Abstract
A supplementary device for enhancing the operability of an automatic drywall tape applicator including a supply tube capable of being enclosed within a material reservoir sleeve utilizing a plurality of actuators being positioned in a perpendicular relationship to the longitudinal axis of said automatic drywall tape applicator for supplying a continuous flow of drywall compound.
Claims
1. An automatic drywall tape applicator, comprising: a supply tube; a solid supply tube centering guide engaged centrally to said supply tube; a vented supply tube centering guide engaged to said supply tube; a compound control valve engaging said supply tube; an actuator bracket, said actuator bracket disposed in communication with said supply tube; at least one actuator, said at least one actuator disposed in communication with said actuator bracket; a corner wheel pneumatic actuator in communication with said actuator bracket; a pneumatic pressure regulator having inlet communication with said corner wheel pneumatic actuator; a corner wheel linear actuator having inlet communication with said pneumatic pressure regulator; and a linear actuator control strap assembly having mechanical engagement with a corner wheel linear actuator rod.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a linear actuator support bracket band, said linear actuator support bracket band externally engaged with a surface of said automatic drywall tape applicator; and wherein said linear actuator support bracket band has a means of physical engagement with said corner wheel linear actuator.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: centering guides engaged centrally to the supply tube having a circumferential sealing relationship to the interior surface of the material sleeve of an automatic drywall tape applicator; a compound control valve having an internal spring return mechanism; an actuator support bracket being positioned in a perpendicular relationship to the longitudinal axis of said automatic drywall tape applicator; wherein said corner wheel linear actuator having inlet communication with a pneumatic pressure source being in a normally open and retracted position when not acted upon; a means of pneumatic activation whereby an actuator is engaged in a pulling fashion; a means to reduce pneumatic contaminants from entering a pneumatic system comprising a check valve; and a means to reduce detrimental chemical reactions between a drywall compound and a metallic surface comprising a barrier element.
4. A method to provide an accessory device for an automatic drywall tape applicator, comprising: removing a cable and plunger assembly from an automatic drywall tape applicator; removing a corner wheel finger trigger assembly ordinarily affixed to said automatic drywall tape applicator; affixing invention to said automatic drywall tape applicator; connecting a remote pumping source delivering drywall compound through a hose; adjusting a pneumatic pressure regulator; activating a compound control valve; activating a corner wheel control valve; rolling the automatic drywall tape applicator along a drywall joint applying tape; deactivating a compound control valve; activating the standard cutting mechanism of the automatic drywall tape applicator; deactivating the corner wheel control valve; and advancing a new length of tape per the standard use of the automatic drywall tape applicator.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0083] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0084] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a typical automatic drywall tape applicator prepared for mounting of the present invention having removed the corner wheel finger trigger assembly.
[0085] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the primary structural features of the present invention.
[0086] FIG. 3 is a view of the duplicate features common to 3 various tube centering guides 7, 8 and 8a described in subsequent sections of my specifications.
[0087] FIG. 4 is an end view of the common similarities of vented supply tube centering guides 8 and rearward vented centering guide 8a described in subsequent sections of the specifications.
[0088] FIG. 5 is a side section view of vented supply tube centering guide 8 and rearward vented centering guide 8a described in subsequent sections of my specifications.
[0089] FIG. 6 is an end view of forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 described in subsequent sections of my specifications.
[0090] FIG. 7 is a side section view of forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 described in subsequent sections of my specifications.
[0091] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pneumatic actuator support bracket in direct mounting relationship to the pneumatic actuator support bracket band.
[0092] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the pneumatic actuator support bracket.
[0093] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the pneumatic actuator support bracket.
[0094] FIG. 11 is a section view of a typical drywall automatic tape applicator whereby the present invention is positioned within its structure providing a view of the mechanical relationship between both devices.
[0095] FIG. 12 is a section view of a typical drywall automatic tape applicator in mechanical relationship with the present invention notating viewing perspectives of drawing FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0096] FIG. 13 is a section view of the forward end of an automatic tape applicator exposing the open end of the present invention by which drywall compound flows from the supply tube of the device into the taping head cavity of the automatic tape applicator.
[0097] FIG. 14 is a section view of the rear section end of an automatic tape applicator indicating the entry of drywall compound into the rearward end of the supply tube of the present invention.
[0098] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the physical proximity between the control system of the present invention and the paper tape holding assembly of an automatic tape applicator.
[0099] FIG. 16 is a rearward perspective top view of the control system of the present invention illustrating the physical proximity between the two control aspects of the present invention being the rearward located control system and the mounted corner wheel activation system.
