Abstract:
A component spatula tool system including an elongate grip handle structure, and a generally planar blade which is releasably grippable by the handle structure. The handle structure has a pair of opposed, selectively openable and closeable, matchingly grip-patterned clamping pads that define a nip region, the blade has opposite sides possessing matchingly grip-patterned clamping sites whose grip patterns are complementary to those of the clamping pads, and the clamping pads and clamping sites accommodate, via operative interengagements of their respective grip-patterned characteristics, positive-lock, universally invertible, plural-position clamp locking of the blade within the nip region.

Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention pertains to a spatula tool system, and in particular to a spatula-tool component system which features selective connection and disconnection of certain system elements. The invention is illustrated herein in the context specifically of a system which is useable during building construction by workers who apply so-called tape-and-mud over the joints and other surface areas of internal wallboard material which is affixed to building frame structure. The invention is particularly illustrated and described in such a “taping mud” environment for the reason that this environment has been one wherein the features of the invention have been found to offer particular utility. It should be understood, however, that the characteristics of the present invention may also have applicability in other useful areas wherein a spatula-like tool is to be used. 
         [0002]    As those who practice in what may be referred to as the wallboard installation aspect of building construction will know, there are many instances where it is desirable to have differently shaped and configured spatula tools useable to apply the so-called plaster-like mud to a wallboard installation. For example, there are instances wherein it may be desired to have tools of different sizes, i.e., different blade and handle sizes, and other instances wherein it may be desired that a blade and a handle have, effectively, different lateral offsets relative to one another. To accommodate these considerations in the practice of the prior art, it has essentially been necessary for a worker to have one each of the different kinds of spatula tools that may be needed. 
         [0003]    The present invention addresses this consideration in a unique, and somewhat modular, fashion, by proposing a connectable/disconnectable, component spatula tool system including a generally pincers-action, articulated handle structure having clamping pads that can be opened and closed relative to one another on opposite sides of a nip region to receive, and then lockably to grip (for later release), a spatula blade (referred to as a “knife” in the “taping mud” field of art). With such a system, a worker need only possess very few components in order quickly and versatilely to “create” specifically shaped and sized spatula tools that are best suited for a particular construction activity. For example, with two or three handle structures (of the type just generally mentioned) possessing different overall lengths, and with just a very few different-lateral-length (i.e., width) blades which can couple releasably with these handle structures, a worker is offered a very versatile package of component spatula tools that can be assembled on the job differently to accommodate different use requirements. 
         [0004]    Preferably, the tool system of the present invention is made up of just a few relatively simple molded-plastic components which are precision-molded to enhance simple, precision locking and unlocking of the basic system components to create spatula tools having different configurations and uses. 
         [0005]    The various specific features and advantages that are offered by the present invention will become more fully apparent as the description which follows below is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a simplified, high-level, schematic, generally isometric view of the component spatula tool system of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view, with considerably more detail shown, of the system pictured in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the tool system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a view taken generally along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is similar to  FIG. 2 , except that it illustrates an open condition existing between a pair of clamping pads which form part of an articulated handle structure included in the system of  FIGS. 1-4 , inclusive. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a view taken generally along the line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a plan view illustrating one form of a spatula blade made in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a simplified, isolated plan view of one of two duplicate-shape handle components included in the system of  FIGS. 1-6 , inclusive. This handle component is illustrated with a greater length than that of each of the matching the handle components in the handle structure pictured in  FIGS. 2-6 , inclusive. 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of a modified (laterally lengthened) embodiment of a spatula blade which is somewhat like the blade shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a view very much like that presented in  FIG. 3 , except that it shows a spatula blade shifted laterally in its position relative to handle structure in the system of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a fragmentary plan view presented on a larger scale than those employed in  FIGS. 1-10 , inclusive, illustrating, with portions broken away, special grip patterning which is provided in clamping pads in accordance with practice of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is a still larger-scale, fragmentary, isometric view of the patterned clamping pad which is shown in plan view in  FIG. 11 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    Beginning with a discussion which relates to each of  FIGS. 1-8 , inclusive,  11 , and  12 , a component spatula tool system featuring selective connectability and disconnectability of certain system components is shown generally at  20 . This system includes an elongate, articulated, pincers-action handle structure  22  formed by two, elongate, matching-configuration (duplicate-shape) handle components  24 ,  26  which are molded of a suitable plastic material, such as ABS plastic material. Handle components  24 ,  26  are pivoted at  28 , in reversely disposed relative positions, by an appropriately installed pivot pin  30 . Pin  30  accommodates selective counter-rotation, as indicated by double-headed, curved arrow  32 , about an axis  28   a  which extends substantially normally relative to the long axis of system  20  shown by dash-double-dot line  20   a . Axis  20   a  is coincident herein with what is referred to as being the long axis of handle structure  22 . 
         [0019]    Handle components  24 ,  26  include (a) elongate handle portions  24   a ,  26   a , respectively, (b) special, three-dimensionally patterned, integral clamping pads  24   b ,  26   b , respectively, (collectively called positive-lock clamping structure) located adjacent one set of ends of handle portions  24   a ,  26   a , (c) appropriate, reversibly snap-together, cooperatively interactive latching structures  24   c ,  26   c , respectively, formed appropriately on the respective associated handle portions, and (d) a clamping nip region  22   a  which is located in the zone that lies between the two clamping pads. 
         [0020]    The specific structural features of the just above-mentioned handle portions and latching structures form no part of the present invention. They may be made in any suitable, conventional way, and two of these ways are shown in the drawing figures herein. 
         [0021]    Clamping pads  24   b ,  26   b , also referred to herein as matchingly grip-patterned clamping pads, however, are quite unique in construction. As can be seen, these two clamping pads include faces  24   d ,  26   d  which confront one another on opposite sides of nip region  22   a , and which faces are grip-patterned three-dimensionally herein by a plurality of projection-and-relief elongate ridges and intermediate valleys (projection-and-relief configurations), as can be seen very clearly in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . In  FIG. 1 , these specially grip-patterned regions of the clamping pads are identified with the reference characters  24   d ,  26   d.    
         [0022]    With respect to each of clamping pads  24   b ,  26   b , and the confronting faces thereof which define nip region  22   a , and referring now especially to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , where clamping pad  24   b  and its patterned face  24   d  are clearly illustrated, the mentioned, associated, three-dimensional projection-and-relief configuration includes elongate, grid-patterned orthogonal ridges, or projection structures, such as those shown at  34 , giving clamping pad face  24   d  a kind of waffle-pattern appearance. Formed appropriately in those ridges which generally parallel previously mentioned axis  20   a  are three, generally laterally extending rows  36 ,  38 ,  40  of plural, aligned slots, such at the slots shown at  42 . These slots face generally upwardly in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The functionality of these slots will be explained shortly. 
         [0023]    Further included in this patterning configuration is a central socket, or well,  44  which is generally rectangular in configuration, and which is defined, at least in part, by central end regions, such as those shown at  34   a  in  FIG. 12 , in the central pair of ridges  34  which generally parallel previously mentioned axis  28   a.    
         [0024]    Completing a description of handle components  24 ,  26 , and referring with pointed specificity to  FIG. 4  in the drawings in the context of the other drawing figures, the two handle components are exact molded duplicates of one another in the preferred embodiment of the invention which is now being described. Such a condition, of course, greatly simplifies mold manufacturing. As will be observed, and focusing for a moment only on a single one of the handle components, each such component can be characterized as possessing no plane of bilateral, axial symmetry relative to any axis. However, when the two handle components are pivotally assembled to complete handle structure  22 , the combined assembly indeed possesses what is referred to herein as substantial, orthogonal, mirror-image, bilateral symmetry in substantially all planes containing axis  20   a . This kind of symmetry is that which one would observe on opposite sides of a bisecting plane containing axis  20   a  by projecting the structural image which exists on one side of that plane toward the reflective sides of a pair of orthogonally disposed mirrors which meet along a line that substantially parallels axis  20   a.    
         [0025]    Further, and now looking specifically at  FIG. 4  in the drawings, from the point of view of system  10  pictured there, one can see that handle components  24 ,  26 , and clamping pads  24   b ,  26   b , are disposed, effectively, on opposite sides of a plane  44  which contains axis  20   a . This plane is referred to herein as a shared plane, and as system  20  is illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the two handle components are said to be substantially co-planar in this shared plane. Because of the coincidence of axis  20   a  and plane  44 , the dash-dot line shown I  FIG. 4  is labeled both  20   a  and  44 . As can be seen, and with respect to each of the individual handle components, the handle portion thereof lies effectively on one side of plane  44  and clamping pad portion lies on the opposite side of this plane. 
         [0026]    Finally, it should be observed and understood that handle components useable to make up handle structure  22  in accordance with practice of the present invention may be made with different specific features, such as different lengths. A relatively short handle structure is pictured in  FIGS. 2-6 , inclusive. A longer handle structure (pictured for one of the handle components only) is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Other variations, which do not depart from the main features of the invention, may also be made in the specific configurations selected for the handle structure components. 
         [0027]    With pivoting of the two handle components about axis  28   a , nip region  22   a  is opened and closed so as to enable cooperative interengagement with the other main component in system  20  which is now to be described. 
         [0028]    This other main component is an elongate, generally planar blade  46  which is somewhat trapezoidal in perimetral outline, as can clearly be seen in  FIGS. 3 ,  7  and  10 , and includes an elongate working body portion, or body,  46   a  joined to an elongate, perimeter-edge-patterned spine  46   b . In these three figures, the trapezoidal, perimetral outline of blade  46  is seen especially well, as illustrated by the small angle α. 
         [0029]    As can be seen relatively well in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , when blade  46  is correctly oriented relative to handle structure  22 , the nominal plane of the blade component substantially lies in previously mentioned plane  44 . With regard to this plane, blade  46  is bilaterally symmetric with respect to opposite sides of the plane. In other words, opposite, broad, facial views of the opposite faces of blade  46  look the same from opposite sides of the blade. The long axis  46   c  of blade  46  lies at an oblique angle (herein 90°) relative to axis  20   a.    
         [0030]    Preferably, blade  46  is molded from a suitable plastic material, such as polycarbonate Lexan®. 
         [0031]    Focusing attention for a moment on the construction of patterned spine  46   b  which, as was just suggested, has essentially the same configuration on opposite sides of blade  46 , this spine is prepared, on its opposite sides, or faces, with what are referred to herein as complementary, projection-and-relief patterning configurations intended to permit positive, change-position, releasable locking between blade  46  and handle structure  22 . Such locking is referred to herein as positive-lock, universally-invertible, plural-position clamp locking. The spine&#39;s patterning configurations are also referred to herein as matchingly grip-patterned clamping sites. 
         [0032]    Looking especially now at  FIG. 7  in the drawings, and describing that portion of spine  46   b  which faces the viewer in this figure, this spine includes three, elongate, projecting ridges  48 ,  50 ,  52  which are spaced apart, are generally parallel to one another, and are also generally parallel long axis  46   c  of blade  46 . Ridges  48 ,  50 ,  52  are compatible with, and are intended to fit generally in a clearance-fit manner within, previously mentioned clamping-pad slots  42  on opposite sides of blade  46  when the blade is assembled (i.e., clamped by and with) handle structure  22 . In  FIG. 7 , ridges  48 ,  50 ,  52  are shown, in a schematic sense, aligned with previously mentioned lines  36 ,  38 ,  40  which are the lines (see  FIG. 12 ) which define the lateral, linear alignment of the several slots  42  provided in each clamping pad. 
         [0033]    Completing a description of blade  46  as it appears in  FIG. 7 , and specifically of spine  46   b  as it appears on opposite sides of this blade, included in the projection-and-relief structure which provides patterning for spine  46   b  are short projecting ridges  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  which, together with ridges  48 ,  50 ,  52 , form two, laterally spaced, rectangular configurations  62 ,  64  which play a special role in predefining certain different relative translational positions that may be assumed between handle structure  22  and blade  46  when these two structures are assembled. More will be said about this shortly. When it is desired to prepare system  20  for use, the pivoted handle components in handle structure  22  are adjusted so as to separate clamping pads  24   b ,  26   b , thus to open nip region  22   a  as seen in  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  6 . Blade  46  is then inserted into the nip region, as illustrated by an arrow  66  in  FIG. 1 , generally in a direction generally paralleling axis  20   a , and to a point where closure of the clamping pads upon opposite sides of spine  46   b  will cause appropriate locking interengagement to take place between the patterning configurations in the two clamping pads on opposite sides of the patterning configurations (clamping sites) provided by blade spine  46   b.    
