Compound tools – Miscellaneous
Reexamination Certificate
2001-06-12
2003-08-26
Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)
Compound tools
Miscellaneous
Reexamination Certificate
active
06609263
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tool used in mending surfaces such as a drywall or plaster.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Over time surfaces such as drywall or plaster may be damaged by objects striking the surface thereby creating cracks in the surface. The common method of dealing with this problem, especially with respect to drywall cracks, is to apply a mending compound such as spackling compound over the area and to sand the area Many times, hairline and other small cracks are difficult to totally eliminate. What is needed is a device that can assist in making hairline and other small cracks imperceptible.
Numerous innovations for drywall and other mending tools have been provided in the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they differ from the present invention as hereinafter contrasted.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,570, titled Drywall Bullnose Cleaner Tool, invented by Glen A. Gruner, a tool is described for scraping material from a bullnose installed on a corner joint of a drywall installation including an elongated device having a handle portion, a first end portion, a second end portion, and is sized to be held in one hand. The first end portion has a first convexly shaped edge that matches a concavely shaped portion of the bullnose. It enables a user to scrape the material from the bullnose by moving the convexly shaped edge along the concavely shaped portion of the bullnose. Preferably, the first concavely shaped edge is shaped in a 75-degree arc having a 0.875 inch radius to match a convexly shaped portion of the bullnose when the bullnose is installed on a 90-degree corner joint, and the second end portion of the elongated device includes a second convexly shaped edge that is shaped in a 50-degree arc having a 1.125 inch radius to match the concavely shaped portion of the bullnose when the bullnose is installed on a 135-degree corner joint. One embodiment takes the form of a 6.5 inch long aluminum bar having the specified shape.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because the patented invention is a tool for scraping material from a bullnose corner joint. The patented invention lacks a handle, and a broadheaded shovel shaped curved tool end.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,338,128, titled Drywall Joint Finishing Tool, invented by Angel Blanco, an apparatus is described for adapting a drywall skim box to an extension pole to permit application of finishing compound to joints in locations remote from the user, such as in extended or high walls. The apparatus includes a curved arm, one end of which is coupled to an extension pole and the other end of which includes a mounting platform for attachment to a skim box. The skim box is both rotatably and pivotally coupled to the arm for proper positing on a wall surface to be finished. The geometrical relationship between the position of the skim box, the arm, and the extension pole results in application of sufficient pressure to properly operate the skim box as it is moved along a joint.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because the patented invention is a tool for applying joint compound to drywall. The tool is a skim box which is positioned on the end of an extension enabling the user to reach joints that would otherwise require a ladder. The tool is curved to adapt to the angle of the user with respect to the wall. The skim box dispenses joint compound as the user moves the tool along a joint. The present invention lacks the feature of dispensing joint compound, and is not adapted for use remotely from the user. The patented invention lacks a broadheaded shovel shaped curved tool end.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,360, titled Finishing Tool, invented by John Brown, a finishing tool is described which provides a smooth finish to taped coved joints or to corner joints having an angle greater than 90 degrees as defined by converging wall board surfaces. The finishing tool includes a working plate and a supporting plate, each being provided with a substantially straight edge disposed transversely to the longitudinal axes of the tool. Each of the working and supporting plates is formed of resilient material to provide longitudinal and latitudinal flexural movement so as to allow the entire length of the straight edge of the working plate to engage seam sealing material applied to the corner joint and the adjacent wall board surfaces to provide a smooth continuous finish to the corner joint.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because the patented invention is a tool to apply joint compound to taped coved joints or to corner joints. The patented invention has two plates which are joined together and are made from a resilient material permitting the tool to bend. The two plates are attached to a handle. The present invention has an elongated member which is securely attached at one distal end to a handle. A tool member is securely attached at one end to an opposite end of the elongated member at an obtuse angle, the opposite end of the tool member forming a broadheaded shovel shaped curved tool.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,886, titled Piercing Tool, invented by Takashi Ikeda, a device for locating an object concealed behind a pierceable member which is less dense than the object comprises a handle with a thin elongated needle mounted on the handle. The location of a denser object concealed behind the pierceable member, such as a stud located behind drywall, is indicated by driving the needle through the drywall at selected points until a stud is struck. The locating device preferably includes a collar member surrounding and embracing the piercing end of the needle which provides lateral support for this part of the needle. The collar telescopes within a bore provided on the handle during penetration of the pierceable member, with the collar being biased outboard relative to the bore to assure such lateral support at the point of needle penetration. A rigid sleeve surrounds a shank portion of the needle, with the collar member sliding along the outside of the sleeve during penetration. The sleeve lends further lateral support to the needle. The lateral support so provided enables the use of a very thin needle which readily penetrates the drywall and leaves only a tiny pin hole to repair, if necessary.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because the patented invention is a device for locating an object concealed behind a pierceable member. The patented invention lacks features similar to the present invention.
Numerous innovations for dry wall tools and other mending tools have been provided in the prior art. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has a handle. An elongated member is securely attached at one distal end to the handle. A tool member is securely attached at one end to an opposite end of the elongated member at an obtuse angle. The opposite end of the tool member is formed into a broadheaded shovel shaped curved tool.
The types of problems encountered in the prior art are hairline and other small cracks in drywall, plaster or other similar surfaces that must be made imperceptible for aesthetic reasons. Hair-line and other small cracks in drywall or plaster surfaces are typically the most difficult to eliminate.
The tool is used to make a division in the surface at the location of the crack. The division can be up to a quarter of an inch wide depending on the pressure applied. The tool easily follows the contour of the crack and extracts drywall or plaster material, creating a slightly widened crack which can be more easily filled with a drywall or surface-mending compound. The surface can then be sanded to restore smoothness.
Hail III Joseph J.
Thomas David B.
Thomas Tracey R.
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