Containers for silicone and sealant work

Abstract

Container (1) for silicone and sealant work, comprising an interior (10) for receiving a cleaning fluid, wherein the container (1) has at least one upper rim area (11) and at least one outer wall (12), characterized by the fact that The container (1) has several integral tool holders (20, 21, 22) which are each designed as contour-adapted insertion or storage areas for tools such as silicone squeegees, joint smoothers or brushes, recessed into the edge area (11) or into the outer wall (12), and the container (1) comprises a sieve or scraper element (30) which can be positively inserted into the interior (10).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a container for silicone and sealant work according to the preamble of claim 1, which is designed in particular for the temporary storage, cleaning and provision of tools such as silicone applicators, joint smoothers, brushes or spatulas. The container comprises tool holders, an interior for cleaning fluid and a scraper element for removing excess silicone or sealant residue from the tools. State of the art

[0002] In current practice, it is common to use a simple, conventional bucket during the sealing and removal of silicone sealant. Such a bucket is filled with water or a cleaning fluid and serves as an improvised collection and cleaning container.

[0003] To this day, a simple bucket is typically used for disposing of excess silicone sealant, into which the excess is spread or dipped. Further adaptation to the specific requirements of silicone sealant removal or to the ergonomic provision of tools is generally not undertaken.

[0004] Simple plastic containers with internal grids or coarse-mesh sieves are also known from the prior art; these are used, for example, for cleaning brushes in paint or solvents. However, these containers generally do not have integrated, contour-adapted tool holders and are not specifically designed for silicone squeegees, joint smoothers, or the particular flow properties of silicone and sealants.

[0005] An ordinary bucket does not meet the specific requirements of silicone sealant removal. A key problem is that excess silicone in a conventional bucket often has to be scooped up and removed manually – that is, by hand. This is not only unhygienic, but also time-consuming and inefficient.

[0006] Conventional buckets also lack a specially designed, integrated sieve that would allow for the easy wiping or cleaning of tools typically used in silicone work. As a result, a significant amount of silicone remains stuck to the tools, making further processing more difficult, potentially impairing surface quality, and unnecessarily increasing material consumption.

[0007] Another disadvantage of existing solutions is the lack of slots or holders for tools such as silicone squeegees, caulking tools, or brushes. These tools must be stored separately on the construction site, for example, on the floor, windowsills, or other surfaces. This is inconvenient, increases the risk of contamination, and leads to a disorganized and less efficient work environment. Tools can get lost, fall, or constantly need to be searched for.

[0008] Overall, a simple standard bucket does not offer a well-thought-out solution for professional silicone work and does not meet the practical requirements on the construction site. What is needed is a structured, comprehensive solution specifically designed for silicone and sealant work, one that combines cleaning, wiping, temporary storage, and organized tool storage in a single, user-friendly system. Description of the invention

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a container that is more than a simple collection or cleaning bucket, namely a well-thought-out complete solution that is specifically designed for professional silicone and sealant work.

[0010] The container according to the invention is intended to combine several functions in one product, thus enabling a smooth, clean, and efficient workflow. In particular, the container is intended to provide integrated holders and slots for silicone squeegees, brushes, and other tools; to allow for the easy wiping and removal of excess silicone by means of a specially designed sieve or scraper element; to make the tools immediately usable again after wiping without the need for manual cleaning or time-consuming emptying; to improve order, cleanliness, and organization in the workplace; and to have a robust, durable, and preferably environmentally friendly construction.

[0011] According to the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with the characterizing features. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the container according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0012] Further objectives, features, advantages and application possibilities of the container according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The drawings show Fig. 1 the container according to the invention in an advantageous embodiment in perspective view; Fig. 2 the container according to the invention as in Fig. 1 in the top view; Fig. 3 the interchangeable tool holder modules and the pulled-out sieve / scraper element in perspective view. Implementation of the invention

[0014] The container combines several functions in a compact system and enables structured, clean and ergonomic work. It includes an interior 10 for holding a cleaning fluid, a rim 11, an outer wall 12, as well as integrated tool holders 20, 21, 22 and a form-fitting sieve or scraper element 30, which was specially developed for removing excess silicone from tools.

[0015] The container 1 according to the invention eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a complete solution specifically designed for silicone work. The integrated tool holders 20, 21, 22 are embedded directly into the edge area 11 or into the outer wall 12. This ensures particularly stable, dimensionally stable, and ergonomic storage of the tools. One tool holder 20 has a circular or oval contour 20a, which is specifically adapted to the shape of a silicone applicator or joint smoother. This allows such a tool to be stored securely, without wobbling, and within easy reach. The second tool holder 21 is designed as an elongated slot geometry 21a and is particularly suitable for brushes, spatulas, and narrow tools that are frequently used during silicone application. These tools can be held vertically, neatly, and without dripping.The third tool holder 22 is designed as an inclined storage area 22a, allowing tools to drip off by gravity and enabling residual liquids or silicone residues to flow back into the interior 10 in an orderly manner. This inclined storage area prevents contamination of the surrounding area and eliminates unnecessary handling.

