Round-Bottom Mud Pan With Grip

Abstract

The upper pan portion would be made of steel (preferably stainless) and made of a single piece for the sides and round bottom with caps welded or otherwise attached to form a pan (see enclosed drawings). This eliminates corners on the bottom of the mud pan to facilitate mixing joint compound with a drywall knife. This upper portion is attached to the grip. The grip can be attached mechanically (with screws attaching to tangs on the pan or end caps of the pan) or with adhesive or other means. The shape of the grip allows the user a secure grip on the pan and insulation against a cold (or hot) pan and its contents. The grip can be made of molded or extruded plastic elastomer or other material for improved thermal insulation and frictional grip. A preferred embodiment of the grip has an elevated grip to allow the mud pan to easily be picked up with one hand. Both the elevated and low profile grip designs (see enclosed drawings) allow the mud pans to be stacked for shipping and store display and both grip designs can straddle surfaces such as ladder rungs with good stability.

1 . A round-bottom mud pan with grip that eliminates corners by providing a continuous curve on the bottom of the mud pan to form a round bottom.  
   
   
       2 . A claim as claimed in  claim 1  that provides gripping surfaces for the user to comfortably and effectively grip the mud pan.