Roller for marking a wall to be smoothed, and methods implementing such a roller

Abstract

The invention relates to a roller (10) for marking a wall to be smoothed, the roller (10) comprising a sleeve (11) extending about a first axis, the sleeve (11) being designed to be applied to the wall, the sleeve (11) being designed to rotate about the first axis, the roller (10) comprising a ring (12), the ring (12) being designed to cooperate with a yoke (21) of a handle (20), the sleeve (11) comprising a composition designed to be deposited on the wall when the sleeve is applied to the wall, the sleeve (11) having an end (11'), the ring (12) being embedded at the end (11') of the sleeve (11), the ring (12) cooperating with the yoke (21) in order to produce a rotational friction torque with respect to the first axis so as to deposit a film of the composition on a plurality of regions of the wall when the sleeve (11) is applied to the wall.

Description

ROLLER FOR MARKING A WALL TO BE SMOOTHED, AND METHODS USING SUCH A ROLLER

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of surface finishing work. It finds advantageous application in the field of painting and particularly in painting on large surfaces.

[0002] In the state of the art, two main techniques are commonly used to identify surface irregularities of a wall and ensure precise smoothing during wall finishing operations: the use of grazing lights and the application of sanding guides with a pad containing powder.

[0003] The use of grazing light relies on directional lighting positioned at a low angle to the surface being treated. This technique highlights textures and imperfections by casting contrasting shadows, thus facilitating the detection of defects requiring correction. However, this method has limitations, particularly regarding lighting conditions: excessive brightness or poorly directed light can compromise the visibility of defects. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this technique is highly dependent on the operator's experience, meaning that the wall smoothing result is unpredictable and varies from one operator to another.

[0004] Using a sanding guide with a powder-impregnated pad represents a second, state-of-the-art approach. In this approach, a layer of powder is applied to the surface to be smoothed before sanding. The powder adheres to the raised irregularities of the wall and gradually disappears during sanding, thus visually identifying the areas of the wall requiring finishing work. However, the sanding guide has significant limitations. Applying the powder evenly to the surface can be challenging, requiring careful handling to avoid uneven distribution. Using the pad to spread the powder also has limitations, as adhesion and uniform distribution are not always guaranteed, which can lead to partially treated wall irregularities or, failing that, errors in assessing the irregularities.Consequently, the smoothing process becomes more laborious and requires increased attention from the operator, thus lengthening preparation times and increasing the risk of residual defects on the wall surface.

[0005] The invention aims to overcome these limitations by proposing a device that ensures the application of a visual indicator on a wall in order to facilitate the wall smoothing process.

[0006] Thus, to achieve this objective, the present invention proposes a roller for marking a wall to be smoothed, the roller comprising a sleeve extending circumferentially around a first axis, the sleeve being configured to be applied to the wall, the sleeve being configured to be in rotation about the first axis, the roller being remarkable in that the roller comprises a ring, the ring being configured to cooperate with a stirrup of a handle, the sleeve comprising a composition configured to be deposited on the wall when the sleeve is applied to the wall, the sleeve having an end, the ring being embedded in the end of the sleeve, the ring cooperating with the stirrup to produce a frictional torque in rotation about the first axis so as to deposit a film of the composition on a plurality of regions of the wall when the sleeve is applied to the wall.

[0007] This ensures a homogeneous application of a composition, acting as a visual indicator, to the wall's irregularities. By generating a rotational friction torque about the first axis, the invention allows for better control of the indicator's deposition on the surface being treated, stabilizing the roller's movement and ensuring a more uniform distribution of the composition. This makes it easier for the user to identify surface irregularities on the wall. Consequently, this allows for more precise detection of areas requiring smoothing, without the risk of overloading or partially treated areas that could distort the assessment of the finishing work to be carried out. As a result, smoothing the wall becomes easier.

[0008] Advantageously, the composition comprises between 60% and 70% of a plaster, between 30% and 40% of an aqueous liquid, between 0.01% and 0.1% of a coloring agent.

