Adjustable Patents (Class 15/235.8)
  • Patent number: 11536037
    Abstract: A versatile compound tool for forming wall board compounds comprises a handle assembly having a handle along a first end and an extension along the second end. The extension along the second end of the handle assembly further includes a connection feature for selectively securing a first implement thereto, the first implement configured for performing a first function of forming wall board compounds. The versatile compound tool further comprises one or more subsequent implements selectively securable to the second end of the handle assembly for performing second and additional functions of forming wall board compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Allway Tools Inc
    Inventor: Yuan Fang Cheng
  • Patent number: 11001976
    Abstract: A concrete float, float assembly, float adapter and interface, and float vibration apparatus and methods include a concrete float that have surfaces, and structures for controlling flow of wet concrete. An interface such as may be included in a quick attach/release configuration may be integrated on a float, and/or may be added onto a float for quick attach/release of a pivot assembly. Adapters may ease attachment or release of an assembly, and may be an interengaging element, such as a sliding dovetail as an interengaging element, or an adapter may be used to place an assembly in tension to secure the assembly. A vibration assembly may be included and configured to have a low center of mass, can have a user display, an accelerometer, and/or other components. A pivot assembly may be included for easier use by an operator, and may include a user display, quick release mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: BARON INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES LP
    Inventors: Anthony Baratta, Scott Brening
  • Patent number: 10799907
    Abstract: A spreading tool allows width and depth variation of the spreading blade. A plate has first openings and second openings along with a first bottom edge. A blade has slots and is pressed against the plate so that the slots each align with a respective one first opening and a securement bolt is passed therethrough, the blade slid up or down against the plate so that the lower edge of the blade extends a desired distance below the bottom of the plate prior to bolt tightening. An extender has third openings and is pressed against the opposing surface of the plate so that its openings align with the second openings of the plate with securement bolts pass therethrough. A lower edge of the extender aligns with the bottom edge of the plate and extends beyond a side of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: Vitalie Daranuta
  • Patent number: 10745324
    Abstract: Described herein is a method for preparing decorative concrete top ping which overcomes the limitations associated with epoxy Terrazzo floors. Specifically, the decorative concrete topping mixture described herein has a low crack potential, high strength and durability, much longer working time, thereby allowing for the material to be mixed in larger quantities and simplifying application. A binder composition made of Portland cement and pozzolanic materials is mixed with an decorative aggregate and other additives before pumping the concrete topping mixture onto a subfloor and allowing the concrete topping mixture to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: SKARB Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Asia Shvarzman
  • Patent number: 10561406
    Abstract: A tongue anteriorizer includes a handle and a tongue lifting part having a curved portion. The tongue lifting part is configured to move the tongue anteriorly, open the laryngopharyngeal area, and make endotracheal intubation simple, safe and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: Tzu-Li Hsu
  • Patent number: 9995048
    Abstract: A handheld concrete finisher is disclosed for finishing concrete from an upright or standing position. The concrete finisher includes a concrete finishing tool, a handle assembly, a multi-axis pivot assembly attached between the handle assembly and the concrete finishing tool, and a control mechanism that allows an operator to selectively prevent the handle assembly from pivoting or rotating about one of the pivot axes. The multi-axis pivot assembly allows the operator to pivot the handle assembly both side to side and backward and forward relative to the concrete finishing tool, and to prevent the handle assembly from rotating while still allowing the handle assembly to pivot side to side. The finishing tool is detachable and can be any one of a number of tools for preparing concrete, based on the job requirements. The handle assembly can be adjusted for the operator's height and/or to extend the operator's reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Tery Gamelin
  • Patent number: 9719266
    Abstract: A finishing tool with an elongate body having a finish side and a grip side. The finish side provides a finish edge configured to form a flat concrete surface when pulled across partially set concrete. The grip side is configured to be gripped by a user. A radius notch on one end of the finish side is configured to provide a rounded edge transition above the flat concrete surface when pulled across the partially set concrete. The finish edge is configured to be sloped running away from the radius notch. An adjustable form gage can be attached to an opposite end of the elongate body from the radius notch. The adjustable form gage defines a foot with a form surface configured to interface with a form. The adjustable form gage is adjustable within a predetermined range to set the finish edge at a predetermined pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: CONKLO CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