[0100] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the mounting and activation methods of the corner wheel linear actuator components that are featured in the present invention.
[0101] FIG. 18 is a view from a rear perspective of the present invention providing an enhanced view of relative components partly comprising the ergonomic control system.
[0102] FIG. 19 is a section perspective from the rearward end of the present invention providing a view of the rearward vented supply tube centering guide and its adjoining parts illustrating the mounting relationship between the pneumatic actuator support bracket, the pneumatic actuator support bracket band, and similarly relevant components of the present invention positioned within and surrounding the material reservoir sleeve of an automatic tape applicator.
[0103] FIG. 20 is a schematic drawing of the present inventions ergonomic control system.
[0104] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment.
[0105] FIG. 22 is an enhanced view of an alternative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0106] The present invention is a supplementary device that introduces an ergonomic control system with a means to deliver drywall compound through a manually operated automatic drywall tape applicator commonly known in the art. The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present invention, its application, or its uses.
[0107] In FIG. 1, an automatic drywall tape applicator 1a comprises a taping head 2 located at the forward end of the apparatus. A material reservoir sleeve 12 is the main component of the structure by which all functional components of the automatic taper are mounted. An advance and cutting control handle sleeve 3 is engaged externally to said material reservoir sleeve 12 by way of a series of rollers 6. A control tube 4 is affixed to said control handle sleeve 3. A paper tape holding assembly 5 is mounted on the rearward section of said material reservoir sleeve 12.
[0108] FIG. 2 is a graphic representation of the present invention noted as 1b providing a forward mounted supply tube centering guide 7, a central vented supply tube centering guide 8 both of which support a supply tube 9. A rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a is also provided though not seen in this view. More detailed representations of all three centering guides can be viewed in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and in FIG. 7. 1c denotes an ergonomic control system that is provided in greater detail in subsequent sections and is also featured in FIG. 15, in FIG. 16 and also in FIG. 18 and in FIG. 19. Though not shown, supply tube 9 contains an internal surface coating.
[0109] FIG. 3 specifically notates the locations of a primary sealing device 13, a secondary sealing device 13a, mounting apertures 14, mounting shoulder 15 and seal shoulder 15a which are common structural features of all three of the supply tube centering guides including the forward solid supply tube centering guide FIG. 6, item 7, the central vented supply tube centering guide FIG. 4, item 8 and the rearward vented supply tube centering guide FIG. 4 item 8a. The mechanical features of the central vented supply tube centering guide FIG. 4 item 8 and the rearward vented supply tube centering guide FIG. 4 item 8a are structurally similar.
[0110] In FIG. 4 the central vented supply tube centering guide 8 displays a plurality of internal vent passageways 8d. The mounting shoulder 15 is indicated centrally located within its structure with mounting apertures 14 also indicated within the body of the seal shoulder 15a. The secondary sealing device 13a is also depicted in the drawing.
[0111] FIG. 5 refers to the rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a with a section view featuring approximate locations of the internal vent passageways 8d, mounting shoulder 15 and seal shoulder 15a with the incorporation of seal grooves 15b.
[0112] FIG. 6 displays a rear perspective of the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 identifying the location of the mounting shoulder 15 along with the seal shoulder 15a and a secondary sealing device 13a.
[0113] FIG. 7 renders a side view of the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 with a section perspective 7a notating the approximate locations of the mounting shoulder 15, the seal shoulder 15a, and approximate locations of the seal grooves 15b.
[0114] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pneumatic actuator support bracket band 51a that is mechanically affixed to both sides of the support bracket mounting brace 50d by way of a securing bolt support one 64a through which a securing bolt assembly one 52a and a securing bolt assembly two 52b are being supported on the opposite side of the support bracket mounting brace 50d by a securing bolt support two 64b (seen in FIG. 19). Also noted in this view in the perpendicular relationship between the linear mounting orientation of the pneumatic actuator support bracket band 51a and the support bracket mounting brace 50d with a pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a, a first recessed supporting face 50b, and a first actuator mounting channel 34b.
[0115] FIG. 9 points out specific features of the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a having mechanical engagement with the pneumatic actuator support bracket mounting brace 50d. Within the body of the support bracket mounting brace 50d is a first mounting brace channel 50e and a second mounting brace channel 50f. The first actuator mounting channel 34b is observed in conjunction with the first recessed supporting face 50b within the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a. A view of a second recessed supporting face 50c is also provided.
