U.S. patent application number 13/614384 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-10 for wheeled bucket.
This patent application is currently assigned to Keter Plastic Ltd.. Invention is credited to Zvi Zak.
Application Number | 20130009370 13/614384 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36384286 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130009370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zak; Zvi |
January 10, 2013 |
WHEELED BUCKET
Abstract
A bucket comprises generally vertical sidewalls and a bottom
portion, defining together a bucket interior. The bucket further
comprises a back face, constituting one of the sidewalls, which
extends substantially above the height of the bucket interior. The
bucket still further comprises at least two wheels mounted to the
bucket at the back face about an axis at a bottom area thereof.
Inventors: |
Zak; Zvi; (Herzlia,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Keter Plastic Ltd.
Herzelvia
IL
|
Family ID: |
36384286 |
Appl. No.: |
13/614384 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11327445 |
Jan 9, 2006 |
8297628 |
|
|
13614384 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/33.992 ;
280/33.998 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 1/002 20130101;
B62B 5/085 20130101; B62B 1/147 20130101; Y02A 50/454 20180101;
B62B 1/006 20130101; B25H 3/00 20130101; B62B 3/165 20130101; B62B
2501/065 20130101; B62B 1/008 20130101; B62B 2202/50 20130101; Y02A
50/30 20180101; B62B 5/065 20130101; A47K 11/02 20130101; A47C
13/00 20130101; B62B 1/26 20130101; B62B 2205/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/33.992 ;
280/33.998 |
International
Class: |
B62B 1/16 20060101
B62B001/16; B62B 5/04 20060101 B62B005/04; B62B 5/00 20060101
B62B005/00; B62B 1/12 20060101 B62B001/12; B62B 3/16 20060101
B62B003/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 10, 2005 |
IL |
166817 |
Claims
1. A bucket comprising: (a) generally vertical sidewalls and a
bottom portion, defiling together a bucket interior; (b) a back
face, constituting one of said sidewalls, extending substantially
above the height of the bucket interior; and characterized in that
said bucket is adapted for nested stacking and the bucket comprises
at least two wheels mounted to the bucket at the back face about an
axis at a bottom area thereof.
2. A bucket according to claim 1, further comprising at least one
handle preformed in the back face.
3. A bucket according to claim 2, wherein the handle is ringed by a
soft material, constituting a handgrip.
4. A bucket according to claim 2, comprising at least two handles,
a first handle being located near a top edge of the back face, and
a second handle being located above the interior of the bucket.
5. A bucket according to claim 1, further comprising a rim along
the upper portion of the sidewalls continuing along the contour of
the back face.
6. A bucket according to claim 5, wherein the rim is sufficiently
durable to allow for lifting of the bucket thereby.
7. A bucket according to claim 5, wherein the rim extends to a top
edge of the back face, constituting thereby a handle.
8. A bucket according to claim 1, adapted to pilot about the axis
between a first position and a second position, the bucket in the
first position disposed so that the bottom portion faces downward,
and in the second position disposed so that the back face faces
downward; a top edge of the back face allowing for, while the
bucket is in the second position, sliding transfer of articles from
the ground to the bucket interior via the back face.
9. A bucket according to claim 8, further comprising an arrangement
adapted to serve as support points when the bucket is in the second
position.
10. A bucket according to claim 9, wherein the wheels constitute
said arrangement.
11. A bucket according to claim 8, wherein at least a substantive
portion of the back face, when the bucket is in the second
position, is substantially flush with the ground
12. A bucket according to claim 1, wherein side edges of the back
face at least partially follow the contour of the sidewalls.
13. A bucket according to claim 8, further comprising at least one
support portion at a front portion thereof for supporting the
bucket in the first position.
14. A bucket according to claim 1, wherein the back face is
extendable between a fully retracted position, wherein a top edge
of the back face is substantially adjacent the top of the bucket
interior, and a fully extended position.
15. A bucket according to claim 1, wherein a cover is provided to
cover the bucket interior.
16. A bucket according to claim 1, further comprising a seat.
17. A bucket according to claim 1, further comprising at least one
front wheel mounted thereto at a front side thereof.
18. A bucket according to claim 1, further comprising at least one
arrangement adapted to grip hand implements.
19. A bucket according to claim 1, further comprising an aperture
at or near the bottom thereof and a complimentary stopping
arrangement.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/327,445, filed Jan. 9, 2006, which claims
the benefit of Israeli Patent Application No. 166817, filed Feb.
