BACKGROUND
Field
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to trowel devices. Certain embodiments relate to combination trowel devices.
Description of Related Art
A trowel can be used to spread and/or smooth a substance on a surface. For example, trowels are often used to apply adhesive to a surface, such as to a floor surface prior to laying tile or other flooring materials. Trowels often have at least one edge comprising teeth-like projections to enable a user to add texture to the substance being applied to the surface. Trowels also often have at least one smooth edge and/or surface to smooth a substance over a surface, such as grout over tile once the tile has been laid.
SUMMARY
The disclosure includes a combination trowel, and in some embodiments, the combination trowel comprises a handle, a flat-edge blade coupled to the handle, and a notched-edge blade slideably coupled to the handle and located along a first surface of the flat-edge blade. The combination trowel may further comprise a thumb slide coupled to at least one of the handle and the notched-edge blade, wherein the thumb slide is configured to slideably extend and retract the notched-edge blade with respect to the handle. In some embodiments, the notched-edge blade is configured to slideably extend a length of at least 0.2 inches. The flat-edge blade may be fixedly coupled to the handle.
In some embodiments, the combination trowel further comprises a first rivet and a second rivet. The first rivet and second rivet may be configured to extend through the handle to thereby couple the handle to the flat-edge blade and the notched-edge blade. In some embodiments, the flat-edge blade comprises a first hole and a second hole, wherein the first hole is configured to receive the first rivet and the second hole is configured to receive the second rivet. The notched-edge blade may comprise a first elongate hole and a second elongate hole, wherein the first elongate hole is configured to receive the first rivet and the second elongate hole is configured to receive the second rivet. In some embodiments, the first elongate hole and the second elongate hole are configured to enable the notched-edge blade to slide with respect to the flat-edge blade to thereby enable extension and retraction of the notched-edge blade.
The flat-edge blade may comprise a tapered thickness such that a proximal portion of the flat-edge blade defines a greater thickness than a distal portion of the flat-edge blade, wherein the proximal portion of the flat-edge blade is located adjacent the handle and the distal portion of the flat-edge blade is located opposite the proximal portion. In some embodiments, the notched-edge blade comprises a tapered thickness, such that a proximal portion of the notched-edge blade defines a greater thickness than a distal portion of the notched-edge blade, wherein the proximal portion of the notched-edge blade is located adjacent the handle and the distal portion of the notched-edge blade is located opposite the proximal portion. The proximal portion of the flat-edge blade may define a thickness of at least 0.04 inches and the distal portion of the flat-edge blade may define a thickness of at least 0.02 inches. In some embodiments, the proximal portion of the notched-edge blade defines a thickness of at least 0.04 inches and the distal portion of the notched-edge blade defines a thickness of at least 0.02 inches.
In some embodiments, the flat-edge blade comprises a first portion defining a first width of at least 4 inches, the notched-edge blade comprises a first portion defining a width of at least 4 inches, the handle defines a length of at least 4 inches, and the combination trowel defines a length of at least 9 inches from a proximal portion of the handle to a distal portion of the flat-edge blade. The flat-edge blade may comprise a second portion defining a second width less than the width of the handle, and the notched-edge blade may comprise a second portion defining a second width less than the width of the handle. In some embodiments, the second portion of the flat-edge blade and the second portion of the notched-edge blade are located at least partially inside the handle.
In many embodiments, the notched-edge blade comprises a row of substantially evenly spaced notches. The notched-edge blade may comprise a row of notches located along a distal portion of the notched-edge blade, the row of notches defining at least one of a rectangular-shape and a triangular-shape.
In some embodiments, a combination trowel comprises a handle comprising a first portion and a second portion, a flat-edge blade coupled to the first portion of the handle, and a notched-edge blade coupled to the second portion of the handle and located along a first surface of the flat-edge blade, wherein the second portion of the handle is configured to slide with respect to the first portion. The combination trowel may further comprise a thumb slide coupled to at least one of the second portion of the handle and the notched-edge blade, wherein the thumb slide is configured to slideably extend and retract the second portion of the handle with respect to the first portion of the handle. In some embodiments, the second portion of the handle is configured to slideably extend a length of at least 0.2 inches with respect to the first portion of the handle.
The combination trowel may further comprise a first rivet and a second rivet, wherein the first rivet and the second rivet are configured to extend through the handle to thereby couple the first portion of the handle to the second portion of the handle. In some embodiments, one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a first elongate hole and a second elongate hole, wherein the first elongate hole is configured to receive the first rivet and the second elongate hole is configured to receive the second rivet. The first elongate hole and the second elongate hole may be configured to enable the first portion to slide with respect to the second portion.
