FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to tools used in the construction and building trades, and more particularly to a stabilizing device for a container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the building and construction industry, it is often necessary to mix the contents of an open-topped, substantially cylindrical container. For example, a worker may need to mix paint, plaster, drywall compound, or a number of other liquids. In many cases the container contents that must be mixed are viscous liquids, making it difficult to mix them unless the container is stabilized. One way this has traditionally been done is for the worker to hold the substantially cylindrical container between his or her legs while mixing. However, this can adversely affect the worker's balance, and often requires the worker's legs to be in an uncomfortable position.
A number of different types of apparatus have been proposed to assist workers in retaining a container while mixing its contents. These include devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,936,926, 3,642,239, 4,998,696, 5,232,188, D383,271, 6,464,184, 6,829,800, 6,942,191, 7,178,766 (also published as US2005/0045780) and 7,261,262, and published U.S. Patent Applications No. 2004/0084599 and 2006/0124808.
U.S. Pat. No. D281,364 discloses a dolly for holding and tilting a bucket, U.S. Pat. No. D286,508 discloses a pouring cover for paint cans, U.S. Pat. No. D474,404 discloses a paint can holder, U.S. Pat. No. 3,590,988 discloses display and shipping containers, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,553 discloses a drinking cup stabilizer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a stabilizing device for a container. The device comprises at least one base and at least one belt secured to the at least one base. Each at least one belt has a securing mechanism selectively operable to release that respective at least one belt into an open position and to secure that respective at least one belt in one or more closed positions. When the at least one belt is secured about a substantially cylindrical container in one of the one or more closed positions with the base resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container is retained in a generally upright position and at least one portion of the at least one base extends beyond an outer perimeter of the belt to receive a user's feet. When the user stands on the at least one portion of the base during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.
Preferably, the at least one portion of the at least one base that extends beyond an outer perimeter of the at least one belt to receive a user's feet comprises two opposed foot-receiving elements. The two opposed foot-receiving elements may be offset from a diameter of one of the at least one belt when the at least one belt is in one of the one or more closed position.
The at least one belt preferably has an inner surface having an engaging texture.
In one embodiment, the at least one base comprises telescoping elements each having a proximal end and a distal end, and the at least one belt comprises an upper belt secured to the distal ends of the telescoping elements. Preferably, the distal ends of the telescoping elements are sized and shaped to fit within and engage a handle recess adjacent an upper end of the substantially cylindrical container so as to further inhibit movement of the substantially cylindrical container. In a particular embodiment, the base comprises a retaining ring for receiving a lower end of the substantially cylindrical container. In another particular embodiment, the at least one belt further comprises a lower belt secured to the proximal ends of the telescoping elements.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a stabilizing device for a container. The stabilizing device comprises at least one flexible belt securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindrical container of corresponding size, and at least one base. The at least one base includes at least one foot-receiving element, and the at least one belt is secured to the at least one base. When the belt is secured in the encircling and engaging relationship, the at least one foot-receiving element extends beyond a circumference of the belt so that when a user stands on the at least one foot-receiving element during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.
In one embodiment, the at least one base comprises two distinct bases each having a foot-receiving element. Preferably, each distinct base is slidably secured to the at least one belt.
In another embodiment, the at least one base comprises telescoping elements each having a proximal end and a distal end, and the at least one belt comprises an upper belt secured to the distal ends of the telescoping elements. Preferably, the distal ends of the telescoping elements are sized and shaped to fit within and engage a handle recess adjacent an upper end of the substantially cylindrical container so as to further inhibit movement of the substantially cylindrical container. In one particular embodiment, the base comprises a retaining ring for receiving a lower end of the substantially cylindrical container. In another particular embodiment, the at least one belt further comprises a lower belt secured to the proximal ends of the telescoping elements. Preferably, each at least one belt has an inner surface having an engaging texture.
In a still further aspect, the present invention is directed to a stabilizing device for a container. The stabilizing device comprises a crossbar member having two ends and a stabilizer member extending substantially perpendicularly to the crossbar member from between the two ends thereof so as to form a T-shape. The base has two opposed foot-receiving elements disposed at the two ends of the crossbar member. The stabilizing device further comprises a flexible belt secured to the base. The belt has a selectively operable securing mechanism so that the belt can be released to an open position and secured in at least one closed position, and is secured to the base at the two ends of the crossbar member so that the two opposed foot-receiving elements extend outwardly beyond a circumference of the belt when the belt is in a closed position. The stabilizing device is configured so that when the belt is in a closed position, an inner surface of the belt can engage an outer surface of a suitably sized substantially cylindrical container so as to retain the container with a bottom surface thereof resting on the base and inhibit movement of the container during mixing of contents of the container when a user stands on the opposed foot-receiving elements. Preferably, the inner surface of the belt has an engaging texture.
In one embodiment, a closed position enables the inner surface of the belt to engage a substantially cylindrical container having an upper diameter of approximately 12 inches and a lower diameter of approximately 10⅝ inches.
In a still further aspect, the present invention is directed to a stabilizing device for a container. The stabilizing device comprises a generally planar base having at least one foot receiving region, and a plurality of spaced apart container-engaging elements, at least one of which is movable and lockable relative to the base. When a substantially cylindrical container is placed upright on the base, with the base resting on a generally flat surface, the at least one movable and lockable element can be moved into engagement with an outer surface of the container so that the container engaging elements engage an outer surface of the container whereby the container is stabilized in a generally upright position by the plurality of container-engaging elements.
In one embodiment, the base comprises a first part and a second part that are foldably secured to each other.
In one embodiment, each container-engaging element other than the at least one movable and lockable element is pivotally secured to the base.
In one embodiment, each container-engaging element has an arcuate container-engaging surface complementary to a substantially cylindrical outer surface of a container.
