AU2008255222B1

AU2008255222B1 - Aluminium skirting cover strip applicator

Info

Publication number: AU2008255222B1
Application number: AU2008255222A
Authority: AU
Inventors: George Theodosiou
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-12-07
Filing date: 2008-12-07
Publication date: 2009-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-07

Description

ALUMINIUM SKIRTING COVER STRIP APPLICATOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention generally relates to tools, and more particular to a hand tool for installing a rubber cover strip into a channel on aluminium skirting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Aluminium skirting is fixed to various wall types via fixing through its fixing channel which is located on the top section of the skirting.

A flat rubber cover strip is then inserted into the channel to conceal the fixing screws.

This cover strip can be either hard or soft plastic.

Applying this cover strip however is a slow and difficult process, as no tool is is available for this task.

The cover strip fits tightly into the fixing channel, and being wider than the channel, requires to be compressed using the fingertips, so as to accomplish a slight curve. The installer then pushes the cover strip into the channel with his fingertips, or uses an implement like a flat head screwdriver to install the strip.

More often than not, the screwdriver slips and damages the aluminium skirting.

Installing the cover strip using this method is a tedious and painful procedure, especially if the hard cover strip is being used. On an average job, hundreds of metres of skirting are installed making the cover strip installation a slow process.

There is accordingly a need for a tool that installs the rubber cover strip into the fixing channel, a tool that speeds up the installation of the rubber cover strip, a need for a tool that is ergonomicall that eliminates damage to the skirting, and to the installer's fingertips.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention includes a method and a tool for facilitating a rubber cover strip into a fixing channel on aluminium skirting. This tool installs the cover strip without damaging the cover strip, the fixing channel or skirting.

This invention is also able to continuously install rubber cover strip along the fixing channel, making installation quick and easy for the installing individual.

The tool is also designed for single handed operation. The tool can be used by left and right handed installers, and used left to right and right to left.

In accordance with the invention a tool is provided for installing a rubber cover strip.

The tool has a handle, a thumb rest on the end of the handle, secured in position by a longitudinal spine connecting the thumb rest to the tool.

Most particularly the tool includes a cover strip guide situated underneath the thumb rest.

ALUMINIUM SKIRTING COVER STRIP APPLICATOR The guide is used to align and install the rubber cover strip into the fixing channel of the aluminium skirting, ensuring tangle free installation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS These and other features are described in the following accompanying invention drawings.

Fig. 1 Isometric view of the tool, showing the insertion point of the rubber cover strip.

Fig.2 Isometric view, of the tool showing the exit point of the rubber cover strip.

Fig.3 Cross- sectional view, along the longitudinal axis of the tool, showing hollow section and dimensions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to Fig. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the tool 2 for installing a rubber cover strip 3. The tool 2 comprises of a textured grip handle 8, a thumb rest 7, incorporated into the longitudinal axis C end of the handle 8.

Underside of the thumb rest, 7 is a cover strip guide 9. Fig. 1 shows the insertion point 4 of the cover strip 3. The insertion point 4 is 25mm in width on axis A and 4mm in height on axis B, shaped in a slight curve downwards, maintaining the shape of the cover strip 3, and eliminating twisting and buckling inside the guide 9.

The body of the tool is slightly textured, to ensure a positive grip, when in use.

Referring now to Fig.2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a tool 2 to be used in installing a rubber cover strip 3 in aluminium skirting.

The view shows the exit point 5 of the cover strip 3. The opening of the exit point curves the cover strip 3. This curve decreases the width of the cover strip just sufficient to permit the cover strip to be inserted in the straight fixing channel Fig.4/13.

When the cover strip is un-curved it can lie straight in the channel Fig.4/13.

The tool handle 8 and the thumb rest 7 are ergonomically designed to eliminate hand and wrist fatigue during installation. The main body of the handle 8a allows for a more comfortable grip in palm of the hand, whilst the little finger nestles high up in the rear section of the handle 8b.

The thumb sits in the lower section of the thumb rest 7a, allowing for positive pressure on the tool.

Referring now to Fig.3. is a cross section view along the longitudinal axis C, of the tool 2.

Fig.3 shows a hollow chamber 11 inside the cover strip guide 9. The guide's chamber begins at the insertion point 4. At this point the chamber is flat and narrow 1 la. This maintains the cover strip's flat structure, not permitting the cover strip to buckle or twist.

ALUMINIUM SKIRTING COVER STRIP APPLICATOR As the cover strip is pushed further through the chamber 1 1a, it enters the more generous section 1 lb, and finally exiting out of the guide 5, shaped in a curve Also in Fig.3 at the exit point 5, referring to the walls of the guide 9, tapering down to the exit point 5, the walls are to be no thicker than 1mm.

This allows the tool to be inserted into the fixing channel, Fig.4/13 Overall length of the tool 2 along the longitudinal axis C is 190 mm. Length of the guide 9 along axis D is 84mm. Thickness of the tool along axis Fig.2/E is 27mm Fig.3 also shows the cover strip insertion point 4 as being curved slightly downwards.

This directs the cover strip down, away from the installer's hand, thus not impeding in the installation.

Referring now to Fig.4 which is a perspective view of an installer using the tool 2, installing the rubber cover strip 3 into the fixing channel on the aluminium skirting 14.

The aluminium skirting 14 is fixed to various types of walls through the fixing channel 13 using skirting screws.

With the installer holding the start of the cover strip 3 down with his thumb and the tool 2 positioned in the correct angle, the rubber cover strip 3 is then installed using the tool 2.

INSTALLATION OF THR RUBBER COVER STRIP USING THE APPLICATOR The flat rubber cover strip 3 is inserted into the insertion point 4, positioned at the rear of the guide 9.

The rubber cover strip 3 is then pushed through narrow chamber 1 la of the guide 9, maintaining it's flatness, and eliminating twisting, and buckling, as it then enters the wider chamber 1 lb.

As it passes through the exit point 5, it forms a curve The rubber cover strip 3 is placed into the fixing channel 13.

Referring to Fig.4, the cover strip 3 is held in position using the thumb 15, whilst the other hand is holding the handgrip portion 8 of the tool 2, at an offset angle of degrees to the aluminium skirting 14.

The tool 2 is held in such a position that the circular opening of the exit point 5, of the guide 9, abuts against the fixing channel 13 of the aluminium skirting 14.

Holding the tool 2 in this position, apply pressure to the tool 2, via thumb rest 7a, and pull in the direction as shown 16.

Apply strong pressure to the cover strip 3 with the other thumb 15, so as to keep the cover strip 3 in position, to initialize the installation process.

As the tool 2 is pulled along the skirting 14, in this position, the rubber cover strip 3 is continuously fed into the fixing channel 13, covering the fixings and leaving a seamless clean finish.

The tool can be pulled left to right, right to left and used by left and right handed installers.

Claims

1. A single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel, the tool having a rear end and a front end, the tool including: an elongate handle having a longitudinal axis, a back end defining the rear end of the tool and a forward end, and ("i S an elongate hollow guide extending forwardly from the forward end of the handle, the guide (N V) having an entry point for receiving the strip of material, an elongate hollow body and an exit point for guiding the strip into the channel, the exit point defining the front end of the tool, ("i 00

2. A single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel as defined by claim 1 wherein the guide comprises a hollow chamber. (,i

3. A single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel as defined by claim 2 wherein the entry point of the chamber comprises a narrow hollow section which expands into a more spacious hollow section.

4. A single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel as defined by claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the hollow chamber comprises the exit point which is oval in shape. A single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel as defined by claim 4 wherein a dimension of the entry point in the horizontal direction is greater than a dimension of the exit point in the horizontal direction and a dimension of the entry point in the vertical direction is smaller than a dimension of the exit point in the vertical direction thus resulting in the cover strip exiting the guide shaped in a curve.

6. A single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel as defined by any of claims 3-5 wherein the cover strip guide entry point is slightly curved downwards.

7. A single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel as defined by any preceding claim wherein an upwardly extending thumb rest is incorporated into the tool between the handle and the guide.

8. A single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel as defined by any preceding claim wherein the surface of the tool is textured.

9. A single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel as defined by any preceding claim wherein the handle is ergonomically designed to eliminate hand and wrist S fatigue. 0 A single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel as defined by any C1 preceding claim wherein the exit point of the guide is cut at an angle of approximately 30 degree S with respect to the longitudinal axis of the guide, as reffered to in new drawing Fig 3, along axis (N n G. NO 11. A method of installing a strip of material into a channel using a single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel as defined by any of claims, the method including the steps of: a) inserting the strip into the entry point of the guide, b) pushing the strip through the guide and passing it through the exit point, c) placing the strip into the channel, d) placing the tool in such a position that the opening of the exit point of the guide abuts against the channel, e) applying pressure to the tool and pulling it in a desired strip inserting direction.

12. A single-piece handheld tool for installing a strip of material into a channel substantially as herein described in the detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings.

13. A method of installing a strip of material into a channel substantially as herein described in the detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings.