Illuminating drywall sponge device

Abstract

An illuminating drywall sponge device provides a drywall sanding/scraping tool having tapered cavities that securely retain an illumination mechanism, such that the work surface being sanded is illuminated during sanding operations; and a marking mechanism for marking the illuminated work surface. The sponge light device provides a housing through which the sanding function is primarily performed. The housing has a block or rectangular shape, and walls with an abrasive material. The housing also has multiple tapered cavities formed at the walls of the housing, oriented coplanar with the surface being sanded. An illumination mechanism fits into the cavity. The illumination mechanism orients in the cavity to throw light outwardly from the edge of the housing. A grommet fits into the outer region of the cavities to help stabilize and fasten the illumination mechanism in the cavities. A retractable marking mechanism may also insert into the cavity.

Claims

1. An illuminating drywall sponge device, the device comprising: a housing defined by a pair of side walls and multiple edge walls, the walls having an outer surface and arranged to form a cuboid shape, the housing further defined by a first cavity having an outer region and an inner region, the first cavity extending into at least one of the walls of the housing, the outer region defined by a larger diameter than the inner region, the outer region oriented towards the surface of the walls, the inner region oriented away from the surface of the walls; a grommet disposed at the outer region of the first cavity; and an illumination mechanism being removably fitted into the first cavity, the illumination mechanism having a light end and a free end, the free end being oriented towards the inner region, the light end being oriented towards the outer region, the light end being removably fitted into the grommet, the light end being operable to selectively emit light, whereby the illumination mechanism emits light outwardly from the walls of the housing.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is defined by a rectangular cuboid shape.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface of the walls comprises an abrasive material.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface of the walls is encapsulated with a sand paper.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the multiple edge walls comprise four edge walls.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the side walls have a larger surface area than the edge walls.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the first cavity tapers inwardly from the outer region to the inner region.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second cavity, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are formed along one of the edge walls.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the grommet is arranged completely within the housing.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the grommet is defined by a square shape.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the grommet is defined by a circular shape.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the illumination mechanism comprises a power switch for powering on and off the light.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a marking mechanism.

14. The device of claim 8, wherein a marking mechanism is removably fitted into the second cavity, a marking mechanism having a first end and a second end, the second end being oriented towards an inner region of the second cavity, the first end being oriented towards an outer region of the second cavity, the first end being removably fitted into the grommet, the first end being operable to mark a work surface, whereby the marking mechanism is operatively arranged to mark the work surface from the walls of the housing.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the marking mechanism comprises a knob operatively arranged to enable retraction and extension of the marking mechanism relative to a second cavity of the housing.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the marking mechanism comprises a stick of chalk.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein the marking mechanism comprises a pencil.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the illumination mechanism further comprises: a radially outward facing surface extending between the light end and the free end; and, a power switch arranged on the radially outward facing surface, wherein the power switch can be activated with the housing.

19. An illuminating drywall sponge device, the device comprising: a housing defined by a pair of side walls and multiple edge walls, the walls having an outer surface and arranged to form a cuboid shape, the housing further defined by at least one tapered cavity having an outer region and an inner region, the at least one tapered cavity extending into at least one of the walls of the housing, the outer region of the at least one tapered cavity defined by a larger diameter than the inner region of the cavity, the outer region oriented towards the surface of the walls, the inner region oriented away from the surface of the walls; a grommet disposed at the outer region of a first cavity of the at least one tapered cavity; an illumination mechanism being removably fitted into the first cavity, the illumination mechanism having a light end and a free end, the free end being oriented towards the inner region of the first cavity, the light end being oriented towards the outer region of the first cavity, the light end being removably fitted into the grommet, the light end being operatively arranged to selectively emit light, whereby the illumination mechanism emits light outwardly from the walls of the housing; and, a marking mechanism being removably fitted into a second cavity of the at least one cavity, the marking mechanism having a first end and a second end, the second end being oriented towards the inner region of the second cavity, the first end being oriented towards the outer region of the second cavity, the first end being removably fitted into the grommet, the first end being operatively arranged to mark a work surface, whereby the marking mechanism is operatively arranged to mark the work surface from the walls of the housing, the marking mechanism comprising a knob operatively arranged to enable retraction and extension of the marking mechanism relative to the second cavity.

