NL2035146B1

NL2035146B1 - A device and method for applying pastous material to a surface

Info

Publication number: NL2035146B1
Application number: NL2035146A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Martijn Van Der Leij Peter
Original assignee: Techfinds
Priority date: 2023-06-21
Filing date: 2023-06-21
Publication date: 2025-01-07

Abstract

A device for applying pastous material, such as plaster, to a surface, comprising: - a container for holding the pastous material; - a dispensing head in fluid communication with the container, wherein the dispensing head is configured for providing the pastous material to the surface; and - transit means for moving the pastous material from the container to the dispensing head; wherein the dispensing head has a slit shaped opening for applying pastous material to the surface, wherein a leading edge of the slit shaped opening is formed by a self-reinforcing seal and a trailing edge is formed by a substantially rigid rim, and wherein the rigid rim has a non-zero distance to the wall.

Description

P134537NL00

Title: A device and method for applying pastous material to a surface

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of wall finishing in construction.

In particular, the invention relates to the field of applying pastous material to a surface. More in particular, the invention relates to a device and method for applying pastous material, such as plaster, to a surface.

BACKGROUND

It is known to apply a layer of pastous wall texturing material to finish a surface. Such applied wall texturing material may e.g. provide an even surface or one with a certain decorative structure in it. Professional systems for applying material are advantageous to improve the application rate and to provide a less cumbersome way of providing the pastous wall texturing material to the desired application site on the surface. The professional systems may present a problem in terms of cost price, system size and/or required knowledge or skills. It is also known that assembling a professional system for deployment is time-consuming, and therefore not beneficial for small-scale applications and home use.

SUMMARY

It is an object to provide a device for applying pastous material to a surface, in particular a wall, and/or a method for applying pastous material to a surface. More in general, it is an object to provide an improved device for applying pastous material and/or method for applying pastous material. The surface can be a wall, such as a drywall, stone wall or brick wall. It will be appreciated that the surface can also be a floor or ceiling. Where herein is referred to a wall this is understood to include a floor, ceiling or any other surface to which the pastous material is to be applied. The pastous material 1s a material that can be applied to a wall, floor or ceiling either as a final structural layer, e.g. a wall texturing material, such as plaster, decorative plaster or concrete, micro- cement, micro-topping, or as an adhesive such as mortar or glue.

Thereto, according to a first aspect is provided a device for applying pastous material, such as plaster, to a surface. The device comprises a container for holding the pastous material. The container can have a substantially cylindrical shape. At least part of the container can be detachable for filling the container with pastous material. The device comprises a dispensing head in fluid communication with the container. The dispensing head can be connected to the container directly, or via hoses, tubes and/or a connector. The dispensing head is configured for providing the pastous material to the surface. The device comprises transit means for moving the pastous material from the container to the dispensing head. The transit means can be mechanical, pneumatical or hydraulical. The dispensing head has a slit shaped opening for applying the pastous material to the surface. The slit shaped opening can comprise a substantially rectangular shape. The transit means can be configured to pressurize the pastous material, such that the pastous material is pressurized inside the dispensing head and is pressed out through the slit shaped opening.

During application, the dispensing head can be moved across the surface manually or mechanically. When moved manually, the dispensing head can be moved by a user, e.g. by moving the container.

The slit shaped opening has a length in a longitudinal direction which extends substantially parallel to the surface. The slit shaped opening has a height in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, substantially perpendicular to the surface.

The slit shaped opening has a first end portion, a center portion and a second end portion. A height of the slit of at least one of the first and second end portions is larger than the height of the slit of the center portion. The height of the slit, measured in a direction perpendicular from the surface, determines how thick the pastous material is provided on the surface. By having a height of at least one of the first and second end portions to be larger than the center portion, it may be facilitated that the pastous material is provided in a thicker layer at the first and / or second end portion relative to the layer of pastous material at the center portion of the slit of the device. In other words, an additional amount of pastous material is provided by the device on the surface towards the ends of the outlet opening relative to the middle of the outlet opening during use. The additional pastous material may be used afterwards to fill any sections on the surface of the wall that could not be covered by the opening, such as corners, or to fill tracks left by the device in the pastous material, such as wheels or guiding rails. Also, when laying layers of pastous material side by side on the surface a gap may exist between the layers, e.g. where the wall-support surfaces supported the device against the surface. The additional amount of material can be used to fill and smoothen the gap afterwards, e.g. using a spatula or trowel.

The longitudinal dimension of the center portion can be larger than the longitudinal dimension of the at least one of the first and second end portions, preferably at least twice larger, more preferably at least four times larger, thereby facilitating that the additional pastous material provided by the first and / or second end portions is comparable to the amount of pastous material needed to fill any sections of the surface of the wall that could not be covered or to fill tracks left by the device. This may reduce the amount of excess pastous material provided on the wall by the device, which needs to be removed afterwards by the user. As a result the amount of waste and labor required to remove the excess pastous material can be reduced.

