Abstract: A pair of sure-grip inserts formed as molded rubber sheathes for use in conjunction with a caulking gun having a downwardly protruding trigger that is retracted by hand to dispense caulk, and a downwardly protruding stationary handle to provide a hand grip for retracting the trigger. The trigger insert formed as an open-ended molded rubber sheath with a particular contoured shape and an internal channel conforming to the trigger for slidable insertion thereon. The handle insert is likewise formed as an open-ended molded rubber sheath conforming to the handle for slidable insertion thereon. The inserts are molded per a two-color double-injection-molding process to provide an aesthetically striking two-color appearance, and they are molded with a particular contoured design that conforms to the hand, thereby improving comfort during hard, extended use. The contour plus the use of soft-durometer thermoplastic rubber gives a high-coefficient of friction for a vastly improved grip under all (even wet) conditions.

Abstract: An improved multi-purpose caulk finishing tool incorporating a clip (or locking slots) for attaching the tool to a caulking gun and means for storing caps for caulking material. The present invention is held and carried unobtrusively on a conventional caulking gun. Means are also provided for storing caps, for resealing caulking material cartridges, within the caulk finishing tool.

Abstract: An front catch plate for manual, pneumatic or battery powe-operated dual-barrel dispensing guns of the type having a pair of laterally-displaced and adjustable plunger shafts with end-mounted pistons for extruding compound from both cartridges of a variety of sizes of twin cartridge packs. In one embodiment, the front catch plate accepts the cartridge neck from an opening on the top side of the front catch plate. A plastic insert is attached to the front catch plate and provides a custom fit base for the specific form, shape and size of the cartridge neck used. There is a separate plastic insert for each different commercially available dual cartridge. In this embodiment, the front catch plate will generally be manufactured as one piece with the carriage. In another embodiment, the front catch plate accepts the cartridge neck from an opening on the side of the front catch plate.

Abstract: A stabilizing plate for a dual-barrel dispensing gun of the type having a pair of laterally-displaced and adjustable plunger shafts with end-mounted pistons for extruding compound from twin cartridge packs. The stabilizing plate spans both plunger shafts rearwardly of the pistons and engages both sides of a twin cartridge pack seated in the dual-barrel, thereby aligning the cartridge pack relative to the plunger shafts during use. This helps to maintain a proper mix ratio from both sides of said twin cartridge pack. The stabilizing plate is formed with side-by-side apertures to pass the plunger rods of the dispensing gun. The front face of the stabilizing plate is defined by radial centering channels. More specifically, two sets of radial centering channels are provided, one set on each side of the stabilizing plate (each set corresponding to a plunger shaft), and each set being a series of circular channels of increasing diameter.

Abstract: An improved piggyback dispensing feature for extended dispensing devices of tile type having a housing with a downwardly extending handle, a trigger pivoted to the handle, an extension bracket attached forwardly of the housing, a barrel assembly attached to the extension bracket opposite the housing, and a piston rod slidably supported in the housing and extension bracket and protruding into the barrel assembly. The improvement comprises an interchangeable push-disk piston mounted on the distal end of the piston rod, and a smaller barrel assembly adapted to be seated inside the other larger barrel assembly to accommodate a smaller-sized cartridge. The smaller barrel assembly piggybacks in the larger, and the push-disk piston swaps out, thereby making it possible to use one extended gun for at least two different-sized cartridges, such as the typical ¼ gallon cartridges and {fraction (1/10)}th gallon cartridges.

Abstract: An effective trigger grip power device is disclosed for countering piston rod lock due to wear and tear in conventional manual caulking guns. The device is shown in the context of an open frame (which may be a single piece of molded plastic) having a downwardly extending handle. A piston rod is slidably supported in the frame for dispensing caulking composition, and a trigger is pivoted to the frame and retractable against the handle. The effective trigger grip power device is positioned behind the gripping member and generally has a pushing member at one end for bearing against the gripping member to urge it into a vertical position, and a base section that is slidably channeled through the frame and extending rearwardly to said release lever for actuation thereby. In operation, depression of the release lever drives the effective trigger grip power device to urge the gripping member into a substantially vertical position to eliminate trigger lock.

Abstract: Simple, inexpensive and efficient tip cutting assemblies for allowing an operator to cut the tip of a fresh cartridge of caulk prior to insertion in the barrel. The tip cutting assemblies are provided in the context of two general types of caulking guns having either a metal enclosed frame or single piece molded plastic open frame. In one embodiment for a molded open-frame gun, the cartridge tip cutting assembly includes a cutting bracket attached to the frame and having an aperture there through for insertion of the cartridge tip. The cutting assembly also includes a blade assembly attached to the trigger and extending a blade outwardly between the frame and cutting bracket. Another embodiment for a closed metal-frame gun includes an aperture through a side of the housing for insertion of a cartridge tip, and a tip-cutting member formed with a through-hole to pass the plunger shaft and riding thereon within the housing.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive and efficient cartridge lock to retain a caulk cartridge within the frame of a caulk gun until intentionally released by the operator, thereby eliminating a potential safety hazard. The cartridge lock includes a resilient spacer having a central passage for slidable insertion over the plunger shaft of the caulk gun. The spacer is inserted onto the plunger shaft and is carried thereon between the piston and supporting wall to require an additional measure of force for retraction of the plunger shaft in order to insert a new cartridge or remove an old one. This avoids inadvertent release and fall-through of the cartridge. Various embodiments of the spacer are contemplated including a constricted spring having one end formed with coils sized for slidable insertion over the plunger shaft, and a constricted end formed with at least one tighter coil for gripping the plunger shaft.

Abstract: A simple and economical drive mechanism for caulk dispensing devices that gives a dripstop release feature to improve control over the bead of caulk. The drive mechanism is shown in the context of an open frame housing (which may be a single piece of molded plastic) having a downwardly extending handle. A plunger shaft is slidably supported in the housing for dispensing caulking composition, and a trigger is pivoted to the housing and retractable against the handle. The trigger includes an upper portion extending above the plunger shaft. A first gripping member encircles the plunger shaft forwardly of the trigger and protrudes downward for engagement with the trigger when the trigger is retracted. A first compression spring rearwardly biases the first gripping member, the first compression spring being formed with a forward constricted end having increasingly tighter helical coils to frictionally grip the plunger shaft.