JP5175209B2 - Filler finishing tool - Google Patents

Description

Cross-referenced related patent applications: none Federally funded research: not applicable Continuous list or program: not applicable

  The present invention relates to a hand-held tool used for smoothing a filler and smoothing a boundary (feathering).

  Do-it-yourself home centers and paint stores typically provide customers with fillers to improve the look of their work. Such fillers include door frames, windows, skirting boards, bathtubs, showers, sinks and walls, corners and other gaps that craftsmen want to finish or seal. Used for parts. Originally, fillers were generally applied using human fingers, sticks, spoons and the like. Later, several types of tools were created by the inventor to accomplish the task. Some tools are used with caulking guns. Other tools are hand-held, but have various limitations. It would be beneficial to have an effective tool for smoothing and feathering fillers that can adapt to various angled intersections and irregular surfaces, and can create a craftsman-finished look. is there.

  Several tools have been proposed so far, for example, US Pat. No. 6,305,926 issued to Ray on Oct. 21, 2001. This Ray tool is attached to the finger to smooth the filler, but care must be taken not to touch the place where the filler is not desired, or the tool should be removed from the finger and used again. It is necessary to put it on again when you want to. In the case of U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,878 issued to Deverry on April 24, 2001 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,890 issued to Marchbanks, there is an extra amount beyond proper functioning. A quantity of filler must be applied. Both tools are designed to accumulate excess filler, resulting in waste and the need to remove and clean the excess filler from the tool. US Pat. No. 5,792,489, issued to Riverman on August 11, 1998, has many parts and is expensive to manufacture and difficult to clean. U.S. Pat. No. 5,675,860 issued to Campbell on October 14, 1997 has limited flexibility, and the only part that is made of a flexible and resilient material is the periphery around the handle Therefore, it will be difficult to apply the filler to an obtuse joint or an acute joint.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—Objectives and Advantages Accordingly, some objects and advantages of the present invention are:
a) To provide a tool that spreads, smoothes and feathers fillers to achieve craftsman finish,
b) providing a tool for filling and smoothing and feathering fillers in sharp, bevel and right angle joints;
c) to provide a flexible tool that can adapt to surface changes;
d) to provide a tool that can be used without a handle for use in a limited work area; and e) to provide a tool with minimal components.

  Another object and advantage is to provide a filler finishing tool that is easy to use, convenient and reliable for both craftsmen and do-it-yourself amateurs. Still other objects and advantages will become more apparent upon consideration of the drawings and the following description.

  In accordance with the present invention, the filler finishing tool has an elongated triangular shaped elastomeric material that smoothes and smoothes (feathers) the filler and is used with or without a handle.

  The present invention also contemplates a method of selling a tool for smoothing and feathering a filler material, the method smoothing and feathering the filler material by tracing the filler material. Providing an elongated triangular shaped elastomer piece to ring; providing an instruction manual explaining that the filler can be smoothed and feathered by tracing the filler with the piece; Have

  In other embodiments contemplated by the present invention, the filler applicator is intended to have an elongated triangular shaped elastomeric piece that smoothes and feathers the filler by tracing the filler. Yes, the applicator is accompanied by an instruction manual explaining that the filler can be smoothed and feathered by tracing the filler with the piece.

Description—FIGS. 1, 7, 8, and 9—Preferred Embodiments Preferred embodiments of the filler finishing tool of the present invention are shown in FIG. 1 (perspective view in use), FIG. 7A (perspective front view), and FIG. 7B (perspective view). It is illustrated in FIG. 8 (side view) and FIG. 9 (front view). As shown, the filler finishing tool 20 is formed of an elastomer material and has an elongated triangular shape with a predetermined length. The elastomeric material can vary from very soft to hard to match the viscosity of the filler used by the filler finishing tool 20. In a preferred embodiment, the filler finishing tool 20 is formed of silicon. However, the filler finishing tool 20 can be made of any elastomer material such as rubber, vinyl, foam and the like. The filler finishing tool 20 can be molded by extrusion and cut into a predetermined length, or can be injection molded.

  The front 50 (FIGS. 7A and 8) is typically inclined at an acute angle 68 with respect to the apex 71 (FIG. 8). In FIG. 11A, side surfaces 56 and 58 are joined to form a convex side apex 80. Upper surface 54 intersects side surfaces 56 and 58 to form acute angles 72 and 73 (FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 9, the side surfaces 56 and 58 usually intersect to form an oblique angle 70 at the top 71. Usually, the upper and side surfaces intersect to form acute angles 72 and 73. In FIG. 11A, the side surfaces 56 and 58 are joined to form a rounded convex intersection 80 for smoothing the filler into a concave shape. Typically, the back surface 52 (FIG. 7B) intersects the top surface 54 and the side surfaces 56, 58 (FIG. 9) at approximately normal angles at the edges 62, 65, and 66. The intersection 60 (FIGS. 7A and 8) of the front surface 50 and the upper surface 54 typically forms an obtuse angle 61 (FIG. 8).

