Abstract:
An apparatus for removing caulk from a user&#39;s finger(s) and tool(s) (i.e., a caulk finger wiping apparatus) is disclosed. The apparatus is used in combination with a disposable tube-style caulk cartridge and in conjunction with any one of multiple styles of caulking guns. The apparatus includes an upper edge that may have finger receiving notches for removing caulk from a user&#39;s finger(s) and tool(s), and an apparatus component for collecting the removed caulk. Methods of making and using the apparatus for removing caulk from a user&#39;s finger(s) and tool(s) are also disclosed.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to caulk finger wiping apparatus, methods of making caulk finger wiping apparatus, and methods of using caulk finger wiping apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is well known by those skilled in applying caulking that as it is applied, caulking has a tendency to assume an uneven configuration which has a rippling or puddling aspect. The caulking must be smoothed to eliminate the unevenness thereof and while tools exist for this purpose, the prevalent method of eliminating the unevenness of the caulking is for the user to run his/her finger(s) and/or smoothing tool(s) over the surface of the caulking to achieve the desired smoothing thereof. As a result of from this process, accumulated caulk adheres to the finger(s) and is typically removed from the finger(s) and/or tool(s) by wiping the accumulated caulk on a rag or random object often producing messy results. This is especially true if the user is working from a ladder as two hands are required to operate the caulking gun and often the user holds the gun in one hand while finger wiping the caulk with the other hand in case additional caulk is required. This makes it difficult to quickly locate and utilize a rag or other object to use to clean accumulated caulk from a finger or tool and return to smoothing additional caulk or other tasks. 
     Known caulk finger wiping apparatus, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,683, have a number of drawbacks. For example, known caulk finger wiping apparatus attach to a specific type of caulking gun and along a specific location of the specific type of caulking gun. Consequently, known caulk finger wiping apparatus are limited to use with a specific type of caulking gun, and a specific location along the caulking gun. 
     It would be advantageous for a caulk finger wiping apparatus to be removably attachable to and compatible with multiple styles and sizes of caulk cartridges for use in conjunction with multiple styles and sizes of caulking guns. Further, it would be advantageous for a caulk finger wiping apparatus that can be used in a plurality of positions, designated by a user, along a caulk cartridge, including a plurality of positions along the top or side of the caulk cartridge so as to allow the caulking gun with caulk finger wiping apparatus attached to the caulk cartridge to fit into confined spaces with the caulk finger wiping apparatus being accessible from both sides of the caulking gun when space permits. 
     Efforts continue in the development of caulk finger wiping apparatus that (1) provide one or more unique features and advantages over known caulk finger wiping apparatus, (2) are relatively easy to manufacture and use, (3) provide quick results for the user, and (4) are economical to make and use. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention continues the effort to develop caulk finger wiping apparatus that (1) provide one or more unique features and advantages over known caulk finger wiping apparatus, (2) are relatively easy to manufacture and use, (3) provide quick results for the user, and (4) are economical to make and use. The present invention is directed to caulk finger wiping apparatus as described and shown herein. 
     In accordance with the above, the present invention is directed to a caulk finger wiping apparatus that provide a simple, efficient, inexpensive, and disposable or reusable device for wiping and containing caulk from a user&#39;s finger(s) and/or tools, and more particularly to a caulk finger wiping apparatus that is removably attachable to a tube-style caulk cartridge for use in conjunction with multiple styles of caulking guns. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the caulk finger wiping apparatus of the present invention comprises (I) a caulk cartridge contact member comprising a central region having a first outer edge, a second outer edge opposite the first outer edge, a concave lower surface extending between the first and second outer edges, and a convex upper surface opposite the concave lower surface; a first side wall extending upward from and along the first outer edge of the central region, the first side wall comprising at least one cut-out portion positioned along an upper edge of the first side wall, at least a portion of the upper edge of the first side wall being above the convex upper surface of the central region; and a second side wall extending upward from and along the second outer edge of the central region, at least a portion of an upper edge of the second side wall being above the convex upper surface of the central region; and (II) a connection member operatively adapted to position the caulk cartridge contact member along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge. 
