Plaster Extruder And Applicator Device

Abstract

A plaster extruder application device includes a plaster extruder which has an end portion of a container and a plaster applicator. The end portion is adapted to contain flowable plaster compound and includes a body adapted to form the end of the container and a first set of apertures extending through the body. The end portion is also gated by at least a one-way valve which allows the compound to be drawn through the first set of apertures into the cylindrical body and therefore into the container adapted to be engaged thereto, allowing intake of compound into the container but preventing egress of the compound from the container through the first set of apertures.

Claims

1. A plaster extruder applicator device, said device comprising: a plaster extruder in turn comprising: an end portion adapted to provide the end of a container and to contain flow able plaster compound, the end portion including; a body adapted to form the end of the container; a first set of apertures extending through the body, and gated by at least one unidirectional one-way valve which allows the compound to be drawn through the first set of apertures into the cylindrical body and therefore into the container adapted to be engaged thereto, allowing intake of compound into the container but preventing egress of the compound from the container through the first set of apertures; a conduit extending from the body; a substantially spherical ball feature formed with, or attached to, the conduit, the spherical ball feature together with the conduit including a central bore extending therethrough that terminates in a mouth through which the compound can flow and being in fluid communication with an inner cavity of the container, a plaster applicator attachable to the plaster extruder including: a concave or substantially spherical cavity adapted to removably receive the spherical ball feature, the plaster applicator pivotable about the spherical ball feature; a retaining device to retain the spherical ball feature inside the spherical cavity; and at least one passage extending from the spherical cavity which allows flow of compound between the mouth and a compound delivery zone, wherein: the end portion operates to restrict outward flow from the container of compound through the first set of apertures, but permits the device to draw up high viscosity plastering compound through the apertures and the one-way valve where sole ingress through the central bore would be inadequate; the passage, the cavity, the mouth, the central bore, the conduit and respectively the container, are adapted to provide continuous passage for the flow of compound into and out of the container; and the mouth opens into the cavity and the ball feature interacts with the cavity to form a substantially universal connection.

2. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container includes a pressurizing device which applies pressure to an inner cavity of the container to provide the impetus for the application and drawing in of the compound through the compound delivery zone.

3. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plaster applicator pivots about the universal connection.

4. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the universal connection is oriented such that the base is located on the cylindrical cap or the plaster applicator.

5. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cavity is located on the other one of the cylindrical cap or the plaster applicator, the base is located on the end disc and the cavity is located in the plaster applicator.

6. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining device includes a spring or clamping means.

7. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining device includes a spring means and is a spring retaining device which impedes the path of the spherical feature such that the spring retaining device retains the spherical feature.

8. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spherical feature and spherical cavity connection between the plaster applicator and the plaster extruder allows uncured plaster to pass through the conduit for any orientation of the conduit makes relative to the upper portion body.

9. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plaster applicator is attached to the plaster extruder and adapted to allow compound to be drawn into the container through the compound delivery zone

10. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plaster applicator is adapted to draw compound through one or more passages extending from the spherical cavity into the conduit and through a second set of apertures into the container and the compound may also flow into the container through the first set of apertures simultaneously.

11. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plaster applicator is adapted to be detached from the plaster extruder while compound is being drawn into the container.

12. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressurizing device includes a valve, piston and piston handle.

13. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the piston is located in the container, the pressurizing device includes a hose connected to the lower portion of the container and leads to a machine-powered pressurising machine.

14. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet area is large, comprising multiple apertures in the first set of apertures and in the second set of apertures, whereby to allow highly viscous compound to be drawn into the container.

15. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the container includes a cap screwed onto a portion of a cylinder and the lower portion of the container includes the other portion of the cylinder and a cap on the end of the cylinder.

16. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spherical feature includes a portion of a sphere or ball and forms a feature on the conduit such that the ball feature is integrally formed with the conduit.

17. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spherical feature includes a sleeve which is attached to the conduit and an outer ring-type shape with an inner cylindrical cut out, the outer ring type shape including a portion of a sphere.

18. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the inner cylindrical cut out may be the inner profile of the conduit, the spherical feature forming a feature on the conduit, including a portion of a sphere and an inner cylindrical cut out which is the inner profile of the conduit.

19. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 1, further including a one-way valve covering more than one of the apertures in the first set of apertures so that the one way valve acts as the valve for multiple apertures.

