BATCHING BOX

Abstract: A batching box in which small batches of building material can be mixed by hand using a shovel, comprises a base (10) for resting on the ground, and a peripheral wall (12) projecting upwardly from the base to enclose the materials (M) to be mixed, the batching box having an open top and one portion (14) of its peripheral wall sloping outwardly from the bottom to the top.

Description: Batching Box This invention relates to a batching box, or container in which small batches of cement, plaster or other building materials can be mixed. In general, builders mix small batches of cement or plaster etc either on a convenient piece of ground (e.g. a concrete or paved area) , or on any appropriate piece of board which happens to be at hand. However, once the batch has been mixed, it has to be put into a container and then hand-carried to the area at which it is to be used. Also the process generally leaves a mess at the mixing area. I have now devised a batching box in which small batches of cement, plaster or other building materials can be mixed without creating a mess, and which batching box can be used adjacent the area at which the mixed material is required, so as to avoid the need to carry the materials once mixed. In accordance with thiε invention, there is provided a batching box in which small batches of building material can be mixed by hand using a shovel, which box comprises a base for resting on the ground, and a peripheral wall projecting upwardly from the base to enclose the materials to be mixed, the batching box having an open top and one portion of its peripheral wall sloping outwardly from the bottom to the top. The sloping portion of the wall facilitates mixing of materials within the box by sliding- the shovel down the inside surface of this wall portion and under the material before then turning this aterialf over with the shovel. Preferably the batching box has a portion which projects outwardly at the level of the base and under the sloping wall. The user can then steady the batching box during mixing by standing with one foot on this portion. Preferably the batching box comprises a one piece injection moulding from plastics material e.g. polypropylene. An embodiment of this invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a batching box in accordance with this invention; FIGURE 2 is a view of the same batching box showing its underside; and FIGURE 3 is a view of the batching box when in use. Referring to the drawings, there is shown a batching box in which small batches of building material can be mixed by hand using a shovel. The box is a one-piece plastics moulding and comprises a flat, rectangular base 10 for resting on the ground and a peripheral wall 12 extending upwardly from the base. An end wall portion 14 slopes outwardly from the bottom to the top. The base has an extension portion 18 projecting outwardly below the sloping wall 14. The base and wall are formed with strengthening ribs 16 around the top and bottom and over the base 10 and wall 12. In use of the batching box and as shown in Figure 3, the materials M to be mixed (e.g. cement, plaster etc) are placed in the batching box and then mixed by hand uεing a shovel 20. The user εtandε at the εloping end of the box and with his leading foot on the extenεion portion 18 in order to εteady the box whilεt he mixeε the materialε. The εloping end 14 of the box enables the user tc slide the shovel down this wall and under the material so that he can turn the material over with the shovel as mixing progresses. It will be appreciated that the batching box is light weight and can be taken to the area at which the work is to be carried out and the batch mixed at or adjacent that area. The mixing can be completed without creating mesε at thiε location and avoiding the need to carry the mixed materialε from an outεide or remote mixing location to the position at which the building repairs etc are being carried out.

Claims: CLAIMS 1) A batching box in which small batches of building material can be mixed by hand using a shovel, which box comprises a base (10) for resting on the ground, and a peripheral wall (12) projecting upwardly from the base to enclose the materials to be mixed, the batching box having an open top and one portion (14) of its peripheral wall sloping outwardly from the bottom to the top. 2) A batching box as claimed in claim 1, having a portion (18) which projects outwardly at the level of the base and under the sloping wall. 3) A batching box as claimed in claim 1 or 2, which comprises a onepiece injection moulding from plastics material e.g. polypropylene. 4) A batching box as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the baεe and peripheral wall are formed with strengthening ribs (16) .

Inventors: TODD ALAN, TODD, ALAN
Applicants: TODD ALAN, TODD, ALAN
Application year: 1990
Main classification: E04G21
IPC codes: E04G21