A float tool

Abstract

A float tool comprises a housing connectable to a float for finishing a surface. A pole pivotally connected to the housing and arranged to pivot about a pivot axis. A vibration generator has a motor mounted to the pole. At least one rotatable eccentric mass is operatively coupled to the motor wherein the least one rotatable eccentric mass is rotatable about the pivot axis.

Description

Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a float tool. In particular the present disclosure relates to float tool for finishing surfaces such as concrete.Background

[0002] Often concrete is poured on worksites and a smooth finish to the concrete is desired. It is known to use a bull float tool for spreading and smoothing the top layer of the poured concrete. The bull float tool is connected to a pole and allows the smoothing of the concrete without the user standing or kneeling in the wet concrete. The bull float tool is angled so that a trailing edge of the bull float tool engages the top layer of the concrete as the bull float tool moves over the concrete.

[0003] The user may also wish to remove imperfections such as air bubbles in the concrete to improve the quality of the finish of the top layer of the concrete. It is known to vibrate the concrete to remove imperfections and one such tool with a vibration assembly is shown in US 11,001,976 B2. However, the vibration assembly including a motor is mounted on the float which increases the size and weight of the float. This may make angling the float on the top layer of the concrete harder for the user which can impact the quality of the finish.Summary

[0004] Examples of the present disclosure aim to address the aforementioned problems.

[0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is a float tool comprising: a housing connectable to a float for finishing a surface; a pole pivotally connected to the housing and arranged to pivot about a pivot axis; and a vibration generator having: a motor mounted to the pole; and at least one rotatable eccentric mass operatively coupled to the motor wherein the least one rotatable eccentric mass is rotatable about the pivot axis.

[0006] Optionally, the housing comprises a pivot pin aligned with the pivot axis.

[0007] Optionally, the pole comprises yoke having at least one reciprocal hole pivotally connected to the pivot pin.

[0008] Optionally, the float tool comprises a first gear mounted on a drive shaft of the motor and second gear fixed with respect to the least one rotatable eccentric mass.

[0009] Optionally, the second gear integral with the least one rotatable eccentric mass.

[0010] Optionally, the second gear is a metal disc.

[0011] Optionally, the metal comprises one or more cut-outs or recesses.

[0012] Optionally, the motor is mounted within a pole cavity in the pole.

[0013] Optionally, the least one rotatable eccentric mass is rotatable with respect to the pivot pin.

[0014] Optionally, the least one rotatable eccentric mass is fixed with respect to the pivot pin.

[0015] Optionally, at least part of the at least one rotatable eccentric mass intersects a motor rotation axis.

[0016] Optionally, at least one rotatable eccentric mass is mounted on the pivot pin distal from a motor rotation axis.

[0017] Optionally, the at least one rotatable eccentric mass is a first rotatable eccentric mass and a second rotatable eccentric mass.

[0018] Optionally, the first and second rotatable eccentric masses are mounted either side of the motor rotation axis.

[0019] Optionally, the first and second rotatable eccentric masses are positioned a different angular positions about the pivot axis.

[0020] Optionally, at least one battery is electrically connected to the motor and the battery is mounted on the housing or on a free end of the pole.

[0021] Optionally, the vibration generator is mounted within the housing.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is a float tool comprising: a housing connectable to a float for finishing a surface; a pole pivotally connected to the housing and arranged to pivot about a pivot axis; and a vibration generator having: a motor mounted to the pole; and at least one rotatable eccentric mass mounted to the housing; and at least one gear rotatable about the pivot axis and operatively coupled between the motor and at least one rotatable eccentric mass.

[0023] Optionally, the least one rotatable eccentric mass is rotatable about a rotation axis remote from the pivot axis.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Various other aspects and further examples are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a float tool according to some examples; Figure 2 shows a schematic plan cross-sectional view of a float tool according to some first examples; Figure 3 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a float tool according to some first examples; Figure 4 shows a schematic plan cross-sectional view of a float tool according to some second examples; Figure 5 shows a schematic plan cross-sectional view of a float tool according to some second examples; Figure 6 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a float tool according to some second examples; and Figure 7 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a float tool according to some third examples. Detailed Description

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a float tool 100. The float tool 100 is used to spread and smooth the top layer of a material (not shown) such as concrete which is drying.

[0026] Hereinafter the float tool 100 will be described in reference to concrete but the float tool 100 is suitable for use for any curing or drying material that requires a smooth finish. For example, the float tool 100 can be used with plaster, cement, or any other similar type of material. In some examples the float tool 100 is a bull float tool 100. However, the examples described hereinafter can be applied to any type of float tool 100.

[0027] Turning back to figure 1, the float tool 100 comprises a pole 110 and a housing 116. The pole 110 is elongated and extends along a pole longitudinal axis 122. The pole 110 is suitable for gripping by the user in use e.g. the user may grip the pole 110 with both hands during use. The pole 110 is pivotally mounted to the housing 116 and the pole 110 is arranged to pivot about a pivot axis 132 with respect to the housing 116. The pivot axis 132 is perpendicular to the pole longitudinal axis 122. Figure 3 illustrates the pivotal movement of the pole 110 about the pivot axis 132 with respect to the housing 116 of the float tool 100. The pole 110 is arranged to pivot as the user pushes and pulls the float tool 100 over the concrete.

[0028] The housing 116 as shown in figure 1 is connected to a float 114. The float 114, as shown in figure 1, is a generally planar element that extends parallel to the direction of the pivot axis 132.

[0029] The float 114 comprises a finishing surface 162 on the underside of the float 114. As mentioned above the finishing surface 162 is arranged to float above the wet concrete in use. Furthermore, the finishing surface 162 is arranged to engage the top layer of the wet concrete. The finishing surface 162 is a generally flat planar surface that extends in a direction parallel with the pivot axis 132. However, in some examples there may be one or more projecting or recessed features on the finishing surface 162.

[0030] The float 114 further comprises a first finishing edge 164 and a second finishing edge 166. Only a portion of the float 114 is shown in Figure 1, however, the float 114 can have any suitable width as required by the user. The width of the float 114 will depends on the user and the required area of the material that needs to be smoothed in one pass.

[0031] In use the first finishing edge 164 or the second finishing edge 166 will be a lower trailing edge with respect to the direction of movement of the float tool 100. Accordingly, either the first finishing edge 164 or the second finishing edge 166 will be in contact with the wet concrete in order to spread and smooth the top layer of the concrete. This means that in use the trailing edge, e.g. either the first finishing edge 164 or the second finishing edge 166, will be lower than the other of the first finishing edge 164 and second finishing edge 166. This ensures that the float tool 100 does not dig into the top layer of the wet concrete when the user moves the float tool 100 over the wet concrete. The user of a float tool 100 to smooth and spread the top layer of the wet concrete is known and will not be discussed in any further detail.

[0032] In other examples, the finishing surface 162 is maintained in a plane parallel with the top surface of the material e.g. both the first finishing edge 164 and the second finishing edge 166 are maintained at the same height above the surface of the material.

[0033] The float 114 is connectable to a housing base 130. This means that the float 114 can be released and replaced as required by the user. The user can also replace the float 114 with different width floats 114 as required. The housing 116 comprises a connection mechanism 168 for selectively releasing the float 114 from the housing base 130. The connection mechanism 168 can be a suitable mechanism for securing the float 114 to the housing base 130. For example, the connection mechanism 168 can be a clamp, latch mechanism, clips, screws or any other suitable fastening mechanism or element. The connection mechanism 168 is known and will not be discussed in any further detail.

[0034] In some scenarios, the user may wish to use the float tool 100 for smoothing and spreading the top layer of the material and also remove imperfections in the concrete at the same time. This can reduce the time for finishing the surface of the concrete and improve the quality of the finish. In order to remove imperfections from the concrete, the float tool 100 comprises a vibration generator 118.

