Container

Abstract

A container for carrying and pouring flowable materials having a bucket portion with a side portion, a closed bottom portion and an upper rim area at least partially defining an open top; a handle attached near or on the upper rim area; at least three gripping surfaces located in the closed bottom portion of the bucket portion to permit multiple means of gripping the container. A method for dispensing flowable materials having the steps of gripping a handle rotatably affixed to a container having material therein with a first hand, wherein at least a portion of the handle is located above a discharge opening of the container; gripping a gripping surface located about the middle of the bottom of the container with a second hand; and tipping the container to discharge material from within the container using the first hand and the handle as a pivot point while lifting the bottom of the container with the second hand gripping the gripping surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/570,996, filed on May 14, 2004 and PCT/US2005/016762, filed on May 13, 2005, the entirety of which are expressly incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an apparatus for use in connection with containers or similar products. More particularly, the invention relates to containers that have bottoms to facilitate handling.

Containers have proven very useful for transporting items and then pouring or dumping the items from the container. For example, containers are used in the restaurant business to transport ice. A container is filled with ice. The container is then moved to the desired location and tilted, thereby dumping the ice. To facilitate transportation and usefulness, containers may have a handle. Commonly, this handle is a piece of metal wire attached at two points on the container. These two points are usually positioned equal distance from one another around an opening in the container.

Containers have also been modified to increase the ease with which material may be poured or dumped from the container. For example, a handle or gripping surface may be positioned on the container. Such handles or gripping surfaces allow a user to more firmly grab the container during the pouring or dumping process. The handle or gripping surface may be positioned on the side of the container or around the periphery of the bottom of the container. U.S. Pat. No. 1,173,305 to Phelan discloses a handle or gripping surface positioned on the side of the container. United States Patent Publication Number 2003/0116577 to Slongo et, al. discloses handles near the top of the container and two gripping surfaces located across from one another around the outer side of the bottom of a container.

A handle or gripping surface positioned on the side or the periphery of the bottom of the container may provide a leverage point for easier pouring or dumping of material from the container. However, such handles or gripping surfaces only provide a user with a single leverage point. In order to lift, carry, pour, and/or dump heavy or awkward materials, a user may desire to have several different leverage points at which to securely grab a container. For example, a user may desire to grab different leverage points based on the user's height, the amount of material in the container, the height of the area into which the material in the container is to be poured or dumped, or other performance characteristics.

Still further, when such containers are used to transport ice or other product where contamination is an issue, present designs do not permit such containers to be picked up from the ground without the user's hand touching the ground. As a result, once a transported material is poured out of the container and the user engages the material for smoothing, dispensing or other rearrangement, if the user's hand comes in contact with the material, any unsanitary material picked up from the floor when the container was picked up will contaminate the material.

Current containers suffer from certain drawbacks and limitations. Accordingly, a need exists for a container that is easy to use, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and solves other problems associated with the existing designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a container has a bottom with at least three gripping surfaces. Two gripping surfaces are positioned around the outer edge of the bottom. Another gripping surface is positioned in about the middle of the bottom. In one embodiment, the gripping surfaces are formed by two indentations in the bottom. The indentations provide areas into which a user may place his or her fingers, thumbs, or palms.

In another embodiment of the present invention, leg extensions are provided that lift the majority of the bottom of the container off the ground. The leg extensions lift the bottom of the container enough so that a user can slip his hands under the container to engage one of the gripping surfaces without contacting the floor on which the container is resting.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is front view of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of a container of FIG. 1 taken along the plan 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the bottom of the container of FIG. 1, separated from the container;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a container in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is side view of the container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments of a container (identified generally as 30) in accordance with the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 through 6.

The container 30 has a bottom 32, a handle 33, a top portion 35 and a mouth 37. As shown in FIGS. 2-8, the bottom 32 has at least three distinct gripping surfaces 34, 35, 36. Preferably, the gripping surfaces 34, 35, 36 are separated by at least one indentation 38 in the bottom 32 of the container 30. Most preferably as shown in FIG. 3, the bottom has two indentations 38, 39 that are about equally spaced from the outer edge of the bottom 32 of the container 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the indentations 38, 39 divide the bottom 32 into at least three distinct gripping surfaces 34, 35, 36. Two gripping surfaces 34 and 35 are provided along the outer edge of the bottom 32 of the container 30. One gripping surface 36 is provided about in the middle of the bottom 32 of the container 30.

