APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FILLER MATERIAL AND METHOD OF USING SAME
A nozzle for applying filler material within a groove is provided that includes a plate member, an orifice through the plate member, a guide member for engaging the groove, and a pliable attachment. The orifice is in communication with a supply of the filler material. The guide member protrudes from the plate member and has a width less than the groove. The pliable attachment has a channel with an angled portion for directing the filler material into the groove. The nozzle may also be used independent from the attachment. Also provided is a method for applying filler material into the spaces between tiles. The method include steps directed to the preparation of the filler material, such as combining a cementitious material with a plasticizer in order to form an admixture that has a viscosity making it suitable for application through the nozzle.
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/131,484 filed Jun. 2, 2008 to Gene Keohan entitled Apparatus for Applying Filler Material and Method of Using Same, currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBillions of square feet of tile are installed in the United States every year. It is very common to tile floors, walls, bathtubs, showers, counters, backsplashes and swimming pools in both residential and nonresidential settings. According to one estimate, approximately 2.7 billion square feet of tile were installed in the United States in 2006.
Normally, after tiles have been installed and have had a chance to set up, a filler material, such as a grout, is applied to the void spaces between the tiles. In doing so, a quantity of grout is first placed on or around the tiles. A grout float or trowel is then used to spread and disperse the grout into the void spaces between the tiles. When spreading and dispersing the grout, the grout float is typically moved back and forth in diagonal sweeping motions in order to work the grout into the void spaces between the tiles. In order to effectively force the grout into the void spaces, the grout float is held at an angle with respect to the tiles. Once the void spaces are completely filled with grout, the excess grout can be scraped from the tiles using the side of the grout float. This is often a time consuming and messy process and can take a large toll on the grout applicator's knees and back.
Accordingly, a need exists for a device that can be used to apply filler materials to the void spaces between tiles and the like in a quicker and cleaner fashion. A need further exists for a device that can be used to apply filler materials wherein the applicator does not have to hunch down on his or her hands and knees. Additionally, a need exists for a method in which filler materials can be applied in a quicker and cleaner fashion and that does not require the applicator to hunch down on his or her hands and knees, thereby preventing pain or injury.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for applying filler material within a groove that includes a plate member, an orifice through the plate member, a guide member for engaging the groove, and a pliable attachment. The orifice is in communication with a supply of the filler material. The guide member protrudes from the plate member and has a width less than the groove. The pliable attachment has a channel with an angled portion for directing the filler material into the groove.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for distributing flowable materials within the space between two tiles that includes a tubular portion, a plate, an orifice through the plate, a guide member, and a supple attachment. The tubular portion is in communication with a supply of the filler material. The plate has a width greater than the space between the tiles and is adapted for contacting a surface on either side of the space. The orifice is in communication with the tubular portion and the guide member is configured to fit within the space between the tiles. The supple attachment has a cavity in communication with the orifice. The cavity includes a channel with an angled portion for directing the filler material into the space.
A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to a nozzle for applying grout between tiles that includes a tube, a plate member, an orifice through the plate member, and a guide member. The tube is configured to be removably mounted to and in communication with a device for feeding the grout. The plate member has a width greater than the distance between the tiles. The orifice is in communication with the tube for distributing the grout in between the tiles. The guide member protrudes from the plate member and is configured for engaging a space between the tiles.
The present invention is also directed to a method for applying filler material between tiles comprising the steps of providing a nozzle in communication with a supply of filler material, placing the nozzle on the tiles, causing the filler material to be supplied to the nozzle and distributed from the nozzle to a space between the tiles, and moving the nozzle in a direction in order to continue the distribution of the filler material between the tiles. The nozzle includes a plate member with an orifice for distributing the filler material between the tiles and a guide member protruding from the plate member. The method for applying the filler material may also include steps directed to the preparation of the filler material, such as combining a cementitious material with a plasticizer in order to form an admixture that has a viscosity making it suitable for application through the nozzle.