     In some embodiments, the caulk finger wiping apparatus of the present invention comprises a connection member, wherein the connection member comprises a layer of adhesive operatively adapted to adhesively attach the caulk cartridge contact member along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge. In other embodiments, the caulk finger wiping apparatus of the present invention comprises a connection member, wherein the connection member comprises a mechanical fastener (e.g., corresponding male and female components, such as hook and loop material). In yet other embodiments, the caulk finger wiping apparatus of the present invention comprises a connection member, wherein the connection member comprises a circumferencing extension member integrally connected to the second side wall of the caulk cartridge contact member, the circumferencing extension member having a first connecting end extending along at least a portion of the second side wall, a second end opposite the first connecting end, and a curved section extending between the first connecting end and the second end, the curved section having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, and the curved section being sized to at least partially contact and extend along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge when positioned next to the outer surface of a caulk cartridge. 
     The present invention is further directed to methods of making a caulk finger wiping apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment, the method of making a caulk finger wiping apparatus comprises forming a caulk cartridge contact member comprising a central region having a first outer edge, a second outer edge opposite the first outer edge, a concave lower surface extending between the first and second outer edges, and a convex upper surface opposite the concave lower surface; a first side wall extending upward from and along the first outer edge of the central region, the first side wall comprising at least one cut-out portion positioned along an upper edge of the first side wall, at least a portion of the upper edge of the first side wall being above the convex upper surface of the central region; and a second side wall extending upward from and along the second outer edge of the central region, at least a portion of an upper edge of the second side wall being above the convex upper surface of the central region. The method of making a caulk finger wiping apparatus may further comprise one or more additional steps such as providing a connection member operatively adapted to position the caulk cartridge contact member along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge. 
     The present invention is even further directed to methods of using a caulk finger wiping apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment, the method of using a caulk finger wiping apparatus comprises attaching a caulk finger wiping apparatus to a caulk cartridge, wherein the caulk finger wiping apparatus comprises (I) a caulk cartridge contact member comprising a central region having a first outer edge, a second outer edge opposite the first outer edge, a concave lower surface extending between the first and second outer edges, and a convex upper surface opposite the concave lower surface; a first side wall extending upward from and along the first outer edge of the central region, the first side wall comprising at least one cut-out portion positioned along an upper edge of the first side wall, at least a portion of the upper edge of the first side wall being above the convex upper surface of the central region; and a second side wall extending upward from and along the second outer edge of the central region, at least a portion of an upper edge of the second side wall being above the convex upper surface of the central region; and (II) a connection member operatively adapted to position the caulk cartridge contact member along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge. The method of using a caulk finger wiping apparatus may further comprise one or more additional steps such as positioning the caulk finger wiping apparatus/caulk cartridge combination within a caulking gun. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is further described with reference to the appended figures, wherein: 
         FIGS. 1A-1C  provide a perspective view of three conventional caulking guns of the prior art, namely, a conventional cradle-type caulking gun, a skeleton frame-type caulking gun, and a light-weight type caulking gun; 
         FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of an exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus of present invention; 
         FIG. 3  provides a perspective view of an exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus of present invention adhesively attached to an outer side surface of a cartridge of caulk; 
         FIG. 4  provides a perspective view of an exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus of present invention adhesively attached to an outer top surface of a cartridge of caulk; 
         FIG. 5  provides a perspective view of the exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus of present invention adhesively attached to the outer top surface of a caulk cartridge as shown in  FIG. 4  mounted in the conventional cradle-type caulking gun shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 6  provides a perspective view of the exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus of present invention adhesively attached to the outer side surface of a caulk cartridge as shown in  FIG. 3  mounted in the skeleton frame-type caulking gun shown in  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 7  provides a perspective view of the exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus of present invention adhesively attached to the outer top surface of a caulk cartridge as shown in  FIG. 4  mounted in the light-weight style caulking gun shown in  FIG. 1C ; 
         FIG. 8  provides a frontal view of the exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  provides a perspective view of another exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus of present invention; 
         FIG. 10  provides a perspective view of another exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus of present invention illustrating a caulk cartridge circumferencing component of the exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus that surrounds a caulk cartridge; 
         FIG. 11  provides a perspective view of the exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus shown in  FIG. 10  with the caulk cartridge circumferencing component attached to a caulk cartridge; 
         FIG. 12  provides a perspective view of the exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus/caulk cartridge combination shown in  FIG. 11  mounted in the conventional cradle-type caulking gun shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 13  provides a perspective view of the exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus/caulk cartridge combination shown in  FIG. 11  mounted in the skeleton-frame type caulking gun shown in  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 14  provides a perspective view of the exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus/caulk cartridge combination shown in  FIG. 11  mounted in the light-weight type caulking gun shown in  FIG. 1C ; and 
         FIG. 15  provides a perspective view of another exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus of present invention illustrating a partially caulk cartridge circumferencing component that partially surrounds a caulk cartridge. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     To promote an understanding of the principles of the present invention, descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention follow and specific language is used to describe the specific embodiments. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended by the use of specific language. Alterations, further modifications, and such further applications of the principles of the present invention discussed are contemplated as would normally occur to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. 
     The present invention is directed to caulk finger wiping apparatus as described and shown herein. The present invention is further directed to methods of making caulk finger wiping apparatus. In addition, the present invention is directed to methods of using caulk finger wiping apparatus. 
     The caulk finger wiping apparatus of the present invention may be used in combination with a conventional tube-like caulk cartridge (e.g., caulk cartridge  19  shown in  FIGS. 3-4 ) and any one of the conventional caulking guns shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , namely, a conventional cradle-type caulking gun  21 , a skeleton frame-type caulking gun  22 , and a light-weight type caulking gun  40 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , conventional cradle-type caulking gun  21  is characterized by a cradle  90  into which a caulk cartridge (not shown) is positioned. Cradle  90  also connects a rear handle portion  91  of the gun to a forward support yoke  92 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , skeleton frame-type caulking gun  22  comprises two opposing frame supports  93  that connect rear handle portion  91  of the gun to forward support yoke  92 . As shown in  FIG. 1C , light-weight type caulking gun  40  comprises a short encased barrel  94  into which the end of a caulk cartridge (not shown) is received and secured, with no additional frame extending to the front of the caulk cartridge. 
     An exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus of present invention is provided in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  comprises a caulk cartridge contact member  23  comprising a central region  17  having a first outer edge  32 , a second outer edge  33  opposite the first outer edge  32 , a concave lower surface  51  extending between the first and second outer edges  32  and  33 , a convex upper surface  52  opposite the concave lower surface  51 , and opposite end edges  34  and  35 . Exemplary caulk cartridge contact member  23  further comprises a first side wall  14  extending upward from and along the first outer edge  32  of the central region  17 , wherein the first side wall  14  optionally comprises at least one cut-out portion  15  positioned along an upper edge  16  of the first side wall  14 , and at least a portion of the upper edge  16  of the first side wall  14  is above the convex upper surface  52  of the central region  17 . Exemplary caulk cartridge contact member  23  also comprises a second side wall  18  extending upward from and along the second outer edge  33  of the central region  17 , wherein at least a portion of an upper edge  30  of the second side wall  18  is above the convex upper surface  52  of the central region  17 . 
     As discussed herein, the caulk finger cleaning apparatus of present invention further comprises a connection member operatively adapted to position the caulk cartridge contact member of the caulk finger cleaning apparatus along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge. In some embodiments, the caulk finger wiping apparatus of the present invention comprises a connection member, wherein the connection member comprises a layer of adhesive operatively adapted to adhesively attach the caulk cartridge contact member along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge. Such a connection member is shown in  FIGS. 3-9 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  may be adhesively attached to an outer side surface  61  of a tubular cartridge of caulk  19 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4 , exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  may be adhesively attached to an outer top surface  62  of caulk cartridge  19 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 5 , exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  may be adhesively attached to the outer top surface  62  of caulk cartridge  19  and mounted in conventional cradle-type caulking gun  21 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 6 , exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  may be adhesively attached to outer side surface  61  of caulk cartridge  19  and mounted in skeleton frame-type caulking gun  22 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 7 , exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  may be adhesively attached to outer top surface  62  of caulk cartridge  19  and mounted in light-weight style caulking gun  40 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-7 , caulk finger cleaning apparatus of the present invention may comprise a connection member that adhesively attaches to an outer surface of a caulk cartridge.  FIG. 8  provides a frontal view of exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 2 , and indicates possible positions of such a connection member. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  comprises a connection member  60  in the form a layer of adhesive  70 . Layer of adhesive  70  is operatively adapted to adhesively attach caulk cartridge contact member  23  along an outer surface (e.g., outer side surface  61  or top side surface  62 ) of caulk cartridge  19 . In some embodiments, layer of adhesive  70  may comprise a piece of double-sided adhesive tape. In this embodiment, connection member  60  may further comprise a release liner  80  positioned over an outer adhesive surface  71  of double-sided adhesive tape  70 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 3-4  and  8 , it should be noted that connection member  60 , in the form of an adhesive layer  70 , may be positioned along one or more locations of caulk cartridge contact member  23 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , connection member  60 , in the form of an adhesive layer  70 , may be positioned along a lower surface  53  of second side wall  18  of caulk cartridge contact member  23 . In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4 , connection member  60 , in the form of an adhesive layer  70 , may be positioned along concave lower surface  51  of caulk cartridge contact member  23 . In yet other embodiments, (not shown), multiple connection members  60 , in the form of multiple adhesive layers  70 , may be positioned along both (i) lower surface  53  of second side wall  18  and (ii) concave lower surface  51  of caulk cartridge contact member  23 . 
     It should be noted that although connection member  60  is described as an adhesive layer  70 , connection member  60  may comprise any material that enables connection of caulk cartridge contact member  23  to an outer surface (e.g., outer side surface  61  or top side surface  62 ) of caulk cartridge  19 . In alternative embodiments, connection member  60  may comprise a mechanical fastener (e.g., hook and loop type materials); a male or female type fastener with one being positioned along caulk cartridge contact member  23  and the other being positioned along an outer surface of caulk cartridge  19 ; wire or string (e.g., extending around caulk cartridge  19  and through slits or holes within caulk cartridge contact member  23 ; etc. 
     It should be further noted that, in some embodiments, concave lower surface  51  of caulk cartridge contact member  23  may comprise one continuous surface forming an arc of curvature. However, in other embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 8 , concave lower surface  51  of caulk cartridge contact member  23  may comprise two or more connected lower surface portions (i.e.,  FIG. 8  shows three surface portions forming concave lower surface  51 ) that together form a lower surface having a concave configuration (and a convex upper surface  52  of caulk cartridge contact member  23 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  may comprise caulk cartridge contact member  23 , wherein caulk cartridge contact member  23  further comprises a vertical element  38  extending upward from an intermediate edge  37  of second side wall. Vertical element  38  provides a stop for caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  when attached to a caulk cartridge (e.g., caulk cartridge  19 ) positioned within a caulk gun (e.g., when positioned within skeleton-frame type caulking gun  22 , i.e., vertical stop  38  prevents the caulk cartridge with caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  attached thereto from rotating within skeleton-frame type caulking gun  22 ). 
     Although not illustrated to any great degree in  FIG. 9  (or in  FIGS. 2 and 8 ), it should be understood that second side wall  18  extending upward from and along second outer edge  33  of central region  17  of caulk cartridge contact member  23  may have some curvature therein. Typically, when present, second side wall  18  will have a degree of slant and/or curvature so as to increase surface contact with a tubular caulk cartridge (e.g., caulk cartridge  19  shown in  FIGS. 3-4 ). In other words, second side wall  18  may have a slanted surface that matches or complements an outer surface of caulk cartridge  19 . In other embodiments, lower surface  53  of second side wall  18  may have a concave configuration similar to concave lower surface  51 . 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  further comprises a caulk cartridge circumferencing component (also referred to herein as “a circumferencing extension member of caulk cartridge contact member  23 ”).  FIG. 10  provides a perspective view of exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  with a caulk cartridge circumferencing component  11  that at least partially surrounds a caulk cartridge when placed thereon (see, for example,  FIG. 11 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , exemplary caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  comprises connection member  60  in the form of a circumferencing extension member  11  integrally connected to second side wall  18 . Circumferencing extension member  11  has a first connecting end  81  extending along at least a portion of second side wall  18 , a second end  82  opposite first connecting end  81 , and a curved section  83  extending between first connecting end  81  and second end  82 , wherein curved section  83  has a concave inner surface  84  and a convex outer surface  85 . Curved section  83  is sized to at least partially contact and extend along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge (see, for example, outer surface  63  of caulk cartridge  19  shown in  FIG. 11 ) when positioned next to the outer surface of a caulk cartridge. In desired embodiment, circumferencing extension member  11  is integrally connected to second side wall  18  along upper edge  30  of second side wall  18 . 
