Hand Movable, Substrate Traversing, Plural Dimension Shaping Means Patents (Class 425/458)
  • Patent number: 11426757
    Abstract: A caulking tool configured to be frictionally attached to a user's finger during use. The caulking tool in one example having; a convex caulk spreader comprising a pliable spreader surface configured to spread caulk smoothly between a first wall surface and a second wall surface to which the caulk is adhered. In one example junction between a first wall surface and a second wall surface will be in a corner junction between the two wall surfaces. In one example the caulking tool comprises a finger tube fixed to the caulk spreader. The finger tube may be cast with the spreader surface and thus forms a monolithic, single component without seams therebetween. The finger tube in one example having an inner surface configured to frictionally engage the outer surface of a user's finger. In one example the inner surface of the finger tube is tapered from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Javier Mora Zamarripa
  • Patent number: 9433506
    Abstract: A prosthetic mold for forming a prosthesis is disclosed. The prosthesis can include a bone mating surface, an articulating surface, and an intermedullary post. The prosthetic mold can include a first portion, a second portion engageable with the first portion, and an injection portion. The first portion can be configured to form the articulating surface. The second portion can be configured to form the bone mating surface and define an intermedullary post cavity. Engagement between the first and second portions can define a mold cavity. The injection port can be axially aligned, and in communication, with the intermedullary post cavity. The injection port can engage an injection assembly. In one embodiment, the prosthetic mold is configured to form a tibial prosthesis. In another embodiment, the prosthetic mold is configured to form a femoral prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Lomicka, Charlie Barfield, Michael Cordonnier, Dimitri Protopsaltis, Stephen Lingeman, William Daniel, Terrance Strohkirch, Amber Lenz
  • 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: 8974219
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Wayne Couch
  • Patent number: 8961163
    Abstract: An apparatus for making frozen comestibles including a base having a plurality of apertures formed within said first site thereof, and a plurality of molds attached to or formed integrally with the base. Each of the molds includes a receiving surface and an opening aligned with a corresponding one of the apertures of the base. Each of the molds is moveable between a first position, in which a substantial portion of at least one mold is positioned within the interior portion of the base and said receiving surface forms a molding cavity that is adapted to receive a comestible to be frozen, and a second position, in which a substantial portion of the mold extends outwardly from the first side of the base and the receiving surface of the mold is exposed externally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Propeller, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Zorovich, John C. Earle, Yos Kumthampinij, William Nickley
  • Patent number: 8870558
    Abstract: An earplug shaping device compresses a compressible earplug prior to insertion of the earplug into a user's ear canal. The device includes a first member and a second member which rotate with respect to each other. The outer surface of the first member and inner surface of the second member define a space that decreases in size as the first and second members rotate with respect to each other, thereby compressing the compressible earplug. Various embodiments of the earplug shaper employ a ratchet mechanism permitting substantially only one direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel R. Schumaier, David M. Campbell, II, Jerry V. Foster, Harry S. Strothers, IV, Allison Guyton, Jason R. Herman, Christopher S. Kudika, Scott A. Lutz, Stephen J. Drabant, Katherine A. King
  • Patent number: 8844090
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian E. D'Amour, Raymond D. Thurston
  • Patent number: 8801422
    Abstract: A machine and method to produce structural elements for the building trade made of cement material with one or more inserts made of polymer material. The machine comprises at least a molding member, a loading unit for loading the inserts and a depositing member to deposit the cement material. The molding member is open at the upper part and the loading unit and the depositing member are selectively positionable above the molding member in order to load and deposit from above, respectively, the inserts and the cement material into the molding member, in order to achieve the structural elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: S.A.C.M.E. Srl
    Inventor: Luciano Badin
  • Patent number: 8707501
    Abstract: A tool for pointing or filling joints formed between bullnose paving stones or pavers and method thereof are provided. The tool includes an arcuate, resilient body having an inner, concave-shaped surface and an outer, convex-shaped surface, the arcuate, resilient body configured to conform to a convex-shaped rounded portion of each of the at least two adjacent bullnose coping pavers; and a handle coupled to the outer, convex-shaped surface for manipulating the body. The opening of the arcuate, resilient body has an angle of about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees. The resilient body deforms to conform to a variety of sizes of bullnose paving stones or pavers when positioned thereon and returns to its original shape when removed. The tool may further include a finishing member for smoothing a material disposed in the joint formed between the bullnose paving stones or pavers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Noel F. O'Rourke, Juliann Murphy-O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 8684717
