# Patent

## Title
Ergonomic and easily serviceable taper tool

## Abstract

The invention provides a taper tool, including a movable sleeve that has flanges with inclined surfaces for use as hand-holds. The sleeve rides on bearings, which are mounted in recesses out of the user's way. A spring-loaded wireform retainer secures the bearings in their respective recesses. The retainers include quick-change tabs that hold the retainers in a servicing position that permits the bearings to be easily removed and replaced. The taper tool also includes a spool mounting assembly having a guard rod that swings out and away from a tape spool for facilitating replenishment of the tape. When the guard rod is in the closed position, it is secured by a detent located on the tape spool spindle. The spool mounting assembly includes a base, a tape spool, a spindle, a guard rod and an end protector having rounded, grippable exterior edges.

## Background
This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/367,311, filed Feb. 14, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,557.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a taper tool for finishing a joint between adjacent panels, such as drywall sections or pieces of sheetrock. More specifically, the invention relates to improvements in the design and construction of taper tools.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Wallboards are typically fastened side-by-side to create interior wall surfaces in modern buildings. Undesirable grooves appear along joints where adjacent wallboards meet.
In order to make the interior wall surfaces smooth and continuous, a mastic material is applied to fill the groove and tape is placed over the groove. Additionally, the outer side of the tape is often covered with another layer of mastic material to better conceal the tape. A tool known in the building trades as a “taper tool” is traditionally employed to perform some or all of these joint finishing operations.
A self-contained drywall taper tool of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,121, issued to Ames, has been recognized as an industry standard for many years. While these and other previously known taper tools continue to be useful, they may still be improved. For example, even though the previously known taper tools are relatively light and well balanced, a full day of finishing joints is tiring for the user. In some cases, the areas where an operator is most likely to grip the previously known taper tools include abrupt protrusions and sharp edges that limit where the operator can place his hands. Also, such tools are commonly rented and receive a heavy volume of use, leading to substantial maintenance.
A need exists for a new taper tool that is easier to hold, manipulate and service. The butt end of the tool, including the end protector and any screws that secure it, should be comfortable for the operator to hold. A sleeve, which the operator manipulates to control the tool, should have generally smooth and gently contoured surfaces. Bearing mounts and fasteners should be located where they cannot interfere with the grip area of the sleeve or otherwise limit the placement of the operator's hands.
The new taper tool should also be easier to clean and repair than previously known taper tools. The number of components that must be individually removed in order to perform maintenance on the tool should be minimized. The number of small screws and other easy-to-lose parts should be reduced. The end protector and tape roll should be easy to remove and replace.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a taper tool, including a movable sleeve that has flanges with inclined surfaces for use as hand-holds and rounded exterior edges. The sleeve rides on recessed bearings, which are mounted in recesses out of the user's way and which do not interfere with the operator's grip of the sleeve. Preferably, a spring-loaded retainer secures the bearings in their respective recesses. The retainers include quick-change tabs that hold the retainers in a servicing position that permits the bearings to be easily removed and replaced. At least one flange is removably mounted on and extends outwardly from the sleeve. The flange may be constructed in two half-circle shaped pieces and may be composed of a moldable polymer material
The taper tool also includes a spool mounting assembly having a base and a tape spool, a spindle, a guard rod and an end protector, all mounted on the base so that the spool mounting assembly may be removed as a one-piece unit. The spool mounting assembly also includes a guard rod that swings out and away from a tape spool to facilitate replenishment of the tape. When the guard rod is in the closed position, it is secured by a detent located on the tape spool spindle.
The base of the spool mounting assembly is removably attached to the body, and all of the other spool mounting assembly components are directly or indirectly attached to the base for efficient, one-piece removal and replacement. The spool mounting assembly also includes an end protector having rounded exterior edges that extends to the rear of the body during use. The end protector can be rotated from an unlocked position for removing the end protector from the base to a locked position for retaining the end protector on the base.
In one embodiment, the invention is a taper tool including a hollow elongated body, a tape feeder mounted on the body, and an elongated sleeve surrounding a portion of the body. The sleeve can be moved from a neutral position to a feeding position, which actuates the means for the tape feeder. The sleeve includes a front flange on the sleeve adjacent the forward sleeve end and a rear flange on the sleeve adjacent the rearward end. Each of the flanges includes at least one recess in which a bearing is mounted for moving the sleeve along the body. The front and rear flanges are suitably shaped to provide surfaces for the user's hand to push or pull against when moving the sleeve. The recessed bearing does not protrude from the grip area of the sleeve or otherwise limit the placement of the operator's hands.
In another embodiment, each of the bearings includes a roller and an axle, and each of the flanges includes at least one pair of pockets communicating with the recess for receiving the ends of the axles. A spring-loaded retainer secures each of the axles in their respective pockets. Additionally, the retainers include quick-change tabs that hold the retainers in a servicing position that permits the axles and the rollers to be removed and replaced.
The base can be aligned with and secured to the body within just a few seconds. The only alignment required is that the spool mount assembly be aligned rotationally with the tape-feeding wheels. Then, tightening one screw on each of two clamps secures the spool mount assembly to the body.
Each of the two clamps wraps around the body, attaches directly to the base, is held closed by the single screw. This greatly speeds servicing of the sleeve. Cable changes are also simplified in that the end protector detaches from the base without the use of any tools. After lifting a metal locking tab, which yields to finger pressure, the end protector can be twisted by hand and removed from the base. There are no small screws to lose when removing or replacing the end protector.
Changing rolls of paper tape is also faster and easier than with previously known taper tools. The roll retainer is a wireform rod, that is rotatably secured to the taper tool so that it will not be lost. The rod is unsnapped from a detent and rotated out of the way to permit access for the roll change. When the new roll is in position on the spindle, the rod is snapped back into place and held by the detent.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a taper tool of the invention;
FIG. 2 is bottom elevation view of the tool depicted in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sleeve assembly of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sleeve of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a clamshell-shaped portion of a flange of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of a recessed bearing having a retainer in a retaining position;
FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view of a recessed bearing having a retainer in a servicing position;
FIG. 8 is perspective view of a spool mount assembly of the invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an end protector of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a clip of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a close-up view of the detent mounted on the distal end of the spindle depicted in FIG. 8; and
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pivoting bracket of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the spindle and guard rod of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the spindle post depicted in FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view the spindle post of a further embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view the spindle post of another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the spindle post of yet another embodiment of the invention.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a taper tool such as taper tool 100, depicted in FIG. 1. Taper tool 100 shares some structure with the taper tool described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,121, which patent is hereby incorporated in its entirety for its teachings regarding taper tools and, specifically, for its teachings regarding feeding tape, delivering tape, applying mastic, creasing tape, cutting tape and the general design and operation of taper tools.