[0009] This composition allows for a uniform and economical application of a thin film of the compound to the surface. Thanks to the presence of the colorant, the applied layer remains easily visible, thus facilitating the identification of areas requiring sanding. Furthermore, the distribution of plaster and aqueous liquid ensures good adhesion of the compound while guaranteeing economical application to the wall.

[0010] Advantageously, the ring has an internal diameter, the caliper has an external diameter, the ratio of the internal diameter of the ring to the external diameter of the caliper is between 97% and 98%.

[0011] Thanks to its elastic deformation under tightening, the ring can adapt more effectively to dimensional variations in the sleeve and / or bracket, thus ensuring a robust and reliable long-term fixing. Furthermore, in this geometric configuration, the ring is tightened onto the bracket in such a way as to produce a rotational friction torque about the first axis, thereby depositing a film of the compound onto multiple areas of the wall when the sleeve is applied.

[0012] The invention also relates to a method of assembling a handle with a roller as described above, the handle comprising a stirrup extending longitudinally along a second axis, the assembly method comprising the following steps: - a step of aligning the first axis with the second axis; - a step of translating the roller towards the handle when the first axis is aligned with the second axis; - a step of tightening the ring on the stirrup so as to assemble the handle to the roller.

[0013] The assembly process is simple and easy to perform. Furthermore, the process is easily adaptable to various available handle configurations.

[0014] The invention also relates to a mold for manufacturing a roller as described above, the mold having an end comprising a closure and a nozzle, the mold comprising a cannula having an end in contact with the end of the mold.

[0015] Such a mold allows for easy adaptation to different dimensions of rolls to be manufactured.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method of mounting a mold as described above, the mounting method comprising the following steps: - a step of moving the cannula towards the closure; - a step of fixing the end of the cannula to the end of the mold; - a step of inserting the nozzle into the end of the mold.

[0017] The mold can be manufactured simply and economically, particularly using readily available tubing, such as gasket tubing, or a similar component, thus reducing production costs. Furthermore, the assembly process is compatible with various roller shapes.

[0018] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a roller as described above, the manufacturing method comprising the following steps: - a step of injecting the composition into the mold through the cannula; - a step of forming a mold by drying the injected composition; - a step of ejecting the mold formed through the nozzle; - a step of machining a chamber at one end of the ejected mold; - a step of embedding the ring in the chamber so as to manufacture a roller.

[0019] This simple process, suitable for mass production, guarantees a reliable and durable roller. Controlled injection of the composition into a mold via a nozzle ensures homogeneous filling and minimizes internal defects. Subsequently, a drying process allows the composition to set before controlled ejection through the nozzle, preserving the integrity of the mold.

[0020] Advantageously, the drying process takes place over a first predetermined period of between 1 and 3 hours.

[0021] Advantageously, the sleeve is machined following a second predetermined duration after the sleeve formation, the second predetermined duration being between 24 hours and 48 hours.

[0022] The first predetermined drying time is sufficient to ensure the surface of the roll dries, thus stabilizing its shape and limiting the risk of deformation during subsequent handling. However, for the roll to achieve the mechanical strength required for wall application, a second predetermined drying time allows for uniform hardening of the composition throughout the entire volume of the roll, ensuring sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the stresses of use. This waiting time also guarantees that the sleeve can be machined while avoiding deformation or cracking resulting from premature machining of a still-damp composition.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method of marking a wall by a roller as described above, the marking method comprising the following steps: - a step of applying a first angular sector of the sleeve to a wall; - a step of rotating the sleeve about the first axis, the ring cooperating with the stirrup to produce a friction couple in rotation about the first axis so as to deposit a film of the composition on a plurality of regions of the wall when the first angular sector of the sleeve is applied to the wall; - a step of applying a second angular sector of the sleeve to the wall when the sleeve is rotating about the first axis.

[0024] This marking process wears the sleeve through friction against the wall in an economical way, ensuring a homogeneous distribution of stress when the roller is applied across the entire surface of the sleeve. During application, an initial angular sector of the sleeve makes contact with the wall, initiating the deposition of the compound. A limited rotation around this first axis then progressively transfers the contact between the sleeve and the wall to a second angular sector, preventing localized wear, thus extending the roller's lifespan and ensuring a uniform application of the compound to the wall.

[0025] The invention also relates to a wall obtained by a marking process as described above, the wall comprising a plurality of regions presenting a deposit of the sleeve.

[0026] The plurality of regions is easily identifiable visually, making it easier to locate the areas to be sanded.

[0027] The invention further relates to a method for smoothing a wall as described above, the method comprising a step of sanding the plurality of regions directly by visual inspection of the wall.

[0028] This allows the wall to be sanded without the need for additional tools, such as a laser projector. Visual inspection of the wall is quick and easy, as it is done directly, without requiring the use of additional tools to highlight the various areas.

[0029] The invention relates jointly to a wall obtained by a smoothing process as described above.

[0030] The wall thus has sufficient regularity to be painted without incurring additional costs in tools.

[0031] The invention further relates to a building comprising a wall as described above.

[0032] The marking and smoothing processes are easy to implement, making them suitable for smoothing large building surfaces.

[0033] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the attached figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: schematically illustrates a view of a roller and a handle according to an embodiment of the invention; schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view along the cutting plane AA, illustrated in the; schematically illustrates a view of a mold for manufacturing the roller illustrated in the according to an embodiment of the invention; schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view along the cutting plane BB, illustrated in the; schematically illustrates a view of a ring intended to equip a roller according to the invention.

[0034] A roller 10 for marking a wall to be smoothed and a handle 20 are schematically illustrated in Figure 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The roller 10 comprises a sleeve 11 and a ring 12, also illustrated in Figure 10. The sleeve 11, made of a friable material, is intended to be applied to the wall, particularly by contact with surfaces, preferably flat surfaces, but with irregularities. The roller 10 acts as a tool comprising the sleeve 11, and also holds the sleeve 11 in place by interfacing with the handle 20. The sleeve 11 extends circumferentially around a first axis X1, illustrated in Figure 10. The sleeve 11 is configured to rotate about the first axis. Furthermore, the handle 20 comprises a stirrup 21. The stirrup 21, also illustrated in Figure 10, extends longitudinally along a second axis X2.

[0035] The sleeve 11 preferably has an annular shape. The sleeve 11 preferably extends longitudinally along the first axis X1. Consequently, the sleeve 11 extends over a predetermined length along the first axis X1. The predetermined length is preferably 170 mm. Furthermore, the sleeve 11 has an external diameter D11A and an internal diameter D11B. For example, the external diameter D11A of the sleeve 11 is preferably 45 mm.

[0036] For example, the sleeve 11 is made of a friable material capable of locally disintegrating into powder when the sleeve 11 is applied to a surface. Preferably, the friable material has a friability index chosen specifically to maintain the overall shape of the sleeve 11 in use, while allowing for localized abrasion of the sleeve 11 under the effect of pressure. More preferably, the friability index is greater than or equal to 0.5.

[0037] The sleeve 11 has an end 11'. In this case, the sleeve 11 has a ring-shaped end 11'. The end 11', also illustrated in Figure 1, of the sleeve 11 preferably extends transversely to the first axis X1. The end 11' of the sleeve 11 has a chamber, preferably cylindrical in shape, having a chamber diameter. Furthermore, the chamber extends to a predetermined depth along the first axis X1.

[0038] The ring 12 is disposed at the end 11' of the sleeve 11. The ring 12 is configured to cooperate with the stirrup 21 to produce a rotational friction torque about the first axis X1 so as to deposit a film of the composition on a plurality of regions of the wall when the sleeve 11 is applied to the wall. Furthermore, the ring 12 extends circumferentially about the first axis X1. The ring 12 advantageously comprises at least a plurality of lobes 12A', 12B' distributed circumferentially around the first axis X1. For example, the ring 12 has an outer periphery 12A and an inner periphery 12B, as illustrated in Figure 1. The outer periphery 12A advantageously comprises a first plurality of lobes 12A', preferably distributed circumferentially on the outer periphery 12A about the first axis X1, and numbering, for example, 20 lobes.Similarly, the inner periphery 12B advantageously includes a second plurality of lobes 12B', preferably distributed circumferentially around the inner periphery 12B with respect to the first axis X1, and numbering, for example, 5 lobes. Thus, the first plurality of lobes 12A' allows for better contact with the sleeve 11, while the second plurality of lobes 12B' allows for better contact with the stirrup 21. The ring 12 has an external diameter D12A and an internal diameter D12B. The external diameter D12A of the ring 12 is chosen relative to the diameter of the chamber (or vice versa). For example, the external diameter 12A of the ring 12 is 15 mm. Furthermore, the diameter of the chamber is chosen to provide mechanical clearance between the chamber and the ring 12 such that the ring 12 is held tightly against the end 11' of the sleeve 11. For example, the diameter of the chamber is 14 mm. This allows for better distribution of clamping forces.Indeed, each lobe acts as an additional point of contact, allowing for better force transmission and a reduction in the risk of slippage or loosening under mechanical stress during the use of roller 10. This configuration also makes it possible to compensate for any manufacturing tolerances by ensuring a more precise fit between the ring 12 and other associated components such as the bracket 21 and / or the sleeve 11. Furthermore, the circumferential distribution of the lobes limits the concentration of stresses at a single point, thus reducing the risk of preferential failure.

[0039] The ring 12 is also configured to clamp onto the bracket 21 in such a way as to limit the rotational movement of the sleeve 11 about the first axis X1. For example, the inner diameter D12B of the ring 12 is chosen relative to the outer diameter of the bracket 21, for example, to be 8 mm. For example, the inner diameter D12B of the ring 12 is 7.8 mm. Consequently, the ring 12 has an elastic range suitable for clamping the ring 12. Furthermore, the inner diameter D11B of the sleeve 11 is chosen to provide mechanical clearance between the sleeve 11 and the bracket 21, taking into account the outer diameter of the bracket 21, such that the sleeve 11 and the bracket 21 are held together without preventing any rotational movement of the sleeve 11 about the first axis X1. For example, the inner diameter D11B of the sleeve 11 is typically 8 mm.Preferably, the ratio of the inner diameter of the ring to the outer diameter of the caliper is between 97% and 98%.

[0040] Steps in a method for assembling the handle with the roller are described below according to one embodiment of the invention. In an alignment step, the first axis X1 is aligned with the second axis X2. Thus, the first axis X1 coincides with the second axis X2, as illustrated in Figure 1. In a translation step, the roller 10 translates towards the handle 20 when the first axis X1 is aligned with the second axis X2. In a clamping step, the ring 12 is clamped onto the bracket 21, in particular by being fitted onto the bracket 21.

[0041] A mold 30, illustrated in Figure 1, for manufacturing the sleeve 11 is described below according to an embodiment of the invention. Thus, the mold 30 has dimensions suitable for molding the sleeve 11 described above. The mold 30, illustrated in Figure 1, has an end 36 comprising a closure 34 and a nozzle 35. The mold 30 includes a cannula 31 comprising an end 33 and a tube 32. The cannula 31 has an end 33 in contact with the end 36 of the mold 30. Thus, the end 33 of the cannula 31 is held to the end 36 of the mold 30 by a screw, not illustrated, two washers preferably being arranged on the screw and on either side of the end 36 of the mold 30. Preferably, the cannula 31, in particular the end 33 of the cannula 31, comprises a plastic and / or elastomer material. This allows the nozzle 31 to be easily placed in the mold and the sleeve 11 to be easily removed from the mold 30.

[0042] Alternatively, the roller 10 includes a ring 42, illustrated in the figure. The ring 42 has a first end and a second end along a central axis X'. The ring 42 preferably includes a flange 42C, preferably located at the first end of the ring 42. The flange 42C extends circumferentially around the central axis X'. The flange 42C facilitates holding the ring 42 in position on the sleeve 11.

