AU2006202094B1

AU2006202094B1 - Tilers Lay Tray

Info

Publication number: AU2006202094B1
Application number: AU2006202094A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kevin Ramage; Olaf Schubert
Original assignee: NO BACK PAIN Pty Ltd
Current assignee: NO BACK PAIN Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-05-18
Filing date: 2006-05-18
Publication date: 2006-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-18

Description

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COMPLETE APPLICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT In the name of No Back Pain Pty Ltd ACN 118 131 472 Reference LayTray 17052006 Entitled Tilers Lay Tray Prepared by: Kevin Ramage and Olaf Schubert Directors No Back Pain Pty Ltd 18 Balsam St Bushland Beach, Queensland, 4818 Australia Telephone: (07) 47092015 Mobile: 0400 699 257 Tilers Lay Tray Field of the Invention.

This invention is directed as to a highly manoeuvrable mobile work platform for Floor 00 Tilers that free both arms to perform tasks such as but not restricted to laying floor tiles and painting skirting boards while the Tilers body is retained in a comfortable and stable position so as to avoid musculoskeletal back strain.

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SBackground Art.

010 C In the field of Floor Tile Laying it is necessary for the Tiler to work continually on their knees, supporting and balancing their weight by one arm using the second arm to spread glue, position tiles and apply grouting.

This crouched position places significant strain on the musculoskeletal regions of the tilers back which limits the duration of work and places them at risk of possible permanent musculoskeletal disorders.

Therefore it would be of benefit to any floor tiler to use a device that promotes a posture of non musculoskeletal strain to perform their task using both hands instead of the present practice of only using one hand with the other taking their body weight.

Several types of worker supporting mobile devices exist such as European patent EP 339592 1989 a stable mobile stool or the US 6595590 of 2003 and US 4727958 1988 and US 4397374 1983 provide for mechanics to work around motor vehicles in an upright and/or supported position where a floor tiler requires to work on their knees with their back bent and leaning forward over the floor. Patent US3037570 1962

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O provides support for the knees, stomach and chest support in a motorized vehicle for C"l picking crops in the agriculture industry, a device far more complicated and to large for Floor Tile Laying. In 1976 Abner Esch patented a Tile laying Cart US 3976155 00 1976 this provided for a knee and chest position for the tiler but its design limited the tiler's reach and body manoeuvrability and was specific to the laying of floor tiles 0 without other functional consideration. It's narrow knee pad prevented the tiler from C',l O 10 stepping forward or back on their knees thus restricting forward or back body O movement limiting the work area to their immediate front which required moving the cart frequently. With the front wheels rotating on fixed axles direct traverse of the whole platform left or right was not available limiting directional motion to forward and back reducing manoeuvrability. The long triangular chest pad allowed for a chin rest but prevented the tiler from swivelling their shoulders from side to side limiting the tile laying arch to the immediate front and preventing additional functionality.

Presently the floor tilers industry does not use any previous known designs of Tilers cart or Mobile Trays for the tiler to physically mount as an aid to laying of tiles as a tool to the Tiler's trade.

This invention, "The Tiler's Lay Tray" addresses the mobility restrictions of previous known designs.

It is of benefit to the Tiler to be able to move around on the mobile Lay Tray such as walking on their knees forward and backward this allows them to extend their reach to lay additional rows of tiles or to swivel their shoulders without restriction increases 0their working arch. By reaching further and wider and using both hands the tiler is

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O laying tiles more efficiently.

It is of further benefit to the Tray mounted tiler that their mobile platform be manoeuvred in a traverse fashion to progress smoothly along the line of tiles being laid otherwise time is waisted continually moving the platform into a usable position a extending the time of the job and diminishing the practicality of the devise.

0 C-1 O It is of benefit to the tiler for the mobile platform to pivot 360 degrees on its own axis,

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a manoeuvre required in but not restricted to confined areas such as hallways and bathrooms.

The Lay Tray benefits the Tile layer by providing a far improved ergonomic work platform that avoids musculoskeletal strain allowing tilers to significantly increase their productivity by working longer durations.

Where a tiler requires to work on wall tiles in areas such as bathrooms where there are no bench tops it would be an advantage to the tiler to have a devise that would also function as a mobile work bench thus restricting the continuos need to stoop to cut tiles or reach for tools and material stored on the floor.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

0Object of the Invention 0 O It is the object of the invention to provide a stable but highly manoeuvrable platform from which a worker is able to perform in an efficient and comfortable position the tasks of but not restricted to laying floor tiles and painting skirting boards. The Tilers Lay Tray may overcome the above mentioned disadvantages and/or provide a useful commercial choice.

