US20090266738A1 - Container having recessed tilting handle and method for stacking same - Google Patents
Container having recessed tilting handle and method for stacking same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090266738A1 US20090266738A1 US12/291,786 US29178608A US2009266738A1 US 20090266738 A1 US20090266738 A1 US 20090266738A1 US 29178608 A US29178608 A US 29178608A US 2009266738 A1 US2009266738 A1 US 2009266738A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- recess
- protuberance
- lower handle
- handle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0233—Nestable containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/28—Handles
- B65D25/2835—Swingable handles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/28—Handles
- B65D25/32—Bail handles, i.e. pivoted rigid handles of generally semi-circular shape with pivot points on two opposed sides or wall parts of the conainter
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2525/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2525/28—Handles
- B65D2525/281—Details relating to handles
- B65D2525/286—Details relating to handles movable between two or more stable positions, e.g. a retracted and an extended position
- B65D2525/288—Details relating to handles movable between two or more stable positions, e.g. a retracted and an extended position by pivoting action
Definitions
- the present invention relates to containers for carrying and scooping material.
- One type of container having a handle is a bucket made up of a cylindrical body with a closed bottom end, an open top end, and a handle mounted in the upper portion of the bucket so that the handle swivels.
- a bucket can be filled with material, carried, and emptied of its contents.
- One way to fill the bucket is to pour material into it while it is standing upright.
- Another way to fill the bucket is to use it as a scoop.
- One method for using the bucket as a scoop involves grasping the bucket's handle in one hand and swiveling it toward oneself while tipping up the bottom of the bucket with the other hand. This motion places the open mouth of the bucket either roughly parallel with the material to be scooped or facing downward toward the material, depending upon the height at which the bottom of the bucket is lifted. The bucket is then dragged through the material by pulling on the handle and pushing on the bottom of the bucket, or by simply pushing on the bottom of the bucket alone. At the end of the scooping action, the bottom of the bucket is dropped and the bucket is lifted by the handle. This causes the material captured by the scooping action to settle within the bucket.
- Scooping material in this way can involve bending over at the waist so as to reach the material with the bucket. The lower the material to be scooped, the further one will likely need to bend to get at the material.
- a bucket can be carried by a handle mounted near the top of the bucket. For heavier loads, one might be required to use two hands on the handle to carry the bucket. This generally calls for each hand to be placed side by side on the handle and the bucket to be held out in front of one as one walks. Because of the relatively great weight of the bucket's contents, the bucket typically needs to be carried close to the body. The position of the bucket held out in front of one and held close to the body makes a normal gait difficult, resulting in one taking smaller steps as the load is carried.
- a handle of a bucket can also be useful in emptying contents from the bucket.
- One way to empty a bucket is to grasp the handle in one hand to stabilize the bucket and to grab the bottom of the bucket in the other hand. The bottom of the bucket is then tipped up. The lifting motion provided by the hand on the bottom of the bucket controls the rate at which the contents of the bucket are emptied.
- What is needed is a container that decreases the amount of bending required to scoop material into the container, that allows one to more conveniently carry heavy containers of material, and that provides more control when emptying material from a container.
- a container that employs a lower handle and that allows for the stacking of multiple containers.
- the amount of bending required to scoop material into a container is decreased, carrying heavy containers of material is made more convenient, and more control is provided when emptying material from a container.
- a container embodying features of the present invention comprises a body having a sidewall and a lower handle assembly mounted in a recess in the lower portion of the body.
- the body of the container has an enclosing bottom and an open top.
- the body also has multiple recesses in a lower portion of its exterior surface. The formation of each recess in the exterior surface produces a corresponding protuberance in the interior surface of the body. The recesses and protuberances together allow for the stacking of multiple containers.
- the lower handle assembly is housed within one of the recesses in the lower portion of the exterior surface of the body of the container. Generally, the entire assembly is contained within the recess.
- the lower handle assembly contains a lower handle that is capable of extending outwardly from the recess and retracting back within the recess.
- an upper handle is attached to the upper portion of the container body.
- the upper handle is an elongated member that attaches loosely to the body. This loose attachment allows the upper handle to swivel in relation to the body of the container.
- a grip is mounted over the center portion of the upper handle to afford more comfort in carrying the container.
- a retainer flange is attached to the top of the recess that houses the lower handle assembly.
- the retainer flange secures the handle portion of the lower handle assembly within the recess.
- the retainer flange is attached so as to be generally flush with the exterior surface of the body of the container. To use the lower handle, the handle is removed from the retainer flange and extended outwardly from the recess.
- the lower handle is used in a variety of ways. One way is to help in scooping material into the container. Extending and grasping the lower handle allows one to stand more upright when getting at the material, as opposed to grabbing the bottom of the container and bending, or bending further, to reach the material.
- the lower handle is also used in conjunction with an upper handle to carry a heavy container of material.
- an upper handle By grasping the upper handle in one hand and the lower handle in the other, one is able to hold the container more to one side as one walks, allowing one generally to take fuller strides. By and large this would be preferable to carrying the container by two hands on the upper handle. Carrying the container in this manner can lead to the container being carried out in front of oneself close to the body, resulting in the likely need to take smaller steps.
- Another way the lower handle is used is in emptying material from a container.
- FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a container with a lower handle fully extended, in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the container in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the container in FIG. 1 with a lower handle stowed;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the opposite side of the container in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the container in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the container in FIG. 3 with a lower handle partially extended;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 6 , focusing on the partially extended lower handle
- FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the container in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 8 , focusing on the partially extended lower handle
- FIG. 10 is a top plan view of four containers stacked one within the other, in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a cutaway side elevational view of the container shown in FIG. 10 , taken along line X-Y;
- FIG. 12 is a cutaway side elevational view of two stacked containers similar to FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13 is a cutaway side elevational view of three stacked containers similar to FIGS. 11 and 12 ;
- FIG. 14 is a cutaway side elevational view of four stacked containers similar to FIGS. 11-13 ;
- FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of four containers stacked together from a different angle than shown in FIGS. 11-14 .
- Embodying the principles of the present invention is a container depicted in FIGS. 1-9 that is capable of being stacked within other containers, as depicted in FIGS. 10-15 .
- a container 30 comprises an open top 34 , a closed bottom 36 , a body 40 forming an enclosing sidewall extending from the top 34 to the bottom 36 , an upper handle 100 , and a lower handle assembly 190 .
- the body 40 is in the general shape of a gradually tapering cylinder, with an upper portion of the body 40 that is adjacent to the top 34 of the container 30 being wider and a lower portion of the body 40 that is adjacent to the bottom 36 of the container 30 being narrower.
