GB2606567A

GB2606567A - Blade conditioning tool

Info

Publication number: GB2606567A
Application number: GB2106887.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rampling Scott
Original assignee: Scott Cutters Ltd
Current assignee: Scott Cutters Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-14
Filing date: 2021-05-14
Publication date: 2022-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2041-05-14
Also published as: GB202106887D0; GB2606567B

Abstract

A tool 1 for conditioning a plastic blade of a plastering tool. The tool has a main body 2 with a channel 4 and an abrasive sheet 3 which is supported in a deformed shape on a surface 6 of the channel. The abrasive sheet is retained in the channel by pair of retention members 7 which may have blind slots, clips, tabs, flaps or fasteners. The base of the channel may have a radius of curvature between 1mm and 5mm. The tool may end caps 10 which define a lip restricting the longitudinal movement of the abrasive sheet and close off compartments 13 which may hold spare abrasive sheets. The tool may have more than one channel, each having an abrasive sheet of different grit.

Description

Blade conditioning tool The present disclosure relates to a tool, in particular to a tool that is suitable for conditioning a plastic blade of a plastering tool, such as a plaster trowel suitable for smoothing and levelling wet finish coat plaster applied to a surface such as a wall or ceiling.

Conventionally, plaster is applied to walls and ceilings using a plaster trowel which comprises a flat rectangular sheet (otherwise referred to as a 'blade') having dimensions of about 280mm to 460mm by 120mm with a generally cylindrical handle mounted spaced from and parallel to the sheet. The same tool is used for smoothing and levelling the plaster once it has been applied.

Conventionally, the blades of plaster trowels were formed from metal, however, plastic bladed plaster trowels have become increasingly popular with plasterers, as an alternative method of finishing the plasterwork. Additionally, plastering tools comprising elongate handles and plastic blades have also become popular as an alternative to plaster trowels.

Plastic blades do, however, suffer the disadvantage that the blade is more prone to damage, such as nicks to the edges of the blade. It is crucial for achieving a good finish that the edge of the blade is straight and smooth, which means that generally once a blade is damaged it must be discarded, since filing or sanding the edge of the blade to remove the damage invariably ends with a blade that has a slightly curved or imperfect edge unsuitable for finishing the plasterwork.

Moreover, the ideal profile for the straight edge of a plastic plastering blade is not square but curved. It is very difficult to apply a curved profile to a blade edge whilst maintaining a straight blade edge.

A prior art tool for conditioning a plastic blade of a plastering tool is known from GB 2519852, which comprises a first guide means and a conditioning blade, wherein the first guide means is arranged to receive an edge portion of the plastering tool blade for guiding movement of the plastering tool blade relative to the conditioning blade, wherein the conditioning blade is curved, so that a curved profile is applied to the edge of the plastering tool blade. An optional second guide means is provided for finishing the blade after use of the blade, which comprises an abrasive element that is adhered to its surface.

This tool, whilst offering an effective solution, has associated disadvantages, including a required level of operator skill during use. A less skilled user, for example, may be prone to removing excessive material in a particular area.

The present invention arose in a bid to provide an improved tool having a low cost, being easy to manufacture, and enabling the accurate conditioning of a blade following damage or otherwise with minimal operator skill required, whilst applying a desired profile and maintaining a consistently straighter edge.

Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or drawings of the specification.

According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a tool for conditioning a plastic blade of a plastering tool, the tool comprising a main body and an abrasive sheet, wherein the main body defines a channel, a surface of the channel is configured to support the abrasive sheet in a deformed state, and the abrasive sheet is retained in the channel by pair of retention members that are provided one on each side of a base of the channel in a width direction of the channel.

The base is preferably curved in the width direction of the channel. The base may have a radius of curvature of between lmm and 5mm It may have a radius of 15 curvature of between 3mm and 4mm. A particularly preferred arrangement has a radius of curvature of 4mm.

Whilst less preferable, the base may alternatively be V-shaped.

The retention members preferably retain the abrasive sheet in its deformed state within the channel with a loose fit By such an arrangement, a very simple and cost-effective tool may be achieved. Moreover, the tool is very easy to use even by unskilled individuals. The profile of the base of the channel in the width direction allows for a corresponding profile to be applied to the edge of the tool blade, most preferably a curved profile. The abrasive sheet will conform to the profile of the base, particularly when pressure is applied to the abrasive sheet, via the tool blade, during use. The channel will guide movement of the edge of the blade relative to the abrasive sheet to keep the edge straight.

