Patent Publication Number: US-11046018-B2

Title: Tape applicator assembly and tape assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/053,969, filed Feb. 25, 2016, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/601,391, filed Jan. 21, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/166,656, filed Jan. 28, 2014, and Ser. No. 14/167,557, filed Jan. 29, 2014, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/057,846, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and 62/084,474, filed Nov. 25, 2014, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Gaffer tape is a specialized type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape that is often used in the entertainment industry for securing cables to the stage floor or other surface, either for safety or to keep them out of view of the audience or camera. It is also widely used by audio-visual departments in hotels and conference centers for holding down wires to podiums and stages. 
     A “gaffer” or other technician will often run one or more cables (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “cable run”) between two or more locations and then tape the cables to a surface. For instance, the cable run may extend between an electrical outlet and audio equipment, with the cable run taped to the floor, wall, or other surface. Before taping the cable run, or as the cable run is being taped to the surface, it is often desired to bundle, straighten, and pull the cable run taught. Aligning and bundling the cable run as it is being taped creates straighter tape lines, minimizes the strips of tapes used, reduces any tripping hazards, and makes the taped cable run more aesthetically pleasing. 
     It can be appreciated that aligning and bundling the cable run in this manner is a labor-intensive, imperfect process. The gaffer must bundle, align, and pull the cable run with one hand while taping the cable run to a surface with the other hand. Thus, an improved device and method for securing aligned, bundled, taught cable(s) to a surface is desired. 
     As mentioned above, gaffer tape is a specialized type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape often used to tape a cable run to a surface. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is sufficiently strong to secure the cable run to a surface until the tape is manually removed with a predetermined amount of force. Although gaffer tape is designed to be cleanly removed from cables (unlike a tackier tape such as duct tape), the tape can still get wrapped around or folded between the cable(s), causing the tape to stick to itself during the removal process. Moreover, when cables are “gaffed” often, adhesive residue builds up on the cables, making it more difficult to remove the tape from the cable. Thus, it can be further appreciated that an improved tape assembly suitable for use in gaffing cables is also desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     A tape applicator assembly for securing tape to a surface includes a body and may include a centering and locking assembly configured to automatically center and lock a tape assembly within the body for dispensing. The tape applicator assembly may further be configured for securing tape to at least one cable and a surface, wherein the body includes a tape-receiving cavity defined for receiving a tape assembly having tape with a tape center longitudinal axis. A tape applying assembly may be defined within the body that is configured to adhere the tape to both the at least one cable and the surface. A cable alignment assembly may also be defined within the body that is configured to receive at least one cable positioned against the surface and substantially align the at least one cable with the tape center longitudinal axis. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental isometric view of a tape applicator assembly and tape assembly, wherein the tape applicator assembly and tape assembly are shown in use taping a cable run to a surface; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a taped cable run of  FIG. 1 , taken substantially across line  2 - 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial top isometric view of the tape applicator assembly and tape assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial bottom isometric view of the tape applicator assembly and tape assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional view of the tape applicator assembly and tape assembly of  FIG. 3 , taken substantially across line  5 - 5 , wherein the tape applicator assembly and tape assembly is shown in use taping cables to a surface; and 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the tape applicator assembly and tape assembly of  FIG. 3 , taken substantially across line  6 - 6 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the tape assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a bottom isometric view of a first alternate embodiment of a tape applicator assembly, wherein the tape applicator assembly is shown in use taping a cable to a surface; 
         FIG. 8B  is a top isometric view of the tape applicator assembly of  FIG. 8A , wherein a portion of the tape applicator assembly has been removed for illustration; and 
         FIG. 9  is a front isometric view of a second alternate embodiment of a tape applicator assembly, wherein the tape applicator assembly is shown in use taping cables to a surface; 
         FIG. 10  is a rear isometric view of the tape applicator assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom isometric view of the tape applicator assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a partially broken away isometric view of a portion of the tape applicator assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the tape applicator assembly of  FIG. 9 , wherein the tape applicator assembly is shown taping cables to a surface; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom isometric view of a third alternate embodiment of a tape applicator assembly; 
         FIG. 15  is a front isometric view of a fourth alternate embodiment of a tape applicator assembly, wherein the tape applicator assembly is shown in use taping cables in a corner; 
         FIG. 16  is a side isometric view of the tape applicator assembly of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom isometric view of the tape applicator assembly of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the tape applicator assembly of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view of a first alternative embodiment of a centering and locking assembly of the tape applicator assembly of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 20  is an isometric view of a second alternative embodiment of a centering and locking assembly of the tape applicator assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A tape applicator assembly  10  and tape assembly  12  formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may best be seen by referring to  FIG. 1 . Referring additionally to  FIG. 2 , the tape applicator assembly  10  is configured to bundle, align, and tighten one or more cables C in a cable run R and tape the cable run R to a surface S. Although the tape applicator assembly  10  will be described as being used to tape a cable run R to a surface, it should be appreciated that the tape applicator assembly  10  may be used for any suitable purpose. For instance, the tape applicator assembly  10  may be used with a tape assembly  12  comprising gaffer tape suitable for taping cables to a surface. In the alternative, the tape applicator assembly  10  may be used with a tape assembly  12  comprising another suitable tape for temporarily fixing or labeling equipment, marking seating diagrams, walls, walkways, boundaries, etc. Thus, it should be appreciated that the descriptions and illustrations provided herein should not be seen as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     The tape applicator assembly  10  includes a body  14  and a handle assembly  18  secured thereto. The handle assembly  18  is suitable for pushing, steering, and manipulating the body  14  against a surface. Although any suitable handle assembly may be used, in the depicted embodiment, the handle assembly  18  includes a stem  22  extending upwardly from the body  14 , which may be pivotally connected to the body  14  through a pivot connection  28  or through any suitable means. The stem  22  may be adjustable in length, and it may be removable in the event that the user desires to grasp the body  14  for use. A suitable handle  24  is defined at the distal end of the stem  22  for grasping the handle assembly  18 . Additional gripping devices, handles, etc., may be secured to the stem  22  for suitably pushing, steering, and manipulating the body  14  against a surface. 
     The body  14  is suitable for removably receiving a portion of the tape assembly  12  and taping a cable run R to a surface. Prior to taping the cable run R to a surface, the body  14  gathers, aligns, bundles, and tightens one or more cables C for creating an aesthetically-pleasing, safe, taped cable run R. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , aspects of the body  14  for gathering, aligning, bundling, tightening, and taping one or more cables to a surface will now be described in detail. Referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , the body  14  includes an upper portion  32  having a tape-receiving cavity  36  defined between a rear portion  40  and a front portion  44 . The handle stem  22  is pivotally secured to the rear portion  40  for pushing the body  14  forward over and along the desired cables on a surface. 
     A cable alignment assembly is defined within the body  14  for receiving and substantially aligning one or more cables positioned against a surface as the body moves along the surface. The cable alignment assembly may include an alignment device, such as a laser  46  or other light-centering mechanism, secured to or otherwise defined on the front portion  44 . The laser  46  may project a beam onto the surface to help guide the user in taping a straight line of cables. 
