WO2017042725A1

WO2017042725A1 - A shielding device

Info

Publication number: WO2017042725A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/055380
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathon Tomney
Original assignee: Jonathon Tomney
Priority date: 2015-09-11
Filing date: 2016-09-09
Publication date: 2017-03-16
Also published as: GB201516081D0; GB201803966D0; GB2542339A; GB2556307A

Abstract

A shielding device for use when decorating. The shielding device for decorating comprising: an elongate body having first and second opposed long edges and third and fourth short edges; the body has an upper face and a lower face; the first long edge is shaped to define a hook and the second long edge is shaped to define a scoop; a planar region of the body extends between the hook and the scoop so that a lower face of the body defines a hollow; wherein each long edge is straight, and at least one of the third or fourth edges has a cut away to define a finger grip to aid with manipulating the shielding device during use.

Description

A SHIELDING DEVICE

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a shielding device for use when decorating. More particularly the invention relates to a device for shielding items and surfaces during painting, such as parts of a window or a sash window, during application of paint to other parts of the window. Background

There is a trend in many countries towards installing plastics or aluminium window frames due to better insulation, ease of installation and maintenance costs. However, despite this, there are many situations, especially in older 'period' properties where wooden windows continue to be preferred.

Wooden window frames and casements require painting and upkeep. However, insulation standards have improved greatly over time. In particular wooden sash windows are often provided with insulation strips to close gaps between the sash and the frame.

Added to the multi-part nature of both the sash and the frame, these insulation strips, or draft excluders, are liable to cause further problems during routine or user preferred painting. The draft excluders are over time destroyed or their effectiveness reduced, if paint is incorrectly applied or spilled thereon.

Prior Art

US7174599 (STILES) discloses an ergonomic shielding tool that facilitates the application or removal of material on a surface by dividing a surface into a protected region and an exposed region.

GB2392401 (BIRNIE) discloses a post guard (mask) having a moveable plastics shroud that covers front and side edges of concrete fence posts. The guard can be moved up and down by a handle to provide cover for the post in an area that is being painted or sprayed. US4791007 (GLEASON et al) discloses a method for protecting a door or window frame from paint by using a paint shield comprising: placing a door or window frame covering means comprising a substantially planar rectangular front surface masking portion of sheet like material having a length greater than about 30 inches and a width greater than about 4 inches for covering a front surface portion of a door or window frame.

GB695572 (PROSSER) discloses a painting shield formed from rigid material, having rounded corners between which it is chamfered to provide a sharpened straight edge.

US2482977 (HENDRICK) discloses a painter's shield including semi-rigid section having parallel side edges adapted to bear against the surface to be masked. US4536913 (MORAWSKI) discloses a hand tool comprising a base panel with a ridge formation extending generally upward.

US5289609 (OLSON) discloses a guide for cleaning paint from a window to be used with a razor blade scraper.

US7174599 (STILES) discloses a one-piece ergonomic shielding tool that can be held in one hand to define a boundary against a surface.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems associated with some prior art devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a shielding device for decorating comprising: an elongate body having first and second opposed long edges and third and fourth short edges; the body has an upper face and a lower face; the first long edge is shaped to define a hook and the second long edge is shaped to define a scoop; a planar region of the body extends between the hook and the scoop so that a lower face of the body defines a hollow; wherein each long edge is substantially straight, and at least one of the third or fourth edges has a cut away to define a finger grip to aid with manipulating the shielding device during use. The shielding devices enables quick and accurate painting of complex surfaces such as sash windows, casement windows, bi-fold doors and window and door frames. Preferably a hooked edge is used to hook over an angled edge of a surface such as a window frame thereby defining an edge that can be painted up to. In this way advantageously the deviation of the hook may allow the device to be placed or braced against or over a part of the structure. Advantageously the hooked edge can be used to pull back a draft excluder, protect insulation or fire proofing material and cover it so that a user can paint right up to an edge without tarnishing a protected item or surface, such as a draft excluder. This prevents paint from coming into contact with the draft excluder which may also compromise effectiveness of the draft excluder. In this way the shielding device provides a guiding edge which a user can paint up to an over thereby ensuring a user paints right up to the edge of a surface.

