US2659519A - Pouring attachment for paint cans and the like - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 17, 1953 J. w. ALLEN 2,659,519

POURING ATTACHMENT FOR PAINT CANS AND THE LIKE Filed Jan. '7, 1952 JOIV V W 1914 [/V ATTO/P/VFFS Patented Nov. 17, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE POURING ATTACHMENT FOR PAINT CANS AND THE LIKE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to a pouring attachment for paint cans and the like and particularly to an improved device of this character which is detachably mountable within the rim of a paint can and similar containers.

It is well known that it is difiicult to pour relatively heavy bodied liquid material, such as paint, from cans and containers in which the material is stored. During the pouring operation, some of the liquid material runs down the outside of the can not only causing wastage of this material but leaving an unsightly residue on the outside of the can which usually smears the hands of the operator or painter holding the can. v

An important object of this invention is to provide an improved pouring attachment for paint cans and similar types of containers which is designed in a novel manner for interfittin sealing engagement with the rim of a paint can and which in the assembled position thereon will conveniently assist in the pouring of the contents of the can. Another important object of the invention is to provide a pouring attachment for paint cans and the like which is constructed in a novel manner to tightly grip the rim of a can and hold the contents thereof regardless of the extent the can is tilted. A further important object of the invention is to provide an attachment of his character having novel adjusted means which not only causes the attachment to tightly grip the rim of a paint can or the like but also sealingly engages the rim in such a manner that during the pouring operation any loss or leakage of the contents down the outside of the ing a pouring attachment of the present invention mounted within the rim of the can;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a, top plan view of a paint can showing a modified form of pouring attachment therein constructed in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 6 is a vertical cross sectional view taken along line 66 of Fig. 5.

There is illustrated in the drawing two embodiments of the invention. The first embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, and in this form of the invention it i shown as being com posed wholly of metallic parts. The attachment comprises a ring-shaped member generally indicated at It which is of a size to be received with n the rim of a paint can and lie within the plane thereof. It is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 as mounted within the upper portion or rim of a paint can. The side wall of the can is indicated at [2 and as in the usual practice it is shown as cylindrical in formation. The upper edge of the wall I 2 carries an inwardly projecting annularly shaped rim M, as in the conventional construction of paint cans. The outer marginal portion of the rim is folded or lapped over the upper edge of the Wall [2 as indicatedat Hi. The balance of the rim I4 is usually shaped with an upwardly opening recess or channel IS, the inner marginal portion thereof being folded over, as indicated at 20 to form a bead located in a plane usually slightly below the upper edge of the wall [2. The ring shaped member ll! of the attachment is capable of lying within the inner marginal portion of th rim [4 and to be radially expanded into gripping engagement thereof in the manner hereinafter described.

The ring shaped member ID is preferably composed of two segmental portions joined together at their ends. One segmental portion is in the form of a flexible band 22, preferably of metallic material such as clock spring stock. Forming part of the band 22 and either constituting an integral part thereof or being secured thereto is a pouring lip 24. The pouring lip has a curvature conforming to that of the band 22 and, in mounted position of the device within the rim of a paint can, the lip 24 projects upwardly and outwardly therefrom as is evident in Figs. 1 and 2. The pouring lip may be substantially semi-circular in formation as illustrated in Fig. 1 so as to overlie approximately half of the rim M of the paint can in which the devic is mounted. The band 22, however, is preferably designed so that it ex-' tends beyond the terminating ends of the pouring lip. As shown in Fig. 1, these extensions of the band are indicated at 26--2B.

The two outer end extensions 26- 26 of the band 22 overlap upon and are secured to the outer ends of the opposite segmental portion of the attachment. This portion is indicated by the reference character 28 and is preferably composed of relatively rigid material having little or no flexibility. In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the portion 28 constitutes a metallic strap bent into the formation of a U as shown in Fig. 1 and consisting of comparatively thicker material than the more flexible band 22. Such metallic stra may be formed from sheet metal stock bent to the desired formation. The outer ends of the metallic strap 28 are secured to the overlapping sections 2626 of the flexible band 22 to complete the ring shaped formation of the member [0.

