Patent Abstract:
The orbital vibrating hand trowel has a body with first and second opposite ends and a handle between the ends for grasping. The body houses a motor and power source. An eccentric mass is connected to the motor. An adapter body is connected to a float body. The adapter body has an aperture for housing the eccentric mass such that rotation of the eccentric mass within the aperture of the adaptor body moves and vibrates the adaptor body and attached float body in an orbital path along a horizontal plane with respect to the float body for finishing a surface.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    It is widely known that a hand trowel is a flat-bladed tool with a handle and flat metal blade, used by masons and others for leveling, spreading, or shaping substances such as cement, plaster, or mortar. Also appreciated is the fact that the work output required by the user finishing a work surface with a hand trowel is decreased significantly if some other additional energy input is provided on the trowel, such as a vibration or a sonic energy generator. It is also agreed upon that vibration and/or sonic energy added to a hand trowel makes the trowel increasingly efficient over those trowels where the user alone provides the only work input. Thus, the trend in hand trowel construction is to increase the efficiency of the hand trowel and decrease the work input required by the user by increasing the work input to the hand trowel using an alternative energy source. 
         [0002]    Therefore, what is needed is an orbital vibrating hand trowel that combines the use of vibration energy with the orbital movement of the trowel for quickly and efficiently finishing a work surface, while demanding less physical input by the user. 
         [0003]    Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that is inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use, free from electrical cords (cordless), rechargeable and capable of being fitted to various sized and operational float bodies, as well as significantly reducing the physical work input provided by the user and time requirement to finish a surface. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Therefore it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve over the state of the art. 
         [0005]    It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a hand trowel that is comfortable to operate. 
         [0006]    It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel that does not fatigue the user. 
         [0007]    Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a hand trowel that is adaptable to accommodate a float body of various sizes and applications. 
         [0008]    Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a hand trowel that uses orbital translation in combination with vibration of the float for efficiently finishing a work surface. 
         [0009]    A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a hand trowel for finishing off cement. 
         [0010]    It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a hand trowel for finishing off a plaster surface. 
         [0011]    Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel for finishing off mortar. 
         [0012]    Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide hand trowel wherein the electrical components are encased in the handle for protection from the work environment. 
         [0013]    A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein the motor and electrical leads from the battery and/or switch to the motor are quickly accessible. 
         [0014]    Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein a switch for selectively applying power to the motor is operatively located on the handle. 
         [0015]    Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein the battery is a replaceable, chargeable NiCad battery. 
         [0016]    A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein the battery encased in the handle is chargeable using a DC connector operatively positioned on the handle. 
         [0017]    Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein the motor is positioned in the handle and is replaceable without undue labor and time involvement. 
         [0018]    Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein an eccentric mass is attached to the shaft of the motor. 
         [0019]    A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein a housing having an aperture for receiving the eccentric mass is attached to the float. 
         [0020]    Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein the diameter of the aperture in the housing is approximately the diameter of the eccentric mass. 
         [0021]    Still another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein the motor is a high-speed motor with high-speed bearings. 
         [0022]    Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein slack between the sidewall of the aperture and the eccentric mass allows for rotation of the eccentric mass with the aperture. 
         [0023]    A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein rotation of the eccentric mass within the aperture affects orbital translation of the float. 
         [0024]    Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel that is collapsible for cleaning, storing, repairing and maintaining. 
         [0025]    Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein the eccentric mass has an aperture for receiving and attaching to the shaft of the motor. 
         [0026]    Still another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein the aperture for housing the eccentric mass is fitted with a high-speed bearing to facilitate transfer of orbital movement and vibration from the eccentric mass to the float body. 
         [0027]    A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein the aperture in the eccentric mass is off-center for producing vibration and an orbital movement during rotation of the eccentric mass. 
         [0028]    Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein off-center rotational movement of the eccentric mass within the aperture in the housing causes the housing to vibrate and translate in an orbital pattern which in-turn is transferred to the float body thereby providing vibration and orbital translation of the float body in a plane parallel to the float body. 
         [0029]    Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein the eccentric mass has a first stage having a first diameter and a second stage having and second diameter and the second diameter being larger than the first diameter for driving the adaptor body about an orbital pathway. 
         [0030]    Still another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a hand trowel wherein the shaft from the motor is supported by a high-speed bearing to facilitate rotation of the shaft and the attached eccentric mass. 