In one embodiment, the plurality of spaced apart container-engaging elements comprises three container-engaging elements, one of which is slidable and lockable relative to the base and the other two of which are pivotally mounted to the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, in an open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows the stabilizing device of FIG. 1 in a closed position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 3 shows the stabilizing device of FIG. 1 in a closed position and securing a substantially cylindrical container, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, in an open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a more detailed view of a portion of the stabilizing device of FIG. 4, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 6 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, in an open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 7 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, in an open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 8 shows the stabilizing device of FIG. 7 in a closed position and securing a substantially cylindrical container, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 9 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, in an open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 10 shows the stabilizing device of FIG. 9 in a closed position and securing a substantially cylindrical container, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 11 shows a sixth exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, in an open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 12 shows a seventh exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, in a closed position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 13 shows a latching mechanism used for securing the stabilizing device of FIG. 12 in an open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 14 shows an eighth exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, in an open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a top view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a stabilizing device in a closed position and securing a substantially cylindrical container, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 16A shows an exemplary embodiment of a base for use with certain embodiments according to aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 16B is a top view of the base of FIG. 16A;
FIG. 17A is a substantially cylindrical container in accordance with which certain embodiments according to aspects of the present invention may be used; and
FIG. 17B shows a portion of the container of FIG. 17A, engaged by a portion of the stabilizing device of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a stabilizing device for a substantially cylindrical container is shown generally at 10. The stabilizing device 10 comprises a base 12 and a flexible belt 14. The belt 14 is secured to the base 12. The belt 14 may be secured to the base 12 by any suitable arrangement, including riveting, bolting, or other appropriate techniques. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the belt is attached by riveting of the belt to brackets 15 forming part of the base 12. Also in the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the base 12 comprises a crossbar member 12A and a stabilizer member 12B extending substantially perpendicularly to the crossbar member 12A from between the ends thereof to form a T-shape. The base 12 also has two opposed foot-receiving elements 24A and 24B (discussed in greater detail below) disposed at the two ends of the crossbar member 12A. The components 12A, 12B, 24A and 24B may be joined to one another by any suitable arrangement, including welding, riveting, bolting, or a combination thereof, or the base 12 may be formed as a single piece. The belt 14 may be made from any material having appropriate strength and flexibility in the selected thickness, including steel and rubber.
The belt 14 has a securing mechanism 16 that is selectively operable to release the belt 14 into an open position (as shown in FIG. 1) and to secure the belt 14 in one or more closed positions. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the belt 14 is secured to the base 12 at the ends of the crossbar member 12A so that when the belt 14 is in a closed position, the two opposed foot-receiving elements extend outwardly beyond a circumference of the belt 14. The stabilizing device 10 is shown in FIG. 2 with the belt 14 secured in one of the closed positions by the securing mechanism 16. As shown in FIG. 3, when the belt is in a closed position, an inner surface 18 of the belt 14 can engage an outer surface of a suitably sized substantially cylindrical container (such as substantially cylindrical container 20) so as to retain the substantially cylindrical container with a bottom surface thereof resting on the base 12 and inhibit movement of the container during mixing of the contents thereof when a user stands on the opposed foot-receiving elements.
The inner surface 18 of the belt 14 preferably has an engaging texture, that is, a texture adapted to grippingly engage an outer surface of a container. For example, a layer, or individual pieces, of rubber or a similar resilient material could be disposed on the inner surface 18 of the belt 14 (for example by spraying), or the inner surface 18 of the belt 14 could have a mesh or other grip-enhancing texture to facilitate engagement with an outer surface of a container. The container-engaging texture could be inherent in the material of which the belt is made (for example if the belt is made from rubber).
A securing mechanism for a belt forming part of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention may be any suitable securing mechanism that is selectively operable to release a belt into an open position and to secure that belt in one or more closed positions, whether such mechanism is now extant or is subsequently developed. Such mechanisms include, but are not limited to a latch, a clamp, a magnetic fastener, hook-and-loop straps (e.g. Velcro®-type hook-and-loop straps), and suitable adaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those used on belts associated with clothing. Typically, but not necessarily, the securing mechanism will comprise two cooperating components. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the securing mechanism comprises a hook-and-loop (e.g. Velcro) strap arrangement, in the form of “hook” strap 16A and “loop” strap 16B (the respective positions of which may optionally be reversed).
With reference now to FIG. 3, when the belt 14 is secured about the substantially cylindrical container 20 in an appropriate one of the one or more closed positions with the base 12 resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container 20 is retained in a generally upright position and two portions 24A, 24B of the base 12 extend beyond the outer perimeter of the belt 14 to receive a user's feet. Accordingly, when the user stands on the portions 24A, 24B of the base 12 that extend beyond the outer perimeter of the belt 14 during mixing of the contents 22 of the substantially cylindrical container 20, movement of the substantially cylindrical container 20 is inhibited. Thus, the stabilizing device 10 comprises a flexible belt 14 securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindrical container (such as substantially cylindrical container 20) of corresponding size, and a base 12 comprising two foot-receiving elements 24A, 24B, with the belt 14 secured to the base 12. When the belt 14 is secured in the encircling and engaging relationship (as shown in FIG. 3), the foot-receiving elements 24A, 24B extend beyond a circumference of the belt 14. When a user stands on the foot-receiving elements 24A, 24B during mixing of the contents 22 of the substantially cylindrical container 20, movement of the substantially cylindrical container 20 is inhibited.
In a preferred embodiment, the two opposed foot-receiving elements 24A, 24B are offset from a diameter D3 of the belt 14 when the belt 14 is secured about the substantially cylindrical container 20 in one of the one or more closed position. This offset position may assist a user in more comfortably positioning his or her feet when mixing the contents (such as contents 22) of a substantially cylindrical container (such as the substantially cylindrical container 20).