    Inventor: Gilbert Lopez
  • Patent number: 9267247
    Abstract: An ergonomic non-motorized vibratory concrete screed is provided that is designed to be used in the fashion of a standing one-man wet screed having a double barred, floating strike plate oriented in a planar fashion with which to strike and consolidate a concrete slab surface. The vibratory concrete leveling device according to the invention includes a bracket assembly having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface of the bracket assembly includes a plurality of spaced apart slots, each spaced apart slot extending across a width of the bracket assembly. A corresponding plurality of screed bars are removably positioned in the plurality of spaced apart slots. Each of the plurality of screed bars are loosely fitted into each corresponding slot to promote vibratory action during use. An elongated handle is provided having a first end attached to the bracket assembly and a second end for grasping by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Jeff R. Angel
  • Patent number: 9011040
    Abstract: A combined stair screed and float device for quickly and efficiently spreading and smoothing wet concrete comprising a generally shoe shaped member with a vertically and horizontally adjustable top guide and base bar to rest on riser forms. In operation, a user rests the top guide and the base bar on two riser forms with a pointed corner finder floating over the concrete at the desired corner position. The user grasps a grip portion and a handle and guides the device across the tread in a simultaneous screed and float step preparing a smooth surface for finishing. The device is both vertically and horizontally adjustable to accommodate a full range of conceivable step heights, tread lengths, toe kick overhang lengths, and corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Shawn Canepa
  • Patent number: 8973206
    Abstract: A trowel (1) having a rounded plate (6) slidably attached to a flat plate (5). The flat plate is preferably attached to an angled handle (10). Curved prongs (2) extend from the flat plate through apertures (7) located within the rounded plate. The prongs are used to obtain a desired depth of a bed of mortar (9) as the rounded plate is used to smooth out the mortar bed. An upper surface (11) of the rounded plate may be used as a scraper or scoop when the trowel is turned over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Jack Vivonetto
  • Patent number: 8628318
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to construction tools. The present invention includes tools used for applying mastic or mud to a work surface, for example, a corner finishing tool that may have a quick engage/disengage ball and socket feature that automatically stays open and automatically closes and locks. Various embodiments may include a universal and interchangeable working/running blade and cooperating frame design. The frame design may be partially held in place with a face or top plate. Various embodiments may include a multiple tension spring design with one or more adjustment arm(s) for varying the tension on the frame(s) and blade(s). Various embodiments may include flat internal walls to accommodate the one or more adjustment arm(s). Various embodiments may also include a input port cone with ball for attachment to, for example, an applicator box, that may be formed from multiple parts that may be made from different materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: David B. Jalbert
  • Patent number: 8584302
    Abstract: A self-cleaning retractable putty knife is disclosed that wipes moist putty residues off its blade by retracting the blade into the handle of the knife. The handle includes a retraction aperture which wipingly contacts the majority of the blade surface during retraction of the blade. The retraction aperture is formed of a flexible material able remain in continuous wiping contact with the blade, even if the blade has a tapered dimension. Alternatively, the aperture can include spring-loaded movable gates that maintain continuous wiping contact with the blade. In some embodiments, the blade can be selectably locked at various positions to provide various extension lengths. The blade can be retracted either manually or mechanically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Scott Stroup
  • Patent number: 8429785
    Abstract: The erectably operable hand trowel is composed of an elongated handle that extends from a trowel head up to a handle that is engaged upon by an end user. The elongated handle includes an actuator handle that is pivotally engaged about the elongated handle and of which includes at least one pivot rod, which extends from the actuator handle down to the trowel head. The actuator handle provides for articulation of the trowel head about the bottom of the elongated handle, which enables the end user to adjust the angle of the trowel head when pulled across a surface being flattened or smoothed via the trowel head. The erectably operable hand trowel enables an end user to trowel a surface from an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Royal
  • Publication number: 20120324669
    Abstract: A modular tool for imparting profile characteristics into fluent cementitious material. The tool has an elongated base forming a permanently fixed blade, and at least one handle. The blade is configured to act as a dovetail to which any of several modular blades may frictionally fit in removable fashion. The fixed blade forms a deflector disposed to deflect removed cementitious material away from the handles. Other blades may fit by peg and socket engagement. The tool may have detachable rollers enabling the tool to advance at a controlled elevation along a wall being formed and shaped. A slide block may be arranged to engage the rollers so as to adjust their position on the tool. The tool may have integral bubble levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Wayne Couch
  • Patent number: 8307490
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a caulk tool comprises a body member having a raised handle and two working heads. The first working head is adapted for the application of caulk and is connected to the first descending end of the raised handle. The first working head preferably comprises a triangular member formed of soft plastic material. The triangular member is rotatable, having three tips of varying size. The second working head is adapted for the removal of old caulk and is connected to the second descending end of the raised handle axially opposed to the first working head. The second working head preferably comprises a metallic head having two tips suited to remove old caulk. In a preferred embodiment, a third working head in the form of a flat scraper is positioned adjacent to said second working head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Allway Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Gringer, Howard Soled, Yuan Fang Cheng
  • Patent number: 8272105
    Abstract: An extendable linkage mechanism for operating a slave actuator over a range of distances from a master actuator, an extendable handle for operating a tool over a range of handle length; and a tool for use by an operator for dispensing drywall joint compound into joints between sheets of drywall. Slanted engagement surfaces on master and slave wedges engage each other as well as master and slave rods to transmit motion and force at varying distances, for instance, from a lever at one end to a clamp at the other end. The elongated slave rod passes through orifices in the wedges. Structural or tubular members may slidably engage to provide extendibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Cinta Tools, LLC
    Inventor: David T. Roman
  • Patent number: 8266758
    Abstract: An adjustable spatula for forming a smoothly arcuate concave contour in a viscous material and a smoothly arcuate convex contour in the viscous material, independently of each other, with a certainty that the contour of the viscous material is consistent, and with using only one hand. The adjustable spatula includes a blade, a handle, and an apparatus. The handle extends from the blade and is gripped by a user. The apparatus bends the blade to form the blade into a smoothly arcuate convex contour to form the smoothly arcuate concave contour in the viscous material and bends the blade to form the blade into a smoothly arcuate concave contour to form the smoothly arcuate convex contour in the viscous material, independently of each other, without a need for the user to have to manually bend the blade, with the certainty that the contour of the viscous material is consistent, and with using only the one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Bernard S. Hoffman, William J. Romanoff, Scott C. Romanoff
  • Patent number: 8079842
    Abstract: A plaster removing device includes a main device frame having first and second ends, a device trough carried by the main device frame and a plumb device carried by the main device frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Teo Tomasic
  • Patent number: 7930991
    Abstract: A film applicator which includes an applicator housing, an applicator blade positioned within the housing, a micrometer secured to the applicator housing and having a plurality of shafts and a plurality of magnets each having one end secured to a respective micrometer shaft and another end in releasable magnetic engagement with the applicator blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Paul N. Gardner Company Incorporated
    Inventors: William Northrup, James Fusco
  • Patent number: 7814607
    Abstract: During the construction of a building it is necessary to smooth the concrete, create a keyway for the wall and produce a slight curve on the edge of the concrete slab. The current device will enable the operator to perform all three tasks with one tool. The position of the keyway may be adjusted depending on the specific requirements of the construction project.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Richard M. Wilson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7752703
    Abstract: The present invention is a type of hand tool apparatus for use as a trowel, scrapper, spatula and others. The tool comprises a handle, to which a plate member is securely coupled. A blade member is securely attached to the plate member; the blade member having opposing parallel edges of typically unlike configurations. The handle has a locking device that is pressure sensitive and provides a means to immobilize the pivot mechanism and secure and lock in place the blade member. Activated by the user, such as finger/thumb manipulation, disengagement and release of the locking device allows the pivot mechanism to operate and the blade member to rotate from the first blade edge to the second blade edge. The new method and novel tool allows for achieving a consistently uniform layer of compound spread much more rapidly and with a reduction of material waste and reduces the need for two or more tools needed in task succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Edward Silva
  • Patent number: 7730575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for a hand trowel handle with adjustable rotational angle on the grasping section. The hand trowel is composed of a blade, a connecting section and a grasping section. The connecting section uses its base to connect with the tongue on the blade. The structure for the grasping section with adjustable rotational angle features mainly in the radial toothed rings at the front end of the grasping section and at the supporting end of the connecting section. When the grasping section is worn on the shaft in the center if the radial toothed ring of the connecting section, the grasping section can be tightened or loosened through the adjustment knob, the spring and the shaft in the accommodating hole. Thus, the rotational angle between the grasping section and the shaft can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Chin-Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 7725982
    Abstract: An adjustable hinged corner trowel is formed from hinged plates with a removeably attached handle. Cooperating control arms connect the handle to the hinged plates. The control arms are fixed to the hinged plates and can be fixed relative to each other at the handle by cooperating teeth and grooves. The handle has a threaded member capable of receiving a wing nut to fix the control arms against each other. Thereby, the angle of the hinged plates may be adjusted. The hinged corner trowel establishes both sides of any angled corner at the same time for utilization on drywall or similar materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen C. Hoch
  • Patent number: 7721377
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Axia Acquisition Corporation
    Inventors: Matt Jungklaus, David J. Castagnetta, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7698774
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is an assembly for bending the blade of a drywall knife. In one aspect of the invention, a first and second blade bender are each attached to a drywall knife and a force is applied. This force bends the blade in such a manner that an arcuate blade is produced. The magnitude of the bend is highly adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Darren M. Coon
  • Patent number: 7673365
    Abstract: A tool assembly includes a handle section including operably connected linear sections. A proximal section has a handle portion and a distal section has a fixed longitudinal length protruding away from the proximal section. A float is included having planar top and bottom surfaces. The assembly also includes mechanisms for pivotally connecting the float to the handle section, for pivotally attaching the proximal section to the distal section, and for rotatably connecting the proximal section to the distal section. A mechanism is also included for telescopically adjusting a length of the proximal section. A carrying case is included for housing the float and the handle section therein, and is provided with an articulated lid attached thereto. The pivotally connecting mechanism, the pivotally attaching mechanism, the rotatably connecting mechanism, and the telescopically adjusting mechanism are independently and simultaneously operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas A. Griffin, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20090282635
    Abstract: An adjustable spatula for forming a smoothly arcuate concave contour in a viscous material and a smoothly arcuate convex contour in the viscous material, independently of each other, with a certainty that the contour of the viscous material is consistent, and with using only one hand. The adjustable spatula includes a blade, a handle, and an apparatus. The handle extends from the blade and is gripped by a user. The apparatus bends the blade to form the blade into a smoothly arcuate convex contour to form the smoothly arcuate concave contour in the viscous material and bends the blade to form the blade into a smoothly arcuate concave contour to form the smoothly arcuate convex contour in the viscous material, independently of each other, without a need for the user to have to manually bend the blade, with the certainty that the contour of the viscous material is consistent, and with using only the one hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Bernard S. Hoffman, William J. Romanoff, Scott C. Romanoff
  • Patent number: 7610648
    Abstract: Concrete-finishing tools and attachments, such as edgers, groovers, and groover attachments, are disclosed. The tools and attachments may include a unitary stainless steel body or element. The tools and attachments may be formed by a method or methods including casting and forging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Bon Tool Company
    Inventor: Carl A. Bongiovanni
  • Publication number: 20090217476
