DRYWALL TAPE APPLICATOR

Abstract

An apparatus such as a hand-held drywall tape applicator is provided for applying a fluid-activated tape onto a wallboard or ceiling joint. The apparatus includes a housing defined by a left housing section and a right housing section. The housing is configured to removably mount a roll of tape at the rear end. The apparatus includes a base, a handle disposed between and coupled with the base and the rear end of the housing, a nozzle assembly attached to or defined by the front end of the housing, and a basin detachably coupled with the housing and configured to hold a fluid. The apparatus further includes a plurality of rollers, which include a first roller disposed inside the basin. The plurality of rollers are configured to feed and transport a portion of tape from the roll into the fluid of the basin and then out of the nozzle assembly.

Claims

1. An apparatus for applying a fluid-activated tape onto a wallboard or ceiling joint, comprising: a housing defined by a left housing section and a right housing section, the housing having a front end and a rear end, the housing configured to removably mount a roll of tape at the rear end; a base; a handle disposed between and coupled with the base and the rear end of the housing; a nozzle assembly attached to or defined by the front end of the housing; a basin detachably coupled with the housing and configured to hold a fluid; and a plurality of rollers including a first roller disposed inside the basin, the plurality of rollers configured to feed and transport a portion of tape from the roll into the fluid of the basin and then out of the nozzle assembly.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly is rotatable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a cutting bar configured to cut a portion of tape transported out of the nozzle assembly.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the nozzle assembly including the cutting bar is defined by the left housing section and the right housing section.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base and the handle are defined by the left housing section and the right housing section.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the left housing section and the right housing section are made of plastics.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the left housing section and the right housing section defines and provides a roll holder in the housing configured to removably mount a roll of tape.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rollers include a second roller and a third roller disposed parallel to each other to provide a nip at one end of the nozzle assembly and configured to transport the portion of tape out of the nozzle assembly.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second roller and the third roller comprises a plurality of ribs.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of rollers include a fourth roller disposed inside the housing and between the first roller and the second or third roller.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one guide disposed on the nozzle assembly and configured to guide the portion of tape in a straight line.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one belt tab attached to an exterior surface of the housing, the at least one belt tab having a clip sized and configured to removably couple the apparatus onto an operator's belt.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a corner mechanism removably coupled with the nozzle assembly and configured to apply a portion of tape onto a corner joint.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the corner mechanism includes a triangular base and two sidewalls providing a right angle, and is configured to fold the portion of tape when the portion of tape is dispensed out of the nozzle assembly.

15. An apparatus for applying a fluid-activated tape onto a wallboard or ceiling joint, comprising: a housing defined by a left housing section and a right housing section, the housing having a front end and a rear end, the housing configured to removably mount a roll of tape at the rear end; a base; a handle disposed between and coupled with the base and the rear end of the housing; a nozzle assembly attached to or defined by the front end of the housing, the nozzle assembly being rotatable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing; a basin detachably coupled with the housing and configured to hold a fluid; a plurality of rollers including a first roller disposed inside the basin, the plurality of rollers configured to feed and transport a portion of tape from the roll into the fluid of the basin and then out of the nozzle assembly; and a corner mechanism removably coupled with the nozzle assembly and configured to apply the portion of tape onto a corner joint.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the corner mechanism includes a triangular base and two sidewalls providing a right angle, and is configured to fold the portion of tape when the portion of tape is dispensed out of the nozzle assembly.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a cutting bar having a serrated and ridged structure.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the corner mechanism comprises a clip structure having an upside-down U-shape cross-section removably coupled onto the cutting bar.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the left housing section and the right housing section define the nozzle assembly, the base, and the handle after assembled with screws.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rollers include a pair of a second roller and a third roller disposed parallel to each other to provide a nip at one end of the nozzle assembly, and a fourth roller disposed inside the housing and between the first roller and the pair of the second and third rollers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention for applying drywall tape over flat joints between sections of wallboard and in corner joints of wall and ceiling joints.

[0067] FIG. 2 is a top view of a fully assembled apparatus in accordance with the invention for applying drywall tape over flat sections of wallboard and in corner joints of wall and ceiling joints.