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o In one form the Lay Tray comprises a single piece rectangular base which has a pair 0 of handle slots at both ends of the tray to assist the user in carrying the tray or hang it 0 S 10 from hooks for storage. These slots also act as the mountings into which the support legs sit of the shelf mount accessory.

A large rectangular knee pad comprising of compressed rubber is mounted from the rear of the base running across the total width of the tray for a length of approximately one half of the length of the tray. A rectangular chest pad comprising of compressed rubber or gel or the like mounted onto a base comprising of timber or plastic or the like slightly narrower than the width of the tray and one third of the tray length. The underside of this chest pad is attached to the top mounting plate of a gas strut which is affixed to the centre front end of the tray in such a position as not to allow the leading edge of the chest pad to be forward of the leading edge of the tray base.

The Lay tray mobility is provided by four castor wheels (known). One wheel fitted to each comer of the underside of the base. As there are no fixed axle wheels the Lay tray can move in any direction including pivot 360 degrees and traverse by one pushing motion (using hands or feet) the tray being ideally suited for traversing along lines of tiles or manoeuvring in confined areas such as but not limited to bathrooms,

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O narrow doorways and hallways.

C"l The Lay Tray is mounted by the user by kneeling onto the knee pad and resting their chest onto the chest pad which provides support and stability of their body. The user is able to freely move forward or backward by walking on their knees along the large 0 knee pad and sliding their chest across the chest pad providing extra reach to lay O additional rows of tiles as compared to previous known patents. With the leading edge O of the chest pad not protruding past the leading edge of the tray base the tray provides

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10 a stable platform for this manoeuvre.

The gas strut (known) is affixed to the tray base by its bottom mounting bracket and the underside centre of the chest pad supporting the chest pad by the top mount bracket (not unlike that of a gas strut of an adjustable office chair). The Chest Pad height is adjusted by the gas strut adjustment handle (known) attached to the top portion of the gas strut and part of the strut mechanism. One movement of the handle will lower the chest pad by applying body pressure upon the pad or by removing body pressure from the pad will raise the pad to the desired height.

Due to users varying physical sizes height adjustment of the chest pad is necessary to provide comfort and stability however with the user allowed free movement forward and backward along the Lay Tray the gas strut provides immediate adjustment for the maintenance of stability without the need of the user to dismount. When the user is in a extended position reaching forward the chest pad would be in a low position for 1 stability and comfort and when working in close with their knees to the rear of the

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O tray the chest pad would be best in a higher position Using a single pillar support for the chest pad such as the gas strut there is no obstruction of elbow movement when the user is reaching and/or swivelling in the performance of their tasks.

0 o The Tilers Lay Tray is a versatile work tool and fitted with a shelf mount doubles as a O mobile bench top when unmanned. This is a flat shelf with the same dimensions as the

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Lay Tray base with a set of legs at one end. The legs sit into the handle slots for stability at the rear of the base and the end without legs rests onto the chest pad. The Tilers Lay Tray can then be loaded with bulk material comprising but not limited to tiles, tins of glue and or grouting, tile cutters, glue applicators etc. and pushed to the required position enabling the user to affix wall tiles in a standing position without the need of significant bending to access implements and material.

The Tilers Lay Tray can be made of any suitable material such as but not restricted to plastic, metal, composite material and the like, although it is not envisaged that any limitation should be placed on the invention merely by the material from which the assembly is manufactured.

The size of the Tilers Lay Tray can vary to suit. However, it is envisaged that the size of the Tilers Lay Tray will be sufficient to hold a large framed person in a position of kneeling with chest forward resting comfortably on a suitably sized chest pad.

Although the sizes may vary it is expected that the basic dimension will be about 500 mm wide, 900mm long for the base with the chest plate mount about 400mm height 0 O from the base. The chest plate about 250mm by 300mm. These dimensions permitting Cl the invention to be steered through confined areas comprising but not restricted to, 5 house/unit corridors, narrow doorways and bathrooms.

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o 0 ^0 0 0l Brief Description of the Drawings.

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O An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following C"l drawing in which:, Figure 1. Illustrates the Tilers Lay Tray in plan without the shelf mount fitted and Illustrates the position of the knee pad, hand slots and chest pad.

Figure 2. Illustrates an isometric view of the Tilers Lay Tray and also illustrating, the C base, the chest pad, Gas Strut, Gas Strut adjustment handle, Carry Handle slots and O Castor wheels.

Figure 3. Illustrates the normal operational position of the user in a kneeled pose with chest resting on the chest pad demonstrating the ability to lay tiles and paint skirtings using two hands with unobstructed movement of arms for reaching and swivelling.

