Abstract: A spatula includes a shovel portion, a reinforcing piece, a shovel handle and a coating layer. The reinforcing piece is provided on the shovel portion. The shovel handle has a connecting end connected to the reinforcing piece. The coating layer coats the shovel portion and the reinforcing piece and extends to the connecting end. The spatula has the advantages of smaller thickness, good structural strength and smaller weight.

Abstract: A caulking alignment device including a base substrate having at least two panels, an alignment tab located on each panel with each alignment tab having a front side and a back side with the front side of the alignment tab removably attached to the corresponding panel by a non-permanent adhesive with each of the tabs supported on the base substrate in a spaced and perpendicular condition from each other, a non-permanent adhesive located on each of the back sides, a removable film covering the adhesive on each of the back sides, and caulk receiving channels formed from a spacing between the alignment tabs.

Abstract: A trowel cleaning device cleans mortar that has set on the serrated edge of the trowel. The trowel cleaner uses a rectangular solid block member that has a ridge pattern on at least the first face and can also be included on one or more additional faces of the block up to all six of its faces. Each ridge pattern corresponds to a serration pattern on a trowel in both size and shape so that as the serrated edge of the trowel is pulled through the ridge pattern, the ridge pattern scrapes off any mortar that has set onto the serrated edge.

Abstract: Adhesive sheet material application squeegees are disclosed.

Abstract: An asphalt emulsion application device for roofing cement application includes a rod, a first plate and a pair of second plates. The first plate has a first edge that is coupled to a first end of the rod. Each second plate is coupled to and extends transversely from a respective opposing side edge of the first plate. The rod is configured to be grasped in a hand of a user. The first plate is positioned on the rod and the second plates are positioned on the first plate such that the first plate and the second plates are configured to position of an emulsion, such as roofing cement. The rod is positioned to motivate the emulsion to a desired location. The rod also is positioned to motivate the first plate and the second plate to spread the emulsion.

Abstract: A fastening system for fixing an object on a base includes a first receptacle storing an aerobic adhesive and includes an associated first withdrawal device. A second receptacle, separate from the first receptacle, stores a free-flowing substance and includes an associated second withdrawal device. The first withdrawal device is configured to generate an aerobic adhesive layer with a height profile on the base. The second withdrawal device is configured to generate a surface layer of the free-flowing substance on the layer of aerobic adhesive with height profile to form a layer, whereby volumetric incorporations or inclusions of the free-flowing substance are formed in the aerobic adhesive when the object is pressed onto the layer structure.

Abstract: A method of using an adhesive sheet material application squeegee and method of applying an adhesive sheet material are disclosed. The method includes securing a portion of adhesive sheet material to a surface and applying the adhesive sheet material to the surface with the adhesive sheet material application squeegee.

Abstract: A method of using an adhesive sheet material application squeegee and method of applying an adhesive sheet material are disclosed. The method includes securing a portion of adhesive sheet material to a surface and applying the adhesive sheet material to the surface with the adhesive sheet material application squeegee.

Abstract: A joint compound tool including a handle having a first end and a second end where a blade portion is attached to the first end and a mixing member is attached to the second end. The handle, the blade portion and the mixing member each have substantially the same thickness where the mixing member is used to mix joint compound and the blade is used to apply the joint compound to a surface.

Abstract: Draw down paint sample cards, methods of making draw down paint sample cards from fresh paint using draw down paint sample cards, and systems including draw down paint sample cards and draw down bars sized for use with the draw down paint sample cards. The draw down paint sample cards may include a first side perforated line adjacent to a first side edge, a second side perforated line adjacent to a second side edge, a bottom perforated line adjacent to a bottom edge, and optionally a top perforated line adjacent to a top edge. After application of a fresh paint sample to the draw down card using a draw down bar, the perforated lines allow one or more of the unpainted edges of the draw down paint sample card to be removed to create a final paint sample card with paint extending to one or more of the edges.

Abstract: A tool for distributing adhesive material on a flat surface, comprising two opposite side portions and a comb portion connecting said side portions, said side sections defining together with said comb portion on three sides a U-shaped open space for receiving adhesive material, and said comb portion having teeth and intermediate indentations. At least one of said side portions comprises at least one oblique section that is inclined towards an opposite side portion.