     The cable alignment assembly further includes a front cable opening  48  that is defined at a front end of the body  14  beneath the laser  46  that is suitable for receiving one or more cables positioned against a surface as the tape applicator assembly  10  is moved along the cables on the surface. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the front cable opening  48  is in communication with a funnel  52  that extends rearwardly along a bottom, interior, open surface of the body  14  and terminates in a rear cable opening  54 . The funnel  52  tapers in width between the front and rear cable openings  48  and  54  for gathering and bundling the cables prior to being taped. 
     The funnel  52  may include a removable and/or adjustable rear funnel piece  56  at the rear end of the funnel  52  for adjusting the size of the rear cable opening  54 . In the depicted embodiment, the rear funnel piece  56  is removably secured within the bottom of the body  14  by suitable snap-fit technology or other suitable means. The rear funnel piece  56  may be removed and replaced/interchanged with another rear funnel piece defining a larger or smaller rear cable opening  54  to bundle more or less cables for taping. In the alternative, the rear funnel piece  56  may include adjustment means for adjusting the size of the rear cable opening  54  without necessitating the removal of any pieces. 
     It should be appreciated that the size and shape of the rear funnel piece  56  may be configured to position one or more cables to be taped in a desired manner. For instance, the rear funnel piece  56  may include a small central opening to center and tape a single cable to a surface with tape. As another example, the rear funnel piece  56  may include a deeper and wider opening to center and bundle several cables for taping. As yet another example, the rear funnel piece  56  may include a wider, shallower opening for positioning several cables side by side for taping (see  FIG. 2 ). Thus, it can be appreciated that the size, shape, and configuration of the rear funnel piece  56  may be designed for use in any desired configuration. 
     The cable alignment assembly further includes a suitable biasing or tensioning member and is positioned rear of the funnel  52  for applying pressure and tension to the one or more cables as they are fed through the body  14 . In the depicted embodiment, the tensioning member is embodied as a flat spring  60  configured to bias the funneled cables C away from the body  14  (i.e., toward the surface) as the body  14  is being moved along the cables C on the surface S. In that regard, the flat spring  60  is secured at its upper end to an interior portion of the body  14  and extends downwardly past the bottom, interior, open surface of the body  14  and toward the rear of the body  14  in an original, unbiased state. The flat spring  60  is movable into an upwardly flexed, biased position when engaged with the cables C. In the biased position, the flat spring  60  continuously engages and urges the cables C toward the surface S. By continuously applying tension to the cables, the cables are pulled taught and straight and are maintained in their centered, bundled positioned as tape is applied. 
     A tape applying assembly is defined within the body  14  and is in communication with the cable alignment assembly for applying tape to the aligned, bundled, tightened cables positioned on a surface. The tape applying assembly includes a rear wheel assembly  66  positioned rear of the flat spring  60  for applying tape to both the cables C and the surface S. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the rear wheel assembly  66  includes a middle tape applying portion  70  disposed between lateral rear rolling wheels  74  and  78 . The lateral rear rolling wheels  74  and  78  are disposed on each lateral interior side of the body  14  and are journaled for rotation within the body  14  in any suitable manner, such as by a pin or rod (not labeled) extending through the rear wheel assembly  66  and rotatably received each lateral interior side of the body  14 . The rear wheel assembly  66  is disposed within the body  14  such that the lateral rear rolling wheels  74  and  78  protrude from the bottom, rear, open surface of the body  14  for allowing the body  14  to roll against a desired surface. 
     In that regard, lateral front rolling wheels  82  and  86  protrude from the bottom, front surface of the body  14  on each lateral interior side of the body  14  to allow the body  14  to easily roll along a desired surface. The lateral front rolling wheels  82  and  86  may be positioned on each lateral side of the funnel  52  and may be journaled for rotation within the body  14  in any suitable manner, such as by a pin or rod (not labeled) rotatably extending through each front rolling wheel  82  and  86  and rotatably disposed within the respective lateral interior side of the body  14 . With the rear and front lateral rolling wheels  74 ,  78 ,  82 , and  86  disposed on the interior of the body  14 , the body  14  may be easily positioned against a sidewall or other object as the body  14  is moved along a surface. 
     The middle tape applying portion  70  disposed between the lateral rear rolling wheels  74  and  78  is configured to apply tape and pressure to the bundled cables and the surface for securing the cables to a surface. In that regard, the middle tape applying portion  70  is sufficiently pliable to apply pressure to both the cables and the surface as it rolls along both. More specifically, the middle tape applying portion  70  radially deforms, compresses, etc., in a middle portion to apply pressure to the cables. The middle tape applying portion  70  also radially deforms, compresses, etc. in lateral portions to apply pressure to the surface on each side of the cables and to accommodate the surface contour. The middle and lateral portions can deform as needed to continuously and evenly apply pressure to the cables and any uneven surface. In that regard, with the tape disposed between the middle tape applying portion  70  and the cables/surface, the tape is adhered to both the cables and the surface as the middle tape applying portion  70  is rolled along the cables. 
     To accommodate the compression of the middle tape applying portion  70 , the lateral rear rolling wheels  74  and  78  are sufficiently smaller in diameter than the middle tape applying portion  70 . In this manner, when the middle tape applying portion  70  compresses to apply pressure to the cables/surface, the lateral rear rolling wheels  74  and  78  engage the surface to allow the body  14  to roll along the surface. However, it should be appreciated that the lateral rear rolling wheels  74  and  78  may instead be eliminated, with the body  14  rolling along the surface solely through the middle tape applying portion  70 . 
     The middle tape applying portion  70  may be made from any suitable material for sufficiently applying pressure to both the cables and the surface. For instance, the middle tape applying portion  70  may be made from foam, rubber, or another suitable material. It should be appreciated that the middle tape applying portion  70  may instead be substantially rigid with a center radial groove for receiving the cables and lateral portions on each side of the groove for engaging the surface. The groove would be of a sufficient depth to apply pressure to the cables while the lateral portions maintained pressure on the surface. Thus, it should be appreciated that any suitable configuration for simultaneously applying pressure to the bundled cables and the surface may be used. 
     As noted above, tape is fed between the middle tape applying portion  70  and the cables/surface such that the middle tape applying portion  70  may simultaneously apply tape to both the cables and the surface. The tape is dispensed from the tape assembly  12  secured within the tape applicator assembly  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , a portion of the tape assembly  12  and the structure for securing the tape assembly  12  within the tape applicator assembly  10  will now be described in detail. The tape assembly  12  includes a tape roll  90  wound around or otherwise positioned circumferentially on a core  94 . The core  94  is substantially cylindrical in shape and defines a core axial length that accommodates the width of the tape roll  90 . The core  94  may be any suitable core axial length to accommodate various size tape rolls, such as 2 inches, 3 inches, etc. The core  94  also defines an interior cylindrical opening extending along the core axial length. The hollow cylindrical opening has an interior core diameter that is sized and configured to receive a hub  98 , which is removably securable within the tape-receiving cavity  36  of the body  14  to secure the tape assembly  12  within the tape applicator  10 . 