In some embodiments, the handle is elongate along a first direction, and the handle defines a thickness along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the handle defines a first thickness and a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. The second thickness may be located at a distal end of the handle adjacent the flat-edge blade and the notched-edge blade and the first thickness may be located at a proximal end of the handle located opposite the distal end.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a combination trowel in use, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a combination trowel with a notched-edge blade in a retracted position, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a combination trowel with a notched-edge blade in an extended position, according to some embodiments.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate side views of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a flat-edge blade, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a notched-edge blade, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate perspective views of a handle of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a combination trowel with a notched-edge blade in a retracted position, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of a combination trowel with a notched-edge blade in an extended position, according to some embodiments.
FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate side views of a handle of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a flat-edge blade, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a notched-edge blade, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded view of a combination trowel, according to some embodiments.
FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate side and top views, respectively, of a notched-edge blade, according to some embodiments
FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate side and top views, respectively, of a flat-edge blade, according to some embodiments.
FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D illustrate different perspective views of a first portion of a handle, according to some embodiments.
FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D illustrate different perspective views of a second portion of a handle, according to some embodiments.
FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C illustrate different perspective views of a thumb slide, according to some embodiments.
FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a spring, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.
For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.
COMPONENT INDEX
10—combination trowel
12—handle
14—flat-edge blade
16—notched-edge blade
18—first surface
19—post
20—thumb slide
21—hook
22—rivet
23—rectangular hole
24—hole
25—hole
26—elongate hole
27—elongate hole
28
a—proximal portion (of flat-edge blade)
28
b—proximal portion (of notched-edge blade)
30
a—distal portion (of flat-edge blade)
30
b—distal portion (of notched-edge blade)
32
a—first portion (of flat-edge blade)
32
b—first portion (of notched-edge blade)
33
a—distal edge (of notched-edge blade)
33
b—distal edge (of flat-edge blade)
34
a—first width (of flat-edge blade)
34
b—first width (of notched-edge blade)
36—length (of handle)
37—length (of handle)
38—length (of trowel)
40—proximal portion (of handle)
42
a—second portion (of flat-edge blade)
42
b—second portion (of notched-edge blade)
44
a—second width (of flat-edge blade)
44
b—second width (of notched-edge blade)
46—width (of handle)
47—width (of handle)
48—row of notches
50
a—first portion (of handle)
50
b—second portion (of handle)
51
a—first portion (of handle)
51
b—second portion (of handle)
52—first direction
54—second direction
56
a—first thickness
56
b—second thickness
58
a—distal end (of handle)
58
b—proximal end (of handle)
60—spring
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a combination trowel 10a in use. As previously discussed, trowels are often used to apply and spread a substance, such as an adhesive, on a surface in preparation for the placement of a material, such as tile. FIG. 1 demonstrates a user applying a substance using a notched-edge blade of the combination trowel, which will be discussed in detail below.
FIG. 2 shows a front view of the combination trowel 10a. As illustrated by FIG. 2, in many embodiments the combination trowel 10a comprises a handle 12a, a flat-edge blade 14a, and a notched-edge blade 16a. The handle 12a may include a thumb slide 20a as well as a first rivet 22a and a second rivet 22b, which will be discussed in greater detail below. FIG. 2 shows the notched-edge blade 16a in a retracted position. In many embodiments, the combination trowel 10a is used when the notched-edge blade 16a is in the retracted position to apply and spread a substance (such as adhesive, mortar, spackle, and the like) on a surface, such as a floor, wall or the like, such that the flat-edge blade 14a carries out substantially all of the application and spreading of the substance. When used to apply and/or spread a substance, the combination trowel 10a, as well as the combination trowel 10b, which will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 10-14, may be held by a user such that the flat-edge blade 14a is located adjacent the floor and/or wall surface and the notched-edge blade 16a is located further from the floor and/or wall surface. The notched-edge blade 16a may be located on and/or adjacent the surface of the flat-edge blade 14a not contacting the floor and/or wall. In some embodiments, the first surface 18a of the flat-edge blade is the surface of the flat-edge blade 14a not contacting the wall and/or floor, and thus the notched-edge blade 16a is located on/adjacent the first surface 18a of the flat-edge blade 14a.