Abstract: A flexible sleeve includes a first flexible sheet of a first hardness. The first flexible sheet has a first perimeter including a first lip edge and a first pocket edge. The flexible sleeve also includes a second flexible sheet of a second hardness, different than the first hardness. The second flexible sheet has a second perimeter including a second lip edge and a second pocket edge. The second pocket edge is joined to the first pocket edge, and the second lip edge is free from the first lip edge so that the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet collectively form a pocket having a mouth defined by the first lip edge and the second lip edge. The flexible sleeve further includes a connector joined to the mouth and configured to mate the mouth to a head of a device while the pocket substantially covers a tail of the device.

Abstract: A tool for applying a building material and for finishing a bead of building material. The tool includes a handle portion and a flat blade portion having spaced-apart side edges and a front edge. The blade portion of the tool may be provided with an angled portion extending between the front edge and at least one of the side edges of the blade portion or provided with at least one area of weakness extending between the front edge and at least one of the side edges of the blade portion.

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.

Abstract: A tool for distributing adhesive material on a flat surface, comprising two opposite side portions and a comb portion connecting said side portions, said side sections defining together with said comb portion on three sides a U-shaped open space for receiving adhesive material, and said comb portion having teeth and intermediate indentations. At least one of said side portions comprises at least one oblique section that is inclined towards an opposite side portion.

Abstract: A tool 54 for introducing a paste 74 into voids 44 in an article 12 includes at least one pad having a working surface shaped similarly to the shape of a target region on the article. In one specific embodiment, the tool 54 has first and second pads 56, 60, joined to each other by, for example, a hinge 66 . The pads and hinge are engageable with the article 12 so that each similarly shaped working surface 58, 62, 68 hugs a corresponding target region on the article to urge the paste into the voids. An associated method of concurrently filling voids in an article includes applying a filler material to the article in the vicinity of the voids and urging the filler material concurrently into the multiple voids.

Abstract: A two-handed scraping device reduces strain caused by scraping by providing both front and rear handles. The device includes a main body having a front end and a back end. A front handle is coupled to and extends upwardly from the front end. A rear end of the front handle extends rearwardly toward the back end. A scraper blade is coupled to the front end and is configured for scraping against and removing material from a surface. A rear handle is coupled to and extends upwardly from the rear end. A front end of the rear handle extends forwardly toward the front handle.

Abstract: A bladed tool includes a handle and a blade with a surface-engaging edge and a blade-retaining shank. The handle includes an elongated handle body having longitudinally opposed body front and rear ends, and at least one side wall extending between the body front and rear ends. The side wall defines an outer surface configured for gripping by a user and an inner surface that defines an interior access channel extending from an access opening in the body rear end toward a forward channel wall located to the rear of the body front end. Situated between the body front end and the forward channel wall is a handle core that defines a shank-retaining slot extending between a forward slot-opening in the body front end and a rearward slot-opening in the forward channel wall. The shank extends rearwardly through the shank-retaining slot such that a protruding shank portion extends to the rear of the forward channel wall.

Abstract: A drywall knife with a retractable brace is disclosed. The knife comprises a handle; a substantially planar, flexible blade hingedly attached to the handle; and a brace having a cross-member wherein the brace is attached to the handle and wherein the cross-member defines at least one substantially non-linear profile wherein the cross-member substantially imparts a substantially non-linear profile to the blade. The knife may further comprise the cross-member defining two or more substantially non-linear or arcuate profiles, and the cross-member may be positionable to substantially impart different non-linear profiles selectively to the blade. The cross-member may further define knobby contact surfaces contactable with the blade. The brace may be substantially T-shaped, and the brace may be retractable.

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.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for extracting material from a container includes a handle and a knife blade. The handle has a neck and a primary axis. The knife blade is coupled to the handle and has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is configured to conform to a bottom surface of the container. The second edge is configured to conform to an interior wall of the container. An oblique angle is formed by the first edge and the second edge. Another oblique angle is formed between the primary axis of the handle and the first edge of the knife.