[0035] Reference will now be made to figure 2 and 3 to discuss the vibration generator 118 in more detail. Figure 2 shows a schematic plan cross-sectional diagram of the float tool 100. Figure 3 shows a schematic side cross-sectional diagram of the float tool 100.

[0036] As mentioned above, the pole 110 is pivotably mounted with respect to the housing 116. The pole 110 pivots with respect to the housing 116 about a pivot axis 132. The pole 110 is pivotably mounted to the housing 116 via a pivot pin 104.

[0037] The pivot pin 104 is inserted through a coupling fork 134 via a coupling fork aperture 170 for receiving the pivot pin 104. The coupling fork 134 comprises two projecting arms each comprising a coupling fork aperture 170. The pivot pin 104 is aligned along the pivot axis 132. When the pole 110 pivots with respect to the housing 116, the coupling fork 134 also pivots with respect to the pivot pin 104.

[0038] A pole end cap 152 covers the end of the pole 110 and ensures that no dirt or debris can enter the inside of the pole 110. The coupling fork 134 is fixed with respect to the pole 110. The pole end cap 152 is mounted between the coupling fork 134 and the pole 110 as shown in Figure 3. A similar cap can be provided on the other end (not shown) of the pole 110.

[0039] As shown in figure 2, the float tool 100 comprises a vibration generator 118 for generating vibrations for removing imperfections in the wet concrete. The vibration generator 118 is arranged to transmit vibrations through the housing 116 and to the float 114. In this way, the vibration generator 118 transmits vibrations to the top layer of the wet concrete.

[0040] The vibration generator 118 comprises a motor 108 which is operatively connected to a rotatable eccentric mass 112. The motor 108 drives the rotatable eccentric mass 112 and causes the rotatable eccentric mass 112 to rotate. As shown in figures 2 and 3 there is only a first rotatable eccentric mass 112. However, in other examples there may be additional rotatable eccentric masses which will be described in further detail in additional examples below. Indeed, there can be any number of rotatable eccentric masses 112 depending on the amount of vibration required e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5 etc rotatable eccentric masses 112.

[0041] Since the rotatable eccentric mass 112 is unbalanced about its rotation axis, when the rotatable eccentric mass 112 rotates, it will cause a vibration and transmit this vibration to the housing 116 and the float 114. The rotatable eccentric mass 112 is mounted around the pivot pin 104. In this way, the rotatable eccentric mass 112 is rotatable about the pivot axis 132. This means that both the pole 110 pivots about the pivot axis 132 and the rotatable eccentric mass 112 rotates about the pivot axis 132. This means that the float tool 100 can be more compact and is easier to handle by the user.

[0042] The motor 108 can be a DC motor, e.g. a brushless DC motor. However, any other suitable motor can be used. The motor 108 is operatively connected to the rotatable eccentric mass 112 via a transmission 148. In some examples the transmission 148 comprises a first gear 102 and a second gear 106.

[0043] The first gear 102 in some examples is a first bevel gear mounted on a motor drive shaft 158 of the motor 108. The second gear 106 is a second bevel gear mounted around the pivot pin 104. The first gear 102 comprises first gear teeth 124 which are arranged to mesh with second gear teeth 126 of the second gear 106. The second gear 106 is rotatable about the pivot axis 132 similar to the rotatable eccentric mass 112. The second gear 106 is fixed to the rotatable eccentric mass 112. Since the second gear 106 is fixed with respect to the rotatable eccentric mass 112, when the second gear 106 rotates, the rotatable eccentric mass 112 also rotates together with the second gear 106.

[0044] The first gear 102 and the motor drive shaft 158 are arranged to rotate about a motor rotation axis 120. In some examples the motor rotation axis 120 of the motor 108 is aligned with the pole longitudinal axis 122. Whilst the arrangement as shown in figure 2 shows that the motor rotation axis 120 is aligned with the pole longitudinal axis 122, in some other examples the motor rotation axis 120 can be distal from the pole longitudinal axis 122.

