CA2846733A1 - Container, and use of the container as a trim paint pail - Google Patents
Container, and use of the container as a trim paint pail Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2846733A1 CA2846733A1 CA2846733A CA2846733A CA2846733A1 CA 2846733 A1 CA2846733 A1 CA 2846733A1 CA 2846733 A CA2846733 A CA 2846733A CA 2846733 A CA2846733 A CA 2846733A CA 2846733 A1 CA2846733 A1 CA 2846733A1
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- container according
- containment body
- fastening strap
- container
- side wall
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Abstract
A container including a containment body for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall. The container also includes a fastening strap separate from the containment body, and selectively cooperable with the containment body, the fastening strap having a first end removably mountable onto the at least one side wall of the containment body, and a second end removably connectable onto a lower portion of the containment body via a connection mechanism, wherein in such an operative configuration of the fastening strap, a passage is defined between the at least one side wall and the fastening strap for receiving a portion of a user's hand or an accessory. The container can be used as a hand-held trim paint pail.
Description
CONTAINER, AND USE OF THE CONTAINER AS A TRIM PAINT PAIL
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a container. More particularly, in its intended preferred use, the present invention relates to an improved container, which can be used as a hand-held trim paint pail, and also relates to a kit for assembling the same, and to corresponding methods of assembling and use associated thereto.
Background of the invention:
Hand-held vessels are well known in the art.
For example, known to the Applicant is US patent No. 6,708,838 B2 granted on March 23, 2004 to BERGMAN et al., as well as US patent No 6,991,829 B2 granted on January 31st, 2006 to BERGMAN (as well as corresponding Canadian equivalents Nos. 2,422,885 and 2,690,049).
These documents describe a hand-held vessel having a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
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Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a container. More particularly, in its intended preferred use, the present invention relates to an improved container, which can be used as a hand-held trim paint pail, and also relates to a kit for assembling the same, and to corresponding methods of assembling and use associated thereto.
Background of the invention:
Hand-held vessels are well known in the art.
For example, known to the Applicant is US patent No. 6,708,838 B2 granted on March 23, 2004 to BERGMAN et al., as well as US patent No 6,991,829 B2 granted on January 31st, 2006 to BERGMAN (as well as corresponding Canadian equivalents Nos. 2,422,885 and 2,690,049).
These documents describe a hand-held vessel having a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
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2 Also known the Applicant is US design patent No. D460,845 S granted on July 2e, 2002, to BERGMAN, and relating to a "hand-held container".
Also known in the art are the substantial drawbacks associated with conventional hand-held containers, such as, for example: a) some of them are quite elaborate in design, and as a result, are costly to manufacture and/or assembled; b) because most containers rely on "live" hinges (i.e. strap being made integral to the container, etc.), they do not enable for an interchangeability of components (ex.
straps cannot be changed or interchanged, etc.); c) conventional containers are not easily nestable into one another for minimizing storage space when not in use;
d) etc.
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved = container which would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the aforementioned prior art problems.
Summary of the invention:
The object of the present invention is to provide a container, which by virtue of its design and components, would be an improvement over other related containers and/or containing methods known in the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a container (or "pail"), such as the one briefly described herein, and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container comprising:
a containment body for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall; and
Also known in the art are the substantial drawbacks associated with conventional hand-held containers, such as, for example: a) some of them are quite elaborate in design, and as a result, are costly to manufacture and/or assembled; b) because most containers rely on "live" hinges (i.e. strap being made integral to the container, etc.), they do not enable for an interchangeability of components (ex.
straps cannot be changed or interchanged, etc.); c) conventional containers are not easily nestable into one another for minimizing storage space when not in use;
d) etc.
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved = container which would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the aforementioned prior art problems.
Summary of the invention:
The object of the present invention is to provide a container, which by virtue of its design and components, would be an improvement over other related containers and/or containing methods known in the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a container (or "pail"), such as the one briefly described herein, and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container comprising:
a containment body for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall; and
3 a fastening strap separate from the containment body, and selectively cooperable with said containment body, the fastening strap having a first end removably mountable onto a side wall of the containment body, and a second end removably connectable onto a lower portion of the containment body via a connection mechanism.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided container comprising:
a containment body for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall; and a fastening strap separate from the containment body, and selectively cooperable with said containment body, the fastening strap having a first end removably mountable onto the at least one side wall of the containment body, and a second end removably connectable onto a lower portion of the containment body via a connection mechanism, wherein in such an operative configuration of the fastening strap, a passage is defined between the at least one side wall and the fastening strap for receiving a portion of a user's hand or an accessory.
Optionally, the container can be a hand-held container used as a trim paint pail, although various others uses can be made with the container.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of operating the above-mentioned container, containment body and/or strap thereof.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit with components for assembling the above-mentioned container (ex.
containment body and/or strap thereof).
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided container comprising:
a containment body for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall; and a fastening strap separate from the containment body, and selectively cooperable with said containment body, the fastening strap having a first end removably mountable onto the at least one side wall of the containment body, and a second end removably connectable onto a lower portion of the containment body via a connection mechanism, wherein in such an operative configuration of the fastening strap, a passage is defined between the at least one side wall and the fastening strap for receiving a portion of a user's hand or an accessory.
Optionally, the container can be a hand-held container used as a trim paint pail, although various others uses can be made with the container.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of operating the above-mentioned container, containment body and/or strap thereof.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit with components for assembling the above-mentioned container (ex.
containment body and/or strap thereof).
4 According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a set of components for interchanging with components of the above-mentioned container, containment body and/or strap thereof.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and/or set.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing the above-mentioned container and/or components thereof (ex. containment body, strap, etc.).
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a surface or an object having been treated with material from the above-mentioned container.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of doing business with the above-mentioned container, containment body, strap, method(s), kit and/or set.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief description of the drawings:
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a container according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the fastening strap being shown separate from the containment body, and a magnet being shown in an exploded relationship with respect to the first extremity of the fastening strap.
Figure 2 is another top perspective view of what is shown in Figure 1, the magnet being shown in an assembled configuration with respect to the fastening strap, and said fastening strap being shown inserted through the upper slit of the
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and/or set.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing the above-mentioned container and/or components thereof (ex. containment body, strap, etc.).
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a surface or an object having been treated with material from the above-mentioned container.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of doing business with the above-mentioned container, containment body, strap, method(s), kit and/or set.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief description of the drawings:
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a container according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the fastening strap being shown separate from the containment body, and a magnet being shown in an exploded relationship with respect to the first extremity of the fastening strap.