When the abrasive sheet is retained with a loose fit, the sheet is easily replaced. Moreover, readily available standard sandpaper of a desired grit, cut to an appropriate size, may be used thereby further increasing utility.

The abrasive sheet is preferably deformed by bending. This will particularly be the case with a curved base. If the base is V-shaped, the sheet may rather be bent, for example.

In a preferred arrangement, a first of the retention members is provided adjacent a first edge of the channel and a second of the retention members is provided adjacent a second edge of the channel.

The retention members may comprise clips, tabs, flaps, or fasteners. In a preferred arrangement they comprise blind slots. The retention members may be integrally formed with the body. They may alternatively be separately formed. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the retention members comprise blind slots that are formed in the main body. The blind slots may extend along substantially the entire length of the channel. The blind slots may be open at one or both of their zs ends.

The base is preferably straight along its entire length.

The channel may extend along substantially the entire length of the main body. The channel may be open at one of its ends. An end cap may be provided for partially obstructing the open end of the channel. The channel may alternatively be open at both of its ends. In such case, the tool may comprise first and second end caps for partially obstructing both ends of the channel. With the partial obstruction by the end cap(s), the movement of the abrasive sheet in a length direction of the channel/tool is suitably restricted. Although the use of end caps is not limited to an arrangement with a sheet held in loose fit, it is particularly beneficial when the abrasive sheet is retained with a loose fit.

The or each end cap preferably comprises a through opening that substantially matches the profile of the base. The arrangement is preferably such that the tool blade may project out through the channel, and through the end cap(s), unobstructed during use. Such an arrangement is particularly useful when the length of the blade edge to be conditioned exceeds the length of the tool.

There is preferably at least one compartment for storing spare abrasive sheets. In arrangements comprising one or more end caps, the compartment may be closed off by the end cap(s).

The main body is preferably unitarily formed. The main body most preferably comprises an extrusion. Such a construction renders the tool extremely cost effective to manufacture, particularly when the retention members take a form that allow for their formation with the extrusion.

The abrasive sheet preferably comprises emery or sandpaper. The abrasive 5 sheet may be fabric backed.

It is preferable that the tool comprises a plurality of the channels. In such a case, each of the channels may comprise a sheet of sandpaper having a different grit to the sheet(s) of the other channel(s). In a particularly preferred arrangement, there are a pair of the channels provided. The first channel is provided with a sheet of a first, coarser, sandpaper with a relatively low grit, and the second channel is provided with a second, finer, sandpaper with a relatively high grit There may, however, be two, three, four or more channels provided.

Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tool according to a first embodiment of the invention, the tool shown is of indeterminate length as indicated by the break lines; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a tool according to the first embodiment with an end cap removed and a stowed abrasive sheet partially removed; Figure 3 shows an end view of a tool according to the first embodiment; and Figure 4 shows a view of the inner face of an end cap of the tool.

With reference to the figures, there is shown a tool 1 for conditioning a plastic blade of a plastering tool (not shown). As indicated by the break lines of Figure 1, the tool is not limited in length. It may be varied. A range of tools of different lengths may be provided. The tool comprises a main body 2 and an abrasive sheet 3. The main body 2 defines a channel 4, which comprises a base 5. A surface 6 of the channel 4 is configured to support the abrasive sheet 3 in a deformed state. The abrasive sheet 3 is retained in the channel 4 by pair of retention members 7 that are provided one on each side of the base 5 in a width direction of the channel 4.

In use, the abrasive sheet 3 substantially conforms to the surface 6 of the channel 4. In particular, the abrasive sheet 3 will conform substantially to the profile of the base 5, particularly when pressure is applied to the abrasive sheet 3, via the tool blade, during use. The channel 4 will guide movement of the edge of the tool blade relative to the abrasive sheet 3.

A user may condition the edge of a tool blade by introducing the edge into the channel 4 and pressing the edge into the base 5 of the channel 4 against the abrasive sheet 3. With relative movement between the tool blade and the tool 1 in a length direction of the channel 4, the abrasive sheet 3 will abrade the tool blade edge. The channel 4 will act as a guide maintaining the edge of the tool blade straight, whilst a profile conforming substantially to the profile of the base is applied to the tool blade edge.

