WO2010029377A2

WO2010029377A2 - Improved mixing tool

Info

Publication number: WO2010029377A2
Application number: PCT/GB2009/051194
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Reed
Original assignee: Ian Reed
Priority date: 2008-09-15
Filing date: 2009-09-15
Publication date: 2010-03-18
Also published as: WO2010029377A4; WO2010029377A3; GB2474993A; GB2474993C; GB0816785D0; GB2474993B; GB2463489A; GB201102837D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a mixing device (1) comprising; an engagement section, having at one end engagement means (4) adapted to engage with a rotatable element; and at least one resiliently deformable mixing blade (5) located at the opposite end of the engagement means, wherein the at least one resiliently deformable mixing blade is configured to deform under centrifugal force. The present invention further provides a scoop type receptacle (7) for carrying fluid material comprising; a body portion having a bottom section (8), the front-most portion of which being adapted to allow material to be scooped into said receptacle, side walls (9) and a back wall (10), wherein the receptacle is formed from a resiliently deformable material.

Description

IMPROVED MIXING TOOL

The present invention relates to an improved mixing tool which can be used to mix viscous materials such as plaster, cement, sand etc. Although there is a clear use in the construction industry, it is not necessarily limited to use in this industry.

The invention can also relate to a scoop or ladle, again with a view to use in the construction industry, which is hard wearing and easy to clean.

In the building and construction trade is it often necessary to mix materials such as plaster, cement or sand etc. in quantities that do not require a full size free standing mixer. Increasingly, modern building materials are provided pre-bagged and require thorough mixing if the best possible results are to be achieved. The poor mixing of materials has been identified as being one of the most common causes of material failure.

Typically, trades people and DIY enthusiasts alike will utilise hand held paddle mixers in order to mix building materials easily. Typically, these paddle mixers comprise a shaft with a rigid, fixed position blade or paddle at one end and a means for rotating said shaft at the opposite end of the shaft to the blade or paddle. There are a number of configurations that the blade or paddle can take depending on the viscosity of the fluid to be mixed. In trade use the means for rotating the shaft is usually provided as an integral motor to provide a single unit, however for DIY use the shaft is usually adapted such that it can be attached to a standard power drill which will provide the rotation.

Most often, the mixer is made from a mild steel material, although other rigid materials can be used. Whilst the rigidity of the material works well for the mixing of viscous fluids such as cement, plaster or sand mixes problems generally arise when trying to ensure even mixing in the corners of a container as the blade is often unable to reach all of the way into edges depending upon the shape of the container. A related problem seen with blast mixers is that their blades or paddles can shatter if they come into contact with solid materials such as stones.

Another significant problem that is commonly encountered when using standard paddle mixers relates to the difficulty in cleaning the paddles or blades. This problem is particularly apparent for plaster mixing, as fresh plaster will set more quickly if it comes into contact with plaster that has already set. It is therefore essential that mixing tools are cleaned thoroughly after each mix. The most appropriate manner of cleaning paddle mixers is to wash with water or other appropriate solvent material before the mixed material on the paddle mixer has dried. In practice, however, this cleaning method is seldom applied due to time pressures on-site, for example. Instead, cleaning of the mixed material from the paddle mixer is often undertaken on completion of the task when the mixed material has dried onto the paddle mixer. It is then necessary to "shock" clean the paddle mixer by way of a sharp blow to the blade and/or shaft, for example with a hammer or other hard object, to remove the residual hardened material. Alternatively the paddle or blade can itself be hit against a hard surface, such as a wall, to dislodge any material that has hardened onto the paddle or blade. Whilst effective, repeat cleaning using these methods results in damage and/or weakening of the rigid blade, reducing the effective life of the mixer.

It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or mitigate some of the problems associated with traditional mixing tools. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mixing device comprising; an engagement section, having at one end engagement means adapted to engage with a rotatable element; and at least one resiliently deformable mixing blade located at the opposite end of the engagement means, wherein the at least one resiliently deformable mixing blade is configured to deform under centrifugal force.

