Device for applying a tape

Abstract

A device for applying a tape arranged at the joint between two panels that includes a plate which extends in a longitudinal and transverse main plane, the plate includes at least one scraping member, the scraping member includes at least one blade which extends in a plane intersecting the main plane of the plate, a roller rigidly connected to the plate via fastening means that allow the roller to rotate about a transverse rotation axis, and the roller and the scraping member extending on the same side of the plate. The roller takes the shape of two right circular cones whose bases are wholly in contact with each other, and the device includes at least one abutment member which extends from the plate towards the blade of the scraping member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates a device for applying a tape to a joint between two panels.

[0002] When building a wall, panels such as drywall can be arranged in an aligned series to form the wall. Such panels usually have a tapered edge, corresponding to a reduction in panel thickness at one end edge of the panel. Thus, the contact of two tapered edges of two panels forms a joint.

[0003] Such a joint needs to be covered so that it is not visible once the wall has been completed. The overlap of such a joint has, among other things, a waterproofing aspect to the wall and an aesthetic aspect. Paper strips, for example, are commonly used to cover panel joints.

[0004] The installation of strips in panel joints consists in particular of a step wherein the joint is filled with a plaster, then a step wherein the tape is placed on the fresh plaster, followed by a tape embedding step, i.e. a step wherein the tape is pressed against the fresh plaster in order to push out the air and excess plaster beneath it, then a step wherein the excess plaster is recovered. The tape is then covered again with the same plaster, which needs to be smoothed.

[0005] When laying the tape, it is necessary to make sure it is properly pressed onto the plaster, while ridding the joint and panels of any excess plaster that may create irregularities on the finished wall. These steps are tedious and require that an operator carry out numerous tasks and movements. These steps also require numerous tools, and their use on tall panels can be complex.

[0006] The invention solves the above-mentioned problem by simplifying the laying of tape at the joints of drywall panels. In particular, the invention offers a device for performing the steps of embedding tape and scraping off excess plaster simultaneously and with a single device.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention provides a device for applying a tape arranged at the joint between two panels, the application device comprising at least:

[0008] a plate which extends in a longitudinal and transverse main plane, the plate comprising at least one scraping member,

[0009] the scraping member comprising at least one blade which extends in a plane intersecting the main plane of the plate,

[0010] a roller rigidly connected to the plate via fastening means that allow the roller to rotate about a transverse rotation axis,

[0011] the roller and the scraping member extending from the same side of the plate, the roller having the shape of two right circular cones whose bases are wholly in contact with each other.

[0012] According to other features of the invention:

[0013] the roller comprises a linear contact zone for bearing at least against the tape, and the blade of the scraping member comprises a transverse end edge, opposite a plate fastening edge, intended for bearing at least against the tape, the linear contact zone and the transverse end edge extending at least in part in a common longitudinal and transverse plane;

[0014] the scraping member comprises two wings which extend on either side of the blade, from its transverse end edge and such that the wings extend in a plane intersecting the main plane of the plate and the plane of the blade of the scraping member, and in the direction of the roller;

[0015] the transverse end edge of the blade of the scraping member extends along a first transverse dimension and the roller extends along a second transverse dimension, the first transverse dimension being greater than the second transverse dimension;

[0016] the device comprises at least one abutment member extending from the plate towards the blade of the scraping member;

[0017] the at least one abutment member comprises a fastening means for fastening to the plate allowing said abutment member to move vertically and holding said abutment member in position;

[0018] at least the fastening edge of the blade is resiliently deformable;

[0019] The invention further relates to an assembly for applying a tape arranged at the joint between two panels, the assembly comprising at least one application device according to any of the preceding features and a support configured to be attached to a tank of a bonding element, the support comprising a guide surface configured to receive and guide the roller of the application device in rotation, and comprising a scraping wall which extends in a plane intersecting the guide surface and configured to receive the blade of the scraping member when the roller is guided by the guide surface.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, the support comprises lugs for fastening to the tank, the guide surface and scraping wall being aligned along a first straight line and the lugs extending along a second straight line intersecting the first straight line.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which may be understood with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of an assembly for applying a tape to a joint between two panels;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a general perspective view of an application device from the application assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a general side view of the application device shown in FIG. 2;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a general front view of the application device shown in FIG. 2;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a general perspective view of the application device shown in FIG. 2, comprising a handle;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a general perspective view of a support of an application assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a general perspective view of the support shown in FIG. 6 positioned on a tank.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] For the description of the invention and comprehension of the claims, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the reference frame V, L, T indicated in the figures, whose longitudinal L and transverse T axes extend in a horizontal plane, will be adopted in a non-limiting manner and without reference to earth's gravity. By convention, the longitudinal axis L is oriented from the rear to the front.

[0030] In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be referred to by the same reference numbers.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows an assembly 10 for applying a tape 12 to a joint 14 between two panels 16, for example on a wall. The two panels 16 can be, for example and in a non-limiting way, drywall panels commonly used in building construction and can, for example and in a non-limiting way, have a tapered edge 17. Tapered edges 17 are understood to mean a reduction in the thickness of the panels 16.

[0032] Thus, the joint 14 between the two panels 16 corresponds to the contact of the edge 17, for example tapered, of each of the panels 16. The tapered edges form a groove between the two panels 16 corresponding to the joint 14.

[0033] Such a joint 14 between the two panels 16 needs to be covered to form a smooth, continuous area. Thus, it is usual to place the tape 12, for example of paper, over the joint 14. To achieve this, a plaster is used to bond the tape 12.

[0034] The method for applying the tape 12 will be described in greater detail below.

[0035] In order to apply the tape 12 overlapping the joint 14, the application assembly 10 according to the shown example of the invention can be advantageously used.

[0036] The application assembly 10 then comprises at least one application device 18 and a support 20 configured to be attached to a tank 22 of a bonding element, for example a tank 22 for plaster, referred to earlier.

[0037] The application device 18, particularly visible in FIGS. 2 to 5, comprises at least one plate 24 which extends in a longitudinal L and transverse T main plane P and forms a main body of the application device 18. It is therefore understood that plate 24 forms a flat surface with a first side 26 and a second side 28 opposite each other in a vertical direction V.

[0038] In the remainder of the description, the first side 26 will be defined as the side intended to face the tape when the application device 18 is in use, and the second side 28 as the side intended to face away from the tape, i.e. towards an operator of the application device 18.

[0039] The application device 18 according to the example of the invention shown here comprises at least one roller 30 and a scraping member 32.

[0040] More specifically, the plate 24 comprises at least a first lumen 34 and a second lumen 36. The term “lumen” refers to a through-opening in the thickness of the plate. The first lumen 34 and the second lumen 36 are substantially quadrilateral in shape.