Figure 2 is another top perspective view of what is shown in Figure 1, the magnet being shown in an assembled configuration with respect to the fastening strap, and said fastening strap being shown inserted through the upper slit of the
5 containment body, a working tool being also shown adjacent to the container.
Figure 3 is another top perspective view of the container shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 7 is a front elevational view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 8 is a rear elevational view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 9 is a left side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal axis of what is shown in Figure 10.
Figures 11a-11d are schematic representations of possible examples of slits according to different optional embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 3 is another top perspective view of the container shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 7 is a front elevational view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 8 is a rear elevational view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 9 is a left side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal axis of what is shown in Figure 10.
Figures 11a-11d are schematic representations of possible examples of slits according to different optional embodiments of the present invention.
6 Figure 12 is a top perspective view of a container according to another possible embodiment of the present invention, the container being shown without a strap.
Figure 13 is a bottom perspective view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 14 is a front elevational view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 15 is a rear elevational view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 16 is a right side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 17 is a left side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 18 is a top plan view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 19 is a bottom plan view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 20 is another top perspective view of what is shown in Figure 12, the container being now shown with a corresponding fastening strap separate from the containment body of the container.
Figure 21 is another top perspective view of what is shown in Figure 20, the fastening strap being now shown inserted through the upper slit of the containment body.
Figure 22 is a top plan view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 23 is a bottom plan view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 13 is a bottom perspective view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 14 is a front elevational view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 15 is a rear elevational view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 16 is a right side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 17 is a left side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 18 is a top plan view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 19 is a bottom plan view of what is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 20 is another top perspective view of what is shown in Figure 12, the container being now shown with a corresponding fastening strap separate from the containment body of the container.
Figure 21 is another top perspective view of what is shown in Figure 20, the fastening strap being now shown inserted through the upper slit of the containment body.
Figure 22 is a top plan view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 23 is a bottom plan view of what is shown in Figure 21.
7 Figure 24 is a front elevational view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 25 is a rear elevational view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 26 is a right side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 27 is a left side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 28 is a bottom perspective view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 29 is another bottom perspective view of what is shown in Figure 28, the fastening strap being now shown in a connected configuration.
Figure 30 is a right side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 29.
Figure 31 is a left side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 29.
Figure 32-35 are bottom sequential perspective views of a fastening strap cooperating with a connection mechanism according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 36 is a perspective view of a user employing the container along with a corresponding painting tool according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all the figures have been
Figure 25 is a rear elevational view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 26 is a right side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 27 is a left side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 28 is a bottom perspective view of what is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 29 is another bottom perspective view of what is shown in Figure 28, the fastening strap being now shown in a connected configuration.
Figure 30 is a right side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 29.
Figure 31 is a left side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 29.
Figure 32-35 are bottom sequential perspective views of a fastening strap cooperating with a connection mechanism according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 36 is a perspective view of a user employing the container along with a corresponding painting tool according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all the figures have been
8 provided with reference numbers, and components and features of the present invention illustrated in some figures can also be easily inferred from others.
The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for hand-held use, and for trimming and/or painting applications, as well as carrying out other possible functions related thereto (e.g. priming, varnishing, etc.), it may be used with other types of materials and objects and in other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as "hand-held", "trim", "paint", "pail", etc., as used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of ways, materials, objects and/or purposes with which the present invention could be used and may be useful.
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "container", "pail", "vessel", "tool", "device", "unit", "product", "apparatus", "system", "kit" and "assembly", as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compounds word thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) "fastening", "tightening", "securing", "strapping", "holding", "handling", "manipulating", etc.; b) "strap", "handle", "belt", etc.; c) "engaging", "hooking", "mounting", "penetrating", "inserting", etc.; d) "extremity", "end", "portion", "segment", etc.; e) "slit", "hole", "slot", "recess", "notch", "hook", "inlet", socket", etc.; f) "housing", "shell", "body", "frame", etc.; g) "receiving", "containing", "holding", "storing", etc.; h) "material", "fluid", "paint", "substance", "particles", etc.; i) "top", "upper", etc.; j) "bottom", "lower", etc.; k) "edge", "rim", "lip", etc.; as well as for any other mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions and/or to any other structural and/or functional aspects of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for hand-held use, and for trimming and/or painting applications, as well as carrying out other possible functions related thereto (e.g. priming, varnishing, etc.), it may be used with other types of materials and objects and in other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as "hand-held", "trim", "paint", "pail", etc., as used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of ways, materials, objects and/or purposes with which the present invention could be used and may be useful.
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "container", "pail", "vessel", "tool", "device", "unit", "product", "apparatus", "system", "kit" and "assembly", as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compounds word thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) "fastening", "tightening", "securing", "strapping", "holding", "handling", "manipulating", etc.; b) "strap", "handle", "belt", etc.; c) "engaging", "hooking", "mounting", "penetrating", "inserting", etc.; d) "extremity", "end", "portion", "segment", etc.; e) "slit", "hole", "slot", "recess", "notch", "hook", "inlet", socket", etc.; f) "housing", "shell", "body", "frame", etc.; g) "receiving", "containing", "holding", "storing", etc.; h) "material", "fluid", "paint", "substance", "particles", etc.; i) "top", "upper", etc.; j) "bottom", "lower", etc.; k) "edge", "rim", "lip", etc.; as well as for any other mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions and/or to any other structural and/or functional aspects of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
9 Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered that all elongated objects will have an implicit "longitudinal axis" or "centerline", such as the longitudinal axis of a handle or a strap for example, or the centerline of a bore, for example, and that expressions such as "connected" and "connectable", or "mounted"
and "mountable", may be interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully assembled and operational container (and/or a containment body provided with a corresponding strap).
In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components and although the preferred embodiments of the container (i.e. containment body and strap) as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the container (i.e. containment body and strap), and corresponding parts, according to the present invention, as briefly explained and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.
List of numerical references for some of the corresponding preferred components illustrated in the accompanying drawings:
1. container 3. containment body 3i. inner portion (of containment body 3) 3o. outer portion (of containment body 3) 3c. containment portion (of containment body 3) 3w. wringing portion (of containment body 3) 5. fastening strap 5a. first end (of fastening strap 5) 5 5b. second end (of fastening strap 5) 5c. tapered section (of fastening strap 5) 7. side wall 7a. curved side wall 7b. straight side wall
and "mountable", may be interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully assembled and operational container (and/or a containment body provided with a corresponding strap).
In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components and although the preferred embodiments of the container (i.e. containment body and strap) as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the container (i.e. containment body and strap), and corresponding parts, according to the present invention, as briefly explained and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.
