Grout applicator

Description

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/637,161, filed Dec. 20, 2004, by Joe H. Knott, and is entitled in whole or in part to that filing date for priority. The specification Provisional Patent Application No. 60/637,161 is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to device for application of grout. More particularly, it relates to a grout applicator of large size that can be used in a standing position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Grout typically is applied for a variety of home and building construction and repair purposes, including but not limited to tiling, tub installation, and toilet installation. Current applicators are small, hand-held devices that require the user to kneel or stoop to apply the grout, causing physical stress and strain to the user, and even preventing some individuals from using said device.

Accordingly, what is needed is a device for grout application that makes the process easier and less arduous that current devices and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a grout applicator of a size to enable a user to apply a grout mixture with sufficient

Still other advantages of various embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there are shown and described exemplary embodiments of this invention simply for the purposes of illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different aspects and embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the advantages, drawings, and descriptions are illustrative in nature and not restrictive in nature.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the numerous figures, wherein like references identify like elements of the invention, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention comprising a hollow casing body 2 with a casing inlet 4 through which a grout mixture (not show) is inserted to fill the interior of the casing body 2. The casing body 2 is generally cylindrical in form, but may be some other shape in cross-section. The casing body 2 has an open end 12 and a close end 14. A cap 6 closes off the casting inlet 4. A piston 8, comprising a piston head 9 and a piston rod 10, is inserted into the open end 12 of the casing body 2.

In one exemplary embodiment, the piston head 9 is inserted into the open end 12 of the casing body 2 prior to the insertion of grout mixture, and the piston head 9 should be located between the casing inlet 4 and the open end 12. The piston head 9 may be of a size and shape so as to just fit the inside of the casing body 2, but in an alternative embodiment, may be slightly smaller, in which case a thin strip of material, such as rubber or flexible plastic, may be affixed to the piston head 9 so as to extend out and contact the inside of the casing body 2.

After the desired amount of grout mixture has been added, the cap 6 is placed on the casing inlet 4, and force is applied to the piston to cause it to move into the casing body 2, thereby causing the grout mixture to extrude from the casing nozzle 16. The casing nozzle 16 extends from the closed end 14 of the casing body 2, and the tip 18 of the casing nozzle 16 may be flat or at an angle, or of any size or shape, as suited for the application. In yet another embodiment, a strap (not shown) may be attached to the casing body 2 to fit around the user's shoulder, waist, or other body part for easy use and carrying.

When application is complete, the piston is removed from the casing body 2, and all components of the grout applicator may be cleaned, and soaked in water for a period of time to remove any grout mixture.

Grout mixture may be prepared in the manner known in the prior art. For example, a grout-water solution may be prepared in a container separate from the present invention.

The casing body should be of a size to allow the casing nozzle 16 to reach the floor while the user is standing or in an erect posture. Accordingly, the casing body should be at least 36 inches long, more preferably in one exemplary embodiment 48 to 52 inches long, although it may be of some other size. In cross-section, the casing body should be at least 12 inches across or in diameter, more preferably in one exemplary embodiment 18 to 24 inches across or in diameter, although it may be of some other size. The other components (other than the casing nozzle 16, which is of standard size) are of a size to match. A handle 20 may extend from the side of the casing body 2 opposite the casing inlet 4, in order to allow the user to better hold and manipulate the invention. A hand grip 22 may also be attached to the end of the piston rod 10 opposite the piston head 9 in order to allow the user to better hold and manipulate the invention and apply manual force to the piston rod 8.

A plurality of nozzle tips may be provided to fit onto the casing nozzle 16. The nozzle tips may be slid or screwed onto the casing nozzle in a secure manner so the nozzle tip will not come off the casing nozzle 16 when in use. The connection end of the nozzle tip should be of a interior diameter to fit snugly over the outside of the casing nozzle 16, while the opposing application end can be of smaller or larger diameter, as needed. The nozzle tips can be of varying lengths and shapes, as well. In one exemplary embodiment, the tips may range from one inch to a foot in length, while the opposing application end of the nozzle tip may range in size from ¼ inch to 3 inch in inner diameter. A plurality of such tips may be provided in ¼ inch increments from ¼ inch up.

The components of the present invention may be made of a lightweight, waterproof material in order to reduce overall weight and make the device easier to use and clean. In one exemplary embodiment, the components are made of polyethylene teraphthalate (PET).

Thus, it should be understood that the embodiments and examples have been chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited for particular uses contemplated. Even though specific embodiments of this invention have been described, they are not to be taken as exhaustive. There are several variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.