[0041] By defining two equal parts of the plate 24, i.e. mirror-image to each other, along a transverse T intersecting S plane and vertical plane V, the first lumen 34 and second lumen 36 are formed in the plate 24, in the same part of the latter, then called the first part 38 of the plate 24.

[0042] In the following description, an advantageous method will be described wherein the particular shape of the plate is achieved by cutting and bending a piece of sheet metal. The advantage of this type of construction is that the plate has optimum strength because it is made of a single piece.

[0043] It is also understood that this advantageous method is not limitative and that the plate can be produced by any other means, for example by molding.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the first lumen 34 is formed by cutting the plate 24 to form a rectangular tongue 40, as shown in FIG. 3, and then deforming said tongue 40. In other words, the plate 24 is cut to form three U-shaped inner edges 42 and a tongue 40 resulting from the cutting of the three inner edges 42.

[0045] The substantially rectangular tongue 40 is then deformed so that it extends in a plane intersecting the main plane P of the plate 24 and through the first lumen 38.

[0046] It is understood that the tongue 40 is attached to the plate 24 by a connecting edge 44 which extends transversely over the plate 24 and is longitudinally opposite one of the inner edges 42 of the first transversely extending lumen 34.

[0047] The scraping member 32 comprising at least one blade 46 which extends in a plane intersecting the main plane P of the plate 24. In particular, the blade 46 comprises a fastening edge 48, visible in FIG. 3, and a transverse end edge 50, opposite each other along a main elongation direction of the blade 46. The fastening edge 48 of the blade 46 corresponds in particular to the edge of the blade 46 rigidly connected to the tongue 40 mentioned above.

[0048] According to a non-limiting example of the invention, the fastening edge 48 of the blade 46 and the tongue 40 can be fastened together by screwing, riveting, or clipping.

[0049] The blade 46 thus extends in a common plane with the tongue 40 and in a direction longitudinally opposite to the second lumen 36, i.e. in such a way as to face a second part 52 of the plate 24, longitudinally opposite the first part 38 of the plate 24 mentioned above.

[0050] The scraping member 32 also extends at least partially opposite the first side 26 of the plate 24.

[0051] It is understood that the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 is intended to engage with the tape when the application device 18 is in use.

[0052] According to a non-limiting feature of the invention, the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 extends over a first transverse dimension DT1 visible in FIG. 4 that is between 100 mm and 150 mm. According to an advantageous example, the first transverse dimension DT1 is equal to 125 mm.

[0053] The scraping member 32 also comprises at least two wings 54 which extend on either side of the blade 46 in the transverse direction T, from its transverse end edge 50 and in such a way that the wings 54 extend in a plane intersecting the main plane P of the plate 24 and the plane of the blade 46 of the scraping member 32. The wings 54 extend in particular towards the roller 30.

[0054] Thus, when using the application device 18, the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 is designed to remove excess plaster on and around the tape, and the wings 54 on it channel the plaster to facilitate its recovery.

[0055] According to one example of the invention, at least the fastening edge 48 of the blade 46 is resiliently deformable. Resiliently deformable means that the fastening edge 48 is capable of deforming and returning to its initial undeformed state without breaking its material.

[0056] It is understood that this feature makes the blade 46 more flexible when using the application device 18, and enables it to withstand pressure exerted by an operator to press the transverse end edge 50 against the tape.

[0057] It is also understood that the resilient deformation of the fastening edge 48 of the blade 46 moves the latter towards the first side 26 of the plate 24 so as to reduce a vertical space separating them.

[0058] Accordingly, in one example of the invention, the application device 18 comprises at least one abutment member 56 extending from the plate 24 towards the blade 46 of the scraping member 32.

[0059] More precisely, the abutment member 56 can take the form of a screw 56a passing vertically through an orifice formed in the plate 24 and locked in position by two nuts 56b arranged on either side of plate 24 in vertical direction V. It is thus understood that the abutment member 56 according to the example of the invention extends on the first side 26 and on the second side 28 of the plate 24.

[0060] The abutment member 56 then comprises a damping element 56c arranged at one end of the screw 56a which extends on the first side 26 of the plate 24, facing the blade 46 of the scraping member 32.

[0061] The damping element 56c can be, for example and in a non-limiting way, a stud made of a flexible material such as rubber.

[0062] The abutment member 56 is also arranged in the second part 52 of the plate 24 so as to extend opposite the blade 46 of the scraping member 32.

[0063] It is therefore understood that the abutment member 56 as described can be moved vertically through the hole in the plate 24, and that the nuts 56b hold the screw 56a in position through the hole.

[0064] According to an advantageous example of the invention, the application device 18 comprises two abutment members 56 according to the above features, the abutment members 56 being aligned along a transverse line T.

[0065] The advantage of such abutment members 56, each formed by a screw 56a and two nuts 56b, is that they can be adjusted vertically. In this way, the abutment members 56 provide support for the blade 46 of the doctor blade 32 when the fastening edge 48 is deformed during use of the application device 18, and thus ensure the stability of the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 as it passes at least over the tape.

[0066] In other words, the two abutment members 56, as just described, limit the transverse and vertical deformation of the blade 46 during the use of the application device 18, so that the transverse end edge 50 is continuously in contact with at least the tape, over its entire surface. The two abutment members 56 also ensure parallel alignment of the wing 54 with the panel 16. This improves the scraping of the plaster.

[0067] The second lumen 36 of the plate 24 is shaped so that the first lumen 34 extends longitudinally between the second lumen 36 and the second part 52 of the plate 24.

[0068] The second lumen 38 is formed by cutting the plate 24 along two straight lines parallel to the transverse direction T, so as to form two inner edges 58 of the second lumen 38. Subsequently, the portion of the plate 24 extending between the two inner edges 58 is cut longitudinally to form two mounting brackets 60.

[0069] More precisely, the mounting brackets 60 are bent at a longitudinal connecting edge 62 with the plate 24 so as to each extend in a longitudinal plane L and vertical plane V, thus forming the second lumen 36 of the plate 24.

[0070] The mounting brackets 60 also extend towards the first side 26 of the plate 24.

[0071] It is understood that the second lumen 36 is formed by the two inner edges 58, which extend transversely opposite each other, and by the two longitudinal connecting edges 62 of the fastening tabs 60, said longitudinal connecting edges 62 longitudinally connecting the inner edges 58 to each other.

[0072] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the roller 30 extends opposite the second lumen 36 in the plate 24. In particular, the roller 30 is attached to the plate 24 via fastening means 64 which allow the roller 30 to rotate about a transverse T axis of rotation R.

