System, method and article of manufacture for separating stacked storage containers

Abstract

A system for separating a plurality of storage containers stacked by fitting one within another includes a plurality of U-shaped devices installed onto a peripheral rim of each storage container and forming a peripheral side gap between an exterior surface of the tapered wall of the upper storage container and the interior surface of the tapered wall of the lower storage container with the gap being sufficient to separate the storage containers with minimal force and effort. Each device includes a first leg, a second leg spaced from the first leg, and a hill portion joining adjacently disposed ends of the first and second leg and sized to operably receive the portion of the peripheral rim.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/864,002 filed on Nov. 2, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to storage containers and, more particularly, this invention relates to system, method and article of manufacture for separating stacked storage containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is generally well known, storage containers and, particularly such storage containers as 2.5 or 5.0 gallon buckets characterized by a circular base and a continuous wall extending outwardly from the base and forming a rim, are employed by painters, mechanics, hobbyists and many others in both professional and home environments. When empty, such containers are often stacked, in a vertical direction, by inserting one container into another. While such storage method minimizes the floor space foot print required to store and transport multiple storage containers, difficulties arise in removing an individual storage container from the stack, particularly, from its lower portion. When stored, each storage container fits tightly into an interior chamber of an adjacent downwardly disposed container causing a significant surface contact therebetween and is forced downwardly by the weight of other upwardly disposed storage containers. Thus, the user must apply a greater than desired effort and force to overcome friction formed by such tight fit in order to remove each storage container from the stack.

Therefore, there is for a way of separating stacked storage containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a one aspect, the invention provides a one-piece device for separating a pair of storage containers stacked vertically by fitting one within another. Each storage container has a narrow lower closed end, a continuous tapered wall extending outwardly therefrom and terminating in a wide upper open end having a peripheral rim formed thereon. The device includes a first straight leg having a first end and an opposed second end. The first leg abuts an interior surface of the tapered wall of the storage container when the device is installed for separating the pair of storage containers. A second leg is provided and has a first end and an opposed second end. A heel portion joins the first ends of the first leg and the second leg and positions the second leg at a predetermined distance from the first leg sufficient to operably receive the rim of the storage container. The device forms a peripheral side gap between an exterior surface of the tapered wall of the upper storage container and the interior surface of the tapered wall of the lower storage container. Such gap enables ease of separating the upper storage container from the lower storage container with minimal force and effort.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for separating a plurality of storage containers stacked by fitting one within another. Each storage container has a narrow lower closed end, a continuous tapered wall extending outwardly therefrom and terminating in a wide upper open end having a peripheral rim formed thereon. The system includes a plurality of devices installed onto the peripheral rim of each storage container and forming a peripheral side gap between an exterior surface of the tapered wall of the upper storage container and the interior surface of the tapered wall of the lower storage container. The gap is sufficient to separate the storage containers with minimal force and effort.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a method of storing a plurality of stacked storage containers each having a narrow lower closed end, a continuous tapered wall extending outwardly therefrom and terminating in a wide upper open end having a peripheral rim formed thereon. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of devices having a first leg, a second leg spaced from the first leg, and a hill portion joining the first and second leg at one end thereof. Then, installing the plurality of devices onto the rim of the each storage container. Next, fitting one storage container within another storage container. Finally, forming a stack of the storage containers having wall portions thereof separated by the devices.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a system for separating stacked storage containers, wherein each storage container is fitted within the other.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for separating stacked storage containers that reduce the required separating force and effort.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for separating stacked storage containers that minimizes the height of the stack.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an article of manufacture for separating stacked storage containers that is simple to install and remove.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an article of manufacture for separating stacked storage containers that is economical to manufacture.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a method of storing storage containers in a vertical stack by using the devices for separating a pair of adjacently disposed storage containers.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for separating a pair of storage containers;

FIG. 2 is an environmental view of the device of FIG. 1 installed on a rim of such storage container;

FIG. 3 is an environmental view of a system for separating a pair of storage containers and employing the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial elevation cross-sectional view along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3, particularly illustrating a peripheral side gap formed between a pair of stacked storage containers due to installation of the device of FIG. 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

The present invention overcomes the difficulties in separating storage containers by providing a resilient U-shaped device which is installed onto a rim of the storage container and forms a gap between a pair of stacked containers.

Now in reference to FIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated a system, generally designated as 10, for separating a plurality of storage containers, generally designated as 20, stacked by fitting one within another. Each storage container 20 is defined by a narrow lower closed end 22, a continuous tapered wall 24 extending outwardly from the narrow lower end 22 and terminating in a wide upper open end 26 having a peripheral rim 28 of a predetermined width 29a and a predetermined height 29b formed therein. Although, the storage container 20 is illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 as having a circular cross-section, it will be understood that the present invention applies to storage containers having oval, rectangular, square or other cross-sections.