Advantageously, as the resiliently deformable mixing blade is flexible and is configured to deform under centrifugal force it will act as an impeller or rotor like device when the mixing device is rotated. The mixing blade will move from a first position when there is no rotation, outward to a second position when centrifugal pressure is applied via rotation. When the mixing blade is placed into a container of viscous fluid, the rotation of the blade results in fluid turbulence or mixing within said viscous fluid. In addition, as the blade is deformable it is easily able to mould into the shape of and sweep the container edges allowing for minimal input from the user.

In various embodiments, the mixing device comprises a plurality of resiliently deformable mixing blades.

In certain embodiments, the mixing device comprises two resiliently deformable mixing blades.

In another embodiment, the mixing device comprises three resiliently deformable mixing blades.

In embodiments of the present invention, the mixing blade(s) is in the form of a lobe. More specifically, the mixing blade(s) may be in the form of a radially extending arm. The radially extending arm may comprise an obloid cross- sectional profile. The mixing of certain viscous fluids such as cement, for example, requires the use of aggregates such as stones in the mixture. By having an obloid cross-sectional profile, aggregates would be moved towards the centre of a container in which the mixing occurs by the arm, thus facilitating better mixing of the material.

In embodiments of the invention wherein the mixing blades are in the form of a two or more radially extending arms, the radially extending arms are preferably positioned on diametrically opposed sides of the engagement means. It is further preferred that the diametrically opposed radially extending arms cross over each other proximate the engagement means.

Diametrically opposed arms ensure that spreading or splaying of the arms due to centrifugal forces during rotation of the engagement means is limited, ensuring maximum control and effectiveness of the mixing blades.

In additional or alternative embodiments of the invention, the lobe has a tapered profile. More specifically, the lobe may have a first end proximate the engagement means and a second end remote from the engagement means, wherein the first end is of greater width dimension than the second end.

The lobe may comprise a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge is preferably set at an angle of less than 90° relative to the trailing edge. In this way, during use of the mixing tool, the leading edge will deflect an obstruction away from the lobe thereby absorbing and, therefore, reducing the impact force between the lobe and the obstruction which in turn minimises the risk of damage to the lobe during use.

Embodiments of the invention in which the mixing blade(s) is a lobe are preferred for use in mixing aggregates, concretes or other viscous mixtures including obstructions such as stones, for example.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the mixing blade is in the form of a loop. It is preferred that the loop is a closed loop. More specifically, both ends of the loop are connected to the engagement means.

In preferred embodiments, the mixing tool comprises two mixing blades in the forms of loops. More specifically, the two loops are positioned at opposing sides of the engagement means. In this way, the loops will be balanced during rotation of the engagement means during use of the mixing tool.

In embodiments of the invention, the loop is formed of a resiliently flexible material. More specifically, the loop is formed of a resiliently flexible material having a rectangular cross-sectional profile.

In use of the mixing tool comprising two loop mixing blades, the loops spread apart from one another under centrifugal forces.

It is preferred that the two loops are configured to cross over one another proximate the engagement means. In this way, during rotation of the engagement means, the loops deflect across the end of the engagement means and push against one another. Thus, a tension is created between the two loops which tension counteracts the force of the material pushing the loops back towards their resting position. A mixing tool according to the invention comprising mixing blades in the form of two loops is preferred when the material to be mixed is a liquid and a bulk powder such as cement, adhesives and plaster or the like.

In alternative embodiments, the mixing tool comprises three mixing blades in the forms of loops. In these embodiments it is preferred that the three loops are arranged about an end of the engagement means and are equally spaced apart from one another thereabout. In this configuration, the three loops provide a balanced mixing tool, wherein the mixing blades may be immersed in a small quantity of liquid whilst, in use, providing a low splash back of liquid.

Providing the mixing blade in a loop shape allows fluid to move through the centre of the loop as well as around the sides.

In various embodiments, at least one section of the loop is formed into a flange.

The advantage of one section of the loop being formed as a flange or flattened section is that it will act as a paddle, maximising motion and mixing within the fluid.