In many embodiments, the thumb slide 20a is configured to extend and retract the notched-edge blade 16a with respect to the handle 12a. As such, the notched-edge blade 16a may be described as slideably coupled to the handle 12a, whereas the flat-edge blade 14a may be described as fixedly coupled to the handle 12a. FIG. 3 illustrates the notched-edge blade 16a in an extended position, and also shows the thumb slide 20a located further upward on the handle 12a than shown in FIG. 2, where the notched-edge blade 16a is in the retracted position. The notched-edge blade 16a may be configured to extend a length of about 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the notched-edge blade 16a extends at least 0.2 inches. The notched-edge blade may extend a length less than 0.2 inches.
FIG. 3 further demonstrates that, in many embodiments, when the notched-edge blade 16a is in the extended position, the flat-edge blade 14a is obstructed from view. Extension of the notched-edge blade may enable a user to add texture to the previously applied and spread substance (such as adhesive, mortar, spackle, and the like) prior to the installation of a material (such as tile, flooring, and the like). When used to add texture (and possibly further spread) the substance, the combination trowel 10a, as well as the combination trowel 10b, which will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 10-14, may be held by a user such that the notched-edge blade 16a is located adjacent the floor and/or wall surface with the adhesive substance and the flat-edge blade 14a is located further from the wall and/or floor surface.
Using the combination trowel 10a, as well as the combination trowel 10b, such that the blade (flat-edge or notched-edge) in primary use is in contact with the floor and/or wall surface may help reduce the chance of adhesive substance getting caught between the flat-edge blade 14a and the notched-edge blade 16a. This in turn may facilitate a more clean and efficient execution of a project, such as the installation of a new floor, backsplash, shower, or the like. Using the combination trowel 10a in the manner described may also help reduce flexing of either or both of the flat-edge blade 14a and the notched-edge blade 16a. In addition, in many embodiments, the extension and retraction capabilities of the notched-edge blade 16a enable a user to use a single tool (the combination trowel 10a) to carry out a variety of projects.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate side views of the combination trowel 10a. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a length 38 of the of the combination trowel 10a, extending from a proximal portion 40 of the handle 12a to a distal portion 30a, 30b of the flat-edge blade 14a and the notched-edge blade 16a, respectively. When the notched-edge blade 16a is in the retracted position, as demonstrated in FIG. 4A, the length 38 may be about 9 inches. When the notched-edge blade 16a is in the extended position, as demonstrated in FIG. 4B, the length 38 may be about 9.2 inches. In some embodiments, the length 38 is less than 9 inches in the retracted position and less than 9.2 inches in the extended position. The length 38 may be at least 9 inches in the retracted position and at least 9.2 inches in the extended position.
In some embodiments, the flat-edge blade 14a and the notched-edge blade 16a comprise a tapered thickness, as demonstrated by FIGS. 4A and 4B. Proximal portions 28a, 28b of the flat-edge blade 14a and notched-edge blade 16a, respectively, may define greater thicknesses than distal portions 30a, 30b of the flat-edge blade 14a and notched-edge blade 16a, respectively. In many embodiments, the proximal portions 28a, 28b are located adjacent the handle 12a and the distal portions 30a, 30b are located opposite the proximal portions 28a, 28b. In some embodiments the proximal portions 28a, 28b define thicknesses of about 0.04 inches and the distal portions 30a, 30b define thickness of about 0.02 inches. The proximal portions 28a, 28b may define thicknesses of at least 0.04 inches or less than 0.04 inches. Likewise, the distal portions 30a, 30b may define thicknesses of at least 0.02 inches or less than 0.02 inches. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 28a and/or the distal portion 30a of the flat-edge blade 14a may define different thicknesses than the proximal portion 28b and/or distal portion 30b of the notched-edge blade 16a.
FIG. 5 shows that, in some embodiments, the flat-edge blade 14a includes a first portion 32a defining a first width 34a and a second portion 42a defining a second width 44a. The first width 34a may define about 4 inches, and the second width 44a may define a width that is less than the first width 34a. The second width 44a may also define a width that is less than a width of the handle 12a, as shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the first width 34a is at least 4 inches. The first width 34a may be less than 4 inches. In many embodiments, the second portion 42a is located at least partially inside the handle 12a of the combination trowel 10a, and comprises a first hole 24a and a second hole 24b.
The first and second holes 24a, 24b may be configured to receive the first and second rivets 22a, 22b (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), respectively, to thereby couple the flat-edge blade 14a to the handle 12a. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments the flat-edge blade 14a is fixedly coupled to the handle 12a. The first and second rivets 22a, 22b may be configured to extend through the handle 12a such that the rivets 22a, 22b extend from one side of the handle, through the flat-edge blade 14a and the notched-edge blade 16a, and through the opposite side of the handle, thereby coupling the handle 12a to the flat-edge blade 14a and the notched-edge blade 16a.
FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, but illustrates the notched-edge blade 16a rather than the flat-edge blade 14a. Similar to the flat-edge blade 14a, the notched-edge blade 16a may comprise a first portion 32b defining a first width 34b and a second portion 42b defining a second width 44b. In some embodiments, the first width 34b defines a width of about 4 inches and the second width 44b defines a width less than the first width 34b. The first width 34b may be at least 4 inches. The first width 34b may be less than 4 inches. The second width 44a may be less than a width of the handle 12a, as shown in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the second portion 42b is located at least partially within the handle 12a. In some embodiments, the first width is about 2 inches, while in other embodiments the first width is about 7 inches. In other embodiments, the first width may be any width between 2 inches and 7 inches.
FIG. 6 includes the first elongate hole 26a and the second elongate hole 26b. Like the first and second holes 24a, 24b of the flat-edge blade 14a, the first and second elongate holes 26a, 26b are, in some embodiments, configured to receive the first and second rivets 22a, 22b. The elongate nature of the first and second elongate holes 26a, 26b may help facilitate the extension and retraction of the notched-edge blade 16a with respect to the handle 12a and the flat-edge blade 14a by coupling the notched-edge blade 16a to the handle 12a in such a way that the first and second rivets 22a, 22b are configured to remain substantially in place through the first and second elongate holes 26a, 26b, respectively, while the notched-edge blade 16a extends and/or retracts.
Also illustrated by FIG. 6 is the row of notches 48, which may be located along a distal edge of the first portion 32b of the notched-edge blade 16a. In some embodiments, the notches in the row of notches 48 are substantially evenly spaced from one another. The notches may be irregularly spaced. As shown by FIG. 6, the notches in the row of notches 48 may comprise a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the notches in the row of notches 48 comprise any other suitable shape; for example, triangular, ovoid, and the like.
FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the combination trowel 10a. As previously described, the combination trowel 10a may comprise a handle 12a, a flat-edge blade 14a, and a notched-edge blade 16a. The flat-edge and notched-edge blades 14a, 16a may include second portions 42a, 42b configured to be located at least partially within the handle 12a. First and second rivets 22a, 22b may be configured to extend through the handle 12a and the second portions 42a, 42b of each blade to thereby couple the handle 12a to the flat-edge blade 14a and the notched-edge blade 16a. Though pictured in FIG. 7 with the notched-edge blade 16a located “on top” of the flat-edge blade 14a, in some embodiments, the flat-edge blade 14a is located “on top” of the notched-edge blade 16a, and the combination trowel 10a is configured to function in either orientation. Though not illustrated in the Figures, it should be noted that either one, or both, of the flat-edge blade 14a and the notched-edge blade 16a may comprise a textured surface configured to create friction between the notched-edge blade 16a and the flat-edge blade 14a. Any one or multiple surfaces of the flat-edge blade 14a and/or the notched-edge blade 16a may be textured or smooth.
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate interior views of the handle 12a. FIGS. 8 and 9 also illustrate a length 36 of the handle 12a, which, in some embodiments, is about 4 inches. The handle 12a may define a length 36 of more or less than 4 inches. The handle 12a may also define a width 46. As shown by FIGS. 8 and 9, the handle 12a may not define a consistent width 46 from a proximal end to a distal end. In some embodiments, the handle 12a defines a consistent width 46.
As shown in FIG. 8 and previously discussed, the second portion 42a of the flat-edge blade 14a may be located at least partially within the handle 12a and the width 44a of the second portion 42a may be less than the width 46 of the handle 12a. FIG. 8 also includes the first hole 24a and the second hole 24b which may be configured to receive the first and second rivets 22a, 22b to thereby fixedly couple the flat-edge blade 14a to the handle 12a. FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8, and shows the second portion 42b of the notched-edge blade 16a located within the handle 12a. Like the second portion 42a of the flat-edge blade 14a, the second portion 42b of the notched-edge blade 16a may define a width 44b less than the width 46 of the handle 12a.
