Universal Masking Tool

Abstract

A combination right and left-handed masking tool for painters, drywallers and other construction workers is disclosed. The invention provides housing masking tape dispensers located on both the left and right sides of a masking tool both connected to a flat support member. The combination right and left-handed masking tool operates in the same fashion as existing right-handed masking tool using a tape dispenser on the right side but includes the added feature of supporting a left-handed tape dispenser. An adjustable handle is attached to the flat support member connected between the right and left-handed tape dispensers and may be repositioned towards the either end of the flat support member or at its center for better balance and ergonomics during use.

Claims

1. A universal masking tool for painters, drywallers and other construction workers, comprising: a masking tape dispenser body, said masking tape dispenser body housing left and right-side masking tool tape dispensers, said left and right-side masking tool tape dispensers both connected to a flat support member, wherein an adjustable handle is attached to a center of said flat support member connected between the right and left-handed tape dispensers.

2. The universal masking tool according to claim 1 wherein said adjustable handle may be repositioned towards either end of said flat support member.

3. The universal masking tool according to claim 1 wherein said adjustable handle may be repositioned at a center of said flat support member for better balance and ergonomics during use.

4. The universal masking tool according to claim 1 wherein said combination right and left-handed masking tool operates in the same fashion as existing right-handed masking tool using a tape dispenser on the right side but includes the added feature of supporting a left-handed tape dispenser.

5. The universal masking tool according to claim 1 wherein said combination right and left-handed masking tool is fabricated using an ultra-using wood.

6. The universal masking tool according to claim 1 wherein said combination right and left-handed masking tool is fabricated using an plastic.

7. The universal masking tool according to claim 1 wherein said combination right and left-handed masking tool is fabricated using an ultra-using metal.

8. The universal masking tool according to claim 1 wherein said combination right and left-handed masking tool measures approximately 7 to 8 inches tall.

9. The universal masking tool according to claim 1 wherein said combination right and left-handed masking tool measures approximately 9 to 10 inches long.

10. The universal masking tool according to claim 1 wherein said combination right and left-handed masking tool measures 14 inches wide.

11. The universal masking tool according to claim 1 wherein said combination right and left-handed masking tool is fabricated using metal fasteners and a cutting blade.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a prior art right-handed masking tool; and

[0009] FIG. 2 is a graphical picture of the universal masking tool in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a combination right and left-handed masking tool for painters, drywallers and other construction workers. Unlike existing right-handed masking tools currently available on the market, the invention provides a masking tape dispenser located on both the left and right sides along with a centralized handle. Turning back to FIG. 1 there is shown a pictorial view of a prior art right-handed masking tool 10. The prior art right-handed masking tool 10 houses a tape roll holder 58 located at the left hand side of the tool, as viewed from a forward direction, paper roll R is engaged on paper roll holder 24 as the latter is urged through opening 26 towards the left hand side of frame 12, with stop collar 40 suitably located on holder 24 or omitted therefrom as the case may be, according to the width of paper roll R, so that when holder 24 is snapped into position roll R will be free to rotate on the holder, but will be retained in a fixed axial position.

[0011] The leading edge L of masking paper from roll R is threaded manually through slot 46 in a manner to exit forwardly therefrom, the forward offset of one of jaws 48 from the other facilitating the threading. The threading is further facilitated by rounding jaws 48 at 62 at the rearward entrance to slot 46. A roll of masking tape T is engaged on tape roll holder 58, it being noted that the masking tape T and paper roll R are both positioned in a manner to unwind in the same rotational sense from the top of the respective rolls. The axial offset of arm 56 will be such that masking tape from roll T overlaps the left hand margin of the masking paper from roll R to form a composite masking M for application to a surface.

[0012] When a sufficient length of masking M has been dispensed, it may be severed by either of jaws 48 by a upward or downward movement of jaws 48, as is convenient. During the severing operation and at other times it is often desirable to prevent masking paper roll R from turning, or to provide a frictional resistance to turning, and handles 54 is disposed on frame 12 whereby when the handle is grasped by the hand H of a user during normal operation, as seen in FIG. 1, one or more fingers of that hand may extend to about the geometric axis of roll R whereby a suitable braking resistance may be provided by the fingers.

[0013] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a combination right and left-handed masking tool 70 for painters, drywallers and other construction workers. The combination right and left-handed masking tool 70 houses tape dispensers 72 and 78, respectively, located on both the left-hand portion 78 and right-hand portion 72 of the masking tool 70 are both connected to a flat support member 80. The combination right and left-handed masking tool 70 operates in the same fashion as existing right handed masking tool using a tape dispenser on the right side but includes the added feature of supporting a left-handed tape dispenser. An adjustable handle 82 is attached to the flat support member connected between the right and left-handed tape dispensers and may be repositioned towards the either end of the flat support member 80 or at its center for better balance and ergonomics during use.

[0014] The right-hand portion 72 of this tool 70 which would work very well with walls and three sides of windows and cabinets. The left-hand portion 78 of this tool 70 would readily accommodate ceilings and the bottom of windows and cabinets where current right-hand masking tools traditionally operate very poorly. It should be understood that using a masking tool having both left and right masking dispensers would save considerable time when masking and less physical demand and stress on the user.

[0015] The universal masking tool could be used extensively by professional painters and drywall installers on all paint and drywall texture applications. It may also be used in various other possible situations where certain surfaces or objects need to be protected from stains, concrete, or other liquids or partially-liquid substances that might splash on finished products.

[0016] The universal masking tool 70 of the present invention would speed up important projects and reduce time thereby saving a business money. It would also enable the masking work to be performed in a less physically demanding manner to keep the user from becoming stressed and fatigued. The strong plastic hand tool 70 would also be durable, affordable, and very user-friendly.

[0017] The universal masking tool 70 of the present invention measures approximately 7 to 8 inches tall, 9 to 10 inches long and 14 inches wide. It would be made from plastic, wood or metal with some metal fasteners and a cutting blade. In summary, the modified and enhanced masking tool would utilize the existing right handed masking tool with the tape dispenser on the right side, only adding a flat support member across the top to another tape dispenser on the left side handle which may be repositioned towards the center for better balance and ergonomics.

[0018] While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiment thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.