U.S. patent application number 12/181752 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for ergonomic system for handling a container.
Invention is credited to Stephen B. Temple.
Application Number | 20090032542 12/181752 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40305234 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090032542 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Temple; Stephen B. |
February 5, 2009 |
ERGONOMIC SYSTEM FOR HANDLING A CONTAINER
Abstract
In certain embodiments, a system for ergonomically handling a
container comprises a container body having a container wall with
an inside surface defining an internal cavity configured to receive
material and an opposite external surface. Additionally, the system
includes a handle having opposite first and second ends coupled to
the external surface of the container wall, the handle being able
to rest alongside the external surface. The system further includes
a finger pocket defined in the container wall and adapted for
receiving at least a portion of at least one of a user's fingers to
assist in handling the container.
Inventors: |
Temple; Stephen B.;
(Indianapolis, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOODARD, EMHARDT, MORIARTY, MCNETT & HENRY LLP
111 MONUMENT CIRCLE, SUITE 3700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204-5137
US
|
Family ID: |
40305234 |
Appl. No.: |
12/181752 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60962960 |
Aug 2, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/669 ;
220/752; 220/780; 53/485 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/30 20130101;
B65D 25/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/669 ;
220/752; 220/780; 53/485 |
International
Class: |
B65D 8/12 20060101
B65D008/12; B65D 25/28 20060101 B65D025/28; B65D 41/16 20060101
B65D041/16; B65B 7/28 20060101 B65B007/28 |
Claims
1. A system for ergonomically handling a container, comprising: a
container body having a container wall with an inside surface
defining an internal cavity configured to receive material and an
opposite external surface; a handle having opposite first and
second ends coupled to said external surface of said container
wall, wherein said handle is able to rest alongside said external
surface; a finger pocket defined in said container wall and adapted
for receiving at least a portion of at least one of a user's
fingers to assist in handling the container.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said container wall defines a top
opening in communication with said internal cavity to access said
internal cavity.
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a lid configured to
join with a top surface of said container wall to cover said top
opening.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said container body further
includes a flat or substantially flat bottom surface.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said finger pocket is positioned
adjacent to said bottom surface.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said handle is flexible.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said handle is comprised of a
flexible plastic material.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said finger pocket includes at
least one finger pocket surface defining a finger pocket cavity,
wherein said finger pocket cavity extends from said external
surface inward toward said internal cavity of said container
body.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said external surface is
cylindrical in shape.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein said container wall includes at
least a top finger pocket surface defining said finger pocket for a
user's fingers to contact to carry the container, and wherein said
top finger pocket surface is at least partially textured to prevent
the user's fingers from slipping along said top finger pocket
surface.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said container wall includes a
bottom finger pocket surface defining said finger pocket.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein said finger pocket is
substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape.
13. A system for ergonomically handling a container, comprising: a
container configured to carry an amount of material; a thumb handle
attached to the container, wherein said thumb handle is flexible
and conformable; a contoured palm grasping area of said container
positioned below said thumb handle; a finger insertion cavity
defined in the exterior of said container below said palm grasping
area, said finger insertion cavity being adapted for insertion of
at least a portion of one or more of a user's fingers to assist the
user in handling the container.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said thumb handle, said palm
grasping area, and said finger insertion cavity are vertically
aligned on said container.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein said container body includes a
container wall with an inside surface defining an internal cavity
configured to receive the material and an opposite external
surface, wherein said handle is configured to rest alongside said
external surface.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein said container includes a top
finger cavity surface defining said finger insertion cavity for a
user's fingers to contact to carry the container, wherein said top
finger cavity surface is at least partially textured to prevent the
user's fingers from slipping along said top finger cavity
surface.