It is preferable that the base has a curved profile, as shown. It must be noted, however, that alternative arrangements will be possible in which the base is other than curved. In such case the base may have a V-shaped profile or otherwise. A curved base is provided primarily since it provides the preferred curved profile to the tool blade edge. It is further beneficial, however, since it extends the life of the abrasive sheet reducing the required frequency of change. With a curved base, the blade can be rotated left and right, i.e. from side to side, to use a greater area of the abrasive sheet during a conditioning operation. When the base is curved it may have a radius of curvature of between 1mm and 5mm. It may be between 3mm and 4mm. 4mm is a particularly preferred radius of curvature for a curved base when the tool is to be used to condition the edges of plastering tool blades.

In the present invention, as is preferred, the retention members retain the abrasive sheet 3 in the channel 4 with a loose fit. The abrasive sheet 3 is not adhered or otherwise fixed to the main body 2. The present invention is not, however, to be limited to arrangements in which the abrasive sheet 3 is retained with a loose fit. The retention members 7 could, for example, be arranged to grip the abrasive sheet 3 such that it may not move Numerous forms of retention member 7 will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, as discussed further below.

The retention members 7 may be configured with a first retention member 7a provided adjacent a first edge 8 of the channel and a second retention member 7b provided adjacent a second edge 9 of the channel, as shown. This is preferable so that the unobstructed area of the abrasive sheet 3 within the channel 4 is maximised, whilst the abrasive sheet 3 is sufficiently retained in the width direction of the channel.

The retention members 7 may comprise blind slots that extend along substantially the entire length of the channel, as shown. This arrangement is beneficial, since the retention members 7 may be integrally formed with the main body by extruding. In alternative arrangements, the retention members may be otherwise formed, particularly when they are not integrally formed with the main body.

Numerous alternative forms of retention member will be possible, which may be integrally formed with the main body or separately formed to the main body and attached thereto, and which may extend for substantially the entire length of the channel or for a shorter distance. The retention members may, for example comprise clips, tabs, flaps, or fasteners. The fasteners may comprise hook and loop fasteners or otherwise. Numerous suitable forms of fastener will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

As in the depicted arrangement, it is preferable that the base 5 is straight along its entire length. Such an arrangement is beneficial in respect of the maintenance of a straight edge, and for ease of manufacture. In alternative arrangements, however, there may be arrangements provided in which the base has a straight portion and a portion that is other than straight, or otherwise.

As again in the depicted arrangement, it is preferable that the channel 4 extends along substantially the entire length of the main body 2. Such an arrangement maximises the length of the channel whilst also allowing the tool blade to be passed through the channel when the channel has open ends, as discussed below.

The channel 4 may be open at one or both of its ends. Any open end will preferably be closed off by an end cap 10. In the present arrangement, as clearly seen both ends of the channel are open and there is an end cap 10 provided at either end of the channel.

Any end cap may partially obstruct the respective open end of the channel to and may comprise a through opening 11 that matches the profile of the base. Considering the present arrangement, in which the retention members 7 comprise slots in the body, the end caps 10 are arranged to close the open ends of the retention members 7 in the length direction, as clearly illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. For such purposes, they comprise suitably profiled portions 12, which may be formed by lugs, tabs, or otherwise. When the retention members 7 are otherwise formed these may be omitted.

Regardless of the form of the retention members 7, it is preferable that an acute angle is formed between a tool blade and the inner surface 6 of the channel 4 (or abrasive sheet 3 as supported by the inner surface 6), when the tool blade contacts the surface of the channel at its edge/tip and at the same time contacts the retention member 7/profiled portion 12 at a point spaced from its edge/tip. This arrangement is illustrated in Figure 3 by the dotted lines that represent, respectively, the angle of the abrasive sheet (as supported) and the angle of the tool blade with its edge/tip contacting the surface of the channel and a point spaced from its edge/tip contacting the profiled portion 12. By such an arrangement, the side surfaces of the blade immediately adjacent the blade tip/edge may be suitably conditioned. This is very useful since displacement of material usually occurs where a dig or dent is sustained, in a plastic tool blade in particular. In order to best condition a blade this displacement of material should be removed and smoothed. If the angle is greater then conditioning may be hindered. The retention member 7/profiled portion 12 may comprise a surface provided at the acute angle, as is the case in the present arrangement, as seen in Figure 3 The surface may guide/support the blade during use of the tool.

Having the facility of sanding and smoothing the edge (and the immediately adjacent regions) means generally less material needs to be removed ( as compared to the prior art arrangement) to obtain smooth results.

