Compound mixing device and kit

Abstract

A device for mixing a compound made up of at least two components. The device including a mixing container for mixing the at least two components, a mixing assembly, and a removable upper liner. The mixing assembly includes a spindle, and at least one mixing arm extending from a base end of the spindle. The upper liner may provide storage for at least one component to be mixed. The upper liner includes a central stabilizing shaft which may be braced against at least one inner side of the upper liner by at least one support arm. The spindle is inserted through the stabilizing shaft to improve stability of the mixing assembly while mixing. The mixing assembly may include a detachable handle which may be conveniently stored in the mixing container. The upper liner may store additional tools relevant to the compound being mixed.

Description

COMPOUND MIXING DEVICE AND KIT FIELD

[0001] The invention pertains generally to a device for mixing a compound made up of at least two components which need to be kept separate until shortly before use. More specifically, the invention relates to a device and kit for mixing a cement like compound in moderate quantities without the need for additional tools or equipment. The device and kit disclosed provide an efficient means for a user to manually mix a compound without expensive mixing equipment or requiring the user to precisely measure ratios of compound components. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many compounds, such as cement, cannot be mixed until shortly before use. If the compound was premixed it would eventually harden before the user could apply it and would be completely unusable. Accordingly, such compounds are typically sold as a dry mix, requiring the user to measure out the necessary amount of mix and water shortly prior to use.

[0003] It is easy for a user to accidentally measure the ratios of components incorrectly, resulting in an unusable or inconsistent compound. A user also may not have access to a convenient water source near where the compound is needed, requiring the user to plan ahead to make sure all the necessary components and tools are collected beforehand.

[0004] In the field of devices and kits for mixing cement like compounds, U.S. Patent Publication 2004 / 0016655 to Goodman discloses an instant concrete that includes the necessary premeasured ingredients. The kit includes dry mix loose in a container with a bag of liquid mix stored on top in the container until it is needed. The user can use a sharpened end of a handle for the container to open the wet mix and then seal the container with a lid to mix the components. The container includes protrusions dispersed around inside edges of the container to aid in mixing the components. The user mixes the components by shaking and / or spinning the container.

[0005] The above solution provides a means for premeasuring components of a compound and for mixing them in the provided container, but the disclosed method is limited to very small quantities of the compound, since the user needs to be able to lift or at least roll the container to mix the components. Additionally, the disclosed solution does not provide optimal mixing of the components since there is no mixing element which actively agitates the components to ensure they are mixed thoroughly. Further, the addition of the liquid mix to the dry mix is likely to cause coagulation. It is preferred that the dry mix be added to the wet mix to ensure complete mixing of each component.

[0006] What is needed then, is an efficient means for a user to mix moderate quantities of a compound effectively, without the need for additional equipment. The following also discloses a kit which includes all the components and tools necessary to mix and apply a compound, without the need for additional planning or preparation. SUMMARY

[0007] The compound mixing device provides an efficient, low cost means to mix at least two components of a compound, which need to be kept separate until shortly prior to use. The mixing means is composed of a centrally stabilized spindle with at least one mixing arm extending substantially perpendicularly from the base end of the spindle. The device also provides temporary storage for the mixed compound until it is used.

[0008] The compound mixing device may also be part of a complete kit for applying the compound once it is mixed. The kit may include: premeasured quantities of the compound components, tools for applying the compound, and any additional tools which may be useful (such as for cleaning or site preparation).

[0009] The compound mixing device provides a convenient, efficient means to prepare a compound for any user who does not have the typical resources necessary to prepare such a compound readily available.

[0010] According then, in one aspect, there is provided a device for mixing at least two components of a compound comprising: a mixing container having a bottom and an open top; an upper liner sized and configured such that the upper liner may be partially inserted into the open top of the mixing container, whereby an interior of the upper liner forms an upper compartment and an interior of the mixing container located between the bottom of the mixing container and a bottom of the upper liner forms a lower compartment; and a mixing assembly comprising: a spindle extending through the bottom of the upper liner, the spindle having a top end located in the upper compartment and a base end located in the lower compartment; and at least one mixing arm attached to the base end of the spindle for mixing the at least two components upon rotation of the spindle.

[0011] The device may include a central shaft extending from the bottom of the upper liner into the upper compartment wherein the spindle fits through the central shaft. The central shaft may include at least one support arm connected between the central shaft and an inner surface of the upper liner. The device may include a detachable handle for attachment to a top end of the spindle for use in rotation of the spindle. The device may include a lid for closing and sealing the tops of the upper liner and the mixing container.

