Abstract: A manually operated trowel is used for finishing wet concrete. The float portion is a rectangular plate-like structure with a handle mounted to its top center region. The handle may consist of several extensions. The base of the float has three distinct regions that extend along the length of the float. The front and rear regions are of a smooth texture while the center region, extending between the front and rear regions, has laterally extending teeth-like V-grooves. The grooves extend below the smooth surfaces of the forward and rearward regions.

Abstract: Concrete striking equipment presented in the form of a framework mounted longitudinal bar operating in a vibratory relationship in a horizontal plane because of an off-center rotating weight defining a part of the powering means. While basically developed for striking concrete, the invention's field of utility extends to the leveling and/or grading of earth, rock and the like. The aforesaid framework is physically similar to that of a commonly known WEED EATER apparatus, where an enhanced vibratory effect is resiliently achieved through a specialized mounting arrangement.

Abstract: A deflection indicating adjustable highway straight-edge. The highway straight-edge is designed to effectively level wet concrete by allowing the user to determine when the device is not straight and provides the user with a means of controlled adjustment for straightening.In the preferred embodiment, a laser light beam and electronic sensing device is used to detect deflection of the straight-edge. Undesirable deflection can be eliminated through the external adjustment of steel tension cables inside the straight-edge tube. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, deflection is detected by means of an electrically conducting wire having contact points to indicate that the straight-edge requires adjustment. In another embodiment, a steel wire or string line stretched tightly inside the straight-edge tube indicates deflection requiring adjustment.

Abstract: A float plate includes vibratory members secured in operative relationship thereto to effect vibration of the float during a concrete finishing procedure. A modification of the invention includes the apparatus to have fluid dispersion structure to enhance ease of a finishing of an underlying concrete pad. Illumination members are optionally provided for the use of the organization during periods of limited available light.

Abstract: A power unit base supports a power unit which has a power drive extending through a circular spacing member plate mounted above a concrete finishing plate on which are attached concrete finishing members. Spaced handles extend above the finishing plate and provide hand gripping surfaces whereby the unit can be operated while the operator stands above the machine. The engine power shaft extends through bearings and is attached to the finishing plate. Control means for the power unit is mounted on one of the handles.

Abstract: A fluid driven adjustable speed rotary trowel for troweling a resin/aggregate topping over a substrate weighs not more than 40 pounds nor less than 20 pounds. The attack angle of the troweling blades is adjustable either manually or continuously and automatically by angle-sensing and adjusting means which is also fluid driven without the need to stop the trowel during operation. Aggregate/resin ratios of 5:1 or less will trowel to a smooth finish.

Abstract: A tool arranged for imparting a pattern upon a malleable surface to include a plate formed with a forward edge and the forward edge including a plurality of equally spaced recesses directed into the plate through the forward edge. The tool structure is arranged to include a further plate member positioned below and in a spaced relationship relative to the firstly noted plate for mounting a guide block thereon, with the guide block defining a recess to receive the lower plate complementarily therewithin, with the guide block including a plurality of guide rods telescopingly mounted within the guide block arranged in a parallel relationship relative to the upper plate and lower plate in use. The guide block is arranged to position one of the guide rods within a groove of the malleable surface and a second guide rod positioned adjacent a corner to guide the tool structure relative to a side wall and forward wall of an associated surface to be fluted.

Abstract: A power trowel surface finishing machine comprising a rotatable trowel blade assembly having a plurality of trowel blades disposed on a circumferentially-spaced arrangement, each of the trowel blades being mounted for rotation on radial axes substantially parallel to the surface to be finished, said trowel blades being adapted to rest on the surface to be finished and rotate across the surface; a first adjustment mechanism including a rotary knob for selectively pivoting the trowel blades about the respective radial axes thereof to selectively adjust the pitch of the blades in controlled increments throughout an adjustment range with respect to the surface and maintain the pitch so selected within the adjustment range; and a second adjustment mechanism including a pivotable lever coupled to said first adjustment mechanism for overriding said first adjustment mechanism and rapidly pivoting the trowel blades about the respective radial axes to position the trowel blades from the selected pitch to another select

Abstract: In combination with a bull float, hand trowel, groover, finisher, and the like, an elongated handle, which adjustably mounts through a bracket with the attachment means provided upon the upper portion of such a finishing tool, with the handle means incorporating a housing, spring biasing a detent therein, which is normally held into locking engagement with the tool bracket, as when the handle is threadedly engaged within its housing, or which can be readjusted into various other angular dispositions, for the convenience of the concrete finisher, by partially withdrawing the handle from its threaded engagement within its housing, thereby disengaging its detent from the bracket, to accommodate and faciliate the undertaking of such pivotal movement for the handle, during its readjustment.

