Vessel with indicia and caddy

Abstract

A vessel is disclosed including a peripheral wall structure having an upper end defining a top opening and a lower end, a bottom wall structure extending from the peripheral wall structure and closing the lower end for cooperation with the peripheral wall structure to define a first cavity, the bottom wall structure having a depression formed therein defining a second cavity which forms an extension of the first cavity, and indicia on the bottom wall structure for indicating the volume of the contents of the second cavity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 60/554,105, entitled, “BUCKET WITH ANGLED INDICIA AND CADDY”, filed Mar. 17, 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to vessels, and more particularly to open-top vessels, such as containers, bowls, pails, buckets and the like, and specifically to volume-measurement devices for use on such vessels.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide various types of open-top buckets, pails and the like, such as for use in household or commercial cleaning applications, or the like. It is also known to provide various types of vessels, such as measuring cups and the like, with various types of measurement indicia for indicating the volume of the contents of the vessel. One such arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,284, which discloses a measuring cup with inclined ramps having indicia on the upper surface thereof which can be read while looking down into the open top of the vessel for accurately indicating the volume of the contents of the vessel.

While this arrangement works well for indicating the overall contents of the vessel, there are frequently occasions where it is desired to mix different contents in a vessel, such as a small volume of a first liquid to be mixed with a larger volume of a second liquid. The volume-indicating techniques disclosed heretofore are not as suitable for this purpose as the present invention.

Additionally, implements, such as mops, may have an elongated handle relative to the height of a vessel. When such an implement is placed in a vessel, the handle of the implement rests against the inner side of the upper end of the vessel at an angle relative to the peripheral wall of the vessel. Depending on the size of the vessel, the inclination of the implement handle is likely sufficient to cause the implement to fall out of the vessel and/or cause the vessel to tip over and spill its contents, or cause the implement handle to slide into the contents of the vessel. Despite the fact that this aspect of vessels, such as mop buckets, is well known and the fact that care is generally taken when leaving implements in vessels, in actuality, the aforementioned problems continue to commonly occur.

SUMMARY

There is disclosed herein an improved vessel in the nature of a container, bowl, pail or bucket which includes improved volume-measurement features and a caddy for use therewith that releasably secures an implement within the vessel.

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to a vessel including a peripheral wall structure having an upper end defining a top opening and a lower end, a bottom wall structure integral with the peripheral wall structure and closing the lower end for cooperation with the peripheral wall structure to define a first cavity, the bottom wall structure having a depression formed therein defining a second cavity which forms an extension of the first cavity, and indicia on the bottom wall structure for indicating the volume of the contents of the second cavity.

Another illustrative embodiment provides caddy for use with a vessel including a peripheral wall structure having an upper end defining a rim and a lower end, the rim configured to engage an upper end of a vessel, a plurality of partition members dividing the receptacle into a plurality of compartments, a bottom wall structure integral with the peripheral wall structure and plurality of partition members, the bottom wall closing the lower end for cooperation with the peripheral wall structure and plurality of partition members, an implement lock member formed integrally with the peripheral wall, and a handle formed integrally with at least one partition member of the plurality of partition members.

The invention provides an improved open-top vessel which includes features for measuring the volumes of two different contents to be mixed in the vessel.

A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in the following description and claims and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings an embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a vessel;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top plan view of the vessel of FIG. 1, with the handle removed;

FIG. 3 is a reduced front elevational view of the vessel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a left-end elevational view of the vessel of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a right-end elevational view of the vessel of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged top plan view of a caddy; and

FIG. 7 a reduced front elevational view of the caddy of FIG. 6 in operation with a handle and the vessel of FIGS. 1-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, there is illustrated a vessel 10, which may be of unitary, one-piece construction and may be molded of suitable plastic material. The vessel 10 has a peripheral side wall structure 11, which is generally oval in shape and slopes slightly inwardly from an upper end to a lower end thereof, the lower end being closed by a bottom wall structure 12, which is generally oval in shape. The bottom wall structure 12, as viewed from above, has a concave gutter portion 13, which is generally in the shape of an oval ring and is disposed for supporting engagement with an associated underlying support surface, such as a floor. The gutter portion 13 may be provided with four raised, arcuate support feet 13a on its outer surface, respectively in corner regions. The gutter portion 13 has an outer wall continuous with the side wall structure 11 and an upwardly projecting inner wall 14, which is integral around its entire periphery with an oval horizontal flat 14a. The inner edge of the flat 14a is integral with a concave measuring recess or cavity 15, which has a flat bottom 15a. The peripheral side wall structure 11 cooperates with the bottom wall structure 12 for defining a large cavity 16, of which the measuring recess or cavity 15 forms a small portion. The upper end of the peripheral side wall structure 11 is integral with a laterally outwardly extending flange 17 which, in turn, is integral at its outer edge with a depending skirt 18. The flange 17 and skirt 18 are deformed adjacent to the opposite ends of the peripheral side wall structure 11 to define a pair of pouring spouts 19.

Formed on the peripheral side wall structure 11 on opposite sides thereof are inclined ramps 20 and 20a, respectively having upper surfaces 21 which are substantially coplanar. Each of the ramps 20 and 20a serves to divide the adjacent side of the peripheral side wall structure 11 into an inner wall portion 22, which extends downwardly from the inner edge of the ramp, and an outer wall portion 23, which projects upwardly from the outer edge of the ramp. The width of each ramp tapers downwardly to a lower end 24 of substantially zero width which merges with the surface of the peripheral side wall structure 11, and also tapers upwardly to a tapered upper end 25, which has substantially zero width and merges with the surface of the peripheral side wall structure 11. Formed on the upper surface 21 of the ramp 20 is a set of first indicia 26 and formed on the upper surface of the ramp 20a is a set of second indicia 27, both the first and second indicia 26 and 27 serving to indicate the volume of the contents of the cavity 16. The first indicia may be graduated in one measurement system, e.g., metric, while the other set of indicia 27 may be graduated in a different measurement, e.g., English. Thus, for example, the first indicia 26 may be graduated in liters and the second indicia 27 may be graduated in gallons, although it will be appreciated that other measurement units could be used. A third set of indicia 28 may be disposed along the bottom wall structure 12 adjacent to one end thereof for indicating the volume of the contents of the small cavity 14a. Formed in the skirt 18 at opposite sides of the peripheral side wall structure 11 midway between the spouts 19 are handle attachment holes 29 for receiving mounting lugs at the opposite ends of an associated bail-type handle (FIG. 1) to facilitate lifting or carrying of the vessel 10.

While, in the illustrated embodiment, the vessel 10 is molded of a suitable plastic, it will be appreciated that it could be formed of any other suitable materials, such as suitable metals or the like.

The indicia 26 and 27 on the ramps 20 and 20a may be easily viewed from above to readily indicate the volume of the contents of the vessel cavity 16, without necessitating the viewing of indicia from the side of the vessel. Similarly, the indicia 28 are disposed on a sloping portion of the bottom wall structure 12 for indicating the volume of the contents of the small cavity 14a. This arrangement is particularly useful for purposes of mixing two different liquids. For example, it may frequently be necessary to dilute a first liquid, such as by providing a small volume, e.g., one cup, of a first liquid in a vessel and then diluting with a second liquid until the entire mixture totals one gallon. The vessel 10 greatly facilitates this by permitting the first liquid to be added to the vessel until the desired volume is registered on the indicia 28, which can be easily viewed from above, and then adding water or other diluents until the required total volume is reached, as is readily indicated by the indicia 26 and 27, which may also be easily read from above.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, there is illustrated a caddy in the nature of caddy 30. Caddy 30 may be of unitary, one-piece construction and may be molded of suitable plastic material, and preferably the same material as vessel 10. The caddy 30 has a peripheral side wall structure 31, which is generally oval in shape and may slope or step inwardly from an upper end to a lower end thereof, the lower end being closed by a bottom wall structure 32, which is also generally oval in shape. The upper end of peripheral side wall structure 31 is integral with a laterally outwardly extending rim 33, which is configured to overlap at least a portion of flange 17 of vessel 10 so that caddy 30 may be supported by vessel 10.

