Reusable Barrier Tape Device

Abstract

A reusable barrier tape device for extending a reusable barrier tape around an area and retracting the reusable barrier tape onto a reel includes a spool rotatably coupled to a housing. A tape is coiled around the spool. The spool is rotatable to selectively extend and retract the tape from the housing. The tape has an inner end loop that is removably coupled to the spool and an outer end loop that is distally positioned relative to the inner end loop. A clip is coupled to the outer end loop of the tape. The clip is openable wherein the clip is configured to facilitate securement of the tape to an external structure when the tape is wrapped around the external structure. A crank is operably engaged with the spool wherein rotation of the crank rotates the spool.

Claims

1. A caution tape reel assembly comprising: a housing; a spool being rotatably coupled to the housing; a tape being coiled around the spool wherein the spool is rotatable in a first direction to uncoil the tape for extension of the tape from the housing and wherein the spool is rotatable in a second direction to coil the tape around the spool for retraction of the tape onto the spool, the tape being removably coupled to the housing wherein the tape is removable from the housing when the tape is completely uncoiled from the spool, the tape further including: an inner end loop being removably coupled to the spool; an outer end loop being distally positioned relative to the inner end loop; an indicium being printed on the tape, the indicium being a cautionary indicium selected from a group of cautionary indicia wherein the cautionary indicium is configured to convey a message to inhibit a user from crossing the tape when the tape is extended around an area; a clip being coupled to the outer end loop of the tape, the clip being openable wherein the clip is configured to facilitate securement of the tape to an external structure when the tape is wrapped around the external structure, the clip including: a clip pin being coupled to the outer end loop; a clevis being coupled to the clip pin, the clevis being pivotably coupled to the clip pin wherein a lateral end of the clevis is pivotable away from the clip pin into an open position, the inner end loop of the tape being positionable around the clevis when the lateral end of the clevis is in the open position whereby the inner end loop of the tape is couplable to the clip; and a crank being coupled to the housing, the crank being operably engaged with the spool wherein the crank is rotatable in the first direction to rotate the spool in the first direction for extension of the tape from the housing and wherein the crank is rotatable in the second direction to rotate the spool in the second direction for retraction of the tape onto the spool.

2. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 1, the housing further comprising a pair of plates being parallel to each other, the pair of plates being spaced from each other.

3. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 2, the housing further comprising a handle being coupled to and extending between the pair of plates, the handle extending upwardly from the pair of plates.

4. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 2, the housing further comprising a pair of guide rollers being coupled to and extending between the pair of plates, the pair of guide rollers being spaced from and being adjacent to each other wherein the pair of guide rollers define a guide slot, the tape extending through the guide slot between the pair of guide rollers wherein the pair of guide rollers is configured to facilitate the tape in being extended and retracted from the housing and wherein the pair of guide rollers is configured to inhibit the tape from being horizontally folded when the tape is being extended and retracted from the housing.

5. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 2, the pair of plates further comprising: a first plate aperture extending through a first plate of the pair of plates; and a second plate aperture extending through a second plate of the pair of plates, the second plate aperture being aligned with the first plate aperture, the second plate aperture being centrally positioned on the second plate.

6. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 5, the pair of plates further comprising: a first plate mount being coupled to the first plate, the first plate mount having a cavity being aligned with the first plate aperture; and a second plate mount being coupled to the second plate, the second plate mount having a through hole being aligned with the second plate aperture.

7. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 6, the cavity further comprising a threaded inner surface.

8. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 7, the spool further comprising: a head being positionable against an outer surface of the second plate mount when the spool is coupled to the pair of plates, the head having a diameter exceeding a diameter of the through hole extending through the second plate mount; a rod being coupled to and extending outwardly from the head, the rod having a diameter being less than a diameter of the through hole wherein the rod is positionable within the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture; a terminal end of the rod being distal to the head; and a rod threading extending from the terminal end along the rod, the rod threading being complementary to the threaded inner surface of the cavity within the first plate mount wherein the spool is threadably couplable to the first plate mount.

9. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 6, the crank further comprising: a leg being coupled to the first plate mount, the first plate mount being rotatably coupled to the first plate wherein rotation of the leg rotates the first plate mount on the first plate around the first plate aperture and wherein rotation of the first plate mount rotates the spool to selectively extend and retract the tape relative to the housing; and a foot being coupled to the leg distally to the first plate mount, the foot extending outwardly from the leg wherein the foot is configured to facilitate the user in rotating the leg.

10. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 1, wherein the crank is pivotably coupled to the housing wherein the crank is pivotable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the crank being rotatable when the crank is in the unlocked position, the crank being inhibited from being rotated when the crank is in the locked position.

11. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 10, further comprising a locking mechanism being coupled to the crank, the locking mechanism being engaged when the crank is in the locked position wherein the locking mechanism is configured to inhibit the crank from being rotated whereby the locking mechanism inhibits the spool from being rotated to inhibit the tape from being extended or retracted from the housing.

12. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 11, the locking mechanism further comprising: a pivot pin coupling the crank to the housing wherein the crank pivots around the pivot pin between the locked position and the unlocked position; and a leaf spring being coupled to the housing, the leaf spring being positioned adjacent to the pivot pin, the leaf spring being biased outwardly from the housing wherein the leaf spring abuts the crank to inhibit the crank from being pivoted between the locked position and the unlocked position and wherein the leaf spring is configured to retract inwardly toward the housing when the user pivots the crank between the locked position and the unlocked position.

13. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 1, the tape further comprising an elongated body extending between the inner end loop and the outer end loop, the indicium being positioned on the elongated body, the elongated body being non-adhesive.

14. The caution tape reel assembly of claim 1, the housing further comprising a pair of plates being spaced from each other, each plate of the pair of plates including: a first flange; and a second flange extending outwardly from opposing lateral sides of the first flange wherein the first flange and the second flange form an x-shape.

