US 20130206807A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. N0.: US 2013/0206807 A1 Lee et a]. (43) Pub. Date: Aug. 15, 2013

(54) LACING TAPE DISPENSER (52) US. Cl. USPC ...... 225/23 (75) Inventors: Mark Lee, Stevenson Ranch, CA (U S); Jeff Siebert, Lancaster, CA (U S) (57) ABSTRACT (73) Assigneez WHITMOR PLASTIC WIRE AND A lacing tape dispenser having an upright spindle, an upright CABLE CORP” Valencia’ CA (Us) gulde and a cuttmg blade, all mounted on an upper surface of a Weighted base. The upright gu1de directs lacing tape from a (21) APPL NO; 13/371,559 spool mounted on the upright spindle. The cutting blade is pivotally mounted in a blade housing and is biased into a (22) Filed; Feb 13, 2012 position such that the cutting edge is contained Within the housing. A receiving notch accepts the lacing tape pulled Publication Classi?cation through the upright guide. The cutting blade is biased such that the force of pulling the lacing tape through the receiving (51) Int. Cl. notch pivots the cutting blade so as to expose the cutting edge B65H 35/00 (2006.01) through the receiving notch.

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22 Patent Application Publication Aug. 15, 2013 Sheet 1 0f 4 US 2013/0206807 A1 Patent Application Publication Aug. 15, 2013 Sheet 2 0f 4 US 2013/0206807 A1

FIG. 5 Patent Application Publication Aug. 15, 2013 Sheet 3 0f 4 US 2013/0206807 A1 Patent Application Publication Aug. 15, 2013 Sheet 4 0f 4 US 2013/0206807 A1

46

FIG. 8 US 2013/0206807 A1 Aug. 15,2013

LACING TAPE DISPENSER from the upright spindle. The upright guide is disposed on the ?rst surface of the Weighted base betWeen the upright spindle BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION and the cutting blade. [0001] The present invention is directed to a lacing tape [0008] The upright spindle is con?gured to receive a spool dispenser. Speci?cally, the present invention is directed to a of lacing tape thereon. The upright spindle includes upper and dispenser for lacing tape that retains a spool of lacing tape loWer grommets to support and retain the spool of lacing tape. stationary, smoothly guides the end of the lacing tape from the In the case of heavier or larger spools of lacing tape, the loWer spool to a Work area, and easily cuts the lacing tape once the grommet may be enlarged so as to support a spool of heavy tape has tied or bound cables together. duty lacing tape. [0009] The upright guide has an eyelet and a rubber Washer [0002] Cable lacing or lacing tape is used for tying Wiring therethrough. The purpose of the upright guide is to guide the harnesses and/ or cable looms, traditionally used in telecom lacing tape from the upright spindle to the cutting blade. The munication, Naval, and aerospace applications. This cable upright guide is preferably disposed generally midWay management technique is often used in modern applications betWeen the upright spindle and the cutting blade. Ideally, the because it does not create obstructions along the length of the cable, avoiding the handling problems of cables groomed by upright guide is slightly closer to the cutting blade than the plastic or Velcro cable ties. upright spindle. [0010] The cutting blade is preferably enclosed in a blade [0003] Cable lacing uses a thin cord, traditionally made of housing a?ixed to the Weighted box. The blade housing has a Waxed linen, to bind together a group of cables using a series receiving notch con?gured so as to receive the lacing tape. of running lock stitches. Flat lacing tapes made of modern The cutting blade is pivotally mounted Within the receiving material such as , , polytetra?uoroethylene notch such that the cutting blade pivots betWeen a safety (PTFE), ?berglass, and meta-aramid polymers (e.g. position and a cutting position. The blade housing also NOMEX®) are also available With a variety of coatings to includes a biasing means Whereby the cutting blade is biased improve holding. into the safety position. The biasing means permits pivotal [0004] Cable lacing begins and ends With a Whipping or movement of the cutting blade into the cutting position in