[0016] Container 1 also includes a sieve or scraper element 30, which is positively inserted into the interior 10. The sieve element 30 is designed to include several scraper structures 32, which can consist of lamellae, ribs, struts, or perforations. These structures create a mechanical cleaning effect. The tool can simply be pulled through or pressed over the sieve element without the user having direct contact with the silicone compound. This increases hygiene, speeds up the workflow, and significantly reduces the risk of contamination. A key advantage is that the sieve element 30 is positioned at a distance above the base 13. This allows detached silicone residue to collect below the sieve, while the area above the sieve remains clean. The user can therefore clean tools multiple times in succession without the cleaning area being contaminated by previously detached residue.This separation effect is not realized in the prior art and represents a significant functional advancement.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the container 1 includes a portable handle 40, which is mounted in two handle recesses 41, 42. The handle design allows the user to carry the container securely, even when full, and to position it flexibly at different locations. The laterally arranged storage compartment 50 significantly expands the functionality of the container. Cartridges, accessories, or other tools can be stored and transported there in an organized manner, eliminating the need for additional containers.

[0018] Furthermore, the tool holders 20, 21, 22 can be designed in a particularly application-flexible variant as interchangeable modules 60, which are inserted into corresponding holders 61. The user can thus exchange different tool combinations or tool-specific modules depending on the construction site requirements. This is particularly interesting for specialist companies or frequent users, as the container is individually configurable and can be adapted to different work profiles. Another advantage lies in the long service life of the basic container, since only the respective module needs to be replaced in case of wear or changes in tool types.

[0019] The container can preferably be manufactured as a one-piece injection-molded plastic part, resulting in high dimensional stability and robustness. This facilitates cleaning of the container and increases its service life. The sieve element 30 can be made of an elastic or semi-rigid plastic suitable for installation by elastic deformation and simultaneously offering high resistance to mechanical abrasion. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container can be made of PETG or a comparable, recyclable plastic. PETG is durable, impact-resistant, and UV-resistant, making the container suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. At the same time, the material offers ecological advantages due to its recyclability, thus supporting sustainable design.

[0020] The invention enables structured, clean, and efficient work. Tools are always located in organized and defined positions, thus eliminating search times. The wiper element 30 allows for quick and hygienic cleaning of the tools; dripping is controlled, and the separate collection of silicone residue ensures a high level of cleanliness in the work area. The container therefore acts as a central organizational unit and an all-in-one system for professional silicone work.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the container according to the invention. Visible are the interior 10, the rim area 11, the outer wall 12, and the tool holders 20, 21, 22, which are harmoniously integrated into the shape of the container. The sieve element 30 is visibly installed inside. The design of the outer wall 12 and the rim area 11 allows for ergonomic gripping and controlled tool guidance.

[0022] Fig. 2 shows the container according to Fig. Figure 1 shows the top view. The tool holders 20, 21, and 22 are particularly easy to identify here with regard to their arrangement and functional assignment. The oval contour of the tool holder 20, the elongated slot geometry 21a, and the inclined storage area 22a are clearly visible and illustrate the ergonomic and tool-specific design. The position of the sieve element 30 within the interior 10 is also visible, as its form-fitting installation defines the working area.

[0023] Fig. Figure 3 shows the interchangeable tool holder modules 60 and the removed sieve or scraper element 30 in a perspective view. This illustrates how the modules 60 can be inserted into the holders 61 and how the sieve element 30 can be removed from the interior 10 for cleaning or replacement. This illustration demonstrates the modularity and ease of maintenance of the container according to the invention, which is not present in the prior art.

[0024] Starting from the aforementioned embodiments, the container according to the invention can be implemented in numerous variants without departing from the basic concept of the invention. Changes regarding shape, size, module design, material selection, or the arrangement of the tool holders are possible and fall within the scope of protection of the described combination of features. List of reference numbers 1 container 10 Interior 11 Edge area / upper edge 12 Exterior wall 13. Floor of the interior 20 Tool holders (round / oval) 21 Tool holder (slot) 22 Inclined tool holder 30 sieve / scraper element 40 handle 41 First grip 42 Second handle mount 50 Side mounting slot / accessory mount 60 Interchangeable tool holder modules 61 recordings

Claims

[1] Container (1) for silicone and sealant work, comprising an interior (10) for receiving a cleaning fluid, wherein the container (1) has at least one upper rim area (11) and at least one outer wall (12), characterized by , that The container (1) has several integral tool holders (20, 21, 22) which are each designed as contour-adapted insertion or storage areas for tools such as silicone squeegees, joint smoothers or brushes, recessed into the edge area (11) or into the outer wall (12), and the container (1) comprises a sieve or scraper element (30) which can be positively inserted into the interior (10). [2] Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, wherein the sieve element (30) has several wiping structures selected from lamellae, ribs, webs or through-holes which enable the mechanical removal of silicone residues by wiping and / or pulling a tool through, [3] Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the sieve element (30) is held at a distance from the floor (13) of the interior (10) when in use, so that detached silicone residues can be collected below the sieve element (30). [4] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one tool holder (20) has a circular or oval contour (20a) specifically adapted to accommodate a silicone squeegee or joint smoother. [5] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a further tool holder (21) has an elongated slot geometry for brushes, spatulas or narrow tools. [6] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one tool holder (22) is designed as an inclined storage area so that tools placed there can drip off by gravity. [7] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the container (1) comprises a portable handle (40) which is fixedly or pivotably attached to two handle receptacles (41, 42) of the container. [8] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an additional receiving chute (50) for accessories, cartridges or other tools is arranged on the side of the container (1). [9] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the tool holders (20, 21, 22) are designed as interchangeable modules (60) which can be inserted into corresponding holders (61). [10] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the sieve element (30) is made of an elastic or semi-rigid plastic and can be inserted into the receiving groove (31) by elastic deformation. [11] Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the container (1) is manufactured in one piece as a plastic injection molded part and the tool holders (20, 21, 22) are an integral part of the base body.

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