Combination spout and filter, particularly for paint barrels

A combined filter and spout device for use with a barrel having a liquid dispensing opening comprising:

• a hollow body having a pouring end, a straining end and a barrel opening engaging portion therebetween;
• said engaging portion sized and otherwise dimensioned to be friction fit into the liquid dispensing opening of the barrel;
• said pouring end having a shape which facilitates the outflow of liquid from the barrel;
• said straining end having a convex surface enclosing said hollow body;
• said convex surface having a plurality of perforations sized and otherwise dimensioned to permit liquid to pass therethrough;
• said hollow body comprising a twisted shape including exterior surface revolutions between said engaging portion and said straining end, the surface revolutions acting to induce a cyclone effect when a liquid is poured out of the barrel;
• and
• a plurality of sidewall perforations traversing at least a portion of said exterior surface revolutions to further facilitate the cyclone effect by permitting entry of the liquid into the hollow body portion;
• wherein the sidewall perforations are arranged along the surface revolutions to minimize the effects of blockages due to abnormally large solid particles;
• and wherein the cyclone effect serves to dislodge the solid particles blocking some of the sidewall perforations.