GB2499785A

GB2499785A - Wall crack repairing method and grinding tool for performing the method.

Info

Publication number: GB2499785A
Application number: GB1202966.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sean Anthony Macken
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-21
Filing date: 2012-02-21
Publication date: 2013-09-04
Also published as: GB201212448D0; GB201202966D0

Abstract

The tool comprises a portion for grinding the surrounding area of a crack in a wall. The tool may comprise a sanding belt, cylinder or roller. The tool may include a portion for preventing grinding beyond a predetermined limit. In an alternative version the tool may include a blade or plane. The grinding portion may be provided at a distal end of the tool. The tool may include a hinged handle. A vacuum cleaner may be attached to the tool. The tool may be used in a method of repairing a wall wherein a channel is ground around a crack upto a defined depth and a tape is placed to bind the crack. In an alternative version the tape may be replaced by staples or grips.

Description

DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED CRACK REPAIR SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device and associated crack repair system, more particularly but not exclusively for plasterwork.

Background

Partly as a result of fashions for antiquity and improved methods increasing numbers of users are choosing to renovate or redecorate property or rooms.

This renovation work typically focuses on repairing existing surfaces and buildings rather than building from scratch. In addition or the alternative frequently walls may be redecorated or stripped of wallpaper, as users tend towards painted plaster as decoration and as a part of this kind of process and as a result, plasterwork may be exposed which is damaged, or cracked.

Repairing these kinds of cracks is unfortunately a time consuming task, and more importantly oftentimes ineffective long-term, especially given that some cracks may easily return when movement of an old house pulls apart filler or plaster used.

In particular, a user will need to sand back the plaster, and to prevent reoccurrence of the crack will need to bind the crack together, typically with plaster repair tape. This process is time-consuming, as making good afterwards can be involved and bespoke.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Chinese utility model CN 201 420 232 (LIANFA et al) discloses a self-traction slotting crack sealing machine, in the technical scheme, the front end of an automobile chassis is provided with a traction frame with a collision brake rod; the upper middle part of the automobile chassis is provided with a hydraulic oil tank, an engine with a generator and a hydraulic oil pump, and a cooler; the engine is connected with the rear axle of the automobile chassis through a belt transmission mechanism; a hydraulic pump is communicated with the hydraulic oil tank through the cooler on a guide pipe; the upper rear part of the automobile chassis is provided with a crane and a hot melt kettle with an electric control box; the hot melt kettle is provided with a hose rotating arm for suspending a material pipe; and air compressor and the oil tank communicated with the engine through the guide pipe are arranged below the automobile chassis. The hot melt kettle adopts a primary hot melt chamber and a secondary hot melt chamber, and realizes continuous operation; in a crack sealing gun, a sealing plate in a gun barrel is provided with a control valve communicated with a spray nozzle, and the gun barrel rotates relative to the spray nozzle and the control valve; and therefore, the self-traction slotting crack sealing machine has the advantages of shorter construction period, level sealing and less construction cost, and can be used for repairing the cement concrete and asphalt pavement.

German patent application DE 102 004 017 373 (ZIMMERMANN) discloses a process to close up small gaps or cracks arising from building installations e.g. cables or plumbing, the gaps or cracks are closed by a liquid two-component bonding agent injected with a hand-held tool. One of the components is plaster.

Granted United States patent US 6 413 606 (CALDERON) discloses a drywall tape for being applied over a drywall joint formed by adjacent edges of drywall sheets, respectively, having outer surfaces, respectively, including non-sloping outer surface portions and sloping outer surface portions sloping inwardly from the non-sloping outer surface portions to the edges, respectively, such that a depression is formed at the joint by the sloping outer surface portions, the depression having a maximum width between the non-sloping outer surface portion, said drywall tape comprising a narrow paper tape of uniform width and non-uniform thickness, said tape having a central portion of greater thickness and side portions of lesser thickness, said tape having a planar outer surface and a non-planar inner surface defining said nonuniform thickness therebetween, said tape having side edges defining said uniform width therebetween, said uniform width being less than the maximum width

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of the depression, said central portion being centrally located between said side edges and having a uniform width less than said uniform width of said tape whereby said tape occupies the depression such that said planar outer surface is substantially aligned with the non-sloping outer surface portions when said tape is centered over the drywall joint with said inner surface secured to the drywall sheets.

Granted United States patent US 6 253 454 (GIETZEN) discloses a tool for repairing a wall, comprising: a rigid handle having a length and a longitudinal axis which extends along the length; a head fixedly connected to the handle and having a major planar extension, a width, and a first facet having a first facet width, the head comprising a plurality of groove forming projections which project from the first facet of the head, the groove forming projections disposed along the first facet width to define a groove forming width, the groove forming width being less than the first facet width; wherein the angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the handle and the major planar extension of the head exceeds 20 (degree) but is less than 50 (degree)

Japanese patent application JP 1 075 776 (TSUJIMOTO) discloses a method to improve the bonding effect of an adhesive by completely removing dust from an injection hole bored into a wall the surface layer of which is about to come off by cleaning the inside of the hole by connecting a cleaning nozzle to the hole and sucking out and blowing air from and into the hole. An injection hole is bored deep into a wall the surface layer of which is about to come off due to cracking from the surface layer and the suction opening of a compressed air supplying gun is put on the hole. Then, after a seal is closely adhered to the surface layer, the dust accumulated in the hole is sucked out by sucking the air in the hole by pulling the trigger of the gun. Then, after the remaining dust is floated by raising the pressure in the hole by blowing compressed air into the hole from a cleaning nozzle, the floated dust is again sucked out with the nozzle. The air sucking out and blowing work is repeated one to several times until the dust in the hole is completely removed.