[0068] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the apparatus showing the nozzle section whereby the drywall tape dispensed from the apparatus in accordance with the invention for applying drywall tape.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the one half of the housing of the apparatus in accordance with the invention, illustrating the housing with a roll of drywall wall tape mounted thereon, placement of the rolls, roll wetting feature, water basin, nozzle section, and the method of threading the tape through the housing and other features of the apparatus.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a front and top view of the base, housing and nozzle of the apparatus shown in an unassembled split view of each of the above features of the apparatus.

[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates the shape and features of the rollers in the apparatus in accordance with the invention for applying drywall tape over flat sections of wallboard and in corner joints of wall and ceiling joints.

[0072] FIG. 7 illustrate the features of the nozzle portion of the apparatus that is separate from the front housing portion of the apparatus and that is inserted into the front housing portion when fully assembled.

[0073] FIG. 8 illustrates the fully assembled apparatus showing specific features of the apparatus in accordance with the invention for applying drywall tape over flat or corner wall or ceiling joints.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a back view of a clip-on corner mechanism showing the clip that is used to attach the corner mechanism to the nozzle end of the apparatus for applying drywall tape to inside corner joint and outside corner joints.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the fully assembled apparatus showing the corner mechanism attached to the nozzle mechanism for applying drywall to inside and outside corner joints.

[0076] FIG. 11 is a front view of the open dispensing end of a fully assembled apparatus in accordance with the invention for applying drywall tape in corner joints of wall and ceiling joints with the corner mechanism mounted on the nozzle end of the apparatus.

[0077] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the apparatus showing the nozzle section to which the corner mechanism is attached whereby the drywall tape dispensed from the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0078] FIG. 1 illustrates the side profile of an exemplary assembled apparatus or drywall tape applicator 100, which, in accordance with the invention, is used for applying drywall tape to wall and ceiling joints in wallboard as part of the construction of walls. Such a joint may be formed by two pieces of drywall or ceiling board and includes a joint on one wall plane or a corner joint. The drywall tape has one side coated with adhesive, which can be activated with a fluid such as water. The adhesive is water-based adhesive in some embodiments.

[0079] The drywall tape applicator 100 is made from an injection molded plastic polymeric material in some embodiments. The features and components of the applicator tool are formed by joining a right housing section 2 and a left housing section 4 by means of screws, bolts, mating tabs, adhesive, or other known fastening methods. In the preferred embodiment, the left and right housing sections 2, 4, when assembled, comprise a base 10, a handle 30, a housing 40, and a nozzle assembly 60, and the sections are joined using screws. The components of the drywall tape applicator 100 include a right and left housing section 2, 4, which, when assembled, forms a base 10 that, is an elongated, rectangular flat surface. One screw 20 in the front end of the base 10 is used to join the left and right housings 2, 4. A second screw 24 is used to join the left and right housing sections at the base end of a handle (or handle grip) 30, which extends above the base 10 and is positioned at approximately a 75-85 degree from the horizontal base 10.

[0080] The back end 32 of the handle grip 30 is slightly curved and the front end 34 of the handle grip 30 defines concaved grooves 36 that are suitable for fitting the grip of an operator's right or left hand. Both sides of the handle grip 30 are covered partially with an imprinted oblong section 35 on the surface thereof having a plurality of small circular imprinted dots 37 that assist in securing the operator's hold on the handle grip 30. The oblong imprinted section 35 of the surface of each side of the handle grip 30 covers a substantial length of the handle grip 30 sufficient to facilitate the operator holding and gripping the handle grip 30. Another screw (a third screw) 28 at the top of the handle grip 30 is used to joint together the left and right housings 2, 4.