The container can be configured such that the entire device, including the container and the transit means can be lifted and operated with two hands. The device, when filled with pastous material, is preferably lighter than 25 kg, more preferably lighter than 15 kg, most preferably lighter than 10 kg. Alternatively, the container can be configured to hold a larger quantity of pastous material, such as more than can easily and/or safely be carried by a single person, such as more than 25 kg. Thereto, the container can e.g. be connected to the dispensing head via a, e.g. flexible, hose. Optionally, the dispensing head 4 comprises a connection port for connecting thereto such a, e.g. flexible, hose. The connection hose can e.g. be a connection hose having an internal diameter of 1 inch or 1.5 inch. The transit means can e.g. include a pump, such as an electric pump, for pumping the pastous material from the container to the dispensing head via the hose. If the container 3 is connectable to the dispensing head 4 via a hose, an elongate handle bar can be attached to the dispensing head 4. The connection port for connecting thereto a hose for establishing fluid communication between the container and the dispensing head can be positioned on the elongate handle bar. The container and the transit means can form a stationary part of the device while the dispensing head forms a mobile part of the device. The stationary part of the device may nevertheless have wheels to allow course positioning of the stationary part relative to a wall, while the hose allows fine positioning of the dispensing head relative to the wall.

Optionally, the longitudinal dimension of the at least one of the first and second end portions is adjustable. The longitudinal dimension of the at least one of the first and second end portions can e.g. be adjustable by adjusting a longitudinal position of a mask or plate, e.g. using one or more adjustment screws, clamps, levers, and/or excenters.

The dispensing head can further comprise an extension part for providing the pastous material, in use, to the surface longitudinally adjacent to the opening, wherein the extension part is mountable into one of the first and second end portions. The extension part can be adjustable.

A trailing edge of the slit shaped opening can be formed by rim, such as a substantially rigid rim.

A leading edge of the slit shaped opening can be formed by a seal. The seal can be configured for sealing against the surface. The seal can be self-reinforcing.

A pressure or force exerted onto the self-reinforcing seal by the pastous material during dispensing can aid to press the self-reinforcing seal against the surface.

The higher the pressure or force exerted onto the self-reinforcing seal by the pastous material during dispensing, the higher the pressure or force by which the self-reinforcing seal seals against the surface. The leading edge runs, in use, in front of the trailing edge across the surface in the direction of movement. The trailing edge runs, in use, behind the leading edge across the surface in the direction of movement. The leading edge and trailing edge can each comprise at least part of an opposite long side of the slit shaped opening of the dispensing head. The dispensing head can, in use, move from the bottom to the top of a wall, or vice versa. Alternatively, or additionally, the dispensing head can, in use, move from side to side on a wall. The pressurizing of the pastous material can aid in making it easier to apply the pastous material in any desired direction. In case the surface is a ceiling, the dispensing head can be movable from one end side to another end side.

The rim can have, in use, a distance to the surface, such as a non-zero 5 distance. The non-zero distance between the, e.g. rigid, rim and the surface allows for pastous material to move between at least a part of the trailing edge of the dispensing head and the surface. Movement of the pastous material between the rim and the surface enables at least part of said pastous material to be applied to and remain on the surface after the dispensing head has passed. A zero distance may be applied in case the pastous material is only to be applied in recesses or cavities in the surface, e.g. in case of filling gaps between sheets of drywall. The rim is configured to level applied pastous material when moving the dispensing head over the surface, so as to form an even layer of pastous material.

The seal can be resilient and/or at least partially flexible. The seal can be at least partially formed by a flexible material, such as rubber, silicone or plastic.

The seal can consist of multiple parts.

The device can further comprise wall-support surfaces for providing a pre- determined distance between the substantially rigid rim and the wall. The wall- support surfaces, i.e. the sections of the device that are placed on the wall during use, can be used to modify the thickness of the layer of pastous material applied to the surface of the wall via the opening provided by the support surfaces between the wall surface and the rim. In the context of the invention, substantially rigid rim should be understood as a rim that is sufficiently rigid that, during use, does not deform such that it noticeably affects applying the pastous material.

The height of the slit shaped opening can be adjustable by changing the distance between the rigid rim and the wall-support surface. The rim can be adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the wall, e.g. using one or more adjustment screws, clamps, levers, and/or excenters, in order to increase or decrease a height of the slit shaped opening between the surface of the wall and the rim. Preferably, the height of the opening, measured between the surface of the wall and the rim, is between 0 - 15mm, more preferably between 1 - Smm.

Optionally, a height of the slit at the center portion is adjustable.