Abstract: A lightweight electric trowel having an insulating block disposed in the drive connection between the trowel blades and the motor. The blades are at a fixed angle of four degrees with the leading edge of the blades being inclined at a fifteen degree angle to prevent plowing.

Abstract: A pitch control mechanism for a surface finishing machine. The machine inclueds a series of tiltable horizontal blades carried by a rotor and the blades are adapted to rotate in contact with and finish a concrete surface. The pitch control mechanism for tilting the blades includes an internally threaded sleeve located within the handle of the machine. The sleeve is operably connected through a cable to the blades and the sleeve is threaded to a rod or shaft. The engaged threads of the sleeve and the shaft have a pitch in the range of two to six threads per inch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for smoothing epoxy flooring material utilizes a weighted chassis to the bottom of which are mounted two planar blades in angular adjustable manner. A handle mounted pivotally to the top of the chassis may be brought forward to tilt the chassis, bringing normally elevated wheels into ground contact for transporting the apparatus in blade floor noncontacting positions.

Abstract: A tool for scribing lines in soft concrete in which the line can be impressed by a standing operator. Guides are provided on the tool to assure a proper angle of the scribed line. A grooving tool can then follow the scribed line without added guide because the line will be located and all rough aggregate in the concrete will have been moved out of the path of the grooving tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for smoothing epoxy flooring material utilizes a weighted chassis to the bottom of which are mounted two planar blades in angular adjustable manner. A handle mounted pivotally to the top of the chassis may be brought forward to tilt the chassis, bringing normally elevated wheels into ground contact for transporting the apparatus in blade floor noncontacting positions.

Abstract: A control device which is fixed to the control arm of a concrete pwer trowel or concrete finishing machine approximately midway between the trowel and the trowel handle. The attachment, which is adjustable in length, relieves the operator from the necessity of controlling the power trowel by means of its handle and allows the operator to control the power trowel from various distances outside the perimeter of the poured concrete.

Abstract: A concrete finishing float for finishing wet concrete consists of a long, detachable handle assembly which is attached to a float by means of an incline adjusting mechanism. This mechanism allows the user from a remote location by the use of a long handled shaft to alter the incline of the float in relation to the handle assembly while the float is in use by axially rotating the handle assembly. The incline adjusting mechanism includes a rod which connects the handle receiving member to the float. Axial rotation of the handle causes the rod to move the float relative to the handle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for compacting and smoothing freshly poured concrete during the construction of a floor or other flat surface. The apparatus is a screed divided in two portions. The first portion is used to level, compact and remove excess concrete and the second portion allows the screed to float on the freshly poured and soft concrete.

Abstract: A long-handled float device for leveling wet concrete includes mechanism attaching a handle to a float which is adapted to allow a user to adjust the relative angle between the float and the handle. The adapter connecting the shaft to the float includes a yoke, a yoke shaft coupler, a sleeve through which a sleeve guide shaft passes, and a link arm which connects the sleeve to the yoke. Rotation of the handle about its own axis causes sleeve guide shaft rotation which causes movement of the sleeve along the guide shaft axis which is transmitted to the yoke via a link arm causing the angular relationship between the float and the handle to change. By such adjustment, the user may tilt the front float edge upward when the assembly is pushed away from the user. Upon reversing direction, the user may tilt the back float edge upward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a concrete screeding apparatus, and more particularly to an improved portable and lightweight vibrating concrete screed enabling a workman to use same without the need for rigid forms. The screeding apparatus comprises a generally elongated beam having a horizontal surface and a generally vertical surface. A plurality of vibrators are mounted on the beam. The height of the vertical surface diminishes from the center to the edges so as to increase the amplitude of vibration and, therefore, improve the manoeuverability of the screed. In addition, the corners formed by the trailing edge and the side edges of the horizontal surface are rounded so as to avoid the penetration of the side edges into the freshly poured concrete.

Abstract: A portable screed for working concrete and having an elongated screed plate which has a flat bottom bearing surface and a width sufficient to permit the screed to float on the concrete while the screed is being guided by an operator. For imparting uniform vibrations to the screed plate for tamping the concrete, the screed includes a stiffening brace extending substantially the length of the screed, a series of rigid, spaced cross supports secured to the brace, and a vibratory mechanism connected to vibrate the screed plate through the cross supports. A motor is mounted on the screed plate for operating the vibratory mechanism.

Abstract: A cement screed tool includes bracket clamps designed to be attached at each end of a long two-man screed, with pivotable handles being attached to each of the clamps. Operators can grip each combined handle and bracket assembly with both hands while standing sideways to the screed, inasmuch as the pivotable handle arrangement includes a pair of spaced-apart hand grips. One of the hand grips is positioned above and the other hand grip is positioned rearwardly of the screed, with selective pivoting of the handles then being permitted by the operators. The specific positioning of the hand grips relative to the screed board facilitates an accurate and efficient control of the screed by an operator.