Certain embodiments of the invention are outlined above in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. In this respect, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Though some features of the invention may be claimed in dependency, each feature has merit when used independently.
Further features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates from reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.
One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a nozzle 10 for applying filler material (not shown) into at least one void space or groove (not shown) between tiles (not shown) or the like. As will be discussed in further detail hereinbelow, the nozzle 10 is configured to be in substantially fluid communication with a supply of filler material for distributing the filler material into the void spaces or grooves between tiles. In use, the nozzle 10 is configured to be pushed or pulled in a direction represented by arrow A.
As illustrated in
The plate member 16 includes a leading or front edge 24 and a trailing or back edge 26 and further includes a first surface 17, an opposing second surface 19, and an orifice 22 defined therethrough. In certain embodiments, orifice 22 is generally rectangular in shape as shown in
The tubular member 18 includes a generally sidewall 25 having a substantially hollow interior, a first end 21 and a second end 23. The sidewall 25 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape (eg. circle, oval, square, rectangle, etc.). Sidewall 25 may include an aperture 28 configured to receive a fastener therethrough such as a set screw, pin, bolt, hair pin clip, or spring-loaded push button, and the like for coupling nozzle 10 to a supply of filler material as discussed in detail hereinbelow. As shown in
The angle α at which the tubular member 18 extends outwardly from the plate member 16 can vary from embodiment to embodiment. For example, in certain embodiments, α is between about 90 degrees and 135 degrees, and more preferably between about 115 degrees and 125 degrees. In other embodiments, α is preferably between about 45 degrees and 90 degrees.
As illustrated in
The guide member 20 also has a length, lg. That length, lg, is great enough so that the guide member 20 extends past surface 44 of the attachment 14, but not so great that it comes into contact with the flooring or wall on which the tiles are installed. Thus, for most tiling applications, lg is not normally greater than the combination of the thicknesses of the attachment 14 and the tiles. The guide member 20 may include beveled edges 34 to aid in the movement of the nozzle 10.
As shown in
A first surface 42 of attachment 14 is configured to be removably coupled or, alternatively, affixed to the front surface 19 of the plate member 16. As shown in
The attachment 14 also includes at least one channel 56 having a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls 52 so that channel 56 has a substantially uniform width, wc, from front to back. Like the orifice 22, the channel's 56 width, wc, can be less than, equal to, or greater than the width of the spaces or grooves between the tiles. Thus, the channel's width wc may be between about 0.0625 inches and 1 inch, or alternatively between about 0.125 inches and 0.5 inches for tile applications. Again, because the nozzle 10 can also be used in applying concrete or grout between bricks or stones, the channel's width wc may be as great as 1.5 inches or more.
The channel 56 can also include a wall 58 that further directs the filler material into the spaces or grooves. The wall 58 is sloped from front to back. In addition to directing the filler material into the space or groove, the sloped wall 56 translates to the channel 56 having a decreasing cross-sectional area from front to back. Like the cavity 50, this decrease in cross-sectional area causes the filler material to increase in velocity as it travels from front to back in the channel 50 and, therefore, aids in forcing the filler material into the spaces or grooves.
The attachment 14 further includes a contacting surface 44. In use, this surface 44 comes into substantially sealing contact with the tiles. This substantially sealing contact prevents the filler material from escaping via the front, back, or sides of the attachment 14. While coming into substantially sealing contact with the tiles, the contacting surface 44 also allows the nozzle 10 to slide on the tiles when it is pushed or pulled. The contacting surface 44 also wipes excess filler material from the tiles, thereby significantly reducing the amount of clean up time and effort required. In one embodiment, the attachment 14 extends around the guide member 20. In such an embodiment, the attachment 14 includes a slot 62 for receiving the guide member 20. The attachment 14 can also have a beveled portion 64 proximate its leading edge 46 to aid the movement of the nozzle over uneven surfaces.
In one embodiment, the nozzle 10 does not include an attachment 14. Rather, it only includes the solid back plate 12. In such a case, the solid back plate 12 can further include a channel, like the channel 56 described above. The solid back plate 12 may also include a cavity, like the cavity 50 described above. Like the channel 56 and cavity 50 described above, the channel and cavity that can be included in the solid back plate 12 would aid in forcing the filler material into the spaces or grooves.
In the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
One variation of the nozzle 10 shown in
Like the other embodiments, the width of the channels, wc, can be less than, equal to, or greater than the width of the spaces or grooves between the tiles. The distance, dc, between the centers of the channels is determined by the width of the tiles. The distance, dc, between the centers of the channels is normally equal to the width of the tiles plus the width of the spaces or grooves between the tiles. For example, if the tiles were 1.0 inch wide with 0.25 inch spacings between them, then the distance, dc, would be 1.25 inches. The distance, dc, is usually between 0.625 inches and five inches
While the embodiment in
As shown, the cavity 50 includes a wall 51 having an orifice 53. In order to help the filler material be more evenly distributed to all of the channels 56, the orifice 53 has a tongue portion 55. Even though a tongue portion 55 is shown in
As set forth above, the orifice 22 in the plate member 16 can be of a variety of shapes, so long as filler material is allowed to pass through the orifice 22. As shown in
As further shown in
One variation of the nozzle 10 shown in
As mentioned above, in use, the nozzle 10 normally receives filler material from a feeding device. That feeding device can be a handheld machine 68, like the one shown in
Alternatively, the nozzle 10 may receive filler material from any other type of feeding device now known or hereafter developed. In one embodiment, the nozzle 10 is in communication with and receives filler material from a device (not shown) that is capable of pushing or pressurizing the filler material, in a fashion similar to the operation of a caulking gun. In that embodiment, the device (not shown) includes a tubular chamber or housing having a sidewall and a plunger or piston that is axially movable within the sidewall. The plunger may be advanced within the sidewall in order to push and/or pressurize the filler material such that it is fed through the nozzle 10.
The handheld machine 68 illustrated in
Once it is prepared, the filler material is placed into the hopper 98. The hopper 98 can have an outlet 100 that is rotatably attached to the inlet neck 92 of the chamber 90. The position in which the hopper 98 is attached to the chamber 90 depends upon angle at which the machine 68 is being used. For example, if the machine 68 is being used to apply filler material between tiles installed on a horizontal floor, the hopper 98 would be attached to the chamber 90 in a position similar to the one seen in
In one embodiment, the filler material is fed into the chamber 90 by gravity. In such an embodiment, the auger 84 can also help pull the filler material into the chamber 90. However, in other embodiments, the filler material is fed into the chamber 90 with the assistance of a rotating paddle, an additional auger, a vibrating rod, or a plunger located within the hopper 98. Though the hopper 98 shown in
Once in the chamber 90, the filler material is fed to the nozzle 10 by an auger 84. The auger 84 includes spiral or helical flighting 88 wrapped around a shaft 86. As shown in
Depending upon factors, such as the type, viscosity, and desired flow rate of the filler material used, different types of augers 84 can be substituted in and out of the machine 68. For example, an auger 84 can be used that has relief cuts or holes formed into the flighting 88. An auger 84 can also be used that has more or less flights 89 per unit length. Furthermore, an auger 84 having an increased or reduced flighting 88 pitch can be used. Additionally, in substitute of a tapered auger 88, as shown in
Again, the filler material is transferred from the hopper 98, through the chamber 90, and then to the nozzle 10. The nozzle 10 can be rotatably and detachably coupled to an output neck 94 of the chamber 90. As discussed above, the nozzle 10 may be attached using a fastener such as a set screw, a circlip 38, a retaining ring, a retaining pin, or a snap ring. These fasteners can engage an indented groove 96 formed around the output neck 94. This engagement can keep the nozzle 10 coupled to the chamber 90, while still giving it the ability to pivot or rotate.