       FIG. 11  provides a perspective view of exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 10  with the caulk cartridge circumferencing component exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  (i.e., circumferencing extension member  11 ) attached to a caulk cartridge  19 .  FIG. 12  provides a perspective view of exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10 /caulk cartridge  19  combination shown in  FIG. 11  mounted in the conventional cradle-type caulking gun  21  shown in  FIG. 1A . Further,  FIG. 13  provides a perspective view of exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10 /caulk cartridge  19  combination shown in  FIG. 11  mounted in the skeleton-frame type caulking gun  22  shown in  FIG. 1B . In addition,  FIG. 14  provides a perspective view of exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10 /caulk cartridge  19  combination shown in  FIG. 11  mounted in the light-weight type caulking gun  40  shown in  FIG. 1C . 
       FIG. 15  provides a perspective view of another exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  of present invention illustrating a caulk cartridge circumferencing component  11  that partially surrounds caulk cartridge  19  (as opposed to exemplary caulk finger cleaning apparatus  10  in  FIG. 10-14 , which almost completely surrounds caulk cartridge  19 ). As shown in  FIG. 15 , exemplary caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  comprises connection member  60  in the form of a circumferencing extension member  11  integrally connected to second side wall  18 , wherein circumferencing extension member  11  has a first connecting end  81  extending along at least a portion of second side wall  18 , a second end  82  opposite first connecting end  81 , and a curved section  83  extending between first connecting end  81  and second end  82 . In this embodiment, curved section  83  ( i ) has a concave inner surface  84  and a convex outer surface  85 , and ( ii ) is sized to partially contact and extend along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge (see, for example, outer surface  63  of caulk cartridge  19  shown in  FIG. 11 ) when positioned next to the outer surface of a caulk cartridge. 
     Desirably, circumferencing extension member  11  is integrally connected to second side wall  18  along upper edge  30  of second side wall  18 . Further, as shown in  FIGS. 10-15 , circumferencing extension members of caulk finger cleaning apparatus of the present invention (e.g., circumferencing extension members  11 ) may have varying arcs of curvature along concave inner surface  84 . In some embodiments, circumferencing extension member  11  typically has an arc of curvature of greater than about 90° and less than about 270° (as in  FIG. 15 ). In one desired embodiment, circumferencing extension member  11  has an arc of curvature of about 180° (as in  FIG. 15 ). In other embodiments, circumferencing extension member  11  has an arc of curvature of greater than about 270° up to about 360° (as in  FIGS. 10-14 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10-14 , circumferencing extension members  11  may further comprise one or more vertical elements  88  extending outward from convex outer surface  85 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , vertical element  88  may be used to provide a stop for caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  when circumferencing extension member  11  of caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  is positioned along a caulk cartridge  19  positioned within a caulk gun. See, for example, caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  attached to caulk cartridge  19  positioned within skeleton frame-type caulking gun  22  in  FIG. 13 . 
     The present invention is further directed to any of the herein-described caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ) in combination with a caulk cartridge (e.g., caulk cartridge  19 ). The caulk finger wiping apparatus may be separate from or attached to the caulk cartridge. As discussed above, the caulk finger wiping apparatus may be adhesively or mechanically attached to an outer surface of a caulk cartridge. As further discussed above, the caulk finger wiping apparatus may be positioned along and at least partially surrounding an outer surface of a caulk cartridge. 
     The present invention is even further directed to any of the herein-described caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ) in combination with a caulk cartridge (e.g., caulk cartridge  19 ) and at least one caulking gun (e.g., skeleton frame-type caulking gun  22 ). The caulk finger wiping apparatus, caulk cartridge and at least one caulking gun may be separate from one another or combined together. For example, in some embodiments, the caulk finger wiping apparatus may be attached to an outer surface of a caulk cartridge and positioned within a caulk gun. In other embodiments, the caulk finger wiping apparatus may at least partially surround an outer surface of a caulk cartridge positioned within a caulk gun. 
