AU2011232646A1 - RF control module for continuous feed drywall tools - Google Patents

Abstract

A removable waterproof enclosure (20) houses an RF control (22) and two triggers (or buttons) (24) and (26) to start and stop a drywall feed pump (16). The enclosure attaches to the power-fed drywall box tool handle(s) (28). It has a manual clamp (30) to keep it in a desired position on the handle (28) when desired. The clamp (30) also has a neutral or released position to allow it to slide freely with the user's hand for more versatility. Two triggers or buttons (24) and (26) on opposite ends of the RF enclosure (20) are used to control the pump (16) on/off from multiple hand grip positions.

Description

WO 2011/119530 PCT/US2011/029313 RF CONTROL MODULE FOR CONTINUOUS FEED DRYWALL TOOLS TECHNICAL FIELD This application claims the benefit of US Application serial number 61/316,010, 5 filed March 22, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUNDART Manual drywall application tools are well known for the supply and application of drywall mud. 10 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to allow the user to control the flow of drywall mud to the continuous feed drywall box tool. The RF control module controls the drywall feed pump remotely at the box tool, giving the user ultimate control of the mud flow 15 while applying mud to the wall, filling the box, or both. The RF control module can be easily transferred to any continuous feed box tool with no tools being required. A continuous feed drywall tool system utilizes a pump system to feed drywall mud to drywall tools via a hose connecting the pump and the tools. The system includes pump, hose and tools such as a corner tool, a taper tool and a box finish tool.

WO 2011/119530 PCT/US2011/029313 2 A removable waterproof enclosure houses an RF control and two triggers (or buttons) to start and stop the drywall feed pump. The enclosure attaches to the power-fed drywall box tool handle(s). It has an integral self-locking clamp to keep it in a desired position on the handle when desired. The clamp also has a neutral position to allow it to 5 slide freely with the user's hand for more versatility. Two triggers or buttons on opposite ends of the RF enclosure are used to control the pump on/off from multiple hand grip positions. There are a number of advantages to the instant invention in that it remotely controls the drywall feed pump and gives the user ultimate control of mud flow to the 10 box. Further, the quick release housing allows use on multiple box tool handle lengths by enabling the switching of box tools in seconds. It is also shaped to fit the contour of the box handle for optimal comfort and control. The integral clamp allows the user to lock the RF enclosure in the desired position. The clamp design allows for quick release when pulled in opposite direction and includes a neutral position detent to allow user to freely 15 slide the enclosure and control the position with hand grip if desired. This allows for ease of positioning to suit individual user grip preferences. Two triggers/buttons allows for multiple grips and versatility. This control operates independent of the box tool brake handle. These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully 20 from the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

WO 2011/119530 PCT/US2011/029313 3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows the control module of the instant invention. Figure 2 shows a side view of the control module of the instant invention. Figure 3 shows an end view of the control module of the instant invention. 5 Figure 4 shows a view of the other side of the control module of the instant invention. Figure 5 shows a view of the other end of the control module of the instant invention. Figure 6 shows a top view of the control module of the instant invention. 10 Figure 7 shows a bottom view of the control module of the instant invention. Figure 8 shows a view of the system of the instant invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention, generally 10, to allow the user to control the flow 15 of drywall mud to the continuous feed drywall box tool 14. The RF control module 12 controls the drywall feed pump 16 remotely at the box tool 14, giving the user ultimate control of the mud flow while applying mud to the wall, filling the box 14, or both. The RF control module 12 can be easily transferred to any continuous feed box tool 14 with no tools being required.

WO 2011/119530 PCT/US2011/029313 4 A continuous feed drywall tool system 10 utilizes a pump system 16 to feed drywall mud to drywall tools 14 via a hose connecting the pump 16 and the tools 14. The system includes pump 16, hose 18 and tools 14 such as a corner tool, a taper tool and a box finish tool. 5 A removable waterproof enclosure 20 houses an RF control 22 and two triggers/buttons 24 and 26 to start and stop the drywall feed pump 16. The enclosure attaches to the power-fed drywall box tool handle(s) 28. Enclosure 20 has a hinge 32 allowing clamshell portions 34 and 36 to open and allow movement between handles 28 of different tools. A latch 38 releasably secures clamshell portions 34 and 36 in position. 10 It has a manual clamp 30 (or alternatively an integral self-locking clamp) to keep it in a desired position on the handle 28 when desired. The clamp 30 also has a neutral or released position to allow it to slide freely with the user's hand for more versatility. Two triggers or buttons 24 and 26 on opposite ends of the RF enclosure 20 are used to control the pump 16 on/off from multiple hand grip positions. 15 There are a number of advantages to the instant invention in that it remotely controls the drywall feed pump and gives the user ultimate control of mud flow to the box. Further, the quick release housing allows use on multiple box tool handle lengths by enabling the switching of box tools in seconds. It is also shaped to fit the contour of the box handle for optimal comfort and control. The integral clamp allows the user to lock the 20 RF enclosure in the desired position. The clamp design allows for quick release when pulled in opposite direction and includes a neutral position detent to allow user to freely slide the enclosure and control the position with hand grip if desired. This allows for ease of positioning to suit individual user grip preferences. Two triggers/buttons allows for WO 2011/119530 PCT/US2011/029313 5 multiple grips and versatility. This control operates independent of the box tool brake handle. It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be made to the control module without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by 5 the following claims.

Claims (3)

1. A control module for use on a drywall application tool and a feed pump, said tool having a handle, said control module comprising: a removable enclosure; 5 an RF control in said enclosure; at least one trigger to start and stop said feed pump; and a releasable clamp to allow positioning said enclosure on said handle.

2. The control module of claim 1 further comprising at least first and second triggers.

3. The control module of claim 2 wherein said control module has first and second 10 ends, one of said triggers being located at each said end.