Though illustrated in FIG. 9 as substantially circular holes, the first and second elongate holes 26a, 26b may define a shape substantially similar to the shape shown in FIG. 6 to enable the slideable coupling of the notched-edge blade 16a to the handle 12a. FIG. 9 also includes an opening for the thumb slide located on the second portion 42b of the notched-edge blade 16a. The opening may be configured to receive a portion of the thumb slide 20a (not shown) such that the portion is configured to protrude through to the interior of the handle and slideably extend and/or retract the notched-edge blade 16a when a user extends and/or retracts the thumb slide 20a on an exterior portion of the handle 12a.
FIG. 10 shows a combination trowel 10b. In some embodiments, the combination trowel 10b is substantially similar to the combination trowel 10a, as illustrated by FIG. 10. The combination trowel 10b may include a handle 12b, a thumb slide 20b located on the handle 12b, a flat-edge blade 14b, a notched-edge blade 16b located on a first surface 18b of the flat-edge blade 14b, as well as a first rivet 22c and a second rivet 22d. Like the notched-edge blade 16a of the combination trowel 10a, the notched-edge blade 16b of the combination trowel 10b may be configured to extend and retract. In some embodiments, the notched-edge blade 16b is configured to extend and/or retract with respect to the flat-edge blade 14b.
As illustrated by FIG. 11, in many embodiments the handle 12b comprises a first portion 50a and a second portion 50b. The flat-edge blade 14b may be fixedly coupled to the first portion 50a, and the notched-edge blade 16a may be fixedly coupled to the second portion 50b. To enable extension and/or retraction of the notched-edge blade 16b, the second portion 50b of the handle 12b may be configured to slide with respect to the first portion 50a of the handle 12b, such that the second portion 50b and the notched-edge blade 16b move together in extension and/or retraction. Similar to the notched-edge blade 16a of the combination trowel 10a, the notched-edge blade 16b and the second portion 50b of the handle 12b may be configured to extend a length of about 0.2 inches.
In some embodiments, the thumb slide 20b is configured to facilitate the extension and/or retraction, and is coupled to at least one of the second portion 50b and the notched-edge blade 16b. As such, and in contrast to the thumb slide 20a on the handle 12a, the thumb slide 20b may not move independently on the handle 12b, and instead slides with the whole second portion 50b. FIG. 11 also shows the unlabeled, lowermost hole (which may be used for hanging the combination trowel 10b on a hook, stringing the trowel 10b with a handle, and the like) on the combination trowel 10b partially shaded to illustrate that the hole becomes at least partially obstructed when the second portion 50b extends with respect to the first portion 50a. It should be noted that, because in many embodiments, only the thumb slide 20a and the notched-edge blade 16a slide during extension and/or retraction of the notched-edge blade 16a, the lowermost hole on the combination trowel 10a, shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7-9, does not become obstructed during use of the combination trowel 10a. The movement of the second portion 50b of the handle 12b with respect to the first portion 50a of the handle 12b may demonstrate a difference between the combination trowel 10b and the combination trowel 10a.
FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate side views of the first portion 50a and second portion 50b, respectively, of the handle 12b, as well as arrows designating a first direction 52 and a second direction 54 perpendicular to the first direction 52. In some embodiments, each portion 50a, 50b of the handle 12b is elongate along the first direction 52 and defines a thickness along the second direction 54. Each portion 50a may define a first thickness 56a and a second thickness 56b, and the first thickness 56a may define a greater thickness than the second thickness 56b. In some embodiments, the first thickness 56a is located near a proximal end 58b of the handle 12b and the second thickness 56b is located at a distal end 58a of the handle 12b. The distal end 58a of the handle 12b may be located adjacent the flat-edge blade 14b and the notched-edge blade 16b, and the proximal end 58b may be located adjacent a user when the combination trowel 10b is in use. The second thickness 56b may be configured to more securely contain and couple the flat-edge blade 14b and the notched-edge blade 16b to the handle 12b. Though not shown in the Figures, the handle 12a of the combination trowel 10a may comprise a first and second thickness similar to the first and second thickness 56a, 56b demonstrated by FIGS. 12A and 12B.
FIG. 13 shows the flat-edge blade 14b coupled to the first portion 50a of the handle 12b. Like the flat-edge blade 14a of the combination trowel 10a, the flat-edge blade 14b may comprise a first hole 24a and a second hole 24b configured to receive the first rivet 22c and second rivet 22d, respectively. The flat-edge blade 14b may also be similar to the flat-edge blade 14a in dimensions (including, but not limited to, length, width, and thickness(es)), materials, and other suitable characteristics and/or components.
