Device for painting walls in the vicinity of ceilings and the like

Abstract

 It is provided a device (1) comprising: a painting tool (2), supporting members (3) for the painting tool (2), and guide elements (16) engaging the supporting members (3) and capable of being manually operated, and wherein provision is made for spacing means (4) supported by the supporting members (3) and adapted to be put in abutment against a ceiling (5) so as to define an upper painting limit (6), the painting tool (2) being a pad (2a) and the mutual position of the spacing means (4) and the pad (2a) being adjustable.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for painting walls or the like such as partition panels, dividing walls, etc. in the vicinity of ceilings or the like, such as false ceilings, vaults, projections, raised overhangs, etc., of the type pointed out in the preamble of the first claim.

[0002] It is known that walls in offices, dwelling-houses and various premises typically have colours different from those of the adjacent ceilings. For instance, the ceilings are white or have soft colours, while the walls have a variety of colours with various intensities and shades.

[0003] It is also known that in premises where a good finish is required, it is customary to expand the paint of the ceilings also on top of the walls, by providing thereon a thin strip of some millimetres or few centimetres which has the same colour as that of the ceilings.

[0004] This border extension or strip is very decorative and gives the impression of a good finish since it simulates a light-in-colour skirting board close to the ceiling, widens the apparent expanse of the ceilings and above all prevents the right-angled corners between walls and ceilings from being further accentuated by the change of colour.

[0005] Practically this short strip of enlargement of the ceiling paint gives the premises a less stiff and squared appearance, making it softer and more agreeable.

[0006] Beside these qualities and advantages, said strip of border on top of the walls has some important practical drawbacks.

[0007] In fact, accomplishment of this strip of border is not easy, since the strip must be not only straight and without smears, but also accurate in terms of sizes that must be constant.

[0008] In the wall regions contiguous to the ceilings it is therefore necessary to operate with the greatest attention and very carefully, also due to the fact that possible mistakes in the work are well visible.

[0009] Thus an increase in the time required for completing painting necessarily occurs and, as a result, an increase in costs.

[0010] For carrying out accurate works in a relatively short period of time, a technique is known for example, which consists in expanding the paint of the ceilings in a redundant manner on the upper regions of the walls. Then the upper borders of the walls that must keep the colour of the ceilings are covered with masking tape or removable strips. Afterwards the walls are painted or finished until close to the tapes or the like.

[0011] Finally the tapes are removed, thus leaving the underlying painting in sight, which painting is the same as that of the ceilings and also defines very precise borders at the ceilings themselves.

[0012] This technique too, however, has important drawbacks.

[0013] In fact, it is necessary to stop the painting operations for applying said tapes and the like and in addition the application has to be done after a suitable waiting time, to enable the paint of the ceilings and the adjacent regions to dry to a sufficient degree.

[0014] Furthermore, application of the tapes is relatively delicate because it is necessary to carefully apply the same after positioning ladders or a small scaffolding for reaching the ceiling borders.

[0015] Then, actually the thickness of the paint expansion from the ceilings to the walls is dictated by the size of the available tapes.

[0016] This thickness is not always appropriate, in particular if laterally of the ceilings there are elevations or depressions or architectural elements imposing a specific unusual thickness for the borders in question.

[0017] Finally tapes, in addition to being an extra cost, are very cumbersome when transport and disposal after use is to be carried out. Moreover, when the tapes are removed, often part of the paint or stucco is removed as well.

[0018] Under this situation, the general object underlying the present invention is to conceive a device for painting walls in the vicinity of ceilings and the like that is able to substantially obviate the mentioned drawbacks.

[0019] Within the scope of this general object it is an important aim of the present invention to make available a device capable of avoiding use of tapes and the like for creating the upper borders of the walls.

[0020] Another aim is to make available a device enabling very accurate borders to be created also in the presence of local defects or faults on ceilings and walls.

[0021] A further aim is to conceive a device in which the thickness of the borders adjacent to the ceilings can be easily established or varied depending on preferences or requirements, if there are architectural elements imposing specific sizes.

[0022] Another important aim is to make available a device also enabling decorative bands to be created in a simple and accurate manner on top of the walls, in the vicinity of the ceiling.

[0023] A still further aim is to make available a device that is simple, of easy use, reduced bulkiness and low cost, so that a widespread use of same can be contemplated.

[0024] The general object and the other aims specified above are achieved by a device for painting walls in the vicinity of ceilings and the like, as claimed in the appended Claim 1.

[0025] Preferred embodiments are highlighted in the sub-claims.

[0026] In the accompanying drawings a specific preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention is illustrated by way of non-limiting example.