Body 120 of tool 100 is shaped as a hollow cylinder for holding a supply of an adhesive or a sealant, hereinafter referred to as “mastic.” Mastic m0y be of natural or synthetic origin, and is also know as “plastic” or “mud.” Sleeve 140 is slidably mounted on body 120 for actuating various taping functions, including feeding tape 6 to forward end 123 of body 120 and actuating a tape cutting knife (not shown). Sleeve 140 includes flanges 150, 151, recessed bearings 160, 161 and rod mount 230. Sleeve 140 is more fully described below with reference to FIG. 4.
Forward end 123 of body 120 is closed by removable front cap 4 (shown in FIG. 1), which includes a mastic filler tube (not shown) equipped with a spring-biased filler valve (not shown). When mastic is forced into the filler tube under pressure, the mastic opens the filler valve and enters the interior of body 120. When the filling operation is complete, the filler valve closes to prevent the mastic from escaping.
Front cap 4 has another opening (not shown) for leading mastic from the interior of body 120 into a mastic ejecting nozzle 8 for applying to tape 6. Wheels 10 receive tape 6 and hold it in sliding contact with an under surface of nozzle 8 so that the upper surface of tape 6 receives a layer of mastic from nozzle 8. Wheels 10 apply tape 6 with the mastic facing toward the wall surface (not shown). Wheels 10 are mounted on shaft 11, which is carried by extended side walls 67.
Referring to FIG. 2, spool mounting assembly 190 is affixed to body 120 for, among other things, holding and feeding tape 6. Spool mounting assembly 190 includes base 192, spindle 194, spool 196, guard rod 198, trigger bracket 216 and end protector 204. A more complete description of spool mounting assembly 190 is set forth below with reference to FIG. 8.
FIG. 3 provides a view of sleeve 140, which is manipulated by an operator for actuating two separate taping functions. Pulling sleeve 140 toward the rear end 122 of body 120 to a cutting position actuates a mechanical linkage including rod 21 and rod 28 (best seen in FIG. 2) that draws a knife (not shown) across and cuts tape 6. Pushing sleeve 140 toward the forward end 123 of body 120 to a feeding position feeds a tab of tape 6 into engagement with the rims of wheels 10 in preparation for beginning work on a new drywall joint (not shown). A neutral position for sleeve 140 lies between the cutting and feeding positions. An operator typically grasps sleeve 140 with one hand and places another hand around rear end 122 of tool 100.
As can be seen in FIG. 3, removable front flange 150 is mounted on forward end 148 of sleeve 140 and removable rear flange 151 is mounted on rearward end 149. Each of the flanges 150, 151 is shaped to provide a grip area having surfaces that the operator's hand may comfortably push or pull against when moving sleeve 140 from one position to another. For example, each of the flanges 150, 151 forms a generally smooth, inclined surface 154 (best seen in FIG. 5) or 155, respectively, that extends radially from the outer surface of sleeve 140. The grip area of sleeve 140 is substantially free of any protrusions or sharp edges that might otherwise limit the placement of the operator's hands. Additionally, all exterior corners or edges of the flanges 150, 151 are preferably rounded to provide a comfortable grip for the operator.
Continuing with FIG. 3, flanges 150 is equipped with an attachment device 176, such as a pin or ring, for attaching a lanyard. Lanyards are useful in situations that require the operator to extend the operator's reach with the tool 100 such as, for example, finishing a joint near a high ceiling.
FIG. 3 illustrates the manner in which bearings 160 are mounted in recesses 152 of flange 150. Bearings 161 (not shown) are mounted in recesses of flange 151. Sleeve 140 rides along body 120 on bearings 160, 161. Bearings 160, 161 are recessed beneath the outer surfaces 158, 159 of the front and rear flanges 150, 151, respectively. Consequently, outer surfaces 158, 159 are generally smooth and offer a convenient surface for the operator's hand to rest against when pulling or pushing sleeve 140.
Flanges 150, 151 are constructed as clamshells 178, 179, which are approximately in the shape of half circles that wrap around ends 148, 149 of sleeve 140. Preferably, flanges 150, 151 are composed of a moldable polymer material and equipped with small bosses on their interiors that register with corresponding registration holes 41 (shown in FIG. 4) located adjacent to ends 148, 149, thereby securing the flanges to the sleeve. This construction technique permits flanges 150, 151 and sleeve 140 to be manufactured without the use of special aluminum tube forming operations or special grades of aluminum. In an alternative embodiment, flanges 150, 151 may be formed integrally with sleeve 140, such that bearings 160, 161 are positioned in recesses formed beneath the outer surfaces of the ends of sleeve 140.
