DRYWALL KNIFE

Abstract

Provided is a hand tool for applying drywall joint compound. The hand tool can include a handle having first end and a second end. The hand tool can also include a blade having a first portion defining a front plane, a second portion defining a second plane, a proximal end adjacent to a first portion of the blade, and a distal end adjacent to a second portion of the blade. A bend line can be disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The proximal end of the blade can be coupled to the second end of the handle such that the handle is aligned with the front plane. The bend line can be defined by the second portion of the blade being bent at an angle with respect to the front portion. The bend in the blade increases the distance between the handle and the wall.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

In general, the present application relates to a hand tool with a blade used to apply or remove joint compound, mud, or material to/from a wall.

BACKGROUND

Drywall or gypsum board is commonly used in the construction of buildings. When drywall is hung, boards that are adjacent to each other form joints. A combination of fiberglass or drywall tape and joint compound, commonly called mud, is applied over the joints to reinforce and hide the joints. Mud may also be used to cover the fasteners that fasten the drywall boards to the building framing. Hand tools, commonly called drywall or taping knives, are used to apply a smooth and even coat of mud to the joint. Drywall knives can also be used to remove excess mud after it has been applied to finish the wall.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment of the present application, A hand tool for applying or removing drywall joint compound comprising a handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a blade comprising a proximal end coupled to the first end of the handle, a distal end opposite the proximal end, a first portion adjacent the proximal end and defining a front plane, a second portion adjacent to the distal end and defining a second plane, and a bend line joining the first portion and the second portion, wherein a centerline of the handle is oriented parallel to the front plane, and the second plane is oriented at an angle with respect to the front plane, the bend line is defined by the second portion of the blade being bent with respect to the first portion.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the angle ranges from 5 degrees to 40 degrees with respect to the front plane.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the handle further comprises an attachment slot in the first end of the handle configured to accept the proximal end and the first portion of the blade.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, a backplate is disposed on the proximal end of the blade.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the handle further comprises an attachment slot in the first end of the handle configured to accept the backplate, the proximal end, and the first portion of the blade.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, a length of the first portion of the blade is less than a length of the second portion of the blade.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, a length of the first portion of the blade is one third or less than a length of the second portion of the blade.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, a width of the second portion of the blade gradually increases from the bend line to the distal end of the blade.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the handle may comprise a hang hole through the second end of the handle.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the handle may comprise a striking cap at the second end of the handle.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the blade has a thickness in a range of 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the proximal end of the blade and the first end of the handle are secured together with at least one threaded fastener or at least one rivet.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the proximal end of the blade and the first end of the handle are welded together.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the hand tool may further comprise an offset mounting bracket having a first wall and a second wall extending out perpendicularly from a bottom of the first wall, wherein the first wall is configured to couple to the first end of the handle and the second wall is configured to couple to the proximal end and first portion of the blade, such that the front plane of the hand tool and the centerline of the handle are offset by a distance.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the distal end of the blade has either pointed or rounded corners.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, a hand tool for applying or removing drywall joint compound comprises a handle having a grip that extends along a width of the handle and a mounting section that extends along a width of the handle, a blade having a first portion defining a front plane of the hand tool, a second portion opposite the first portion defining a second plane, a bend that joins the first portion and the second portion, a proximal end at an end of the first portion opposite the bend, and a distal end at an end of the a second portion opposite the bend, wherein the width of the handle is substantially the same as a width of the blade, and wherein the proximal end of the blade is coupled to the mounting section of the handle such that the mounting section is in contact with the first portion of the blade, the second plane is oriented at an angle with respect to the front plane, and the bend is defined by the second portion of the blade being bent toward the handle with respect to the first portion.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the hand tool further comprises a slot in the mounting section configured to slidably receive the proximal end of the blade, the proximal end of the blade further comprising at least one projection extending out from a surface of the blade, wherein the blade is prevented from being pulled out of the slot by the at least one projection and the blade is prevented from sliding out of the slot with one of a screw, a retaining pin, a housing side cover, friction, or a snap-fit connection.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the angle ranges from 5 degrees to 40 degrees with respect to the front plane.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, the blade has a thickness in a range of 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present application, a hand tool for applying or removing drywall joint compound comprises a blade having a first portion defining a front plane of the hand tool, a second portion opposite the first portion defining a second plane, a bend that joins the first portion and the second portion, a proximal end at an end of the first portion of the blade opposite the bend, and a distal end at an end of the a second portion of the blade opposite the bend, a backplate disposed on the proximal end of the blade, a handle having first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end having an attachment slot configured to accept the backplate, the proximal end, and the first portion of the blade and the second end having a striking cap, wherein the proximal end of the blade and backplate is coupled to the first end of the handle such that a centerline of the handle is aligned with the front plane, the second plane is oriented at an angle with respect to the front plane, and the bend is defined by the second portion of the blade being bent with respect to the first portion, wherein the angle ranges from 5 degrees to 40 degrees with respect to the front plane.

