Grout Application Device

Abstract

A rectangular paddle having a uniform thickness is capable of attaching to the rotor of a power trowel device. In one embodiment of the invention, the paddle is made of India rubber. The paddle is oriented on the rotor such that the angle between the paddle and the flooring surface is, in one embodiment of the invention, less than 45°. The paddle efficiently consolidates grout into the joints of a flooring material.

1 . A grout application device, comprising a rectangular paddle having a uniform thickness greater than about ½ inch and configured to be removably attached to a rotor, the paddle being adjustable such that the angle at which a back end of the paddle contacts a flooring surface is adjustable. 
     
     
         2 . The grout application device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the paddle is configured of India rubber. 
     
     
         3 . The grout application device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the angle at which a back end of the paddle contacts a flooring surface is less than 30°. 
     
     
         4 . The grout application device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the grout application device includes more than one rotor, with one or more rectangular paddles attached to each rotor. 
     
     
         5 . The grout application device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the rectangular paddle is one of: ½ inch; ⅝ inch; ¾ inch; ⅞ inch; 1 inch; 1¼ inch; 1⅜ inch; 1½ inch; 1⅝ inch; 1¾ inch; 1⅞ inch; and, 2 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The grout application device wherein the angle at which the back end of the paddle contacts the flooring surface is less than one of: 45°; 30°; 20°; and, 15°. 
     
     
         7 . A power trowel attachment, comprising:
 one or more rectangular paddles configured to attach to rotors of the power trowel, the one or more rectangular paddles having a uniform thickness and being oriented to contact a flooring surface at an angle.   
     
     
         8 . The power trowel as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the one or more rectangular paddles are configured of India rubber. 
     
     
         9 . The power trowel as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the angle at which the one or more paddles contact the flooring surface is less than 45°. 
     
     
         10 . The power trowel as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the angle at which the one or more paddles contact the flooring surface is one of: 30°; 20°; and, 15°. 
     
     
         11 . The power trowel as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the rectangular paddle is adjustable with respect to the orientation of the paddle over the flooring surface. 
     
     
         12 . The power trowel as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the rectangular paddle is removable and replaceable.