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  Holder for mixer bucketsUSPTO Application #: 20080042035Title: Holder for mixer buckets Abstract: A device for holding a bucket during the mixing of the contents thereof includes a base plate having an upper face and a lower face adapted to be placed on a supporting surface and a ring-shaped, upstanding semi-flexible wall member extending upwardly from the base plate which together form a generally cylindrical pocket adapted to receive the bucket therein. A foot pedal having an upper portion engaging an upper section of the wall member and a lower portion positioned outwards and downwards from the upper portion is mounted adjacent the wall member such that the foot pedal extends outwards and downwards from the wall member. The foot pedal is operative to have the upper portion be biased downwards and inwards with the lower portion being generally stationary thereby causing the upper section of the wall member to move inwardly towards the bucket and thereby frictionally engage the same. (end of abstract) Agent: Law Offices Of Adam H. Jacobs - Omaha, NE, US Inventor: Brett A. Elwood USPTO Applicaton #: 20080042035 - Class: 24834603 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080042035. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001]1. Technical Field [0002]This invention relates to a holder for mixer buckets and more particularly to a holder for mixer buckets which includes a base plate, an upstanding circumferential semi-rigid wall member and a foot pedal in contact with the upper section of the wall member operative such that depressing the foot pedal forces the wall member inwards thereby temporarily securing a bucket held within the wall member via frictional contact between the wall member and the bucket. [0003]2. Description of the Prior Art [0004]During construction work, it is frequently necessary to utilize drywall mud, tile grout, etc. The mud, grout, etc., is normally contained within a bucket or pail and normally must be mixed prior to being used. In many cases, the mixing step is accomplished by using a power mixer having a mixing paddle which is inserted into the bucket or pail to mix the contents of the pail or bucket. Currently when mixing these substances, the person must either hold the bucket between his or her legs or try standing on the bucket with one foot. The power mixers either cause the bucket to slide around on the floor or spin out of control. Many types of bucket holders have been previously provided, but none seem to be economical of manufacture, convenient to use, or durable in use and refined in appearance. [0005]Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved holder for buckets and pails. [0006]Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved holder for buckets and pails which includes a base plate, an upstanding circumferential wall member and a foot pedal connected to the upper section of the wall member such that when the foot pedal is forced downwards, the foot pedal forces the upper section of the wall member inwards and thereby secures the bucket within the holding device. [0007]Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved holder for buckets and pails which leaves the hands free for manipulating tools, stirrers or other devices. [0008]Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved holder for buckets and pails which includes no mechanical devices operative to secure the bucket within the device, instead relying on the frictional contact between the distorted wall member and the side of the bucket for securement. [0009]Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved holder for buckets and pails which does not require a great deal of physical strength to operate, instead using the natural body weight of the user of the invention. [0010]Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved holder for buckets and pails which is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction and which is safe, efficient and effective in use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011]The present invention provides a device for holding a bucket during the mixing of the contents thereof which includes a generally horizontally disposed generally planar base plate having an upper face and a lower face adapted to be placed on a supporting surface and a ring-shaped, upstanding semi-flexible wall member extending upwardly from the base plate, the wall member and the base plate forming a generally cylindrical pocket adapted to receive the bucket therein. A foot pedal having an upper portion engaging an upper section of the wall member and a lower portion positioned outwards and downwards from the upper portion is mounted adjacent the wall member such that the foot pedal extends outwards and downwards from the wall member and the foot pedal is operative to have the upper portion be biased downwards and inwards with the lower portion being generally stationary thereby causing the upper section of the wall member to move inwardly towards the bucket and thereby frictionally engage the same. [0012]In use, the bucket to be mixed is placed within the upstanding wall member in the generally cylindrical pocket and the person doing the mixing will place one foot upon the foot stop. The person would then step upon the foot pedal which causes the wall member to be deflected inwardly into engagement with the outer surface of the bucket which maintains the bucket in position during the mixing operation and which prevents rotation of the bucket during the mixing operation. [0013]The present invention as thus described provides a substantial improvement over those securement devices found in the prior art. For example, because the person using the device has his or her hands free during the securement process, the mixing operation is greatly facilitated. Furthermore, as the present invention does not include fastening straps or other mechanical securement devices which must be engaged and released, the releasable securement of the bucket is accomplished far more quickly and easily than permitted by the prior art. Finally, because the present invention is a single unit, it may be quickly and easily transported from job site to job site to be used at that location. It is therefore seen that the present device for holding a bucket during the mixing of the contents thereof provides a substantial improvement over those bucket securement devices found in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a bucket positioned within the holder of this invention; [0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the holder of this invention; [0016]FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a bucket positioned within the holder; and [0017]FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 except that the foot pedal portion of the holder has been stepped upon by a person to force the wall member of the holder into frictional engagement with the bucket. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0018]The holder of this invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 which is preferably of a one-piece, molded plastic material. The holder 10 is designed to hold a bucket or pail 12 (hereinafter "bucket") in place while the contents of the bucket are being mixed by a power mixer. [0019]Holder 10 includes a flat, planar, disc-shaped base plate 14 and an upstanding wall member 16. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the wall member 16 is less than the diameter of the base plate 14 although, in some cases, the wall member 16 could have the same diameter as the base plate 14. In other words, the wall member 16 could extend upwardly from base plate 14 at the outer periphery thereof. Preferably, an anti-skid material 18, such as rubber, is applied to the inner surface of the wall member 16 to aid in gripping the bucket as will be described hereinafter. An anti-skid material may also be applied to the upper surface and to the bottom surface of the base plate 14 to further secure the bucket therein and secure the base plate 14 on a floor surface. [0020]The numeral 20 refers to a foot stop or foot step which extends horizontally outwardly from base plate 14 at one side thereof, as illustrated in the drawings. In the preferred embodiment, only a single foot stop 20 is utilized, but it is possible that more than one foot stop could be provided if so desired. Continue reading... Full patent description for Holder for mixer buckets Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Holder for mixer buckets patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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