Patent Description:
More in detail, this invention relates to a support for adhesive tape which allows the operator to keep the adhesive tape always in a convenient, accessible and safe location during work. A prior art support has been disclosed in the document <CIT>.

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

A typical example of such professional fields (to be considered, however, non limiting) in which very frequent use of adhesive tape is made is that of electricians.

In a typical operating situation for an electrician, such as setting up, or repairing, or modifying an electrical system, the operator needs to frequently use portions of adhesive tape, so it is advisable for them to have the aforementioned reel always close at hand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This aim and these objects are achieved by the support for adhesive tape according to the attached claim <NUM>.

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

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

Furthermore, according to the invention, this cylindrical body comprises selective constraint means of the adhesive tape, provided with a control suitable for actuating said selective constraint means from a retention configuration of the adhesive tape on the cylindrical body to a configuration of free removal of the adhesive tape from said cylindrical body, and vice versa, and said selective constraint means comprise at least one retractable element provided along the lateral surface of said cylindrical body.

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

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

Dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The features of the invention will be better understood by anyone skilled in the art from the following description and accompanying drawings, provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:.

With reference to the annexed <FIG> generally indicates a support for adhesive tape according to the present invention.

The support <NUM> comprises a cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical body <NUM>.

The cylindrical body <NUM> is configured to be inserted inside the tubular core A of the adhesive tape N.

The latter is represented schematically and with a broken line in <FIG>, for the sole purpose of a better understanding.

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

The support <NUM> further comprises a base <NUM>, associated with the cylindrical body <NUM>. According to an aspect of the invention, the support <NUM> comprises a connecting element <NUM>; the connecting element <NUM> is associated with the base <NUM>.

The connecting element <NUM> is configured to be connected, in a removable way, to an operator's garment, or to an operator's accessory, or to further parts of the operator's equipment, as better explained below.

According to another aspect of the invention, the cylindrical body <NUM> of the support <NUM> comprises selective constraint means of the adhesive tape N.

The aforesaid selective constraint means are provided with a control <NUM>.

Said control <NUM> is suitable for actuating said selective constraint means from a retention configuration of the adhesive tape N on the cylindrical body <NUM>, to a configuration of free removal of the adhesive tape N from the cylindrical body <NUM>, and vice versa.

The selective constraint means comprise, in more detail, at least one retractable element <NUM>.

The retractable element <NUM> is provided along the lateral surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

In particular - see, for example, again the schematic representation of <FIG> - when the tubular core A of the adhesive tape N is inserted along the cylindrical body <NUM>, so that the adhesive tape N abuts against the surface of the base <NUM>, the selective constraint means are in a retention configuration of the adhesive tape N, and the at least one retractable element <NUM> (in particular, the one on the left in <FIG>) is in a projecting position with respect to the lateral surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>, so as to create an interference that prevents the tubular core A of the adhesive tape N from coming out of the aforementioned cylindrical body <NUM>.

When, instead, the selective constraint means are in the configuration of free extraction of the adhesive tape N, the at least one retractable element <NUM> (in particular, the one on the right in <FIG>) is in a retracted position with respect to the lateral surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>, and the aforementioned interference is thus removed; therefore, the adhesive tape N can be freely removed from the cylindrical body <NUM>.

According to the invention, the selective constraint means comprise a plurality of retractable elements <NUM>.

The retractable elements <NUM> are arranged to be angularly equidistant from each other, with reference to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

More in detail, in the specific embodiments represented in the attached figures, the selective constraint means comprise three retractable elements <NUM>.

The retractable elements <NUM> are identical to each other.

The three retractable elements <NUM> are arranged to be angularly equidistant from each other at angles of <NUM>°, with reference to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical body <NUM> (<FIG>).

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

The cylindrical body <NUM> is internally hollow; it is open at one of its bases; in particular, at this base, an edge <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM> defines a (circular) opening <NUM>.

The other base of the cylindrical body <NUM> comprises a central hole <NUM>.

Furthermore, the cylindrical body <NUM> comprises at least one slot <NUM>, oriented to be parallel, or substantially parallel, to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical body <NUM>. A respective retractable element <NUM> of the selective constraint means is housed inside this slot <NUM>; this retractable element <NUM> is movable between the respective protruding position and the respective retracted position, and vice versa, following the operator's actuation of the control <NUM>, as better explained below.

More in detail, in the specific embodiment shown in the figures, which is of particular practical interest, the cylindrical body <NUM> comprises three slots <NUM>, angularly equidistant at angles of <NUM>° with respect to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

Inside these three slots <NUM> three respective retractable elements <NUM> are therefore housed, movable between the respective protruding positions and the respective retracted positions, and vice versa, with respect to the lateral surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

According to an aspect of the invention, each retractable element <NUM> is articulated to the cylindrical body <NUM>.

