"Cornice cement applicator"

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2007903909 filed on 19 July 2007, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to application of cornice cement to a cornice prior to location of the cornice in a corner formed by walls, and in particular relates to a device and method for more efficient application of cornice cement to such a cornice.

Background of the Invention

Cornices can be secured by way of cement or plaster for decorative and sealing purposes in the corners, usually internal corners, of buildings. For example a cornice may be positioned vertically into an internal corner formed between two vertical walls in order to seal a join between the two walls and/or to improve aesthetics of the interior of the room. Similarly, cornices are often positioned horizontally along the internal corner formed between a vertical wall and a horizontal roof for the same reasons.

Cornices are commonly secured by cornice cement, which provides an efficient means of holding the cornice securely in place without need for visible alteration to the appearance of the cornice as viewed from within the room. At the time of installation of the cornice, wet cornice cement must be provided along the two rear edges of the cornice which are to be pressed against the walls and/or roof on either side of the internal corner. Such cornice cement is usually required along the entire length of both rear edges of the cornice both to ensure that the cornice is held sufficiently securely, and so that the cornice cement seals the join between each cornice rear edge and the respective wall or roof. This is usually done manually by a plasterer trowelling the wet cornice cement or plaster from a mixing vessel and using a scraping motion with the trowel to deposit the cornice cement, first along the full length of one rear edge of the cornice, and then along the full length of the other rear edge of the cornice. The cornice is then pressed into place in the corner, displacing some plaster which can then be cleaned off to leave a smooth sealed join.

The manual application of cornice cement by trowel along the full length of both rear edges of a cornice is labour intensive. Further this method is reliant upon the plasterer's

trowelling skills, which generally leads to uneven deposition of cement along the cornice and potential wastage of surplus cement.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect the present invention provides a cornice cement applicator for depositing cornice cement along a cornice, the applicator comprising: a reservoir for holding cornice cement; at least one dispensing nozzle configured to deposit a bead of cornice cement in a desired location along the cornice; and an actuator for causing ejection of cornice cement from the reservoir via the at least one dispensing nozzle.

According to a second aspect the present invention provides a method of dispensing cornice cement along a cornice, the method comprising: holding cornice cement in a reservoir; and ejecting cornice cement from the reservoir via at least one dispensing nozzle which is configured to deposit a bead of cornice cement in a desired location along the cornice.

According to a third aspect the present invention provides a cornice cement applicator for depositing cornice cement along both rear edges of a cornice, the applicator comprising: a reservoir for holding cornice cement;

dispensing nozzles spaced apart by an amount corresponding to a width of a cornice; and an actuator for causing ejection of cornice cement from the reservoir via the dispensing nozzles.

According to a fourth aspect the present invention provides a method of dispensing cornice cement along both rear edges of a cornice, the method comprising: holding cornice cement in a reservoir; and ejecting cornice cement from the reservoir via dispensing nozzles which are spaced apart by an amount corresponding to a width of a cornice.

The third and fourth aspects of the present invention thus provide for deposition of cornice cement simultaneously along both rear sides of a cornice, by providing for simultaneous ejection of cornice cement from a plurality of dispensing nozzles which are spaced apart by an amount corresponding to a width of the cornice. The first and second embodiments of the invention recognise that for large and/or custom-sized cornices it may be more practical to dispense one bead of cement at a time. Further, appropriate selection of dispensing mechanism may provide for substantially even rate of ejection of cornice cement from the dispensing nozzles, substantially easing the task of evenly distributing cornice cement along each respective rear edge of the cornice.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the reservoir is a substantially closed reservoir having a variable volume, the volume being variable by actuation of the actuator. For example, the actuator may comprise a piston slidably disposed in sealing arrangement within the reservoir. Additionally or alternatively the reservoir may comprise a diaphragm by which the volume of the reservoir may be varied. Such embodiments provide for cornice cement to be drawn into the reservoir by submerging the nozzles in cornice cement and enlarging the volume of the reservoir. An intake separate to the dispensing nozzles may be provided however such embodiments may require selectively sealable dispensing nozzles. In turn, reducing the volume of the reservoir may be the means by which cornice cement is ejected from the reservoir out the dispensing nozzles.