[0045] The motor 108 as shown in figure 2 is housed within a pole cavity 140. This allows the motor 108 to be positioned close to the pivot axis 132 which improves the manoeuvrability and handling of the float tool 100.

[0046] In contrast if the motor 108 is not inserted within the pole cavity 140, the motor 108 can alternatively be mounted to the surface of the pole 110 (not shown). This means that the motor rotation axis 120 is not aligned with the pole longitudinal axis 122. The motor rotation axis 120 is parallel with the pole longitudinal axis 122, but separated therefrom. In this case the transmission 148 can still alternatively connect the motor 108 to the rotatable eccentric mass 112 despite the motor rotation axis 120 is removed from the pole longitudinal axis 122.

[0047] As shown in figure 2, the rotatable eccentric mass 112 extends in a direction parallel with the pivot axis 132. In some examples, a portion of the rotatable eccentric mass 112 intersects with the pole longitudinal axis 122 and the motor rotation axis 120. This helps keep the vibration generator 118 compact and balanced about the pole longitudinal axis 122.

[0048] However, in some alternative examples, the rotatable eccentric mass 112 can be positioned remote from the pole longitudinal axis 122. This will be discussed in more detail with respect to Figures 5 and 6.

[0049] In order to allow the pivoting movement of the pole 110 with respect to the housing 116, the pivot pin 104 is mounted within a first pin bearing 154 and a second pin bearing 156 as shown in figure 2. The first pin bearing 154 and the second pin bearing 156 extend in a direction parallel with the pivot axis 132. This allows the pivot pin 104 to remain aligned and perpendicular to the pole longitudinal axis 122. Whilst less preferable, the first pin bearing 154 and the second pin bearing 156 are optional. Instead, the surfaces of the pivot pin 104 and the coupling fork aperture 170 can optionally have a low friction coating.

[0050] In some examples, the second gear 106 comprises a metal disc 128. The metal disc 128 comprises an aperture which is mounted on the pivot pin 104 and the metal disc 128 rotates around the pivot pin 104. The rotatable eccentric mass 112 is mounted onto the metal disc 128. In some examples, the metal disc 128 and the rotatable eccentric mass 112 are integral and a single unitary element. In other examples, the rotatable eccentric mass 112 is mountable on the metal disc 128. In this way, the rotatable eccentric mass 112 can be fastened to the metal disc 128 using any suitable means, e.g. welding, adhesive, fasteners, screw fasteners, etc.

[0051] As mentioned above, in some examples the rotatable eccentric mass 112 can be achieved by adding a mass to the metal disc 128. In some other examples additionally or alternatively an unbalanced weight distribution of the metal disc 128 can be achieved by removing material from the metal disc 128. In this way, in some examples the metal disc 128 can comprise one or more cutouts or recesses 160 to change the weight distribution of the metal disc 128.

[0052] Whilst the transmission 148 as shown in the examples and the accompanying figures shows a first gear 102 and a second gear 106, the transmission 148 can comprise any suitable gearing arrangement or transmission arrangement.

[0053] For example, the transmission 148 can comprise planetary gears, bevel gears, belt drive, chain drive or any other suitable mechanism for transmitting rotation from the motor 108 to the rotatable eccentric mass 112.

[0054] Figure 3 shows two arrows illustrating the movement of the pole 110 as the pole 110 pivotally moves with respect to the housing 116. Figure 3 also illustrates the rotational movement of the motor drive shaft 158 about the motor rotational axis 120.

[0055] The rotatable eccentric mass 112 is shown in figure 3 as extending around the pivot pin 104 in a circumferential direction. Indeed, the rotatable eccentric mass 112 defines a circumferential position extending in a circumferential direction around the pivot pin 104 by approximately 120 degrees. However, the rotatable eccentric mass 112 can have any suitable form, shape, position, material to provide an unbalanced rotatable mass arranged to generate vibrations.