[0027] In particular, in the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the elements composing the device;

Fig. 2 is a perspective diagrammatic view of the device in a mounted position and during use, through a specific spacing element defined by a lath; and

Fig. 3 shows the device in a mounted position and provided with a further spacing element defined by wheels.

[0028] With reference to the drawings, the device according to the invention is generally identified by reference numeral 1.

[0029] Briefly and as a general structure, it comprises a painting tool 2, supporting members 3 for the painting tool 2, and guide elements 16 engaging the supporting members 3. Practically, the guide elements 16 consist of a handle or an opening or mouth to be associated with a stick or rod so as to enable painting while remaining at a distance from the painting tool 2.

[0030] In an original manner, spacing means 4 is provided which is adapted to be put in abutment against a ceiling 5 to define an upper painting limit 6 for an adjacent wall 7, as shown in particular in Fig. 2.

[0031] Suitably, the spacing means 4 is directly supported by the supporting members 3 and in addition the mutual position of the spacing means 4 and painting tools 2 is adjustable in a manner adapted to define an upper painting limit 6 that is modifiable in terms of distance from the ceiling 5.

[0032] Advantageously, the painting tool 2 is a pad 2a and the supporting members 3 comprise a plate-like body 8 associated with the pad 2a.

[0033] In this specific example, the plate-like body 8 has a work face 8a at least partly in engagement with the pad 2a, and a command face 8b in engagement with the spacing means 4. The guide elements 16 too are connected to the command face 8b by an articulated joint.

[0034] Adjustment of the mutual position of the spacing means 4 relative to the pad 2a is obtained through engagement of the spacing means 4 with the plate-like body 8 at a plurality of positions while the pad 2a on the contrary is maintained in a substantially fixed position.

[0035] Said pad is rigidly connected to the work face 8a by means of suitable connecting elements, selection of which is based on requirements or advisability. The spacing means 4 for instance comprises a lath 4a to be positioned parallel to the upper painting limit 6 defined by the upper border of pad 2a, in the work position.

[0036] Lath 4a can have the same length as pad 2a, but preferably it is of greater sizes and is both disposed symmetric to the guide elements 16 and substantially extended on one side alone of said guide elements, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0037] A possible alternative embodiment of the spacing means 4 can be defined by wheels 4b aligned in parallel to the upper painting limit 6 (Fig. 3).

[0038] As shown in all figures, a frame 9 is then provided between the spacing means 4 and plate-like body 8.

[0039] Said frame 9 has at least one slot 10 that under operating conditions is positioned transverse to the upper painting limit 6, locking means 11 being inserted in said slot 10, which means is adapted to carry out engagement of frame 9 with the plate-like body 8 and consists of threaded or pressure elements or friction-fitting elements, for example.

[0040] Preferably, frame 9 has a pair of posts 12 parallel to each other and each of them comprising one slot 10.

[0041] A crosspiece 13 is disposed between the two posts and it can by itself constitute said spacing means. It is said crosspiece that directly engages with a lath 4a or the wheels 4b.

[0042] To this aim pegs 13a are provided or also other connecting elements, to be removably inserted into appropriate holes in the lath 4a, or into the central holes of the wheels 4b.

[0043] It is further pointed out that preferably the crosspiece 13 and the whole frame 9 extend over a length - in parallel to the upper edge of pad 2a and, during work, to the upper painting limit 6 - that is smaller than the maximum length of pad 2a.

[0044] In fact, frame 9 must not abut against lateral hindrances such as side walls, for example.

[0045] In a possible technical solution the locking means 11 pass through both the slots 10 and the through holes 14 of the plate-like body 8, until said means enters seats 15 present in pad 2a, to carry out a simultaneous engagement of frame 9 and pad 2a with the plate-like body 8.

[0046] Operation and use of device 1 described above in terms of analysis and structure is as follows.

[0047] The device is used for carrying out finishing of ceiling borders of walls and the like, in such a manner as to leave a border or strip at the upper end of the walls the colour of which matches that of the ceiling and/or forms a decoration for the rooms or premises.

[0048] In most cases, the task consists in accurately marking an upper limit 6 for the paint of walls 7, letting the colour of the ceiling 5 expand up to said upper limit 6.

[0049] To reach this result, pad 2a preferably applies the same colour as that of walls 7.

[0050] Practically, the first operating step consists in arranging the spacing means 4 in a suitable manner. To this aim it is necessary to select the most appropriate spacing means 4, i.e. lath 4a or wheels 4b.

[0051] Lath 4a is particularly suitable in the presence of irregular ceilings, or ceilings either with defects or having architectural or decorative designs partly breaking the continuity or linearity thereof.

[0052] In fact lath 4a engages a wide ceiling portion and automatically compensate for the unevennesses of same. It can expand beyond the overall dimensions of pad 2a, in a symmetric or asymmetric manner thereto.