[0116] FIG. 10 shows the present invention from a rearward perspective looking forward. Within the structure of the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a, a first pneumatic actuator mounting channel 34b is noted. Likewise a second actuator mounting channel 54b is identified by its location horizontally opposite to the first pneumatic actuator mounting channel 34b. The position of the first recessed supporting face 50b is shown with hidden lines as is the relative location of the second recessed supporting face 50c. Hidden lines are also used to indicate features of the support bracket mounting brace 50d located on the forward side of the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a. A first concave surface 51f, a second concave surface 51g and the support bracket mounting brace channel 50e are all depicted in relation to their physical locations.
[0117] FIG. 11 provides a section side view of the automatic drywall tape applicator 1a. Mounted external of the material reservoir sleeve 12 is the standard paper tape holding assembly 5, and the compound control valve 10. Internal of the section view the following components are displayed; the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7, the central vented supply tube centering guide 8 with the rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a located at the rearward section of the device supporting the supply tube 9. 8b specifies the location of a threaded supply tube end 8b. 9a depicts the forward most location of a reducing orifice 9a.
[0118] FIG. 12 provides a general indication of the internal component placements of the present invention 1b within an automatic drywall tape applicator 1a. The drawing location of FIG. 13 is notated in a forward relationship to the present invention 1b as FIG. 14 notates in the rearward most area of the present invention 1b compared with an automatic drywall tape applicator 1a.
[0119] FIG. 13 expresses a section view of the forward most section of the automatic drywall tape applicator whereby the automatic taping head 2 is affixed. Internally located within the material reservoir sleeve 12 is the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 a supply tube 9 with a reducing orifice 9a metering the transfer of a drywall compound 9b from the rearward end of the present invention through the material reservoir sleeve 12. Also displayed are the relative locations of the primary sealing device 13, the secondary sealing device 13a, a tape roller wheel 11 and a corner wheel 26.
[0120] FIG. 14 illustrates the rearward section of the present invention clarifying the interrelationship between the standard automatic drywall tape applicator 1a and supply tube 9 being joined to a compound flow elbow 21 by its connection to threaded supply tube end 8b. At the opposite end of compound elbow 21 a nipple coupler 22 is affixed to a compound control valve 10. A compound receiving port 35 is located on the inlet side of the compound control valve 10 which receives drywall compound from a remote pumping source (not shown). A compound control valve inlet port 23 is shown in approximate location to the compound control valve 10.
[0121] Drywall compound 9b is illustrated within the supply tube 9 as it enters the rearward most end of the automatic drywall tape applicator 1a by way of the present invention. Primary sealing device 13 and the secondary sealing device 13a are affixed circumferentially to the rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a. The rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a contains a plurality of mounting apertures 14.
[0122] In FIG. 15 the paper tape holding assembly 5 is shown in physical relationship forward of the externally viewed components of the present invention. Pneumatic compound actuator 33 is supported by the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a on the first recessed supporting face 50b forward side of the support bracket 50a with a compound actuator button lever 34a located on the rearward face of said pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a. A pneumatic supply connector 36 is shown affixed to a pneumatic supply connector T union 36b. At the opposite side of the pneumatic supply connector T union 36b connection is made to said pneumatic compound actuator 33. A corner wheel supply T union connector 36c is affixed to the third port of the pneumatic supply connector T union 36b. A corner wheel assembly supply conduit 38 is affixed at one end to the corner wheel supply T union connector 36c and at its other end to a corner wheel actuator inlet connector 53b. A compound control valve connector 74a is affixed to the compound control valve 10 supporting a compound control valve conduit 61 which is affixed at its differing end to an output connector 74b. The compound receiving port 35 is shown in relationship to the compound control valve 10. One end of a pneumatic pressure regulator 39 is illustrated as descending from the opposite side of the present invention that will be better clarified in FIG. 20. A pressure regulator adjusting screw 40 is internally fashioned to pneumatic pressure regulator 39. A pneumatic actuator support bracket band 51a is attached to the material reservoir sleeve 12 by circumferential friction as is a forward mounted linear actuator support bracket band 63b. The securing bolt support one 64a is shown in relationship with the pneumatic actuator support bracket band 51a. A linear actuator retrieving conduit 62 and a linear actuator advance conduit 67 are illustrated as being viewed on the opposite side of the present invention.
