GB2268773A

GB2268773A - Paving slab grouting tool

Info

Publication number: GB2268773A
Application number: GB9300889A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stuart Hugh Strover
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-04-08
Filing date: 1993-01-18
Publication date: 1994-01-19
Also published as: GB9300889D0

Abstract

A paving slab grouting tool comprises a tray (4) filled with grout, wherein by means of a slot (2) provided in the base of the tray grout is transferred to the gaps between the paving under the tray. A means of guiding the grout is provided by tongues (3) on either side of the slot under the tray. These project into the gaps to allow accurate and easy location and re-location of the tray in the grooves. <IMAGE>

Description

PAVING SLAB GROUTING TOOL This invention relates to the grouting of paving slabs, blocks, bricks and tiles used for the paving of drives. paths, patios and floors.

Paving slabs, blocks, bricks and floor tiles - hereafter collectively called paving, are traditionally laid with gaps between adjacent pavings. These gap widths - hereafter called grooves, are usually a personal preference of the Pavier and can depend upon a number of criteria which include : the type of paving used, the use to which it will be subjected, changes in levels and aesthetic aspects.

The Pavier must also take into account other limiting criteria, and where necessary, make allowances for them. These additional criteria - hereafter called limits, are : thermal expansion, inconsistencies - both in the laying of the paving and the bases on which they are laid, manufacturing irregularities and tolerances. To make allowances for all, or any, of these criteria and limits the Pavier will create grooves of varying widths. These will be of the order of 5 mm minimum to a maximum not usually exceeding 25 mm.

When paving laying has been completed the network of grooves are usually filled, sometimes with sand or, for greater durability, with a sand and cement mixture called grout. The filled grooves are then known as paving joints.

Grouting of these grooves is a laborious and time consuming task made difficult by the limited tooling available to carry out the task.

The traditional method is for the Pavier to place a reservoir of pre-mixed grout near the work area, then with a builders trowel take a small quantity of the grout on the tip of the trowel and place it in the groove to be grouted.

Turning the trowel on its side, and using short, sharp chopping movements so that the thin edge of the trowel goes into the groove, the Pavier then attempts to spread the grout over the full groove width and, at the same time, force it to the bottom of the groove.

Excess grout is removed from the surface,the edges are cleaned off and the process repeated until an apparent satisfactory fill is obtained.

To create a water run-off channel and tidy the edges, the completed joint is "pointed", first using the tip of the trowel to form a depression in the surface of the grout and later, when the grout has partially set, finishing off with a special builders tool called a "Striking Iron" or "Donger".

Even when carried out by an expert this whole procedure is slow and can be ineffective: - the consistency of the grout must be "stiff" in order to handle it without too much spillage; - because the grooves are narrow only small quantities of grout can be placed each time; - it is difficult to work a stiff grout into the narrow grooves; - the grout does not always reach the bottom of the grooves, nor does it always completely fill them. Consequently the spaces which are left are detrimental to the useful life of the paved area because insects and seeds can gain access to these spaces and undermine and/or lift the paving; - the paving corners and edges can be damaged by the chopping action; - Applying grout in this way can cause the surrounding surfaces to be splattered and stained by the cement.Any subsequent pointing to fill the partially filled spaces causes further spreading of the grout over the paving and additional time must then be taken to clean the paving.

Accordingly the invention is a tool; the purpose of which is to speed the grouting process and make the whole operation easier to perform by: - providing a readily accessible reservoir of grout at the work face; - allowing a more fluid ("looser") grout to be used; - giving an effective and cleaner fill of grout to the grooves; - keeping the paved surfaces clean during the operation and obviating the need for extensive cleaning at the end of the task; - protecting the paving edges and corners from damage during the grouting operation thus reducing the need to replace damaged paving.

The tool is a grouting tray - hereafter called a tray, and it is used for the grouting of all types of paving slabs, blocks, bricks and tiles that are commonly used for the paving of drives, paths, patios and floors. It is of suitable dimensions to adequately cover the specific sizes of pavings used.

The essential features of the tray comprise a base, a slot and slot projections all of which are here defined and described.

The base of the tray is essentially flat and rigid. This is the work area. A longitudinal slot is provided in the base. The slot is of suitable length and width for the particular applications and paving sizes considered.

Thin projections of suitable depth and rigidity - hereafter called tongues, are provided over the full length and on both sides of the slot, on the underside of the tray.

The basic tray is essentially flat, but it may be provided with suitably shaped raised sides or side, of adequate height and width, or similar suitably down-turned sides or side, or any combination of these. The sides or side may also be permanently fixed or releasably secured attachments to the tray or a combination of both fixed and releasable.

Specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example number 1 illustrates the basic concept of the tray : Figure 1 shows the tray in perspective viewed from the top; Figure 2 shows the tray in perspective viewed from the underside and illustrates the tongues projecting out from the bottom; Figure 3 shows the tray in perspective and in position on a paved area ready for commencement of work.

The essential technical features of the tray are as previously described and are as shown in figures 1 & 2.

The tray is of adequate width to allow the placing and storage of a working quantity of grout on the work area without the slot being obstructed by the grout. The tray is also of adequate stiffness and strength to support the total weight of the grout being stored, particularly while being moved into a new operating position.

The slot in this particular example is of a fixed width and length. It is closed at both ends. This arrangement of slot is suitable for use with a specific, or a limited, range of groove widths.

The tongues are of sufficient and suitable depth to provide: - positive location when positioning the tray over the grooves; - adequate guidance for the grout to direct it deep into the groove; - protection for the paving corners and edges; - protection against the flow of grout along the underside of the tray.

This particular example is provided with raised tray sides. They are of adequate height and length to contain, both, the reservoir of grout and the grout splash and splatter which tends to be created during the grouting operation. In this example the sides are curved. They have smooth transitions from the base to the top of the sides to provide additional efficiency in the use of the tray - later described. However the concept of a side or sides to the tray is not limited to this particular size or shape, or any other size or shape, whether curved or angular In use the tray is placed on the paving to be grouted - figure 3. A quantity of pre-mixed grout, sufficiently wetted to give fluidity, is placed on the base of the tray - 1, on either one or both sides of the slot - 2, to form a working reservoir of grout.The tray is guided over the groove to be grouted so that the slot and groove are aligned and the base of the tray is masking the paving on either side of the groove. Precise location is obtained by allowing the tongues - 3, to drop into the groove.

A builders trowel is filled from the reservoir of grout. The grout is then "thrown" through the slot and into the groove with a similar action to that used by a bricklayer when placing mortar prior to laying a brick. The force of the "throw" is judged so as to be sufficient to drive the grout to the bottom of the groove. The tongues help to guide the grout to the centre at the bottom of the groove where it can flow evenly out on either side.

This application of grout is then "chopped", as previously described, into the slot with the edge of the trowel, the chopping action helping to disperse, level and consolidate the grout in the groove.

The slot sides and tongues act as paving guards and prevent the trowel from causing damage to the paving corners and edges during the chopping action.

Excess grout which builds up unevenly over the slot is removed with the trowel for re-use. This small quantity of grout is then "thrown" again into the groove to create a uniform and complete fill.

Because it is possible to use a "loose" grout, the groove under the slot is completely filled in this operation. The tongues prevent any excess grout from spreading along the underside of the tray and over the paving surfaces.

To complete the operation all excess grout remaining in the slot and groove is removed by pushing and/or drawing, to the Paviers preference, the trowel, along the slot. This action also provides a preliminary pointing" to the joint. The slot sides acting as guides for the trowel and assisting in obtaining a uniform shape and even depth to the pointing.

Surplus grout, which collects on the base of the tray around the slot, is scooped away at periodic intervals and returned to the reservoir.

The raised sides - 4, prevent splatter from reaching the paving on either side of the tray. The curved profiles of the sides are an aid to the scooping of grout on to the leading edge of the trowel and compacting it on this edge where it is needed for effective ejection during the "throwing" operation.

When the groove under the slot has been satisfactorily filled, cleaned of excess grout and pointed the tray is moved to the next open groove to be filled and the procedure repeated to the completion of the work.

Where pavings have been laid in regular rows then it is only necessary to slide or pull the tray into a new position along the groove using the tongues as locating guides to keep the tray in correct alignment.

When the joints have partially set and are to the satisfaction of the Pavier they are finished off by pointing in the usual way or rounded with a striking iron.

Example number 2 illustrates the tray with variations which include an extended fixed width slot and a raised end at the back of the tray: Figure 4 shows the tray in perspective, viewed from the top at the front; Figure 5 shows the tray in perspective, viewed from the back, underneath and illustrates the open ended slot and bridge.

Essentially the tray is as described in example number 1, but with the addition of the slot and both tongues being extended to the back of the tray so that the slot becomes open ended - figures 4 & 5. Because the slot then separates the base at the back, the tray is provided with a connecting bridge which is of suitable width and height to form a closed end - 5, to the tray.

The tray is used in the manner described in example number 1 but the variations in design provide a number of additional operational advantages: - the open ended slot aids uniformity of work - it allows sight under the bridge of the previously completed joint so that the tray can be repositioned without leaving gaps in the work; - pointing can be "trailed" over to give a smooth transition from the previous work to the new; - the closed end prevents splatter from reaching and spoiling paving at the rear of the work area; - the bridge which is formed between the two sides at the end of the tray provides additional rigidity and stability for the base.

Example number 3 illustrates the tray with additional features which further extend its use. These features provide: the means for adjustment of the slot width and the means by which parts of the tray may be detached so that additional attachments may be fitted in their place.

Figure 6 shows the tray in perspective and viewed from the top at the front and with the detachable parts assembled; Figure 7 shows the tray in perspective with the detachable parts separated; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a wall edge attachment; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the main tray with a wall edge attachment fitted to form a hybrid tray; Figure 10 shows a front end view of the hybrid tray; Figure 11 shows a perspective drawing of the hybrid tray positioned on a paved area against a wall and ready for use.

v The tray is essentially as described in examples 1 & 2 but with variations which allow it to be used in either one of two ways. With the original parts fitted it may be used as a standard tray and in the way previously described. In modified form, with other attachments fitted, it may be used to carry out a wider range of work including grouting to the edges of walls. The modified tray is, hereafter, referred to as a hybrid tray.

The variations which form the hybrid tray are now described and shown diagramatically in figures 6 to 11 inclusive.

Both the standard tray and the hybrid version of the tray are provided with means for adjusting the width of the slot and tongue spacings so that the tray is not limited to a particular range of groove widths but may be used for the grouting of all normal groove widths, as set by the criteria and limits previously described. The adjusting device provided allows the base parts on either side of the slot to be separated or closed together, or attachments to be inserted or fitted, or parts removed, to vary the width of the slot and tongue spacings as required by the application considered.

The standard tray, described in this example and shown in figures 6 & 7,is provided with separable parts and a means for releasably securing them so that a part, or parts, can be removed to allow an attachment, or attachments, to be fitted in their place.

Figure 6 shows a drawing of the tray assembled and ready for normal use in an open paved area. Its operation is as described in previous examples.

Figure 7 shows the tray with its parts separated along the line of the slot so that a tongue is left remaining on each part. This figure also illustrates the part or parts of the tray, shown on the left hand side of the figure, which, hereafter, are referred to collectively as "the attachment" and the part or parts, shown on the right hand side of the figure, which, hereafter, are referred to collectively as "the main tray". The particular arrangement shown is referred to as right-handed - in use being more suitable for a right handed operator. But implicit in the tray concept is the premise that trays of either hand are implied and that the main tray may be located on either side of the slot.

The hybrid tray of this example is next described.

The purpose of the hybrid tray is to extend the use of the tray to other areas of grouting which cannot be done with the standard tray. One such area of work is where grooves have been formed close to walls and other similar obstructions such as paving edge strips, hedges and trees.

In order to carry out grouting in these particular areas special attachments are provided which can be releasably secured to the main tray. The special attachment for grouting grooves that are located against walls is, hereafter, known as a "wall edge attachment".

The wall edge attachment demonstrated - figure 8, is of suitable dimensions to be compatible with the main tray when the two components are connected together.

The side of the attachment is essentially flat and free of any obstruction on the outer side so that it can be placed close against a wall when in use.

An optional thin tongue of suitable depth and rigidity is provided on the bottom edge and over part of the length of the side to match up with a similar tongue on the main tray.

The attachment is provided with a device or means by which it can be releasably secured to the main tray. By means of this securing device, or by another device or means, the position of the attachment can be adjusted so that the slot width may be made variable to comply with the criteria and limits previously described.

Figure 7 shows the main tray with its standard attachment removed ready for the fitting of the wall edge attachment.

Figure 9 illustrates the wall edge attachment fitted to the main tray to form the assembled hybrid tray.

The variation in this tray of the flat side and the location of the tongues relative to the side are demonstrated in figure 10.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the hybrid tray positioned against a wall and ready for use.

The hybrid tray is used in the same manner as that described for the previous examples. But because groove widths tend to vary considerably around obstructions and the edges of walls etc. the device for adjusting the slot width is provided with an arrangement so that the slot width can be adjusted as necessary each time the tray is moved from section to section.

The vertical side of the attachment shields the wall from grout splatter in the throwing process, during the chopping action and when the pointing and cleaning is being carried out.

Example 4 illustrates the tray with the basic features as described and illustrated in examples 1 & 2 but modified to incorporate a fixed wall edge grouting facility.

Figure 12 illustrates a basic wall edge grouting tray.

The tray in this example combines the attributes of the basic tray with those of the wall edge facility into a fixed integrated unit. The tray is provided with a slot of fixed length and fixed width as described in examples 1 & 2. A wall grouting type of side, with the features shown in figure 8 and described in example 3, is provided - figure 12.

The tray is used generally as described in example 1 and specifically as described for the hybrid tray in example 3.

Claims

1. A grouting tray which is a tool for use in the grouting of all types of paving slabs, blocks, bricks and tiles that are commonly used for the paving of drives, paths, patios and floors. It is of suitable dimensions to adequately cover the specific sizes of paving used.

The base of the tray is essentially flat and rigid to provide a reservoir forthe grout and a work area. The base is also provided with a longitudinal slot, closed at both ends and of suitable fixed length and width for the particular applications and paving sizes requiring grouting.

A means of providing a positive location for the tray, a means of providing guides for the grout, means for providing protection for the paving edges and means for preventing the flow of grout along the tray underside are provided by thin projections of suitable depth and rigidity over the full length and on both sides of the slot, on the under side of the tray.

A means of containing the grout in the work area and a means of containing splashes of grout, are provided by raised sides, suitably shaped and of adequate height and width.

2. A tray as claimed in claim 1 but with the addition of the slot and both tongues extended to the back of the tray wherein the slot is open ended and there is provision for a connecting bridge between the two sides at the back of the tray.

3. A tray as claimed in claim 2 with the additional means for adjustment of the slot width and the means by which parts of the tray may be detached so that additional attachments may be fitted and the usefulness of the tray extended.

4. An attachment with a flat outer side and integral tongue which is a continuation of the side, the whole of which may be releasably secured to the tray claimed in claim 3.

5. A tray as claimed in claims 1 and claim 2 wherein the flat side and its extended tongue are an integral part of the tray and replace the standard side. The slot and tongues are of fixed length and width and parts are not detachable.