[0056] Turning to figure 4, another example of the float tool 100 will now be described. Figure 4 again shows a schematic plan, cross-sectional view of the float tool 100. The float tool 100 as shown in figure 4 is the same as the float tool 100 as shown in figure 2 except that the mounting of the metal disc 128 and the rotatable eccentric mass 112 is different.

[0057] In particular, the metal disc 128 is fixed with respect to the pivot pin 104. This means that when the pivot pin 104 rotates, so does the metal disc 128 and the second gear 106. In other words, when the motor 108 is actuated, the rotatable eccentric mass 112 rotates together with the pivot pin 104.

[0058] In order to accommodate this difference, the first pin bearing 154 and the second pin bearing 156 have been moved. The first pin bearing 154 and the second pin bearing 156 are now mounted in the coupling fork 134.

[0059] Figure 5 shows another example of the float tool 100. Figure 5 also shows a schematic plan, a cross-sectional view of the float tool 100. Figure 5 shows the same arrangement as Figure 4, except that the vibration generator 118 comprises a second rotatable eccentric mass 142, and a third rotatable eccentric mass 144.

[0060] Similar to the arrangement as described in Figure 4, the second rotatable eccentric mass 142, and the third rotatable eccentric mass 144, are also fixed with respect to the pivot pin 104.

[0061] Accordingly, when the motor 108 actuates, the first rotatable eccentric mass 112, the second rotatable eccentric mass 142, and the third rotatable eccentric mass 144, all rotate together with the pivot pin 104 and the second gear 106.

[0062] Whilst three rotatable eccentric masses 112, 142, 144 are shown in figure 5, in another example only the second rotatable eccentric mass 142, and the third rotatable eccentric mass 144, are provided. In this way, the first rotatable eccentric mass 112, can be omitted from the arrangement as shown in figure 5.

[0063] In this way, the second and third rotatable eccentric masses 142, 144, are remote from the pole longitudinal axis 122. The second rotatable eccentric mass 142 and the third rotatable eccentric mass 144 are positioned either side of the motor rotation axis 120 and the pole longitudinal axis 122. The second and third rotatable eccentric masses 142 and 144 are equally spaced from the motor rotation axis 120 and the pole longitudinal axis 122. This helps balance the second rotatable eccentric mass 142 and the third rotatable eccentric mass 144 about the motor rotation axis 120.

[0064] Figure 6 shows a schematic side cross sectional view of the float tool 100 as shown in figure 5. In this way the distribution of the first, second and third rotatable eccentric masses 112, 142, 144 can be seen.

[0065] In particular the first rotatable eccentric mass 112, the second rotatable eccentric mass 142 and the third rotatable eccentric mass 144 are equally angularly distributed about the pivot axis 132. In some examples, the first rotatable eccentric mass 112, the second rotatable eccentric mass 142 and the third rotatable eccentric mass 144 have an angular distribution of 120 degrees each. When the first rotatable eccentric mass 112, the second rotatable eccentric mass 142 and the third rotatable eccentric mass 144 are located at different angular positions around the pivot axis 132 this causes the vibration of one eccentric mass to have a different phase to that of the another.

[0066] In other examples the first, second, third rotatable eccentric masses 112, 142, 144 can be unevenly distributed angularly around the pivot axis 132.

[0067] Reference will now be made to figure 7 which shows another float tool 100. Figure 7 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the float tool 100. The float tool 100 shown in figure 7 is similar to the previously discussed float tool 100 except that the vibration generator 118 is positioned in a different location.

[0068] Instead, the vibration generator 118 comprises a mechanical vibrator 138 which is mounted to the housing 116. The axis of rotation of the mechanical vibrator 138 is remote from the pivot axis 132. The mechanical vibrator 138 still has a rotatable eccentric mass 112 similar to the previous examples. However, the axis of rotation of the rotatable eccentric mass 112 is no longer around the pivot axis 132

[0069] The motor 108 is operatively coupled to the vibration generator 118 via a modified transmission 148. The transmission 148 comprises the first gear 102 and the second gear 106, similar to the previous examples. However, the second gear 106 no longer comprises the rotatable eccentric mass 112. Instead, a third gear 146 transmits drive from the second gear 106 to the mechanical vibrator 138.