20. A plaster extruder applicator device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the one-way valves include a flat, flexible donut shaped piece which covers the apertures.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

[0077] FIG. 1 is a top view of an upper portion of a container with a conduit and spherical feature attached which forms part of a plaster extruder;

[0078] FIG. 2 is a front view of the upper portion of the container;

[0079] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional front view of the upper portion of the container;

[0080] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the container;

[0081] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plaster applicator attached to the upper portion of the container;

[0082] FIG. 6 is a front view of a plaster extruder applicator device;

[0083] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the upper portion of the container showing a one-way valve and O-ring; and

[0084] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a piston with seals around the circumference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention, except as may be recited in the claims accompanying this specification.

[0086] A plaster extruder applicator device 1 is shown that comprises a plaster extruder in turn includes an end portion 10 of a container 30, adapted to contain flowable plaster compound.

[0087] The container 30 includes:

[0088] a body 18 adapted to form the end of the container;

[0089] a first set of apertures 16 extending through the body 18, and gated by at least one unidirectional one-way valve 17 which allows the compound to be drawn through the first set of apertures 16 into the cylindrical body 18 and therefore into the container 30 adapted to be engaged thereto, allowing intake of compound into the container 30 but preventing egress of the compound from the container 30 through the first set of apertures 16;

[0090] a conduit 12 extending from the body 18; and

[0091] a substantially spherical feature 14 formed with, or attached to, the conduit 12, the spherical feature 14 together with the conduit 12 including a central bore 15 extending therethrough that terminates in a mouth through which the compound can flow and being in fluid communication with an inner cavity of the container 30.

[0092] The plaster extruder further includes a plaster applicator 20 attachable to the plaster extruder. The plaster applicator 20 includes:

[0093] a concave or substantially spherical cavity 22 adapted to removably receive the spherical feature 14, the plaster applicator 20 pivotable about the spherical feature 14;

[0094] a retaining device 24a, 24b to retain the spherical feature 14 inside the spherical cavity 22; and

[0095] at least one passage 26 extending from the spherical cavity 22 which allows flow of compound between the mouth and a compound delivery zone 28.

[0096] The at least one passage 26 may include up to seven passages 26. The at least one passage 26 may include up to two to five passages 26. Preferably, the at least one passage comprises a pair of passages 26. Preferably the at least one passage comprises a pair of passages 26 for thinner compound having a viscosity of about 10,000-100,000 cps, but a greater collective aperture area comprising more or wider holes 26 than 2 holes, for more viscous compound having a viscosity of about 100,000-200,000 at standard room temperature and humidity of about 20 C. and 50% humidity, allowing a smooth and consistent compound flow during application to the target surface.

[0097] The plaster extruder applicator device 1 may also be described as comprising the plaster extruder 50 in turn comprising: the upper portion 10 of the container 30 and the plaster applicator 20. The upper portion 10 is adapted to contain flowable plaster compound and to include the conduit 12 extending from the upper portion body 18, the first set of apertures 16 extending through the upper portion body 18 and/or the conduit 12, and gated by at least one unidirectional one-way valve 17 which allows the compound to be drawn through the first set of apertures 16 into the cylindrical body 18 and therefore into the container 30 adapted to be engaged thereto, allowing intake of compound into the container but preventing egress of the compound from the container 30 through the first set of apertures 16, at least one second aperture 13, which allows flow of the compound between the upper portion body 18 and the conduit 12, and through which compound can flow into and out of the container 30, and the substantially spherical feature 14, which is formed with, or attached to the conduit 12 through which the central bore 15 extends so that the compound can flow, the central bore 15 in fluid communication with an inner cavity of the container 30 through the conduit 12.

[0098] The container 30 includes a lower portion 32 and a pressurizing device 40 which applies pressure to an inner cavity of the container 30 to provide the impetus for the application and drawing in of the compound.

[0099] The plaster applicator 20 comprises the concave or substantially spherical cavity 22 that is adapted to removably receive the spherical feature 14, the retaining device 24a,b to retain the spherical feature 14 inside the spherical cavity 22, the at least one passage 26 extending from the spherical cavity 22 which allows flow of compound between the central bore 15 and a compound delivery zone 28. The plaster applicator 20 pivots about the spherical feature 14.

[0100] In another aspect, the plaster extruder applicator 1 may be described as being for attachment to a plaster extruder 50 having a tube container 30. The plaster extruder 50 includes the plaster extruder attachment 10 comprising:

[0101] a cylindrical cap having a cylindrical body 18 capped at a first end with an end disc and open at an opposed second end to sealably engage with the container 30, the container 30 to contain flowable plaster compound and to provide the impetus for the application of the compound.

