WO2021167461A1

WO2021167461A1 - Storage enhancement tool and method of preservation of a composition in a storage container

Info

Publication number: WO2021167461A1
Application number: PCT/NL2021/050114
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anand Roy CATS-DJASAI
Original assignee: Cats Djasai Anand Roy
Priority date: 2020-02-21
Filing date: 2021-02-19
Publication date: 2021-08-26
Also published as: NL2026056B1; NL2026056A; NL2024973B1

Abstract

The application describes a storage enhancement tool (100) for a composition (204) in a storage container (202),comprising a shielding part (102) and a positioning part (104). The shielding part (102) having dimensions such that it shields the composition (204) in the storage container (202) from air above the composition in the storage container. The shielding part comprises a central opening (102B). The positioning part (104) comprises a handle section (108) and a support section (106) at an end (108A) of the handle section. The handle section is configured to move up and down through the central opening (102B). The support section is configured to carry the shielding part when a user pulls up the positioning part. The positioning part is pushed through the central opening (102B) of the shielding part until the handle section is fully in the storage container while the shielding part remains on top of the composition.

Description

STORAGE ENHANCEMENT TOOL AND METHOD OF PRESERVATION OF A COMPOSITION IN A STORAGE CONTAINER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to a storage enhancement tool for storing a composition in a storage container. More particular the subject disclosure relates to a storage enhancement tool for slowing down degradation of a composition, such as any type of liquid paint, in a closed storage container. The subject disclosure further relates to a method of preservation of a composition in a storage container.

BACKGROUND ART

Paint is usually sold in an airtight container, such as sealed tin can or bucket. If the container is more than half full of paint after use, it is advised to put a piece of cling film over the opening of the container and then press the lid on the container. If the paint can is half empty, it contains a lot of air. This allows the paint to thicken or even get a sheet. Paint with a sheet on it is often old. After removing the sheet, the paint will still be usable. However, the quality of the paint will not be as good as before. When the container is less than half filled with paint, it is advised to put the remainder of paint in a smaller container and to close the smaller container in the way described above. In this way the amount of air above the paint in the container can be reduced.

Another solution that is sometimes chosen to store paint in a more than half-empty container is to fill the container with pebbles. The pebbles sink through the paint to the bottom of the container and the level of the paint will rise in the container. In this way the amount of air above the paint after closing the container can be greatly reduced and the degree of sheet formation can be greatly reduced.

A disadvantage of these methods to store paint in a container is that a quantity of paint is no longer usable because it remains in the larger container after pouring the paint into a smaller container and that a quantity of paint between the pebbles is no longer reachable for a paint brush. US8662342B1 discloses a device for releasably sealing a material into a container. The device has a plug handle and a flexible plug body with an exterior edge that performs to the contours of the interior wall of the container. The plug body is inserted into the container and is positioned to the surface of the material within the chamber using the plug handle. The plug body exerts resistance pressure against the interior wall of the container.

US5993096A1 discloses an applicator and receptacle sealer. The applicator for applying a viscous liquid stored in a receptacle and the sealer for sealing the receptacle which is open at the top for removal of the liquid. The applicator and receptacle sealer comprises a substantially circular member of a flexible, semi-rigid material having a diameter which is selectively adjustable and having a marginal annular edge for sealably engaging the interior wall of a receptacle. An elongated handle is mounted to the upper surface of the substantially circular member.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present technology to provide a storage enhancement tool for slowing down degradation of a composition in a storage container that overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of the tools described above.

According to an aspect of the subject technology, this object is achieved by a storage enhancement tool having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further ways of carrying out the present technology may be attained by the measures mentioned in the dependent claims.