[0081] The apparatus 100 also includes a basin or container 70, which is detachably coupled with the housing 40 and is configured to hold fluid such as water. The left housing section 2 and the right housing section 4, when assembled, defines and forms at least the housing 40. The housing having a front end 42 and a rear end 44. In some embodiments, the handle 30 is disposed between and coupled with the base 10 and the rear end 44 of the housing 40. In some embodiments, the left housing section 2 and the right housing section 4 made of plastics, when assembled, defines and forms the base 10, a handle 30, a nozzle assembly 60. The nozzle assembly 60 may be separately attached to or defined by the front end 42 of the housing 40. The housing 40 may be open from its top in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly 60 is rotatable with respect to a longitudinal axis 50 of the housing 40 so that the tape can be applied horizontally or vertically. The nozzle assembly 60 comprises a cutting bar 80 configured to cut a portion of tape transported out of the nozzle assembly.

[0082] FIG. 1 further illustrates the housing 40 that is formed by a left housing section 2 and a right housing section 4 (illustrated in FIG. 2), both of similar shape, form, dimensions, and pre-molded features that form the single housing 40 as assembled. The left section 2 and the right section 4 of the housing 40 are attached by another screw 27 at the bottom of housing 40, approximately halfway between the front nozzle assembly 60 and the back end 44 of the enjoined housing 40, and above the front end of water basin 70. Two screws 27 hold together the nozzle assembly 60 at the front end (or the dispensing end) 42 of the apparatus 100.

[0083] In some embodiments, the left housing section 2 and the right housing section 2 defines and provides a roll holder (or holders) 11 in the housing 40 configured to removably mount a roll of tape 19 (FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the back end 44 of the housing 40 when assembled forms a rounded shape large enough to hold a roll of drywall tape on circular roll holders 11, which are raised circular shapes on the right and left housing sections 2, 4 in the interior of the back end 44 of the housing 40 when assembled. The circular roll holders 11 are for the purpose of fitting the core of a roll of drywall tape 19 for dispensing at the back end 42 of the housing 40. The circular roll holders 11 have a diameter suitable for holding the core of a roll of drywall tape 19. In a preferred embodiment, the circular roll holders 11 are approximately two (2) inches in diameter, or sized suitably to hold a core of a roll of drywall tape 19 that is slightly larger in diameter than the circular roll holders 11, so that the roll of tape 19 is held in place and is easily and smoothly dispensed through the apparatus 100.

[0084] The assembled housing 40 illustrated in FIG. 1 is made of a polymeric plastic material. The sides of each of the right and left sections of the housing 40 comprise a finely grooved surface over the plurality of the housing 40. The top of the housing 40 is open so that a roll of tape 19 can easily be placed onto the circular roll holders 11, and threaded through the apparatus 100. On both sides of the outer surface of the housing 40 slightly in front of the circular roll holders 11 and behind the point at which the water basin 70 snaps into the housing 40 is a rectangular belt tab 12 with circular edges. The belt tab 12 is attached to the outer surface of the right and left sections of the housing 40. The top edge of the belt tab 12 extends away from the side of the housing 40 on the two side edges and the bottom edge to form a flexible clip of substantial strength for attaching the drywall tape applicator 100 to an operator's belt. This enables the operator to have both hands free while the operator is using the apparatus to apply drywall tape manually in corner wall or ceiling joints. In a preferred embodiment, the rectangular belt tab 12 is between 0.8 to 1.2 inches wide and 1.2 to 1.35 inches wide, large enough and of sufficient weight so as to be flexible and to support the weight of the apparatus when the water basin 15 is attached and filled.

[0085] On the front end 42 of the housing 40 near the nozzle assembly 60 includes five narrow, indented slit features 13 of the same length. The slit features 13 extend down the side of one section of the housing 40, wrap around the bottom of the front end of the housing 40, and extend up the other side of the opposite section of the housing 40. The five narrow slit features 13 facilitate rotating and re-orientating the nozzle assembly 60 from a horizontal position to a vertical position, or from a vertical to a horizontal position. Across the horizontal top of the nozzle assembly 60 is a ridged or serrated bar affixed thereto constituting a cutting bar 80 for severing tape at select lengths by the operator rotating the tool directionally downward or horizontally.