FIG. 14 illustrates the notched-edge blade 16b coupled to the second portion 50b of the handle 12b. Like the notched-edge blade 16a of the combination trowel 10a, the notched-edge blade 16b may comprise a first elongate hole 26c and a second elongate hole 26d configured to receive the first rivet 22c and the second rivet 22d, respectively. The notched-edge blade 16b may also be similar to the notched-edge blade 16a in dimensions (including, but not limited to, length, width, and thickness(es)), materials, and other suitable characteristics and/or components. In some embodiments, the first and second rivets 22c, 22d are configured to couple the first portion 50a of the handle 12b to the second portion 50b of the handle 12b.
Though not illustrated in the Figures, it should be noted that either one, or both, of the flat-edge blade 14b and the notched-edge blade 16b may comprise a textured surface configured to create friction between the notched-edge blade 16b and the flat-edge blade 14b. Any one or multiple surfaces of the flat-edge blade 14b and/or the notched-edge blade 16b may be textured or smooth.
FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a combination trowel 10c. In many embodiments, the combination trowel 10c is substantially similar to at least one of the combination trowel 10a and the combination trowel 10b. As shown in FIG. 15, the combination trowel 10c may comprise a notched-edge blade 16c and a handle 12c. The handle 12c may comprise a thumb slide 20c, a first rivet 22e, and a second rivet 22f. In many embodiments, the first rivet 22e is substantially similar to the first rivet 22a and the first rivet 22c. Similarly, the second rivet 22d may be substantially similar to the second rivet 22b and the second rivet 22d.
FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded view of the combination trowel 10c. FIG. 16 shows more details of the trowel 10c, including the flat-edge blade 14c. As demonstrated in FIG. 16, the handle 12c may comprise a first portion 51a and a second portion 51b. In some embodiments, the first portion 51a is configured to couple to the flat-edge blade 14c. The first portion 51a may be fixedly coupled to the flat-edge blade 14c. The first portion 51a may be movably coupled to the flat-edge blade 14c. In some embodiments, the second portion 51b of the handle 12c is configured to couple to the notched-edge blade 16c. The second portion 51b may be fixedly coupled to the notched-edge blade 16c. In many embodiments, the second portion 51b is movably coupled to the notched-edge blade 16c, and the thumb slide 20c is configured to facilitate movement of the notched-edge blade 16c with respect to the handle 12c and the flat-edge blade 14c.
FIG. 16 also shows internal elements of the combination trowel 10c, including the elongate holes 27a, 27b located on the notched-edge blade 16c and flat-edge blade 14c, respectively. Similar to the elongate holes 26 previously mentioned in this disclosure, the elongate nature of the elongate holes 27a, 27b may help facilitate the extension and retraction of the notched-edge blade 16c with respect to the handle 12c and the flat-edge blade 14c. In many embodiments, a portion of the thumb slide 20c is configured to extend through the elongate holes 27a, 27b and rest on the spring 60, which is coupled to the first portion 51a of the handle 12c, as indicated in FIG. 16. The spring 60 may be configured to enable smooth extension and retraction of the notched-edge blade 16c. As shown in FIG. 16, the thumb slide 20c may comprise a hook 21, which will be discussed further with reference to FIGS. 18B and 21A, 21B, and 21C.
FIGS. 17A and 17B show side and top views, respectively, of the notched-edge blade 16c. It should be noted that FIG. 17B may also be considered as showing a bottom view of the notched-edge blade 16c. Similar to the notched-edge blade 16a shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the notched-edge blade 16c may comprise a tapered thickness. FIG. 17A in particular illustrates the tapered thickness by showing that the distal edge 33a is significantly thinner than the rest of the notched-edge blade 16c. In some embodiments, the distal edge 33a defines the notched edge of the notched-edge blade 16c. The distal edge 33a may define the notched edge and an additional portion of the notched-edge blade 16c. In some embodiments, the notched-edge blade 16c defines a thickness of about 0.06 inches in the non-distal edge 33a portion. Similar to the notched-edge blades 16a and 16b, the notched-edge blade 16c may define a width, at the distal edge 33a, of about 4 inches. FIG. 17B includes the elongate hole 27a shown in FIG. 16, as well as a first hole 25a, which, in many embodiments, is configured to receive the first rivet 22e shown in FIG. 15.
