MIXING COVER FOR PAINT VESSELS AND THE LIKE

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing cover (1), specifically designed for paint vessels and the like, which comprises a plate element (2) which can be tightly associated with a vessel and which rotatably supports a mixing screw element (12). The main feature of the invention is that the cover comprises, on a delivery spout (20) thereof, a shutter element, which provides a partial opening, by sliding across the delivery spout, and a full opening, by tilting the shutter.

Description: MIXING COVER FOR PAINT VESSELS AND THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a mixing cover construction, which has been specifically designed for paint vessels and the like. Several mixing covers for paint vessels and the like are already available on the market, which covers are mainly constituted by a plate element which is tightly applied on the mouth portion of a paint and the like vessel, and which is provided with a mixing screw supporting shaft. This shaft is coupled to a motor, in order to cause the mixing screw element to be evenly rotated. Prior covers, in particular, are provided with a delivery spout which frequently is affected by great tightness problems, as well as further problems related to the removal of the product drops susceptible to be formed at the delivery spout. Actually, product drops would be susceptible to negatively affect a proper metering of the product as well as they would inevitably cause soiling problems. In addition, a further problem affecting prior covers of the above mentioned type, is that these covers must be properly sized and designed depending on the size of the vessel they are applied to. Accordingly, it is necessary to provide a broad range of different cover size and shapes, in order to properly fit the several available vessels. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, the aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks, by providing a mixing cover, specifically designed for paint vessels and the like, which is provided with a delivery spout specifically designed for allowing both a partial opening and a full opening of the spout, while preventing drops or the like from forming, thereby allowing a perfect metering to be obtained. Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the present invention is to provide such a mixing cover which can be applied to like size vessels, while providing a satisfactory operation. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a mixing cover which is devoid of any deleterious leakages. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a mixing cover construction which can be easily made starting from easily commercially available elements and materials and which, moreover, is very competitive from a mere economic standpoint. According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a mixing cover, specifically designed for paint vessels, comprising a plate element which can be tightly coupled to a vessel, and rotatably supporting a mixing screw element, characterized in that said mixing cover further comprises, on a delivery spout thereof, a shutter element adapted to provide a partial opening by sliding across said spout and a full opening by tilting said shutter element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of a mixing cover specifically designed for paint vessels and the like, according to the invention, and being illustrated, by way of an indicative, but not limitative, example, in the accompanying drawings, where: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the mixing cover construction according to the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates the mixing cover with the delivery spout thereof in a closed position; Figure 3 illustrates the mixing cover with the delivery spout thereof in a partially opened position; Figure 4 illustrates the mixing cover with the delivery spout thereof in a fully opened position; Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the sealing gasket arranged between the plate element and the product vessel; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sealing gasket of figure 5; Figure 7 is a further schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the connection of the shaft end portions and the mixing screw element; and Figure 8 is a further schematic perspective view illustrating the shaft bushing for allowing the shaft to pass through the mixing cover according to the preεent invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the mixing cover construction according to the present invention, which has been specifically designed for paint vessels and the like, and which is generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprises a plate element 2 which can be associated with a vessel 3, and being provided with a gripping handle 4 radially extending and adjoining the product vessel 3. To said plate element 2 is coupled, through a bushing 10 which will be disclosed in a more detailed manner hereinafter, a polygonal shaft 11 which, at the end portion thereof, supports a mixing screw element 12. The plate element 2, in particular, defines a delivery spout 20, which is closed by a substantially laminar shutter element 21. A main feature of the present invention is that the shutter element 21 can be slidably displaced in order to provide a partial opening, and then it being adapted to be turned to assume a tilted position, to fully open the passage through the delivery spout 20. The shutter element 21 is provided with ears 22 which are pivoted to the end portions of a slider 23 which is slidably driven since it is restrained by a restraining pin 24 coupled to fork arms 25 projecting from the plate¬ like element. At the opposite end portion thereof, the slider 23 is provided with a cross-member 26, therewith are engaged the driving arms 27 of a driving pushbutton 28 which is pivoted to said plate-like element. Spring means are moreover provided for holding the shutter element 21 in a closed condition and which, in particular, comprise coil springs 30 associated with an end portion of the pin 24. Thus, this pin will be pressed on the slider 23, the springs engaging, at the other end portions thereof, with said slider, near said cross-member, and extending on a transmission pin 31 rigid with said plate-like element. Thus, the mentioned springs 30 will provide on the slider a pulling force so as to hold the shutter element 21 pressed on the spout. The shutter element 21 comprises moreover, as shown, guide pins 35 projecting laterally with respect to said shutter element 21. The latter, during the starting operation step in which pressure is applied on an operating pushbutton, is caused to slide across the delivery spout, so as to cause the guide pins 35 to engage against abutment elements 36. More specifically, the abutment elements 36 are formed on shoulders 37, rigid with the mentioned plate element, thereby the shutter element, being restrained for further moving, will be caused to turn since the slider will pivot engage with ear elements 22 at a distance from the pivot pins; thus, the shutter element will be caused to turn about the pins 35, thereby fully opening the delivery spout. By releasing the operating push-button, the shutter element 21 will be caused to close, thereby providing a shaving type of operation so as to remove any drops or the like. Thus, the above disclosed device will allow to provide a partial opening, by simply causing the shutter element 21 to slide across the delivery spout 20 thereof, or a full opening, by causing the delivery spout to turn. As shown, the plate element 2 is moreover provided, at the under surface thereof, with a sealing gasket 40 including a pair of sealing lips 41 extending for a portion in a radial direction, thereby fitting paint vessels of different size. Furthermore, from the top surface of the sealing gasket 40, peg elements 42 extend, which engage in corresponding holes 43 formed through the plate element and being upset so as to provide a firm joint. The sealing gasket, in particular, is clamped by slanted pawls 45 which are actuated by small levers 46 provided on the top portion of the mixing cover, so as to axially press the sealing gasket to provide a perfect sealing. In order to fit vessels of different size, the coupling between the mixing screw element 12 and the driving shaft 11 is performed through a compensating spring 50, engaging, by the head 52 thereof, in an abutment 53 as provided at the end portion of the core of the mixing screw element. By actuating the mixing screw element, it is possible to adjust the operating height of the screw convolution arrangement, to provide a resilient pressing thereon, thereby preventing the mixing screw element from accidentally disengaging. As stated, the driving shaft 11 which, on the top end portion thereof is provided with a fork element 60 for engaging a motor reducing unit or the like, holding the driving shaft in a turning condition, is slidably engaged in a bushing 10. This bushing is rotatably housed in a cylindric seat 70, defined by the plate element and having a spiral rib 71, preventing any paint portions from exiting as the driving shaft is turned. The provision of the mentioned spiral rib or ridge 71 will provide very good sealing properties. From the above disclosure it should be apparent that the invention fully achieves the intended objects. In particular, a mixing cover construction has been provided, which is very safe and flexible in operation and which, moreover, can be fitted to paint vessels of different size. The invention, as disclosed, is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all of which will come within the scope of the invention. Moreover, all of the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practicing the invention, the used materials, provided that they are compatible to the intended application, as well as the contingent size and shapes, can be any according to requirements.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A mixing cover, specifically designed for paint vessels, comprising a plate element which can be tightly coupled to a vessel, and rotatably supporting a mixing screw element, characterized in that said mixing cover further comprises, on a delivery spout thereof, a shutter element adapted to provide a partial opening by sliding across said spout and a full opening by tilting said shutter element. 2. A mixing cover, according to Claim 1, characterized in that said shutter element has a laminar configuration and is provided with a pair of ears, pivoted to a slider element which can be operated by an operating pushbutton. 3. A mixing cover, according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said mixing cover comprises moreover a restraining pin supported by a fork element projecting from said plate element and engaging at a top portion thereof with said slider element. 4. A mixing cover, according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that said operating push¬ button is articulated to said plate element and engages, by actuating arms, with a rear cross element of said slider element. 5. A mixing cover, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mixing cover comprises moreover resilient means to hold said shutter element in a closing condition, said resilient means comprising a pair of springs coupled to end portions of said restraining pin and to a point of said slider element on a side thereof where said cross element is provided, said springs being associated with a spring pin. 6. A mixing cover, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shutter element is provided with laterally projecting guide pins provided for engaging with an abutment for causing said shutter element to turn about said pin, by coupling said slider element with said ears. 7. A mixing cover, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover comprises moreover a radially extending two-lip sealing gasket which is coupled to the bottom face of said plate element. 8. A mixing cover, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sealing gasket is provided with pegs engaging in corresponding holes defined by said plate element, for holding said sealing gasket on said plate element. 9. A mixing cover, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mixing screw element is coupled to a driving shaft by means of a spring which is arranged about a long stem screw, engageable with said driving shaft and having a head portion which can be engaged with a shoulder defined on a core portion of said mixing screw element, in order to adjust said mixing screw element depending on a size of a vessel thereon said mixing cover is applied. 10. A mixing cover, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shaft engages with a bushing rotatably supported in a cylindric seat defined in said plate element, said bushing having surface coil ridges engageable with said cylindric seat.

Inventors: DESINANO CARLO, DESINANO, CARLO
Applicants: DESINANO CARLO, TECMEC S R L, DESINANO, CARLO, TECMEC S.R.L.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: B44D3
IPC codes: B44D3