[0102] The end disc comprises:

[0103] a first set of apertures 16 gated by at least one one-way valve 17 to permit the compound to be drawn through the first set of apertures 16 into the cylindrical body 18 and therefore into the container 30 adapted to be engaged thereto, allowing intake of compound into the container but preventing egress of the compound from the container 30 through the first set of apertures 16; and

[0104] a second set of apertures 13 which allows the compound to be drawn into the container 30, allows egress of the compound from the container 30 and leads into a conduit 12.

[0105] The plaster extruder attachment 10 further comprises a universal connection connecting the plaster extruder attachment 10 to a plaster applicator 20. The universal connection includes:

[0106] the conduit 12, extending outwardly from the end disc to space a substantially spherical feature 14 from the end disc;

[0107] the substantially spherical feature 14 formed or attached on the end of the conduit 12 and having a central bore 15 through which the compound can flow.

[0108] The plaster applicator 20 includes:

[0109] a spherical cavity 22 adapted to removably receive the spherical feature 14;

[0110] a spring retaining device (24a and 24b) to removably receive the spherical feature 14 and to ride over and engage the surface of the spherical feature 14 to retain the spherical feature 14 inside the spherical cavity 22; and

[0111] at least one passage 26 through the inner surface of the spherical cavity 22 which can receive compound from the central bore 15 of the spherical feature 14 and leads into a plaster applicator delivery zone.

[0112] The plaster applicator 20 pivots about the spherical feature 14. The plaster can pass through the conduit 12 between the plaster extruder attachment 10 and the plaster applicator 20.

[0113] FIG. 5 shows part of the plaster extruder 50 and part of the plaster applicator 20 with a ball joint 14 holding the two together.

[0114] The part of the plaster extruder shown in FIG. 5 is the upper portion 10 of the container 30. The plaster applicator 20 also shown in FIG. 5 may also include other components not shown which may be attached to the plaster applicator 20 such as smoothing attachments and other applicator attachments. The plaster extruder 50 may be separated from the plaster applicator 20 as the spherical feature 14 may be dislodged from the spherical cavity 22. The retaining device 24a and 24b includes two wires. The two wires 24a and 24b may be formed from the same piece of wire bent in a U-shape. The two wires 24a and 24b interfere with the spherical feature 14 when the spherical feature 14 is pushed into and pulled out of the spherical cavity 22. When the spherical feature 14 is inside the spherical cavity 22, the two wires 24a and 24b apply light pressure to the spherical feature 14 such that the plaster applicator may pivot about the plaster extruder loosely while still being kept captive inside the spherical cavity 22. The extremities of the pivoting angle range are limited by contact between the plaster applicator 20 and the upper portion body 18 or the conduit 12 and the spherical cavity 22. The interference between the two wires 24a and 24b and the spherical feature 14 cause the wires 24a and 24b to bend elastically, applying an inward force to the spherical feature 14. Due to the spherical outer surface of the spherical feature 14, the reaction force from the wires 24a and 24b pushes the spherical feature 14 out of the spherical cavity 22 when the wires 24a and 24b are in contact with the front half of the spherical feature 14 (past the maximum circumference). Furthermore, the reaction force from the wires 24a and 24b pushes the spherical feature 14 further into the spherical cavity 22 when the wires 24a and 24b are in contact with the back half of the spherical feature 14 (before the maximum circumference). Therefore, a certain force is required to push the spherical feature 14 into the spherical cavity 22 and remove the spherical feature 14 from the spherical cavity 22. Therefore, the wires 24a and 24b removably retain the spherical feature 14 within the spherical cavity 22. The spherical feature 14 surface substantially matches the inner surface of the spherical cavity 22 such that insignificant plaster will exit the gap between the spherical feature 14 and the spherical cavity 22 when the spherical feature 14 is inside the spherical cavity 22 and compound is being pushed out of the compound delivery zone. Therefore, the spherical feature 14 and the spherical cavity 22 substantially form a seal.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 7, the upper portion 10 of the container 30 includes the conduit 12, the spherical feature 14, the upper portion body 18, a valve gasket (one way valve) 17, a valve screw ring 31 and an O-ring 19. The conduit 12 includes a male conduit thread 12a and a lip 12c. The upper portion body 18 includes eight apertures (the group of eight apertures being the first set of apertures 16), a female conduit thread 12b and a female upper portion body thread 18a. The male conduit thread 12a screws into the female conduit thread 12b. The valve gasket 17 is inserted into the upper portion body 18 and pressed over the exposed portion male conduit thread 12a when screwed into the upper portion body 18. The valve screw ring 31 screws onto the exposed portion of the male conduit thread 12a to secure an inside edge 17b of the valve gasket 17 in place. The O-ring 19 is inserted into a groove in the upper portion body 18. The O-ring 19 forms a seal between the upper portion 10 of the container 30 and the lower portion 32 of the container 30.

