CORNER BEAD ROLLER APPARATUS

Abstract

There is provided a corner bead roller apparatus according to one aspect. The corner bead roller apparatus includes an elongate mount, a first one or more roller assemblies and a second one or more roller assemblies angularly spaced from the first one or more roller assemblies. Each roller assembly includes a shaft coupled to the elongate mount and a roller rotatably coupled to the shaft, with the roller continuously tapers from a distal end thereof to a proximal end thereof.

According to another aspect, each roller rotatably couples to and is axially moveable at least in part relative to the shaft thereof.

According to an additional aspect, each roller includes an inner portion rotatably coupled to the shaft and an outer portion coupled to and extending about the inner portion thereof, with distal ends of the outer and inner portion aligning flush with each other.

Claims

1. A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: an elongate mount; and a first arrangement of one or more rollers and a second arrangement of one or more rollers angularly spaced from the first arrangement of one or more rollers, each said roller operatively coupling to, being rotatable relative to and extending outwards from the elongate mount, with each said roller continuously tapering from a distal end thereof to a proximal end thereof.

2. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said roller is an isosceles trapezoid in side profile.

3. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said roller includes an outer wall extending from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof, with each said outer wall being smooth and continuous.

4. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said roller includes an outer wall extending from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof, with each said outer wall being frustoconical in shape.

5. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 1, including a plurality of shafts coupled to and extending outwards from the elongate mount, with the rollers rotatably coupling to respective said shafts thereof and coupling to the elongate mount via the shafts.

6. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 5 wherein each said shaft extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein each said roller includes an outer wall extending from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof, and wherein for each said roller the outer wall thereof flares outwards at a constant angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft to which the roller couples.

7. A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: an elongate mount; and a first one or more roller assemblies and a second one or more roller assemblies angularly spaced from the first one or more roller assemblies, each said roller assembly including a shaft coupled to and extending outwards from the elongate mount and including a roller rotatably coupled to and axially moveable at least in part relative to the shaft thereof.

8. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 7, wherein for each said roller assembly the roller thereof is slidable relative to the shaft thereof.

9. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each said roller assembly includes a pair of spaced-apart protrusions which extend radially outwards from the shaft thereof and between which the roller thereof is positioned and is moveable therebetween.

10. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 9, wherein for each said roller assembly at least one said protrusion thereof is slidable relative to the shaft thereof.

11. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 9, wherein for each said roller assembly at least one said protrusion thereof comprises a washer.

12. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 11, wherein for each said roller assembly the washer thereof is slidable relative to the shaft thereof.

13. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 9, wherein for each said roller assembly at least one said protrusion thereof comprises an enlarged end portion of the shaft thereof.

14. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 9, wherein for each said roller assembly at least one said protrusion thereof comprises a flange coupled to and extending radially outwards from the shaft thereof.

15. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 14, wherein for each said roller assembly the flange thereof selectively abuts a proximal end of the roller thereof.

16. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 14, wherein for each said roller assembly the flange thereof extends radially outwards from a proximal end of the roller thereof.

17. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 7, wherein for each said roller assembly the shaft thereof includes a first end portion that is threaded and via which the shaft couples to the elongate mount and wherein for each said roller assembly the shaft thereof includes an enlarged second end portion which selectively abuts the roller thereof.

18. A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: an elongate mount; and a first one or more roller assemblies and a second one or more roller assemblies angularly spaced from the first one or more roller assemblies, each said roller assembly including a shaft coupled to and extending outwards from the elongate mount, and a roller with an inner portion rotatably coupled to the shaft thereof and an outer portion coupled to and extending about the inner portion of the roller thereof, wherein the outer portions of the rollers are more compressible relative to the inner portions of the rollers, and wherein for each said roller the outer portion thereof and the inner portion thereof have distal ends which align flush with each other.

19. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 18, wherein for each said roller assembly the shaft thereof has a distal end which aligns flush with the distal ends of the outer portion and the inner portion of the roller thereof or which is inwardly spaced relative to the distal ends of the outer portion and the inner portion of the roller thereof.

20. A corner bead roller apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the outer portions of the rollers are made of a selectively deformable material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a left side, top perspective view of a corner bead roller apparatus according to one aspect, the corner bead roller apparatus including a plurality of rollers coupled to an elongate bracket via a plurality of roller positioning assemblies;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof,

[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of one of the rollers of the corner bead roller apparatus of FIG. 1, with the roller including an inner portion shown in side elevation and with the roller including an outer portion in the form of a sleeve shown in side and end elevation;

[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view thereof with the inner portion of the roller being shown in end plan view and the outer portion of the roller in the form of the sleeve being shown in side and end elevation;

[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of one of the roller positioning assemblies of FIG. 1, with the roller positioning assembly including a shaft with an enlarged end and a threaded end together with a plurality of washers;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the corner bead roller apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view thereof,