10, 2005, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a wheeled bucket, and, more
particularly, to a bucket which can be used as a cart.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The use of buckets, particularly those having wheels, is
well known in the art. Their particular arrangement is useful for
light- to medium-duty transport of items, for example, when engaged
in gardening or other common home activities typically taking place
outdoors. In addition, they have many indoor uses, especially as an
easily portable vessel for water, such as to be used while cleaning
floors and walls.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,463 discloses a bucketeer on wheels
containing a bucket having a closed bottom, an open top, and an
intermediate surrounding sidewall therebetween. It also comprises
two handle brackets, each handle bracket having a flat first end
and a hollow second end. Each flat end is secured to the
surrounding sidewall of the bucket by a fastening means. A U-shaped
handle has two extending arms. Each extending arm is received in
one of each hollow second end of the two handle brackets. A back
support has a flat first end, a second end, and an intermediate
extent therebetween. The flat first end is secured to the
surrounding side wall of the bucket by a fastening means. It
further comprises a support extension having a first end and an
off-set second end. The first end is secured to the intermediate
extent. The off-set second end is secured to the closed bottom of
the bucket. A back caster wheel is secured to the second end of the
back support. An axle has two end portions and an intermediate
extent therebetween. Two axle brackets are secured to the
intermediate extent. Two wheels, each of which have an aperture
therethrough, is provided. Each aperture of the two wheels is
secured to the two end portions of the axle by a fastening
means.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,170 discloses an ergonomic,
liquid-transport container including a container body, a projecting
lip extending from the front of the container body, a support
member connected to the top of the container body, a lifting lever
arm pivotally connected to the sides of the container body adjacent
the back of the container body, a pair of non-caster wheels,
connected to the container body adjacent the back, a pair of caster
wheels, connected to the container body adjacent the front, and a
storage compartment extending from the back. The container
advantageously may be used in combination with a cleaning-tool
wringer and a cleaning tool.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,771 discloses a wheeled caddy for
washing a vehicle and for providing tools and supplies readily
reachable for a user for that purpose. The wheeled caddy for
washing a vehicle includes a base assembly including a base member
being mounted upon a wheel assembly for movement upon a ground. It
further includes a support member being mounted upon the base
member and having an open top and a handle assembly including a
handle holder member being securely attached to the support member,
Additionally provided is a handle member being pivotally attached
to the support member and a bucket being removably supported upon
the support member. Cleaning accessory holders are securely
attached to the support member for holding items used to wash a
vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a
bucket comprising generally vertical sidewalls and a bottom
portion, defining together a bucket interior, and an upper rim. A
back face, constituting one of said sidewalls, extends above the
height of the bucket interior. The bucket further comprises at
least two wheels mounted to the bucket about an axis at a bottom
portion thereof.
[0008] Optionally, the bucket comprises a recessed portion adjacent
and perpendicular to the back face and the bottom portion, the
recessed portion adapted to receive therein the wheels such that
they do not extend beyond the back wall and bottom portion more
than necessary to allow wheeling thereby of the bucket.
[0009] The back face comprises handle portions which, according to
one embodiment, are a first aperture located near the top edge, and
a second aperture located near the bucket interior.
[0010] The bucket is pivotable about the axis between a first
position and a second position. In the first position, the bucket
is disposed in an upright position so that the bottom portion faces
downward, and in the second position the bucket is so called lying
and disposed so that the back portion faces downward. The bucket
may comprise an arrangement which function as support points
therefor when in the second position. The wheels may constitute
this arrangement.
[0011] The back face further comprises a top edge which allows for,
while the bucket is in the second position, sliding transfer (e.g.,
by shoveling) of articles from the ground to the bucket via the
back wall.
[0012] The bucket is further adapted for nested stacking, such that
in the nested position, the back faces of nested buckets are
adjacent and parallel to one another.
[0013] The bucket has a variety of indoor and outdoor uses. For
example, it may be used to transport laundry or cleaning supplies,
or as a mop bucket. Outdoors, it is particularly suited for use in
a garden, e.g., toting soil or lawn debris, and may also be used
for use at a construction site, for example, to transport tools or
equipment thereto or debris therefrom. When used to contain water
which will need to be discarded, such as after washing a car, the
extended back face serves to direct the flow of water to a desired
location, minimizing uncontrolled spillage of wastewater.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may
be carried out in practice, several embodiments will now be
described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bucket according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of several buckets according to
the present invention in a nested configuration;
[0017] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4 and 5 are perspective views illustrating
different carrying positions and uses of the bucket of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bucket illustrating a
further use thereof;
[0019] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of the bucket with a
back face in a retracted and extended position, respectively,
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 8A through 11 are perspective views showing further
embodiments regarding placement of the axle (FIGS. 8B and 9 do not
show the axle);
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment
of the bucket;
[0022] FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of still further
embodiments of the bucket, comprising covers according to several
modifications;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bucket according to a
still further embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bucket according to a
still further embodiment of the present invention, comprising front
wheels;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bucket according to a
still further embodiment of the present invention, comprising a
drainage arrangement;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the bucket
according to a still further embodiment of the present invention,
comprising an arrangement useful for carrying various tools;
[0027] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bucket according to a
still further embodiment of the present invention; and
[0028] FIGS. 20A and 20B are perspective views of the bucket
according to a still further embodiment of the present invention,
comprising auxiliary handles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] As seen in FIG. 1, there is provided a bucket, generally
designated at 10. The bucket 10 is preferably made from a
lightweight, sturdy material, such as high density polyethylene. It
comprises a bottom portion 12, vertical sidewalls 14 extending
upwardly therefrom and defining a bucket interior 16, and an upper
rim 18, which is a downwardly curved extension of the top of the
sidewalls. The bucket 10 further comprises, at a back face 20
thereof, an upwardly extending portion 22, which is a smooth
continuation of the sidewall 14 at the back face.
[0030] The bucket 10 further comprises, adjacent the bottom portion
12 and the back face 20, two wheels 24.
[0031] The sidewalls 14 further comprise recesses 26 in the
location of the wheels 24. The recesses 26 are sized so that the
wheels 24 do not project beyond the bottom portion 12 or sidewalls
14, except as necessary for the bucket 10 to be rolled, so as not
to interfere with the ability of the bucket 10 to nest with other
identical buckets, as seen in FIG. 2.
[0032] The bucket 10 further comprises first and second apertures
28 and 30, constituting handles, formed in the upwardly extending
portion 22. The first aperture 28 is disposed near the top of the
upwardly extending portion 22, and the second aperture 30 is
disposed near the top of the bucket interior 16. Each aperture 28,
30 is ringed by a handgrip 32 which sheathes the edges thereof. The
handgrips 32 according to one embodiment are integrally formed with
the bucket, and according to another embodiment may be made of a
soft material such as rubber or solid foam, but may be of any
appropriate material, and are adapted to provide for comfortable
lifting of the bucket 10 thereby. Alternatively, the handgrips 32
may be made from metal, or any other suitable material.
[0033] According to another embodiment, the rim 18 may extend along
side edges 35 of the upwardly extending portion 22 and along a top
edge 36 thereof. The rim 18 at the top edge 36 thereby constitutes
a handle adapted to pull the bucket 10 thereby, as shown in FIG.
3A.
[0034] The upwardly extending portion 22 is preferably of such a
height so to allow a user to grasp the first aperture 28 or the rim
at the top edge 36 without having to stoop, as seen in FIGS. 3A and
3B. It should be noted that in addition to being pulled as shown,
the bucket 10 may be pushed similar to a wheelbarrow.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows the bucket 10 during use, wherein a user
utilizes the apertures 28, 30 to at least partially invert the
bucket. Specifically, the user grasps the first aperture 28 with a
first hand 29 and the second aperture 30 with a second hand 31 and
lifts the bucket 10 as shown. This position is useful for
transporting the bucket 10 while empty, pouring out its contents,
utilizing it as a scoop or a shovel, etc. In addition, the bucket
10 may be lifted by grasping the rim 18, as seen in FIG. 5. The
bucket 10 may optionally comprise two side grips (not shown) to
facilitate lifting by the rim. The grips may be made of the same
material as the handgrips 32.
[0036] The bucket 10 is adapted to pivot about the wheels 24
between a first position, as seen in FIG. 1, wherein the upwardly
extending portion 22 is disposed substantially vertically, and a
second position, as seen in FIG. 6, wherein the upwardly extending
portion 22 is disposed substantially horizontally. According to one
particular design, the top edge 36 of the upwardly extending
portion 22 is preferably designed so that at least a substantial
portion lies flat against the ground when the bucket 10 is in the
second position. In addition, the upwardly extending portion 22 may
be substantially flat to allow it to lie flush with the ground. The
wheels 24 are designed to serve as support points adapted to
provide further stability to the bucket 10 in the second
position.
[0037] When in the second position, the upwardly extending portion
22 constitutes a ramp via which the user may easily sweep or rake
debris into the bucket 10, as seen in FIG. 6. In order to guide
debris into the bucket interior 16, side portions 25 of the
upwardly extending portion 22 are curved so that they follow the
contour of the sidewalls 14, being elevated with respect to a
center portion of the upwardly extending portion which lies on the
ground, constituting side guards for the ramp. There may optionally
be provided covers (not shown) which snappably attach to and
obstruct the apertures 28, 30, so as to prevent loss of debris
therethrough. When not is use, the covers may be stored on the
bucket 10 in such a place so as not to interfere with normal
operation thereof, such as the back of the upwardly extending
portion 22.