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A, 10B, and 10C—Additional Embodiments In FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10A, and 10B showing additional embodiments, the handle 30 is a filler. It is attached to the tool 20.

FIGS. 10B and 10C—Alternative Embodiments With respect to the shape formed by the intersection of the outer surfaces forming the edges of the filler finishing tool 20, various shapes are possible. The outer edge of the tool 20 formed by the intersection of the surfaces 50, 52, 54, 56, and 58 can be formed into a number of forms, including a pointed shape, a chamfered shape, a concave surface, and a convex surface. . In FIG. 11B, the side surfaces 56 and 58 are joined to form a flat side crossing 82 that allows the filler to be flattened. In FIG. 11C, the side surfaces 56 and 58 are joined to form a concave side surface intersection 84, whereby the filler can be formed into a convex surface.

Work-Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Usually, the filler 40 is applied to the joint formed by the vertical intersection of two planes. Hold the tool 20 (FIG. 1) in hand and pull the tool along the joint to smooth and feather the filler 44. As the tool 20 is pulled along the filler 44, the crest 71 (FIG. 9) disperses the filler outward and the sides 56 and 58 (FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 9) smooth the filler and feather. Ring. The filler finishing tool 20 without the handle shown in FIG. 1 is well suited for use in a narrow work space.

  FIG. 2 shows a state where the tool 20 to which the handle 30 is attached is used. The handle 30 increases the ease of use and control of the tool 20 for the user.

  In FIG. 3, the tool 20 is inserted at the junction of the plane 92 and the baseboard 93, illustrating the ability of the tool's elastic properties to conform to the irregular surface 90.

  As FIG. 4 illustrates, the elastic properties of the tool 20 allow the tool to conform to the bevel at the intersection 102 between the two planes 94 and 95.

  As FIG. 5 illustrates, the elastomeric blend of the tool 20 allows the tool to conform to the acute angle of the intersection 104 between the two planes 96 and 97.

  In FIG. 6, the edge 63 (FIG. 9) of the tool 20 is inserted at a small acute angle 106 (FIG. 6) at the intersection between the two planes 98 and 99 (FIG. 6). By using both edge parts 63 and 64, it can apply to a filler from a bidirectional | two-way in the limited work space.

Advantages From the above description, the following advantages of our inventor's filler finishing tool are evident.
(A) the filler finishing tool can be used without a handle to apply to the filler in a limited space;
(B) if space permits, the filler finishing tool can be used with a handle that provides better control of the tool;
(C) providing the ability to the general public to “do-it-yourself” so that the filler finishing tool with elastomeric material can smooth and feather the filler as the craftsman finishes; and (d) ) Irregularity as formed by the elastomeric compound of the filler finishing tool that allows the user to form a vertical joint and a baseboard-to-wall joint, an obtuse joint, an acute joint, a small sharp joint It is to provide the ability to apply a filler material to the joint surface.

CONCLUSIONS, EFFECTS AND SCOPE Accordingly, the reader of this specification understands that applying the filler finishing tool of the present invention makes it easy and convenient to apply fillers and achieve results such as craftsman finishing. Will do. Further, the filler finishing tool has the following additional advantages.
Providing filler smoothing and feathering;
To provide a tool for applying filler to joints formed by various intersection angles, and to provide a tool for applying filler in open and limited spaces.

  While the above description has provided specific examples, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but provide some examples of presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Not too much. Many other variations are possible. For example, the back surface of the filler finishing tool can intersect the top surface and the side surface at an angle other than vertical, and its front surface can be joined to the top at an obtuse angle, the side surface, the top surface, the front surface, and the back surface. Can be formed into a curved surface. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention here is to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments given, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