[0070] The mechanical vibrator 138 can comprise a gear comprising the rotatable eccentric mass 112 similar to that of the second gear 106 as described in the previous examples. This means that the transmission 148 can drive the vibration generator 118 with the motor 108 mounted within the pole 110. Accordingly, the pole 110 can pivot about the housing 116 whilst the motor 108 is mounted in the pole 110 can still drive the vibration generator 118 which is mounted on the housing 116.

[0071] The vibration generator 118 comprises a mechanical vibrator housing 150 which is mounted to the exterior surface of the housing 116. This means that the mechanical vibrator housing 150 and the vibration generator 118 can be assembled separately from the rest of the float tool 100.

[0072] The transmission 148 as shown in Figure 7 is exemplary and any suitable transmission or arrangement of gears can be used to transmit drive from the motor 108 to the vibration generator 118.

[0073] In another example, two or more examples are combined. Features of one example can be combined with features of other examples.

[0074] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0075] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0076] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0077] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0078] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A float tool comprising: a housing connectable to a float for finishing a surface; a pole pivotally connected to the housing and arranged to pivot about a pivot axis; and a vibration generator having: a motor mounted to the pole; and at least one rotatable eccentric mass operatively coupled to the motor wherein the least one rotatable eccentric mass is rotatable about the pivot axis.

2. The float tool according to claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a pivot pin aligned with the pivot axis.

3. The float tool according to claim 2 wherein the pole comprises yoke having at least one reciprocal hole pivotally connected to the pivot pin.

4. The float tool according to any of the preceding claims wherein the float tool comprises a first gear mounted on a drive shaft of the motor and second gear fixed with respect to the least one rotatable eccentric mass.

5. The float tool according to claim 4 wherein the second gear integral with the least one rotatable eccentric mass.

6. The float tool according to claim 5 wherein the second gear is a metal disc.

7. The float tool according to claim 6 wherein the metal comprises one or more cut-outs or recesses.

8. The float tool according to any of the preceding claims wherein the motor is mounted within a pole cavity in the pole.

9. The float tool according to any of claims 2 to 8 wherein the least one rotatable eccentric mass is rotatable with respect to the pivot pin.

10. The float tool according to any of the claims 2 to 8 wherein the least one rotatable eccentric mass is fixed with respect to the pivot pin.

11. The float tool according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least part of the at least one rotatable eccentric mass intersects a motor rotation axis.

12. The float tool according to claim 10 wherein at least one rotatable eccentric mass is mounted on the pivot pin distal from a motor rotation axis.

13. The float tool according to claim 12 wherein the at least one rotatable eccentric mass is a first rotatable eccentric mass and a second rotatable eccentric mass.

14. The float tool according to claim 13 wherein the first and second rotatable eccentric masses are mounted either side of the motor rotation axis.

15. The float tool according to any of claims 13 or 14 wherein the first and second rotatable eccentric masses are positioned a different angular positions about the pivot axis.

16. The float tool according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least one battery is electrically connected to the motor and the battery is mounted on the housing or on a free end of the pole.

17. The float tool according to any of the preceding claims wherein the vibration generator is mounted within the housing.

18. A float tool comprising: a housing connectable to a float for finishing a surface; a pole pivotally connected to the housing and arranged to pivot about a pivot axis; and a vibration generator having: a motor mounted to the pole; and at least one rotatable eccentric mass mounted to the housing; and at least one gear rotatable about the pivot axis and operatively coupled between the motor and at least one rotatable eccentric mass.

19. The float tool according to claim 18 wherein the least one rotatable eccentric mass is rotatable about a rotation axis remote from the pivot axis.

Images