[0024] FIG. 8 is a left side elevation view thereof, with a first of the rollers being shown in a retracted position and a second of the rollers being shown in an extended position;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the corner bead roller apparatus of FIG. 1, together with a corner bead with drywall joint compound extending along the peripheral portions thereof, with the rollers of the corner bead roller apparatus being shown in the process of rolling along and against the side and peripheral portions of the corner bead so as to smooth out the drywall joint compound and promote a flush connection between the corner bead and adjacent drywall to which the corner bead abuts;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a top, rear perspective thereof,

[0027] FIG. 11 is a rear, bottom perspective view of the corner bead roller apparatus of FIG. 1, together with a bucket holding a liquid solution, with the corner bead roller apparatus being shown in the process of being cleaned and/or in the process of wetting the rollers thereof,

[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a tool for finishing the outside corner as formed by the corner bead of FIG. 9;

[0029] FIG. 13 is a top, rear perspective view of a corner bead roller apparatus according to another aspect; and

[0030] FIG. 14 is a top, rear, left side perspective view of a corner bead roller apparatus according to a further aspect.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense.

[0032] Referring to the drawings and first to FIG. 1, there is shown a corner bead roller apparatus 30. The corner bead roller apparatus includes an elongate mount, in this example a bracket 32. The bracket has a proximal end 34, a distal end 36 and a longitudinal axis 38 extending between the ends thereof. Bracket 32 is L-shaped in longitudinal section in this example. As seen in FIG. 2, the bracket includes a first planar portion 40 and a second planar portion 42 angled by angle relative to the first planar portion thereof. As seen in FIG. 1, the planer portions are generally rectangular prisms in shape in this example; however, this is not strictly required. Referring back to FIG. 2, angle is appropriately equal to 90 degrees in this example, with planar portions 40 and 42 being perpendicular to each other in this example.

[0033] As seen in FIG. 1, corner bead roller apparatus 30 includes an elongate member, in this example an elongate handle or pole 44. The pole is telescoping in this example to selectively adjust the length thereof; however, this is not strictly required. Pole 44 pivotally couples to bracket 32, in this example via a clevis joint 46; however, the latter is not strictly required. The clevis joint includes a clevis 48 integrally connected to, formed with and extending outwards from planar portions 40 and 52 of bracket 32 in this example. Clevis joint 46 includes an elongate member, in this fastener, in this case bolt 50. The bolt extends through pole 44 and spans across and couples to clevis via nut 52. Clevis joints per se are known to those skilled in the art and clevis joint 46 will thus not be described in further detail.

[0034] As seen in FIG. 7, corner bead roller apparatus 30 includes a first one or more roller assemblies, in this example first and second roller assemblies 54 and 56. The first and second roller assemblies align with each other and planar portion 40 of bracket 32 in this example. Corner bead roller apparatus 30 includes a second one or more roller assemblies, in this example third and fourth roller assemblies 58 and 60. The third and fourth roller assemblies align with each other and planar portion 42 of bracket 32 in this example. The third and fourth roller assemblies 58 and 60 are angled relative to first and second roller assemblies 54 and 56. Alternatively there may only be two roller assemblies which are angularly spaced from each other, such first and third roller assemblies 54 and 58 or second and four roller assemblies 56 and 60.

[0035] At least one and in this example first and third roller assemblies 54 and 58 couple to and extend outwards from bracket 32 adjacent distal end 36 of bracket 30; however, the latter is not is strictly required. At least one and in this example second and fourth roller assemblies 56 and 60 couple to and extend outwards from proximal end 34 of the bracket; however, here too the latter is not strictly required.

[0036] As seen in FIG. 5, each roller assembly 54 includes a roller positioning assembly 62. Each roller positioning assembly includes in this example a shaft 64 coupled to and extending outwards from bracket. Each shaft has a proximal end 66, a distal end 68 spaced-apart from the proximal end thereof, and a longitudinal axis 70 extending between the ends thereof. Shaft 64 includes a first end portion, in this example a threaded end portion 72 extending from the proximal end thereof towards the distal end thereof. As seen in FIG. 2, each shaft couples to bracket 32 via threaded end portion 72 thereof in this example.

[0037] Referring back to FIG. 5, each shaft 64 includes a second end portion, in this example an enlarged end portion 74 spaced-apart from the threaded end portion thereof. The enlarged end portion may also be referred to as an enlarged second end portion. Enlarged end portion 74 of shaft 64 extends from distal end 68 towards proximal end 66 of the shaft.