     The hub  98 , like the core  94 , is cylindrical in shape and is defined by a web assembly  116  extending between an exterior cylindrical body portion  120  and an interior cylindrical body portion  122 , with a center axial through-hole  118  extending axially through the interior cylindrical body portion  122 . It should be appreciated that the web assembly  116  decreases the cost and weight of the hub  98 ; however, the hub  98  may instead be defined by a solid body extending between the exterior and interior cylindrical body portions  120  and  122 . 
     The hub  98  defines an exterior diameter that is substantially equal to the interior diameter of the core  94 . In this manner, the core  94  may be removably, yet securely disposed on the hub  98  for use within the tape applicator assembly  10 . The  98  defines a hub axial length that is sized to be removably received within the core  94 . The hub  98  may have any suitable axial length to accept various-sized cores  94  while at the same time being sized and configured to be received within the tape-receiving cavity  36  of the body  14 . 
     A core centering and locking assembly  100  is defined between the core  94  and hub  98  for securing and centering the core  94  onto the hub  98 . Although any suitable centering and locking assembly may be used, in the depicted embodiment, the core centering and locking assembly  100  comprises a first locking feature, such as a protrusion or nub  102 , defined on the exterior surface of the hub  98  that is receivable within a second locking feature, such as an annular groove  106 , defined on the interior surface of the core  94  to secure the core  94  onto the hub  98 . It should be appreciated that the nub  102  may instead be defined on the hub  98 , and the annular groove  106  defined on the core  94 . 
     The nub  102  and annular groove  106  are positioned on the hub  98  and core  94 , respectively, such that the core  94  is automatically centered axially on the hub  98  when the nub  102  is received within the annular groove  106 . In other words, the nub  102  is substantially centered axially on the hub  98 , and the annular groove  106  is substantially centered axially on the core  94 . In this manner, the core  94  will be automatically centered axially on the hub  98  when the nub  102  is received within the annular groove  106 . With the groove  106  centered axially on the core  94 , it should be appreciated that regardless of its axial length (i.e., 1 inch in axial length, 2 inches in axial length, 3 inches in axial length, etc.), the core  94  will be automatically centered on the hub  98 . 
     The tape assembly  12  is further secured on the hub  98  through a hub locking assembly  110 . The hub locking assembly  110  is defined by a shaft  130  secured within the body  14  and extending into the tape-receiving cavity  36 . The shaft  130  includes an anchor  134  defined at a first end that is secured within an anchor protrusion  138  extending upwardly from one side of the body  14 . The shaft  130  extends into the tape-receiving cavity  36  substantially transversely to the anchor protrusion  138  such that the shaft  130  is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the body  14 . 
     With the shaft  130  extending into the tape-receiving cavity  36  in this manner, the hub  98  may be removably and rotatably secured on the shaft  130  for securing a desired tape roll  90  within the tape applicator assembly  10 . The hub  98  may be removably and rotatably secured on the shaft  130  by passing the shaft  130  though the center through-hole  118 . When received on the shaft  130 , the hub  98  is rotatable about the center longitudinal axis of the shaft  130  for dispensing tape. 
     A bearing subassembly  114  is defined between the shaft  130  and hub  98  to accommodate the rotation of the hub  98 . Although any suitable bearing subassembly may be used, the bearing subassembly  114  includes first and second flanged bushings  144  and  148  disposed at each end of the shaft  130  between the shaft  130  and the interior cylindrical body portion  122  of the hub  98 . In that regard, a cylindrical gap is defined between the exterior surface of the shaft  130  and the interior surface of the internal cylindrical body portion  122  for receiving the first and second flanged bushings  144  and  148 . The first and second flanged bushings  144  and  148  may be secured within the center through-hole  118  of the hub  98  such that the bushings  144 ,  148  and the hub  98  are an assembled unit for easier assembly and disassembly. 
     The hub locking assembly  110  further includes a fastening subassembly  152  configured for selectively locking the hub  98  onto the shaft  130 . The fastening subassembly  152  may include a fastener  156 , such as a bolt, threadably receivable within a threaded opening (not labeled) in a second end of the shaft  130  (opposite the anchor  134 ). A knob  160  is integrally formed on or otherwise secured on the fastener  156  near the head of the fastener such that the threaded end of the fastener protrudes from the knob  160 . The knob  160  is suitably graspable by a user for applying torque to the fastener  156  and securing the threaded end of the fastener  156  within the shaft  130 . A washer  164  is disposed between the knob  160  and the hub  98  for allowing the knob  160  to be selectively engaged with and tightened against the hub  98 . By tightening the knob  160  against the hub  98 , the ease of which the hub  98  may rotate on the shaft  130  may be adjusted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an exemplary embodiment of a tape assembly  12  having a tape roll  90  will now be described in further detail. The tape roll  90  is defined by an elongated piece of tape  164  wound around the core  94 . The tape  164  includes an exterior surface  168  and an opposite, interior surface  172 . A pressure sensitive adhesive  176  is disposed on the interior surface  172  and is removably secured to the exterior surface  168  when configured on the roll  90 . 
     The pressure sensitive adhesive  176  includes a middle adhesive portion  180  extending along a center longitudinal axis of the tape on the interior surface  172  of the tape  164 . The middle adhesive portion  180  is disposed between first and second lateral adhesive portions  184  and  188 , which are sufficiently tacky to be removably adhered to a desired surface, such as a floor or wall. 
     The middle adhesive portion  180  is configured to removably adhere to the bundled cables C being taped to the surface S. In that regard, the middle adhesive portion  180  is sufficiently wide to cover and engage the aligned, bundled cables passing through the tape applicator assembly  10 . The width of the middle adhesive portion  180  may be varied on different tape rolls to accommodate cable bundles of different sizes. 
     The middle adhesive portion  180  is also less tacky than the first and second lateral adhesive portions  184  and  188  for releasably engaging the bundled cables. The middle adhesive portion  180  may be defined by a less tacky adhesive covering substantially the entire middle adhesive portion  180 . In the alternative, the middle adhesive portion  180  may be defined by a pattern of adhesive coating (such as longitudinal or horizontal stripes, dots, etc.) that creates an overall less tacky area. Thus, it should be appreciated that the less tacky middle adhesive portion  180  may be defined in any suitable manner. 
     As noted above, typical gaffer tape includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive covering the entire interior surface of the tape that is sufficiently strong to secure the cable run to a surface until the tape is manually removed with a predetermined amount of force. The adhesive needs to be sufficiently strong to safely adhere to a desired surface without being easily removed due to foot traffic, etc. However, this stronger adhesive can cause the tape to become wrapped around or folded between the cable(s), causing the tape to stick to itself during the removal process. Moreover, when cables are “gaffed” often, adhesive residue builds up on the cables, making it more difficult to remove the tape from the cable. 