With reference now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown generally at 400. Similarly to the stabilizing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the stabilizing device 400 comprises at least one base in the form of two bases 412 and a belt 414 secured to the bases 412 and having disposed thereon a securing mechanism 416 that is selectively operable to release the belt 414 into an open position (as shown in FIG. 4) and to secure the belt 414 in one or more closed positions (not shown). Analogously to the stabilizing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the particular exemplary embodiment 400 shown in FIG. 4, the securing mechanism 416 comprises a Velcro-type hook-and-loop strap arrangement, in the form of “hook” strap 416A and “loop” strap 416B (optionally, the position of the “hook” strap 416A and “loop” strap 416B may be reversed). However, the securing mechanism 416 may alternatively be any other suitable securing mechanism, including but not limited to a latch, a clamp, a magnetic fastener, and suitable adaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those used on belts associated with clothing. The belt 414 can be made from any suitable material having appropriate strength and flexibility in the selected thickness and, as with the stabilizing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the inner surface 418 of the belt 414 of the stabilizing device 400 preferably has a container-engaging texture.
In the stabilizing device 400 shown in FIG. 4, the at least one base 412 comprises two bases 412, namely the two opposed foot-receiving elements 424A and 424B, which are secured only to the belt 414. The two opposed foot-receiving elements 424A and 424B may be secured to the belt 414 by any suitable arrangement, such as by bolting, riveting, or the like. Preferably, the two opposed foot-receiving elements 424A and 424B are secured to the belt 414 by way of loop elements 430A and 430B, respectively, which are secured to their respective foot-receiving elements 424A and 424B and are slidably received on the belt 414. The loop elements 430A and 430B being slidably received on the belt 414 facilitates adjustment of the placement of the foot-receiving elements 424A and 424B relative to the belt 414. A more detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a loop element 430A is shown in FIG. 5. It will be appreciated that when the belt 414 of the stabilizing device 400 is secured about a substantially cylindrical container in a closed position (not shown), the substantially cylindrical container can rest upright on its base and the foot-receiving elements 424A and 424B will rest on that same surface and will extend beyond the outer perimeter of the belt 414 to receive the user's feet so that when a user stands on the foot-receiving elements 424A, 424B during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the stabilizing device 400 comprises a flexible belt 414 securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindrical container of corresponding size, and two distinct bases 412 each having a foot-receiving element 424A, 424B, with the belt 414 being slidably secured to each distinct base 412. When the belt 414 is secured in an encircling and engaging relationship, the foot-receiving elements 424A, 424B extend beyond a circumference of the belt 414. When the user stands on the foot-receiving elements 424A, 424B during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container will be inhibited.
With reference now to FIG. 6, a further alternative embodiment of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown generally at 600. The stabilizing device 600 comprises a base 612 and a belt 614 secured thereto, the belt 614 having a securing mechanism that is selectively operable to release the belt 614 into an open position and to secure the belt 614 in one of a plurality of closed positions. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the securing mechanism is an adapted conventional belt buckle arrangement 616 comprising buckle 616A and a plurality of holes 616B; alternatively, the securing mechanism may be any other suitable securing mechanism, including but not limited to a latch, a clamp, a magnetic fastener, and Velcro-type hook and loop fasteners. The inner surface 618 of the belt 614 of the stabilizing device 600 preferably has an engaging texture for engaging an outer surface of a container. The belt 614 may be formed from any material having the appropriate strength and flexibility in the selected thickness.
The base 612 of the stabilizing device 600 shown in FIG. 6 comprises two opposed foot-receiving elements 624A and 624B secured to an adjustable-length element 632. Securing of the foot-receiving elements 624A and 624B to the adjustable-length element 632 may be by any suitable arrangement, including welding, riveting, bolting, integral forming, or the like. The base 612 is secured to the belt 614 by way of loop elements 630A and 630B similar to the loop elements 430A and 430B described in the context of the securing device 400 (FIG. 4); other arrangements may also be used. The loop elements 630A and 630B may be secured to the foot-receiving elements 624A and 624B, the adjustable-length element 632, or both.
In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the adjustable-length element 632 comprises a receiving member 634 which slidably receives an insertion member 636. The insertion member 636 has a plurality of engagement holes 638 defined therethrough, and the receiving member 634 includes an engaging member 640 biased such that it will engage one of the engagement holes 638 when it is aligned therewith, thereby maintaining the adjustable-length element 632 at a fixed length. This permits the adjustable-length element to be extended or retracted to correspond, at least approximately, to a range of diameters of particular types of substantially cylindrical containers in association with which the stabilizing device 600 is to be used. It will be appreciated that the adjustable-length member 632 should be shaped to provide stable support to the bottom of a substantially cylindrical container received thereon, and to rest stably on a flat surface. In the embodiment 600 shown in FIG. 6, the engaging member 640 is recessed in such a way as to inhibit the base of a substantially cylindrical container from inadvertently depressing the engagement member 640 and disengaging it from one of the engagement holes 638.
When the belt 614 is secured in a closed position about a substantially cylindrical container (not shown), with the adjustable-length member 632 resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container will be retained in a generally upright position, and the foot-receiving elements 624A and 624B extend beyond the outer perimeter of the belt 614 to receive a user's feet and, when the user stands on the foot-receiving elements 624A and 624B during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.