Abstract: A groover tool for use in putting a groove in wet cement. This tool is elongated and has a movable handle which minimizes abrupt pressure changes in the handle, thus accomplishing an even pressure and a more uniform groove. The groover tool has a tapered groove rib which also aids in the formation of a uniform groove. A third feature on the groover tool is the weight-retaining means for holding weights in place and allowing a substantially uniform pressure to be applied along the entire length of the tool.

Abstract: A levelling device for producing a smooth surface on a sett paving bed is constructed, with a view to easy handling and neat working, so that the rule can lift the excess material with a cutting action by a projecting cutting edge and a rising ramp surface. With a collecting trough and with rollers to support the levelling rule, a transport truck for excess material can be provided at the same time.

Abstract: A trowel (10) for surfacing cement work such as driveways, floors, or the like, is provided. The trowel includes a blade assembly (12) having a flexible blade member (14) with a lower surface and an upper surface. A rib base (22) is mounted on the upper surface (18) of the blade member (14) to provide reinforcement. A handle (32) is pivotally connected at one end portion to the blade assembly (12) such that an operator can move the blade member (14) over the surface of the concrete from a remote location. Adjustable weights (46A-B) can be selectively added to or taken away from the blade assembly (12) to vary the effective weight of the trowel. These weights (46A-B) are selectively positioned on the blade assembly (12) to maintain the ability of the blade member (14) to flex approximate its edge portions, and to enhance the smoothness of a produced surface.

Abstract: An automatic tilt adjusting bracket for connection between a pole handle and a concrete float blade. The bracket includes a base member, a cover member and mechanical linkage interconnecting the base and cover members. As the pole handle is pushed and pulled, a force is applied to the cover member pivoting the base member relative thereto for automatically lifting the leading edge of the float blade.

Abstract: A rake for leveling aggregate, such as one-half to two-inch size aggregate used in roofing or landscaping applications, is comprised of a heavy, rigid, generally vertically disposed frame including a downwardly depending portion extending thereunder for immersion, submersion and movement through a volume of aggregate to be levelled over a flexible membrane. The downwardly depending portion has rounded ends and may be of a symmetrical serpentine shape intermediate the ends.

Abstract: A method for levelling and smoothing concrete when concreting large areas. According to the method a machine which is so constructed that it floats lightly even on highly fluid concrete mass and thus normally exerts a very low surface pressure against the substratum, is caused to move over the surface of the concrete while smoothing and levelling the same as a result of rolling motion between the surface and a belt of the machine in contact therewith. The smoothing or levelling effect of the belt can be amplified by vibrating a plate supporting the belt. The concrete may also be subjected to vacuum treatment at the same time as levelling or smoothing the concrete. The invention also relates to a machine for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A multi-purpose concrete working tool can be used to strike off, consolidate, finish, and check a concrete surface to produce a very flat or super flat surface. The tool consists of a rectangular, hollow extruded magnesium blade between 8 and 12 feet long with sharp edges at each side of the bottom working surface. An elongated handle is attached to the blade by means of a pitch adjusting mechanism and lateral braces. Rotation of the handle continuously varies the pitch of the working surface of the blade between 0 and 30 degrees in either direction with respect to the concrete surface without changing the elevation of the handle. The tool weighs in excess of 20 pounds, exerts more than 0.075 psi on the concrete, and has sufficient blade rigidity to be used to strike off and consolidate a concrete surface.

Abstract: A rotating tube concrete finisher is controlled and driven by an end handle assembly including an internal combustion engine. An outrigger wheel unit is coupled to the end handle assembly to form a stable end support for the end handle assembly and to support the weight of the end handle assembly including the engine. A pair of end handle assemblies can be coupled to opposing ends of a cylindrical finishing roller and may be selectively operated to drive the finishing roller in either a first or a second direction of rotation. A winch system facilitates uphill and downhill translation of the concrete finisher on a sloping concrete surface and enables the system to be operated by one man without undue effort.

Abstract: A pneumatically energized hand-held vibrating cement float. A rectangular base plate is provided for contacting the surface of wet cement. Centrally disposed intermediate the ends of the base plate is a rotary ball vibrator, extending from which is a handle terminating in a pneumatic coupling. Fluid communication is provided internally of the handle between the coupling and the vibrator. Upon introducing pressurized air to the coupling, the base plate, which is in contact with the cement, vibrates in an amount sufficient to work suspended gravel and the like downward and to provide a finished surface.