     With the middle adhesive portion  180  defining a channel of decreased tackiness, the tape  164  may be easily removed from the cables when the tape  164  is pulled up from the surface. If the middle adhesive portion  180  is at least somewhat tacky (e.g., a semi-dry channel), the tape  164  can stick to the cables and help maintain the alignment and straightness of the cables when being taped to the surface. For instance, the middle adhesive portion  180  may be between about 10-30% of the tackiness of the first and second lateral adhesive portions  184  and  188 . However, it should be appreciated that the middle adhesive portion  180  may instead have no adhesive (e.g., a dry channel), or it may have greater than 30% tackiness, if desired. In other words, the middle adhesive portion  180  may be between 0-99% of the tackiness of the first and second lateral adhesive portions  184  and  188  to define a less tacky middle adhesive portion  180  for releasably engaging the cables. 
     It should be appreciated that the tape roll  90  may instead be configured as tape strips, sheets, or another configuration for use apart from the tape applicator assembly  10 . Moreover, although the tape applicator assembly  10  is shown and described in use with a tape assembly  12  having a middle adhesive portion  180  of decreased tackiness, the tape applicator assembly  10  may instead be used with any suitable tape. For instance, if the tape applicator assembly  10  is being used to mark boundary lines on a floor, rather than taping cables to the floor, a tape having any suitable pressure sensitive adhesive on its interior surface may be used. Thus, the description and illustrations provided herein should not be seen as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5 , the operation of the tape applicator assembly  10  for taping cables to a surface will now be provided. Prior to using the tape applicator assembly  10 , the proper width of the tape (i.e., its axial length) may be determined for the intended use. For instance, if 2-3 cables need to be taped to a surface, a tape roll that is, for example, 2-3 inches wide, and having a middle adhesive portion  180  sufficiently wide and tacky, may be used. In the alternative, if the tape applicator assembly  10  is merely being used to mark boundary lines on a surface, a tape roll that is, for example only 1 inch wide with no middle adhesive portion, may instead be used. Thus, depending on the intended use, a preferred tape roll  90  may be installed within the tape applicator assembly  10  or switched with a tape roll  90  already installed within the tape applicator assembly  10 . 
     The tape roll  90  is installed within the tape applicator assembly  10  by centering and locking the core  94  on the hub  98  with the core centering and locking assembly  100 . More specifically, the core  94  is slid onto the hub  98  until the nub  102  is received within the annular groove  106 . It can be appreciated that when the nub  102  is received within the annular groove  106 , a “snap-fit” tactile sensation will be felt by the user to indicate the core  94  is properly positioned on the hub  98 . Markings, instructions, etc., may be provided on the exterior of the body  14 , core  94 , and/or hub  98  to aid in proper assembly. 
     With the core  94  assembled on the hub  98 , the hub  98  may be secured within the body  14  through the hub locking assembly  110 . More specifically, the hub  98  is secured onto the shaft  130  by passing the shaft  130  through the center through-hole  118  of the hub  98 . The fastener  156  is then secured within the shaft  130  to secure the hub  98  onto the shaft  130  for rotation of the tape roll  90  within the tape applicator assembly  10 . The fastener  156  may be tightened or loosened to increase or decrease the tension of the knob  160  against the washer  164 . With increased tension from the knob  160 , the tape roll  90  will unravel less easily and quickly. Thus, it can be appreciated that the tension from the knob  160  may be adjusted as desired. 
     Once the core  94  is secured within the tape applicator assembly  10 , the tape roll  90  may be partially unraveled to position the tape  164  for dispensing. In the alternative, the tape roll  90  may be partially unraveled before securing the core  94  on the hub  98 . The tape  164  is pulled from the tape roll  90  from the bottom, interior, open surface of the body  14  downwardly past the rear wheel assembly  66 . The end of the tape  164  may be secured to the surface S and/or cables C for defining a first end of a cable run R. 
     A tape tensioner  194  may be disposed within the interior of the body  14  between the tape roll  90  and the rear wheel assembly  66  for maintaining tension in the tape  164  as it is dispensed from the roll  90 . The tape tensioner  194  may be a suitable roller or other device journaled for rotation within an interior side of the body  14  in a suitable manner. To effectively maintain tension in the tape  164 , the tape tensioner  194  is positioned downwardly from a tangent defined between the tape roll  90  and the rear wheel assembly  66 . In this manner, the tape tensioner  194  imposes a downward force on the tape  164  to maintain a substantially constant tension while being dispensed. With tension in the tape  164 , the rear wheel assembly  66  maintains better tape alignment on the surface/cables and reduces any wrinkles, gaps, etc. 
     The middle tape applying portion  70  partially compresses to apply pressure to both the cables C and the surface S as the tape  164  passes over the rear wheel assembly  66 . More specifically, with the cables C centrally aligned after passing through the funnel  52  (and held taught by the flat spring  60 ), a central portion of the middle tape applying portion  70  compresses to accommodate the height and shape of the cables C relative to the surface S. Moreover, the lateral edges of the middle tape applying portion  70  compress to apply pressure to the surface S on each side of the cables C for sealing the cables C beneath the tape  164 . 
     It can be appreciated from the foregoing that the tape applicator assembly  10  and tape assembly  12  provide the benefit of securing aligned, bundled, taught cable(s) to a surface without causing the tape to irreversibly stick to or leave residue on the cable(s). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , a first alternative embodiment of the tape applicator assembly  210  is depicted. The tape applicator assembly  210  is substantially identical to the tape applicator  10  described above except for the differences set forth herein. 
     In that regard, the tape applicator assembly  210  includes a cable alignment assembly having a funnel  252  extending from a front of a body  214  along the bottom thereof. The funnel  252  defines a front cable opening  248  at the front of the body  214  configured to receive one or more cables as the body  214  moves along a surface, and a rear cable opening  254 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the rear cable opening  254  is configured to bundle and align one or more cables C in a cable run R and tape the cable C run R to a surface. Moreover, the rear cable opening  254  may be adjusted in size and shape through a modular funnel/wheel adjustment assembly  256  to accommodate various sizes of cables and bundles of cables. 
     The modular funnel/wheel adjustment assembly  256  is defined by a first adjustable funnel piece  257  that is removably receivable within the underside of the body  214 . The first adjustable funnel piece  257  is defined in part by a rear funnel portion  258  disposed at the rear of the funnel  252  and a wheel portion  253  extending rearwardly from the rear funnel portion  258 , with the rear funnel portion  258  substantially corresponding in size to the wheel portion  253  for aligning, bundling, and taping one or more cables of a predetermined size to a surface. In the depicted embodiment, the rear funnel portion  258  and the wheel portion  253  of the first adjustable funnel piece  257  are correspondingly sized and shaped to align and tape a cable C of a first predetermined size to a surface S. 
     The rear funnel portion  258  defines a rear portion of the funnel  252  and the rear cable opening  254  for aligning the cable C. When received within the body  214 , the rear funnel portion  258  defines an elongated opening  262  extending between and in communication with the front cable opening  248  and the rear cable opening  254 . The elongated opening  262  is of a suitable cross-sectional shape, width and/or depth for bundling and aligning one or more cables of a predetermined size. In the depicted embodiment, the elongated opening  262  is of a suitable cross-sectional shape, width and depth for aligning the cable C of a first predetermined size. A second adjustment piece having a second cross-sectional shape and a wider and/or deeper elongated opening  262  may be used to accommodate a larger cable or a larger bundle of cables, whereas a third adjustment piece having a third cross-sectional shape and a narrower and/or shallower elongated opening  262  may be used to accommodate a smaller cable or a smaller bundle of cables. With the shape and size of the elongated opening  262  substantially corresponding to the shape and size of the one or more cables, the cables will be aligned and bundled prior to being taped by a tape applying assembly. 
