U.S. patent application number 09/826657 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-10 for caulking gun and support.
Invention is credited to Harris, Randy.
Application Number | 20020145014 09/826657 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25247190 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020145014 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harris, Randy |
October 10, 2002 |
CAULKING GUN AND SUPPORT
Abstract
A caulking gun and support device comprises a base member for
providing stability to the device and for mounting over a surface.
A supporting arm extends upwardly from the base member. A caulking
gun for receiving a receptacle containing caulking material is
mounted on the supporting arm. An adjustment mechanism for
selectively positioning and securing the caulking gun is also
provided.
Inventors: |
Harris, Randy; (Acton,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COLIN P ABRAHAMS
5850 CANOGA AVENUE
SUITE 400
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
|
Family ID: |
25247190 |
Appl. No.: |
09/826657 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/326 ;
222/391 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01F 11/026 20130101;
B05C 17/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/326 ;
222/391 |
International
Class: |
G01F 011/00; B67D
005/42 |
Claims
1. A caulking gun and support device comprising: a base member for
providing stability to the device and for mounting over a surface;
a supporting arm extending upwardly from the base member; a
caulking gun for receiving a receptacle containing caulking
material, the caulking gun being mounted on the supporting arm; and
adjustment means for selectively positioning and securing the
caulking gun.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base member comprises
a horseshoe-shaped member.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the base member is at
least partially circular in shape.
4. A device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising connecting
means whereby the supporting arms are firmly connected to the base
member.
5. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the connecting means
comprises a threaded member extending through the base and into the
supporting arm.
6. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the supporting arm
comprises a fixed arm connected to the base member, and a slidable
arm connected to the fixed arm, the slidable arm being moveable
relative to the fixed arm to adjust the position of the caulking
gun.
7. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the fixed arm comprises
an elongate projection along a surface thereof, and the slidable
arm comprises an elongate channel along the length thereof, the
elongate projection sliding within the elongate channel to provide
relative movement between the fixed arm and slidable arm
respectively.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7 further comprising securing means
for releasably securing the fixed arm and slidable arm relative to
each other.
9. A device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the securing means
comprises a knob having a handle and a threaded shank, the threaded
shank passing through the fixed arm through a threaded aperture
therein, whereby rotation of the knob causes the shank to engage or
disengage the slidable arm respectively to provide a releasable
connection between the fixed arm and the slidable arm.
10. A device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the caulking gun is
mounted on the slidable arm.
11. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the adjustment means
comprises a stop member, adjustably positioned with respect to the
base member.
12. A device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the stop member
comprises a threaded rod extending from the base and a stop means
mounted on the threaded member, the stop means having a threaded
bore for receiving the threaded member whereby rotation thereof
causes it to move along the threaded member to a selected
position.
13. A device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the stop means
comprises a polished aluminum disc mounted on the threaded
member.
14. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the caulking gun
comprises a cylindrical housing defining a chamber, and a handle
and trigger mechanism associated therewith for engaging the
receptacle containing the caulking material.
15. A support device for a receptacle containing material to be
dispensed, the support device comprising: a base member for
providing stability to the device and for mounting over a surface;
a supporting arm extending upwardly from the base member; a module
on the supporting arm for receiving the receptacle containing
material to be dispensed; and adjustment means for selectively
positioning and securing the module.
16. A device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the supporting arm
comprises a fixed arm connected to the base member, and a slidable
arm connected to the fixed arm, the slidable arm being moveable
relative to the fixed arm to adjust the position of the caulking
gun.
17. A device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the adjustment means
comprises a stop member, adjustably positioned with respect to the
base member.
18. A device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the stop member
comprises a threaded rod extending from the base and a stop means
mounted on the threaded member, the stop means having a threaded
bore for receiving the threaded member whereby rotation thereof
causes it to move along the threaded member to a selected
position.
19. A device as claimed in claim 18 wherein the stop means
comprises a polished aluminum disc mounted on the threaded member.
Description
BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to caulking guns and supports
therefor. The invention also relates to supports for receptacles
containing material to be dispensed. Particularly, the invention
is, in one aspect, for a structure incorporating a caulking gun,
the structure providing a stable support over a surface or point at
which glue or other material from the caulking gun or other type of
receptacle is to be applied. One object of the invention is to
provide an adjustable support and stable environment for the use of
caulking or other fluid whereby the caulking or other fluid can be
accurately, consistently and easily introduced to an area or point
without overflow caused by excess material and/or damaging
surrounding areas.