These and other objects of this invention will be evident when viewed in light of the drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 2 is an alternative perspective view of the exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 10 is an alternative perspective view of the second exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 11 is a left side view of the second exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the second exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 13 is a right side view of the second exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the second exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the second exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the second exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an implementation of a hand tool in use.

FIG. 18 is a left side view of an implementation of a hand tool in use when even pressure is applied blade and the blade lies flat on the wall.

FIG. 19 is a left side view of an implementation of a hand tool in use when more pressure is applied to one side of the distal end of the blade and the blade twists and flexes such that the a portion of the distal end of the blade lies against the wall and a portion of the distal end of the blade does not contact the wall.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a third exemplary hand tool.

FIG. 21 is a right side view of the third exemplary hand tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application describes embodiments related to a hand tool for applying or removing drywall joint compound or mud. Such tools are often referred to as drywall or taping knives. Existing hand tools have a straight blade that is aligned with its handle. When applying the mud to the joint, the angle of the blade and handle relative to the wall may place a user's hand in an uncomfortable position because the force required to flex the blade may result in substantial strain on the wrist. This wrist position can lead to wrist pain over time. Because the blades of existing hand tools are straight, the may require more force to flex the blades to a desired degree. Therefore, the user may not be able to apply necessary force to the blade necessary to achieved desire pressure to the drywall surface. Ultimately, when applying the mud, the user's hand or knuckles may drag across the wall or the freshly applied mud resulting in an uneven and unintended application of the mud or inadvertently pulling up mud from the wall. The disclosed hand tool provides a blade with a bend to facilitate applying mud evenly and without discomfort. The bend in the blade changes the position of the user's hand when applying mud to the wall and requires less force to be applied to the hand tool to achieve the desired flex of the blade. The bend in the blade allows the blade to lie substantially flat against the drywall surface while the user's hand is oriented at an angle away from the wall.

With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean a given embodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments of the present application include such elements. The examples and figures are illustrative only and not meant to limit the present application, which is measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-8, an embodiment of the hand tool 10 for applying drywall joint compound will be described. The hand tool 10 comprises a handle 12 and a blade 14. The handle 12 generally has a length H_L, a width H_W, and a height H_H. Additionally, the blade generally has a length B_L, a width B_W, and a height B_H. FIGS. 9-16 illustrate a similar second embodiment of the tool where the width B_W of the blade 14 is less than the width B_W of the blade 14 of the first embodiment. To assemble the hand tool 10, the blade 14 may be coupled to the handle 12 by screws, bolts, pins, rivets, friction fit, adhesives, or any other suitable mechanical fastener. Alternatively, the blade 14 may be welded to the handle 12 or integrally formed with the handle 12. The blade 14 may have a tang that extends into the handle 12 when the hand tool is assembled. It is to be appreciated that the method of coupling the blade 14 to the handle 12 can be selected with sound engineering judgement without departing from the scope of the subject innovation.

In one embodiment, the handle 12 has a first end 20 with a flange 24 and a second end 22 opposite the first end 20. To facilitate coupling of the blade 14 to the handle 12, the handle 12 may have an attachment slot 26 that extends through the flange 24 and is configured to accept the blade 14. The flange 24 may also have at least one opening disposed along the width H_W of the handle 12 that extends through the flange 24 and the attachment slot 26. The at least one opening extends perpendicular to the attachment slot 26 and is configured to receive the mechanical fasteners described above. The at least one opening may be covered by handle material when the hand tool 10 is assembled.

For the purpose of hanging or storing the hand tool 10, a hang hole 28 can be can extend through the handle 12. The hang hole 28 may be any suitable shape. For instance, the hang hole 28 may be circular, ovular, triangular, rectangular, any other polygonal shape, among others. It is to be appreciated that the shape of the hang hole 28 and the position of the hang hole 28 can be selected with sound engineering judgement without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. For instance, the hang hole 28 can be parallel with a portion of the blade 14 so that blade can lay substantially flat against a surface the hand tool is hung on. Further, the hang hole 28 can be positioned near the edge of the first end 20 of the handle 12. At the first end 20, the handle 12 may also have a cap 30. The cap 30 may be a striking surface that can be used to hit nails or other fasteners into the wall to secure the drywall sections to the frame. The cap 30 may also protect the handle 12 if the hand tool is dropped. The cap 30 may be any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, metal, hard polymer, composite material, a material capable of acting like a resilient striking surface, among others.

The handle 12 may be any suitable shape to allow a user to grasp and use the hand tool 10. For example, the handle 12 can be ergonomic in shape to fit a human hand. In another example, as illustrated in the Figures, the handle 12 may have a wide flange 24 that abruptly narrows at the second end 22. The handle 12 may gradually widen to a palm swell 32 between the first and second ends 20, 22. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 16, the height of the handle H_H may be less than the width of the handle H_W at the widest part of the handle 12 such that the handle has a flatter profile. Alternatively, the handle 12 may have a cylindrical profile or may comprise finger grooves. The handle may further comprise a handle plane PH that bisects the height of the handle. The handle 12 may be made of plastic, a composite material, metal, or any other suitable material. Additionally, the handle 12 may be textured or covered by a rubber-based or silicone-based material to provide a good gripping surface.

The blade 14 has a proximal end 40, a distal end 42 opposite the proximal end 40, and a bend line 44 located between the proximal end 40 and the distal end 42. The blade 14 has a first portion 46 that extends from the proximal end 40 to the bend line 44 and a second portion 48 that extends from the bend line 44 to the distal end 42. The first portion 46 may be a flat section of the blade 14 that defines a front plane P_F of the hand tool 10. The second portion 78 may be a flat section of the blade 14 that defines a second plane P_S that may be oriented at an angle with respect to the front plane P_F. Said differently, a flat surface of the first portion 46 may represent the front plane P_F, and a flat surface of the second portion 48 may represent the second plane P_S. The flat surface of the first portion 46 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the flat surface of the second portion 48. As illustrated, the sides of the distal end 42 of the blade 14 may end in sharp corners. Alternatively, the sides of the distal end 42 of the blade 14 may end in rounded corners. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 13, when the hand tool 10 is assembled, the front plane P_F may bisect the height of the attachment slot 26 and the height of the handle H_H such that the first portion 46 of the blade 14, the attachment slot 26, a centerline of the handle 12, and the handle plane PH are all coplanar (e.g., co-linear and/or parallel to one another). Additionally, a centerline of the blade 14 and the centerline of the handle 12 may be co-linear.

To provide additional support and rigidity to the proximal end 40 of the blade 14, a backplate 50 may be disposed around or coupled to the proximal end 40 of the blade 14. The backplate 50 made be suitable material to provide rigidity to the proximal end 40 of the blade like metals, plastics, or composites. If the hand tool 10 includes a backplate 50 disposed around the proximal end 40 of the blade 14, the attachment slot 26 of the handle 12 may be configured to receive the backplate 50 and the proximal end 40 of the blade. To facilitate coupling the blade 14 and the handle 12, the proximal end 40 and the backplate 50 may have at least one hole configured to receive a mechanical fastener that aligns with the at least one hole in the flange 24 of the handle 12.

