Patent Publication Number: US-7908702-B2

Title: Caulk remover and smoother

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to tools, and more particularly, to tools for removing and/or smoothing caulk, putty, sealant, or similar materials (referred to collectively herein as “caulk”). 
     2. Related Art 
     Most caulks have a finite life span and tend to crack or peel over time. As a result, the old caulk periodically needs to be removed and replaced with new caulk. This typically involves cutting, scraping, and pulling the old caulk out of the seam, and subsequently applying new caulk to the seam, for example, by squirting it out of a tube or a caulk gun. The new caulk applied from a tube or caulk gun often needs to be pressed deeply into the seem, and/or smoothed out. This can be achieved using, for example, the installer&#39;s finger or a caulk smoother tool. Out of convenience, prior art tools have been developed that include both a caulk remover portion and a caulk smoother portion. These tools, however, often involve compromises in the caulk remover portion and/or the caulk smoother portions. In addition, these tools are often lacking in ergonomics (e.g., they are not comfortable to hold and use). Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a caulk remover and smoother tool that overcomes these and other shortcomings of the prior art. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a dual-function caulk tool that can be used, for example, for caulking around tubs, sinks, windows, doors and other areas. The caulk tool provides an easy solution for both removing old caulk and applying new. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates to a caulk tool, comprising a caulk remover blade, a caulk smoother blade, and a hinge connecting the caulk remover blade and the caulk smoother blade. The caulk remover blade and the caulk smoother blade can pivot with respect to one another about the hinge. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates to a caulk tool, comprising a handle comprising first and second handle portions pivotable with respect to one another between open and closed positions, a caulk scraper blade connected to the first handle portion, and a caulk smoother blade connected to the second handle portion. 
     According to still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates to a caulk tool, comprising a caulk scraper blade, a caulk smoother blade movable with respect to the caulk scraper blade, and a handle interconnecting the caulk scraper blade and the caulk smoother blade. 
     According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates to a caulk tool, comprising a folding handle comprising first and second handle portions pivotable between open and closed positions, the first and second handle portions nesting with one another when in the closed position, a caulk scraper blade connected to the first handle portion, and a caulk smoother blade connected to the second handle portion. 
     Further objectives and advantages, as well as the structure and function of preferred embodiments will become apparent from a consideration of the description, drawings, and examples. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary caulk tool according to the present invention, shown in a closed position; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exemplary caulk tool of  FIG. 1 , shown in an open position; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the exemplary caulk tool of  FIG. 1 , shown in the closed position; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the exemplary caulk tool of  FIG. 1 , shown in the closed position; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the exemplary caulk tool of  FIG. 1 , shown in the closed position; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the exemplary caulk tool of  FIG. 1 , shown in the closed position; and 
         FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary caulk tool of  FIG. 1 , shown in the closed position, and taken along line VII-VII of  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. While specific exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the invention. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference as if each had been individually incorporated. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , an exemplary embodiment of a caulk tool according to the present invention is shown. Caulk tool  10  generally includes a caulk remover blade  12  and a caulk smoother blade  14 . The caulk remover blade  12  and the caulk smoother blade  14  can be interconnected by, for example, a handle  16 . The caulk remover blade  12  and the caulk smoother blade  14  can move (e.g., pivot) with respect to one another between a closed position (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and one or more open positions (shown in  FIG. 2 ). When in the closed position, the caulk remover blade  12  can be used, for example, to cut, scrape, or otherwise remove old, degraded caulk from a surface, such as a countertop or window. When in the open position, the caulk smoother blade  14  can be used in addition to the caulk remover blade  12 , for example, to smoothen freshly applied caulk, and/or to remove excess unhardened caulk from the surface. The relatively compact arrangement of the caulk tool  10  when in the closed position facilitates safe, easy, and space-efficient storage and transport of the caulk tool  10 . The closed position can also cause the two blades  12 ,  14  to protect and reinforce one another, and this in turn can help prevent product breakage (e.g., when the tool  10  is stored underneath other tools or when the tool  10  is accidentally stepped on). 