In the illustrative embodiment, the bottom wall structure 32 is integral with the peripheral side wall structure 31 and a plurality of partition members 34. The plurality of partition members are employed to divide the caddy 30 into a plurality of compartments 35 within the space defined by peripheral side wall structure 31 and bottom wall structure 32. The plurality of compartments 35 are utilized to separate contents of the caddy 30 from one another. For example, it may be desirable to separate wet storage items from dry storage items. To facilitate convenient operation of caddy 30, bottom wall structure 32 may incorporate at least one opening 36. Openings 36 are provided so that liquids accompanying a wet item stored in a compartment 35, such as a sponge, may drain into vessel 10, thereby preventing compartment 35 having an opening 36 in its associated portion of integral bottom wall structure 32 from collecting and retaining liquids therein. Furthermore, compartments 35 may be of varying dimensions, so as to effectively contain items of differing height, length, width, volume and the like.

Additionally, handle 37 may be provided so that caddy 30 may be carried by a user. In the illustrative embodiment, handle 37 is integral with at least one partition member 34. However, handle 37 may be integral with more than one partition member 34, integral with rim 33, or a separate piece that is engaged to a partition member 34 and/or rim 33. Handle 37 may also be provided with a rubberized grip 38.

In operation, rim 33 of caddy 30 is positioned over flange 17 of vessel 10. Rim 33 is dimensioned and configured to be reasonably securable to flange 17.

Caddy 30 is further provided with an implement lock member 39. Implement lock 39 may be a detent structure integrally formed with the peripheral wall structure 31. As illustrated, peripheral side wall structure 31 is additionally configured to provide an implement guide as passageway 40. Likewise, bottom wall structure 32 does not extend into implement guide or passageway 40. Additionally, implement lock member 39 includes at lease one protrusion or detent 41 formed integrally with peripheral side wall structure 31, with peripheral side wall structure forming an arcuate region or portion 42 adjacent to the detent 41. It is preferred in one embodiment that a detent 41 be provided adjacent to each end of arcuate portion 42.

In operation, by way of example, caddy 30 can engage an implement, such as a map, at handle 50. Handle 50 is guided into implement passageway 40 and past detents 41, and positioned along arcuate portion 42 of peripheral side wall structure 31. Detents 41 are preferably formed from resiliently deformable material, as is peripheral side wall structure 31, so that as handle 50 having a diameter greater than the distance between detents 41 passes between detents 41, the detents 41 and integral side wall structure 31 may be deformed to accommodate handle 50. Once handle 50 passes between detents 41, detents 41 and integral side wall structure 31 return to their respective resting orientations. In the situation where only a single detent or protrusion 41 is employed, detent 41 and the opposing side wall region (not shown) of side wall structure 31 may be deformed until handle 50 passes therebetween , whereby detent 41 and the opposing side wall region return to their respective resting orientations.

A caddy and vessel combination as detailed herein may be utilized in various forms. One such combination may be useful for a caddy and bucket, for purposes such as house cleaning, where the caddy can secure a mop in the bucket. Another such combination may be of use for a caddy with a mixing bowl, where the caddy is capable of securing a cooking utensil and separating cooking ingredients. From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been provided an improved vessel which greatly facilitates the determination of the volume of the contents thereof, as well as an improved caddy for use therewith that releasably secures an implement.

