GB2533984A

GB2533984A - A plastering or rendering tool and system

Info

Publication number: GB2533984A
Application number: GB1510047.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Allmark Scott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-10
Filing date: 2015-06-10
Publication date: 2016-07-13
Also published as: GB201500425D0; GB201510047D0

Abstract

A tool for use with a rendering or plastering system comprising a collection portion 11 for receiving material from the system, having an upper and lower surface and a closable opening 12 for releasing the material, a coupling 10, preferable a swivel joint, for receiving a pressurised feed of the material, e.g. via conduits (4, Fig. 1B), from the system, a blade 13 at the opening to spread the material, the lower face of the collection portion having at least one track 16 to drive the tool over a surface, and a motor to drive the track, preferably housed in channel 17. The tool may include switches 19 and 18, on handles 15, to control the flow of the material and the speed of the tracks. The angle of the blade may be adjustable via screws 14 (see Figs 4 and 7) to control the depth of the material. Also claimed is a system comprising a mixing reservoir (2), a high viscosity pump (3), a conduit (4) and a valve, shown in Figure 1B.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1510047.2 RTM Date:24November 2015 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: M P75 (Page 2) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo A plasterinq or renderinq tool and system

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a plastering or rendering system, and the individual tools and components of the system, in particular a hawk; more particularly but not exclusively an aspect of the present invention relates to a hawk for use with a pumping system for plaster or render.

Background

Plastering or rendering walls and ceilings is common and widespread. One of the primary concerns when applying a layer of plaster is that the finish should be of sufficient quality: that the finished surface should be flat and even, and blemish-free.

An even layer of a minimum depth is often important for more expensive finishes and insurance purposes. It is often a requirement in the plastering and rendering industry that materials are applied to a specified nominal or minimum thickness as per each material's application data and guidelines, and non-compliance can lead to a complete failure.

Materials applied in the plastering and rendering industry are either applied by hand (hawk and trowel) or they are projection applied (electric or diesel powered pumps). Materials are usually mixed directly before use, and a user or team of users will generally create a reservoir on a spot board or similar (for example, in a container in the centre of a room or a central location convenient for a number of rooms in which they are working. They will then transfer some material to a hawk, which acts as a small, directly local reservoir while they are working, the hawk held in one hand, and the finishing trowel in the other. Once the material on the hawk has been used, they will return to the spotboard to get more material. The amount of material that an individual can carry and use at any one time can carry at one time is limited, as they are required to carry and use their hawk in one hand. In addition or the alternative obtaining an even minimum depth is difficult and corners liable to be cut for ease given the labour-intensiveness. Wastage is often a problem particularly with expensive materials and a requirement for precision flatness and an even depth.

A number of pump systems are known, which have been introduced to try to help overcome these issues and similar. Most of these machines are intended for use with one-coat projection materials such as MP75 or MP Finish. These materials are easily pumped and lend themselves to this use without major difficulties. However, these types or grade of material may not be widely available in certain areas or certain territories and are not preferred where a 'fine finish' is required. In addition or the alternative a necessity for manual tooling of the pumped material comprises the prior problems; or embedded meshes tend to distort a levelled substrata of material.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US20100014908 describes and shows a joint compound tool including a mixer, a hose, and an applicator. The mixer has a hopper and a beater positioned therein. The beater has a rotatable drive shaft that is journalled in the opposed ends of the hopper. A number of first support rods radiate outwardly from the drive shaft remote from the hopper outlet. A pair of intertwined, helical bands encircle the drive shaft and are affixed thereto by the first support rods. A number of second support rods radiate outwardly from the drive shaft adjacent the hopper outlet. A number of blades are secured to the second support rods. A motor is connected to the drive shaft for rotating the beater. A pump is connected to the hopper outlet for pressurizing joint compound received from the hopper. A hose connects the pump to a joint compound applicator having a valve assembly for controlling the flow of joint compound received from the hose and a roller assembly for applying joint compound to drywall.

US20090060627 describes and shows a tool for applying finish compound to a structural member. The tool includes a conduit, a handle and a finish-compound receiving member. The conduit has a single discharge hose or may include a plurality of discharge hoses. The handle has a first support and a second support acting as a grip for a user to grasp the tool. The handle has at least one hole formed in the handle to receive the conduit. The finish-compound receiving member may include a finish-compound receiving surface having at least one opening formed therein. The conduit leads from a pump that is in communication with a reservoir of finish compound to the at least one hole in the handle. The handle also includes a hollow interior, such that finish compound is pumped through the conduit into the hollow interior. The hollow interior communicates with the at least one opening formed in the finish-compound receiving surface for dispensing finish compound to the finish-compound receiving surface for application.