Abstract: A portable screed for working concrete and which is mounted on the user. The screed includes a variable length screed plate, a vibrator for the screed plate, a frame attached to the screed plate, a body harness connected intermediate the ends of the frame, and a balancing weight positioned so that the center of gravity of the screed is essentially coextensive with the center of gravity of the operator. The body harness is adjustable along the frame, and the frame may be adjustable as required to ensure that the center of gravity of the frame is positioned coextensively with the center of gravity of the operator so that the operator is not unbalanced by the screed.

Abstract: A portable screed for working concrete and which is mounted on the user. The screed includes a variable length screed plate, a vibrator for the screed plate, a frame attached to the screed plate, a body harness connected intermediate the ends of the frame, and a balancing weight positioned so that the center of gravity of the screed is essentially coextensive with the center of gravity of the operator. The body harness is adjustable along the frame, and the frame may be adjustable as required to ensure that the center of gravity of the frame is positioned coextensively with the center of gravity of the operator so that the operator is not unbalanced by the screed.

Abstract: Screed board apparatus includes a harness to secure the apparatus to a user and handles to allow the user to move the screed board.

Abstract: A vibrating float for prefinishing concrete. The float includes a float member with a planar surface, an elongated handle for manipulating the float member over the concrete with its planar surface in contact with the surface of the concrete, and a pair of pneumatically driven vibrators. The vibrators are mounted on the upper surface of the float member on either side of the centrally attached handle and can be adjusted easily and quickly to vary the vibrational pattern of the float member for the most efficient and effective working of the particular concrete mix. Each vibrator has an exterior housing member with a rotatable mounted collar member within it. The collar member is cylindrical and end pieces are provided to confine a ball member within the collar member. The housing member has an air hole through it and the collar member has at least two air holes in it of different sizes.

Abstract: A combination bull float, hand trowel, groover for use in conjunction therewith, and an elongated handle for attachment with the groover, or the bull float, is provided, with the groover being connectable with either of the bull float or the hand trowel for use in perfecting the finishing of freshly poured concrete. The bull float includes a plate portion having upstanding front and back walls extending upwardly therefrom, with the groover being only slightly longer than the width of the plate portion and incorporating connecting means for fastening it to the bull float, and for providing both a finishing and grooving of the concrete during its working. An elongated handle connects to a bracket upon the bull float, while the groover, if independently used, is also secured through a connector with the elongated handle for facilitating its independent usage for the grooving of finished concrete.

Abstract: The tool consists of a pair of forming blades made of stainless steel held at a slight dihedral angle of 10.degree., with a gap between them wide enough to accommodate the surface of an expansion joint or drain. The blades are rigidly held by a cast aluminum bridge which arches over the gap. A pair of rubber wipers project slightly into the gap for clearing wet concrete from the surface of the expansion joint. The wipers are removably supported in aluminum wiper holders. Compressive spring force is generated by a steel rod extending between the blocks and through the arch of the bridge. Removal of a spacer on the steel rod permits sliding the wiper assembly aside sufficiently to release it from the tool to permit changing rubber wipers. A small amount of adjustment of the gap width to accommodate different width joints is permitted by means of movement of the blades in slotted openings in the bridge. Larger variations can be accommodated by substituting differently dimensioned blades.

Abstract: A runny, watery, self-leveling slurry is disclosed for pouring of a floor having low sound transmissivity. The slurry includes pressure-calcined calcium sulfate hemihydrate, sand, a polymeric latex, an antifoam agent, and sufficient water to provide the slurry with a water-like consistency. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the floor in which a polymeric latex is first applied to a subfloor, the latex retarding seepage of water from the watery slurry into the floor and migrating into and becoming part of the resultant poured floor to improve adhesion between the poured floor and the subfloor.

Abstract: Secured to or formed on the lower side of an elongated narrow base plate or support are multiple pavement grooving members of substantially the same configuration in comparison with one another secured thereto in laterally-spaced parallel relationship. Each grooving member is an elongated narrow body of approximately V-shaped cross-section with upturned forward and rearward ends for ease of pushing or pulling it through a pavement in a plastic state to form multiple parallel grooves therein for enhancing traction of persons or vehicles passing thereover. An approximately truncated V-shaped hollow handle receiver is secured to the upper side of the elongated plate in approximately perpendicular relationship thereto. The handle receiver thus has two outwardly-inclined arms, either or both of which receive the lower end of a handle so that one person or two persons may operate the groover by pulling it in opposite directions across or along the pavement, which may be either a roadway, a sidewalk, or the like.

Abstract: A concrete finishing tool has a detachable accessory secured to float member of the tool, the accessory including an elongated concrete member extending in the direction of movement of the float member, and structure is employed for securing the elongated member at opposed edges of the float member.