    Abstract: Provided is a floor construction apparatus that includes a guide unit that is disposed on surface of a floor to be constructed, and a flattening unit that is guided by the guide unit, to then be transferred to flatten the surface of the floor to be constructed, and to thereby reduce a construction time and expense for flattening of the construction surface of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Ju Tae Kim, Kyong Hwa Lee
  • Patent number: 8667636
    Abstract: A folding trowel assembly has multiple trowel blades of assorted types and sizes housed in a casing. The folding trowel assembly allows for different trowel blades to be unfolded and used as needed. A pivot mechanism includes a pivot pin for positioning each of the trowel blades into a working position at an adjustable angle relative to the casing. A release mechanism applies compression to the stacked trowel blades to inhibit rotation of the trowel blades about the pivot pin and relieves compression from the stacked trowel blades to permit rotation of the trowel blades about the pivot pin. An angle between the casing body and the casing neck tab allows trowel blades to be pivoted such that sufficient clearance is provided between the casing body and a work surface to permit the casing body to be used as a handle for each of the trowel blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Thomson Tool Company Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. Berney, Wesley M. Arnold
  • Patent number: 8647094
    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 flat box mastic applicator tool, blade assembly, and/or blade adjustment system, that have many improvements too numerous to mention all in the Abstract. The flat box mastic applicator may include unique walls. The blade assembly may have a non-uniform cross section, e.g., a blade holder with thinner areas and/or material removed at various locations along its lateral length. The blade holder may have a larger size outer end(s) to withstand bending or braking. The blade holder may have and arched shape, ribs or bumps for holding a blade more firmly, and a ridge or bump at its outer edge to act as a dam. The blade adjustment system may include symmetrical pins or posts and a tapered leaf spring. See further improvements herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Exceptional IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: David Brian Jalbert
  • 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: 8523467
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to building tools that are high quality, durable, and in some case lightweight. For example, various tools may made by forming multiple sections into a single integrated piece by, for example, casting the parts using a molding process so as to reduce manufacturing cost and increase the structural durability of the tool. Further, various tools may be made, at least in part, using a material including magnesium to reduce the weight of the tool. Still further, various tools may be made using one or more protective coatings for protecting various metals against corrosion, for example, using a high impact coating such as paint covered with a clear coat of lacquer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Scott A. Murray
  • Patent number: 8470229
    Abstract: A mat for creating patterns in concrete includes a center portion, a feathered border surrounding the center portion, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A design stamp is positioned in the center portion of the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan Nasvik, Paul C. Nasvik
  • Patent number: 8459975
    Abstract: A structural surface design device for creating a design with finishing surface material on a surface, the device having a base with raised projections on the bottom. Such projections have less of an affinity for the finishing surface material than does the surface on which such finishing surface material is to be applied. A handle extends upward from the base. And, optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the base is the same as the cross sectional shape of a container for the finishing surface material with the dimensions of the container and the base being such that the edge of the base, when the base has been inserted into the container, is sufficiently close to the wall or walls of the container that any finishing surface material in said container will not cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Ray Allen Jack Epps
  • Patent number: 8430658