A storage enhancement tool for a composition in a storage container according the subject-technology comprises a shielding part and a positioning part. The shielding part has dimensions such that it shields the composition in the storage container from the air above the composition in the storage container. The positioning part enables a user to position in the storage container the shielding part on top of the composition and to remove the shielding part out of the storage container. The shielding part comprises a central opening. The positioning part comprises a handle section and a support section at an end of the handle section. The handle section is configured to move up and down through the central opening of the shielding part. The support section is configured to carry the shielding part when a user pulls up the positioning part. To enable closure of the storage container with a cover after the shielding part has been positioned on top of the composition, the storage enhancement tool is further configured to allow the user to push down the positioning part through the central opening of the shielding part until the handle section is fully in the storage container while the shielding part remains on top of the composition

The concept of the present technology is to reduce the volume of air that is in direct contact with the composition in the container. A characteristic of a subject technology composition is that it is a viscose composition that gets an almost smooth surface over time. Furthermore, the composition exchanges molecules with air with which it comes into contact, causing the quality of the composition to deteriorate. By positioning the shielding part on top of the composition, the surface of the composition and/or volume of air in direct contact with the composition is reduced significantly. Both will delay the degradation process of the composition stored in the storage container. Examples of a composition according to the subject technology are not limited to: water-based paint, oil-based paint, tin printing inks, tile adhesive, latex, wallpaper adhesive, liquid rubber. Having the possibility to seal the container with a cover after placement of shielding part delays the degradation process of the composition stored in the container further. Another advantage is that the handle section cannot get lost during storage of the composition and the handle section protruding above the shielding part facilitates easy removal of the shielding part out of the storage container.

In an embodiment, the shielding part is made of a material impermeable for molecules degrading quality of the composition. For example, the composition may contain solvents that are taken up until the air above the composition is saturated. As a result, the composition will dry out and possibly a sheet will form. Another example is that the oxygen in the air reacts with components of the composition whereby the properties of the composition change. When the shielding part is impermeable to molecules that degrade the quality, the degradation processes will slow down and the composition can be stored longer without losing its usefulness. In an embodiment, the shielding part is made of a flexible material. This has the advantage that the shielding part can adapt in shape to the upper surface of the composition and the cross-section of the container. In this way, the volume of air between composition and shielding part can be minimized and the shielding part can form a seal between the composition and air in the container. Another advantage is that the shielding part can be easily cleaned when the composition attached to the shielding part has hardened after removing the shielding part from a container.

In an embodiment, the shielding part has a volumetric mass density smaller than the volumetric mass density of the composition. As a result, the shielding part keeps floating on the composition.

In an embodiment, the shielding part is made of silicone. Silicone has the advantage that materials adhere poorly to a silicone surface. As a result, the shielding part can easily be cleaned. In another embodiment, the shielding part is a plastic foil. This is a cheap alternative for material of a shielding part.

In an embodiment, the shielding part has a thickness that decreases towards its perimeter. As a result, the shielding part can be pressed slightly on the composition to remove air between the shielding part and composition in the middle and the circumference of the shielding part can follow the inner wall of the container to form a seal between the composition and air in the container by resting against the inner wall of the container.

In an embodiment, the shielding part has a perimeter with a shape corresponding to the top surface of the composition in the storage container and a bottom side with a surface of at least the upper surface of the composition. This feature improves the sealing characteristics of the shielding part.

In an embodiment, wherein the shielding part is a plastic foil, the tool further comprises a top part with a central opening. The top part is configured to be positioned on the shielding part. The top part has a weight in a range heavy enough to push down the shielding part in the container when positioning the shielding part on top of the composition and light enough such that the shielding part when positioned on the composition can carry the top part. Furthermore, the top part has a perimeter which is within the perimeter of the shielding part. These features do not require that user has to push down the shielding part in the container with its finger(s). Which improves the ease of use of the tool. In a further embodiment, the top part forms a space in which the support section can be moved by the handle section to reduce the actual perimeter of the shielding part. These features facilitate to position the shielding part in a container with an opening which is smaller than a cross section of the space in the container.

In a further embodiment, the space in the top part is formed by top side and an outwards sloping circumferential wall. These features improve the folding of the outer ring-shaped area of the shielding part. In a further embodiment, the inner surface of the top side has a first perimeter and the support part has a second perimeter, and when the shielding part is pushed against the inner surface of the top side by the support part the first perimeter is at a defined distance around the second perimeter. This feature allows defining the maximal possible decrease in distance between opposite sides of the shielding part when the shielding part is pushed against the inner surface of the top side.

In a further embodiment, the handle section is an elongated body having a cross section corresponding to the central opening. In an alternative embodiment, the handle section seals the central opening of the shielding part. These features allow closing the opening in the shielding part with the positioning part thus providing a sealing between the composition and air in the container.