Preferably, two dispensing nozzles are provided. The dispensing nozzles preferably each comprise an orifice in the reservoir of a desired diameter to provide for dispensation of a desired amount of cornice cement from the reservoir upon actuation

of the actuator. The dispensing nozzles are spaced apart by amount corresponding to a width of the cornice in relation to which the applicator is to be used. For example, where the applicator is adapted for use with a cornice of 90mm width, the dispensing nozzles are preferably disposed substantially 80mm apart, such that cornice cement will be dispensed along the inside of each rear edge of the cornice. Alternatively, if desired, the dispensing nozzles may be configured to position the bead on each rear edge of the cornice or even beyond each rear edge of the cornice on lateral surfaces of the cornice.

Alternative embodiments may provide more than two nozzles while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

In preferred embodiments of invention, the distance by which the dispensing nozzles are spaced apart is variable, in order to allow use of the applicator both with cornices of small width and with cornices of large width.

The applicator may comprise one or more guides configured to pass along a surface of the cornice during use, in order to assist in maintaining the dispensing nozzles in a desired position during dispensation of cornice cement. The or each guide may be a roller, a pad or a skid positioned in a predetermined position relative to the dispensing nozzles. The or each guide may be in a fixed position, or alternatively may be adjustable in position and/or presentation angle to facilitate usage of the applicator with various sizes of cornice. Additionally or alternatively, the or each guide may be configured to pass along a surface upon which the cornice is placed, to avoid damage to the cornice by the guides and applicator. For example the guides may comprise two skids configured to pass along a floor upon which a cornice is placed, on either side of the cornice.

In embodiments comprising one or more guides, the guides may be suspended, such as by spring mounting, to improve travel of the guide over rough surfaces of the cornice or other surface. The guides are preferably made of wear resistant material. Where the guides are skids or pads, the guides are preferably formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction to ease sliding of the guide. Where the guides are rollers, the roller surface is preferably formed of a material having a high coefficient of friction to resist slipping of the rollers.

The guide may comprise one or more rollers disposed proximal to the dispensing nozzles, for example between the dispensing nozzles, adapted to roll along the cornice during dispensation of cornice cement from the nozzles. Such embodiments assist a user in dispensing cornice cement accurately and evenly along each respective rear edge of the cornice. The or each roller is preferably configured to control the position for the dispensing nozzles to be a desired and substantially constant distance above the cornice throughout dispensation of the cornice cement, in order to provide for substantially even and neat deposition of cornice cement along each respective rear edge of the cornice.

In embodiments comprising guide rollers, the rollers may be controlled by a roll limiting device controlled by actuation of the actuator. Such embodiments envisage a speed of motion of the applicator along a cornice being kept substantially proportional to a rate of deposition of cornice cement, to effect deposition of an even amount of cement along the cornice. The roll limiting device may be a brake or other suitable means. Additionally or alternatively a motor may be provided to drive the rollers.

In some embodiments of the invention, a dispensing face of the applicator is of a shape to substantially conform to a surface of a correspondingly shaped cornice, while providing dispensing channels for egress of cornice cement from the dispensing nozzles. In such embodiments, substantially conforming the applicator to the surface of the cornice improves positional control over the location of cornice cement beads dispensed by the applicator, and for example minimises smearing or spreading of the beads. Alternatively, the dispensing face of the cornice may present dispensing channels and otherwise be configured to pass above the surface of the cornice, for example where the cornice is uneven or has rear projections.

Further embodiments may provide interchangeable dispensing face portions of the applicator, whereby an appropriate dispensing face portion may be selected by a user based on a cornice upon which the user wishes to deposit cement, and fitted to the applicator. The fitting may be effected by a releasable snap-fit, clamps, spring catches, and/or other suitable mechanism. Such embodiments provide for use of a single applicator in relation to cornices of varied sizes and/or varied cross sectional profile, simply by interchanging the dispensing face portion of the applicator.

Preferably, one dispensing channel is provided in a dispensing face of the applicator in respect of each dispensing nozzle, the dispensing channel being of a cross sectional shape which appropriately moulds the deposited cement bead. Where the dispensing nozzle is distal from both a leading edge and a trailing edge of the dispensing face, the associated dispensing channel preferably extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge past the dispensing nozzle, to permit bidirectional use of the applicator along the cornice. A cross sectional shape of the dispensing channel may be adjustable in order to control a size and volume of a bead of cornice cement deposited via the channel, and/or to provide for use of cornice cement of varied viscosity. Preferably, the dispensing channel is configured to deposit a cement bead of width between substantially 3 mm and 15 mm. A lateral spacing between dispensing channels may be adjustable in order to provide user control over a lateral spacing between cement beads deposited by the applicator.

A dispensing head of the applicator may be articulated to provide for adjustable conformance of the dispensing face with the edges of cornices of varied sizes. The articulation may be spring loaded to provide clamping pressure upon opposed edges of the cornice during cement deposition. Ensuring conformance of the dispensing head with edges of the cornice in such embodiments is advantageous in limiting lateral movement during longitudinal motion of the applicator along the cornice, improving the accuracy with which cornice cement is deposited in a desired location.

Some embodiments of the invention may further comprise a pressure actuated closure of the dispensing nozzles, such that cornice cement is prevented from being released from the dispensing nozzles at times when pressure is not applied to the pressure actuated closure. Preferably, the pressure actuated closure is configured such that positioning of the applicator upon a cornice applies pressure to the pressure actuated closure, so that release of cornice cement is prevented at times when the applicator is not positioned upon a cornice. Such embodiments may be advantageous in limiting cement escaping the applicator and going to waste when not in use.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, a dispensing head of the applicator is preferably detachable from the reservoir portion to facilitate cleaning of cement from all portions of the applicator. In such embodiments, preferably the reservoir portion comprises a ball nozzle and the dispensing head comprises a passaged socket such that the reservoir portion can be detachably secured to the dispensing head in a ball and

socket joint permitting flow of cement from the nozzle of the ball into the passage(s) of the socket. In such embodiments the passage(s) of the socket connect to the dispensing nozzles to effect passage of cement from the reservoir to the dispensing nozzles via the ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint is preferably made detachable by way of a snap fitting, which may for example be effected by a resiliently deformable constriction on the dispensing head through which the ball of the reservoir portion may be forced under load, but which resists detachment under normal usage conditions. The resiliently deformable constriction is preferably configured to maintain capturing pressure on the ball when the ball is in the socket, to effect a fluid seal between the ball and socket. The ball and socket joint may hold the dispensing head and reservoir portion in fixed position. Alternatively the ball and socket joint may permit relative movement between the dispensing head and the reservoir portion about the joint, for example to permit the reservoir portion to be held by a user at a desired angle relative to the cornice during use while maintaining a desired presentation of the dispensing head to the cornice.

The term "cornice" is to be understood to include a longitudinal moulding such as a plastering strip, framework, decorative plaster strips or any type of plain or ornamental cornice product requiring cemented fixing to an internal corner or surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An example of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of use of an applicator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the applicator of Figure 1;

Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e and 3f are an end view, a side view, a top view, an upper perspective view, a lower perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, illustrating a portion of an applicator in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a dispensing head in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a dispensing head in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 illustrates a dispensing head in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 illustrates a dispensing head in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 illustrates a dispensing head in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 illustrates a dispensing head in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 illustrates a dispensing head in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 11a illustrates a dispensing head in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the invention, while Figures l ib - Hd illustrate interchangeable dispensing face portions.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Figure 1 is a perspective view of use of an applicator 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The applicator 100 is shown dispensing two lines of cornice cement 102 and 104 alongside respective rear edges 122 and 124 of a cornice 120. As can be seen each line of cornice cement is ideally placed ready for the cornice 120 to be pressed into place into an internal 90 degree comer.

The applicator 100 includes a handle actuator 130 upon which is mounted a piston 132. Piston 132 is slidingly and sealingly mounted within the cylindrical body 134, such that movement of piston 132 along the chamber 134 alters the working volume of the reservoir 136. Dispensing nozzles 138 and 140, comprising apertures in a downward facing surface of the body 134, are the only means for fluid communication in to and out of reservoir 136.

While handle 130 is withdrawn and the volume of reservoir 136 grows, fluid will be drawn into the reservoir 136 through dispensing nozzles 138 and 140. The dispensing nozzles 138 and 140 are of a size to accept and dispense viscous fluid and in particular wet cornice cement. Thus, the reservoir 136 can be charged with wet cornice cement by submerging the nozzles in wet cornice cement and withdrawing handle 130.

Conversely, while handle 130 is depressed and the volume of reservoir 136 decreases, fluid within the reservoir 136 will be ejected out of nozzles 138 and 140. Dragging the applicator 100 along the cornice 120 at a substantially constant rate during steady depression of the handle 130 allows substantially even depositions of cornice cement

102 and 104 to be neatly and evenly applied along the rear edges 122 and 124 of the cornice 120.

Neat and even deposition of cornice cement is further facilitated by rollers 142 positioned between the nozzles 138 and 140. The rollers 142 maintain the nozzles 138 and 140 at a constant suitable height above the rear surface of the cornice 120.

To facilitate cleaning, and to allow provision of nozzles of alternative spacing, the head portion of the applicator 100 may be disconnected from the body portion 160 of the applicator by unscrewing the threaded joint 155 between the head 150 and body 160. Similar function may be effected by any suitable joining mechanism.

Figures 3 a to 3f illustrate a portion of an applicator 300 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The applicator 300 comprises a dispensing head 350, connected to the reservoir body portion 360 by a detachable ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint is made detachable by way of a snap fitting comprising resiliently deformable wires 355 on the dispensing head, effecting a resiliently deformable constriction through which the ball 362 of the reservoir portion 360 may be forced under load, but which resists detachment under normal usage conditions. The resiliently deformable constriction effected by wires 355 is configured to maintain capturing pressure on the ball 362 when the ball 362 is in the socket 352, to effect a fluid seal between the ball 362 and socket 352.

Referring to Figure 3f, it can be seen that the socket 352 defines a passage permitting fluid communication between the socket 352 and dispensing nozzles 354 via a cavity within the dispensing head 350. Thus, fluid cornice cement may be injected through the ball nozzle 360 from the reservoir (not shown) to effect ejection of cornice cement from dispensing nozzles 354.

The ball and socket joint of this embodiment permits a range of movement as illustrated by the angled position of the ball in the socket visible for example in Figure 3b. Further, detachment of the ball 362 from the socket 352 may be effected by applying sufficient force, permitting easy cleaning of both the dispensing head 350 and the reservoir portion 360.

The dispensing head 350 further comprises guide skids 356 configured to pass along the floor either side of the cornice upon which cement is to be deposited. In different applications the guide skids may be provided with a different cross sectional shape than shown. A dispensing face 358 of the dispensing head 350 is of a shape to substantially conform to a surface of a correspondingly shaped cornice.

Dispensing channels 380 permit egress of cornice cement from the dispensing nozzles 354 during motion of the dispensing head 350 along a cornice. The dispensing channels 380 extend from a leading edge 382 to a trailing edge 384 of the dispensing head 350 to permit re- working of the deposited cement bead by reversing direction of use, or by a second pass, if required.

Figure 4 illustrates a dispensing head 400 in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. Dispensing head 400 comprises guide skids 410 which are spring mounted by springs 420, to improve travel of the guide over rough surfaces of the cornice or other surface. Other features of the dispensing head 400 may be as described previously and are not shown and/or are not described further.

Figure 5 illustrates a dispensing head 500 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention. Dispensing head 500 comprises one-directional dispensing channels 510 which permit egress of cornice cement only in the direction indicated. Other features of the dispensing head 500 may be as described previously and are not shown and/or are not described further.

Figure 6 illustrates a dispensing head 600 in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention. Dispensing head 600 is articulated at hinge 610, to permit adjustment of the head 600 to clamp opposed edges of cornices of varied sizes. Cement flow enters through passage 620 and flows via hinge 610 and within arms 630 to deliver cement to dispensing nozzles (not shown). Other features of the dispensing head 600 may be substantially as described previously and are not shown and/or are not described further.

Figure 7 is an x-ray view illustrating a dispensing head 700 in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention. Dispensing head 700 comprises a spring loaded pressure plate 710 mounted by springs 712 which effects pressure actuated closure of the cement intake 720. Cornice cement is prevented from being released from dispensing nozzles

at times when pressure is not applied to the pressure plate 710. The pressure plate 710 is configured such that positioning of the applicator upon a cornice applies pressure to the pressure plate 710 and only under such pressure is the cement intake 720 opened, so that release of cornice cement is prevented at times when the applicator is not positioned upon a cornice. This limits cement escaping the applicator and going to waste when not in use. Other features of the dispensing head 700 may be substantially as described previously and are not shown and/or are not described further.

Figure 8 is an x-ray view of a dispensing head 800 in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention. Dispensing head 800 comprises a spring loaded pressure plate 810 mounted by springs 812 and hinge 814 which effects pressure actuated closure of a cement intake. Cornice cement is prevented from being released from dispensing nozzles at times when pressure is not applied to the pressure plate 810. The pressure plate 810 is configured such that positioning of the applicator upon a cornice applies pressure to the pressure plate 810 and only under such pressure is the cement intake opened, so that release of cornice cement is prevented at times when the applicator is not positioned upon a cornice. Other features of the dispensing head 800 may be substantially as described previously and are not shown and/or are not described further.

Figure 9 illustrates a dispensing head 900 in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention. A profile of dispensing channels 910 of the dispensing head 900 is adjustable by insertion or retraction of a separator 920 between slidable obstructions 930. This permits user selection of a profile of the dispensing channels 910 and thus control over a profile of a cement bead deposited. Other features of the dispensing head 900 may be substantially as described previously and are not shown and/or are not described further.

Figure 10 illustrates a dispensing head 1000 in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the invention. Dispensing head 1000 comprises a floor guided portion 1010 and a cornice guided portion 1020 connected by a telescoping fluid passage 1030. Portion

1010 comprises guide 1012 adapted to slide along a floor, while portion 1020 comprises a guide 1022 adapted to slide along a cornice. Telescopic connection of portions 1010 and 1030 peπnits the dispensing head 1000 to be fitted to cornices of varied sizes, for example cornices of 55 mm width, 75 mm width or 90 mm width. The connection could be biased with springs to cause the two portions to grip the cornice.

Other features of the dispensing head 1000 may be substantially as described previously and are not shown and/or are not described further.

Figure 11a illustrates a dispensing head 1100 in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the invention. The dispensing head 1100 is configured to receive an interchangeable dispensing face portion to permit adaptation of the applicator to a cornice of interest. Figures l ib - Hd illustrate interchangeable dispensing face portions suitable for cornices of width 55 mm, 75 mm and 90 mm, respectively. The interchangeable dispensing face portions may be fitted to the dispensing head 1100 by a snap fit, a latching arrangement or other suitable temporary fixing means. The dispensing head 1100 and dispensing face portions are configured to effect fluid communication of cornice cement when fitted together. Other features of the dispensing head 1100 may be substantially as described previously and are not shown and/or are not described further.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. For example, while the applicator 100 is to be positioned substantially upright during operation, alternative embodiments may be ergonomically designed to be used at an angle most convenient to the typical workspace of application, such as the angle shown in Figure 3b. In embodiments comprising guide rollers the rollers may be positioned at any suitable location upon the dispensing head or applicator. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.