[0038] As seen in FIG. 7, each shaft includes a socket, in this example a recessed socket 76. The recessed socket extends from distal end 68 of the shaft towards proximal end 66 of the shaft seen in FIG. 5 in this example. Referring back to FIG. 7, recessed socket 76 is shaped to mate with a tool bit (not shown) so that a tool (not shown) to which the tool bit couples, may selectively rotate the shaft via the recessed socket. Rotation of shaft 64 in a first or clockwise direction 78 causes the shaft and thus roller assembly 54 to incrementally move towards planar portion 40 of bracket 32. Rotation of the shaft in a second or counter-clockwise direction 80 causes the shaft and thus roller assembly 54 to incrementally move outwards from the planar portion of the bracket. Recessed socket 76 of shaft 64 is thus configured to enable positioning of the shaft to be selectively adjusted relative planar portion 40 of bracket 32 to which the shaft couples. The recessed socket of the shaft is also configured to enable the shaft to be selectively removed from the bracket.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 5, each roller positioning assembly 62 includes in this example a first planar member or washer 84 shaped to abut enlarged end portion 74 of shaft 64. Each roller positioning assembly includes in this example at least one and in this case a plurality of additional planar members or washers 86, 88 and 90. As seen in FIG. 2, the additional washers are configured to be positioned adjacent threaded end portion 72 of shaft 64. Washers 86, 88 and 90 are slidable relative to shaft 64 and axially moveable in part relative to each other in this example. The washers as well as enlarged end portion 74 of the shaft seen in FIG. 5 may be referred to as a pair of spaced-apart protrusions which extend radially outwards from the shaft thereof.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 2, each roller assembly 54 includes a roller 92. The roller has a proximal end 94 near or adjacent bracket 32 and against which washer 86 abuts in this example. Roller 92 has a distal end 96 spaced-apart from the proximal end thereof. As seen in FIG. 7, recessed socket 76 of shaft 64 is axially inwardly spaced from distal end 96 of its corresponding roller in this example. Each roller is continuously tapered from distal end 96 thereof to proximal end 94 thereof. As seen in FIG. 1, each roller 92 is an isosceles trapezoid in side profile in this example.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, each roller 92 includes an inner portion 98 configured to rotatably coupled to and be axially moveable in part relative to its shaft 64 seen in FIG. 5. Alternatively the inner portion of roller assembly 54 may be referred to as or considered the roller. Inner portion 98 of roller 92 has a first or proximal end 100, a second or distal end 102 spaced-apart from the proximal end thereof and a longitudinal axis 104 extending between the ends thereof. The longitudinal axis of the inner portion of the roller may also be referred to and coincides with the longitudinal axis of the roller as a whole.

[0042] Inner portion 98 of roller 92 has an outer surface 106 extending between ends thereof. The outer surface of the inner portion of the roller is continuous in this example. Outer surface 106 of inner portion 98 of roller 92 extends radially outwards relative to longitudinal axis in a direction 95 extending from end 94 to end 96 at a constant angle relative to the shaft and longitudinal axis 104 in this example. The outer surface of inner portion 98 of roller 92 is frustoconical in shape in this example.

[0043] Still referring to FIG. 3, inner portion 98 of roller 92 has a central bore 108 extending between ends 94 and 96 thereof. As seen in FIG. 4, the central bore is shaped to slidably receive shaft 64, seen in FIG. 5, therethrough. Referring back to FIG. 4, inner portion 98 of roller 92 has an outer or distal bore 110 in communication with central bore 108. The distal bore extends from distal end 96 towards proximal end 94 of the inner portion of the roller. Distal bore 110 is shaped to receive enlarged end portion 74 of shaft 64 as well as washer 84 therewithin seen in FIG. 5; however, at least the latter is not strictly required.

[0044] Roller 92 includes a spacer or proximal end portion 112 that is annular in this example. The proximal end portion extends from proximal end 94 towards distal end 96 of the roller. Proximal end portion 112 and inner portion 98 of roller 92 are integrally connected together so as to form a unitary whole in this example. The proximal end portion of the roller is radially inwardly spaced from outer surface 106 of the inner portion of the roller in this example. Proximal end portion 112 extends about distal bore 110 in this example. The proximal end portion is shaped to be adjacent to and slidably receive washer 86 seen in FIG. 5 in this example.

[0045] As seen in FIG. 4, each roller 92 includes an outer portion, in this example a sleeve 114. The sleeve couples to and extends about inner portion 98 thereof. Sleeve 114 is tubular in shape in this example. The sleeve has a first or proximal end 116 and a second or distal end 118 spaced-apart from the proximal end thereof. Referring to FIG. 2, the distal ends 96 and 118 of inner portion 98 and sleeve 114 of each roller align flush with each other in this example. As seen in FIG. 7, distal end 68 of shaft 64 aligns flush or inwardly spaced relative to the distal ends of the sleeve and the inner portion of the roller thereof.

[0046] As seen in FIG. 4, sleeve 114 of roller 92 has an inner surface 115 that is continuous in this example. Referring to FIG. 2, the inner surface of sleeve 114 extends outwards at a constant angle Q relative to shaft 94 and longitudinal axis 104. The diameter D.sub.1 of inner surface 115 of the sleeve at a given longitudinal position of roller 92 may be slightly smaller than the corresponding diameter Do of outer surface 106 of inner portion 106 of the roller. Sleeve 114 of the roller is thus shaped to be stretched about and frictionally couple to the inner portion of the roller. The sleeve of the roller has an outer surface 120 spaced-apart from and opposite inner surface 115 thereof. The outer surface of the sleeve is smooth and continuous in this example. Inner surface 115 and outer surface 120 of sleeve 114 of roller 92 are frustoconical in shape in this example.