One form of such securement is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and comprises laterally projecting portions or tongues integrally connected to the metallic strap 28 and folded around the extensions 2626 of the band. One such tongue is illustrated in Fig. 2 at 30. Initially this tongue projected outwardly from the upper edge of the strap 28 but is shown as being folded down around one of the extensions 2626 of the flexible band 22 to grip the same. Another securing tongue is associated with each extension 26 and is indicated at 32 in Fig. 2. Initially this tongue projected downwardly from the lower edge of the strap 28 but is shown as being folded upwardly to embrace and clamp the extension therebetween. It is therefore evident that each extension 26 is clampingly secured to the adjacent outer end section of the metallic strap 28.

Carried by each outer extremity of the metallic strap 28 is a third tongue 34. Each of the tongues 34 initially projected upwardly from the upper edge of the metallic strap but as shown is bent approximately 90 to lie in an outwardly projecting horizontal plane. The two tongues 34-34 are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the ring shaped member ID and serve .as rests for engaging the rim M to assist in supporting the member therewithin.

The attachment carries means which is engageable with the rim of the paint can or other container within which it is mounted and is capable of reacting therewith to tightly grip the member to the rim 14 of the can. For this purpose, the embodiment of the invention 11- lustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 is provided with an elongated tubular body 36 secured at one end to approximately the mid portion of the metallic strap 28 and projecting outwardly therefrom and vin substantially radial alignment with the center of the ring shaped member [0. This tubular body extends over the rim l4 and projects beyond the wall [2 of the paint can or other container in which the attachment is mounted. To dispose the tubular member 36 for such mounting it is secured to the attachment in a plane above and oiTset to that of the ring shaped member III, as illustrated in Fig. 2. To secure the body 36 in this offset relationship to the ring shaped member, the metallic strap 28 is provided with an upwardly projecting portion 38 at approximately its mid section as shown in Fig. 3. The inner end of the tubular member 36 is secured to the upwardly projecting portion 38 in any suitable manner such as a welding joint 40 illustrated in Fig. 2.

Forming part of the tubular member 36 and shiftable longitudinally therealong is a member which is capable of engaging the adjacent portion of the rim I4 in which the attachment is mounted. Such a member is indicated at 42 in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The member depends downwardly from the tubular body 36 through a longitudinal slot 44 formed therein. The slot 44 may extend the full length of the tubular member 36 as shown in Fig. 2.

The member 42 is adjusted lengthwise of the tubular body 36 by means" which may consist, as shown in Fig. 2, of an externally threaded stem or screw 46. The screw 46 is journaled for rotation on the axis of the tubular body 36. One end of the screw, such as the head end 48, is joumaled into the upwardly projecting portion 38. of the metallic strap 28. The opposite end of the screw is received in and secured to a knob 50. The major portion of the knob 50 lies beyond the outer end of the tubular bod 36 and may be knurled to facilitate turning thereof. The knob is provided with an inwardly projecting reduced extension 52 of a size to rotationally flt the interior 'of the body 36 and thus form a journal mounting for the outer end of the screw The downwardly depending member 42'has a widened upper end portion 64 which encircles the screw 46. The inner periphery of the widened portion 54 is internally threaded for threaded engagement with the screw 46. The opposite or lower end of the member 42 is widened as at 56 to form a shoe for engaging the rim l4 of the paint can. Between these upper and lower widened portions the member 42 is relatively narrow in width as shown in Fig. 3, and extends through the slot 44 of the tubular body. The onposite side walls of the slot 44 form stops preventing the rotation of the member 42. It is thus evident that upon rotation of the knob 56 and the screw 46 the member 42 will be caused to travel along the screw either outwardly or.inwardly of the paint can depending upon the direction of rotationof the screw. Preferably, the member 42 is of such a length and so formed that it disposes its shoe portion 56 below the bead 20 of the rim l4 in order to abut the inner side wall of the channel l8 of the rim in the manner shown in Fig. 2.