Preferably, there multiple indentations 38 and 39, although only one need be provided. Where more than one indentation is employed, such indentations are preferably evenly spaced on the bottom portion 32. Where two indentations are provided, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the indentations are preferably approximately about 1.5 inches deep where the bottom of the container has a diameter of about 10.75 inches. Where the container is reduced or enlarged in size, the depth of the indentations 38 and 39 is preferably in the range of approximately about 10-20% of the diameter of the bottom of the container. Similarly, where two indentations are provided, they are preferably spaced apart from one another by a distance of approximately about 20-25% of the diameter of the closed bottom portion and preferably spaced apart from the outer peripheral edge 41 of the bottom of the container by a distance of approximately about 15-20% of the diameter of the bottom portion 32. Each of the indentations preferably has a width of approximately about 15-25% of the diameter of the bottom portion 32.

The gripping surfaces 34, 35, 36 and indentations 38, 39 may take any number of forms. For example, the gripping surfaces 34, 35, 36 and indentations 38, 39 may be ergonomically designed to fit with a user's hand for a more secure grip. In another example, the indentations 38, 39 may be formed so as to provide a ridge or other structure on a gripping surface 34, 35, 36 or in the indentations 38, 39 themselves so that a user may have a better hold on the bottom 32 of the container 30. The gripping surfaces 34, 35, 36 and/or indentations 38, 39 may also have ribs, bumps, or other features so that a user's hold on the bottom 32 may be more secure. Regardless of the form of the gripping surfaces 34, 35, 36 and the indentations 38, 39, the bottom 32 is preferably designed so that the container 30 rests flat on a surface. In addition, the bottom 32 may be configured to meet safety and health standards, such as those set forth by the National Sanitation Foundation.

The bottom 32 may be formed as part of the container 30 or may be a separate piece fit onto or attached to the container 30. Where the bottom is a separate piece, it is intended to be affixed to the container 30 such that it does not separate therefrom. In other words, the bottom 32 is not intended to function as a removable lid. The bottom 32 may be part of or added on to any type of container such as a bucket, ice tote, food container, cooler or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the bottom 32 may have additional structures provided thereon to improve the functionality of the container. For example, the bottom 32 may have a hook or hanging recess 40. The recess 40 may be used to selectively attach the bottom 32 and/or the container to a rack or other structure for storage.

The three distinct gripping surfaces 34, 35, 36 on the bottom 32 allow a user to grab the bottom 32 of the container 30 with a variety of grips. For example, a user facing the container 30 may grab gripping surface 34 with an underhand grip. With this grip, a user's fingers are generally positioned in indentation 38 and his or her palm is in selective contact with the gripping surface 34. The user's thumb may be positioned along the outer edge of the bottom 32 or in the closest indentation 38. This grip allows a user to tip the container 30 without lifting the container above his or her waist. In another example, a user may grab the inner gripping surface 36 with an underhand grip. With this grip, a user's fingers are positioned in indentation 39 and his or her palm is in selective contact with the inner gripping surface 36. The user's thumb may be positioned in either indentation 38 or indentation 39. This grip allows a user to tip the container more than the first gripping position. Users may also use the inner gripping surface 38 when the container is held between a user's waist and shoulder. Once the container is raised a certain degree, a user may reverse his or her grip on the inner gripping surface 38 to an overhand grip. The user's fingers are now positioned in indentation 38. In still another example, a user may grab either outer gripping surface 34 or 35 with an overhand grip when the container 30 is held at or above the user's shoulder level. When a user grabs outer gripping surface 34 with such a grip, the user's fingers are generally positioned in indentation 38 and his or her thumb is positioned on the outer edge of the bottom 32.

By providing three distinct gripping surfaces 34, 35, 36, the bottom 32 allows a user to tilt the container 30 varying degrees and hold the container at various positions. The ability for a user to grab a gripping surface and employ different grips on a gripping surface 34, 35, 36 reduces the amount of effort required to pour or dump material from a container 30. Further, this structure provides a user with the means to achieve a more secure grip thereby minimizing accidental spillage of material from the container 30.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 7-10, a pair of leg extensions 42 is provided. The extensions 42 lift the majority of the bottom 32 of the container 30 off the surface on which it rests. The second embodiment also preferably includes raised bottom areas 44 and 46. The combination of the extensions 42 and the raised bottom areas 44 and 46, permit a user to slip his hands under the container 30 to engage one of the gripping surfaces 34 or 35 without contacting the surface on which the container 30 is resting.