Preferably, at least one section of the loop comprises a recess or an indent. More specifically, the recess is a cross cut. Even more specifically, the recess or indent is a cut out portion in the outer surface of the loop. In certain embodiments, the cut out portion is a V-shaped cut out portion in the outer surface of the loop. In preferred embodiments, the recess or indent in the loop in located proximate the engagement means. By providing a recess, indent or cut out portion in the outer surface of the loop, the loop is allowed to deflect radially outwardly during rotation of the engagement means. Outward deflection of the loop allows the mixing device to adapt to the contours of a container in which material is to be mixed thereby ensuring thorough mixing of the material.

The cross cut facilitates deflection of the mixing blade during rotation.

Preferably the mixing blade is formed of a resiliently flexible material. More specifically, the mixing blade may be formed of a rubber or a rubberised material.

Alternatively the mixing blade is formed from a resilient, flexible plastic material.

In further alternative embodiments, the mixing blade is formed of a steel cable which steel cable is preferably housed in a casing of rubber or rubberised material or, alternatively, is housed in a casing of resilient, flexible plastic material. In this way, the mixing blade is flexible with an improved resistance to shear forces. The casing assists the mixing blade in operation as a steel cable alone would have a tendency to travel in a straight line without deforming to the shape of the receptacle in which the material to be mixed is held.

In yet further alternative embodiments, the mixing blade is formed of a steel or fibre glass matrix structure housed in a casing of rubber or rubberised material.

Preferably the engagement means is a shaft. More specifically, the shaft is an elongate shaft. In embodiments of the invention, the shaft is formed of a rigid material. The rigid material may be steel, aluminium, fibre glass, plastics material, graphite, or other suitable material.

Preferably the mixing device further comprises a weighted collar coupled to the engagement means. In embodiments of the invention the weighted collar is coupled to the shaft. More specifically the weighted collar is coupled to the shaft adjacent an end thereof. In certain embodiments, the weighted collar is coupled to the shaft at the end thereof proximate the mixing blade(s).

The advantage of the weighted collar is that it helps control shaft vibration and absorbs impact on the sides of the container in which the material to be mixed is held thereby enhancing the shock absorbing properties of the mixing blade.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the weighted collar is between 25 to 55 grams.

Preferably the mixing device further comprises a control ring around a neck of the mixing blade.

The control ring can be used to control the deflection of the mixing blade(s). The tensional stiffness of the blade can thus be varied, for example, the tensional stiffness can be increased for mixing heavy components of adhesives, as required by adjusting the relative position of the control ring on the blade. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the mixing blade(s) is connected to the engagement means such that the angular displacement of the mixing blades relative to the engagement means is adjustable.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the mixing blade(s) is adjustable relative to the engagement means by an angle of between 0 and 10 degrees

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the engagement section is adapted to engage with a standard power tool.

This has the benefit of allowing the mixing device to be used along with standard products such as a power drill which are commonly owned by both tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts.

In embodiments of the invention, the engagement section comprises a collar element for attachment to a rotatable shaft.

Alternatively, or in addition, the engagement section further comprises a shaft for attachment to a means for rotating said shaft.

Preferably the shaft is plastic coated.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a receptacle for carrying fluid material comprising; a body portion having a bottom section, the front-most portion of which is adapted to allow material to be scooped into said receptacle, side walls and a back wall, wherein the receptacle is formed from a resiliently deformable material. In preferred embodiments the receptacle is a scoop or ladle. More specifically, the scoop is of a frusto-conical cross section.

In embodiments of the invention, the receptacle back wall comprises indents. More specifically, the outer surface of the back wall may comprise indents configured to receive the fingers of a user. The inner surface of the back wall may comprise an indent configured to receive the thumb of a user. In this way, the receptacle is ergonomically configured to offer comfort and support to a user.

In embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the receptacle may further comprise an inner back wall spaced apart from the back wall of the receptacle. The inner back wall is preferably configured to provide a thumb guard and protection for the user against a contents of the receptacle in use thereof.

Advantageously, forming the receptacle from resiliently deformable material allows for easy cleaning and re-use. As the receptacle will deform and then return to its original configuration, any hardened on debris is removed by applying a force to deform the scoop causing the debris to splinter off the surface then allowing the scoop to return to its original shape.