- the upper handle 100 is mounted to the body 40 near the top 34 of the container 30 , as described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the lower handle assembly 190 is mounted to the body 40 near the bottom 36 of the container 30 , as described below with reference to FIGS. 6-9 .
- the upper handle 100 comprises a handle member 103 and a grip 105 .
- the handle member 103 is a length of curved, elongated material, such as a length of stiff metal rod. Each end of the handle member 103 attaches to the body 40 of the container 30 allowing the upper handle 100 to pivot or swivel in relation to the body 40 , as described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the curvature of the handle member 103 is sufficient to allow the handle member 103 to swivel easily on the body 40 .
- the grip 105 of the upper handle 100 is substantially a plastic cylinder open at both ends.
- the grip 105 is normally rotatable on the upper handle 100 or may be fitted securely over the center portion of the handle member 103 so that approximately an equal length of the handle member 103 appears on either side of the grip 105 .
- the upper handle 100 pivots easily back and forth over the body 40 of the container 30 .
- an upper handle 100 can be configured to be stationary.
- an upper handle 100 can be configured so as to allow the handle 100 to be positioned within a range of possible positions and to remain stationary in the given position until repositioned.
- the handle member 103 of the upper handle 100 can be constructed of another material, such as rope, cord, or a metal or plastic band.
- the grip 105 can be made of other materials, such as rubber, wood, or metal.
- the body 40 of the container 30 comprises a pair of opposing ends 48 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ), an interior wall surface 50 (see FIG. 5 ), a bottom 90 (see FIG. 5 ), an exterior wall surface 110 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ), a lip 200 , a mount ridge 210 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ), a pair of upper handle mounts 220 (one shown in FIG. 3 and another shown in FIG. 4 ), and a circumferential stacking stop 230 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ).
- the bottom 90 of the body 40 is formed with or attached to a bottom end 48 of the body 40 . In this way, the container 30 is closed at the bottom end 48 so as to hold material disposable into the container 30 .
- the container 30 is open at the opposing top end 48 so as to accept material placed into the container 30 .
- the body 40 of the container 30 is made of plastic.
- a body 40 can be constructed of a different material, such as metal, fabric, woven material, or wood.
- the lip 200 is located on the exterior wall surface 110 of the body 40 of the container 30 at the top end 48 of the body 40 .
- the lip 200 is a narrow projection that encompasses the circumference of the body 40 .
- the mount ridge 210 is a narrow projection that encompasses the circumference of the body 40 .
- the mount ridge 210 is formed with the exterior wall surface 110 of the body 40 and is oriented generally parallel to the lip 200 .
- the mount ridge 210 also projects approximately the same distance from the exterior wall surface 110 as does the lip 200 .
- a portion of the mount ridge 210 is generally adjacent to each of the upper handle mounts 220 .
- the pair of upper handle mounts 220 are attached to the exterior wall surface 110 of the body 40 , between the mount ridge 210 and the stacking stop 230 .
- the upper handle mounts 220 are attached to opposing ends of a diameter drawn across the top end 48 of the body 40 .
- the opposing upper handle mounts 220 are aligned generally along the same horizontal axis.
- An eye 223 is located in the approximate center of each mount 220 .
- Opposing ends of the handle member 103 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the upper handle 100 are inserted into each eye 223 to attach the upper handle 100 to the body 40 .
- the upper handle 100 attaches loosely to the pair of upper handle mounts 220 , allowing the upper handle 100 to pivot or swivel in relation to the body 40 of the container 30 .
- the stacking stop 230 is a broad projection that encompasses the circumference of the body 40 .
- the stacking stop 230 is formed with or attached to the exterior wall surface 110 of the body 40 and is oriented generally parallel to both the mount ridge 210 and the lip 200 .
- the stacking stop 230 also projects approximately the same distance from the exterior wall surface 110 as does the mount ridge 210 and the lip 200 .
- a portion of the stacking stop 230 is generally adjacent to each of the upper handle mounts 220 .
- a stacking stop 230 on the second container 30 provides a broad projection that catches on the lip 200 of the first container 30 to help prevent the second container 30 from being lowered further into the first container 30 .
- the lip 200 , the mount ridge 210 , the pair of upper handle mounts 220 , and the stacking stop 230 are all molded portions of the body 40 of the container 30 .
- each of these elements can attach to the body 40 in some other way rather than being molded into the body 40 .
- an upper handle 100 can attach to the body 40 in a different manner known in the art.
- the exterior wall surface 110 of the body 40 of the container 30 comprises a lower handle recess 160 , an intermediate recess 170 , and a short recess 180 .
- the three recesses 160 , 170 , 180 are recesses in the exterior wall surface 110 .
- the three recesses 160 , 170 , 180 are slightly spaced horizontally from each other.
- the recesses 160 , 170 , 180 come into their function when stacking containers 30 within one another, as described below with reference to FIGS. 10-15 .
- the lower handle recess 160 is also used to hold the lower handle assembly 190 , as described below with reference to FIGS. 6-9 .
- the lower handle recess 160 comprises a pair of opposing ends 168 and is taller than it is wide (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ).
- a bottom end 168 of the lower handle recess 160 is located generally at the bottom end 48 of the body 40 of the container 30 .
- a top end 168 of the lower handle recess 160 is located approximately halfway up the exterior wall surface 110 of the body 40 , making the recess 160 approximately half the height of the body 40 of the container 30 .
- the lower handle recess 160 is positioned so that the center of the upper handle 100 is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the recess 160 .
- the intermediate recess 170 comprises a pair of opposing ends 178 .
- a bottom end 178 of the intermediate recess 170 is located generally at the bottom end 48 of the body 40 .
- the intermediate recess 170 is approximately the same width as the lower handle recess 160 and approximately half the height of the lower handle recess 160 .
- the intermediate recess 170 is positioned between the lower handle recess 160 and the short recess 180 .
- the short recess 180 comprises a pair of opposing ends 188 .
- a bottom end 188 of the short recess 180 is located generally at the bottom end 48 of the body 40 .
- the short recess 180 is approximately the same width as both the lower handle recess 160 and the intermediate recess 170 .
- the short recess 180 is approximately half the height of the intermediate recess 170 .
- the interior wall surface 50 comprises a lower handle protuberance 60 , an intermediate protuberance 70 , and a short protuberance 80 .
- the three protuberances 60 , 70 , 80 are protuberances in the interior wall surface 50 .
