U.S. patent application number 09/803712 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-12 for tool carrier and seam weight.
Invention is credited to Hann, Kelly J..
Application Number | 20020125159 09/803712 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25187244 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020125159 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hann, Kelly J. |
September 12, 2002 |
Tool carrier and seam weight
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in the
installation of floor covering and, more particularly, to a tool
carrier and seam weight effective for carrying working tools as
well as for operating as a seaming weight during installation of
floor covering. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
tool carrier and seam weight comprises a tool box for applying
pressure along a newly formed seam and having a covering plate
mounted thereon which is effective for dissipating heat from the
seam. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool
carrier and seam weight comprises a tool box having a tool tray for
applying pressure along a newly formed seam and having a covering
plate mounted thereon which is effective for dissipating heat from
the seam.
Inventors: |
Hann, Kelly J.; (Camden,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark F. Smith
Smith, Guttag & Bolin Ltd.
7577 Central Park Boulevard, Ste. 302
Mason
OH
45040
US
|
Family ID: |
25187244 |
Appl. No.: |
09/803712 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/372 ;
206/373; 312/902 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 21/20 20130101;
B25H 3/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/372 ;
206/373; 312/902 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/28 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A tool carrier and seam weight for carrying tools and for use in
seaming comprising: a tool box having a covering plate, said
covering plate effective for dissipating heat from the seam.
2. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said
covering plate is formed from wood.
3. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said
covering plate is formed from a material selected from the group
consisting wood, plastic, glass, paper, or a coated insulated
metal.
4. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said tool
box includes at least one storage drawer.
5. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein the outer
edges of said covering plate are rounded.
6. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said edges
of said covering plate are rounded and extend over the bottom
portion of the tool box.
7. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said
covering plate having a layer of anti-friction material.
8. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said
covering plate is removably attached to said tool box.
9. A tool carrier and seam weight for carrying tools and for use in
seaming comprising: a tool box and a tool tray, wherein said tool
tray having a covering plate, said covering plate effective for
dissipating heat from the seam.
10. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said
covering plate is formed from wood.
11. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said
covering plate is formed from a material selected from the group
consisting wood, plastic, glass, paper, or a coated insulated
metal.
12. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said tool
box includes at least one storage drawer.
13. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein the outer
edges of said covering plate are rounded.
14. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said edges
of said covering plate are rounded and extend over the bottom
portion of the tool tray.
15. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said
covering plate having a layer of anti-friction material.
16. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said
covering plate is removably attached to said tool box.
17. A tool carrier and seam weight for carrying tools and for use
in seaming comprising: a tool box and a tool tray, wherein said
tool tray and tool tray each having a covering plate, said covering
plate effective for dissipating heat from the seam-.
18. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 17 wherein said
covering plate having a layer of anti-friction material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for use in the
installation of floor covering and, more particularly, to an
apparatus that can be used for carrying working tools as well as
for use as a seaming weight in the installation of floor
covering.
[0002] It is well known in the flooring industry that a rugged and
functional tool box is important. Professional flooring installers,
particularly when paid a flat-fee for their work, seek to decrease
the time they must spend on the job. Conventional tool boxes used
in the flooring industry have only one general purpose, that is,
they provide a means for the storage, transportation, and retrieval
of numerous tools and miscellaneous items necessary for the
installer to properly perform his trade.
[0003] Various types of flooring, such as carpet or vinyl, often
require separate adjacent pieces of material to be connected along
a seam formed along the butting edges of the pieces. It is common
for installers to use seaming tape, having hot melt adhesive
applied to the upper surface of a backing material along the length
of the edges of the flooring material, to join the backing to the
floor. A hot iron is moved longitudinally along the length of the
seaming tape to melt the adhesive while the backing of the flooring
material is pressed down onto the tape with the edges of the
flooring material abutting, thereby forming a closely fitted seam
as the adhesive cools.
[0004] In order to reduce the risk of separation or lifting of the
flooring material from the floor, it is important for the flooring
material to be properly set while the adhesive cools and dries.
Consequently, various weight devices, such as tool box trays, large
pieces of wood, metallic weights having handles for manually moving
the weight, have been used for compressing the flooring material
for a period of time after the flooring has been laid until the
adhesive has dried. Such compression has been found to smooth the
adhesive and improves the adhesion between the flooring material
and the floor.
