Leveling tool for applying fluent material

Abstract

A leveling tool having a body which consists of a handle part and a leveling part. Said leveling part being generally pointed in shape by way of two converging plows. An apex formed by the convergence of said converging plows. An exit located at said apex.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Isometric view of the invention.

FIG. 2 a Top view of the invention.

FIG. 2 b Front view of the invention

FIG. 3 Bottom isometric view of the invention.

FIG. 4 Isometric view of the invention in use.

FIG. 5 Isometric see through view illustrating the work of the plow.

FIGS. 6-8 Isometric views of variations of the invention.

FIG. 9 ab Isometric and front view of yet another variation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A leveling tool (10) for fluidic material has a body (12) which consists of a handle part (14) and a leveling part (16). The leveling part (16) is generally pointed in shape and consists of two converging plows (18, 18′). Dragging the caulking leveling tool (10) across a freshly applied line of caulking funnels the caulking, by way of the plows (18, 18′), towards an exit hole (20) located at an apex point (22) where both plows (18, 18′) meet to form the exit hole (20). Doing so insures a uniform line of caulking with the excess caulking curling up on the plows (18, 18′) for easy removal afterwards. A finger rest (26) can also be optionally added at the leveling part (16). The finger rest (26) is very useful in helping a user apply the proper pressure at the proper location so as to allow for an even distribution of the caulking.

To better illustrate how the plows (18, 18′) work, FIG. 5 shows a see through view wherein excess caulking (40) is gathered up by each plow (18, 18″) in a manner not unlike a snow plow. Any excess is contained within the region of convergence of the plows (18, 18′). Any time the caulking line (42) is less than the minimal required for a clean line, the excess caulking (40) in reserve passes through the exit hole (20) and equalizes the line (42).

Using the same key parts, that is, the leveling part (16) and the two converging plows (18, 18′), variations in the embodiment are possible, all within the scope of the invention.

In one such embodiment, there is a resiliently articulated joint (15) located at the intersection between the leveling part (16) and the handle part (14). This flexible handle part (14′), as seen in FIG. 6 allows for the leveling tool (10) to be used all the way into wall corners by bending the handle.

In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 7, a pivotally attached articulated joint (15′) is pivotally attached to the leveling part (16). This variation also allows for the leveling tool (10) to be used all the way into wall corners.

In yet another embodiment, the leveling part is fixedly attached to a caulking tube adapter (30). The caulking tube adapter (30) is configured and sized to fit over the tip of a caulking tube (not shown) and has a flexible joint (32).

In still another embodiment, the leveling tool (10) can also be used for laying plaster (50) for drywall joints (52) as seen in FIG. 9Ab wherein instead of an exit hole (20) there is an exit slit (20′). The leveling tool (10) is used in the same way but for a different application.

In order to use the leveling tool (10), a user first applies a line of fluidic as is known in the art. Then, the user presses the leveling tool (10) so that each plow (18, 18′) makes contact with a surface, where the line (42) is applied. Once contact is made, the user slides the leveling tool (10) in a direction opposite the exit hole (20), thus leveling the line (42).

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A leveling tool for applying fluent material comprising: a leveling part being generally pointed in shape by way of two converging plows;an apex formed by the convergence of the converging plows;an exit located at said apex.

2. A leveling tool for applying fluent material as in claim 1 wherein: the exit located at said apex is an exit hole.

3. A leveling tool for applying fluent material as in claim 1 wherein: the exit located at said apex is an exit slit.

4. A leveling tool for applying fluent material as in claim 1 wherein: a body which consists of a handle part and the leveling part.

5. A leveling tool for applying fluent material as in claim 1 wherein: a finger rest forming an integral part of the leveling part.

6. A leveling tool for applying fluent material as in claim 1 wherein: a resiliently articulated joint located at the intersection between the leveling part and the handle part.

7. A leveling tool for applying fluent material as in claim 1 wherein: a pivotally attached articulated joint pivotally attached to the leveling part.

8. A leveling tool for applying fluent material as in claim 1 wherein: the leveling part is fixedly attached to a caulking tube adapter;the caulking tube adapter is configured and sized to fit over the tip of a caulking tube.

9. A leveling tool for applying fluent material as in claim 1 having a method of use consisting in the steps of: a user first applies a line of caulking as is known in the art;the user presses the leveling tool so that each plow makes contact with the surface;once contact is made, the user slides the leveling tool in a direction opposite where the exit hole is, thus leveling the caulking line.