     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the handle  16  can comprise a foldable design including a first handle portion  16   a  and a second handle portion  16   b . The first and second handle portions  16   a ,  16   b  can move (e.g., pivot) with respect to one another, for example, about a hinge  18 . The caulk remover blade  12  can be connected to the first handle portion  16   a , and the caulk smoother blade  14  can be connected to the second handle portion  16   b , or vice versa. As a result, movement of the first and second handle portions  16   a  and  16   b  can facilitate movement of the blades  12 ,  14  between the open and closed positions. A locking mechanism (not shown) can be provided on the first and second handle portions  16   a ,  16   b  to retain the handle portions  16   a ,  16   b  in the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, a locking mechanism (not shown) can be provided to retain the handle portions  16   a ,  16   b  in the open position. Any number of locks known in the art, such as snap-type locks, latches, etc., can be used as the locking mechanism(s). 
     According to an alternative embodiment, the handle can be unitary or otherwise non-folding, and one or more of the blades  12 ,  14  can be hinged or otherwise movably attached thereto. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the blades  12 ,  14  are formed integrally with the respective handle portions  16   a ,  16   b . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that the blades  12 ,  14  can be formed separately from the handle portions  16   a ,  16   b  and attached thereto, for example, using fasteners, hinges, adhesives, or other attachment methods known in the art. 
     Referring to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the handle  16  can define first and second ends  20 ,  22 , that are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis of the handle  16  (when in the closed position). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the caulk remover blade  12  and/or the caulk smoother blade  14  can be located substantially adjacent one of the ends, with the hinge  18  located substantially adjacent the other of the ends. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the blade  12  and/or  14  can be located substantially adjacent the first end  20 , and the hinge  18  can be located substantially adjacent the second end  22  (when the handle  16  is in the closed position). One of ordinary skill in the art will know, however, that alternative embodiments are possible. For example, the hinge  18  can be located somewhere intermediate the first and second ends  20 ,  22  of the handle  16 . 
     Referring particularly to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the handle  16  can be smooth and ergonomically contoured to fit comfortably in a user&#39;s hand. The first and second handle portions  16   a ,  16   b  can nest when in the closed position. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the first handle portion  16   a  can include an under surface  26  and the second handle portion  16   b  can include an upper surface  28 . The undersurface  26  and the upper surface  28  can be substantially complimentary to one another to provide a mating or nesting fit between the first and second handle portions  16   a ,  16   b  when in the closed position (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). Because handle portion  16   b  is shorter in length than first handle portion  16   a , smoother blade  14  will also nest with first handle portion  16   a  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first handle portion  16   a  and/or the second handle portion  16   b  can be substantially hollow and can include ribs, lattice, or other reinforcing structures known in the art. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first handle portion  16   a  includes a longitudinal reinforcing rib  30  and the second handle portion  16   b  includes a longitudinal slot  32  into which the longitudinal rib  30  fits when the tool  10  is in the closed position. One of ordinary skill in the art will know, however, that alternative configurations are possible. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , a recess  34  may be located in an upper portion of the handle  16  and a logo or other writing/decoration can be embossed or otherwise provided in the recess  34 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 7 , the hinge  18  can comprise an opposing pair of circular bosses  40  ( FIG. 7 , only one of pair shown) located on the first handle portion  16   a , and a corresponding pair of recesses (hidden from view) located in the second handle portion  16   b , or vice versa. The bosses  40  can engage the recesses to provide the hinge  18 . One of ordinary skill in the art will know, however, that other types of hinges can alternatively be used. For example, a pin, screw, or other type of hinge/pivot assembly known in the art can alternatively be used. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the second handle portion  16   b  can include a leaf spring arrangement  42  located proximate the hinge  18 . The leaf spring  42  can engage a portion of the first handle portion  16   a  upon full extension of the folding handle  16  to the open position in order to avoid over-extension and/or breakage of the handle  16  or hinge  18 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  5 , and  6 , the caulk remover blade  12  and the caulk smoother blade  14  can be located near one another when in the closed position. Both of these blades can have a substantially V-shaped profile (see  FIG. 6 ). The blades  12 ,  14  can be shaped and dimensioned so that they define a substantially V-shaped common outer surface  50  when in the closed position. The V-shaped configuration can guide the caulk smoother blade  14  along a corner surface, such as the intersection of a wall and countertop, and can also provide a clearance between the caulk smoother blade  14  and the corner. One of ordinary skill in the art will know that the blades  12 ,  14  can alternatively define common surfaces having shapes other than V-shaped, for example, U-shaped, rounded, multi-angled, etc. 