List of numerical references for some of the corresponding preferred components illustrated in the accompanying drawings:
1. container 3. containment body 3i. inner portion (of containment body 3) 3o. outer portion (of containment body 3) 3c. containment portion (of containment body 3) 3w. wringing portion (of containment body 3) 5. fastening strap 5a. first end (of fastening strap 5) 5 5b. second end (of fastening strap 5) 5c. tapered section (of fastening strap 5) 7. side wall 7a. curved side wall 7b. straight side wall
10 71. inside surface (of side wall 7) 9. bottom wall 9a. outer surface (of bottom wall 9)
11. lower portion (of containment body 3) 13. connection mechanism 13a. male component (of connection mechanism 13) 13b. female component (of connection mechanism 13) 15. passage 17. slit 17a. upper slit 17b. lower slit 19. rim 19a. top rim 19b. bottom rim 21. slanted entry section (of lower slit 17b) 23. bottom supportive floor 25. connection point 25a. main connection point (provided by second male component 13a) 25b. complementary connection point (provided by first male component 13a) 27. guiding flange 29. abutment stopper 29a. abutment flange 31. peripheral recess 33. contour 35. bottom portion (of containment body 3) 37. hole 39. magnet 39a. operative magnetic surface (of magnet 39) 41. working tool (ex. paint brush) 43. notch 45. label seat 47. ferrule (of paint brush) 49. top edge (of side wall 7) 51. bottom edge (of side wall 7) 53. extremity (of first male component 13a) 55. extremity (of second male component 13a) 57. ridge(s) 59. reinforcement flange(s) Broadly described, the container (1) according to the present invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, is a container (1) which, in its preferred intended use, is an improved container (1), with separate containment body (3) and fastening strap (5), that are cooperable with one another so as to form the resulting container (1), which may be hand-held by a user or hooked onto said user (ex.
on a belt of a user, etc.), the fastening strap (5) being selectively adjustable with respect to the containment body (3), so as to ensure an adjustable effective length and allow firm gripping and/or securing of the container (1) by the user, in an ergonomic manner, due to different components and features of the present container (1), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, in view of the following description.
on a belt of a user, etc.), the fastening strap (5) being selectively adjustable with respect to the containment body (3), so as to ensure an adjustable effective length and allow firm gripping and/or securing of the container (1) by the user, in an ergonomic manner, due to different components and features of the present container (1), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, in view of the following description.
12 The containment body (3) is configured for receiving and containing material therein, and is provided with at least one side wall (7), and a bottom wall (9). As can be easily understood, the at least one side wall (7) and a bottom wall (9) need not be separate from one another, and could be made "integral" to one another, that is, the at least one side wall (7) and the bottom wall (9) could be made of the "same"
piece and/or of the "same" material, via an appropriate manufacturing process.
As previously mentioned, the fastening strap (5) is separate from the containment body (3), and selectively cooperable with said containment body (3), the fastening strap having a first end (5a) removably mountable or connectable onto a side wall (7) of the containment body (3), and a second end (5b) removably mountable or connectable onto a lower portion (11) of the containment body (3) via a connection mechanism (13), wherein in such an operative configuration (i.e. a "connected" configuration), a passage (15) is defined between the at least on side wall (7) and the fastening strap (5) for receiving a portion of a user's hand or an accessory (ex. belt of the user, etc.), as can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings (see Figures 9, 29-31 and 36, for example).
The containment body (3) may comprise an upper slit (17a) for receiving a portion of the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5), although various other ways of removably connecting the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) onto the containment body (3) are possible and intended according to the present invention, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
The upper slit (17a) may be provided proximate to a top edge (49) of the at least one side wall (7), and according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the upper slit (17a) is provided on (i.e. about, within, etc.) a top rim (19a) of the at least one side wall (7). Although only one upper slit (17a) has been shown provided on the containment body (3), it is worth mentioning that a plurality of upper slits (17a), provided at different locations, whether on the same side wall (7), and/or
piece and/or of the "same" material, via an appropriate manufacturing process.
As previously mentioned, the fastening strap (5) is separate from the containment body (3), and selectively cooperable with said containment body (3), the fastening strap having a first end (5a) removably mountable or connectable onto a side wall (7) of the containment body (3), and a second end (5b) removably mountable or connectable onto a lower portion (11) of the containment body (3) via a connection mechanism (13), wherein in such an operative configuration (i.e. a "connected" configuration), a passage (15) is defined between the at least on side wall (7) and the fastening strap (5) for receiving a portion of a user's hand or an accessory (ex. belt of the user, etc.), as can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings (see Figures 9, 29-31 and 36, for example).
The containment body (3) may comprise an upper slit (17a) for receiving a portion of the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5), although various other ways of removably connecting the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) onto the containment body (3) are possible and intended according to the present invention, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
The upper slit (17a) may be provided proximate to a top edge (49) of the at least one side wall (7), and according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the upper slit (17a) is provided on (i.e. about, within, etc.) a top rim (19a) of the at least one side wall (7). Although only one upper slit (17a) has been shown provided on the containment body (3), it is worth mentioning that a plurality of upper slits (17a), provided at different locations, whether on the same side wall (7), and/or
13 different side walls (7), depending on the particular applications for which the container (1) is intended for, and desired end results, in terms of "gripping", "holding", "versatility of available options", etc., can be contemplated according to the present invention.
The containment body (3) may comprise a lower slit (17b) for receiving a portion of the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5). Similarly, to the above-described, different manners by which the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) could be selectively and adjustably mounted or connected onto another portion of the containment body (3), and would allow to adjust an effective operating length of the fastening strap (5), are intended according to the present invention.
The lower slit (17b) may be provided proximate to a bottom edge (51) of the at least one side wall (7), and according to an optional embodiment, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the lower slit (17b) is provided on (i.e. about, within, etc.) a bottom rim (19b) of the at least one side wall (7), and the lower slit (17b) preferably comprises a slanted entry section (21) for facilitation entry of the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) into the lower slit (17b), as better shown in Figure 11.
As also shown, the lower slit (17b) may also comprise a bottom supportive floor (23) for supporting the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) when passing through the lower slit (17b), and a pair of guiding flanges (27) for guiding the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) when passing through the lower slit (17b), as better shown in Figures 4, 5 ,13, 28, 29 and 32-34, for example.