In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention embodiments will be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following figures in which;

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a mixing device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an alternative view of the first embodiment of a mixing device according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a view of the first embodiment of the mixing device where the blades are deflected as they have been placed under centrifugal force;

Figure 4 is schematic diagram of second embodiment of a mixing device according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is schematic diagram of third embodiment of a mixing device according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a view of the mixing device of figure 5 where the blades are deflected as they have been placed under centrifugal force;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a mixing device according to the present invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of a mixing device according to the present invention;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a blade of the mixing device of figure 8;

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the back view of a scoop device according to the second aspect of the present invention; Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the top view of a scoop device according to the second aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the front view of a scoop device according to the second aspect of the present invention.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Further, although the invention will be described in terms of specific embodiments, it will be understood that various elements of the specific embodiments of the invention will be applicable to all embodiments disclosed herein.

In the drawings, similar features are denoted by the same reference signs throughout.

Referring to figures 1 to 3, a first embodiment of a mixing tool according to the present invention is shown.

The mixing tool 1 has a securing collar 2 which is provided with drill holes which extend through the collar 2. Rivets 3 are passed through the drill holes to secure the collar 2 to a standard 8mm hexagonal shaft 4. The shaft 4 is itself plastic coated steel to reduce corrosion and is adapted to be fixed to a power drill (not shown). On the opposing side of the collar 2 to the shaft 4, there are two resiliently deformable mixing blades in the form of mixing loops 5. In the first embodiment the loops 5 are made from heavy duty reconstituted, reinforced rubber from recycled tyres, however it is envisaged that a range of rubberised plastics or other resilient flexible materials could be used. It is likely that the material selected to make the loops 5 will be based on the viscosity of the fluid to be mixed, with more viscous fluids requiring stronger materials.

The collar 2 is weighted and is about 3Og in weight.

The first embodiment has the loops 5 in the form of closed loops, which can best be seen in figures 2 and 3. One section of each loop is formed into a flattened section or flange 6. The flange 6 assists with mixing of a viscous fluid be increasing the surface area of the loop or lobe 5.

In use, the hexagonal shaft 4 is fixed to a standard power drill (not shown) which acts to rotate the shaft as required. In the first embodiment a 24volt cordless drill is used. If there is no or minimal rotation, the loops 5 hang downwards in use as can be seen in figures 1 and 2. This does allow for a level of mixing and can be useful for high density fluid mixing. However, as the speed increases, for example to 300-1200 rpm, this results in a centrifugal force acting on the loops 5 which causes said loops 5 to move upwards and outwards as best shown in figure 3. This provides a thorough mixing action drawing fluid from top to bottom.

Referring to figure 4, a second embodiment of a mixing tool according to the present invention is shown. The components of the mixing tool 1 are similar to that of the first embodiment with the exception that the mixing tool further comprises a control ring 12 position around a neck 13 of the loops 5. The control ring 12 is moveable along the neck 13 of the loops 5. The control ring 12 is used to control the deflection of mixing blade thus allowing the tensional stiffness of the loops 5 to be adjusted as required, for example, to be increased for mixing heavy components of adhesives.

The weighted collar 2 helps control shaft vibration and assists in minimizing the effect of impact forces generated when the loops 5 impact on the sides of a receptacle used for mixing.

Referring to figures 5 and 6, a third embodiment of a mixing tool according to the invention is shown.

The mixing tool 1 has a 3Og weighted securing collar 2 which is secured to a standard 8mm hexagonal shaft 4. The collar 2 may be secured to the shaft by rivets 3 as in the first embodiment or be bonded to the shaft as in the second embodiment. The shaft 4 is itself plastic coated steel to reduce corrosion and is adapted to be fixed to a power drill (not shown). On the opposing side of the collar 2 to the shaft 4, there are two resiliently deformable mixing blades in the form of mixing loops 5.

As in the first embodiment, the loops 5 are made from heavy duty reconstituted, reinforced rubber from recycled tyres and are in the form of loops, which can best be seen in figure 5.

One section of each loop comprises a cross cut recess 11 proximate the collar 2. The cross cut recess 11 facilitates deflection of the loop 5 when it is rotated. Referring to figure 7, a fourth embodiment of a mixing tool according to the invention is shown.

As in the first, second and third embodiments, the mixing tool 1 has a securing collar 2 secured to a shaft 4. The collar 2 may be secured to the shaft 4 by rivets 3 as in the first embodiment or be bonded to the shaft 4 as in the second embodiment. The properties of the shaft 4 are the same as those described above in relation to the first and second embodiments.

Unlike in the first, second and third embodiments, in the fourth embodiment on the opposing side of the collar 2 to the shaft 4, there are three resiliently deformable mixing blades in the form of mixing loops 5. The loops 5 are made from heavy duty reconstituted, reinforced rubber from recycled tyres and are in the form of loops.

The loops 5 are connected to the collar 2 such that their angular displacement relative to the shaft 4 is adjustable. The initial angle of the loops 5 relative to the shaft 4 may be selected and fixed by a user prior to use of the mixing tool. In preferred embodiments of the invention the loops 5 are positioned such that they are aligned perpendicular to the shaft 4, i.e. at 90 degrees from the shaft, the angular displacement relative to the shaft 4 is adjustable by an angle of between 0 and 10 degrees away from the shaft 4 i.e. between 90 and 100 degrees from the shaft.

The mixer device of the fourth embodiment is particularly useful when the material to be mixed is a low volume of fluid within a container. The balanced configuration of the three loops 5, in use, limits the splash back from the body of fluid, thereby limiting the loss of material and any undesirable spillage thereof. Referring to figures 8 and 9, a fifth embodiment of a mixing tool according to the present invention is shown.

The mixing tool 1 has a securing collar 2 secured to a shaft 4. The collar is a 5Og weighted collar 2 and may be secured to the shaft 4 by rivets as in the first embodiment or be bonded to the shaft as in the second embodiment. The properties of the shaft 4 are the same as those described above in relation to the first and second embodiments.

The mixing tool 1 comprises two resiliently flexible mixing blades in the form of mixing lobes 5. The lobes 5 are made from heavy duty reconstituted, reinforced rubber from recycled tyres and are in the form of arms extending in a radial direction outwardly of the shaft 4.

The arms 5 are secured on diametrically opposed sides of the collar from each and cross over each other proximate the collar. The crossing over of the diametrically opposed arms 5 proximate the shaft ensures that centrifugal spreading of the arms 5 during rotation is limited, thus ensuring maximum control and effectiveness of the mixing tool 1.

The arms comprise a tapered obloid cross-sectional profile as best seen in figure 9. In use, the tapered obloid cross-sectional profile facilitates the movement of aggregates in a mixture being mixed towards the centre of the container thus facilitating better mixing of the mixture material.

Furthermore, the profile of the arms 5 deflects on obstruction, a stone for example, away from the arm 5 whilst also absorbing some of the impact force, thus reducing the risk of damage occurring to the mixing tool in use. Although the preferred embodiments described above utilise a cordless drill to provide rotational movement, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that an integral motor could be provided to provide an all-in-one tool. Furthermore, there may be cases where the shaft is not required and the collar may be attached directly to another rotating means.

Turning to the second aspect of the present invention, a preferred embodiment takes the form of a hand held scoop 7 or ladle for use in the building or construction trade to transfer quantities of fluids or mixtures, particularly for use in conjunction with flexible mixing tubs or trugs that are currently available. An example is depicted in Figures 10 to 12 which shows a scoop with a frusto-conical cross section. The scoop 7 has a curved base 8 with two side walls 9 and a back wall 10. The front section of the base 8 is adapted to allow for easy scooping and may be graduated. The side walls 9 prevent spillage of any fluid that is collected in the scoop 7. The scoop 7 is formed from a resiliently deformable material, similar to the mixing blades of the first aspect of the invention. In the preferred embodiment this is a heavy duty flexible plastic. The flexibility of the material ensures that the scoop 7 is robust and easy to clean. To remove any hardened on debris the scoop can either be deformed slightly which causes the material to crack and flake off, or can be struck by or against a solid object with the same result.

The back wall 10 may be provided with indents (not shown) into which the user may place his/her fingers and/or thumb. The provision of finger and/or thumb imprints in the back wall of the scoop 7 offers improved comfort and support to a user during use of the device.