In an embodiment, the positioning part (104) comprises a coupling structure to attach the end (108A) of the handle section (1108) centrally to the support section (1106). The coupling structure may be one of a snap fit joint, bayonet joint or a screw joint. This feature allows reducing the volume to store/package the storage enhancement tool before usage.

In an embodiment, the support section has the shape that resembles a wheel with two of more spokes. This feature requires less force to push down or pull up in the composition in the container.

In an embodiment, in vertical position of the handle section, the force of friction between the handle section and shielding part is less than the force of gravity acting on the shielding part. This feature enables that when the handle section is lifted the support section moves to the shielding part.

In an embodiment, the tool further comprises a usage aid part, the usage aid part comprises a body with a central opening and a support structure configured to positon the body on top of the storage container such that a bottom part of the body is positioned in an opening in the top of the storage container. The central opening of the usage aid part is configured to receive the shielding part and to fold an outer ring area of the shielding part when the support part is pulled into the central opening. This reduces the outer circumference of the shielding part to fit through the opening in the top of the storage container. Such a usage aid part facilitates the passage of the shielding part through an opening of the container which is narrowed compared to a cross section of the space in the container. Further, the usage aid part enables a user to remove the shielding part from a storage container without contaminating the edge of the opening of the storage container.

In a further embodiment, the central opening of the usage aid part narrows upwards. This feature makes it more difficult to pull the shielding part through the opening of the usage aid part.

In a further embodiment, the central opening in the body has a smooth surface. This will cause the shielding part to form towards the opening in the usage aid part and the composition attached to the bottom of the shielding part to drip down into the storage container.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of preservation of a composition in a storage container. The method comprises the actions:

- providing a storage enhancement tool described above;

- pushing the handle section through the central opening until the shielding part is touching the support section;

- positioning the shielding part on the composition in the storage container such that it shields the composition in the storage container from air above the composition in the storage container; and

- pushing the handle section down through the central opening while the shielding part remains on top of the composition in the storage container until the handle section is fully in the storage container; and

- closing the storage container with a cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects, properties and advantages will be explained hereinafter based on the following description with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or comparable parts, and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the storage enhancement tool; Fig. 2 schematically shows a sectional view of the storage enhancement tool positioned in an open tin can;

Fig. 3 schematically shows a sectional view of the storage enhancement tool positioned in a closed tin can;

Fig. 4 schematically shows a sectional view of the storage enhancement tool wherein the shielding part is removed from the tin can;

Figs. 5 - 8 schematically show a top view of the shielding part and side view of the positioning part of 4 embodiments;

Fig. 9 schematically shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the storage enhancement tool; Fig. 10 schematically shows a sectional view of the second embodiment before positioning the shielding part in a tin can;

Fig. 11 schematically shows a sectional view of the second embodiment when moving down in the tin can;

Fig. 12 schematically shows a sectional view of the second embodiment in a tin can closed with a cover; and,

Fig. 13 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a coupling structure of the positioning part. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the storage enhancement tool 100 for slowing down degradation of a composition in a storage container.

In the context of the present application, a composition is a mixture of ingredients and may be any liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition that after application converts to a substantially solid substance. Preferably, the composition has a viscosity < 10⁶. Examples of a composition according to the subject technology are not limited to: water-based paint, oil-based paint, tin printing inks, tile adhesive, latex, wallpaper adhesive, liquid rubber. The term “storage container” means any container that can be sealed substantially airtight with a lid to store a composition for a certain period of time. Examples of a storage container are not limited to: paint jar, paint can, storage can, glass jar and bucket.

The storage enhancement tool 100 comprises a shielding part 102 and a positioning part 104. The shielding part 102 is a disk-like element. The circumference of the shielding part is in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 circular. The dimension and shape of the circumference of the shielding part depend on the dimensions and shape of the storage container wherein the storage enhancement tool is applied. For example, the shape of the shielding part will be circular for cylindrical tin can and square for a rectangular container. The dimensions of the shielding part are such that it shields the composition 204 stored in the storage container 202 from air above the composition in the storage container. This is the case when the entire outer edge 102A of the shielding part abuts the inner wall of the storage container.

