WO2019075561A1

WO2019075561A1 - Methods and apparatuses for mixing materials with liquids

Info

Publication number: WO2019075561A1
Application number: PCT/CA2018/051305
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexis GERVAIS
Original assignee: Alexis Gervais Inc.
Priority date: 2017-10-17
Filing date: 2018-10-17
Publication date: 2019-04-25

Abstract

A lid for a mixing bucket has a mounting lip for engaging the bucket. The lid has an upper surface connected to the mounting lip and dimensioned to partially cover an opening of the bucket. The upper surface defines a central opening dimensioned for inserting in the bucket a mixing element. The opening defines a surface area that is about 20 to 80% of the surface area defined by the lid. A pouring spout is connected to the upper surface. The pouring spout is dimensioned for emptying a solid and/or liquid content of the bucket and for receiving a vacuum for preventing materials to be mixed inside the bucket from flowing outside of the bucket.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR MIXING MATERIALS WITH LIQUIDS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to US application No. 62/573,337 filed on October 17, 2017. This document is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a lid, and in particular, to a lid for a mixing bucket.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Inhaling high levels of dust may occur when pouring and mixing dry powders (such as cement powder, plaster, sand, gravel, etc.). Such exposure may irritate the nose and throat and may cause choking and difficult breathing. For example, mixing concrete can release large amounts of dust containing high levels of crystalline silica, which might cause serious health issues.

[0004] Thousands of construction workers are exposed to dry powders every day. Dry powders may cause ill health by skin contact, eye contact, or inhalation. The risk of injury can depend on duration and level of exposure and individual sensitivity.

[0005] For example, pouring materials (such as liquids, cement powder, etc.) inside a bucket can generate high levels of dust, as shown in FIG. 2A. Mixing such materials inside the bucket can also generate high levels of dust, as shown in FIG. 2B. The dust leaves the bucket during material pouring and mixing thereby exposing people nearby to potential health issues.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] In one example, there is a disclosed a lid for a mixing bucket, including: a mounting lip for engaging the bucket;

an upper surface connected to the mounting lip and dimensioned to partially cover an opening of the bucket, the upper surface defining a central opening dimensioned for inserting therein a mixing element, the opening defining a surface area that is about 20 to 80% of the surface area defined by the lid; and

a pouring spout connected to the upper surface, the pouring spout being dimensioned for emptying a solid and/or liquid content of the bucket and for receiving a vacuum for preventing materials to be mixed inside the bucket from flowing outside of the bucket.

[0007] In another example, there is disclosed a lid for a mixing bucket, including:

a mounting lip for engaging the bucket;

an upper surface connected to the mounting lip and comprising at least one detachable member connected thereto, wherein

the upper surface defines a central opening dimensioned for inserting therein a mixing element, the opening defining a surface area that is about 20 to 80% of the surface area defined by the lid, the detachable member covering the central opening; and

[0008] In a further example, there is disclosed a method for mixing materials inside a mixing bucket comprising:

removing a portion of an upper surface of a lid of the bucket so as to generate a central opening defining a surface area that is about 20 to 80 % of the surface area defined by the lid;

inserting a vacuum nozzle of a vacuum device into a pouring spout of the lid; providing materials to be mixed inside the bucket through the central opening while applying a vacuum inside the bucket with the vacuum device to prevent the materials from flowing outside of the bucket;

inserting a mixing device inside the bucket; and

mixing the materials inside the bucket while applying a vacuum inside the bucket with the vacuum device to prevent the materials from flowing outside of the bucket.

[0009] In one example, there is disclosed a method for mixing materials inside a mixing bucket including:

inserting a vacuum nozzle of a vacuum device into a side opening of the bucket, the side opening being defined on a side surface of the bucket;

providing materials to be mixed inside the bucket through a central opening of the bucket while applying a vacuum inside the bucket with the vacuum device to prevent the materials from flowing outside of the bucket;

inserting a mixing device inside the bucket; and

[00010] In another example, there is disclosed a mixing bucket comprising a side opening for inserting a vacuum device to apply a vacuum inside the bucket to prevent materials from flowing outside of the bucket when the materials are being poured and/or mixed inside the bucket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid and a bucket according to one example.

[00012] FIG. 2A is an example of the prior art.

[00013] FIG. 2B is an example of the prior art

[00014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lid according to one example. [00015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lid according to one example.