The particular embodiment of the adjustable-length element 632 shown in FIG. 6 is exemplary only, and any suitable telescopic or other adjustable-length arrangement may suitably be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, while the adjustable-length element 632 shown in FIG. 6 is shown as being securable at a given fixed length by way of the engagement holes 638 and engagement member 640, other mechanisms for maintaining the adjustable-length element 632 at a fixed length, whether now known or hereinafter developed, may also be used. Alternatively (not shown) an adjustable-length element used in the manner depicted in FIG. 6 need not include a mechanism for maintaining a fixed length. This is because, when the belt is secured about a substantially cylindrical container in a closed position, the belt and securing mechanism will tend to retain such an adjustable-length element at a length approximately equal to the diameter of the substantially cylindrical container. In addition, a base for a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention may comprise more than one adjustable-length member (not shown), for example a plurality of parallel telescoping elements. Accordingly, the stabilizing device 600 depicted in FIG. 6 comprises a flexible belt 614 securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindrical container of corresponding size, and a base 612 comprising two foot-receiving elements 624A, 624B, with the belt 614 secured to the base 612. When the belt 14 is secured in such an encircling and engaging relationship, the foot-receiving elements 624A, 624B extend beyond a circumference of the belt 614 so that when a user stands on the foot-receiving elements 624A and 624B during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.
FIG. 6 depicts a stabilizing device 600 having a base 612 that is adjustable in size so as to accommodate a variety of container sizes. Alternatively, a stabilizing device (not shown) according to an aspect of the invention may have a base of fixed size and have at least one belt-receiving loop (or other member for securing a belt to the base) that is adjustably mounted to the base. This would facilitate adjustment of the positions of the belt-receiving loops (or other members for securing a belt to the base) relative to one another, which would also facilitate accommodation of a variety of container sizes.
With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a further exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown generally at 700. The stabilizing device 700 comprises a base 712, a lower belt 714 and an upper belt 760, each belt 714, 760 being secured to the base 712. The base 712 comprises a crossbar member 712A and a stabilizer member 712B which together form a T-shaped surface-engaging portion, two opposed foot-receiving elements 724A and 724B, and two opposed, generally upstanding members 750A, 750B. The members 712A, 712B, 750A, 750B, and foot-receiving elements 724A, 724B forming the base 712 may be secured to one another by any suitable arrangement, including welding, riveting, bolting, or a combination thereof.
In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lower belt 714 is secured to the base 712 by rivets 762, which secure the lower belt 714 to lower portions of the upstanding members 750A, 750B. The upper belt 760 is secured to the base 712 by rivets 764, which secure the upper belt 760 to upper portions of the upstanding members 750A, 750B. Other securing arrangements may also be used, such as a loop arrangement like that described in the context of FIGS. 4 and 5. The lower belt 714 and the upper belt 760 may be made from any material having appropriate strength and flexibility in the selected thickness, and the lower belt 714 and the upper belt 760 may be made of the same materials or dissimilar materials.
The belts 714 and 760 each have a respective securing mechanism 716,766. The securing mechanisms 716, 766 are selectively operable to release their respective belts 714, 760 into an open position (as shown in FIG. 7) and to secure the respective belts 714, 760 in one or more closed positions. The belts 714, 760 have respective inner surfaces 718, 768 which preferably have engaging textures for engaging an outer surface of a container.
The securing mechanisms 716, 766 may be any suitable securing mechanisms, including but not limited to latches, clamps, magnetic fasteners, hook-and-loop straps (e.g. Velcro straps), and suitable adaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those used on belts associated with clothing. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the securing mechanisms 716, 766 comprise Velcro-type hook-and-loop strap arrangements, in the form of “hook” straps 716A, 766A and “loop” straps 716B, 766B (optionally, the positions of the “hook” straps 716A, 766A and “loop” straps 716B, 766B may be reversed).
With reference now to FIG. 8, when the lower belt 714 and upper belt 760 are secured about a substantially cylindrical container 720 in one of the one or more closed positions with the base 712 resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container 720 is retained in a generally upright position and the foot-receiving elements 724A, 724B extend beyond an outer perimeter of the belt 714 to receive a user's feet so that when a user stands on the foot-receiving elements 724A and 724B during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container 720, movement of the substantially cylindrical container 720 is inhibited. Preferably, the two opposed foot-receiving elements are offset from a diameter D7 of the substantially cylindrical container 720.
As described, the stabilizing device 700 comprises two flexible belts 714, 760, each securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindrical container (such as container 720) of corresponding size, and a base 712 comprising two foot-receiving elements 724A, 724B, with the belts 714, 768 secured to the base 712. When the belts 714, 760 are secured in an encircling and engaging relationship with a container (such as with container 720 as shown in FIG. 8) the foot-receiving elements 724A, 724B extend beyond a circumference of the belts 714, 760 so that when a user stands on the foot-receiving elements 724A, 724B during mixing of contents of the container 720, movement of the container 720 is inhibited. While the embodiment 700 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 uses two belts 714, 760, it is possible to use only a single belt, as shown in other embodiments described herein, or more than two belts (not shown). Thus, at least one belt should be used.
The upstanding members 750A, 750B are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 as being of single-piece construction; upstanding members for use in an embodiment similar to the embodiment 700 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may also be made from more than one piece, and may be constructed so as to be adjustable in length. One such exemplary embodiment, using only a single belt, is discussed in the description of FIG. 14.
Reference is now made to FIG. 9, in which a further exemplary embodiment is shown generally at 900. The stabilizing device 900 comprises a base 912 and a belt 914 secured to the base 912. The belt 914 has a securing mechanism 916 that is selectively operable to release the belt 914 into an open position and to secure the belt 914 in a plurality of closed positions. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the securing mechanism 916 is a latching arrangement comprising tab-engaging member 916A and a plurality of tabs 916B. Other securing mechanisms, such as Velcro-type hook-and-loop arrangements, magnetic fasteners, clamps, and suitable adaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those used on belts associated with clothing, may also be used. The belt 914 may be formed from any suitable material having sufficient strength and flexibility in the selected thickness, and preferably has an inner surface 918 that is adapted to engage a surface of a container.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the base 912 comprises a single substantially planar member, such as a piece of plywood, particle board, plastic, metal or other suitable material. The belt 914 is secured indirectly to the base 912 by being secured to brackets 915, which are in turn secured to the base 912. As shown in FIG. 9, the belt 914 is secured to the brackets 915, and the brackets 915 to the base 912, by way of rivets 917. However, other suitable securing arrangements may also be used, including but not limited to bolts, screws, welding, or forming the brackets 915 integrally with the base 912.
