SCREED GRIP

Abstract

A gripping tool for engagement onto a board or other member used to screed concrete. The screed grip is formed of a resilient body having first and second side panels that engage the sides of the screed member under the internal resilience of its material of construction. The screed grip has an ergonomic contour to improve the efficiency of a user when screeding concrete, and is removable to allow for replacement of the screeding member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/419,449, filed Dec. 3, 2010, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of construction tools, and more particularly to an ergonomic grip attachment apparatus for a concrete screed tool, and to methods of assembly and use thereof.

BACKGROUND

In the field of construction, screeding refers to a process of leveling and smoothing the top of uncured concrete or other material that is poured or otherwise deposited in an unfinished state. A screed tool is typically worked back and forth across the unfinished material's surface. Troweling, edging, brushing, brooming or other further finishing may subsequently be carried out. The screed tool, generally comprising a straight, elongated member having a length sufficient to span across some or all of the formed area containing the concrete, is manually maneuvered by a user or worker across the top layer of poured material to level it with the top of the forms.

Because the screed tool is typically worn or covered with concrete after use, it is the general practice that the screed be replaceable and inexpensive, for example a wooden 2″×4″ plank is commonly utilized as a screed tool. Such materials as are commonly used for screed tools often have a rough rectangular cross-sectional profile, which has been found to be undesirable as it does not provide an ergonomic gripping surface, making the job tiring and inefficient.

Accordingly, it has been found that needs exist for improved apparatus and methods for screeding concrete. It is to the provision of improved apparatus and methods meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides improved apparatus and methods of screeding concrete. In example embodiments, a removable screed grip having an ergonomic profile when mounted onto a 2×4 plank or other screeding member is provided. The screed grip is removably attached to the plank, and can be removed after use and reused with another plank on subsequent jobs.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a screed grip for removable attachment onto a screed member. The screed grip preferably includes a top panel; a first side panel extending from the top panel, with a first transition between the first side panel and the top panel, and defining a first included angle between the first side panel and the top panel; and a second side panel extending from the top panel opposite the first side panel, with a radiused second transition between the second side panel and the top panel.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a screed grip for removable attachment onto a screed member. The screed grip preferably includes a top panel, a first side panel extending from the top panel at an inwardly directed included angle of between 45° and 85°, and a second side panel extending generally perpendicular to the top panel opposite the first side panel. A transition between the second side panel and the top panel preferably comprises a smoothly contoured outwardly directed portion proximal the top panel and an inwardly directed bend proximal the second side panel, together forming a generally P-shaped profile.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a screed tool including a screed grip comprising first and second gripping panels, and a screed member removably securable between the first and second gripping panels.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a screed grip attachment according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the screed grip attachment mounted to a 2×4 plank screeding member.

FIG. 2A shows an end view of the screed grip attachment not mounted to a screeding member.

FIG. 2B shows an internal channel of the screed grip attachment with engagement elements according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3C show a sequence of mounting a screed grip attachment onto a screeding member according to an example installation method of the present invention, progressing from a first preliminary engagement position, through a second intermediate position, to a final mounted and engaged position.

FIG. 4 shows an example method of use of a screed tool comprising a screed grip attachment according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a screed grip attachment 10 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The screed grip attachment 10 is mounted on an elongated board or screed member 50 for improving the ergonomics of manually screeding or leveling and smoothing the top layer of a material that is poured or otherwise applied in an unfinished form, for example concrete or pavement 200 deposited in a form. In general, the screed grip attachment 10 comprises an elongate generally “U-shaped” or “C-shaped” channel 20 having a substantially constant cross section extending from a first end 12 to a second end 14 generally opposite thereto.

FIG. 2A shows the profile of the screed grip 10 and its enclosed channel 20, which includes a first articulated side 22, a top connector web or closed side 24, and second articulated side 26 forming a contact face for application against a corresponding wall of the screed member 50. Preferably, the three sides are integrally formed with one another, as by forming the channel from a section of sheet material and bending the material to form the material into a first side, second side, and third side. The three sides of the channel generally comprise flat or planar panels, and curved, radiused or angled transition webs join the three sides to one another and allow resilient flexure therebetween. A first radiused transition or corner 36 is formed between a first side panel or flange 30 and a top panel or flange 32. The first side panel or flange 30 extends at an acute included angle α relative to the top panel 32. The angle α between the first side panel 30 and top panel 32 is generally less than or equal to 90°, for example between 45° and 85°, and more preferably about 65°. A second radiused transition or corner 38 is formed between the top panel 32 and a second side panel 34. The second side panel 34 extends at an included angle β relative to the top panel 32. The angle β between the top panel 32 and the second side panel 34 is generally less than or approximately equal to 90°. The second radiused transition 38 comprises a smoothly contoured outwardly directed larger radius or C-shaped bulb portion proximal the top panel 32, and an inwardly directed sharper or smaller radiused bend between the bulb portion and the second side panel 34, together forming a generally P-shaped profile.

In example methods of installation and assembly, the screed grip attachment 10 mounts to a screed member 50, for example an elongated wooden 2″×4″ nominal (typically 1½″×3½″ actual dimensions) plank or board. As depicted in FIG. 3A, in a first position, an edge 31 of the first side panel 30 is placed on a first side face 52 of the screed member, and a medial surface portion of the second side panel 34 abuts the corner of the screed member 50 between a top face 54 and a second side face 56 of the screed member. The screed grip attachment 10 is rolled in a counter-clockwise direction while the edge 31 acts as a fulcrum and maintains placement on the first side 52 of the screed member. The first and second radiused corners 36, 38 act as a spring and allow the first side panel 30 and the second side panel 34 to elastically flex outwardly relative to one another. In an intermediate position shown in FIG. 3B, the edge 31 maintains contact with the first side 52 of the screed member 50 and the second side panel 34 pivots into contact along the second side 56 of the screed member. The screed grip attachment 10 is further engaged with the screed by pressing its top 32 downward onto the top face 54 of the screed member 50 into a final installed position as shown in FIG. 3C. As seen best in FIG. 2B, the interior surface of the top panel 32 optionally comprises one or more spikes, pins or other engagement elements 40 for more securely retaining the grip 10 in place on the screed member 50 and preventing movement of the screed grip relative to the screed member.

In the depicted example embodiment, the spacing between the edge 31 of the first side panel 30 and the opposed inside surface of the second side panel 34 is sufficiently less than the 1½″ thickness of the intended screed member 50 to which the screed grip 10 is to be applied, in the relaxed or uninstalled state of the grip, such that the internal resilience of the screed grip securely engages the screed member. In example embodiments, this undeformed spacing between the sides of the screed grip is between about ¾″ to about 1¼″, for example about 1″. Otherwise described, this undeformed spacing between the sides of the screed grip is between about 0.5 to about 0.85 the intended width of the screed member 50, for example about 0.67 the intended width of the screed member. The width of the top panel 32 is preferably about 1¾″ to about 3″, for example about 2¼″; or otherwise described about 1.15 to about 2 times the intended width of the screed member, for example about 1.5 times the intended width of the screed member. It will be understood that larger or smaller dimensions of the screed grip may be utilized in conjunction with screed members of dimensions other than nominal 2×4 lumber.

In an example method of use depicted in FIG. 4, the screed grip 10 is mounted to a screed member 50 as described, and applied to level and/or smooth a quantity of concrete or other material. A user or worker 100 grasps the screed attachment by placing the palm of the hands on the top panel 32. The user's fingers wrap around the first radiused corner 36 and grasp the first panel 30 and the thumbs wrap around the second raduised corner 38 and grasp the second side panel 34. The contour of the screed attachment 10 provides the user 100 with an ergonomic advantage and better grip, increasing worker effectiveness and reducing arm and hand fatigue. The user 100 places the screed 50 and mounted screed attachment 10 on the top layer of concrete 200 and works the assembly of screed grip 10 and screed member 50 across the forms to level and smooth the concrete.

In example applications of the example embodiments, the screed attachment 10 comprises sheet metal having a thickness of about 16-18 gauge and approximately 2′ in length. The screed attachment 10 is manufactured, for example by placing the sheet metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, carbon steel, titanium or other metals and/or alloys) in a brake and bending to the preferred profile, for example the profile presented in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2A). For efficiency, the sheet metal may be bent in substantially large lengths and cut to segments of a preferred product length, for example about 1′-4′, in a later stage. Any sharp edges and corners may be finished and rounded for safety and comfort. Optionally, the screed grip 10 can have a surface treatment (e.g., peening or surface coating) and/or rubber insert or coating on one or both of its interior and exterior surfaces to further improve user comfort and grip. Additionally, other materials (e.g., plastics, rubbers, and composites) may be used to manufacturer the screed grip attachment and can be fabricated by appropriate manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding and/or vacuum molding). The one or more optional spikes 40 can be secured to the interior surface of the top side planar panel 32 with a weld or a fastening screw, by cutting and bending a section of the metal of the top panel as with a punch or die to form spikes, or otherwise fabricated.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A screed grip for removable attachment onto a screed member, the screed grip comprising:

a top panel;

a first side panel extending from the top panel, with a first transition between the first side panel and the top panel, and defining a first included angle between the first side panel and the top panel; and

a second side panel extending from the top panel opposite the first side panel, with a radiused second transition between the second side panel and the top panel.

2. The screed grip of claim 1, wherein the first side panel and the second side panel resiliently flex between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration upon engagement of the screed grip onto the screed member.

3. The screed grip of claim 2, wherein the first side panel comprises an edge opposite the first transition, and defining a grip width between the edge of the first side panel and a confronting face of the second side panel, wherein the grip width is less than a corresponding screed member width in the undeformed configuration.

4. The screed grip of claim 3, wherein the grip width is about 0.5 to about 0.85 the screed member width in the undeformed configuration.

5. The screed grip of claim 3, wherein the grip width is about 0.67 the screed member width in the undeformed configuration.

6. The screed grip of claim 1, wherein the top panel, the first side panel and the second side panel are integrally formed from a unitary piece of sheet metal material.

7. The screed grip of claim 1, wherein the radiused second transition between the second side panel and the top panel comprises a smoothly contoured outwardly directed portion proximal the top panel and an inwardly directed bend proximal the second side panel, together forming a generally P-shaped profile.

8. The screed grip of claim 1, wherein the first included angle defines an angle of no more than 90°.

9. The screed grip of claim 1, wherein the screed member comprises a 2×4 plank.

10. The screed grip of claim 1, further comprising at least one engagement member projecting inwardly from the top panel.

11. The screed grip of claim 10, wherein the at least one engagement member comprises a pointed spike for embedding within the screed member upon installation of the screed grip onto the screed member.

12. The screed grip of claim 1, wherein the second side panel is generally perpendicular to the top panel.

13. The screed grip of claim 12, wherein the first side panel is angled inwardly from the top panel toward the second side panel, and wherein the first included angle is between 45° and 85°.

14. A screed grip for removable attachment onto a screed member, the screed grip comprising a top panel, a first side panel extending from the top panel at an inwardly directed included angle of between 45° and 85°, and a second side panel extending generally perpendicular to the top panel opposite the first side panel, wherein a transition between the second side panel and the top panel comprises a smoothly contoured outwardly directed portion proximal the top panel and an inwardly directed bend proximal the second side panel, together forming a generally P-shaped profile.

15. The screed grip of claim 14, comprising a unitary integral body formed of sheet metal.

16. The screed grip of claim 14, further comprising at least one engagement member projecting inwardly from the top panel.

17. The screed grip of claim 14, comprising a resilient body that flexes between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration upon engagement onto the screed member.

18. The screed grip of claim 17, wherein the first side panel comprises an edge opposite the top panel, and defining a grip width between the edge of the first side panel and a confronting face of the second side panel, wherein the grip width is less than a corresponding screed member width in the undeformed configuration.

19. The screed grip of claim 18, wherein the grip width is about 0.5 to about 0.85 the screed member width in the undeformed configuration.

20. The screed grip of claim 18, wherein the grip width is about 0.67 the screed member width in the undeformed configuration.

21. A screed tool comprising:

a screed grip comprising first and second gripping panels; and

a screed member removably securable between the first and second gripping panels.