The shielding part 102 is preferably made of a material impermeable for molecules degrading quality of the composition in the container. For example, for oil based paint, the material should be impermeable for solvents and/or volatile substances in the paint. Preferably at least the outer edge of the shielding part 102 is made of a flexible material. This enables a user to position the shielding part with a diameter in a circular storage container with a slightly smaller diameter through an opening of said container with a much smaller diameter. A suitable material for the shielding part is silicone. But it is also possible to use other flexible plastics.

Preferably, the shielding part 102 has a volumetric mass density smaller than the volumetric mass density of the composition stored in the container. Thus the volumetric mass density of the composition stored in the storage container defines the maximum volumetric mass density of the material of the shielding part.

The positioning part 104 comprises an elongated rod-like handle section 108 and a disk-like support section 106 at an end 108A of the handle section. The handle section is configured to pass through a central opening 102B of the shielding part. The support section 106 is configured to carry the shielding part when a user pulls up the handle section 108. The positioning part is preferably made of a material that is less flexible than the material of the shielding part 102. A suitable material for the positioning part is silicone. The composition will not adhere to silicone so well and as a result the shielding part and positioning part will not get stuck together so quickly. In an alternative embodiment the positioning part is one piece of hard plastic.

The central opening through the shielding part and the structure formed by the support section 106 and the end part 108A of the handle section 108 form a coupling structure. The coupling structure is configured to couple the positioning part 108 to the shielding part 102 and enables a user to position in the storage container the shielding part on top of the composition and to remove from the storage container the shielding part.

Optionally, the storage enhancement tool comprises a usage aid part 110. The usage aid part comprises a body 402 with a central opening 406. The central opening 406 is preferably large enough the enable a user to push with his fingers the shielding part out of the central opening 406 of the usage aid part. The usage aid part and its usage will be described below with reference to Fig. 4.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a sectional view of the storage enhancement tool positioned in an open tin can 202. The tin can 202 is filled half with a composition 204, for example paint. The tin can 202 comprises an opening 212 providing access to the space in the tin can. The opening 212 is formed by a circular ring 210 on top of the tin can. The opening 212 has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the space in the tin can. When a cover (not shown in Fig. 2) is pressed on the circular ring 210, the opening 212 of the tin can is sealed airtight. In Fig. 2, the shielding part 102 is positioned on top of the composition 204 in the tin can 202. The bottom side 208 of the shielding part is largely in contact with the composition 204. As the diameter of the tin can is slightly smaller than the diameter of the shielding part 102, the edge 102A of the shielding part 102 is curved upwards slightly. The elasticity of the shielding part 102 ensures that the edge is pushed against the inner side of the tin can. As a result there is an only small volume of air between the top surface of the composition in the container and the bottom side 208 of the shielding part 102.

Depending on the aging properties of the composition, the outer edge of the shielding part 102 may be at some distance from the inner wall of the container when positioned on the composition in the container. A gap between the edge of the shielding part 102 and the inner wall of the container of up to 2mm may be acceptable with regard to the rate of degradation of the quality of the composition in the storage container.

The shielding part 102 has a thickness that decreases towards its perimeter. For example, in the centre the shielding part may have a thickness up to 10mm and at the perimeter the shielding part has a thickness of about 1mm. As a result, the shielding part is near its perimeter more flexible than near the centre of the shielding part. Furthermore, in idle position the bottom side 208 of the shielding part 102 is preferably concave. This has the advantage that when the shielding part is placed on the composition, the bottom side 208 is not fully in contact with the composition. For example, the distance between the shielding part and the composition can vary between 0 - 3 mm. The amount of air that is then present between the shielding part and the composition is not sufficient to affect negatively the quality of the composition too much. Another advantage is that the shielding part can be lifted from the composition with less force.