Abstract: The present invention provides ergonomic grouting tools attached to a glove, mitt, brace, or other passive retention means worn on the hand of a user and methods of using them. In particular, one grouting tool according to the invention includes an elongate tool blade, which may for example be a squeegee, a hollow flexible tube, or a solid, flexible, generally round member, attached proximate to and extending along the fifth digit side of a glove. Reinforcement material integral with the tool blade is preferably included to prevent the tool blade from pulling away from a user's hand during use. The glove itself may be composed of fabric dip-coated in plastic, or otherwise waterproofed/sealed, over palm and finger portions, and uncoated over a wrist region and part of a region covering the back side of a user's hand to provide breathability and comfort.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to building tools with improved comfort in gripping and/or efficient control that may be used in various manners and orientations. A handle and work object (e.g., trowel blade) may be connected together by a connecting member (or connecting means) that may be a sloped, angled, and/or substantially curved member, so that a user has increased hand orientation options and/or control over the tool while gripping the handle and/or connecting member in various manners and orientations. In various embodiment(s), the connecting member (e.g., a tang for a trowel) may be a relatively gradually and/or notably sloped, angled, and/or curved structure that may reasonably provide a comfortable extension of the handle and augment the gripping of the tool. The various tools may include a handle connecting member having construction whereby a portion of the sides of the handle connecting member are removed. Magnesium may be used.

Abstract: One embodiment of a thin, flat texture skin for attachment to the blade of a trowel and of the type having at one edge a slot (3) which communicates with a gripping aperture (4). The opening has a notch (5) to allow handle support attached to inserted blade to pass beyond the edge of the tool. The corners (6) of the bottom (8) and edges (9) are rounded and tapered toward the top (7). The bottom (8) and edges (9) are imparted a texture transferable to surfaces. Other embodiments are described as shown.

Abstract: Cold rolled, annealed, blue tempered spring steel and high density polytetrafluoroethylene are combined and specifically gauged, sized, and edged to form a precision contouring tool capable of shaping, contouring, and controlling the movement of synthetic fillers on damaged auto body panels, resulting in a perfectly shaped repair. For application involving flat panels a stiffening bar is frictionally fitted to the precision contouring tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for use when applying a compound from a dispensing tube comprises: a receptacle; a plurality of retaining rings mechanically coupled to the receptacle for attaching the apparatus to the dispensing tube; an application blade secured within the receptacle for contacting the compound being dispensed during application; optionally, a handle mechanically coupled on an opposite side of the receptacle from the plurality of retaining rings; and, optionally, at least one retaining clip for securing at least one of the plurality of retaining rings around a nozzle tip of the dispensing tube. Such apparatus and related methods facilitate initial application of the compound in an evenly distributed and desired topographical manner without requiring subsequent smoothing and/or shaping steps after contact of the compound with a surface to which it is applied.

Abstract: A drywall knife with a retractable brace is disclosed. The knife comprises a handle; a substantially planar, flexible blade hingedly attached to the handle; and a brace having a cross-member wherein the brace is attached to the handle and wherein the cross-member defines at least one substantially non-linear profile wherein the cross-member substantially imparts a substantially non-linear profile to the blade. The knife may further comprise the cross-member defining two or more substantially non-linear or arcuate profiles, and the cross-member may be positionable to substantially impart different non-linear profiles selectively to the blade. The cross-member may further define knobby contact surfaces contactable with the blade. The brace may be substantially T-shaped, and the brace may be retractable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are made, at least in part, more durable, particularly one or more working surface(s) of the tools. For example, various tools such as trowels, knives, and scrappers may be made having at least a portion of their blades heat treated to make at least their working edges more durable and extend their useful lives. For example, in various embodiments, a putty knife, taping knife, or scrapper blade may have at least one working surface or edge that has been at heat treated while an area of the blade where a handle is permanently attached is not heat treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a notched spatula applicator (1) including gripping means (3) connected to a spatula (2) of which the straight working edge (2c) is equipped with a plurality of notches (4) that are identical and evenly spaced apart by a distance between 35 and 50 mm, the width of said notches being between 9 and 18 mm and their height between 8 and 20 mm. The invention also relates to a process for laying, by bonding, rigid floorcoverings, especially parquet, which uses said applicator and an adhesive composition comprising from 0.2 to 5 wt % of substantially spherical particles of a material for which the substantially identical diameter may range from 1 to 7 mm. The invention finally relates to the adhesive composition used in said process.

