Abstract: A tool for applying a cementitious mixture to a flat surface includes a head assembly for delivering the mixture to the flat surface. A housing is provided for containing a supply of the mixture and a control assembly is interposed between the housing and the head assembly for controlling the flow of the mixture from the housing to and through the head assembly. The control assembly is responsive to the housing being pressed against the flat surface to control the angle of the head assembly relative to the control assembly and to control the flow of the mixture through the head assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes drywall tools that employ rotatable joints, e.g., ball joints, and methods of using such tools. One particular implementation of a drywall tool includes a body having a recess adapted to pivotably receive a rounded connector of a handle. A retainer carried by the body includes first and second rods. Each of the rods is rotatable about an axis and has a non-uniform circumference with respect to that axis such that such that a surface of the rod is spaced farther from a recess axis of the recess when in its open position than when in its closed position.

Abstract: The primary structural parts of the handle are two extruded telescopic tubes. A longitudinal rib on the smaller, inner tube slides in a groove in the rib on the larger, outer tube, preventing relative motion between the tubes. A box footplate is pivotally attached on a shaft to the free end of the outer tube with the axis of the shaft intersecting the long axis of the tubes and perpendicular to it. Rotation of the footplate is transferred by bevel gearing to a rod at the centers of the tubes which extends through a collet mechanism installed inside the smaller tube near its overlapped end. A lever and related linkage are attached to a fitting installed at the free end of the inner tube. The linkage connects the lever to the collect mechanism. Operation of the lever causes the collet to clamp onto the rod, thus locking the box footplate angular motion and the length of the handle. An auxiliary mechanism may be provided for locking the handle at any of a series of lengths.