US20110147381A1 - Spackle container lid having working surface - Google Patents
Spackle container lid having working surface Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110147381A1 US20110147381A1 US13/037,960 US201113037960A US2011147381A1 US 20110147381 A1 US20110147381 A1 US 20110147381A1 US 201113037960 A US201113037960 A US 201113037960A US 2011147381 A1 US2011147381 A1 US 2011147381A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- spackle
- container
- working surface
- edge
- connector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to the field of tools used by carpenters and painters.
- the present invention is directed to a tool used to facilitate the spackling of sheetrock during dry wall construction.
- the present invention is directed to a novel spackle container lid that can be used as a working surface for the spackle.
- spackle is provided in a bucket or some other container.
- the spackle When a worker is applying spackle during drywall construction, the spackle must be removed from its container and placed upon a flat surface.
- a worker will use a large trowel or other flat type surface as the working surface.
- the present invention is directed to a device that is used in conjunction with the lid for the spackle container to provide a flat easily cleanable surface on which the spackle can be worked.
- a spackle container lid configured for attachment to a spackle container and provide thereby a surface for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container.
- the apparatus comprises a substantially planar upper portion including said working surface, said upper portion having a rounded proximate edge and a straight distal edge; and a lower portion generally disposed below said rounded proximate edge of said upper portion and configured for attachment to a lid receiving portion of a spackle container to seal the spackle container thereby.
- One embodiment of the present invention comprises a working surface for spackling compound comprising a flat surface connected to a spackle container lid wherein the flat surface is generally larger in length and width than the spackle container lid and is connected to a top surface of the spackle container lid and the container lid contains a lip to seal onto the top of a spackle container.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of the present invention installed on a typical spackle container
- FIG. 2 is side plan view of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a typical use of the present invention.
- the container lid 10 is intended to form a replacement for existing lids to fit onto the top of the bucket 12 or other spackle container.
- the present invention comprises a flat working surface 14 .
- the present invention further comprises a connector 16 on its bottom.
- the connector 16 replaces the lid on the spackle bucket 12 and allows the working surface 14 to fit tightly and securely onto the top of the spackle bucket 12 .
- the working surface 14 is fabricated from plastic or other like materials. This type of material provides a smooth working surface that is relatively easy to clean after use.
- the user will remove the needed quantity of spackle from the container in a conventional manner.
- the user will replace the connector 16 onto the container 12 and it will be securely sealed thereon.
- the quantity of spackle is then placed onto the working surface 14 .
- the user then works with the spackle to seal the drywall.
- a working surface for spackling compound comprises a flat surface connected to a spackle container lid wherein the flat surface is generally larger in length and width than the spackle container lid and is connected to a top surface of the spackle container lid and the container lid contains a lip to seal onto the top of a spackle container.
- the container lid apparatus 10 of the various embodiments is intended to form a replacement for existing lids to fit onto the top of the bucket 12 or other spackle container.
- such lids comprise a circular connector comprising a protruding annular portion adapted to be received by a corresponding recessed annular portion disposed at the top of a bucket 12 or other spackle container.
- the protruding annular portion of the lid is inserted into the corresponding recessed annular portion at the top of the bucket to provide thereby a compression-based connection between the bucket and lid.
- This connection is airtight and strong.
- an opening tool such as a screwdriver or special-purpose lid remover tool may be necessary to disconnect/remove the lid from the bucket.
- the connector 16 described above and shown in the various figures generally comprises a circular connector in which a protruding annular ring is disposed between an inner portion associated with a inner diameter D IN and an outer portion associated with an outer diameter D OUT .
- the protruding annular ring is adapted to mate with a corresponding recessed annular ring associated with a lid receiving portion of a spackle container 12 . That is, since the connector 16 is adapted to mate with the spackle container 12 in the same manner as the original lid used to seal the spackle container 12 , the geometry of the protruding annular ring of connector 16 is substantially the same as that of the original spackle container lid.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of the present invention installed on a typical spackle container.