[0073] According to the shown example of the invention, the fastening means 64 may comprise the above-mentioned mounting brackets 60, each of which comprises a circular aperture 66 configured to receive the rotation axis R of the roller 30, not visible.

[0074] The axis of rotation R of roller 30 can be, for example, a shaft passing through the roller and housed in the circular apertures of the mounting brackets, or can take the form of two cylindrical studs which project from the transverse free ends of the roller in such a way as to be housed in the circular apertures.

[0075] It is also understood that roller 30 and scraping member 32 extend from the same side of plate 24, in this case the first side 26.

[0076] The roller 30, as seen in FIG. 4, has the shape of two right circular cones 68, whose bases 70 are wholly in contact with each other.

[0077] In other words, the roller 30 has a cylindrical shape whose diameter D decreases from a center C of the cylinder, taken in a longitudinal plane L and vertical plane V and formed by the bases 70 of the two right circular cones 68, towards the transverse free ends 72 of said roller 30.

[0078] Put another way, the center C of the roller 30 is defined in a vertical plane V and longitudinal plane L, equidistant from the transverse free ends 72 of roller 30.

[0079] The center C then represents the part of the roller 30 with the largest diameter D, and the transverse free ends 72 represent the parts of the roller 30 with the smallest diameter D.

[0080] According to a non-limiting feature of the invention, roller 30 has a degree of inclination I between its center C and its transverse free ends 72, of between 1°and 5°. According to an advantageous example, the degree of inclination I is 2°.

[0081] Such a configuration of the roller 30 is advantageous in that, when using the application device 18, it enables the excess plaster to be directed towards the outer periphery of the tape so that it can subsequently be scraped off by the scraping member 32.

[0082] As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the roller 30 comprises a linear contact zone LIN designed to come into contact at least with the tape.

[0083] Thus, at least the linear contact zone LIN located at the center C of the roller 30 and the transverse end edge 50 extend in a common longitudinal L and transverse T plane.

[0084] This feature ensures contact between the tape and both the roller 30 and the transverse end edge 50 of the application device 18.

[0085] According to an example of the invention shown in FIG. 4, a second transverse dimension DT2 of roller 30 is defined along its axis of rotation R. The first transverse dimension DT1 of the transverse end edge 50 of blade 46 is then greater than the second transverse dimension DT2 of roller 30.

[0086] This feature enables the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 to ensure optimum recovery of the plaster displaced from the periphery of the tape by the roller 30 prior to the passage of the blade 46.

[0087] According to a non-limiting example of the invention, the second transverse dimension DT2 of roller 30 is between 85 mm and 95 mm. According to an advantageous example, the first transverse dimension DT2 is equal to 90 mm.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 4, the blade 46 of the scraping member 32 has an increasing transverse dimension from its fastening edge to its transverse end edge 50. It is thus understood that the blade 46 has a flared shape from its fastening edge to its transverse end edge 50.

[0089] Such a feature makes it possible to maintain an optimum dimension of the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 as described above, while limiting a transverse dimension of the tongue 40, and thus of the first lumen 34. This ensures optimum scraping of the plaster and optimal strength of the plate 24.

[0090] The application device 18 shown in FIG. 5 is further configured to cooperate with an assembly comprising a handle 76 coupled to a tray 74. It is thus understood that the tray 74 and the handle 76 form a single piece.

[0091] More precisely, the plate 74 is arranged mainly on the center of the plate 24, straddling between the first part 38 and the second part 52 of the plate 24, and extends on the second side 28 so as to at least partially cover the first lumen 34 of the plate 24.

[0092] The plate 74 is then secured to the plate 24 by a fastening system consisting of two screws with nuts, for example of the butterfly type. Holes are then formed in plate 24 to accommodate the screws and nuts of the mounting system of the tray 74. In this way, the plate 74 is secured to the plate 24 by cooperation of the plate 74 with the fastening system comprising the two screws with nuts. The cooperation between the tray and the fastening system corresponds, for example, to a snap-fit of the tray onto the fastening system. Preferably, the holes on the plate are 110 mm apart in transverse direction T.

[0093] Such an assembly comprising the handle 76 and the plate 74 known as the “finish box handle” is also known from the prior art and corresponds to a standard fastener on the market.

[0094] The advantage of this feature is that the application device 18 can be used in either direction. This advantage of the invention will be explained in greater detail when the method of using the application assembly is described.

[0095] The plate 24 shown in the example further comprises a front cut-out 77 which extends transversely through the first part 38 of the plate 24, and more particularly along a transverse end edge of the plate 24. Such a front cut-out 77 is centered on the plate 24 in the transverse direction T.

[0096] Such a front cut-out 77 forms a guide for a user of the application assembly, making it easier to move the application device 18 along the tape.

[0097] The front cut-out 77 also has a transverse dimension of between 40 mm and 60 mm. Preferably, the front cutout 77 extends over a transverse dimension of 50 mm, usually corresponding to a transverse dimension, or width, of the tape.

[0098] The application assembly 10 further comprises the aforementioned support 20.

[0099] In the remainder of the description, it will be understood that the longitudinal L, transverse T and vertical V directions of the support 20 correspond to those of the application device 18 when the support 20 is used with the application device 18.

[0100] The support 20, particularly visible in FIG. 6, comprises at least one guide surface 78 configured to receive and guide the roller of the application device in rotation, and comprises a scraping wall 80 configured to receive the blade of the scraping member when the roller is guided by the guide surface.

[0101] More particularly, a central portion 82 of the support 20 is defined, the guide surface 78 extending longitudinally from the central portion 82 to a free edge 84 of the guide surface 78.

[0102] The guide surface 78 extends over a third transverse distance DT3 which is greater than the second transverse dimension DT2 of the roller 30 mentioned above.

[0103] In particular, the guide surface 78 has a flared shape so that its third transverse distance DT3 is greater than the level of the central part 82 in relation to its free edge 84.

[0104] This feature makes it easier to position the roller on the guide surface 78 at the central part 82, when using the support 20.

[0105] The guide surface 78 of the support 20 further comprises raised edges 86 which extend along the longitudinal direction L and at the transverse periphery T thereof. Such raised edges 86 help to guide and hold the roller transversely along the guide surface 78.

[0106] The raised edges 86 of the guide surface 78 can be formed by folding the material of the support 20.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the free edge 84 of the guide surface 78 comprises at least one element 88 for holding the support 20 to the tank 22. The holding element 88 can be formed, for example, by curved tabs 90 so as to form bearing surfaces which extend in transverse planes T and vertical planes V.