[00016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lid according to one example.

[00017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lid according to one example.

[00018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lid according to one example.

[00019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lid according to one example.

[00020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mixing bucket according to one example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[00021] In one example, the surface area of the opening is about 25 to 75% of the surface area defined by the lid.

[00022] In one example, the surface area of the opening is about 30 to 70% of the surface area defined by the lid.

[00023] In one example, the surface area of the opening is about 35 to 65% of the surface area defined by the lid.

[00024] In one example, the surface area of the opening is about 40 to 60% of the surface area defined by the lid.

[00025] In one example, the at least one detachable member can be can be reattached to the upper surface of the lid.

[00026] In one example, the at least one detachable member comprises a tongue for puling the at least one detachable member out of the upper surface of the lid.

[00027] In one example, the at least one detachable member is concentric to the lid.

[00028] In one example, the at least one detachable member is peelable.

[00029] In one example, the at least one detachable member comprises a first detachable member and a second detachable member. [00030] In one example, the lid includes a central detachable member, wherein the central detachable member is located along the intersection line between the first detachable member and the second detachable member.

[00031] In one example, a kit includes a lid as described above, a bucket and instructions on how to use the lid.

[00032] In one example, the bucket in the kit includes a second lid, which closes the opening of the bucket.

[00033] In one example, the bucket in the kit contains materials to be mixed.

[00034] FIG. 1 shows a bucket 17 and a lid 39. The bucket can be a mixing bucket. For example, the bucket can be a five gallon bucket of the type used to contain small quantities of bulk construction and building repair materials, such as plaster, joint compound, paint, and other consumer materials such as detergent.

[00035] For example, the mixing bucket can be used to mix a variety of materials. For example, some of the materials can include water, aggregate with sizable stones and cement, to be used for footings or some other comparable use. For example, some of the materials can include sand with small particle size, water and cement. The different materials can have different mixing requirements.

[00036] For example, the mixing bucket can be used in the food industry. For example, the mixing bucket can be used to mix food materials such as flour, sugar, salt, cereal, etc.

[00037] For example, the mixing bucket can be used in the chemical industry. For example, the mixing bucket can be used to mix chemicals such as paint, gas, steam, volatile organic compounds (v.o.c.s) etc.

[00038] The lid 39 has an upper surface 5. The upper surface is connected to the top wall 41 , which is connected to the mounting lip 3. The lid has an inner surface (not shown). The inner surface faces the interior of the bucket when the lid is positioned over the bucket.

[00039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lid 39 is positioned to cover the open end of the bucket 17. For example, the upper surface is dimensioned to partially cover an opening of the bucket.

[00040] The lid 39 defines an opening 23. For example, the opening 23 passes entirely through the lid 39, as shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the opening 23 can be a central opening. For example, the opening 23 can be concentric to the lid 39.

[00041] The opening 23 can be dimensioned for inserting a mixing element into the bucket 17.

[00042] For example, the opening 23 can define a surface area that is about 20 to 80% of the surface area defined by the lid 39. For example, the opening 23 can define a surface area that is about 25 to 75% of the surface area defined by the lid 39. As another example, the opening 23 can define a surface area that is about 30 to 70% of the surface area defined by the lid 39.

[00043] The opening 23 is used to insert solids and liquids inside the bucket. The opening 23 is also used to insert a mixing element for mixing liquids or solids inside the bucket.

[00044] The lid has a top wall 41 . For example, the top wall can be perpendicular to the upper surface.

[00045] The lid 39 has a mounting lip 3 for engaging the bucket 17.

[00046] The mounting lip 3 extends from the flange 42. The mounting lip 3 can project from a side of the lid 39. The mounting lip 3 can extends from the lid 39 in a direction opposite from that of the top wall 41 .

[00047] The mounting lip 3 is dimensioned and configured to engage an open end of the mixing bucket 17 in close cooperation therewith such that the lid 39 is installable on and removable from the bucket 17. [00048] A spout 25 is located on the lid 39. For example, the spout 25 is connected to the upper surface 5. The spout 25 is dimensioned for emptying a solid and/or liquid content located inside the bucket.

[00049] For example, the spout 25 is dimensioned for receiving a vacuum. The vacuum can be configured to suck dust or materials through the spout when such materials are being mixed inside the bucket. The vacuum prevents dust and/or materials from flowing out of the bucket.