In the operation of the device, the depending member 42 is adjusted along the screw 46 so that the ring shaped member in may be fitted into the rim of a paint can and lie within the plane thereof. The two outwardly extending tongues 34-34, the pouring lip 24, and the tubular body 36 together constitute laterally projecting portions for bearing upon the rim of the paint can to support the device in proper position therewithin. After the device is thus mounted, the knob 50 is rotated in the direction to cause the depending member 42 to travel outwardly along the threads of the screw 46 bringing the shoe 56 into abut ment with the channel 18 of the paint can rim. Further continued rotation of the knob after such abutment will cause the member 42 to react with the rim of the can and urge the metallic strap 28 inwardly toward the center of the rim of. the paint can forcing the flexible band 22 tightly against the adjacent portion of the rim. Being flexible, the band 22 will be radially expanded by continued rotation of the knob 50 into gripping engagement with the rim forming a liquid tight seal therewith under the pouring lip 24. In this manner, the device is tightly gripped to the rim of the paint can and thereby prevented from accidental dislodgement therefrom regardless of the extent of the tilt of the can} When the can is tilted for pouring the contents therefrom, all of the liquid discharged from the can will flow over the lip 24 and without any of it leaking or spilling upon the outer sides of the wall l2 of the can.

In modification illustrated in Figs, 4, 5 and 6, the pouring attachment operates in a manner similar to the device previously described but is constructed in part of different elements and different materials. The pouring end of the attachment is like the previously described embodiment of the invention and comprises a flexible metallic band 58 of clock spring stock or like material to which is secured a pouring lip 60. The ends of the band 58 project beyond the terminating ends of the pouring lip as shown in Fig. 4. The band 58 is supported by the extremities of a U-shaped frame member 62 composed of relatively rigid material. Fixed to the frame member is an elongated relatively rigid body 64 corresponding in function to the tubular member 36 previously described. The frame member and the body are both composed of plastic material molded or otherwise formed to the shape exhibited in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. The frame member 62 and the band 58 together form a ring-shaped member which is of a size to be received in the plane of the rim of a paint can or other container.

The projecting ends GIL-66 of the band 58 are received in recesses formed in the extremities of the U-shaped frame member and are locked therein by the provision of transverse elements in the form of rivets 58 or the ilke. The plastic body portion 64 may be of the channel shaped configuration as shown best in Fig. 6 having a narrow slot 10 in the base thereof. One end of the body portion is integrally connected to the mid-portion of the frame member 62 and projects radially outwardly therefrom on a level above the band 58 and the frame member 62. so as to overlie the rim of the paint can. For this purpose the frame member 62 is provided with an upwardly projecting portion 12 similar to the portion 38 previously described, The body portion 64 is secured to the frame member in such a manner that its channel opens upwardly and so that the slot i is disposed immediately over the rim of the paint can in which the attachment is mounted.

Carried by the body portion and operating in a manner generally like the shaft 46 of the embodiment of the invention previously described is an elongated member or stem 74 which extends longitudinally through the body portion and projects from the opposite ends thereof. The operating member is jogged intermediate its ends to provide a downwardly depending U-shaped section 16 which extends through the slot 10 for engaging the inner face of the channel l8 of the paint can rim M. The U-shaped section may be further bent as shown in Fig. to provide a protuberance 18 which engages the rim below the head 2% thereof similar to the shoe 5 5 of the previously described embodiment of the invention.

The outer end section of the operating member i4 is externally threaded as indicated at 30 and extends through a transverse wall 82 closing the outer end of the channel of the body 64. An aperture 84 is provided in the end wall 32 for this purpose and it is made slightly oversize the threaded section 80 of the operating member in order to permit longitudinal shiftable movement of the member therethrough. Threaded on the 6 outer extremity'of the operatingmember' is a knob 86 which is capable of abutting the end wall 82 as shown in Fig. 5. The opposite end section of the control member 14 extends through an aperture 88 in the elevated portion 12 of the frame member 62. The extension of the U- shaped section 16 through the slot 10 holds the control member 14 from rotation.