[0123] FIG. 16 is a visual perspective from above the rearward end of the present invention looking down on the ergonomic control system 1c. The compound control valve 10 is shown in interconnected relationship with the compound control valve connector 74a along with the compound control valve conduit 61. The compound control valve 10 is illustrated partially below the compound flow elbow 21. The compound pneumatic button lever 34a is positioned on the rearward side of the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a with the pneumatic compound actuator 33 being positioned in a first recessed supporting face 50b located on the forward side of the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a. Pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a is provided in relational attachment to the pneumatic actuator support bracket band 51a by way of the support bracket mounting brace 50d. Located in direct proximity to the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a, the pneumatic actuator support bracket band 51a is supported in position by the securing bolt support two 64b via a tightened engagement with a securing bolt assembly one 52a and a securing bolt assembly two 52b. The compound control valve connector 74a is provided in its mounted relationship to the compound control valve 10. The compound control valve connector 74a is affixed to the compound control valve conduit 61 at one end as the other end of the compound control valve conduit 61 is attached to the pneumatic compound actuator 33 at an output connector 74b. A corner wheel assembly supply conduit 38 is affixed at its first end to said corner wheel supply T union connector 36c with its other end connecting to a corner wheel actuator inlet connector 53b. Corner wheel pneumatic actuator 53a is affixed in a second recessed supporting face 50c of the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a by way of attachment with a corner wheel actuator button lever 54a located on the rearward side of the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a. A corner wheel actuator bypass first connector 53c is mounted to the corner wheel pneumatic actuator 53a whereby a linear actuator retrieving conduit 62 is attached having its other end affixed to corner wheel linear actuator 46a via the corner wheel advance connector 53d. The corner wheel linear actuator 46a is mounted to a linear actuator support bracket 63a. The linear actuator support bracket 63a (further clarified in FIG. 17) is anchored within a linear actuator support bracket band 63b that is held in place around the material reservoir sleeve 12 in a frictional constant utilizing a securing bolt support four 64d and a securing bolt support three 64c (not shown) by way of a securing bolt assembly three 52c and a securing bolt assembly four 52d. A linear actuator advance conduit 67 is anchored with its primary end affixed to a corner wheel actuator advancing first connector 53e and at the corner wheel actuator advancing second connector 53f at its other end. A paper tape rearward assembly band 49 is shown affixed to the material reservoir sleeve 12.
[0124] Referring now to FIG. 17, the corner wheel linear actuator 46a is shown in relationship to the linear actuator support bracket 63a in threaded correlation with the linear actuator nose mount support 70. The corner wheel linear actuator 46a possesses a corner wheel actuator retrieving port 46b which is located toward the rearward direction of the present invention with a corner wheel advance port 46c which is located toward the forward direction of the present invention. The upper surface of the linear actuator support bracket 63a contains a control strap channel 68 through which a linear actuator control strap 48c is located. The linear actuator control strap assembly 48a consists of a linear actuator support bracket 48b that is affixed to the linear actuator control strap 48c. The illustration also provides a section view of the linear actuator support bracket 48b in a secured relationship to a corner wheel linear actuator rod 47. A plurality of securing bolt mounting channels 69 are provided within the body of the linear actuator support bracket 63a. Linear actuator concave surface one 63c is noted in opposite relationship to linear actuator concave surface two 63d having linear actuator support bracket 63a serve as intervening structural provision.
[0125] In FIG. 18 the compound control valve 10 is viewed from the rearward end of the present invention looking forward providing its physical position in relation to the compound flow elbow 21. The compound control valve connector 74a is located on compound control valve 10 affixed to the compound control valve conduit 61 that is fitted with the output connector 74b at its opposite end. The compound actuator button lever 34a and the corner wheel actuator button lever 54a are positioned on the rearward face of the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a. Unseen below the compound actuator button lever 34a is the pneumatic supply connector T union 36b which interconnects with the corner wheel supply T union connector 36c that connects with the rearward end of the corner wheel assembly supply conduit 38. The opposite end of the corner wheel assembly supply conduit 38 is affixed to the corner wheel actuator inlet connector 53b. The corner wheel retracting T union 37 is interconnected with the corner wheel actuator bypass first connector 53c that connects to the linear actuator retrieving conduit 60. The opposite end of the linear actuator retrieving conduit 60 connects to the corner wheel actuator bypass first connector 53d. The linear actuator advance conduit 67 can be seen behind the corner wheel actuator inlet connector 53b. The pneumatic pressure regulator 39 with its pressure regulator adjusting screw 40 can be viewed behind the corner wheel actuator button lever 54a and the corner wheel retracting T union 37. Partially viewed behind the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a are the securing bolts 52a and 52b that provide tensioning force upon the pneumatic actuator support bracket band 51a by way of a first actuator bracket band support 51b and a second actuator bracket band support 51c. The rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a has a plurality of internal vent passageways, one being noted as 8d in approximate in relation to the threaded supply tube end 8b.
