LID LOCKING DEVICE

Abstract

A container transport device is disclosed capable of being used to secure a container and transport it. The container transport device can include a handle for carrying. Straps are provided in the container transport device. In one form the handle can be used to discourage movement of the straps. In some forms the straps can be wrapped from top to bottom of a container, while in other forms straps can be wrapped around a side of the container. In some forms the straps can be ratcheted. Feet capable of providing a friction based interaction between a surface of the container and the container transport device are included.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/372,712 filed Aug. 11, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to container devices, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to crock pot transport devices.

BACKGROUND

Providing mechanisms that make transport of containers remains an area of interest. Some existing systems have various shortcomings relative to certain applications. Accordingly, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention is a unique container transport device. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for securing a container. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the container transport device.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a connector of the container transport device.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of the container transport device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

With reference to FIG. 1, a container transport device 50 is shown and is capable of facilitating movement of a container 52 between locations, such as between a home and a destination or between a business and a destination, to set forth just two non-limiting possibilities. Though the device 50 is described herein as capable of transporting a container 52, in some forms the device 50 can be used to secure the container 52 for storage. However, for ease of discussion the description below is directed to use of the device 50 as it pertains to transport.

The container transport device 50 can be used to transport a number of different types of containers. To set forth just one non-limiting example, the container transport device 50 can be used to transport a crock pot. In one form the crock pot can be used for preparing food stuffs, but in other forms the crock pot can be used to warm and or cook other non-food substances. Additionally, the container transport device 50 can be used to transport a container that may have an opening on a side, or an opening formed in a side. For example, though the container shown in the embodiments below each include a lid, some types of containers suitable for transport with the container transport device 50 may or may not include a lid.

In one embodiment the container transport device 50 includes a handle 54 that can be grasped by a person to move a container 52 between locations. The container 52 can include a top 56, bottom 58, and side 60. As used herein, the terms “top”, “bottom”, and “side” are merely used for ease of discussion and reference and do not otherwise imply a spatial relationship between the various portions of the device or a spatial relationship regarding how the container is conventionally used or constructed, among other possible reasons. Though the container 52 is depicted as having a continuous rounded side 60 in the illustrated embodiment, other embodiments can have different shapes and or contours. In one form the side 60 can include multiple sides such as would be the case with a box container, to set forth just one non-limiting example.

The handle 54 can be coupled with a handle base 62 from which a number of straps 64 extend. The straps 64 are wrapped around the container 52 and serve to secure the container 52 relative to the handle 54 to ready the container 52 for transport and/or possible storage, among other possible uses. The straps 64 can be a continuous piece of material that contacts one or more surfaces of the container 52, but in some embodiments the straps 64 can be multi-component assemblies that contact one or more surfaces of the container. In one non-limiting embodiment the straps 64 can be a segmented assembly made up of a number of similar sized components. In some embodiments one end of the strap 64 can be anchored at the handle base 62 and the strap 64 can be wrapped around the container 52 to contact an opposite side of the handle base 62. The straps 64, furthermore, need not be the same in size, arrangement, composition, or otherwise. For example, one of the straps 64 can be segmented while another is a single construction. The straps 64 can be made out of a variety of materials. In one form the straps 64 can be made of a relatively flexible material that permits the straps to be stretched as they are positioned in place. Alternatively, the straps 64 can be relatively inelastic devices that permit little to no stretching. Other variations than those described herein are also contemplated.

Turning now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a connector 66 used to secure the straps 64 in place is shown. The connector 66 shown in the embodiment can be operated as a ratcheting mechanism such that the connector 66 can be configured to permit the strap can be pulled in one direction but discourages motion of the strap in the opposite direction. Such a ratcheting mechanism can be provided using a teethed interconnection but it will be appreciated that other types of mechanisms that perform the same or similar result can also be used. For example, a connector 66 can be mechanically arranged such that it's orientation permits relative movement of the strap 64 in one direction but a friction force developed between the connector 66 and strap 64 discourages movement in another direction. Such a device may look similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2 except without the teethed interaction. A movement of the strap 64 in one direction can overcome some type of friction developed between the strap 64 in contact with the connector 66 as the connector 66 rotates progressively out of a contacted position, but the mechanical arrangement of the connector 66 rotates progressively into the strap 64 when the strap 64 is moved in the other direction.