    Abstract: An adjustable trowel assembly capable of distributing spreadable material along the work surface at various depths and/or different groove patterns formed in the material by simply adjusting the two overlapping sliding plates of the assembly relative to each other. The trowel employs a slide lock that allows securement of the handle to the plates when in a closed position and release of the plates for positioning and/or cleaning while in an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Donald Hurley, Jose L. Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20090178224
    Abstract: Spattle for wiping and smearing liquid materials, namely binders over surfaces, namely curved, is composed of a flexible base plate (1) which is connected to the spattle's handle (14) through mutually connected levers (5, 9), that evenly transfer the pressure conducted on the spattle's handle (14) over the whole length of the base plate (1), where the amount of levers is not fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Petr Fronek
  • Patent number: 7506398
    Abstract: An adjustable trowel for spreading material on a surface includes a trowel plane and a post extending from the trowel plane. A mechanism for selectively attaches a handle to the post in either a left-handed orientation or a right-handed orientation relative to the trowel plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: John Martin
  • Patent number: 7493671
    Abstract: An adjustable trowel assembly capable of distributing spreadable material along the work surface at various depths and/or different groove patterns formed in the material by simply adjusting the two overlapping sliding plates of the assembly relative to each other. More particularly, the instant invention is drawn to an adjustable trowel wherein the two adjustable plates are aligned and held together by quick release cam clamps placed into the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventors: Donald Hurley, Jose L. Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20080104788
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to tool handle assemblies, tools and kits for finishing wet concrete and like materials. The inventive tool handle assemblies are of a unique shape that permit a worker using a tool employing them to finish concrete with greater efficiency. Methods of using the inventive tool handle assemblies, tools and kits are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Fred Wothers
  • Publication number: 20080060159
    Abstract: An adjustable trowel for spreading material on a surface includes a trowel plane and a post extending from the trowel plane. A mechanism for selectively attaches a handle to the post in either a left-handed orientation or a right-handed orientation relative to the trowel plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: John Martin
  • Patent number: 7310845
    Abstract: A putty knife for the application of substances for mural coatings and the like comprising a blade made of plastic material provided with a manoeuvring part formed by a handle made also of plastic material secured to the blade in a rapidly detachable fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Candis S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alberto Gilli
  • Patent number: 7182587
    Abstract: An improved drywall finishing tool and method for using the tool. The drywall finishing tool includes a rigid body portion having a first section, a second section, and a smoothly curved center section. An inlet port is provided on one side thereof adjacent the center section. There are one or more cavities in the first and second sections. The one or more cavities are in fluid flow communication with the inlet port. First and second smoothing blades are attached on a first end of the first and second sections of the body portion. A removable cap is attached to the center section on a first end thereof. A removable cover is attached to the center section on a second end opposite the first end. The tool is specifically adapted for disposing and smoothing drywall compound between adjacent drywall panels to provide a smoothly curved inside corner between the drywall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Aaron A. Raney
  • Patent number: 6729088
    Abstract: A jig adapted for easily positioning, properly orienting and installing a molding. The jig includes a body having a positioning portion configured to receive a molding. The body also includes a first positioning margin and a second positioning margin each emanating from the positioning portion, the positioning margins being configured so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other. The jig facilitates placement of the molding at a proper installation angle at a juncture of two surfaces, such as a ceiling and wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Shannon L. Corr
  • Patent number: 6595764
    Abstract: A corner finishing tool having a hard planar spreading member, a receiver portion, and a tensioning assembly. The spreading member has upper and lower surfaces, each surface having front, rear, left and right edges, wherein the spreading member can be flexed so as to move from an un-flexed state to a flexed state by moving the left and right edges upward and towards each other. The receiver portion is sized and dimensioned to receive a finishing compound dispenser and includes a through hole extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the spreading member. The tensioning assembly provide the capability of increasing and decreasing the amount of force required to flex the left and right edges towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Volk
  • Patent number: 6526619