[0053] In the last mentioned case, exemplified in Fig. 2, painting is facilitated close to a side element, another wall for example. However, it is necessary for one end of lath 4a (that shown in Fig. 2, for example) not to exceed the overall dimensions of pad 2a, so that it is the pad 2a itself that abuts against the element or side wall.

[0054] On the contrary, wheels 4b are preferred in case of ceilings without defects, because they allow a smooth sliding of all the device 1, without too much friction. Wheels 4b do not exceed the overall dimensions of pad 2a and therefore do not create undesired spaced areas close to side walls, for example.

[0055] At all events it is pointed out that if spacing means 4 of wide extension is necessary so as to compensate for ceiling defects, and at the same time the maximum smoothness of the whole device is required, two or more wheels 4b can be mounted on lath 4a.

[0056] In addition, to selecting the spacing means 4 and the configuration of same, it is also necessary to establish the distance of said means from a ceiling.

[0057] Practically, it is necessary to establish the distance of pad 2a and of the upper painting limit 6 from the ceiling 5.

[0058] Therefore, it is necessary to suitably position frame 9 causing sliding of same on the plate-like body 8 and then fasten the locking means 11 inserted in slots 10. Slots 10 enable a wide travel of frame 9 on the plate-like body 8 and in addition positioning can be carried out without any reference being made to predetermined measurements.

[0059] If the locking means 11 is provided to also engage in seats 15 present in pad 2a, pad 2a too is applied together with frame 9. Alternatively, pad 2a can have independent, and possibly multiple, connections to the plate-like body 8.

[0060] Possibly, pad 2a can be provided with both independent connections and seats 15 for the locking means 11, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0061] At this point, the overall configuration thus obtained can be maintained permanently for carrying out finishing of many rooms or premises, for example; it is sufficient to make the spacing means 4 abut against the ceilings and cause horizontal sliding of pad 2a.

[0062] Painting of walls 7 is completed or started by defining an accurate upper painting limit, without smears.

[0063] It is pointed out that device 1 can also be used for tracing out strips or bands of a specific colour, in the vicinity of the ceilings, which colour is for example different from both that of the ceiling and that of the walls, in order to further decorate rooms of high value. For the above purpose the sizes of pad 2a can be of great importance and it is necessary to intervene after painting of the ceilings and the walls. The strip also covers the unevennesses at the junction region between the two paintings.

[0064] During work, use of rods associated with the guide elements 16 may be provided, so that it is possible to operate without the aid of ladders, scaffolds or the like.

[0065] The invention enables important advantages to be reached.

[0066] In fact, it achieves the intended purposes and creates a practical, accurate and reliable device that is able to operate in accordance with precise choices for decorating rooms, premises and the like.

[0067] The details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials and sizes can be of any nature and magnitude.

Claims

1. A device (1) for painting walls in the vicinity of ceilings and the like, of the type comprising: a painting tool (2), supporting members (3) for said painting tool (2), and guide elements (16) engaging said supporting members (3) and capable of being manually operated,

- characterised in that said painting tool (2) is a pad (2a) and in that it comprises spacing means (4) adapted to be put in abutment against a ceiling (5) so as to define an upper painting limit (6), said spacing means (4) being supported by said supporting members (3) and the mutual position of said spacing means (4) and pad (2a) being adjustable in a manner adapted to define an upper painting limit (6) the position of which can be modified.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said supporting members (3) comprise a plate-like body (8) carrying said pad (2a) and wherein said spacing means (4) is in engagement with said plate-like body (8).

3. A device as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said spacing means (4) can be in engagement with said supporting members (3) in a plurality of positions.

4. A device as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said painting tool (2) is in engagement with said supporting members (3) in a substantially fixed position.

5. A device as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said spacing means (4) comprises a lath (4a) to be positioned parallel to said upper painting limit (6).

6. A device as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said spacing means (4) comprises wheels (4b) aligned in parallel to said upper painting limit (6).

7. A device as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a frame (9) is arranged between said spacing means (4) and plate-like body (8), said frame having at least one slot (10) to be positioned, under operating conditions, transverse to said upper painting limit (6), locking means (11) passing through said slot (10) being provided for engaging said frame (9) with said plate-like body (8).

8. A device as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said frame (9) has a pair of posts (12) and one crosspiece (13) joining said posts (12), and in that each of said posts comprises one said slot (10).

9. A device as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said plate-like body (8) comprises a work face (8a) at least partly engaged by said pad (2a) and a command face (8b) engaged by said spacing means (4).

10. A device as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said locking means (11) pass through said plate-like body (8) at through holes (14), and wherein provided in said pad (2a) are seats (15) for said locking means (11), to carry out a simultaneous engagement of said frame (9) and pad (2a) with said plate-like body (8).

Drawing