As also shown, at least one connection point (25) of the connection mechanism (13) is preferably provided distally from the lower slit (17b), and according to the optional embodiments illustrated, the at least one connection point (25) of the connection mechanism (13) is provided distally from the bottom supportive floor (23) of the lower slit (17b). The at least one connection point (25) can be provided on an
The containment body (3) may comprise a lower slit (17b) for receiving a portion of the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5). Similarly, to the above-described, different manners by which the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) could be selectively and adjustably mounted or connected onto another portion of the containment body (3), and would allow to adjust an effective operating length of the fastening strap (5), are intended according to the present invention.
The lower slit (17b) may be provided proximate to a bottom edge (51) of the at least one side wall (7), and according to an optional embodiment, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the lower slit (17b) is provided on (i.e. about, within, etc.) a bottom rim (19b) of the at least one side wall (7), and the lower slit (17b) preferably comprises a slanted entry section (21) for facilitation entry of the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) into the lower slit (17b), as better shown in Figure 11.
As also shown, the lower slit (17b) may also comprise a bottom supportive floor (23) for supporting the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) when passing through the lower slit (17b), and a pair of guiding flanges (27) for guiding the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) when passing through the lower slit (17b), as better shown in Figures 4, 5 ,13, 28, 29 and 32-34, for example.
As also shown, at least one connection point (25) of the connection mechanism (13) is preferably provided distally from the lower slit (17b), and according to the optional embodiments illustrated, the at least one connection point (25) of the connection mechanism (13) is provided distally from the bottom supportive floor (23) of the lower slit (17b). The at least one connection point (25) can be provided on an
14 outer surface (9a) of the bottom wall (9) of the containment body (3), but such a connection point (25) could also be provided on other portions of the containment body (3), depending on the particular applications for which the container (1) would be intended for, and the desired end results. Indeed, for example, the at least one connection point (25) could be provided on a side wall (7) opposite to the side wall (7) upon which the fastening strap (5) is disposed. But the fact of having the at least one connection point (25) provided on a bottom portion (35) of the containment body (3) as per the optional embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, enables for a very smooth and uninterrupted outer surface for the side wall (7) which is advantageous when handling the container (1), and also allows for similar such containers (1) to be conveniently and advantageously nested into one another, because the outer surface of the side wall (7) is deprived of protrusions, etc.
As also shown in the accompanying drawings, each slit (17), whether a lower slit (17b) or an upper slit (17a), preferably extends through the entire at least one side wall (7), so as to have a complete "through" slit (17), and each slit (17) is preferably closed-ended, as also shown in the accompanying drawings, but various other types of slits, "slots", "hooks", "engagement matches", or any other types of structures could be used for removably affixing the first and second ends (5a, 5b) of the fastening strap (5) onto first and second parts of the containment body (3), whether it be the side wall (7) thereof, or other portions thereof. Figures 11a-11 b exemplify a couple of different possible slits (17) that could be used according to the present invention, the slit (17) of Figure 11 a being referred to herein as "closed-ended", and the slits (17) of Figures 11 b-11 d being referred to herein as "open-ended".
As can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings, and according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the fastening strap (5) is insertable through an upper slit (17a), and the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) is provided with an abutment stopper (29) being positioned, shaped and sized for abutting against an inside surface (7i) of the at least one side wall (7) and for preventing the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) from going outwardly through said upper slit (17a). It is worth mentioning that such an abutment stopper (29) can come in various different shapes, sizes and forms, and/or that the cooperation between slit (17) and first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) could be 5 substantially different, provided that the configuration allows the fastening strap (5) to be removably separated and cooperable (ex. mountable, insertable, etc.) onto and/or into the containment body (3), and allows for the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) to be steadily maintained in an operating position/configuration, when the container (1) is being held and/or operated by a user.
Also according to the optional embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) is preferably provided with a peripheral recess (31) for receiving a contour (33) of the upper slit (17a) when the abutment stopper (29) abuts against the inside surface (7i) of the at least one side wall (7), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 1 and 2, and Figure 11.
In order to allow the container (1) to be provided with an operating fastening strap (5), and corresponding desired operating length, a portion of the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) can be insertable through a lower slit (17b).
Also according to the embodiment exemplified in the accompanying drawings, top and lower slits (17a, 17b) of the containment body (3) are provided on a same.
given side wall (7), but similarly to the above-described, it is worth mentioning that a plurality of both top and lower slits (17a, 17b) could be provided on the containment body (3), and that their positioning and disposition along said containment body (3) could be varied, in that, top and lower slits (17a, 17b) could ultimately be provided on different side walls, depending on the particular applications for which the container (1) is intended for, and the desired end results, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
Referring more specifically to Figure 5, the fastening strap (5) comprises at least one tapered section (5c), but also, it is worth mentioning that the fastening strap (5) may come in various different shapes and forms, and one major advantage of the present invention over the prior art is that the fastening strap (5) can be easily changed and/or interchanged. Indeed, a worn-out or defective fastening strap (5) could be replaced by a same one, and/or, for the same containment body (3), an original fastening strap could be interchanged with a different fastening strap (5), having a different profile, which would be more suitable for the particular activity for which the container (1) would be intended for, and/or the load contained within the containment body (3). For example, and as can be illustrated by a person skilled in the art, for a very big containment body (3) (and/or heavy load within), it might be more advantageous to have a fastening strap (5) with a wider profile so as to more evenly distribute the corresponding force resulting from the weight of the containment body (3), onto the back of a hand of a user for example, etc.
Referring now to more specifically to Figures 4-11 and 28-34, and according to the embodiments exemplified, the connection mechanism (13) comprises at least one male component (13a) cooperating with at least one corresponding female component (13b). Optionally, the at least one male component (13a) is provided on the containment body (3) and the at least one female (13b) component is provided on the fastening strap (5).
According to a given embodiment, the at least one male component (13a) is provided on an outside surface (9a) of a bottom wall (9) or bottom portion (35) of the containment body (3), and the at least one female component (13b) is provided about the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5), as better shown in Figures 4, 6, 11, 28, 29 and 32-34.
According to the optional embodiment exemplified in these drawings, the at least one female component (13b) comprises a plurality of holes (37) for selectively adjusting an effective operating length of the fastening strap (5), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, namely when referring to Figures 28-36.
According to the optional embodiment(s) exemplified in the accompanying drawings, the at least one male component (13a) may comprise first and second male components (13a) operatively projecting from an outer surface (9a) of the bottom wall (9) of the containment body (3). The first and second male components (13a) may be respectively positioned proximate and distally with respect to the lower slit (17b).