[00050] For example, the pouring spout can have a circular shape.

[00051] For example, the pouring spout can define a surface area that is about 1 to 10% of the surface area defined by the lid 39. For example, the spout can be of any shape sufficient for the purpose of vacuuming materials outside of the bucket, pouring materials from the bucket, adding materials to the bucket, or viewing the progress of the mixing within the bucket.

[00052] For example, the pouring spout can have a lip for receiving a vacuum nozzle.

[00053] As shown in FIG. 1 , a vacuum nozzle 15 is connected to the spout 25. The nozzle 15 is secured to the spout 15 by way of a sealing lip 26. The pouring spout can be connected to [a dusting filter such the dusting filter is positioned between the pouring spout and the vacuum nozzle.

[00054] When a vacuum machine is connected to the lid by way of a vacuum nozzle positioned on the lip of the spout, suction is created inside the bucket. For example, dust can be sucked from inside the bucket into the vacuum nozzle. The dust passes through the spout 25.

[00055] For example, there is disclosed a lid with an upper surface, such that the upper surface has members that can be detached. The detachable members can be removed from the upper surface to define an opening on the lid. For example, the detachable members can be reattached to their former positions on the upper surface of the lid. The opening can vary in size. For example, when the lid is secured over a bucket, a user can remove one or more detachable members to define an opening on the lid that is big enough to allow the user to pour materials (such as liquids, water, cement powder, etc.) inside the bucket.

[00056] For example, a detachable member has a tongue. The tongue can be located on on the detachable member. By pulling on the tongue, a user is able to remove the detachable member from the upper surface of the lid.

[00057] For example, the detachable member can be concentric to the lid.

[00058] For example, the detachable members can be peelable.

[00059] For example, the detachable members can define an opening area that is about 25 to 75% of the surface area defined by the lid. As another example, the opening can define a surface area that is about 30 to 70%, about 35 to 65%, or about 40 to 60% of the surface area defined by the lid.

[00060] For example, referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a top view of a lid 70 with an upper surface 71 . There is a spout 77 on the upper surface 71 . There are detachable regions 71 and 73 on the upper surface. In this example, detachable regions 71 and 73 are connected to each other. For example, when the lid 70 is secured over a bucket, a user can remove detachable member 75 to define a first opening on the lid 71 . After that, the user can pour materials (such as water, cement powder, etc.) inside the lid. If the first opening is not big enough, such that materials accumulate on top of the lid, the user has the option to make the first opening bigger by removing detachable member 73.

[00061] By removing detachable member 73, a second opening is defined on top of the lid 71 by the space previously occupied by detachable members 73 and 75. Thus, the second opening is bigger than the first opening. For example, the user can pour materials inside the bucket through the second opening. [00062] For example, after pouring materials inside the bucket, the user can position the members 73 and 75 on top of the lid to close the opening. For example, the members 73 and 75 can be reattached to the same position they previously were to close the upper surface of the lid.

[00063] For example, referring to FIG. 8, a user can mix materials inside the bucket with a mixing device 90. The mixing device has a shaft 91 and a beater 93 (or blades) connected to a shaft. The beater can be of various sizes. For example, when the lid 80 is secured over a bucket and a user wants to insert the mixing device 90 inside the bucket, the user can remove detachable member 85 to define a first opening on the lid 81 . Then, the user can insert the beater 93 inside the bucket through the first opening. If the beater is too big and cannot fit through the first opening, the user can remove detachable member 73 to define a new opening on the upper surface of the lid that is bigger than the first opening. This new opening is a second opening.

[00064] For example, still referring to FIG. 8, the user can now insert the beater inside the bucket through the second opening. Once the beater 93 is inserted inside the bucket, the user can reattach member 83 in its former position. Further, the user can reattach member 85 in its former position.

[00065] Furthermore, the user can reattach both members 83 and 85 to their former position on the upper surface of the lid while the beater 93 is inside the bucket. In this configuration, the shaft 91 sticks out of the upper surface of the lid through an opening defined by a central detachable member 89. Referring to FIG. 8, the central detachable member can be part of members 83 and 85. As shown in FIG. 8, the central detachable member can be formed at the intersection line between members 83 and 85. For example, when the mixing device is mixing materials inside the bucket, materials and dust are trapped inside the bucket as members 83 and 85 are reattached to their former position. Further, dust is sucked out of the bucket through the spout 87. [00066] A method for mixing materials inside a mixing bucket includes removing a portion of an upper surface of a lid of the bucket so as to generate a central opening defining a surface area. For example, the portion can be a detachable member of the lid. For example, the surface area can be about 30 to 70% of the surface area defined by the lid. For example, the surface area can be about 25 to 75% of the surface area defined by the lid. For example, the surface area can be about 20 to 80% of the surface area defined by the lid. As another example, the opening can define a surface area that is about about 35 to 65%, or about 40 to 60% of the surface area defined by the lid.

[00067] The method also includes inserting a vacuum nozzle of a vacuum device into a pouring spout of the lid. The method further includes providing materials to be mixed inside the bucket through the central opening while applying a vacuum inside the bucket with the vacuum device to prevent the materials from flowing outside of the bucket. Furthermore, the method includes inserting a mixing device inside the bucket. Also, the method includes mixing the materials inside the bucket while applying a vacuum inside the bucket with the vacuum device to prevent the materials from flowing outside of the bucket.

[00068] A user can use the lid and the bucket described herein to mix materials inside the bucket. For example, the materials to be mixed can include consumer materials such as plaster, paint, cement, detergent, etc.

[00069] The user can remove a portion of an upper surface of the lid so as to generate a central opening defining a surface area. For example, the portion to be removed can be one or more detachable members of the lid. For example, the opening can be about 20 to 80% of the surface area defined by the lid. For example, the opening can define a surface area that is about 25 to 75% of the surface area defined by the lid. As another example, the opening can define a surface area that is about 30 to 70% of the surface area defined by the lid. [00070] Then the user inserts a nozzle of a vacuum device into the pouring spout of the lid. The nozzle can be secured to the spout by a lip, such as a sealing lip.

[00071] The user can provide materials to be mixed inside the bucket through the opening. At the same time, a vacuum device applies a vacuum inside the bucket through the nozzle and spout. The applied vacuum prevents materials from flowing outside of the bucket.

[00072] For example, a user may decide to mix plaster inside the bucket. Starting with the empty bucket and the lid secured on top of the bucket, the user pours water inside the bucket through the opening on the lid. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , the user can pour water inside the bucket through the opening 23. After that, the user pours plaster inside the bucket through the opening. At the same time, a vacuum device applies a vacuum inside the bucket through the nozzle and spout, such that plaster dust does not flow outside the bucket.

[00073] For example, as shown on FIG. 4, plaster 27 is poured inside the bucket through the opening. Then, the user can insert a beater of a mixing device through the opening to mix the plaster and water inside the bucket. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a beater 9 of a mixing device is inserted through the opening to mix the plaster and water. As shown in FIG. 6, the mixing device is fully inserted inside the bucket and the shaft of the mixing device extends out of the opening on the lid. While the beater mixes the plaster and water inside the bucket, the vacuum device applies a vacuum inside the bucket through the nozzle and spout, such that plaster dust does not flow outside of the bucket.

[00074] For example, when the upper surface of the lid has detachable members, the user may create an opening on the upper surface by removing the detachable members. For example, the user removes a detachable member by pulling a tongue located on the detachable member. [00075] In addition to the above disclosure, the lid can sold in multiple shapes.

[00076] For example, the lid can be sold separately, without a bucket. One or more openings, such as those discussed in the previous paragraphs, can be preformed on the lid. In one example, the opening on the upper surface of the lid may be covered by a peelable member. In another example, the opening may not be covered and may be completed exposed. In one example, the opening on the upper surface of the lid may be covered by a detachable member.

[00077] The following is an example of how to use the lid which has an opening covered by a peelable member. For example, the user can buy a bucket, which has its own bucket lid (which generally does not have an opening on the top surface). For example, the user can buy a kit including a lid as described herein in the previous paragraphs, a bucket and instructions on how to use the lid. Then, the user removes the bucket lid on top of the bucket and positions a lid as described herein on top of the bucket.

[00078] For example, if the lid opening is covered by a peelable member, the user peels the peelable member to lay open the opening on the upper surface of the lid. For example, if the opening is covered by a detachable member, the user removes the detachable member on the upper surface of the lid.