     The tape applying assembly is defined in part by the wheel portion  253  of the first adjustable funnel piece  257 , with the wheel portion  253  being suitable sized for taping one or more cables of a predetermined size to a surface. The wheel portion  253  is configured to rotatably secure a rear wheel assembly  266  within the body  214  for applying pressure to the tape  268  and one or more cables, similar to rear wheel assembly  66 . In that regard, the wheel portion  253  includes first and second wheel assembly arms  260  and  261  that extend from the rear funnel portion  258  toward the rear of the body  214 . The wheel assembly arms  260  and  261  are configured to rotatably receive the rear wheel assembly  266  therein. 
     The rear wheel assembly  266  includes a middle tape applying portion  270  disposed between lateral rear rolling wheels  274  and  278 , wherein the middle tape applying portion  270  is sufficiently pliable to apply pressure to the surface and the one or more cables for securing the tape  268  to the surface and the one or more cables. As can be seen in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the middle tape applying portion  270  is also sufficiently wide for applying pressure to the cable C of a first predetermined size and a portion of the surface S on each side of the cable C. Moreover, the width of the middle tape applying portion  270  may be adjusted by using a different adjustable funnel piece  257 . 
     More specifically, the first adjustable funnel piece  257  (having an elongated opening  262  and middle tape applying portion  270  of a first predetermined size and shape) may be removed and replaced by a second adjustable funnel piece  257  (having an elongated opening  262  and middle tape applying portion  270  of a second predetermined size). As such, the adjustable funnel piece  257  may be removed and replaced as needed to accommodate various sizes of cables and/or bundles or cables, thereby avoiding individual adjustment of the funnel  252  or rear wheel assembly  266 . 
     The funnel/wheel adjustment assembly  256  may be removably secured within the body  214  in any suitable manner. In the embodiment depicted, a snap fit technology (not labeled) is used. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable technology may be employed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8B , the tape applying assembly may further include a tape guide  280  positioned between the tape assembly  212  and the rear wheel assembly  266  that is configured to shape and conform the cable for being adhered to the cable C and the surface S. The tape guide  262  includes a tape shaper  282  that is journaled for rotation on a pin  284  received within the body  214 . The tape shaper  282  is defined by first and second frustoconical portions  286  and  288  each having tapered ends disposed opposite one another. 
     The non-adhesive side of the tape  268  may pass beneath the tape guide  262  before engaging the rear wheel assembly  266 . The tape guide  262  imposes tension on the tape  268  to reduce any slack in the tape  268  and helps prevent the tape from folding, twisting, etc. In that regard, the tape shaper  282  may be made from foam or any suitable material. If made from a compressible or deformable material such as foam, it can be appreciated that the tape shaper  282  will help maintain tension in the tape as it is being applied. However, it should be appreciated that the tape shaper  282  may be made from any suitable material. 
     The tape guide  262  also shapes the tape  268  for optimally laying the tape  268  onto a cable C and adhering the tape  268  to the cable C. More specifically, the tape guide  262  shapes the tape  268  into an inverted V-shape such that the apex of the V, on the adhesive side, is engaged with the top of the cable C as the cable C is drawn through the tape applicator assembly  310 . In this manner, the tape  268  is securely and smoothly adhered to the cable C without any pressure being applied by the rear wheel assembly  266 . Moreover, the tape  268  is adhered to the cable C on substantially the center longitudinal axis of the tape  268 , or along the middle adhesive portion of the tape (if present). In this manner, an equal amount of tape  268  is adhered to the surface S on each side of the cable C to define a substantially straight, secure cable run R. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a second alternative embodiment of a tape applicator assembly  310  is depicted. The tape applicator assembly  310  is similar to the tape applicator assemblies  10  and  210  described above; however, the tape applicator assembly  310  is suitable for receiving a wider tape assembly  312 , and the assembly is likewise suitable for aligning, bundling, and taping a larger cable or bundle of cable C to a surface S to define a cable run R. 
     To accommodate a larger tape assembly  312 , the body  314  of the tape applicator assembly  310  includes a tape receiving cavity  332  defined within a top portion of the body  314  and extending downwardly into the body  314 . The tape assembly  312  is removably inserted into the tape receiving cavity  332  by dropping the tape assembly  312  down into the tape receiving cavity  332  within the body  314 . First and second side portions of the body  314  are disposed on each side of the tape assembly  312  when received therein. First and second hub locking assemblies are disposed on each side of the body  314  for removably securing the tape assembly  312  therein. Each of the first and second hub locking assemblies are substantially identical; therefore, only the first hub locking assembly  346  is described and depicted. 
     The first hub locking assembly  346  includes a U-shaped shaft receiving portion  350  defined at an upper end of the first side portion of the body  314  that is configured to removably receive a first end of a hub shaft  352  running centrally through the hub  318 . The shaft  352  is rotatably receivable within the shaft receiving portion  350  such that the tape assembly  312  may rotate about the axis defined by the shaft  352 . A locking pin  354  may pass through the shaft receiving portion  350  to removably secure the shaft  352  within the shaft receiving portion  350 . Any suitable locking pin or other locking mechanism may be used for removably securing the shaft  352  rotatably within the body  314 . 
     The tape applicator assembly  310  further includes front and rear handles  322  and  324  defined on or otherwise formed on the body  314  for transporting, holding, and moving the tape applicator assembly  310 . The front and rear handles  322  and  324  aid the user in moving the tape applicator assembly  310  when the tape assembly  312 , which is wider and heavier than smaller tape assemblies, is received within the body  314 . A handle assembly (not shown) may also be secured to the body  314  for moving the tape applicator assembly  310  along a surface S. Any suitable handle assembly, such as the handle assembly  22  described above, may be used. Preferably, the handle assembly would extend from a rear portion of the body  314  for moving the body  314  forward along the cables C on a surface S. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10-12 , the tape applicator assembly  310  includes a tape applying assembly and a cable alignment assembly that are configured for accommodating various sizes, shapes, and bundles of one or more cables to be taped to a surface. The tape applying assembly is defined in part by an adjustable rear wheel assembly  366  having first and second rear wheel sets  368  and  370  and first and second rear wheel adjustment assemblies  378  and  380  for adjusting the position of first and second rear wheel sets  368  and  370 . The first and second wheel sets  368  and  370  and the first and second rear wheel adjustment assemblies  378  and  380 , respectively, are substantially identical; therefore, only the first wheel set  368  and the first rear wheel adjustment assembly  378  will be hereinafter discussed in detail. 
     The first rear wheel set  368  includes inner and outer wheels  374  and  376  journaled for rotation on a wheel pin  382 . The wheel pin  382  extends from a wheel slider bracket  384  slidably disposed within the body  314 . The wheel slider bracket  384  is slidably mounted to a rod  386  extending between lateral sides of the body  314 . The first rear wheel set  368  may slide laterally within the body  314  through the wheel slider bracket  384  to laterally adjust the position of the first rear wheel set  368 . 