[0116] The upper portion 10 of the container 30 is part of the plaster extruder 50. The plaster extruder 50 also includes the lower portion 32 of the container 30, a piston 40, a piston connecting rod 36 and a piston handle 34. The plaster extruder 50 draws the compound into the inner cavity of the container 30 by inserting the upper portion 10, with or without the plaster applicator 20 attached, into a volume of plaster with the piston 40 at the top of the container 30. The boundaries inner cavity of the container 30 change as the piston moves as the piston forms part of the boundary of the inner cavity of the container 30. It is preferable to insert the upper portion 10 with the plaster applicator 20 attached into the volume of plaster for advantages including a quicker and cleaner refilling process. The inner cavity of the container 30 has a minimum volume when the piston 40 is at the top of the container 30. The operator may then pull on the piston handle 34 to pull the piston 40 towards the bottom of the container 30, increasing the volume of the inner cavity of the container 30 and drawing plaster into the inner cavity of the container 30. Plaster is being drawn into the inner cavity of the container 30 through the central bore 15 and the first set of apertures 16 when the plaster applicator 20 is detached from the plaster extruder 50.

[0117] Plaster is being drawn into the inner cavity of the container 30 through the first set of apertures 16 and also through the compound delivery zone 28, then passing through the passages 26, then passing through the conduit 12 and finally passing through the first set of apertures 16 when the plaster applicator 20 is attached to the plaster extruder 50. As plaster is being drawn through the first set of apertures 16, the valve gasket 17 folds as the outer edge 17a of the valve gasket 17 is pulled further into the inner cavity of the container 30, allowing plaster to enter the inner cavity of the container 30 through the first set of apertures 16 and past the valve gasket 17. As the plaster generally has a high viscosity, the additional inlet cross sectional area provided by the eight holes in the first set of apertures 16 reduces the force required to pull the piston handle 34 while drawing in plaster at a reasonable rate.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 8, the piston 40 includes two piston seals 44a and 44b sandwiched between three solid discs 42a, 42b and 42c. The two piston seals 44a and 44b each have raised angled surfaces which interfere with the inner cylindrical surface of the container 30. The piston seal 44a closer to the top of the piston 40 has a raised, angled surface angling outwardly from the centre of the piston 40. The piston seal 44b closer to the bottom of the piston 40 also has a raised, angled surface angling outwardly from the centre of the piston 40. The respective angles of each of the two piston seals 44a and 44b and the raised feature of the seals ensures a reliable seal when the piston 40 is drawing in and pushing out compound.

[0119] To apply the compound to an application surface when the inner cavity of the container 30 contains compound, the plaster extruder 50 is attached to the plaster applicator 20. The plaster applicator 20 is then connected to any other devices which may assist in the application or smoothing of compound onto the application surface. The piston handle 34 is pushed such that the inner cavity of the container 30 decreases in size and compound is pushed through the conduit 12 and out the at least one passage 26. When compound is being pushed out of the inner cavity of the container 30, the valve gasket 17 is pushed flat against the top inner face of the upper portion body 18, forming a seal over the first set of apertures 16.

[0120] As the plaster extruder applicator device 1 is being used to apply compound to the application surface, the plaster applicator 20 can advantageously pivot about the plaster extruder 50, allowing easier application of the compound. The pivoting allows the respective faces of the plaster applicator 20 to remain adjacent to the corresponding faces of the application surface without the operator significantly moving the position of parts of the base of the plaster extruder 50 such as the handle 34. For example, the operator may not need to significantly change the position of the handle 34 when using the plaster extruder applicator device 1 to apply a bead of plaster to the vertical edge of two walls from a standing position.

[0121] The O-ring 19 inserted into the upper portion body 18 ensures an air tight seal between the upper portion 10 and the lower portion 32 of the container 30.

[0122] Throughout the specification and claims the word comprise and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word comprise and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0123] In the present specification, terms such as apparatus, means, device and member may refer to singular or plural items and are terms intended to refer to a set of properties, functions or characteristics performed by one or more items or components having one or more parts. It is envisaged that where an apparatus, means, device or member or similar term is described as being a unitary object, then a functionally equivalent object having multiple components is considered to fall within the scope of the term, and similarly, where an apparatus, assembly, means, device or member is described as having multiple components, a functionally equivalent but unitary object is also considered to fall within the scope of the term, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0124] Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, which will usually be apparent from the context.

[0125] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.