[0108] At least two curved brackets 90 then extend offset from each other in the longitudinal direction L, so as to accommodate an edge of the tank 22 between them.

[0109] In other words, the longitudinal offset of the two curved brackets 90 enables the support to engage on either side of the edge of the tank 22 in such a way as to radially lock the support 20 in position on said tank 22.

[0110] According to the shown example of the invention, the support 20 comprises three curved brackets 90, of which one transversely central curved bracket 90 is longitudinally offset from the other two curved brackets 90.

[0111] According to a non-limiting example of the invention, the curved brackets 90 are formed by cutting and bending the material of the support 20.

[0112] The scraping wall 80 of the support 20 extends from the aforementioned central part 82 of the support 20 in such a way that it faces the guide surface 78. In other words, the guide surface 78 and the scraping wall 80 are aligned along a first straight line D1 which is parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0113] The scraping wall 80 is then a wall which projects from the central part 82 of the support 20 in a vertical plane V and transverse plane T, and which is complementary in shape and transverse dimension to the scraping member.

[0114] It is understood that such a feature enables the scraping wall 80 to be optimally positioned so that the blade of the scraping member skims a free end edge of the scraping wall 80, when the roller is guided in rotation on the guide surface 78, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0115] This scraping action clears the blade of the plaster collected when the application device passes over the tape.

[0116] According to an example of the invention, the scraping wall 80 may comprise fastening apertures 92 enabling the fastening of a rubber slide, not visible, fixed by a counterplate, not visible, by a screwing or riveting method.

[0117] The support 20 further comprises lugs 94 for fastening to the tank 22. In particular, the mounting brackets 94 extend on either side of the central part 82 of the support 20 and in such a way that they are aligned along a second straight line D2 perpendicular to the first straight line D1. The mounting brackets 94 extend in the transverse direction T.

[0118] The mounting brackets 94 then comprise fastening holes 96 for attaching brackets, not shown, to the tank 22.

[0119] According to the example of the invention, the fastening holes 96 are oblong in the transverse direction T to allow adjustment of the position of the brackets in the transverse direction T.

[0120] In this way, the support 20 can be adapted to different tank 22 diameters.

[0121] According to an advantageous example of the invention, the mounting brackets 94 each extend over a transverse dimension of between 25 cm and 30 cm.

[0122] The mounting brackets 94 may each comprise at least one peripheral reinforcing edge 98, formed by deforming the material of the support 20, in order to improve the strength of the mounting brackets 94.

[0123] The method of using the tape 12 application assembly 10 according to an example of the invention will now be described in more detail by means of FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0124] The method comprises a first step, known as the tape 12 bonding step, wherein the plaster is placed over at least the joint 14.

[0125] The tape 12 is then placed over the joint 14 in such a way that it is substantially centered on the joint 14. The tape 12 is then held in place on the joint 14 by the plaster.

[0126] The method then comprises a second step, wherein the tape 12 is tightened, excess plaster is removed and the surface is smoothed.

[0127] In this second step, the application assembly 10 as described above is used.

[0128] In fact, the tape 12 application assembly 10 advantageously enables the operations of the second step to be carried out in a single pass over the tape 12.

[0129] In this way, the application device 18 is placed on the tape 12 by means of the handle 76 attached to it, and a translational movement is made along the tape 12 while applying constant pressure.

[0130] In particular, the application device 18 is moved along the tape 12 so that the roller 30 passes over the tape 12 before the scraping member 32.

[0131] In this way, the roller 30 presses the tape 12 against the joint 14, and its particular inverted two-cone shape directs excess plaster to the periphery of the tape 12.

[0132] Once the roller 30 has passed over the tape 12, scraping member 32 recovers the excess plaster directed around the edge of tape 12 by the roller 30. In other words, the transverse end edge 50 and the wings 54 of the blade 46 of the scraping member 32, on the one hand, recover the plaster and, on the other hand, smooth the surface of the tape 12 on the panels 16 overlapping the joint 14.

[0133] It is also understood that the handle 76 rigidly connected to the application device 18, as described above, advantageously enables an operator to use the application device 18 without the need for a height-raising device such as a stepladder.

[0134] The handle 76, and in particular the assembly comprising the handle 76 and the plate 74, known as the “finishing box handle”, held by screwing onto the plate 24, also enables the application device 18 to be used in two directions, i.e. from top to bottom or from bottom to top, these directions being defined in relation to the earth's surface representing the bottom and according to the earth's gravity.

[0135] Once the application device 18 has passed over the tape 12, the method comprises a third step wherein the plaster is removed from the application device 18.

[0136] In this third step, shown in FIG. 7, the application device 18 is positioned on the support 20 so that the roller 30 is in contact with the central part 82 and the fastening edge 48 of the blade 46 of the scraping member 32 faces the scraping wall 80. The application device 18 is then moved longitudinally on the support 20 so that the roller 30 is guided by the guide surface 78 as described above, and so that the blade 46 slides along the scraping wall 80 from its fastening end towards its transverse end edge, thus clearing it of the collected plaster.

[0137] The collected plaster then flows into the tank 22, above which the support 20 is positioned.

[0138] The advantage of the application assembly described above is that it facilitates the installation of a tape at a joint between two wall panels by simultaneously performing the steps of embedding the tape, removing excess plaster, and smoothing the tape. In this way, the application device reduces the number of steps required by an operator to lay the tape, and effectively enables the tape to be applied to the entire joint, irrespective of the height of the wall, in particular by means of the handle fastener.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0029]For the description of the invention and comprehension of the claims, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the reference frame V, L, T indicated in the figures, whose longitudinal L and transverse T axes extend in a horizontal plane, will be adopted in a non-limiting manner and without reference to earth's gravity. By convention, the longitudinal axis L is oriented from the rear to the front.

[0030]In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be referred to by the same reference numbers.

[0031]FIG. 1 shows an assembly 10 for applying a tape 12 to a joint 14 between two panels 16, for example on a wall. The two panels 16 can be, for example and in a non-limiting way, drywall panels commonly used in building construction and can, for example and in a non-limiting way, have a tapered edge 17. Tapered edges 17 are understood to mean a reduction in the thickness of the panels 16.

[0032]Thus, the joint 14 between the two pan...

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates a device for applying a tape to a joint between two panels.

[0002] When building a wall, panels such as drywall can be arranged in an aligned series to form the wall. Such panels usually have a tapered edge, corresponding to a reduction in panel thickness at one end edge of the panel. Thus, the contact of two tapered edges of two panels forms a joint.

[0003] Such a joint needs to be covered so that it is not visible once the wall has been completed. The overlap of such a joint has, among other things, a waterproofing aspect to the wall and an aesthetic aspect. Paper strips, for example, are commonly used to cover panel joints.