     In that regard, a knob  394  may be used to manually move the wheel slider bracket  384  back and forth. The knob  394  is secured on the end of a knob arm  392 , which extends through a slot  396  in the rear of the body  314 . A plurality of positions  398 , identified by numerals, indicators, or the like, may be defined on the body  314  near the slot  396  to assist the user in positioning the first rear wheel set  368  a desired distance from the lateral side of the body  314 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 13 , the first and second rear wheel sets  368  and  370  may be moved toward or away from each through the first and second rear wheel adjustment assemblies  378  and  380  to accommodate smaller or larger cable(s) or bundles of cables. More specifically, the first and second rear wheel adjustment assemblies  378  and  380  can be used to increase or decrease the gap between the first and second rear wheel sets  368  and  370  to accommodate various sizes of cables or bundles of cables. In this manner, the tape applicator assembly  310  is adjustable in size to accommodate the cable or bundle size. 
     In the embodiment depicted, the first and second rear wheel sets  368  and  370  are moved toward one another to suitably tape three cables C to a surface. The first and second rear wheel sets  368  and  370  are moved toward one another a suitable amount to engage and apply pressure to the tape  320  on each side of the cables C. In this manner, the tape is securely attached to the surface to define a safe, clean cable run R. It should be appreciated that the inner wheel of each of the first and second rear wheel sets  368  and  370  may instead be deformable for applying suitable pressure to the cables C for attaching the tape  320  to the cables C. Moreover, it should be appreciated that any suitable rear wheel adjustment assembly may be used. For instance, the first and second rear wheel set adjustment assemblies  378  and  380  may instead automatically and/or simultaneously adjust inward or outward. 
     The tape applying assembly further includes a tape guide  440  for suitably shaping and conforming the tape for application onto the cables C. The tape guide  440  is substantially identical to the tape guide  262  described above. In that regard, the tape guide  440  shapes the tape  320  into an inverted V-shape such that the apex of the V, on the adhesive side, is engaged with the top of the cables C as they are drawn through the tape applicator assembly  310 . In this manner, the tape  320  is securely and smoothly adhered to the cables C even if the first and second rear wheel set adjustment assemblies  378  and  380  dot not apply pressure to the cables C. Moreover, the tape  320  is substantially centered on the cables C such that a substantially equal amount of tape  320  is adhered to the surface S on either side of the cables C. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 13 , the cable alignment assembly includes a funnel assembly  400  configured to align and bundle various sizes and shapes of one or more cables to be taped by the tape applying assembly. The funnel assembly  400  includes a funnel  402  defined by a first funnel guide  404  extending along a first interior side of the body  314  and a second funnel guide  406  disposed opposite the first funnel guide  404  and extending along a second interior side of the body  314 . 
     A front cable opening  328  is defined at a front end of the first and second funnel guides  404  and  406 , and a rear cable opening  330  is defined at a rear end of the first and second funnel guides  404  and  406  for defining the funnel  402 . As such, one or more cables lying on a surface may enter into the tape applicator assembly  310  at the front cable opening  328  when the tape applicator assembly  310  is moved along the surface toward the cables. As can be seen in  FIG. 13 , the cables C are received within the front cable opening  328  of the tape applicator assembly  310  and are bundled and aligned when they pass through the rear cable opening  330 . 
     The funnel assembly  400  includes first and second funnel adjustment assemblies  412  and  414  configured to adjust the size of the rear cable opening  330  for accommodating various sizes and shapes of one or more cables. The first and second funnel adjustment assemblies  412  and  414  are substantially identical; therefore, only the second funnel adjustment assembly  414  will be hereinafter described in detail. 
     The second funnel adjustment assembly  414  includes an adjustment block  410  secured to or otherwise formed on a rear end of the second funnel guide  406  between the second funnel guide  406  and the body  314 . The adjustment block  410  is secured to an adjustment bracket  418  that is pivotal about a pivot point  420  (defined by a fastener or otherwise) to move the second adjustment block  410  (and therefore the rear end of the second funnel guide  406 ) toward or away from the first funnel guide  404 . 
     The pivot  420  is defined substantially near a midpoint of the second funnel guide  406  such that the adjustment block  410 , and therefore the end of the second funnel guide  406 , move along an arc-shaped path defined by the end of the adjustment bracket  418 . In that regard, the first and second funnel guides  404  and  406  are made from a suitably flexible material, such as plastic or metal. To aid in the movement, a portion of the adjustment bracket  418  may be slidably secured within a pivot slot  422  defined in the body  314  through a fastener or otherwise, with the pivot slot  422  substantially mirroring the arc-shaped path. The fastener may slide within the pivot slot  422  to help support the arc-shaped movement of the bracket  418 . 
     The adjustment bracket  418  may be manipulated by a user through a suitable knob assembly. The knob assembly includes a knob  428  defined on the end of a knob arm  426  extending from the adjustment bracket  418  and protruding through a slot  432  in the body  314 . The knob  428  may be manipulated by a user to pivot the adjustment bracket  418  about pivot  420  for adjusting the position of the second funnel guide  406 . 
     The second funnel adjustment assembly  414 , manipulated by knob  428 , moves the rear end of the second funnel guide  406  toward or away from the first funnel guide  404 . In that regard, the first and second funnel adjustment assemblies  412  and  414  may be used to increase or decrease the size of the rear cable opening  330  to accommodate smaller or larger cables. In other words, the funnel  402  may be suitably sized at the rear cable opening  330  to appropriately bundle and align the one or more cables for taping by the adjustable tape applying assembly. In the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the first and second funnel adjustment assemblies  412  and  414  are used to decrease the size of the rear cable opening  330  for aligning and bundling three cables for taping. 
     A plurality of indicators, reference numerals, etc., may be disposed on the exterior of the body  314  near slot  432  to indicate various positions of the adjustment bracket  418 . In this manner, both the first and second funnel adjustment assemblies  412  and  414  may be adjusted a similar amount to help align one or more cables centrally within the tape applicator assembly  310 . It should be appreciated that the first and second funnel adjustment assemblies  414  and  416  may instead simultaneously and/or automatically adjust based on the cable sizes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a fourth alternate embodiment of a tape applicator assembly  510  is depicted. The tape applicator assembly  510  is substantially identical to the tape applicator assembly  310  described above except for the differences hereinafter provided. The tape applicator assembly  510  includes first and second funnel adjustment assemblies  512  and  514  suitable for adjusting the size of a rear cable opening  530 , wherein the rear cable opening  530  is defined by first and second funnel guides  504  and  506 . The first and second funnel adjustment assemblies  512  and  514  are substantially identical; and therefore, only the first funnel adjustment assembly  512  will be described in detail. 
     The first funnel adjustment assembly  512  includes an oval-shaped portion  518  that is movable about the axis of a pin  519  extending between the oval shaped portion  518  and a knob  520 . The knob  520  is substantially circular in shape and is sized to protrude through a slot  522  in the body  514  of the tape applicator assembly  510 . In this manner, a user may move the knob  520  about the axis of the pin  519  to likewise move the oval shaped portion  518  about the axis of the pin  519 . 