    Abstract: A gutter cleaning system has a shovel with a working surface and a connecting component. The connecting component is a rigid member. A handle has inboard and outboard components and a locking mechanism to vary the length of the handle. An adjustable holder has an inboard component coupled to the handle, an outboard component coupled to the shovel, and a locking bolt with a wingnut to vary the angle between the shovel and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Donald M. Cassels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6412138
    Abstract: The primary structural parts of the handle are two telescopic tubes, the smaller diameter tube being an extrusion. A rib on the smaller tube engages a notch in a fitting attached to the larger tube to prevent relative rotation of the tube. A box footplate is attached to the free end of the larger tube with two degrees of angular freedom. The two axes of angular motion are perpendicular to each other and the axis of the handle. Angular motion of the box plate about one axis is transmitted by bevel gearing to telescopic torque transmission mechanism in the handle. Rotation of this mechanism and thereby the box plate about one axis is preventable by a lever operated clamp at the end of the handle. Rotation of the box plate about the other axis is manually adjustable. The length of the handle is manually adjustable and is set at a particular length by a lever operated length lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Donald M. MacMillan
  • Patent number: 6379080
    Abstract: An apparatus for leveling and smoothing concrete and drawing up paste in one motion. The apparatus has a leveling blade with a straight edge and a smooth-surfaced float. The float attaches to the leveling blade by a connecting strip of resilient material, which permits the position of the float to contour to the concrete surface. The connecting strip, adjacent to the float, contacts the concrete surface to pull up cement paste, which creates a more workable surface. The leveling blade attaches to the handle by a mount. The handle and handle mount are adjustable to add additional length to the apparatus for use on various sized concrete surfaces. A device for vibration can also be attached to the apparatus to assist in leveling and smoothing concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Richard E. Saffo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6367121
    Abstract: The primary structural parts of the handle are two telescopic tubes, the smaller diameter tube being an extrusion. A rib on the smaller tube engages a notch in a fitting attached to the larger tube to prevent relative rotation of the tubes. A box footplate is pivotally attached to the free end of the larger tube, the axis of the pivot being perpendicular to the axis of the tubes. The footplate is connected by a connecting link to the end of a tube which slides longitudinally in the handle and fits through a clamp mechanism installed in the overlapped end of the smaller tube and is operated by a clamp mechanism operating assembly attached to the free end of the smaller tube. Operating a lever of that assembly engages the tube in the lock mechanism, preventing it from moving longitudinally and the footplate from pivoting on the handle. The length of the handle is manually adjustable and is set at a desired length by a lever operated lock assembly attached to the overlapped end of the larger tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Donald M. MacMillan
  • Patent number: 6308370
    Abstract: A spreader for use in spreading a bed of predetermined thickness of adhesive material on a prepared floor surface prior to the laying of tiles. The spreader comprises a rectangular planar portion (2) having a serrated lower longitudinal edge (4) and flanges (6 and 8) extending substantially at right angles from the transverse edges of the rectangular planar portion (2). The flanges provide a barrier allowing a mass of adhesive to lie in front of the serrated edge (4) and between the flanges (6 and 8) as the spreader is drawn over the surface of the surface to be tiled. As the spreader is drawn over the surface the adhesive flows under the serrated edge thereby providing an even application of adhesive across the full width of the spreader. A height adjuster comprising an adjustable gauge (28) is provided as is a handle (10) or elongate handle (50) for convenient use by the tiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignees: Dixie Gaye Southby Partnership
    Inventor: Roydon Charles Southby
  • Patent number: 6227750
    Abstract: An adjustable tilting bracket for concrete finishing tools include a base plate, with an elongated slot in the bottom thereof, the slot being arranged to straddle a reinforcing rib on the tool. A yoke is pivotally mounted on the base plate and includes a cylindrical passageway in which a handle receiving member is located. A guide slot is formed in an upper arcuate portion of the yoke and cooperates with a stop member protruding from the handle receiving member to allow the handle receiving member to traverse an angle of about 180°, say from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock, within the yoke. An actuating rod is pivotally mounted between the base plate and a caming ring secured to the forward end of the handle receiving member so that the base plate and a leveling/finishing tool secured thereto will pivot about an axis parallel to the tool's receiving slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Superior Featherweight Tools Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard C. Maggio, Richard A. Maggio