MODULAR TILING INSTALLATION HAND TOOL

Abstract

A handle assembly having a handle and a carrier arm. A receiving channel included in the carrier arm. A plurality of flange openings in the receiving channel being wider and extending deeper into the carrier arm than the receiving channel. A flange slot included in the carrier arm adjacent each of the flange openings and recessed from the receiving channel. An attachment unit having an attachment rail including a base rail running along a portion of a top side of the attachment unit. A plurality of securing flanges positioned on the base rail that project laterally outward and above the base rail. The securing flanges being received into the flange openings and the base rail being received into the receiving channel so that a sliding movement of the carrier arm along the attachment rail directs the securing flanges into and out of the flange slots.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims all the benefits of priority from U.S. provisional application No. 61/489,312 filed May 24, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a modular hand tool for tiling, and more particularly, to a hand tool with a removable handle assembly having interchangeable tool components for receiving multiple tool attachments including a tool attachment having a measuring section and a notched trowel section.

2) Description of Related Art

When installing tile, there are multiple tools that are required for a proper installation. Some of the tools required include a notched trowel (with various notch sizes), knee pads, tile nippers, margin trowel, grout float (of various sizes), sponges, just to name a few. During the installation of tile, several steps are universally needed for proper installation. These needed steps include spreading adhesive. A notched trowel is used to spread adhesive. The selection of the notched trowel is depending upon the type of adhesive used.

The type of trowel used for a particular tile installation depends on the kind of adhesive material used and on the size and type of tile being installed. While each installation must be considered individually, there are a few general guidelines to follow in choosing a specific trowel type. Notched trowels provide a bead (or ribbed) pattern which helps provide a uniform thickness of material and full contact with the tile. Small sized, smooth-backed tiles such as ceramic mosaics do not require as much adhesive and, therefore, a smaller notched depth can be used. Larger tiles with patterned or uneven backs require a thicker adhesive layer and, therefore, a trowel with a larger depth notch should be selected. Non-absorbent tiles have no suction and, therefore, require enough mortar/adhesive to grip their edges as well as their backs. V-notched trowels are usually used with mastic adhesives which are not sanded and can be readily compressed when tiles are installed. Square-notched trowels are usually used with sanded, thin-set adhesives (mortars) because the square ribs of mortar break open easily during the beating-in process and give better contact. Typically, trowels are manufactured from a metal.

Therefore, when installing tile, there is a need for a variety of trowels based upon the particular installation requiring that several trowels be purchased.

Once the tile is set and adhered to the floor (or tile backing installed on the floor), grout is applied to fill the spaces between the tiles. Grout is mixed and applied directly into the spaces between the tiles typically using a grout float. The grout float is an installation tool that has a plate and a resilient pad (typically sponge rubber) attached to the plate for spreading grout across tile and between the spaces. When selecting a grout float, different weights and varieties are used depending on the type of grout and the size of the grout joint. For example, a standard grout float is for most standard and non-sanded grout applications; a large grout float provides for greater coverage; an offset grout float allows reaching for hard-to-reach areas; a margin grout float for small jobs, repairs or hard-to-reach areas; stone grout float for natural stone and textured surfaces; and an epoxy grout float for hard-to-spread grout types. Again, multiple grout floats are required based upon the particular type of tile installation being performed.

When installing tile, it is common, and highly recommended, that the installation start from the center of the room. A chalk line is marked and snapped to the floor marking from the exact center of the room to each of the walls in a perpendicular (cross) arrangement. Next, adhesive is spread on a portion of the floor. Only a portion receives adhesive at a time due to the quick drying time of tile adhesive. Therefore, it is advantageous to predetermine a measured area to apply tile (for example a 2×2 foot area). The adhesive spread area can be determined through measuring the 2×2 area with a carpenter's square, ruler or other measuring device. When the tile is placed on the adhesive, inevitably there will be the need to cut a tile to fit in the last line between a full sized tile and the wall. Again, it would be advantageous to have a measuring device to determine what size the tile should be cut to fit between the last line of tiles and the wall. Unfortunately, this process requires that the installer drop the adhesive tool, pick up a measuring device and measure the tile size for cutting.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is provide for a tile tool that allows for multiple sizes and types of trowels and grout floats to be removably attached to a single handle assembly so that the need to purchase a multitude of completely independent trowels tools and floats is eliminated.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tile tool that includes a measuring device on a trowel, eliminating the need for a separate measuring tool in exchange for another when new functionality is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objectives are accomplished according to the present invention by providing a modular tiling installation hand tool comprising a handle assembly having a handle and a carrier arm; a receiving channel included in the carrier arm that extends generally along the entire length of a bottom side of the carrier arm; a plurality of flange openings disposed in the receiving channel being wider and extending deeper into the carrier arm than adjacent portions of the receiving channel; a flange slot included in the carrier arm adjacent each of the flange openings and being recessed from the receiving channel; an attachment unit releasably connecting to the handle assembly; an attachment rail carried by the attachment unit including a base rail running along a portion of a top side of the attachment unit; a plurality of securing flanges positioned along the base rail that project laterally outward and above the base rail to define a generally T-rail shape arrangement between the securing flanges and base rail; and, wherein, the securing flanges are received into the flange openings and the base rail is received into the receiving channel so that a sliding movement of the carrier arm along the attachment rail directs the securing flanges into and out of the flange slots to secure and release, respectively, the handle assembly from the attachment unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the attachment unit is a trowel blade.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one edge of the trowel blade includes measurement markings.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the attachment unit is a grout float.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the carrier arm includes a fastener engaging the attachment rail for resisting movement between the carrier arm and the attachment rail.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the fastener is defined by a threaded port disposed in the carrier arm receiving a set screw, wherein a distal end of the set screw engages the attachment rail to resist movement of the attachment rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described, together with other features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the invention showing a removably attached handle assembly on a square notched trowel that includes a measuring imprint on the trowel according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an alternative embodiment perspective view of the invention showing a removably attached handle assembly on a grout float according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the trowel assembly and grout float assembly with the handle assembly removed according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3 is a bottom view of the removable handle assembly showing the receiving channel according to the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a cross-section view along section line 4A in FIG. 3 according to the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a cross-section view along section line 4B in FIG. 3 according to the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a cross-section view along section line 4C in FIG. 3 according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the attachment rail of the tool according to the present invention; and,

FIGS. 6A through 6C are side views illustrating the attachment rail of the tool being inserted into the receiving channel of the handle assembly according to the present invention.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or more other aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may not apply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention. As such, the preceding objects can be viewed in the alternative with respect to any one aspect of this invention. These and other objects and features of the invention will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures and examples. However, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are not restrictive of the invention or other alternate embodiments of the invention. In particular, while the invention is described herein with reference to one or more specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative of the invention and is not constructed as limiting of the invention. Various modifications and applications may occur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1A, a modular tiling tool is shown generally as A in which an attachment unit in the form of a trowel blade 24 is releasably carried by a handle assembly, designated generally as 13. In the illustrated embodiment, trowel blade 24 includes notched adhesive application edges 10 and 12. The notched edges can be constructed and arranged in a variety of shapes and sized for adhesive application as is known in the art. The present invention further improves on the art by also including a measuring tool imprint along measuring edges 14 and 16 providing incremental markings for measuring items without the need for a separate tool or attachment blade. Measuring edges 14 and 16 also serve as flat adhesive application edges. With further reference to FIG. 1B, an alternative arrangement is shown in which the trowel blade 24 of FIG. 1A is replaced by different attachment unit in the form of a grout float, designated generally as 32.

The handle assembly 13 includes a handle 18 mounted to a carrier arm 20. With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, carrier arm 20 cooperates with an attachment rail 15 of the attachment unit (trowel blade 24 or grout float 32) for releasably securing the attachment unit to the handle assembly. In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 1B, a fastener 22 is provided along carrier arm 20 for assisting in securing carrier arm 20 to attachment rail 15 of the trowel blade 24 or grout float 32. In the illustrated embodiment, fastener 22 consists of a set screw received in a threaded port 40 in carrier arm 20. The set screw 22 and port 40 are constructed and arranged so that a distal end of set screw 22 engages and press against attachment rail 15 to resist movement of attachment rail 15 in relation to carrier arm 20.

Referring to FIG. 2, trowel blade 24 and grout float 32 are shown without handle assembly 13 to show attachment rail 15. Attachment rail 15 is affixed to a top side of the attachment unit, be it a trowel blade 24, grout float 32 or other type of tool. With further reference to FIG. 5, attachment rail 15 includes a base rail 17 running along a portion of the top side of the attachment unit. A series of longitudinally spaced securing flanges 28a-28c are positioned along base rail 17 that project laterally outward and above base rail 17. As shown in FIG. 5, this provides for a generally T-rail shape from the end view. The attachment rail 15 cooperates with carrier arm 20 allowing for the handle assembly to be attached to any number of trowel blades or grout floats, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate trowels and grout floats.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4A-4C, carrier arm 20 of handle assembly 13 is shown in more detail. Carrier arm 20 includes a receiving channel 19 that extends generally along the entire length of a bottom side of carrier arm 20. Receiving channel 19 received base rail 17 of attachment rail 15 (see FIGS. 6A-6C). A plurality of flange openings 38a-38c are included in receiving channel 19 for receiving securing flanges 28a-28c. The flange openings 38a-38c are wider and deeper into carrier arm 20 than the other portions of receiving channel 19 to accommodate the lateral projection of securing flanges 28a-28c so that base rail 17 can be fully received into receiving channel 19. Adjacent flange openings 38a-38c and recessed from receiving channel 19 are a plurality of flange slots 21a-21c. Once securing flanges 28a-28c are received into flange openings 38a-38c, carrier arm 20 slides along base rail 17 so that securing flanges 28a-28c are received into flange slots 21a-21c. The attachment unit is then secured to the handle assembly. Fastener 22 can then be inserted and received in threaded opening 40 for engaging attachment rail 15 to resist movement between carrier arm 20 and attachment rail 15.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, in the illustrated embodiment, to secure handle assembly 13 to the attachment unit 24, 38, the securing flanges 28a-28c are aligned and received into flange openings 38a-38c. When securing flanges 28a-28c are fully inserted into flange openings 38a-38c, base rail 17 is received into receiving channel 19. Once in position, carrier arm 20 or attachment rail 15 moved to slide relative to the other so that securing flanges 28a-28c are received into flange slots 21a-21c, respectively. Fastener 22 is turned to engage attachment rail 15 and prevent unwanted separation between carrier arm 20 and attachment rail 15. By sliding the carrier arm 20 or attachment rail 15 in the opposite direction, the handle assembly can be removed from the attachment unit 24, 32. Accordingly a modular hand tool system is provided for tiling tools.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular tiling installation hand tool comprising:

a handle assembly having a handle and a carrier arm;

a receiving channel included in said carrier arm that extends generally along the entire length of a bottom side of said carrier arm;

a plurality of flange openings disposed in said receiving channel being wider and extending deeper into said carrier arm than adjacent portions of said receiving channel;

a flange slot included in said carrier arm adjacent each of said flange openings and being recessed from said receiving channel;

an attachment unit releasably connecting to said handle assembly;

an attachment rail carried by said attachment unit including a base rail running along a portion of a top side of said attachment unit;

a plurality of securing flanges positioned along said base rail that project laterally outward and above said base rail to define a generally T-rail shape arrangement between said securing flanges and base rail; and,

wherein, said securing flanges are received into said flange openings and said base rail is received into said receiving channel so that a sliding movement of said carrier arm along said attachment rail directs said securing flanges into and out of said flange slots to secure and release, respectively, said handle assembly from said attachment unit.

2. The modular hand tool of claim 1 wherein said attachment unit is a trowel blade.

3. The modular hand tool of claim 2 wherein at least one edge of said trowel blade includes measurement markings.

4. The modular hand tool of claim 1 wherein said attachment unit is a grout float.

5. The modular hand tool of claim 1 wherein said carrier arm includes a fastener engaging said attachment rail for resisting movement between said carrier arm and said attachment rail.

6. The modular hand tool of claim 5 wherein said fastener is defined by a threaded port disposed in said carrier arm receiving a set screw, wherein a distal end of said set screw engages said attachment rail to resist movement of said attachment rail.

7. A modular tiling installation hand tool comprising:

a handle assembly having a handle and a carrier arm;

a receiving channel included in said carrier arm;

a plurality of flange openings disposed in said receiving channel;

a flange slot included in said carrier arm adjacent each of said flange openings and being recessed from said receiving channel;

an attachment unit including an attachment rail having a base rail mounted to said attachment unit, and a plurality of securing flanges positioned along said base rail project outwardly from said base rail;

wherein said securing flanges are received into said flange openings and said base rail is received into said receiving channel so that a sliding movement of said carrier arm along said attachment rail directs said securing flanges into and out of said flange slots for releasably interconnecting said handle assembly to said attachment unit; and,

a fastener disposed on said carrier arm releasably engaging said attachment rail for resisting movement between said carrier arm and said attachment rail, wherein said fastener is defined by a threaded port disposed in said carrier arm receiving a set screw, and wherein a distal end of said set screw engages said attachment rail to resist movement of said attachment rail.