Optionally, a height of the slit at at least one of the first and second end portions is adjustable. Optionally, the height of the slit at at least one of the first and second end portions is equal to the height of the slit at the center portion plus a predetermined additional height. In such case, the height of the slit at the center portion can be adjustable, while the height of the slit at at least one of the first and second end portions is equal to the adjustable height of the slit at the center portion plus the predetermined additional height. Optionally, the height of the slit at at least one of the first and second end portions is adjustable independent of the height of the slit at the center portion.

The rim can be positioned, 1n use, almost parallel to the wall at a non-zero angle, such as 0,5 to 5 degrees, preferably 1-2 degrees, with respect to the wall.

The non-zero angle is preferably such that a distance between the rim and the wall decreases towards the trailing edge of the rim. Providing the rim in such a position relative to the surface of the wall may facilitate that, when the pastous material is applied by the device, the pastous material provides for a relatively smooth and flush surface. Optionally, the rim can be arranged such that auxiliary tools can be attached to the rim. For example, a glue comb may be attached to the rim such that a tiler may use the device to apply tile glue to the surface of the wall. The extreme parts of the teeth of the comb may be adjusted to have a zero distance to the surface. Additionally or alternatively, the rim may be adjustable in size along its longitudinal axis, thereby allowing a user to adjust the height of pastous material that has been equalized on the surface of the wall by the rim.

According to a second aspect of the invention a device for applying pastous material, such as plaster, to a surface is provided. The device comprises a container for holding the pastous material, a dispensing head in fluid communication with the container. The dispensing head is configured for providing the pastous material to the surface. The device further comprises transit means for moving the pastous material from the container to the dispensing head. The dispensing head has an outlet opening for applying pastous material to the surface and comprises a substantially slit shaped opening. A leading edge of the slit shaped opening is formed by a seal and a trailing edge is formed by a rim.

As set out hereinabove, the container can be configured such that the entire device, including the container and the transit means can be lifted and operated with two hands, or the container can be configured to hold a larger quantity of pastous material, e.g. the container and the transit means forming a stationary part of the device while the dispensing head forms a mobile part of the device.

According to a third aspect is provided a device for applying pastous material, such as plaster, to a surface. The device comprises a container for holding the pastous material and a dispensing head hingedly mounted relative to the container. The dispensing head is in fluid communication with the container, and configured for providing the pastous material to the surface. The dispensing head has a slit shaped opening for applying the pastous material to the surface.

The container houses a piston connected to a rod, for moving the pastous material from the container to the dispensing head. The device comprising an operating handle mounted to the rod, and a handle mounted to the outside of the container. Providing the handle mounted to the outside of the container, and providing the operating handle mounted to the rod achieves that the device can easily be positioned against a wall, easily moved along the wall, and easily operated with two hands. Applying pressure to the pastous material via the operating handle assists in maintaining the dispensing head against the wall.

For the device according to the first aspect, and for the device according to the second aspect, and for the device according to the third aspect, the following can apply.

The dispensing head can be hingedly mounted relative to the container.

Preferably, the dispensing head can comprise a base part comprising the slit shaped opening and a connector part connectable to the container and/or transit means. The base part and connector part can be articulatedly connectable with each other. This may facilitate that the dispensing head can be kept in the same orientation relative to the surface of the wall, while the container may be kept at a varying angle relative to the surface of the wall. This may facilitate access to the transit means thereby allowing the user move the pastous material from the container to the dispensing head independently of the orientation of the dispensing head.

The base part and the connector part may be releasably connected, preferably using clamps. By providing a releasable connection, e.g. using clamps, it is possible to detach the base part form the connector part for example to clean the components after use or in order to repair and / or replace the connector part and / or the base part.

The device according to the first and second aspect of the invention may comprise a ball-and-socket joint mounted between the container and the dispensing head. Connecting the container and the dispensing head via a ball- and-socket joint may even further facilitate that the dispensing head can be kept in the same orientation relative to the surface of the wall, on the wall, while the container may be kept at a convenient angle for the user relative to the surface of the wall. Especially a sideways angle can be convenient near windows, corners, or in niches. Alternatively, the container and the dispensing head may be connected via a cardan type joint, allowing swiveling about two, e.g. perpendicular, axis, but preventing free rotation of the container and the dispensing head relative to each other about a main axis of the device. 20) The transit means can be positioned in the container and preferably may comprise a piston and rod. The device according to the first and second aspect of the invention can comprise an operating handle mounted to the rod. The piston may be arranged to push the pastous material towards the dispensing head when moved via the rod, by providing the piston such that a substantial amount of a cross-section of the inside of the container is covered. The operating handle may be mounted to the rod to facilitate helping the user to move the piston via the rod, e.g. by providing more grip and / or arranging the operating handle to be more ergonomically.