The auger 84 is driven by a motor 80. The motor 80 can be coupled to the auger 84 via a gear reduction unit 82. As demonstrated in
The gear reduction unit 82 converts the high-speed, low-torque output from the motor into a lower-speed, higher-torque output that drives the auger 84. The gear reduction unit 82 may use a variety of types of gears, including planetary gears, spur gears, helical gears, and worm gears. The gear reduction unit 82 can also include at least two gearing ratios, such as a high and a low In such a case, one gearing ratio creates an output that is of a lower speed and higher torque than the other ratio. A user may select between the gearing ratios by flipping a switch.
The variable speed motor 80, the multiple gearing ratios, and the interchangeability of auger 84 allow a user to precisely adjust the output flow of the filler material from the machine 68. For example, the user may wish to increase the output flow of the filler material in cases where the spaces or grooves between tiles are larger or deeper or in cases where the user desires to move the nozzle 10 at a faster speed. Conversely, the user may wish to decrease the output flow of the filler material in cases where the spaces or grooves between tiles are smaller or shallower or in cases where the user desires to move the nozzle 10 at a slower speed. Such adjustments may be made by adjusting the speed of the motor 80, the gearing ratio, and/or changing the auger 84. A guide recommending certain motor 80 speed, gearing ratio, and auger 84 combinations may be provided with the machine 68. Such a guide sets forth the combinations that are best for applying certain filler materials to certain sized spaces or grooves at certain speeds.
Again, the motor 80 can be powered by a DC power source, such as a battery, or by an AC power source, such as a 110V wall out outlet. When the motor 80 is powered by a battery, that battery may be one of many types, including a lithium ion battery. Though not shown in the drawings, the battery can be attached to the machine 68 at the handle portion 70. More specifically, the battery may be at least partially received by the grip section 72 of the handle portion 70. The trigger 74, when pulled, connects the power supply with the motor 80. Thus, when the user desires filler material to be fed from the nozzle 10, he or she will pull the trigger 74 in order to power the motor 80 and therefore turn the auger 84.
As illustrated in
In other instances, such as when the user is applying filler material to a wall or counter top, the user may wish to use the machine 68 without the extension portion 76. In such a case, the handle portion 70 is directly connected to the motor and gear reduction housing 78. Again, depending on the nozzle 10 configuration, the machine 68 may either be pushed or pulled.
When the extension 76 is either removed or added, the electrical wires connecting the switch 74 to the motor 80 are disconnected, and then reconnected once the extension 76 is removed or added. Alternatively, the extension 76 may include a slot running the length of the extension 76 or have the ability to be separated into two lengthwise pieces, thus eliminating the need to disconnect and reconnect the wires.
As mentioned above, the nozzle 10 may also receive filler material from a larger, stand-alone machine (not shown) to which the tubular member 18 of the nozzle 10 is connected via a hose (not shown). In such a case, the larger, stand-alone machine would feed filler material to the nozzle 10 by using an auger system similar to the one utilized by the machine 68 or by pressurizing the filler material with a pump or a piston. This embodiment could include a valve proximate the nozzle 10 that the user would open or close depending on whether he or she wanted filler material to be distributed from the nozzle 10. This valve could be controlled by the user through the push of a button, the turn of a knob, or the squeeze of a trigger, for example.
Attention will now be drawn to the filler material. Often, the filler material is a cementitious material, such as grout. Other examples of filler material include mortar, sealant, caulking, concrete, and combinations thereof. Because the filler material is directed through the machine 68 and nozzle 10, it is often desirable to decrease the viscosity of the filler material. While water can be used to decrease the viscosity of the filler material, water also reduces the strength of the filler material.