- one embodiment comprises an apparatus 10 that is configured to be attached to a spackle container 12 to provide thereby a surface 14 for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container.
- the apparatus 10 includes a rounded edge RE and a flat edge FE.
- the rounded edge generally has a contour similar to that of the spackle container 12 upon which the apparatus 10 may be attached.
- the apparatus 10 may be provided in a plurality of sizes to match corresponding spackle container sizes (e.g., height, quart, gallon and so on).
- FIG. 2 is side plan view of the present invention as viewed from the flat edge FE side of the apparatus 10 . Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 2 that the apparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including the working surface 14 , as well as a bottom portion BOT including the connector 16 .
- FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the present invention as viewed from the rounded edge RE side of the apparatus 10 .
- the apparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including the working surface 14 , as well as a bottom portion BOT including the connector 16 .
- FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the present invention as viewed from one side of the apparatus 10 in which the rounded edge RE is to the right of the viewer and the flat edge FE is to the left of the viewer. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 4 that the apparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including the working surface 14 , as well as a bottom portion BOT including the connector 16 .
- FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the present invention as viewed from one side of the apparatus 10 in which the rounded edge RE is to the left of the viewer and the flat edge FE is to the right of the viewer. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 5 that the apparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including the working surface 14 , as well as a bottom portion BOT including the connector 16 .
- FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the present invention in which only the working surface is visible. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 6 that the working surface 14 defined by the upper portion TOP of the apparatus 10 comprises a proximate end having a rounded edge RE and a distal end having a flat edge FE. As depicted in FIG. 6 , substantially straight sides SE- 1 and SE- 2 separate the proximate and distal ends of the working surface 14 . It can also be seen by inspection of FIG. 6 that a transition between the rounded edge RE of the proximate end and each of the substantially straight sides SE- 1 and SE- 2 occurs at corresponding curvature end points CE- 1 and CE- 2 . Moreover, it can be seen that the each of the substantially straight sides SE- 1 and SE- 2 meets the flat edge FE of the distal end to form thereby a respective corner portion.
- the working surface 14 comprises a solid working surface having no apertures or openings. It can also be seen by inspection of FIG. 6 that the apparatus 10 has a width W generally conforming to the length of the flat edge FE of the working surface 14 .
- the width W associated with the apparatus 10 is substantially equivalent to an outer diameter D OUT of a circle projected in accordance with the shape of the rounded edge RE of the working surface 14 (e.g., a circle representing an opening of a bucket or spackle container 12 ). In other embodiments, the width W is greater than the outer diameter D OUT .
- the corner portions formed where the substantially straight sides SE- 1 and SE- 2 meet the flat edge FE of the distal end are rounded to provide thereby respective rounded corners RC- 1 and RC- 2 . It should be noted that while rounded corners having a particular radius parameter are depicted, rounded corners having a radius parameter greater than or less than the radius parameter of the depicted rounded corners may also be provided in various embodiments.
- FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the present invention. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 7 that the connector 16 comprises a circular connector adapted to fit or mate with a corresponding circular connector of spackle container 12 . It can also be seen by inspection of FIG. 7 that the connector 16 as well as an underside 14 ′ of working surface 14 comprise solid surfaces having no apertures or openings.
- the connector 16 of the apparatus 10 engages the lid receiving portion of a spackle container 12 , air is denied entry to the spackle container 12 , while any product remaining in the spackle container 12 is denied exit from the container 12 . In this manner spackle or other product in the container 12 is kept in operable condition.
- the strong connection made between the connector 16 and lid receiving portion of container 12 provides a stable platform to secure the apparatus 10 .
- the rounded portion of connector 16 generally conforms to the rounded edge RE of the apparatus 10
- the flat portion of the underside 14 ′ of working surface 14 conforms to the straight or flat edge FE of the apparatus 10
- the straight or flat edge FE of the apparatus 10 protrudes beyond the outer diameter D OUT of the connector 16 by an overlap length amount OL.