The strap 64 and connector 66 of the illustrative embodiment includes teeth 68 and teeth 70 that interact with each other. The connector 66 rotates about a pivot 71. The connector 66 is shaped such that rotation in one direction moves the connector 66 into a tighter relationship with the strap 64 while rotation in the other direction moves the connector 66 into a looser relationship. In one form rotation of the connector 66 into a looser relationship results in a non-contact position between the connector 66 and the strap 64. The strap 64 and connector 66 can each have any number of teeth. Furthermore, the teeth 68 and 70 can be shaped to provide just enough interference to discourage relative movement between the strap 64 and connector 66. The teeth 68 can be formed directly into the strap 64 or can be separately coupled.

A portion 67 of the connector can be manipulated to place the connector 66 into a position that permits relative movement of the strap 64 to the connector 66. In one form the teeth 68 can be moved out of contact with the teeth 70 by depressing the portion 67. The connector 66 can be biased by an energy element, such as but not limited to a spring, that returns the connector 66 to a position in the absence a manipulating force, such as a force applied to the portion 67.

A lockout 72 can be provided to prevent the connector 66 from being manipulated as described above. In one form the lockout 72 can be inserted between a housing 74 and a lockout portion 76 of the connector 66 to permit movement of the connector 66. The lockout 72 can be moved into position using any variety of relative motions such as, but not limited to, rotation and translation. The lockout 72 can be used on all of the connectors 66 that are coupled to the straps, or to a subset of the connectors 66.

In one form the housing 74 can be the handle base 62. Furthermore, the handle base 62 can provide a structure to which the handle 54 and straps 64 are attached. In one embodiment the handle base 62 provides the lockout 72. In some embodiments, the handle 54 is connected to the lockout 72 such that the connector 66 can be prevented from being manipulated depending on a position of the handle 54. For example, when the handle 54 is in an upright position, such as would be common if the container transport device 50 is to be transported, then the lockout 72 can be engaged to prevent the connector 66 from being manipulated. The handle can then be rotated to another position, such as a stowed position, which can actuate the lockout 72 to the unlocked position and allow the connector 66 to be manipulated.

Turning now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the container transport device 50 is disclosed. The embodiment in FIG. 3 depicts a side strap 64 positioned around the side of the container 52. The side strap 64 depicted in FIG. 3 includes a number of segments, but in other embodiments the side strap 64 positioned around the side of the container 52 need not be segmented. For example, the side strap 64 can be continuous piece of material. The side strap 64 can be made out of a variety of materials. In one form the side strap 64 can be made of a relatively flexible material that permits the straps to be stretched as they are positioned in place. Alternatively, the side strap 64 can be relatively inelastic devices that permit little to no stretching. Other variations than those described herein are also contemplated.

The side strap 64 includes a connector 66 and a side foot 78. The side foot 78 can includes a portion that contacts the side 60 and having a coefficient of friction that discourages relative movement of the side strap 64 to the side 60. The portion of the side foot 78 can have a variety of footprint shapes and can have a variety of sizes. Furthermore, the side strap 64 can have any number of side feet 78. In some embodiments the side strap 64 itself can form the side foot 78 such that the side foot 78 extends with the side strap 64 around a large portion of the side 60, if not entirely around the side 60.

Top straps 64 are used in this embodiment to connect the side strap 64 to the handle 54 and/or handle base 62. The top straps 64 can be continuous pieces of material that contact one or more surfaces of the container 52, but in some embodiments the straps 64 can be multi-component assemblies that contact one or more surfaces of the container 52. In one non-limiting embodiment the top straps 64 can be a segmented assembly made up of a number of similar sized components. In some embodiments one end of the top strap 64 can be anchored at the handle base 62 and another end anchored to the side strap 64. The top straps 64, furthermore, need not be the same in size, arrangement, composition, or otherwise. For example, one of the top straps 64 can be segmented while another is a single construction. The top straps 64 can be made out of a variety of materials. In one form the top straps 64 can be made of a relatively flexible material that permits the straps to be stretched as they are positioned in place. Alternatively, the top straps 64 can be relatively inelastic devices that permit little to no stretching. Other variations than those described herein are also contemplated.

