Abstract: An extendable handle for a drywall tool having a pair of telescoping tubes that are reversibly locked in place relative to each other by a locking assembly comprising a lever, a pin and a yoke that are mounted on a base positioned on a first tube. The pin is actuated by the lever and engages an opening on the second tube to lock the tubes in place. The pin and lever are spaced apart circumferentially on the handle and are connected by the yoke. The yoke is received in a slot in the base and does not extend beyond the surface of base during operation of the lever.

Abstract: A taper tool for applying tape to a wall surface is provided. The taper tool may simultaneously advance tape and apply mastic to the advancing tape. The taper tool may include a jam clearing assembly for clearing tape jams occurring along the tape path. The taper tool may include a body for holding mastic and a taper head coupled to an end of the body. The taper head includes a housing defining an opening and a mastic ejection nozzle, both of which are in fluid communication with the body. The opening facilitates introduction of mastic into the body and the nozzle facilitates ejection of the mastic from the body onto the tape. The taper head also includes a valve positioned within the opening to control introduction of mastic into the body, and a cover plate removeably connected to the housing to cover both the opening and the nozzle.

Abstract: A taper tool for applying tape to a wall surface is provided. The taper tool may simultaneously advance tape and apply mastic to the advancing tape. The taper tool may include a jam clearing assembly for clearing tape jams occurring along the tape path. The taper tool may include a body for holding mastic and a taper head coupled to an end of the body. The taper head includes a housing defining an opening and a mastic ejection nozzle, both of which are in fluid communication with the body. The opening facilitates introduction of mastic into the body and the nozzle facilitates ejection of the mastic from the body onto the tape. The taper head also includes a valve positioned within the opening to control introduction of mastic into the body, and a cover plate removeably connected to the housing to cover both the opening and the nozzle.

Abstract: A mastic pump is provided. The mastic pump is operable to pump mastic from a container to a mastic application tool. The mastic pump includes a pump body, a piston movable within the pump body, an actuator coupled to the piston for moving the piston, and a fulcrum adjustor coupled to the actuator at one of at least two positions. The mastic pump may include a valve diaphragm having an opening defined therein to allow mastic flow. Also, the pump may include a foot stand coupled to the pump body having a concave shaped portion. In addition, the actuator may include a grip and a carrying member spaced from the grip, the carrying member is grippable to transport the pump. Further, the mastic pump may include an accessory connector coupled to the pump body for connecting and disconnecting a mastic tool accessory to the pump body without the use of tools.

Abstract: The invention provides a powered pumping system for filling various batch application tools with a viscous material. The system includes a motor mounted on a wheeled frame. The motor drives a slider-crank mechanism attached to a displacement pump. Affixed to the pump outlet is a relief valve having a plurality of predetermined relief pressure settings. The relief valve serves as a conduit between the pump and any one of various batch application tools while the tool is being filled with the viscous material. To initiate pumping, operators connect a filler valve of the tool to a relief valve outlet and actuate a switch. The relief valve of the present invention automatically selects a relief pressure appropriate for the particular tool based on certain physical characteristics of the particular tool. The selection of the appropriate relief pressure requires no operator intervention. Releasing the switch stops the pumping action.