[0126] In FIG. 19 viewing the present invention from a rearward sectioned perspective, pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a is displayed with its rearward face supporting compound actuator button lever 34a located on the leftward surface. On the rightward surface of the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a the corner wheel actuator button lever 54a is positioned. The compound actuator button lever 34a is held in place by frictional engagement supplied by a compound actuator mounting nut 34c being threaded onto the pneumatic compound actuator 33 (FIG. 15). The corner wheel actuator button lever 54a is likewise held in place on the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a by frictional engagement being supplied by a corner wheel actuator mounting nut 54c. The support bracket mounting brace 50d is comprised of two concave surfaces notated as a first concave surface 51f and a second concave surface 51g positioned lengthwise along opposing sides of the support bracket mounting brace 50d. Positioned adjacent to a first actuator bracket band support 51b is a securing bolt support one 64a held in place with a securing bolt assembly one 52a. On the second concave surface 51g a second actuator bracket band support 51c is likewise affixed in relationship to a securing bolt support two 64b and the support bracket mounting brace 50d being held in place utilizing a securing bolt assembly one 52a and a securing bolt assembly two 52b. The pneumatic actuator support bracket band 51a can be viewed as positioned in an external relationship to the material reservoir sleeve 12 located behind and forward of the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a. Looking forward, a view of the rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a can be seen mounted circumferentially to the supply tube 9. The side view of the secondary sealing device 13a indicates its position relation to the circumferential surface of the rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a and the mating interior surface of the material reservoir sleeve 12. An internal vent passageway 8d and the seal shoulder 15a are also depicted in this view. The location of the threaded supply tube end 8b is shown as situated upon the interior surface of supply tube 9.
[0127] FIG. 20 is a graphic representation of the ergonomic control system 1c used in the present invention. A compressor source 60 is noted in relation to the compound actuator inlet port 33a that is supplying pressure to the pneumatic compound actuator 33 and simultaneously supplying pneumatic pressure to the corner wheel actuator inlet connector 53b being affixed to the corner wheel pneumatic actuator 53a. 33c denotes the location of a compound actuator originating port that supplies the compound control valve conduit 61 that is affixed to the compound control valve 10. The corner wheel pneumatic actuator 53a interacts with the corner wheel linear actuator 46a by way of the pneumatic pressure regulator 39 which receives system pressure from the corner wheel actuator bypass second connector 53d and then supplies regulated pressure through the linear actuator advance conduit 67 to the corner wheel advance port 46c. The corner wheel actuator bypass first connector 53c interconnects with the corner wheel actuator retrieving port 46b by way of the linear actuator retrieving conduit 62. Connected to the exhaust and vent ports of all functional pneumatic components are debris check valves 80.
How the Present Invention Achieves its Result
[0128] As previously described in the shortcomings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,914, the process of removing cable 37 along with piston 13 and cable 82 with lever 86 (FIG. 9) and stop ring 14 (FIG. 1) are well known and a standard repair procedure practiced in the drywall industry. These basic components are common in all automatic drywall tape applicators of the art. As such, to install the present invention these items are first removed from a standard automatic drywall tape applicator as shown in the exterior view of an automatic drywall tape applicator provided in FIG. 1.
[0129] In one embodiment of the present invention a standard automatic drywall tape applicator is prepared for the installation of the present invention as mentioned in the previous paragraph after which time the forward end of the device noted as the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 shown in FIG. 2 is inserted into the rear section of the automatic drywall tape applicator's material reservoir sleeve 12 in FIG. 1 until a rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a (FIG. 14) abuts with the rearward face of the material reservoir sleeve 12 whereby mounting screws (not shown) are inserted through existing channels in the material sleeve 12 and into the various mounting apertures 14 illustrated in FIG. 14 and also in FIG. 4 whereby they are firmly tightened.