20. An illuminating drywall sponge device, the device comprising: a housing defined by a pair of side walls and multiple edge walls, the walls having an outer surface and arranged to form a cuboid shape, the housing further defined by a first cavity having an outer region and an inner region, the cavity being tapered and extending into at least one of the walls of the housing, the outer region of the first cavity defined by a larger diameter than the inner region of the first cavity, the outer region oriented towards the surface of the walls, the inner region oriented away from the surface of the walls; a grommet disposed at the outer region of the first cavity; an illumination mechanism being removably fitted into the first cavity, the illumination mechanism having a light end and a free end, the free end being oriented towards the inner region of the first cavity, the light end being oriented towards the outer region of the first cavity, the light end being removably fitted into the grommet, the light end being operatively arranged to selectively emit light, whereby the illumination mechanism emits light outwardly from the walls of the housing; a marking mechanism being removably fitted into a second cavity of the housing, the marking mechanism having a first end and a second end, the second end being oriented towards an inner region of the second cavity, the first end being oriented towards an outer region of the second cavity, the first end being removably fitted into the grommet, the first end being operatively arranged to mark a work surface, whereby the marking mechanism is operatively arranged to mark the work surface from the walls of the housing, the marking mechanism comprising a knob operatively arranged to enable retraction and extension of the marking mechanism relative to the second cavity, the marking mechanism comprising a stick of chalk.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary illuminating drywall sponge device being used in a sanding operation of a work surface, while simultaneously illuminating the work surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the housing for the illuminating drywall sponge device, showing two tapered cavities formed in the edge walls, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary grommet aligned with an exemplary illumination mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the device, showing the light end of the illumination mechanism extended out of opening in cavity and one of the end walls, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the device, showing the grommet protruding from edge wall, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the device, showing the illumination mechanism and grommet fully inserted and flush against edge wall, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an exemplary housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a sectioned side view of the housing, the section taken along section 8-8 of FIG. 7, detailing the tapered cavities, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary marking mechanism fitted into a cavity, adjacent to an illumination mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary knob used with the marking mechanism, adjacent to an illumination mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 11 illustrates an upper perspective view of an exemplary slot through which the knob slides for extension and retraction of the marking mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(13) FIG. 12 illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary slot through which the knob slides for extension and retraction of the marking mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(14) FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the thumb manually sliding the knob towards the edge wall to extend the marking mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

(15) FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the thumb manually sliding the knob away from the edge wall to retract the marking mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(16) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(17) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

(18) An illuminating drywall sponge device 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1-14. Illuminating drywall sponge device 100, hereafter “device 100” is a unique tool used in the art of construction and sanding, and especially sanding of drywall and flooring. Device 100 provides a housing 102 having multiple walls that form a cuboid shape and an abrasive surface effective for sanding of a work surface 106. Housing 102 is defined by at least one cavity 206a-b. An illumination mechanism 104a-b extends from at least one of the cavities for selective illumination of the work surface 106, as the emitted light shines coplanar to the work surface 106, and thereby elucidates imperfections requiring sanding.

(19) For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of device 100 being used in a sanding operation of a work surface 106, while simultaneously illuminating the work surface 106. As shown, the light shines coplanar to the work surface 106, and to an orthogonal surface, such as a floor or drywall. This can create a lighting effect in which 180°-270° of the area around the edge wall 202a, 202b of the housing 102 is illuminated. In other embodiments, the illumination is ¼″ away from all of the working surfaces at all times, so as to create critical lighting to identify imperfections. In alternative embodiments, a retractable marking mechanism 900 is fitted into at least one of the cavities for marking the illuminated work surface 106. Other advantages and components are described below.

(20) As referenced in FIG. 2, device 100 comprises a housing 102 defined by a pair of side walls 200a-b and multiple edge walls 202a, 202b, 204a, 204b. In some embodiments, the walls have an outer surface 210, and are arranged to form a cuboid shape. In one non-limiting embodiment, housing 102 is defined by a rectangular cuboid shape. In one embodiment, multiple edge walls 202a-b, 204a-b comprise six edge walls 202a-b, 204a-b—two end edges 202a, 202b and two lateral edges 204a, 204b, for example.

(21) However, in other embodiments, the side walls 200a-b may be parallel to each other, and exhibit a larger surface area than the edge walls 202a-b, 204a-b. This forms the rectangular cuboid configuration of the housing 102. In an alternative embodiment, a handle or a contour adapted to receive the hands for enhanced gripping can be included on the side walls or the edge walls. However, in alternative embodiments, housing 102 may be cubicle, spherical, pyramidal, and other parallelogram shapes known in the art of sanding tools.