     The present invention is also directed to kits comprising two or more of the herein-described caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ). Kits may further comprise one or more optional pieces of double-sided tape, one or more mechanical fastener pieces (e.g., pieces of adhesive-backed hook and loop material), one or more optional caulk cartridges (e.g., caulk cartridge  19 ), and one or more optional caulk guns (e.g., skeleton frame-type caulking gun  22 ). 
     It should be understood that the herein-described caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ) may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the herein-described components and features of the herein-described caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ). Further, combinations of the herein-described caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ) may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the herein-described caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ) in combination with any caulk cartridge (e.g., caulk cartridge  19 ) and/or caulking gun (e.g., skeleton frame-type caulking gun  22 ). In addition, any kit of the present invention may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the herein-described caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ) in combination with one or more additional kit components. 
     Further, it should be understood that the herein-described caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ) may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the herein-described components and features, as shown in  FIGS. 2-15  with or without any features not shown in  FIGS. 2-15 . In other words, in some embodiments, the caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ) of the present invention does not have any additional features other than those shown in  FIGS. 2-15 , and such additional features, not shown in  FIGS. 2-15 , are specifically excluded from the caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ). 
     The present invention is even further directed to methods of making a caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ). In one exemplary embodiment, the method of making a caulk finger wiping apparatus comprises forming a caulk cartridge contact member (e.g., caulk cartridge contact member  23 ) comprising a central region having a first outer edge, a second outer edge opposite the first outer edge, a concave lower surface extending between the first and second outer edges, and a convex upper surface opposite the concave lower surface; a first side wall extending upward from and along the first outer edge of the central region, the first side wall comprising at least one cut-out portion positioned along an upper edge of the first side wall, at least a portion of the upper edge of the first side wall being above the convex upper surface of the central region; and a second side wall extending upward from and along the second outer edge of the central region, at least a portion of an upper edge of the second side wall being above the convex upper surface of the central region. The method of making a caulk finger wiping apparatus may further comprise providing a connection member operatively adapted to position the caulk cartridge contact member along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge (e.g., connection member  60 ). 
     In some embodiments, the step of forming a caulk cartridge contact member (e.g., caulk cartridge contact member  23 ) may comprise a single thermoforming step (e.g., an injection molding step). In other embodiments, the step of forming a caulk cartridge contact member may comprise two or more steps, wherein the two or more steps include, but are not limited to, one or more sheet forming steps (e.g., a sheet metal or polymer film forming step), one or more cutting steps, one or more thermoforming steps, etc. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-15 , caulk cartridge contact member  23  of caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  may be formed so as to have a three-dimensional shape. As shown in  FIGS. 2-15 , caulk cartridge contact member  23  of caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  may have a “modified w-shaped”; however, it should be understood that caulk cartridge contact member  23  of caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  may have any desired shape, such as a “u-shape” or any other three-dimensional shape. Further, regardless of shape, caulk cartridge contact member  23  of caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  may further comprise open ends (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 2-15 , i.e., there are no side walls extending from edge  16  to edge  30  connecting first side wall  14  with second side wall  18 ), or enclosed ends (e.g., an embodiment, not shown, wherein side walls, of some height, extend from edge  16  to edge  30  connecting first side wall  14  with second side wall  18 ). 
     Caulk cartridge contact member  23  of caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  may be formed from a variety of materials. Typically, caulk cartridge contact member  23  of caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  comprises plastic, metal, paper, an appropriate composite material (e.g., fiber-reinforced polymer), or any combination thereof, so as to desirably form a three-dimensional shape that maintains its shape while allowing some flexibility and resilience. In one desired embodiment, caulk cartridge contact member  23  of caulk finger wiping apparatus  10  is formed from a thermoplastic polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene). 