The top straps 64 can be connected to a retractor 80 which is configured to pull the top straps 64, and thus side strap 64, toward the handle 54. In the illustrative form the retractor 80 includes a dial 82 which allows a user to pull the top straps 64. The dial 82 can be rotated to actuate the top straps 64, but in other embodiments the dial 82 can be capable of other movements to effectuate actuation of the top straps 64. A lockout can be used in this embodiment to discourage the top straps from moving relative to the handle base 62. In some forms the lockout can be configured to be actuated depending on a position of the handle 54, similar to the embodiments discussed above.

Top feet 84 can be used with the handle base 62 in a similar manner as the foot 78. The top feet 78 can include portions that contact the top 56 and that have a coefficient of friction that discourages relative movement of the top strap 64 to the top 56. The portion of the top foot 78 can have a variety of footprint shapes and can have a variety of sizes. Furthermore, any number of top feet 78 can be used. In some embodiments the top straps 64 themselves can form the top feet 84 such that the top feet 84 extend with the top strap 64 from the top 56 to the side strap 64.

Then handle base 62 in the illustrative embodiment can include a space (not shown) capable of receiving a knob or other protrusion from the top 56 of the container 52. In some forms the protrusion that can be received in the space can be a knob on a glass lid of a crock pot.

Any or all of the components of the container transport device 50 can be made of materials that are capable of withstanding temperatures elevated relative to room temperature. In one embodiment, components of the container transport device 50 can be made to withstand temperatures associated with food cooking temperatures of a crock pot.

Furthermore, the straps 64 discussed in the various embodiments can have any variety of variations than those depicted above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a container securing device having a first strap, the container securing device including a ratchet configured to be engaged with the first strap, the ratchet having a plurality of ratchet positions when engaged with the first strap that permit relative movement with the first strap in one direction and discourage relative movement of the first strap in another direction, the container securing device also including a locking handle having a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation, the locked orientation discouraging movement of a portion of the second strap relative to the locking handle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strap is structured to secure a lid to a body of a container.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container securing device includes a portion made of a material that is tolerant of food cooking temperatures.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the food cooking temperatures are those associated with a crock pot.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking handle capable of interacting with the ratchet to prevent loosening of the first strap.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, which further includes a second ratchet engageable with the second strap, the second ratchet structured to permit movement of the second strap relative to the handle in one direction and discourage movement of the second strap relative to the handle in another direction, the locking handle capable of interacting with the second ratchet to prevent loosening of the second strap when in the locked orientation.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first strap and the second strap wrap around the container and discourage removal of a lid from the container.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, which further includes a portion of the container securing device structured to permit insertion of a knob of a container lid.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the portion is in the form of a ring and the first strap extends from the ring.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ratchet is placed along a lateral periphery of the container, the ratchet and the first strap forming a peripheral base, and wherein the second strap connects the locking handle to the peripheral base and discourages removal of a lid of the container when in an engaged position.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, which further includes a friction base coupled to the first strap.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, which further includes a friction surface coupled to the handle and configured to engage the lid of the container.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, which further includes a tensioner having rotating dial that permits the first strap to be placed into tension

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the container securing device includes an aperture through which a knob of the lid is permitted to be inserted

15. An apparatus comprising:

a crock pot holding device including a ratcheting strap having a pivoting release and a locking handle base, the ratcheting strap capable of being positioned about a periphery of a crock pot and the locking handle base capable of discouraging movement of a strap of the crock pot holding device.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the ratcheting strap is structured to discourage removal of a lid of the crock pot.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, which further includes a second ratcheting strap, the ratcheting strap and the second ratcheting strap extending from the locking handle base near a top of the crock pot and down a lateral side of the crock pot.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the locking handle base includes a moveable member that prevents actuation of the ratcheting strap in a first position, and permits actuation of the ratcheting strap in a second position.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the locking handle base includes a handle coupled to the moveable member, the moveable member in the first position when the handle is in a carrying position and the moveable member in the second position when the handle is in a released position.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the crock pot includes a top and a bottom and a lateral periphery between the top and bottom, the ratcheting strap structured to extend around the lateral periphery of the crock pot.

21.-34. (canceled)