When the knob is rotated in the direction to thread it on the operating member it will cause the member to shift outwardly radially of the attachment and bring its U-shaped section 16 into abutting engagement with the rim 1 4. Upon further rotation of the knob in the same direction, the U-shaped section will react with the rim of the paint can and force the frame member 62 inwardly toward the center of the paint can and thereby thrust and expand the flexible band 58 tightly against the adjacent portion of the rim.

What I claim is:

1. A pouring attachment for paint cans and the like comprising, in combination, a ringshaped member of asize to be received within the rim of a paint can and lie in the plane thereof, said member having a segmental portion of its perimeter formed of a band of flexible radially expandible material, a. pouring lip secured to said band and conforming to the curvature thereof and being arranged to extend upwardly and outwardly over the adjacent portion of the rim of a paint can in which the ring-shaped member is received, an elongated body secured at one end to the member in diametrically opposite relation to the lip and extending radially outwardly from the member, said body lying in a plane offset upwardly from that of the ring-shaped member to overlie the rim of a paint can in which the latter is received and project outwardly therebeyond, a depending element carried by the body and shiftable into engagement with the rim of a paint can in which the ring-shaped member is received, and manually controlled means connected to said element and operable to cause the element to shift into engagement with the rim of the paint can and react therewith to expand said lip carrying portion of the ring-shaped member into sealing engagement with the rim.

A pouring attachment for paint cans and the like comprising, in combination, a ringshaped member of a size to be received within the rim of a paint can and lie in the plane thereof, said member having a segmental portion of its perimeter constituted by a band of flexible radially expandible material, a pouring lip secured to said band and conforming to the curvature thereof and being arranged to extend upwardly and outwardly over the adjacent portion of the rim of a paint can in which the ring-shaped member is received, an elongated body secured at one end to the ring-shaped member in diametrically opposite relation to the mid-portion of the lip, said body being disposed in a plane ofiset upwardly from that of the ring-shaped member and projecting outwardly therefrom a sumcient distance to overlie and bear upon the adjacent portion of the rim of a paint can in which the ringshaped member is received, said body having a longitudinal slot in the base thereof, a depending element carried by the body and extending through said slot for engagement with the inside face of the rim of a paint can in which the ringshaped member is received, means mounting said element for travel in said slot, and means carried by the body and operable to shift said element into engagement with the inside face of the rim assume;

d 01' the paint can in which the ring-shapedmemher is received and .thus urge the lip-carrying band into sealing engagement with the rim of the paint can.

3. A pouring attachment for paint cans and the like comprising, in combination, a ring-shaped member of a size to be received within the rim of a paint can and lie in the plane thereof, said member having a segmental portion of its perimeter constituted by a band of flexible radially expandible material, a pouring lip secured to said band and conforming to the curvature thereof and being arranged to extend upwardly and outwardly over the adjacent portion of the rim of a paint can in which the attachment is received, an elongated body secured at one end to the ringshaped member in diametrically opposite relation to the mid-portion of the lip, said body being disposed in a plane offset upwardly and parallel to that of the ring-shaped member. andprojectby the body and shiftable into engagement with the inside face of the rim of a paint can in which the ring-shaped member is received, a. shaft carried by the body and operatively connected to said depending element, and a control knob carried by the shaft and adapted upon rotation in one direction to operate through said shaft and cause the element to shift into engagement with the inside face of the rim of a paint can in which the ring-shaped member is received and react therewith to thrust the lip-carrying band into sealing engagement with the opposite side of the rim.

JOHN W. ALLEN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,248,136 Koster Nov. 27, 1917 2,594,858 Bowman Apr. 13, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 64,133 Denmark Dec. 3, 1945

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