Turning now to FIG. 5, it can be seen that each of the bearings 160 includes a roller 164 that turns about an axle 162. Each of the axles 162 (not shown) is mounted with its ends in a pair of pockets (145 or 147, respectively). Each pair of pockets 145, 147 communicates with one of the recesses 152, 153. A spring-loaded wireform retainer 168 is inserted into each of the recesses 152, 153 to prevent the axles 162, 163 (not shown) from leaving their respective pockets 145, 147.
Retainer 168 includes tabs 170, 171 for successively engaging pockets 145, 147 in one of two positions. In a retaining position, shown in FIG. 6, retainers 168 cannot move away from the axis of the respective flanges 150, 151, because the tabs 170, 171 are extended across the full width of pockets 145, 147 and sufficiently close to the axles and rollers to prevent them from leaving their pockets. In a servicing position, which is depicted in FIG. 7, retainers 168 are spaced further from the longitudinal axis of flanges 150, 151 and no longer to prevent the axles 162 (not shown) and rollers 164, 165 from leaving their respective pockets 145, 147. However, tabs 170, 171 are sufficiently engaged with notches 172, 174 located within pockets 145, 147 so as to prevent loss of retainers 168 during any servicing or replacement of the bearings 160, 161.
Retainers 168 may be moved to the servicing position by forcing spring-loaded tabs 170, 171 towards each other and prying retainer 168 outwardly by employing, for example, a screwdriver as a lever. While retainer 168 is in the servicing position, roller 164 may be removed from its recess 152 or 153 by prying the associated axle 162 (not shown) out of pockets 145, 147. For replacement, roller 164 is pushed back into recess 152, as the respective axle 162 or 163 (not shown) is pushed into its pockets 145, 147. Then, retainer 168 is returned to the retaining position as shown in FIG. 7, by pushing it inwardly and permitting retainer 168 to expand and engage across the full width of pockets 145, 147.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of spool mounting assembly 190, which includes base 192. As can be seen in FIG. 8, circular clamps 218 are attached to base 192 for the purpose of removably mounting spool assembly 190 on body 120, adjacent the rear end 122. Preferably, clamps 218 are attached to base 192 by hinges 219 that may be opened for placing spool mounting assembly 190 on body 120. Clamps 218 are held closed by, for example, screws 217.
End protector 204 is also attached to base 192 so that end protector 204 may fit around and project beyond rear end 122 of body 120. End protector 204 provides a comfortable handhold for the user and protects body 120 in the event of damage from bumps and shocks that occur when tool 100 is in use. As shown in FIG. 9, end protector 204 is shaped and sized to mate with base 192 and to lock in the mated position when rotated a quarter turn relative to base 192. Once end protector 204 is locked onto base 192, locking pin 206, depicted in FIG. 10, is slipped over guide ring 208 of base 192 and into groove 205 of end protector 204, for preventing inadvertent rotation and unlocking of end protector 204. Finger pressure is sufficient to release locking pin 206, and the end protector 204 can be rotated by hand. Consequently, no tools are required to mount or remove end protector 204. In an alternative embodiment, the end protector may be mounted at the rear end 122 of body 120, using the same mechanism as described for mounting the end protector on base 192.
Returning to FIG. 8, bracket 216 is provided on base 192 for mounting trigger 70 (best seen in FIG. 1), which is used to actuate tape creasing disc 9 via linkage 69. Pivoting bracket 220, also attached to base 192, rotatably secures guard rod 198 while permitting guard rod 198 to rotate about its end 202 relative to base 192. The other end 203 of guard rod 198 is fitted with a resilient stop member 222, which rests against and conforms to body 120 when the guard rod 198 is in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 8, guard rod 198 extends in the closed position completely across tape spool wall 196 and is captured by detent 210 located at a distal end of spindle 194. An upward tug on guard rod 198 is normally sufficient to dislodge detent 210 and permit guard rod 198 to rotate into an open position (not shown) for replacing tape spool 196 or tape 6.