[00079] The user also connects a vacuum device to the spout on the lid. Then, the user pours materials inside the bucket through the opening on the lid. As materials are being poured inside the bucket, dust can be generated inside the bucket, and the dust is being vacuumed through the spout. After that, the user inserts a beater of a mixing device inside the bucket through the opening. As the beater is mixing the materials inside the bucket, dust can be generated inside the bucket, and such dust is being vacuumed through the spout. After that, the user can use the mixed materials. If there is leftover (remaining) materials, the user can storing such leftover materials by removing the lid and closing the bucket with the original bucket lid. After that, the bucket can be stored for future use. Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a mixing system 90. The mixing system 90 includes a mixing bucket 91 and a vacuum system 96.

[00080] The mixing bucket 91 can be the type of mixing bucket described in the above paragraphs. For example, the mixing bucket can be a five gallon bucket. The bucket can be used to mix food, chemicals, construction or building repair materials.

[00081] Referring to FIG. 9, the mixing bucket 91 has a top opening 92. For example, the top opening 92 can be covered by a lid as described in the previous paragraphs. For example, the top opening 92 can be left open.

[00082] The mixing bucket 91 has a side opening 93. The side opening can be dimensioned for mounting a vacuum nozzle. For example, the mixing bucket 91 has a side opening 93 that is dimensioned to receive a vacuum nozzle 95 of the vacuum system 96. The tip 94 of the nozzle 95 can extend inside the bucket 91 .

[00083] For example, the vacuum nozzle can be integrally formed with the side opening. For example, the side opening can have a lip for receiving a vacuum nozzle.

[00084] The vacuum system 96 can be configured to suck materials by way of the nozzle 95 from inside the bucket 91 through side opening 93 when such materials are being mixed inside the bucket. For example, vacuuming from the side opening can prevents dust and/or materials from flowing out of the bucket.

[00085] Also having the nozzle on the side opening allows freedom of the movements on the top opening of the bucket. For example, a user can have more space to pour materials inside the bucket and manage a mixing device while mixing materials inside the bucket with the mixing device. For example, when the vacuum nozzle is located on the side opening of the bucket, a user can completely remove the bucket lid to have more space to pour and mix materials inside the bucket.

[00086] For example, the top opening 92 can be open and vacuuming from the side opening of the bucket can prevents dust and/or materials from flowing out of the bucket when mixing materials inside the bucket.

[00087] A method for mixing materials inside the mixing bucket is described below. The method includes inserting a vacuum nozzle of a vacuum device into a side opening of the bucket. The side opening can be defined on a side surface of the bucket. For example, referring to Fig. 9, a user can insert the vacuum nozzle 95 of the vacuum system 96 into the side opening 93 of the bucket 91 .

[00088] The method includes providing materials to be mixed inside the bucket through a central opening of the bucket while applying a vacuum inside the bucket with the vacuum device to prevent the materials from flowing outside of the bucket. For example, a user can pour flour into bucket 91 through the top opening 92. At the same time, a vacuum can be applied inside the bucket through the vacuum nozzle 95. The applied vacuum can prevent the poured floor from flowing outside the bucket.

[00089] The method includes inserting a mixing device inside the bucket. For example, a user can insert a mixing device having a shaft and a beater inside the bucket through the top opening 92. The mixing device can be similar to the mixing device described in the above paragraphs.

[00090] The method includes mixing the materials inside the bucket while applying a vacuum inside the bucket with the vacuum device to prevent the materials from flowing outside of the bucket. For example, a vacuum can be applied inside the bucket through the nozzle 95 that was inserted inside the bucket 91 through the side opening 93. At the same time, a user can mix materials inside the bucket 91 with a mixing device.

[00091] Further, a mixing bucket having a side opening can be sold. For example, the mixing bucket has a side surface defining a side opening. For example, a lip can be located on the side opening. The lip can project from the bucket. The lip can be dimensioned to receive a vacuum nozzle. The vacuum nozzle can be inserted into the mixing bucket.

[00092] For example, the side opening can be used to insert a vacuum device to apply to apply a vacuum inside the bucket with the vacuum device to prevent materials from flowing outside of the bucket when materials are being mixed inside the bucket.

