COLLAPSIBLE COVERING FOR A BUCKET

Abstract

A collapsible covering for a bucket having a bucket opening and a bucket handle. The covering includes a lower portion configured to receive the bucket and an upper portion configured to fit over the bucket opening. The upper portion includes a releasable top flap providing access to the inside of the bucket. The lower portion and the upper portion are removable from the bucket and are made from a thermally insulating material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to Provisional Patent Application No. 61/482,401 filed May 4, 2011 (“COLLAPSIBLE COVERING FOR A BUCKET”), the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to containers, and more specifically, a covering for a bucket.

When bringing food or drinks outdoors it is often desirable to keep them either hot or cold. Conventional coolers made from plastic or other materials such as polyester or nylon come in a variety of shapes and sizes are typically used for this purpose.

Conventional coolers when loaded can become heavy and are often awkward to carry requiring a person to use both hands. Cost is determined by factors such as quality and durability.

SUMMARY

One example of the invention is a collapsible covering for a bucket. The bucket includes a bucket opening and a bucket handle. The covering includes a lower portion configured to receive the bucket and an upper portion configured to fit over the bucket opening. The upper portion includes a releasable top flap providing access to the inside of the bucket. The lower portion and the upper portion are removable from the bucket and are made from a thermally insulating material

Another example of the invention is a collapsible covering for a bucket. The bucket includes a bucket opening and a bucket handle. The covering includes a lower portion configured to receive the bucket and an upper portion attached to the lower portion. The upper portion is configured to fit over the bucket opening and includes a releasable top flap. The top flap provides access to the inside of the bucket. The lower portion and the upper portion are removable from the bucket and are made from a thermally insulating material.

Yet a further example of the invention is a food storage container. The food storage container includes a bucket with a bucket opening and a bucket handle. A tube-shaped lower portion having a bottom receives the bucket. An upper portion attached to the lower portion fits over the bucket opening and including a releasable top flap. The top flap provides access to the inside of the bucket. A food grade bag is removable attached to the upper portion such that contents placed through the top flap do not come in direct contact with the bucket. The lower portion and the upper portion are removable from the bucket and are made from a thermally insulating material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a collapsible covering for a standard five gallon bucket in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a covering for a standard five gallon bucket in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown.

One embodiment of the invention is a collapsible cylindrical shaped covering 100 for a standard five gallon bucket 112, as shown in FIG. 1. The collapsible covering 100 can be two parts with a lower portion 102, an upper portion 104 with attached top flap 108, and a bottom 106. The top flap 108 can be opened with a zipper 110 or other similar device giving access to the inside of the five gallon bucket 112. The upper or lower portions may be notched to accompany the five gallon bucket swinging handle. In a particular configuration, the diameter is approximately 12 inches and the height is 15 inches.

The lower portion 102 and upper portion 104 with attached top flap 108 is made of flexible material. A standard five gallon bucket 112 may be placed into the lower portion 102. Upper portion 104 with attached top flap 108 may then be placed over top of a standard five gallon bucket 112. Snaps or other fasteners such as Velcro 126 may be used to connect the lower portion 102 with the upper portion 104. Top flap 108 may be zippered closed. The standard five gallon bucket 112 can be completely enclosed insulating the contents. For storage, the five gallon bucket 112 can be removed from the covering 100 allowing the covering 100 to be collapsed. For example, the collapsible covering 100 can be made from insulated material, polyester, nylon, canvas or other suitable material.

In the example configuration of FIG. 1, a standard five gallon bucket 112 is placed in the collapsible covering 100. Food and/or drinks 130 are then placed into the five gallon bucket 112. The covering top flap 108 may be zippered closed so that the contents remain at a certain temperature. The standard five gallon bucket swing handle 128 may be used to carry the covered five gallon bucket 112.

The collapsible covering 100 for a standard five gallon bucket 112 may also include handles 116. The handles 116 may be sewn directly on the covering 100 to assist in lifting or carrying. Handle 118 may be used to lift up top flap 108 when top flap 108 is unzipped. The handles may be fabricated from various materials such as nylon or polyester.

The collapsible cover 100 may include pockets 120 for holding cans, bottles or other items. A clear pocket 122 may also be added so that a name or logo could be placed in the pocket for easy identification. A bottle or can opener 124 may also be sewn onto the cover for convenience.

The collapsible cover may also include a food grade bag that could be attached to the collapsible cover or be used independently. This bag would act as a liner so that food does not come into contact with the plastic five gallon bucket.