Considering the through opening of each of the end caps 10, these preferably substantially conform to the profile of the channel, except for their portions 12 for closing off the ends of the retention members (when present). It is preferable that the end cap(s) 10 each form a lip extending along at least part of the profile of the channel. The lip may extend along substantially the entire profile of the channel.

The lip may extend into the profile of the channel by a depth that is less than the thickness of the abrasive paper. By such arrangement, the abrasive paper may abut the lip of the end cap to block its movement in a length direction without risk that the tool blade may catch the end cap. This is particularly preferable when the lip is provided in the region of the base. In other arrangements, particularly when the lip is provided in regions other than the base, it may have a greater depth than the thickness of the paper. The lip may also vary in thickness between different regions of the channel. Various suitable arrangements will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The lip may further be omitted altogether.

The tool preferably comprises one or more compartments 13 for storing spare abrasive sheets. As may be seen in the present arrangement, there are two compartments provided. The compartments 13 are preferably closed off by the end caps 10. The compartments 13 may be provided with ribs 14 provided with cutouts for the sheets. Such an arrangement aids in keeping the spare sheets straight and allows the end caps to locate uninhibited. The end caps may be provided with lugs 15 to be received by the compartments 13 for alignment of the end caps, so as to further aid in location of the end caps. In alternative arrangements, the ribs 14 and/or lugs 15 may be omitted.

The abrasive sheet may comprise any suitable sheet. It is particularly preferred that it comprises fabric backed emery or sandpaper, owing to its low cost and ready availability. It may alternatively comprise sanding mesh or other alternative abrasive sheets. It should be appreciated that the abrasive sheet may be selected based on the tool blade to be conditioned and/or the grade of finished edge sought to be achieved. Whilst the tool has been discussed with a focus on the conditioning of plastic plastering tool blades, it may be used to condition the edge of metal platering tool blades, for example, or otherwise In such case an abrasive sheet suitable for such purpose may be selected.

It is to be noted that whilst the present arrangement has two channels. Tools will be possible with only a single channel or with more than two channels. With the preferred provision of multiple channels, each of the channels may be provided with an abrasive sheet having a different level of abrasiveness. For example, each channel may be provided with a sheet of sandpaper having a different grit to the sheet(s) of the other channel(s).

Numerous alternative arrangements and modifications to the tools as described herein will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art within the 10 scope of the appended claims.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

Claims 1. A tool for conditioning a plastic blade of a plastering tool, the tool comprising a main body and an abrasive sheet, wherein the main body defines a channel, a surface of the channel is configured to support the abrasive sheet in a deformed state, and the abrasive sheet is retained in the channel by pair of retention members that are provided one on each side of a base of the channel in a width direction of the channel.
2. A tool as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the base is curved in the width direction of the channel.
3. A tool as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the base has a radius of curvature of between 1mm and 5mm
4. A tool as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the retention members retain the abrasive sheet in the channel with a loose fit.
5. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a first of the retention 20 members is provided adjacent a first edge of the channel and a second of the retention members is provided adjacent a second edge of the channel.
6. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the retention members comprise blind slots, clips, tabs, flaps, or fasteners.
7. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the retention members comprise blind slots that extend along substantially the entire length of the channel.
8 A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base is straight along its entire length.
9. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the channel extends along substantially the entire length of the main body.
10. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the channel is open at one of its ends.
11. A tool as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the tool comprises an end cap for partially obstructing the open end of the channel.
12. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the channel is open at both of its ends.
13. A tool as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the tool comprises first and second zo end caps for partially obstructing both ends of the channel.
14. A tool as claimed in Claim 11 or 13, wherein the or each end cap comprises a through opening that substantially matches the profile of the base.
15. A tool as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the or each end cap defines a lip extending along at least part of the profile of the base, the lip extending into the profile of the base by a depth that is less than the thickness of the abrasive paper, such that the abrasive paper abuts the lip of the or each end cap to obstruct its movement in a length direction without inhibiting the passage of the tool blade through the channel.
16. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a compartment for storing spare abrasive sheets.
17. A tool as claimed in Claim 16, when dependent on Claim 11 or 13, wherein the compartment is closed off by the end cap(s).
18. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main body is unitarily 15 formed.
19. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main body comprises an extrusion.zo
20. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the abrasive sheet comprises sandpaper.
21. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a plurality of the channels.
22. A tool as claimed in Claim 21, when dependent on Claim 20, wherein each of the channels comprises a sheet of sandpaper having a different grit to the sheet(s) of the other channel(s).