With reference now to FIG. 10, it will be appreciated that when the belt 914 is secured about a substantially cylindrical container 920 in one of the plurality of closed positions with the base 912 resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container 920 will be retained in a generally upright position, and a portion 924 of the base 912 extends beyond an outer perimeter of the belt 914 to receive a user's feet. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the portion 924 that extends beyond an outer perimeter of the belt 914 comprises a first region 924A and second region 924B, each of which serves to receive a user's foot. When the user stands with one foot on each of the first region 924A and second region 924B during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container 920, movement of the substantially cylindrical container 920 is inhibited. Thus, the stabilizing device 900 comprises a flexible belt 914 securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindrical container of corresponding size, and a base 912 which, by reason of the position at which the belt 914 is secured to the base 912, comprises two regions 924A, 924B which function as foot-receiving elements. When the belt 914 is secured in the encircling and engaging relationship around a substantially cylindrical container of corresponding size (such as the substantially cylindrical container 920 shown in FIG. 10), the regions 924A, 924B, functioning as foot-receiving elements, extend beyond a circumference of the belt 914 so that when a user stands with one foot on each of the regions 924A, 924B during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.
A base comprising a single planar member, such as the base 912 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, need not have a rectangular shape. Such a base may be, for example, circular, triangular or square, or may have any other regular or irregular shape, so long as when its respective belt is secured about a substantially cylindrical container in one of the one or more closed positions, at least one portion of the base extends beyond an outer perimeter of the belt to receive a user's feet so that the user can apply his or her weight to assist in stabilizing a container secured by the device. For example, a base of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention could be shaped and painted in the form of a marketing logo or insignia.
With reference now to FIG. 11, a further exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown generally at 1100. The stabilizing device 1100 comprises a base 1112 and a belt 1114 secured to the base 1112. The belt 1114 has a securing mechanism 1116 that is selectively operable to release the belt 1114 into an open position and to secure the belt 1114 in one or more closed positions. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the securing mechanism 1116 is a Velcro-type hook-and-loop arrangement comprising “hook” strap 1116A and “loop” strap 1116B (optionally, the positions of “hook” strap 1116A and “loop” strap 1116B may be reversed). Other securing mechanisms, such as latches, magnetic fasteners, clamps, and suitable adaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those used on belts associated with clothing, may also be used. As described previously, the inner surface 1118 of the belt 1114 will preferably have a texture adapted to engage an outer surface of a container.
Similarly to the embodiment 900 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the base 1112 comprises a single planar member, such as a piece of plywood, particle board, plastic, metal or other suitable material. The belt 1114 is secured to brackets 1115, which are in turn secured to the base 1112. As shown in FIG. 11, the belt 1114 is secured to the brackets 1115, and the brackets 1115 to the base 1112, by way of rivets 1117. However, other suitable securing arrangements may also be used, including but not limited to bolts, screws, or welding, or forming the brackets 1115 integrally with the base 1112.
When the belt 1114 is secured about a substantially cylindrical container (not shown in FIG. 11) in a closed position with the base 1112 resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container will be retained in a generally upright position, and a portion 1124 of the base 1112 will extend beyond an outer perimeter of the belt 1114 to receive a user's feet. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the portion 1124 that extends beyond the outer perimeter of the belt 1114 comprises a single region 1124 for receiving both of a user's feet. When the user stands on the region 1124 during mixing of the contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited. Accordingly, the stabilizing device 1100 comprises a flexible belt 1114 securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindrical container of corresponding size, and a base 1112 which, by reason of the position at which the belt 1114 is secured to the base 1112, comprises a single region 1124 which functions as a foot-receiving element. When the belt 1114 is secured in an encircling and engaging relationship, the region 1124 functioning as a foot-receiving element extends beyond a circumference of the belt 1114 so that when a user stands on the single foot-receiving element 1124 during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited. Thus, a single foot receiving element may be used, as shown in the embodiment 1100 in FIG. 11, or more than one foot receiving element may be used, as shown in other embodiments described herein.
With reference now to FIG. 12, a still further exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown generally at 1200. The stabilizing device 1200 comprises at least one base 1212 and a belt 1214 secured to the at least one base 1212. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the at least one base 1212 consists of two opposed foot-receiving elements 1224A and 1224B which are hingedly mounted to the belt 1214 by hinges (the hinge 1290A for mounting the foot-receiving element 1224A is visible in FIG. 12, the hinge for mounting the foot-receiving element 1224B is not visible in FIG. 12). The belt 1214 has a securing mechanism 1216 that is selectively operable to release the belt 1214 into an open position and to secure the belt 1214 in one or more closed positions. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the securing mechanism 1216 is a latching arrangement comprising a hooking portion 1216A and a ratchet-lever portion 1216B (optionally, the positions of hooking portion 1216A and ratchet-lever portion 1216B may be reversed). FIG. 13 shows a more detailed view of the latching arrangement 1216. In particular, the hooking portion 1216A comprises a mounting element 1292 secured to the belt 1214 and a hook element 1294 pivotally secured to the mounting element 1292, and the ratchet-lever portion 1216B comprises a mounting element 1296 secured to the belt 1214 and a ratchet-lever 1298 secured to the mounting element 1296. In operation, the belt 1214 can be secured in one of a plurality of closed positions by selectively engaging the hook element 1294 with one of the ratchet notches on the ratchet-lever 1298. Other securing mechanisms, such as Velcro-type hook-and-loop attachments, magnetic fasteners, clamps, and suitable adaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those used on belts associated with clothing, may also be used. As described previously, the inner surface 1218 of the belt 1214 will preferably have a texture adapted to engage an outer surface of a container.
