HANGING STORAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

A hanging storage container (30) is provided that includes a structure having a upper portion (40) and a lower portion (42) interconnected by a flat plane like substantially vertical back (44), having a bounding surface (46) extending from one vertical side of a substantially vertical back (44) to its opposite vertical side along lower portion (42) forming the enclosure (48), having a bottom (50) interconnecting with substantially vertical back (44) and bounding surface (46) continuously at the perimeter of a flat plane like bottom (50), having a hanger (52) located at upper portion (40) formed from the substantially horizontal surface (54) interconnected to the upper end of substantially vertical back (44) and the upper end of the prong (56) forming a loop (58). A means to contain, store and transport various items improving the workflow of a utility person (120).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to storage containers, in particular to storage containers that hang and are primarily used by utility persons.

Storage containers are known and used by the labor trades to contain, store and transport various items. Containers presently on the market include various plastic and metal boxes with and without lids. Most containers do a good job of storing items. Often these containers are cumbersome to actually use. Removing and returning contents becomes more of a chore encumbering workflow.

To over come some of the disadvantages of storage containers utility persons have been imaginative in implementing the use of buckets, cans, jars and other common items to improve their workflow.

In addition to these efforts, other products have immerged on the market to make better use of buckets, cans, jars and other common items implemented by utility persons as containers. One example of this is bucket mountable caddies made of leather or fabric. The soft-sided, collapsible character of these caddies is often a disadvantage when removing and returning contents. As well, jars have unattached lids that once separated from the jar often become lost.

Other efforts have produced hard sided organizers without lids or covers. The disadvantage of these organizers is an inability to contain items if the container is inadvertently upset. Another disadvantage of these containers is inability to protect the contents from the weather elements.

None of the above mentioned containers are use efficient in maintaining an expedited workflow. Lacking uniformity in serving a multitude of a utility persons needs is another disadvantage of these containers.

Accordingly there is a need for a hanging storage container which overcomes the limitations of the containers, noted above, and allows for ease of use and uniformity in serving a multitude of a utility persons needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A hanging storage container is provided that comprises: an upper portion; and a lower portion, the lower portion interconnected to the upper portion with a planer vertical back, the lower portion comprising a bounding surface extending between a first vertical end of the vertical back and a second vertical end of the vertical back opposite the first vertical end, and a bottom interconnected to the vertical back and the bounding surface to form an enclosure, the upper portion comprising a hanger extending from the vertical back.

In at least one embodiment the hanger comprises a substantially horizontal surface extending from the vertical back, and a prong extending from the horizontal surface, the hanger therewith forming an open loop.

In at least one embodiment the hanger comprises a vertical slot from a bottom end of the prong at least to the horizontal surface.

In at least one embodiment the prong has an S shape.

In at least one embodiment an opening in the loop has a dimension of from about 0 inches to about 1.5 inches.

In at least one embodiment the horizontal surface having a hole therein in line with the slot in the prong,

In at least one embodiment the container comprises a lid hinged to the vertical back, the lid comprising a fastener allowing a user to couple the lid to a corresponding fastener located on the vertical back.

In at least one embodiment the container at least one frame for removably affixing a label to the container.

In at least one embodiment the container at least one notch in a lower portion of the bounding surface.

In at least one embodiment the container a handle located vertically below the hanger on the vertical back of the container.

In at least one embodiment the bottom of the container having at least one drain hole therein.

In at least one embodiment a method of using the storage container is provided that comprises placing the hanging container over a bucket, the hanging container comprising an upper portion; and a lower portion, the lower portion interconnected to the upper portion with a planer vertical back, the lower portion comprising a bounding surface extending between a first vertical end of the vertical back and a second vertical end of the vertical back opposite the first vertical end, and a bottom interconnected to the vertical back and the bounding surface to form an enclosure, the upper portion comprising a hanger extending from the vertical back, the hanging container placed over the bucket so as to straddle a side wall of the bucket between the vertical back and the prong of the container.

In at least one embodiment the hanger comprises a substantially horizontal surface extending from the vertical back, and a prong extending from the horizontal surface, the hanger therewith forming an open loop, the side wall of the bucket placed within the open loop.

In at least one embodiment the hanger comprises a vertical slot from a bottom end of the prong at least to the horizontal surface, the hanger placed over the bucket so as to locate a handle of the bucket within the slot.