15. A caution tape reel assembly comprising: a housing including: a pair of plates being parallel to each other, the pair of plates being spaced from each other, the pair of plates including: a first plate aperture extending through a first plate of the pair of plates; a first plate mount being coupled to the first plate, the first plate mount having a cavity being aligned with the first plate aperture, the cavity having a threaded inner surface, the first plate mount being circular; a second plate aperture extending through a second plate of the pair of plates, the second plate aperture being aligned with the first plate aperture, the second plate aperture being centrally positioned on the second plate; a second plate mount being coupled to the second plate, the second plate mount having a through hole being aligned with the second plate aperture, the second plate mount being circular; a handle being coupled to and extending between the pair of plates, the handle extending upwardly from the pair of plates, the handle including: a cutout extending through the handle wherein the cutout is configured to facilitate a user in gripping the handle; a grip being positioned within the cutout, the grip being coupled to and extending downwardly from the handle toward the housing wherein the grip is configured to facilitate the user is gripping the handle; each plate of the pair of plates including: a first flange being vertically oriented, the first flange being elongated, the handle being positioned on the first flange; a second flange being coupled to the first flange, the second flange being elongated, the second flange extending outwardly from opposing lateral sides of the first flange wherein the first flange and the second flange form an x-shape, the second flange being angled downwardly extending outwardly from the opposing lateral sides of the first flange and extending downwardly from the handle; a plurality of spacers being coupled to and extending between the pair of plates wherein the plurality of spacers is configured to stabilize a position of the first plate relative to the second plate, the plurality of spacers being positioned adjacent to an outer edge of the second flange of each plate of the pair of plates; a pair of guide rollers being coupled to and extending between the pair of plates, the pair of guide rollers being distally positioned on the first flange of each plate of the pair of plates relative to the handle, the pair of guide rollers being spaced from and being adjacent to each other wherein the pair of guide rollers define a guide slot being perpendicular to the pair of plates, the pair of guide rollers being rotatably coupled to the pair of plates wherein each roller of the pair of guide rollers is rotatable within the housing; a spur being coupled to the pair of plates adjacent to the pair of guide rollers, the spur extending downwardly from the housing wherein the spur is configured to contact a supporting surface to facilitate the user in maintaining a position of the housing when the user is gripping the handle, the spur including: a tip being distal to the housing, the tip being pointed; a spool being rotatably couplable to the housing, the spool extending between the pair of plates when the spool is coupled to the housing, the spool being centrally positioned on each plate of the pair of plates, the spool being removably couplable to the housing, the spool including: a head being positionable against an outer surface of the second plate mount when the spool is coupled to the pair of plates, the head having a diameter exceeding a diameter of the through hole extending through the second plate mount; a rod being coupled to and extending outwardly from the head, the rod having a diameter being less than a diameter of the through hole wherein the rod is positionable within the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture; a spool slot extending through the rod, the spool slot being parallel to the guide slot when the spool is coupled to the housing; a terminal end of the rod being distal to the head, the spool slot extending through the terminal end; a rod threading extending from the terminal end along the rod, the rod threading being complementary to the threaded inner surface of the cavity within the first plate mount wherein the spool is threadably couplable to the first plate mount; a tape being coiled around the spool wherein the spool is rotatable in a first direction to uncoil the tape for extension of the tape from the housing and wherein the spool is rotatable in a second direction to coil the tape around the spool for retraction of the tape onto the spool, the tape extending through the guide slot between the pair of guide rollers wherein the pair of guide rollers is configured to facilitate the tape in being extended and retracted from the housing and wherein the pair of guide rollers is configured to inhibit the tape from being horizontally folded when the tape is being extended and retracted from the housing, the tape being a high visibility color wherein the high visibility color is configured to increase visibility of the tape to the user, the tape having a width between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches, the tape having a length between 100.0 feet and 300.0 feet, the tape being removably coupled to the spool wherein the tape is removable from the spool when the tape is completely uncoiled from the spool, the tape further including: an indicium being printed on the tape, the indicium being a cautionary indicium selected from a group of cautionary indicia wherein the cautionary indicium is configured to convey a message to inhibit the user from crossing the tape when the tape is extended around an area, the group of cautionary indicia consisting of: caution; hazard; police line; do not cross; crime scene; closed; warning; danger; do not enter; authorized personnel only; and construction; an inner end loop being removably coupled to the spool, the inner end loop being positionable around the rod through the spool slot to couple the tape to the spool, the inner end loop being slidable outwardly from the rod past the terminal end to remove the tape from the spool; an outer end loop being distally positioned relative to the inner end loop; an elongated body extending between the inner end loop and the outer end loop, the indicium being positioned on the elongated body, the elongated body being non-adhesive; a clip being coupled to the outer end loop of the tape, the clip being openable wherein the clip is configured to facilitate securement of the tape to an external structure when the tape is wrapped around the external structure, the clip including: a clip pin being coupled to the outer end loop; a retainer being coupled to the clip pin wherein the retainer secures the outer end loop to the clip pin; a clevis being coupled to the clip pin, the clevis being pivotably coupled to the clip pin wherein a lateral end of the clevis is pivotable away from the clip pin into an open position, the lateral end of the clevis being positioned adjacent to the retainer wherein the retainer inhibits the outer end loop of the tape from being removed from the clip when the lateral end of the clevis is in the open position, the inner end loop of the tape being positionable around the clevis when the lateral end of the clevis is in the open position whereby the inner end loop of the tape is couplable to the clip; a crank being coupled to the housing, the crank being centrally positioned on the first plate of the pair of plates, the crank being operably engaged with the spool wherein the crank is rotatable in the first direction to rotate the spool in the first direction for extension of the tape from the housing and wherein the crank is rotatable in the second direction to rotate the spool in the second direction for retraction of the tape onto the spool, the crank being pivotably coupled to the housing wherein the crank is pivotable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the crank being rotatable when the crank is in the unlocked position, the crank being inhibited from being rotated when the crank is in the locked position, the crank including: a leg being coupled to the first plate mount, the first plate mount being rotatably coupled to the first plate wherein rotation of the leg rotates the first plate mount on the first plate around the first plate aperture and wherein rotation of the first plate mount rotates the spool to selectively extend and retract the tape relative to the housing; a foot being coupled to the leg distally to the first plate mount, the foot extending outwardly from the leg wherein the foot is configured to facilitate the user in rotating the leg, the foot being perpendicular to the leg; a locking mechanism being coupled to the crank, the locking mechanism being engaged when the crank is in the locked position wherein the locking mechanism is configured to inhibit the crank from being rotated whereby the locking mechanism inhibits the spool from being rotated to inhibit the tape from being extended or retracted from the housing, the locking mechanism including: a pivot pin coupling the crank to the first plate mount wherein the crank pivots around the pivot pin between the locked position and the unlocked position; a leaf spring being coupled to the first plate mount, the leaf spring being positioned adjacent to the pivot pin, the leaf spring being biased outwardly from the first plate mount wherein the leaf spring abuts the crank to inhibit the crank from being pivoted between the locked position and the unlocked position and wherein the leaf spring is configured to retract inwardly toward the first plate mount when the user pivots the crank between the locked position and the unlocked position; and the foot extending outwardly from the leg of the crank toward the first plate of the housing when the crank is in the locked position wherein the foot abuts the first plate of the housing to inhibit the crank from being rotated.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0013] The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a reusable barrier tape device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a rear view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a detail isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a detail isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 12 thereof, a new security border device embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0027] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 12, the reusable barrier tape device 10 generally comprises a housing 12. For example, the housing 12 may include a pair of plates 14. The pair of plates 14 may be parallel to each other. The pair of plates 14 are generally spaced from each other.