Figure 4. Illustrates the Tilers Lay Tray with the shelf mount fitted and illustrates the work bench in use and storage of tools and material.

Best Mode.

Referring to the illustrations figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 there is described a Tilers Lay Tray.

It will be seen that this the present invention is designed as a highly manoeuvrable mobile work platform for the purpose of but not restricted to laying floor tiles and painting skirting boards.

The Tilers Lay Tray comprises a flat base of wood or plastic or steel which supports a tiler kneeling (12) onto a knee pad comprising compressed rubber The knee pad is sized so as the tiler can walk on their knees forward and/or backward

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O allowing the tiler to stretch well forward of the Lay Tray enabling them to lay more than one row of tiles. For support and stability the Tiler rests his chest onto the chest pad The Chest pad comprises compressed rubber foam or Gel fitted to the chest pad base comprising timber or plastic or steel 0 The chest pad is supported by a gas strut which is affixed by mounting brackets to O the top surface of the lay tray base and to the bottom surface of the chest pad O In using the gas strut as a single pillar support for the chest plate there are no physical 0 obstructions to the tiler in their movement of shoulders, elbows and arms Height adjustment of the Chest Pad and chest pad base is controlled by the gas strut adjustment handle without the need of the user to dismount.

Four castor wheels provide the manoeuvrability enabling the Lay Tray to move in any direction as well as turn 360 degrees on its own axis and traverse along the line of tiles being laid. Propulsion is provided by the tiler's use of their feet and/or hands The Lay Tray has hands slots which are used to carry the Lay Tray or hang in storage. When the Lay Tray is fitted with the shelf mount accessory (14) the hand slots support the legs of the shelf mount (13).

The Tilers Lay Tray can carry persons of varying sizes in an operational position that promotes a straight spine (12) significantly reducing strain on the musculoskeletal i regions of the tilers back thus increasing the duration of work and reducing the risk of

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O possible permanent musculoskeletal disorders.

Cl The shelf mount attachment (14) rests flat onto the chest pad The shelf mount attachment legs (13) fit into the hand slots stabilising the shelf (14) and converting the Tilers Lay Tray into a mobile work bench which holds tools and material 0 C',l C Throughout the specification and the claims (if present), unless the context requires O otherwise, the term "comprise",or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", 0 S 10 will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

2. The Tray of claim 1 supports a person in a kneeling fashion with that person's chest resting on the chest pad in a way as to significantly reduce strain on the musculoskeletal regions in particular, the users back region.
3. The Tray as claimed in claim 1 and Claim 2 promotes supported movement of the upper torso enabling the operator of the Tray to use any or all shoulders, elbows and hands by motion and reach while performing their tasks in a comfortable and stable manner.
4. The Tray of Claim 2 permits that person to manoeuvre the Tray of claim 1 by using their feet or hands in any direction including pivoting 360 degrees on the trays axis and traverse. The Tray of Claim 1 chest pad base is affixed horizontally onto the O O top of the mounting bracket of the gas strut which can be adjusted t",l vertically using the gas strut adjustment lever by the tray operator providing immediate height adjustment for the operators comfort and stability without the need to dismount the tray when in use as in claims 2 and claim 3. 0
6. The Tray of Claim 1 knee pad base is affixed on topside of the O 0 Tray base toward the rear occupying about half the tray area this allows the tray operator to comfortably walk forward and backward on their knees providing easy positioning of their torso onto the chest pad and an opportunity to extend the operators reach when required.
7. The Tray of claim 1 fitted with two hand slots machined through the tray base at both front and rear of the tray base allow the tray user to carry the Lay Tray or to hook the Lay Tray onto mounting brackets or the like for storage of the tray.
8. A "Shelf Mount" attachment comprising 2 legs and a flat surface shelf equal in dimensions to the base of the Lay Tray can be fitted to the Lay Tray of claiml by positioning each leg of the "Shelf Mount" into each rear hand slot of claim 7 and resting the underside of the flat shelf surface onto the chest pad of claim C C Cl C) c-fl C C Cl C Cl C C Cl
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10. The Tray of claim 1 fitted with a "shelf mount" attachment of claim 8 converts the tray of claim 1 into a mobile work bench and material storage tray. The Shelf mount as claimed in claim 8 consists of a rectangular flat shelf of the same dimensions as the tray base as in claim 1 this shelf being fitted with two legs on one end only whose legs form a right angle and extend from the shelf and sit into the rear hand slots of Claim 7 with the other end of the flat shelf supported by the chest pad of claim 5 forming the work bench of claim 9. An Tray assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.