Patent Application
20120141204
The present invention relates generally to the field of construction tools, and more particularly to an ergonomic grip attachment apparatus for a concrete screed tool, and to methods of assembly and use thereof.
In the field of construction, screeding refers to a process of leveling and smoothing the top of uncured concrete or other material that is poured or otherwise deposited in an unfinished state. A screed tool is typically worked back and forth across the unfinished material's surface. Troweling, edging, brushing, brooming or other further finishing may subsequently be carried out. The screed tool, generally comprising a straight, elongated member having a length sufficient to span across some or all of the formed area containing the concrete, is manually maneuvered by a user or worker across the top layer of poured material to level it with the top of the forms.
Because the screed tool is typically worn or covered with concrete after use, it is the general practice that the screed be replaceable and inexpensive, for example a wooden 2″×4″ plank is commonly utilized as a screed tool. Such materials as are commonly used for screed tools often have a rough rectangular cross-sectional profile, which has been found to be undesirable as it does not provide an ergonomic gripping surface, making the job tiring and inefficient.
Accordingly, it has been found that needs exist for improved apparatus and methods for screeding concrete. It is to the provision of improved apparatus and methods meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.
In example embodiments, the present invention provides improved apparatus and methods of screeding concrete. In example embodiments, a removable screed grip having an ergonomic profile when mounted onto a 2×4 plank or other screeding member is provided. The screed grip is removably attached to the plank, and can be removed after use and reused with another plank on subsequent jobs.
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a screed grip for removable attachment onto a screed member. The screed grip preferably includes a top panel; a first side panel extending from the top panel, with a first transition between the first side panel and the top panel, and defining a first included angle between the first side panel and the top panel; and a second side panel extending from the top panel opposite the first side panel, with a radiused second transition between the second side panel and the top panel.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a screed grip for removable attachment onto a screed member. The screed grip preferably includes a top panel, a first side panel extending from the top panel at an inwardly directed included angle of between 45° and 85°, and a second side panel extending generally perpendicular to the top panel opposite the first side panel. A transition between the second side panel and the top panel preferably comprises a smoothly contoured outwardly directed portion proximal the top panel and an inwardly directed bend proximal the second side panel, together forming a generally P-shaped profile.
In still another aspect, the invention relates to a screed tool including a screed grip comprising first and second gripping panels, and a screed member removably securable between the first and second gripping panels.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,
In example methods of installation and assembly, the screed grip attachment 10 mounts to a screed member 50, for example an elongated wooden 2″×4″ nominal (typically 1½″×3½″ actual dimensions) plank or board. As depicted in
In the depicted example embodiment, the spacing between the edge 31 of the first side panel 30 and the opposed inside surface of the second side panel 34 is sufficiently less than the 1½″ thickness of the intended screed member 50 to which the screed grip 10 is to be applied, in the relaxed or uninstalled state of the grip, such that the internal resilience of the screed grip securely engages the screed member. In example embodiments, this undeformed spacing between the sides of the screed grip is between about ¾″ to about 1¼″, for example about 1″. Otherwise described, this undeformed spacing between the sides of the screed grip is between about 0.5 to about 0.85 the intended width of the screed member 50, for example about 0.67 the intended width of the screed member. The width of the top panel 32 is preferably about 1¾″ to about 3″, for example about 2¼″; or otherwise described about 1.15 to about 2 times the intended width of the screed member, for example about 1.5 times the intended width of the screed member. It will be understood that larger or smaller dimensions of the screed grip may be utilized in conjunction with screed members of dimensions other than nominal 2×4 lumber.
In an example method of use depicted in
In example applications of the example embodiments, the screed attachment 10 comprises sheet metal having a thickness of about 16-18 gauge and approximately 2′ in length. The screed attachment 10 is manufactured, for example by placing the sheet metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, carbon steel, titanium or other metals and/or alloys) in a brake and bending to the preferred profile, for example the profile presented in the example embodiment shown in
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/419,449, filed Dec. 3, 2010, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61419449 | Dec 2010 | US |