In Fig. 2 can be seen that the handle section 108 fits precisely in the central opening 102B of the shielding part 102. The elasticity of the shielding part 102 enables that there is no gap between the handle section 108 and the shielding part 102. As a result, storage enhancement tool forms a seal between the composition 204 in the storage container below the storage enhancement tool and the air above the storage enhancement tool. Preferably, the handle section 108 fits in the opening 102B of the shielding part such that wherein in vertical position of the handle section 108, the force of friction between the handle section 108 and shielding part 102 is less than the force of gravity acting on the shielding part 102. This is possible due to the elasticity of the shielding part.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a sectional view of the storage enhancement tool positioned in a closed tin can. After the shielding part 102 is positioned on top of the composition in the tin can, the distal end 108B of the handle section 108 protrudes through the opening of the storage container. By pushing the handle section downwards, the position part 104 can be moved downwards till the support section 106 abuts the bottom 304 of the storage container 202. As the handle section has a length smaller than the height of the space in the storage container, the positioning part can be pushed fully in the space of the storage container. This enables a person to seal airtight the opening 212 of the storage container with a cover 302 while the storage enhancement tool is fully in the closed container.

Fig. 4 schematically shows a sectional view of the storage enhancement tool wherein the shielding part is removed from a tin can 202. To facilitate the usage of the shielding part 102 from the storage container, the storage enhancement tool comprises a usage aid part 110. Furthermore, the shielding part will be pressed in the opening of the usage aid part 110. As a result, the shielding part 102 will fold to fit in the opening 406 of the usage aid part 110. Now, the composition attached to the shielding part can drip into the storage container without contaminating the groove 306 in the circular ring 210 on top of the storage container 202. After a while, the usage aid part together with shielding part and positioning part can be removed without contaminating other surfaces. The usage aid part 110 can be made of any suitable material. A usage aid part of hard plastic has the advantage of relative low production costs.

When positioning back the shielding part on top of the composition in the storage container, a user first positions the usage aid part with shielding part and positioning part in its opening 406 in the opening of the storage container. Subsequently a user pushes the shielding part down with his fingers through the opening 406 of the usage aid part 110 into the space of the storage container. By holding the handle section 108 of the positioning part 104 with its fingers a user can position the shielding part on top of the composition such that the shielding part and positioning part seals the composition below the shielding part from the air in the storage container above the shielding part.

In the embodiment, the central opening 406 in the body 404 of the usage air part narrows upwards and the central opening 406 has in the body 404 a smooth surface. The narrowing has the advantage that it will be more difficult to pull the shielding part entirely through the central opening 406.

Fig 5 schematically shows a top view of the shielding part 102 and side view of a positioning part 104. In this embodiment, the elongated rod-like handle section 508 has a circular cross section and the shielding part 102 comprises a corresponding circular opening 502.

Fig 6 schematically shows a top view of the shielding part 102 and side view of a positioning part 104 of another embodiment. In this embodiment, the elongated rod-like handle section 608 has a squared cross section and the shielding part 102 comprises a corresponding squared opening 602. It might be clear to the skilled person that other shapes can be used.

Fig 7 schematically shows a top view of the shielding part 102 and side view of a positioning part 104 of another embodiment. In this embodiment, the handle section 708 forms an eye. A hook can be used to pick up the shielding part 102 and to position the shielding part correctly in a container to seal the composition in the storage container from air in the container above the shielding part. The opening in the shielding part corresponds to a cross section of the handle section 708.

Fig 8 schematically shows a top view of the shielding part 102 and side view of a positioning part 104 of another embodiment. In this embodiment the handle section 808 of the positioning part 104 has the shape of a pawn and the opening 802 through the shielding part 102 has a shape corresponding to the base of the handle section 808 adjacent the support section 106.

Fig. 9 schematically shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the storage enhancement tool 1100. The second embodiment is based on the same idea as the embodiments described above. The main difference is the material of the shielding part 1102. In the second embodiment the shielding part is made from a foil. It has been found that a foil used for commonly used cake slice sheets may be used to manufacture the shielding part. Cake slice sheets are sheets that can be used under pastries and slices of cake. The material of the foil is Polypropylene (PP). Depending on the application other suitable may be used. The foil is a disc of PP with a central opening to pass the handle section 1108 of the positioning part 1104.

As the foil is not stiff enough to be position the shielding part substantially planar on the surface of the composition in the storage container, the support section 1106 has an enlarged carrier surface compared with the embodiment described before. The circular perimeter has a perimeter with a larger diameter. To reduce the force to push down the support section 1106 has a shape that resembles a wheel with two of more spokes. The diameter of the outer ring and spokes define the area of the foil that is supported. As the diameter of the support section 1106 increases, the portion of the foil that protrudes over the edge of the support section will become smaller and consequently will bend down less, allowing the disk to be placed substantially planar on the surface of the composition in the storage container. The narrower the ring and spokes are, the easier it becomes to push the support section down in a viscous composition.