[0002] While the caulking gun and support of the invention has many
applications, one such application comprises use in the field of
commercial, industrial and residential flooring. Such flooring may
comprise hardwood flooring, tiles, marble or other media, all of
which require the use of caulking or fill material in order to fill
spaces or gaps between the floor and the medium, or between various
pieces of the medium itself, such as tiling. Additionally, caulking
may be required at edges between the medium and the wall, door jam
or other building structure.
[0003] It will be appreciated by those who have used caulking guns
or other devices for applying material to a point that it is often
difficult to accurately locate the caulking gun for precision use.
Typically, a conventional caulking gun comprises a chamber area in
which is received a disposable caulking container, the caulking
container being essentially cylindrical in shape and having a
tapering needle-like point through which the contents of the
container pass.
[0004] The caulking container fits within the space or chamber of
the caulking gun, and the container has a movable base which, upon
the application of force thereto, slides up the cylindrical tube
forcing caulking fluid out of a small aperture at the end of the
needle-like spout at an opposite end thereof. Typical caulking guns
have handles or triggers whereby, upon the application of the
force, a cylindrical disc attached to a rod moves through the
chamber, the disc applying pressure to the lower end of the
container to force the contents thereof out through the spout. The
disc is movable in a direction which urges the fluid out in an
incremental fashion by finely applying force to the trigger or
handle which moves the disc. However, even with such fine
adjustment possible, very careful and controlled application of
force is required, and the application of such force, together with
the precise locating of the needle over the area or point to be
caulked requires considerable coordination and an experienced user
to avoid the expulsion of excess caulking fluid from the container
and generally fouling the area around which the caulking glue it
required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, the invention provides a caulking gun and
support combination, whereby a container of caulking material can
be firmly and stably supported, so that it can be properly
positioned for the accurate application of caulking materials to
the desired area. It will be appreciated that the invention is not
limited to a caulking gun. Any device which expels material to be
applied through a receptacle may potentially be used with the
invention. Therefore, although this description focuses more on the
use of a caulking gun, the invention is not limited to this
embodiment.
[0006] Preferably, the caulking gun and support of the invention
typically receives a caulking container which comprises an elongate
cylindrical housing. At one end of the cylindrical housing, there
is provided a tapering outlet or spout, and a small aperture or
hole can be made at the end of the spout when opening the container
and through which the caulking material can be expelled.
[0007] At the opposite end of the caulking container there is
provided a base closure which seals the caulking material within
the container. The base closure is slidable up the cylindrical
container, from a base end thereof towards the spout, so that the
movement thereof in the container places the contents under
pressure, at the same time expelling the contents through the
aperture in the outlet.
[0008] A typical caulking gun accommodates the container, and
provides means by which the base closure can be forced upwardly
through the cylinder for expelling the caulking material.
[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
a caulking gun and support device comprising: a base member for
providing stability to the device and for mounting over a surface;
a supporting arm extending upwardly from the base member; a
caulking gun for receiving a receptacle containing caulking
material, the caulking gun being mounted on the supporting arm; and
adjustment means for selectively positioning and securing the
caulking gun.
[0010] Preferably, the supporting arm comprises a fixed arm
connected to the base member, and a slidable arm connected to the
fixed arm, the slidable arm being moveable relative to the fixed
arm to adjust the position of the caulking gun. The fixed arm may
comprise an elongate projection along a surface thereof, and the
slidable arm may comprise an elongate channel along the length
thereof, the elongate projection sliding within the elongate
channel to provide relative movement between the fixed arm and
slidable arm respectively. Securing means for releasably securing
the fixed arm and slidable arm relative to each other may be
provided.
[0011] Preferably, the adjustment means comprises a stop member,
adjustably positioned with respect to the base member. The stop
member may comprise a threaded rod extending from the base and a
stop means mounted on the threaded member, the stop means having a
threaded bore for receiving the threaded member whereby rotation
thereof causes it to move along the threaded member to a selected
position.
[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a support device for a receptacle containing material to
be dispensed, the support device comprising a base member for
providing stability to the device and for mounting over a surface;
a supporting arm extending upwardly from the base member; a module
on the supporting arm for receiving the receptacle containing
material to be dispensed; and adjustment means for selectively
positioning and securing the module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a caulking gun and support
of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base of the caulking gun
and support therefor of the invention; and
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vertical support members
of the caulking gun and support of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention is for a caulking gun with support, and
provides a procedure whereby a caulking container can be affixed
thereto and accurately located over an area to which caulking glue
can be applied. Further, the caulking gun and support provides a
stable base for support and balancing of the caulking container,
and assists the user in providing a consistent supply of glue, as
necessary, to a particular point.