United States patent application US 1 883 196 (WERTZ) discloses a process of repairing masonry structures which- Consists, in removing the disintegrated masonry adjacent the surface of the structure to form a repair cavity; forcing filling material into the masonry structure through any channels draining into said repair cavity to fill said channels and any communicating pockets; and then plugging the repair cavity.

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In contrast the present invention provides a reliable, easily operated and perfected means of achieving a lasting fix, which fix is standardised in its achievement and consequently needs less skilled users and time taken.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device and associated crack repair system; said device grinding a crack surround channel, and said system therewith providing a multistage process for closing said channel and binding said crack.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the device includes a sanding surface, or more particularly in preferred embodiments a sanding belt, cylinder or roller.

Ideally therefore the device includes electric power and associated motor, in order to drive the sanding surface.

In other embodiments the grinding may be manual, for example provided by a plane or blade.

In preferred embodiments sanding or rotatory power is provided by a rechargeable internal battery, although other embodiments may include mains electric connection in the alternative or addition.

According to a third aspect of the present invention the sanding surface will be prevented in use from grinding a channel deeper than a predefined depth, for example wherein the surface may be mounted proud of the device, or more particularly of a housing.

In some embodiments the housing may provide a shield to the user, so that the surface may not cause damage in inappropriate moments, for example wherein the shield may be encased or surrounded or protected by a sprung mounted shield, which shield is displaced by pressure from the user during grinding.

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In other embodiments sprung guide studs or similar may be provided such that the studs will be displaced by pressure in order to allow the surface to grind or sand.

In yet further embodiments such guard, studs or other guide will require displacement or interaction in order for grinding to occur.

Said gauges, guards, studs or other guides may be adjustable in some embodiments.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention the surface is provided at a distal end of the housing, in order that the user may hold the housing with both ands or one in front of him or her and against a wall, and project the surface in front, if necessary exerting force on the surface.

Ideally the surface is a cylinder which rotates or is spun by arms or a belt, wherein opening the housing allows the cylinder to be replaced out of and into the arms. In some embodiments the cylinder includes a central spindle, wherein some embodiments may have part or half cylinders for sanding a join between existing plater and new plasterboard.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention the housing furthermore includes a hinge, wherein the user may be enabled to attack ceilings holding the housing at a different orientation or angle of attack to that of walls, so that accordingly the optimal angle may be achieved.

This hinge is ideally situate between a handle and the housing, wherein the housing includes a second handle and the two handles may alter in relationship to one another in order to allow different attitudes.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a vacuum cleaner adaptor or connector, in order that a vacuum cleaner may be connected in use, to remove dust created by grinding.

In this way a specifically provided or alternatively in preferred embodiments a standard vacuum cleaner nozzle may be connected to the device to ensure a good bond for any filler by providing a clean surface for bonding.

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According to the system the user will grind the channel over and around a crack, at a defined depth, regulated ideally by a guard or guide which may be adjusted in some embodiments.

Secondly said channel and crack if necessary may be filled with render, plaster or filler, and thirdly the user would place plastering or other tape over and into the channel, to fourthly skim as required.

This will provide a solid finish that will not be liable to cracking in the future, as the tape will preclude movement across the crack.

In further embodiments there may be use in the alternative or addition of other grips or staples to help bind the crack, said grips being hidden within the ground channel.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment;

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Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment;

And

Figures 4 show two views of the embodiment Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment includes the following, belt cover / depth gauge, 40 Grade sanding cylinder, vacuum cleaner attachment, soft grip handle, 12V rechargeable battery compatible with other power tools, pivoting handle which makes the tool easier to use at different angles, air vents.

A removable cover also acts as a guard and depth gauge wherein the cover acts as a guard when the tool is not in use, but slides back 2mm when the tool is pressed against the wall and can slide forwards to be removed for changing the sandpaper.

A second embodiment may be focused on reducing the amount of dust that is produced when removing plaster such as using a rotating blade similar to that of a surform to cut out small chunks of plaster rather than the fine dust which is created when using sandpaper. Below such blade is preferably an opening which when a vacuum cleaner is attached will catch and suck in the chunks of plaster.

When attaching the flexible hose which connects the tool to a vacuum cleaner, it may be desirable to improve usability of the tool by providing a second handle to make the tool more comfortable to use for extended periods, and would also allow a greater degree of stability and control.

The preferred embodiment of the device chases out 2mm of plaster at a width of 60mm allowing 50mm plasterer's tape to be placed over the crack to provide a professional repair which will not reappear.

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When in use, a vacuum cleaner can be attached to the tool in order to reduce the amount of dust produced when sanding plaster. Once the sanding surface is worn, simply open the lid and lift out the sanding cylinder and slide on a new roll of sandpaper. This helps give a clean and even cut with which to repair the crack.

Plasterer's tape is subsequently used to provide a key for the new plaster. New plaster is applied to the repair for a professional finish.

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Claims

1. A device and associated crack repair system; said device grinding a crack surround channel, and said system therewith providing a multistage process for sealing said channel and closing said crack.

2. A device according to claim 1 including a sanding belt, cylinder or roller.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said surface will be prevented in use from grinding a channel deeper than a predefined depth.

4. A device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the surface is provided at a distal end of the surface's housing.

5. A device according to a preceding claim wherein the housing furthermore includes a hinged handle.

6. A device according to a preceding claim wherein a vacuum cleaner may be connected in use to the housing.

7. A system, including a device according to a preceding claim, wherein a user will grind a channel over and around a crack, at a defined depth, and use tape of an appropriate width to the channel to bind the crack.

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