other knot to secure the free ends. Wraps are spaced relative to response to force exerted by the lacing tape When pulled the overall harness diameter to maintain the Wiring in a tight, through the receiving notch. neat bundle, and the ends are then neatly trimmed. In addition [0011] Other features and advantages of the present inven to continuous or running lacing, there are a variety of lacing tion Will become apparent from the folloWing more detailed patterns used in different circumstances. In some cases, description, taken in conjunction With the accompanying stand-alone called spot ties are also used. For draWings, Which illustrate, by Way of example, the principles large cables and cable bundles to support structures in tele of the invention. communications applications, there are tWo named cable lac ing styles: the “Chicago stitch” and “Kansas City stitch”. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other organizations employ different standards to Which cable lacing must conform. [0012] The accompanying draWings illustrate the inven [0005] Traditionally, a spool of lacing tape Would be pro tion. In such draWings: vided Where a user Would use the spool in a free-standing [0013] FIG. 1 is a partially explodedperspective vieW of the mode or otherWise secure the spool in a stand-alone device. lacing tape dispenser of the present invention; The user Would then unravel as much of the lacing tape as is [0014] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded vieW of the blade hous necessary to complete a binding and manually cut the tape ing of the present invention; using a knife, scissors or other hand-held blade. The disad [0015] FIG. 3 is a further exploded vieW of the blade hous vantage of this method is that the spool may either not be ing of the present invention; secured and spontaneously unravel When it may fall or oth [0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional vieW taken along line 5-5 erWise dislodge from Where it is secured. In addition, the of FIG. 2 illustrating the safety position of the blade of the manner in Which a user secures the spool may hinder the present invention; ability to smoothly unWind the lacing tape as it is needed. [0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional vieW taken along line 5-5 Further, a cutting device may not alWays be handy or available of FIG. 2 illustrating the cutting position of the blade of the to a user to cut the lacing tape from the spool after it is present invention; dispensed. Finally, a user may have to secure a spool of lacing [0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective vieW of the lacing tape dis tape in a location distant or remote from Where the lacing tape penser of the present invention illustrating the lacing tape must be applied. threaded through the upright guide and the blade housing; [0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a lacing tape dis [0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective vieW of the lacing tape dis penser that addresses these needs. The present invention ful penser of the present invention illustrating cutting of the ?lls these needs and provides other related advantages. lacing tape; and [0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective vieW of the lacing tape dis SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION penser of the present invention including an enlarged loWer [0007] The present invention is directed to a lacing tape grommet. dispenser comprising a Weighted base, an upright spindle, a DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED cutting blade, and an upright guide. The upright spindle EMBODIMENT extends from a ?rst surface of the Weighted base, preferably a top surface such that the spool of lacing tape is oriented [0021] The present invention is directed to a lacing tape upright. The cutting blade is also disposed on the ?rst surface dispenser that provides faster, safer and easier transportation of the Weighted base on an opposite edge of the ?rst surface and use of spools of lacing tape. More speci?cally, the present US 2013/0206807 A1 Aug. 15,2013