[0017] With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown a
caulking gun and support 10, comprising a base 12, supporting arms
14, and caulk gun 16. The base 12 is designed so as to be of a
shape and size which provides the support, balance and stability to
the caulking gun and support 10 as a whole, and in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, comprises a partially circular or horseshoe-shaped
member. The base 12 comprises ends 20, and middle section 22. The
middle section 22, as best shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings,
comprises a pair of spaced holes 24 and 26 drilled through the
base, by means of which the supporting arms 14 are attached to the
base 12, as will be described further below.
[0018] Near one end 20 of the base 12, there is provided a threaded
hole 28, which may extend completely through the base 12, or only
partially therethrough, and in which is threadedly engaged a zinc
anodized threaded rod 30, which, in use, is substantially vertical,
or normal to the surface on which the base 12 rests. A disc or
washer 32 is mounted on the rod 30, the disc 32 having an upper
surface 34, a lower surface 36, and a substantially centrally
located hole 38. The hole 38, which is threaded, threadedly engages
the rod 30, so that by rotation of the disc or washer 32 it is
moved up or down the rod 30 to the desired point, as will also be
described below. In its mounted position, the washer or disc 32
will be substantially parallel with the surface on which the base
12 is mounted. The position of the disc or washer 32 on the rod 30
is adjustable so as to form a support for a caulking container or
for the caulk gun 16, as will be described further below.
[0019] The supporting arms 14 is shown in FIG. 1 in relation to the
caulking gun and support 10 as a whole, and are also shown in FIG.
3 of the drawings in greater detail. These supporting arms 14
comprise a fixed arm 40 and a slidable arm 42 which slidably
engages with the fixed arm 40. The fixed arm 40 is firmly connected
to the base 12. The fixed arm 40 comprises a flat surface 44, a
lower end 46, an upper end 48, and an engaging surface 50. The
engaging surface 50 has a male component 52 extending or projecting
outwardly therefrom, the male component 52 having opposing tapers
54.
[0020] Drilled into the lower end 46 are two threaded bores 56 and
58, the threaded bores 56 and 58 being mounted over the holes 26
and 24 respectively which are drilled into the base 12. The fixed
arm 40 is securely fastened to the base 12 by inserting screws (not
shown) through holes 24 and 26 from the undersurface of the base,
so that they pass through the holes 24 and 26 into the threaded
bores 58 and 56. The screws are tightly fastened until the fixed
arm 40 is firmly secured to the base 12 and will not move relative
thereto.
[0021] A threaded hole 60 is drilled into the fixed arm 40 in the
upper half thereof, and a knob 62 having a threaded shank 64 and a
handle 66 is screwed into the threaded hole 60 so that the threaded
shank 64 can pass right through the threaded hole, which goes
through the entire width of the fixed arm 40. As will be described
below, by turning the handle 66 of the knob 62 clockwise, the
threaded shank 64 extends through the threaded hole 60 in order to
engage the slidable arm 42, so that the slidable arm can be placed
in a fixed position relative to the fixed arm 40, in a desired
fashion.
[0022] The slidable arm 42 comprises a flat surface 70, an upper
end 72, a lower end 74, and an engaging surface 76. The engaging
surface 76 comprises a channel 78 having tapers 80. It will be
appreciated that the slidable arm 42 engages with the fixed arm 40
by placing the lower end 74 of the slidable arm 42 near the upper
end 48 of the fixed arm 40, and carefully inserting the male
component 52 in the channel 78. When so inserted, the tapers 54 on
the male component 52 will fit within the tapers 80 of the channel
78. This type of engagement, well known in many fields of art, will
permit the slidable arm 42 to move vertically up and down with
respect to the fixed arm 40, but there will be no movement in a
horizontal direction. This arrangement, therefore, allows for the
slidable arm 42 to be moved vertically to the desired position, as
will be described below, relative to the fixed arm 40.
[0023] Once the slidable arm 42 is in such a selected position, the
handle 66 is rotated clockwise, thereby causing the threaded shank
64 to extend through the threaded hole 60, and engage the engaging
surface 76 of the slidable arm 42. Further rotation of the handle
66 causes the slidable arm 42 and fixed arm 40 to be forced away
from each other, causing frictional engagement between the tapers
54 of the male component 52 and the tapers 80 of the channel 78.
When the knob 62 has been sufficiently tightly turned, no further
vertical movement between the fixed arm 40 and the slidable arm 42
will be permitted under normal circumstances, until the knob 62 is
loosened by turning it counter-clockwise, and freeing up the
slidable arm 42 for relative movement adjacent the fixed arm
40.
[0024] The slidable arm 42 comprises a pair of apertures 84 and 86
near the lower end 74 and upper end 72 respectively. The apertures
84 and 86 accommodate screws, bolts or other fastening devices, by
means of which a caulk gun 16 can be connected to the slidable arm
42. As will be seen with reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the
caulk gun 16 is firmly attached to the slidable arm 42, and in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is substantially coextensive with the
slidable arm 42, so as to be more or less the same length
thereof.
[0025] The caulk gun 16, attached to the slidable arm 42, comprises
a cylindrical housing 90 defining a chamber 92 including an opening
(not shown) along the length thereof so that the caulking container
can be located therein, as will be described. The cylindrical
housing 90 has an open lower end 94, and a closed or partially
closed upper end 96 upon which is mounted a handle and trigger
mechanism 98. The handle and trigger mechanism 98 is of
conventional design, and will only be described briefly herein
below. In another embodiment, the lower end 94 may be partially
closed to keep the caulking container from falling out of the
chamber 92, and a support in the form of a washer or ring at the
lower end 94 may be provided as a collar upon which the caulking
container rests.
[0026] The handle and trigger mechanism 98 comprises an elongate
shaft 100 which is extends through an aperture in the closed upper
end 96 of the cylindrical housing 90. At its end within the chamber
92, the shaft 100 terminates in a disc-shaped pusher 102, while at
its outer end, the shaft 100 has a knob 104. A handle mechanism 106
is provided, and comprises a fixed member 108 and a pivotal lever
110, which rotates about pivot pin 112. When pivotal lever 100 of
the handle mechanism 106 is pulled by the user towards the fixed
member 108, an engagement member 114 is urged downwardly, and, at
the same time, moves the shaft 100 downwardly in a vertical
position. As the shaft 100 moves downwardly, the pusher 102 also
moves downwardly within the chamber 92, engaging the caulking
container, to be described.
[0027] The shaft 100 will not be able to move upward again, and is
held in position by a release lever 116. When it is desired to
release the shaft 100 and pull it outwardly, out of the chamber 92,
the release lever 116 is pushed down in the direction of arrow 118,
to permit this operation.
[0028] It will therefore be appreciated that, in conventional
fashion, the raising and lowering of the handle 106, either
incrementally, or by large through-movements, has the effect of
causing the pusher 102 to move downwardly though the chamber
92.
[0029] In operation, the caulking gun and support 10 of the
invention is located so that the base 12 thereof is proximate the
area or point where caulking glue is to be introduced. The
horseshoe-shaped base 12 defines an area 122 therein containing the
point at which the caulking glue is to be introduced. At this
juncture, a caulk container 130 is already accommodated within the
chamber 92, or, if not, is now placed in the chamber 92. As
mentioned, the cylindrical housing 90 includes an opening, not
shown, through which the caulk container 130, also of substantially
cylindrical shape, but of slightly smaller dimensions than the
chamber 92, can be introduced. In locating the caulk container 130
within the chamber 92, the shaft 100 is adjusted so that the pusher
102 is near the closed upper end 96, and this is achieved by
holding down the release lever 116 and pulling outwardly on the
knob 104.
[0030] The caulking container 130, located within the chamber 92,
extends through the open lower end 94 of the chamber 92. The
caulking container 130 comprises cylindrical side walls 132, a base
closure 134, an annular neck portion 136, and a tapering spout 138.
The annular neck portion 136 extends, in one embodiment, through
the open lower end 94, and is allowed to rest on the upper surface
34 of the disc or washer 32. The spout 138 has an outlet port 140
which is located just over the area where caulking glue is
required, and the entire caulking container 130 is positioned so
that the outlet port 140 is just above this area or point. This is
achieved by raising or lowering the caulking container 130 within
the chamber 92, by rotating the disc or washer 32 up and down on
the rod 30. With the annular neck portion 136 resting on the upper
surface 34, the position of the washer or disc 32 can be
appropriately selected by turning it so as to move up and down the
rod 30 until the outlet port 140 of the caulking container 130 is
exactly where required. In another embodiment, it is the lower end
94 of the caulk gun 16 that rests on the disc or washer 32. In this
case, the caulk container 130 is fully accommodated in the chamber
92. In either embodiment, the adjustment of the position of the
disc 32 facilitates the accurate location of the outlet port 140 to
assist the user.