When the belt 1214 is secured about a substantially cylindrical container (not shown) in one of the one or more closed positions with the at least one base 1212 (i.e. the foot-receiving elements 1224A and 1224B) resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container will be retained in a generally upright position and the foot-receiving elements 1224A, 1224B will extend beyond an outer perimeter of the belt 1214 to receive a user's feet. Therefore, when a user stands on the foot-receiving elements 1224A, 1224B during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited. Preferably, the two opposed foot-receiving elements are offset from a diameter of the substantially cylindrical container. Thus, as shown in FIG. 12, the stabilizing device 1200 comprises a flexible belt 1214 securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindrical container of corresponding size, and two distinct bases 1212 each having a foot-receiving element 1224A, 1224B, with the belt 1214 being secured to each distinct base 1212. When the belt 1214 is secured in the encircling and engaging relationship, the foot-receiving elements 1224A, 1224B extend beyond a circumference of the belt 1214 so that when a user stands on the foot-receiving elements 1224A, 1224B during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.
With reference now to FIG. 14, a further exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown generally at 1400. The stabilizing device 1400 comprises a base 1412 and a belt 1414 secured to the base 1412. The base 1412 comprises a first member 1412A and a second member 1412B which together form a T-shaped surface-engaging portion, two opposed foot-receiving elements 1424A and 1424B, and two opposed, generally upstanding telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B. The telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B each have a respective proximal end 1442A, 1442B and a respective distal end 1440A, 1440B, with the proximal ends 1442A, 1442B being the ends that are closest to the portion of the base 1412 that will rest on the surface where the stabilizing device 1400 is to be used. The distal ends 1440A, 1440B are those ends that project furthest from the surface on which the base 1412 will rest. In the particular embodiment shown, the telescoping element 1450A comprises three telescope members 1452A, 1452B and 1452C, wherein telescope member 1452A is slidably received within telescope member 1452B which is in turn slidably received within telescope member 1452C. Similarly, in the particular embodiment shown, the telescoping element 1450B comprises three telescope members 1454A, 1454B and 1454C, wherein telescope member 1454A is slidably received within telescope member 1454B which is in turn slidably received within telescope member 1454C. Optionally, the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B may be provided with a mechanism so as to be lockable in an extended position.
The belt 1414 is secured to the topmost telescope members 1452A and 1454A, and hence to the telescoping elements 1450A and 1450B and thus to the base 1412, by any suitable method. Thus, in this embodiment 1400 the belt 1414 is an upper belt secured to the distal ends 1440A, 1440B of the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B. The members 1412A, 1412B, telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B, and foot-receiving elements 1424A, 1424B which together form the base 1412 may be secured to one another by any suitable arrangement, including welding, riveting, bolting, or a combination thereof.
The belt 1414 may be made from any material having appropriate strength and flexibility in the selected thickness, and has a securing mechanism 1416 that is selectively operable to release the belt 1414 into an open position and to secure the belt 1414 in one or more closed positions. The belt 1414 has an inner surface 1418 which preferably has an engaging texture adapted to engage an outer surface of a substantially cylindrical container. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the securing mechanism 1416 is a latching arrangement comprising a hooking portion 1416A and a ratchet-lever portion 1416B (optionally, the positions of hooking portion 1416A and ratchet-lever portion 1416B may be reversed). The hooking portion 1416A comprises a mounting element 1492 secured to the belt 1414 and a hook element 1494 pivotally secured to the mounting element 1492, and the ratchet-lever portion 1416B comprises a mounting element 1496 secured to the belt 1414 and a ratchet-lever 1498 secured to the mounting element 1496. In operation, the belt 1414 can be secured in one of a plurality of closed positions by selectively engaging the hook element 1494 with one of the ratchet notches on the ratchet-lever 1498. The securing mechanism 1416 may be any suitable securing mechanism, including but not limited to latches, clamps, magnetic fasteners, hook-and-loop straps (e.g. Velcro straps), and suitable adaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those used on belts associated with clothing. A retaining ring 1426 for receiving a lower end of a substantially cylindrical container is secured to the lowermost telescope members 1452C and 1454C (and may optionally be secured to the member 1412B) to inhibit movement of a lower portion of a container. Thus, the retaining ring 1426 is secured to the respective proximal ends 1442A, 1442B of the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B. The retaining ring may be made of a rigid material, sized to receive the largest container that the stabilizing device 1400 is intended to accommodate, resulting in some limited movement of the bottom of a smaller container during mixing. Optionally, the retaining ring 1426 may be detachably secured to the lowermost telescope members 1452C and 1454C, to enable use of the stabilizing device 1400 without the retaining ring 1426 when the telescoping elements 1450A and 1450B are in a collapsed position. The foot-receiving element 1424A has a heel stop 1428.