[0028] A first plate aperture 16 may extend through a first plate 18 of the pair of plates 14. A first plate mount 86 may be coupled to the first plate 18. The first plate mount 86 may have a cavity 88 that is aligned with the first plate aperture 16. The cavity 88 may have a threaded inner surface 20. The first plate mount 86 may be circular.

[0029] A second plate aperture 22 may extend through a second plate 24 of the pair of plates 14. The second plate aperture 22 is generally aligned with the first plate aperture 16. The second plate aperture 22 may be centrally positioned on the second plate 24. A second plate mount 90 may be coupled to the second plate 24. The second plate mount 90 may have a through hole 92 that is aligned with the second plate aperture 22. The second plate mount 90 may be circular.

[0030] The housing 12 may also include a handle 40. For example, the handle 40 may extend between the pair of plates 14. The handle 40 generally extends upwardly from the pair of plates 14. The handle 40 may include a cutout 42 that extends through the handle 40 wherein the cutout 42 is configured to facilitate a user in gripping the handle 40. A grip 44 may be positioned within the cutout 42. The grip 44 may be coupled to and extend downwardly from the handle 40 toward the housing 12 wherein the grip 44 is configured to facilitate the user is gripping the handle 40. In some embodiments, the grip 44 may comprise a rubber material wherein the grip is configured to increase friction between the handle 40 and a hand of the user to inhibit the handle 40 from slipping when the user is holding the handle 40.

[0031] Each plate of the pair of plates 14 may include a first flange 106 that may vertically oriented relative to the handle 40. For example, the handle 40 may be positioned on the first flange 106 and the first flange 106 of each plate of the pair of plates 14 may extend downwardly from the handle 40. The first flange 106 may be elongated.