invention is directed to an easily transportable lacing tape [0028] A blade housing 46 is disposed on the top surface 14 dispenser that alloWs for smooth dispensing of lacing tape and proximate or adjacent to the second edge 38. This positions ease of cutting lacing tape. the blade housing 46 on the opposite side of the top surface 14 [0022] FIG. 1 depicts a partially exploded perspective vieW from the upright spindle 18 With the upright guide 36 dis of a lacing tape dispenser 10 of the present invention. The posed betWeen the tWo. lacing tape dispenser 10 has a Weighted base 12. The [0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, the blade housing 46 Weighted base 12 is a generally rectangular prism or three includes a receiving notch 48 that has a cutting blade 50 dimensional block. The Weighted base 12 may be solid or retained therein. The cutting blade 50 is a generally rectan holloW. If the Weighted base 12 is holloW it preferably gular steel blade having an angled leading edge 52 and a includes a solid block of heavy material to give the base 12 its sharpened upper edge 54. The cutting blade 50 is secured in Weight. The Weighted base 12 may also include a retractable the receiving notch 48 in a pivoting manner around a pivot spring-loaded handle to permit easier carrying and transport point 56 proximate to the receiving notch 48. The cutting of the dispenser 10. blade 50 pivots betWeen a safety position 58 (FIG. 4) and a [0023] The Weighted base 12 preferably includes a ?rst, top cutting position 60 (FIG. 5). In the safety position 58 the surface 14 and a second, bottom surface 16. The bottom sharpened, upper edge 54 of the cutting blade 50 is contained surface 16 preferably includes feet or pads to provide a stable, Within the blade housing 56 and not exposed through the non-slip support for the dispenser 10 on most surfaces. receiving notch 48. In the cutting position 60 the sharpened, [0024] The ?rst, top surface 14 includes an upright spindle upper edge 54 of the cutting blade 50 is WithdraWn from the 18 attached to the Weighted base 14, preferably proximate to blade housing 46 and exposed through the receiving notch 48. a ?rst edge 20 of the top surface 14. If the Weighted base 12 is The blade housing 46 also includes a biasing spring 62 or solid, the upright spindle 18 is preferably attached directly to similar means for biasing the cutting blade 50 into the safety the Weighted base 12. If the Weighted base 12 is holloW, the position 58 such that the sharpened, upper edge 54 is enclosed upright spindle 18 preferably passes through an opening in in the blade housing 56 and not exposed through the receiving the top surface 14 and is attached directly to the Weighted notch 48. material contained in the holloW base 12. It is important here [0030] In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, a spool of that the upright spindle 18 be secured to the mass that gives lacing tape 26 is positioned on the upright spindle 18 betWeen the base 12 its Weight. In this Way, the upright spindle 18 Will the loWer grommet 24 and upper grommet 22. The lacing tape be properly anchored such that it can receive, support and 42 is then partially unWound from the spool 26 and threaded retain a spool of lacing tape as described beloW. through the eyelet 40 of the upright guide 36. In this con?gu [0025] The upright spindle 18 also includes an upper grom ration, a user can easily and rapidly dispense lacing tape 42 met 22 and a loWer grommet 24. Both grommets 22, 24 are from the spool 26 When bundling or binding cables. preferably made of rubber or another semi-resilient material [0031] When a user is ready to cut the lacing tape 42 from so as to support and retain a spool of lacing tape 26 in a secure the spool 26, one need only insert the lacing tape 42 into the manner. The upper grommet 22, loWer grommet 24 and spool receiving notch 48. As the lacing tape 42 presses against the of lacing tape 26 each have a central opening or passage angled, leading edge 52 of the cutting blade 50, the biasing therethrough that can receive the upright spindle 18. The spring 62 permits the cutting blade 50 to pivot doWnWard such loWer grommet 24 is placed on the upright spindle 18 ?rst. that the sharpened, upper edge 54 retracts from the blade The spool of lacing tape 26 is then placed on the upright housing 46 and is exposed in the receiving notch 48. Once the spindle With the upper grommet 22 placed on top. A Wing nut sharpened, upper edge 54 is exposed it slices the lacing tape 28 or other securing means is then placed on top of the upright 2. spindle 18 to keep all of the components in place. A spacing [0032] Upon slicing the lacing tape 42, the cutting blade 50 ring may be used under the loWer grommet 24 or on top of the pivots back up into the blade housing 46 such that the sharp upper grommet 22 Where the spool of lacing tape 26 is sig ened, upper edge 54 is no longer exposed through the receiv ni?cantly shorter than the upright spindle 18. As depicted in ing notch 48. Such pivoting action occurs by the biasing FIG. 8, the loWer grommet 24 may be replaced by an enlarged spring 62 pressing on the cutting blade 50 once the force of grommet 32 Where the spool of lacing tape 26 is replaced With the lacing tape 42 being inserted into the receiving notch 48 is a spool of heavy-duty lacing tape 34, Which tends to be larger removed. The biasing spring 62 is preferably con?gured such and heavier than a standard spool of lacing tape 26. that the force of pulling the lacing tape 42 through the receiv [0026] The top surface 14 also includes an upright guide 36 ing notch 48 is su?icient to pivot the cutting blade doWnWard that is positioned approximately in the center of the top sur until the sharpened, upper edge 54 is exposed in the receiving face 14. Preferably, the upright guide 36 is positioned slightly notch 48, thus cutting the lacing tape 42. farther from the ?rst edge 20 than it is from a second edge 38 [0033] This pivoting operation of the cutting blade 50 cre of the top surface 14. This is done so that the upright guide 36 ates a fast, safe and easy mechanism by Which the lacing tape is not too close to the edge of the spool of lacing tape 26. 42 is severed. The dispenser 10 facilitates dispensing of the [0027] The upright guide 36 is approximately half as tall as lacing tape 42 and cutting of the same during use. It is also the upright spindle 18 and includes an eyelet 40 at the top safer than a hand knife or scissors as the cutting edge is only thereof. The eyelet 40 is to guide the lacing tape 42 off of the exposed during the actual cutting and is otherWise retracted spool 26 in a smooth manner. The eyelet ensures that the Within the blade housing 46. It is also easy to use as a user lacing tape 42 is alWays pulled at the same level by a user need not Worry about the spool of lacing tape 26 moving regardless of Whether the tape 42 is coming from the top or the around during use as it is securely retained immobile by the bottom of the spool 26. Preferably, the eyelet 40 includes a dispenser 10. rubber Washer 44 therethrough to provide a smooth and [0034] Although the lacing tape dispenser 10 has been secure transmission of the lacing tape 42 through the eyelet described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modi 40. ?cations may be made Without departing from the scope and US 2013/0206807 A1 Aug. 15,2013