- the apparatus 10 is larger than the bucket or spackle container 12 . Specifically, when the apparatus 10 is mechanically coupled to or in mechanical communication with the spackle bucket 12 the working surface 14 protrudes beyond the spackle bucket 12 by an overlap length amount OL.
- the connector 16 generally comprises a circular connector in which a protruding annular ring (PAR) associated with a width W PARr is disposed between an inner portion associated with an inner diameter D IN and an outer portion associated with an outer diameter D OUT .
- the protruding annular ring has a width that is adapted to mate with a corresponding recessed annular ring associated with a lid receiving portion of a spackle container 12 .
- connector 16 is adapted to mate with the spackle container 12 in the same manner as the original lid used to seal the spackle container 12 , it is noted that the geometry of the protruding annular ring of connector 16 is substantially the same as that of the original spackle container lid.
- the width W associated with the apparatus 10 is substantially equivalent to an outer diameter D OUT of a circle projected in accordance with the shape of the rounded edge RE of the working surface 14 .
- FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a typical use of the present invention. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection of FIG. 8 that the apparatus 10 is connected to a spackle container 12 . As previously noted, such connection is made by joining connector 16 (not visible) of the apparatus 10 to the lid receiving connector (not visible) of the spackle container 12 . It can also be seen in FIG. 8 that a human hand 810 associated with a worker is grasping a spackling tool 820 to work a quantity of spackle 830 disposed upon the working surface 14 of the apparatus 10 . Is noted that the plan or orthogonal view of FIG. 8 is such that the rounded edge RE is partially occluded by the spackle 830 , while the flat edge FE is fully visible. As previously noted, the spackling tool 820 may be cleaned by scraping it against the flat edge FE of the apparatus 10 .
- one embodiment comprises an apparatus 10 that is configured to be attached to a spackle container 12 to provide thereby a surface 14 for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container.
- FIGS. 1 and 8 clearly show the apparatus 10 installed upon a spackle container 12 such that the working surface 14 supports a quantity of spackle 830 that may be worked by a person 810 via a spackle knife or tool 820 .
- the spackle tool 820 includes a substantially flat edge 822 such that spackle may be applied to a wall or other surface as is known in the art.
- the apparatus 10 includes a substantially planar upper portion TOP including the working surface 14 , the upper portion having a rounded proximate edge RE and a straight or flat distal edge FE.
- the apparatus 10 according to this embodiment also includes a lower portion generally disposed below the rounded proximate edge RE of the upper portion and including a connector 16 configured for attachment to a lid receiving portion of a bucket or spackle container 12 to seal the spackle container thereby and mechanically support the apparatus 10 in a mounted or operational configuration on top of the spackle container 12 .
- the connector 16 of the apparatus 10 is adapted to mechanically communicate with the corresponding connector of a bucket or spackle container 12 .
- the connector 16 is adapted in configuration and/or geometry to support spackle containers having non-annular lid connection arrangements (e.g., such as arrangements including square, triangular, rectangular or other noncircular shapes), non-compression connection mechanisms (e.g., positive locking mechanisms, latching mechanisms and the like) and/or other variations.
- the apparatus 10 may be adapted to fit buckets or spackle containers 12 of any common size, such as pint, quart, gallon, liter and so on. Moreover, it is contemplated by the inventors that various embodiments of the apparatus 10 may have a width W substantially the same as or greater than the diameter of a spackle container 12 .
- the spackle container lid of the various embodiments may be included as an original equipment lid on spackle containers sold by manufacturers.
- the spackle container lid may also comprise an aftermarket apparatus sold separately from spackle containers.
- spackle or spackle paste is used to fill holes, small cracks and other minor service defects in wood, drywall, plaster and the like.