[0130] The present invention consists multiple components, a portion of which include 3 centering guides noted in FIG. 11 as the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 and the central vented supply tube centering guide 8 and the rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a. All 3 of the centering guides are configured with external mounted sealing devices in circumferential locations notated as the primary sealing device 13 and a secondary sealing device 13a (FIG. 3). The term solid used in the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 (FIG. 6) is defined by the solid body face of said centering guide to contain the drywall compound within the forward end of the automatic drywall tape applicator. The terms vented used in the central vented supply tube centering guide 8 and the rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a refer to the internal vent passageways 8d best illustrated in FIG. 4. These passageways allow any leaking of drywall compound past the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 (FIG. 11) to pass through the other two centering guides and eventually out the rear area of the present invention. Visual confirmation of drywall compound within the internal vent passageways 8d (FIG. 4) informs the technician of the leaking situation allowing him or her to replace the seals in the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 and thus operate the taping process in a more efficient and light weight manner. The physical construction of the central vented supply tube centering guide 8 and the rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a (FIG. 11) are similar in construction (FIG. 4) which include the primary sealing device 13 and secondary sealing device 13a (FIG. 3), the internal vent passageways 8d, the mounting shoulder 15, the seal shoulder 15a, and mounting apertures 14. Also included in FIG. 11 affixed centrally to each centering guide is a supply tube 9 that allows drywall compound to pass from the rear of the present invention by way of a compound control valve 10 to the front end of the automatic drywall tape applicator through the reducing orifice 9a (FIG. 13). The reducing orifice 9a may be temporarily or permanently attached to the supply tube 9 and is provided to prevent the weight of the drywall compound from emptying from the open end of the supply tube 9 and likewise out the front of the automatic taper via the opening that meters the amount of drywall compound that is applied on to the paper tape (not shown). The surface tension created by the reducing orifice 9a stops the flow of dormant drywall compound without having a significant detriment to the flow of drywall compound that is under pressure when the compound control valve 10 is activated. The inside diameter of the reducing orifice may vary due to the various mixing viscosities of drywall compound encountered. Job site research has suggested that 0.25 to 0.55 inch is the best inside diameter of the supply tube 9 for effective application of drywall compound. A similar result can be accomplished by providing a supply tube 9 that has an internal diameter of between 0.25 and 0.55 inches at its forward most point of construction. It is conceivable that the central vented supply tube centering guide 8 could be eliminated from the configuration to provide a cost of manufacturing savings, though it should also be noted that such an elimination would also provide less structural support to the design. Beginning at the rearward end of the present invention drywall compound is provided from a remote pumping source and delivered through a hose (not shown) to the compound receiving port 35 FIG. 14 of the compound control valve 10. The compound control valve 10 resides in a normally closed state until actuated upon by pneumatic input provided through the control valve pneumatic port 23. Once the compound control valve 10 is pneumatically activated to open the drywall compound 9b travels from the pumping source through the compound receiving port 35 continuing through the compound control valve 10 and furthermore into and through the compound flow elbow 21 by way of the connecting union 22 before entering the supply tube 9 and afterward flowing into the internal area of the material reservoir sleeve 12 (FIG. 13) located at the forward end of the automatic drywall tape applicator. The internal supply tube 9 is held in a relative position at the rear most end of the material reservoir sleeve 12 by the rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a with screws (not shown) anchoring the two entities by way of the mounting apertures 14 (FIG. 14). A sealed condition is provided between the material reservoir sleeve 12 and the three centering guides noted in FIG. 11 as the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 and the central vented supply tube centering guide 8 and the rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a (FIG. 11) utilizing a frictional condition provided by the primary sealing device 13 and the secondary sealing device 13a (FIG. 14) pushing against the internal surface of the material reservoir sleeve 12. An alternate method for providing a means for sealing against the internal surface of an automatic drywall tape applicator is a Ucup seal which can be mounted to the forward surface of the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 and the central vented supply tube centering guide 8 and the rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a shown in FIG. 11. Any method of sealing against the internal surface of an automatic drywall tape applicator which provides the same seal function is acceptable within the structural design of the present invention.
[0131] Mounted externally at the rearward most end of the automatic drywall tape applicator (FIG. 16) is an ergonomic control system 1c mounted to a pneumatic actuator support bracket band 51a that engages a support mounting brace 50d holding the system firmly in position by way of securing bolt assembly one 52a and securing bolt assembly two 52b.
[0132] The support bracket mounting brace 50d comprises two opposing and concave mounting surfaces 51f being the first concave surface with item 51g (shown in FIG. 19) notating the second concave surface, both being located along a perpendicular axis to the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a (a more detailed perspective of the support bracket mounting brace 50d with its relationship to the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a can be seen in FIG. 9).
[0133] The pneumatic actuator support bracket band 51a (FIG. 19) is placed around the exterior of the material reservoir sleeve 12 with a first actuator bracket band support 51b and a second actuator bracket band support 51c being engaged with the support bracket mounting brace 50d along its first concave surface 51f with 51g being identified as the second concave surface by securing bolt support one 64a and securing bolt support two 64b being drawn together by the tightening of securing bolt assembly one 52a and securing bolt assembly two 52b.
