Oscillating grout applicator

Abstract

An oscillating grout applicator for applying a volume of grout to a target surface includes a grout reservoir for receiving the volume of grout, the grout reservoir having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the reservoir is coupled to a resilient mouth, and an oscillator is operatively coupled to the resilient mouth so as to apply or transmit an oscillating motion to the resilient mouth. Momentary liquefaction of a portion of the volume of grout located within the resilient mouth occurs when the oscillating motion is applied to the resilient mouth, thereby urging the volume of grout through the resilient mouth and onto the target surface. The resilient mouth may be manufactured of a resilient rubber, or other suitable resilient material.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An oscillating grout applicator for applying a volume of grout to a target surface, the applicator comprising:
 a grout reservoir for receiving the volume of grout, the grout reservoir having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet coupled to a resilient mouth, the resilient mouth operatively coupled to an oscillator so as to apply an oscillating motion to the resilient mouth,   wherein momentary liquefaction of a portion of the volume of grout located within the resilient mouth occurs when the oscillating motion is applied to the resilient mouth, thereby urging the volume of grout through the resilient mouth and onto the target surface.   
     
     
         2 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient mouth is manufactured of a resilient rubber. 
     
     
         3 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the oscillator is operatively coupled to the resilient mouth by a housing, the housing comprising the oscillator, a handle and a battery compartment configured to receive batteries for powering the oscillator. 
     
     
         4 . The applicator of  claim 3 , wherein the resilient mouth, the housing and the handle are integrally formed as a single unit. 
     
     
         5 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the oscillator is operatively coupled to the resilient mouth by a housing, the housing comprising a handle and enclosing the oscillator, and wherein the oscillator is an electrical oscillator powered by an electrical power supply. 
     
     
         6 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the oscillator is operatively coupled to the resilient mouth through a base, the base supporting the resilient mouth, the reservoir and the oscillator. 
     
     
         7 . The applicator of  claim 6 , wherein the oscillator is an electrical oscillator powered by a power source selected from a group comprising: batteries, electrical power supply. 
     
     
         8 . The applicator of  claim 7 , wherein the base comprises at least two wheels rotationally mounted to the base so as to facilitate gliding the base across the target surface while the resilient mouth is in contact with the target surface. 
     
     
         9 . The applicator of  claim 6 , wherein the base further comprises an elongate handle having a proximate end coupled to the base and a distal end distal from the base, wherein a user of the applicator may glide the base of the applicator across the target surface by grasping and manipulating the distal end of the handle while the user is standing upright. 
     
     
         10 . The applicator of  claim 9 , wherein the proximate end of the elongate handle is pivotally coupled to the base. 
     
     
         11 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the oscillator comprises a handle coupled to the resilient mouth and wherein the oscillating motion is generated by a user manually applying the oscillating motion to the handle. 
     
     
         12 . The applicator of  claim 11 , wherein the reservoir comprises a reservoir handle for steadying the reservoir during use of the applicator.