The device according to the first and second aspect of the invention can further comprise a handle mounted to the outside of the container, which may facilitate handling of the device. For example, a user may position and guide the device over a surface of a wall by placing and steering the device over the surface of the wall. Preferably, the provided handle on the outside of the container is arranged to be gripped by a single hand of a user. Additionally, the handle may be arranged such that the handle may be gripped with either a left hand or a right hand. This can be done by providing a handle shaped such that it can be gripped by a left or a right hand, or by providing a handle that can be adjusted to facilitate gripping by a left or right hand. For example, a grip may be provided suitable for a right hand when mounted in a first orientation and suitable for a left hand when mounted in a second orientation. The device may be configured such that the handle can be rotated relative to the container, e.g. by 90 degrees or 180 degrees. The device may be configured such that the handle is movable along a length of the container. Moving the handle closer to the dispensing head allows working at shorter distance, while moving the handle closer to a free end of the container, opposite the dispensing head, allows working at longer distance, e.g. for applying pastous material at or towards a ceiling.

The wall-support surfaces can comprise wall-support wheels. Said wall- support wheels may be arranged such that the device can be moved via the wheels over the surface of the wall. Providing wall-support wheels, preferably a sufficient amount of wheels such that the device mainly interfaces with the wall via said wheels, e.g. at least three wheels, may facilitate moving the device over the surface. Alternatively, or additionally, the wall-support surfaces can comprise wall-support slides.

The dispensing head can comprise a distribution element for urging the pastous material to be distributed in the longitudinal direction of the opening.

The distribution element can facilitate providing pastous material over the whole heightlength of the opening. In particular, when a passage between the container comprising the pastous material and the dispensing head has at least one dimension that is smaller than a dimension in a corresponding direction of the opening, the distribution element may urge the pastous material evenly through the opening in the dispensing head when the pastous material is transported from the container towards the opening. Optionally, the distribution element can be positioned longitudinally centered at the center of the opening. The distribution element can be a separate detachable element, so as to allow easy cleaning of the dispensing head. Optionally a plurality of exchangeable distribution elements can be provided, e.g. having different longitudinal dimensions. This allows for selecting an appropriate distribution element, e.g. depending on viscosity of the pastous material to be used.

Instead of, or in addition to, the distribution element, a channel between the container and the slit can have a cross section having a smaller height at the center than towards the ends in the longitudinal direction of the slit. This too can facilitate providing pastous material over the whole height of the opening.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention a kit of parts for assembling a device for applying pastous material to a surface comprising the components described above is provided. Providing the device as a kit of part can reduce costs of shipping, as the components can be efficiently provided in a box. Additionally or alternatively, when the various components can be assembled such that they can be de-assembled afterwards, e.g. by providing releasable connections such as for example bolts and nuts, it can be easier for the user to clean and repair components.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention a dispensing head for a device for applying pastous material described above is provided. The dispensing head comprises at least one of: - a slit shaped opening for applying pastous material to the surface. A leading edge of the slit shaped opening is formed by a seal and a trailing edge is formed by a rim; and - an outlet opening for applying pastous material to the surface, wherein the outlet opening comprises a substantially slit shaped opening, and wherein the slit has a first end portion, center portion and a second end portion, wherein a height of the slit of at least one of the first and second end portions is larger than the height of the slit of the center portion.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention a system for applying pastous material is provided. The system comprises a device according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention and a guiding frame for, in use, preventing sideways movement of the device with respect to the wall, wherein the guiding frame is configured for urging the device to move in a defined, such as a linear,

path. A guiding frame may be particularly advantageous when the device is used to apply pastous material to an uneven surface of a wall, e.g. a surface that comprises holes or protrusions. The guiding frame may be provided at a predetermined distance from the uneven surface, such that all holes and protrusions may be covered by the pastous material when the device is transported over the guiding frame. Additionally, unwanted movement, e.g. sideways, may be prevented.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention a method for applying pastous material, such as plaster, to a surface is provided. The method comprises: - receiving pastous material in a container; - moving pastous material from the container to the dispensing head using transit means; - providing pastous material to the surface via an outlet opening of the dispensing head, wherein the outlet opening comprises a substantially slit shaped opening; and - applying force to the provided pastous material during movement of the device along the surface. By applying a force to the provided pastous material during movement of the device along the surface, a smooth surface of pastous material can be created. Preferably, the transit means comprise a piston and a rod. When a force is applied to the piston, via the rod, the force is applied in substantially the same direction as the force applied by the piston to the pastous material in the container.

Further advantageous aspects of the invention are set out in the description and appended claims.