- the three protuberances 60 , 70 , 80 are complementary structures to the three recesses 160 , 170 , 180 (see FIG. 3 ) in the exterior wall surface 110 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ).
- each protuberance 60 , 70 , 80 projecting from the interior wall surface 50 is the result of an indentation formed by a corresponding recess 160 , 170 , 180 in the exterior wall surface 110 .
- each protuberance 60 , 70 , 80 has approximately the same height and width as its counterpart.
- the lower handle protuberance 60 corresponds to the lower handle recess 160
- the intermediate protuberance 170 corresponds to the intermediate recess 170
- the short protuberance 80 corresponds to the short recess 180 .
- the three protuberances 60 , 70 , 80 are also employed when stacking containers 30 within one another, as described below with reference to FIGS. 10-15 .
- a lower handle assembly 190 comprises a pair of opposing, spaced support ribs 192 , a retainer flange 195 , and a lower handle 196 .
- the support ribs 192 and retainer flange 195 reside within the lower handle recess 160 .
- the lower handle 196 extends outside of the lower handle recess 160 , as shown in FIGS. 6-9 .
- the lower handle 196 is stowed within the recess 160 , however, generally no portion of the lower handle 196 extends beyond the plane of the exterior wall surface 110 (see FIGS. 3 , 4 , and 11 - 15 ).
- the pair of opposing, spaced support ribs 192 are molded into the lower handle recess 160 longitudinally along a center portion of the lower handle recess 160 .
- the pair of support ribs 192 are generally parallel to each other, and both support ribs 192 are approximately of the same length.
- the support ribs 192 extend from generally the top end 168 of the lower handle recess 160 to proximate the bottom end 168 of the recess 160 .
- Each support rib 192 includes an eye or pivot hole 193 that extends through a lower portion of each support rib 192 .
- the eyes 193 of the support ribs 192 attach the lower handle 196 to the support ribs 192 , as described below with reference to FIGS. 6-9 .
- the lower handle 196 comprises a handle element 197 and a pair of opposing, spaced legs 198 .
- the handle element 197 and pair of opposing legs 198 are both part of the same continuous, elongated body of material, such as a length of thick-gauge wire or a thin rod.
- the handle element 197 is formed from the center portion of the material, while each leg 198 is formed from an end of the material.
- the handle element 197 is elongated to allow for easy grasping and holding of the handle 196 .
- the pair of opposing legs 198 are generally parallel to each other and approximately of the same length.
- each leg 198 is splayed outwardly from a space between the opposing legs 198 at approximately a ninety-degree angle.
- An end of the lower portion of each leg 198 fits into a respective eye 193 of the corresponding proximate support rib 192 , thereby attaching the lower handle 196 to the two support ribs 192 .
- the lower handle 196 pivots easily within the eyes 193 of the support ribs 192 , allowing the handle 196 to extend outside of the lower handle recess 160 and to withdraw back within the recess 160 .
- the retainer flange 195 is molded into the lower handle recess 160 , generally in the center of the top end 168 of the lower handle recess 160 .
- the retainer flange 195 maintains the lower handle 196 within the lower handle recess 160 when the lower handle 196 is in the stowed position within the recess 160 .
- the handle element 197 of the lower handle 196 is pressed against the retainer flange 195 until the upper portion of the handle element 197 snaps into place beneath the flange 195 .
- the handle element 197 of the handle 196 is pulled out from beneath, or unsnapped from, the retainer flange 195 .
- a lower handle assembly 190 including a lower handle 196
- the lower handle 196 can be configured differently.
- the lower handle 196 can be configured to allow the handle 196 to be positioned within a range of possible positions and to remain stationary in the given position until repositioned.
- the lower handle 196 can be constructed of another material, and a lower handle 196 can be constructed in a different shape.
- FIGS. 10-15 to stack containers 30 together, the three recesses 160 , 170 , 180 (see particularly FIG. 15 ) in the exterior wall surface 110 (see FIG. 15 ) of the body 40 of the container 30 and the corresponding three protuberances 60 , 70 , 80 (see particularly FIGS. 13 and 14 ) in the interior wall surface 50 (see FIGS. 11-14 ) of the body 40 of the container 30 are aligned in a specific configuration relative to the other container 30 or containers 30 in the stack.
- FIG. 10 depicts a top view of four containers 30 stacked together.
- FIGS. 11-14 are cutaway side views of the containers 30 shown in FIG. 10 , all taken along line X-Y.
- FIG. 11 shows the bottom container 30
- FIG. 12 shows the bottom two containers 30 a , 30 b
- FIG. 13 shows the bottom three containers 30 a , 30 b , 30 c
- FIG. 14 shows all four containers 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d
- FIG. 15 depicts a side view of the four containers 30 stacked together from an angle that differs from that shown in FIGS. 11-14 .
- the three inwardly directed protuberances 60 , 70 , 80 (see particularly FIGS. 13 and 14 ) in the interior wall surface 50 (see FIGS. 11-14 ) of the body 40 of the container 30 are complementary structures to the three outer recesses 160 , 170 , 180 (see particularly FIG. 15 ) in the exterior wall surface 110 (see FIG. 15 ), such that each protuberance 60 , 70 , 80 projecting from the interior wall surface 50 is the result of an indentation formed by a corresponding recess 160 , 170 , 180 in the exterior wall surface 110 , as described above with reference to FIG. 5 .
- the position of a recess 160 , 170 , 180 not shown in a drawing can be ascertained from referring to the position of a corresponding protuberance 60 , 70 , 80 that is shown.
- a stacking stop 230 b of the second container 30 b comes into contact with a lip 200 a of the first container 30 a . This prevents the second container 30 b from being slid further into the first container 30 a .
- the second container 30 b fits within the first container 30 a , such that an intermediate recess 170 b of the second container 30 b slides over an upper portion of a lower handle protuberance 60 a of the first container 30 a , and a short recess 180 b (not shown) of the second container 30 b slides over an upper portion of an intermediate protuberance 70 a (not shown) of the first container 30 a.
- a stacking stop 230 c of the third container 30 c comes into contact with a lip 200 b of the second container 30 b . This prevents the third container 30 c from being slid further into the second container 30 b .
- the third container 30 c fits within the second container 30 b , such that an intermediate recess 170 c (not shown, but identical to the intermediate recess 170 b shown in FIG.
- a stacking stop 230 d of the fourth container 30 d comes into contact with a lip 200 c of the third container 30 c . This prevents the fourth container 30 d from being slid further into the third container 30 c .
- the fourth container 30 d fits within the third container 30 c , such that an intermediate recess 170 d (not shown, but identical to the intermediate recess 170 b shown in FIG.