W0200852529 describes and shows a mixing and transporting device for mortar, comprising a mixing and storage container and a drive unit for a stirring device arranged in the mixing and storage container. The mixing and storage container has an opening through which mortar material can be discharged. The device is characterised in that a connection device for additional units is provided on the outlet in such a way that either one or several matching auxiliary units in the form of a pump and a flow-through mixing zone can be added, or none at all, such that, depending on the desired use, the device can be operated with or without additional units, the mixing and storage container being designed for wet operation with wet mortar material and dry operation with dry mortar material. During the wet operation, dry aggregates can be mixed with liquid binding agents such as water, in batches, in the mixing and storage container.

In contrast the present invention provides a mixer, a pump and an applicator that can be used either singly or in combination to assist with overcoming the problems outlined above, or which as least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool for use with a rendering or plastering system comprising: a collection portion for receiving material having an upper surface and a lower surface, the collection portion having a closeable opening for releasing the material, a coupling for receiving a pressurised feed of material to the tool, a blade arranged at the opening to spread the material as it is released from the tool, a lower face of the collection portion having at least one track to drive the tool over a surface and a motor to drive the track.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a rendering or plastering system, comprising: a mixing reservoir having a container adapted to hold a volume of material; a high viscosity pump configured to pump material from the reservoir; a conduit configured to carry material pumped by the high viscosity pump to a remotely located position, and; a valve fitting configured for connection to the remote end of the conduit, the valve fitting further configured for detachable connection to a rendering or plastering tool.

Advantageously therefore the tool and system project material on to the wall at optimum speed and cleanliness, and applies the material down to precision depth (uniformly and consistently), ideally whilst also flattening the material without touch and distortion by hand tooling. The material is supplied from a remote location direct to the tool, and the tool according to some embodiments may include local direction of the material for application to a surface.

This further allows users to replenish tools connected to the valve fitting from their work location, rather than having to return to a local reservoir from their work position.

This in turn minimises wastage and maximises precision of material application depth.

In an embodiment, the mixing reservoir further comprises a fitting configured to detachably receive the high viscosity pump, the system further comprising a paddle mixer, the fitting and paddle mixer configured for detachable connection, the paddle mixer configured to be rotatable within the mixing reservoir when connected to the fitting to mix the contents of the reservoir. This allows a material such as plaster to be mixed in the reservoir locally.

In an embodiment, the fitting is a bayonet slotted drive system (SDS) fitting. This is a robust, inexpensive and readily available fitting.

In an embodiment, the mixing reservoir is an open-topped cylindrical container. This allows the contents to be easily accessed, for the paddle pump to operate effectively, and for the mixing reservoir to be easily moved from one location to another along corridors and through doorways.

In an embodiment, the mixing reservoir has a capacity of at least 25 litres, preferably at least 50 litres and ideally at least 75 litres. This capacity provides a balance between sufficiency of material and unwieldy size.

In an embodiment, the mixing reservoir is formed from stainless steel. This is a corrosion-resistant material that provides good strength in use.

In an embodiment, the mixing reservoir is formed from a plastic material. This is a corrosion-resistant material that provides good strength in use.

In an embodiment, the high viscosity pump is a rotary positive displacement pump. This type of pump is reliable and readily available.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises an electric motor configured for connection to the high viscosity pump to drive the pump, the pump and motor configured to pump viscous material through a conduit of substantially between 5m and 10m in length and has a diameter of substantially 18mm. This allows the contents of the reservoir to be pumped to the required terminal location.

In an embodiment, the conduit is between 5m and 10m in length and has a diameter of substantially 18mm. This provides a balance between an overall length that is long enough to be useful, and a diameter which allows the flow of viscous material.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises a hawk, the valve fitting and hawk configured for mutual detachable connection, the system further comprising a user-activated trigger, activation of the trigger causing material to pass from the conduit to the top surface of the hawk. This allows a user to replenish material on their hawk as and when necessary in order to continue plastering, while still remaining in their work location.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises a trowel tool, the valve fitting and hawk configured for mutual detachable connection, the plastering system further comprising a user-activated trigger, activation of the trigger causing material to pass from the conduit to the work surface of the trowel tool. This allows a user to replenish material on their trowel as and when necessary in order to continue plastering, while still remaining in their work location.