[0032] A second flange 108 may be coupled to the first flange 106. The second flange 108 may extend outwardly from opposing lateral sides of the first flange 106 wherein the first flange 106 and the second flange 108 form an x-shape. The second flange 108 may be horizontally oriented relative to the first flange 106. The second flange 108 may be angled downwardly relative to the first flange 106. For example, the second flange 108 may be angled downwardly extending outwardly from the opposing lateral sides of the first flange 106 and extending downwardly from the handle 40. The second flange 108 may be elongated.

[0033] A plurality of spacers 46 may be coupled to and extend between the pair of plates 14 wherein the plurality of spacers 46 is configured to stabilize a position of the first plate 18 relative to the second plate 24. The plurality of spacers 46 may be positioned adjacent to an outer edge of the second flange 108 of each plate of the pair of plates 14.

[0034] A pair of guide rollers 48 may be coupled to and extend between the pair of plates 14. The pair of guide rollers 48 may be distally positioned on the first flange 106 of each plate of the pair of plates 14 relative to the handle 40. The pair of guide rollers 48 is generally spaced from and adjacent to each other wherein the pair of guide rollers 48 define a guide slot 50. The guide slot 50 may be perpendicular to the first flange 106 of each plate of the pair of plates 14. The pair of guide rollers 48 may be rotatably coupled to the pair of plates 14 wherein each roller of the pair of guide rollers 48 is rotatable within the housing 12.

[0035] A spur 52 may be coupled to the pair of plates 14 adjacent to the pair of guide rollers 48, the spur 52 extending downwardly from the housing 12 wherein the spur 52 is configured to contact a supporting surface to facilitate the user in maintaining a position of the housing 12 when the user is gripping the handle 40. For example, the supporting surface may comprise a tree, the ground, a fence, or another object. The spur 52 may include a tip 102 that is distal to the housing 12. The tip 102 may be pointed, and the spur 52 may be angled extending downwardly and inwardly from the housing 12 to the tip 102.

[0036] A spool 26 is rotatably coupled to the housing 12. The spool 26 may extend between the pair of plates 14. The spool 26 may be centrally positioned on each plate of the pair of plates 14. The spool 26 may be removably couplable to the housing 12.

[0037] The spool 26 may include a head 28 that is positionable against an outer surface 30 of the second plate mount 90 when the spool 26 is coupled to the pair of plates 14. The head 28 generally has a diameter exceeding a diameter of the through hole 92 extending through the second plate mount 90. A rod 32 may be coupled to and extend outwardly from the head 28. The rod 32 generally has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the through hole 92 wherein the rod 32 is positionable within the second plate aperture 22 through the through hole 92. The rod 32 may have a length exceeding a distance between the first plate 18 and the second plate 24 wherein the rod 32 extends into the first plate aperture 16 when the spool 26 is coupled to the pair of plates 14.

[0038] A spool slot 34 may extend through the rod 32. The spool slot 34 may be parallel to the guide slot 50 when the spool 26 is coupled to the housing 12. A terminal end 36 of the rod 32 may be distal to the head 28. The spool slot 34 may extend through the terminal end 36. A rod threading 38 may extend from the terminal end 36 along the rod 32. The rod threading 38 is generally complementary to the threaded inner surface 20 of the cavity 88 within the first plate mount 86 wherein the spool 26 is threadably couplable to the first plate mount 86.

[0039] A tape 54 is coiled around the spool 26. The spool 26 is rotatable in a first direction to uncoil the tape 54 for extension of the tape 54 from the housing 12. The spool 26 is rotatable in a second direction to coil the tape 54 around the spool 26 for retraction of the tape 54 onto the spool 26 and into the housing 12. The tape 54 may extend through the guide slot 50 between the pair of guide rollers 48 wherein the pair of guide rollers 48 is configured to facilitate extension and retraction of the tape 54 relative to the housing 12. The pair of guide rollers 48 may be configured to inhibit the tape 54 from folding horizontally along a length of the tape 54 when the tape 54 is extended and retracted from the housing 12.

