GB2278592A

GB2278592A - Tape and cement applicators

Info

Publication number: GB2278592A
Application number: GB9311594A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hugh Conner Keys
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-06-04
Filing date: 1993-06-04
Publication date: 1994-12-07
Also published as: GB9311594D0

Abstract

A tape and cement applicator (10) comprises a body (12) defining a cement reservoir (14) and a tape path in communication with the reservoir. As described tape (52) from a roll 36 enters the reservoir (14) via an opening 38 in a wall (18) and leaves via an opening (40) in a wall (42). Cement is thus applied to one side of the tape whilst in the reservoir and the coated tape is applied to a surface by a roller (44) and cut to length by a cutting edge (50). The upper wall of the reservoir is hinged and carries handle (28) to that pressure can be exerted on the cement during use. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TAPE AND CEMENT APPLICATORS This invention relates to a tape and cement applicator.

The surface of internal walls in buildings is often formed by plasterboard secured to a wooden or aluminium alloy supporting frame. Joints between adjacent boards are taped to provide a smooth finish and, at present, this is often achieved through use of tape and cement applicator. Such an applicator carries a reel of tape and a reservoir of cement, the cement being applied to the tape prior to it being carried to a location where the coated tape may be pressed against the wall surface.

Pulleys are provided at the wall engaging end of the applicator and, as the pulleys are passed over a wall surface, they are rotated and lines passing around the pulleys are drawn in to lift a piston, which reduces the volume of the cement reservoir. Thus, cement is squeezed from an opening at the end of the applicator onto the passing tape.

Although this form of applicator operates in a satisfactory manner it is difficult to maintain and also relatively expensive. The configuration of the applicator also limits the forms of cement that may be used with the applicator, such that more viscous cements cannot be utilised.

It is among the objects of the present invention to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a tape and cement applicator comprising a body defining a cement reservoir and a tape path in communication with the reservoir such that, in use, a coating of cement is applied to one side of a length of tape passing along said path, and means for pressing the coated tape onto a surface.

The applicator provides a relatively simple arrangement which allows a tape to be coated and applied to a surface.

Preferably, the tape path extends along at least a portion of one wall of the reservoir. Preferably also, openings are provided in the reservoir walls to permit entry and exit of the tape into and from the reservoir.

Preferably also, the volume of the reservoir may be decreased in order to facilitate the application of cement to the tape. Most preferably, one wall of the reservoir is movable for this purpose. The wall may also be movable to a position to permit filling of the reservoir, the wall preferably being pivotally mounted to the body. In the preferred arrangement, the movable wall opposes the portion of wall over which the tape path extends.

Preferably also, the body provides a mounting for a tape reel.

Preferably also, the means for pressing the coated tape onto the surface is in the form of a roller.

Preferably also, the body further includes means for tearing the tape adjacent the surface.

This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a tape and cement applicator in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a plan view of the applicator of Figure 1.

The drawings illustrate a tape and cement applicator 10 for use in applying cement coated tapes to the gaps between adjoining plasterboards and the like. The applicator 10 comprises a body 12 which defines a cement reservoir 14. The body 12 is formed of metal sheet fabricated to provide the generally triangular reservoir 14 having lower, rear and side walls 16, 18, 20, 22. An upper wall 24 of the reservoir is pivotally mounted relative to the remainder of the body 12 by means of a hinge 26 towards the front of the body and thus may be moved to allow access to the reservoir 14, or may be pivoted in the opposite direction to reduce the volume of the reservoir. An operator grip 28 is mounted on the upper wall 24.

Extending from the rear of the body 12 is a rear handle 30 which incorporates a further operator grip 32 and also provides a spool mounting 34, on which may be mounted a spool of tape 36.

Tape from the spool 36 is passed through an opening 38 in the reservoir rear wall 18 and extends along a tape path, following the inner surface of the lower wall 16, to exit from the reservoir through an opening 40 in a short front wall 42. From the opening 40 the tape passes over a roller 44 mounted between the arms of a U-shaped bracket 46 fixed to the front of the body 12. The bracket 46 is mounted on an angled plate 48 which is riveted to the front end of the lower wall 16 and is also provided with a serrated free edge 50.

In use, an operator first passes the tape 52 from the spool 36 through the openings 38, 40, along the tape path and finally over the roller 44. The reservoir 14 is then filled with cement, such that the cement sits on the tape 52 passing through the reservoir 14. The operator then presses the roller 44 against the boards to which the tape and cement is to be applied to bring the end of the tape 52 into contact with the surface. Moving the roller 44 over the surface in the direction of arrow A (Figure 1) then causes tape 52 to be drawn from the spool 36, through the reservoir 14, around the roller 44, and onto the surface. As the tape 52 is drawn through the reservoir 14 cement adheres to the upper face of the tape such that when the tape 52 passes through the front opening 40, the tape carries a coating of cement on its upper surface.

Continued application of a cement coating to the tape 52 is assured by downward pressure exerted on the grip 28 by the operator. When the desired length of tape has been applied to the surface the operator pivots the body 12 around the roller 44 to bring the serrated edge 50 into contact with the tape, which may then be torn.

From the above description it will be seen that an applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention provides a very simple arrangement which is straightforward to use. The minimal number of movable parts minimises the maintenance which the applicator requires, and the easy access to the reservoir 14 allows the reservoir 14 to be cleaned without requiring any dismantling of the applicator.

It will be obvious to those of skill in the art that the above described embodiment is merely exemplary of the present invention, and that various modifications and improvements may be made thereto, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A tape and cement applicator comprising a body defining a cement reservoir and a tape path in communication with the reservoir such that, in use, a coating of cement is applied to one side of a length of tape passing along said path, and means for pressing the coated tape onto a surface.

2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the tape path extends along at least a portion of one wall of the reservoir.

3. The applicator of claim 2 wherein openings are provided in the reservoir walls to permit entry and exit of the tape into and from the reservoir.

4. The applicator of any one of the preceding claims wherein the volume of the reservoir may be decreased in order to facilitate the application of cement to the tape.

5. The applicator of claim 4 wherein one wall of the reservoir is movable.

6. The applicator of claim 5 wherein the wall is movable to a position to permit filling of the reservoir.

7. The applicator of claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the movable wall is pivotally mounted to the body.

8. The applicator of claim 5, 6 or 7 wherein the movable wall opposes a portion of wall over which the tape path extends.

9. The applicator of any one of the preceding claims wherein the body provides a mounting for a tape reel.

10. The applicator of any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for pressing the coated tape onto the surface is in the form of a roller.

11. The applicator of any one of the preceding claims wherein the body further includes means for tearing the tape adjacent the surface.

12. A tape and cement applicator substantially as described herein and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.