In an embodiment, the trowel tool has an adjustable depth blade. This allows a user to control the depth at which the material is applied.

Preferably the blade can be adjusted between a range of 3mm to 25mm. This allows a user to control the depth at which the material is applied from between 3mm and 25mm.

In some embodiments the range of adjustment of the blade may be lesser or greater.

In an embodiment, the connection between the valve fitting and trowel tool is a swivel joint connection. This allows swiveling movement of the joint so the conduit can move relative to the tool.

According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool or hawk for a system of pumping material for plastering or rendering comprising a hawk with a portion for collection of pumped material, which portion may comprise a compression chamber, with an outlet to a tool face which acts to locally direct the material from the collection portion. Such tool face is ideally displaceable and configured for the system in operation. The tool face advantageously trails behind the collection portion so as to smoothly direct the material therefrom.

The tool face may be provided on a blade, wherein such blade is detachable or replaceable for differing textures, and displaceable for differing tool face attitudes with respect to the conduit and/or surface to be worked. Advantageously the blade provides an elongated tool face for effective tooling, direction and placement of material over a larger section in use.

The tool includes at least one handle arranged for control of the tool in a plurality of directions, and in some embodiments movement facilitating parts facilitate smooth movement of the collection portion over subordinate surfaces.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1A shows an overview of the present invention mounted on a trowel; Figure 1B shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a plastering system of the present invention, showing detail of a mixing reservoir that holds a volume of plaster, a high viscosity pump that pumps plaster from the reservoir, a conduit that carries plaster pumped by the high viscosity pump to a remotely located position, a valve fitting configured for connection to the remote end of the conduit, the valve fitting detachably connected to a hawk, a trigger mechanism under the hawk allowing activation of the pump so that plaster can be added to the top working surface of the hawk from the reservoir as required; Figure 2 shows an underside view of the plastering trowel shown in Figure 1A; Figure 3 shows an overview of a tool for use with the plastering system; Figure 4 shows a top view of the tool shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a rear isometric view of the tool shown in Figure 3; Figure 6 shows a rear end view of the tool shown in Figure 3; Figure 7 shows a side view of the tool shown in Figure 3; Figure 8 show a top, rear view of the tool shown in Figure 3; and Figure 9A shows an overview of a delivery system; and Figure 9B shows a side view of part of the delivery system shown in Figure 9A.

Detailed Description of Figures

Various embodiments of a plastering system of the present invention and associated tools will now be described with reference to the figures 1 to 9.

Figure 1B shows, the plastering system 1 has three main sub-sections: a mixing reservoir 2, a high viscosity pump 3, and a conduit 4. A tool may also be included in the system, for connection to the outer end of the conduit. Examples of suitable tools for use with the system include a plastering hawk 5 or a trowel tool 6, which will be described in detail below.

The reservoir 2 is an open-topped cylindrical container, with a capacity of 75 litres. The open top allows the contents to be easily accessed. This size allows the reservoir to be easily moved from one location to another along corridors and through doorways. The reservoir can be formed from stainless steel, a strong plastic material or similar.

An SDS fitting 7 is located on the inner surface of the base of the reservoir at the centre, allowing items such as the pump 3 to be releasably connected to the base of the reservoir. In the preferred embodiment, a paddle mixer can be connected to the SDS fitting 7 so that as the paddle mixer rotates, it mixes the contents of the reservoir.

A mains-power electric motor (not shown) is connected within the cylindrical container. The motor is used to power items connected to the fitting 7 such as the pump 3. The motor is powerful enough to drive the pump, so that the pump and motor pump viscous material (i.e. the plaster of this embodiment) through a conduit of substantially between 5m and 10m in length having a diameter of substantially 18mm. This allows the contents of the reservoir to be pumped to the required terminal location.

The pump 3 is in use connected to the fitting 7. The pump 3 is a high-viscosity 5 pump, similar to the high-viscosity rotor and stator siphon pumps used in the food industry. It is preferred that the pump 3 is a rotary positive displacement pump. The pump 3 pumps plaster from the reservoir along the conduit.

There are 3 conduits 4 shown in figure 1B. In this way there could be 3 users connected to the system using one pump 3. The conduit 4 is between 5m and 10m in length, and has a diameter of 18mm. This allows plaster to be carried from the reservoir to a remote location such as the work point of an individual user -e.g. from the centre of a room to the wall, or an upper corner. The conduit has a valve fitting at the outer end. The valve fitting is configured for the detachable connection of a plastering tool such as the hawk 5 or trowel tool 6. The valve fitting includes a trigger lever or similar that activates the vale to allow flow therethrough. When the tool is connected, the flow of material passes onto the working part of the tool from the conduit. This allows users to replenish tools connected to the valve fitting from their work location, rather than having to return to a local reservoir from their work position.

In this embodiment, the system 1 also has a paddle mixer (not shown). The pump can be removed or detached from the fitting 7 and replaced by the paddle mixer (or vice-versa), if a new batch of plaster requires mixing. The paddle mixer is configured to be rotatable within the mixing reservoir when connected to the fitting to mix the contents of the reservoir. This allows a material such as plaster to be mixed in the reservoir locally.

As noted above, a tool such as a plaster hawk 5 or a trowel tool 6 can be connected to the outer end of the conduit 4 so as to be part of the system. It is preferred, but not necessary, that both of these tools are included with the system.

The valve fitting at the outer end of the conduit 4, and the plaster hawk 5 are configured for mutual detachable connection. The plastering system has a user-activated trigger, located either on the hawk or on the valve. The trigger is of the palm trigger type the same or similar to those found on air-power tools. Activation of the trigger causes plaster to pass from the conduit to the top surface or tool face of the hawk. This allows a user to replenish material on their hawk as and when necessary in order to continue plastering, while still remaining in their work location.

The valve fitting at the outer end of the conduit, and the trowel tool 6 are configured for mutual detachable connection. The plastering system has a user-activated trigger, located either on the trowel tool 6 or on the valve. Activation of the trigger causes plaster to pass from the conduit to the working surface of the trowel tool 6. This allows a user to replenish material on their trowel as and when necessary in order to continue plastering, while still remaining in their work location. This also enables plaster to be delivered directly onto the wall via the trowel tool 6. The trowel tool 6 has an adjustable depth blade that can be adjusted between substantially 3mm to 6mm. This allows a user to control the depth to which the material is applied (i.e. the depth of the plaster).

It is most preferred that the connection between the valve fitting and trowel tool 6 or hawk 5 is a swivel joint connection. This allows swiveling movement of the joint so the conduit can move relative to the tool.

In use, the reservoir 1 is positioned in the centre of a room. A batch of plaster can have already been mixed, or can be mixed fresh using the paddle mixer. Once the plaster is ready, the paddle mixer is removed and replaced by the pump 3, with the conduit 4 or multiple conduits 4 running from the pump 3 to various points in the room where plastering is required. Tool(s) are connected to the end(s) of the conduit(s). The plasterers then work as normal, but activate the triggers to have more plaster pumped directly to them along the conduits when they require more plaster, rather than returning to the centre of the room to replenish their local stores.

Figure 2 shows an underside view of a trowel 6 having an opening 8 through which material exudes in use. The underside also has two spacers 9 that space apart the trowel from the surface to which material is being applied, therefore ensuring a set depth of material is applied.

A preferred embodiment of a tool for use with a system of the present invention is pictured in figures 3 to 8, wherein with reference to the figures, the material (plaster, render etc.) is fed via an electric or diesel pump via mortar hoses, wherein said mortar hoses connect to the hawk via a DN25 camlock mortar hose coupling 10 to allow secure displaceable coupling.

Material is fed from the hose into a collection portion 11. The collection portion 11 serves as compression chamber that is filled with material and from which material is released from in a controlled manner. The chamber comprises a Venturi shape with a spring loaded trap 12 as an exit having adjustable tolerance opening, which opening is calibrated to allow opening and release of material having a working pressure of 1.8 bar; in this embodiment although other pressures may be envisaged. Precise pressurisation within the collection portion 11 by use of the calibrated trap 12 acts to allow projection of the material onto the wall with appropriate force instead of using a separate, pressurised air feed common to spray gun projection methods.

The tool face is provided by a trailing blade 13 is available as a flattening blade; a serrated edge blade; or as a brush key blade as required for the particular material, render or plaster being applied, wherein the blades are interchangeable for use.

The blade 13 determines the thickness of the applied render/plaster when adjusted by hinged screw adjusters 14. Hinged screw adjusters 14 affix the blade 13 to the portion 11 and facilitate easy removal and change of the blades (including but not limited to flattening, serrated edge, or brush key blades) as well as alteration in angle and material delivery attitude.

Tracks 18 aid in smooth movement of the tool over subordinate surfaces.

The tool is held by the user using adjustable, ergonomic handles 15 that are fully adjustable according to comfort and so the tool can be used in both vertical and horizontal positions on the wall. To achieve this the handles 15 are connected to collection portion 11 by way of Hirth (Trade Mark) couplings, or other joint allowing the handle to be rotated and adjusted to any desired position.

Upon the underside of the collection portion 11 with built in recesses are located two silicone rubber track systems 16 which permit resistance-free, smooth motion across any surface. The rubber tracks (sponge overlaid) ride over mortar joints and undulation and absorb surface snags so as not to interrupt the smooth flattening of material by the blade 13. Other embodiments may include wheels or castors.

Upon the topside of the portion can be seen a channel 17 along the entire width with four M6 fastener locations.

In this channel 17 is included the drive comprising a motor, gearhead and drive wheel (not shown). When affixed the drive connects with and powers the tracks to control the speed of the tool on the wall surface. The speed of the drive is controllable and calibrated to flow rate of the material (which is further determined by the speed of the source pumping equipment and specification of Rotor and Stator).

When both aspects are controlled and calibrated accordingly (speed of material flow and speed of tool moving across a surface), material application and flattening occur in a precise, coordinated manner and provide fluid delivery of flattened material with absolute precision, eliminating the potential for any human error.

Clip-on switches 18, 19 are located on the handle shafts wherein clip-on switch 18 controls the power to the drive; and switch 19 controls the power to the starter relay on the source pumping equipment. As a consequence wired or wireless connectivity is envisaged between the tool and associated system equipment.

A pressure measuring meter, such as a manometer, is situated at the pumping equipment outlet and is used for calibration of adjustable spring loaded trap 12 for attaining the various defined settings of pressure required for various materials with varying density and viscosity as per settings such as are ideally delineated for example in the operation manual.

Figures 9A and B show an embodiment of a delivery system 300 for delivering material at pressure.

The delivery system 300 has three delivery tubes 27 that connect to three compression chambers 24. The compression chambers 24 are connected to a delivery bed 25 that has a final output sleeve 26. The delivery bed 25 is a container that collects material received from the delivery tubes 27 so as to release material from the delivery bed 25 at a constant pressure.

The delivery bed shown in Figure 9A is an elongate member that tapers to a distal end that connects to the output sleeve 26 In some embodiments the delivery bed may comprise the collection portion 11 so that material is delivered to the collection portion 11 via the delivery system 300. For example the compression chambers 24 may be arranged on an upper face of the collection portion 11.

Each compression chamber 24 is shaped so that in use material passed through the compression chamber is subject to the Venturi effect. Each compression chamber 24 is dovetail shaped when viewed from a front side and has a side profile that is frustoconical having a tapered end that is received by the delivery bed 25.

The compression chambers 24, due to their precise shape, slow down material flow thereby increasing its pressure and forcing material output evenly and consistently to the delivery bed 25.

The compression chambers 24 convert three separate, pressurised material feeds into one continuous, pressurised even bed of material by means of the delivery bed 25.

The continuous bed delivery channel 25 serves to regulate the material at a working pressure of 1.8bar.

The final output sleeve 26 is rigid serving as a nozzle through which material is exuded Material such as render or plaster is introduced into the applicator chamber (not shown in Figure 10) by a DN25 camlock motor hose coupling (not shown in Figure 10).

The delivery tubes 27 are connect to a coupling 10 that comprises a three way splitter 21 and a manifold 22.

The material passes through a 3-way splitter 21 and the material is evenly distributed into the manifold 22 and then onto the three delivery tubes 27.

The final output sleeve 26 shown in Figure 10 is shaped so as to project the material onto the wall with sufficient force instead of using a separate, pressurized air feed (common to spray gun projection methods).

The tool shown in Figures 3 to 8 includes an adjustable spring loaded trap 12 which provides the final stage pressure and an output calibration method for the material as it is released from the collection portion 11. Therefore the delivery system comprising delivery tubes 27 and compression chambers 24 can be connected directly to the collection portion 11 forgoing the requirement for a separate delivery bed as the collection portion serves this purpose.

The adjustable spring loaded trap 12 also performs a second purpose of stopping movement of material by serving as a material shut off valve once the rotor and stator have ceased operation.

The delivery system 300 forms part of the plastering system so as to regulate flow of material. The delivery system 300 may be connected to the system to provide a means of distributing material on a surface at a controlled pressure. Alternatively or additionally the delivery system may be located within the collection portion 11 of a tool, or mounted externally on the collection portion 11 of the tool.

The tool is fabricated predominantly from thermoplastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (abs) enabling the tool to be robust and durable whilst remaining lightweight.

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 as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A tool for use with a rendering or plastering system comprising: a collection portion for receiving material having an upper surface and a lower surface, the collection portion having a closeable opening for releasing the material, a coupling for receiving a pressurised feed of material to the tool, a blade arranged at the opening to spread the material as it is released from the tool, a lower face of the collection portion having at least one track to drive the tool over a surface and a motor to drive the track.
2. A tool according to claim 1 having at least one switch to control flow of material.
3. A tool according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the blade is adjustable so as to vary depth of material applied to a surface.
4. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the blade can be adjusted between a range of 3mm to 25mm.
5. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the blade is displaceable so that it can be exchanged.
6. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the coupling is a swivel joint connection
7. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the opening has a sprung trap to control output of material.
8. A tool according to claim 8 wherein the sprung trap is adjustable so as to alter resistance.
9. A tool according to claims 7 or 8? wherein the tool comprises a local adjustment means for altering the resistance of the trap.
10. A tool according to claims 8 or 9 wherein the tool comprises a remote adjustment means for the resistance of the trap.
11. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the tool includes at least one compression chamber.
12. A tool according to any preceding claim including at least one delivery tube connected to a compression chamber wherein the compression chamber is attached to a delivery bed.
13. A rendering or plastering system, comprising: a mixing reservoir having a container adapted to hold a volume of material; a high viscosity pump configured to pump material from the reservoir; a conduit configured to carry material pumped by the high viscosity pump to a remotely located position, and; a valve fitting configured for connection to the remote end of the conduit, the valve fitting further configured for detachable connection to a rendering or plastering tool.14 A rendering or plastering system according to claim 13 which is adapted for use with the rendering or plastering tool described in claims 1 to 12.15. A rendering or plastering system according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the system includes a user-activated trigger, activation of the trigger causing material to pass from the conduit to the tool.16. A rendering or plastering system according to any of claims 13 to 15 wherein the mixing reservoir further comprises a fitting configured to detachably receive the high viscosity pump, the system further comprising a paddle mixer, the fitting and paddle mixer configured for detachable connection, the paddle mixer configured to be rotatable within the mixing reservoir when connected to the fitting to mix the contents of the reservoir.17. A rendering or plastering system according to any of claims 13 to 16 wherein the fitting is a bayonet SDS fitting.18. A rendering or plastering system according to any of claims 13 to 17 wherein the mixing reservoir is an open-topped cylindrical container.19. A rendering or plastering system according to any of claims 13 to 18 wherein the mixing reservoir has a capacity of at least 75 litres.20. A rendering or plastering system according to any of claims 13 to 19 wherein the mixing reservoir is formed from stainless steel.21. A rendering or plastering system according to any of claims 13 to 20 wherein the mixing reservoir is formed from a synthetic plastics material.22. A rendering or plastering system according to any of claims 13 to 21 wherein the high viscosity pump is a rotary positive displacement pump.23. A rendering or plastering system according to any of claims 13 to 22 wherein the system further comprises an electric motor configured for connection to the high viscosity pump to drive the pump, the pump and motor configured to pump viscous material through a conduit of substantially between 5m and 10m in length and has a diameter of substantially 18mm.24. A rendering or plastering system according to any of claims 13 to 23 wherein the conduit is between 5m and 10m in length and has a diameter of substantially 18mm.25. A tool for use with a rendering or plastering system as substantially herein described with reference to the figures 3 to 9.26. A rendering or plastering system substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1B.