- a short recess 180 d of the fourth container 30 d slides over an upper portion of an intermediate protuberance 70 c of the third container 30 c
- the corresponding intermediate recess 170 c of the third container 30 c slides over the upper portion of the lower handle protuberance 60 b of the second container 30 b
- An intermediate recess 170 d of the fourth container 30 d slides over an upper portion of a lower handle protuberance 60 c of the third container 30 c
- a lower handle recess 160 d of the fourth container 30 d does not slide over any of the protuberances 60 c , 70 c , 80 c of the third container 30 c .
- the recursive nesting structure continues with the recesses 160 , 170 , 180 and protuberances 60 , 70 , 80 of the third 30 c , fourth 30 d , and fifth containers 30 e aligned in a manner similar to those of the second 30 b , third 30 c , and fourth containers 30 d .
- the stacking of containers 30 is not limited to stacking only four or five containers 30 . In theory, any number of containers 30 could be stacked together.
- an upper handle 100 , a lower handle 196 , or both handles 100 , 196 can be fitted with a protective sleeve or grip or the like to protect one from injury or discomfort while using a container 30 .
- an upper handle 100 , a lower handle 196 , or both handles 100 , 196 can be removable.
- an upper handle 100 can be formed as part of a body 40 of a container 30 .
- Another alternate embodiment can include a spout for pouring from a container 30 .
- Yet another alternate embodiment can include a container 30 with a lid for protecting material stored in the container 30 . Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiment contained herein.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Stackable Containers (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A stackable container for carrying and scooping material has a body, a lower handle mounted in a recess in the lower portion of the container body, and an optional upper handle attached to the upper portion of the container body. The lower handle is an elongated continuous member, like a stiff metal rod, shaped into a handle. When not in use, the lower handle can be stowed in the recess beneath an optional retainer flange. To use the lower handle, the handle can be urged from beneath the optional flange to extend outwardly from the container body. The optional upper handle is an elongated member with a grip mounted in the center. A total of three recesses in the exterior of the container body and three corresponding protuberances in the interior are used to stack multiple containers together.
Description
- This application claims priority to provisional application 61/047,353, filed Apr. 23, 2008.
- Not Applicable.
- Not Applicable.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to containers for carrying and scooping material.
- 2. Relevant Art
- One type of container having a handle is a bucket made up of a cylindrical body with a closed bottom end, an open top end, and a handle mounted in the upper portion of the bucket so that the handle swivels. Such a bucket can be filled with material, carried, and emptied of its contents. One way to fill the bucket is to pour material into it while it is standing upright. Another way to fill the bucket is to use it as a scoop.
- One method for using the bucket as a scoop involves grasping the bucket's handle in one hand and swiveling it toward oneself while tipping up the bottom of the bucket with the other hand. This motion places the open mouth of the bucket either roughly parallel with the material to be scooped or facing downward toward the material, depending upon the height at which the bottom of the bucket is lifted. The bucket is then dragged through the material by pulling on the handle and pushing on the bottom of the bucket, or by simply pushing on the bottom of the bucket alone. At the end of the scooping action, the bottom of the bucket is dropped and the bucket is lifted by the handle. This causes the material captured by the scooping action to settle within the bucket.
- Scooping material in this way can involve bending over at the waist so as to reach the material with the bucket. The lower the material to be scooped, the further one will likely need to bend to get at the material.
- A bucket can be carried by a handle mounted near the top of the bucket. For heavier loads, one might be required to use two hands on the handle to carry the bucket. This generally calls for each hand to be placed side by side on the handle and the bucket to be held out in front of one as one walks. Because of the relatively great weight of the bucket's contents, the bucket typically needs to be carried close to the body. The position of the bucket held out in front of one and held close to the body makes a normal gait difficult, resulting in one taking smaller steps as the load is carried.
- A handle of a bucket can also be useful in emptying contents from the bucket. One way to empty a bucket is to grasp the handle in one hand to stabilize the bucket and to grab the bottom of the bucket in the other hand. The bottom of the bucket is then tipped up. The lifting motion provided by the hand on the bottom of the bucket controls the rate at which the contents of the bucket are emptied.
- When emptying a heavy bucket of material, the weight of the contents is lifted as the bottom of the bucket is initially tipped up. As the contents of the bucket pours out, the weight of the material remaining in the bucket naturally decreases, thereby requiring less effort to lift the remaining contents of the bucket. If the bucket of material is relatively heavy, initially tipping up the bottom of the bucket can make it difficult to control the speed at which the material is emptied from the bucket.
- What is needed is a container that decreases the amount of bending required to scoop material into the container, that allows one to more conveniently carry heavy containers of material, and that provides more control when emptying material from a container.
- In accordance with the present invention, a container is provided that employs a lower handle and that allows for the stacking of multiple containers. With the present invention, the amount of bending required to scoop material into a container is decreased, carrying heavy containers of material is made more convenient, and more control is provided when emptying material from a container. A container embodying features of the present invention comprises a body having a sidewall and a lower handle assembly mounted in a recess in the lower portion of the body.
- The body of the container has an enclosing bottom and an open top. The body also has multiple recesses in a lower portion of its exterior surface. The formation of each recess in the exterior surface produces a corresponding protuberance in the interior surface of the body. The recesses and protuberances together allow for the stacking of multiple containers.
- The lower handle assembly is housed within one of the recesses in the lower portion of the exterior surface of the body of the container. Generally, the entire assembly is contained within the recess. The lower handle assembly contains a lower handle that is capable of extending outwardly from the recess and retracting back within the recess.
- In some embodiments, an upper handle is attached to the upper portion of the container body. The upper handle is an elongated member that attaches loosely to the body. This loose attachment allows the upper handle to swivel in relation to the body of the container. In some of these embodiments, a grip is mounted over the center portion of the upper handle to afford more comfort in carrying the container.
- In some embodiments, a retainer flange is attached to the top of the recess that houses the lower handle assembly. The retainer flange secures the handle portion of the lower handle assembly within the recess. The retainer flange is attached so as to be generally flush with the exterior surface of the body of the container. To use the lower handle, the handle is removed from the retainer flange and extended outwardly from the recess.
- The lower handle is used in a variety of ways. One way is to help in scooping material into the container. Extending and grasping the lower handle allows one to stand more upright when getting at the material, as opposed to grabbing the bottom of the container and bending, or bending further, to reach the material.
