Dispensing – With casing or support – Ambulant
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-26
2001-07-17
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
With casing or support
Ambulant
C118S323000, C118S313000, C401S016000, C401S137000, C425S062000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06260743
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for dispensing grout and, more particularly, to a wheeled apparatus having multiple grout dispensing nozzles that are vertically and horizontally adjustable for simultaneously dispensing grout into multiple grout lines about tiles.
Grout is a thin mortar for filling cracks or joints such as those formed between tiles on a floor, shower wall, or the like. Grout is generally applied by spreading grout over the entire tile surface, compacting it into the joints, and then wiping the excess grout off of the tile surfaces before it dries. The grout can only be applied to small areas at a time because of the necessity of cleaning the grout off of the tile surfaces before it hardens. The inherent disadvantages of applying grout to tile surfaces are the time requirements for completing large jobs and the labor intensity of bending or working on one's knees.
Systems which use a hand-held device similar to a caulking gun for applying grout directly into joints have been proposed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,571,538 and 5,314,100. Although assumably effective for their intended purposes, the existing devices do not allow grout to be applied simultaneously and uniformly in multiple joints.
Therefore, it is desirable to have an apparatus with multiple nozzle assemblies which can simultaneously and uniformly dispense grout into the joints between tiles. It is further desirable to have an apparatus in which each of the nozzle assemblies is laterally and vertically adjustable for use with tiles of various dimensions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an apparatus for dispensing grout constructed according to the present invention includes a mobile frame assembly having a base with front and rear walls and spaced apart side walls therebetween. The apparatus further includes a hopper for holding an amount of grout. An auger is mounted within the hopper and is coupled to an elongate shaft extending longitudinally in the hopper. A lid is releasably attached to the hopper and includes an electric motor. The shaft is engaged by the electric motor when the lid is secured to the hopper to operate the auger.
A plurality of tubular channels are coupled to an end of the hopper into which grout is delivered as the auger operates. Each channel is connected to one of a plurality of nozzle assemblies adapted to dispense grout. Each nozzle assembly is slidably connected to a mounting bracket which is displaced from and extends parallel to the front wall of the mobile frame assembly. Therefore, the nozzle assemblies are selectably slidable along the mounting bracket so as to position each nozzle assembly above a joint between tiles. A rack and pinion gear assembly is also coupled to the mounting bracket for increasing or decreasing the distance between the nozzle assemblies and the joints between tiles. Therefore, the adjustability of the nozzle assemblies enables the present apparatus to be used to properly dispense grout into the joints between tiles of various sizes and into joints of various depths.
Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide an apparatus having multiple nozzles assemblies for dispensing grout simultaneously into the joints between multiple tiles.
Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, in which each nozzle assembly is laterally slidable along a mounting bracket such that the nozzle assemblies can dispense grout into joints between tiles having various dimensions.
Still another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, in which the distance between the nozzle assemblies and respective joints is adjustable.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, having continuous track wheel assemblies for moving the nozzle assemblies along respective joints without disrupting previously grouted areas.
A further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, which can deliver grout from a refillable hopper to each nozzle assembly.
A still further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, which is powered by rechargeable batteries.
Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, as aforesaid, having a hand-held nozzle assembly for dispensing grout into joints not accessible by the plurality of nozzle assemblies
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1829479 (1931-10-01), Elkins
patent: 2535726 (1950-12-01), Dalton
patent: 3186689 (1965-06-01), Davies
patent: 3562808 (1971-02-01), Whitley
patent: 5358568 (1994-10-01), Okano
patent: 5681125 (1997-10-01), Amaya
patent: 5878921 (1999-03-01), Chase et al.
Cartagena Melvin
Ream Dale J.
Shaver Kevin
LandOfFree
Grout dispensing apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Grout dispensing apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Grout dispensing apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2553960