Drywall tape dispensing mudbox

Abstract

A drywall tape dispensing tool for applying drywall tape and joint compound simultaneously to a drywall joint. The apparatus includes a tape dispensing mechanism fastened to a housing with a chamber for holding drywall joint compound. A tape is passed from the dispenser through the chamber where both sides of the tape are exposed to the compound. Excess compound is removed from the tape as it passes through a tape dispensing slot. An adjustable plate allows a user to selectively determine the amount of joint compound removed from the tape and the amount of pull necessary to bring the tape through the chamber.

1 . A drywall tape dispensing tool comprising: A housing formed of rigid plastic, the housing defining a chamber for holding a quantity of joint compound and comprised of a hinged door and an opposed side with four walls between the hinged door and the side; a tape dispenser fastened generally rearward the housing, a first taped slot through the housing wall adjacent the tape dispenser, a second tape slot through the forward wall of the housing, a slidable plate substantially adjacent the second tape slot for exerting a predetermined pressure against the tape as it is dispensed through the second tape slot, a rigid paddle fastened to the housing substantially near the second tape slot, and at least one handle fastened to the housing for grasping by the user. 
   
   
       2 . The drywall tape dispensing tool of  claim 1  wherein the paddle and the tape guide are formed from a single piece of metal. 
   
   
       3 . The drywall tape dispensing tool of  claim 1  further comprising two wear bars adjacent to the second tape slot to prevent wear to the housing. 
   
   
       4 . A drywall tape dispensing box comprising: A housing defining a chamber to contain a compound to be applied to the tape and having a top wall, bottom wall, front wall, back wall, and side walls, and a first and second tape slot; a tape dispenser attached to the housing for supplying tape to the chamber such that the tape overlies the compound contained therein; a vertically adjustable plate substantially adjacent the second tape slot; a horizontally movable paddle adjacent the second tape slot against which tape is forced as it is dispensed; and wherein the plate is vertically adjustable for the exertion of a predetermined amount of force against the tape as it is dispensed through the second tape slot; two wear bars, one positioned on either lateral side of the second tape slot to be replaced if grooved to prevent leakage of joint compound; at least one handle for grasping by the user, and wherein tape is forcibly pulled through the chamber of the box where it is coated with joint compound and then passed through the second tape slot for application on drywall joints by the user. 
   
   
       5 . The drywall tape dispensing tool of  claim 4  wherein one side wall comprises a hinged door on the housing for easily accessing the housing chamber and a plurality of frictional retention clips for securing the hinged door to the housing. 
   
   
       6 . The drywall tape dispensing tool of  claim 4  wherein the horizontally oriented paddle is provide with a serrated edge for cutting the tape. 
   
   
       7 . The drywall tape dispensing tool of  claim 4  wherein the vertically adjustable plate and the paddle are formed from a single piece of metal.