[0086] In the middle of both the left and right sections 2, 4 of the housing 40 depicted in FIG. 1 is a circular hole 14 for the purpose of clipping the water basin 70 into place in the bottom of the housing 40. The circular hole 14 is on both sides of the housing 40 in the same position in the left and right sections 2, 4, respectively, of the housing 40. A feature of the water basin 70 on both sides is a rectangular slot mating feature 19 with rounded upper edges and a raised circle. The slot mating feature 19 extends above the sides of the water basin 70, and enables the water basin 70 to be clipped into the open circular holes 14 in the left and right sections 2, 4 of the housing 40. The slot mating feature 19 is sized and configured so as to snap the water basin 70 tightly and flush onto the bottom of the housing 40 so there is no leakage or spillage of water from the water basin 70. In a preferred embodiment the water basin 70 holds sufficient water or other fluid to apply between a 50-foot or 100-foot role of drywall tape and is made of a high wear-resistance standard clear ABS material. The water basin 70 is shaped with a flat bottom and four planar sides that form a container that is wider at the top of the water basin 70 than at the flat bottom surface of the water basin 70.

[0087] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the open top of the housing 40 of the apparatus 100 for applying drywall tape over flat sections of wallboard and in corner joints of wall and ceiling joints. FIG. 2 shows that the apparatus 100, in a preferred embodiment is approximately 3.0-3.25 inches wide (W in FIG. 2). The line 52 down the center of the apparatus 100 represents the line at which each the left and right sections 2, 4 of the housing 40 meet and become screwed together to form the housing 40. The circular roll holders 11 for holding a roll of drywall tape 19 are at the back end 44 of the housing 40 above the point at which the left and right sections 2, 4, of the housing 40 are attached at the top of the handle grip 30. The back end of the base 10, shaped as a rectangle with rounded corners, is visible beneath the handle grip 30. The open circular holes 14 in the slot feature 19 are located in the approximate center of the housing 40 lengthwise and used to snap the water basin 70 in place on the bottom of the housing 40. On the nozzle assembly 60 is a horizontal ridged and serrated cut bar 80 on top of the nozzle feature 60.

[0088] FIG. 3 illustrates an elevational view of the front, or nozzle feature, end 42 of the housing. The nozzle assembly 60 comprises a left and right section 2, 4 that are screwed together to form a rotatable dispensing feature that is rounded on the bottom 64 and rectangular at the top 62, with a horizontal ridged and serrated cut bar 80. The nozzle assembly 60 holds two rollers 93 (FIG. 4) at a nip point, through which the drywall tape exits the apparatus 100. The bottom of the nozzle assembly 60 is a half circle in shape preferably with a diameter of approximately 2.5 to 3.0 inches. The top 62 of the nozzle assembly 60 is rectangular and preferably approximately 2.5 to 3.0 inches in width. On the top 62 of the nozzle feature 60 is a ridged, serrated cut bar 80 that is an integral part of the injection-molded nozzle assembly 60 for severing the tape from the dispenser.

[0089] The apparatus 100 further includes a plurality of rollers 90 in some embodiments. The plurality of rollers 90 include a first roller 95 disposed inside the basin 70. The plurality of rollers 90 are configured to feed and transport or dispense a portion of tape 21 from the roll 19 into the fluid of the basin 70 and then out of the nozzle assembly 60. The tape 21 is coated with adhesive on one side, which can be activated with the fluid such as water. The plurality of rollers 90 include a second roller 93a and a third roller 93b disposed parallel to each other to provide a nip at one end of the nozzle assembly 60 and configured to transport the portion of tape out of the nozzle assembly 60. The second and third rollers 93 may also comprise a plurality of ribs 97 (FIG. 6) for removing excessive fluid. The plurality of rollers 90 may also include a fourth roller 98 disposed inside the housing 40 and between the first roller 95 and the pair of the second and third rollers 93. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 further comprises at least one guide 48 disposed on the nozzle assembly 60 and configured to guide the tape out in a straight line.