- The lower handle is also used in conjunction with an upper handle to carry a heavy container of material. By grasping the upper handle in one hand and the lower handle in the other, one is able to hold the container more to one side as one walks, allowing one generally to take fuller strides. By and large this would be preferable to carrying the container by two hands on the upper handle. Carrying the container in this manner can lead to the container being carried out in front of oneself close to the body, resulting in the likely need to take smaller steps.
- Another way the lower handle is used is in emptying material from a container. By pulling up on the lower handle, rather than tipping up the bottom of the container, one generally has more control over the speed at which the material is emptied from the container, particularly when dealing with a heavy container of material. Pulling up on the lower handle, rather than tipping up the bottom of the container, can also make it easier to empty the container.
- The novel features believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and to its method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a container with a lower handle fully extended, in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the container inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the container inFIG. 1 with a lower handle stowed; -
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the opposite side of the container inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the container inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the container inFIG. 3 with a lower handle partially extended; -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial view ofFIG. 6 , focusing on the partially extended lower handle; -
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the container inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial view ofFIG. 8 , focusing on the partially extended lower handle; -
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of four containers stacked one within the other, in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a cutaway side elevational view of the container shown inFIG. 10 , taken along line X-Y; -
FIG. 12 is a cutaway side elevational view of two stacked containers similar toFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is a cutaway side elevational view of three stacked containers similar toFIGS. 11 and 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a cutaway side elevational view of four stacked containers similar toFIGS. 11-13 ; and -
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of four containers stacked together from a different angle than shown inFIGS. 11-14 . - Embodying the principles of the present invention is a container depicted in
FIGS. 1-9 that is capable of being stacked within other containers, as depicted inFIGS. 10-15 . - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , acontainer 30 comprises an open top 34, a closed bottom 36, abody 40 forming an enclosing sidewall extending from the top 34 to the bottom 36, anupper handle 100, and alower handle assembly 190. Thebody 40 is in the general shape of a gradually tapering cylinder, with an upper portion of thebody 40 that is adjacent to the top 34 of thecontainer 30 being wider and a lower portion of thebody 40 that is adjacent to the bottom 36 of thecontainer 30 being narrower. Theupper handle 100 is mounted to thebody 40 near the top 34 of thecontainer 30, as described below with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 . Thelower handle assembly 190 is mounted to thebody 40 near the bottom 36 of thecontainer 30, as described below with reference toFIGS. 6-9 . - Continuing with
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theupper handle 100 comprises ahandle member 103 and agrip 105. Thehandle member 103 is a length of curved, elongated material, such as a length of stiff metal rod. Each end of thehandle member 103 attaches to thebody 40 of thecontainer 30 allowing theupper handle 100 to pivot or swivel in relation to thebody 40, as described below with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 . The curvature of thehandle member 103 is sufficient to allow thehandle member 103 to swivel easily on thebody 40. Thegrip 105 of theupper handle 100 is substantially a plastic cylinder open at both ends. Thegrip 105 is normally rotatable on theupper handle 100 or may be fitted securely over the center portion of thehandle member 103 so that approximately an equal length of thehandle member 103 appears on either side of thegrip 105. - Regarding
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the current embodiment, theupper handle 100 pivots easily back and forth over thebody 40 of thecontainer 30. In some alternate embodiments, however, anupper handle 100 can be configured to be stationary. In other alternate embodiments, anupper handle 100 can be configured so as to allow thehandle 100 to be positioned within a range of possible positions and to remain stationary in the given position until repositioned. In addition, in alternate embodiments thehandle member 103 of theupper handle 100 can be constructed of another material, such as rope, cord, or a metal or plastic band. Also in alternate embodiments, thegrip 105 can be made of other materials, such as rubber, wood, or metal. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3-5 , thebody 40 of thecontainer 30 comprises a pair of opposing ends 48 (seeFIGS. 3 and 4 ), an interior wall surface 50 (seeFIG. 5 ), a bottom 90 (seeFIG. 5 ), an exterior wall surface 110 (seeFIGS. 3 and 4 ), alip 200, a mount ridge 210 (seeFIGS. 3 and 4 ), a pair of upper handle mounts 220 (one shown inFIG. 3 and another shown inFIG. 4 ), and a circumferential stacking stop 230 (seeFIGS. 3 and 4 ). The bottom 90 of thebody 40 is formed with or attached to abottom end 48 of thebody 40. In this way, thecontainer 30 is closed at thebottom end 48 so as to hold material disposable into thecontainer 30. Thecontainer 30 is open at the opposingtop end 48 so as to accept material placed into thecontainer 30. - Regarding
FIGS. 3-5 , in the current embodiment, thebody 40 of thecontainer 30 is made of plastic. In alternate embodiments, abody 40 can be constructed of a different material, such as metal, fabric, woven material, or wood. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thelip 200 is located on theexterior wall surface 110 of thebody 40 of thecontainer 30 at thetop end 48 of thebody 40. Thelip 200 is a narrow projection that encompasses the circumference of thebody 40. Themount ridge 210 is a narrow projection that encompasses the circumference of thebody 40. Themount ridge 210 is formed with theexterior wall surface 110 of thebody 40 and is oriented generally parallel to thelip 200. Themount ridge 210 also projects approximately the same distance from theexterior wall surface 110 as does thelip 200. A portion of themount ridge 210 is generally adjacent to each of the upper handle mounts 220. - Continuing with
FIGS. 3 and 4 , the pair of upper handle mounts 220 (one shown inFIG. 3 and another shown inFIG. 4 ) are attached to theexterior wall surface 110 of thebody 40, between themount ridge 210 and the stackingstop 230. The upper handle mounts 220 are attached to opposing ends of a diameter drawn across thetop end 48 of thebody 40. The opposing upper handle mounts 220 are aligned generally along the same horizontal axis. Aneye 223 is located in the approximate center of eachmount 220. Opposing ends of the handle member 103 (seeFIGS. 1 and 2 ) of theupper handle 100 are inserted into eacheye 223 to attach theupper handle 100 to thebody 40. Theupper handle 100 attaches loosely to the pair of upper handle mounts 220, allowing theupper handle 100 to pivot or swivel in relation to thebody 40 of thecontainer 30. - Still referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , the stackingstop 230 is a broad projection that encompasses the circumference of thebody 40. The stackingstop 230 is formed with or attached to theexterior wall surface 110 of thebody 40 and is oriented generally parallel to both themount ridge 210 and thelip 200. The stackingstop 230 also projects approximately the same distance from theexterior wall surface 110 as does themount ridge 210 and thelip 200. A portion of the stackingstop 230 is generally adjacent to each of the upper handle mounts 220. When stacking asecond container 30 within a likefirst container 30, a stackingstop 230 on thesecond container 30 provides a broad projection that catches on thelip 200 of thefirst container 30 to help prevent thesecond container 30 from being lowered further into thefirst container 30. - Regarding
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thelip 200, themount ridge 210, the pair of upper handle mounts 220, and the stackingstop 230 are all molded portions of thebody 40 of thecontainer 30. In alternate embodiments, each of these elements can attach to thebody 40 in some other way rather than being molded into thebody 40. Also in alternate embodiments, anupper handle 100 can attach to thebody 40 in a different manner known in the art. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , theexterior wall surface 110 of thebody 40 of thecontainer 30 comprises alower handle recess 160, anintermediate recess 170, and ashort recess 180. As the designations imply, the threerecesses exterior wall surface 110. The threerecesses recesses containers 30 within one another, as described below with reference toFIGS. 10-15 . In addition, thelower handle recess 160 is also used to hold thelower handle assembly 190, as described below with reference toFIGS. 6-9 . - Continuing with
FIG. 3 , thelower handle recess 160 comprises a pair of opposing ends 168 and is taller than it is wide (seeFIGS. 6 and 7 ). Abottom end 168 of thelower handle recess 160 is located generally at thebottom end 48 of thebody 40 of thecontainer 30. Atop end 168 of thelower handle recess 160 is located approximately halfway up theexterior wall surface 110 of thebody 40, making therecess 160 approximately half the height of thebody 40 of thecontainer 30. Thelower handle recess 160 is positioned so that the center of theupper handle 100 is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of therecess 160. Theintermediate recess 170 comprises a pair of opposing ends 178. Abottom end 178 of theintermediate recess 170 is located generally at thebottom end 48 of thebody 40. Theintermediate recess 170 is approximately the same width as thelower handle recess 160 and approximately half the height of thelower handle recess 160. Theintermediate recess 170 is positioned between thelower handle recess 160 and theshort recess 180. Theshort recess 180 comprises a pair of opposing ends 188. Abottom end 188 of theshort recess 180 is located generally at thebottom end 48 of thebody 40. Theshort recess 180 is approximately the same width as both thelower handle recess 160 and theintermediate recess 170. Theshort recess 180 is approximately half the height of theintermediate recess 170. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , theinterior wall surface 50 comprises alower handle protuberance 60, anintermediate protuberance 70, and ashort protuberance 80. As their names imply, the threeprotuberances interior wall surface 50. The threeprotuberances recesses FIG. 3 ) in the exterior wall surface 110 (seeFIGS. 3 and 4 ). In other words, eachprotuberance interior wall surface 50 is the result of an indentation formed by acorresponding recess exterior wall surface 110. As a result, eachprotuberance lower handle protuberance 60 corresponds to thelower handle recess 160, theintermediate protuberance 170 corresponds to theintermediate recess 170, and theshort protuberance 80 corresponds to theshort recess 180. As with the threerecesses protuberances containers 30 within one another, as described below with reference toFIGS. 10-15 . - Referring now to
FIGS. 6-9 , alower handle assembly 190 comprises a pair of opposing, spacedsupport ribs 192, aretainer flange 195, and alower handle 196. Thesupport ribs 192 andretainer flange 195 reside within thelower handle recess 160. When thelower handle 196 is deployed for use, thelower handle 196 extends outside of thelower handle recess 160, as shown inFIGS. 6-9 . When thelower handle 196 is stowed within therecess 160, however, generally no portion of thelower handle 196 extends beyond the plane of the exterior wall surface 110 (seeFIGS. 3 , 4, and 11-15). - Continuing with
FIGS. 6-9 , the pair of opposing, spacedsupport ribs 192 are molded into thelower handle recess 160 longitudinally along a center portion of thelower handle recess 160. The pair ofsupport ribs 192 are generally parallel to each other, and both supportribs 192 are approximately of the same length. Thesupport ribs 192 extend from generally thetop end 168 of thelower handle recess 160 to proximate thebottom end 168 of therecess 160. Eachsupport rib 192 includes an eye orpivot hole 193 that extends through a lower portion of eachsupport rib 192. Theeyes 193 of thesupport ribs 192 attach thelower handle 196 to thesupport ribs 192, as described below with reference toFIGS. 6-9 . - Still referring to
FIGS. 6-9 , thelower handle 196 comprises ahandle element 197 and a pair of opposing, spacedlegs 198. Thehandle element 197 and pair of opposinglegs 198 are both part of the same continuous, elongated body of material, such as a length of thick-gauge wire or a thin rod. Thehandle element 197 is formed from the center portion of the material, while eachleg 198 is formed from an end of the material. Thehandle element 197 is elongated to allow for easy grasping and holding of thehandle 196. The pair of opposinglegs 198 are generally parallel to each other and approximately of the same length. A lower portion of eachleg 198 is splayed outwardly from a space between the opposinglegs 198 at approximately a ninety-degree angle. An end of the lower portion of eachleg 198 fits into arespective eye 193 of the correspondingproximate support rib 192, thereby attaching thelower handle 196 to the twosupport ribs 192. Thelower handle 196 pivots easily within theeyes 193 of thesupport ribs 192, allowing thehandle 196 to extend outside of thelower handle recess 160 and to withdraw back within therecess 160. - Continuing with
FIGS. 6-9 , theretainer flange 195 is molded into thelower handle recess 160, generally in the center of thetop end 168 of thelower handle recess 160. Theretainer flange 195 maintains thelower handle 196 within thelower handle recess 160 when thelower handle 196 is in the stowed position within therecess 160. To stow thelower handle 196, thehandle element 197 of thelower handle 196 is pressed against theretainer flange 195 until the upper portion of thehandle element 197 snaps into place beneath theflange 195. To extend thelower handle 196 for use, thehandle element 197 of thehandle 196 is pulled out from beneath, or unsnapped from, theretainer flange 195. - Regarding
FIGS. 6-9 , in alternate embodiments, alower handle assembly 190, including alower handle 196, can be configured differently. For example, thelower handle 196 can be configured to allow thehandle 196 to be positioned within a range of possible positions and to remain stationary in the given position until repositioned. Also in alternate embodiments, thelower handle 196 can be constructed of another material, and alower handle 196 can be constructed in a different shape. - Referring now to
