GB2536437A

GB2536437A - A material application device

Info

Publication number: GB2536437A
Application number: GB1504377.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: taylor Phillip
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-16
Filing date: 2015-03-16
Publication date: 2016-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-16
Also published as: GB2536437B; GB201504377D0

Abstract

The device, particularly a hawk or trowel, has a plate 1 from which an elongate handle 8 extends such that the handle defines a holding axis that is at an acute angle to the plane of the plate. The plate can have a lip 2 at one edge, wherein the lip preferably extends at an oblique angle which may be parallel to the angle of the handle. The handle may be covered in rubber or silicone 9, may be made of wood or aluminium or moulded from synthetic plastics such as polycarbonate, while the plate may be formed of stainless steel or an alloy. The plate and handle may be joined at a bonded, punched, bolted, riveted, welded or screw threaded intersection, which may be articulated.

Description

A MATERIAL APPLICATION DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a material application device, particularly for application of material in the construction trade, more particularly but not exclusively for application of cement based material such as mortar.

Background

Given aging populations and increased financial insecurity, increasing numbers of users are compelled to work into older age. In trades where physical exertion is required on a daily basis this can be problematic.

Application of material such as plaster, cement-based materials such as mortar, render or sand and cement, can be difficult and stressful on the user's body.

The application is generally accomplished with a hawk, which comprises a planar plate, and a orthogonally extending handle, which is held below the plate, and the 20 plate loaded with material for application to a wall or other with a trowel.

In particular for pointing and repointing brick walls use of the device the hawk can lead to stress on joints. Particularly when the user is required to work on lower areas and the wrist is required to hold the plate level at an acute angle.

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 201 043 352 (YANZHENG) provides a trowel used for leveling, which comprises a rectangular trowel body and a long handle. The lower end of the long handle is articulated on the trowel body through a spheric hinge. The long handle is designed so that users can level and trowel concrete ground while standing. The spheric hinge is designed so that the long handle can rotate by 360 degrees around an axis. When the utility model, users are just required to pull and push the trowel to and fro, and cement mortar can be applied quickly; the work efficiency is improved by a plurality of times. In order to prevent the trowel fringe from scratching the concrete surface while the trowel is pushed and pulled, the circumferential sides of the trowel body are designed to be retrousse; the push and pull resistance is reduced. The utility model has simple structure, is usable, reduces the labor intensity, saves time, saves labor, and improves the work efficiency. The utility model is in particular applicable for toweling large concrete surface.

United States patent application US 5 067 761 (BLOWERS) discloses a masonry hawk device for holding a supply of mortar or the like comprising a platen on top of which mortar is to be held with handle means extending down from the bottom side thereof for holding the device with one hand while working with an applicator such as a trowel in the other; said platen having front and rear edges and right and left side edges, said rear edge and one of said side edges being substantially bounded by upwardly extending walls, said walls intersecting and being joined at a rear corner of the platen to form an unbroken retaining wall along said rear edge and one side edge, a short upwardly extending side wall extending from said rear wall along a minor portion only of the other side edge, a major portion of said other side edge being unbounded, and said front edge being unbounded, said handle means being positioned on said platen forward of the midpoint thereof whereby the loaded hawk may be simultaneously supported by the worker's hand holding the handle and the worker's arm contacting the rear portion of the device.

European patent application EP 0 141 482 (BUCHANAN) discloses a plastering hawk preferably of polypropylene, has an elongate handle and a plate attached to one end of the handle, which plate extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. One edge portion of the plate extends away from the handle at an acute angle to the axis of the handle. In use the acute angled portion of the plate is butted against a work surface and plaster on the hawk is moved across the acutely angled portion into the work surface, thus providing a smooth transition onto the work surface.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a material application device comprising a handle and plate, said plate comprising a substantially planar material face defining a material carrying plane, and said handle comprising in use an elongate member depending from the plate so as to define a device holding axis; wherein said axis deviates at an acute angle from said plane.

Advantageously such device belongs to the field of trowels or hawks.