FIG. 11 is a close-up view of distal end 212 of spindle 194, showing the manner in which detent 210 captures guard rod 198. Preferably, detent 210 is composed of a resilient material, such as a plastic or a spring steel, so that an interference fit between guard rod 198 and a slot in detent 210 provides sufficient friction to hold guard rod 198 in the closed position while tool 100 is being used. Other types of detents can be used successively with or in place of detent 210 in the invention including, for example, a ball detent, a spring detent, a catch or a hook and eye.
FIGS. 13, 14 show the detent in an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Spindle 300 comprises a post 302 with an adapter 304 having axial flanges 306 that are sized and shaped to receive a tape spool. The distal end 308 of post 302 is provided with a detent 310 for receiving and retaining guard rod 312. Detent 310 comprises an L-shaped slot 314 having a vertical leg 316 and a horizontal leg 317. Guard rod 312 is sufficiently flexible that it may be resiliently bent and forced into horizontal leg 317 until it engages vertical leg 316, where it is free to resume its original configuration. To release guard rod 312 from detent 310, pressure must once again be applied to force guard rod 312 from vertical leg 316 and out of slot 314 through horizontal leg 317.
FIG. 15 shows a spindle post 402 in a further embodiment of the present invention. The distal end 408 of post 402 is provided with a detent 410, comprising a pair of mirror image detent elements 416, 418 that are spring loaded such that they are biased together, as shown by arrows A. Detent elements 416, 418 are provided with notched flanges 422, 424 that overlap when combined and form a V-shaped slot 414. The combination of detent elements 416, 418 also forms an opening 420 that is sized and shaped to receive the guard rod (not shown). The guard rod is engaged in detent 410 by forcing the guard rod into slot 414 to push detent elements 416, 418 apart and allow the guard rod to be received in opening 420. Detent elements 416, 418 then snap back into their original positions and the guard rod is held within opening 420 by overlapping flanges 422, 424. The guard rod is released from opening 420 by applying pressure on detent 410 in the direction shown by arrow B, which causes detent elements 416, 418 to move apart, thereby releasing the guard rod.
FIG. 16 shows a spindle post 502 in another embodiment of the present invention. The distal end 508 of post 502 is provided with a detent 510 comprising a rotatable detent element 518 and fixed detent elements 516. Detent element rotates radially about the vertical axis of post 502 (shown by arrows C) and is spring loaded in the counterclockwise direction such that detent elements 516, 518 are biased together. Detent elements 516, 518 are provided with overlapping notched flanges 522, 524 that combine to form a V-shaped slot 514. The combination of detent elements 516, 518 also forms openings 520 that are sized and shaped to receive the guard rod (not shown). The guard rod is engaged in detent 510 by forcing the guard rod into slots 414 to causing detent element 516 to rotate away from detent elements 518 and allow the guard rod to be received in openings 520. Detent element 516 then rotates back into its original position and the guard rod is held within openings 520 by overlapping flanges 522, 524. The guard rod is released from openings 520 by manually rotating detent element 516 in the clockwise direction to separate detent elements 516, 518. To facilitate manual rotation, detent element 516 is provided with wings 526.
FIG. 17 shows a spindle post 602 in yet another embodiment of the present invention. The distal end 608 of post 602 is provided with a detent 610 that is telescopically attached to a post 612 and is biased in the extended position by a spring 624, such that pressure is required to compress detent 610 on post 612, in the direction shown by arrow D. Detent 610 comprises a pair of opposed, mirror image spiral slots 616, 618 that combine to form a slot 614. Slots 614, 616 and 618 are sized and shaped to receive the guard rod (not shown). The guard rod is engaged in detent 610 by applying pressure against spring 624 to telescope detent 610 on post 612. A pin 626 is mounted on post 612 and positioned within a spiral slot 628 in detent 610. As detent 610 is telescoped, pin 626 travels along slot 628, causing detent 610 to rotate in a clockwise direction, as shown by arrow E. The rotation of detent 610 brings slot 614 into alignment with the guard rod, and allows the guard rod to enter slots 616, 618. As the pressure is relieved, the action of spring 624, pin 626 and slot 628 cause detent 610 to return to the extended position and rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The rotation of detent 610 allows the guard rod to become engaged and retained within the ends 620, 622 of slots 616, 618. To release the guard rod, pressure must once again be applied to telescope and rotate detent 610, permitting the guard rod to exit slot 614.
FIG. 12 depicts pivoting bracket 220. Guard rod 198 preferably includes an angled portion (not shown) adjacent end 202, as shown in FIG. 8. The angled portion may be conveniently threaded through a slot 221 formed by pivoting bracket 220 and inserted into bore 222 as shown in FIG. 12. Alternatively, end 202 may include screw threads (not shown) and be threaded into an axle (not shown) that is inserted into bore 222. Other rotatable mounting attachments can be used successively with or in place of pivoting bracket 220 in the invention including, for example, a ball and socket joint, a universal joint, a flexible cable and a length of chain.
To prepare tool 100 for operation, body 120 is filled with mastic through the filler tube (not shown) and the filler check valve (not shown). The operator may then rotate wheels 10 to move a piston (not shown) in body 120 to force out any air pockets in the mastic.
Next, the operator places a roll of tape 6 onto spool 196 and snaps guard rod 198 into its closed position. Moving sleeve 140 forward on body 120 advances a tab of tape 6 onto the rims of wheels 10. Sleeve 140 can be reciprocated between the feeding position and the neutral position two or three times, if necessary, to achieve sufficient contact between tape 6 and the rims of wheels 10. Each time the slide 140 is moved forwardly, a pin (not shown) or other device mounted on rod 230 catches on the underside of tape 6 and moves it forward. As sleeve 140 is returned to the neutral position, there is little or no tendency for tape 6 to be retracted.
Tool 100 is now ready for use. In order to apply tape 6 and the layer of mastic to a wall surface so as to cover a wallboard joint, the operator moves wheels 10 along the wall causing them to straddle the joint (not shown). Wheels 10 turn as they travel along the wall, applying tape 6 and mastic to the wall surface. Simultaneously, the rotation of wheels 10 causes the piston (not shown) inside body 120 to move forward so as to force mastic onto tape 6. However, when the piston inside body 120 reaches an internal stop (not shown) located near the forward end 123 of body 120, drive wheels 10 become disconnected from the piston and the piston ceases its forward movement. Upon coming to the end of the joint, the operator moves sleeve 140 rearwardly on body 120 so as to cause the knife (not shown) to cut tape 6.
Any time the operator wishes to apply tape 6 and mastic layer to an inner corner of a room, tape creasing disc 9 can be brought into operative position by actuating trigger 70. When the creasing operation is finished, the operator releases trigger 70 and a torsional spring (not shown) returns disc 9 to an inoperative position.
For cleaning or repair, spool mount assembly 190 can be mounted on and removed from body 120 as a one-piece unit. All of the components of spool mount assembly 190 are attached directly or indirectly to base 192, which is the only one of the components that is directly attached to body 120.
Base 192 can be aligned with and secured to body 120 within just a few seconds. The only alignment required is that spool mount assembly 190 be aligned rotationally with wheels 10 of tool 100. Then, tightening one screw 217 on each of the two clamps 218 secures spool mount assembly 190 to body 120.
Each of the two clamps 218 wraps around body 120, hingedly attaches directly to base 192, and is held closed by a single screw 217. This greatly speeds servicing of sleeve 140. Cable changes are also simplified in that end protector 204, which is now part of spool mount assembly 190, detaches from base 192 without the use of any tools. After lifting metal locking tab 206, end protector 204 can be twisted, and removed from base 192. There are no small screws to lose when removing or replacing end protector 206.
Changing rolls of paper tape 6 is also faster and easier than with previously known taper tools. The roll retainer is a wireform rod 198, that is rotatably secured to tool 100 so that it will not be lost. Rod 198 can be unsnapped from detent 210 and rotated up and out of the way to permit access for the roll change. When the new roll is in position on spindle 194, rod 198 is snapped back into place and held by detent 210.
Embodiments of the invention have been described above to better communicate the invention. The scope of the invention, not being limited to the described embodiments, is set forth in the appended claims.

## Claims

1. A taper tool for feeding tape, the tool comprising:
an elongated body;
a tape feeder mounted on the body;
a spool mounting assembly removably mounted on the body, the spool mounting assembly including a base and a spindle, a tape spool, and a guard rod all mounted on said base so that the spool mounting assembly can be removed as a unit from the body;
a sleeve movable on the body for actuating a taping function;
a flange including a recess, the flange removably mounted on the sleeve; and
a bearing mounted at least partially within the recess to cooperate with the body for moving the sleeve.

2. The tool of claim 1 in which the body has a rearward end and the spool mounting assembly includes an end protector that mounts on the base and is moveable from an unsecured position for removing the end protector from the base to a secured position for retaining the end protector on the spool mounting base.

3. The tool of claim 2 in which the spool mounting assembly includes a locking clip, attachable to the end protector to prevent the end protector from moving with respect to the base.

4. The tool of claim 3 in which the locking clip is releasable by finger pressure and the end protector is removable by hand from the spool mounting assembly.

5. The tool of claim 1 in which the body has a rearward end and the spool mounting assembly includes an end protector that mounts on the base, the end protector extends rearwardly of the rearward body end for protecting the body during use, and the exterior edges of the end protector are rounded to provide a comfortable grip for the user.

6. The tool of claim 1 in which the spool mounting assembly includes a detent for holding the guard rod in the closed position and a stop for mechanically supporting the guard rod in the closed position.

7. The tool of claim 1 in which the guard rod is rotatable between an open position for removing the spool from the spindle and a closed position for retaining the spool on the spindle.

8. The tool of claim 1 which includes a tape creaser, and in which the spool mounting assembly includes a trigger for actuating the tape creaser.

9. The tool of claim 1 which includes a clamp for removably mounting the spool mounting assembly on the body.

10. The tool of claim 1 wherein the sleeve is movable on the body to a feeding position for actuating the tape feeder and the flange is suitably shaped to provide a surface for the user's hand to push or pull against when moving the sleeve to or from the feeding position.

11. The tool of claim 1 in which the flange has an outer surface that provides a comfortable grip for the user.

12. The tool of claim 1 in which the bearing is mounted entirely below the outer surface of the flange.

13. The tool of claim 1 in which the bearing includes an axle removably attached to the flange and a roller that is rotatable about the axle.

14. The tool of claim 1 which includes a tape cutter operatively connected to the sleeve so that when the sleeve is moved to the cutting position the tape is cut.

15. The tool of claim 1 which includes means for holding mastic and means for delivering mastic to the tape.

16. The taper tool of claim 1, wherein the body has a rearward end, and further comprising an end protector removably secured to the rearward end for protecting the body during use.

17. The taper tool of claim 16 wherein the end protector is moveable by hand from a secured position to an unsecured position on the rearward end of the body.

18. A taper tool for feeding tape, the tool comprising:
an elongated body;
a tape feeder mounted on the body;
a sleeve movable on the body for actuating a taping function;
a flange including a recess, the flange having an outer surface and removably mounted on the sleeve; and
a bearing mounted within the recess and entirely below the outer surface, the bearing cooperating with the body for moving the sleeve.

19. The tool of claim 18 wherein the sleeve is movable on the body to a feeding position for actuating the tape feeder and the flange is suitably shaped to provide a surface for the user's hand to push or pull against when moving the sleeve to or from the feeding position.

20. The tool of claim 18 in which the bearing includes an axle removably attached to the flange and a roller that is rotatable about the axle.

21. The tool of claim 20 in which the flange includes pockets communicating with the recess, and the ends of the axle are inserted into the pockets and retained by a spring-loaded retainer that engages the flange in a retaining position.

22. The tool of claim 21 in which the retainer includes tabs that engage the flange and position the retainer in either of two positions.

23. The tool of claim 18 in which the flange includes an attachment device for attaching a lanyard to the flange.

24. The tool of claim 18, which includes a tape cutter operatively connected to the sleeve so that when the sleeve is moved to the cutting position the tape is cut.

25. The tool of claim 18, which includes means for holding mastic and means for delivering mastic to the tape.

26. The tool of claim 18 in which the body has a rearward end and the tool includes a spool mounting assembly mounted on the body; and
an end protector removably mounted on the spool mounting assembly extending rearwardly of the rearward end.

27. The taper tool of claim 18, wherein the body has a rearward end, and further comprising an end protector removably secured to the rearward end for protecting the body during use.

28. The taper tool of claim 27 wherein the end protector is moveable by hand from a secured position to an unsecured position on the rearward end of the body.

29. A taper tool for feeding tape, the tool comprising:
an elongated body;
a tape feeder mounted on the body;
a sleeve having a forward end, a rearward end, and an outer surface, the sleeve being movable on the body for actuating a taping function;
a front recess formed at the forward end of the sleeve;
a rear recess formed at the rearward end of the sleeve;
a rear bearing mounted within the rear recess and entirely below the outer surface, the rear bearing cooperating with the body for moving the sleeve; and
a front bearing mounted within the front recess and entirely below the outer surface, the front bearing cooperating with the body for moving the sleeve.

