US4773556A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Aqueous joint compound seal
Assignee: National Gypsum Properties LLC
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Filing: 1983-01-24
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Granted: 1988-09-27
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Expires: 2003-01-24
Abstract
Abstract In a bucket, partially filled with an aqueous slurry of drywall joint compound, the joint compound is hermetically sealed from the air above by a formed-in-place flexible solid seal disposed over the entire top of the joint compound and preferably extending a short distance up the inner wall of the bucket. For partial use of the joint compound, the seal is first separated from the bucket inner wall and then lifted off the joint compound, cleaned, and kept in a condition suitable for reuse.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard E. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 19:30
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D53/00; B65D53/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A bucket containing an aqueous slurry of drywall joint compound, said bucket of compound being of about five-gallon capacity and having a substantially impermeable, thin, flexible formed-in-place removable and reusable film seal on the top of joint compound disposed in said bucket, disposed upon and in contact with a major portion of the top surface of said slurry, wherein said seal has been formed to conform to the shape of the joint compound present in said bucket.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
A bucket containing an aqueous slurry of drywall joint compound, said bucket of compound being of about five-gallon capacity and having a substantially impermeable, thin, flexible formed-in-place removable and reusable film seal on the top of joint compound disposed in said bucket, disposed upon and in contact with a major portion of the top surface of said slurry, wherein said seal has been formed to conform to the shape of the joint compound present in said bucket.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
91 words
A bucket containing an aqueous slurry of drywall joint compound, said bucket of compound being of about five-gallon capacity and having a substantially impermeable, thin, flexible formed-in-place removable and reusable film seal on the top of joint compound disposed in said bucket, disposed upon and in contact with a major portion of the top surface of said slurry, wherein said seal has been formed to conform to the shape of the joint compound at a time when said bucket has a greater amount of joint compound than presently in said bucket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
91 words
A bucket containing an aqueous slurry of drywall joint compound, said bucket of compound being of about five-gallon capacity and having a substantially impermeable, thin, flexible formed-in-place removable and reusable film seal on the top of joint compound disposed in said bucket, disposed upon and in contact with a major portion of the top surface of said slurry, wherein said seal has been formed to conform to the shape of the joint compound at a time when said bucket has a greater amount of joint compound than presently in said bucket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
A bucket containing an aqueous slurry of drywall joint compound, said bucket of compound being of about five-gallon capacity and having a substantially impermeable, thin, flexible formed-in-place removable and reusable film seal on the top of joint compound disposed in said bucket, disposed upon and in contact with a major portion of the top of said slurry, wherein said formed-in-place seal is made of a polyethylene hot melt adhesive.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
A bucket containing an aqueous slurry of drywall joint compound, said bucket of compound being of about five-gallon capacity and having a substantially impermeable, thin, flexible formed-in-place removable and reusable film seal on the top of joint compound disposed in said bucket, disposed upon and in contact with a major portion of the top of said slurry, wherein said formed-in-place seal is made of a polyethylene hot melt adhesive.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
77 words
The method of sealing aqueous drywall joint compound in a bucket, comprising the steps of placing a thin layer of impermeable flexible film forming material on the entire top surface of the joint compound in a bucket of about five-gallon capacity partially filled with aqueous drywall joint compound, and allowing said film forming material to form a substantially impermeable removable and reusable, flexible film, sealing said joint compound from the air in said bucket above said film.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
77 words
The method of sealing aqueous drywall joint compound in a bucket, comprising the steps of placing a thin layer of impermeable flexible film forming material on the entire top surface of the joint compound in a bucket of about five-gallon capacity partially filled with aqueous drywall joint compound, and allowing said film forming material to form a substantially impermeable removable and reusable, flexible film, sealing said joint compound from the air in said bucket above said film.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said thin film is placed by spraying film forming material on the top surface of the joint compound.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said thin film is placed by applying a molten material which will solidify at normal temperature, and allowing the molten layer to solidify in place on the top surface of said joint compound.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said thin film is a polyethylene hot melt adhesive.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-09-27 | 1992-03-28 | 1992-09-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-09-27 | 1996-03-28 | 1996-09-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-09-27 | 2000-03-28 | 2000-09-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |