Abstract: The invention provides, in one embodiment, a portable wash basin assembly for cleaning a tool. The portable wash basin assembly includes a wash basin having a base and at least one sidewall that extends upward from the base to an upper edge, and a plurality of recesses located at the upper edge of the wash basin. The wash basin is configured to support the tool in a first orientation in which a first portion of the tool can be supported within one of the recesses and a second portion of the tool can be supported upon the base, and a second orientation, in which the tool can be supported within two of the recesses on the wash basin.

Abstract: A finishing head for attachment to a viscous material dispense includes an adapter having an inlet attachable to the viscous material dispenser and defining a first axis, and an outlet defining a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The finishing head further includes a finisher body having a cavity and an opening in a bottom face thereof, and a hollow pivot pivotably coupling the adapter to the finisher body about the second axis. The cavity of the finisher body is in fluid communication with the adapter outlet via the hollow pivot such that viscous material discharged from the adapter outlet passes through the hollow pivot before being discharged from the opening of the finisher body.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a container, the container having a pivotally mounted pressure plate for dispensing a seaming compound, includes a connector plate configured for removably coupling to the pressure plate, a first handle for gripping with a first hand of a user, and a second handle for gripping with a second hand of the user. Each of the first handle and the second handle is coupled to the connector plate.

Abstract: A taping apparatus includes an elongate body portion having a moveable control member for controlling the advancement of tape and a head portion connected to the elongate body portion for advancing the tape. The head portion includes a first stop, a second stop, a guide extending from the first stop to the second stop, and a tape advance mechanism moveable along the guide. The tape advance mechanism and the control member are coupled to one another such that the tape advance mechanism is moveable in response to movement of the control member. The tape advance mechanism includes a rotatable cam and a needle that rotates with the cam.

Abstract: A finisher box includes a housing having a front end and a rear end. The housing includes a floor and a plurality of adjoining sides defining a cavity between them. The finisher box also includes a pressure plate pivotably coupled near the rear end of the housing about a pivot axis and a blade holder projecting from the front end of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis. A blade slot for receiving a removable blade is defined by the blade holder and the housing.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a container dispensing a seaming compound comprises a connector plate configured for coupling to the container, a first handle, and a second handle, wherein each of the first handle and the second handle is coupled to the connector plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a taping tool for taping gaps, seams, and/or joints between wallboard members that includes a simplified tape advance/actuation assembly. The taping tool has an elongate body portion with first and second ends, and a connected head portion that directs dispensed tape toward a joint between wallboard members. The tape advance/actuation assembly has a control member forming part of the tool's elongate body portion and a tape engagement member housed by the tool's head portion. The tape engagement member moves in substantial unison with and in response to movement of the control member. The tape engagement member engages or disengages the tape depending at least in part on the position and/or direction of movement of the control member. The extent of the engagement between the tape engagement member and the tape may be adjusted though manipulation of a single fastener.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a handle system for use with finishing tools utilized to finish wallboard joints. A finishing tool may be connected to the handle system and moved relative to a wallboard joint to appropriately apply mastic over the joint. In one embodiment, the handle system includes an elongate handle body having a tear drop cross-sectional shape. The shape enables the handle body to fit ergonomically within a user's hand and improves the user's ability to resist torque tending to cause the handle body to twist and a connected finishing tool to come out of contact with wallboard during use. The handle system further includes a pivoting connector assembly that permits a connected finishing tool to rotate relative to the handle body and that has a unique pivot pin that allows mastic to flow through the handle body, through the pivoting connector assembly, and into the connected finishing tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a taping tool for dispensing tape and mastic over gaps, seams, and/or joints between wallboard members that includes improved creaser wheel operation. The taping tool comprises an elongate body having first and second ends, and a creaser wheel pivotally mounted near the second end thereof for creasing dispensed tape. The creaser wheel is pivotable into a plurality of positions between a first position farthest away from the elongate body's first end and a second position nearest the elongate body's first end. The taping tool also includes an actuator for receiving user input indicative of a position of the creaser wheel desired by a user. In the absence of user input, the creaser wheel is configured to reside substantially in the first position. The creaser wheel is configured to pivot from the first position toward the second position in response to the receipt of user input.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a finisher system for finishing joints, seams or gaps in wallboard. According to an example embodiment, the finisher system comprises a finisher for dispensing mastic onto wallboard and an adapter configured for pivotally connecting the finisher to a handle. The finisher and adapter are cooperatively configured to substantially prevent sliding motion of the finisher relative to the adapter, and to ensure appropriate registration and orientation of the finisher relative to the adapter. A fluid communication path is defined within the adapter, allowing mastic to flow through the adapter. A pivot pin enables a first portion of the adapter to pivot relative to a second portion of the adapter, and defines a bore therein that permits mastic to flow through the pivot pin and between the adapter's first and second portions. The adapter is configured for attachment to a handle having a substantially tear drop shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a handle system for use with finishing tools utilized to finish wallboard joints. A finishing tool may be connected to the handle system and moved relative to a wallboard joint to appropriately apply mastic over the joint. In one embodiment, the handle system includes an elongate handle body having a tear drop cross-sectional shape. The shape enables the handle body to fit ergonomically within a user's hand and improves the user's ability to resist torque tending to cause the handle body to twist and a connected finishing tool to come out of contact with wallboard during use. The handle system further includes a pivoting connector assembly that permits a connected finishing tool to rotate relative to the handle body and that has a unique pivot pin that allows mastic to flow through the handle body, through the pivoting connector assembly, and into the connected finishing tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a finisher system for finishing joints, seams or gaps in wallboard. According to an example embodiment, the finisher system comprises a finisher for dispensing mastic onto wallboard and an adapter configured for pivotally connecting the finisher to a handle. The finisher and adapter are cooperatively configured to substantially prevent sliding motion of the finisher relative to the adapter, and to ensure appropriate registration and orientation of the finisher relative to the adapter. A fluid communication path is defined within the adapter, allowing mastic to flow through the adapter. A pivot pin enables a first portion of the adapter to pivot relative to a second portion of the adapter, and defines a bore therein that permits mastic to flow through the pivot pin and between the adapter's first and second portions. The adapter is configured for attachment to a handle having a substantially tear drop shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a taping tool for dispensing tape and mastic over gaps, seams, and/or joints between wallboard members that includes improved creaser wheel operation. The taping tool comprises an elongate body having first and second ends, and a creaser wheel pivotally mounted near the second end thereof for creasing dispensed tape. The creaser wheel is pivotable into a plurality of positions between a first position farthest away from the elongate body's first end and a second position nearest the elongate body's first end. The taping tool also includes an actuator for receiving user input indicative of a position of the creaser wheel desired by a user. In the absence of user input, the creaser wheel is configured to reside substantially in the first position. The creaser wheel is configured to pivot from the first position toward the second position in response to the receipt of user input.

Abstract: The invention provides a taper tool, including a movable sleeve that has flanges with inclined surfaces for use as hand-holds. The sleeve rides on bearings, which are mounted in recesses out of the user's way. A spring-loaded wireform retainer secures the bearings in their respective recesses. The retainers include quick-change tabs that hold the retainers in a servicing position that permits the bearings to be easily removed and replaced. The taper tool also includes a spool mounting assembly having a guard rod that swings out and away from a tape spool for facilitating replenishment of the tape. When the guard rod is in the closed position, it is secured by a detent located on the tape spool spindle. The spool mounting assembly includes a base, a tape spool, a spindle, a guard rod and an end protector having rounded, grippable exterior edges.

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.