    Abstract: A frozen comestible maker suitable for home use includes single or multiple molding cavities for forming frozen comestibles, a heat exchanger for maximizing the heat transfer away from the fluid that is being frozen in the molding cavities, a refrigerant solution with a depressed freezing point in contact with the heat exchangers, a base container to seal the refrigerant solution from the fluid that is being frozen, and a bezel piece to retain spills and aid with handling. The refrigerant solution is captured between the molding cavities and the base container. One or more sticks, a drip cup, and an extraction tool may be provided with the frozen comestible maker for preparing and extracting shaped frozen comestibles, such as ice pops and popsicles, therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Propeller, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Daniel Zorovich, Yos Kumthampinu, John Chandler Earle, Jesse Pierce Delgigante
  • Patent number: 8419401
    Abstract: A nozzle head for dispensing sealant within a gap is provided. The nozzle head includes, but is not limited to, a body section and a port connected with the body section. The body section forms a primary channel through which sealant is dispensed. The primary channel forms an entrance through which sealant enters the body section and an exit through which sealant is dispensed from the nozzle. The port is connected with the body section and surrounds the exit. The port forms a chamber having a tip portion opposed to a rear opening. The chamber forms an angled path from the tip portion to the rear opening to trap and guide excess sealant within the chamber to the rear opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Stanely Piotrowski, George Mathew Davis, Anthony Caringella, Kyle Kestner, Donald L. VanErden
  • Patent number: 8413290
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Taverne
  • Patent number: 8272862
    Abstract: The article and corresponding method include a casting fixture for a part of a skin formulation applicator which is otherwise difficult to cast. The casting fixture includes a central cup section and two opposing tear-away sections. A rigid base portion of an applicator tip assembly is mounted into an upper rim of the cup section and liquid silicone material is poured into the volume defined in the cup section portion beneath the base portion. The silicone cures and bonds to extending elements from the base portion, providing a firm connection between the cast tip portion and the base portion. When the combined part is ready for use, the tear-away sections are removed by the user, which results in an easy ejection of the part, which can then be installed by the user in the formulation applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: L'Oreal SA
    Inventors: Kenneth A Pilcher, Richard A Reishus, Gregory W Herlin
  • Patent number: 8251685
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to building tools that are high quality, durable, and in some case lightweight and may include an output port assembly that has multiple sections that may be made separately and uniquely so as reduce tool weight, corrosion, and cost without degrading strength and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Exceptional IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David B. Jalbert, John V. Costa
  • Patent number: 8231371
    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 flat box mastic applicator tool, blade assembly, and/or blade adjustment system, that have many improvements too numerous to mention all in the Abstract. The flat box mastic applicator may include unique walls. The blade assembly may have a non-uniform cross section, e.g., a blade holder with thinner areas and/or material removed at various locations along its lateral length. The blade holder may have a larger size outer end(s) to withstand bending or braking. The blade holder may have and arched shape, ribs or bumps for holding a blade more firmly, and a ridge or bump at its outer edge to act as a dam. The blade adjustment system may include symmetrical pins or posts and a tapered leaf spring. See further improvements herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Exceptional IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: David Brian Jalbert
  • Patent number: 8151404
    Abstract: A modular trowel handle device comprises a handle section to provide a handle interface for a user of the trowel handle. A post extends from the handle section and a mounting surface is coupled to the post and extends generally parallel to the handle section. A trowel blade receiving plate includes engaging structure configured to engage a connector of a trowel blade. The trowel blade receiving plate is coupled to the mounting surface and is formed from a different material than the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Beno J. Gundlach Company
    Inventor: Gregory J Gundlach
  • Patent number: 8151405
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Nicholas Giannantonio
  • Publication number: 20120040063
    Abstract: A disposable bag used to make a lower and upper crusts for a circular pie. The bag is square or rectangular, and is sufficient in width and length to hold a pre-cooked, 11 inch circular or rectangular pie. The bag is made of disposable, FDA food approved plastic film with a top layer and a bottom layer that are registered and partially sealed along its perimeter edges. A section of the edges of the bag are detached thereby forming a large opening into the bag allows a pie pan to be easily inserted into the bag. Formed on the top layer is a centrally perforated line can be easily torn to allow the bag's top layer to be unfold so that the flat dough configuration used to make the upper crust may be easily removed and aligned over a pie. Imprinted on the outside surface of the top layer are one or two, centrally aligned pie pan crust templates that the user uses to make flat dough configurations with the proper diameters for the upper and lower crusts on a pie, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Maxine C. Wagner