Additionally or alternatively by using the device any paint overspill is liable to be sufficiently displaced from the body and the user's hand.

The hooked edge typically defines a 90 degree angle so that it can be readily hooked over a part of a surface to be painted which may include or incorporate a flexible material such as a draft excluder. Typically, the scooped edge is used for painting top edges of a surface by scooping flexible material such as a draft excluder back and defining a line up to which can be painted. For example the scoop may be positioned between a draft excluder that extends parallel to a frame. The profile of the scooped edge engages with the surface so that the scooped edge sits on top and over a draft excluder so that a user can paint up to the edge without tarnishing any part not intended for painting such as the draft excluder or other insulation. The distal end of the scoop is typically at an obtuse angle relative to the planar region of the body so as to easily be positioned to scoop back a flexible material. In preferred embodiments the scoop has a plurality of deviations so that the scoop is stepped towards a distal end of the scoop, such that the deviations may encompass a plurality of different heights or layers of a surface to be painted. This allows for shielding of subordinate, adjacent or superior parts of the surface to be painted, and precise and easy painting of an adjacent structural layer. In this way the device provides a plurality of different deviations suitable for covering different surfaces. Advantageously this allows the same device to be used on a variety of stepped or multiple height or layered surfaces and structures.

This is advantageous for stepped structures, such that a primary deviation can rest against a first part of a structure and a sequential deviation may be placed against another differing depth or height second part of the structure. This can enable the device to be partially supported by a surface in use whilst in some orientations. A plurality of sequential deviations may be provided. In use the shielding device is typically held with one hand and a user holds a paintbrush in their second hand so that the shielding device can be moved along consistently with movement of the paintbrush, for example long the length of a frame.

In this way the device may be easily and comfortably used to provide shielding for surfaces by positioning the longs sides over and against part of the surface to be painted.

Preferably the long edges are spaced apart by at least a hand-width so that a user is enabled to access and manipulate the device easily.

The body extends between the first and second edges and defines a hollow so that a user's hand or fingers may be able to reach below or around the body by being passed under either the third or fourth edge. This enables the device to be easily moved, provides an area for a user to move the device from that is not painted over and provides a clearance region over painted areas.

In some embodiments the device is arranged as an upside down U shape in profile with the edges depending from the body to the perimetric and lowermost guides. In some other embodiments the edges may be envisaged to deviate from the planar region in opposing directions, so as to provide an S shape in sectional profile. The scoop preferably comprises elongate, radiused, progressive or curving deviations, typically a set thereof. For example with a plurality of deviations inclining away from or running orthogonal to the body. In this way the body can be placed against an object or structure and progressively provide a series of lower surfaces to place against the structure, which surfaces may range through vertical to horizontal.

In addition or the alternative the position and curvature of the deviations enables the first and second edges to be spaced apart from the deviations, therefore the planar region intermediate the scoop and hook is spaced apart from the paintbrush running along or adjacent the guiding edges (first or second sides). This allows for greater quantity of angles of attack that avoid the body and precedent deviations.

This advantageously allows for the device to be used with reference to structures requiring shielding during painting and having multiple planes and parts requiring paint applications, such as frames, in particular window frames, and more particularly but not exclusively sash window frames having insulation strips intermediate different frame areas.

For example, the first or second edge of the device may be placed adjacent the insulation strip and the first deviation may surround or reach round the insulation strip and locate the guide for painting beyond the strip, with the body providing a shield over the strip and the edge being able to dislocate or act to move the strip out of the way and thereby effectively limit any chances of paint being accidentally applied to the strip. Preferably the body is flexible so that the body can be flexed by a user to assist with positioning of the device in use. Typically the body is formed from a resiliently deformable material so that the body can be deformed and then returns to the original shape. In this way the body can be flexed, for example to locate the device in a particular place such as between two opposed edges of a frame and the body can be released so that it splays to contact edges with the surface to be painted.

In a preferred embodiment the body is substantially rectangular in plan. At least one of the short edges has a cut away portion and preferably both short edges are cut away. This allows the device to be easily manoeuvred even when the device is arranged in a tight space, such as a corner. Preferably the cut away portions are arcuate, such as providing a half moon cut out.