Preferably the leg extensions 42 are integral with and molded into the bottom 32 of the container 30. While this is preferable, it is not necessary to the function of the present invention. Similarly, the leg extensions 42 are preferably in the form of two elongated parallel sections that do not impinge on any of the gripping surfaces 34, 35 or 36. While this is the preferable shape because of its sturdiness and aesthetics, leg extensions 42 could be made in the form of multiple independent shafts or the like and still perform the same function.

The container 30 of the present invention may have other applications aside from use in connection with ice, liquid, or other materials. Further, the invention may be implemented in a variety of configurations, using certain features or aspects of the several embodiments described herein and others known in the art. Thus, although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific features and embodiments set forth above. Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be made by one of skill in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention and, therefore, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the claims.

Claims

1-21. (canceled)

22. A container for carrying and pouring flowable materials comprising:

a bucket portion having a side portion, a closed bottom portion and an upper rim area at least partially defining an open top;

a handle attached near or on said bucket portion to permit multiple means of gripping said container; and

wherein said handle includes first and second gripping members defined generally about an outer periphery of the closed bottom portion and a third gripping member defined generally between the first and second gripping members, and

wherein said closed bottom portion includes first and second depressions spaced from one another by the third gripping member, each depression configured to receive at least one finger of a cupped hand when said cupped hand is gripping the third gripping member, and wherein the third gripping member provides a palm receiving surface for said cupped hand when said cupped hand is gripping the third gripping member, and wherein the thumb of the cupped hand is received in one of the first and the second depressions.

23. A container according to claim 22, wherein each depression includes a first recess and a second recess, wherein the first recess is configured to receive fingers of a gripping hand and the second recess is configured to receive a palm of a gripping hand.

24. A container according to claim 23, wherein said closed bottom portion has an outer peripheral edge and wherein said depressions are spaced from said outer peripheral edge.

25. A container according to claim 23, wherein said depressions are spaced apart from one another and are each defined by a plurality of sidewalls and a bottom wall.

26. A container according to claim 25, wherein said depressions are spaced apart from one another by a distance of approximately about 20-25% of the diameter of the closed bottom portion.

27. A container according to claim 25, wherein at least one of said depressions has a depth of approximately about 1.5 inches.

28. A container according to claim 25, wherein at least one of said depressions is spaced apart from said outer peripheral edge by a distance of approximately about 15-20% of the diameter of the closed bottom portion.

29. A container according to claim 28, wherein said depressions are spaced apart from said outer peripheral edge by a distance of approximately about 15-20% of the diameter of the closed bottom portion.

30. A container according to claim 25, wherein at least one of said depressions has a width of approximately about 15-25% of the diameter of the closed bottom portion.

31. A container according to claim 30, wherein each of said depressions has a width of approximately about 15-25% of the diameter of the closed bottom portion.

32. A container according to claim 25, wherein the space between said depressions and said outer peripheral edge are at least partially raised surfaces relative to said bottom walls of said plurality of depressions.

33. A container according to claim 32, wherein at least one of said gripping surfaces is defined by the side portion of the bucket portion, an at least partially raised surface between one of said depressions and said outer peripheral edge and one of said side walls of one of said depressions.

34. A container according to claim 32, wherein at least one of said gripping surfaces is defined by one sidewall and the at least one partially raised surface.

35. A container according to claim 32, where each of said gripping surfaces is at least partially defined by one of said at least partially raised surfaces.

36. A container according to claim 32, wherein said gripping surface is configured to be gripped by the entire hand of a user.

37. A container according to claim 22, wherein the width of each said gripping surface is about at least one-fifth of the diameter of said closed bottom portion of said bucket portion.

38. A container according to claim 22, further comprising leg extensions lifting said closed bottom portion of said container off of a surface on which said container is placed.

39. A container according to claim 38, wherein said leg extensions comprise two substantially parallel supports that do not impinge on any of said gripping surfaces.

40. A container according to claim 38, wherein said leg extensions life and closed bottom portion of said container off a surface supporting said container an amount sufficient to permit a user's hand to grasp one of said gripping surfaces without contacting the surface.

41. A container for carrying and pouring flowable material comprising:

a bucket having a bottom wall from which extends a sidewall having an outer edge defining a rim;

a handle comprised of a link pivotally attached to opposed portions of the container sidewall and comprising a handgrip; and

wherein the container includes a plurality of pairs of handgrips with a plurality of the handgrips each comprised of a recess integrally formed in the bottom wall and another one of the handgrips comprising a portion of the bottom wall disposed between the plurality of integrally formed recesses.