More in detail, each retractable element <NUM> is articulated to the edge <NUM> of the opening <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

Each retractable element <NUM> comprises an elongated body <NUM>.

Two opposing and coaxial pins <NUM> emerge from one end of said elongated body <NUM>. The pins <NUM> are configured to engage in respective semi-cylindrical seats 13a obtained in the aforementioned edge <NUM> of the opening <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>. According to another aspect of the invention, each retractable element <NUM> comprises a respective tooth <NUM>.

The tooth <NUM> is shaped by a first side of the elongated body <NUM>.

Furthermore, each retractable element <NUM> comprises a respective first operating portion <NUM>.

This first operating portion <NUM> is configured to cooperate with a respective second operating portion <NUM> provided in the control <NUM> of the selective constraint means.

The first operating portion <NUM> comprises a profile <NUM>, provided along a second side of the elongated body <NUM>, opposite the first side in which the first tooth <NUM> is provided.

The profile <NUM> in turn comprises a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>, connected to each other.

The first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the profile <NUM> define an acute angle between them.

The elongated body <NUM> also comprises a terminal head <NUM>, provided near the tooth <NUM>.

The tooth <NUM> comprises a flat surface (in use, facing the base <NUM>) and a rounded surface (e.g. a sort of cylindrical side surface portion).

According to another aspect of the invention, the control <NUM> of the selective constraint means comprises a button <NUM>.

The button <NUM> is, for example, cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical, but it could also have another shape.

The button <NUM> is slidably engaged in the hole <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

The cylindrical body <NUM> forms, at the hole <NUM>, a tubular extension <NUM>, which extends towards the inside of the cavity of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

This tubular extension <NUM> allows to correctly guide the translation of the button <NUM> along the symmetry axis of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

The second operating portion <NUM> is integral with the lateral surface of the button <NUM>. In the event that the selective constraint means comprise three retractable elements <NUM>, the button <NUM> also comprises, correspondingly, three respective second operating portions <NUM> (angularly equidistant with respect to the axis of symmetry of the button <NUM>).

Each second operating portion <NUM> is substantially sharp, or pointed; moreover, it is bent like a sort of hook.

In other words, each second operating portion <NUM> has a sort of tip <NUM> defined by two surfaces which form an acute angle between them.

Each tip <NUM> is configured to be inserted, selectively, between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the profile <NUM> of the corresponding retractable element <NUM>, as better described below.

The button <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> for manual actuation, which in use is external to the cylindrical body <NUM> (i.e. it protrudes from the latter).

The button <NUM> also comprises a second end <NUM>, opposite the first end <NUM>, which in use is located inside the cavity of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

The second operating portions <NUM> of the button <NUM> are located near this second end <NUM>.

The base <NUM>, associated with the cylindrical body <NUM>, has a substantially discoidal shape.

On one of its faces (facing, in use, towards the cylindrical body <NUM>), the base <NUM> comprises a central cylindrical raised part <NUM>, and a peripheral raised part <NUM> (substantially in the shape of a circular crown).

Furthermore, the base <NUM> comprises windows <NUM>, provided between the central raised part <NUM> and the peripheral raised part <NUM>.

The windows <NUM> have a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape.

In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the base <NUM> comprises three windows <NUM>, angularly arranged to be equidistant by <NUM>° with respect to the centre of the base <NUM> itself.

Correspondingly, the edge <NUM> of the opening <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM> forms elastically flexible tabs <NUM> (in particular, preferably three elastically flexible tabs <NUM>), angularly equidistant from each other (by <NUM>°) and offset with respect to the slots <NUM>.

The tabs <NUM> are configured to snap-fit elastically into the corresponding windows <NUM> of the base <NUM>, so as to provide a removable connection between the two parts. According to another aspect of the invention, the selective constraint means comprise an elastic element <NUM> configured to adjust the translation of the button <NUM> from an inactive position to an active position, and vice versa.

More in detail, the elastic element <NUM> is configured to keep the button <NUM> in the aforementioned inactive position.

In this inactive position, shown in particular in the cross-section of <FIG>, the button <NUM> partially protrudes from the cylindrical body <NUM>, while each second operating portion <NUM> of the button <NUM> abuts against the respective first surface <NUM> of the profile <NUM> of the corresponding retractable element <NUM>.