FIGS. 10-15 , to stackcontainers 30 together, the threerecesses FIG. 15 ) in the exterior wall surface 110 (seeFIG. 15 ) of thebody 40 of thecontainer 30 and the corresponding threeprotuberances FIGS. 13 and 14 ) in the interior wall surface 50 (seeFIGS. 11-14 ) of thebody 40 of thecontainer 30 are aligned in a specific configuration relative to theother container 30 orcontainers 30 in the stack. To help illustrate this,FIG. 10 depicts a top view of fourcontainers 30 stacked together.FIGS. 11-14 are cutaway side views of thecontainers 30 shown inFIG. 10 , all taken along line X-Y.FIG. 11 shows thebottom container 30,FIG. 12 shows the bottom twocontainers FIG. 13 shows the bottom threecontainers FIG. 14 shows all fourcontainers FIG. 15 depicts a side view of the fourcontainers 30 stacked together from an angle that differs from that shown inFIGS. 11-14 . - Regarding
FIGS. 10-15 , the three inwardly directedprotuberances FIGS. 13 and 14 ) in the interior wall surface 50 (seeFIGS. 11-14 ) of thebody 40 of thecontainer 30 are complementary structures to the threeouter recesses FIG. 15 ) in the exterior wall surface 110 (seeFIG. 15 ), such that eachprotuberance interior wall surface 50 is the result of an indentation formed by acorresponding recess exterior wall surface 110, as described above with reference toFIG. 5 . In describingFIGS. 12-14 , the position of arecess protuberance - Referring now to
FIG. 12 , as asecond container 30 b is slid down within afirst container 30 a, a stackingstop 230 b of thesecond container 30 b comes into contact with alip 200 a of thefirst container 30 a. This prevents thesecond container 30 b from being slid further into thefirst container 30 a. Thesecond container 30 b fits within thefirst container 30 a, such that anintermediate recess 170 b of thesecond container 30 b slides over an upper portion of alower handle protuberance 60 a of thefirst container 30 a, and a short recess 180 b (not shown) of thesecond container 30 b slides over an upper portion of an intermediate protuberance 70 a (not shown) of thefirst container 30 a. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 , as athird container 30 c is slid down within thesecond container 30 b, a stackingstop 230 c of thethird container 30 c comes into contact with alip 200 b of thesecond container 30 b. This prevents thethird container 30 c from being slid further into thesecond container 30 b. Thethird container 30 c fits within thesecond container 30 b, such that an intermediate recess 170 c (not shown, but identical to theintermediate recess 170 b shown inFIG. 12 ) of thethird container 30 c slides over an upper portion of alower handle protuberance 60 b of thesecond container 30 b, and ashort recess 180 c of thethird container 30 c slides over an upper portion of anintermediate protuberance 70 b of thesecond container 30 b. - Referring now to
FIG. 14 , as afourth container 30 d is slid down within thethird container 30 c, a stackingstop 230 d of thefourth container 30 d comes into contact with alip 200 c of thethird container 30 c. This prevents thefourth container 30 d from being slid further into thethird container 30 c. Thefourth container 30 d fits within thethird container 30 c, such that an intermediate recess 170 d (not shown, but identical to theintermediate recess 170 b shown inFIG. 12 ) of thefourth container 30 d slides over an upper portion of alower handle protuberance 60 c of thethird container 30 c, and a short recess 180 d (not shown, but identical to theshort recess 180 c shown inFIG. 13 ) of thefourth container 30 d slides over an upper portion of anintermediate protuberance 70 c of thethird container 30 c. - Regarding
FIGS. 10-15 , note that when thefourth container 30 d is stacked within thethird container 30 c, a recursive nesting structure is initiated, in which therecesses protuberances fourth containers 30 d are aligned in a manner similar to those of the first 30 a, second 30 b, andthird containers 30 c. In other words, a short recess 180 d of thefourth container 30 d slides over an upper portion of anintermediate protuberance 70 c of thethird container 30 c, while the corresponding intermediate recess 170 c of thethird container 30 c slides over the upper portion of thelower handle protuberance 60 b of thesecond container 30 b. An intermediate recess 170 d of thefourth container 30 d, then, slides over an upper portion of alower handle protuberance 60 c of thethird container 30 c. Alower handle recess 160 d of thefourth container 30 d does not slide over any of theprotuberances third container 30 c. When a fifth container 30 e (not shown) is stacked within thefourth container 30 d, the recursive nesting structure continues with therecesses protuberances fourth containers 30 d. Also note that the stacking ofcontainers 30 is not limited to stacking only four or fivecontainers 30. In theory, any number ofcontainers 30 could be stacked together. - Although the present invention has been described in detail herein with reference to a certain preferred embodiment, other embodiments are possible. For example, in an alternate embodiment, either an
upper handle 100, alower handle 196, or bothhandles container 30. In another alternate embodiment, anupper handle 100, alower handle 196, or bothhandles upper handle 100 can be formed as part of abody 40 of acontainer 30. Another alternate embodiment can include a spout for pouring from acontainer 30. Yet another alternate embodiment can include acontainer 30 with a lid for protecting material stored in thecontainer 30. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiment contained herein.
Claims (20)
1. Apparatus for carrying and scooping material, comprising:
a container member having an open top, an enclosed bottom and an enclosing side wall extending from said top to said bottom;
a handle attached to said container adjacent said top; and
a handle assembly fitted with said container member adjacent said bottom, said handle assembly including a lower handle member and mounting means permitting said lower handle member to extend outwardly from said side wall to facilitate filling, carrying or emptying of said container member, said mounting means permitting said lower handle member to be stored along said side wall of said container member.
2. The apparatus recited in claim 1 further comprising a recess in said side wall of said container member for receiving said lower handle member when stored.
3. The apparatus recited in claim 2 wherein said lower handle member has a proximal end pivotally attached in said side wall forming said recess adjacent said bottom, said lower handle member being rotatable about said proximal end for storage within said recess.
4. The apparatus recited in claim 3 wherein said recess extends laterally from generally said bottom and along said side wall.
5. The apparatus recited in claim 4 wherein said recess extends inwardly from said side wall and forms a protuberance inwardly of said container member.
6. The apparatus recited in claim 5 wherein said lower handle member includes an elongated portion extending from said proximal end toward a distal end of said lower handle member, and a handle element at said distal end extending laterally from said elongated portion at said distal end.
7. The apparatus recited in claim 5 further comprising spaced supplementary recesses in said side wall of said container member, each supplementary recess extending laterally from generally said bottom and along said side wall and extending inwardly from said side wall and forming an additional spaced protuberance inwardly of said container member; and
each supplementary recess of a substantially identical apparatus nested within said apparatus dimensioned and singularly positioned to be aligned with one said protuberance of said apparatus dimensioned and singularly positioned to mate with respective said supplementary recess of said substantially identical apparatus.