[0031] Precise locating of the caulk container 130 relative to the
portion where caulking glue is required can also be achieved by
moving the slidable arm 42 up and down vertically with respect to
the fixed arm 40, and securing the slidable arm 42 relative to the
fixed arm 40 in precisely the desired position by tightening the
knob 62 so that the slidable arm 42 and fixed arm 40 will not move
relative to each other, as has already been described.
[0032] It will thus be appreciated that the caulking gun and
support 10 of the invention provides two independent adjustment
operations for optimal placement of a caulking container 130, and
more particularly the outlet port 140 thereof, to be stably and
firmly located over an area or point at which caulking glue is to
be introduced.
[0033] With the base 12 appropriately located, and the position of
the caulking container 130 adjusted for optimal placement in the
chamber 92, by adjustment of the fixed arm 40 and slidable arm 42
as well as the position of the disc or washer 32, the caulking gun
and support of the invention 10 is now ready for use. The outlet
port 140 is located just over a hole, for example in a wooden
floor, or over a tile, or some other area to be filled, and the
pivotal lever 110 of the handle mechanism 106 is slowly raised by
the operator. Raising the pivotal lever 110 causes downward
movement of the shaft 100, so that the pusher 102 exerts pressure
on the base closure 134 of the caulk container 130. The base
closure 134 of the caulk container 130 is forced into the caulk
container 130, in conventional fashion, causing pressure on the
contents thereof, so that caulking glue is expelled through the
outlet port 140.
[0034] The caulking gun and support 10 of the invention allows the
user to very carefully and selectively place the outlet port 140 of
the caulking container 130 and maintain the whole mechanism in a
balanced, stable and fixed position, so that very careful operation
of the handle mechanism 106 can be achieved. Therefore, the
caulking gun and support 10 of the invention allows for measured
and consistent quantities of glue to be expelled through the outlet
port 140 by fine manipulation of the handle mechanism 106, allowing
for more accurate workmanship, and a cleaner application of the
caulking glue.
[0035] In a variation of the invention briefly described above,
where the caulking container 130 fits entirely within the chamber
92, it will be the lower end 94 of the cylindrical housing 90 that
rests upon the upper surface 34 of the washer or disc 32. Thus, the
invention accommodates the position when the caulking container 130
fits completely within the chamber 92, as well as that condition
where it is larger than the chamber 92 in length, so that a variety
of sizes of caulking containers, as well as caulking gun and
supports 10 of the invention, will be workable.
[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the caulking gun will
hold two tubes of glue, and an injection needle attached at the
bottom.
[0037] Preferably, the slidable arm 42 and fixed arm 40 are made of
polished aluminum, thereby permitting easy washing and cleaning
thereof, and preventing corrosion which may result from exposure to
water or air. Further, the disc or washer 32 is also preferably
comprised of aluminum, while the rod 30 is made of zinc anodized
material. The support of the invention may also be anodized, either
completely or partially.
[0038] The base 12, providing the balance and stability for the
entire caulking gun and support 10 of the invention, is also
preferably comprised of polished aluminum.
[0039] In another embodiment of the invention, the caulking gun and
support may include an injection needle through which material
dispensed is conveyed from the receptacle to the point or area to
which the material is to be applied. The injection needle may be
appropriately located so as to receive the spout 138 and outlet
port 140 of a receptacle, or the injection needle may replace, at
least in part, the spout 138 and/or outlet port 140. The injection
needle may include a control and/or shut-off valve, such as a ball
or check valve, to control and monitor the flow or amount of
material being dispensed.
[0040] The invention is not limited to the precise details
described herein. For example, it is not essential that the fixed
arm 40 and slidable arm 42 be movable relative to each other if
sufficient scope for adjustment is provided by movement of the
washer 32 on the rod 30. Further, where the slidable arm 42 does
slide with respect to the fixed arm 40, other mechanisms for
tightening the slidable arm 42 and fixed arm 40 relative to each
other, aside from the knob 62 as shown in the drawings, may be
provided. Any manner whereby the two arms may be selectively
tightened and loosened with respect to each other would be
appropriate.
[0041] While the invention has generally been described with
reference to its use with caulking guns, it must be appreciated
that the invention is not to be construed as being limited to that
application. The invention may be used with any corresponding
container or receptacle where the materials therein are to be
dispensed in a controlled and/or consistent manner, and/or at a
desired point or area.
* * * * *