The plate in some embodiments comprises a substantially planar sheet defining a substantially planar plane for carrying material such as plaster or mortar.

The handle intersects with the plate at an intersection to provide a depending axis of device and material holding for a user. Such intersection may be temporary and/or articulated.

The handle depends in use form this plane at an angle deviating typically at a substantially continuous angle of deviation from the orthogonal, wherein the user carries material held on the plate typically to fore of perpendicular from the user's hand. Advantageously therefore the material on the plate is carried further forward in use, and consequently less effort is required to hold the material in an accessible location.

In this way the material is ideally substantially situated in use in front of the user's hand in use. This is particularly advantageous with respect to vertically lower applications of material, wherein the user is not required to bend their wrist excessively in order to maintain the material plane substantially horizontal. In this way ease of application and use is improved and material is less liable to be lost during use from spillage.

In addition or the alternative less strain is put on the user's wrist during use with regards to known hawks.

In some embodiments the plate advantageously includes a lip, wherein the lip acts to prevent further spillage of the material in use.

Advantageously in some embodiments the lip is situated to fore of the plate.

Such fore lip may extend at an obtuse angle from the plane of the plate, so as to allow the user to more effectively and neatly transfer material off the plate in use.

In some embodiments the angle at which the lip; extends from the plate is equal to 5 the angle of the holding axis. In this the device may be advantageously rested on the lip when not in use, and the user is intuitively enabled to hold the material and move it from the plate and over the lip.

Typically the plate is rectangular or rectilinear in plan. Typically the fore lip comprises a long edge of the rectangle. Some embodiments may have lips to other edges.

In such embodiments the lip on the fore edge may be deeper.

Ideally the lip extends from the plate in such a manner as to facilitate insertion of the material into elongate zones or cavities, wherein the user may push the material from the plate and over the lip in a natural and continuous action.

This facilitates usage such as for replacing pointing, wherein the material may be 20 easily pushed into a cavity, leaving a clean edge. This is suitable for weatherstruck or bucket handle finishes.

The plate is ideally constructed of stainless steel, metal or alloy or rigid thermoplastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (abs) or polyethylene.

The handle is ideally constructed of rolled metal or alloy or rigid moulded such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (abs), polyethylene, Nylon (RTM), acetal or polycarbonate.

The handle may be coated or covered in a rubber or silicone finish, so as to aid in comfort in holding. In some embodiments the handle may comprise wood, for example wherein the handle includes a metallic collar.

The handle and plate are ideally bonded or welded, punched, bolted or riveted 35 together at the intersection.

In some embodiments the handle and plate may be attached together at a screwthread intersection, for example wherein the handle has a male thread, and the intersection is formed by a female threaded collar welded, punched, bolted, riveted, bonded or otherwise permanently adhered to the plate underside.

In this way the device may be more readily transported or stored, and/or handles or plates replaced according to user preference or repair. In some embodiments the handle may comprise potential to extend, wherein the handle may be comprised of a plurality of sections in use.

In some embodiments the intersection is articulated or adjustable. In such embodiments it may be possible to secure the intersection in use or prior.

In advantageous embodiments at the intersection of the angle of axis with the plane 15 is 60 degrees. In some embodiments the angle of the handle may vary along its length, for example wherein the handle is curved.

In some further embodiments the intersection may be articulated for example using a spherical or ball joint, or may swivel in one plane, parallel to the plate plane. Such 20 swivelling or articulation may be controlled or locked by a lock means, for example a thumb lock.

In this way the intersection can be configured according to user preference.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 show front and rear views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 respectively; Figures 4 show plan views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and Figure 5 shows an isometric sketch view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown a hawk according to the present invention wherein the hawk comprises a plate 1 with a lip 2, the plate for carrying pointing material and held on a handle comprised by an elongate member 8. The member intersects, at an intersection 3, with the plate at a collar 5 which collar is supported on a base 4.

The base is welded, punched, bolted or riveted to the plate and further comprises a screwthreaded bolt 10. The handle member screws onto the bolt, and has an 15 internally situated nut 7 to create the intersection.