Another difference is the use of a top part 1112. The top part 1112 facilitates the substantially planar positioning of the shielding part 1102. As the shielding part 1102, in this embodiment in the form of a circular foil disc, has almost no mass, its own mass is not be enough to move down in the container as the force due to friction between the edge of the foil and the inner wall is larger the gravity force acting on the shielding part. A person could use his finger or an elongated element to push down the shielding part on the surface of the composition. The top part 1112 has dimensions to pass through the opening 212 in the top of the storage container 202. The top part 1112 has a central opening and is configured to be positioned on the shielding part 1102 when the shielding part 1112 rests on the support part 1106 of the positioning part 1104. The top side of the top part 1112 comprises one or more openings. These openings prevent negative pressure in the space between top part 1112 and shielding part 1102 which would cause the shielding part to stick to the top part.

The top part 1112 is used as an additional mass and designed such that the gravity force acting is larger than the force due to maximal possible friction between the edge of the foil and the inner wall. As a result, the mass of the top part pushes the shielding part on the surface of the composition in the storage container. As the foil is relative flexible, the shielding part should be substantial planar just before the shielding part is placed on the surface of the composition. The diameter of the perimeter of the top part 1112 is larger than the diameter of the perimeter of the support section 1106. Consequently, the mass of the top part is such that when the shielding part is resting on the support section 1106 and the top part 1112 is resting on the shielding part, as shown in Fig. 11, the shielding part still is substantial planar.

The design of the usage aid part 1110 is also different. The main structure is the same. The usage aid part comprises a body 1402 with a central opening 1406 and a support structure 1404. The support structure 1404 is configured to positon the body 1402 on top of the storage container 202 such that a bottom part 1408 of the body 1402 is positioned in the opening 212 in the top of the storage container 202. The support structure 1404 is a circular rim protruding from the body 1402. The relative large opening through the body 1404 facilitates a user to grasp the handle section 1108 of the positioning part 1104 with its fingers and to remove the shielding part 1102 from the space in the storage container 202. When pulling up the shielding part 1102 with the positioning part 1104, the shielding part 1102 will supported by support section 1106 of the positioning part 1104. Furthermore, the top part, resting on the shielding part, will be moved into the opening 1406 through the body 1404. The usage aid part 1110 of the second embodiment comprises at opposite sides of the central opening of the usage aid part upwardly projecting gripping structures 902. A user will now be tempted to grasp the usage aid part with his thumb and another finger and mainly touch the gripping structures 902. Another advantage is that you hold something with two fingers more controlled than with more fingers.

Fig. 10 schematically shows a sectional view of the second embodiment before positioning the shielding part in a tin can. The usage aid part 1110 is resting on the top part 1106. The mass of the usage aid part and the top part together is sufficient to bend the outer edge of the foil 1102 down so that the support section 1106 and the largest part of the shielding part 1102 is accommodated in a space formed by the top part 1112. The top part 1112 forms a space in which the support section 1106 can be moved by the handle section to reduce the factual perimeter of the shielding part 1102. The perimeter of the shielding part 1112 is at most approximately equal to the circumference of the top opening of the storage container 202. This functionality facilitates the placement of the shielding part in a storage container with only one hand. From Fig. 10 can be seen that the central opening 1406 of the usage aid part 1110 narrows upwards to form a slanted circular inner surface. The top part 1112 comprises 1 top side and a circular sidewall to form a space which can accommodate the support section 1106 when pulling up the handle section 1108. The side wall has a similar slope as the slanted circular inner surface of the usage aid part.

Fig. 11 schematically shows a sectional view of the second embodiment when moving down in the tin can 202. The top part 1112 has a weight in a range heavy enough to push down the shielding part in the container when positioning the shielding part on top of the composition and light enough such that the shielding part when positioned on the composition can carry the top part, the top part having a perimeter which is within the perimeter of the shielding part. The support section 1106 has a diameter which is smaller than the outer edge of the top part 1112. The difference in diameter determines the minimum mass of top part 1102 and usage aid part 1110 together that is necessary to bend the foil to fold the edge of the foil in the cavity of the top part by means of the support section 1106. An increase in diameter difference decreases the minimum mass. By folding the shielding part in the cavity, a force is build up in the foil. This force is acting upwards. Once the top part 1102 moves down out of the central opening 1406 of the usage aid part 1110, the force in the shielding part will push the top part 1112 upward relative to the support section 1106 and the shielding part 1102 will straighten again. As a result, the shielding part could be positioned substantially flat on the surface of the composition.

After the shielding part 1102 is positioned on the surface of the composition, the user pushes the positioning part down till the elongated handle section 1108 is fully in the storage container 202. The support section 1106 is moved downward in the composition 204. When the handle section 1108 is fully in the storage container 202, the storage container 202 can be closed with a cover 302. Fig. 12 schematically shows a sectional view of the second embodiment in a tin can closed with a cover.

The positioning part can be one piece of material. The positioning part 1104 according to the second embodiment comprises two parts a handle section 1108 and a support section 1106. The handle section and the support section are coupled by a coupling structure. Fig. 13 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a coupling structure of the positioning part. The coupling structure should be strong enough to lift the support section 1306 and the shielding part 1102 from the surface of the composition 204. The coupling shown in Fig. 13 is a snap fit coupling 1302. An end of the handle section is provided with engagement elements 1302 which engage with a central opening 1304 through the support section 1106. Other suitable coupling structures are a bayonet joint and screw joint. An advantage of the two part positioning part is that it needs less storage space when selling storage enhancement tools.

It will be clear to the skilled person that the material of the shielding part and positioning part must be resistant to corrosion by the composition in the storage container. The storage enhancement tool according to the subject technology enables a person to perform the following method of preservation of a composition in a storage container:

- providing a storage enhancement tool 100 described above;

- coupling the positioning part 104 of the storage enhancement tool to the shielding part 102 of the storage enhancement tool; and,

- positioning the shielding part on the composition in the storage container such that it shields the composition in the storage container from air above the composition in the storage container.

In an embodiment the coupling action comprises:

- pushing the handle section 108 through the central opening until the shielding part 108 is touching the support section 106; and the method comprises further after the positioning action:

- pushing the handle section 108 down through the central opening 102B while the disc remains on top of the composition in the storage container until the handle section is fully in the storage container; and,

- closing the storage container with a cover 302.

The method of preservation of a composition using the second embodiment of the storage enhancement tool comprises the actions:

- providing a storage enhancement tool 1100;

- pushing the handle section 1108 through the central opening until the shielding part 1108 is touching the support section 1106;

- positioning the top part 1112 on the shielding part 1102;

-positioning the usage aid part 1110 on the top part 1112;

- lifting all parts by means of the handle section 1108 which fold the edges of the shielding part down to reduce the perimeter of the shielding part;

- positioning the usage aid part 1110 on the top of the storage container 202;

- positioning the shielding part on the composition in the storage container such that it shields the composition in the storage container from air above the composition in the storage container;

- pushing the handle section 1108 down through the central opening of the shielding part; while the shielding part remains on top of the composition in the storage container until the handle section is fully in the storage container;

- removing the usage aid part from the top of the storage container; and, - closing the storage container with a cover 302.

In an alternative embodiment, the coupling structure to couple positioning part to the shielding part comprises at one of the parts a structure with an external thread and on the other part a hole with an internal thread. The parts can be coupled and disconnected by rotating the positioning part relative to the shielding part.

The shielding part and positioning part according to the subject technology can also be used to for the preservation of food such as pastes and liquid food products. Drying out and/or formation of a sheet on the liquid food product can be prevented.

While the invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, it is contemplated that alternatives, modifications, permutations and equivalents thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification and upon study of the drawings. The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Changes can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

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Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Storage enhancement tool (100) for a composition (204) in a storage container (202), comprising a shielding part (102, 1102) and a positioning part

(104, 1104), the shielding part (102, 1102) having dimensions such that it shields the composition (204) in the storage container (202) from air above the composition in the storage container, the positioning part enables a user to position in the storage container the shielding part on top of the composition and to remove the shielding part out of the storage container characterized in that, the shielding part (102) comprises a central opening (102B), the positioning part (104) comprises a handle section (108) and a support section (106) at an end (108A) of the handle section, the handle section is configured to move up and down through the central opening (102B) of the shielding part, the support section is configured to carry the shielding part when a user pulls up the positioning part, and to enable closure of the storage container with a cover (302) after the shielding part has been positioned on top of the composition, the storage enhancement tool is further configured to allow the user to push down the positioning part through the central opening (102B) of the shielding part (102) until the handle section is fully in the storage container while the shielding part remains on top of the composition.