As can be better understood when referring to Figures 4, 6, 11, 28, 29 and 32-34, the first and second male components (13a) have extremities (53,55) being positioned, shaped and sized for facilitating passing of the fastening strap (5) over said male components (13a) when the fastening strap (5) is inserted into and past the lower slit (17b). The first and second male components (13a) may be different in length. The first male (13a) component may have a substantially curved extremity (53), whereas the second male component (13a) may have a substantially straight extremity (55). As a result, the second male component (13a) can correspond to a main connection point (25a) of the connection mechanism (13), and the first male component (13a) can act as and/or correspond to a complementary connection point (25b) of the connection mechanism (13).
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that various other types of connection mechanisms (13), which use male and female components (13a,13b), interlocking components, or other types of fastening capabilities (hooks-and-loops such as VelcroTM, magnets, clips, etc.), could be used for enabling the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) to be removably mounted, fastened or connected onto a portion of the containment body (3) so as to enable to selectively and adjustably vary the effective operating length of the fastening strap (5) depending on the particular needs of a user, and/or the application(s) for which the container (1) is intended for.
According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) comprises a magnet (39) with an operative magnetic surface (39a) configured for removably maintaining thereon a metallic portion of a working tool (41) to be used with the container (1).
Preferably, the operative magnetic surface (39a) of the magnet (39) is positioned, shaped and sized to face inwardly the containment body (3) when the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) is mounted onto a side wall (7) of the containment body (3), and thus, due to the embodiments exemplified in accompanying drawings, the magnet (39) can be placed at an extremity of the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5), and preferably lodged within an abutment stopper (29) of the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5), as better shown in Figure 1.
Preferably also, the abutment stopper (29) comprises at least one abutment flange (29a) positioned, shaped and sized for abutting against an inside surface (7i) of a top rim (19a) of the side wall (7), and a segment of the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) comprises at least one notch (43) for facilitating bending of said segment, as better shown in Figure 11. The presence of such notches (43) thereby facilitates not only the bending of the segment of the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) provided with the notches (43), but also facilitates bending of the remaining fastening strap (5), such as the second end (5b) thereof, for facilitating namely entry into the lower slit (17b), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 9, 11 and 28-34, and also enables a better (more comfortable, more secure, etc.) grip of a user's hand, as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 36.
Although. the present container (1) can be used for various different types of usages, purposes and/or applications, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container (1) is used as a hand-held trim paint pail, and as a result, the containment body (3) is configured (i.e. made of suitable material ¨ see Figures 12-14) for receiving pain therein, or any other types of similar or analogous material (varnish, glue, epoxy, etc.).
Thus, the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) may comprise a magnet (39) with an operative magnetic surface (39a) configured for removably maintaining thereon a metallic ferrule (47) of working tool (41), such as a paint brush given merely as one possible example, the magnet (39) having a magnetic force being configured (i.e. strong enough, etc.) to sustain the weight of the paint brush (41).
However, it is worth mentioning that the magnet (39) can be used for holding different types of objects. For example, if the container (1) is used for "arts and crafts", it could be used to hold scissors, paper clips, and/or any other different types of tools to be used with the container (1), as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 2.
Preferably, the containment body (3) is tapered from a top portion to a bottom portion thereof, and preferably also, the containment body (3) comprises top and bottom rims (19a,19b), the top rim (19a) being circumferentially greater than the bottom rim (19b). Among different advantages, these particular components and features enable for the container (1) to be easily nested into another similar container (1), so as to substantially minimize storage place when a plurality of containers (1) are nested into one another, and not being used, which can beneficial for contractors, wholesalers, distributors, and/or the like. This is due namely to the fact that the fastening strap (5) is separate and removably affixable onto the containment body (3) of the container (1).
As a result, and according to an optional embodiment, the containment body (3) is configured so that an outer portion (3o) thereof is nestable into an inner portion (31) of a first other container (1), and the containment body (3) is further configured so that an inner portion (3i) thereof is configured for nesting the outer portion (3o) of a second other container (1), so that a plurality of containers (1) can be nested (i.e.
stacked, etc.) into one another.
As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the containment body (3) may comprise at least one curved side wall (7a), the at least one curved side wall (7a) being configured for receiving a palm of a hand of a user of the container (1). The 5 container (1) may also comprise at least one straight side wall (7b), which can for example, be opposite to the least one curved wall (7a) configured for receiving a palm of a hand of a user of the container (1), as also shown in the accompanying drawings, namely Figure 36, for example. The containment body (3) may also comprises a containment portion (3c) for selectively containing paint therein, and an angled 10 wringing portion (3w) operatively connected to the containment portion (3c) for selectively wringing paint from a paint tool, the wringing portion (3c) being provided with a plurality of ridges (57) to improve a wringing capability of the containment body (3), as better illustrated in Figures 12-36. At least one side wall (7) may also be provided with a label seat (45), for receiving a corresponding label with information
As also shown in the accompanying drawings, each slit (17), whether a lower slit (17b) or an upper slit (17a), preferably extends through the entire at least one side wall (7), so as to have a complete "through" slit (17), and each slit (17) is preferably closed-ended, as also shown in the accompanying drawings, but various other types of slits, "slots", "hooks", "engagement matches", or any other types of structures could be used for removably affixing the first and second ends (5a, 5b) of the fastening strap (5) onto first and second parts of the containment body (3), whether it be the side wall (7) thereof, or other portions thereof. Figures 11a-11 b exemplify a couple of different possible slits (17) that could be used according to the present invention, the slit (17) of Figure 11 a being referred to herein as "closed-ended", and the slits (17) of Figures 11 b-11 d being referred to herein as "open-ended".
As can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings, and according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the fastening strap (5) is insertable through an upper slit (17a), and the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) is provided with an abutment stopper (29) being positioned, shaped and sized for abutting against an inside surface (7i) of the at least one side wall (7) and for preventing the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) from going outwardly through said upper slit (17a). It is worth mentioning that such an abutment stopper (29) can come in various different shapes, sizes and forms, and/or that the cooperation between slit (17) and first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) could be 5 substantially different, provided that the configuration allows the fastening strap (5) to be removably separated and cooperable (ex. mountable, insertable, etc.) onto and/or into the containment body (3), and allows for the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) to be steadily maintained in an operating position/configuration, when the container (1) is being held and/or operated by a user.
Also according to the optional embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) is preferably provided with a peripheral recess (31) for receiving a contour (33) of the upper slit (17a) when the abutment stopper (29) abuts against the inside surface (7i) of the at least one side wall (7), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 1 and 2, and Figure 11.
In order to allow the container (1) to be provided with an operating fastening strap (5), and corresponding desired operating length, a portion of the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) can be insertable through a lower slit (17b).
