Patent Application
20060174574
This invention relates generally to systems for repairing holes or cracks in walls, ceilings, and similar structures and, more specifically, to a unitary kit for repairing such openings with sprayable texture materials.
Wall and ceiling surfaces have traditionally been susceptible to cracks and holes that may appear for a multitude of reasons. In cases where the opening is small, such as holes that are caused by nails for hanging picture frames or by screws for hanging curtain rods, the opening may be patched by spackle or other similar material generally known in the art.
For larger openings, the art has suggested the use of various mechanical devices, wherein the latter are used to essentially “plug” the hole. Once the opening is closed off, whether by mechanical or other means, a patching compound must generally be applied to the damaged surface to prepare the latter for painting, such that the previously-damaged surface of the structure is brought into conformity with the remainder of the surface surrounding the opening. Such patching compounds are also known in the art.
The above-mentioned devices and means, including the tools necessary for installation and/or application thereof, are generally packaged and sold separately. Thus, in order to repair a hole in a wall, for example, the consumer must locate and purchase at least the following components separately: a patch or patching device; a patching compound; one or more applicators (e.g., a putty knife or trowel), depending on the size and shape of the hole, for applying the patching compound; and sand paper, or other means for sanding the patched surface. In addition, once all of the above-noted components have been obtained, the consumer must also keep them all together in one place, so as to avoid misplacing any one of them for a subsequent repair job.
In short, the process of obtaining all of the necessary repair components is generally inefficient, costly, and time-consuming and, once the various components have been obtained, there are no provisions for keeping the components together in an orderly fashion either during or after use. A need, therefore, exists for a repair kit that includes not only all of components that may be required in repairing an opening in a structure, but also a customized tray to hold the various components in a logical, easily-accessible manner.
As shown in
The jar 130 contains a wall patching compound, or joint compound, and is also available through Spraytex, Inc. Another component that is sold through Spraytex, Inc. is the planar patch 160. As shown in
With reference to
In practice, the repair kit of the instant invention is packaged to have the arrangement described immediately above. With this arrangement, the planar patch 160 is then placed on the very top, such that it rests, e.g., on the wide trowel 150, followed by a removable lid, or cover, that is placed on top of the planar patch 160. Both the lid and the tray 5 also have matching slots 7 that allow the entire kit, or package, to be hung vertically from a cantilevered hanger at retail stores. The package may also be placed vertically or horizontally on a store shelf.
When a consumer wishes to repair an opening in a wall (or ceiling), the consumer need only purchase the above-described package containing the tray and components therein. In this way, there is no need to look for and purchase the necessary components separately. In addition, the tray provides a well-organized working aide during treatment of the repair site, as well as an organized, unitary storage compartment subsequent to such treatment.
In particular, treatment, or repair, of an opening in a wall (or ceiling) may be effected in the following manner. The cover is taken off the package containing the tray, and the components are removed. The backing 162 is peeled off and the self-adhesive patch 160 is placed over the opening (the patch may be cut to size as necessary). A trowel 140,150 is then used to apply patching compound from the container 130 over the patch 160, and the site is left to dry. Next, the sanding block 120 is used to smooth the surface, followed by application of texture material from the spray can 110.
As mentioned, the spray can 110 has an adjustable nozzle 112 which allows matching of the texture of the treated area to that of the surrounding area. Thus, when, for example, a repair kit having a knockdown-texture spray can is purchased, and the surrounding area is of the heavy splatter type, then, upon application of the texture material, the treated area may just be left to dry, followed by priming and painting, as desired. In this case, the kit may include only a narrow trowel 140 (and only one corresponding trowel receptacle 40). On the other hand, when a knockdown or “lace” finish is desired, the wide putty knife 150 may be dampened with water and run gently over the treated area at an approximately 45° angle. Once finished, the treated area is allowed to dry, and then primed and painted as desired.
Upon completion of the repair job, the container 130 is then resealed and it, along with the rest of the components of the repair kit, are placed in their respective receptacles in tray 5 for easy and readily-accessible storage. The lid may also be replaced prior to stowing the kit away.
While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