[0047] Outer surface 120 of sleeve 114 extends outwards at a constant angle relative to longitudinal axis 104 of shaft 64 thereof, in this example angle . Angle is acute and is a value in the range of 1 to 5 degrees in this example; however, this is not strictly required and other angles may be possible in other embodiments. Sleeve 114 of roller 92 flares outwards at a constant angle relative to longitudinal axis 104 of corresponding shaft 64. Sleeve 114 may be referred to as an outer wall of roller 92 extending from proximal end 94 to distal end 96 of the roller. The outer wall may be referred to as including an outer peripheral surface and/or comprising outer portion of the sleeve.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, sleeve 114 of roller 92 is more compressible relative to inner portion 98 of the roller. The sleeve is made of a softer material relative to that of the inner portion of the roller. Sleeve 114 is made of a selectively deformable material, in this example an elastomer, in this case silicone rubber; however, this is not strictly required and other materials may be used in other embodiments. Sleeve 114 is made of a clear or at least semi-transparent material in this example; here too this is not strictly required and non-transparent materials may be in other embodiments.

[0049] Inner portion 98 of roller 92 is more rigid relative to that of the sleeve of the roller. The inner portion of the roller is made of a hard material relative to that of the sleeve, such as metal or hard plastic; however, this is not strictly required and other types of materials may be used in other examples.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 7, each roller 92 rotatably couples to its corresponding shaft 64 and rotates about longitudinal axis 104 of its corresponding shaft. Thus, first and second roller assemblies 54 and 56 (and rollers 92 thereof) rotate about axes 104 and 105 which are perpendicular to axes 107 and 109 of third and fourth roller assemblies 58 and 60 (and rollers thereof). This is shown in FIG. 2 by axes 104 and 107 that extend perpendicular to each other. Referring to FIG. 1, one or more rollers of first and second roller assemblies 54 and 56 may be referred to a first arrangement of one or more rollers. One or more rollers of third and fourth roller assemblies 58 and 60 may be referred to as a second arrangement of one or more rollers angularly spaced from the first arrangement of one or more rollers.

[0051] As seen in FIG. 8, for each roller assembly 58, roller 92 thereof is positioned between and loosely held in place via protrusions thereof, in this example washers 90 and enlarged end portion 74 of shaft 64 thereof. The washers may function to inhibit the roller from abutting planar portion 40 of bracket 32 and/or becoming dislodged from the shaft. Each roller 92 is configured to be moveable and in this example slidable in part relative to its corresponding shaft 64 thereof. The roller is thus axially moveable at least in part relative to shaft 64, about which the roller is rotatably mounted. Roller 92 has an extended position shown in FIG. 8 by roller assembly 54 in which enlarged end portion 74 of shaft 64 is axially inwardly spaced from proximal end portion 112 and distal end 96 of roller. The roller is moveable from the extended position to a retracted position by an axially-extending distance D and as shown by roller assembly 56, in which in this example enlarged end portion 74 of shaft 64 aligns flush with proximal end portion 112 and distal end 96 of roller 92 in this example.

[0052] Each roller 92 may thus selectively abut washers 90 and/or enlarged end portion 74 of its corresponding shaft 64. Each roller thus operatively couples to, is rotatable relative to, extends outwards from and is linearly moveable relative to bracket 32 in this example. Each shaft 64 and pair of corresponding protrusions or washers 90 and enlarged end portion 74 thereof may be referred to as a roller mount that enables corresponding roller 92 to rotate about and be linearly moveable in part relative to longitudinal axis 104 thereof.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 6, rollers 92 of first and second roller assemblies 54 and 56 thus rotatably couple to first planar portion 40 of bracket 32 via shafts 64 in this example. Proximal ends 94 of the rollers of the first and second roller assemblies extend laterally outwards from the first planar portion of the bracket in this example; however, this is not strictly required. The rollers of third and fourth roller assemblies 58 and 60 rotatably couple to second planar portion 42 of bracket 32 via shafts 64 in this example. Proximal ends 94 of rollers 92 of the third and fourth roller assemblies extend laterally outwards from the second planar portion of the bracket in this example; however, here too this is not strictly required.

[0054] Proximal ends 94 of rollers 92 of first and third roller assemblies 54 and 58 extend longitudinally outwards from distal end 36 of bracket in this example; however, this is not strictly required. Proximal ends 94 of rollers 92 of second and fourth roller assemblies 56 and 60 extend longitudinally outwards from proximal end 34 of bracket in this example; however, here too this is not strictly required.