Similar to FIGS. 17A and 17B, FIGS. 18A and 18B show side and top views, respectively, of the flat-edge blade 14c. It should be noted that FIG. 18B may also be considered as showing a bottom view of the flat-edge blade 14c. Similar to the flat-edge blade 14a shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the flat-edge blade 14c may comprise a tapered thickness. FIG. 18A in particular illustrates the tapered thickness by showing that the distal edge 33b is significantly thinner than the rest of the flat-edge blade 14c. In some embodiments, the distal edge 33b defines the flat edge of the flat-edge blade 14c. The distal edge 33b may define the flat edge and an additional portion of the flat-edge blade 14c. In some embodiments, the flat-edge blade 14c defines a thickness of about 0.06 inches in the non-distal edge 33b portion. Similar to the flat-edge blades 14a and 14b, the flat-edge blade 14c may define a width, at the distal edge 33b, of about 4 inches.
FIG. 18B also includes the elongate hole 27b shown in FIG. 16, as well as a second hole 25b and third hole 25c. In many embodiments, the second hole 25b is configured to receive the first rivet 22e shown in FIG. 15, and the third hole 25c is configured to receive the second rivet 22f shown in FIG. 15. As previously discussed, the first and second rivets 22e, 22f may be configured to couple the first portion 51a and the second portion 51b of the handle 12c together, with the notched-edge blade 16c and flat-edge blade 14c coupled therebetween.
FIG. 18B also shows a rectangular hole 23 located on the flat-edge blade 14c. In many embodiments, the rectangular hole 23 is configured to receive the hook 21 of the thumb slide 20c, shown in FIG. 16. The rectangular hole 23 receiving the hook 21 may prevent the notched-edge blade 16c from retracting while in the extended position. For example, when the thumb slide 20c is moved toward the blades 14c, 16c in order to extend the notched-edge blade 16c, the hook 21 moves from the elongate hole 27b into the rectangular hole 23 and is retained therein until the notched-edge blade 16c is retracted (via the thumb slide 20c).
FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D illustrate different perspective views of a first portion 51a of the handle 12c. FIG. 19A shows an interior of the first portion 51a, as illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 16. As indicated by the arrows, FIG. 19B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an interior of the first portion 51a. FIG. 19C illustrates a back/bottom view of the first portion 51a. FIG. 19C also indicates that, in some embodiments, the first portion 51a defines a length 37. The length 37 may be about 5 inches. In some embodiments, the length 37 is less than 5 inches. For example, the length 37 may be about 4.8 inches. The length 37 may be more than 5 inches. The length 37 may be substantially similar to the length 36 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
FIGS. 19A and 19C include holes for coupling the first rivet 22e and second rivet 22f to the first portion 51a of the handle 12c, as well as a larger hole to receive at least a portion of the thumb slide 20c. FIGS. 19A and 19C also demonstrate that, in some embodiments, the handle 12c includes an additional hole similar to the hole of the handle 12a (shown in FIG. 2) and the handle 12b (shown in FIG. 10). This additional hole may be used, for example, to hang the combination trowel 10c, to thread a strap through the handle 12c, or the like. FIG. 19D illustrates a perspective side view of an end portion of the first portion 51a of the handle 12c, for example, the end of the first portion 51a located opposite the flat-edge blade 14c. FIG. 19D also demonstrates that, in some embodiments, the first portion 51a defines a width 47. The width 47 may be similar to the width 46 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In some embodiments, the width 47 defines a width of about 1.3 inches. The width 47 may define a width greater than 1.3 inches. The width 47 may define a width less than 1.3 inches.
FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D illustrate different perspective views of a second portion 51b of the handle 12c. FIG. 20A shows an interior of the second portion 51b. As indicated by the arrows, FIG. 20B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an interior of the second portion 51b. FIG. 20C illustrates a top view of the second portion 51b, as also shown in the exploded view of FIG. 16. FIG. 20C also indicates that, in some embodiments, like the first portion 51a, the second portion 51b defines a length 37. The length 37 may be about 5 inches. In some embodiments, the length 37 is less than 5 inches. For example, the length 37 may be about 4.8 inches. The length 37 may be more than 5 inches. The length 37 may be substantially similar to the length 36 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
FIGS. 20A and 20C include holes for coupling the first rivet 22e and second rivet 22f to the second portion 51b of the handle 12c, as well as a larger hole to receive at least a portion of the thumb slide 20c. FIGS. 20A and 20C also demonstrate that, in some embodiments, the handle 12c includes an additional hole similar to the hole of the handle 12a (shown in FIG. 2) and the handle 12b (shown in FIG. 10). This additional hole may be used, for example, to hang the combination trowel 10c, to thread a strap through the handle 12c, or the like. FIG. 20D illustrates a perspective side view of an end portion of the second portion 51b of the handle 12c, for example, the end of the second portion 51b located opposite the notched-edge blade 16c. FIG. 20D also demonstrates that, in some embodiments, like the first portion 51a, the second portion 51b defines a width 47. The width 47 may be similar to the width 46 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In some embodiments, the width 47 defines a width of about 1.3 inches. The width 47 may define a width greater than 1.3 inches. The width 47 may define a width less than 1.3 inches.
FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C illustrate perspective views of the thumb slide 20c, including the hook 21 and a post 19 coupled to the hook 21. As previously discussed, the hook 21 (and post 19) may be configured to extend through at least the second portion 51b of the handle 21c and the notched-edge blade 16c in order to couple the hook 21 to the rectangular hole 23 of the flat-edge blade 14c upon extension of the notched-edge blade 16c. In some embodiments, the post 19 defines a length of about 0.4 inches. The post 19 may define a length longer than 0.4 inches. The post 19 may be shorter than 0.4 inches.
FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate top and side views, respectively, of the spring 60. As mentioned with reference to FIG. 16, the spring 60 may be configured to couple to the first portion 51a of the handle 12c. The spring 60 may be configured to contact the post 19 of the thumb slide 20c. In some embodiments, the spring 60 is configured to enable smooth extension and retraction of the notched-edge blade 16c. The spring 60 may define a height of about 0.12 inches. In some embodiments, the spring 60 defines a height greater than 0.12 inches. The spring 60 may define a height less than 0.12 inches. It should be noted that the “height” of the spring 60 is defined as the distance the spring 60 extends from a base portion coupled to the first portion 51a through the first portion 51a toward the flat-edge blade 14c.
Each of the flat-edge blade 14a, the flat-edge blade 14b, the flat-edge blade 14c, the notched-edge blade 16a, the notched-edge blade 16b, and the notched-edge blade 16c may be comprised of any suitable material including, but not limited to, metallic (e.g., stainless steel) and plastic polymer materials, as well as any other suitable materials and/or combinations thereof. The flat-edge blade 14a, the flat-edge blade 14b, the flat-edge blade 14c, the notched-edge blade 16a, the notched-edge blade 16b, and the notched-edge blade 16c may be, but are not necessarily, each comprised of the same materials and/or combination of materials. Similarly, the thumb slide 20a, the thumb slide 20b, the thumb slide 20c, the first rivets 22a, 22c, 22e, and the second rivets 22b, 22d, 22f may be comprised of similar and/or the same materials. The handle 12a, the handle 12b, and the handle 12c may be comprised of any suitable material, including but not limited to metallic, plastic polymer, and wooden materials, as well as any other suitable materials and/or combinations thereof. In many embodiments, the spring 60 is comprised of a metallic material (e.g., stainless steel) and/or a combination of metallic materials.
Interpretation
None of the steps described herein is essential or indispensable. Any of the steps can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can be used. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example in this specification can be combined or used with or instead of any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other.
The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting. The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the full scope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headings and subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled “Topic 1” may include embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the “Topic 1” section.
Some of the devices, systems, embodiments, and processes use computers. Each of the routines, processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one or more computers, computer processors, or machines configured to execute computer instructions. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or tangible computer storage device, such as hard drives, solid state memory, flash memory, optical disc, and/or the like. The processes and algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as, e.g., volatile or non-volatile storage.
The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method, event, state, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.
The term “and/or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or” applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced with A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A and B, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include B and C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can include only B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments can include A, B, and C. The term “and/or” is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.
The term “about” is used to mean “approximately”. For example, the disclosure includes “the first width may define about 4 inches”. In this context, “about” indicates that the first width may be exactly or approximately 4 inches. In some embodiments, the first width is about 2 inches, while in other embodiments the first width is about 7 inches.
The term “substantially” is used to mean “completely” or “nearly completely”. For example, the disclosure includes “the notched-edge blade comprises a row of substantially evenly spaced notches”. In this context, the term “substantially” indicates that the notches may be exactly evenly spaced or have slightly irregular spacing.
While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein.
Patent Application
20210277672