17. A container, comprising: a container body having a wall portion
and a bottom portion, said container body defining an internal
cavity configured to receive material, wherein said wall portion
defines a top opening in communication with said internal cavity
for a user to access said internal cavity; a lid configured to
couple with said wall portion to close said top opening; a handle
having opposite first and second ends coupled to said wall portion,
wherein said handle is able to rest alongside said wall portion; a
finger pocket defined at least in part by said wall portion, said
finger pocket being configured for insertion of at least a portion
of at least one of a user's fingers to assist in handling the
container.
18. The container of claim 17, wherein said wall portion and said
bottom portion are integrally molded such that said container body
is a unitary, monolithic piece.
19. The container of claim 17, wherein said finger pocket is
positioned adjacent said bottom portion.
20. A method for packaging a paint or coating product within an
ergonomic paint can, comprising: providing an ergonomic paint can
having a wall portion and a bottom portion, the container body
defining an internal cavity configured to receive material wherein
the wall portion defines a top opening in communication with the
internal cavity for a user to access the internal cavity, wherein
the ergonomic paint can includes a handle having opposite first and
second ends coupled to the wall portion, the handle being able to
rest alongside the wall portion, wherein the ergonomic paint can
includes a finger pocket defined at least in part by the wall
portion, the finger pocket being configured for insertion of at
least a portion of at least one of a user's fingers to assist in
handling the container; providing a paint or coating product;
adding the paint or coating product to the internal cavity of the
ergonomic paint can; providing a paint can lid; and coupling the
paint can lid to the wall portion of the ergonomic paint can to
close the top opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/962,960 filed Aug. 2,
2007 entitled ERGONOMIC SYSTEM FOR HANDLING A BUCKET which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present invention relates generally to systems for
handling containers, and more specifically to an ergonomically
improved system of hand carrying and controlling containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Containers, such as standard paint buckets as an example,
offer very little means for flexibility of use or ergonomic
optimization of control. Among the difficulties presented by the
standard container, such as a paint bucket, are limitations in how
the container may be held. The standard bucket can generally only
be held by the handle, with the handle positioned generally
vertical and above the weight of the container. This offers no
practical means of supporting the container from below or
underneath with a single hand, since that hand is being used to
carry the bucket via the handle positioned above the mass of the
container.
[0004] Prior art devices have attempted to overcome some of these
difficulties, but have not been completely successful as they yield
varying levels of effectiveness relative to consumer acceptance and
true ergonomic improvement. Many previous attempts have resulted in
containers which may be difficult to use and manipulate, and may
have limited market potential to either after-market applications
(stand alone item typically purchased as ancillary assist tool) or
as OEM (original equipment manufacturing) products sold directly to
paint or coatings manufacturers to be filled with product, labeled
and readied for sale. A typical OEM configuration may be a one
gallon (or thereabouts) paint can filled with paint, labeled with
appropriate information for the specific paint and brand, and
intended for sale on retail shelves. An example of such a prior art
OEM paint can is the "Twist & Pour Container" by Dutch Boy, a
brand by Sherwin Williams. The Dutch Boy "Twist & Pour
Container" is a plastic paint container having an integrally molded
and defined side handle. This design has many disadvantages,
including at least the inability to hold the container from above,
the relatively small gripping area of the handle, and the inability
of the container to function as a practical or marketable design
for after-market sales.
[0005] An example of an after-market prior art container is the
"Handy Paint Pail" manufactured by Bercom, Inc. which provides a
side handle on the side exterior of the container. However, the
Handy Paint Pail may not be practically adapted to OEM
applications, and it does not incorporate product features which
adequately address many important ergonomic issues and
dynamics.
[0006] An improved ergonomic system for handling a container is
desired for both OEM and after-market applications.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] In certain embodiments, a system for ergonomically handling
a container comprises a container body having a container wall with
an inside surface defining an internal cavity configured to receive
material and an opposite external surface. Additionally, the system
includes a handle having opposite first and second ends coupled to
the external surface of the container wall, the handle being able
to rest alongside the external surface. The system further includes
a finger pocket defined in the container wall and adapted for
receiving at least a portion of at least one of a user's fingers to
assist in handling the container.
[0008] In certain embodiments, a system for ergonomically handling
a container comprises a container configured to carry an amount of
material, and a thumb handle attached to the container, the thumb
handle being flexible and conformable. The system further includes
a contoured palm grasping area of the container below the thumb
handle and a finger insertion cavity defined in the exterior of the
container below the palm grasping area. Additionally, the finger
insertion cavity is adapted for insertion of at least a portion of
one or more of a user's fingers to assist the user in handling the
container.
[0009] In certain embodiments, a paint can comprises a container
body having a wall portion and a bottom portion, the container body
defining an internal cavity configured to receive material. The
wall portion defines a top opening in communication with the
internal cavity for a user to access the internal cavity. The paint
can may further include a lid configured to couple with the wall
portion to close the top opening and a handle having opposite first
and second ends coupled to the wall portion, the handle being able
to rest alongside the wall portion. Additionally, the paint can
includes a finger pocket defined at least in part by the wall
portion, the finger pocket being configured for insertion of at
least a portion of at least one of a user's fingers to assist in
handling the container.
[0010] In certain embodiments, a method for packaging a paint or
coating product within an ergonomic paint can comprises providing
an ergonomic paint can having a wall portion and a bottom portion,
the container body defining an internal cavity configured to
receive material. The wall portion defines a top opening in
communication with the internal cavity for a user to access the
internal cavity. Additionally, the ergonomic paint can includes a
handle having opposite first and second ends coupled to the wall
portion, the handle being able to rest alongside the wall portion.
The ergonomic paint can also includes a finger pocket defined at
least in part by the wall portion, the finger pocket being
configured for insertion of at least a portion of at least one of a
user's fingers to assist in handling the container. The method
further comprises providing a paint or coating product and adding
the paint or coating product to the internal cavity of the
ergonomic paint can. Additionally, the method includes providing a
paint can lid and coupling the paint can lid to the wall portion of
the ergonomic paint can to close the top opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handle of the container
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container body of the
container according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the container
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the container body of
the container according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0016] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the disclosure, 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 disclosure is thereby
intended, such alterations and further modifications in the
illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles
of the disclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would
normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure
relates.
[0017] The present disclosure is generally directed to an ergonomic
system for handling a container. In certain embodiments, the
ergonomic system is a three-part system incorporating a flexible
thumb handle, a contoured palm grasping area, and a finger pocket.
The handle, palm grasping area and finger pocket may be
substantially vertically aligned down the side of the exterior of
the container. The different components of the presently disclosed
system together function to distribute the weight of the container
(and the material therein) across the user's hand, providing the
user the ability to hold the container in an ergonomic and stable
manner with one hand.
[0018] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 5, the three-part
ergonomic system is applied to a container 10 having a container
body 12, a handle 14, an optional lid 16, and a finger pocket 18
defined in the container body. Additionally, container 10 includes
a contoured palm grasping area generally designated at numeral 20.
For simplicity in illustrating the system according to the present
disclosure, the illustrated container is a paint can configured to
contain a paint product or a coatings can configured to contain a
coating product such as stains, adhesives or sealants, as examples.
However, it should be appreciated that the system may be applied to
many other types of appropriate containers as would occur to one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0019] More specifically, container body 12 consists of a side wall
30 and a bottom 32. Side wall 30 includes an exterior surface 30a,
an interior surface 30b, and a top surface 30c for coupling with
lid 16 (see FIG. 3). Bottom 32 includes a top surface 32a and a
bottom surface 32b (see FIGS. 3 and 5). In certain embodiments, top
surface 32a may also be the bottom surface defining the finger
pocket. Bottom surface 32b may be flat or substantially flat to
allow the container to rest on a support surface. Additionally,
side wall 30 and bottom 32 may be separate components joined
together or may be integrally molded components to create a
unitary, monolithic container body.
[0020] Side wall 30 defines a top opening 40 in communication with
the interior cavity 42 defined by the container body (see FIG. 3).
In certain embodiments, a combination of interior surface 30b and
top surface 32a may define the interior cavity 42. The edges of lid
16 are configured to couple with at least top surface 30c of the
side wall to close the top opening and substantially prevent access
to the interior cavity. It should be appreciated that lid 16 may be
engaged with the container body in a variety of appropriate manners
as would generally occur to one skilled in the art.
[0021] In an alternative optional embodiment, the lid may be
hingedly attached to the container body. In this way, the lid can
be easily moved between open and closed positions. Additionally,
flipping the lid to the closed position via the hinged connection
may help to seal the container's contents from atmospheric
conditions, to avoid effects such as skimming over of paint. In
another alternative optional embodiment, the lid may be configured
to be used as a stand for which to place the container body on. As
such, the lid may be removed from the top of the container and
coupled to the underside of the container to function as a stand.
In yet another alternative optional embodiment, the lid may include
one or more openings configured to receive a paint brush handle and
hold or suspend the paint brush from the lid. In particular
embodiments, the opening may include a perforated rubber or
flexible plastic cover to engage the brush handle and hold it in
the suspended position.
[0022] Container 10 includes handle attachment features 44 disposed
on exterior surface 30a (see FIG. 3). In certain embodiments,
handle attachment features 44 define holes 45 to engage with the
ends of the handle. As illustrated in FIG. 2, handle 14 includes
first and second ends 14a and 14b, each having a projection 46
configured to be received in holes 45 to engage the handle with the
container body. Handle attachment features 44 may be diametrically
opposite each other on the container body, or may be positioned
closer together or farther apart about the container wall
circumference as would generally occur to one skilled in the art.
The illustrated engagement of the handle to the container body is
just one example of numerous possible arrangements contemplated by
the present disclosure.
[0023] In preferred embodiments, handle 14 is flexible and
conformable. As an example, handle 14 may be comprised of a
flexible plastic material 48, such as low density polyethylene. In
alternative embodiments, handle 14 may be padded with a cushioning
material wrapped around a flexible metal or plastic wire. Handle 14
is preferably sufficiently flexible such that it at least slightly
molds or conforms to the user's thumb area. As illustrated in FIG.
1, handle 14 may be able to rest against exterior surface 30a. In
such embodiments, projections 46 are moveable within holes 45 of
handle attachment features 44 to move handle 14 through different
positions. When transporting the container from one location to
another, the ergonomic handle may be pulled upward in a
substantially vertical position and used like a typical bucket
carrying handle.
[0024] As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, finger pocket 18 is a
cavity extending from exterior surface 30a inward toward the center
of the container body. The finger pocket cavity may be sized,
shaped and configured for insertion of at least a portion of at
least one of the user's fingers therein. In the illustrated
embodiment, the finger pocket is positioned adjacent and just above
the bottom 32 of the container body. However, it should be
appreciated that the finger pocket may be positioned at other
appropriate locations as would occur to one skilled in the art. In
the particular illustrated embodiment, finger pocket 18 includes a
finger insertion interior cavity 60 defined by a plurality of
finger pocket surfaces, including side surfaces 61, back surface
62, top surface 63, and bottom surface 64, with a side access
opening 70 to access the cavity (see FIG. 4). Optionally, at least
top surface 63 may include surface texturing to prevent a user's
fingers from slipping along the top surface when handling the
container and provide added stabilization to the user's control of
the container. In certain embodiments, surface 64 may be aligned
with top surface 32a of bottom 32. In some embodiments, surfaces 64
and 32a may be portions of the same surface. In other embodiments,
surface 64 may be positioned slightly above or below surface 32a.
In alternative embodiments, bottom surface 64 may be absent, such
that only top, side and back surfaces define the finger pocket
insertion cavity, with the cavity being open along the bottom
thereof in addition to being open at the side. In the illustrated
embodiment, finger pocket 18 is substantially rectangular in
cross-sectional shape. However, it should be appreciated that in
other embodiments the finger pocket can be shaped, sized and
configured differently than as illustrated.
[0025] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, finger pocket 18 extends into
interior cavity 42, but is not in communication therewith such that
the material placed in the container is separated from and does not
travel into the finger pocket. In other words, if a liquid or other
flowable material is placed in the interior cavity 42 of the
container body, the material will flow around the exterior surfaces
of the finger pocket which extend into the interior cavity. In
alternative embodiments, the top exterior surface of the finger
pocket may extend across the interior cavity, creating a false
floor or bottom of the interior of the container.
[0026] Palm grasping area 20 allows for a substantial portion of
the user's palm to press securely against the side exterior of the
container when the user is also utilizing the flexible thumb handle
and the finger pocket. When used in this way, the palm of the
user's hand acts as a stabilizing surface in the proximity of the
container's center of gravity, which can aid in distributing evenly
the weight of the material in the container throughout the user's
hand. In preferred embodiments, the palm grasping area 20 is
contoured for ease of gripping by the palm of the user's hand. As
particular examples, area 20 may be curved or rounded. Accordingly,
in certain embodiments, the container wall 30 is substantially
cylindrical in shape with a circle cross-section along area 20.
However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments the container
wall and thus the container body may be shaped, sized and
configured differently than as illustrated. As an example, in
alternative embodiments, the container wall may be square in
cross-sectional shape.
[0027] During use, a user may implement the three-part system to
handle and control container 10. Accordingly, the user may grab
handle 14 with their thumb, place the palm of their hand (and
optionally one or more fingers) against exterior surface 30a in
palm grasping area 20, and insert one or more fingers in the finger
pocket 18 such that the fingers contact the top surface 63. More
specifically, the handle is laid along the side exterior of the
container and the user's thumb is inserted between the handle and
the side exterior of the container and then at least slightly
wrapped around the handle. The flexibility of the handle enables
the user to wrap their thumb at least slightly around the top of
the handle to provide a customized and secure fit against the side
of the container.
[0028] Accordingly, the user may hold the container with one hand
by distributing the weight of the container and the material in the
container throughout the user's hand. In a particular embodiment,
the user's palm, index finger, and middle finger are placed against
the exterior surface and the user's ring finger and little (or
pinky) finger are inserted in the finger pocket cavity. The
presently disclosed system allows the user to hold the container in
a stable and ergonomic manner with one hand. Additionally, the
presently disclosed system allows the user to hold the container
substantially from the bottom or from a position below the majority
of the mass of the container, rather than holding the container
from above via a handle or another mechanism. Further, the finger
pocket allows the user to set the container down on a support
surface without the fingers being disposed between the container
and the surface, enabling a smoother transition without need for
the user's other hand to assist in setting the container on the
support surface.
[0029] Alternatively, it is contemplated that the system for
handling a container according to the present disclosure may
include only one or two of the three features described above as
part of the three-part ergonomic system, with one or two of the
other features being absent. For example, in one alternative
embodiment, the container may include a finger pocket, but the palm
grasping area and the thumb handle may be absent.
[0030] Additionally, it is contemplated that the containers
according to the present disclosure may be designed and configured
for use as after-market containers or OEM products. In an example
embodiment in which the containers according to the present
disclosure are paint cans, the containers may be after-market paint
containers purchased in addition to paint provided in a typical or
prior art paint can. In such embodiments, the paint may be poured
into the containers and used as desired after purchasing the paint
and the containers separately. In another example embodiment in
which the containers according to the present disclosure are paint
cans, the containers may be OEM (original equipment manufacturing)
products which are sold to or otherwise provided to, or
alternatively manufactured by, paint manufacturers, filled with
paint products by the paint manufacturers, labeled with appropriate
information identifying the specific paint and brand, and readied
for sale.
[0031] While the disclosure 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 disclosure are desired to be
protected.
* * * * *