(22) Housing 102 is also sufficiently rigid to support the weight of a hand or robot for sanding functions. Thus, housing 102 is substantially solid and has sufficient weight to enable sanding of the work surface 106. In some embodiments, the surface 210 of the walls 200a-b, 202a-b, 204a-b for the housing 102 comprises an abrasive material. Such an abrasive, or gritted, configuration allows for sanding operations on a work surface 106. However, in other embodiments, the surface of the walls is encapsulated with a sand paper. A fastener, such as a clip or other sanding paper fastening means may be used to retain sand paper on surface 210 of walls.

(23) Turning now to FIG. 7, housing 102 is also defined by at least one cavity 206a-b having an outer region 208a and an inner region 208b. Cavity 206a-b is tapered, and extends into at least one of the walls of the housing 102. As FIG. 8 illustrates, outer region 208a of cavity 206a is wide, while inner region 208b is narrow. This can be efficient shape for receiving a grommet 300a, 300b, described below. The tapered shape of cavity 206a is also efficacious for firmly securing the illumination mechanism 104a-b and/or the marking mechanism 900 into alignment for proper operation thereof. FIG. 8 also depicts an embodiment, where four cavities 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d are used, with two cavities formed on opposing edge walls 202a, 202b.

(24) As illustrated in FIG. 4, one of the edge walls 202a-b, 204a-b at the end of housing 102 forms the cavity 206a-b. Thus, cavity 206a-b may uniformly taper inwardly from the outer region 208a to the inner region 208b. Or cavity 206a-b may simply have a wide, cube-shaped outer region 208a, and a uniformly narrow inner region 208b extending therefrom. In any case, at least one cavity 206a-b forms into any of the side walls 200a-b or edge walls 202a-b, 204a-b, and has a generally wider outer region 208a than inner region 208b.

(25) In one embodiment, the outer region 208a of the cavity 206a-b defined by a larger diameter than the inner region 208b of the cavity 206a-b. The outer region 208a orients towards the surface of the walls, and the inner region 208b oriented away from the surface of the walls. In one non-limiting embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, two cavities 206a, 206b form along one of the edge walls 202a-b, 204a-b. However, any combination of cavities along any of the edge walls 202a-b, 204a-b and/or side walls 200a-b may be possible. Such a two-cavity configuration can increase the amount of light being emitted from the walls of the housing 102.

(26) Turning now to FIG. 3, device 100 comprises a grommet 300a-b disposed at the outer region 208a of the cavity 206a-b. Grommet 300a-b is disposed at the outer region 208a of the cavity 206a-b, and coplanar with the edge walls 202a-b, 204a-b of the housing 102. In some embodiments, grommet 300a, 300b may include a rubber member having a square, circular, triangular, or irregular shape that is sized and dimensioned to receive the light end 302a of the illumination mechanism 104a-b in a snug-fit relationship. In essence, the grommet 300a-b secures the illumination mechanism 104a-b in alignment with the cavity 206a-b. In one non-limiting embodiment, two grommets 300a, 300b are used for retaining two illumination mechanisms 104a, 104b. Grommet may be fabricated from rubber or synthetic polymers.

(27) Again, looking at FIG. 3, device 100 includes an illumination mechanism 104a-b that is removably fitted into at least one of the cavities. Illumination mechanism 104a-b has a light end 302a and a free end 302b. In one embodiment, free end 302b orients towards the inner region 208b of the cavity 206a-b, and light end 302a orients towards the outer region 208a of the cavity 206a-b. In this manner, the light end 302a can be removably fitted into the grommet 300a, 300b.

(28) Illumination mechanism 104a-b is easily introduced into any of the tapered cavities that may form along the side walls 200a-b and/or edge walls 202a-b, 204a-b in housing 102. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates light end 302a of illumination mechanism 104a-b extended out of opening in cavity 206a-b and one of the end walls. FIG. 5 shows grommet 300a, 300b protruding from edge wall. Finally, FIG. 6 shows illumination mechanism 104a-b and grommet 300a, 300b fully inserted and flush against edge wall 202a-b. As shown, the illumination mechanism 104a-b is shown to easily slide in and out of selected cavity 206a-b.

