US20040040917A1

US20040040917A1 - Plaster/spackle pallet with integrated handle and tool holders

Info

Publication number: US20040040917A1
Application number: US10/163,909
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Lopinto
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-06-06
Filing date: 2002-06-06
Publication date: 2004-03-04

Abstract

A device for plastering or spackling comprising a pallet having a flat surface with ridges to secure plaster or spackle on the pallet surface. A frame assembly on the underside of the pallet is secured to the frame assembly. The frame assembly is secured to the pallet to form a plurality of tool holders in the form of spaces or pockets between the pallet and frame assembly for removably inserting plastering or spackling tools therein for holding them in the plurality of pockets or spaces. The device can be stored in a framed storage unit in which tools can also be hung therefrom.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved plaster/spackle pallet having an integrated handle and tool holders in the form of pockets on the underside for receiving and holding tools. A storage unit for mounting on a wall is also provided in which the pallet may be secured for storing or mounting on a wall or vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plaster/spackle pallets are generally difficult and cumbersome to use especially while working on a ladder or scaffolding. This difficulty is compounded when trying to manipulate a spackling tool while also holding the plaster/spackle pallet. There is a need for an efficient plaster/spackle pallet with an integrated handle and storage pockets for storing tools that can easily be manipulated.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for an efficient plaster/spackle pallet that has an integrated handle and pockets for receiving and holding tools. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a plaster/spackle pallet that can be easily manipulated while having the option of efficiently and easily storing (or holding) tools directly within the plaster/spackle pallet. It is a further object of this invention to allow workers the ability to carry tools and a pallet of plaster/spackle with one hand while also permitting such workers to accomplish another task with their free hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for an improved plaster/spackle pallet having a plastic integrated handle and tool holders in the form of pockets or spaces on the underside for receiving and holding plaster or spackling tools. The sizes of the spaces or pockets for receiving and holding such tools can be adjusted by screws on either end of the integrated handle.

A plastic storage unit for mounting on a wall is also provided in which the pallet may be secured for storing or mounting on a wall or vehicle.

In alternate embodiments, instead of a metal pallet surface, the pallet surface as well as the integrated handle may be formed from plastic, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of an improved plaster/spackle pallet as secured in its storage unit, displaying a spackle knife secured in one of a plurality of storage pockets. [0007]
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an improved plaster/spackle pallet displaying a spackle knife secured in one of the plurality of storage pockets. [0008]
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an improved plaster/spackle pallet. [0009]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an improved plaster/spackle pallet. [0010]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an improved plaster/spackle pallet displaying an adjustable screw and adjustable storage pocket or space between the frame assembly and pallet. [0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a [0012] device 10 for plastering or spackling comprising a pallet 20 having a flat surface 22 with ridges 24 to secure plaster or spackle on the pallet surface. A frame assembly 30 is provided which is on the underside of the pallet 32 and secured to the pallet 20. Specifically, the frame assembly 30 is secured to the pallet 20 to form a plurality of tool holders 36 in the form of spaces or pockets between the pallet 20 and frame assembly 30. These tool holders 36 in the form of spaces or pockets are designed so as to removably insert plastering or spackling tools therein for holding. A handle assembly 40 is further provided which is secured to the frame assembly 30. The frame assembly 30 and the handle assembly are adjustably secured to the pallet 20 by two adjustable screws 52 and 54 in order to adjust the size of the spaces or pockets. The frame assembly 30 includes a frame 60 having two spaced- apart crossbars 62, 64 on said frame assemble 30. The crossbars 62, 64 firmly secure the plastering or spackling tools 50 in the pockets. The frame assembly 30 has four (4) side member 65, 66, 67, 68 and each of the side members forms a pocket 65 a, 66 a, 67 a, 68 a for receiving the tools 50. The frame assembly 30 also has four (4) corners 75, 76, 77, 78 and each comer forms a pocket or space 75 a, 76 a, 77 a, 78 a for receiving the tools 50. There is also provided a storage unit 80 for mounting on a wall in which the pallet may be secured for storing or mounting on a wall or vehicle. A storage unit is provided comprised of a molded frame 82 encompassing a slotted pallet holding section 84 and a plurality of pegs 86 below holding section 84 for hanging tools.

OPERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides an efficient plaster/spackle pallet with an integrated handle and storage pockets. This allows workers while using or manipulating the pallet to removably insert tools into a plurality of storage pockets. [0013]

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide for an efficient plaster/spackle pallet that has an integrated handle and pockets for receiving and holding tools. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a plaster/spackle pallet that can be easily manipulated while having the option of efficiently and easily storing (or holding) tools directly within the plaster/spackle pallet. It is a further object of this invention to allow workers the ability to carry tools and a pallet of plaster/spackle with one hand while also permitting such workers to accomplish another task with their free hand. [0014]
A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein. [0015]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for plastering or spackling, comprising:

a) a pallet having a flat surface with ridges to secure plaster or spackle on the pallet surface;

b) a frame assembly on the underside of the pallet which is secured to the pallet;

c) a handle assembly which is secured to the frame assembly;

d) said frame assembly being secured to said pallet to form a plurality of tool holders in the form of spaces or pockets between said pallet and said frame assembly for removably inserting plastering or spackling tools therein for holding them in said plurality of said pockets or spaces.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said frame assembly is adjustably secured to said pallet to adjust the size of said spaces or pockets.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said frame assembly includes a frame having two spaced-apart crossbars on said frame assembly; said crossbars being closer to said pallet than said frame of said frame assembly so that said crossbars firmly secure the plastering or spackling tools in said pockets.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said frame assembly has four (4) side members, and each of said side members forms a pocket for receiving the tools.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein said frame assembly has four (4) corners, and each comer forms a pocket or space for receiving the tools.

6. A device according to claim 1, further including a molded frame having a slotted section for receiving said pallet and said molded frame having a plurality of pegs for hanging tools and spackling tape.