By way of example only in FIGS. 2-3, the system 10 will be illustrated in separating a pair of identical storage containers 20 and 20′, wherein the storage container 20 is illustrated as being a lower storage container and storage container 20′ is illustrated as being an upper storage container fitted into such lower storage container 20.

In the exemplary embodiment, the system 10 includes a plurality of devices, generally designated as 40, which are installed onto the rim 28 of the lower storage container 20 and forming a vertical gap 30 between the rims 28, 28′ of adjacently disposed storage containers and alternatively to or in combination with the vertical gap 30, depending on the type and construction of the storage container, forming a peripheral side gap 32 between the opposed exterior and interior wall surfaces of such storage containers 20, 20′. The gaps 30 and 32 are sufficient to separate the storage containers with minimal force and effort.

Now in a particular reference to FIG. 1, the device 40 includes a first, preferably straight, leg 50 having each of a predetermined length, a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness. The first leg 50 has a first end 52 and an opposed second end 54. The first leg 50 abuts an interior surface of the tapered wall 24 of the storage container 20 when the device 40 is installed for separating the pair of storage containers 20, 20′. There is a second leg 60 which has each of a predetermined length, a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness. The second leg 60 also has a first end 62 and an opposed second end 64. The second leg 60 may have a curved or straight shape. A heel portion 70 joins the first ends 52, 62 of the first leg 50 and the second leg 60 respectively to form a generally J-shape configuration of the device 10 having a closed end 42 and an open end 44. The hill portion 70 also spaces the second leg 60 at a predetermined distance 72 from the first leg 50 sufficient to operably receive and encase the rim 28 of the upper end 26 of the lower storage container 20.

It is further within the scope of the present invention to form the device 40 from a resilient material and to adapt the second leg 60 with a generally V-shaped retaining portion 66 disposed at the second end 64 thereof and formed inwardly in a direction toward the first leg 50 for positively retaining the device 40 on the rim 28 of the storage container 20. The presence of the retaining portion 66 provides for a U-shape configuration of the device 40.

To facilitate separation of a pair of stacked storage containers 20, 20′, the user or the person tasked with stacking such storage containers simply installs a predetermined quantity of the devices 40 onto the rim 28 of the lower container 20 in a predetermined pattern by positioning each device 40 downwardly with the open end 44 thereof in close proximity to the upper surface of the rim 28 and then moving the device 40 downwardly, in a direction of the arrow in FIG. 2, to position the close end 42 in abutting engagement with the rim 28. When the device 40 employs the generally V-shaped retaining portion 66, the user applies a slight force during downward movement of the device 10 causing the retaining concave portion 66 to first move away from the first leg 50 upon engaging the rim 28 and then to resiliently return into the original position. Thus, upon installation of the device 40, the retaining concave portion 66 will be positioned under the rim 28 of the container 20 and secure the device 40 thereon.

The upper storage container 20′ is then inserted into the lower storage container 20 in a downward motion. The insertion of the upper storage container 20′ will be terminated when the exterior surface of its wall 24′ abuttingly engages the first legs 50 of the devices 40 installed onto the rim 28 of the lower storage container 20. Thus, the vertical gap 30 will be formed between the respective rims 28 and 28′, as best shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, as best shown in FIG. 4, a peripheral gap 32 will be formed, except for small areas containing the devices 40, between the exterior wall surface of the upper storage container 20′ and interior wall surface of the lower storage container 20 thus enabling ease of removal of the upper storage container 20′ even when an additional downward movement of such upper storage container 20′ will occur due to weight of the additional upwardly stacked storage containers 20.

It will be understood that at least a pair of devices 40 will be sufficient to enable desired separation between a pair of storage containers, although it is presently preferred to employ four (4) devices 40 and installed them in a generally equally spaced relationship onto the peripheral rim of the storage container.

To separate the storage container 20, 20′ the user pulls the upper container 20′ in an upward direction. The user may then remove each device 40 by applying a slight manual force onto the retaining concave portion 66 in a direction away from the first leg 50 and moving the device 40 upwardly to disengage it from the rim 28 of the storage container 20 or the user may decide to leave the devices 40 in installed condition for further use during stacking. Thus, the generally V-shaped retaining portion 66 also provides grip means to remove the device 40. It would be appreciated that the devices 40 may be removed by the user to cover the open end 26 of the storage container 20 with a conventional lid (not shown) in order to seal the contents (not shown) placed into the storage container, therefore requiring removal of the device 40.

It will be appreciated that to add additional storage containers 20, the user installs a predetermined quantity of the devices 40 onto the rim 28′ of the upper storage container 20′ which will then become a lower storage container 20 for the purposes of above described system and method for separating a plurality of stacked storage containers.