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants' contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A vessel comprising:

a wall structure defining a first cavity;

a depression formed in the wall structure defining a second cavity communicating with the first cavity; and

indicia on the depression for indicating the volume of the contents of the second cavity.

2. The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the wall structure includes further indicia for indicating the volume of the contents of the first cavity.

3. The vessel according to claim 2, wherein the wall structure includes an inclined ramp, and the further indicia are disposed on the inclined ramp so as to be visible from above.

4. The vessel according to claim 3, wherein the wall structure includes two inclined ramps disposed along opposite sides thereof, each of the ramps bearing further indicia for indicating the volume of the contents of the first cavity.

5. The vessel according to claim 4, wherein the wall structure has an upper portion extending upwardly from outer edges of the ramps, and an inner portion extending downwardly from inner edges of the ramps.

6. The vessel according to claim 4, wherein the ramps have upper surfaces which are substantially coplanar.

7. The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the second cavity has a volume which is a small fraction of the volume of the first cavity.

8. The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the wall structure includes a peripheral wall structure having a top opening and a bottom wall structure integral with the peripheral wall structure and closing a lower end thereof, the depression being formed in the bottom wall structure.

9. A caddy for use with a vessel comprising:

a wall structure adapted to engage and substantially cover an open upper end of a vessel;

an implement lock formed integrally with the wall structure; and

a handle formed integrally with the wall structure.

10. The caddy according to claim 25, wherein at least one compartment has a drain opening therein.

11. The caddy according to claim 9, wherein the implement lock includes a slot formed in the wall structure for resiliently engaging an implement.

12. (canceled)

13. The caddy according to claim 11, wherein the implement is a mop handle.

14. A vessel assembly comprising:

a container having a first peripheral wall structure having an upper end defining a top opening and a first lower end;

a first bottom wall structure integral with the peripheral wall structure and closing the lower end for cooperation with the peripheral wall structure to define a first cavity, the first bottom wall structure having a depression formed therein defining a second cavity which forms a part of the first cavity;

first indicia on the first bottom wall structure for indicating the volume of the contents of the second cavity;

a receptacle including a second peripheral wall structure having an upper end defining a rim and a second lower end, the rim configured to engage the first peripheral wall structure;

a plurality of partition members dividing the receptacle into a plurality of compartments;

a second bottom wall structure integral with the second peripheral wall structure and plurality of partition members, the second bottom wall closing the second lower end for cooperation with the second peripheral wall structure and plurality of partition members;

an implement lock member formed integrally with the second peripheral wall; and

a handle formed integrally with at least one partition member of the plurality of partition members.

15. The vessel assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first peripheral wall structure includes second indicia for indicating the volume of the contents of the first cavity.

16. The vessel assembly according to claim 14, wherein the second indicia are disposed on an inclined ramp so as to be visible from above.

17. The vessel assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first peripheral wall structure includes two inclined ramps disposed along opposite sides thereof, each of the ramps bearing indicia for indicating the volume of the contents of the first cavity.

18. The vessel assembly according to claim 17, wherein the first peripheral wall structure has an upper portion extending upwardly from outer edges of the ramps, and an inner portion extending downwardly from inner edges of the ramps.

19. The vessel assembly according to claim 17, wherein the ramps have upper surfaces which are substantially coplanar.

20. The vessel assembly according to claim 14, wherein the second cavity has a volume which is a small fraction of the volume of the first cavity.

21. The vessel assembly according to claim 14, wherein the second bottom wall structure has at least one opening.

22. The vessel assembly according to claim 14, wherein the implement lock member includes at least one protrusion formed integrally with the second peripheral wall.

23. The vessel assembly according to claim 22, wherein the implement lock member includes an arcuate portion adjacent to the at least one protrusion and dimensioned to releasably secure an implement.

24. The vessel assembly according to claim 23, wherein the implement is a mop handle.

25. The caddy according to claim 9, wherein the wall structure includes at least one partition dividing the caddy into plural open-top compartments.