[0004] The installation of strips in panel joints consists in particular of a step wherein the joint is filled with a plaster, then a step wherein the tape is placed on the fresh plaster, followed by a tape embedding step, i.e. a step wherein the tape is pressed against the fresh plaster in order to push out the air and excess plaster beneath it, then a step wherein the excess plaster is recovered. The tape is then covered again with the same plaster, which needs to be smoothed.

[0005] When laying the tape, it is necessary to make sure it is properly pressed onto the plaster, while ridding the joint and panels of any excess plaster that may create irregularities on the finished wall. These steps are tedious and require that an operator carry out numerous tasks and movements. These steps also require numerous tools, and their use on tall panels can be complex.

[0006] The invention solves the above-mentioned problem by simplifying the laying of tape at the joints of drywall panels. In particular, the invention offers a device for performing the steps of embedding tape and scraping off excess plaster simultaneously and with a single device.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention provides a device for applying a tape arranged at the joint between two panels, the application device comprising at least:

[0008] a plate which extends in a longitudinal and transverse main plane, the plate comprising at least one scraping member,

[0009] the scraping member comprising at least one blade which extends in a plane intersecting the main plane of the plate,

[0010] a roller rigidly connected to the plate via fastening means that allow the roller to rotate about a transverse rotation axis,

[0011] the roller and the scraping member extending from the same side of the plate, the roller having the shape of two right circular cones whose bases are wholly in contact with each other.

[0012] According to other features of the invention:

[0013] the roller comprises a linear contact zone for bearing at least against the tape, and the blade of the scraping member comprises a transverse end edge, opposite a plate fastening edge, intended for bearing at least against the tape, the linear contact zone and the transverse end edge extending at least in part in a common longitudinal and transverse plane;

[0014] the scraping member comprises two wings which extend on either side of the blade, from its transverse end edge and such that the wings extend in a plane intersecting the main plane of the plate and the plane of the blade of the scraping member, and in the direction of the roller;

[0015] the transverse end edge of the blade of the scraping member extends along a first transverse dimension and the roller extends along a second transverse dimension, the first transverse dimension being greater than the second transverse dimension;

[0016] the device comprises at least one abutment member extending from the plate towards the blade of the scraping member;

[0017] the at least one abutment member comprises a fastening means for fastening to the plate allowing said abutment member to move vertically and holding said abutment member in position;

[0018] at least the fastening edge of the blade is resiliently deformable;

[0019] The invention further relates to an assembly for applying a tape arranged at the joint between two panels, the assembly comprising at least one application device according to any of the preceding features and a support configured to be attached to a tank of a bonding element, the support comprising a guide surface configured to receive and guide the roller of the application device in rotation, and comprising a scraping wall which extends in a plane intersecting the guide surface and configured to receive the blade of the scraping member when the roller is guided by the guide surface.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, the support comprises lugs for fastening to the tank, the guide surface and scraping wall being aligned along a first straight line and the lugs extending along a second straight line intersecting the first straight line.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which may be understood with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of an assembly for applying a tape to a joint between two panels;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a general perspective view of an application device from the application assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a general side view of the application device shown in FIG. 2;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a general front view of the application device shown in FIG. 2;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a general perspective view of the application device shown in FIG. 2, comprising a handle;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a general perspective view of a support of an application assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a general perspective view of the support shown in FIG. 6 positioned on a tank.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] For the description of the invention and comprehension of the claims, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the reference frame V, L, T indicated in the figures, whose longitudinal L and transverse T axes extend in a horizontal plane, will be adopted in a non-limiting manner and without reference to earth's gravity. By convention, the longitudinal axis L is oriented from the rear to the front.

[0030] In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be referred to by the same reference numbers.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows an assembly 10 for applying a tape 12 to a joint 14 between two panels 16, for example on a wall. The two panels 16 can be, for example and in a non-limiting way, drywall panels commonly used in building construction and can, for example and in a non-limiting way, have a tapered edge 17. Tapered edges 17 are understood to mean a reduction in the thickness of the panels 16.

[0032] Thus, the joint 14 between the two panels 16 corresponds to the contact of the edge 17, for example tapered, of each of the panels 16. The tapered edges form a groove between the two panels 16 corresponding to the joint 14.

[0033] Such a joint 14 between the two panels 16 needs to be covered to form a smooth, continuous area. Thus, it is usual to place the tape 12, for example of paper, over the joint 14. To achieve this, a plaster is used to bond the tape 12.

[0034] The method for applying the tape 12 will be described in greater detail below.

[0035] In order to apply the tape 12 overlapping the joint 14, the application assembly 10 according to the shown example of the invention can be advantageously used.

[0036] The application assembly 10 then comprises at least one application device 18 and a support 20 configured to be attached to a tank 22 of a bonding element, for example a tank 22 for plaster, referred to earlier.

[0037] The application device 18, particularly visible in FIGS. 2 to 5, comprises at least one plate 24 which extends in a longitudinal L and transverse T main plane P and forms a main body of the application device 18. It is therefore understood that plate 24 forms a flat surface with a first side 26 and a second side 28 opposite each other in a vertical direction V.

[0038] In the remainder of the description, the first side 26 will be defined as the side intended to face the tape when the application device 18 is in use, and the second side 28 as the side intended to face away from the tape, i.e. towards an operator of the application device 18.

[0039] The application device 18 according to the example of the invention shown here comprises at least one roller 30 and a scraping member 32.

[0040] More specifically, the plate 24 comprises at least a first lumen 34 and a second lumen 36. The term “lumen” refers to a through-opening in the thickness of the plate. The first lumen 34 and the second lumen 36 are substantially quadrilateral in shape.

[0041] By defining two equal parts of the plate 24, i.e. mirror-image to each other, along a transverse T intersecting S plane and vertical plane V, the first lumen 34 and second lumen 36 are formed in the plate 24, in the same part of the latter, then called the first part 38 of the plate 24.

[0042] In the following description, an advantageous method will be described wherein the particular shape of the plate is achieved by cutting and bending a piece of sheet metal. The advantage of this type of construction is that the plate has optimum strength because it is made of a single piece.

[0043] It is also understood that this advantageous method is not limitative and that the plate can be produced by any other means, for example by molding.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the first lumen 34 is formed by cutting the plate 24 to form a rectangular tongue 40, as shown in FIG. 3, and then deforming said tongue 40. In other words, the plate 24 is cut to form three U-shaped inner edges 42 and a tongue 40 resulting from the cutting of the three inner edges 42.