Instead of water, a plasticizer or water reducer can be used. Plasticizers decrease the viscosity without weakening the strength of the filler material. Some plasticizers cause the filler material particles to have a negative charge, thereby leading the particles to repel one another. Other plasticizers decrease the viscosity through steric stabilization. Examples of plasticizers that can be used in the filler material include polycarboxylate, citric acid, formaldehyde, lignosulfonate, zinc salts, borates, phosphates, chlorides, amines and their derivatives, polymeric compounds such as cellulose, ethers, melamines and their derivatives, and naphthalene, among others. In general, any augmentation or chemical additive, organic or inorganic that will reduce the amount of water required to achieve a certain viscosity appropriate for the flow through the machine can be used. Depending on the type of filler material and plasticizer used, the filler material/plasticizer mixture may contain between about 0.001 percent and 0.5 percent plasticizer by mass. In other words, for every 10,000 grams of filler material, approximately 0.1 to 50 grams of plasticizer may be added. Again, upon the addition of the plasticizer, the viscosity of the filler material is decreased. Depending upon the type and composition of the filler material and the amount of plasticizer added, the viscosity of the filler material can be between about 500 and 500,000 cP. In any regard, the viscosity of the filler material should be in a range such that the filler material can pass through the nozzle 10 while still having the ability to set up appropriately in the spaces between the tiles.
The plasticizer may be added to grout, which in some instances may be composed of approximately 25 percent cement and 75 percent sand. In the case where the plasticizer is polycarboxylate, the amount of polycarboxylate added to the grout may between about 0.01 and 0.1 percent of the overall mass of the grout, or alternatively, between about 0.03 and 0.05 percent. In one embodiment, the amount of polycarboxylate added to the mixture is about 0.04 percent of the overall mass of the grout. In such a case, for every 10,000 grams of grout, four grams polycarboxylate are added to the mixture.
Attention will now be drawn to a method for applying the filler material between tiles and the like. In use, a nozzle 10 is provided as described above. The nozzle 10 should be in substantially fluid communication with a supply of filler material. The nozzle 10 is placed on the tiles such that the plate member second surface 19 is in contact with the tiles. The guide member 20 should be located in the space between the tiles. The user then causes filler material to be supplied to the nozzle 10. The filler material is distributed from the nozzle orifice 22 to the spaces between the tiles. The user then causes the nozzle 10 to be moved in a direction in order to continue distribution of the filler material between the tiles. Once the nozzle 10 reaches the end of the tiles, the nozzle 10 is lifted from the tiles' surface. As the nozzle 10 is lifted, the filler material within cavity 50 empties, leaving an ample amount of filler material that can be pushed into the space between the tiles which was not filled due to the placement of the guide member 20.
Additionally, the method for applying the filler material between tiles can include steps directed to the preparation of the filler material. In those steps, a cementitious material and a plasticizer are provided. The plasticizer is combined with the cementitious material to form an admixture or filler material. Again, the plasticizer, which may be which may be polycarboxylate, is added in order to reduce the viscosity of the admixture without having significant affects on the admixture's physical properties, such as its overall strength. As set forth above, when the plasticizer is polycarboxylate, it is often combined with the grout at a ratio of between about three to five grams of polycarboxylate per 10,000 grams of grout, dependent of course on the properties of the grout. Once the plasticizer is combined and mixed with the cementitious material, the resulting admixture can be fed through the nozzle 10 into the spaces between the tiles.
From the foregoing, it may be seen that the nozzle of the present invention is particularly well suited for the proposed usages thereof. Furthermore, since certain changes may be made in the above invention without departing from the scope hereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover certain generic and specific features described herein.
Claims
1. An apparatus for applying filler material within a groove, said apparatus comprising:
- a plate member having a leading edge;
- an orifice through said plate member, said orifice in communication with a supply of said filler material;
- a guide member for engaging said groove protruding proximate said plate member leading edge and having a width less than said groove; and
- a channel in communication with said orifice having an angled portion for directing said filler material into said groove.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pliable attachment having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a cavity in communication with said orifice wherein said channel is part of said pliable attachment.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tubular portion configured to be in communication with a supply of said filler material and said orifice.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a device capable of conveying said filler material.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said tubular portion is configured for detachably coupling with a device capable of conveying said filler material.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said tubular portion is configured for pivotally coupling with said device.
7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said device includes an auger for conveying said filler material.
8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said device is capable of pressurizing said filler material.