[0043] The ring 42 advantageously comprises at least one plurality of splines 42A', 42B' distributed circumferentially around the central axis X'. For example, the ring 42 has an outer periphery 42A and an inner periphery 42B. The outer periphery 42A advantageously comprises a first plurality of splines 42A', preferably distributed circumferentially on the outer periphery 42A with respect to the central axis X', and numbering, for example, 10 splines. Similarly, the inner periphery 42B advantageously comprises a second plurality of splines 42B', preferably distributed circumferentially on the inner periphery 42B with respect to the central axis X', and numbering, for example, 10 splines. Thus, the first plurality of grooves 42A' allows better contact with the sleeve 11, while the second plurality of grooves 42B' allows better contact with the stirrup 21.

[0044] The ring 42 preferably has a frustoconical portion 42D located preferably at the second end of the ring 42. The frustoconical portion 42D facilitates the assembly of the ring 42 onto the sleeve 11. The frustoconical portion 42D extends circumferentially around the central axis X'. The frustoconical portion 42D has a base and an apex having, respectively, a first section perpendicular to the first axis X1 and a second section perpendicular to the first axis X1. The apex of the frustoconical portion 42D is located at a free end of the ring 42. The first and second sections have, respectively, a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is preferably smaller than the first surface.

[0045] Steps in a manufacturing process using mold 30 are described below according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0046] In an injection step, a composition is injected into the mold 30 through the cannula, specifically the tube. The composition advantageously comprises between 60% and 70% plaster, between 30% and 40% an aqueous liquid, preferably water, and between 0.01% and 0.1% of a coloring agent. For example, the composition comprises 400 g of plaster of Paris, 200 g of water, and between 2 g and 5 g of coloring agent. Thus, the sleeve 11 comprises between 60% and 70% plaster, between 30% and 40% an aqueous liquid, and between 0.01% and 0.1% of a coloring agent. Alternatively, the composition advantageously comprises charcoal. In a forming step, the sleeve 11 is formed by drying the injected composition. For example, the drying takes place over a predetermined initial period. The first predetermined duration is advantageously between 1 and 3 hours. The first predetermined duration is preferably 2 hours. In an ejection step, the formed sleeve 11 is ejected through the nozzle.Preferably, the nozzle includes a compressed air inlet. In a machining step, a counterbore is machined at the end 11' of the sleeve 11. For example, the counterbore is made by drilling with a drill bit of a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the counterbore. Advantageously, the counterbore is coated with an adhesive, preferably of the glue type. Preferably, the end of the sleeve 11 is machined for a second predetermined time after the sleeve 11 has been formed. For example, the second predetermined time is between 24 and 48 hours.

[0047] In an embedding step, the ring 12 is embedded in the chamber so as to make a roller 10.

[0048] Steps of a method for marking a wall with a roller 10 are described below according to an embodiment of the invention. In an application step, a first angular sector of the sleeve 11 is applied to the wall. The application of this first angular sector wears down the sleeve 11, which develops a substantial first flat area. No refilling is required during the application of the roller 10, even though the sleeve 11 wears down, as the sleeve 11 is made of the composition described above. In a rotation step, the sleeve 11 rotates about the first axis X1 when the first angular section of the sleeve 11 is applied to the wall. The ring 12 cooperates with the stirrup 21 to produce a frictional torque in rotation about the first axis X1, so as to deposit a film of the composition onto a plurality of regions of the wall when the first angular sector of the sleeve 11 is applied to the wall.In an application step, a second angular sector of the sleeve 11 is applied to the wall. Upon application of this second angular sector, the sleeve 11 develops a substantial second flat surface. Preferably, the second angular sector has a substantially equal area to the first angular sector. Preferably, the second flat surface is adjacent to the first flat surface. When the application and rotation steps are repeated, the worn sleeve 11 develops a plurality of flat surfaces forming a substantially prismatic shape with a preferably regular polygonal base.

[0049] The marked wall comprises a plurality of regions containing a deposit of sleeve 11. For example, the deposit takes the form of a film of particles. Preferably, the deposit has a predetermined color. The predetermined color is derived from the coloring agent in the composition. Even more advantageously, the predetermined color is chosen to be complementary to the color of the wall. In this way, the plurality of regions visually contrasts with the wall, thus facilitating the identification of the plurality of regions.

[0050] A step in a process for smoothing a marked wall is described below according to an embodiment of the invention. In a sanding step, the plurality of areas is sanded directly by visual inspection of the marked wall. Indeed, the wall presents surface irregularities, particularly protrusions. The plurality of areas correspond to deposits on the wall's protrusions. Thus, sanding the marked wall in the plurality of areas evens out the wall's surface.

Claims

A roller (10) for marking a wall to be smoothed, the roller (10) comprising a sleeve (11) extending circumferentially about a first axis (X1), the sleeve (11) being configured to be applied to the wall, the sleeve (11) being configured to rotate about the first axis (X1), characterized in that the roller (10) comprises a ring (12; 42), the ring (12; 42) being configured to cooperate with a bracket (21) of a handle (20), the sleeve (11) comprising a composition configured to be deposited on the wall when the sleeve (11) is applied to the wall, the sleeve (11) having an end (11'), the ring (12; 42) being embedded in the end (11') of the sleeve (11), the ring (12; 42) being configured to cooperate with the bracket (21) to produce a rotational frictional torque relative to the first axis (X1) so as to deposit a film of the composition on a plurality of regions of the wall when the sleeve (11) is applied to the wall. Roller (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition comprises between 60% and 70% of a plaster, between 30% and 40% of an aqueous liquid, between 0.01% and 0.1% of a coloring agent. Roller (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ring (42) comprises a collar (42C). Roller (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ring (42) has a frustoconical portion (42D). Method of assembling a handle with a roller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the handle (20) comprising a stirrup (21) extending longitudinally along a second axis (X2), the assembly method comprising the following steps: - a step of aligning the first axis (X1) with the second axis (X2); - a step of translating the roller (10) towards the handle (20) when the first axis (X1) is aligned with the second axis (X2); - a step of tightening the ring (12; 42) on the stirrup (21) so as to assemble the handle (20) to the roller (10). Mold (30) for manufacturing a roller (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the mold (30) has an end (36) comprising a closure (34) and a nozzle (35), the mold (30) comprising a cannula (31) having an end (33) in contact with the end (36) of the mold (30). A method for assembling a mold according to claim 6, the assembly method comprising the following steps: - a step of moving the cannula (31) towards the closure (34); - a step of fixing the end (33) of the cannula (31) to the end (36) of the mold (30); - a step of inserting the nozzle (35) into the end (36) of the mold (30). A method for manufacturing a roller (10), employing a mold (30) according to claim 6, the manufacturing method comprising the following steps: - a step of injecting the composition into the mold (30) through the cannula (31); - a step of forming a mold by drying the injected composition; - a step of ejecting the mold formed through the nozzle (35); - a step of machining a chamber at one end of the ejected mold; - a step of embedding the ring (12; 42) in the chamber so as to manufacture a roller (10). Manufacturing process according to claim 8, characterized in that the drying takes place over a first predetermined period of between 1 hour and 3 hours. Manufacturing method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the sleeve is machined following a second predetermined duration after the formation of the sleeve, the second predetermined duration being between 24 hours and 48 hours. A method for marking a wall by means of a roller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the marking method comprising the following steps: - a step of applying a first angular sector of the sleeve (11) to a wall; - a step of rotating the sleeve (11) about the first axis (X1), the ring (12; 42) cooperating with the stirrup (21) to produce a frictional torque in rotation about the first axis (X1) so as to deposit a film of the composition on a plurality of regions of the wall when the first angular sector of the sleeve (11) is applied to the wall; - a step of applying a second angular sector of the sleeve (11) to the wall when the sleeve (11) is rotating about the first axis (X1). Wall obtained by a marking process according to claim 11. A wall smoothing method according to claim 12, the smoothing method comprising a step of sanding the plurality of regions so as to even out the surface of the wall. Wall obtained by a smoothing process according to claim 13. Building comprising a wall according to claim 12 or 14.

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