Also according to the embodiment exemplified in the accompanying drawings, top and lower slits (17a, 17b) of the containment body (3) are provided on a same.
given side wall (7), but similarly to the above-described, it is worth mentioning that a plurality of both top and lower slits (17a, 17b) could be provided on the containment body (3), and that their positioning and disposition along said containment body (3) could be varied, in that, top and lower slits (17a, 17b) could ultimately be provided on different side walls, depending on the particular applications for which the container (1) is intended for, and the desired end results, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
Referring more specifically to Figure 5, the fastening strap (5) comprises at least one tapered section (5c), but also, it is worth mentioning that the fastening strap (5) may come in various different shapes and forms, and one major advantage of the present invention over the prior art is that the fastening strap (5) can be easily changed and/or interchanged. Indeed, a worn-out or defective fastening strap (5) could be replaced by a same one, and/or, for the same containment body (3), an original fastening strap could be interchanged with a different fastening strap (5), having a different profile, which would be more suitable for the particular activity for which the container (1) would be intended for, and/or the load contained within the containment body (3). For example, and as can be illustrated by a person skilled in the art, for a very big containment body (3) (and/or heavy load within), it might be more advantageous to have a fastening strap (5) with a wider profile so as to more evenly distribute the corresponding force resulting from the weight of the containment body (3), onto the back of a hand of a user for example, etc.
Referring now to more specifically to Figures 4-11 and 28-34, and according to the embodiments exemplified, the connection mechanism (13) comprises at least one male component (13a) cooperating with at least one corresponding female component (13b). Optionally, the at least one male component (13a) is provided on the containment body (3) and the at least one female (13b) component is provided on the fastening strap (5).
According to a given embodiment, the at least one male component (13a) is provided on an outside surface (9a) of a bottom wall (9) or bottom portion (35) of the containment body (3), and the at least one female component (13b) is provided about the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5), as better shown in Figures 4, 6, 11, 28, 29 and 32-34.
According to the optional embodiment exemplified in these drawings, the at least one female component (13b) comprises a plurality of holes (37) for selectively adjusting an effective operating length of the fastening strap (5), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, namely when referring to Figures 28-36.
According to the optional embodiment(s) exemplified in the accompanying drawings, the at least one male component (13a) may comprise first and second male components (13a) operatively projecting from an outer surface (9a) of the bottom wall (9) of the containment body (3). The first and second male components (13a) may be respectively positioned proximate and distally with respect to the lower slit (17b).
As can be better understood when referring to Figures 4, 6, 11, 28, 29 and 32-34, the first and second male components (13a) have extremities (53,55) being positioned, shaped and sized for facilitating passing of the fastening strap (5) over said male components (13a) when the fastening strap (5) is inserted into and past the lower slit (17b). The first and second male components (13a) may be different in length. The first male (13a) component may have a substantially curved extremity (53), whereas the second male component (13a) may have a substantially straight extremity (55). As a result, the second male component (13a) can correspond to a main connection point (25a) of the connection mechanism (13), and the first male component (13a) can act as and/or correspond to a complementary connection point (25b) of the connection mechanism (13).
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that various other types of connection mechanisms (13), which use male and female components (13a,13b), interlocking components, or other types of fastening capabilities (hooks-and-loops such as VelcroTM, magnets, clips, etc.), could be used for enabling the second end (5b) of the fastening strap (5) to be removably mounted, fastened or connected onto a portion of the containment body (3) so as to enable to selectively and adjustably vary the effective operating length of the fastening strap (5) depending on the particular needs of a user, and/or the application(s) for which the container (1) is intended for.
According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) comprises a magnet (39) with an operative magnetic surface (39a) configured for removably maintaining thereon a metallic portion of a working tool (41) to be used with the container (1).
Preferably, the operative magnetic surface (39a) of the magnet (39) is positioned, shaped and sized to face inwardly the containment body (3) when the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) is mounted onto a side wall (7) of the containment body (3), and thus, due to the embodiments exemplified in accompanying drawings, the magnet (39) can be placed at an extremity of the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5), and preferably lodged within an abutment stopper (29) of the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5), as better shown in Figure 1.
Preferably also, the abutment stopper (29) comprises at least one abutment flange (29a) positioned, shaped and sized for abutting against an inside surface (7i) of a top rim (19a) of the side wall (7), and a segment of the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) comprises at least one notch (43) for facilitating bending of said segment, as better shown in Figure 11. The presence of such notches (43) thereby facilitates not only the bending of the segment of the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) provided with the notches (43), but also facilitates bending of the remaining fastening strap (5), such as the second end (5b) thereof, for facilitating namely entry into the lower slit (17b), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 9, 11 and 28-34, and also enables a better (more comfortable, more secure, etc.) grip of a user's hand, as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 36.
Although. the present container (1) can be used for various different types of usages, purposes and/or applications, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container (1) is used as a hand-held trim paint pail, and as a result, the containment body (3) is configured (i.e. made of suitable material ¨ see Figures 12-14) for receiving pain therein, or any other types of similar or analogous material (varnish, glue, epoxy, etc.).
Thus, the first end (5a) of the fastening strap (5) may comprise a magnet (39) with an operative magnetic surface (39a) configured for removably maintaining thereon a metallic ferrule (47) of working tool (41), such as a paint brush given merely as one possible example, the magnet (39) having a magnetic force being configured (i.e. strong enough, etc.) to sustain the weight of the paint brush (41).
However, it is worth mentioning that the magnet (39) can be used for holding different types of objects. For example, if the container (1) is used for "arts and crafts", it could be used to hold scissors, paper clips, and/or any other different types of tools to be used with the container (1), as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 2.
Preferably, the containment body (3) is tapered from a top portion to a bottom portion thereof, and preferably also, the containment body (3) comprises top and bottom rims (19a,19b), the top rim (19a) being circumferentially greater than the bottom rim (19b). Among different advantages, these particular components and features enable for the container (1) to be easily nested into another similar container (1), so as to substantially minimize storage place when a plurality of containers (1) are nested into one another, and not being used, which can beneficial for contractors, wholesalers, distributors, and/or the like. This is due namely to the fact that the fastening strap (5) is separate and removably affixable onto the containment body (3) of the container (1).
As a result, and according to an optional embodiment, the containment body (3) is configured so that an outer portion (3o) thereof is nestable into an inner portion (31) of a first other container (1), and the containment body (3) is further configured so that an inner portion (3i) thereof is configured for nesting the outer portion (3o) of a second other container (1), so that a plurality of containers (1) can be nested (i.e.
stacked, etc.) into one another.