- Spackle and related materials may be provided in a heavyweight, lightweight or middleweight variety, where the specific variety selected for the job depends upon the job to be performed (e.g., the size of the hole or defect to be filled, the type of material with the hole or defect, and so on).
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Abstract
Apparatus configured for attachment to a spackle container and provide thereby a surface for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/220,011, filed on Jul. 21, 2008, which application is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention is directed to the field of tools used by carpenters and painters. In particular, the present invention is directed to a tool used to facilitate the spackling of sheetrock during dry wall construction. In particular, the present invention is directed to a novel spackle container lid that can be used as a working surface for the spackle.
- Generally spackle is provided in a bucket or some other container. When a worker is applying spackle during drywall construction, the spackle must be removed from its container and placed upon a flat surface. Generally, a worker will use a large trowel or other flat type surface as the working surface. The present invention is directed to a device that is used in conjunction with the lid for the spackle container to provide a flat easily cleanable surface on which the spackle can be worked.
- Various deficiencies of the prior art are addressed by the present invention of an apparatus such as a spackle container lid configured for attachment to a spackle container and provide thereby a surface for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container.
- In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a substantially planar upper portion including said working surface, said upper portion having a rounded proximate edge and a straight distal edge; and a lower portion generally disposed below said rounded proximate edge of said upper portion and configured for attachment to a lid receiving portion of a spackle container to seal the spackle container thereby.
- One embodiment of the present invention comprises a working surface for spackling compound comprising a flat surface connected to a spackle container lid wherein the flat surface is generally larger in length and width than the spackle container lid and is connected to a top surface of the spackle container lid and the container lid contains a lip to seal onto the top of a spackle container.
- The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the present invention installed on a typical spackle container; -
FIG. 2 is side plan view of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the present invention; and -
FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a typical use of the present invention. - To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.
- The present invention will now be described in terms of the presently preferred embodiment thereof as illustrated in the drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many obvious modifications may be made to this embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
- The present invention is illustrated in the drawings. As shown in
FIG. 1 , thecontainer lid 10 is intended to form a replacement for existing lids to fit onto the top of thebucket 12 or other spackle container. - The present invention comprises a flat working
surface 14. The present invention further comprises aconnector 16 on its bottom. Theconnector 16 replaces the lid on thespackle bucket 12 and allows theworking surface 14 to fit tightly and securely onto the top of thespackle bucket 12. The workingsurface 14 is fabricated from plastic or other like materials. This type of material provides a smooth working surface that is relatively easy to clean after use. - In practice, the user will remove the needed quantity of spackle from the container in a conventional manner. The user will replace the
connector 16 onto thecontainer 12 and it will be securely sealed thereon. The quantity of spackle is then placed onto theworking surface 14. The user then works with the spackle to seal the drywall. - Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing is merely one embodiment of the present invention and many obvious modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
- In one embodiment, a working surface for spackling compound comprises a flat surface connected to a spackle container lid wherein the flat surface is generally larger in length and width than the spackle container lid and is connected to a top surface of the spackle container lid and the container lid contains a lip to seal onto the top of a spackle container.
- As noted above, the
container lid apparatus 10 of the various embodiments is intended to form a replacement for existing lids to fit onto the top of thebucket 12 or other spackle container. As is known in the art, such lids comprise a circular connector comprising a protruding annular portion adapted to be received by a corresponding recessed annular portion disposed at the top of abucket 12 or other spackle container. In operation, the protruding annular portion of the lid is inserted into the corresponding recessed annular portion at the top of the bucket to provide thereby a compression-based connection between the bucket and lid. This connection is airtight and strong. In fact, in various configurations the use of an opening tool such as a screwdriver or special-purpose lid remover tool may be necessary to disconnect/remove the lid from the bucket. - Thus, the
connector 16 described above and shown in the various figures generally comprises a circular connector in which a protruding annular ring is disposed between an inner portion associated with a inner diameter DIN and an outer portion associated with an outer diameter DOUT. The protruding annular ring is adapted to mate with a corresponding recessed annular ring associated with a lid receiving portion of aspackle container 12. That is, since theconnector 16 is adapted to mate with thespackle container 12 in the same manner as the original lid used to seal thespackle container 12, the geometry of the protruding annular ring ofconnector 16 is substantially the same as that of the original spackle container lid. -
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the present invention installed on a typical spackle container. As shown inFIG. 1 and generally described above, one embodiment comprises anapparatus 10 that is configured to be attached to aspackle container 12 to provide thereby asurface 14 for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container. It can also be seen that theapparatus 10 includes a rounded edge RE and a flat edge FE. The rounded edge generally has a contour similar to that of thespackle container 12 upon which theapparatus 10 may be attached. Thus, in various embodiments, theapparatus 10 may be provided in a plurality of sizes to match corresponding spackle container sizes (e.g., height, quart, gallon and so on). -
FIG. 2 is side plan view of the present invention as viewed from the flat edge FE side of theapparatus 10. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection ofFIG. 2 that theapparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including theworking surface 14, as well as a bottom portion BOT including theconnector 16. -
FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the present invention as viewed from the rounded edge RE side of theapparatus 10. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection ofFIG. 3 that theapparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including theworking surface 14, as well as a bottom portion BOT including theconnector 16. -
FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the present invention as viewed from one side of theapparatus 10 in which the rounded edge RE is to the right of the viewer and the flat edge FE is to the left of the viewer. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection ofFIG. 4 that theapparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including theworking surface 14, as well as a bottom portion BOT including theconnector 16. -
FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the present invention as viewed from one side of theapparatus 10 in which the rounded edge RE is to the left of the viewer and the flat edge FE is to the right of the viewer. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection ofFIG. 5 that theapparatus 10 comprises a substantially planar upper portion TOP including theworking surface 14, as well as a bottom portion BOT including theconnector 16. -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the present invention in which only the working surface is visible. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection ofFIG. 6 that theworking surface 14 defined by the upper portion TOP of theapparatus 10 comprises a proximate end having a rounded edge RE and a distal end having a flat edge FE. As depicted inFIG. 6 , substantially straight sides SE-1 and SE-2 separate the proximate and distal ends of the workingsurface 14. It can also be seen by inspection ofFIG. 6 that a transition between the rounded edge RE of the proximate end and each of the substantially straight sides SE-1 and SE-2 occurs at corresponding curvature end points CE-1 and CE-2. Moreover, it can be seen that the each of the substantially straight sides SE-1 and SE-2 meets the flat edge FE of the distal end to form thereby a respective corner portion. - It can also be seen by inspection of
FIG. 6 that the workingsurface 14 comprises a solid working surface having no apertures or openings. It can also be seen by inspection ofFIG. 6 that theapparatus 10 has a width W generally conforming to the length of the flat edge FE of the workingsurface 14. - In one embodiment, the width W associated with the
apparatus 10 is substantially equivalent to an outer diameter DOUT of a circle projected in accordance with the shape of the rounded edge RE of the working surface 14 (e.g., a circle representing an opening of a bucket or spackle container 12). In other embodiments, the width W is greater than the outer diameter DOUT. - In one embodiment, the corner portions formed where the substantially straight sides SE-1 and SE-2 meet the flat edge FE of the distal end are rounded to provide thereby respective rounded corners RC-1 and RC-2. It should be noted that while rounded corners having a particular radius parameter are depicted, rounded corners having a radius parameter greater than or less than the radius parameter of the depicted rounded corners may also be provided in various embodiments.