[0055] Each roller 92 is tapered and in this example an isosceles trapezoid in first and second side profiles when not in use as seen in FIGS. 2 and 8, for example.

[0056] In operation and referring to FIG. 9, a corner bead 122 is coupled adjacent peripheral portions 124 and 126 of planar pieces of drywall 128 and 130 so as to form a corner 132. A joining compound, in this example drywall joint compound 134 is applied so as to extend along peripheral portions 136 and 138 of corner bead 122 and promote coupling of the corner bead to the peripheral portions 124 and 126 of the drywall 128 and 130.

[0057] Rollers 92 of corner bead roller apparatus 30 are next positioned in place via pole 44 gripped by person 140. The rollers are rolled along and against the side and peripheral portions 136 and 138 of corner bead 122, as shown by arrow of numeral 142, so as to smooth out the drywall joint compound 134 and promote a flush connection between the corner bead and adjacent drywall 128 and 130 to which the corner bead abuts. Rollers 92 thus in use extend against corner portions 144 and 146 of drywall 128 and 130. The rollers are configured to resiliently deform at least in part when in use, in this example sleeves 114. In this example at least outer halves 148 of rollers 92, which are shaped to align with peripheral portions 136 and 138 of corner bead 122, are configured to resiliently deform when in use. Sleeves 114 seen in FIG. 1 may deform in part in use when biased against the corner bead such that each roller 92 may be substantially a right-angled trapezoid (shown by numeral 91) in a first side profile seen in FIG. 10 and may be an isosceles trapezoid (shown by numeral 93) in a second said side profile seen in FIG. 9 which is perpendicular to the first side profile; however this is not strictly required.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 11, corner bead roller apparatus 30 during the above described process may be periodically wetted and/or cleaned by submerging (seen by arrow 149) rollers 92 into liquid 150 held by container 152, which may comprise water and/or a cleaning solutions.

[0059] Finally and referring to FIG. 12, a finishing tool 154 comprising one or more sponges 156 and 158 shaped to extend along peripheral portions 136 and 138 of corner bead 122, may be moved therealong (as shown by arrow of numeral 160) for finishing the outside corner 132 as formed by the corner bead. This may function to further smoothen out the drywall joint compound 134 so as to promote formation of a continuous exterior surface between drywall 128 and 130 and corner bead 122. A suitable finishing tool in this regard is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,447,591 to McKay, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, such a finishing tool is not strictly required and other methods or tools for finishing the corner may be used in other examples as may be appreciated by someone skilled in the art.

[0060] FIG. 13 shows a corner bead roller apparatus 30.1 according to another aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functions as corner bead roller apparatus 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 with the addition of decimal extension 0.1. Corner bead roller apparatus 30.1 is substantially the same as corner bead roller apparatus 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 with the following exception.

[0061] Proximal end portions 112.1 of rollers 92.1 are shaped to abut distal ends 118.1 of sleeves 114.1 in this example. The proximal end portions of the rollers are shaped to further inhibit movement of the sleeves relative to the inner portions 98.1 of the rollers in this example.

[0062] FIG. 14 shows a corner bead roller apparatus 30.2 according to a further aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functions as corner bead roller apparatus 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 with the addition of decimal extension 0.2. Corner bead roller apparatus 30.2 is substantially the same as corner bead roller apparatus 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 with the following exception.

[0063] In this embodiment, for each roller assembly 54.2 one of the protrusions thereof comprises a flange 112.2 instead of a washer. The flanges may be referred to as the proximal end portions of the rollers. Each flange 112.2 couples to and extends radially outwards from corresponding shaft 64.2. The flange is circular in profile in this example; however, this is not strictly required. Flange 112.2 selectively abuts proximal end 94.2 of roller 92.2 thereof. Flange 112.2 extends radially outwards from the proximal end of the roller in this example. The flange functions to inhibit roller 92.2 from abutting bracket 32.2 and/or becoming dislodged from shaft 64.2. Distal end 96.2 of the roller extends radially outwards to a greater extent compared to flange 112.2 thereof in this example; however, this is not strictly required.

[0064] It will be appreciated that many variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein. Where a component (e.g. an apparatus, assembly, device, etc.) is referred to herein, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a means) should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Interpretation of Terms

[0065] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims: [0066] comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to; [0067] connected, coupled, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof; [0068] herein, above, below, and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification; [0069] or, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list; [0070] the singular forms a, an, and the also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms. These terms (a, an, and the) mean one or more unless stated otherwise; [0071] and/or is used to indicate one or both stated cases may occur, for example A and/or B includes both (A and B) and (A or B); [0072] approximately when applied to a numerical value means the numerical value 10%; [0073] where a feature is described as being optional or optionally present or described as being present in some embodiments it is intended that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments where that feature is present and other embodiments where that feature is not necessarily present and other embodiments where that feature is excluded. Further, where any combination of features is described in this application this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology such as solely, only and the like in relation to the combination of features as well as the use of negative limitation(s) to exclude the presence of other features; and [0074] first and second are used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or indicating the number of indicated technical features.