Abstract: Novel appliances for the application, distribution, manipulation and/or removal of different types of media, including art and craft media, may be removably attached to conventional and commonly-available tools, such as palette/painting knives, brushes with hair/filament tips, and other media manipulators such as those having a polymeric contacting surface on their working end. The appliances are adapted for superimposition over the media-engaging working-head formations of the tools, and have media-engaging characteristics which differ from the native media-engaging characteristics of the working-head formations of the tools. Tools to which such appliances are attached in accordance with the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool (10) for use in controlling quantity of congregatable particulates, such as coffee, contained in a receptacle. The tool (10) includes support means (20) and a blade (18). The support means (20) are adapted to be supported by a wall of the receptacle. The blade (18) is for contacting an upper surface of the congregated particulates. The tool (10) is movable relative to the receptacle wall.

Abstract: A hand tool (10) for shaping joint compound (64) applied to a wall including a substantially rigid blade (12) having a handle (14), and wherein the blade (12) has a preselected non-adjustable curvature (12).

Abstract: The invention is related to a trowel that can be easily assembled and replaced for blade. The trowel comprises a handgrip shank and a knife holder that can accommodate a blade. The knife holder has a crossing locking groove inside and its top is firmly attached to the top of the supporting surface of the shank by fasteners. Thus, a suitable gap is formed between the bottom of the knife holder and the supporting surface. As a result, when the knife back has multiple locking hooks apart in equal distance, the blade can use knife back to slide in from the knife holder side and be locked inside the locking groove with the locking hooks. This provides a firm assembly positioning without downward detachment. In addition, the blade can be quickly removed from the knife holder side for replacement.

Abstract: A tool for spreading viscous material comprising a sheet of resilient material having a inner face and an outer face, a handle attachment edge and a forward edge. The sheet being bent from the outer face toward the inner face along a bend line to form a V-shaped point to shape an offset corner blade and at least one substantially flat surface blade from the forward edge, and a handle for gripping the tool attached to the handle attachment edge of the sheet distal distally from the bend line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a painting tool and method of use for manipulating painting material on a painting surface. The method includes providing the tool, which includes a handle and blade. The blade is made of a resilient metal, has a matted surface, and includes handle, middle and distal sections. The handle section has a first end positioned within the middle third of the handle and a second end connected to the middle section. The middle section connects at a first end to the handle section and at a second end to the distal section. The distal section extends from the middle section and is in a distal section plane offset from the handle section. The distal section plane is at an angle to the handle section plane. The distal section is used to take a painting material and place and manipulate the painting material onto a painting surface.

Abstract: A bladed tool includes a handle and a blade with a surface-engaging edge and a blade-retaining shank. The handle includes an elongated handle body having longitudinally opposed body front and rear ends, and at least one side wall extending between the body front and rear ends. The side wall defines an outer surface configured for gripping by a user and an inner surface that defines an interior access channel extending from an access opening in the body rear end toward a forward channel wall located to the rear of the body front end. Situated between the body front end and the forward channel wall is a handle core that defines a shank-retaining slot extending between a forward slot-opening in the body front end and a rearward slot-opening in the forward channel wall. The shank extends rearwardly through the shank-retaining slot such that a protruding shank portion extends to the rear of the forward channel wall.

Abstract: A paint shield for preventing the misapplication of coating material comprises a shielding member having a leading edge and a base member, an extension handle for enabling a user to hold the leading edge of the paint shielding member against a surface, a pivot member connected to the base member for angularly positioning the shielding member, and a storage location positioned in said base member for storing the pivot member and the extension handle when the pivot member is selectively removed from the base member. The pivot member preferably includes two walls having at least one frictional pad disposed on an inner surface of each wall for frictionally engaging the base member and allowing a user to angularly pivot the shielding member without loosening the pivot member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a doctor device for metering and/or equalizing a liquid-to-pasty medium applied to a running surface, wherein in the case of direct application the surface is a running paper web, paperboard web or other fibrous web and in the case of indirect application a transfer element which transfers the application medium to the fibrous web. The doctor device has a holder arranged on a support beam for accommodating a doctor element used for the metering and/or equalizing. The holder has a first fixed support face bar and a second moving support face bar, wherein to open and close the holder the second support face bar is displaceable respectively away from the first support face bar or toward it such that in the closed state of the holder the doctor element is fixed from the outside and in the open state of the holder it is released.