-
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the present invention. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection ofFIG. 7 that theconnector 16 comprises a circular connector adapted to fit or mate with a corresponding circular connector ofspackle container 12. It can also be seen by inspection ofFIG. 7 that theconnector 16 as well as anunderside 14′ of workingsurface 14 comprise solid surfaces having no apertures or openings. Thus, when theconnector 16 of theapparatus 10 engages the lid receiving portion of aspackle container 12, air is denied entry to thespackle container 12, while any product remaining in thespackle container 12 is denied exit from thecontainer 12. In this manner spackle or other product in thecontainer 12 is kept in operable condition. Moreover, the strong connection made between theconnector 16 and lid receiving portion ofcontainer 12 provides a stable platform to secure theapparatus 10. - It can also be seen by inspection of
FIG. 7 that the rounded portion ofconnector 16 generally conforms to the rounded edge RE of theapparatus 10, while the flat portion of theunderside 14′ of workingsurface 14 conforms to the straight or flat edge FE of theapparatus 10. It can also be seen by inspection ofFIG. 7 that the straight or flat edge FE of theapparatus 10 protrudes beyond the outer diameter DOUT of theconnector 16 by an overlap length amount OL. Thus, in one embodiment, theapparatus 10 is larger than the bucket orspackle container 12. Specifically, when theapparatus 10 is mechanically coupled to or in mechanical communication with thespackle bucket 12 the workingsurface 14 protrudes beyond thespackle bucket 12 by an overlap length amount OL. - It can also be seen by inspection of
FIG. 7 that theconnector 16 generally comprises a circular connector in which a protruding annular ring (PAR) associated with a width WPARr is disposed between an inner portion associated with an inner diameter DIN and an outer portion associated with an outer diameter DOUT. The protruding annular ring has a width that is adapted to mate with a corresponding recessed annular ring associated with a lid receiving portion of aspackle container 12. - Since the
connector 16 is adapted to mate with thespackle container 12 in the same manner as the original lid used to seal thespackle container 12, it is noted that the geometry of the protruding annular ring ofconnector 16 is substantially the same as that of the original spackle container lid. - As previously noted with respect to
FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, the width W associated with theapparatus 10 is substantially equivalent to an outer diameter DOUT of a circle projected in accordance with the shape of the rounded edge RE of the workingsurface 14. -
FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a typical use of the present invention. Specifically, it can be seen by inspection ofFIG. 8 that theapparatus 10 is connected to aspackle container 12. As previously noted, such connection is made by joining connector 16 (not visible) of theapparatus 10 to the lid receiving connector (not visible) of thespackle container 12. It can also be seen inFIG. 8 that ahuman hand 810 associated with a worker is grasping aspackling tool 820 to work a quantity ofspackle 830 disposed upon the workingsurface 14 of theapparatus 10. Is noted that the plan or orthogonal view ofFIG. 8 is such that the rounded edge RE is partially occluded by thespackle 830, while the flat edge FE is fully visible. As previously noted, thespackling tool 820 may be cleaned by scraping it against the flat edge FE of theapparatus 10. - As generally described above, and referring to the various figures, one embodiment comprises an
apparatus 10 that is configured to be attached to aspackle container 12 to provide thereby asurface 14 for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container. For example,FIGS. 1 and 8 clearly show theapparatus 10 installed upon aspackle container 12 such that the workingsurface 14 supports a quantity ofspackle 830 that may be worked by aperson 810 via a spackle knife ortool 820. It is noted that thespackle tool 820 includes a substantiallyflat edge 822 such that spackle may be applied to a wall or other surface as is known in the art. - The
apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a substantially planar upper portion TOP including the workingsurface 14, the upper portion having a rounded proximate edge RE and a straight or flat distal edge FE. Theapparatus 10 according to this embodiment also includes a lower portion generally disposed below the rounded proximate edge RE of the upper portion and including aconnector 16 configured for attachment to a lid receiving portion of a bucket orspackle container 12 to seal the spackle container thereby and mechanically support theapparatus 10 in a mounted or operational configuration on top of thespackle container 12. - As previously noted, the
connector 16 of theapparatus 10 is adapted to mechanically communicate with the corresponding connector of a bucket orspackle container 12. Thus, in various embodiments theconnector 16 is adapted in configuration and/or geometry to support spackle containers having non-annular lid connection arrangements (e.g., such as arrangements including square, triangular, rectangular or other noncircular shapes), non-compression connection mechanisms (e.g., positive locking mechanisms, latching mechanisms and the like) and/or other variations. - Is contemplated by the inventors that the
apparatus 10 may be adapted to fit buckets orspackle containers 12 of any common size, such as pint, quart, gallon, liter and so on. Moreover, it is contemplated by the inventors that various embodiments of theapparatus 10 may have a width W substantially the same as or greater than the diameter of aspackle container 12. - The spackle container lid of the various embodiments may be included as an original equipment lid on spackle containers sold by manufacturers. The spackle container lid may also comprise an aftermarket apparatus sold separately from spackle containers.
