Disposable Caulk Smoother

Abstract

A disposable hand tool for easily smoothing or spreading of material made for the filling of gaps or the sealing of two adjacent surfaces. The tool consists of a depressor made of plastic or cut wood surround on one end by cellular foam forming the smoothing head, while the depressor extends beyond the foam to form the handle. The depressor provides necessary reinforcement and stability to the foam, in order that when the surface of the cellular foam makes contact with the caulking material, enough rigidity is provided to transfer pressure as applied variably by the user with the handle to smooth the caulking material, but the pliability of the foam accommodates and flexes to variances in the surfaces being joined or filled by the caulking material. When finished using, the tool can be disposed of, or in some instances cleaned using appropriate process for removal of excess material being smoothed, and reused.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to other tools in the prior art that are used for the smoothing and spreading of dispensed fluid materials that provide for the filling of gaps or the sealing of cracks between two adjacent surfaces, commonly referred to as caulk. Issues with the current state of technology are they are not designed to be disposable, so effort must be applied to clean them so they can be reused. For example U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,769 (Chang and Lee), D634,600 (Gringer, Soled, and Cheng), and D606,375 (Divita). This issue also includes the common use of a human digit of the hand, the caulking soils the digit, and the soiled digit needs to be cleaned, as an un-cleaned digit transfers the dirt and soil to other materials being worked with. Some forms of the prior art must be held at a specific angle or a specific side to be effective. In addition, some forms of the current state of technology or prior art are also rigid, so they do not accommodate we...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The disposable hand tool is made of plastic or wood with a foam smoothing head. The depressor is designed to provide stability and reinforcement to the foam, allowing it to smoothly transfer pressure when used with caulking material. The foam head is pliable and can adapt to different surfaces, preventing damage or soiling. The tool is easy to use and dispose of, but can also be cleaned if desired. The technical effects of this invention include improved usability, ease of use, and prevention of damage or soiling.

Problems solved by technology

Issues with the current state of technology are they are not designed to be disposable, so effort must be applied to clean them so they can be reused.

This issue also includes the common use of a human digit of the hand, the caulking soils the digit, and the soiled digit needs to be cleaned, as an un-cleaned digit transfers the dirt and soil to other materials being worked with.

In addition, some forms of the current state of technology or prior art are also rigid, so they do not accommodate well the slight variances in the material being filled or sealed, could damage more delicate surfaces, or catch on minor splinters of wooden surfaces.

Images