In this configuration of the selective constraint means, therefore, each retractable element <NUM> is maintained in its respective projecting position, with respect to the lateral surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>, by the action of the elastic element <NUM>. The further outstroke of each retractable element <NUM> from the respective slot <NUM> is prevented by the terminal head <NUM>, which abuts against the inside surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

In this configuration, therefore, the adhesive tape N - if present - is held on the cylindrical body <NUM> of the support <NUM>, and its extraction is prevented by the protruding position of the retractable elements <NUM>.

The elastic element <NUM> is interposed between the second end <NUM> of the button <NUM> and the central raised part <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

The elastic element <NUM> can comprise, for example, a cylindrical helical spring.

In this case, the end coils of this helical spring are inserted on the second end <NUM> of the button <NUM> and on the central raised part <NUM> of the base <NUM> - respectively.

The central raised part <NUM> of the base <NUM> comprises a central threaded through hole <NUM>, the function of which will be clarified further below.

In the embodiment of the support <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the connecting element <NUM> is configured to associate the support <NUM> with an accessory of the operator. In particular, in an embodiment of the invention of particular practical interest, the connecting element <NUM> is configured to associate the support <NUM> with the operator's belt.

More in detail, the connecting element <NUM> comprises a first plate <NUM> and a second plate <NUM>, associated with each other.

The first plate <NUM> is rigidly connected to the base <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first plate <NUM> is connected to the base <NUM> by means of a screw <NUM>, engaged in the threaded hole <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

To prevent any relative rotation between the base <NUM> and the first plate <NUM> of the connecting element <NUM>, the first plate <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> of quadrangular shape or cross-section (for example square, rectangular, etc.), in the centre of which a passage hole <NUM> is provided for the screw <NUM>.

A corresponding raised portion <NUM>, shaped by the base <NUM>, and having a shape complementary to that of the recess <NUM>, engages in such recess <NUM> (on the opposite face with respect to that in which the central raised part <NUM> is provided).

The first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> are connected to each other so as to define, between them, a compartment <NUM>, or interspace.

The compartment <NUM> is configured - particularly, but not exclusively - to accommodate the operator's belt, so as to constrain the support <NUM> to the belt.

The internal surface of the first plate <NUM> can comprise some sort of raised ribs 32a, which have the function of increasing the friction with the belt housed in the compartment <NUM>, improving its hold.

The second plate <NUM> can comprise a hole 33a for accessing the screw <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> could be made in a single piece, without therefore being separable one from the other.

However, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, which is of particular practical interest, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> are mutually coupled by means of an interlocking connection <NUM>.

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

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

More particularly, the interlocking connection <NUM> comprises a plurality of appendages <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shaped on one of the sides, or lateral edges, of the first plate <NUM>.

Furthermore, correspondingly, the interlocking connection <NUM> comprises a plurality of seats <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shaped on one of the sides, or lateral edges, of the second plate <NUM>; the aforementioned appendages <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> are intended to engage into these seats <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In greater detail, the first plate <NUM> comprises a first appendage <NUM>; the latter is substantially provided at the centre line of one of the sides, or lateral edges, of the first plate <NUM>.

Furthermore, the first plate <NUM> comprises a second appendage <NUM> and a third appendage <NUM>.

The second appendage <NUM> and the third appendage <NUM> are arranged on the two sides of the first appendage <NUM>.

Correspondingly, the second plate <NUM> comprises a first seat <NUM>; the first seat <NUM> is substantially provided at the centre of one of the sides, or lateral edges, of the first plate <NUM>.

Furthermore, the second plate <NUM> comprises a second seat <NUM> and a third seat <NUM>. The second seat <NUM> and the third seat <NUM> are arranged on the two sides of the first seat <NUM>.

The second plate <NUM> comprises, in more detail, a first edge <NUM> and a second edge <NUM>, provided along respective opposite sides of the second plate <NUM>.

In particular, the seats <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the second plate <NUM> are made in the thickness of the first edge <NUM>.

The first seat <NUM> is made passing through the thickness of the first edge <NUM> of the second plate <NUM>.

The first appendage <NUM> comprises a terminal tooth <NUM>, configured to snap abut on a corresponding surface adjacent to the opening of the first seat <NUM>.

The cross-sections of the second seat <NUM> and of the third seat <NUM> are complementary to the cross sections of the second appendage <NUM> and of the third appendage <NUM> - respectively.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the second, third seat <NUM>, <NUM> and the second, third appendage <NUM>, <NUM>, can have the same substantially polygonal cross section (for example hexagonal, or of another shape).