Although, the device 40 has been illustrated in various figures as being formed from flat material, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art the device 40 manufactured from a round material may be adequately employed in providing desired separation between a pair of stacked storage containers. The presently preferred thickness of the device 40 is about 0.13 inches and such thickness is equal throughout the device 40.

Equally as well, the device 40 may be manufactured from metallic or plastic materials having resilient characterizes. By way of an example only, such device 40 may be manufactured from spring steel which is well known in the art.

It will be also understood that the overall size of the device 40 is dependent on the size of the storage container 20 and, more particularly, on the size and shape of its peripheral rim 28. Thus, the hill portion 70, which may be round or flat, is preferably sized to provide for clearance with the peripheral rim 28 as to minimize the manual force required to install and remove the device 40. The width of the device 40 manufactured from a flat material is preferably about 0.50 inches to fit the storage containers 20 presently in use. The present invention also contemplates that the overall size of the device 40 will depend on the size of the storage container.

The devices 40 may be provided in a variety of colors. A unique color may be further associated with a unique size of the device 40 for ease of visual identification when devices 40 of various sizes are mixed with each other.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A one-piece device for separating a pair of storage containers stacked vertically by fitting one within another each having a narrow lower closed end, a continuous tapered wall extending outwardly therefrom and terminating in a wide upper open end having a peripheral rim formed thereon, the device comprising in combination:

(a) a first straight leg having a first end and an opposed second end, said first leg abutting an interior surface of the tapered wall of the storage container when said device is installed for separating the pair of storage containers;

(b) a second leg having a first end and an opposed second end;

(c) a heel portion joining said first ends of the first leg and said second leg and positioning said second leg at a predetermined distance from said first leg sufficient to operably receive the rim of the storage container; and

(d) said device forming a gap between the storage containers and enabling ease of separating the upper storage container from the lower storage container with minimal force and effort.

2. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device is formed from a resilient material and wherein said second leg includes a generally V-shaped portion disposed at said second end thereof and formed in a direction toward said first leg for retaining said device on the rim of the storage container.

3. The device, according to claim 2, wherein said generally V-shaped portion is positioned below the rim of the storage container when said device is installed thereon.

4. The device, according to claim 2, wherein said generally V-shaped portion provides grip means for removing said device from the rim of the storage container.

5. The device, according to claim 2, wherein said device has a generally U-shaped configuration.

6. The device, according to claim 1, wherein a material of said device is one of a resilient metal and a resilient plastic.

7. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device is formed from one of a flat and round material.

8. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device formed from a flat material having each of a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness.

9. The device, according to claim 8, wherein said predetermined thickness is about 0.13 inches.

10. The device, according to claim 8, wherein said predetermined width is about 0.50 inches

11. A system for separating a plurality of storage containers stacked by fitting one within another each having a narrow lower closed end, a continuous tapered wall extending outwardly therefrom and terminating in a wide upper open end having a peripheral rim formed thereon, the system comprising a plurality of devices installed onto the peripheral rim of each storage container and forming a gap between the storage containers sufficient to separate the storage containers with minimal force and effort.

12. The system, according to claim 11, wherein each device includes a first leg, a second leg spaced from said first leg, and a hill portion joining adjacently disposed ends of said first and second leg and sized to operably receive the portion of the peripheral rim.

13. The system, according to claim 11, wherein said devices are installed onto the peripheral rim in equally spaced relationship to each other.

14. The system, according to claim 11, wherein said gap is formed between an exterior surface of the tapered wall of the upper storage container and the interior surface of the tapered wall of the lower storage container.

15. The system, according to claim 11, wherein said gap is formed in a vertical direction between the rims of each storage container.

16. A method of storing a plurality of storage containers each having a narrow lower closed end, a continuous tapered wall extending outwardly therefrom and terminating in a wide upper open end having a peripheral rim formed thereon, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a plurality of devices having a first leg, a second leg spaced from said first leg, and a hill portion joining said first and second leg at one end thereof;

(b) installing said plurality of devices onto said rim of said each storage container;

(c) fitting one storage container within another storage container; and

(d) forming a stack of said storage containers having wall portions thereof separated by said devices, provided in step (a) and installed in step (b).

17. The method, according to claim 16, wherein said method includes the step of removing said one storage container fitted within said another storage container.

18. The method, according to claim 16, wherein said method includes the step removing said plurality of devices from said rim of said storage container and the step of providing each device with a grip means for facilitating removal of said each device.

19. The method, according to claim 16, wherein said installing step includes the step of operably receiving a portion of said peripheral rim within said hill portion of each device.

20. The method, according to claim 16, wherein said method includes the step of providing said each device in one of a U-shape and J-shaped configuration.