When the belt 1414 is secured about a substantially cylindrical container in one of the one or more closed positions with the base 1412 resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container will be retained in a generally upright position and the foot-receiving elements 1424A, 1424B will extend beyond an outer perimeter of the belt 1414 to receive a user's feet. As a result, when a user stands on the foot-receiving elements 1424A, 1424B during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited. Preferably, the two opposed foot-receiving elements are offset from a diameter of the substantially cylindrical container. The stabilizing device 1400 shown in FIG. 14 comprises a flexible belt 1414 securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindrical container of corresponding size, and a base 1412 having two foot-receiving elements 1424A, 1424B, with the belt 1414 being secured to the base 1412. When the belt 1414 is secured in an encircling and engaging relationship, the foot-receiving elements 1424A, 1424B extend beyond a circumference of the belt 1414 so that when a user stands on the foot-receiving elements 1424A, 1424B during mixing of the contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 17A and 17B. In FIG. 17A, an exemplary substantially cylindrical container is shown at 1720. The substantially cylindrical container 1720 has two opposed handle recesses 1725 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 17A) defined in its outer surface adjacent the upper end 1735 of the substantially cylindrical container 1720. An aperture 1745 in each handle recess 1725 receives a handle 1755; the handle 1755 may have a grip 1765. With reference now to FIG. 17B, in a preferred embodiment the distal ends 1440A, 1440B of the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B (only telescoping element 1450A and distal end 1440A thereof are shown in FIG. 17B) are sized and shaped to fit within and engage the handle recesses 1725 of the substantially cylindrical container 1720. Because the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B are rigid, and are held in position by the belt 1414, engagement of the distal ends 1440A, 1440B of the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B with the handle recesses 1725 serves to further inhibit movement of the substantially cylindrical container 1720, specifically twisting (i.e. rotational) movement thereof. In particular, and still referring to FIG. 17B, twisting movement of the substantially cylindrical container 1720 will be resisted because rotation of the substantially cylindrical container 1720 will cause an inner edge of each handle recess 1725 to push against the respective telescope member 1452A, 1452B (only telescope member 1452A being shown in FIG. 17B) so that the telescope members 1452A, 1752B inhibit further rotation of the substantially cylindrical container 1720.
In an alternative embodiment, a stabilizing device similar to the stabilizing device 1400 described in the context of FIG. 14 may have two belts rather than one, analogously to the stabilizing device 700 described in respect of FIGS. 7 and 8. Thus, instead of a retaining ring 1426, a lower belt (not shown) may be secured to the respective proximal ends 1442A, 1442B of the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B.
Reference is now made to FIG. 15. An alternate embodiment for a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention is shown generally at 1500. The stabilizing device 1500 includes a generally planar base 1512, which comprises first and second parts 1512A, 1512B, respectively, which are foldably secured to one another by hinges 1513, which may optionally be recessed within the base 1512. The first and second parts 1512A, 1512B may fold, by way of hinges 1513, along the line L in order to facilitate storage and transportation of the stabilizing device 1500. While the first and second parts 1512A, 1512B are approximately equal in size as shown in FIG. 15, the first and second parts 1512A, 1512B may be of equal or of unequal sizes. Optionally, the aforesaid hinged folding arrangement may be omitted, and the base 1512 may be a single piece. The first part 1512A of the base 1512 includes two foot-receiving regions 1548; in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the foot-receiving regions 1548 may be in another suitable position, such as on the second part of the base.
The first part 1512A of the base 1512 has a movable container engaging element 1540 slidably mounted thereto by way of slide lock mechanism 1542, which allows the movable container engaging element 1540 to be moved toward and away from the line L and locked in one or more securing positions to engage a substantially cylindrical container, such as substantially cylindrical container 1520. Any suitable sliding and locking arrangement may be substituted for slide lock mechanism 1540, and the movable container engaging element 1540 may be slidably secured to the first part 1512A by any suitable arrangement.
The second part 1512B of the base 1512 has two pivoting container engaging elements 1544, which are pivotally secured to the base 1512 by pivot pins 1546 (other methods of pivotally securing the pivoting container engaging elements 1544 may also be used). The movable container engaging element 1540 has a generally arcuate or concave container engaging surface 1543, and the two pivoting container engaging elements 1544 each have generally arcuate or concave container-engaging surfaces 1545. The container engaging surfaces 1543, 1545 are shaped so as to be complementary to the exterior surface of a substantially cylindrical container, such as substantially cylindrical container 1520. The movable container engaging element 1540 and the two pivoting container engaging elements 1544 are positioned in a generally triangular arrangement so that they cooperate with one another to retain and increase the stability of a substantially cylindrical container when the slide lock mechanism 1542 has secured the movable container engaging element 1540 in an appropriate position. The fact that the movable container engaging element 1540 is slidable towards and away from the container, and the fact that the two pivoting container engaging elements 1544 are pivotally secured to the base 1512, permits the stabilizing device 1500 to accommodate a range of sizes of container. Optionally, if it is desired to accommodate only a single size of substantially cylindrical container, the container engaging elements 1544 may be fixedly (i.e. non-pivotally) secured to the base.
Now referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, an exemplary embodiment of a base for use with certain embodiments of aspects of the present invention is shown generally at 1612. The base 1612 comprises a crossbar member 1612A having two ends and a stabilizer member 1612B extending substantially perpendicularly from the crossbar member 1612 between the two ends thereof so as to form a T-shape, and two opposed foot-receiving elements 1624A and 1624B disposed at the ends of the crossbar member 1612A. The relative positioning of an exemplary substantially cylindrical container 1620, and hence of a belt (not shown) according to an aspect of the present invention, is shown in phantom in FIG. 16B. In certain embodiments, a belt according to aspects of the present invention may be secured to the base 1612 at the regions 1626A, 1626B near the conjunction of the first member 1612A and the foot-receiving elements 1624A and 1624B (respectively). Such a belt may optionally, but need not, be secured to the region 1628 near the end of the second member 1612B. Similarly, it will be appreciated that optionally, alternate versions of the embodiments 10 (FIGS. 1 to 3), 700 (FIGS. 7 and 8) 900 (FIGS. 9 and 10) and 1100 (FIG. 11) need not have the (lower) belt secured to the base at the respective third position analogous to the region 1628.