[0040] The tape 54 may be a high visibility color. The high visibility color is generally configured to increase visibility of the tape 54 to the user. For example, the high visibility color may include a florescent color, such as green, yellow, orange, red, blue, purple, or pink. The tape 54 may have a width between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches. The tape 54 may have a length between 100.0 feet and 300.0 feet. The tape 54 may be removably coupled to the spool 26 wherein the tape 54 is removable from the spool 26 when the tape 54 is completely uncoiled from the spool 26.

[0041] An indicium 56 may be printed on the tape 54. The indicium 56 may be a cautionary indicium that is selected from a group of cautionary indicia. The cautionary indicium is generally configured to convey a message to inhibit the user from crossing the tape 54 when the tape 54 is extended around an area. In other words, the cautionary indicium is generally configured to convey the message that the area beyond the tape 54, or the area enclosed within a perimeter defined by the tape 54, is off-limits or dangerous. The group of cautionary indicia may consist of words such as caution, hazard, police line, do not cross, crime scene, closed, warning, danger, do not enter, authorized personnel only, and construction. This group, or list, is not considered an exhaustive list and the group of cautionary indicia may include other cautionary indicia or wording.

[0042] An inner end loop 58 may be removably coupled to the spool 26. The inner end loop 58 may be positionable around the rod 32 through the spool slot 34 to couple the tape 54 to the spool 26. The inner end loop 58 may be slidable outwardly from the rod 32 past the terminal end 36 to remove the tape 54 from the spool 26. An outer end loop 60 may be distally positioned relative to the inner end loop 58. An elongated body 104 may extend between the inner end loop 58 and the outer end loop 60. The indicium 56 is generally positioned on one or both sides of the elongated body 104. The elongated body 104 is generally non-adhesive.

[0043] A clip 62 may be coupled to the outer end loop 60 of the tape 54. The clip 62 may be openable wherein the clip 62 is configured to facilitate securement of the tape 54 to an external structure 64 when the tape 54 is wrapped around the external structure 64. For example, the external structure 64 may comprising a post, a tree, or another object around which the tape 54 may be wrapped so that the tape 54 can be positioned to extend around the area enclosed within the perimeter defined by the tape 54.

[0044] The clip 62 may include a clip pin 66 that is coupled to the outer end loop 60. For example, the clip pin 66 may extend through the outer end loop 60. A retainer 68 may be coupled to the clip pin 66 wherein the retainer 68 secures the outer end loop 60 to the clip pin 66.

[0045] A clevis 70 may be coupled to the clip pin 66. The clevis 70 may be pivotably coupled to the clip pin 66 wherein a lateral end 72 of the clevis 70 is pivotable away from the clip pin 66 into an open position 74. The lateral end 72 of the clevis 70 may be positioned adjacent to the retainer 68 wherein the retainer 68 inhibits the outer end loop 60 of the tape 54 from being removed from the clip 62 when the lateral end 72 of the clevis 70 is in the open position 74. The inner end loop 58 of the tape 54 may be positionable around the clevis 70 when the lateral end 72 of the clevis 70 is in the open position 74 whereby the inner end loop 58 of the tape 54 is couplable to the clip 62. The inner end loop 58 of the tape 54 may be couplable to the clip 62 to facilitate releasably coupling the tape 54 with a secondary tape 76 thereby increasing a length of the tape 54. For example, if the perimeter of the area being marked by the tape 54 is longer than the length of the tape 54, the tape 54 may be releasably coupled to the secondary tape 76 using the clevis 70 of the clip 62.

[0046] A crank 78 is coupled to the housing 12. For example, the crank 78 may be centrally positioned on the first plate 18 of the pair of plates 14. The crank 78 is operably engaged with the spool 26 wherein the crank 78 is rotatable in the first direction to rotate the spool 26 in the first direction for extension of the tape 54 from the housing 12 and wherein the crank 78 is rotatable in the second direction to rotate the spool 26 in the second direction for retraction of the tape 54 onto the spool 26.