[0075] Words that indicate directions such as vertical, transverse, horizontal, upward, downward, forward, backward, inward, outward, left, right, front, back, top, bottom, below, above, under, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0076] Where a range for a value is stated, the stated range includes all sub-ranges of the range. It is intended that the statement of a range supports the value being at an endpoint of the range as well as at any intervening value to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, as well as any subrange or sets of sub ranges of the range unless the context clearly dictates otherwise or any portion(s) of the stated range is specifically excluded. Where the stated range includes one or both endpoints of the range, ranges excluding either or both of those included endpoints are also included in the invention.

[0077] Certain numerical values described herein are preceded by about. In this context, about provides literal support for the exact numerical value that it precedes, the exact numerical value 5%, as well as all other numerical values that are near to or approximately equal to that numerical value. Unless otherwise indicated a particular numerical value is included in about a specifically recited numerical value where the particular numerical value provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited numerical value in the context in which the specifically recited numerical value is presented. For example, a statement that something has the numerical value of about 10 is to be interpreted as: the set of statements: [0078] in some embodiments the numerical value is 10; [0079] in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of 9.5 to 10.5;
and if from the context the person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that values within a certain range are substantially equivalent to 10 because the values with the range would be understood to provide substantially the same result as the value 10 then about 10 also includes: [0080] in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of C to D where C and D are respectively lower and upper endpoints of the range that encompasses all of those values that provide a substantial equivalent to the value 10

[0081] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.

[0082] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any other described embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0083] Any aspects described above in reference to apparatus may also apply to methods and vice versa.

[0084] Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, simultaneously or at different times.

[0085] Various features are described herein as being present in some embodiments. Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments. Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. All possible combinations of such features are contemplated by this disclosure even where such features are shown in different drawings and/or described in different sections or paragraphs. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that some embodiments possess feature A and some embodiments possess feature B should be interpreted as an express indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible). This is the case even if features A and B are illustrated in different drawings and/or mentioned in different paragraphs, sections or sentences.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

[0086] Examples of corner bead roller apparatuses have been described. The following clauses are offered as further description. [0087] (1) A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: an elongate mount; and a first one or more roller assemblies and a second one or more roller assemblies angularly spaced from the first one or more roller assemblies, each said roller assembly including a shaft coupled to and extending outwards from the elongate mount and including a roller rotatably coupled to the shaft thereof, with each said roller continuously tapering from a distal end thereof to a proximal end thereof. [0088] (2) A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: an elongate mount; and a first one or more roller assemblies and a second one or more roller assemblies angularly spaced from the first one or more roller assemblies, each said roller assembly including a shaft coupled to and extending outwards from the elongate mount and including a roller rotatably coupled to and axially moveable at least in part relative to the shaft thereof. [0089] (3) A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: an elongate mount; and a first one or more roller assemblies and a second one or more roller assemblies angularly spaced from the first one or more roller assemblies, each said roller assembly including a shaft coupled to and extending outwards from the elongate mount, and a roller with an inner portion rotatably coupled to the shaft thereof and an outer portion coupled to and extending about the inner portion of the roller thereof, wherein for each said roller the outer portion thereof and the inner portion thereof have distal ends which align flush with each other. [0090] (4) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein each said roller is an isosceles trapezoid in side profile. [0091] (5) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the roller thereof includes an outer wall extending from the proximal end of the roller thereof to the distal end of the roller thereof, with each said outer wall being smooth and continuous. [0092] (6) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the roller thereof includes an outer wall extending from the proximal end of the roller thereof to the distal end of the roller thereof, with each said outer wall being frustoconical in shape. [0093] (7) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the roller thereof includes an outer wall extending from the proximal end of the roller thereof to the distal end of the roller thereof and wherein for each said roller assembly the outer wall of the roller thereof extends outwards at a constant angle relative to the shaft thereof. [0094] (8) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the shaft thereof extends along a longitudinal axis, the roller thereof includes an outer wall extending from the proximal end of the roller thereof to the distal end of the roller thereof, and the outer wall of the roller thereof flares outwards at a constant angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft thereof. [0095] (9) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the roller thereof is slidable relative to the shaft thereof. [0096] (10) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein each said roller assembly includes a pair of spaced-apart protrusions which extend radially outwards from the shaft thereof and between which the roller thereof is positioned and is moveable therebetween. [0097] (11) A corner bead roller apparatus according to clause 10, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly at least one said protrusion thereof is slidable relative to the shaft thereof. [0098] (12) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 10 to 11, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly at least one said protrusion thereof comprises a washer. [0099] (13) A corner bead roller apparatus according to clause 12, wherein for each said roller assembly the washer thereof is slidable relative to the shaft thereof. [0100] (14) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 10 to 13, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly one said protrusion thereof comprises an enlarged end portion of the shaft thereof. [0101] (15) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 10 to 14, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly a first said protrusion thereof comprises a flange coupled to and extending radially outwards from the shaft thereof. [0102] (16) A corner bead roller apparatus according to clause 15, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the flange thereof selectively abuts the proximal end of the roller thereof. [0103] (17) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 15 to 16, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the flange thereof extends radially outwards from the proximal end of the roller thereof. [0104] (18) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 15 to 17, for each said roller assembly thereof the distal end of the roller extends radially outwards to a greater extent compared to the flange thereof. [0105] (19) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 17, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the shaft thereof includes a first end portion that is threaded and via which the shaft couples to the elongate mount and wherein for each said roller assembly the shaft thereof includes an enlarged second end portion which selectively abuts the roller thereof. [0106] (20) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 3 to 19, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the outer portions of the rollers are more compressible relative to the inner portions of the rollers. [0107] (21) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 3 to 20, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the outer portions of the rollers are made of a softer material relative to that of the inner portions of the rollers. [0108] (22) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 3 to 21, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the inner portions of the rollers are more rigid relative to that of the outer portions of the rollers. [0109] (23) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 3 to 22, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the outer portions of the rollers are made of one or more of a selectively deformable material, an elastomer, and silicone rubber. [0110] (24) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 3 to 22, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the outer portions of the rollers are made of a clear or at least semi-transparent material. [0111] (25) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 3 to 24, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the inner portions of the rollers are made of hard plastic. [0112] (26) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 3 to 24, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the inner portions of the rollers are made of metal. [0113] (27) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 3 to 26, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the shaft thereof has a distal end which aligns flush with the distal ends of the outer portion and the inner portion of the roller thereof or which is inwardly spaced relative to the distal ends of the outer portion and the inner portion of the roller thereof. [0114] (28) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 3 to 27, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the outer portion of the roller thereof comprises a sleeve. [0115] (29) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 3 to 28, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the outer portion of the roller thereof is tubular in shape. [0116] (30) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 3 to 29, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the outer portion of the roller thereof has an inner surface that is continuous. [0117] (31) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 3 to 29, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the outer portion of the roller thereof has an inner surface that extends outwards at a constant angle relative to the shaft thereof. [0118] (32) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 3 to 29, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the outer portion of the roller thereof has an inner surface that is frustoconical in shape. [0119] (33) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 3 to 32, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the inner portion of the roller thereof has an outer surface that is continuous. [0120] (34) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 3 to 32, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the inner portion of the roller thereof has an outer surface that extends outwards at a constant angle relative to the shaft thereof. [0121] (35) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 3 to 34, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the outer portion of the roller thereof has an outer surface that is frustoconical in shape. [0122] (36) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 1 to 35, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the first one or more roller assemblies rotate about one or more axes and wherein the second one or more roller assemblies rotate about one or more axes which are perpendicular to the one or more axes of rotation of the first one or more roller assemblies. [0123] (37) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 1 to 36, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the first one or more roller assemblies comprises at least two said roller assemblies and wherein the second one or more roller assemblies comprises at least two said roller assemblies. [0124] (38) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 1 to 37, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the shaft thereof includes a recessed socket at the distal end of the shaft thereof. [0125] (39) A corner bead roller according to clause 38, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the