[0045] The substantially rectangular tongue 40 is then deformed so that it extends in a plane intersecting the main plane P of the plate 24 and through the first lumen 38.

[0046] It is understood that the tongue 40 is attached to the plate 24 by a connecting edge 44 which extends transversely over the plate 24 and is longitudinally opposite one of the inner edges 42 of the first transversely extending lumen 34.

[0047] The scraping member 32 comprising at least one blade 46 which extends in a plane intersecting the main plane P of the plate 24. In particular, the blade 46 comprises a fastening edge 48, visible in FIG. 3, and a transverse end edge 50, opposite each other along a main elongation direction of the blade 46. The fastening edge 48 of the blade 46 corresponds in particular to the edge of the blade 46 rigidly connected to the tongue 40 mentioned above.

[0048] According to a non-limiting example of the invention, the fastening edge 48 of the blade 46 and the tongue 40 can be fastened together by screwing, riveting, or clipping.

[0049] The blade 46 thus extends in a common plane with the tongue 40 and in a direction longitudinally opposite to the second lumen 36, i.e. in such a way as to face a second part 52 of the plate 24, longitudinally opposite the first part 38 of the plate 24 mentioned above.

[0050] The scraping member 32 also extends at least partially opposite the first side 26 of the plate 24.

[0051] It is understood that the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 is intended to engage with the tape when the application device 18 is in use.

[0052] According to a non-limiting feature of the invention, the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 extends over a first transverse dimension DT1 visible in FIG. 4 that is between 100 mm and 150 mm. According to an advantageous example, the first transverse dimension DT1 is equal to 125 mm.

[0053] The scraping member 32 also comprises at least two wings 54 which extend on either side of the blade 46 in the transverse direction T, from its transverse end edge 50 and in such a way that the wings 54 extend in a plane intersecting the main plane P of the plate 24 and the plane of the blade 46 of the scraping member 32. The wings 54 extend in particular towards the roller 30.

[0054] Thus, when using the application device 18, the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 is designed to remove excess plaster on and around the tape, and the wings 54 on it channel the plaster to facilitate its recovery.

[0055] According to one example of the invention, at least the fastening edge 48 of the blade 46 is resiliently deformable. Resiliently deformable means that the fastening edge 48 is capable of deforming and returning to its initial undeformed state without breaking its material.

[0056] It is understood that this feature makes the blade 46 more flexible when using the application device 18, and enables it to withstand pressure exerted by an operator to press the transverse end edge 50 against the tape.

[0057] It is also understood that the resilient deformation of the fastening edge 48 of the blade 46 moves the latter towards the first side 26 of the plate 24 so as to reduce a vertical space separating them.

[0058] Accordingly, in one example of the invention, the application device 18 comprises at least one abutment member 56 extending from the plate 24 towards the blade 46 of the scraping member 32.

[0059] More precisely, the abutment member 56 can take the form of a screw 56a passing vertically through an orifice formed in the plate 24 and locked in position by two nuts 56b arranged on either side of plate 24 in vertical direction V. It is thus understood that the abutment member 56 according to the example of the invention extends on the first side 26 and on the second side 28 of the plate 24.

[0060] The abutment member 56 then comprises a damping element 56c arranged at one end of the screw 56a which extends on the first side 26 of the plate 24, facing the blade 46 of the scraping member 32.

[0061] The damping element 56c can be, for example and in a non-limiting way, a stud made of a flexible material such as rubber.

[0062] The abutment member 56 is also arranged in the second part 52 of the plate 24 so as to extend opposite the blade 46 of the scraping member 32.

[0063] It is therefore understood that the abutment member 56 as described can be moved vertically through the hole in the plate 24, and that the nuts 56b hold the screw 56a in position through the hole.

[0064] According to an advantageous example of the invention, the application device 18 comprises two abutment members 56 according to the above features, the abutment members 56 being aligned along a transverse line T.

[0065] The advantage of such abutment members 56, each formed by a screw 56a and two nuts 56b, is that they can be adjusted vertically. In this way, the abutment members 56 provide support for the blade 46 of the doctor blade 32 when the fastening edge 48 is deformed during use of the application device 18, and thus ensure the stability of the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 as it passes at least over the tape.

[0066] In other words, the two abutment members 56, as just described, limit the transverse and vertical deformation of the blade 46 during the use of the application device 18, so that the transverse end edge 50 is continuously in contact with at least the tape, over its entire surface. The two abutment members 56 also ensure parallel alignment of the wing 54 with the panel 16. This improves the scraping of the plaster.

[0067] The second lumen 36 of the plate 24 is shaped so that the first lumen 34 extends longitudinally between the second lumen 36 and the second part 52 of the plate 24.

[0068] The second lumen 38 is formed by cutting the plate 24 along two straight lines parallel to the transverse direction T, so as to form two inner edges 58 of the second lumen 38. Subsequently, the portion of the plate 24 extending between the two inner edges 58 is cut longitudinally to form two mounting brackets 60.

[0069] More precisely, the mounting brackets 60 are bent at a longitudinal connecting edge 62 with the plate 24 so as to each extend in a longitudinal plane L and vertical plane V, thus forming the second lumen 36 of the plate 24.

[0070] The mounting brackets 60 also extend towards the first side 26 of the plate 24.

[0071] It is understood that the second lumen 36 is formed by the two inner edges 58, which extend transversely opposite each other, and by the two longitudinal connecting edges 62 of the fastening tabs 60, said longitudinal connecting edges 62 longitudinally connecting the inner edges 58 to each other.

[0072] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the roller 30 extends opposite the second lumen 36 in the plate 24. In particular, the roller 30 is attached to the plate 24 via fastening means 64 which allow the roller 30 to rotate about a transverse T axis of rotation R.

[0073] According to the shown example of the invention, the fastening means 64 may comprise the above-mentioned mounting brackets 60, each of which comprises a circular aperture 66 configured to receive the rotation axis R of the roller 30, not visible.

[0074] The axis of rotation R of roller 30 can be, for example, a shaft passing through the roller and housed in the circular apertures of the mounting brackets, or can take the form of two cylindrical studs which project from the transverse free ends of the roller in such a way as to be housed in the circular apertures.

[0075] It is also understood that roller 30 and scraping member 32 extend from the same side of plate 24, in this case the first side 26.

[0076] The roller 30, as seen in FIG. 4, has the shape of two right circular cones 68, whose bases 70 are wholly in contact with each other.

[0077] In other words, the roller 30 has a cylindrical shape whose diameter D decreases from a center C of the cylinder, taken in a longitudinal plane L and vertical plane V and formed by the bases 70 of the two right circular cones 68, towards the transverse free ends 72 of said roller 30.

