Automated Machines and Methods to Apply Tape to a Surface

Abstract

A machine to apply tape to a surface includes a handle for manipulation by a user connected to a wheeled applicator allowing the tape to be dispensed from the applicator and rolled onto a surface. The applicator includes two sidewalls adjustable relative to each other on guide bars to define space therebetween where rolls of tape having different widths can be accommodated. The sidewalls further include bottom portions shaped complimentarily with the wheel to define a path sized for a width of the tape around the wheel, and where the sidewalls further define a path sized for the width of the tape over at least one guide bar. The applicator also may include a clutched take-up reel operatively connected to the wheel, where rotation of the wheel causes the take-up reel to rotate and collect a liner.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An automated machine to apply tape to a surface, the machine comprising:
 A housing supporting a tape dispenser including two sidewalls each having an inwardly facing protrusion, the sidewalls adjustable relative to each other on at least one guide bar to define a space of varying width, where a roll of floor tape can be accommodated in the space of varying width and where the roll of floor tape can rotate on the inwardly facing protrusions to dispense the floor tape around a wheel onto the surface;   a take-up reel operatively connected to the wheel, where rotation of the wheel on the surface causes the take-up reel to rotate and collect a liner from the floor tape as it is dispensed; and   a processor programmed to control movement of the housing to dispense the floor tape along a path.   
     
     
         2 . A method as described herein.