The blade 14 of hand tool 10 has a bend or an angle in the blade 14 to increase the distance of the handle 12 from the wall and the freshly applied mud. For instance, the blade 14 of the hand tool 10 is bent at the bend line 44 such that distal end 42 and the second portion 48 is angled away from the front plane P_F at an angle α. In other words, the front plane P_F of the first portion 46 may be oriented at an angle α with respect to the second plane P_S of the second portion 48. The angle α can range from 0 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to the front plane P_F. More specifically, in some embodiments angle α can range from 5 degrees to 30 degrees

The width of the blade B_W may vary depending on the joints being taped and finished by applying or removing mud. As such, the width of the blade B_W may range from 1 inch to 18 inches. For example, the embodiment of the hand tool 10 in FIGS. 1-8 has the blade 14 with a greater width than the blade 14 of the hand tool 10 embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-16. The width of the first portion 46 of the blade 14 may be consistent between the proximal end 40 and the bend line 44 and the width of the second portion 48 may be consistent between the bend line 44 and the distal end 42. As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 6, 12, and 14, the width of the second portion 48 may gradually increase from the bend line 44 to the distal end 42. In another example, the proximal end 40 may be substantially the same width as the handle at the point where the blade 14 is coupled to the handle 12 and the width may gradually increase from the proximal end to the bend line 44 and may gradually increase further between the bend line 44 and the distal end 42. The bend line 44 may be located anywhere between the distal end 42 and the proximal end 40. As illustrated in the figures, the bend line 44 may be positioned between the distal end 42 and the proximal end 40 such that the length of the first portion 46 of the blade is less that the length of the second portion 48. For instance, the first portion 46 may be approximately one-third of the length of the blade and the second portion 48 may be approximately two-thirds the length of the blade. Alternatively, the first portion 46 may be one-fourth the length of the blade and the second portion 48 may be three-fourths the length of the blade. The position of the bend line 44 can be selected with sound engineering judgement without departing from the scope of the subject innovation.

While the hand tool 10 is in use, it may be beneficial for the blade 14 to be able to generally twist and flex to apply even pressure to the drywall, evenly apply mud to the joint, and then return to its original shape. This allows the hand tool 10 to apply or remove mud to the wall evenly and prevents inadvertently pulling mud off the wall. The blade 14 may be made of plastic, a composite material, metal, or any other suitable material that allows some clastic flexibility. For instance, the blade 14 may be made of a sheet metal like stainless steel or blue steel. The thickness of the blade 14 may vary depending on the material used and the expected level of flexibility. For instance, the blade may be have a thickness between 0.4 mm and 0.7 mm. In certain implementations, the bend in the blade 14 may allow the blade 14 to flex at a more desirable rate or flex in more desirable manner. Namely, the bend in the blade 14 may allow the blade 14 to flex more than that of a standard drywall knife with a straight blade. The blade 14 may be used with various different types of hand tools 10 having different intended purposes. The hand tool 10 may be a skimming blade, an offset taping knife, a taping knife, a joint knife, a putty knife, or a scraper. Each of these tools may have a different expected level of flexibility. For instance, a skimming blade may use a more flexible blade than a scraper. If the blade thickness is thinner, it will be more flexible. Similarly, if the blade thickness is thicker, the blade will be more rigid.

In other examples, the bend in the blade 14 may change the location at which the blade 14 bends. For instance, the blade 14 may bend proximate the bend line 44. Moreover, to facilitate desirable flexing characteristics, the first portion 46, the bend line 44, and the second portion 48 of the blade 14 may be configured with different blade thicknesses. In this manner, the thinner portions of the blade 14 may flex at a greater rate than that of the thicker portions. All of the above configurations may be used to facilitate desired characteristics of the hand tool 10. One skilled in the art will understand that the flex of the hand tool 10 can affect the performance characteristics of the tool.