In the drawings, the same numbers are used for closely related figures, with different alphabets at the end.
FIG. 1 is a perspective elevation view of the tool in use. FIG. 2 is a perspective elevation view of the tool in use with a handle. FIG. 3 is a perspective elevational view of the tool in use with a handle applying filler material to the wall and skirting joint. FIG. 4 is a perspective elevation view of the tool with handle inserted at an obtuse angle where two planes intersect. FIG. 5 is a perspective elevation view of the tool with handle inserted at an acute angle where two planes intersect. FIG. 6 is a perspective elevation view of the tool with a handle inserted at a small acute angle where two planes intersect. FIG. 7A is a perspective front view of the tool. FIG. 7B is a perspective rear view of the tool. FIG. 8 is a side view of the tool. FIG. 9 is a front view of the tool. FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective elevation view of the tool with a handle. FIG. 10B is a perspective elevation view of the tool with a handle. FIG. 11A is a front view of the tool forming a convex bead of filler. FIG. 11B is a front view of the tool forming a flat bead of filler. FIG. 11C is a front view of the tool forming a concave bead of filler.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Filler finishing tool 30 ... Handle 40 ... Filler 44 ... Smoothed filler 50 ... Front surface 52 ... Rear surface 54 ... Upper surface 56 ... Side surface 58 ... Side surface 60 ... Intersection of front surface and upper surface 61 ... Intersection of upper surface and front surface Corner 62 ... intersection of upper surface and rear surface 63 ... edge formed by intersection of upper surface and side surface 64 ... edge formed by intersection of upper surface and side surface 65 ... edge formed by intersection of rear surface and side surface 66 ... Edge formed by the intersection of the rear surface and the side surface 68... Intersection angle of the front surface and side surface 70... Angle of the side surface intersecting with the top 71. Convex apex 82 ... Flat apex 84 ... Concave apex 90 ... This tool side face adapted to the shape of baseboard 92 ... Plane 93 ... Baseboard 94, 95 ... Plane 96, 97 ... forming an acute angle joint Forming plane 8,99 ... small acute angle less acute angles of intersection of acute 106 ... two planes intersecting make beveled 104 ... two planes created by the intersection of plane 102 ... two planes which form the joint make

Claims (5)

A tool for smoothing and feathering fillers,
This tool have a elongated elastomeric piece having a triangular cross-section shape,
The elastomer piece portion includes an upper surface forming the base of the triangular shape, two side surfaces forming the side edges of the triangular shape, a front surface forming one end in the longitudinal direction of the elastomer piece portion, and a longitudinal direction of the elastomer piece portion And a rear surface forming the other end of
Each of the side surfaces forms an acute angle with the upper surface, and an obtuse apex extending in the longitudinal direction is formed between the two side surfaces. In the elastomer piece, the apex is disposed at a position facing the upper surface. The rear surface is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, the front surface is extended from the top portion toward the upper surface and is inclined to the rear surface side, whereby the elastomer piece portion has the top portion described above. It is longer than the top surface, and the front surface forms an acute angle with the top portion and forms an obtuse angle with the top surface,
A tool for smoothing and feathering a filler , wherein the elastomer piece portion is for smoothing and feathering the filler by applying a filler to the joint portion of the surface that is being projected. The tool for smoothing and feathering a filler according to claim 1 , wherein the tool includes a handle connected to the piece . The tool of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric piece is made of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, vinyl, and foam . A method of smoothing and feathering a filler comprising:
Providing an elongated elastomeric piece having a triangular cross-section that allows the filler to be smoothed and feathered;
Drawing the elastomer piece along the filler,
The elastomer piece portion includes an upper surface forming the base of the triangular shape, two side surfaces forming the side edges of the triangular shape, a front surface forming one end in the longitudinal direction of the elastomer piece portion, and a longitudinal direction of the elastomer piece portion And a rear surface forming the other end of
Each of the side surfaces forms an acute angle with the upper surface, and an obtuse apex extending in the longitudinal direction is formed between the two side surfaces. In the elastomer piece, the apex is disposed at a position facing the upper surface. The rear surface is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, the front surface is extended from the top portion toward the upper surface and is inclined to the rear surface side, whereby the elastomer piece portion has the top portion described above. The method is characterized in that it is longer than the upper surface, and the front surface forms an acute angle with the top portion and forms an obtuse angle with the upper surface . A filler applicator comprising:
An elongated triangular elastomeric piece that smoothes and feathers the filler by pulling along the filler;
An instruction manual explaining that the piece can be smoothed and feathered by pulling along the filler, and
The elastomer piece portion includes an upper surface forming the base of the triangular shape, two side surfaces forming the side edges of the triangular shape, a front surface forming one end in the longitudinal direction of the elastomer piece portion, and a longitudinal direction of the elastomer piece portion And a rear surface forming the other end of
Each of the side surfaces forms an acute angle with the upper surface, and an obtuse apex extending in the longitudinal direction is formed between the two side surfaces. In the elastomer piece, the apex is disposed at a position facing the upper surface. The rear surface is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, the front surface is extended from the top portion toward the upper surface and is inclined to the rear surface side, whereby the elastomer piece portion has the top portion described above. The filler applicator is longer than the upper surface, and the front surface forms an acute angle with the top portion and forms an obtuse angle with the upper surface .

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