[0134] The linear actuator support bracket band 63b (FIG. 16) is likewise placed around the exterior surface of the material reservoir sleeve 12 with both ends being engaged upon the two concave surfaces 63c and 63d (FIG. 17) of the linear actuator support bracket 63a (FIG. 17) with the linear actuator support bracket band 63b (FIG. 16) being pressed on each concave surface 63c and 63d (FIG. 17) with securing bolt support three 64c (not shown) and securing bolt support four 64d through which securing bolt assembly three 52c and securing bolt assembly four 52d are assured.
[0135] In FIG. 17 the linear actuator support bracket 63a consists of linear actuator concave surface one 63c and a linear actuator concave surface two 63d similar to the support bracket mounting brace 50d (FIG. 16) with an addition of a control strap channel 68 (FIG. 17) that is provided within the upper surface of the structure and a means for securing the corner wheel linear actuator 46a in position. The control strap channel 68 provides the linear actuator control strap 48c with the ability to move freely in linear movement allowing the unobstructed extension and retraction of the corner wheel 26 (FIG. 13). The linear actuator control strap 48c is constructed at its forward end with a flexible cable to conform with the existing functions of an automatic drywall tape applicator. At its rearward end the linear actuator control strap 48c is mated with a linear actuator support bracket 48b (FIG. 17). The mating of the linear actuator control strap 48c and the linear actuator support bracket 48b comprises the linear actuator control strap assembly noted as item 48a in FIG. 17.
[0136] In FIG. 16 the ergonomic control system 1c can be seen in relative position to the material reservoir sleeve 12. Mounted to the pneumatic actuator support bracket 50a is a pneumatic compound actuator 33 and a corner wheel pneumatic actuator 53a. In FIG. 15 pneumatic pressure is provided through an external source (not shown) to the present invention through a pneumatic supply connector 36. This connector is attached to a pneumatic supply connector T union 36b that supplies pneumatic pressure to the pneumatic compound actuator 33 and a corner wheel pneumatic actuator 53a (FIG. 16) through a corner wheel assembly supply conduit 38 and a corner wheel actuator inlet connector 53b. To begin the flow of drywall compound the technician simply engages the compound actuator button lever 34a which in turn activates the pneumatic compound actuator 33 providing pneumatic pressure to the compound control valve 10 opening the spring return valve and allowing drywall compound to flow through the present invention and onto the drywall tape. At the end of a run the technician releases the compound actuator button lever 34a to discontinue the flow of drywall compound. The technician then cuts the tape as he does with a conventional automatic drywall tape applicator known in the art. The compound control valve 10 is maintained in a normally closed state until activated upon by pneumatic pressure which is initiated from the compound actuator button lever 34a. One example of a compound control valve, fitting the requirements of this application is the SMC VXB series valve though it should not be interpreted that this is the only pneumatic valve that can be used. A wide variety of other valves can perform the same function.
[0137] Another aspect of my control system is a means to extend and retract a corner wheel 26 (FIG. 13) that is inherent to the structure and functional capabilities of a standard automatic drywall tape applicator. Generally referring to FIG. 16 the pneumatic pressure required to extend corner wheel 26 (FIG. 13) is produced by the activation of the corner wheel actuator button lever 54a (FIG. 16). Upon activation of the corner wheel actuator button lever 54a, the pneumatic pressure being provided to the corner wheel pneumatic actuator 53a reverses direction from its bypass state which supplies pneumatic pressure to the corner wheel actuator bypass second connector 53d on the corner wheel linear actuator 46a (FIG. 16) holding the corner wheel 26 (FIG. 13) in a retracted position. Upon activation of the corner wheel actuator button lever 54a the pneumatic pressure changes direction from its bypass state to allow pneumatic pressure to flow to the pneumatic pressure regulator 39 (FIG. 18 and FIG. 20). The technician has the ability to alter the pressure flowing through the pneumatic pressure regulator 39 by simply manipulating the pressure regulator adjusting screw 40 (FIG. 18) of the device. This method of adjusting a pneumatic regulator is offered in many configurations and is well known in the art. Upon achieving the required input from the technician the altered pressure leaving the pneumatic pressure regulator 39 (FIG. 18) proceeds to the corner wheel actuator advancing second connector 53f (FIG. 16) located on the corner wheel linear actuator 46a extending a corner wheel linear actuator rod 47 (FIG. 17) that presses upon the linear actuator support bracket 48b engaging the linear actuator control strap assembly 48a which in turn extends the automatic drywall tape applicator corner wheel 26 (FIG. 13) outward from the automatic drywall tape applicator. At the completion of taping a drywall corner seam the technician releases pressure on the corner wheel actuator button lever 54a (FIG. 18) which returns the corner wheel 26 (FIG. 13) to its retracted position. The technician then cuts the tape in the standard manner.