recessed socket of the shaft thereof is axially inwardly spaced from the distal end of the roller. [0126] (40) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 38 to 39, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the recessed socket of the shaft thereof is configured to enable positioning of the shaft thereof to be selectively adjusted relative to the elongate mount. [0127] (41) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 38 to 40, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein for each said roller assembly the recessed socket of the shaft thereof is configured to enable the shaft to be selectively removed from the elongate mount. [0128] (42) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 1 to 41, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the elongate mount has a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the ends thereof, wherein at least one said roller assembly couples to the elongate mount adjacent one said end of the elongate mount and wherein the proximal end of the roller of said at least one said roller assembly extends longitudinally outwards from the one said end of the elongate mount. [0129] (43) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 1 to 41, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the elongate mount has a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the ends thereof, wherein at least one said roller assembly couples to the elongate mount adjacent the proximal end of the elongate mount, with the proximal end of the roller of the at least one said roller assembly extending longitudinally outwards from the proximal end of the elongate mount, and wherein at least another said roller assembly couples to the elongate mount adjacent the distal end of the elongate mount, with the proximal end of the roller of the at least another said roller assembly extending longitudinally outwards from the distal end of the elongate mount. [0130] (44) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 1 to 43, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the elongate mount is a bracket. [0131] (45) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 1 to 44, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the elongate mount is L-shaped in longitudinal section. [0132] (46) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 1 to 45, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the elongate mount includes a first planar portion and a second planar portion angled relative to the first planar portion thereof, wherein at least one said roller assembly couples to one said planar portion of the elongate mount, with the proximal end of the roller of the at least one said roller assembly extending laterally outwards from the one said planar portion of the elongate mount. [0133] (47) A corner bead roller according to any one of clauses 1 to 45, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the elongate mount includes a first planar portion and a second planar portion angled relative to the first planar portion thereof, wherein at least one said roller assembly couples to the first planar portion of the elongate mount, with the proximal end of the roller of the at least one said roller assembly extending laterally outwards from the first planar portion of the elongate mount, and wherein at least another said roller assembly couples to the second planar portion of the elongate mount, with the proximal end of the roller of the at least another said roller assembly extending laterally outwards from the second planar portion of the elongate mount. [0134] (48) A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: an elongate mount; and a first arrangement of one or more rollers and a second arrangement of one or more rollers angularly spaced from the first arrangement of one or more rollers, each said roller operatively coupling to, being rotatable relative to and extending outwards from the elongate mount, with each said roller continuously tapering from a distal end thereof to a proximal end thereof. [0135] (49) A corner bead roller apparatus according to clause 48, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein each said roller is an isosceles trapezoid in side profile. [0136] (50) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 48 to 49, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein each said roller includes an outer wall extending from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof, with each said outer wall being smooth and continuous. [0137] (51) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 48 to 49, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein each said roller includes an outer wall extending from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof, with each said outer wall being frustoconical in shape. [0138] (52) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 48 to 51, or any preceding or subsequent clause, including a plurality of shafts coupled to and extending outwards from the elongate mount, with the rollers rotatably coupling to respective said shafts thereof and coupling to the elongate mount via the shafts. [0139] (53) A corner bead roller apparatus according to clause 52, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein each said shaft extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein each said roller includes an outer wall extending from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof, and wherein for each said roller the outer wall thereof flares outwards at a constant angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft to which the roller couples. [0140] (54) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 53, or any preceding or subsequent clause, including an elongate handle coupled to the elongate mount. [0141] (55) A corner bead roller apparatus according to clause 54, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein the elongate handle is telescoping. [0142] (56) A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: an elongate mount; a first pair of spaced-apart rollers operatively connected to and rotatable relative to the elongate mount; and a second pair of spaced-apart rollers operatively connected to and rotatable relative to the elongate mount so as to be angled relative to the first pair of spaced-apart rollers, with each said roller having a first end, a second end and an outer surface extending from the first end thereof to the second end thereof, with the outer surfaces of the rollers being frustoconical in shape. [0143] (57) A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: an elongate mount; a first pair of spaced-apart rollers operatively connected to and rotatable relative to the elongate mount; and a second pair of spaced-apart rollers operatively connected to and rotatable relative to the elongate mount so as to be angled relative to the first pair of spaced-apart rollers, wherein each said roller is an isosceles trapezoid in side profile. [0144] (58) A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: an elongate mount; a first pair of spaced-apart rollers operatively connected to the elongate mount; and a second pair of spaced-apart rollers operatively connected to the elongate mount so as to be angled relative to the first pair of spaced-apart rollers, wherein each said roller is rotatable about and linearly moveable in part relative to a respective longitudinal axis thereof. [0145] (59) A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: a bracket; a first pair of spaced-apart rollers operatively connected to the elongate bracket via a first pair of roller mounts; and a second pair of spaced-apart rollers operatively connected to the bracket via a second pair of roller mounts so as to be angled relative to the first pair of spaced-apart rollers, each said roller mount being configured to enable its corresponding said roller to rotate about and be linearly moveable in part relative to a longitudinal axis thereof. [0146] (60) A corner bead roller apparatus comprising: an elongate mount; a first pair of spaced-apart rollers operatively connected to and rotatable relative to the elongate mount; and a second pair of spaced-apart rollers operatively connected to and rotatable relative to the elongate mount so as to be angled relative to the first pair of spaced-apart rollers, wherein each said roller is a right-angled trapezoid in side profile in use. [0147] (61) A corner bead roller apparatus according to clause 60, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein each said roller in use is said right-angled trapezoid in a first said side profile and is an isosceles trapezoid in a second said side profile perpendicular to the first said side profile. [0148] (62) A corner bead roller apparatus according to clause 60, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein each said roller is an isosceles trapezoid in side profile when not in use. [0149] (63) A corner bead roller apparatus according to clause 61, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein each said roller is an isosceles trapezoid in the first said side profile when not in use. [0150] (64) A corner bead roller apparatus according to clause 60, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein said rollers in use extend against corner portions of a wall. [0151] (65) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 60 to 61, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein said rollers are configured to resiliently deform at least in part when in use. [0152] (66) A corner bead roller apparatus according to any one of clauses 60 to 62, or any preceding or subsequent clause, wherein at least outer halves of said rollers are configured to resiliently deform when in use. [0153] (67) Apparatus including any new and inventive feature, combination of features, or sub-combination of features as described herein. [0154] (68) Methods including any new and inventive steps, acts, combination of steps and/or acts or sub-combination of steps and/or acts as described herein.

[0155] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.