The technical features described in the paragraphs and sentences above can be isolated from the context, and the isolated technical features from the different paragraphs and sentences can be combined. Such combinations are herewith specifically disclosed in this description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will further be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment which is represented in the drawings. The exemplary embodiment is given by way of non-limitative illustrations of the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of an example of a device;

Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of the device of Fig. 1, without the container;

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 along the B-B line;

Fig. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 along the A-A line;

Fig. 4B shows a device in use against a wall;

Figs. 5A and 5B show different examples of devices;

Fig. 6 shows an example of a kit of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 shows an example of a system of the device of Fig. 1 and a guiding rail; and

Fig. 8A-8D show different examples of devices;

Fig. 9 shows an example of a device; and

Figs. 10A and 10B shows an example of a dispensing head. 20) It is noted that the figures are only a schematic representation that is given by way of non-limited examples. In the figures, the same or corresponding parts are designated with the same reference numerals. Roman numerals are used to indicate the state of the various gases and liquids in the various stages of the embodiment.

Referring to Figs. 1-4, a device 1 for applying pastous material 2, such as plaster, to a surface is depicted. The device 1 comprises a container 3 for holding the pastous material 2, a dispensing head 4 in fluid communication with the container 3 and transit means 5 for moving the pastous material 2 from the container 3 to the dispensing head 4. In figure 1 the container 3 is drawn as transparent for clarity, to see the parts inside the container 3. Here the container has a tubular shape. The dispensing head 4 is configured for providing the pastous material 2 to the surface S. Furthermore, the dispensing head 4 has a slit shaped opening 6 for applying pastous material 2 to the surface. A leading edge 7 of the slit shaped opening is here formed by a seal 8, in this example a self-reinforcing seal 8, and a trailing edge 9 is formed by a rim 23, here a substantially rigid rim 23. During use, the rigid rim 23 has a, e.g. non-zero, distance to the wall. The seal 8 is resilient and at least partially flexible. The device 1 further comprises wall-support surface 10 for providing a pre- determined distance between the substantially rigid rim 23 and the surface S of the wall. Additionally, the rigid rim 23 is positioned such that it is almost parallel to the wall during use, 1.e. at a non-zero angle a. In the shown example, the angle is between 1-2 degrees with respect to the surface of the wall. The height H of the slit shaped opening 6 is adjustable by changing the distance between the rigid rim 23 and the wall-support surface 10. In this example, the substantially rigid rim 23 is a separate part adjustably mounted to the body of the dispensing head 4. The height H of the slit shaped opening 6 is adjustable by changing a position of the rigid rim 23 relative to the body of the dispensing head 4. Screws 25 are provided which are arranged to adjust the position of the rigid rim 23. In this example, the position of the rigid rim is adjusted by sliding the rigid rim up or down. Alternatively, or additionally, the rigid rim 23 can be mounted hingedly relative to the body of the dispensing head 4. An angle of rotation of the hinged rigid rim then determines the height H of the slit shaped opening 6. In this example, the wall-support surface 10 has a fixed position relative to the body of the dispensing head 4. In this example, the slit is limited in its longitudinal direction by end walls 14C. The end walls 14C can aid in preventing pastous material being expelled in the longitudinal direction of the slit 6. Preferably, the pastous material is only expelled in the direction of the rim 23.

The transit means 5 are positioned in the container 3 and comprise a piston 17 and rod 18. The rod 18 has an operating handle 19 mounted to it. A handle 20 is mounted to the outside of the container 3. The wall-support surfaces 10 comprise wall-support wheels 21 here. The wall support surfaces are in this example configured to extend forwardly of the connection point between the container 3 and the dispensing head 4. In particular, front wheels 21 are positioned to have a contact point with the wall forwardly of the connection point between the container 3 and the dispensing head 4. This aids in properly resting the dispensing head 4 against the wall. A force applied to the device in the direction of the wall will cause the dispensing head to pivot about the front wheels (or forward contact point of the wall support surfaces) to sit flush against the wall. The wall-support wheels 21 can each be mounted to the body of the dispensing head 4 via bearings, e.g. ball-bearings bearings. The bearings can e.g. be sealed bearings.

Turning to Fig. 2, the device 1 of Fig. 1 has been depicted without container 3. The container 3 can be fluid-tightly connected via connection element 24, in the shown example a tight-fitting cap. However it shall be clear that the container 3 may be connected fluid-tight otherwise, for example using a screw connection. Optionally, a seal (not depicted) can be provided to prevent leaking of pastous material 2. The rigid rim 23 may be provided at a preferred distance from the surface of the wall and at a particular preferred angle with said surface. Once the rigid rim 23 is arranged in accordance to the users preference, screws 25 can be used to fix the rigid rim 23 to the base part 14. A seal 23A is interposed between the rim 23 and the base part 14 to prevent egress from pastous material therebetween. 20) The dispensing head 4 is hingedly mounted relative to the container 3. As a result, the slit shaped opening 6 can be adjusted relative to the wall-support surface 10. Furthermore, the dispensing head 4 comprises a base part 14. The slit shaped opening 6 is provided in the base part 14. The dispensing head 4 further comprises a connector part 15 that is connectable to the container 3. The base part 14 and the connector part 15 are articulatedly connectable to each other, hingedly mounting the dispensing head 4 to the container 3. As shown in Fig. 3, in this example, the connector part 15 has a substantially cylindrical portion 154A, and the base part 14 has mating cylindrical surfaces for hingedly receiving the connector part 15.