     The oval-shaped portion  518  is moved about the axis of the pin  519  to selectively move into and out of engagement with the rear end of the first funnel guide  504  for adjusting the size of the rear cable opening  530 . More specifically, when the oval-shaped portion  518  is moved about the axis of the pin  519  into a first position, the elongated end of the oval-shaped portion  518  engages the rear end of the first funnel guide  504 . With the elongated end of the oval-shaped portion  518  engaged with the rear end of the first funnel guide  504  in the first position, the first funnel guide  504  is moved inwardly toward the second funnel guide  506 , decreasing the size of the rear cable opening  530 . 
     When the oval-shaped portion  518  is moved about the axis of the pin  519  into a second position, the elongated end of the oval-shaped portion  518  disengages the rear end of the first funnel guide  504 . With the elongated end of the oval-shaped portion  518  disengaged with the rear end of the first funnel guide  504  in the second position, the first funnel guide  504  is moved outwardly away the second funnel guide  506 , increasing the size of the rear cable opening  530 . Thus, the first and second funnel adjustment assemblies  512  and  514  may be used to increase or decrease the size of the rear cable opening  530  to accommodate various sizes of cables. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , a fourth alternate embodiment of a tape applicator assembly  610  is depicted. The tape applicator assembly  610  is configured to tape one or more cables C within a corner X defined by first and second substantially traverse surfaces, such as between a wall W and a floor F. Although the tape applicator assembly  610  will be hereinafter described as taping a cable run R within a corner X defined by a wall W and a floor F, the tape applicator assembly  610  may be used to tape a cable run R within any suitable corner. 
     The tape applicator assembly  610  includes a tape assembly  612  removably secured to a body  614  through a core/hub locking assembly  646 , similar to the core/hub locking assembly  110  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 . However, the tape assembly  612  is removably mounted to the body  614  at an angle for dispensing the tape  620  into the corner X. 
     More specifically, the tape assembly  612  is mounted to an angled body portion  638  defined by the body  614 , wherein the angled body portion  638  is at a substantially one hundred thirty-five degree)(135° angle relative to the floor F and a forty-five degree)(45° angle relative to the wall W when the tape applicator assembly  610  is positioned in the corner X. In this manner, tape  620  can be dispensed at an angle in the direction of the corner X from the tape assembly  612  and adhered to cables extending along the corner X. 
     The tape dispenses from the tape assembly  612  down toward a front corner of the body  614  where an adjustable wheel assembly  710  is disposed for applying pressure to the tape  620  within the corner X. Referring to  FIGS. 15-18 , the adjustable wheel assembly  710  is defined by first and second substantially transversely disposed wheels, or a floor-engaging wheel  712  and a wall-engaging wheel  714 . When positioned within the corner X, the floor-engaging wheel  712  is positioned to engage the floor F, and the wall-engaging wheel  714  is positioned to engage the wall W. 
     The floor-engaging wheel  712  and the wall-engaging wheel  714  may be journaled for rotation within the body  614  in any suitable manner. Moreover, one or more of the wheels may be adjustable in position for suitably engaging and taping various sizes of cables and/or bundles of cables. In the embodiment depicted, the floor-engaging wheel  712  of the adjustable wheel assembly  710  is slidably mounted within the body  614  such that the lateral position of the floor-engaging wheel  712  may be adjusted relative to the wall-engaging wheel  714 . 
     The floor-engaging wheel  712  may be slidably secured to slide rails  718  extending from a portion of the body  614  through an adjustment bracket  716 . An adjustment knob  720  may extend from the bracket  716  for allowing a user to manually grasp and slide the floor-engaging wheel  712  along the slide rails  718 . The floor-engaging wheel  712  may be moved laterally toward the wall-engaging wheel  714  to decrease a corner space (i.e., the corner space defined between the floor-engaging wheel  712  and the wall-engaging wheel  714 ) for taping a smaller cable or cables. Moreover, the floor-engaging wheel  712  may be moved laterally away from the wall-engaging wheel  714  to increase the corner space for taping a larger cable or cables. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 15 , the floor-engaging wheel  712  is moved laterally toward the wall-engaging wheel  714  to decrease the corner space for taping four cables within a corner X. The tape  620  is then positioned between the floor-engaging and wall-engaging wheels  712  and  714  and the floor F and wall W, respectively, within the cables C disposed in the corner X. The floor-engaging wheel  712  applies pressure to the tape  620  and adheres the tape  620  to the floor F, and the wall-engaging wheel  714  applies pressure to the tape  620  and adheres the tape  620  to the wall W. 
     A tape guide  730  may be used to help shape and conform the tape  620  for application onto the cables C, floor F, and wall W. Similar to the tape guides  280  and  440 , the tape guide  730  substantially shapes the tape  620  into an inverted V shape, with the apex of the V defined on the bottom, adhesive side of the tape  620 . The apex of the V on the adhesive side of the tape  620  is positioned to lay onto the cables C in the corner X, substantially along the center longitudinal axis of the tape  620 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-18 , the tape guide  730  is defined by an angled core  732  secured to or otherwise extending from a portion of the body  614 . The angled core  732  extends from the angled body portion  638  and is positioned substantially between the tape assembly  612  and the adjustable wheel assembly  710 . The angled core  732  is substantially V-shaped, such that a first portion of the angled core  732  extends downwardly and laterally toward the wall W when the tape applicator assembly  610  is positioned in the corner X for taping (see  FIG. 15 ). A second portion of the angled core  732  extends upwardly and away from the wall W when the tape applicator assembly  610  is positioned in the corner X for taping. 
     During the taping process, a piece of tape  620  may be pulled from the tape assembly  612  downwardly beneath the angled core  732  and toward the adjustable wheel assembly  710 . The apex of the V-shape defined by the angled core  732  indents the tape  620  and shapes the tape  620  into a substantially inverted V-shape. In this manner, the apex of the V on the adhesive side of the tape  620  is positioned to lay onto the cables C in the corner X. 
     To aid the tape  620  in moving along the tape guide  730 , first and second rollers  734  and  736  may be disposed on the first and second portions of the angled core  732 . The first and second rollers  734  and  736  may be journaled for rotation on or otherwise movably disposed on the angled core  732  in any suitable manner. The first and second rollers  734  and  736  may be made from foam or any suitable material. If made from a compressible or deformable material such as foam, it can be appreciated that the first and second rollers  734  and  736  will help maintain tension in the tape as it is being applied. However, it should be appreciated that the tape guide  730  may be made from any suitable material or instead formed from one suitable piece of material. 
     It should further be appreciated that the angle defined between the first and second portions of the angled core  732  may be any suitable angle for suitably shaping and engaging the adhesive side of the tape  620  with the cables C in the corner X. In the depicted embodiment, the angle defined between the first and second portions of the angled core  732  is an acute angle. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable angle may be used for appropriately engaging the tape  620  with the cables C. 
     The tape guide  730  helps guide the tape  620  onto the cables C, and the adjustable wheel assembly  710  engages the tape  620  with the wall W and floor F to secure a cable run R within the corner X. Moreover, the adjustable wheel assembly  710  may be used to adjust the position of the floor-engaging wheel  712  to accommodate various sizes and shapes of cables. 