Another example of a collapsible covering contemplated by the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment the collapsible covering 202 is one piece and includes cylindrical shaped covering 202 with attached top flap 208 and bottom 206. The covering 202 may be notched to accompany the standard five gallon bucket handle 216. Snaps 226 or other fasteners may be used to secure the covering. Top flap 208 with zipper 210 may be used to fully enclose a standard 5 gallon bucket 212 while enabling access to the contents of the 5 gallon bucket 212. In a particular configuration, the diameter is approximately 12 inches and 15 inches in height.

The cylindrical covering 202 is made from a flexible material. A standard five gallon bucket 212 may be placed inside the covering 202 and top flap 208 may then be zipped closed so that five gallon bucket 212 is fully enclosed in the collapsible cover 202. For storage, the five gallon bucket 212 can be removed from the covering 202 and the covering 202 collapsed. For example the collapsible covering 202 can be made from insulated material, polyester, nylon or other suitable material.

In the example configuration of FIG. 2, a standard five gallon bucket 212 is placed in the collapsible covering 202. Food and drinks 214 are then placed into the five gallon bucket 212. The top flap 208 may be zipped closed so that the contents remain at a certain temperature. The standard five gallon bucket swing handle 216 can be used to carry the enclosed five gallon bucket 212.

The collapsible covering 202 for a standard five gallon bucket 212 may also include handles 218. The handles 218 may be sewn directly on the covering 202 to assist in lifting or carrying. Handle 220 may be used to lift top flap 208 when top flap 208 is unzipped. The handles may be fabricated from various materials such as nylon or polyester.

The collapsible covering 202 may include pockets 222 for holding cans, bottles or other items. A clear pocket 224 may also be added so that a name, logo or other identifier may be placed in the pocket.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention will allow the conversion of a standard five gallon bucket into a quality insulated container. The standard five gallon buckets proven durability and carrying capabilities are utilized with the present invention giving the user a high quality insulated container at a relatively low cost.

While the preferred embodiments to the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.

Claims

1. A collapsible covering for a bucket, the bucket including a bucket opening and a bucket handle, the covering comprising:

a lower portion configured to receive the bucket; and

an upper portion configured to fit over the bucket opening and including a releasable top flap, the top flap providing access to the inside of the bucket;

wherein the lower portion and the upper portion are removable from the bucket and are made from a thermally insulating material.

2. The collapsible covering of claim 1, further comprising a food grade bag attached to the upper portion such that contents placed through the top flap do not come in direct contact with the bucket.

3. The collapsible covering of claim 1, further comprising a zipper for releasing the top flap from and securing the top flap to the upper portion.

4. The collapsible covering of claim 1, wherein the upper portion defines an opening to accommodate the bucket handle.

5. The collapsible covering of claim 1, wherein the lower portion defines an opening accommodate the bucket handle.

6. The collapsible covering of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fasteners to secure the lower portion to the upper portion.

7. The collapsible covering of claim 1, wherein the lower portion includes at least one storage pocket.

8. The collapsible covering of claim 1, wherein the lower portion includes at least one carrying handle.

9. The collapsible covering of claim 1, wherein the top flap includes a flap handle for opening the top flap.

10. The collapsible covering of claim 1, wherein the top flap includes an integrated bottle opener.

11. The collapsible covering of claim 1, wherein lower portion and the upper portion are a unitary member.

12. A collapsible covering of claim 1, wherein the bucket is a five gallon bucket.

13. A collapsible covering for a bucket, the bucket including a bucket opening and a bucket handle, the covering comprising:

a lower portion configured to receive the bucket; and

an upper portion attached to the lower portion, the upper portion configured to fit over the bucket opening and including a releasable top flap, the top flap providing access to the inside of the bucket;

wherein the lower portion and the upper portion are removable from the bucket and are made from a thermally insulating material.

14. The collapsible covering of claim 13, further comprising a food grade bag attached to the upper portion such that contents placed through the top flap do not come in direct contact with the bucket.

15. The collapsible covering of claim 13, further comprising a zipper for releasing the top flap from and securing the top flap to the upper portion.

16. The collapsible covering of claim 13, wherein the upper portion defines an opening to accommodate the bucket handle.

17. The collapsible covering of claim 13, wherein the lower portion defines an opening accommodate the bucket handle.

18. A food storage container comprising:

a bucket including a bucket opening and a bucket handle;

a tube-shaped lower portion having a bottom and receiving the bucket; and

an upper portion attached to the lower portion, the upper portion fitting over the bucket opening and including a releasable top flap, the top flap providing access to the inside of the bucket; and

a food grade bag removable attached to the upper portion such that contents placed through the top flap do not come in direct contact with the bucket; and

wherein the lower portion and the upper portion are removable from the bucket and are made from a thermally insulating material.

19. The food storage container of claim 18, wherein the upper portion defines an opening to accommodate the bucket handle.

20. The food storage container of claim 18, wherein the lower portion defines an opening accommodate the bucket handle.