30. The taper tool of claim 29, wherein the sleeve further comprises a removable front flange at the forward end and a removable rear flange at the rearward end, the front recess positioned in the front flange and the rear recess positioned in the rear flange.

31. The tool of claim 30 wherein the sleeve is movable on the body to a feeding position for actuating the tape feeder and the front flange and the rear flange are suitably shaped to provide, respectively, surfaces for the user's hand to push or pull against when moving the sleeve to or from the feeding position.

32. The tool of claim 30 in which the front flange and the rear flange have rounded exterior edges to provide a comfortable grip for the user.

33. The tool of claim 30 in which each of the bearings includes an axle removably attached to one of the flanges and a roller that is rotatable about the axle.

34. The tool of claim 33 in which each of the flanges includes pockets communicating with the recesses, the ends of each of the axles are in the pockets, and each of the axles is retained by a spring-loaded retainer.

35. The tool of claim 34 in which each of the retainers includes tabs that engage one of the flanges in a servicing position so that the respective axle may be removed from the respective flange and replaced with another axle.

36. The tool of claim 35 in which one of the flanges includes an attachment device for attaching a lanyard to the flange.

37. The tool of claim 30 in which each of the front flange and the rear flange includes a clamping member and a tensioning device for removably mounting the front and rear flanges, respectively.

38. The tool of claim 29 in which the body has a rearward end and the tool includes a spool mounting assembly mounted on the body; and
an end protector removably mounted on the spool mounting assembly extending rearwardly of the rearward end.

39. The taper tool of claim 29, wherein the body has a rearward end, and further comprising an end protector removably secured to the rearward end for protecting the body during use.

40. The taper tool of claim 39 wherein the end protector is moveable by hand from a secured position to an unsecured position on the rearward end of the body.

41. A taper tool for feeding tape, the tool comprising:
an elongated body;
a tape feeder mounted on the body; and
a spool mounting assembly removably mounted on the body, the spool mounting assembly including a base, a spindle, a tape spool having a bore for receiving the spindle, and a guard rod coupled to the base and rotatable about an axis from an open position for removing the spool from the spindle to a closed position for retaining the spool on the spindle, the guard rod rotatable away from the spindle when moved from the closed position to the open position and rotatable toward the spindle when moved from the open position to the closed position.

42. The tool of claim 41 in which the spool mounting assembly includes an end protector on the base, said end protector movable from an unsecured position for removing the end protector from the base to a secured position for retaining the end protector on the base.

43. The tool of claim 42 in which the spool mounting assembly includes a locking clip, which is attachable to the end protector to prevent the end protector from moving with respect to the spool mounting base.

44. The tool of claim 42 in which the body has a rearward end and the end protector extends rearwardly of the rearward body end for protecting the body during use.

45. The tool of claim 44 in which the exterior edges of the end protector are rounded to provide a comfortable grip for the user.

46. The tool of claim 41 in which the spool mounting assembly includes a detent for holding the guard rod in the closed position and a stop for supporting the guard rod in the closed position.

47. The tool of claim 46 in which the detent is located adjacent the spindle.

48. The tool of claim 41 which includes a tape creaser, and in which the spool mounting assembly includes a trigger for actuating the tape creaser.

49. The tool of claim 41 which the spool mounting assembly includes a clamp for removably mounting the spool mounting assembly on the body.

50. The tool of claim 41 in which the spool mounting assembly can be removed from the base without the use of any tools.

51. The taper tool of claim 41, wherein the body has a rearward end, and further comprising an end protector removably secured to the rearward end for protecting the body during use.

52. The taper tool of claim 51 wherein the end protector is moveable by hand from a secured position to an unsecured position on the rearward end of the body.

53. The tool of claim 41, wherein the guard rod does not engage the spindle in the open position.

54. The tool of claim 53, wherein the guard rod engages the spindle in the closed position.