8. The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said upper handle member is generally U-shaped with each leg thereof pivotally attached at opposing locations along said side wall adjacent said top, each location being substantially equidistant from said lower handle member.
9. A container apparatus comprising:
a plurality of nestable container members, each said container member having an open top, an enclosing bottom, an enclosing side wall extending between said top and said bottom, a first recess extending from generally said bottom along said side wall and forming a corresponding protuberance inwardly of said container member, and spaced supplementary recesses extending from generally said bottom along said side wall, each said supplementary recess forming a corresponding protuberance inwardly of said container member;
an upper handle attached to each said container member adjacent said top;
a lower handle assembly fitted within said first recess of each said container member; and
said nestable container members nested such that each supplementary recess of a subsequent container member nested within a previous container member is dimensioned and singularly positioned to be aligned with one protuberance of said previous container member, said one protuberance dimensioned and singularly positioned to mate with respective said supplementary recess of said subsequent container member.
10. The container apparatus recited in claim 9 wherein each said nestable container member further comprises a stacking stop extending outwardly and about said side wall below said open top.
11. A container comprising:
a body having an enclosed bottom, an open top, an interior surface and an exterior surface, said body being wider at said top and narrower at said bottom, a lower portion of said exterior surface containing a plurality of recesses for stacking multiple containers such that each said recess produces a corresponding protuberance in a lower portion of said interior surface of said body;
an elongated upper handle attached to an upper portion of said body; and
a lower handle assembly generally contained within a first recess of said plurality of recesses in said exterior surface of said body for assisting in use of said container, said lower handle assembly including a lower handle and mounting means permitting said lower handle to selectively extend outwardly from said first recess and retract back therein.
12. The container recited in claim 11 , wherein said first recess has a top end and a bottom end, said lower handle assembly further including a pair of opposing, spaced, parallel support ribs attached longitudinally along a center portion of said first recess and extending from generally said top end of said first recess to proximate said bottom end of said first recess, said support ribs substantially equal in length, each said support rib having a pivot hole extending through a lower portion thereof; and
said lower handle being formed from an elongated member with a pair of legs substantially equal in length, a lower end of each said leg splayed outwardly substantially laterally such that each said leg fits within said pivot hole of an adjacent one of said support ribs, and said lower handle having at an upper end thereof a handle element to permit grasping and holding of said lower handle.
13. The container recited in claim 11 , further comprising a flange attached to said body within said first recess for selectively securing said lower handle retracted in said first recess.
14. The container recited in claim 11 , wherein said first recess forms a corresponding first protuberance within said container, a second recess being formed of a corresponding second protuberance, a third recess being formed of a corresponding third protuberance with said first, second, and third protuberances spaced about said interior surface and of approximately equal width.
15. The container recited in claim 14 wherein said first recess has a height extending above said bottom greater than a corresponding height of said second recess, and said second recess has a height extending above said bottom greater than a corresponding height of said third recess.
16. A container apparatus comprising:
three nestable container members, each said container member having an open top, an enclosed bottom, an enclosed side wall extending between said top and said bottom, and three spaced recesses extending laterally from generally said bottom and along said side wall and extending inwardly from said side wall and forming corresponding spaced protuberances inwardly of said container member, each said protuberance substantially equal in height and width to a corresponding said recess;
a first recess taller than a second recess, and said second recess taller than a third recess, and said first, second, and third recesses substantially equal in width;
a vertical centerline of said first recess being angularly disposed by approximately sixty degrees from a vertical centerline of said second recess, and said vertical centerline of said second recess being angularly disposed by approximately sixty degrees from a vertical centerline of said third recess, and said vertical centerline of said third recess being angularly disposed by approximately one-hundred-twenty degrees from said vertical centerline of said first recess;
an upper portion of a first protuberance of a first container member dimensioned to be fitted substantially within a second recess of a second container member, said second container member nested within said first container member, and an upper portion of a second protuberance of said first container member dimensioned to be fitted substantially within a third recess of said second container member; and
an upper portion of a first protuberance of said second container member dimensioned to be fitted substantially within a second recess of a third container member, said third container member nested within said second container member, and an upper portion of a second protuberance of said second container member dimensioned to be fitted substantially within a third recess of said third container member;
such that said second container member nested within said first container member is angularly disposed by approximately sixty degrees with respect to said first container member, and said third container member nested within said second container member is angularly disposed by approximately sixty degrees with respect to said second container member and angularly disposed by approximately one-hundred-twenty degrees with respect to said first container member.
17. A method for stacking nestable containers, each container having a plurality of recesses and corresponding protuberances formed of the recesses, said method comprising the steps of:
aligning recesses of a subsequent container with protuberances of a previous container;
stacking the subsequent container within the previous container such that each aligned recess of the subsequent container fits over a portion of a respective protuberance of the previous container;
repeating said aligning and stacking steps in sequence until a last container has been stacked.
18. The method for stacking nestable containers as recited in claim 17 , wherein the plurality of recesses are a first recess, a second recess, and a third recess, and the corresponding protuberances are a first protuberance, a second protuberance, and a third protuberance.
19. The method for stacking nestable containers as recited in claim 18 , wherein said aligning step includes aligning a second recess of the subsequent container with a first protuberance of the previous container, and aligning a third recess of the subsequent container with a second protuberance of the previous container; and
said stacking step includes fitting the second recess of the subsequent container over an upper portion of the first protuberance of the previous container, and fitting the third recess of the subsequent container over an upper portion of the second protuberance of the previous container.
20. The method for stacking nestable containers as recited in claim 19 , wherein a vertical centerline of a first recess is angularly disposed by approximately sixty degrees from a vertical centerline of a second recess, and the vertical centerline of the second recess is angularly disposed by approximately sixty degrees from a vertical centerline of a third recess, and the vertical centerline of the third recess is angularly disposed by approximately one-hundred-twenty degrees from the vertical centerline of the first recess;
such that the subsequent container nested within the previous container is angularly disposed by approximately sixty degrees with respect to the previous container, and another subsequent container nested within the subsequent container is angularly disposed by approximately one-hundred-twenty degrees with respect to the previous container.
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US12/291,786 US20090266738A1 (en) | 2008-04-23 | 2008-11-13 | Container having recessed tilting handle and method for stacking same |
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US12/291,786 US20090266738A1 (en) | 2008-04-23 | 2008-11-13 | Container having recessed tilting handle and method for stacking same |
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