Abstract: A finger tool, having the structure and functions simulated from human finger, includes an elongated applicator body and a skeleton support. The applicator body has an applicator portion and a handle portion. The applicator portion, which is made of deformable material for providing a predetermined elasticity, defines an inclined applicator surface inclinedly extended from the top side to the bottom side. When a pressing force is applied on the top side of the applicator body at the applicator portion thereof, the pressing force is transmitted and evenly distributed at the applicator surface for shaping and smoothing said sealant at the narrow opening. The skeleton support is provided at the handle portion for providing a rigid framework at the handle portion and maintaining a shape thereof so as to ensure the pressing force being transmitted through the applicator portion of the applicator body.

Abstract: Cold rolled, annealed, blue tempered spring steel and high density polytetrafluoroethylene are combined and specifically gauged, sized, and edged to form a precision contouring tool capable of shaping, contouring, and controlling the movement of synthetic fillers on damaged auto body panels, resulting in a perfectly shaped repair. For application involving flat panels a stiffening bar is frictionally fitted to the precision contouring tool.

Abstract: A hand implement for bucket use including a handle for gripping by a user to manipulate the implement for bucket use, the handle extending longitudinally and defining a first handle axis; and a blade formed from a rigid material and extending laterally outwardly from the handle, the blade including two side edges extending laterally outwardly from the handle in a contoured manner about a through-blade axis, the blade including a working edge extending between the two side edges, the working edge being curved about a second handle axis with a predetermined radius of curvature, the second handle axis extending parallelly with the first handle axis, and disposed from the first handle axis by a distance equal to the radius of curvature, the working edge extending along the cross-blade axis for blade fitment substantially against an inner bucket wall.

Abstract: A method and tools operative for treatment of a substance in association with a surface of an object or body have a first treatment tool and a second backing tool. The treatment tool has a rigid retention portion and a treatment portion, and is manufactured as a single integrated tool. A backbone extends in cantilever out of the retention portion to support a resilient and flexible blade, retained at a twist angle relative to the handle. The blade is configured for controlled deflection about the backbone when vertical forces in excess of a predetermined force are met, to prevent damage to the surface or to the object. The retention portion and the treatment portion are disposed in mutual angular spatial relationship for ease of use of the tool. The backing tool supports the object during treatment.

Abstract: A spatula 1 including a head 4 having a top side 6, two spaced longitudinal sides 8,10, front and back planar sides 30, 32 and a bottom end 12, as well as a handle 14 connected to the top end 6 of the head 4. The spatula 1 further includes at least one protrusion 16 extending upwardly from at least a portion of the top end 6 and laterally from near the handle 14 toward one of the longitudinal sides 8, the protrusion 16 contoured to fit the inside of the rim of a container or mixing bowl.

Abstract: A caulk working tool for working caulk against first and second surfaces defining an intersection comprising a shaft member and a scraper body. The shaft member is substantially rigid, and scraper body is substantially resilient. The scraper body is molded over the shaft member and comprises a scraper surface defining a point and first and second sides. The scraper body deforms when the first and second sides are held in contact with the first and second surfaces. The caulk working tool is displaced relative to the first and second surfaces while the first and second sides are in contact with the first and second surfaces to cause the scraper surface to work the caulk against the first and second surfaces and form a desired profile in the caulk.

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.

Abstract: A tool for spreading viscous material comprising a sheet of resilient material having a inner face and an outer face, a handle attachment edge and a forward edge. The sheet being bent from the outer face toward the inner face along a bend line to form a V-shaped point to shape an offset corner blade and at least one substantially flat surface blade from the forward edge, and a handle for gripping the tool attached to the handle attachment edge of the sheet distal distally from the bend line.

Abstract: A device that can be used to spread a thin, even coating of liquid material on a surface is provided. In one embodiment the device is adapted to be used to apply floor coating on a floor surface. The device is configured such that the applicator portion of the device applies a generally constant contact force on the surface, even when the force applied by the user on the tool varies.

Abstract: A taping knife, including a blade having a proximal end and a distal end, a bracket having a first portion arranged generally parallel to the blade and attached to the blade proximal end and a second portion arranged generally perpendicular to the first portion, and a handle configured for rotation-free engagement with the bracket second portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are made, at least in part, more durable, particularly one or more working surface(s) of the tools. For example, various tools such as trowels, knives, and scrappers may be made having at least a portion of their blades heat treated to make at least their working edges more durable and extend their useful lives. For example, in one embodiment, a trowel blade may have at least one texturing edge that has been at least partially heat treated.

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.