[0012] According to another aspect, there is provided a device for mixing at least two components of a compound comprising: a mixing container; an upper liner configured to fit into the mixing container such that an interior of the upper liner forms an upper compartment configured for holding at least a first one of the at least two components and an interior of the mixing container located below the upper liner forms a lower compartment configured for holding at least a second one of the at least two components, wherein prior to use of the device, the first one of the at least two components is emptied into the lower compartment; and a mixing assembly comprising: a spindle extending from the upper compartment into the lower compartment; and at least one mixing arm attached to a base end of the spindle for mixing the at least two components upon rotation of the spindle.

[0013] The device may include a central shaft extending into the upper compartment wherein the spindle fits through the central shaft. The central shaft may include at least one support arm connected between the central shaft and an inner surface of the upper liner. The device may include a detachable handle for attachment to a top end of the spindle for use in rotation of the spindle. The device may include a lid for closing and sealing the upper liner and the mixing container.

[0014] According to another aspect, there is provided a kit comprising: one of the above devices; and wherein at least one of the two components is a packaged premeasured component.

[0015] The kit may include tools for mixing, handling, or cleaning up. The kit may include the tools stored in the upper compartment. The kit may include one of the at least two components unpackaged and located in the lower compartment. The kit may include one or more packaged premeasured components stored in the upper compartment.

[0016] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of using the above kit, comprising the steps of: opening the packaged premeasured component; emptying the packaged premeasured component into the lower compartment; inserting the mixing assembly into the container; inserting the upper liner into the container; and rotating the spindle to mix the at least two components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols:

[0018] FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a compound mixing device.

[0019] FIGURE 2 is a top perspective view of the compound mixing device including a container lid.

[0020] FIGURE 3 is a top perspective view of the compound mixing device with the container lid removed to show the attached seal-cover.

[0021] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the compound mixing device with the container lid removed and seal-cover peeled back.

[0022] FIGURE 5 is a top view of the compound mixing device with the container lid and seal-cover removed and the mixing handle attached.

[0023] FIGURE 6 is a cross-section view of the compound mixing device along the lines B-B of FIGURE 5.

[0024] FIGURE 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the compound mixing device with the container lid and seal-cover removed and the mixing handle attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following describes various embodiments of a compound mixing device. Each of the embodiments are described herein in relation to a concrete mixing device. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that such device could be used with many other compounds which are composed of two or more components which need to be kept separate until shortly before use without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0026] FIGURES 1 to 7 depict an embodiment of a compound mixing device 1.

[0027] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the compound mixing device 1 including a mixing container 10 having a bottom and an open top, and an upper liner 20, also having a bottom and an open top. A lid 50 (Figure 2) is included to close and seal the tops of mixing container 10 and upper liner 20, and a seal-cover 55 (see Figures 3 and 4) may be used to seal the top of upper liner 20 prior to shipping.

[0028] Upper liner 20 is sized and configured such that when upper liner 20 is inserted into the open top of mixing container 10, the underside of the top lip of upper liner 20 rests on the top side of the top lip of mixing container 10 (see the cross-section of Figure 6), thereby creating an upper compartment 15 and a lower compartment 25. In some embodiments, the upper compartment 15 provides storage for one or more prepackaged components to be mixed and / or any tools which would be useful in handling the mixed compound or components. The seal-cover 55 is important for sealing the contents of upper compartment 15 during shipping to prevent any liquid mix contained therein from spilling out. The seal-cover 55 also prevents sweating and condensation of any liquid components, and provides a convenient space to locate instructions for unpackaging, setup, and mixing.

[0029] The upper liner 20 also provides a stabilizing structure for a spindle 30 extending from the upper compartment 15, through the bottom of the upper liner 20, and into the lower compartment 25. When the compound mixing device 1 is assembled, the spindle 30 runs through a central stabilizing shaft 22 in the upper liner 20. The stabilizing shaft 22 may also be braced against inner sides of the upper liner 20 by at least one stabilizing support arm 21. The Figures show a single support arm 21. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other numbers or distributions of stabilizing support arm 21 are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also possible to construct the device without using any support arms 21.