The handle member is covered in a rubber sleeve 9.

With reference to figure 2 the handle depends from the plate on axis B and the plate 20 has a plane of A. The lip extends from the plate at an angle of C, which angle is equal to the axis of the handle.

The handle is constructed from rolled aluminium, Nylon (RTM), acetal or polycarbonate to maintain a light weight. The plate and lip are formed in stainless 25 steel or alloy. The intersection is formed in steel weldment or alloy weldment.

The plate has a radiused edge, so as to aid in movement of material, and prevent damage to the plate or other structures in use.

The lip has a radiused edge, so as to aid in movement of material, and prevent damage in use.

With reference to figure 5 the material is passed from the plate and over the lip in a natural progression, providing a downwards sweep to final application, well-suited to 35 application of an elongate section of pointing material between bricks.

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. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, 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, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. 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 as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A material application device comprising a handle and plate, said plate comprising a substantially planar material face defining a material carrying plane and said handle comprising in use an elongate member depending from the plate so as to defining a device holding axis; wherein said axis deviates at an acute angle from said plane.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the device belongs to the field of trowels or hawks.
3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the material comprises cement based material.
4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein comprising deviation from aft to fore of the plate in usage.
5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the plate includes a lip or lipped edge.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the lip is situated to fore of the plate.
7. A device according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the lip extends at an obtuse angle from the plane of the plate.
8. A device according to claim 7 wherein said angle is substantially parallel to the angle of deviation of the handle from the plate.
9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the handle is coated or covered in a rubber or silicone 10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the handle is wood.11. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the handle is moulded in synthetic plastics.12. e according to any preceding claim wherein the handle is moulded in polycarbonate.13. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the handle is rolled aluminium.14. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the plate is stainless steel.15. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the plate is alloy.16. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a bonded, punched, bolted, riveted or welded intersection between the plate and handle.17. A device according to any of claims 1 to 15 comprising a temporary intersection between plate and handle.18. A device according to any preceding claim comprising an articulated intersection between plate and handle.19. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the handle and plate are attached together at a screwthread intersection.20. A device according to any preceding claim comprising an angle of the holding axis with the carrying plane of 60 degrees.21. A device according to any preceding claim 1 to 19 wherein the angle of deviation varies along the length of the handle.22. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.Amendment to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1.(r) 2. 3.O CO 20 CO 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.A material application device for pointing comprising: a handle and a substantially planar plate having an upper face for receiving material and a lower face connected to the handle, the handle comprises an elongate member extending from the lower face of the plate so as to define a device holding axis; the handle is provided at an acute angle relative to a rear region of the plate so that the plate can be held horizontal without straining a user's wrist, the plate has one lipped edge for use in application of the material to a surface arranged on a fore region of the plate that is opposed to the rear region of the plate, the handle extending away in an opposed direction relative to the lipped edge, wherein the device is held such that the lipped edge is arranged to be away from the user in use and engaged with a surface during pointing.A device according to claim 1 wherein the plate is rectangular A device according to any preceding claim wherein the lip extends at an obtuse angle from the plane of the plate.A device according to claim 3 wherein the angle of the lip is substantially parallel to the angle of deviation of the handle from the plate.A device according to any preceding claim wherein the handle is coated or covered in a rubber or silicone A device according to any preceding claim wherein the handle is comprised from wood.A device according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the handle is moulded in synthetic plastics.A device according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the handle is moulded in polycarbonate.A device according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the handle is rolled aluminium.
10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the plate is formed of stainless steel.
11. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the plate is alloy.
12. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a bonded, punched, bolted, riveted or welded intersection between the plate and handle.
13. A device according to claim 12 wherein the intersection is articulated.
14. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the handle and plate are attached together by screwthread.
15. A device according to any preceding claim comprising an angle of the holding axis with the carrying plane and an angle of the raised lip both being of 60 degrees.r 20
16. A device according to any preceding claim 1 to 14 wherein the angle of CO deviation varies along the length of the handle.CO
17. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures. r 25