Container Support Assembly

Abstract

A container support assembly that supports multiple containers simultaneously. The assembly includes a rod for supporting the containers. The cylindrical shape of the rod is configured for gripping. The rod is linear and rigid enough to support the weight of multiple containers from a pair of rod ends. The rod ends include a pair of support portions that receive and secure container handles. Each support portion includes smooth radius curves that minimize shearing of the handles. A proximal and a distal support portion lie opposite of each other, and include sloping angles that guide the container handles towards a narrow slit. A distal feeder surface positions higher than a proximal feeder surface to receive the container handle and provide a larger surface area for orienting the handle towards the proximal support portion and the slit. An aperture positions beneath the slit to restrict movement of the container handles.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to supporting containers. More particularly, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to supporting multiple containers simultaneously.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that plastic shopping bags, carrier bags or plastic grocery bags are a type of shopping bag made from various kinds of plastic. Plastic shopping bags are sometimes called single-use bags, referring to carrying items from a store to a home.

Typically, shopping is an activity in which a customer browses the available goods or services presented by one or more retailers with the intent to purchase a suitable selection of them. After completing the shopping and purchasing the desired items, the customer often carries the purchased goods from the store in shopping bags.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary container support assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial sectioned view of an exemplary container support assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectioned view of an exemplary container support assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a close up view of an exemplary support portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary container support assembly supporting an exemplary container from exemplary container handles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary container support assembly supporting multiple containers from exemplary container handles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

There are various types of container support assemblies that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the container support assembly may support and transport multiple containers simultaneously. The container support assembly may provide a rod portion for supporting the at least one container. In some embodiments, the rod portion includes a cylindrical shape that forms a surface efficacious for gripping. The rod portion may be sufficiently linear and rigid enough to support the weight of the at least one container and the contents of each container. In some embodiments, the rod portion may extend and terminate with a pair of rod ends that function to support and transport the at least one container.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of support portions that engage with at least one container handle may join with the pair of rod ends. The pair of support portions may be configured to secure the at least one container handle to the container support assembly. In this manner, the at least one container handle may serve as a bridge between the at least one container and each support portion. The pair of support portions may be configured to have smooth radius curves that minimize shearing of the at least one container handle. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that the at least one container handle may include plastic shopping bags, which are relatively thin. Any sharp edges on the pair of support portions may shear or cut the plastic.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each support portion may include a proximal support portion for joining with the pair of rod ends. The proximal support portion may also provide a border for defining each support portion. In some embodiments, the proximal support portion may include a proximal feeder surface for guiding the at least one container handle. The proximal feeder surface may include a proximal angle configured to allow the at least one container handle to traverse towards a slit. In one embodiment of the present invention, each support portion may include a distal support portion that positions opposite from the proximal support portion. In some embodiments, the distal support portion may include a distal feeder surface for guiding the at least one container handle towards the slit. The distal feeder surface may include a distal angle configured to allow the at least one container handle to traverse towards the slit. In one embodiment, the distal feeder surface may position higher than the proximal feeder surface. In this manner, the distal feeder portion may provide a larger surface area for guiding the at least one container handle towards the proximal support portion and the slit. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that the distal feeder surface and the proximal feeder surface work in conjunction to funnel the at least one container handle towards the slit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each support portion may include an aperture for retaining the at least one container handle. The aperture may be positioned to receive the at least one container handle after the at least one container handle passes through the slit. The aperture may be sized and dimensioned to fully enclose the at least one container handle. However, in some embodiments, the at least one container handle may be too large to pass through the slit, and into the aperture. In this manner, the at least one container handle may position towards a narrow end of the proximal angle, and a narrow end of the distal angle. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that the at least one container handle may be removed from the aperture by forcing the at least one container handle through the slit, and beyond the pair of support portions.

FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary container support assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the container support assembly 100 may support and transport multiple containers simultaneously. In some practical embodiment, the assembly 100 may alternatively carry buckets, pales, briefcases, small luggage; any suitable container with handle. The containers may include, without limitation, a plastic shopping bag, a cloth bag, a paper bag, a purse, and a box container. In some embodiments, the container support assembly may include a rod portion 102 for supporting the at least one container. In some embodiments, the rod portion may include a cylindrical shape that is efficacious for providing a surface for gripping, thereby facilitating the supporting and transporting of the at least one container. However, in other embodiments, the rod portion may include other shapes efficacious for gripping, including, without limitation, a rectangle, a hexagon, and a triangle. The rod portion may extend and terminate at a pair of rod ends 104. A pair of support portions 106 that engage with the at least one container handles may join with the pair of rod ends. Each support portion may include a distal support end 108 and a proximal support end 110 that slope inwardly to a slit. An aperture 112 may provide a terminating point past the slit for restricting movement of the at least one container. In some embodiments, the rod portion may be sufficiently linear and rigid enough to support the weight of each container and the contents of each container that joins with the assembly. The rod portion may include a length between 4″ to 12″. However, in other embodiments, the rod portion may be longer or shorter than this range. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that the rod portion may be sufficiently rigid to support at least one container weighing between 5 to 10 kilograms. In many practical applications the rod can support approximately 65 pounds. However, in other embodiments, the rod portion may support heavier containers and container contents. In one embodiment, the container support assembly may be sized and dimensioned to be carried in a pocket, or a purse. Suitable materials for the rod portion may include, without limitation, steel, aluminum, titanium, alloys, graphite, plastic, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, wood, and silicone.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial sectioned view of an exemplary container support assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a sleeve may enclose the rod portion for providing a comfortable grip. The sleeve may terminate at the pair of rod ends so as not to interfere with the function of the aperture and the slit 202. The rubber sleeve may include a pliant gripping material, including, without limitation, neoprene foam, polyurethane foam, silicone, rubber, vinyl, and cork. In some embodiments, the rod portion may extend and terminate with a pair of rod ends that function to support and transport the at least one container. In one embodiment, the sleeve may include a thickness of 4 to 5 millimeters. However, in other embodiments, the sleeve may be thicker. In an alternative embodiment, the rod portion may not utilize the sleeve, but rather include finger ridges indented into the rod portion. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that the sleeve may provide a more comfortable gripping surface for the rod portion. In this manner, a user with brittle bones, arthritis, and sore muscles may carry a heavier load of containers.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectioned view of an exemplary container support assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a pair of support portions may join with the pair of rod ends for supporting the at least one container. However, in one alternative embodiment, a sleeve 302 may provide a support mechanism from a pair of sleeve ends to support the at least one container. The pair of support portions may engage at least one container handle for supporting the at least one container. In this manner, the at least one container handle may serve as a bridge between the at least one container and the container support assembly. Each support portion may be configured to receive a variety of at least one container, including, without limitation, a plastic shopping bag, a cloth bag, a purse, and a box container. Each support portion may be configured to have smooth radius curves that minimize shearing of the at least one container handle. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that the at least one container handle may include plastic shopping bags, which are relatively thin. Any sharp edges on the pair of support portions may shear or cut the plastic. The smooth radius curves may also serve to facilitate the engagement between the pair of support portions and the at least one container handle. In this manner, the pair of support portions may slidably receive the at least one container handle.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each support portion may include a proximal support portion for joining with the pair of rod ends. The proximal support portion may be configured to engage a hollow cylinder in the pair of rod ends. However, the proximal support portion may join with the pair of rod ends through other means, including, without limitation, a bolt, a screw, a magnet, an adhesive, and a threaded aperture. The proximal support portion may also provide a border for defining each support portion. In some embodiments, the proximal support portion may include a proximal feeder surface 308 for guiding the at least one container handle. In some embodiments, the proximal feeder surface may include a smooth, angled longitudinal axis that is efficacious for allowing the at least one container handle to slide along. The proximal feeder surface may include a proximal angle 310 configured to allow the at least one container handle to traverse towards a slit. The slit may include a narrow end of the proximal angle, and measure 1 millimeter in width. However, in other embodiments, the slit may be wider or narrower.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each support portion may include a distal support portion that positions opposite from the proximal support portion. The distal support portion may position higher than the proximal support portion. In some embodiments, the distal support portion may include a distal feeder surface 304 for guiding the at least one container handle towards the slit, similarly to the proximal distal feeder surface. In this manner, the distal feeder surface may provide a larger surface area for orienting the at least one container handle towards the proximal support portion and the slit. The distal feeder surface may include a distal angle 306 configured to allow the at least one container handle to traverse towards a slit. In some practical embodiment, approximately 25 and 335 degree angles may be suitable for sliding the bag handles down towards the hole. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that, the distal feeder surface and the proximal feeder surface may work in conjunction to funnel the at least one container handle towards the slit.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close up view of an exemplary support portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, each support portion may include an aperture for retaining the at least one container handle. The aperture may be positioned to receive the at least one container handle after the at least one container handle passes through the slit. In some embodiments, the aperture may be sized and dimensioned to fully enclose the at least one container handle. The aperture may include a diameter of 8 millimeters. However, the aperture may be sized larger or smaller to accommodate different container handles. In some embodiments, the at least one container handle may be too large to pass through the slit, and into the aperture. In this manner, the at least one container handle may position towards a narrow end of the proximal angle, and a narrow end of the distal angle. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that the at least one container handle may be removed from the aperture by forcing the at least one container handle through the slit, and beyond the pair of support portions. In one alternative embodiment, the pair of support portions may not utilize an aperture. The at least one container handle may join with each support portion by nestling between the narrow end of the proximal angle and the narrow end of the distal angle.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary container support assembly supporting an exemplary container from exemplary container handles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the container support assembly may support at least one container 502 from a pair of container handles. In this manner, at least one container handle 504 may join with each support portion. Due to the symmetrical nature of the container support assembly, the at least one container may balance from each rod end while being supported from the rod portion.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary container support assembly supporting multiple containers from exemplary container handles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the container support assembly may support multiple containers. In this manner, a pair of container handles from a container may join with one of the support portions. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that in this embodiment, the slit may be sufficiently wide to allow a multiplicity of container handles to pass through, into the aperture. In one alternative embodiment, a first rod portion may join with, and form a perpendicular intersection with a second rod portion. A handle may position at the intersection for providing a balanced gripping area. In this manner, the container support assembly may include four support portions that extend equidistant from each other, and allow for a greater number of the containers to be supported. In yet another alternative embodiment, the container support assembly may be configured to join with a user while simultaneously supporting the at least one container. The container support assembly may perform this function by utilizing various joining mechanisms, including, without limitation, a belt clip, a shoulder strap, a wrist strap, and a chain and lock.

All the features or embodiment components disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features or components serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known by those skilled in the art to achieve the same, equivalent, suitable, or similar results by such alternative feature(s) or component(s) providing a similar function by virtue of their having known suitable properties for the intended purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent, or suitable, or similar features known or knowable to those skilled in the art without requiring undue experimentation.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a container support assembly that supports multiple containers simultaneously according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the container support assembly that supports multiple containers simultaneously may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the container support assembly that supports multiple containers simultaneously described in the foregoing were principally directed to a container support assembly with a rod that joins with bag handles from the rod ends implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to supporting construction supplies while working at high elevations, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

Claims

1. A container support assembly comprising:

a rod portion, said rod portion comprising a pair of rod ends, said rod portion being configured to support at least one container, said at least one container comprising at least one container handle; and

a pair of support portions, said pair of support portions being configured to engage said at least one container handle, said pair of support portions being disposed to join with said pair of rod ends, each support portion comprising an aperture, said aperture being operable to retain said at least one container handle, each support portion further comprising an proximal support portion, said proximal support portion being disposed to engage said pair of rod ends, said proximal support portion comprising an proximal feeder surface, said proximal feeder surface being configured to guide said at least one container handle towards said aperture, each support portion further comprising a distal support portion, said distal support portion being configured to provide a distal boundary for each support portion, said distal support portion comprising a distal feeder surface, said distal feeder surface being configured to guide said at least one container handle towards said aperture.

2. The container support assembly of claim 1, in which said rod portion comprises a cylindrical shape.

3. The container support assembly of claim 2, in which said rod portion comprises a sleeve, said sleeve being configured to enclose said rod portion.

4. The container support assembly of claim 3, in which said rod portion comprises a pliant gripping sleeve.

5. The container support assembly of claim 4, in which said rod portion comprises at least one finger ridge.

6. The container support assembly of claim 5, wherein said rod portion is configured to be operable to be grasped by a hand.

7. The container support assembly of claim 6, in which said pair of support portions comprise a smooth radius curve, said smooth radius curve being configured to help minimize shearing of said at least one container handle.

8. The container support assembly of claim 7, in which said pair of support portions comprise a pair of hollow columns, said pair of hollow columns being configured to receive said pair of rod ends.

9. The container support assembly of claim 8, in which each support portion comprises a slit, said slit being disposed to terminate at a narrow end of said distal feeder surface and a narrow end of said proximal feeder surface.

10. The container support assembly of claim 9, wherein said slit is configured to restrict movement of said at least one container handle.

11. The container support assembly of claim 10, wherein said distal support portion extends higher than said proximal support portion.

12. The container support assembly of claim 11, wherein said distal feeder surface is configured to guide said at least one container handle towards said aperture.

13. The container support assembly of claim 12, in which said distal feeder surface comprises an distal angle, said distal angle being configured to terminate at said aperture.

14. The container support assembly of claim 13, wherein said proximal feeder surface is configured to guide said at least one container handle towards said aperture.

15. The container support assembly of claim 14, in which said proximal feeder surface comprises a proximal angle, said proximal angle being configured to terminate at said aperture.

16. The container support assembly of claim 15, wherein said aperture restricts movement of said at least one container handle.

17. The container support assembly of claim 16, in which said container support assembly comprises a clip, said clip being configured to be operable to join with a belt.

18. The container support assembly of claim 17, in which said at least one container comprises a plastic bag.

19. A method for supporting at least one container comprising:

means for orienting a rod portion for supporting said at least one container;

means for orienting a pair of support portions to engage at least one container handle;

means for means for guiding said at least one container handle along a distal feeder surface of a distal support portion and an proximal feeder surface of an proximal support portion.

means for restricting said at least one container handle in an aperture; and

means for supporting said at least one container.

20. A container support assembly consisting of:

a rod portion, said rod portion comprising a cylindrical shape, said rod portion further comprising a sleeve, said sleeve being disposed to enclose said rod portion, said sleeve comprising a pliant material, said rod portion further comprising a pair of rod ends, said rod portion being configured to support at least one container, said at least one container comprising a plastic bag, said at least one container further comprising at least one container handle; and

a pair of support portions, said pair of support portions being configured to engage said at least one container handle, said pair of support portions being disposed to join with said pair of rod ends, each support portion comprising an aperture, said aperture being operable to retain said at least one container handle, each support portion further comprising an proximal support portion, said proximal support portion comprising a smooth radius curve, said smooth radius curve being configured to restrict shearing of said at least one container handle, said proximal support portion being disposed to engage said pair of rod ends, said proximal support portion comprising an proximal feeder surface, said proximal feeder surface being configured to guide said at least one container handle towards said aperture, said proximal feeder surface comprising an proximal angle, each support portion further comprising a distal support portion, said distal support portion being configured to provide a distal boundary for each support portion, said distal support portion comprising a smooth radius curve, said smooth radius curve being configured to restrict shearing of said at least one container handle, said distal support portion further comprising an distal feeder surface, said distal feeder surface comprising an distal angle, said distal feeder surface being configured to guide said at least one container handle towards said aperture, each support portion comprising a slit, said slit being disposed to terminate at a narrow end of said distal feeder surface and a narrow end of said proximal feeder surface said slit being configured to restrict movement of said at least one container handle.