and the illustrated inner keying feature184is a keyhole.

As shown inFIG. 5, the fixed holder arm142defines an opening186that receives a flange192of the hub106therein. The perimeter of the opening186includes at least one keying feature188that is configured to engage complementary outer keying features190of the flange192in order to properly orient the holder arm142relative to the hub106and to fix the holder arm142in place relative to the hub106. The illustrated keying features188are slots of two different shapes and/or sizes, and the illustrated outer keying features190are tabs or protrusions of two different sizes. Due to the engagement of the keying features188,190, when the fixed holder arm142is mounted on the flange192, the fixed holder arm142cannot rotate relative to the hub106.

FIG. 6is a side perspective view of the tape dispenser100holding a roll of tape202that has a large diameter core208. The tape dispenser100is configured to accept tape rolls202of varying dimensions, such as various inner diameters, outer diameters, and/or thicknesses, without tool adjustments. For example, the tape dispenser100includes at least one guide roller extending from the adjustable holder arm140and/or the fixed holder arm142towards the other holder arm to align with the roll of tape202. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable holder arm140includes an upper guide roller210, and the fixed holder arm142includes a lower guide roller212that is located at a rear or proximal end214of the applicator head146. Both guide rollers210,212are rotatable on shafts or axles213relative to the respective holder arms140,142. Both guide rollers210,212are configured to engage the roll of tape202, such as along an outer edge (or outside surface)216of the tape202or along an extended segment220of tape that extends from the roll202. The guide rollers210,212are used to control the rotation of the roll of tape202relative to the tape dispenser100.

As shown inFIG. 5, although the core208of the roll202has a large diameter, the guide rollers210,212engage the outer edge216at two different circumferentially-spaced locations, and the hub106engages an inner edge218of the roller202. The extended segment220of tape is fed or payed from the roll202at a location between the upper and lower guide rollers210,212. Optionally, the guide rollers210,212and/or the hub106may include a rubberized material to enhance grip on the roll202. The guide rollers210,212may include a frictional material between the guide rollers210,212and the respective shafts or axles213or may have a partial friction fit between the rollers210,212and the shafts or axles213in order to provide some resistive force on the roll202of tape to prohibit the roll202from over-rotation.

FIG. 7is a side view of the tape dispenser100according to an embodiment. As stated above, the adjustable holder arm140is adjustable relative to the hub106and the fixed holder arm142in order to select an angular position of the first cradle110relative to the second cradle112. The relative angular position of the cradles110,112is used to set an amount of overlap during a tape-wrapping operation. The angular position represents a relative angle230between the cradles110,112. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable holder arm140is rotationally adjustable relative to the hub106, such that the holder arm140is able to rotate along an arc232to select the angular position. The holder arm140may be adjustable along a range of angles, such as from 0 to 45 degrees relative to the fixed holder arm142. Typically, for a given diameter of the cable bundle108(shown inFIG. 2), a larger angular position (or relative angle) results in a smaller amount of overlap as the tape is applied to the cable bundle because the larger angle increases the pitch of each revolution or loop around the cable bundle. Thus, to adjust the tape dispenser100to increase an amount of overlap, the user may rotate the holder arm140towards the fixed holder arm142to reduce the relative angle230.

In an embodiment, the adjustable holder arm140includes one or more position markers250along an outer side252thereof. The position markers250indicate a value of the angular position230of the cradles110,112relative to one another. The outer cover242inFIG. 7also includes position markers254, and the value of the angular position230is determined by comparing the position markers254of the outer cover242to the position markers250of the holder arm140. For example, the position marker250on the holder arm140may be a reference indicator that points to one of multiple markers254on the outer cover242to determine the value. The position markers250,254may have various shapes, colors, sizes, and indicia. For example, the markers254on the outer cover242may include different numbers and/or written text. Once the angular position230is known by comparing the markers250,254, a user can determine an overlap amount by consulting a database, for example, that provides overlap amounts based on the variables of cable bundle diameter and relative angle. Alternatively, the position markers250,254may be calibrated for a designated diameter of cable bundle, and may provide values of the overlap amount instead of, or in addition to, providing values of the relative angle230.

The holder arm140may be continuously adjustable such that the holder arm140can be positioned at any angle in the designated range, or discretely adjustable such that the holder arm140can be positioned in only designated angles, such as 2, 5, or 10 degree increments. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable holder arm140is continuously adjustable because the position of the holder arm140is set using a fastener, such as a thumb screw240that sets the holder arm140using friction. The thumb screw240extends through an outer cover242and a slot (not shown) of the holder arm140into engagement with the hub106. The thumb screw240has a broad base244that is rotatable by the user to adjust the proximity of the base244to the outer cover242and the holder arm140. For example, to secure the holder arm140at a selected position, the user rotates the thumb screw240to compress the outer cover242and/or the holder arm140against the hub106. The holder arm140is released or loosened relative to the hub106for adjustment purposes by rotating the thumb screw240in the opposite direction. Although a thumb screw240is shown inFIG. 7, alternative embodiments may include a pin, a hub lock, fixed teeth, or the like, for setting and releasing the position of the adjustable holder arm140.

For example, in one alternative embodiment, an outer surface of the hub106(for example, such as along a flange of the hub106) engages an inner edge that defines an opening in the adjustable holder arm140. Both the outer surface of the hub106and the inner edge of the holder arm140include fixed teeth that extend along the respective curves of the surfaces. The holder arm140is configured to be loaded onto the hub106such that the teeth along the inner edge of the opening engage and complement the teeth along the outer surface of the hub106. The rotational position of the holder arm140is adjusted by loading the holder arm140at different angular positions relative to the hub106such that the teeth of the holder arm140are received between and engage different teeth of the hub106than at the previous position of the holder arm140.

FIG. 8is a perspective view of the tape dispensing tool100according to an alternative embodiment. InFIG. 8, the angular positions of the first and second cradles110,112are adjusted by moving the adjustable holder arm140linearly, not rotationally, relative to the hub (not shown) and the fixed holder arm142. For example, the adjustable holder arm140defines an indexing slot302that receives a post of the hub or a locking fastener, such as a hub lock304, therethrough. The holder arm140is configured to slide relative to the post along the path defined by the indexing slot302to alter the angular position of the first cradle110relative to the second cradle112. In the illustrated embodiment, the indexing slot302is linear, such that the holder arm140slides linearly during the adjustment, but the slot302may be curved in other embodiments. Optionally, the holder arm140further defines locking holes306that are configured to receive a pin or post (not shown) of the hub lock304therein to secure the position of the holder arm140. As an alternative to the locking holes306, the holder arm140may be secured via interference or friction applied on the holder arm140by the hub lock304as the hub lock304is tightened to the hub.

FIG. 9is a perspective front view of the tape dispensing tool100according to another alternative embodiment.FIG. 10is a side view of the tape dispensing tool100shown inFIG. 9. Referring first toFIG. 9, the cradles110,112of the tape dispensing tool100each have a single hook902as opposed to the two prongs118shown inFIG. 1. The hooks902are curved and each extends from a fixed end904to a distal, free end906. The hooks902have similar shapes as each other and each extends in a forward direction from the respective fixed end904to the respective distal end906. The cradles110,112are configured to receive the cable bundle108(shown isFIG. 2) through a passage908at the front of the tool100defined vertically between the distal ends906of the hooks902and the wheels124.

In the illustrated embodiment, the applicator head146is mounted to the hook902of the fixed holder arm142. The applicator head146is located proximate to the distal end906of the hook902. The applicator head146is not coupled to the hook902or any other portion of the adjustable holder arm140. In an alternative embodiment, the applicator head146is mounted to the hook902of the adjustable holder arm140instead of the fixed holder arm142. In an embodiment, the adjustable holder arm140is coupled to the fixed holder arm142and the hub106of the tape dispensing tool100via an interference fit and a fastener910. The fastener910may be a cap that is pressed onto a post (not shown) of the hub106or the fixed holder arm142and held on the post via an interference fit. Alternatively, the fastener910may be a thumb screw or another type of fastener. The fastener910provides structural support for the holder assembly104of the tool100, and also retains an orientation and position of the adjustable arm140relative to the fixed arm142. Although the illustrated embodiment of the tape dispensing tool100lacks guide rollers, the tape dispensing tool100optionally may include one or more guide rollers that extend from one of the holder arms140,142across the roll of tap towards the other holder arm140,142to engage the tape, similar to the guide rollers210,212shown inFIG. 6.