- Although primarily discussed within the context of spackle containers, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various embodiments benefit any relatively viscous working product such as spackle, spackling paste, putty, caulk, joint compound, plaster and the like. As is known in the art, spackle or spackle paste is used to fill holes, small cracks and other minor service defects in wood, drywall, plaster and the like. Spackle and related materials may be provided in a heavyweight, lightweight or middleweight variety, where the specific variety selected for the job depends upon the job to be performed (e.g., the size of the hole or defect to be filled, the type of material with the hole or defect, and so on).
- While the foregoing is directed to various embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. As such, the appropriate scope of the invention is to be determined according to the claims, which follow.
Claims (6)
1. Apparatus configured for attachment to a spackle container and provide thereby a surface for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container, the apparatus comprising:
a substantially planar upper portion including said working surface, said upper portion having a rounded proximate edge and a straight distal edge; and
a lower portion generally disposed below said rounded proximate edge of said upper portion and configured for attachment to a lid receiving portion of a spackle container to seal the spackle container thereby.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said lower portion includes a connector adapted to be received by said lid receiving portion of said spackle container.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said connector has an inner diameter DIN and an outer diameter DOUT, said inner and outer diameters defining thereby a protruding annular portion adapted for insertion into a recessed annular portion associated with a spackle container to connect thereby said apparatus and said spackle container.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rounded proximate edge and straight distal edge are separated by substantially straight side edges.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the straight distal edge and substantially straight side edges are separated by rounded corner portions.
6. A spackle container lid configured for attachment to a spackle container and provide thereby a surface for working spackling compound while substantially sealing the spackle container, the apparatus comprising:
a substantially planar upper portion including said working surface, said upper portion having a rounded proximate edge and a straight distal edge; and
a lower portion generally disposed below said rounded proximate edge of said upper portion and configured for attachment to a lid receiving portion of a spackle container to seal the spackle container thereby.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/037,960 US20110147381A1 (en) | 2008-07-21 | 2011-03-01 | Spackle container lid having working surface |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/220,011 US20100012656A1 (en) | 2008-07-21 | 2008-07-21 | Spackle container lid |
US13/037,960 US20110147381A1 (en) | 2008-07-21 | 2011-03-01 | Spackle container lid having working surface |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/220,011 Continuation-In-Part US20100012656A1 (en) | 2008-07-21 | 2008-07-21 | Spackle container lid |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110147381A1 true US20110147381A1 (en) | 2011-06-23 |
Family
ID=44149636
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/037,960 Abandoned US20110147381A1 (en) | 2008-07-21 | 2011-03-01 | Spackle container lid having working surface |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20110147381A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130306633A1 (en) * | 2012-05-16 | 2013-11-21 | Handy & Harman | Container and lid with fastener alignment guide |
US11802413B2 (en) | 2019-08-19 | 2023-10-31 | Omg, Inc. | Deck construction spotter and container combination |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11802413B2 (en) | 2019-08-19 | 2023-10-31 | Omg, Inc. | Deck construction spotter and container combination |
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