2. Storage enhancement tool according to claim 1 , wherein the shielding part (102) is made of a material impermeable for molecules degrading quality of the composition.

3. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 -2, wherein the shielding part (102) is made of a flexible material.

4. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 3, wherein the shielding part (102) has a volumetric mass density smaller than the volumetric mass density of the composition.

5. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 4, wherein the shielding part (102) is made of silicone.

6. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 5, wherein the shielding part (102) has a thickness that decreases towards its perimeter.

7. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 6, wherein the shielding part (102) has a perimeter with a shape corresponding to the top surface of the composition in the storage container and a bottom side (208) with a surface of at least the upper surface of the composition.

8. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 7, wherein the shielding part (1102) is a plastic foil, the tool further comprises a top part (1112) with a central opening and configured to be positioned on the shielding part (1102) and having a weight in a range heavy enough to push down the shielding part in the container when positioning the shielding part on top of the composition and light enough such that the shielding part when positioned on the composition can carry the top part, the top part having a perimeter which is within the perimeter of the shielding part.

9. Storage enhancement tool according to claim 8, wherein the top part (1112) forms a space in which the support section (1106) can be moved by the handle section to reduce the actual perimeter of the shielding part (1102).

10. Storage enhancement tool according to claim 9, wherein the space in the top part (1112) is formed by top side and an outwards sloping circumferential wall.

11. Storage enhancement tool according to claim 10, wherein the inner surface of the top side has a first perimeter and the support part has a second perimeter, and when the shielding part is pushed against the inner surface of the top side the first perimeter is at a defined distance around the second perimeter.

12. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 11, wherein the handle section (108) is an elongated body having a cross section corresponding to the central opening (102B) of the shielding part.

13. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 12, wherein the handle section seals the central opening (102B) of the shielding part.

14. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 13, wherein the positioning part (104) comprises a coupling structure to attach the end (108A) of the handle section (1108) centrally to the support section (1106).

15. Storage enhancement tool according to claim 14, wherein the coupling structure is a snap fit joint, bayonet joint or a screw joint.

16. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 15, wherein the support section has the shape that resembles a wheel with two of more spokes.

17. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 16, wherein in vertical position of the handle section (108), the force of friction between the handle section (108) and shielding part (102) is less than the force of gravity acting on the shielding part (102).

18. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 17, wherein the tool further comprises a usage aid part (110), the usage aid part comprises a body (402) with a central opening (406) and a support structure (404) configured to positon the body (402) on top of the storage container (202) such that a bottom part (408) of the body (402) is positioned in an opening (212) in the top of the storage container (202), the central opening (406) of the usage aid part is configured to receive the shielding part and to fold an outer ring area of the shielding part when the support part is pulled into the central opening to reduce the outer circumference of the shielding part to fit through the opening (212) in the top of the storage container (202).

19. Storage enhancement tool according to claim 18, wherein the central opening (406) of the usage aid part (110) narrows upwards.

20. Storage enhancement tool according to claim19, wherein the central opening (406) in the body (402) to receive the shielding part has a smooth surface.

21. Storage enhancement tool according to any of the claims 1 - 20, wherein the composition is one of a group comprising: water-based paint, oil- based paint, printing inks, tile adhesive, latex, wallpaper adhesive, liquid rubber.

22. Method of preservation of a composition in a storage container, the method comprising:

- providing a storage enhancement tool (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 20; - pushing the handle section (108) through the central opening until the shielding part (108) is touching the support section (106);

- positioning the shielding part on the composition in the storage container such that it shields the composition in the storage container from air above the composition in the storage container; - pushing the handle section (108) down through the central opening (102B) while the shielding part remains on top of the composition in the storage container until the handle section is fully in the storage container; and,

- closing the storage container with a cover.

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