Additional aspects of the present invention will be apparent in view of the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hanging storage container according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of FIG. 1, right side being substantially opposite.

FIG. 4 is a back view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hanging storage container according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a left side view of FIG. 7, right side being substantially opposite.

FIG. 10 is a back view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a top view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of two hanging storage containers, in use, on a bucket according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of six hanging storage containers, in use, on a bucket according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hanging storage container, in use, on a utility cart according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a hanging storage container, in use, on a mop bucket according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of two hanging storage containers, in use, on a chest type cooler according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a hanging storage container, in use, on a waste receptacle according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a hanging storage container, in use, on a ladder according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a hanging storage container, in use, on a piece of lumber, of common 2×4 dimension, according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the accessory belt for a hanging storage container according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a detail view of the hanging bracket from FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a left side view of FIG. 22; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an accessory belt and hanging storage container in use on a utility person according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, this embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

The inventor of the hanging storage container 30 has discovered the general well being and workflow of the utility person 120 can be improved by having uniform hanging storage containers 30 equipped to serve many functions and easily used in conjunction with buckets 88 and a variety of other objects having an accessible lip 90 on which to hang a hanging storage container 30.

A hanging storage container 30 is easily removable (without having to remove the stored items) and can be easily transported to another structure. A tradesman such as a plumber might store required, common parts such as one half inch pvc fittings. Several bins with organized parts would be housed in the workman's van and may be easily “pulled as needed” from the workman's van or work truck and placed over a bucket 88 and then transported to the work site or project.

A hanging storage container 30 will allow bulk storage of cleaning products directly inside a hanging storage container 30 itself allowing the workman to buy larger bulk quantities of cleaning products and pour required quantity for a certain job or task inside a hanging storage container 30. A hanging storage container 30 has enough storage capacity for trade workers such a plumbers or electricians to separate and itemize key working materials or components such as pvc fittings or electrical wire ties.

A hanging storage container 30 allows fisherman to thaw baits within the interior of the bucket 88 all the while using the attached exterior hanging storage containers 30 to store and organize pre-rigged baits ready for use. Pre-rigged pitch baits may also be stored in hanging storage containers 30 and made ready for use.

Referring to FIG. 1-FIG. 6, a hanging storage container 30, according to at least one embodiment of the invention, includes a structure having the upper portion 40 and the lower portion 42. Upper portion 40 and lower portion 42 are interconnected by the flat plane like substantially vertical back 44. The bounding surface 46 extends from one vertical side of a substantially vertical back 44 to its opposite vertical side, along lower portion 42, forming the enclosure 48. The bottom 50 interconnects substantially vertical back 44 and bounding surface 46, continuously, at the perimeter of the flat plane like bottom 50.

The hanger 52, located at upper portion 40, is formed from the substantially horizontal surface 54 interconnected to the upper end of substantially vertical back 44 and the upper end of the prong 56 forming the loop 58.

Referring to FIG. 7-FIG. 12, a hanging storage container 30 according to at least one embodiment of the invention includes a structure having an upper portion 40 and a lower portion 42. Upper portion 40 and lower portion 42 are interconnected by a flat plane like substantially vertical back 44. A bounding surface 46 extends from one vertical side of a substantially vertical back 44 to its opposite vertical side, along lower portion 42, forming an enclosure 48. A bottom 50 interconnects substantially vertical back 44 and bounding surface 46, continuously, at the perimeter of a flat plane like bottom 50.

A hanger 52, located at upper portion 40, is formed from the substantially horizontal surface 54 interconnected to the upper end of substantially vertical back 44 and the upper end of a prong 56 forming a loop 58.

The prong 56 is made from flex-able material configured in a S type configuration, when viewed from its side. This configuration allows for expansion and contraction of the opening of loop 58 at its bottom. Also, this configuration allows for accommodating a variety of sizes of the lip 90, who's width dimensions are from approximately 0.0 inches to 1.50 inches. A lip 90, more of which will be disclosed later, can be any surface from which a hanging storage container 30 can hang.

The substantially flat lid 60 is interconnected by the hinge 62 to substantially vertical back 44. A hinge 62 is comprised of one or more components in the form of a mechanical hinge 62 or a living hinge 62. The top front of lid 60 contains the closure 66 and the fastener 64. The purpose of the above mentioned assembly is to close off the enclosure 48 from the weather elements. The lid 60 articulates from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position in secure contact with upper portion 40 via fastener 64 so as to allow full access to the enclosure 48. Thus, lid 60 is kept out of the way of being damaged or torn off accidentally.