[0005] One problem associated with such weights, such as a seam
weight, is that it requires the installer to purchase an extra tool
as well as requiring the installer to carry the tool from job to
job. Using weighted objects, such as a conventional tool box or
tray, is often undesirable because the tool box or trade often has
sharp edges which can snag or tear certain types of flooring.
Further, such tool boxes and trays are conventionally formed from a
metal or a plastic material which can trap heat and is not
recommended for use in as a contact surface for a seaming weight
and can also leave marks on the flooring due to the color of the
tool box or tool tray or due to rusting.
[0006] Consequently, a need exists for a tool carrier for storing
and transporting the tools of a flooring installer, which is
relatively inexpensive, will not snag or discolor the flooring, and
which can also be used as a seam weight thereby eliminating the
need of an additional tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The apparatus of the present invention is a tool carrier and
seam weight for carrying tools and for use in seaming, in a
preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool carrier and seam
weight comprises a tool box for carrying tools and having a
covering plate which is effective for dissipating heat from the
seam.
[0008] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool
carrier and seam weight further comprises a tool tray.
[0009] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the tool
tray includes a covering plate.
[0010] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the
covering plate is formed from wood.
[0011] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the
covering plate is formed from metal.
[0012] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the tool
box has at least one storage drawer.
[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the outer
edges of the covering plate are rounded.
[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the outer
edges of the covering plate extend over the bottom portion of the
tool box.
[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool
carrier and seam weight comprises a tool box and a tool tray, the
tool tray having a covering plate which is effective for
dissipating heat from the seam.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the outer
edges of the covering plate extend over the bottom portion of the
tool tray.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the
covering plate includes a layer of anti-friction material.
[0018] A primary object of this invention, therefore, is to provide
a tool carrier and seam weight for use in seaming
[0019] Another primary object of the present invention is to
provide apparatus which is effective for improving the physical
properties of a seam.
[0020] Another primary object of the invention is to provide a tool
carrier which can be used for applying pressure to a seam during
the seaming process.
[0021] Another primary object of the present invention is to
provide a tool carrier which can be used to dissipate heat during
the seaming process.
[0022] Another primary object of the present invention is to
provide a tool carrier and seam weight which will not stain
flooring.
[0023] Another primary object of the present invention is to
provide a tool carrier and seam weight which will not snag or catch
on flooring material during the seaming process.
[0024] Another primary object of the present invention is to
provide a covering plate which can be easily slid along the seam
being formed.
[0025] Another primary object of the present invention is to
provide a covering plate which can be easily attached and
removed.
[0026] Another primary object of the present invention is to
eliminate the need of an installer requiring a separate tool
carrier and a separate seam apparatus.
[0027] Another primary object of the present invention is to
provide an relatively inexpensive apparatus effective for carrying
tools and for applying pressure and dissipating heat during the
seaming process.
[0028] Other objects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings
and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the tool carrier and seam weight of the present
invention, showing the tool box and a lid, the lid being in its
open position;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a front, perspective view of the tool carrier and
seam weight of FIG. 1, showing the lid being in its closed
position;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line
3-3 of FIG. 2, showing the handle in its non-use, nested
position;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the tool carrier and seam
weight of FIG. 1 showing the covering plate mounted to the tool box
and having rounded edges;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the tool carrier and seam
weight of the present invention showing the covering plate mounted
to the tool box and extending over the bottom edge portions of the
tool box;
[0034] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the tool carrier
and seam weight showing a tool box and a tool tray;
[0035] FIG. 7 is side view of the tool tray of FIG. 6 with the
handle removed;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the tool tray of FIG. 6
showing a covering plate mounted to the tool tray and having
rounded edges;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the tool tray of FIG. 6
showing the covering plate extending over the bottom edge portions
of the tool tray;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing adjacent carpet pieces
being laid along a floor and having a hot-melt adhesive being
applied and heated to form a seam.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0039] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in
the installation of floor covering and, more particularly, to a
combination tool carrier and seam weight effective for carrying
working tools as well as for operating as a seaming weight during
installation of floor covering.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the
tool carrier and seam weight, generally designated 100, is shown
comprising a tool box 102 and a lid 104. The tool box 102 includes
integral first and second side walls 106 and 108, respectively, a
front wall 110, a bottom wall 112, and a rear wall 114 which
cooperate to define an interior compartment 116. The upper ends of
side walls 106 and 108, front wall 110, and rear wall 114 terminate
in a common horizontal plane and define an open end, generally
designated as 118. Access to tools and the like, stored in the
interior compartment 116 may be readily had through the open end
118. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool box 102
and the lid 104 are formed from a molded plastic using conventional
injection molding techniques. In another preferred embodiment of
the invention, the tool box 102 and the lid 104 are formed from
metal, such as aluminum or any other light weight material.