Referring now toFIG. 10, the adjustment of the adjustable holder arm140relative to the hub106and the fixed holder arm142is accomplished using first and second indexing slots912,914defined in the adjustable holder arm140. The first indexing slot912extends from a first end916to a second end918. The second indexing slot914extends from a first end920to a second end922. The slots912,914act as guide tracks for corresponding posts extending from the hub106or the fixed holder arm142. For example, a post (not shown) extends through the first slot912and is engaged by the fastener910. Alternatively, the fastener910may define the post that extends through the first slot912into a hole in the hub106. A post924extends from the hub106or the fixed arm142through the second slot914.

The two slots912,914define different paths that are transverse to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the first slot912is curved, and the second slot914is linear. The first slot912is located vertically above the second slot914, such that the first slot912is located vertically between the second slot914and the hook902. The adjustable arm140is adjusted by moving the arm140relative to the post924and the fastener910, such that the slot914moves relative to the post924and the slot912moves relative to the fastener910. Since the slots912,914have transverse paths, the adjustable arm140is able to move along a compound trajectory relative to the hub106and the fixed arm142. For example, forcing the adjustable arm140to move vertically upwards relative to the post924(e.g., such that the end922of the slot914approaches the post924) also results in the adjustable arm140pivoting or rotating clockwise relative to the fixed arm142as the end918of the first slot912approaches the fastener910. Therefore, the adjustable arm140is configured to both translate and pivot as the arm140is adjusted relative to the fixed arm142and the hub106. Furthermore, forcing the arm140to move vertically downwards relative to the post924results in the arm140also pivoting counter-clockwise relative to the fixed arm142due to the curved slot912moving relative to the fastener910. In an alternative embodiment, the first slot912is linear and the second slot914is curved, both slots912,914are curved, or both slots912,914are linear.

The embodiment of the tape dispensing tool100shown inFIGS. 9 and 10is designed to allow for taping in either axial direction along a cable bundle (e.g., the cable bundle108shown inFIG. 2) without causing the tape to bunch by setting the position of the adjustable arm140. For example, the adjustable arm140includes multiple position markers930located adjacent to the second slot914along the length thereof. The position markers930include a central marker930A that indicates a midpoint of the slot914. In an embodiment, when the post924aligns with the central marker930A, the adjustable arm140aligns, both angularly and translationally, with the fixed arm142. Setting the adjustable arm140such that the post924aligns with the central marker930A results in a 100% overlap amount, and this setting may be used for spot taping operations. In the illustrated embodiment, the post924aligns with a marker930that is below the central marker930A (e.g., between the central marker930A and the end922of the slot914). In this orientation, the cradle110(including the hook902and the wheels124) of the adjustable arm140is positioned vertically above the cradle112of the fixed arm142and is angularly offset in a clockwise direction from the cradle112, which is used for taping in one axial direction (e.g., right to left) when the tool100is revolved counter-clockwise around the cable bundle. When the adjustable arm140is adjusted such that the post924is located between the central marker930A and the end920of the slot914, the cradle110will be located vertically below the cradle112and angularly offset in the counter-clockwise direction from the cradle112, which is used for taping in an opposite axial direction (e.g., left to right) when the tool100is revolved counter-clockwise around the cable bundle. In the illustrated embodiment, the tape dispensing tool100can be used for providing multiple different tape overlap amounts in a left-to-right axial direction along a cable bundle, multiple different tape overlap amounts in a right-to-left axial direction along the cable bundle, and also spot taping with 100% overlap by setting the position of the adjustable holder arm140.