         [0034]    Assuming that blade  46  is intended to be laterally centered with respect to axis  20   a , the blade is so inserted, and the handle structure is adjusted to bring the claming pads into clamping and locking engagement with the blade to produce a clamped and locked condition, such as that shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , inclusive. Under this condition, elongate ridges  48 ,  50 ,  52  on opposite sides of spine  46   b  are received in slots  42  in the clamping pads, and rectangular configurations  62 ,  64  in spine  46   d  lie closely adjacent the opposite lateral sides of the clamping pads, as can be seen especially well in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5 , to define a stabilized, locked, lateral condition between blade  46  and handle structure  22 . 
         [0035]    With this condition established, the latching mechanisms in the handle components releasably lock the handle in a clamping condition, and as a consequence, the handle structure and blade are prevented any relative motion with respect to one another. It will be noted that, because of the constructions described for the clamping pads and for the blade spine structure, it makes no difference which condition of relative inversion exists between the handle structure and the blade in terms of assembling these two components for use. A difference in relative inversion positions is suggested in  FIG. 1  by a double-headed curved arrow  68 . 
         [0036]    Describing now certain other important features of the system of this invention, it is possible to change the working relationship between the handle structure and the blade. It is also possible to use differently sized and configured handle structures and blades. 
         [0037]    Beginning with an illustration of the former—i.e., a relative working relationship change—if it is desired to readjust the relative translational positions of the handle structure and the blade within shared plane  44 , for example, to produce a condition such as that shown in  FIG. 10  where the blade is laterally offset to the right of axis  20   a  in this figure, clamping is accomplished in a manner whereby one opposite pair of rectangular configurations  62 ,  64  in the blade spine become received within wells  44  provided in the patterning configurations in the clamping pads. In  FIG. 10 , configurations  62  in spine  46   b  are so received. 
         [0038]    Such a lateral readjustment of blade  46  relative to handle structure  22  is indicated very generally and schematically by a double-headed, linear arrow  70  in  FIG. 1 , wherein, in dashed lines, the laterally centrally shown solid-outline blade is shown laterally offset in the same manner illustrated for the blade in  FIG. 10 . The amounts and directions of such lateral shifting to predetermined lockable conditions between the handle structure and the blade are matters of designer choice, to be implemented by appropriate reconfigurations of the patterning layouts provided in these two main components of the invention. 
         [0039]    With respect to size changing, two different-length handle structures have been mentioned above. Blade size and configuration may also be varied. For example, in dash-triple-dot lines in  FIG. 1 , an alternative blade is shown which has a length greater than that of the blade pictured in solid outline in this figure. Such an alternative-length blade herein might take the form of the long blade  46  shown in  FIG. 9  in the drawings. This longer version of blade  46 , seen in plan view from one broad side in  FIG. 9 , includes, generally speaking, the same kind of working body portion  46   a  as was mentioned earlier, and the same general spine structure  46   b , except that because of the greater length of this blade, the spine structure includes two additional spaced rectangular patterned formations  70 ,  72  provided to accommodate several different laterally differentiated and locked position possibilities relative to handle structure  22 . Formations  70 ,  72  are like previously described formations  62 ,  64 . 
         [0040]    Not specifically illustrated in the drawings is yet the further possibility of changing the perimetral shape of a blade to suit special use conditions. This might, of course, be especially relevant to adapting the invention for use in fields other than the “taping mud” field. Illustrations of such other fields of utility include, for examples, the field of various garden tools, the field of various squeegee tools, and the field of various scraper tools, as well as many others wherein spatula-like tool implements are typically employed. 
         [0041]    Thus the tool system of the invention proposed offers a number of interesting and important features and advantages in applications where a spatula-like tool is to be employed. And, while a specific set of embodiments of the invention have been described herein for use especially in the particular field of applying so-called taping mud, other fields of use may benefit just as well from having a component system as illustrated and described. 
         [0042]    The system of the invention obviously offers a great deal of flexibility and versatility, and enables a user effectively to have a large family of different tools with only a relatively few components. Blade and handle structure assemblies are connectable and disconnectable freely and quickly at will to accommodate a user&#39;s need to have different blade and/or handle structure styles to suit specific tasks. If a blade for some reason becomes worn or damaged beyond practical use, a new blade may easily be substituted without requiring a user to acquire an entire, new, stand-alone tool. 
         [0043]    The tool system of the invention is easily formed of relatively inexpensive plastic materials, and because of its component nature, and as stated above, can provide a user with a relatively wide range effectively of different tools without requiring the expenditure of a large collection of individual “free standing” tools. 
         [0044]    Accordingly, while a preferred embodiment, and several variations and modifications, of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is appreciated that other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.