US-12616280-B2 - Zipper tape applicator device

Abstract

A zipper tape applicator device is provided designed for the efficient application of tape to both sides of a zipper assembly. The device comprises a base with two parallel vertical members featuring cutouts to hold the axle of a spool assembly that can spin freely while securing two rolls of tape. Positioned above the base and spool assembly is a taping member with a top surface designed to guide tape from the rolls to the zipper placed upon the member. More specifically, the member includes recessed areas and openings for tape feeding, ensuring precise alignment. A top member of the taping member, connected via hinges, can close onto the zipper, trapping the zipper in place within the member for the tape application from both rolls onto each side of the zipper while the zipper is pulled through the member.

Inventors

• Michael CHARLTON

Assignees

• CA Tool Works, LLC

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20240418

Claims (13)

1. 1 . A zipper tape applicator device comprising: a base; a first vertical member; a spool assembly comprised of an axle; and a taping member comprised of an opening; a top member; and a hinge, wherein a top surface of the taping member is comprised of a recessed area and further wherein a bottom surface of the top member is comprised of an extruded area that aligns with the recessed area.
2. 2 . The zipper tape applicator device of claim 1 further comprised of a second vertical member that is positioned parallel relative to a vertical axis of the first vertical member.
3. 3 . The zipper tape applicator device of claim 1 , wherein the spool assembly is comprised of a first half, a spacer, and a second half.
4. 4 . The zipper tape applicator device of claim 1 , wherein the base is comprised of an opening.
5. 5 . The zipper tape applicator device of claim 1 , wherein the taping member is removably attached to the first vertical member.
6. 6 . The zipper tape applicator device of claim 1 , wherein the opening is positioned within the recessed area.
7. 7 . The zipper tape applicator device of claim 1 , wherein the top member is attached to the taping member via the hinge.
8. 8 . A zipper tape applicator device comprising: a base; a first vertical member comprised of a first cutout; a second vertical member comprised of a second cutout; a spool assembly comprised of an axle; a taping member comprised of an opening; a top member; and a hinge, wherein a top surface of the taping member is comprised of a recessed area and further wherein a bottom surface of the top member is comprised of an extruded area that aligns with the recessed area.
9. 9 . The zipper tape applicator device of claim 8 , wherein the cutout receives the axle.
10. 10 . The zipper tape applicator device of claim 8 , wherein the spool assembly is comprised of a first half, a spacer, and a second half.
11. 11 . The zipper tape applicator device of claim 8 , wherein the base is comprised of an opening.
12. 12 . The zipper tape applicator device of claim 8 , wherein the axle is removably secured to the first vertical member via the cutout.
13. 13 . The zipper tape applicator device of claim 8 , wherein the opening is positioned within the recessed area.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/461,036, which was filed on Apr. 21, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of zippers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a zipper tape applicator device that receives multiple tape rolls and allows a zipper to be pulled through the device to easily apply tape from each roll to one half of the zipper. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture. BACKGROUND The process of manually applying double-sided tape to both halves of a zipper frequently leads to issues stemming from human error and inconsistencies in the taping process. This task can be particularly challenging because it necessitates precision and careful handling to ensure that the tape is applied evenly and accurately along the length of each zipper half. Unfortunately, due to the inherent variability in human performance and the meticulous attention to detail required, the outcomes often exhibit a lack of uniformity. Moreover, individuals involved in this task may find themselves losing a considerable amount of time. This is not merely a consequence of the complexity of taping each side of the zipper separately but also arises from the inevitable corrections and adjustments needed when mistakes occur. The requirement for separate taping of each zipper side adds layers of complexity and time consumption, as each half must be handled as an independent task that demands its own set of precision and care. Furthermore, the manual application of tape to zippers is not just time-intensive but also space-intensive. It requires a significant amount of workspace, as individuals need ample room to lay out the zippers, handle the tape, and maneuver around the materials without causing entanglements or errors. The spatial demands of this task can become a logistical challenge in environments where space is at a premium, compounding the difficulties of manual taping with the need for efficient organization and management of the workspace. Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device for applying tape to a zipper. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a zipper tape applicator device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a zipper tape applicator device that can easily apply tape to both halves of a zipper. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a zipper tape applicator device that can apply tape to both halves of a zipper wherein the device requires minimal space to operate. The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a zipper tape applicator device. The device is designed for the efficient application of tape to both sides of a zipper assembly. The device comprises a base equipped with a fastener opening for securing it to a surface, and two parallel vertical members featuring cutouts to hold the axle of a spool assembly. The spool assembly is comprised of two halves and a spacer, with the axles allowing the assembly to spin freely while securing two rolls of tape. Positioned above the base and spool assembly is a taping member with a top surface designed to guide tape from the rolls to the zipper placed upon the member. More specifically, the member includes recessed areas and openings for tape feeding, ensuring precise alignment. A top member of the taping member, connected via hinges, can close onto the zipper, trapping the zipper in place within the member for the tape application from both rolls onto each side of the zipper. This arrangement allows for the zipper to be easily pulled through, applying tape along its length before the tape is trimmed and the zipper is removed from the device. In this manner, the zipper tape applicator device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a device that allows a user to easily apply tape to both halves of a zipper. While doing so, the device requires minimal space to operate. SUMMARY The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a zipper tape applicator device that allows a user to easily apply tape to the bottom surface of both sides of a zipper assembly. The device is comprised of a base