         [0031]    According to one aspect of the present invention an orbital vibrating hand trowel, is disclosed. The trowel has a body having a first and second opposite end and a handle between the ends for grasping. The trowel also includes a motor and power source within the body. The power source is in electrical communication with the motor. An eccentric mass is connected to the motor and an adapter body is connected to a float body. The adapter body has an aperture for housing the eccentric mass. The eccentric mass rotates within the aperture of the adaptor body to move and vibrate the adaptor body and attached float body in an orbital path along a horizontal plane with respect to the float body for finishing a work surface. 
         [0032]    According to another feature of the present invention, the handle having a switch positioned thereon for switching power on and off from the power source to the motor. 
         [0033]    According to another feature of the present invention, the power source positioned within the handle is a rechargeable power source. 
         [0034]    According to another feature of the present invention, the handle having a DC connection positioned thereon for communicating power to the power source for recharging the power source. 
         [0035]    According to another feature of the present invention, rotation of the eccentric mass thereby affects translation of the float body along the orbital path. 
         [0036]    According to another feature of the present invention, rotation of the eccentric mass thereby affects vibration of the float body along the horizontal plane with respect to the float body. 
         [0037]    According to another feature of the present invention, the diameter of the aperture in the adaptor body is approximately the diameter of the eccentric mass. 
         [0038]    According to another feature of the present invention, the aperture in the adaptor body having a collar for securing the eccentric mass within the aperture. 
         [0039]    According to another feature of the present invention, the eccentric mass having a dimensional center and an aperture positioned off center of the dimensional center for connecting to a shaft on the motor. 
         [0040]    According to another feature of the present invention, the eccentric mass is removably attached to the shaft of the motor. 
         [0041]    According to another feature of the present invention, the diameter of the aperture in the adaptor body varies to accommodate variation in the diameter of the eccentric mass. 
         [0042]    According to another feature of the present invention, the adaptor body having at least one pilot hole for securing the float body to the adaptor body using a screw. 
         [0043]    According to another feature of the present invention, the float and adaptor body follows the lateral translation of the eccentric mass along the orbital pathway. 
         [0044]    According to another feature of the present invention, the first end of the body housing the motor therein. 
         [0045]    According to another feature of the present invention, the second end of the body having a spacer connected thereto, the spacer being connected to the float body. 
         [0046]    According to another feature of the present invention, the spacer having at least one pilot hole for securing the spacer to the second end of the body. 
         [0047]    According to another feature of the present invention, the spacer and the adaptor body having the same thickness. 
         [0048]    According to another feature of the present invention, the spacer having at least one screw for connecting the spacer to the float body. 
         [0049]    According to another feature of the present invention, the float body having a first and second opposite end and an elevated rib running the length of the float body, the first end being connected to the adaptor body and the second opposite end being connected to the spacer. 
         [0050]    According to another feature of the present invention, the float body being pivotable about the spacer on the second end to thereby assist orbital translation and vibration of the float body about the first end. 
         [0051]    According to another aspect of the present invention, an orbital vibrating hand trowel, is disclosed. The trowel has a motor within a handle. The trowel includes an eccentric mass connected to the motor and an aperture within an adaptor body attached to a float body. The aperture is for housing the eccentric mass. Rotation of the eccentric mass within the aperture affects orbital translation and vibration of the attached float body for finishing a work surface. 
         [0052]    According to another aspect of the present invention, an orbital vibrating hand trowel for finishing a work surface, is disclosed. The trowel has a body for gripping and housing a motor. The trowel includes a housing having an aperture and adapted for attachment to a float body. An eccentric mass is connected to the motor and received within the aperture for affecting orbital translation and vibration of the float for finishing the work surface. 
         [0053]    One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims that follow. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0054]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line  2 - 2  of the isometric view in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 3  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the housing and eccentric mass of the present invention taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 4  is an exploded plan view of the housing and eccentric mass of the present invention taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0059]    The present invention includes a number of aspects all of which have broad and far-reaching application. Although specific embodiments are described herein, the present invention is not to be limited to these specific embodiments. 