[0078] Put another way, the center C of the roller 30 is defined in a vertical plane V and longitudinal plane L, equidistant from the transverse free ends 72 of roller 30.

[0079] The center C then represents the part of the roller 30 with the largest diameter D, and the transverse free ends 72 represent the parts of the roller 30 with the smallest diameter D.

[0080] According to a non-limiting feature of the invention, roller 30 has a degree of inclination I between its center C and its transverse free ends 72, of between 1°and 5°. According to an advantageous example, the degree of inclination I is 2°.

[0081] Such a configuration of the roller 30 is advantageous in that, when using the application device 18, it enables the excess plaster to be directed towards the outer periphery of the tape so that it can subsequently be scraped off by the scraping member 32.

[0082] As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the roller 30 comprises a linear contact zone LIN designed to come into contact at least with the tape.

[0083] Thus, at least the linear contact zone LIN located at the center C of the roller 30 and the transverse end edge 50 extend in a common longitudinal L and transverse T plane.

[0084] This feature ensures contact between the tape and both the roller 30 and the transverse end edge 50 of the application device 18.

[0085] According to an example of the invention shown in FIG. 4, a second transverse dimension DT2 of roller 30 is defined along its axis of rotation R. The first transverse dimension DT1 of the transverse end edge 50 of blade 46 is then greater than the second transverse dimension DT2 of roller 30.

[0086] This feature enables the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 to ensure optimum recovery of the plaster displaced from the periphery of the tape by the roller 30 prior to the passage of the blade 46.

[0087] According to a non-limiting example of the invention, the second transverse dimension DT2 of roller 30 is between 85 mm and 95 mm. According to an advantageous example, the first transverse dimension DT2 is equal to 90 mm.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 4, the blade 46 of the scraping member 32 has an increasing transverse dimension from its fastening edge to its transverse end edge 50. It is thus understood that the blade 46 has a flared shape from its fastening edge to its transverse end edge 50.

[0089] Such a feature makes it possible to maintain an optimum dimension of the transverse end edge 50 of the blade 46 as described above, while limiting a transverse dimension of the tongue 40, and thus of the first lumen 34. This ensures optimum scraping of the plaster and optimal strength of the plate 24.

[0090] The application device 18 shown in FIG. 5 is further configured to cooperate with an assembly comprising a handle 76 coupled to a tray 74. It is thus understood that the tray 74 and the handle 76 form a single piece.

[0091] More precisely, the plate 74 is arranged mainly on the center of the plate 24, straddling between the first part 38 and the second part 52 of the plate 24, and extends on the second side 28 so as to at least partially cover the first lumen 34 of the plate 24.

[0092] The plate 74 is then secured to the plate 24 by a fastening system consisting of two screws with nuts, for example of the butterfly type. Holes are then formed in plate 24 to accommodate the screws and nuts of the mounting system of the tray 74. In this way, the plate 74 is secured to the plate 24 by cooperation of the plate 74 with the fastening system comprising the two screws with nuts. The cooperation between the tray and the fastening system corresponds, for example, to a snap-fit of the tray onto the fastening system. Preferably, the holes on the plate are 110 mm apart in transverse direction T.

[0093] Such an assembly comprising the handle 76 and the plate 74 known as the “finish box handle” is also known from the prior art and corresponds to a standard fastener on the market.

[0094] The advantage of this feature is that the application device 18 can be used in either direction. This advantage of the invention will be explained in greater detail when the method of using the application assembly is described.

[0095] The plate 24 shown in the example further comprises a front cut-out 77 which extends transversely through the first part 38 of the plate 24, and more particularly along a transverse end edge of the plate 24. Such a front cut-out 77 is centered on the plate 24 in the transverse direction T.

[0096] Such a front cut-out 77 forms a guide for a user of the application assembly, making it easier to move the application device 18 along the tape.

[0097] The front cut-out 77 also has a transverse dimension of between 40 mm and 60 mm. Preferably, the front cutout 77 extends over a transverse dimension of 50 mm, usually corresponding to a transverse dimension, or width, of the tape.

[0098] The application assembly 10 further comprises the aforementioned support 20.

[0099] In the remainder of the description, it will be understood that the longitudinal L, transverse T and vertical V directions of the support 20 correspond to those of the application device 18 when the support 20 is used with the application device 18.

[0100] The support 20, particularly visible in FIG. 6, comprises at least one guide surface 78 configured to receive and guide the roller of the application device in rotation, and comprises a scraping wall 80 configured to receive the blade of the scraping member when the roller is guided by the guide surface.

[0101] More particularly, a central portion 82 of the support 20 is defined, the guide surface 78 extending longitudinally from the central portion 82 to a free edge 84 of the guide surface 78.

[0102] The guide surface 78 extends over a third transverse distance DT3 which is greater than the second transverse dimension DT2 of the roller 30 mentioned above.

[0103] In particular, the guide surface 78 has a flared shape so that its third transverse distance DT3 is greater than the level of the central part 82 in relation to its free edge 84.

[0104] This feature makes it easier to position the roller on the guide surface 78 at the central part 82, when using the support 20.

[0105] The guide surface 78 of the support 20 further comprises raised edges 86 which extend along the longitudinal direction L and at the transverse periphery T thereof. Such raised edges 86 help to guide and hold the roller transversely along the guide surface 78.

[0106] The raised edges 86 of the guide surface 78 can be formed by folding the material of the support 20.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the free edge 84 of the guide surface 78 comprises at least one element 88 for holding the support 20 to the tank 22. The holding element 88 can be formed, for example, by curved tabs 90 so as to form bearing surfaces which extend in transverse planes T and vertical planes V.

[0108] At least two curved brackets 90 then extend offset from each other in the longitudinal direction L, so as to accommodate an edge of the tank 22 between them.

[0109] In other words, the longitudinal offset of the two curved brackets 90 enables the support to engage on either side of the edge of the tank 22 in such a way as to radially lock the support 20 in position on said tank 22.

[0110] According to the shown example of the invention, the support 20 comprises three curved brackets 90, of which one transversely central curved bracket 90 is longitudinally offset from the other two curved brackets 90.

[0111] According to a non-limiting example of the invention, the curved brackets 90 are formed by cutting and bending the material of the support 20.

[0112] The scraping wall 80 of the support 20 extends from the aforementioned central part 82 of the support 20 in such a way that it faces the guide surface 78. In other words, the guide surface 78 and the scraping wall 80 are aligned along a first straight line D1 which is parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0113] The scraping wall 80 is then a wall which projects from the central part 82 of the support 20 in a vertical plane V and transverse plane T, and which is complementary in shape and transverse dimension to the scraping member.