As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the containment body (3) may comprise at least one curved side wall (7a), the at least one curved side wall (7a) being configured for receiving a palm of a hand of a user of the container (1). The 5 container (1) may also comprise at least one straight side wall (7b), which can for example, be opposite to the least one curved wall (7a) configured for receiving a palm of a hand of a user of the container (1), as also shown in the accompanying drawings, namely Figure 36, for example. The containment body (3) may also comprises a containment portion (3c) for selectively containing paint therein, and an angled 10 wringing portion (3w) operatively connected to the containment portion (3c) for selectively wringing paint from a paint tool, the wringing portion (3c) being provided with a plurality of ridges (57) to improve a wringing capability of the containment body (3), as better illustrated in Figures 12-36. At least one side wall (7) may also be provided with a label seat (45), for receiving a corresponding label with information
15 associated with the container (1), the manufacturer, the wholesaler, the distributor, the seller, etc. It is worth mentioning that the configurations, geometrical profiles and other aspects of the containment body (3) can be substantially different from those exemplified in the accompanying drawings, provided that according to the present invention, the fastening strap (5) is separate and removably affixable onto such 20 containment body (3), such as in the various manners and examples given hereinabove.
It is also worth mentioning that the present system is also meant to cover a containment body and/or fastening strap sold separately, and meant and/or capable of being used with a container (1) such as the one briefly described herein, and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
Finally, and according to the present invention, the container (1) and corresponding parts (ex. containment body, rims, etc.) are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as plastics, hardened polymers, composite materials, and/or the like, whereas other components thereof (e.g. strap, etc.) can be made of substantially flexible materials, such as rubberized material, in order to achieve the resulting advantages briefly discussed herein (ex. better grip, bending od strap, etc.), depending on the particular applications for which the container (1) is intended for and the different parameters in cause (load applied to the containment body, strap, etc.), as apparent to a person skilled in the art. As also shown in the accompanying drawings, the containment body (3) may be provided with reinforcement flanges (57) operatively connecting the bottom wall (9) of the container (1) to a bottom rim (19b) thereof for providing the bottom portion (35) and thus the overall container (1) with greater structural rigidity, etc.
Furthermore, the present invention is a substantial improvement over the prior art in that, by virtue of its design and components, the tool is simple and easy to use, as well as is simple and easy to manufacture and/or assemble, without compromising the reliability of its functions. Hence, it may now be appreciated that the present invention represents important advantages over other tools known in the prior art, in that the container can be used a trim paint pail for such applications, in a very quick, easy and ergonomic manner, with improved performance, as briefly explained hereinabove.
Moreover, the present invention is also advantageous in that it provides a simpler, more easy-to-use and esthetically pleasing container (1) than those of the prior art.
In ending, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the possible embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
It is also worth mentioning that the present system is also meant to cover a containment body and/or fastening strap sold separately, and meant and/or capable of being used with a container (1) such as the one briefly described herein, and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
Finally, and according to the present invention, the container (1) and corresponding parts (ex. containment body, rims, etc.) are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as plastics, hardened polymers, composite materials, and/or the like, whereas other components thereof (e.g. strap, etc.) can be made of substantially flexible materials, such as rubberized material, in order to achieve the resulting advantages briefly discussed herein (ex. better grip, bending od strap, etc.), depending on the particular applications for which the container (1) is intended for and the different parameters in cause (load applied to the containment body, strap, etc.), as apparent to a person skilled in the art. As also shown in the accompanying drawings, the containment body (3) may be provided with reinforcement flanges (57) operatively connecting the bottom wall (9) of the container (1) to a bottom rim (19b) thereof for providing the bottom portion (35) and thus the overall container (1) with greater structural rigidity, etc.
Furthermore, the present invention is a substantial improvement over the prior art in that, by virtue of its design and components, the tool is simple and easy to use, as well as is simple and easy to manufacture and/or assemble, without compromising the reliability of its functions. Hence, it may now be appreciated that the present invention represents important advantages over other tools known in the prior art, in that the container can be used a trim paint pail for such applications, in a very quick, easy and ergonomic manner, with improved performance, as briefly explained hereinabove.
Moreover, the present invention is also advantageous in that it provides a simpler, more easy-to-use and esthetically pleasing container (1) than those of the prior art.
In ending, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the possible embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Claims (54)
1. A container comprising:
a containment body for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall; and a fastening strap separate from the containment body, and selectively cooperable with said containment body, the fastening strap having a first end removably mountable onto the at least one side wall of the containment body, and a second end removably connectable onto a lower portion of the containment body via a connection mechanism, wherein in such an operative configuration of the fastening strap, a passage is defined between the at least one side wall and the fastening strap for receiving a portion of a user's hand or an accessory.
a containment body for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall; and a fastening strap separate from the containment body, and selectively cooperable with said containment body, the fastening strap having a first end removably mountable onto the at least one side wall of the containment body, and a second end removably connectable onto a lower portion of the containment body via a connection mechanism, wherein in such an operative configuration of the fastening strap, a passage is defined between the at least one side wall and the fastening strap for receiving a portion of a user's hand or an accessory.
2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the containment body comprises an upper slit for receiving a portion of the first end of the fastening strap.
3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the upper slit is provided proximate to a top edge of the at least one side wall.
4. A container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the upper slit is provided on a top rim of the at least one side wall.
5. A container according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the containment body comprises a lower slit for receiving a portion of the second end of the fastening strap.
6. A container according to claim 5, wherein the lower slit is provided proximate to a bottom edge of the at least one side wall.
7. A container according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the lower slit is provided on a bottom rim of the at least one side wall.
8. A container according to any of claims 5-7, wherein the lower slit comprises a slanted entry section for facilitation entry of the second end of the fastening strap into the lower slit.
9. A container according to any of claims 5-8, wherein the lower slit comprises a bottom supportive floor for supporting the second end of the fastening strap when passing through the lower slit.
10. A container according to claim 9, wherein at least one connection point of the connection mechanism is provided distally from the bottom supportive floor of the lower slit.
11. A container according to any of claims 5-9, wherein at least one connection point of the connection mechanism is provided distally from the lower slit.
12. A container according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one connection point is provided on an outer surface of the bottom wall of the containment body.
13. A container according to any of claims 5-12, wherein the lower slit comprises a pair of guiding flanges for guiding the second end of the fastening strap when passing through the lower slit.
14. A container according to any of claims 2-13, wherein each slit extends through the at least one side wall.
15. A container according to any of claims 1-14, wherein each slit is closed-ended.
16. A container according to any of claims 1-14, wherein each slit is open-ended.
17. A container according to any of claims 2-16, wherein a portion of the fastening strap is insertable through the upper slit, and wherein the first end of the fastening strap is provided with an abutment stopper being positioned, shaped and sized for abutting against an inside surface of the at least one side wall and for preventing the first end of the fastening strap from going outwardly through said upper slit.