[0090] FIG. 4 illustrates a split open view of the one section of the housing 40 of the drywall tool with a roll of drywall wall tape 19 mounted on the circular roller holders 11 at the top of the housing 40. Only the right housing section 4 is used. The tape 21 is fed through slanted roll guide features 43, which are part of the housing 40. The tape 21 is fed down and around one side of the elongated roll wetting feature 44, which extends from the bottom of the housing 40. The tape 21 is fed around a first roller 95 at the bottom of the roll wetting feature 44, then up the other side of the roll wetting feature 44 into a roller 98 (referred as a fourth roller), which guides the water-saturated tape toward the nozzle assembly 60. A second slanted guide feature 46 is disposed above the roller 98 in some embodiments. The roller 98 turns the tape 21 so that the underside of the tape 21 coated with the liquid-activated adhesive is on the underside of the tape as it exits the nozzle assembly 60. From the roller 98, the tape 21 is pulled and fed to two rollers 93 (referred as the second and third rollers), which are placed sufficiently in proximity to each other to form a nip. Such a nip serves to eliminate excess water from the tape and prevent the tape from folding or curling in on itself as the tape exits the nozzle assembly 60 and is applied to the wallboard, ceiling or corner joints. The rollers 93 are held in place by the left and right sections of the nozzle assembly 60 when screwed together.

[0091] FIG. 5 illustrates the complete nozzle assembly 60 showing the left and right sections 2, 4 of the housing 40 unassembled, the left and right sections of the nozzle assembly 60 itself, the rollers 93, 95, 98, and the base 10 of the apparatus 100. The water basin 70 is shown to have two rectangular tabs 72 with rounded edges extending up from the left and right sides of the water basin 70, each with a round circle 74 that abuts from the surface of the rectangular tabs 72. The round circles 74 are used as mating features to snap the water basin 70 into the slot features 19 on the left and right sides 2, 4 of the housing 40 so as to hold the water basin 70 flush to the bottom of the housing 40.

[0092] FIG. 6 illustrates the rollers 93, 95, 98 that are the same size and design in some embodiments. Rollers 93, 95, 98 may have different design and dimension in some other embodiments. The rollers 93, 95, 98 are preferably around inch in diameter and approximately 2.0-2.5 inches in length. The rollers 93, 95, 98 have approximately 10-12 rib features 97 that are useful for guiding the tape through the apparatus 100 and preventing the tape 21 from curling in on itself as it is pulled through the apparatus 100. In the preferred embodiment, the rollers 93, 95, 98 are made of a wear-resistant polymer.

[0093] FIG. 7 depicts the open dispensing end 62 of the nozzle assembly 60 at the dispensing end 42 of the housing 40, which has three notches 64 that are stopping points at which the rotatable nozzle feature 66 is kept in position when re-orientated for either horizontal or vertical use by a left- or right-handed operator. The rotatable nozzle feature 66 includes a guide feature 48 that extends out from the rounded bottom half of the nozzle assembly 60 to assist the operator in guiding the tape in a straight line as it is dispensed through the rollers 93. The rotatable nozzle feature 66 is fitted into the open dispensing end 62 of the housing 40. The rotatable nozzle feature 66 can be rotated approximately thirty (30) degrees from a horizontal position at the middle notch 68a to the upper notch 68b in the open dispensing end 62. It can be also rotated downward approximately thirty (30) degrees from a horizontal position at the middle notch 68a to the lower notch 68b in the open dispensing end 62 of the housing 40.

[0094] The apparatus 100 may further comprise at least one belt tab 12, for example, two belt tabs, attached to an exterior surface of the housing 40. The at least one belt tab 12 has a clip sized and configured to removably couple the apparatus 100 onto an operator's belt. FIG. 8 illustrates the fully assembled apparatus 100 and depicts additional useful and innovative features used by the operator for dispensing drywall tape. The tab 12 is used to clip the apparatus 100 to the operator's belt so that the operator can use the apparatus 100 hands-free, dispensing tape 21 with the tool in one hand while guiding the drywall tape 21 into corner wall or ceiling joints with the other hand. The guide feature 48 is used by the operator in guiding application of the tape 21 in a straight line. The cutting bar 80 is used by the operator to tear the dispensed drywall tape at the desired length. In some embodiments, the cutting bar 80 is formed from the left and right housing sections 2, 4 and is a part of the nozzle assembly 60.

