PLASTERING GUIDE STRIPS WITH ADJUSTABLE MOUNTS

RELATED APPLICATION/S

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/398,563 filed 17 Aug. 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in some embodiments thereof relates to plastering guide strips with mounts, and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to plastering guide strips which are gripped by and held to the wall with adjustable mounts.

One of the requirements in the field of commercial and residential renovation is to that the walls are flat and straight. Often, walls that are undergoing renovation develop surface irregularities, with subtle or pronounced bulging and/or bowing. Both the professional and the amateur who seek to plaster a wall that is not flat can compensate for the surface irregularities. A common solution is to use guide strips. The guide strips indicate the proper surface level for plastering in order to assure that the walls come out straight and flat. These guide strips are conventionally cemented to the wall, which is a tedious and time-consuming process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a mount for adjustably affixing a plastering guide strip to a surface including: a clasp configured to hold the plastering guide strip; and a holder configured to hold a head of a connector such that moving the head of the connector towards the surface brings the mount closer to the surface and moving the head of the connector away from the surface distances the mount from the surface.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the holder includes a screw retaining slot. According to some embodiments of the invention, the screw retaining slot is positioned between an opening distal to the surface and an opening proximal to the surface.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a drive is accessible through the opening distal to the surface.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a holder is positioned on one side of the mount.

According to some embodiments of the invention, two holders are positioned on different sides of the mount.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the clasp reversibly holds the guide strip.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a clasp is attached to one or more of the mounts adjustable held to a surface.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the clasp includes one or more flanges inhibiting separation of the guide from the clasp.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the guide strip holding clasp includes one or more protrusions localizing a position of the clasp on the guide.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the guide strip holding clasp includes a tensioning element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the clasp includes a click-on connection with an interference element.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method of adjustable affixing a plastering guide strip to a surface, the method including: maintaining a head of a connector into a holder of a mount for the guide strip; placing the mount against a surface in a required location, reducing a distance between the mount and the surface by moving the head of the connector towards the surface and distancing the mount from the surface by moving the head of the connector away from the surface.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the distancing and reducing a distance are while the guide strip is attached to the mount. According to some embodiments of the invention, the connector is a screw and the reducing is achieved by tightening and the distancing by loosening the screw.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the distancing and reducing a distance is while the guide strip is attached to the mount.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the mount is reversibly attached to the guide strip.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes: attaching the guide strip to the mount by attaching one or more edges to one or more holes of the guide strip to one or more flanges and/or one or more protrusions of the mount.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the attaching includes gripping the edges on both sides of the guide strip by two flanges.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the attaching includes gripping the edge on one side of the guide strips by one flange, and by one or more protrusions of the mount that fit one or more holes of the guide strip.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the mount is affixed flush with the surface.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the mount is affixed to the surface at a desired distance from the surface.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for affixing one or more mounts to a wall in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 5 a is a schematic diagram of a guide strip in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of connection of a guide to a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of a perspective view from above [a proximal side] of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of a perspective view from below [a distal side] of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram of a side view of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 10 a flow chart for a method of affixing one or more mounts to a wall in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Overview

The present invention in some embodiments thereof relates to plastering guide strips with mounts, and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to plastering guide strips which are gripped by and held to the wall with mounts, which may optionally be height adjustable.

In some instances, a guide strip may have holes. In some embodiments, a mount may interface with the holes e.g., to enable the guide strips to be fitted in place on one or more mounts.

In some embodiments, the one or more mounts may have protrusions corresponding to the holes in the guide strips. In some embodiments, each mount may have a flange. In some embodiments, the flanges may grip the edges of the guide strips on two sides opposite to each other. Optionally, the guide strips may be gripped on one side by a flange and one or more the holes. Optionally, the guide strips may be gripped by one or more click-on interference elements that fit the holes. For example, the flange may be a click connector, and/or an interference element.

In some embodiments, the mounts may be made out of plastic. In some embodiments, the mounts may include a tab with a hole. In some embodiments, the tab may allow the mount to be easily attached to a wall, e.g., via a screw and/or a nail.