18. A container according to any of claims 2-17, wherein the first end of the fastening strap is provided with a peripheral recess for receiving a contour of the upper slit when the abutment stopper abuts against the inside surface of the at least one side wall.
19. A container according to any of claims 5-13, wherein a portion of the second end of the fastening strap is insertable through the lower slit.
20. A container according to any of claims 2-19, wherein upper and lower slits of the containment body are provided on a same given side wall.
21. A container according to any of claims 1-20, wherein the fastening strap comprises at least one tapered section.
22.. A container according to any of claims 1-21, wherein the connection mechanism comprises at least one male component cooperating with at least one corresponding female component.
23. A container according to claim 22, wherein the at least one male component is provided on the containment body and wherein the at least one female component is provided on the fastening strap.
24. A container according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the at least one male component is operatively provided on an outside surface of the bottom wall of the containment body, and wherein the at least one female component is operatively provided about the second end of the fastening strap.
25. A container according to any of claims 22-24, wherein the at least one female component comprises a plurality of holes for selectively adjusting an effective operating length of the fastening strap.
26. A container according to any one of claim 22-25, wherein the at least one male component comprises first arid second male components operatively projecting from an outer surface of the bottom wall of the containment body.
27. A container according to claim 26, wherein the first and second male components are respectively positioned proximate and distally with respect to a slit where the second end of the fastening strap is inserted.
28. A container according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the first and second male components have extremities being positioned, shaped and sized for facilitating passing of the fastening strap over said male components when the fastening strap is inserted into and past the lower slit.
29. A container according to any one of claim 26-28, wherein the first and second male components are different in length.
30. A container according to any one of claim 26-29, wherein the first male component has a substantially curved extremity.
31. A container according to any one of claim 26-30, wherein the second male component has a substantially straight extremity.
32. A container according to any one of claim 26-31, wherein the second male component corresponds to a main connection point of the connection mechanism.
33. A container according to any one of claim 26-32, wherein the first male component corresponds to a complementary connection point of the connection mechanism.
34. A container according to any of claims 1-33, wherein the first end of the fastening strap comprises a magnet with an operative magnetic surface configured for removably maintaining thereon a metallic portion of a working tool to be used with the container.
35. A container according to claim 34, wherein the operative magnetic surface of the magnet is positioned, shaped and sized to face inwardly the containment body when the first end of the fastening strap is mounted onto the least one side wall of the containment body.
36. A container according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the magnet is placed at an extremity of the first end of the fastening strap.
37. A container according to any of claims 34-36, wherein the magnet is lodged within an abutment stopper of the first end of the fastening strap.
38. A container according to claim 37, wherein the abutment stopper comprising at least one abutment flange positioned, shaped and sized for abutting against an inside surface of a top rim of the side wall.
39. A container according to any of claims 1-38, wherein a segment of the first end of the fastening strap comprises at least one notch for facilitating bending of said segment, and in turn facilitating bending of the remaining fastening strap.
40. A container according to any of claims 1-39, wherein the container is a hand-held trim paint pail, and wherein the containment body is configured for receiving pain therein.
41. A container according to any of claims 1-40, wherein the first end of the fastening strap comprises a magnet with an operative magnetic surface configured for removably maintaining thereon a metallic ferrule of a paint brush, the magnet having a magnetic force configured for sustaining the weight of the paint brush.
42. A container according to any of claims 1-41, wherein the containment body is tapered from a top portion to a bottom portion thereof.
43. A container according to any of claims 1-42, wherein the containment body comprises a top and bottom rims, the top rim being circumferentially greater than the bottom rim.
44. A container according to any of claims 1-43, wherein the containment body is configured so that an outer portion thereof is nestable into an inner portion of a first other container.
45. A container according to any of claims 1-44, wherein the containment body is further configured so that an inner portion thereof is configured for nesting an outer portion of a second other container.
46. A container according to any of claims 1-45, wherein the containment body comprises at least one curved side wall, the at least one curved side wall being configured for receiving a palm of a hand of a user of the container.
47. A container according to any of claims 1-46, wherein the containment body comprises at least one straight side wall.
48. A container according to any of claims 1-47, wherein the at least one straight side wall is opposite to the at least one curved side wall being configured for receiving a palm of a hand of a user of the container.
49. A container according to any of claims 1-48, wherein the containment body comprises a recessed portion for selectively containing paint therein, and an angled wringing portion operatively connected to the recessed portion for selectively wringing paint from a paint tool, the wringing portion being provided with a plurality of ridges to improve a wringing capability of the container.
50. A container according to any of claims 1-49, wherein at least one side wall is provided with a label seat.
51. A container according to any of claims 1-50, wherein the container is provided with reinforcement flanges operatively connecting the bottom wall of the containment body to a bottom rim of the at least one side wall.
52. A containment body for use with a container according to any one of claims 1-51.
53. A fastening strap for use with a container according to any one of claims 1-51.
54. A kit including a containment body and at least one strap for assembling a container according to any one of claims 1-51.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201361792303P | 2013-03-15 | 2013-03-15 | |
| US61/792,303 | 2013-03-15 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2846733A1 true CA2846733A1 (en) | 2014-09-15 |
| CA2846733C CA2846733C (en) | 2017-11-14 |
Family
ID=51565171
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2846733A Active CA2846733C (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-17 | Container, and use of the container as a trim paint pail |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2846733C (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11661239B2 (en) | 2020-09-24 | 2023-05-30 | Bercom International, Llc | Hand-held vessel |
| USD991608S1 (en) | 2020-09-24 | 2023-07-04 | Bercom International, Llc | Container handle |
| USD1017164S1 (en) | 2022-02-23 | 2024-03-05 | Bercom International, Llc | Container |
| USD1017165S1 (en) | 2022-02-23 | 2024-03-05 | Bercom International, Llc | Container liner |
-
2014
- 2014-03-17 CA CA2846733A patent/CA2846733C/en active Active
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11661239B2 (en) | 2020-09-24 | 2023-05-30 | Bercom International, Llc | Hand-held vessel |
| USD991608S1 (en) | 2020-09-24 | 2023-07-04 | Bercom International, Llc | Container handle |
| USD1017164S1 (en) | 2022-02-23 | 2024-03-05 | Bercom International, Llc | Container |
| USD1017165S1 (en) | 2022-02-23 | 2024-03-05 | Bercom International, Llc | Container liner |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2846733C (en) | 2017-11-14 |
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