[0114] It is understood that such a feature enables the scraping wall 80 to be optimally positioned so that the blade of the scraping member skims a free end edge of the scraping wall 80, when the roller is guided in rotation on the guide surface 78, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0115] This scraping action clears the blade of the plaster collected when the application device passes over the tape.

[0116] According to an example of the invention, the scraping wall 80 may comprise fastening apertures 92 enabling the fastening of a rubber slide, not visible, fixed by a counterplate, not visible, by a screwing or riveting method.

[0117] The support 20 further comprises lugs 94 for fastening to the tank 22. In particular, the mounting brackets 94 extend on either side of the central part 82 of the support 20 and in such a way that they are aligned along a second straight line D2 perpendicular to the first straight line D1. The mounting brackets 94 extend in the transverse direction T.

[0118] The mounting brackets 94 then comprise fastening holes 96 for attaching brackets, not shown, to the tank 22.

[0119] According to the example of the invention, the fastening holes 96 are oblong in the transverse direction T to allow adjustment of the position of the brackets in the transverse direction T.

[0120] In this way, the support 20 can be adapted to different tank 22 diameters.

[0121] According to an advantageous example of the invention, the mounting brackets 94 each extend over a transverse dimension of between 25 cm and 30 cm.

[0122] The mounting brackets 94 may each comprise at least one peripheral reinforcing edge 98, formed by deforming the material of the support 20, in order to improve the strength of the mounting brackets 94.

[0123] The method of using the tape 12 application assembly 10 according to an example of the invention will now be described in more detail by means of FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0124] The method comprises a first step, known as the tape 12 bonding step, wherein the plaster is placed over at least the joint 14.

[0125] The tape 12 is then placed over the joint 14 in such a way that it is substantially centered on the joint 14. The tape 12 is then held in place on the joint 14 by the plaster.

[0126] The method then comprises a second step, wherein the tape 12 is tightened, excess plaster is removed and the surface is smoothed.

[0127] In this second step, the application assembly 10 as described above is used.

[0128] In fact, the tape 12 application assembly 10 advantageously enables the operations of the second step to be carried out in a single pass over the tape 12.

[0129] In this way, the application device 18 is placed on the tape 12 by means of the handle 76 attached to it, and a translational movement is made along the tape 12 while applying constant pressure.

[0130] In particular, the application device 18 is moved along the tape 12 so that the roller 30 passes over the tape 12 before the scraping member 32.

[0131] In this way, the roller 30 presses the tape 12 against the joint 14, and its particular inverted two-cone shape directs excess plaster to the periphery of the tape 12.

[0132] Once the roller 30 has passed over the tape 12, scraping member 32 recovers the excess plaster directed around the edge of tape 12 by the roller 30. In other words, the transverse end edge 50 and the wings 54 of the blade 46 of the scraping member 32, on the one hand, recover the plaster and, on the other hand, smooth the surface of the tape 12 on the panels 16 overlapping the joint 14.

[0133] It is also understood that the handle 76 rigidly connected to the application device 18, as described above, advantageously enables an operator to use the application device 18 without the need for a height-raising device such as a stepladder.

[0134] The handle 76, and in particular the assembly comprising the handle 76 and the plate 74, known as the “finishing box handle”, held by screwing onto the plate 24, also enables the application device 18 to be used in two directions, i.e. from top to bottom or from bottom to top, these directions being defined in relation to the earth's surface representing the bottom and according to the earth's gravity.

[0135] Once the application device 18 has passed over the tape 12, the method comprises a third step wherein the plaster is removed from the application device 18.

[0136] In this third step, shown in FIG. 7, the application device 18 is positioned on the support 20 so that the roller 30 is in contact with the central part 82 and the fastening edge 48 of the blade 46 of the scraping member 32 faces the scraping wall 80. The application device 18 is then moved longitudinally on the support 20 so that the roller 30 is guided by the guide surface 78 as described above, and so that the blade 46 slides along the scraping wall 80 from its fastening end towards its transverse end edge, thus clearing it of the collected plaster.

[0137] The collected plaster then flows into the tank 22, above which the support 20 is positioned.

[0138] The advantage of the application assembly described above is that it facilitates the installation of a tape at a joint between two wall panels by simultaneously performing the steps of embedding the tape, removing excess plaster, and smoothing the tape. In this way, the application device reduces the number of steps required by an operator to lay the tape, and effectively enables the tape to be applied to the entire joint, irrespective of the height of the wall, in particular by means of the handle fastener.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0029]For the description of the invention and comprehension of the claims, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the reference frame V, L, T indicated in the figures, whose longitudinal L and transverse T axes extend in a horizontal plane, will be adopted in a non-limiting manner and without reference to earth's gravity. By convention, the longitudinal axis L is oriented from the rear to the front.

[0030]In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be referred to by the same reference numbers.

[0031]FIG. 1 shows an assembly 10 for applying a tape 12 to a joint 14 between two panels 16, for example on a wall. The two panels 16 can be, for example and in a non-limiting way, drywall panels commonly used in building construction and can, for example and in a non-limiting way, have a tapered edge 17. Tapered edges 17 are understood to mean a reduction in the thickness of the panels 16.

[0032]Thus, the joint 14 between the two pan...

Claims

1. A device for applying a tape arranged at a joint between two panels, the device comprising at least:a plate which extends in a longitudinal and transverse main plane, the plate comprising at least one scraping member,the scraping member comprising at least one blade which extends in a plane intersecting the main plane of the plate,a roller rigidly connected to the plate via fastening means that allow the roller to rotate about a transverse rotation axis, the roller and the scraping member extending from the same side of the plate, the roller having a shape of two right circular cones whose bases are wholly in contact with each other, the device comprising at least one abutment member which extends from the plate towards the blade of the scraping member.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the roller comprises a linear contact zone for bearing at least against the tape, and the blade of the scraping member comprises a transverse end edge, opposite a plate fastening edge, intended for bearing at least against the tape, the linear contact zone and the transverse end edge extending at least in part in a common longitudinal and transverse plane.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the scraping member comprises two wings which extend on either side of the blade, from its transverse end edge and such that the wings extend in a plane intersecting the main plane of the plate and the plane of the blade of the scraping member, and in a direction of the roller.

4. The device according claim 1, wherein a transverse end edge of the blade of the scraping member extends along a first transverse dimension and the roller extends along a second transverse dimension, the first transverse dimension being greater than the second transverse dimension.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one abutment member comprises a fastening means for fastening to the plate allowing vertical displacement of said abutment member and holding said abutment member in position.

6. The device according to claim 2, wherein at least the fastening edge of the blade is resiliently deformable.

Images