MULTI-PURPOSE VIBRATORY CONCRETE TOOL

The disclosed invention includes embodiments of a multi-purpose device for working concrete surfaces, the devices designed to use linear vibratory motion provided by a source of linear oscillations, and adaptable for a number of concrete working tasks. Devices include a support pole designed to connect a concrete implement to a commercially available reciprocating saw, a mass for magnifying the effects of the saw oscillations, and other features to enable safe, comfortable use. The invention further includes embodiments of a system for working concrete surfaces, the system comprising a concrete implement, a reciprocating saw, and a support frame for conveying oscillations from the reciprocating saw to the implement and for carrying the other system components.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The disclosed invention relates to devices for working concrete, wherein the device is a lightweight, motorized tool suitable for multiple concrete floating and finishing tasks.

Relevant Background

Concrete workers have a pronounced need for a lightweight tool that can perform a number of different concrete floating and finishing tasks. Existing tools tend to be bulky, heavy, complex, and are often powered by attached internal combustion engines (ICE) or specialized batteries. In addition, existing concrete tools are single-purpose, requiring multiple tools to perform all of the necessary tasks required for a typical concrete installation job. Such tasks include edging, jointing, brooming, floating, bull floating, flattening or compressing control joints into concrete. Further, most existing tools use an eccentric weight to produce vibrations, which are almost universally oriented perpendicular to the motion of the tool across the finishing surface. See, e.g., US 5,857,803 (ICE powered single-purpose screeding tool); US 8,608,402 (ICE or backpack-ported battery powered single-purpose screeding tool); US 2011/0164923 (ICE powered wheeled single purpose screeding tool).

As is apparent from the above discussion, current devices have a number of shortcomings that expose device users to inconvenience, fatigue, and injury from transporting and operating multiple heavy concrete tools for various purposes. Therefore, it is apparent that a need exists for a light weight motorized concrete tool that is adaptable for a number of concrete working tasks.

The disclosed invention addresses the stated needs, in part, through employing a commercial reciprocating tool as the source of vibration. The lightweight power source enables the body of the disclosed concrete tool to be lightweight and simple to operate. The vibratory mass is interchangeable for weights that facilitate different tasks. Finally, the parallel orientation of the vibration source is suitable for a number of concrete working tasks.

A vibratory concrete tool with the disclosed features will allow a user to enhance production with less physical exertion, and hence less muscle soreness, exhaustion, and injury. These and other deficiencies of the prior art are addressed by one or more embodiments of the disclosed invention. Additional advantages and novel features of this invention shall be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following specification or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, combinations, compositions, and methods particularly pointed out hereafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of the disclosed invention will be primarily, but not entirely, limited to lightweight devices for working concrete surfaces, including linear vibratory motion provided by commercially available reciprocating tools, and adaptable for a number of concrete working tasks.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments of the disclosed invention provided herein are illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. All features disclosed in this description may be replaced by alternative features serving the same or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Therefore, numerous other embodiments of the modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the disclosed invention as defined herein and equivalents thereto. Hence, use of absolute and/or sequential terms, such as, for example, “always,” “will,” “will not,” “shall,” “shall not,” “must,” “must not,” “first,” “initially,” “next,” “subsequently,” “before,” “after,” “lastly,” and “finally,” are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosed invention as the embodiments disclosed herein are merely exemplary.

Vibratory Concrete Tool

With reference toFIG.1, embodiments of the disclosed multi-purpose vibratory concrete tool100comprise a support pole110, a handle120, a mass guide130, a strike plate (not shown), a vibratory mass (not shown), a gauge frame140, an implement150, a support stand160, and are used with a standard reciprocating saw170. To operate the disclosed concrete tool, a user places the support pole110over one shoulder, grips the handle120with the hand on the same side, places the implement150flat on a concrete surface (not shown), and walks the tool backward across the finishing surface. The user may introduce vibratory motion to the implement by actuating the reciprocating saw170, which produces rapid linear oscillations of the vibratory mass, which then impacts a strike plate located within the mass guide130. The linear vibration transmits from the strike plate, through the support pole110, to the gauge frame140, and to the implement150. The support stand160may be deployed to support the tool100.

The support pole110is configured to serve as a handle for the implement150, and carries the other support frame components. In some embodiments, the support pole is a length of hollow aluminum tubing with a circular cross section, or may have a square or triangular cross section, may be solid or hollow, and may be made from other suitable materials, e.g., titanium, magnesium, carbon fiber, fiberglass, CroMoly, wood, etc. The support pole110may be between 3 feet and 20 feet long, and is either a single piece, or comprised of multiple pieces fitted together at one or more joints112(two are shown). Such joints may be compression joints, internal couplings, spring pin, thread and socket, or other suitable joints. The support pole can be extended or shortened based on the needs of the application, or if a single piece, is sized as appropriate for the application.

With reference toFIG.2which shows a side profile view of a portion of the device, one end of the support pole210attaches to the implement250via the gauge frame240. The gauge frame240includes a pole interface241, and a blade interface242. The gauge frame240is made of a single piece of metal, e.g., aluminum, magnesium, etc., folded into shape, or may be a plurality of pieces welded or otherwise joined together. On the pole interface241, the gauge frame240also includes a lockable hinge joint244. The joint244is used to adjust the support pole angle with respect to the implement by turning around the pivot245. The pivot245is a threaded bolt that can be tightened by use of a nut to set the pole angle. The inner surfaces of the joint may also feature interlocking teeth to further secure the joint position. The joint244may fit inside the end of the support pole210and may be secured by a bolt212or pin, or may feature a threaded socket configured to interact mechanically with threads on the end of the support pole. Other suitable joints and connections may be used and are contemplated. The hinge joint is secured to the gauge frame240by a plurality of bolts246, or may be secured by screws, welding, or industrial adhesives. The blade interface242is configured to interact mechanically with the implement250. The blade interface242component of the gauge frame may include a fold247, crimp, lip, or welded piece corresponding to a lip252on the implement. The blade interface242is secured to the blade by a plurality of bolts248, or may be secured by screws, welding, or industrial adhesives. The bolts248or other attachment means are located so that they will not contact the surface to be finished.

The implement250as shown is a screeding blade configured to produce a smooth, flat surface on concrete. The size, shape, and material of the implement250will vary based on the finishing task performed by the tool. As depicted, a screeding implement embodiment comprises a rear lip252located behind the support pole210. The rear lip252is shown angled up 45 Degrees (°) from a finishing surface254. The finishing surface254is flat and smooth. At the front of the implement250is a front lip256. The front lip256is shown angled 10° from vertical in the direction away from the support pole210. The implement250may be made from magnesium, aluminum, or other strong, durable, and lightweight material. For screeding, the implement may have a finishing surface254that is 8 inches wide and 48 inches long. However screeding implements may vary greatly in length depending on the application. For example, a common sidewalk is 4 feet wide, and therefore a 4 foot long screeding implement is suitable to pull across the top surface of the concrete. For other applications, such as wet screeding, a type of screeding done without solid vertical supports on each end of the finishing blade, the screeding implement may be 14 feet long.

Other concrete implements are possible and contemplated. Such implements may include blades adapted to perform edging, jointing, brooming, come along raking, bull floating, flattening, leveling, or compressing control joints. Finishing implements can be configured to texture, imprint, color, print, paint, permeate, stamp, stain, emboss, color, or scratch concrete surfaces. Other concrete working implements may be attached to the disclosed tool by various means, e.g., separating the joint244from the support pole210, separating the joint at the pivot245, or separating the blade250from the gauge frame240, and then removing the separated parts, and replacing the removed parts with corresponding parts of the new implement. Depending on the type of implement, the connection between the support pole and implement can vary. For example, a bull float implement or jointing implement may require an attachment means that allows the implement to rotate with respect to the support pole, while a come along rake is fixed both rotationally and with respect to the angle between the support pole and implement. Some implements may include mounting brackets for fastening multiple implements together when not in use to aid transport.

With reference toFIGS.3A and3B, a portion of the disclosed vibratory concrete tool is depicted featuring the support stand360and associated components. The support stand360is attached to a stand bracket362so that the support stand can be rotated about a pivot364.FIG.3Adepicts the stand360in a stowed position, in which the stand folds along the support pole310in the direction of the implement to minimize interference with use of the tool.FIG.3Bshows the stand in a deployed position, in which it extends out from the support pole to support the tool against the ground, finishing surface, or other horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the support stand includes a wheel366A or a foot plate366B at the end opposite the attachment point, which may be removable and interchangeable. With the wheel366A in place, the deployed stand can be used to support the tool while in use. As with the support pole, the stand may be a single piece, or may include a plurality of sections separable at one or more joints368. Some embodiments may feature a clip312or other suitable means to hold the stand in place in the stowed position. In some embodiments, the stand bracket362interacts mechanically with the stand360to lock the stand in place. For example, the bracket362may include spring clips corresponding to stowed and deployed positions, wherein the clips interact with a hole in the stand360. Alternately, the bracket362may include a plurality of holes corresponding to different stand positions, wherein a pin may be inserted through the bracket holes and through a hole in the stand360to lock the stand in place. Some embodiments include a spring to return the stand to the stowed position and maintain it there. A number of possible configurations are suitable and contemplated. The stand bracket362is secured to the crosspiece338at a location adjacent to the mass guide, on the side between the mass guide and implement. On embodiments without a crosspiece, the stand bracket362is attached directly to the support pole310. In some embodiments, the support stand may be configured as a bipod or tripod.

With reference toFIGS.4A and4B, embodiments of the vibratory mass480A,480B are depicted. In some embodiments, the mass is 6 inches long, ¾ inches wide, and weighs 11 ounces. This mass is sufficient to magnify vibrations from the reciprocating tool470at least 2 times (X), and as much as 10X. The mass is made out of iron or steel, or may be made from another dense metal or alloy such as copper, nickel, bronze, or lead. In some embodiments, the mass480A is configured to attach to a standard reciprocating saw blade474. The blade474is positioned so that the blade shank478extends past the end of the mass480A and can be fitted in a standard blade clamp or collet472of a reciprocating saw470. The mass480A may be attached to the blade474by a plurality of screws or bolts476, or may be welded, or secured by an epoxy or other adhesive. In such embodiments, the mass480A may include a central channel (not shown) in one side and corresponding to the shape of the blade472. The channel allows the blade to be recessed in the side of the mass to align the vertical center of mass of the blade with that of the vibratory mass. In some embodiments, the mass480B includes a shank488at one end. The shank488is configured to mechanically interact with a standard clamp or collet472of a reciprocating saw470.

With reference toFIGS.5A and5B, in some embodiments linear vibrations are introduced to the tool through the interaction of the vibratory mass580with a strike plate532. The strike plate532is located at an end of the mass guide530opposite from the mass guide opening534. The strike plate is attached to the mass guide530by, e.g., welding, bolts, screws, brads, or other suitable means of attachment. Such means must be robust enough to withstand impacts from the vibratory mass580, and to convey the resulting vibrations into the mass guide. The strike plate532and mass guide530are made from, e.g., aluminum, steel, titanium, carbon fiber, Kevlar, or other strong, lightweight material. The mass guide530is configured to direct the vibratory mass580into the strike plate532, and to protect the tool user by shielding the moving parts. The mass guide therefore must be of sufficient length to substantially cover the vibratory mass throughout its range of motion, and for embodiments with a strike plate, is located so that the vibratory mass580impacts the strike plate532. The mass guide530is a length of pipe, or may have a square or triangular cross section. The mass guide530is attached to the support pole510by various suitable means. Embodiments may include one or more spacers536(two are shown) attached to the mass guide. The spacer(s)536may then attach directly to the support pole510(not shown), or may attach first to a crosspiece538, which is then attached to the support pole. While the spacers are shown extending perpendicularly between the mass guide and support pole, they may be oriented at different angles. In addition, spacer length can be adjusted to increase or decrease the distance from the support pole510to the mass guide530in order to align the mass guide with the vibratory mass580. The spacers also may have various cross sections, e.g. rectangular, circular, triangular, etc., and may be solid or hollow. The spacer(s) and crosspiece may be made of similar materials as the mass guide. Secure connections capable of efficiently transmitting vibrations between the mass guide, spacers, crosspiece and support pole may be accomplished by use of bolts, welds, screws, brads, or epoxy or other adhesive.

The vibratory mass580is attached to the blade collet572of a reciprocating saw570, which has been secured to the support pole as described below with respect toFIG.6. With the saw570mounted, the mass580has a retracted position indicated by the line12. The mass will be in the retracted position when the blade collet572on the reciprocating tool570is also fully retracted. The mass580also has a forward position, indicated by the line14, in which the mass impacts the strike plate532. The forward position14corresponds to the fully extended position of the collet572.

With reference toFIG.6, a reciprocating saw670is removably secured to the disclosed vibratory tool600through one or more saw bracket(s)690(one is shown), and a handle clamp695. The saw bracket690includes a saw cradle692that is removably secured to the support pole by one or more bolts, screws, worm clamps, or other suitable means. The saw cradle692may include a curved top side shaped to mechanically interact with the surface of the support pole610. Further, the saw cradle692includes a bottom side that is configured to mechanically interact with one or more commercial reciprocating saw models. The saw cradle692further includes one or more tabs694(one is shown) configured to mechanically interact with a plurality of holes in a strap696. The strap is made of rubber or other durable elastic material. The strap is attached to the back side (not shown) of the saw cradle692permanently, or by the tab and hole means described above, and is stretched under the saw670and secured to the tab on the front side. The disclosed tool600may include a plurality of such saw cradles, each configured to interact with a different saw model, or to interact with different parts of the same saw model. The mechanical interactions between the reciprocating saw670, the saw cradle(s)692and the support pole610are configured to efficiently convey vibrations from the reciprocating saw through the support pole to the implement. Some embodiments may include alternate means to securely and removably attach the reciprocating saw to the tool600. When attached, the saw670is located so that the vibratory mass680is inside the mass guide630, and when in the forward position, reaches the line14so that the vibratory mass impacts the strike plate. In other embodiments not including a strike plate, or having a thrust rod, the saw670will be located to efficiently convey vibrations to the implement by the respective means.

A handle620is secured to the support pole610by means discussed above, including welds, bolts, screws, brads, or adhesives. The handle620may also be attached to a handle crosspiece622to improve handle strength and stability. In some embodiments, the handle is flexibly attached to the support pole with a high tension spring to allow the handle to augment the vibratory motion of the reciprocating saw. The handle is made of strong, lightweight material, e.g., aluminum, steel, etc., and in some embodiments may be a section of aluminum pipe. The handle620is depicted as attached at an approximately 15° angle back toward the user from a line extending perpendicularly to the support pole, however, other angles, including perpendicular to the support pole are possible and will be selected based on user comfort and compatibility with one or more reciprocating saw handles671. Some embodiments include multiple handles, located to facilitate user comfort and control of the device. In some embodiments, the handle620further includes a groove or cut-out section configured to mechanically interact with the rear of the reciprocating saw handle671, providing additional stability for the saw mount. In some embodiments, the handle includes vibration absorbing material, e.g., rubber, neoprene, sorbothane, EVA, foam, cork, or other durable, compact material capable of dampening vibrations, located at the interface of the saw handle671with the handle620. In some embodiments, the handle620may be mountable in different locations along the support pole, facilitated by a series of mounting holes, a rail system, or a track system mounted linearly along the support pole610surface. The saw handle671is secured to the handle620by means of a handle clamp695. The handle clamp is depicted as a rubber strap with holes that mechanically interact with tabs on the handle620, however, other types of attachment means are possible, including a worm clamp, a zip tie, etc. In some embodiments, the reciprocating saw670is mounted on the top of the support pole610.

Embodiments of the disclosed vibratory tool are designed for use with a number of commercially available reciprocating saws made by, e.g., Ryobi, Dewalt, Bosch, Milwaukee, Makita, etc. Such saws may have a lithium ion battery pack rated from 18/20 Volts (V) to 60 V, and can move the collet up to about 3000 cycles per minute over a throw distance of 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 inches by actuation of a variable speed trigger. The saws are typically about 17 inches long, and weigh around 7.5 pounds. Some embodiments may use a reciprocating saw with a cord for plugging into a power source. Commercial reciprocating saws have varying lengths, varying weights, and varying throw distances. Further, they feature different handle shapes, and different upper profiles. As a result, the disclosed tool is configured to be adaptable to different reciprocating saws, while achieving secure, removable mounting capable of producing the type of linear vibrations required for effective operation of the tool.

Some embodiments of the tool may be used with an oscillating tool, such as cordless Dewalt oscillating multi-tool. In such versions, vibratory oscillations will be lateral to the support pole, so the mass guide configuration will accommodate side-to-side motion rather than linear motion, and the connection means of the vibratory mass must correspond to that of the multi-tool. Further, because of the different shape of such tools, other means of connecting the multi-tool to the support pole will be used.

Reciprocating saws used with the disclosed tool are actuated by a trigger673located on the saw handle671. Vibrations may therefore be sent through the tool by actuating the trigger673. Embodiments of the disclosed tool may also include modifications to the existing saw trigger, or additional or alternate trigger devices, located elsewhere on the tool, e.g., handle620, support pole610, or other suitable location. Some embodiments include a trigger stay (not shown), which is placed around the saw trigger and actuates the saw at one or more constant speeds. The trigger stay may be made out of, e.g., plastic, nylon, or metal, and may function like a reusable zip tie or other similar releasable, adjustable, locking tab and slot combination. Alternate triggers may be configured with power switch to actuate the reciprocating saw, and a speed control to adjust the number of strokes per minute output by the saw. Alternate triggers may also be configured with wireless communication equipment, e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID, ZigBee, IrDA, cellular, etc., and activated remotely from e.g., inside a building, a vehicle, etc.

With reference toFIG.7A, some embodiments feature a mass guide730that does not have a strike plate, and instead is open on both ends734,732. Alternatively, some embodiments may feature a reciprocating tool mounting location that does not allow the mass780to impact the strike plate, here depicted by the line14showing the forward position of the mass not reaching the strike plate location. In such embodiments, linear vibrations produced by the saw770and mass780are conveyed to the implement through the saw770, through the saw bracket(s)790, and into the support pole710. Tool handles720will not be used to convey vibrations, but instead will feature isolating materials to reduce user fatigue and discomfort.

With reference toFIG.7B, some embodiments are configured with a thrust rod785instead of a vibratory mass780. The thrust rod785is a solid metal rod or dowel made from a heavy, flexible material, such as steel. The thrust rod785mechanically interacts with the blade collet of the reciprocating saw by similar means as discussed above with respect to the mass480inFIG.4, or by other suitable means, and extends to the implement750. Some embodiments may include a rod tip (not shown), which caps the end of the thrust rod nearest the implement, and provides durability, or modifies vibration characteristics for various tasks. The rod tip may be replaceable, and is made from a metal, an alloy, or an aggregate substance. The thrust rod785is configured to impact a strike plate742, here shown as a gauge frame740modified to have an exposed blade interface section742In some embodiments, the strike plate may be angled so that the bottom of the thrust rod impacts the strike plate at or near a 90° angle. The strike plate742is made of, e.g., aluminum, steel, titanium, carbon fiber, Kevlar, or other suitable material. The strike plate742may be made of the same or different material as the remainder of the gauge frame740. Some embodiments using a thrust rod785do not include a gauge frame, but instead the support pole710attaches directly to the strike plate742via an adjustable joint (not shown). Further, embodiments using a thrust rod785may include a support stand (not shown) mounted out of the way of the thrust rod, and may also include a mass guide730to direct the thrust rod into the strike plate742. The mass guide730in such embodiments may be located along the support pole710closer to the strike plate742than the reciprocating saw770to effectively guide the thrust rod. In operation, the reciprocating saw770moves the thrust rod rapidly against the strike plate, which conveys vibrations directly to the implement750. In some thrust rod embodiments, the thrust rod is hollow and contains a weight that is free to move within the rod. The motion of the weight within the rod will enhance the vibratory motion of such embodiments.

Some embodiments with a thrust rod may include features to mitigate the effects of heat build-up caused by thrust rod impact with the strike plate, or friction caused by mechanical interaction with the mass guide. The mass guide may be lubricated with grease, which may be retained by use of bushings or seals. Another alternative is to construct the thrust rod and/or mass guide out of a self-lubricating metal, such as bronze. In other embodiments, modifications may be made to increase radial motion of the thrust rod within the mass guide. For example, with reference toFIGS.7C and7D, the standard mechanical interface774C with the reciprocating tool may be extended774D to effectively relocate the thrust rod780farther away from the reciprocating tool. With reference toFIG.7E, to provide desirable vibration characteristics for certain applications, the thrust rod780also may be mechanically linked to the reciprocating tool770via a hinged connection, such as a socket774E that mechanically interacts with a ball776E to create a ball and socket joint.

With reference toFIGS.8A and8B, some embodiments will feature an adjustable gauge frame840. The adjustable gauge frame840is used to finely adjust the implement850interaction with the concrete surface by causing a lifting effect at the front or rear side of the implement. As shown inFIG.8A, in some embodiments the adjustment is made by use of a spring adjustor845A. In such embodiments, the support pole810is secured to the gauge frame by a pole bracket844, with the support pole connection point centered on the pole bracket844front to rear. A spring adjustor845A connects the blade interface842of the gauge frame with the pole interface841. The pole bracket844mechanically interacts with the spring adjustor845A through the pole interface841. Depending on where they are attached, the pole bracket844and spring adjustor845A will alter the distribution of vibratory pressure applied to the implement. The dotted line20bisects the pole bracket844front to rear. If the spring adjustor845A is attached forward of the line20(as shown), vibratory pressure is increased on the rear portion of the gauge frame, causing the lifting effect on the front of the implement. Similarly, attaching the spring adjustor845A to the rear of the line20will increase vibratory pressure on the front of the gauge frame, causing a lifting effect on the rear of the implement.

With reference toFIG.8B, in some embodiments adjustment to vibratory pressure location is made by use of a screw adjustor845B. In such embodiments, the support pole810attaches to the pole bracket844, which is connected to the pole interface portion841of the gauge frame840. The pole interface841may be oriented parallel to the blade interface842as depicted inFIG.8A, or oriented at an angle as shown inFIG.8B. An adjustment bar846B is located between the blade850and the blade interface842. The adjustment bar846B length extends the width of the gauge frame, is, e.g., 1 inch wide, and is secured to the blade850by welding, bolts, screws, adhesives, or other suitable means. The gauge frame840rests on the adjustment bar846B directly or through the adjustment screw845B, and is attached to the rear lip852of the blade by a plurality of bolts or screws. The adjustment screw845B is threaded through the blade interface842and mechanically interacts with the adjustment bar846B. By extending the adjustment screw845B through the blade interface842, the adjustment screw will push against the adjustment bar846B, causing the gauge frame to rotate up with the rear lip852connection as the pivot point. By retracting the adjustment screw845B, the gauge frame will lower toward the blade850. Altering the angle between the blade interface842and the blade850will change the vibratory pressure applied to the blade. Extending the adjustment screw845B will tend to increase vibratory pressure on the rear of the blade, while retracting the adjustment screw845B will tend to increase vibratory pressure on the front of the blade. The adjustable gauge frames as disclosed will enhance the tool’s ability to produce a visually uniform concrete surface.

With reference toFIG.9, some embodiments of the disclosed tool900are configured for two-person use. Some two person embodiments include two support poles910,911, attached to a single implement950. Each support pole910,911includes a reciprocating saw970,971, and other components as needed. For example, both support poles may not require a support stand960, controls to actuate the reciprocating saws may be consolidated to one support pole970, etc. The dual operator tool900may also include a crossbar915connecting the support poles910,911at a suitable location to provide stability. Other two-person embodiments include a handle extension attached to the support pole and providing a second operator with a handle to assist in control of the tool. The handle extension may include a second trigger or actuator to operate the reciprocating saw.

With reference toFIGS.10A-10C, additional concrete implements are described.FIG.10Adepicts a come-along rake implement1050A. The come-along implement1050A may be 16 inches long by 4.5 inches wide and 3/16 inches thick, and is useful for distributing or repositioning wet concrete material to a certain desired level. The vibratory motion provided by the disclosed tool may be required to effectively rake wet concrete materials into below surface grades.FIG.10Bdepicts a broom implement1050B suitable for dislodging dry concrete, applying a final texture finish to wet concrete, or repositioning wet concrete into low areas. The broom implement has a wood or metal cross member that is, e.g., 4 feet long, and 2 inches wide, with a plurality of 4 inch long bristles made from horse hair, fiber, plastic, or other suitable material. The use of the disclosed vibratory tool with a broom implement can make texturing a concrete surface easier for the user, extending the time available to apply such finishes as the concrete cures. With reference toFIG.10C, a bull float implement1050C is depicted attached to the support pole1010. Since a bull float1050C and other implements may benefit from a rotating attachment means, the support pole is connected to the implement by a swivel joint1052C capable of rotating 360°. The bull float implement is made from magnesium, carbon steel, aluminum or another suitable metal or alloy, and may be, e.g., 5 feet long, 12 inches wide, and ½ inch thick. The bull float implement may be used to consolidate wet concrete by releasing captured air pockets that are found in typical concrete mixes. Use of the vibratory tool reduces user fatigue and exertion, and allows efficient floating of concrete for an extended period of time while the concrete cures, or, alternately, can efficiently float concrete that has cured more than anticipated by the user.

Other concrete working implements are possible and contemplated. For example, edging implements provide edge shaping around the perimeter of an installed concrete surface to improve appearance and prevent perimeter spalling. The edging implement is typically a rectangular metal component 6 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 1/16 inches thick, and having a shaped edge on one of the 6 inch sides. Used with the disclosed vibratory tool, an edger can impart shocks to the top edge of concrete borders, allowing the user to more efficiently edge newly installed concrete. Further, use of the vibratory tool extends the period during which curing concrete can be effectively edged, especially in hot weather conditions. Another implement that may be used with the disclosed vibratory tool is a jointing tool or groover. Concrete workers user groovers to install lines in the concrete surface which create controlled breaks for concrete expansion and contraction. A groover is constructed, e.g., by modifying a bull float with a 1.5 inch deep ridge extension placed across the float’s short side and centered on the support pole. Use of the vibratory tool with a groover allows the user to more efficiently install separation lines in curing concrete, and extend the time during which effective lines can be installed, particularly in hot weather conditions.

Other Vibratory Tool Configurations

With reference toFIGS.11A-11E, embodiments of the disclosed vibratory tool may include alternate implements and configurations allowing the vibratory tool to perform other tasks, such as working dirt or soil. With reference toFIG.11A, various alternative implements (a flat hoe implement1150A is shown) may be attached to the support pole1110. Many other implements are possible and contemplated, for example,FIG.11Bshows a shovel implement1150B attached to the support pole1110,FIG.11Cshows a triangulartype digging implement1150C,FIG.11Dshows a rake implement1150D, andFIG.11Dshows a post hole digger implement1150E. Implements are made from steel, high carbon steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, metal alloys, or other strong, lightweight, durable material. When configured with the various alternative implements, the vibratory tool is designed to scrape soil between crops, remove weeds, move dirt, condition dirt surfaces, agitate slurries and mixtures, as appropriate to each implement’s purpose.

Different configurations of the vibratory tool are contemplated based on the different implements and how each is wielded. For example, some embodiments may benefit from one or more wheels1180(two are shown) attached to the support pole1110to facilitate use of the implement. Other implements, such as the shovel1150B, are best used without wheels, while others, e.g., the post hole digger1150E require an additional handle1110E. Further, implements may be attached to the support pole at a suitable angle, e.g., perpendicular (1150C), in line (1150B,1150E), or another suitable angle (1150A,1150D). Further, various attachment means between the implements and support pole(s) are also contemplated. Implements may feature a socket designed to fit over the support pole1152B, an opening designed to fit outside the support pole1152C, or an insert designed to fit into the support pole1152D. Some implements may be attached via a 360° rotating joint as is used for the bull float1052C. Such connections may be secured by nuts and bolts, plastic clips, screws, snap pole connectors, pins, welding, or other appropriate means.

While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. Although subsection titles have been provided to aid in the description of the invention, these titles are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed invention. In addition, where claim limitations have been identified, for example, by a numeral or letter, they are not intended to imply any specific sequence. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the disclosed invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosed invention.

This has been a description of the disclosed invention along with a preferred method of practicing the invention, however the invention itself should only be defined by the appended claims.