spirit of the invention. The above-described disclosure is not 11. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 10, Wherein the intended to limit the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the upright spindle is con?gured to receive a spool of lacing tape. scope of the present invention is determined only by the 12. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 11, Wherein the following claims. upright spindle includes upper and loWer grommets con?g What is claimed is: ured to support and retain the spool of lacing tape. 1. A lacing tape dispenser, comprising: 13. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 12, Wherein the a Weighted base, having a ?rst surface; loWer grommet is enlarged so as to support a spool of heavy an upright spindle extending from the ?rst surface of the duty lacing tape. Weighted base for receiving a spool of lacing tape; 14. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 10, Wherein the a cutting blade disposed on the ?rst surface of the Weighted upright guide is disposed generally midWay betWeen the base opposite the upright spindle; and upright spindle and the cutting blade. an upright guide disposed on the ?rst surface of the 15. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 10, Wherein the Weighted base betWeen the upright spindle and the cut cutting blade is pivotally mounted Within the receiving notch ting blade. such that the cutting blade pivots betWeen a safety position 2. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 1, Wherein the upright and a cutting position, further comprising a biasing means spindle includes upper and loWer grommets con?gured to Within the blade housing Whereby the cutting blade is biased support and retain the spool of lacing tape. into the safety position. 3. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 2, Wherein the loWer 16. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 15, Wherein the grommet is enlarged so as to support a spool of heavy-duty biasing means permits pivoting of the cutting blade into the lacing tape. cutting position in response to force exerted by the lacing tape 4. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 1, Wherein the upright When pulled through the receiving notch. guide has an eyelet and a rubber Washer therethrough so as to 17. A lacing tape dispenser, comprising: guide lacing tape from the upright spindle to the cutting blade. a Weighted base, having a ?rst surface; 5. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 1, Wherein the upright an upright spindle extending from the ?rst surface of the guide is disposed generally midWay betWeen the upright Weighted base for receiving a spool of lacing tape, and spindle and the cutting blade. Wherein the upright spindle includes upper and loWer 6. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 1, Wherein the cutting grommets con?gured to support and retain the spool of blade is enclosed in a blade housing a?ixed to the Weighted lacing tape; base, and the blade housing has a receiving notch con?gured a cutting blade disposed on the ?rst surface of the Weighted so as to receive lacing tape. base opposite the upright spindle, Wherein the cutting 7. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 6, Wherein the cutting blade is enclosed in a blade housing af?xed to the blade is pivotally mounted Within the receiving notch such Weighted base, and Wherein the blade housing has a that the cutting blade pivots betWeen a safety position and a receiving notch con?gured so as to receive lacing tape; cutting position. and 8. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 7, further comprising an upright guide disposed on the ?rst surface of the a biasing means Within the blade housing Whereby the cutting Weighted base betWeen the upright spindle and the cut blade is biased into the safety position. ting blade, Wherein the upright guide is disposed gener 9. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 8, Wherein the biasing ally midWay betWeen the upright spindle and the cutting means permits pivoting of the cutting blade into the cutting blade, and Wherein the upright guide has an eyelet and a position in response to force exerted by the lacing tape When rubber Washer therethrough so as to guide lacing tape pulled through the receiving notch. from the upright spindle to the cutting blade. 10. A lacing tape dispenser, comprising: 18. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 17, Wherein the a Weighted base, having a ?rst surface; an upright spindle extending from the ?rst surface of the loWer grommet is enlarged so as to support a spool of heavy Weighted base; duty lacing tape. a cutting blade disposed on the ?rst surface of the Weighted 19. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 17, Wherein the base opposite the upright spindle, Wherein the cutting cutting blade is pivotally mounted Within the receiving notch blade is enclosed in a blade housing af?xed to the such that the cutting blade pivots betWeen a safety position Weighted base, and Wherein the blade housing has a and a cutting position, further comprising a biasing means receiving notch con?gured so as to receive lacing tape; Within the blade housing Whereby the cutting blade is biased and into the safety position. an upright guide disposed on the ?rst surface of the 20. The lacing tape dispenser of claim 19, Wherein the Weighted base betWeen the upright spindle and the cut biasing means permits pivoting of the cutting blade into the ting blade, Wherein the upright guide has an eyelet and a cutting position in response to force exerted by the lacing tape rubber Washer therethrough so as to guide lacing tape When pulled through the receiving notch. from the upright spindle to the cutting blade. * * * * *