Preferably there is no raised portion or lip provided on the short edges so that a paint brush can extend past the edges without interference or providing a region in which paint may collect and subsequently drip. In some embodiments the cut away may be shaped to correspond to a user's fingers so as to enhance grip.

Typically where the short and long edge join on the device there is provided a right angled corner that is suitable for abutting a square corner of a surface to be painted such as a door or window frame. In this way when a corner of the device is arranged in a corner of a surface the cut away portion enables a user to still manoeuvre the device without contact the paint on any surrounding surface.

In some embodiments the portion of the third and fourth edges that correspond to the scoop and hook region may be orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first and/or second edges thereby defining a corner so as to enable these portions to be for use against a structure using both long and short edges. This provides or defines perimetric usage axes defined by the edges of the device. These axis or axes may provide a guide that is continuous and/or orthogonal to the body, advantageously so that the user can situate the device easily against the area to be painted.

Ideally the hook and scoop edges are at least the length of a typical draft excluder, insulation or similar material so that the material is covered by the device.

The body is ideally formed from a planar sheet of a substantially rigid material such as metal, alloy, or thermoplastics that is of a thickness that enables the device to be flexed.

Preferably the device is formed from a lightweight, durable synthetic plastic. Ideally the device as a smooth polished finish so that paint can be readily removed after use. The planar region of the body defines a main or first axis of the body. The body may follow the plane in variant embodiments.

The body may comprise a multi-planar, contoured or undulating surface or form. Preferably a distal end of the scoop finishes in the same axis as the planar region with the deviations extending at least one edge of the first axis.

Typically, the distal end of the hook does not finish in the same axis as the planar region. For example, the hook typically extends perpendicular to the first axis.

Preferably the device is substantially linear in section such that advantageously the devices may be easily stacked, transported and stored.

In some embodiments the body may define or follow a substantially curved plane in section.

In some embodiments distal ends of the scoop and hook may be tapered so as to define a fine edge to paint up to for improved accuracy. In some embodiments the distal ends may be tapered or bevelled.

In some embodiments the distal ends may be formed or coated in a flexible material so as to form a seal with the surface being painted and to minimise paint seepage or bleeding. Advantageously the flexible tip can also allow for an irregular surface thereby ensure contact along the edge despite variation.

In some embodiments the body may include a handle or a lanyard attachment so as to enable the shielding devices to be held easily and to prevent it from being dropped.

The provision of a lanyard may be essential when working at height to prevent the device from falling if dropped. In some embodiments the body may be formed as a handle so as to better allow for manipulation of the sides, or more particularly guides.

In some embodiments the body may be further adapted to include additional guides. For example these might include recessed portions that correspond to window or door furniture.

For example a recess that corresponds to a latch, or the device may have more than four corners so as to define different angles or shaped portions that correspond to specific regions or a surface to be decorated.

In some embodiments the upper face of the body includes text or images, such as a logo. The logo may be provided in the form of a sticker, engraved or embossed. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention according to the present invention;

Figures 2 show end views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows a plan view from below of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 4 shows a plan view from above of a second embodiment; Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ; and

Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ; and

Figures 7A and 7B show side views of the device in use. Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown a preferred embodiment of the device 100 that is arranged for painting surfaces such as sash windows.

The device is for use when painting surface such as sash windows that comprise structures of multiple layers or parts; such parts being arranged to form multiple heights on a single surface and comprising rigid lengths of wood 40, 42 and soft strips 41 of draft excluder (see Figures 7 A and 7B).

The device 100 is substantially rectangular and has a planar body 4 with two long edges 1 , 2 and two short edges 3.

A shielding plane A extends between the opposed long edges 1 and 2 (see Figure 5). A second axis B extends between the short edges 3 (see Figure 4). The device 100 has a substantially rectangular form in plan.

The first edge 1 is shaped to define a hook 1 and the second edge 2 is shaped to define a scoop 2. The first edge 1 has a deviation 6 that defines a right-angle in relation to the planar body 4. This deviation 6 defines the hook. When in use the inner face of the right- angle may be envisaged to predominantly comprise the lowermost surface 16 and is used to engage with a surface to be painted. The distal end 5 of the hook 1 extends downwards from the planar body 4. The distal end 5 provides the painting guide.