9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said device includes a tubular housing with a plunger axially movable therein to force said filler material through said channel.
10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said plate member and pliable attachment have a width greater than said groove.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said pliable attachment is adapted for coming into substantially sealing contact with a surface on either side of said groove.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said orifice is at least as wide as said groove.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said pliable attachment leading edge is beveled to aid its movement over a surface on either side of said groove.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said pliable attachment leading edge is rounded to aid its movement over a surface on either side of said groove.
15. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said pliable attachment includes a slot proximate its leading edge for receiving said guide member.
16. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said channel is located proximate said pliable attachment trailing edge.
17. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said cavity is tapered for directing said filler material into said groove.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said channel has tapered portion for directing said filler material into said groove.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least two channels for directing said filler material into at least two said grooves.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said orifice and said channel are at least as wide as said groove.
21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said channel has a width between about 0.125 inches and 1.5 inches.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said channels have a width between about 0.125 inches and 0.75 inches and are spaced out on centers between about 0.625 inches and 5.0 inches.
23. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said pliable attachment is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, Neoprene, vulcanized rubber, and combinations thereof.
24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said filler material is a material selected from the group consisting of grout, mortar, sealant, caulking, cement, concrete, and combinations thereof.
25. An apparatus for distributing flowable materials within the space between two tiles, said apparatus comprising:
- a tubular portion configured to be in communication with a supply of said filler material;
- a plate with a width greater than said space adapted for contacting a surface on either side of said space and having a leading edge;
- an orifice through said plate that is in communication with said tubular portion;
- a guide member configured to fit within said space; and
- a supple attachment having a cavity in communication with said orifice wherein said cavity includes a channel with an angled portion for directing said filler material into said space.
26. A nozzle for applying grout between tiles of the like comprising:
- a tube configured to be removably mounted to and in communication with a device for feeding said grout;
- a plate member having a width greater than a distance between said tiles and a leading edge;
- an orifice through said plate member in communication with said tube for distributing said grout in between said tiles; and
- a guide member for engaging a space between said tiles, said guide member protruding proximate said plate member leading edge and having a width less the distance between said tiles.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said orifice has an angled portion for directing said filler material in between said tiles.
28. A method for applying filler material between tiles or the like comprising the steps of:
- providing a nozzle in communication with a supply of filler material, said nozzle including a plate member with an orifice for distributing filler material between said tiles and a guide member protruding from said plate member;
- placing said nozzle plate member on said tiles with said guide member located between said tiles;
- causing filler material to be supplied to said nozzle and distributed from said nozzle orifice to a space between said tiles;
- moving said nozzle in a direction in order to continue the distribution of filler material between said tiles.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said orifice has an angled portion for directing said filler material in between said tiles.
30. A method for applying an admixture between tiles, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a cementitious material and a plasticizer;
- combining said plasticizer with said cementitious material to form an admixture;
- providing a nozzle in communication with a supply of admixture, said nozzle including a plate member with an orifice for distributing the admixture between said tiles and a guide member protruding from said plate member;
- placing said nozzle plate member on said tiles with said guide member located between said tiles;
- causing the admixture to be supplied to said nozzle and distributed from said nozzle orifice to a space between said tiles;
- moving said nozzle in a direction in order to continue the distribution of the admixture between said tiles.
31. The method of claim 30 further comprising the step of providing a device for conveying said admixture through said nozzle.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein said device includes an auger for conveying said admixture.
33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said device includes a tubular housing with a plunger axially movable therein for conveying said admixture.
34. The method of claim 30, wherein said cementitious material is a grout.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein said plasticizer is polycarboxylate.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein said grout and polycarboxylate are combined at a ratio of between about three and five grams of polycarboxylate per 10,000 grams of grout.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 2, 2009
Publication Date: Dec 3, 2009
Inventor: Gene Keohan (Kansas City, MO)
Application Number: 12/476,744
International Classification: E04F 21/165 (20060101); E04G 21/20 (20060101); B65D 83/76 (20060101);