Patent Publication Number: US-2004040917-A1

Title: Plaster/spackle pallet with integrated handle and tool holders

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates to an improved plaster/spackle pallet having an integrated handle and tool holders in the form of pockets on the underside for receiving and holding tools. A storage unit for mounting on a wall is also provided in which the pallet may be secured for storing or mounting on a wall or vehicle.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Plaster/spackle pallets are generally difficult and cumbersome to use especially while working on a ladder or scaffolding. This difficulty is compounded when trying to manipulate a spackling tool while also holding the plaster/spackle pallet. There is a need for an efficient plaster/spackle pallet with an integrated handle and storage pockets for storing tools that can easily be manipulated.  
       [0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide for an efficient plaster/spackle pallet that has an integrated handle and pockets for receiving and holding tools. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a plaster/spackle pallet that can be easily manipulated while having the option of efficiently and easily storing (or holding) tools directly within the plaster/spackle pallet. It is a further object of this invention to allow workers the ability to carry tools and a pallet of plaster/spackle with one hand while also permitting such workers to accomplish another task with their free hand.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004] The present invention provides for an improved plaster/spackle pallet having a plastic integrated handle and tool holders in the form of pockets or spaces on the underside for receiving and holding plaster or spackling tools. The sizes of the spaces or pockets for receiving and holding such tools can be adjusted by screws on either end of the integrated handle.  
       [0005] A plastic storage unit for mounting on a wall is also provided in which the pallet may be secured for storing or mounting on a wall or vehicle.  
       [0006] In alternate embodiments, instead of a metal pallet surface, the pallet surface as well as the integrated handle may be formed from plastic, or the like. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
     [0007]FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of an improved plaster/spackle pallet as secured in its storage unit, displaying a spackle knife secured in one of a plurality of storage pockets.  
     [0008]FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an improved plaster/spackle pallet displaying a spackle knife secured in one of the plurality of storage pockets.  
     [0009]FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an improved plaster/spackle pallet.  
     [0010]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an improved plaster/spackle pallet.  
     [0011]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an improved plaster/spackle pallet displaying an adjustable screw and adjustable storage pocket or space between the frame assembly and pallet.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0012]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a device  10  for plastering or spackling comprising a pallet  20  having a flat surface  22  with ridges  24  to secure plaster or spackle on the pallet surface. A frame assembly  30  is provided which is on the underside of the pallet  32  and secured to the pallet  20 . Specifically, the frame assembly  30  is secured to the pallet  20  to form a plurality of tool holders  36  in the form of spaces or pockets between the pallet  20  and frame assembly  30 . These tool holders  36  in the form of spaces or pockets are designed so as to removably insert plastering or spackling tools therein for holding. A handle assembly  40  is further provided which is secured to the frame assembly  30 . The frame assembly  30  and the handle assembly are adjustably secured to the pallet  20  by two adjustable screws  52  and  54  in order to adjust the size of the spaces or pockets. The frame assembly  30  includes a frame  60  having two spaced-apart crossbars  62 ,  64  on said frame assemble  30 . The crossbars  62 ,  64  firmly secure the plastering or spackling tools  50  in the pockets. The frame assembly  30  has four (4) side member  65 ,  66 ,  67 ,  68  and each of the side members forms a pocket  65   a ,  66   a ,  67   a ,  68   a  for receiving the tools  50 . The frame assembly  30  also has four (4) corners  75 ,  76 ,  77 ,  78  and each comer forms a pocket or space  75   a ,  76   a ,  77   a ,  78   a  for receiving the tools  50 . There is also provided a storage unit  80  for mounting on a wall in which the pallet may be secured for storing or mounting on a wall or vehicle. A storage unit is provided comprised of a molded frame  82  encompassing a slotted pallet holding section  84  and a plurality of pegs  86  below holding section  84  for hanging tools.  
     OPERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
     [0013] The present invention provides an efficient plaster/spackle pallet with an integrated handle and storage pockets. This allows workers while using or manipulating the pallet to removably insert tools into a plurality of storage pockets.  
     ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
     [0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide for an efficient plaster/spackle pallet that has an integrated handle and pockets for receiving and holding tools. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a plaster/spackle pallet that can be easily manipulated while having the option of efficiently and easily storing (or holding) tools directly within the plaster/spackle pallet. It is a further object of this invention to allow workers the ability to carry tools and a pallet of plaster/spackle with one hand while also permitting such workers to accomplish another task with their free hand.  
     [0015] A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.