The scoop 2 has four deviations 7, 8, 9,10, to provide an undulating sectional profile from the planar body 4 leading to a distal end 1 1 which provides a first painting 1 1 . The deviations comprise radiused angles sections which define longitudinal tabs between each deviation, 1 1 to 10, 10 to 9, 9 to 8 and 8 to 7. The tabs run orthogonal to the A axis.

The scoop deviations 7, 8, 9 and 10 extend alternately above and below the first Axis A. The distal end 1 1 of the scoop 2 finishes in the same plane as the planar body 4 axis (the first axis). The primary deviation 7 is greater than the sequential deviations leading to the distal end/painting guide 1 1 .

The distal ends 5, 1 1 of the hook 1 and scoop 2 are advantageously chamfered so as to limit damage to the surface being painted and to provide a soft guideline.

The short edges 3 are curved inwardly to minimise the body size and provide a pinched centre, which centre allows easy hand gripping and allows the tips 1 1 A, 5A of the distal ends of the hook or scoop to reach the corners of a surface being painted. For example the tips 5A, 1 1 A may engage with a horizontal jamb of the window wherein the pinch of the body does not make contact with the vertical jamb, or vice versa.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the device 100. A hollow is defined between the distal ends 5 and 1 1 . A user can insert their fingers under the device to lift and/or manoeuvre the device 100.

Figure 7A shows the hook 1 being used to pull back a draft excluder 41 . The deviation 6 corresponds to the corner of the draft excluder 41 . As shown in Figure 7B the scoop 2 may be placed onto or over the draft excluder and a precedent deviation placed against the jamb so as to paint a stile or rail, so as to allow the paintbrush to be run against the distal end of the scoop that defines the painting guide. The angle of the deviation 10 relative to the planar body 4 is an obtuse angle thereby enabling the distal end 1 1 to be easily positioned against the surface 40 and then pushed down behind the draft excluder 41 so that the scoop can catch and pull all of the draft excluder away from the surface that is to be painted. The curvature or radiusing of the deviations allows the paintbrush to use the deviations and tabs as shields.

The deviations of the hook 1 and scoop 2 are orthogonal to the first axis (A). The planar body 4 provides a surface for printing and/or moulded embossing, engraving or etching as shown in Figure 4. 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

A shielding device for decorating comprising: an elongate body having first and second opposed long edges and third and fourth short edges; the body has an upper face and a lower face; the first long edge is shaped to define a hook and the second long edge is shaped to define a scoop; a planar region of the body extends between the hook and the scoop so that a lower face of the body defines a hollow; wherein each long edge is straight, and at least one of the third or fourth edges has a cut away to define a finger grip to aid with manipulating the shielding device during use.

2. A shielding device according to claim 1 wherein the body is substantially rectangular.

3. A shielding device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the scoop has a plurality of deviations for aligning with parts of a surface.

4. A shielding device according to claim 3 wherein the deviations run parallel to an axis defined between the first and second long edges.

5. A shielding device according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the deviations correspond to corners on a surface such that the lowermost surface is capable of being located adjacent a stepped or angled surface.

6. A shielding device according to claim 3, 4 or 5 wherein the deviations are sequentially of lesser depth leading from the body to the first long edge.

7. A shielding device according to any preceding claim wherein the hook defines a substantially 90 degree region.

8. A shielding device according to any preceding claim wherein the planar region defines a first axis and a distal end of the scoop finishes in the same axis as the planar region with the deviations extending at least one side of the first axis.

9. A shielding device according to any preceding claim wherein the deviations define an inverted U-shape to the device in usage.

10. A shielding device according to any preceding claim wherein the body is formed from a planar sheet of a substantially rigid material.

1 1 . A shielding device according to any preceding claim wherein the scoop has a chamfered, tapered or bevelled distal end.

12. A shielding device according to any preceding claim wherein the hook has a chamfered, tapered or bevelled distal end.

13. A shielding device according to claims 1 1 or 12 wherein the chamfered, tapered or bevelled distal ends are formed from a flexible material.

14. A shielding device according to claims 1 1 or 12 wherein the chamfered, tapered or bevelled distal ends are coated in a resiliently deformable material.

15. A shielding device according to any preceding claim including a handle.

16. A shielding device according to any preceding claim having a lanyard attachment means.

17. A shielding device substantially as defined herein with reference to the figures.