     Referring to FIGS.  1  and  4 - 6 , the exemplary embodiment of the caulk removing blade  12  will be described. The caulk removing blade  12  can include a first blade section  12   a  and a second blade section  12   b . The first and second blade sections  12   a ,  12   b  can be angled with respect to one another, defining the V-shaped profile mentioned above. According to one exemplary embodiment, the blade sections  12   a ,  12   b  are substantially perpendicular to one another, however, other angles are possible. This arrangement may be advantageous when removing caulk from two perpendicular surfaces, such as an abutting wall and countertop, for example. The leading edge of the blade sections  12   a ,  12   b  can include beveled knife edges  52 . The beveled knife edge  52  can additionally or alternatively extend across the upper surfaces of the blade sections  12   a ,  12   b . One of the blade sections  12   a ,  12   b  can include a sharp hook  54 , preferably having its point  54   a  pointing back toward the handle. The hook  54  can be useful, for example, to grip and pull old caulk out from tight spaces. The other of the blade sections  12   a ,  12   b  can include a gouge point  56 . The gouge point  56  can be a sharp point defined by a notch in the leading edge of one of the blade sections  12   a ,  12   b . The gouge point  56  can be useful for piercing or cutting objects, or forming a gouge into a flat surface. The exemplary configuration of the caulk remover blade  12  shown and described has been found to remove old caulk without scratching surfaces. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will know that the caulk remover blade  12  is not limited to the V-shaped configuration shown and described, and that other configurations known in the art can alternatively be implemented. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the caulk smoother blade  14  can comprise a pair of side walls  14   a ,  14   b  that are angled with respect to one another, for example, to form a substantially V-shaped profile. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the side walls  14   a ,  14   b  are substantially perpendicular to one another, which can be useful when, for example, smoothing a caulk bead between two perpendicular surfaces, such as two walls or a wall and a countertop. One of ordinary skill in the art will know that other angles are possible as well. The caulk smoother blade  14  can also comprise a truncated bead forming portion  14   c  located at the intersection of the side walls  14   a ,  14   b  near the leading edge of the caulk smoother blade  14  (see  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  5 ). When the side walls  14   a ,  14   b  of the caulk smoothing blade  14  are slid along adjoining surfaces to which fresh caulk has been applied, the bead forming portion  14   c  aligns with the corner formed by the two surfaces and provides a clearance through which a predetermined amount of the freshly applied caulk passes. As a result, the leading edges of the caulk smoother blade  14  remove any excess caulk, while the bead forming portion  14   c  creates a smooth, consistent bead of caulk. The caulk smoother blade  14  can include score lines  60 , or other indents or indicia, indicating where a user can remove material from the side walls  14   a ,  14   b  to enlarge the size of the truncated bead forming portion  14   c  and the resultant bead of caulk. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the caulk smoother blade  14  can also comprise a rear wall  14   d . The side walls  14   a ,  14   b , together with the rear wall  14   d  can comprise a collector portion adapted to collect excess caulk that is removed during the smoothing operation. One of ordinary skill in the art will know that the caulk smoother blade  14  is not limited to the V-shaped configuration shown and described, and that alternative embodiments are possible. 
     The blades  12 ,  14 , and the handle  16  can be made from plastic materials, such as polypropylene, polyacrylate, or polyethylene. For example, these components can be injection or compression molded. Alternatively, one or more of these components can be made from metal materials, such as steel or titanium. Alternatively, one or more of the components can be made from ceramic, composite, or carbon fiber materials. Alternatively, various combinations of the above-identified materials can be used. For example, the handle  16  can be made of metal (e.g., die cast metal) and the blades  12 ,  14  can be made of plastic. In addition, the blades  12 ,  14  can be removable/replaceable, using structures known in the art, in order to allow the blades  12 ,  14  to be replaced in the event that they wear out. One of ordinary skill in the art will know that the above-mentioned list of materials is not exhaustive, and that other materials and combinations of materials known in the art can alternatively be used. 
     The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. Nothing in this specification should be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. All examples presented are representative and non-limiting. The above-described embodiments of the invention may be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.