A fastener 64 is comprised of opposite matting components some examples of which are snaps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners and other means known in the arts to serve the purpose of holding lid 60 in a positively open position, interconnected with fastener 64 contained in the upper end of substantially vertical back 44.

A closure 66 is comprised of opposite matting components some examples of which are clasps, latches, snaps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners and other means known in the arts to serve the purpose of holding lid 60 in a positively closed position, interconnected with closure 66 contained in the upper end of bounding surface 46.

The seal 68 is seated on the upper edge of bounding surface 46 and serves the means of forming a liquid tight joint between lid 60 and bounding surface 46. A seal 68 can have a circular, rectangular or other cross section and be made of rubber, elastomers or other materials known in the arts to form a liquid tight joint.

A hanging storage container 30 is designed to hold items such as abrasive cleaner, a bottle of dishwashing soap, furniture polishes, and the like. All within a watertight top seal 68 to keep moisture from getting to powdered products or powdered abrasive cleaners. A janitorial service company or household maid may use hanging storage containers 30 to carry required cleaning items throughout a facility without having to carry two buckets 88 or go back and forth to obtain other cleaning solutions because they were all physically impossible to carry at one time.

A hanging storage container 30 will allow watertight closure and protection from the elements for all tools stored. A workman may store and weather protect any sensitive tools such as pliers, wire cutters, ratchets and other electronic or battery powered tools such as stud finding device or electrical testers.

An enclosure 48 may or may not contain the dividers 70. Dividers 70 are rectangular flat plane construction and extend from a bottom 50 to the proximity of the upper end of bounding surface 46. Dividers 70 may or may not be removable. Dividers 70 may or may not have one or more vertical notches to inter leave a divider 70 with a divider 70. Dividers 70 may divide the enclosure 48 in half or quarters depending on how you use the dividers 70.

The labels 72 are positioned any where on the front side of a hanging storage container 30 in the preferred embodiment at the lower portion 42. A label 72 can be a designated area for marking or an attached label 72 of any sort of material. The purpose of a label 72 is for identification.

The label frames 74 are positioned any where on the front side of a hanging storage container 30 in the preferred embodiment at the lower portion 42. A label frame 74 is purposed to hold or contain a label 72. The label frame has a cross section configured as an L or U shaped frame with a slit across the top for inserting a label 72. A frame may be permanently or temporarily affixed to a hanging storage container 30.

For functional handling, a hanging storage container 30 contains one or more thumb and finger notches 76, allowing a utility person 120 to more easily grip the hanging storage container 30. The thumb and finger notches 76 are positioned on the lower portion 42. Notches 76 help easily grab the bin to lift off of a structure or bucket 88 for relocating to a different structure or for easy handling while transporting to a stowage area such as a work truck.

The hanging hole 78 is approximately 0.25 inches in diameter and located on substantially horizontal surface 54 to utilize hanging a hanging storage container 30 on a hook 114, more of which will be described latter, or on a conventional pegboard hook.

The slot 80 located within prong 56 is approximately 0.25 inches in width and can extend as much as the vertical height of prong 56. The slot 80 is purposed to insert a bucket handle 92 attached to a bucket 88 or serve other means. A slot 80 actually allows the bucket handle 92 to stay in an upright position thereby allowing the bucket handle 92 to be up without having to remove a hanging storage container 30 from its place.

The handle 82 attaches to the substantially vertical back 44 and serves as a means to hold a hanging storage container 30 and other purpose to be described later.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 12. The drain holes 84 are disclosed. Drain holes 84 are approximately 0.50 inches in diameter and serve the purpose of allowing moisture to escape from enclosure 48. The removable slugs 86 are provide that utility person 120 can remove the removable slugs 86 by tapping them out of bottom 50 thus forming drain holes 84.

A hanging storage container 30 is designed to efficiently hold larger and longer items such as long handle scrub brushes, sponges and the like. Each hanging storage container 30 has capability to allow a utility person 120 to “punch out” pre designed drain holes 84 for allowing a particular hanging storage container 30 to hold such items and allow moisture or water to escape the hanging storage container 30 interior. Someone washing a car or boat is able to utilize one common bucket 88 that caries all cleaning utensils required. These cleaning utensils may be used and placed back in a hanging storage container 30 immediately after use, because the utility person 120 has “punched out” the pre drilled holes 84 to allow the hanging storage container 30 to drain free of water or moisture.