Here, seals 14A are mounted in grooves of the base part for providing a sealing engagement between the base part 14 and the connector part 15. The base part 14 and the connector part 15 are in this example connected using clamps 16. The clamps 16 here have hook shaped portions 16A that grip behind corresponding protrusions 14B of the base part 14. The dispensing head 4 comprises a distribution element 22 for urging the pastous material 2 to be distributed in the longitudinal direction of the opening L. The distribution element 22 is positioned at the center of the opening 6.

The transit means 5 are arranged to be placed within container 3 such that the circumferential edge 26 of the piston 17 forms a liquid-tight connection with the inner wall of the container 3. When the piston 17 is moved, preferably by pushing operating handle 19 in the direction of the opening 6, the content of the container 3 is pushed in the direction in which piston 17 is moving.

Referring to Fig. 4A, a cross-sectional view of the dispensing head 4 along the A-A line of Fig. 2 has been depicted. The dispensing head 4 has an outlet opening 6 comprising a substantially slit shaped opening. As shown in Fig. 2, the slit has a first end portion 11, a center portion 12 and a second end portion 13.

The height H2 of the slit shaped opening 6 of the first and second end portions 11, 13, is larger than the height H1 of the slit of the center portion 12. Here, the height of the first and second end portions is identical, but it will be appreciated that the first and second end portions can have different heights. The longitudinal dimension L2 of the center portion 12 is at least four times larger than the longitudinal dimension of the first and second end portions L2. Here, the longitudinal dimension L2 of the center portion 12 is about eight times larger than the longitudinal dimension of the first and second end portions L1, L3.

Here, the lengths of the first and second end portions are identical, but it will be appreciated that the first and second end portions can have different lengths.

Referring to Fig. 4B, by having a height H2 of at least one of the first and second end portions 11, 13 to be larger than the height H1 of center portion 12, it may be facilitated that the pastous material 2 is provided in a thicker layer LL2 at the first and / or second end portion 11, 13 relative to the layer LL1 of pastous material at the center portion 12. In other words, an additional amount of pastous material is provided by the device on the surface towards the ends 11, 13 of the outlet opening relative to the middle 12 of the outlet opening during use.

The additional pastous material may be used afterwards to fill any sections on the surface S of the wall that could not be covered by the opening 6, such as corners, or to fill tracks left by the device in the pastous material, such as by the wall support surfaces 21. Also, when laying layers of pastous material side by side on the surface S a gap G may exist between the layers, e.g. where the wall- support surfaces 21 supported the device against the surface. The additional amount of material can be used to fill and smoothen the gap afterwards, e.g. using a spatula or trowel.

Turning to Figs. 5A and 5B different examples are depicted. Fig. 5A depicts an example in which a tile-comb 29 has been placed on the rigid rim 23, such that the device may be used to apply cement to a surface of a wall, for example to prepare a surface of the wall for the placement of tiles. Again, the wall can also be a floor or ceiling in this example. Fig. 5B depicts an example in which an extension part 31 is depicted. The extension part 31 here is mounted to the first end portion 11. The extension part has a downwardly protruding edge 31A. In this example, the extension part is mounted to have a main surface 31B positioned at the height H2 from the surface S, corresponding to the height of the first end portion 11. The downwardly protruding edge 31A here is positioned at the height H1 from the surface S, corresponding to the height of the center portion 12. While a single extension part 31 is shown in Fig. 5B, the extension part 31 can be mounted into the first end portion 11, the second end portion 31 or both end portions. Such an extension part 31 may be used to provide pastous material 2 on difficult to reach positions such as corners and/or behind the wall- support surface(s) 21 during movement of the device along the wall. The extension portion can be used to smoothen the additional amount of material deposited at the end portion, e.g. for filling the gap G.

Turning to Fig. 6, a kit of parts 100 for assembling a device 1 for applying pastous material 2 to a surface comprising components 100 previously described is depicted. More in particular, the kit of parts 100 is depicted, in which the kit comprises two clamps 16, a base part 14, a connector part 15, said connector part 15 comprising the distribution element 22, the container 3, the rod 18, the piston 17 and a cap 30 to close-off the container 3 on a side opposite of where the connector part 15 is provided. The cap 30 can be arranged to be releasably connected to the container 3 for easy cleaning. In this example, the cap 30 has a flange 40. The flange 40 allows for using the flange as an additional handle for gripping the cap 30 when applying pastous material at a location far away from the user, e.g. a top of a wall or a ceiling. The flange 40 can also be used for supporting a reaction force of the other hand than the hand operating the operating handle 19, so as to be able to apply sufficient force to the pastous material inside the container, especially when applying pastous material at a location far away from the user.

