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. Also provided is a method for applying filler material into the spaces between tiles. The method include steps directed to the preparation of the filler material, such as combining a cementitious material with a plasticizer in order to form an admixture that has a viscosity making it suitable for application through the nozzle.

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 member 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 4 , wherein said device includes an auger for conveying said filler material. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said device is capable of pressurizing said filler material. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said device includes a tubular housing with a plunger axially movable therein to force said filler material through said channel. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said plate member and pliable attachment have a width greater than said groove. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said pliable attachment is adapted for coming into substantially sealing contact with a surface on either side of said groove. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said orifice is at least as wide as said groove. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said pliable attachment leading edge is beveled to aid its movement over a surface on either side of said groove. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said pliable attachment leading edge is rounded to aid its movement over a surface on either side of said groove. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said pliable attachment includes a slot proximate its leading edge for receiving said guide member. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said channel is located proximate said pliable attachment trailing edge. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said cavity is tapered for directing said filler material into said groove. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said channel has tapered portion for directing said filler material into said groove. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least two channels for directing said filler material into at least two said grooves. 
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said orifice and said channel are at least as wide as said groove. 
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said channel has a width between about 0.125 inches and 1.5 inches. 
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , 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. 
   
   
       23 . 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. 
   
   
       24 . 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. 
   
   
       25 . 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.   
   
   
       26 . 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 member leading edge and having a width less the distance between said tiles.   
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein said orifice has an angled portion for directing said filler material in between said tiles. 
   
   
       28 . 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 member 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.   
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein said orifice has an angled portion for directing said filler material in between said tiles. 
   
   
       30 . A method for applying an admixture between tiles, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a cementitious material and a plasticizer;   combining said plasticizer with said cementitious material to form an admixture;   providing a nozzle in communication with a supply of admixture, said nozzle including a plate member with an orifice for distributing the admixture between said tiles and a guide member protruding from said plate member;   placing said nozzle plate member on said tiles with said guide member located between said tiles;   causing the admixture 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 the admixture between said tiles.   
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 30  further comprising the step of providing a device for conveying said admixture through said nozzle. 
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said device includes an auger for conveying said admixture. 
   
   
       33 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein said device includes a tubular housing with a plunger axially movable therein for conveying said admixture. 
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said cementitious material is a grout. 
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein said plasticizer is polycarboxylate. 
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein said grout and polycarboxylate are combined at a ratio of between about three and five grams of polycarboxylate per 10,000 grams of grout.