     A cable alignment assembly is defined forwardly of the adjustable wheel assembly  710  and the tape guide  730  for bundling and aligning the incoming one or more cables for taping within the corner X. The cable alignment assembly is defined by a funnel assembly  666  having a funnel  682  extending from the front of the body  614  to the rear of the body  614 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-18 , the funnel  682  is defined in part by a portion of the body  614 . More specifically, the body  614  includes a funnel body portion  668  extending from the angled body portion  638  at an angle substantially parallel to the floor F. As can be seen in  FIG. 15 , a lateral edge of the funnel body portion  668  may be engaged with the wall W to suitable position the tape application assembly  610  against the corner X. In this manner, the wall W effectively defines a first portion of the funnel  682 . 
     A second, opposing portion of the funnel  682  is defined by a funnel guide  672  secured beneath and extending along the funnel body portion  668 . With a lateral edge of the funnel body portion  668  disposed against the wall W, a front cable opening  686  is defined at a front portion of the funnel body portion  668  between the wall W and the funnel guide  672 . A rear cable opening  688  is defined at a rear portion of the funnel body portion  668  between the funnel guide  672  and wall W. Accordingly, the funnel is essentially defined between the funnel guide  672  and the wall W as the funnel body portion  668  moves along the wall W. 
     The funnel assembly  666  is adjustable in size to accommodate various sizes and shapes of cables. In that regard, the funnel assembly  666  includes a funnel adjustment assembly  670  configured to adjust the size of the rear cable opening  688 . More specifically, the funnel adjustment assembly  670  is configured to move a rear end of the funnel guide  672  toward or away from the wall W to decrease or increase the size of the rear cable opening  688 . 
     The funnel adjustment assembly  670  is defined by an adjustment block  674  secured to a rear, backside portion of the funnel guide  672 . The adjustment block  674  is slidable laterally (toward and away from the wall W) along slide rails  678  disposed on the bottom, interior of the funnel body portion  668 . An adjustment knob  676  is secured to the adjustment block  674  for moving the adjustment block  674  back and forth. The adjustment knob  676  is slidable within a slot  680  defined within the funnel body portion  668  such that it is accessible by a user. It should be appreciated that the rear end of the funnel guide  672  may instead be moved in any suitable manner, such as by automatic or electronic means. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 18 , the adjustment block  674  is moved laterally along the slide rail  678  to adjust the size of the rear cable opening  688 . More specifically, the adjustment block  674  is moved laterally toward the wall W to decrease the size of the rear cable opening  688  for accommodating a smaller cable or cables. To accommodate a larger cable or cables, the adjustment block  674  may be moved laterally away from the wall W to increase the size of the rear cable opening  688 . With the rear cable opening  688  adjusted in size, the cable or cables are aligned and bundles within the corner X for taping by the adjustable wheel assembly  710 . 
     To accommodate rolling of the body  614  along the floor F or any other suitable surface, the tape applicator assembly  610  includes a plurality of rolling wheels, such as a rear rolling wheel assembly  650  and a front rolling wheel assembly  658 . The rear rolling wheel assembly  650  may include first and second rolling wheels  652  and  654  positioned along a rear edge of the body and journaled for rotation within the body  614  in a suitable manner, and the front rolling wheel assembly  658  may include first and second rolling wheels  660  and  662  disposed along a front edge of the body  614  and journaled for rotation within the body  614 . 
     The tape applicator assembly  610  may further include a handle assembly  622  having a handle  624  secured to the body  614  for pushing, steering and manipulating the body  614  within a corner. In that regard, it can be appreciated that the handle  624  extends from the body  614  at an angle suitable for moving the body  614  along the corner. In the depicted embodiment, the handle  624  extends from the body  614  at about a 45° angle from the floor F and substantially parallel to the wall W. However, it should be appreciated that the handle  624  may instead be directed, at least partially, toward the wall W rather than being substantially parallel to the wall W. In this manner, the user could impose a force along the length of the handle  624  toward the corner X to help maintain the body  614  against the wall W during taping. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , first and second alternative embodiments of a core centering and locking assembly  800  and  900  are depicted. The core centering and locking assemblies  800  and  900  are substantially similar to the core centering and locking assembly  100  in that they are each defined between a core and a hub for securing, centering and selectively locking the core onto the hub. The core of the core centering and locking assemblies  800  and  900  are configured to mate with a suitable hub having a substantially centered first locking feature, such as hub  98  having nub  102  (see  FIG. 6 ). Accordingly, the core centering and locking assemblies  800  and  900  will be hereinafter described with reference to hub  98  having nub  102 . However, it should be appreciated that the core centering and locking assemblies  800  and  900  may be comprised of any suitable hub. Moreover, the core centering and locking assemblies  800  and  900  may be used with tape applicator assemblies  10 ,  210 ,  510 , or  610  or any other suitable tape applicator assembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , the core centering and locking assembly  800  comprises a second locking feature, such as notch  832  defined on the interior surface of a core  816 , that is configured to removably receive the first locking feature, such as nub  102  on hub  98 . The nub  102  is removably receivable within the notch  832  to removably secure the core  816  onto the hub  98 . It should be appreciated that the notch  832  may instead be defined on the hub  98 , and the nub  102  defined on the core  816 . 
     The nub  102  and notch  832  are positioned on the hub  98  and core  816 , respectively, such that the core  816  is automatically centered axially on the hub  98  when the nub  102  is received within the notch  832 . In other words, the nub  102  is substantially centered axially on the hub  98 , and the notch  832  is substantially centered axially on the core  816 . In this manner, the core  816  will be automatically centered axially on the hub  98  when the nub  102  is received within the notch  832 . With the notch  832  centered axially on the core  816 , it should be appreciated that regardless of its axial length (i.e., 1 inch in axial length, 2 inches in axial length, 3 inches in axial length, etc.), the core  816  will be automatically centered on the hub  98 . 
     A slot  824  may extend axially along the interior surface of the core  816  between the outer edge of the core  816  and the notch  832  to allow for easier mating of the hub  98  and the core  618 . More specifically, the nub  102  may slide within the space defined by the slot  824  until it engages within the notch  832 . In that regard, a ramp portion  828  is defined at the end of the slot  824  to provide a snap fit or tactile sensation to the user when the nub  102  is received within the notch  832 . Instead of a ramp portion  828 , the slot  824  may gradually decrease in depth as it extends toward the notch  832  (as shown on the core  94  in  FIG. 6 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , the core centering and locking assembly  900  is substantially identical to the core centering and locking assembly  800  described above except that an axial slot  924  extends along the entire axial length of the interior of a core  916  and intersects a centrally located notch  932 . In this manner, the core  916  may be mated with the hub  98  from either open end of the core  916 . It should be appreciated that the core  916  may further include a ramped portion on either side of the notch  932  to provide a snap fit or tactile sensation to the user when the nub  102  is received within the notch  932 . Moreover, any other suitable feature or combination of features may be used with either of the core centering and locking assemblies  800  and  900 . 
     While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.