The mutual constraint between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> is determined, in particular, by the abutment of the terminal tooth <NUM> of the first appendage <NUM> on the surface adjacent to the opening of the first seat <NUM>; consequently, any accidental impact suffered by the adhesive tape N, or by the cylindrical body <NUM>, in the lateral direction, determines the immediate release of the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>, thus avoiding creating annoying or dangerous situations for the operator.

As can be understood by observing, in particular, <FIG> - if the connecting element <NUM> is associated with the operator's belt - the second edge <NUM> of the second plate <NUM> allows the belt to be held inside the compartment <NUM>; in other words, the second edge <NUM> prevents the belt from accidentally coming out of the compartment <NUM>.

The way of use of the support <NUM> according to the invention is, in the light of what has been described, entirely intuitive.

The support <NUM> is normally in the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, wherein each second operating portion <NUM> of the button <NUM> abuts on the respective first surface <NUM> of the respective retractable element <NUM>.

In other words, each retractable element <NUM> is forced to remain in its respective protruding position with respect to the external surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>. To constrain the adhesive tape N to the support <NUM>, the operator acts on the button <NUM>, in particular by pressing its first end <NUM>.

The button <NUM>, therefore, moves towards the base <NUM>, opposed by the elastic element <NUM>.

In doing so, each second operating portion <NUM> of the button <NUM> becomes separated from the second surface <NUM> of the profile <NUM> of each retractable element <NUM>, until coming into contact with the first surface <NUM>.

In this lowered configuration of the button <NUM>, each retractable element <NUM> is free to rotate around the axis of the respective pins <NUM>, so as to move into the respective retracted position (i.e. inside the cavity of the cylindrical body <NUM>).

Therefore, the operator, holding the button <NUM> down, inserts the adhesive tape N along the cylindrical body <NUM>, until the tubular core A comes into contact with the rounded surfaces of the teeth <NUM>.

By further pressing the adhesive tape N in the inserting direction, the retractable elements <NUM> rotate towards the inside of the cylindrical body <NUM>, towards their respective retracted positions.

In this way, the tubular core A of the adhesive tape N is free to slide along the cylindrical body <NUM>, until it comes into contact with the base <NUM>.

At this point, the operator can release the button <NUM>, which returns to the initial position of <FIG> through the action of the elastic element <NUM>; in this position, the teeth <NUM> of the retractable elements <NUM> (locked in their respective protruding positions) prevent the adhesive tape N from slipping off the cylindrical body <NUM>.

To remove the adhesive tape N from the support <NUM>, the operator proceeds by carrying out the previously described operations again, i.e. pressing the button <NUM>, so that the translation of the latter allows the free rotation of the retractable elements <NUM> towards the inside of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

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

As can be understood, the operations described for inserting/extracting the adhesive tape N are simple, easy and quick to carry out, possibly even with just one hand. Another embodiment of the support <NUM> according to the invention is shown in <FIG>.

This further embodiment differs from the previous one, illustrated in <FIG>, in the shaping of the connecting element <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the connecting element <NUM> comprises a plate <NUM> (e.g. of rectangular shape, or other suitable shape), provided with at least one slot <NUM> for fixing the support <NUM> to any wall or surface (e.g. the surface of a toolbox, a case, or even specific parts of the operator's clothing, without limitations).

The shaping of the plate <NUM>, in its connection part to the base <NUM>, is essentially identical to that of the first plate <NUM> described in connection with the embodiment of <FIG>, i.e. it comprises a recess <NUM> with a quadrangular (e.g. square, rectangular, etc.) shape or section.

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

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

This invention thus conceived allows to obtain important technical advantages. Thanks to the support solution <NUM> according to the invention, the operator can keep the adhesive tape N, in a safe and reliable way, in the most convenient and handy location for them.

According to a preferred, albeit non-exclusive, version of the invention, the support <NUM> is conveniently and easily fixed to the operator's belt, therefore in a position reachable with their hands in a simple and immediate way.

Claim 1:
Support (<NUM>) for adhesive tape, comprising:
a cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical, body (<NUM>) configured to be inserted inside the tubular core (A) of the adhesive tape (N),
a base (<NUM>), associated with said cylindrical body (<NUM>), to which, in turn, a connecting element (<NUM>) to an operator's garment, or to an operator's accessory, or to further parts of the operator's equipment, is associated, and also
selective constraint means of the adhesive tape (N), provided with a control (<NUM>) suitable for actuating said selective constraint means from a retention configuration of the adhesive tape (N) on said cylindrical body (<NUM>), to a configuration of free removal of the adhesive tape (N) from said cylindrical body (<NUM>), and vice versa,
characterised in that said selective constraint means comprise at least one retractable element (<NUM>) provided along the lateral surface of said cylindrical body (<NUM>).