Once a new batch of pastous material 2 needs to be placed in the container 3, connector part 15 can be released from the container 3 and thereby forming a filling opening 32.

Turning to Fig. 7 a system 200 for applying pastous material 2 is depicted.

The system comprises a device 1 and a guiding frame 201 for, in use, preventing sideways movement of the device 1 with respect to the wall 202. The guiding frame 201 is configured to urging the device 1 to move in a linear, or straight, path. In this example, the system 200 comprises a translation mechanism 203 for moving the device 1 along the guiding frame 201. Here, the translation mechanism is configured to be driven by an electric motor, here from an electric drill or screwdriver 204. It will be appreciated that the system can also be provided for applying the pastous material to a ceiling, e.g. by having the device travel over the floor or a rail construction.

In Figs. 8A-8D additional examples are depicted. In the example of Fig. 8A the device 1 comprises a ball-and-socket joint 33 mounted between the container 3 and the dispensing head 4. The ball-and-socket joint 33 is provided between the container 3 and the dispensing head 4 to facilitate further rotational and angular freedom between the container 3 and the dispensing head 4, which may improve ease of handling for a user of the device 1, especially in hard to reach locations. In

Figs. 8B, 8C and 8D the device 1, additional examples for specific uses are depicted. Fig. 8B shows an example of device 1 being used to fill up a gap 37 present in surface 34, e.g. for grouting bricks. Fig. 8C shows an example of device 1 being used to fill an opening 38 between two adjacent roof tiles 34, wherein the roof tiles 34 are convexly shaped, e.g. ridge tiles. In the example, when the device

1 is moved over the surface of the roof tiles 34, via wheels 21, the pastous material 2 can be applied following the shape of the roof tiles 34. The example depicted in Fig. 8D shows the device 1 in which a base part 39 is convexly shaped, preferably wherein the rigid rim 23 is also convexly shaped, thereby facilitating that the pastous material 2 can be applied in corners, such as for laying crown mouldings, or on concave surfaces. The rigid rim 23 can have a decorative shape following a desired cross section of the crown moulding.

Fig. 9 shows yet another example of a device 1. In this example, the container 3 is connected to the dispensing head 4 via a, e.g. flexible, hose 50.

Here, a connection port 51 is connected to the dispensing head 4 for connecting thereto the hose. The connection hose 50 can e.g. be a connection hose having an internal diameter of 1 inch or 1.5 inch. The transit means 5 here include a pump, such as an electric pump, for pumping the pastous material from the container 3 to the dispensing head 4 via the hose 50. In this example, an elongate handle bar 521s attached to the dispensing head 4. The connection port 51 for connecting thereto the hose 50 for establishing fluid communication between the container 3 and the dispensing head 4 is in this example positioned on the elongate handle bar 52. In this example, the container 3 and the transit means 5 form a stationary part of the device 1 while the dispensing head 4 and the handle bar 52 form a mobile part of the device. The stationary part of the device may nevertheless have wheels to allow course positioning of the stationary part relative to a wall, while the hose allows fine positioning of the dispensing head relative to the wall.

Figs. 10A and 10B show yet another example of a dispensing head 4 usable with the examples of figures 1-9. The differences with the other examples will now be explained. In this example, the base part is laterally divided into two separate parts, here a left base part 14L and a right base part 14R. The two base parts may be mutually connected by one or more bars 57 inserted into and extending through both base parts 14L, 14R. The bars can e.g. be aluminum strips. The connector part 15 here connects in between the two base parts 14L, 14R. In this example, the connector part 15 has two tubular extensions 59 (left and right) extending into circular seats 58 of the base parts 14L, 14R. A seal 55 is provided around the tubular extension 59 for sealing against egress of pastous material. The seals 59 may provide less resistance against rotation of the connector part 15 relative to the base part than the seals 14L It will be appreciated that it is also possible that one or both of the base parts 14L, 14R has a tubular extension, and the connector part 15 has one or two circular seats.

In Fig. 10A the seal 8 is shown partially broken away (i.e. the seal 8 at the left base part 14L is not shown) so as to show inserts 56. The inserts 56 can aid in spreading the pastous material along the slit shaped opening 6. The inserts 56 may be configured to be positionable by the user. A lateral position of the insert may e.g. be chosen for optimum result. Different inserts 56 of different sizes may be provided. In Fig. 10A the seal 8 can be flexed away so as to allow easy cleaning of the internals of the dispensing head 4.

Many variations will be apparent to the skilled person in the art. Such variations are understood to be comprised within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the device may be used to provide pastous material not only limited to a wall, but also a floor, ceiling or other construction elements of buildings.