A belt forming part of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention need not consist of a single flexible piece, and may comprise a plurality of individual sections, which individual sections may be rigid or flexible, or a combination thereof, so long as the belt as a whole retains sufficient flexibility to retain a substantially cylindrical container in accordance with aspects of the present invention. For example, a belt may comprise a plurality of rigid or resilient sections hinged to one another, for example in a manner analogous to a track of a tracked vehicle.
While the belt of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention may have only a single closed position, it is preferable for such a belt to have more than one closed position, since having more than one closed position enables the belt, and therefore the stabilizing device, to accommodate more than one size of container. Depending on the particular type of securing mechanism used, such a belt may have one or more discrete closed positions (such as with, e.g., an adaptation from a traditional belt buckle) or may have a plurality of closed positions in the sense of being continuously adjustable between a closed position of maximum circumference and a closed position of minimum circumference (such as with, e.g., Velcro-type hook-and-loop straps). In addition, a securing mechanism used as part of an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention may comprise a plurality of individual securing apparatus, such as two or more clamps, latches, magnetic fasteners, Velcro-type hook-and-loop straps, adaptations of traditional belt buckles, or a non-homogenous combination of two or more individual securing apparatus.
Particular embodiments described herein have included foot-receiving elements as part of the base of a stabilizing device. In certain alternative embodiments in addition to that shown in FIG. 12, foot-receiving elements can be adapted to fold relative to the remainder of the base, for example by way of hinged attachment, to facilitate storage and transportation of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention. In addition, one or more foot-receiving elements may be provided with a heel safety stop, such as (but not limited to) the heel stop 1428 shown in FIG. 14.
Reference has been made herein to the use of Velcro-type hook-and-loop fastening arrangements. Hook-and-loop fasteners made by entities other than Velcro Industries B.V. and its affiliates may also be used, subject to any relevant intellectual property rights, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Brackets (such as brackets 15, 915 and 1115), loops (such as loops 430A, 430B and 630A, 630B) and attachment directly to upstanding members 750A, 750B or to telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B have been described as techniques by which a belt can be secured to a base in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the method of attachment, as well as the number and spacing of attachment elements (e.g. brackets, loops, and the like) will affect the range of sizes of containers that can be accommodated by a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention. In particular, in certain embodiments shown and described herein, the belt (or belts) are fixedly, rather than movably, secured to the base at two or three points so that the belt has a fixed chord or diameter between the securing points. In addition, in certain embodiments where the belt is slidably mounted to the base, the belt will be restricted to a fixed linear distance between the securing points (which may or may not be a diameter). Nonetheless, even in such embodiments it is possible to accommodate a range of container sizes by selecting different closed positions of the belt, although the magnitude of the range of container sizes that can be accommodated will of course be limited by the aforesaid considerations. Preferably, a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention is configured to at least accommodate substantially cylindrical containers that have a diameter of approximately 12 inches (approximately 30.4 to 30.5 centimeters) at their upper end and a diameter of approximately 10⅝ inches (approximately 26.9 to 27.0 centimeters) at their lower end. Belts according to aspects of the present invention may (by way of example only) have a first closed position that enables the inner surface of the belt to engage a substantially cylindrical container having a first size, and a second closed position that enables the inner surface of the belt to engage a substantially cylindrical container having a second size that is different from the first size, with size being measured at the position where the belt engages the substantially cylindrical container. Alternatively, the belt may have a single closed position that enables the inner surface of the belt to engage a substantially cylindrical container of a single size.
Reference has been made herein to various substantially cylindrical containers 20 (FIG. 3), 720 (FIG. 8), 920 (FIG. 10), 1520 (FIG. 15) and 1720 (FIGS. 17A and 17B). Neither the substantially cylindrical containers 20, 720, 920, 1520, 1720 shown herein, nor any other container, form part of the present invention, and any references to containers in the claims are intended solely to define attributes of the invention and not to define any container as a component of any embodiment of any aspect of the invention. Rather, substantially cylindrical containers 20, 720, 920, 1520, 1720 are merely exemplary containers representative of containers in association with which embodiments of aspects of the present invention may be used. A substantially cylindrical container, such as the substantially cylindrical containers 20, 720, 920, 1520, 1720 may be of any size that can be securely accommodated and retained by the belt when the belt is in a closed position. In addition, it is to be appreciated that while containers in association with which aspects of the present invention are to be used have been referred to herein as being substantially cylindrical, such containers need not be perfectly cylindrical in a geometric sense. Specifically, but without limitation, the term “substantially cylindrical container”, as used herein, is intended to encompass containers having a slightly frusto-conical shape, such as containers that taper slightly from top to bottom. For example, certain five gallon buckets in association with which embodiments of aspects of the present invention may be used have an upper diameter of approximately 12 inches (approximately 30.4 to 30.5 centimeters) and a lower diameter of approximately 10⅝ inches (approximately 26.9 to 27.0 centimeters) so that the bucket has a slight frusto-conical shape. It will therefore be appreciated that belts used with stabilizing devices according to aspects of the present invention may optionally be inclined slightly away from vertical to better engage substantially cylindrical containers having a slight taper from top to bottom or from bottom to top. Substantially cylindrical cylinders in association with which aspects of the present invention may be used may have other non-cylindrical features as well, such as (without limitation) bottoms that are not perfectly flat but include features such as an annular rim or lip, or an annular rim or lip about the circumference of the upper edge of the container, or have a perimeter having a somewhat ovoid shape.
One or more currently preferred embodiments have been described by way of example. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. More particularly, it will be appreciated that various individual features from different exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined to produce an embodiment not explicitly shown or described, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
