Caulk removing device and associated methods of manufacture and use

Abstract

The present invention provides a removal device or tool for eliminating cured beads of caulk or the like from joints associated with two or more intersecting planar surfaces. The removal device or tool includes a handle portion, an elongated shaft portion attached to the handle portion, the elongated shaft portion comprising a bend at a first predetermined angle, and an end angle portion attached to the elongated shaft portion, the end angle portion comprising two planar surfaces intersecting at a second predetermined angle, wherein the two planar surfaces are each selectively sharpened on one end. The removal device or tool provides a scraping, lifting, and removal function via a forward motion, optionally provides a cutting and removal function via a backward motion, and is adapted to provide a brush attachment to further clean a surface before application of new caulk or like viscous material to the joint.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] The present non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 646,283, filed Jan. 24, 2005, and entitled “CORNER CAULK REMOVER,” which is incorporated in-full by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of devices and tools for removing cured beads of caulk or the like from joints. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device or tool for removing cured beads of caulk or the like from joints associated with two or more intersecting planar surfaces, providing a scraping, lifting, and removal function via the use of the device or tool in a forward motion, optionally providing a cutting and removal function via the use of the device or tool in a backward motion, and providing the adaptability to include a brush attachment or the like to further clean a surface before application of new viscous caulk or l...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] A primary advantage of the present invention is that the corner caulk remover provides a user with the ability to quickly, easily, and efficiently remove existing cured caulk from a joint. The device or tool is designed such that a few forward and backward motions with the device or tool on the desired surface area will effectively remove the existing caulk. Use of the brush attachment or the like provided with the corner caulk remover further cleans and prepares the surface for a new bead of caulk or other viscous material to be placed.

[0015] Another advantage of the present invention is that the corner caulk remover provides for the easy removal of the caulk or the like as it is in the process of being removed. As a user makes forward motions with the device or tool along an existing bead of caulk in an effort to remove it, a backward motion effectively clips or tears the bead of caulk from the full length of caulk existing in a joint, thus allowing it to fall out of the way and further allowing the user to continue removing existing caulk.

[0016] A further advantage of the present invention is that the corner caulk remover may include a brush attachment or the like at the top end of the handle portion. The user of the device or tool may use the brush portion to brush off excess caulk particles, which are generated from use of the corner caulk removal device or tool, from the joint area.

[0017] A still further advantage of the present invention is that the corner caulk remover is used in such a manner that it allows for minimal wall contact, thus protecting the wall from unnecessary and inadvertent scratching or damage. This is a key advantage of this device or tool over the various utility knives, chisels, gougers, etc. that exist in the prior art.

Problems solved by technology

Under certain circumstances, existing lines of caulk in a joint may become visibly deteriorated, or may no longer properly serve their function as a sealant against unwanted water and / or air.

However, while such devices and tools may be suitable for their particular purposes, these devices and tools do not provide for the efficient and quick removal of caulk or the like in the same manner as the device or tool of the present invention.

These and other problems exist.

For example, the prior art does not disclose any benefit or functionality from a caulk removal device or tool that provides the adaptability to include a brush attachment or the like to further clean a surface before application of new caulk or like viscous material to a joint.

Additionally, the prior art does not disclose any benefit or functionality from using a device or tool in a backward motion as part of the caulk removal process.

Images