Apparatus for applying filler material and method of using same

Abstract

A nozzle for applying filler material within a groove is provided that includes a plate member, an orifice through the plate member, a guide member for engaging the groove, and a pliable attachment. The orifice is in communication with a supply of the filler material. The guide member protrudes from the plate member and has a width less than the groove. The pliable attachment has a channel with an angled portion for directing the filler material into the groove. The nozzle may also be used independent from the attachment.

1 . An apparatus for applying filler material within a groove, said apparatus comprising:
 a plate member having a leading edge;   an orifice through said plate member, said orifice in communication with a supply of said filler material;   a guide member for engaging said groove protruding proximate said plate leading edge and having a width less than said groove; and   a channel in communication with said orifice having an angled portion for directing said filler material into said groove.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a pliable attachment having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a cavity in communication with said orifice wherein said channel is part of said pliable attachment. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a tubular portion configured to be in communication with a supply of said filler material and said orifice. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus further comprises a device capable of conveying said filler material. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said tubular portion is configured for detachably coupling with a device capable of conveying said filler material. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said tubular portion is configured for pivotally coupling with said device. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said plate and pliable attachment have a width greater than said groove. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said pliable attachment is adapted for coming into substantially sealing contact with a surface on either side of said groove. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said orifice is at least as wide as said groove. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said pliable attachment leading edge is beveled to aid its movement over a surface on either side of said groove. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said pliable attachment leading edge is rounded to aid its movement over a surface on either side of said groove. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said pliable attachment includes a slot proximate its leading edge for receiving said guide member. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said channel is located proximate said pliable attachment trailing edge. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said cavity is tapered for directing said filler material into said groove. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said channel has tapered portion for directing said filler material into said groove. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least two channels for directing said filler material into at least two said grooves. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said orifice and said channel are at least as wide as said groove. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said channel has a width between about 0.125 inches and 0.75 inches. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein said channels have a width between about 0.125 inches and 0.75 inches and are spaced out on centers between about 0.625 inches and 5.0 inches. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said pliable attachment is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, Neoprene, vulcanized rubber, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said filler material is a material selected from the group consisting of grout, mortar, sealant, caulking, cement, concrete, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         22 . An apparatus for distributing flowable materials within the space between two tiles, said apparatus comprising:
 a tubular portion configured to be in communication with a supply of said filler material;   a plate with a width greater than said space adapted for contacting a surface on either side of said space and having a leading edge;   an orifice through said plate that is in communication with said tubular portion;   a guide member configured to fit within said space; and   a supple attachment having a cavity in communication with said orifice wherein said cavity includes a channel with an angled portion for directing said filler material into said space.   
     
     
         23 . A nozzle for applying grout between tiles of the like comprising:
 a tube configured to be removably mounted to and in communication with a device for feeding said grout;   a plate member having a width greater than a distance between said tiles and a leading edge;   an orifice through said plate member in communication with said tube for distributing said grout in between said tiles; and   a guide member for engaging a space between said tiles, said guide member protruding proximate said plate leading edge and having a width less the distance between said tiles.   
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein said orifice has an angled portion for directing said filler material in between said tiles. 
     
     
         25 . A method for applying filler material between tiles or the like comprising the steps of:
 providing a nozzle in communication with a supply of filler material, said nozzle including a plate member with an orifice for distributing filler material between said tiles and a guide member protruding from said plate member;   placing said nozzle plate on said tiles with said guide member located between said tiles;   causing filler material to be supplied to said nozzle and distributed from said nozzle orifice to a space between said tiles;   moving said nozzle in a direction in order to continue the distribution of filler material between said tiles.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein said orifice has an angled portion for directing said filler material in between said tiles.