         [0060]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the present invention. In  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the trowel  10  is shown as having generally a body  12  having a first end  14  and a second opposite end  16  and handle  18  extending between the two ends  14 ,  16  for gripping. The first end  14  of the body  12  further comprises a motor cap  20  providing quick access and protection for a motor positioned within the body  12 . The second end of the body  12  has pilot holes  17  allowing passage of a screw for attaching the body  12  to the spacer  24 . The spacer  24  is in-turn connected to the float body  30 . The body  12  also comprises a switch  26  for selectively providing power to a motor. Also included on the body  12  is a DC connector  28  for charging or providing power to a power source housed within the body  12 . An adaptor body  22  is connected to the first end  14  of the body  12 . In addition, the adaptor body  22  is attached to the float body  30 . Both the spacer  24  and the adaptor body  22  may be separate pieces or part of the body  12 . The float body  30  has a first end  32  and an opposite second end  34  and an elevated rib  36  running between the ends  32 ,  34  for connecting to the body  12 . The float body  30  is preferably a float for finishing a surface consisting of a workable material, such as concrete or plaster. The float body  30  may be of different shapes and sizes thereby accommodating different tasks. The float body  30  may be interchangeable. It is preferred that the spacer  24  on the second end  16  of the body  12  and the adaptor body  22  on the first end  14  of the body  12  are of equal thickness. However, the spacer  24  and adaptor body  22  may have a different thickness to accommodate manufacturing and application needs. Furthermore, the thickness of the spacer  24  and adaptor body  22  may be varied jointly or separately to accommodate a different size and shape float body  30 . The thickness of the spacer  24  and the adaptor body  22  may also be varied to change the pitch of the handle  18  on the body  12  with respect to the float body  30 . Both the adaptor body  22  end the spacer  24  are attached to the float body  30  along the elevated rib  36 . It is preferred that the body  12  be constructed of a high impact material capable of protecting the device from the abuse commonly associated with commercial grade tools. Additionally, it is preferred that the body  12  of the trowel  10  be constructed of a material that is easy to grip and non-fatiguing. 
         [0061]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line  2 - 2  of the isometric view in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the trowel  10  is shown as having a body  12 . Within the body  12  is a power source  19 . It is preferred that the power source be a rechargeable NiCad battery or any other power source which permits stand-alone operation of the trowel  10 , where stand-alone operation means without a power cord being attached. Thus, any power source that is rechargeable, durable and provides stand-alone operation of the trowel is suitable as a power source. The power source  19  is in electrical communication with the motor  15  positioned in the first end  14  of the body  12 . The motor is preferably a commercial or industrial grade motor. The motor also should be a high-speed motor with high-speed bearings suitable for the wears of use in a commercial or industrial setting. The motor is preferably a sealed motor if exposed to work elements, but may have an impervious casing if protected within the body of the trowel. The power source  19  is also in electrical communication with the switch  26  for selectively providing power from the power source  19  to the motor  15 . The switch  26  may be a variable power switch for varying the speed of the motor  15  and subsequently the orbital rotation and vibration of the float body  30 . The switch  26  may be lockable to permit sustained operation of the trowel  10  without having to depress or continually hold the switch in the on position. The power source  19  and the motor  15  are encased within the body  12  and protected from being interrogated by elements external to the trowel  10 . The power source  19  and the motor  15  are both accessible within the body  12 . By removing the motor cap  20  electrical communication to motor  15  from the switch  26  and the power source  19  can be verified and remedied. The body  12  of the trowel  10  may be a single piece or a multi-piece body thereby permitting easy access to the internal workings of the trowel  10 . The second end  16  of the body  12  comprises pilot holes  17  for inserting a screw  25  for securing the spacer  24  to the body  12 . An additional pilot hole  17  is placed within the spacer  24  for securing the float body  30  to the spacer  24  using a screw  25 . The pilot hole  17  within the spacer is intentionally oversized with respect to the size of the screw  25  so as to allow transitional movement of the float body  30  with respect to the spacer  24  while yet keeping the float body  30  attached to the spacer  24 . Thus, as the first end  32  of the float body  30  is translated along an orbital pathway, the second end  34  translates in reciprocating fashion along the same axis of the body  12  and about the oversized pilot hole  17  in the spacer  24 . The spacer may be constructed of numerous materials and in numerous ways. It is preferred that the attachment used to affix the body  12  of the trowel  10  to the float body  30  be rigid and strong yet permit translation of the float body  30  forward and backwards with respect to a line of axis collinear with the length of the body  12 . 
         [0062]    Also illustrated by  FIG. 2  is the first end  14  of the body  12  that houses the motor  15 . The motor has a shaft  21  extending downward toward the float body  30  and an eccentric mass  23  attached thereto. The eccentric mass  23  is housed within the aperture  38  in the adaptor body  22 . high-speed bearing may be used to the form the inner liner of the aperture  38  to ease the stress on the motor  15  and friction on the eccentric mass  23 , as well as increase the efficiency of the trowel  10 . Using a high-speed bearing to form the aperture  38  would also diminish the amount of wear and tear on the eccentric mass  23  gyrating within the aperture  38 . The diameter of the aperture  38  in the adaptor body  22  is approximately the diameter of the eccentric mass  23 , where the eccentric mass has two different stages; the first stage  52  having a first diameter  54  and the second stage  56  having a second diameter  58 . The difference between the diameters of the eccentric mass  23  and the aperture  38  within the adaptor body  22  is sufficient to allow rotational movement of the eccentric mass  23  within the aperture  38 . The adaptor body  22  has also a collar  40  for retaining the eccentric mass  23  within the aperture  38 , as best shown by  FIG. 3 . Also within the adaptor body  22  are pilot holes  17 . Screws  25  are placed within pilot holes  17  for securing the adaptor body  22  to the float body  30 . The eccentric mass  23  is preferably attached to the shaft  21  of the motor using set screw  48 , but may be attached using a keyway and key, or simply by a press-fit. 
         [0063]      FIG. 3  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the housing and eccentric mass of the present invention taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . Similarly,  FIG. 4  is an exploded plan view of one embodiment of the housing and eccentric mass of the present invention taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . Both  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  illustrate how rotation of the eccentric mass  23  within the aperture  38  in the adaptor body  22  effects orbital translation and vibration of the float body  30 . In particular, the motor  15  rotates shaft  21  having the eccentric mass  23  attached thereto, using set screw  48 . The eccentric mass  23  is attached to the shaft  21  by inserting the shaft  21  of the motor  15  into the aperture  42  within the eccentric mass  23 . The aperture  42  in the eccentric mass  23  has an offset center  46  from the actual or true dimensional center  44  of the eccentric mass  23 , as best illustrated by  FIG. 4 . The center offset  46  of the aperture  42  within the eccentric mass  23  affects orbital movement of the eccentric mass  23  about the true or actual dimensional center  44  of the eccentric mass  23 . Movement of the adaptor body  22  and the attached float body  30  occurs as the eccentric mass  23  rotates orbitally keeping the outer periphery  50  of the second stage  56  of the eccentric mass  23  in continuous contact with the aperture wall  60  thereby pushing the adaptor body  22  radially outward along the rotating orbital point of contact between the aperture wall  60  and the outer periphery  50  of the second stage  56  of the eccentric mass  23 . Thus, the rotation of the eccentric mass  23  within the aperture  38  effects translation of the adaptor body  22  along an orbital path. Additionally, the rotation of the eccentric mass  23  induces a vibration into the adaptor body  22  attached to the float body  30 . Thus, when a user activates the motor  15  using the switch  26  the eccentric mass  23  begins to rotate within the aperture  38  thereby effecting orbital translation and vibration of the adaptor body  22 . The orbital translation and vibration of the adaptor body  22  attached to the float body  30  effects orbital translation and vibration of the float body  30 , as the adaptor body  22  is attached to the float body  30 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the present invention. In  FIG. 5 , the orbital vibration and translation of the float body is illustrated. The movement of the rotation of the eccentric mass  23  within the aperture  38  in the adaptor body  22  causes the float body  30  to translate in an orbital manner about the actual or true dimensional center  44  of the eccentric mass  23 . The float body  30  is permitted to translate back and forth with respect to the body  12  and along a line of axis that is collinear with the length of the body  12 . Additionally, by offsetting the aperture  42  from the actual or true dimensional center  44  causes a vibration to resonate from the eccentric mass  23  into the float body  30 . Thus, the combination of the orbital translation of the float body  30  as well as the vibration introduced in the float body  30  allows the user to efficiently and quickly close off or finish a surface of workable material such as cement, plaster, mortar, or any other shapeable, spreadable, or levelable substance. 
         [0065]    The present invention contemplates numerous other options in the design and use of the trowel. 
         [0066]    These and/or other options, variations, are all within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4