To assemble the hand tool 10, the backplate 50 may be coupled to the blade 14 at the proximal end 40. The proximal end 40 and the backplate 50 may be inserted into the attachment slot 26 of the handle 12. If the blade 14, backplate 50, and flange 24 of the handle 12 include at least one opening, the respective openings are aligned to receive at least one mechanical fastener. The at least one mechanical fastener, like a rivet, pin, screw, or bolt, can be inserted into the at least one hole and fastened to secure the blade 14 to the handle 12. Alternatively, the blade 14 and the handle 12 can be aligned and welded together.

Turning to FIGS. 17-19, an implementation of the hand tool 10 in use is shown. When in use, a user may exert consistent pressure across the blade 14 such that the distal end 42 provides consistent pressure on the wall. To achieve the same consistent pressure with a conventional hand tool, a user must exert more force on the conventional blade to ensure the user's hand or knuckles does not interfere with the wall or applied mud. This increase in force can cause strain in the wrist and pain over time. When the hand tool 10 is used in this manner and the hand tool 10 has a bend in the blade 14, the user is able to apply a flat coat of mud or remove an even amount of mud while also not having their hand or wrist in an awkward or uncomfortable position.

FIG. 18 illustrates a user exerting direct and even pressure against the wall such that the distal end 42 of the blade 14 lies flat against the wall. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 19, a user may hold the hand tool 10 such that it exerts more pressure on one side of the distal end 42 than the other, thereby causing the blade 14 to flex and twist when applying the mud. When the blade 14 is flexed in this manner to remove mud from the drywall joint, more mud is removed from the wall at the side of the distal end 42 experiencing the greater pressure. This may create a smooth transition from the drywall board to the mud and may also create a ridge that can later be sanded to hide the joints between the hung drywall boards. It is to be appreciated that depending on the size of the joint and the location of the joint, applying more or less pressure to the hand tool 10 when applying and removing mud from the wall affects the amount of mud added to or removed from the wall. It thereby has an effect on additional finishing steps required to hang and finish the drywall boards. Further, it is to be appreciated that hand tool 10 can be configured with various widths and flexibility for the blade 14 and as such can be selected with sound engineering judgement without departing from the scope of the subject innovation.

In an alternative embodiment, the hand tool 10 may be an offset taping knife used to apply mud to a wall or smooth mud that has been applied to a wall. In this configuration, a right angle mounting bracket may be used to couple the blade 14 to the handle 12. The mounting bracket has a first wall configured to couple with the second end 22 of the handle 12 and a second wall perpendicular to the first wall and configured to couple with the proximal end 40 of the blade 14. The mounting bracket may be substantially the same width as the blade width B_W. The first wall of the mounting bracket may have height such that the front plane P_F of the blade is parallel to the centerline of the tool, but offset from the centerline of the tool by an offset distance. The offset distance can be in the range of 0.5 inches to 2 inches.

To couple the blade 14 to the handle 12, the second end 22 of the handle may have a hole extending into the handle along the centerline of the handle that is configured to receive a mechanical fastener. The first wall of the mounting bracket may have an opening that can align with the hole in the handle. Additionally, the second wall of the mounting bracket may include a plurality of holes each configured to receive a mechanical fastener, and the proximal end 40 of the blade 14 may have a corresponding plurality of holes each configured to receive a mechanical fastener. To assemble the hand tool, the hole in the handle and the opening in the first wall of mounting bracket can be aligned and coupled with a mechanical fastener. The plurality of holes in the second wall of the mounting bracket can be aligned with the plurality of holes in the distal end 42 of the blade 14 and coupled with a mechanical fastener. Alternatively, the handle 12 may have a flange that extends downward from the second end 22 of the handle 12. The flange may include an attachment slot configured to receive the first wall of the mounting bracket. The first wall may include at least one hole configured to receive a mechanical fastener and the flange may include at least one hole extended through the flange and the attachment slot configured to receive a fastener. In this configuration the handle is coupled to the mounting bracket by placing the first wall in the attachment slot, aligning the at least one hole in the first wall of the mounting bracket with the at least one hole in the flange of the handle, and inserting and securing a mechanical fastener in the at least one hole. The handle 12, blade 14, and mounting bracket can be coupled with screws, bolts, pins, rivets, friction fit, adhesives, or any other suitable mechanical fastener. In this configuration, the first end 20 of the handle 12 may be configured to receive an extension pole.

Turning to FIGS. 20 and 21, the hand tool 10 may be a skimming blade used to remove and smooth mud that has been applied to a wall or work surface to provide a smooth, consistent finish over a portion of the wall or work surface. In this configuration, the blade width B_W may be in the range of 6 inches to 48 inches. The handle 12 may be a housing 60 with a width that extends along the blade width B_W and is substantially the same width as the blade width B_W. Alternatively, the hand tool 10 may have the handle 12 as described above. The housing 60 may have a top portion 62 having a grip 64 and a bottom portion 66 configured to receive the blade. The top portion 62 allows the user to grip the hand tool with both hands and provide consistent pressure to the blade across the entire blade width B_W. A nose 68 may extend out from the bottom portion 66 away from the housing 60 in a direction parallel to the blade 14. The nose 68 may contact the blade 14 at a distance from the housing 60 and along the entire blade width B_W. The nose 68 may apply consistent and even pressure against blade 14 and may cause the blade 14 to apply even and consistent pressure against a wall or work surface. In one implementation, as shown in FIG. 21, the nose 68 may contact the blade 14 before the bend line 44 at the first portion 46 between the proximal end 40 and the bend line 44. In another implementation, the nose 68 may contact the blade 14 after the bend line 44 at the second portion 48 between the bend line 44 and the distal end 42.

The proximal end 40 of the blade 14 may have at least one hole configured to couple to the housing. The bottom portion 66 of the housing 60 may have at least one hole configured to couple to the blade 14. To assemble the tool, the at least one hole in the blade 14 and the at least one in bottom potion 66 of the housing 60 may be aligned and coupled together using at least one mechanical fastener. The at housing 66 and the blade 14 may be coupled together with screws, bolts, pins, rivets, friction fit, adhesives, or any other suitable mechanical fastener. The blade 14 may be selectively removable from the housing 60. Alternatively, the housing may have a slot 70 configured to receive the proximal end 40 of the blade. The proximal end 40 of the blade may include at least one projection that are received in the slot and configured to retain the blade in the slot. In this configuration, the proximal end 40 of the blade and the projections can slide into the slot 70 of the housing 60 from a side of the housing 60 and be held in the slot 70 with a retainer 72. The retainer 72 can be a removable side cover, a retaining pin, friction, a snap fit connection, a screw or bolt, or some other suitable mechanical fastener. Therefore, the at least one projection on the proximal end of the blade prevents the blade 14 from being pulled out of the slot and the retainer prevent the blade 14 from sliding out of the slot sideways.

Although the hand tool 10 has been described herein with respect to a drywall knife, it is to be appreciated that the same features can be applied to any similar tools or devices. Specifically, the features described herein can be applied to a spackling knife, a putty knife, a concrete knife, masonry knife, or any similar spreading tool.

The aforementioned systems, components, (e.g., handles, blades, among others), and the like have been described with respect to interaction between several components and/or elements. It should be appreciated that such devices and elements can include those elements or sub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and/or additional elements. Further yet, one or more elements and/or sub-elements may be combined into a single component to provide aggregate functionality. The elements may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.

While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the apparatus, systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein.

The above examples are merely illustrative of several possible embodiments of various aspects of the present application, wherein equivalent alterations and/or modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, systems, circuits, and the like), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component, such as hardware, software, or combinations thereof, which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated implementations of the invention. In addition, although a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Also, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in the detailed description and/or in the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms “first,” “second,” etc., do not denote an order or importance, but rather the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described for purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using devices or systems and performing incorporated methods. The examples are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, as measured by the scope and merit of the claims. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differentiate from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A hand tool for applying or removing drywall joint compound comprising: a handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; anda blade comprising a proximal end coupled to the first end of the handle, a distal end opposite the proximal end, a first portion adjacent the proximal end and defining a front plane, a second portion adjacent to the distal end and defining a second plane, and a bend line joining the first portion and the second portion,wherein a handle plane that bisects a height of handle is coplanar with the front plane, and the second plane is oriented at an angle with respect to the front plane, the bend line is defined by the second portion of the blade being bent with respect to the first portion.

2. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the angle ranges from 5 degrees to 40 degrees with respect to the front plane.

3. The hand tool of claim 1, the handle further comprising an attachment slot in the first end of the handle configured to accept the proximal end and the first portion of the blade.

4. The hand tool of claim 1 further comprising a backplate disposed on the proximal end of the blade.

5. The hand tool of claim 4, the handle further comprising an attachment slot in the first end of the handle configured to accept the backplate, the proximal end, and the first portion of the blade.

6. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein a length of the first portion of the blade is less than a length of the second portion of the blade.

7. The hand tool of claim 5, wherein a length of the first portion of the blade is one third or less than a length of the second portion of the blade.

8. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein a width of the second portion of the blade gradually increases from the bend line to the distal end of the blade.

9. The hand tool of claim 1 further comprising a hang hole through the second end of the handle.

10. The hand tool of claim 1 further comprising a striking cap at the second end of the handle.

11. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the blade has a thickness in a range of 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm.

12. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the blade and the first end of the handle are secured together with at least one threaded fastener or at least one rivet.

13. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the blade and the first end of the handle are welded together.

14. The hand tool of claim 1, further comprising an offset mounting bracket having a first wall and a second wall extending out perpendicularly from a bottom of the first wall, wherein the first wall is configured to couple to the first end of the handle and the second wall is configured to couple to the proximal end and first portion of the blade, such that the front plane of the hand tool and the handle plane are parallel to each other and offset by a distance.

15. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the blade has either pointed or rounded corners.

16. A hand tool for applying or removing drywall joint compound comprising: a handle having a grip that extends along a width of the handle and a mounting section that extends along a width of the handle; anda blade having a first portion defining a front plane of the hand tool, a second portion opposite the first portion defining a second plane, a bend that joins the first portion and the second portion, a proximal end at an end of the first portion opposite the bend, and a distal end at an end of the a second portion opposite the bend,wherein the width of the handle is substantially the same as a width of the blade, andwherein the proximal end of the blade is coupled to the mounting section of the handle such that the mounting section is in contact with the first portion of the blade, the second plane is oriented at an angle with respect to the front plane, and the bend is defined by the second portion of the blade being bent toward the handle with respect to the first portion.

17. The hand tool of claim 16, further comprising a slot in the mounting section configured to slidably receive the proximal end of the blade, the proximal end of the blade further comprising at least one projection extending out from a surface of the blade, wherein the blade is prevented from being pulled out of the slot by the at least one projection and the blade is prevented from sliding out of the slot with one of a screw, a retaining pin, a housing side cover, friction, or a snap-fit connection.

18. The hand tool of claim 16, wherein the angle ranges from 5 degrees to 40 degrees with respect to the front plane.

19. The hand tool of claim 16, wherein the blade has a thickness in a range of 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm.

20. A hand tool for applying or removing drywall joint compound comprising: a blade having a first portion defining a front plane of the hand tool, a second portion opposite the first portion defining a second plane, a bend that joins the first portion and the second portion, a proximal end at an end of the first portion of the blade opposite the bend, and a distal end at an end of the a second portion of the blade opposite the bend;a backplate disposed on the proximal end of the blade; anda handle having first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end having an attachment slot configured to accept the backplate, the proximal end, and the first portion of the blade and the second end having a striking cap,wherein the proximal end of the blade and backplate is coupled to the first end of the handle such that a handle plane that bisects a height of the handle is coplanar with the front plane, the second plane is oriented at an angle with respect to the front plane, and the bend is defined by the second portion of the blade being bent with respect to the first portion, wherein the angle ranges from 5 degrees to 40 degrees with respect to the front plane.