US20130227796A1

US20130227796A1 - Multi-Functional Filler Processor

Info

Publication number: US20130227796A1
Application number: US13/778,792
Authority: US
Inventors: Eric Liao
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-03-01
Filing date: 2013-02-27
Publication date: 2013-09-05
Also published as: DE102013100911A1; TW201336634A; DE102013100911B4; TWI517942B

Abstract

A multi-functional filler processor includes a handle and three tool bits. The first tool bit is formed at a first end of the handle. The second tool bit is connected to a second end of the handle. The third tool bit is movably attached to the handle between an idle position and an active position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a hand tool and, more particularly, to a multi-functional hand tool for processing filler in a slit or corner between two objects.
2. Related Prior Art
It is necessary to provide filler in a split or corner between two objects during decoration of a house for example. Such filler includes, but not limited to, concrete and silicone. It is necessary to process the filler after it is filled in the split or corner. A worker may use his or her finger to process the filler. However, the filler is not satisfactory aesthetically. Hence, it is preferred to use a tool to process the filler.
To process the filler, needed are various tools such as a scrapper for making a flat face on the filler, a towel for making an arched face on the filler and shovel for removing used filler. Each tool is used for a unique purpose and necessary for processing the filler. However, it bothers a user to carry individual tools.
The present invention is therefore intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide an easy, multi-functional filler processor.
To achieve the foregoing objectives, the multi-functional filler processor includes a handle and three tool bits. The first tool bit is connected to a first end of the handle. The second tool bit is connected to a second end of the handle. The third tool bit is movably attached to the handle between an idle position and an active position.
In another aspect, the multi-functional filler processor further includes a first sliding element movably connected to the handle, and the third tool bit is connected to the first sliding element.
In another aspect, the handle includes at least one ridge formed thereon, and the first sliding element includes at least one groove for receiving the ridge.
In another aspect, the handle includes a slot longitudinally defined therein, and the first sliding element includes at least one stem movably placed in the slot.
In another aspect, the multi-functional filler processor further includes a second sliding element placed against and at least one screw driven in the stem through the second sliding element.
In another aspect, the handle includes two recesses defined therein, and the second sliding element includes a boss inserted in the recesses corresponding to the idle and active positions.
In another aspect, the first tool bit is a scrapper.
In another aspect, the second tool bit is a shovel.
In another aspect, the multi-functional filler processor further includes at least one fastener for connecting the shovel to the handle.
In another aspect, the third tool bit is a towel.
In another aspect, the third tool bit is detachably connected to the first sliding element.
In another aspect, the first sliding element includes an insert extending from an end, and the third tool bit includes a pocket for receiving the insert.
In another aspect, the first sliding element includes two tabs extending from the insert, and the third tool bit includes two bores for receiving the tabs.
In another aspect, the handle is made of an arched configuration.
Other objectives, advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description referring to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described via detailed illustration of two embodiments referring to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a multi-functional filler processor according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another exploded view of the multi-functional filler processor shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the multi-functional filler processor shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the multi-functional filler processor shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the multi-functional filler processor shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-functional filler processor shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view of the multi-functional filler processor shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the multi-functional filler processor in another position than shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the multi-functional filler processor shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a right side view of the multi-functional filler processor shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a multi-functional filler processor according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a multi-functional filler processor according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The multi-functional filler processor includes a handle 10 and three tool bits 20, 30 and 50. The first tool bit 20 is connected to a first end 11 of the handle 10. The second tool bit 30 is connected to a second end 12 of the handle 10. A sliding device 60 is movably connected to the handle 10. The third tool bit 50 is detachably attached to the sliding device 60 by a releasable connector device 70.
The handle 10 includes two ridges 62, a slot 63, two grooves 671 (FIG. 7), two ribs 64 and two pairs of recesses 68. The ridges 62 longitudinally extend on an upper face of the handle 10. The slot 63 is longitudinally defined in the handle 10. The slot 63 includes two ends 631 and 632. The first end 631 of the slot 63 is placed near the first tool bit 20. The second end 632 of the slot 63 is placed near the second tool bit 30. The grooves 671 are defined in a lower face of the handle 10. The ribs 64 extend from the lower face of the handle 10. The pairs of recesses 68 are defined in the ribs 64.
The first tool bit 20 is a scraper used to make a flat face on filler in a slit or corner between two objects. Preferably, the first tool bit 20 and the handle 10 are made in one piece. However, the first tool bit 20 and the handle 10 may be made two pieces and connected to each other.
The second tool bit 30 is a shovel used to remove filler from a slit or corner between two objects. Therefore, the second tool bit 30 is made of metal. The handle 10 is made of plastics or rubber to provide a soft feel to a user. The second tool bit 30 is connected to the handle 10 by two pins or rivets 31.
The third tool bit 50 is a trowel used to make a beautiful arched face on filler in a slit or corner between two objects. The third tool bit 50 includes a tip 51, a pocket 72 and two bores 74. The tip 51 is a rounded tip used to make an arched face on filler in a slit or corner between two objects. The pocket 72 is defined in the third tool bit 50 opposite to the tip 51. The bores 74 are in communication with the pocket 72.
The sliding device 60 includes two sliding elements 40 and 67 and two screws 66 in addition to the ridges 62, slot 63, ribs 64 and pairs of recesses 68 of the handle 10.
The first sliding element 40 includes two grooves 61 and two stems 65. The grooves 61 are longitudinally defined in a lower face of the first sliding element 40. The stems 65 extend from the lower face of the first sliding element 40. The stems 65 are placed between the grooves 61. The first sliding element 40 further includes an insert 71 extending from an end and two tabs 73 extending from the insert 71.
The second sliding element 67 includes a pair of bosses 69 formed on an upper side and two apertures defined therein. The pair of bosses 69 is made corresponding to the pairs of recesses 68.
Referring to FIGS. 3 through 7, the handle 10 is placed between the first sliding element 40 and the second sliding element 67. The screws 66 are driven in the stems 65 via the apertures of the second sliding element 67 and the slot 63. The screws 66 are movable in the slot 63 so that the sliding device 60 is movable relative to the handle 10. The grooves 61 receive the ridges 62 to prevent lateral movement of the first sliding element 40 on the handle 10 and ensure smooth longitudinal movement of the first sliding device 40 on the handle 10. Two lateral edges of the second sliding element 67 are placed in the grooves 671 to ensure smooth movement of the second sliding device 60 beneath the handle 10.
The third tool bit 50 is detachably connected to the first sliding element 40. The pocket 72 receives the insert 71. The bores 74 receive the tabs 73.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the third tool bit 50 is placed in the idle position. In the idle position, the third tool bit 50 is placed above the handle 10. The operation of the first tool bit 20 is not interfered with by the third tool bit 50.
The user can push the third tool bit 50 to the active position shown in FIGS. 8 through 10 from the idle position. In the active position, the third tool bit 50 extends beyond the first tool bit 20. The operation of the third tool bit 50 is not hindered by the first tool bit 20.
The slot 63 and the stems 65 together limit the movement of the third tool bit 50. When one of the stems 65 reaches the first end 631 of the slot 63, the third tool bit 50 reaches the idle position. When the other stem 65 reaches the second end 632 of the slot 63, the third tool bit 50 reaches the active position. In the idle position, the pair of bosses 69 is placed in one of the pairs of recesses 68, thus retaining the third tool bit 50 in the idle position. In the active position, the pair of bosses 69 is placed in the other pair of recesses 68, thus retaining the third tool bit 50 in the active position. Thus, the third tool bit 50 is placed the idle or active position unless the user pushes it intentionally.
Due to the use of the sliding device 60, the third tool bit 50 can be connected to the handle 10 in addition to the first tool bit 20 and the second tool bit 30. The operation of any of the tool bits 20, 30 and 50 does not interfere with that of any other tool bit. Moreover, nothing sticks out of the handle 10 so that the profile of the entire multi-functional filler processor is limited.
The handle 10 is made of an arched configuration to facilitate the handling thereof by a user. Accordingly, the first sliding element 40
sliding device 60 are made of arched configurations in compliance with that of the handle 10. Except facilitating the handling, the arched configuration of the handle 10 facilitates the retaining of the third tool bit 50 in the idle or active position. Particularly, in the active position shown in FIG. 10, the multi-functional filler processor is subject to a force as indicated by an arrow head A, and there is a counterforce as indicated by an arrow head B, the arched configuration of the handle 10 facilitates the exerting of the force against the counterforce, i.e., the user firmly holds the third tool bit 50.
The releasable connector device 70 includes the insert 71 and tabs 73 of the first sliding element 40 and the pocket 72 and bores 74 of the third tool bit 50. The third tool bit 50 is made of a flexible material. By a force, the third tool bit 50 is easily attached to the first sliding element 40 while the pocket 72 receives the insert 71 and the bores 74 receive the tabs 73. By a force in another direction, the third tool bit 50 is easily detached from the first sliding element 40 while the insert 71 is moved out of the pocket 72 and the tabs 73 are moved out of the bores 74.
Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a multi-functional filler processor according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is like the first embodiment except that the third tool bit 50 includes a chamfered tip 51. Due to the use of the releasable connector device 70, a tool bit with a tip shown in FIG. 3 or 11 or any other proper tip can easily and readily be attached to or removed from the handle 10.
The present invention has been described via the detailed illustration of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art can derive variations from the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments shall not limit the scope of the present invention defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-functional filler processor including:

a handle;

a first tool bit connected to a first end of the handle;

a second tool bit connected to a second end of the handle; and

a third tool bit movably attached to the handle between an idle position and an active position.

2. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 1, further including a first sliding element movably connected to the handle, wherein the third tool bit is connected to the first sliding element.

3. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 2, wherein the handle includes at least one ridge formed thereon, wherein the first sliding element includes at least one groove for receiving the ridge.

4. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 2, wherein the handle includes a slot longitudinally defined therein, wherein the first sliding element includes at least one stem movably placed in the slot.

5. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 4, further including a second sliding element placed against and at least one screw driven in the stem through the second sliding element.

6. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 5, wherein the handle includes two recesses defined therein, wherein the second sliding element includes a boss inserted in the recesses corresponding to the idle and active positions.

7. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 1, wherein the first tool bit is a scrapper.

8. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 1, wherein the second tool bit is a shovel.

9. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 8, further including at least one fastener for connecting the second tool bit to the handle.

10. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 1, wherein the third tool bit is a towel.

11. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 2, wherein the third tool bit is detachably connected to the first sliding element.

12. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 11, wherein the first sliding element includes an insert extending from an end, wherein the third tool bit includes a pocket for receiving the insert.

13. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 12, wherein the first sliding element includes two tabs extending from the insert, wherein the third tool bit includes two bores for receiving the tabs.

14. The multi-functional filler processor according to claim 1, wherein the handle is made of an arched configuration.