[0095] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 further comprises a corner mechanism 104 removably coupled with the nozzle assembly 60 and is configured to apply a portion of tape 21 onto a corner joint. The corner mechanism 104 includes a triangular base and two sidewalls 109 providing a right angle 107, and is configured to fold the portion of tape 21 when the portion of tape 21 is dispensed out of the nozzle assembly 60. In some embodiments, the corner mechanism 104 comprises an elongated clip structure 106 having an upside-down U-shape cross-section removably coupled onto the cutting bar 80. FIG. 9 is a back view of a corner mechanism 104 that can be attached to the rotatable nozzle feature 66 using a clip 106 that is mounted on top of the serrated, ridged cut bar 80 on top of the nozzle assembly 60. The corner mechanism 104 is a removable piece of the apparatus 100 that is used to apply drywall tape to inside and outside corner joints. The corner mechanism 104 has a clip feature 106 that is formed in a horizontal, upside down U-shape with right corners, of the appropriate size to fit over the serrated ridged cut bar 80 and stay in place while drywall tape 21 is dispensed from the open dispensing end 62 of the nozzle assembly 60. The bottom 105 of the corner mechanism 104 forms a triangle which is used to fold the drywall tape 21 simultaneously as it is dispensed from the open dispensing end 62.

[0096] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the fully assembled drywall tape apparatus 100. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the corner mechanism 104, at the front portion, has two sidewalls 109 that meet to form a right angle 107 such that the angle juts forward from the apparatus above the open dispensing end 62 of the nozzle assembly 104 and is aligned with the center of the nozzle assembly 60. The corner mechanism 104 has rounded edges 112 and a rounded base 114 that extends to a triangular point 116 at the open dispensing end 62 from the two side walls 109 that just forward from the end of the nozzle mechanism 60. The rounded edges 112 and rounded base 112 facilitate the simultaneous dispensing and application of dry wall tape into corner joints as the operator uses and adjusts the angle of the apparatus.

[0097] FIG. 11 shows the front view of the dispensing end 62 of the nozzle mechanism 60. As tape 21 exits the dispensing end 62, it is folded in the center by the triangular base of the corner mechanism 104. The operator adjusts the angle of the nozzle mechanism (assembly) 60 so as to permit the tape to be guided with pressure into a corner joint using the two side walls 109 and the triangular point 116 to affix the tape to an inside corner. By further adjusting the apparatus, the operator also uses the corner mechanism 104 and the folding triangular base thereof to guide dispensed tape around outside corner joints.

[0098] FIG. 12 illustrates the mounted corner mechanism 104 using the clip 105 to position the corner mechanism 104 and hold it in place over the serrated, ridge cut bar 80. The triangular point 116 is used as a guide for applying tape 21 from the dispensing end 62 to inside and outside corners.

[0099] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for applying a fluid-activated tape onto a wallboard or ceiling joint. Such a joint may be formed by two pieces of drywall or ceiling board and includes a joint on a wall or a corner joint. The apparatus is a drywall tape applicator. The apparatus comprises a housing, a base, a handle, a nozzle assembly, a basin, and a plurality of rollers. A left housing section and a right housing section, when assembled, defines and forms the housing. The housing has a front end and a rear end, and is configured to removably mount a roll of tape at the rear end. The handle is disposed between and coupled with the base and the rear end of the housing. The nozzle assembly is attached to or defined by the front end of the housing. The basin is detachably coupled with the housing and configured to hold a fluid such as water. The plurality of rollers include a first roller disposed inside the basin. The plurality of rollers are configured to feed and transport or dispense a portion of tape from the roll into the fluid of the basin and then out of the nozzle assembly. The tape is coated with adhesive on one side, which can be activated with the fluid such as water.

[0100] In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly is rotatable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing so that the tape can be applied horizontally or vertically. The nozzle assembly comprises a cutting bar configured to cut a portion of tape transported out of the nozzle assembly. In some embodiments, the left housing section and the right housing section, when assembled, defines the base, the handle, and/or the nozzle assembly including the cutting bar. The left housing section and the right housing section may be made of plastics. In some embodiments, the left housing section and the right housing section defines and provides a roll holder in the housing configured to removably mount a roll of tape. The housing may be open from its top in some embodiments.