[0041] As shown, the lid 104 is connected to the tool box 102 by a
plurality of spaced hinges 120. The hinges 120 are arranged so that
the lid 104 can be pivoted about a horizontal axis, adjacent to the
upper edge 122 of the rear wall 114, between a closed portion, such
as shown in FIG. 2, where the lid overlies and covers the upper
open end 118, and an open position, such as shown in FIG. 1, where
the lid 104 is disposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal
plane of the open end 118. It should be understood that the
particular hinge selected can be readily selected from a plurality
of conventional hinges known by those skilled in the art for use in
tool boxes.
[0042] Preferably, a pair of conventional latch assemblies 124 are
mounted to the upper edge 126 of the front wall 110 of the tool box
102. The latch assemblies 124 cooperate with locking projections
128, integrally formed on the lid 104, to latch the lid in its
closed position when desired. It should be understood that the
particular latch assembly or assemblies selected can be readily
selected form a plurality of conventional latch assemblies known by
those skilled in the art for use in tool boxes.
[0043] Connected to the central part of the upper portion of the
lid 104 is a conventional handle 130 typically used with tool
boxes. Preferably the lid 104 includes a recess 132 integrally
formed therein. The handle 130 is adapted to pivot about a
generally horizontal axis between a first position, as shown in
FIG. 2, where the handle 130 may be grasped to carry the tool
carrier and seam weight 100 and a second position, such as shown in
FIG. 3, where the handle 130, when not in use, is nested within the
recess 132.
[0044] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool
box 102 can be formed top accommodate one or more conventional
storage drawers 134 which can be disposed within corresponding
openings 136 which permit the drawers 134 to slide within and
respect to the tool box 102. Each drawer 134 includes a
conventional handle 138 to permit the drawer 134 to be pulled into
an open position, as shown in FIG. 1, for access to tools and the
like stored within the drawer 134 and pushed into a closed
position, as shown in FIG. 2, for securing the tools and the like
within the drawer 134.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the tool carrier and seam weight 100 is provided with an
outer covering plate 140 having an inner face 142 adjacently
aligned with the outer face 144 of the bottom wall 112 of the tool
box 102 and a generally flat and smooth outer face 146. Preferably,
the covering plate 140 is removably secured in place against the
outer face 144 of the bottom wall 112 by a plurality of recessed
screws 149 threaded into threaded apertures 150 in the bottom wall
112 of the tool box 102. It should be understood, however, that
other forms of attachment, such as permanent means such as by glue,
rivets, or by other removable means such as by hook and loop means,
such as sold by the American Velcro Company under the trademark
"VELCRO," may be used to attach the covering plate 140 to the
bottom wall 112 of the tool box 102. Preferably the covering plate
140 is formed from wood, as recommended by the Carpet and Rug
Institute having a thickness from about 0.25 in. to about 0.50 in.
( about 0.6 cm to about 1.3 cm), however other materials such as a
material selected from the group consisting wood, plastic, glass,
paper, or a coated insulated metal which is effective for rapidly
dissipating heat may be used. The outer face 146 of the covering
plate 140 may also include a layer or coating 141 of an
antifriction material such as a wax or polymers of
tetrafluoroethylene and copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and
hexafluoropropylene (A commercial embodiment of one such coating is
offered by RI DuPont de Nemours under the trademark "TEFLON").
[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG.
4, the outer edges 152 of the covering plate 140 are rounded to
prevent or reduce the possibility of the covering plate 140 from
catching or being snagged by the carpet being seamed, as later
described. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as
shown in FIG. 5, the outer edges 152 of the covering plate 140 are
rounded and extend over the bottom edge portions of the side walls
106 and 108, front wall 110, and rear wall 114 (FIG. 1) of the tool
box 102.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, another preferred embodiment of
the invention is shown, wherein the tool carrier and seam weight
100 includes a tool tray 154 which is adapted to fit within the
interior compartment 116 formed withing the tool box 102 and
engaging or resting upon an inwardly extending flange or lip 156.