The back wall 10 may be comprised of an outer back wall and an inner back wall (not shown) and a gap provided therebetween. The inner back wall would separate the fingers and/or thumb of a user from a contents of the scoop thereby offering protection during use of the device.

Although the above embodiments are indicative of the invention, they should not be considered as limiting. In particular, it is envisaged that, as well as being useful for the mixing of building and construction products such as cement, plaster and sand, the mixing tool could also be used for small scale mixing, for example when mixing cake or food mixes or even for drinks mixing.

Claims

1. A mixing device comprising; an engagement section, having at one end engagement means adapted to engage with a rotatable element; and at least one resiliently deformable mixing blade located at the opposite end of the engagement means, wherein the at least one resiliently deformable mixing blade is configured to deform under centrifugal force.

2. A mixing device according to claim 1 , wherein the mixing blade is flexible and is configured to act as an impeller or rotor like device when the mixing device is rotated.

3. A mixing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mixing blade is configured to move from a first position when there is no rotation, outward to a second position when centrifugal pressure is applied via rotation.

4. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the mixing blade is placed into a container of viscous fluid, the rotation of the blade results in fluid turbulence or mixing within said viscous fluid.

5. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the mixing blade is placed into a container the blade is deformable and able to mould into the shape of the container edges allowing for minimal input from the user.

6. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device comprises a plurality of resiliently deformable mixing blades.

7. A mixing device according to claim 6, wherein the device comprises two resiliently deformable mixing blades.

8. A mixing device according to claim 6, wherein the device comprises three resiliently deformable mixing blades.

9. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mixing blade is in the form of a lobe.

10. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mixing blade is in the form of a radially extending arm.

11. A mixing device according to claim 10, wherein the radially extending arm comprises an obloid cross-sectional profile.

12. A mixing device according to claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the device comprises two or more radially extending arms.

13. A mixing device according to claim 12, wherein the two or more radially extending arms are diametrically opposed one another about the engagement means.

14. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mixing blade is in the form of a loop.

15. A mixing device according to claim 14, wherein the loop is a closed loop.

16. A mixing device according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein at least one section of the loop is formed into a flange.

17. A mixing device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein at least one section of the loop comprises a recess.

18. A mixing device according to claim 17, wherein the recess is a cross cut.

19. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the engagement section is adapted to engage with a standard power tool.

20. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the engagement section comprises a collar element for attachment to a rotatable shaft.

21. A mixing device according to claim 20, wherein the collar element is a weighted collar element.

22. A mixing device according to claim 21 , wherein the collar element has a weight of between 25 and 55 grams.

23. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the engagement section includes a shaft for attachment to a means for rotating said shaft.

24. A mixing device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the shaft is plastic coated.

25. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a control ring around a neck of the mixing blade.

26. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the mixing blade is formed from a rubber or rubberised material.

27. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the mixing blade is formed from a resilient, flexible plastic material.

28. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the mixing blade is formed of a steel cable.

29. A mixing device according to claim 28, wherein the steel cable is housed in a casing of rubber or rubberised material.

30. A mixing device according to claim 28, wherein the steel cable is housed in a casing of resilient, flexible plastic material.

31. A receptacle for carrying fluid material comprising; a body portion having a bottom section, the front-most portion of which is adapted to allow material to be scooped into said receptacle, side walls and a back wall, wherein the receptacle is formed from a resiliently deformable material.

32. A receptacle according to claim 31 , wherein the receptacle is a scoop or a ladle.

33. A receptacle according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the receptacle has a frusto-conical cross section.

34. A receptacle according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the receptacle back wall comprises indents.

35. A receptacle according to claim 34, wherein the outer surface of the back wall comprises indents configured to receive the fingers of a user.

36. A receptacle according to claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the inner surface of the back wall comprises an indent configured to receive the thumb of a user.

37. A receptacle according to any one of claims 31 to 36, further comprising an inner back wall spaced apart from the back wall of the receptacle.

38. A receptacle according to claim 37, wherein the inner back wall is configured to provide a thumb guard and protection for the user against a contents of the receptacle in use thereof.