[0138] As drywall compound has various elements that may cause oxidation and pitting on the interior surface of a supply tube the invention incorporates a barrier element such as an epoxy coating upon the interior surface of the supply tube 9 and all other components that make contact with the flow of drywall compound whenever possible. While the superior coating to provide a barrier element to insulate metal surfaces from drywall compound has proven to be epoxy, any element or process that achieves a similar insulating property may be substituted.
[0139] As it has been described in previous sections of this application, pneumatic components are vulnerable to work site contaminants entering the various functions through exhaust ports or venting channels. As such, the present invention has provided various check valves to be included in the design at any point where system or functional air is exported or vented. An alternate method to protect the pneumatic system is to supply pneumatic tubing fitted at the exhaust or venting location of a pneumatic mechanism whereby its opposite open end is positioned at a location some distance from the component where the opposite end of the pneumatic tube is filtered or otherwise protected from the intake of contaminants.
Aftermarket TaperAlternative Embodiment
[0140] An alternate method of affixing a compound control valve FIG. 11, item 10 to the present invention allows for the compound control valve FIG. 11, item 10 to be relocated from the exterior area of an automatic tape applicator FIG. 11, item 1a to within the material reservoir sleeve FIG. 11, item 12 having a fixed location between the forward solid supply tube centering guide FIG. 11, item 7 and the rearward vented supply tube centering guide FIG. 11, item 8a upon the supply tube FIG. 11, item 9 so as to provide a more ergonomically compatible and centralized point of gravity.
[0141] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment (81) of the present invention specifying the location of the forward solid supply tube centering guide 7 being in mechanical communication with the forward end of the supply tube 9. The rearward vented supply tube centering guide 8a is mechanically affixed to the apparatus at the further opposite end of the supply tube 9.
[0142] FIG. 22 provides an enhanced view of my alternative embodiment which includes a rotational actuated valve unit FIG. 22, item 85 as it is affixed between the two sections of the supply tube FIG. 22 item 9 having an anchored means of affixment FIG. 22, item 90 which is positioned on supply tube FIG. 22, item 9 having a rotationally means of attachment FIG. 22, item 92 to a spring retained single acting pneumatic cylinder FIG. 22, item 88. At the forward opposite end of the rotational means of attachment FIG. 22, item 92 the single acting pneumatic cylinder FIG. 22, item 88 a clevis FIG. 22, item 87 is secured to an extending rod (not shown) which is located within the single acting pneumatic cylinder FIG. 22, item 88. At the opposite side of the clevis FIG. 22, item 87 a rotational arm FIG. 22, item 86 is engaged with a means to provide rotational engagement FIG. 22, item 91 with said clevis FIG. 22, item 87. The rotational arm FIG. 22, item 86 is associated with the rotational actuated valve unit FIG. 22, item 85. A pneumatic fitting FIG. 6, item 89 is affixed to the spring retained single acting pneumatic actuator FIG. 22, item 88.
OPERATION OF THE ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0143] To begin the flow of drywall compound the technician simply engages the compound actuator button lever FIG. 16, item 34a which in turn activates the pneumatic compound actuator FIG. 16, item 33 providing pneumatic pressure to the spring retained single acting pneumatic cylinder FIG. 22, item 88 by way of a pneumatic fitting FIG. 22, item 89 whereby at the forward end of the spring retained single acting pneumatic cylinder FIG. 22, item 88 the clevis FIG. 22, item 87, being secured to an extending rod (not shown) extends forward upon the rotational arm FIG. 22, item 86 providing engagement with the rotational actuated valve unit FIG. 22, item 85 allowing drywall compound to flow through the present invention and onto the drywall tape. At the end of a run the technician releases the compound actuator button lever FIG. 16, item 34a which disengages pressure to the single acting pneumatic cylinder FIG. 22, item 88 causing the spring retained single acting pneumatic actuator FIG. 22, item 88 to return to its retracted position discontinuing the flow of drywall compound through the device.
[0144] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.
[0145] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