As shown, the tool tray 154 is substantially rectangular and
includes first and second side walls 158 and 160, respectively, a
front wall 162, a rear wall 164 and a bottom wall 166 which define
a tray cavity, generally designated 168. The tool tray 154 further
includes a pair of substantially triangular flanges 170 which
extend from the side walls 158 and 160 away from the bottom wall
166. A handle 172 spans the tray cavity 168 and is suitably
attached to the flanges 170, such as by screws, rivets, and the
like.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS.
8 and 9, the tool tray 154 is provided with an outer covering plate
176 having an inner face 178 adjacently aligned with the outer face
180 of the bottom wall 166 of the tool tray 154 and a generally
flat and smooth outer face 182. Preferably, the covering plate 176
is removably secured in place against the outer face 180 of the
bottom wall 166 by a plurality of screws 184 threaded into threaded
apertures 186 in the bottom wall 166 of the tool tray 154. It
should be understood, however, that other forms of attachment, such
as permanent means such as glue, rivets, or by removable means such
as hook and loop means, such as sold by the American Velcro Company
under the trademark "VELCRO," may be used to attach the covering
plate 176 to the bottom wall 166 of the tool tray 154. Preferably
the covering plate 176 is formed from wood having a thickness from
about 0.25 in. to about 0.50 in. ( about 0.6 cm to about 1.3 cm),
however other materials such as a plastic effective for rapidly
dissipating heat may be used. The outer face 182 of the covering
plate 176 may also include a layer or a coating 185 of an
anti-friction material such as a wax or polymers of
tetrafluoroethylene and copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and
hexafluoropropylene (A commercial embodiment of one such coating is
offered by RI DuPont de Nemours under the trademark "TEFLON").
[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG.
8, the outer edges 188 of the covering plate 176 are rounded to
prevent or reduce the possibility of the covering plate 176 from
catching or being snagged by the carpet being seamed, as later
described. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as
shown in FIG. 9, the outer edges 188 of the covering plate 176 are
rounded and extend over the bottom edge portions of the side walls
158 and 160, front wall 162, and rear wall 164 (FIG. 6) of the tool
tray 154.
[0050] To understand how the parts above described are
interrelated, the operation of the tool carrier and seam weight 100
will now be described. During flooring installation, as shown in
FIG. 10, flooring pieces 190, such as carpet pieces, to be joined
are laid onto the floor F with the flooring backing 192 facing the
floor F. Typically, a strip of tape 194 extends along the abutting
edges of the flooring pieces 190 and has a heat-sensitive adhesive
196 or other hot-melt substance, on its side which is contacting
the flooring backing 192. A hot iron I is then is then moved
longitudinally along the length of the abutting edges 194 of the
flooring pieces 190 to melt the adhesive and form a seam S. As the
iron I is moved along the abutting edges 194 of the flooring pieces
190, the installer (not shown) moves the tool box 102 of the tool
carrier and seam weight 100 having a covering plate 140 such as
shown in FIGS. 4 or 5, or the tool tray 154 having a covering plate
176 as shown in FIGS. 7 or 8, along the formed seam S to apply
pressure against the seam S to smooth the adhesive 196 and to
dissipate heat rapidly away from the formed seam S to ensure better
affixation of the flooring pieces 190 to the floor F.
[0051] It should now be apparent that the tool carrier and seam
weight of the present invention is a cost effective and time
effective means of reducing the risk of bubbles or ripples forming
along the seam S and the possibility of seam separation.
[0052] It should also now be apparent to those skilled in the art
that the use of covering plates reduces the risk of leaving marks,
such as rust marks, on the flooring or snagging of the flooring
during installation.
[0053] It should also now be apparent that the tool carrier and
seam weight of the present invention is effective for applying
pressure along the seam to be formed as well as effectively
dissipating heat.
[0054] It should also now be apparent that the tool carrier and
seam weight of the present invention is not limited to carpet
flooring, but can be used for a seam weight for other types of
flooring. Further, the tool carrier and seaming weight of the
present invention is not limited for use by flooring installers.
The use of a smooth, relatively soft covering plate permits easy
cleaning thereby reducing or preventing the tool box or tray from
marking other surfaces, such as flooring, counter tops, and the
like, thus making the tool carrier and seam weight desirable for
most professions requiring the use of a tool boxes and the
like.
[0055] While the apparatus described constitute preferred
embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the precise apparatus, and that changes
may be made therein without departing from the scope of the
invention which is defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *