Abstract:
A flexible and resilient tool for use with a conventional half barrel, parallel frame caulking gun or enclosed “sausage” style caulking gun, aiding the user in finishing and shaping after the caulking material has been applied. One function of the tool is to collect excess caulk from his finger(s) or from various shaping tools and spatulas. Also provided can be cap, rag and sponge holders. Additional embodiments include adaptations to existing prior art disposable caulking cartridges and caulking guns to include components of the disclosed tool.

Description:
This application claims benefit of provisional application No. 61/611,510, filed Mar. 15, 2012. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention described below relates to hand tools and, more particularly, to caulking guns and associated tools used in the caulking process, or for other viscous sealants or adhesives. 
     Caulking guns, as they are generally known, comprise a class of construction and repair tools that expel caulk, sealant or other fill material for the purpose sealing and waterproofing joints that are likely to crack if filled with a rigid, non-flexible material. During the conventional caulking process, a bead of caulk is extruded from the caulking gun onto the desired location. Soon after the caulk has been applied, the user generally smooths and shapes the caulk with either his finger or one or more shaping tools. The caulking can be quite viscous and messy, which can result in unwanted deposits on unprotected surfaces or clothing. The excess caulk or sealant that has been shaped and removed collects on and adheres to the finger or tool. It is a general practice for the user to use a rag or other available implement, to wipe the excess caulk from his fingers or tools. 
     Reeves U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,683, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, discloses a V-shaped receptacle for finger cleaning purposes which is held in a fixed position on the side of a caulking gun. While having the advantage to collect large amounts of excess caulking, due to its size and its mounted location, this device is likely to interfere with the caulking process and the user&#39;s ability to grasp the caulking gun effectively. The present invention provides an improved device that is less obtrusive while also providing a multitude of additional features and functions. 
     Kovac U.S. Pat. No. 7,823,753 provides for a single purpose tool holder, both magnetic and frictional in nature, (in combination with a double barrel caulking gun caddy) for shaping tools to be used for the smoothing and shaping process. While having a shaping tool accessible aids in one aspect of the caulking process, the present invention incorporates multiple implements and functions for the entire caulking process. 
     There is not found in the prior art, a combination caulking tool that can provide all the necessary implements for the entire caulking process. For the foregoing reasons, there has been a need for such a multi-purpose tool. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Two general classes of caulking guns are distinguished largely by whether or not they operate using disposable, pre-filled cartridges with built in nozzles or have fill material integral with the gun and utilize soft-sided packs. The current invention relates to a device consisting of multiple components that aids in the entire caulking process, and is adaptable to both styles of caulking guns. Additional embodiments include adaptations of the present invention to include new designs for disposable cartridges as well as caulking guns. The invention applies to other dispensers or “guns”, for other sealants, adhesives, etc. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new caulking apparatus which “piggy-backs” onto a disposable cartridge or fill material style caulking gun and has many of the advantages of the finger cleaning device (U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,683) and tool holder (U.S. Pat. No. 7,823,753) mentioned heretofore. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new caulking gun apparatus, a new disposable cartridge design as well as a new caulking gun design which has many of the advantages of the finger cleaner and tool holder mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a caulking accessory which is novel and not suggested by any of the prior art finger cleaners or tool holders either alone or in any combination. 
     It is an object to provide a device of multiple functions that can be attached by various means including the use of friction or adhesive strips, directly or indirectly to a caulking tube or gun. 
     Another object is to provide a frictional holder for various shaping tools. 
     It is also an object of the current invention to include a towel/rag holder for a caulking gun. 
     It is also an object to include the attachment of a sponge or sponge like material. 
     Another object is to provide a holder for a cap or spout, so that when the user has finished the caulking process, the cap is readily available for resealing the caulking tube. 
     Another object of the invention is to position the components so that the accessory, tube or gun is easily adaptable to both right and left hand users. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a caulking accessory which facilitates ease in operation and execution of the caulking process. 
     Another object of the invention is to allow the user to attach and remove the accessory with ease. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new caulking accessory allowing a user to function in an efficient manner such that productivity can be increased. 
     It is a further object of the current invention to include: a finger/tool, wiping fin, a rag, a cap/spout holder, a tool holder and a sponge on the apparatus for convenience, so that the user need not separately carry, or set down, the aforementioned implements which can inadvertently result in the deposit of caulk on unprotected surfaces. 
     A primary object of the current invention is to provide the capability of receiving and storing excess caulk during the caulking process. 
     A further object is to provide a means which will enable the user of a conventional caulking gun to quickly, easily and neatly clean his fingers or tools of excess caulk during the caulking process. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new caulking accessory, cartridge and gun which is of a durable and reliable construction. 
     A further object and advantage of the present invention is that the device is extremely lightweight with no noticeable increase in caulking gun weight. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new caulking accessory, cartridge and gun, which is capable of low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly can then be sold at low prices to the consuming public, thereby making such device economically available to the buying public. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that the device is formed entirely of plastic, avoiding occurrence of rust. 
     Another object of the present invention is that shape, size, and location of the components do not interfere with the user&#39;s ability to perform the caulking process efficiently. 
     It is an object of the invention in Embodiments 1-4 described below, for the accessory to be held in a fixed position on the caulking cartridge or caulking gun. 
     Another object in the embodiments described below, is to provide a way and means of attaching implements and components including, but not limited to, “dove tail” or inverted “T” style splines. 
     Another object of the current invention of preferred embodiments, is to incorporate a method of frictionally attaching various replaceable components and implements to such an accessory, disposable cartridge or caulking gun. 
     Another object of the invention, as in Embodiments 3 and 4 below, is to allow the device to be frictionally or adhesively (i.e. peel and stick) attached, either singularly or in plurality, onto conventional “half-barrel” or open frame style caulking guns 
     Another object of this invention is that it can be manufactured as a one piece, fixed accessory or manufactured in such a manner as to receive frictionally held, replaceable fins, components and accessories. 
     A further object of Embodiment 5 of the present invention described below is to adapt the aforementioned features to a thermally formed disposable cartridge of new design and manufacture that will accept the various components and implements specified in the previous embodiments. 
     It is another object of the present invention to apply the above features to a new design caulking gun (as in Embodiment 7 described below), manufactured to receive the same components and implements. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new caulking accessory, cartridge and gun which provides in the apparatus and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming many disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
     As various changes could be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a caulking gun with the present invention attached on a disposable cartridge, in a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a stand alone isometric view of the accessory showing some of the possible components of the current invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an end view of Embodiment 1 showing adhesive strips for attachment to a “sausage” style gun and an example of arrangements of the different components of the current invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the current invention on a caulking gun, showing dovetail splines for attachment of the various replaceable components, in a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the caulking accessory, shown frictionally held on a disposable cartridge, with “dovetail” splines for attaching replaceable components as shown mounted on the caulking cartridge. 
         FIG. 6  is a frontal end view of the accessory and various means of attachment of components. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a single, U-shaped frictional “lip” attachment means for a single component, on a “half barrel” style caulking gun, in a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the apparatus in a fourth embodiment with dual, U-shaped receiving lips on the accessory for frictional attachment to a “half barrel” style caulking gun. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  show side and front views of a fifth embodiment, in the form of a new style of disposable caulking cartridge. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  show side and front views of a new caulking gun design in a sixth embodiment, with a pivoting plastic lid cover including dovetail splines fully and partially covering the caulking tube, for engaging various tools and components. 
         FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  12 A and  12 B are side and front views of a seventh embodiment, a new style caulking gun with splines incorporated into a prior art “half-barrel” style caulking gun, showing the splines at lower and upper positions. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiment 1 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a caulking, sealing or adhesive accessory  3  is shown mounted in a standard open-topped half barrel style caulking gun  1  with squeeze handle  1   a  and actuator  1   b . Inserted into the standard gun is a conventional, disposable caulking tube  2  or cartridge, the type that includes a stiff tubular casing. The accessory  3  with its various components is inserted on top of the tube and nested between the caulking tube  2  and the ends of the caulking gun housing  1   c  and  1   d  is held in a predetermined fixed position. This location allows for the user to be able to grasp the forward and lower section of the caulking under normal operation. In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the accessory  3  is of thermoplastic molded, one piece construction containing fixed components  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 , that are shown in plurality; however, not all components need be included, nor their position predetermined as will be shown in additional embodiments. These various holders and wiping surfaces are not limited by number, style, shape or design. 
     In operation and use, the current invention  3  is placed onto the caulking tube  2  before or after it has been inserted into the barrel  1   e  of the caulking gun  1 . When the user squeezes the trigger of the gun, the plunger advances and the caulking cartridge  2  and accessory  3  are locked into the gun  1  by the captive feature  1   c  and  1   d  of conventional caulking gun design. After the user has placed a bead of caulk during the caulking process, he will likely use his finger or shaping tool to spread and smooth the placed caulking. Prior to smoothing or shaping the placed caulk, it is an advantage to wet one&#39;s finger with water for acrylic caulks or various spirits or polyurethanes and other such sealants. Included as one of the multiple components, is a replaceable, preferably synthetic sponge  9  that can be moistened or saturated with water or other appropriate liquid, and is conveniently located on the apparatus (retained, e.g., by adhesive or fasteners in this embodiment). Prior to smoothing, the user can wipe his finger or shaping tool across the sponge to aid in this process. During the smoothing process, excess caulk can accumulate either on the user&#39;s finger or the shaping tool that is being used. The user may use any number of the semi-rigid or “squeegee like” fins  4  for wiping and collecting the excess caulk. The excess caulk or sealant that has been retained on the fins  4  can easily be removed and cleaned after the caulking process is completed. In a modification (not shown), one of the tool holders  5  or  8  can be made wider to provide a caulk storage reservoir. If the user chooses to use one or more of the shaping tools currently marketed, he can store the shaping tool in one of the tool holders  5 ,  8  located on the apparatus (even though trough-like holders are shown, variations such as V-shaped or rounded could be included). The tool holders  5  and  8  provide a narrow slot that preferably grips the shaping tools when inserted. If using a tool for shaping of the caulking bead, he can then clean the excess caulk by wiping on fin  4 . The user can further clean his finger or tool with a rag, towel, or the like, which is held in one or more of the holes or dispenser like perforations shown in the cleaning fins  4  and  7  which are located to the rear of the device so as not to interfere with the caulking application. When all caulking has been completed, a cap or sealing spout can be removed from the illustrated holder  6  and placed on end of tube  2 , sealing for future use. The apparatus, inexpensive in nature, can be cleaned and stored in its operational position, or disposed of in the case of non-water soluble caulks. 
       FIG. 2  shows Embodiment 1 isometrically, separate from the caulking gun. 
       FIG. 3  is an end view of Embodiment 1 showing various components and adhesive strips  11  running radially or longitudinally on the underside of apparatus  3  for the attachment to “sausage style” caulking guns. The adhesive strips can be permanently fixed to the inside surface of the accessory canopy or shell, with adhesive on the side facing the caulking gun, exposed when release film strips are removed; or they can be double-sided adhesive strips securable to the accessory shell and to the gun when release strips are removed. As these types of commercial guns are designed as full-cylinder canisters receiving a soft pack of caulk, rather than the conventional half barrel or supported framework style caulking guns that receive tubular cartridges, mounting is achieved by peel and stick, Velcro™ (or other), adhering the apparatus  3  with strips  11 . The accessory  3  can be either the fixed component style as in Embodiment 1, or an accessory with replaceable, slide-in components as in Embodiment 2 described below. 
     For epoxies, two cartridges are molded together side-by-side as a single cartridge, for receipt in a double-barreled dispenser gun. For such application the above embodiment (as well as those described below) can be modified so as to be shaped to rest on both cartridges, or configured to rest on only one side of the double cartridge. 
     Embodiment 2 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , as in Embodiment 1,  FIG. 1 , the caulking accessory  3  is mounted and held in a fixed position on top of caulking cartridge  2  (or on a “sausage” type caulking gun barrel as in  FIG. 3 ). The caulking gun is not shown in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, dovetail (or other shaped) splines  10  are formed integrally (i.e. integrally molded or extruded) with the accessory  3  on the upper portion of the accessory  3  so that components  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 , can be can be inserted singularly or in plurality as the user desires. Design, number and location of components  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 , can be interchanged, reused or disposed of at the user&#39;s discretion.  FIG. 5  is an end view radially displaying the splines  10  and possible component attachment means, including the wiping fins  4 ,  7 , tool holders  5 ,  8 , the cap holder  6  and the sponge  9 . Each has a base with a configuration of channels or ridges shaped complementarily to the ridges or channels defined by the splines.  FIG. 6  shows additional various means of “dovetail” attachment of the components. However, this means of attachment is not limited by number, style, shape or design. Note that the splines  10  are indicated as ridges, but the channels  10   a  between ridges could be considered the splines. The component bases in any event are complementary and engage slidingly with the splines. 
     Embodiment 3 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , discrete components serve as the accessory, each having a base with a U-shaped attachment clip  12 ,  4 , which is frictionally engaged with one or more of the caulking gun  1  sides or frame at the sides of the opening, without extending over the top of the caulk tube as described above. As in Embodiment 2, the components are interchangeable and can be either one piece, as in  7 , or of removable design as in  12 ,  8 . Not shown is a side view demonstrating the length of the clip, which can be either full length of the lip, or any portion thereof. These components can include each of the features described above, including the sponge and cap retainer as well as the other components. 
     Embodiment 4 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of the apparatus with dual, U-shaped clips  13 , integrally formed with the accessory  3  and frictionally held onto the caulk gun barrel. In this embodiment, the accessory  3  is attached to the gun  1  frame, rather than “piggy-backing” on top of the cartridge as in Embodiment 1. The clips  13  can be intermittent or continuous. This embodiment can be one piece construction as in Embodiment 1, or with splines and replaceable components as in Embodiment 2. Unlike the previous embodiments, the apparatus  3  is attached to the caulking gun  1  after the caulking cartridge  2  has been inserted into the caulking gun  1 . 
     Embodiment 5 
     This embodiment refers to a new design in the manufacture of prior art disposable tubular casing caulk cartridges or cartridges of fluent material used in other fields and industries. Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , dovetail splines  10  are formed integrally with the caulking cartridge  2  during the manufacture of the cartridge itself. These splines  10  are designed to receive the interchangeable components described above in Embodiment 2. The splines can be thermally formed. 
       FIGS. 9C and 9D  show these same splines  10  only on the top half of the cartridge. 
     Embodiment 6 
       FIG. 10  shows a front and side view of a modified style caulking gun  14 . In  FIG. 10 , an openable, partial-cylindrical lid or canopy  15  is shown running longitudinally the length of the caulking gun and can incorporate either fixed, as in Embodiment 1, or removable fins or attachments  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9  (not shown) as in previous embodiments can be inserted. The splines  10  can be produced by thermally forming or extruding them into the body of the “half barrel” canopy accessory as it is manufactured. The canopy can be hinged or pivoted on the barrel, as indicated at  15   a  on the right side of  FIG. 10B , and it can have a U-shaped clip  13  (intermittent or continuous) to engage the barrel edge on the other side. 
     Embodiment 7 
       FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  12 A and  12 B are front and side views of a modified caulking gun  16  wherein splines  10  are incorporated into the barrel  17  underside or upper side of a caulking gun, allowing for replaceable implements or components to be inserted having the same functions as Embodiment 2. 
     The splines  10  are manufactured into the underside or upper side of a “half-barrel”  17  or can be permanently affixed by other means, where removable fins and accessories  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9  as in previous embodiments can be inserted. The splines can be produced by thermally forming or extruding them into the plastic of the cartridge gun as it is manufactured. The illustrated caulk gun can have a rotatable barrel  17  as known in the prior art, so as to be positionable as in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , or as in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . 
     References herein to caulk and caulk cartridges are to be understood as also encompassing other fluent materials such as other sealants, epoxies, etc. 
     The above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit its scope. Other embodiments and variations to these preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.