Claims

Conclusions

1. An apparatus for applying paste material, such as plaster, to a surface, comprising: - a holder for holding the paste material; - a dispensing head in fluid communication with the holder, and wherein the dispensing head is configured to provide the paste material to the surface; and - conveying means for moving the paste material from the holder to the dispensing head; wherein the dispensing head has an outlet opening for applying the paste material to the surface, wherein the outlet opening comprises a substantially slit-shaped opening, and wherein the slit has a first end portion, middle portion and a second end portion, wherein a height of the slit of at least one of the first and second end portions is greater than the height of the slit of the middle portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the middle portion is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the at least one of the first and second end portions, preferably at least two times greater, more preferably at least four times greater.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a rear edge of the slit-shaped opening is formed by a rim.

4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a leading edge of the slit-shaped opening is formed by a seal.

5. Apparatus for applying paste material, such as plaster, to a surface, comprising: - a holder for holding the paste material;

- a dispensing head in fluid communication with the container, the dispensing head configured to provide the paste material onto the surface; and - conveying means for moving the paste material from the container to the dispensing head; the dispensing head having a slit-shaped opening for applying the paste material to the surface, a leading edge of the slit-shaped opening being formed by a seal and a trailing edge being formed by a rim.

6. An apparatus for applying paste material, such as plaster, to a surface, comprising: a holder for holding the paste material; a dispensing head pivotally mounted relative to the holder; the dispensing head being in fluid communication with the holder and configured to provide the paste material to the surface, the dispensing head having a slit-shaped opening for applying the paste material to the surface; the holder comprising a piston connected to a rod for moving the paste material from the holder to the dispensing head; the apparatus comprising an operating handle mounted on the rod and a handle mounted on the exterior of the holder.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a leading edge of the slit-shaped opening is formed by a seal and a trailing edge is formed by a rim.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the slit has a first end portion, a middle portion and a second end portion, wherein a height of the slit of at least one of the first and second end portions is greater than the height of the slit of the middle portion.

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the seal is resilient and/or at least partially flexible.

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the seal is a self-reinforcing seal.

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or 8 to 10, wherein the dispensing head further comprises an extension for providing the paste material, in use, on the surface longitudinally adjacent the opening, the extension being mountable to one of the first and second end portions.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the edge is a substantially rigid edge.

13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the edge has a distance from the wall.

14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 13, further comprising wall support surfaces for providing a predetermined distance between the edges of the wall.

15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the edge is positioned, in use, nearly parallel to the wall at a non-zero angle, such as 0.5 to 5 degrees, preferably 1-2 degrees, relative to the wall.

16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 15, wherein the height of the slit-shaped opening is adjustable by changing the distance between the edge and the wall support surface.

17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the dispensing head is pivotally mounted relative to the holder.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the dispensing head comprises a base member comprising the slit-shaped opening and a connecting member connectable to the holder and/or feed-through means, the base member and connecting member being hingedly connectable to each other.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the base member and the connecting member are connected by clamps.

20. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising a ball joint mounted between the holder and the dispensing head.

21. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5 or 8-20, wherein the feeding means are positioned in the holder.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the conveying means comprises a piston and rod.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a control handle mounted to the rod.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5 or 8 to 23, further comprising a handle mounted on the exterior of the holder.

25. Apparatus according to claim 14 or any of claims 15 to 24 when dependent on claim 14, wherein the wall support surfaces comprise wall support wheels.

26. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispensing head comprises a distribution element for ensuring that the paste material is distributed in the longitudinal direction of the opening.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the distribution element 1s positioned in the center of the opening.

28. Set of parts for assembling an apparatus for applying paste material to a surface comprising the components according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

29. Dispensing head for an apparatus for applying paste material according to any one of claims 1 to 27, comprising at least one of: - a slit-shaped opening for applying paste material to the surface, a leading edge of the slit-shaped opening being formed by a self-reinforcing seal and a trailing edge being formed by a substantially rigid edge, and the rigid edge having a non-zero distance from the wall; and - an outlet opening for applying paste material to the surface, the outlet opening comprising a substantially slit-shaped opening, and the slit having a first end portion, middle portion and a second end portion, a height of the slit of at least one of the first and second end portions being greater than the height of the slit of the middle portion.

30. A system for applying paste material comprising an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 27 and a guide frame for, in use, preventing lateral movement of the apparatus relative to the wall, the guide frame configured to cause the apparatus to move in a linear path.

31. A method for applying paste material, such as plaster, to a surface, comprising: - receiving paste material in a container; - moving paste material from the container to the dispensing head with feed means;

- providing paste material onto the surface through an outlet opening of the dispensing head, the outlet opening comprising a substantially slit-shaped opening; and - applying force to the provided paste material during movement of the apparatus along the surface.

32. A method according to claim 31, using an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 27 or a system according to claim 30.