  • 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: 8074957
    Abstract: A formliner and method of use are provided in order to minimize and/or eliminate visible seaming between interconnected formliners. In some embodiments, the formliner can comprise raised sections that define interrelated inner and outer dimensions. Thus, a plurality of formliners can be interconnected by overlaying raised sections thereof. Further, the formliner can comprise one or more detents and one or more protrusions to enable engagement between interconnected formliners without requiring adhesives. In this manner, formliners can be interconnected in a nested manner such that visible seaming between the interconnected formliners is reduced and/or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Prime Forming & Construction Supplies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Daniel Fitzgerald, Brian Eugene Sheehan
  • Patent number: 8057207
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing frozen comestibles including a container having an interior portion holding a refrigerant solution, and a mold insert attached to the container. The mold insert includes a base, molding cavities extending therefrom, and a heat exchanger in communication with the molding cavities. The mold insert is received within the container such that the molding cavities are housed within the interior portion of the container and the heat exchangers are submerged within the refrigerant solution. The molding cavities include exposed openings that receive fluids to be frozen. When the refrigerant solution is at a sufficiently cool temperature, the fluids freeze into a shaped frozen comestible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Propeller, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Daniel Zorovich, Yos Kumthampinij, John Chandler Earle, Jesse Pierce Delgigante
  • Patent number: 8028647
    Abstract: A liquid coating applicator with a very precise means for controlling gap thickness as well as adapting to non-planar discontinuities in the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Fibralign Corporation
    Inventors: David Harwood McMurtry, Mikhail Vitoldovich Paukshto, Yuri A. Bobrov
  • Patent number: 8011918
    Abstract: A compact, flexible device capable of receiving a human finger which allows a person to easily and efficiently smooth filler material into a desired space, while also allowing the user to handle other objects and/or complete other tasks without removing the device from his or her person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen D. Erickson, Sang Jin Lee
  • Publication number: 20110164917
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: David C. Yu
  • Patent number: 7963499
    Abstract: A formliner and method of use are provided in order to minimize and/or eliminate visible seaming between interconnected formliners. In some embodiments, the formliner can comprise raised sections that define interrelated inner and outer dimensions. In this manner, a given portion of a first formliner can mate with another given portion of a second formliner in a nested manner. As such, edges of the interconnected formliners can be discreetly hidden along features of the formliner pattern to reduce and/or eliminate visible seaming between the formliners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Prime Forming & Construction Supplies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Daniel Fitzgerald, Brian Eugene Sheehan
  • Patent number: 7950099
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal W. Hanson, Wilfred J. Hoffmann, Gloria Hoffmann, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20110091590
    Abstract: A nozzle head for dispensing sealant within a gap is provided. The nozzle head includes, but is not limited to, a body section and a port connected with the body section. The body section forms a primary channel through which sealant is dispensed. The primary channel forms an entrance through which sealant enters the body section and an exit through which sealant is dispensed from the nozzle. The port is connected with the body section and surrounds the exit. The port forms a chamber having a tip portion opposed to a rear opening. The chamber forms an angled path from the tip portion to the rear opening to trap and guide excess sealant within the chamber to the rear opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Stanely Piotrowski, George Mathew Davis, Anthony Caringella, Kyle Kestner, Donald L. VanErden
  • Patent number: 7882881
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed comprising a thin, ribbon-like but semi-rigid material which can be “snaked” in between ductwork and the surface to which it is attached. The tool is configured to enable the temporary attachment of a tape material thereon. Further, the tape material includes a non-adhesive “release tape” attached to the adhesive portion of the adhesive tape. Using the method and apparatus described herein, a user can insert the tape, with the protective tape release thereon, around the ductwork, release the tape and remove the tool, and use the tool as it is being withdrawn to urge the adhesive tape onto the seam being taped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: David P. Degler