     In some embodiments, the step of providing a connection member (e.g., connection member  60 ) may comprise one or more steps, wherein the two or more steps include, but are not limited to, applying an adhesive layer onto an outer surface of the caulk cartridge contact member, covering an outer surface of the adhesive layer with a removable release liner, providing a double-sided adhesive tape with the caulk finger wiping apparatus so that a user may apply the double-sided adhesive tape onto a desired location of the caulk cartridge contact member, providing adhesive-backed hook and loop material pieces with the caulk finger wiping apparatus so that a user may apply the adhesive-backed hook and loop material pieces onto a desired location of the caulk cartridge contact member and the caulk cartridge, attaching a male (or female) mechanical fastener to an outer surface of the caulk cartridge contact member, attaching a female (or male) mechanical fastener to an outer surface of the caulk cartridge, covering an outer surface of the adhesive layer with a removable release liner, providing a double-sided adhesive tape with the caulk finger wiping apparatus so that a user may apply the double-sided adhesive tape onto a desired location of the caulk cartridge contact member, forming an integrally connected female (or male) mechanical fastener (i.e., integrally connected to the second side wall or the concave lower surface of the caulk cartridge contact member) during the step of forming the caulk cartridge contact member, forming an integrally connected circumferencing extension member (i.e., integrally connected to the second side wall of the caulk cartridge contact member) during the step of forming the caulk cartridge contact member, etc. 
     It should be understood that there are no limitations with regard to how a given caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ) is made and/or combined with a caulk cartridge (e.g., caulk cartridge  19 ). For example, although not shown in the figures, one method of making a caulk finger wiping apparatus may comprise forming a caulk finger wiping apparatus that is integrally connected to a caulk cartridge. In this method, packaging for the caulk cartridge or the outer surface of the caulk cartridge itself may comprise a fold-out and or punched-out caulk finger wiping apparatus integrally connected thereto. The caulk finger wiping apparatus may be partially disconnected from the packaging or caulk cartridge itself, but not completely disconnected, and shaped, if necessary, the form a caulk finger wiping apparatus extending from an outer surface of the caulk cartridge (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 ). In this embodiment, the connection member (e.g., connection member  60 ) is represented by a material connecting the caulk cartridge contact member (e.g., caulk cartridge contact member  23 ) of the caulk finger wiping apparatus to the packaging or caulk cartridge. 
     The present invention is even further directed to methods of using a caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ). In one exemplary embodiment, the method of using a caulk finger wiping apparatus comprises attaching a caulk finger wiping apparatus to a caulk cartridge (e.g., caulk cartridge  19 ), wherein the caulk finger wiping apparatus comprises (I) a caulk cartridge contact member (e.g., caulk cartridge contact member  23 ) comprising a central region having a first outer edge, a second outer edge opposite the first outer edge, a concave lower surface extending between the first and second outer edges, and a convex upper surface opposite the concave lower surface; a first side wall extending upward from and along the first outer edge of the central region, the first side wall comprising at least one cut-out portion positioned along an upper edge of the first side wall, at least a portion of the upper edge of the first side wall being above the convex upper surface of the central region; and a second side wall extending upward from and along the second outer edge of the central region, at least a portion of an upper edge of the second side wall being above the convex upper surface of the central region; and (II) a connection member (e.g., connection member  60 ) operatively adapted to position the caulk cartridge contact member along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge. 
     In some embodiments, the method of using a caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ) comprises an attaching step, wherein the attaching step comprises adhesively attaching the caulk cartridge contact member (e.g., caulk cartridge contact member  23 ) along an outer surface of a caulk cartridge. In other embodiments, the method of using a caulk finger wiping apparatus comprises an attaching step, wherein the attaching step comprises positioning a circumferencing extension member (e.g., circumferencing extension member  11 ) of the caulk finger wiping apparatus so as to at least partially surround the caulk cartridge, in some cases, completely surround the caulk cartridge. 
     The disclosed methods of using a caulk finger wiping apparatus (e.g., caulk finger wiping apparatus  10 ) may further comprise one or more additional steps. Suitable additional steps may include any one or any combination of steps including, but not limited to, positioning a caulk cartridge (e.g., caulk cartridge  19 ) within a caulking gun (e.g., conventional cradle-type caulking gun  21 , a skeleton frame-type caulking gun  22 , or a light-weight type caulking gun  40 ); positioning a caulk finger wiping apparatus/caulk cartridge combination within a caulking gun; applying caulk onto a surface; wiping caulk from a user&#39;s finger and/or a user&#39;s tool (e.g., putty knife, etc.) onto at least one cut-out portion positioned along an upper edge of a first side wall of the caulk finger wiping apparatus; removing the caulk finger wiping apparatus from the caulk cartridge; and re-applying a used caulk finger wiping apparatus onto another caulk cartridge. 
     While the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.