[0047] The crank 78 may include a leg 98 that is coupled to the first plate mount 86. The first plate mount 86 may be rotatably coupled to the first plate 18 wherein rotation of the leg 98 rotates the first plate mount 86 on the first plate 18 around the first plate aperture 16 and wherein rotation of the first plate mount 86 rotates the spool 26 to selectively extend and retract the tape 54 relative to the housing 12. A foot 96 may be coupled to the leg 98 distally to the first plate mount 86. The foot 96 may extend outwardly from the leg 98 wherein the foot 96 is configured to facilitate the user in rotating the leg 98. The foot 96 may be perpendicular to the leg 98.

[0048] The crank 78 may be pivotably coupled to the housing 12 wherein the crank 78 is pivotable between an unlocked position 80 and a locked position 82. The crank 78 is rotatable when the crank 78 is in the unlocked position 80. The crank 78 is inhibited from rotating when the crank 78 is in the locked position 82.

[0049] A locking mechanism 84 may be coupled to the crank 78. The locking mechanism 84 is engaged when the crank 78 is in the locked position 82. The locking mechanism 84 is configured to inhibit the crank 78 from rotating whereby the locking mechanism 84 inhibits the spool 26 from rotating to inhibit the tape 54 from extending or retracting relative to the housing 12.

[0050] The locking mechanism 84 may include a pivot pin 94 that couples the crank 78 to the first plate mount 86. For example, the pivot pin 94 may extend through the leg 98 into the first plate mount 86. The crank 78 pivots around the pivot pin 94 between the locked position 82 and the unlocked position 80.

[0051] A leaf spring 100 may be coupled to the first plate mount 86. The leaf spring 100 is generally positioned adjacent to the pivot pin 94. The leaf spring 100 is generally biased outwardly from the first plate mount 86 wherein the leaf spring 100 abuts the crank 78 to inhibit the crank 78 from pivoting between the locked position 82 and the unlocked position 80. The leaf spring 100 is configured to retract inwardly toward the first plate mount 86 when the user pivots the crank 78 between the locked position 82 and the unlocked position 80.

[0052] The foot 96 may extend outwardly from the leg 98 of the crank 78 toward the first plate 18 of the housing 12 when the crank 78 is in the locked position 82 wherein the foot 96 abuts the first plate 18 of the housing 12 to inhibit the crank 78 from is rotated. For example, the foot 96 may abut one of the first flange 106 and the second flange 108 of the first plate 18.

[0053] In use, the crank 78 can be rotated in the first direction to uncoil the tape 54 from the spool 26 and extend the tape 54 from the housing 12. The tape 54 may move through the guide slot 50 between the pair of guide rollers 48 as the tape 54 is extended outwardly from the housing 12. The tape 54 can be extended around the perimeter of an area that the user wants to cordon off. For example, the tape 54 may be extended around a crime scene, an accident scene, a construction site, or another area. The tape 54 may be wrapped around the external structure 64, such as a pole or a tree, as the tape 54 is positioned around the perimeter of the area. Accordingly, the tape 54 generally comprises a flexible or bendable material.

[0054] The inner end loop 58 of the tape 54 can be removed from the spool 26 and positioned around the clevis 70 of the clip pin 66, for example to connect the tape 54 in a loop around the area. In another example, the secondary tape 76 can be attached to the tape 54 by coupling the inner end loop 58 of the secondary tape 76 to the clevis 70 of the clip pin 66 coupled to the outer end loop 60 of the tape 54. In this example, the secondary tape 76 can effectively increase the length of the tape 54 to increase the dimensions of the area that can be marked or cordoned off by the tape 54. The crank 78 can be rotated in the second direction to re-coil the tape 54 around the spool 26 and retract the tape 54 into the housing 12 when the area no longer needs to be marked off.

[0055] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0056] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word comprising is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article a does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.