(29) In some embodiments, light end 302a of illumination mechanism 104a-b selectively emits light. The light from illumination mechanism 104a-b can be powered on and off through a power switch 304 that is connected to a power source and a lamp at the light end 302a. In this manner, the light can be powered on during sanding operations with the housing 102. This allows an operator to shine light at a critical angle, so as to analyze the sanding that has been performed on the work surface 106. Illumination mechanism 104a-b may be powered by either a non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery. However, in alternative embodiments, an external power source may also be used.

(30) In one non-limiting embodiment, illumination mechanism 104a-b comprises an elongated light emitting diode. Consequently, illumination mechanism 104a-b emits light outwardly from the walls of the housing 102 from one, or two opposing edge walls 202a-b, 204a-b (See FIG. 1). In addition, device 100 provides a marking mechanism that retracts and extends directly from at least one of the cavities along the walls.

(31) FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary marking mechanism 900 fitted into a cavity 206a-b, adjacent to an illumination mechanism 104a-b. Marking mechanism may include a stick of chalk or a pencil used to mark the work surface 106. In some embodiments, marking mechanism is removably fitted into the cavity 206a-b and interchangeable with illumination mechanism 104a-b, or a different type of marking mechanism.

(32) In some embodiments, marking mechanism 900 has a first end 1102 and a second end 1100. Second end 1100 is oriented towards the inner region 208b of the cavity 206a-b. First end 1102 orients towards the outer region 208a of the cavity 206a-b. Further, first end is removably fitted into the grommet 300a, 300b, forming a snug-fit relationship therewith. As explained above, first end is operable to mark a work surface 106, releasing chalk, graphite, or ink while being carried across the work surface 106. In this manner, marking mechanism is operable to mark the work surface 106 from the walls of the housing 102.

(33) In one alternative embodiment, marking mechanism 900 comprises a knob 1000 extending therefrom. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary knob 1000 used with the marking mechanism 900. Knob 1000 is configured to be operated by thumb, and slide along the length of a slot 1002 forming in the wall. Knob 1000 allows for easy manual retraction and extension of the marking mechanism relative to the cavity 206a-b. Thus, when in use, marking mechanism can be extended to mark the work surface 106; and when not in use, marking mechanism can be retracted into the cavity 206a-b, allowing the walls to remain flush for the sanding process.

(34) For example, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 illustrate an upper perspective view of slot 1002, through which knob 1000 slides for extension and retraction of the marking mechanism 900. Knob 1000 and slot 1002 may be disposed on any of edge walls 204a, 204b, so as to enable both left-handed and right-handed users to operate marking mechanism 900.

(35) FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the thumb manually sliding the knob 1000 towards the edge wall to extend the marking mechanism 900. Conversely, FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the thumb manually sliding the knob 1000 away from the edge wall to retract the marking mechanism 900. The same sliding mechanism may be used with the illumination mechanism 104a-b discussed above. In such a configuration, a second knob 1000 may be attached to the illumination mechanism 104a-b to enable extraction and retraction thereof.

(36) In operation, the side wall is pressed flush against the work surface 106. Work surface 106 may include a drywall or flooring requiring sanding. A hand, robot, or mechanical apparatus presses down on the housing 102 from the opposite side wall. The illumination mechanism 104a-b is powered on to shine light in front of the housing 102, so as to illuminate the work surface 106. Housing 102 may then be pressed back and forth against the work surface 106 to accomplish the sanding requirements. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of device 100 being used in a sanding operation of a work surface 106, while simultaneously illuminating the work surface 106. If a need to mark the work surface 106 arises, the marking mechanism 900 is extended from the respective cavity 206a-b to mark the surface, and then retracted so as to be flush with the edge wall after use.

(37) In conclusion, illuminating drywall sponge device 100 provides a drywall sanding/scraping tool having tapered cavities that securely retain an illumination mechanism 104a-b, such that the work surface 106 being sanded is illuminated during sanding operations; and a marking mechanism for marking the illuminated work surface 106. The sponge light device 100 provides a housing 102 through which the sanding function is primarily performed.

(38) Housing 102 has a block or rectangular shape, and walls with an abrasive material. The housing 102 also has multiple tapered cavities formed at the walls of the housing 102, oriented coplanar with the surface being sanded. Illumination mechanism 104a-b fits into the cavity 206a-b. The illumination mechanism 104a-b orients in the cavity 206a-b to throw light outwardly from the edge of the housing 102. Grommet 300a, 300b fits into the outer region 208a of the cavities to help stabilize and fasten illumination mechanism 104a-b in the cavities 206a-b. A retractable marking mechanism may also insert into the cavity 206a-b

(39) These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

(40) Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.