[0101] The plurality of rollers include a second roller and a third roller disposed parallel to each other to provide a nip at one end of the nozzle assembly and configured to transport the portion of tape out of the nozzle assembly. The second roller and the third roller may also comprise a plurality of ribs for removing excessive fluid. The plurality of rollers may also include a fourth roller disposed inside the housing and between the first roller and the pair of the second and third rollers.

[0102] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one guide disposed on the nozzle assembly and configured to guide the tape out in a straight line. The apparatus may further comprise at least one belt tab, for example, two belt tabs, attached to an exterior surface of the housing. The at least one belt tab has a clip sized and configured to removably couple the apparatus onto an operator's belt.

[0103] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a corner mechanism removably coupled with the nozzle assembly and is configured to apply a portion of tape onto a corner joint. The corner mechanism includes a triangular base and two sidewalls providing a right angle, and is configured to fold the portion of tape when the portion of tape is dispensed out of the nozzle assembly.

[0104] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus applying a fluid-activated tape onto a wallboard or ceiling joint. Such an apparatus comprises a housing, a base, a handle, a nozzle assembly, a basin, a plurality of rollers, and a corner mechanism. The housing is defined by a left housing section and a right housing section. The housing has a front end and a rear end. The housing is configured to removably mount a roll of tape at the rear end. The handle is disposed between and coupled with the base and the rear end of the housing. The nozzle assembly is attached to or defined by the front end of the housing, and is rotatable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing. The basin is detachably coupled with the housing and is configured to hold a fluid. The plurality of rollers include a first roller disposed inside the basin. The plurality of rollers are configured to feed and transport a portion of tape from the roll into the fluid of the basin and then out of the nozzle assembly. The corner mechanism is removably coupled with the nozzle assembly and is configured to apply the portion of tape onto a corner joint.

[0105] In some embodiments, the corner mechanism includes a triangular base and two sidewalls providing a right angle, and is configured to fold the portion of tape when the portion of tape is dispensed out of the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly comprises a cutting bar having a serrated and ridged structure in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the corner mechanism comprises an elongated clip structure having an upside-down U-shape cross-section removably coupled onto the cutting bar.

[0106] In some embodiments, the apparatus is mainly assembled from two pieces including the left housing section and the right housing section, which define the nozzle assembly, the base, and the handle after assembled with screws. In some embodiments, the plurality of rollers include four or less roller in total. The plurality of rollers include a pair of a second roller and a third roller disposed parallel to each other to provide a nip at one end of the nozzle assembly, and a fourth roller disposed inside the housing and between the first roller and the pair of the second and third rollers.

[0107] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a lightweight, easy to use, hand-held apparatus or applicator and a method for applying drywall tape to wallboard and ceiling joints when finishing walls during construction. The applicator comprises a left housing section and a right housing section including a base, a handle with grips, and a left nozzle and a right nozzle mechanism, a cutting bar and four rollers of the same size. The tool is used with water-based or water-actuated adhesive-backed paper drywall tape to be applied to wall and ceiling joints. The applicator allows easy application of drywall tape in select lengths to the desired wallboard, ceiling or corner joint. The nozzle mechanism rotates and allows the operator to hold the tool in his right or left hand to apply tape from left to right or from right to left and to apply the tape either vertically or horizontally. The nozzle mechanism has a guide piece that facilitates application of the tape in a straight line. A roll is attached to the top of the apparatus in roll holders inside the interior of both the left and right housing. The feeding edge of the tape is fed through guides to rollers and around a roll holding feature into a removable basin of water where contact with water actuates the adhesive on the underside of the tape. The tape then passes through another roller and is pulled through a pair of adjacent rollers that form a nip in the nozzle end of the apparatus. The operator presses the nozzle end of the tool against the wall surface to easily apply tape into the wall or ceiling joint with one easy swing of the arm. The tool permits the operator to easily twist his or her arm to sever the tape in select lengths using a serrated cutting bar affixed to the top of the nozzle mechanism.

[0108] The applicator tool can be enlarged in size to apply longer rolls of tape, or made smaller to apply narrower-width drywall tape. Although the present invention has been described in detail and with particularity, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.