[0030] A handle 40 is removably attachable at a top end of the spindle 30 located in the upper compartment 15, and mixing arms 31 are attached at a base end of the spindle 30 located in the lower compartment 25. The mixing arms 31 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the base end of the spindle 30. The mixing arms 31 may be removable from the base end of the spindle 30 or may be permanently fixed to the base end of the spindle 30. The handle 40 is removable from the top end of the spindle 30 to allow the upper liner 20 to be lifted out of the mixing container 10 while leaving the spindle 30 in place. Handle 40 may be stored in the upper compartment 15 during shipping. FIGURES 6 and 7 depict four mixing arms 31 evenly distributed around the spindle 30. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other numbers, distributions, or styles of mixing arms are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0031] The compound mixing device 1 may be part of a kit which includes a premeasured, unpackaged liquid component of the desired compound located in the lower compartment 25, and at least one premeasured packaged component of the desired compound and tools for handling the components and the compound in the upper compartment 15, along with handle 40.

[0032] In operation, all items are removed from the upper compartment 15 of the upper liner 20. The upper liner 20 is removed from the mixing container 10. The at least one premeasured packaged compound component, which may be stored in the upper compartment 15, is opened and the contents emptied into the lower compartment 25 of the mixing container 10, which already contains an unpackaged liquid component. The spindle 30 is lifted slightly to mix the unpackaged liquid component in the lower compartment 25 with the premeasured packaged component that has been emptied into the lower compartment 25. The upper liner 20 is placed back over the spindle and the handle 40 is attached to a top of the spindle 30. The spindle 30 is rotated using handle 40 until the components are mixed as desired by rotation of the mixing arms 31. If more than one premeasured packaged compound component is used, the steps of removing the upper liner 20, opening the additional package, and emptying the contents of the additional package into the lower compartment 25 are repeated, followed by replacing the upper liner 20 over the spindle 30, and further rotation of the spindle 30 to complete the mixing of the all of the components.

[0033] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that alternative embodiments wherein the component in the lower compartment 25 of the mixing container 10 is a dry mix component and a packaged component in the upper compartment 15 of the upper liner 20 is a liquid mix component, or a powered mixing means for rotating the spindle, such as a power drill, is attached to the top of the spindle 30 in place of handle 40, are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0034] It will further be understood by those skilled in art that throughout this specification terms such as top or base are used merely for clarity in relation to the figures. Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely intended to be examples of the present invention. Alterations and modifications to the above embodiments may be effected without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A device for mixing at least two components of a compound comprising: a mixing container having a bottom and an open top; an upper liner sized and configured such that the upper liner may be partially inserted into the open top of the mixing container, whereby an interior of the upper liner forms an upper compartment and an interior of the mixing container located between the bottom of the mixing container and a bottom of the upper liner forms a lower compartment; and a mixing assembly comprising: a spindle extending through the bottom of the upper liner, the spindle having a top end located in the upper compartment and a base end located in the lower compartment; and at least one mixing arm attached to the base end of the spindle for mixing the at least two components upon rotation of the spindle.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the upper liner includes a central shaft extending from the bottom of the upper liner into the upper compartment and wherein the spindle fits through the central shaft.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the central shaft includes at least one support arm connected between the central shaft and an inner surface of the upper liner for stabilizing the mixing assembly.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a detachable handle for attachment to a top end of the spindle for use in the rotation of the spindle.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a lid for closing and sealing the tops of the upper liner and the mixing container.

6. A device for mixing at least two components of a compound comprising: a mixing container; an upper liner configured to fit into the mixing container such that an interior of the upper liner forms an upper compartment configured for holding at least a first one of the at least two components and an interior of the mixing container located below the upper liner forms a lower compartment configured for holding at least a second one of the at least two components, wherein prior to use of the device, the first one of the at least two components is emptied into the lower compartment; and a mixing assembly comprising: a spindle extending from the upper compartment into the lower compartment; and at least one mixing arm attached to a base end of the spindle for mixing the at least two components upon rotation of the spindle.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the upper liner includes a central shaft extending into the upper compartment and wherein the spindle fits through the central shaft.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the central shaft includes at least one support arm connected between the central shaft and an inner surface of the upper liner for stabilizing the mixing assembly.

9. The device of any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a detachable handle for attachment to a top end of the spindle for use in the rotation of the spindle.

10. The device of any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a lid for closing and sealing the mixing container and the upper liner.

11. A kit comprising: the device of any one of claims 1 to 10; and wherein at least one of the at least two components is a packaged premeasured component.

12. The kit of claim 11, further comprising tools for mixing, handling, or cleaning up.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the tools are stored in the upper compartment.

14. The kit of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein at least one of the at least two components is unpackaged and is located in the lower compartment.

15. The kit of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the packaged premeasured component is stored in the upper compartment.

16. A method of using the kit of any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising the steps of: opening the packaged premeasured component; emptying the packaged premeasured component into the lower compartment; inserting the mixing assembly into the container; inserting the upper liner into the container; and rotating the spindle to mix the at least two components.