  • Publication number: 20100278958
    Abstract: A tool for finishing or smoothing-out an applied bead of adhesive medium material, such as caulking, at substantially the same time as the bead is laid is disclosed. The finishing tool can be an add-on to an existing adhesive-medium-applicator tool, or can be fabricated with the applicator tool such that the finishing tool and the dispensing end of the applicator tool are a unit. In many embodiments, the finishing tool has a flexibly rigid, angled blade-like member that trails the dispensing end of the applicator tool. The edges of the finishing tool pliably engage two surfaces on each side of a target jointed surface in order to both finish the bead of adhesive-medium material and to gather excess material and redistribute it to help reduce the waste of adhesive-medium material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher David Chamberlain, Paula Ohri Chamberlain
  • Publication number: 20100260879
    Abstract: Apparatuses for dispensing viscous fluids, tools for dispensing drywall joint compound, and methods. Embodiments include a chamber containing the fluid or compound, a discharge head, and a valve that is normally closed and opens in response to a force applied by pressing the tool against the drywall. Embodiments include a stopper linked to the nozzle, and when the nozzle is moved, the stopper moves from blocking an orifice, to not blocking the orifice. Chambers include a pressure plate, two side plates, a back plate, and a radius plate, and at least one spring or spring hinge that applies a force on the pressure plate. A torsion spring may be substantially concentric with the pivot point. Certain methods obtain or provide a source of pressurized drywall joint compound, an attachment feature, a valve, an enclosed passageway, and a linkage from the attachment feature to the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Werner L. SCHLECHT, David T. Roman
  • Publication number: 20100260530
    Abstract: Apparatuses for dispensing viscous fluids, tools for dispensing drywall joint compound, and methods. Embodiments include a chamber containing the fluid or compound, a discharge head, and a valve that is normally closed and opens in response to a force applied by pressing the tool against the drywall. Embodiments include a stopper linked to the nozzle, and when the nozzle is moved, the stopper moves from blocking an orifice, to not blocking the orifice. Chambers include a pressure plate, two side plates, a back plate, and a radius plate, and at least one spring or spring hinge that applies a force on the pressure plate. A torsion spring may be substantially concentric with the pivot point. Certain methods obtain or provide a source of pressurized drywall joint compound, an attachment feature, a valve, an enclosed passageway, and a linkage from the attachment feature to the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Werner L. Schlecht, David T. Roman
  • 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: 7644467
    Abstract: A hand held tool comprised of an elongated triangular shaped elastomeric applicator tool (20) for spreading, smoothing and feathering filler material which can be utilized with a handle (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: John W. Kleinhammer
  • Patent number: 7524176
    Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing adhesives has a body defining a fluid flow passageway between an inlet end and an outlet end. The nozzle has an outlet orifice in a sidewall of the body. The outlet orifice has an upper portion and a base portion separated by a shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Sika Technology AG
    Inventor: Hong Yao
  • Publication number: 20090068304
    Abstract: A device for making a rubber stamp by oneself is composed of a graving tool which is emplaced flat on a soap bar, with a pointed cone which is protruded downward at an end of the graving tool being inserted into the soap bar for engraving into notches of texts or a pattern in equal depth, according to one's preference. Next, flexible polymer clap is rubbed and squeezed and is then pressed on the notches of the soap bar, to copy into a block of flexible polymer clay having a protruded pattern. Finally, the flexible polymer clap is put into Ian oven for baking and curing, and is then attached on a block object in a cubical shape by a double-sided adhesive tape, so as to form a self-created rubber stamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Chien Liang Lin
  • Patent number: 7473085
    Abstract: A drywall finisher's flat box is disclosed, having an adjustable pressure plate spring, independent suspension for guide wheels on the back plate, and a wiper configured so that the pressure plate can be pushed flat against the back plate, thus expelling nearly all of the drywall compound from the flat box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Cinta Tools LLC
    Inventor: Werner Schlecht
  • Patent number: 7413428
    Abstract: A pottery tool for forming soft clay to make hand built pottery articles which tool includes an elongate body having a top side, a bottom side, a right and left side, and at least one end. The top surface includes at least one tapered region having a compound convex surface adjacent one end. The right and left sides each include at least one edge, wherein each at least two edges differ in configuration. The pottery tool has a plurality of forming surfaces and edges for smoothing, shaping or scraping a softened clay body for forming the pottery article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Arthur R. Park
  • Publication number: 20080124422
    Abstract: A structural surface design device for creating a design with finishing surface material on a surface, the device having a base with raised projections on the bottom. Such projections have less of an affinity for the finishing surface material than does the surface on which such finishing surface material is to be applied. A handle extends upward from the base. And, optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the base is the same as the cross sectional shape of a container for the finishing surface material with the dimensions of the container and the base being such that the edge of the base, when the base has been inserted into the container, is sufficiently close to the wall or walls of the container that any finishing surface material in said container will not cure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Ray Allen Jack Epps
  • Patent number: 7338270
    Abstract: A guide device is adapted to be removably attached to a flat box device for use in applying mastic adjacent an outside corner or edge. The guide device includes a generally S-shaped guide bar, a bracket, and a spring. The bracket is adapted to attach to the flat box device. The guide bar is pivotably and slidably retained by the a first bracket portion. The spring is adapted to bias a first guide bar end of the guide bar away from the first bracket portion of the bracket. The guide bar extends across a width of the flat box device and the first guide bar end extends below the flat box device when the guide device is operably installed on the flat box device. The spring biases the guide bar in a lateral direction corresponding to the width of the flat box device when the guide device is operably installed on the flat box device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Steve Mathews
  • Patent number: 7318716
    Abstract: A tool for applying mastic to drywall, having a flexible trowelling bar for smoothing and shaping the applied mastic. The curvature of the trowelling bar is controlled by the rotation of a cam that is positioned on a rigid support and that is directly coupled to the trowelling bar through a link. Springs are positioned between the rigid support and the trowelling bar to maintain tension on the link during rotation of the cam. The springs exert pressure on the trowelling bar through plungers having rounded feet that maintain consistent contact with the trowelling bar as the curvature of the trowelling bar changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Axia, Inc.
    Inventor: David Joseph Castagnetta, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7306442
    Abstract: There is a pneumatic mud stamp including an applicator, a tube-like member, a stopper, a retraction mechanism, ad a pneumatic control. The applicator is configured to apply mud in a pattern and includes a boot and a faceplate with a slot. The tube-like member is coupled to the applicator and includes a first chamber configured to hold mud, a second chamber configured to hold pressurized air, and a decoupling mechanism configured to open the tube-like member for insertion of mud therein. The stopper is slidably disposed within the tube-like member between the first and second chambers. The stopper provides a fluid tight seal therebetween. The retraction mechanism is configured to facilitate moving the stopper away from the applicator. The pneumatic control is configured to selectably dispose pressurized air into the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Shirl G. Fox
  • Patent number: 7246402
    Abstract: An adjustable corner tool is provided having outwardly biased blades. The back surfaces of the blades are connected to an angle control assembly that includes fixed-length arms pivotally connected between each of the blades and a central mounting block. Springs rotationally bias the arms away from each other such that the arms push against the back surfaces of the blades to urge the blades apart. In use, resistive force applied against the front surfaces of the blades moves the blades together. Thus, the adjustable corner tool dynamically adjusts to variations in wall corner angles. The adjustable corner tool can be used with corners in the range of about 160 degrees to 40 degrees and the angle of the tool can also optionally be fixed or maximally limited. In addition, the adjustable corner tool may be adapted to also function as an injection head for delivering spreadable material to a corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Wal-Tech Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Fred Washburn
  • Patent number: 7213295
    Abstract: A trowel assembly includes a blade plate, a connecting strip fixed on the blade plate and formed with an insertion recess, and a handle mounted on the connecting strip and having a downward extended support post provided with an insertion block inserted into the insertion recess of the connecting strip. Thus, the connecting strip is fixed on the blade plate in a riveting manner, and the handle is combined with the connecting strip in a screwing manner, so that the trowel assembly can be assembled easily, rapidly and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user mounting the trowel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Hsun-Chieh Chang