Referring once again to FIG. 1-FIG. 12, in the preferred embodiment, an effective means of manufacturing the hanging storage container 30 is by injection molding polymers from the thermoplastic or thermosetting family of materials. The hanging storage container 30 being molded in one or more parts fitted in an assembly to form hanging storage container 30. In one embodiment a hanging storage container 30 may be made from high density polyethylene or other similar materials that are resistant to lacquer thinners or chemicals that a workman may utilize to clean paint brushes or hand tools with. The plastic material construction of a hanging storage container 30 allows for easy cleaning either by wiping down with a cloth or cleaning agent or spraying with a hose by water that a drywall contractor may easily clean off remnants of drywall mud after use of a hanging storage container 30, towel dry and stow away in a dry area such as a work truck.

In another embodiment a hanging storage container 30 will be made from food grade plastic products allowing the storage of foods. A restaurant may store cut tomatoes or small red tomatoes, for example, by hanging a hanging storage container 30 inside a walk in cooler with shelving.

While many different and varied dimensions are possible in manufacturing a hanging storage container 30, in the preferred embodiment, the preferred dimensions are as follows. At bottom 50 the width α is 4.0 inches. At bounding surface 46 a vertical height of β is 9.75 inches. At upper portion 40 a vertical height of χ is 3.50 inches. At bottom 50 the length δ is 4.0 inches. At loop 58 the width of ε is 1.50 inches. At handle 82 the width of φ is 0.75 inches. At a substantially horizontal surface 54 the distance from hanging hole 58 to the prong 56 the approximate dimension of γ is 0.75 inches. The above dimensions could have a variance of plus or minus 5.0 percent.

Referring to FIG. 13-24, in the preferred embodiment, method of use is disclosed to specifically show how the hanging storage container is used in practice.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of two hanging storage containers 30 in use on a bucket according to at least another embodiment of the present invention. Hanging storage container 30 can hang on the inside or out side of a bucket 88. Handle 82 serves a further means to keep the hanging storage container 30 approximately level on the average five gallon bucket 88. A dimension of φ approximately being 0.75 inches is critical in this instance. The hook and loop fastener 94 mounts to the back side of handle 82 and the front or inside of bucket 88 to secure hanging storage container 30 in place. Slot 80 is shown at the backside of prong 56 serving as a means to clear bucket handle 92.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of six hanging storage containers 30 in use on a bucket 88 according to at least another embodiment of the present invention. In this view it is disclosed a series of hanging storage containers 30 can be used to fill a lip 90 of a bucket 88. A hanging storage container 30 may be used either exterior or interior of a bucket 88. A painter may utilize three hanging storage containers 30 (with 3 different colors) inside the bucket 88. Moreover, a gardener may utilize the hanging storage containers 30 inside the bucket 88 to organize and store gardening tools such as small shovels, gloves or seed packages. In a food application, a person having an outdoor party may store foods that require refrigeration in a cooler and then utilize three interior hanging storage containers 30 to separate foods such as fruits. In this case, there also remains enough residual space between the three hanging storage containers 30 to install ice (within the bucket 88) allowing the hanging storage containers 30, and stored foods, to remain at required temperature.

A hanging storage container 30 allows use of the interior of the bucket if hanging storage containers 30 are utilized on the exterior. A painter might store his paint roller brush in a hanging storage container 30 while the interior of the bucket contains the paint itself.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hanging storage container 30 in use, on the lip 90, on a utility cart 96 and attached to the side of the utility cart 96 via hook and loop fastener 94 according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a hanging storage container in use, on the lip 90, on a mop bucket 98 according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of two hanging storage containers 30 in use, on the lip 90, on a chest type cooler 100 according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a hanging storage container 30 in use, on the lip 90, on a waste receptacle 102 according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a hanging storage container in use, on the lip 90, on a ladder 104 according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a hanging storage container in use, on the lip 90, on a piece of common 2×4 dimension lumber 106, according to at least another embodiment of the present invention. The documents 108 are able to be stored in the liquid tight environment of enclosure 48. In this embodiment the dimension a vertical height of β is approximately 27.00 inches. Hanging hole 78 or slot 80 can also be used, in this embodiment, as a portal for a screw or nail to more permanently affix the hanging storage container 30 to lumber 106.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the accessory belt 110 for a hanging storage container 30 according to at least another embodiment of the present invention. The purpose of which is to improve the workflow of a utility person 120 by allowing a hanging storage container 30 to be more accessable. In the preferred embodiment the belt portion of the accessory belt 110 is made of nylon or other material. The hanging bracket 112 is injection molded from polymers or made from metal.

A hanging storage container 30 will be easily detached from the bucket 88 or structure and may be used by draping over a workman's belt or may be used utilizing the belt/hangar apparatus described. A painter may fill paint in a hanging storage container 30 and may utilize the waist feature to have access to a hanging storage container 30 while on a ladder 104, for example. Moreover, this same workman may use the handle 82 feature located on the back of a hanging storage container 30 to hold a hanging storage container 30 while accessing the inside contents without using a hanging storage container 30 on his or her waist.

FIG. 22 is a detail view of the hanging bracket 112 from FIG. 21. One or more fastener holes 118 are incorporated to serve as a means to use hanging bracket 112 on a wall, slatwall or pegboard by the use of fasteners such as screws, bolts or hooks. A hanging bracket 112 is formed, to most certainly be used, when you don't have a pegboard or slatwall application.

FIG. 23 is a left side view of FIG. 22. Belt loops 116 are further disclosed as a means to connect accessory belt 110 with hanging bracket 112; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an accessory belt 110 and hanging storage container 30, in use, on a utility person 120 according to at least another embodiment of the present invention.

As a result, while the above description contains many specific elements, dimensions, functions and parameters, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention but rather as examples of different embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, from a reading of the disclosure, that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A hanging storage container comprising:

an upper portion; and

a lower portion, the lower portion interconnected to the upper portion with a planer vertical back, the lower portion comprising a bounding surface extending between a first vertical end of the vertical back and a second vertical end of the vertical back opposite the first vertical end, and a bottom interconnected to the vertical back and the bounding surface to form an enclosure, the upper portion comprising a hanger extending from the vertical back.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the hanger comprises a substantially horizontal surface extending from the vertical back, and a prong extending from the horizontal surface, the hanger therewith forming an open loop.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the hanger comprises a vertical slot from a bottom end of the prong at least to the horizontal surface.

4. The container of claim 2, wherein the prong has an S shape.

5. The container of claim 2, wherein an opening in the loop has a dimension of from about 0 inches to about 1.5 inches.

6. The container of claim 2, the horizontal surface having a hole therein in line with the slot in the prong,

7. The container of claim 1, comprising a lid hinged to the vertical back, the lid comprising a fastener allowing a user to couple the lid to a corresponding fastener located on the vertical back.

8. The container of claim 1, comprising at least one frame for removably affixing a label to the container.

9. The container of claim 1, comprising at least one notch in a lower portion of the bounding surface.

10. The container of claim 1, comprising a handle located vertically below the hanger on the vertical back of the container.

11. The container of claim 1, the bottom of the container having at least one drain hole therein.

12. A method for using a hanging storage container comprising:

placing the hanging container over a bucket, the hanging container comprising an upper portion; and a lower portion, the lower portion interconnected to the upper portion with a planer vertical back, the lower portion comprising a bounding surface extending between a first vertical end of the vertical back and a second vertical end of the vertical back opposite the first vertical end, and a bottom interconnected to the vertical back and the bounding surface to form an enclosure, the upper portion comprising a hanger extending from the vertical back, the hanging container placed over the bucket so as to straddle a side wall of the bucket between the vertical back and the prong of the container.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the hanger comprises a substantially horizontal surface extending from the vertical back, and a prong extending from the horizontal surface, the hanger therewith forming an open loop, the side wall of the bucket placed within the open loop.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the hanger comprises a vertical slot from a bottom end of the prong at least to the horizontal surface, the hanger placed over the bucket so as to locate a handle of the bucket within the slot.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the prong has an S shape.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein an opening in the loop has a dimension of from about 0 inches to about 1.5 inches.

17. The method of claim 13, the horizontal surface having a hole therein in line with the slot in the prong,

18. The method of claim 12, the hanger comprising a lid hinged to the vertical back, the lid comprising a fastener allowing a user to couple the lid to a corresponding fastener located on the vertical back.

19. The method of claim 12, the hanger comprising a handle located vertically below the hanger on the vertical back of the container.

20. The method of claim 12, the bottom of the container having at least one drain hole therein.