In some embodiments, the inner face of the guide strip may be held flush to the wall by one or more mounts, thereby fixing the distance between the guide and the surface and/or the thickness of the plaster. In some embodiments, one or more mounts may be adjustable, thereby adjusting the distance of the guide strip from the surface, e.g., a wall.

In some embodiments, each mount may include a holder for a screw. Optionally, the screw holder may include a screw retaining slot positioned between the distal opening and the proximal opening into which a screw may be inserted. In some embodiments, the screw holder may include an opening proximal to the surface to which the mount is attached. In some embodiments, the screw holder may include an opening distal to the surface to which it is attached. According to some embodiments, the screw may pass through the distal opening. Optionally, the screw may pass through the distal opening. Optionally, the screw head may be accessible through the proximal opening. Optionally, the screw head may be maintained within a screw retaining slot. According to some embodiments, the distance between the guide and the surface and/or the thickness of the plaster (that will sometimes be referred to herein as height) of the mount, and therefore the guide strip, from the surface may be adjusted by tightening and/or loosening the screw. Optionally, the screw may be tightened and/or loosened while the guide strip is attached to the mount. Optionally, the user may adjust the distance from the wall (height) of the plaster guide in-situ. Optionally, each mount may include a screw holder of the mount at the top, bottom, or both.

In some embodiments, the guide strips are easily attached and removed from the mounts. In some embodiments, the mounts are easily affixed and removed from the wall, greatly simplifying the process of evenly plastering uneven surfaces.

Specific Embodiments

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, system 100 includes the mounts which may be affixed to the wall e.g., using screws and or nails 104 via the mount’s tab 106. Optionally the tab 106 allows in positioned so as not to be covered by a guide when it is attached to the clasp 102. For example, this may facilitate connecting and/or tightening and/or loosening a connection to a surface (e.g., a wall) For example, tab 106 may include a perforation and/or screw holder. In some embodiments, the guide strip 112 may be attached to the mounts via a clasp 102. For example, clasp 102 may include one or more flanges 110. Flanges 110, are optionally configured to grip the edges of the guide strips 112. In some embodiments, the guide strip is grasped from opposing sides. Optionally, the guide strips are gripped on one side by a flange 110, and/or by one or more click-on interference elements 108. For example, the flange may click and/or include an interference element. Alternatively or additionally, the protrusion may fit fit holes 114 of the guide strip. Optionally, the protrusion may include an interference element (e.g., clicking to the hole).

In some embodiments, two guide strips are optionally attached opposite each other, allowing for even plastering. In some embodiments, the mounts may he flush with on the wall and/or a distance from the wall.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, system 200 includes the mounts which may be affixed to the wall e.g., using screws and or nails (not shown) via the mount’s perforated tab 206 or screw holder. In some embodiments, the guide strip 212 may be attached to a clasp 202 of the mounts. For example, attachment to the clasp may be via one or more flanges 210 which grip the edges 204 of the guide strips 212 on both sides. Optionally, the edges 204 of the guide strips are gripped on one side by a flange 210, and/or by one or more click-on interference elements 208 that fit the holes 214 of the guide strip. In this manner two guide strips are optionally attached opposite each other, allowing for even plastering. In some embodiments, the mounts may he flush with on the wall and/or a distance from the wall.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a method for use of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In the method 300, the user may affix 302 one or more mounts to a surface (e.g., a wall) with a connector (e.g., screws and/or nails). The user may then attach 304 the guide strip to the mounts via a flange and/or click-on interference elements. Optionally, the mounts are configured to allow access to the wall connector after attaching the guide strip. For example, a distance between the guide strip and the surface may be adjusted (distance and/or brought closer) while the guide strip remains attached. For example, the distance between the mount and/or the guide strip and the wall may be adjusted while the guide strip is in position. Alternatively or additionally, the guide strip may be attached 304 to the mount before affixing 302 the mount to the surface. The user may then repeat this for the second guide strip. The user may then plaster 306 the wall evenly between the guide strips. In some embodiments, the guide strip remains in the wall under the plaster. Alternatively, and/or additionally, after plastering is completed, some and/or all of the guide strips may be removed from the mounts and/or the mounts may be removed from the wall.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, the mount 400 may possess protrusions 402 as click-on interference elements. Optionally, the mount may have a length 404 ranging between about 1-2.25 cm, and/or between 2.25-4.25 cm, and/or between 4.25- 6.25 cm, and/or between 6.25-9.25 cm. Optionally, the mount may have a width 406 ranging between 1 to 5 mm, and/or 5 to 10 mm, and/or 1-2 cm, and/or between 2-4 cm, and/or between 4-6 cm, and/or between 6-9 cm. Optionally, the diameter 408 of each protrusion may range between about 1.9-5 mm, and/or between 5-8 mm, and/or between 8-10 mm. Optionally, the distance 410 between protrusions on the mount may range between about 1-2.25 cm, and/or between 2.25-4.25 cm, and/or between 4.25-6.25 cm, and/or between 6.25-9.25 cm.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a guide strip, respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, the guide strip 500 may possess a plurality of holes 502. Optionally, the length 504 of a guide strip may range between about 0.25-0.5 meter, and/or between 0.5-1 meter, and/or between 1-2 meters, and/or between 2 to 5 meters. Optionally, the height 506 of a guide strip may range between about 1 to 5 mm, and/or between 5 to 10 mm, and/or between 1-2 cm, and/or between 2-4 cm, and/or between 4-6 cm, and/or between 6-9 cm. Optionally, the width/diameter 508 of the holes 502 in the guide strip may range between about 0.1 to 1 mm and/or between 1 to 2 mm and/or between 2-5 mm, and/or between 5-8 mm, and/or between 8-10 mm. Optionally, the guide strip may have a width 510 ranging between 1-2.25 cm, and/or between 2.25-4.25 cm, and/or between 4.25-6.25 cm, and/or between 6.25-9.25 cm. Optionally, the distance 512 between holes502 on the guide strip may range between about 0.1-1 cm, and/or 1-2.25 cm, and/or between 2.25-4.25 cm, and/or between 4.25-6.25 cm, and/or between 6.25-9.25 cm.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, system 600 may include at least one mount 604 which may be affixed to a surface 602 (for example, a wall) with a connector 608 (for example, a screw and/or a nail). For example, the mount may include a tab and/or screw holder. The tab optionally facilitates connecting the mount to surface 602. In some embodiments, the guide strips 610 may be attached to the mounts 604 via a flange which grips the edges of the guide strips on both sides. Optionally, the guide strips 610 are gripped by a clasp. For example, the guide strips 610 may be grasped on one side by the flange, and/or by click-on interference elements. Optionally, a protrusion may fit in the holes of the guide strip. For example, the protrusion may fix the position of the guide strip 610 with respect to the mount and/or may include a click on and/or interference element.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of connection of a guide to a mount. For example, in system 700, the mount includes a clasp for attaching to a guide strip. Optionally, an edge 704 of the guide strip 702 may connect to a flange 710 of the mount. Optionally, two edges 704 of the guide strip 702 opposite each other may be connected to two flanges 710 of the mount 708. Additionally, and/or alternatively, one or more holes 706 of the guide strip 702 may connect to one or more protrusions 712 of the mount 708. Connections may include click-on connections and/or interference elements.

FIGs. 8A and 8B is a schematic diagram of a perspective view (from above [a proximal side] and below [a distal side]) of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. According to some embodiments, mount 800 may include a guide strip holding clasp 802 and a screw holder 804. According to some embodiments, the guide strip holding clasp 802 may include one or more flanges 806, 812 (e.g., retainer overhang). Optionally, one or more flanges 806, 812 may be adjustable and or flexible, such that the mount may accommodate guide strips of various widths. According to some embodiments, the guide strip holding clasp 802 may include one or more protrusions 810, e.g., lateral positioner pins. Optionally, the protrusions 810 may include click-on connections and/or interference elements. Optionally, the protrusions 810 may be configured to hold and/or correctly position the guide strip (not shown). Optionally, the guide strip holding clasp 802 may include a tensioning element 808. According to some embodiments, the screw holder 804 may include a screw access opening 814 through which a screw driver may pass and/or a screw head may be accessed.

FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram of a side view of a mount 800 in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. According to some embodiments, mount 800 may include a guide strip holding clasp 802 and a screw holder 804. According to some embodiments, the guide strip holding clasp 802 may include one or more flanges 806, 812 (e.g., retainer overhang). Optionally, one or more flanges 806, 812 may be adjustable and or flexible, such that the mount may accommodate guide strips of various widths. Optionally, the edges of the guide strip (not shown) may be held within slots 818, 820 by the flanges 806, 812.

According to some embodiments, the guide strip holding clasp 802 may include one or more protrusions 810, e.g., lateral positioner pins. Optionally, the protrusions 810 may include click-on connections and/or interference elements. Optionally, the protrusions 810 may be configured to hold and/or correctly position the guide strip (not shown). Optionally, the guide strip holding clasp 802 may include a tensioning element 808 (for example, an elastic element that presses against the guide strip and/or presses the guide strip against the flanges 806 of the clasp 802).

According to some embodiments, the screw holder 804 may include a screw retaining slot 816 into which a screw may be inserted. The screw holder 804 may include an opening proximal 822 to the surface to which the mount is attached. In some embodiments, the screw holder 804 may include a distal opening 814 to the surface to which it is attached. According to some embodiments, holder 804 may grasp a connector. For example, a screw may slide sideways into the slot. Optionally, the shank and/or point and/or threaded section of the screw protrudes distally through the distal opening 814. Optionally, a screw driver may be inserted through the proximal opening 822 to access the drive of the screw head. For example, it the screw head may be accessible while the screw is in the holder 804 and/or while the guide is in the clasp 802. Optionally, the screw head (not shown) may be accessible through the distal opening 814. Optionally, the screw head (not shown) may be maintained within a screw retaining slot 816, positioned between the distal opening 814 and the proximal opening 822. For example, the head of the screw is fixed in relation to the holder 804 such that when the screw is screwed into the surface the mount 800 is brought close to the surface and/or when the screw is screwed out the surface the mount 800 is distanced from the surface.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. According to some embodiments, mount 1000 may include a guide strip holding clasp 134 and a screw holder 132. According to some embodiments, the guide strip clasp 134 may include one or more flanges 128. Optionally, one or more flanges 128 may be adjustable, such that the mount may accommodate guide strips of various widths.

According to some embodiments, the guide clasp 134 may include one or more protrusions 130. Optionally, the protrusions 130 may include click-on connections and/or interference elements.

According to some embodiments, the screw holder 132 may include a screw retaining slot 124 into which a screw may be inserted. The screw holder 132 may include an opening proximal 126 to the surface to which the mount is attached, and an opening distal 122 to the surface to which it is attached. Optionally, the screw head (not shown) may be maintained within a screw retaining slot 124, positioned between the distal opening 122 and the proximal opening 126.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for a method of affixing one or more mounts to a wall in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. According to some embodiments, in method 1100, a mount is placed 150 against a wall in the required location, a screw is inserted 152 through the screw holder section of the mount and maintained 154 in the screw retaining slot, and then the screw is tightened 156 to adjust the distance of the mount, until the mount is at the desired distance from the wall.

According to some embodiments, the distance between the guide and the surface and/or the thickness of the plaster, from the surface may be adjusted by tightening and/or loosening the screw. Optionally, the screw may be tightened and/or loosened while the guide strip is attached to the mount. Optionally, the user may adjust the distance from the surfaced of the plaster guide in-situ. Optionally, each mount may include a screw holder of the mount at the top, bottom, or both.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant technologies will be developed and the scope of the terms are intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10 %

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”. The term "consisting essentially of means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.