[00093] The scope of the claims should not be limited by specific embodiments and examples provided in the disclosure, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the disclosure as a whole.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A lid for a mixing bucket comprising: a mounting lip for engaging said bucket; an upper surface connected to said mounting lip and dimensioned to partially cover an opening of said bucket, said upper surface defining a central opening dimensioned for inserting therein a mixing element, said opening defining a surface area that is about 20 to 80% of the surface area defined by the lid; and a pouring spout connected to said upper surface, said pouring spout being dimensioned for emptying a solid and/or liquid content of said bucket and for receiving a vacuum for preventing materials to be mixed inside said bucket from flowing outside of said bucket.

2. The lid of claim 1 wherein the surface area is about 25 to 75% of the surface area defined by the lid.

3. The lid of claim 1 wherein the surface area is about 30 to 70% of the surface area defined by the lid.

4. A lid for a mixing bucket comprising:

a mounting lip for engaging said bucket;

an upper surface connected to said mounting lip and comprising at least one detachable member connected thereto, wherein

the upper surface defining a central opening dimensioned for inserting therein a mixing element, said opening defining a surface area that is about 20 to 80% of the surface area defined by the lid, said detachable member covering said central opening; and

a pouring spout connected to said upper surface, said pouring spout being dimensioned for emptying a solid and/or liquid content of said bucket and for receiving a vacuum for preventing materials to be mixed inside said bucket from flowing outside of said bucket.

5. The lid of claim 4 wherein the at least one detachable member is reattachable to the upper surface of the lid.

6. The lid of any one of claims 4 to 5 wherein the at least one detachable member comprises a tongue for puling the at least one detachable member out of the upper surface of the lid.

7. The lid of any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the at least one detachable member is concentric to the lid.

8. The lid of any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the at least one detachable member is peelable.

9. The lid of any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the surface area is about 25 to 75% of the surface area defined by the lid.

10. The lid of any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the surface area is about 30 to 70% of the surface area defined by the lid.

1 1 . The lid of any one of claims 4 to 10 wherein the at least one detachable member comprises a first detachable member and a second detachable member.

12. The lid of any one of claims 1 further comprising a central detachable member, wherein the central detachable member is located along the intersection line between the first detachable member and the second detachable member.

13. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the surface area is about 25 to 75% of the surface area defined by the lid.

14. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the surface area is about 30 to 70% of the surface area defined by the lid.

15. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the surface area is about 35 to 65% of the surface area defined by the lid.

16. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the surface area is about 40 to 60% of the surface area defined by the lid.

17. A kit comprising a lid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, a bucket and instructions on how to use the lid.

The kit of claim 17, wherein the bucket comprising a second lid for closing the opening of the bucket.

The kit of claim 17 or 18, wherein the bucket contains materials to be mixed.

20. A method for mixing materials inside a mixing bucket comprising:

removing a portion of an upper surface of a lid of said bucket so as to generate a central opening defining a surface area that is about 20 to 80 % of the surface area defined by the lid; inserting a vacuum nozzle of a vacuum device into a pouring spout of said lid; providing materials to be mixed inside the bucket through said central opening while applying a vacuum inside said bucket with said vacuum device to prevent said materials from flowing outside of said bucket; inserting a mixing device inside said bucket; and mixing the materials inside said bucket while applying a vacuum inside said bucket with said vacuum device to prevent said materials from flowing outside of said bucket.

21 . The method of claim 20 wherein the surface area is about 25 to 75% of the surface area defined by the lid.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein the surface area is about 30 to 70% of the surface area defined by the lid.

23. The method of claim 20 wherein the surface area is about 35 to 65% of the surface area defined by the lid.

24. The method of claim 20 wherein the surface area is about 40 to 60% of the surface area defined by the lid.

25. A method for mixing materials inside a mixing bucket comprising: inserting a vacuum nozzle of a vacuum device into a side opening of the bucket, the side opening being defined on a side surface of the bucket; providing materials to be mixed inside the bucket through a central opening of the bucket while applying a vacuum inside said bucket with said vacuum device to prevent said materials from flowing outside of said bucket; inserting a mixing device inside said bucket; and mixing the materials inside said bucket while applying a vacuum inside said bucket with said vacuum device to prevent said materials from flowing outside of said bucket.

26. A mixing bucket comprising a side opening for inserting a vacuum device to apply a vacuum inside the bucket to prevent materials from flowing outside of the bucket when said materials are being poured and/or mixed inside the bucket.