Holder for mixer buckets

Abstract

A device for holding a bucket during the mixing of the contents thereof includes a base plate having an upper face and a lower face adapted to be placed on a supporting surface and a ring-shaped, upstanding semi-flexible wall member extending upwardly from the base plate which together form a generally cylindrical pocket adapted to receive the bucket therein. A foot pedal having an upper portion engaging an upper section of the wall member and a lower portion positioned outwards and downwards from the upper portion is mounted adjacent the wall member such that the foot pedal extends outwards and downwards from the wall member. The foot pedal is operative to have the upper portion be biased downwards and inwards with the lower portion being generally stationary thereby causing the upper section of the wall member to move inwardly towards the bucket and thereby frictionally engage the same.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]This invention relates to a holder for mixer buckets and more particularly to a holder for mixer buckets which includes a base plate, an upstanding circumferential semi-rigid wall member and a foot pedal in contact with the upper section of the wall member operative such that depressing the foot pedal forces the wall member inwards thereby temporarily securing a bucket held within the wall member via frictional contact between the wall member and the bucket.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]During construction work, it is frequently necessary to utilize drywall mud, tile grout, etc. The mud, grout, etc., is normally contained within a bucket or pail and normally must be mixed prior to being used. In many cases, the mixing step is accomplished by using a power mixer having a mixing paddle which is inserted into the bucket or pail to mix the contents of the pail or bucket. Currently when mixing these substances, the per...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The present invention provides a device for holding a bucket during the mixing of the contents thereof which includes a generally horizontally disposed generally planar base plate having an upper face and a lower face adapted to be placed on a supporting surface and a ring-shaped, upstanding semi-flexible wall member extending upwardly from the base plate, the wall member and the base plate forming a generally cylindrical pocket adapted to receive the bucket therein. A foot pedal having an upper portion engaging an upper section of the wall member and a lower portion positioned outwards and downwards from the upper portion is mounted adjacent the wall member such that the foot pedal extends outwards and downwards from the wall member and the foot pedal is operative to have the upper portion be biased downwards and inwards with the lower portion being generally stationary thereby causing the upper section of the wall member to move inwardly towards the bucket and thereby frictionally engage the same.

[0012]In use, the bucket to be mixed is placed within the upstanding wall member in the generally cylindrical pocket and the person doing the mixing will place one foot upon the foot stop. The person would then step upon the foot pedal which causes the wall member to be deflected inwardly into engagement with the outer surface of the bucket which maintains the bucket in position during the mixing operation and which prevents rotation of the bucket during the mixing operation.

[0013]The present invention as thus described provides a substantial improvement over those securement devices found in the prior art. For example, because the person using the device has his or her hands free during the securement process, the mixing operation is greatly facilitated. Furthermore, as the present invention does not include fastening straps or other mechanical securement devices which must be engaged and released, the releasable securement of the bucket is accomplished far more quickly and easily than permitted by the prior art. Finally, because the present invention is a single unit, it may be quickly and easily transported from job site to job site to be used at that location. It is therefore seen that the present device for holding a bucket during the mixing of the contents thereof provides a substantial improvement over those bucket securement devices found in the prior art.

Problems solved by technology

The power mixers either cause the bucket to slide around on the floor or spin out of control.

Many types of bucket holders have been previously provided, but none seem to be economical of manufacture, convenient to use, or durable in use and refined in appearance.

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