[0038] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a modification of the bucket,
generally designated 33, according to the present invention,
wherein the upwardly extending portion 37 is extendable between a
fully retracted position (as is FIG. 7A), in which the top edge 36
of the upwardly extending portion 22 is disposed near the top of
the bucket interior 16, and a fully extended position (as seen in
FIG. 7B). This may accomplished by providing rails 39 projecting
from the back of the bucket 33, and complementary tracks (not seen)
on the inside side of the upwardly extending portion 37. This
allows for operation as described above, and for storage in small
locations. The upwardly extending portion 22 may be arrested in one
or more intermediate positions between the fully retracted and
fully extended positions. For example, there may be a
snap-arresting arrangement, or a spring-loaded pin 40 extending
from the back face 20 of the bucket, and a series of apertures 42
disposed in the upwardly extending portion 22, adapted to receive
the pin 40 at several arresting positions and arrest thereby the
upwardly extending portion (as in FIG. 7B, the pin 40 shown
received within an aperture 42).
[0039] According to further modifications of the present invention,
the wheels 24 may be connected to the bucket 10 in one of a variety
of ways. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate one such modification, wherein
the bucket 10 comprises a protrusion 50 formed as part of the back
face 20 having a through passing aperture 52 adapted to receive the
axle 54. FIG. 9 illustrates another of such modifications, wherein
a groove 56, adapted to receive the axle, is formed in the back
face. According to a further modification, illustrated in FIG. 10,
there are provided grasping members 58, such as clips, incorporated
into the back face 20, said grasping members being adapted to
snappably receive the axle 54. According to a still further
modification, the wheels 24 are connected directly to the bucket
10. This may be accomplished, as shown in FIG. 11 in exploded view,
by providing a tubular extension 60 projecting from the bucket 10
and a complementary stem 62 extending from the inside of each wheel
24. According to this modification, the wheels 24 may turn
independently of one another, facilitating sharp turns and rotation
of the bucket 10 about a point between the wheels. According to any
of these modifications, the wheels may be detachable. In this way,
the size of the bucket may be minimized, for storage and
shipping.
[0040] According to another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, there
is provided at least one support foot 44, disposed on the bottom
portion 62, opposite the wheels 24. In order not to adversely
affect nesting, the support foot 44 should not extend beyond the
vertical sidewalls 64, and as well should not extend downwardly
substantially below the wheels 24 when the bottom portion 62 is
parallel to the ground. Minimizing the length of the support foot
44 also minimizes the likelihood of the bucket 61 tipping. The foot
may be formed as an integrated part of the bucket, or may be formed
separately and attached thereto. If formed separately, the support
foot 44 may be made from a viscoelastic material to prevent sliding
on smooth surfaces. Alternatively, the support foot 44 may
optionally comprise a pad 48, made from a viscoelastic
material.
[0041] According to a further embodiment of the present invention,
as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the bucket 10 may comprise a cover 64.
The cover 64 may be made from the same material as the bucket 10,
and may be designed with the same color pattern. The cover 64 may
be adapted to conform to the shape of the entire rim 18 (FIG. 13),
or only the top of the bucket interior (FIG. 14). The cover as
shown in FIG. 13 may be provided with an opening in the center so
that the bucket 10 may function as a portable toilet. The cover may
also be formed being contoured to form a seat or a stool.
[0042] FIG. 16 illustrates a still further embodiment of the
present invention, wherein the bucket 10 comprises an additional
wheel or set of wheels 66 disposed at the front thereof. The wheels
66 may be attached via an axle, according to any of the
modifications above, or they may be casters. Similar to the
disclosure in connection with previous embodiments, the front
wheels may be detachable.
[0043] FIG. 17 shows the bucket 10 according to a still further
embodiment of the present invention, further comprising an aperture
68 disposed at or near the bottom thereof, and a complementary
stopper 70. The aperture 68 is useful for drainage of liquid from
the bucket 10 in a controlled manner. It should be noted that the
stopper 70 may be any stopper known in the art, and may be located
either externally to the bucket 10 (as shown) on internally
thereto.
[0044] FIG. 18 illustrates the bucket 10 according to a further
modification of the present invention, wherein it further comprises
an arrangement 72 adapted to grip or store hand tools. The
arrangement may include one or more loops 74 for a hammer, and
different sizes clips 76 for gripping a variety of tools. It may
also include compartments 78 for storage therein of small hardware.
Although the arrangement is shown in FIG. 18 as being disposed on
the interior of the bucket, it should be obvious to one versed in
the art to place in exterior thereto. As an additional option, some
or each of the compartments 78 may be accessible from both the
interior and the exterior of the bucket 10.
[0045] The shape of the bucket is not limited to the ones
illustrated in the figures henceforth. Other embodiments of the
shape of the bucket 70, such as a square (as in FIG. 15) or a
hexagon (as on FIG. 19) are possible. In addition, the bucket 10
may be provided in different sizes for different applications.
[0046] FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a further embodiment of the
bucket 10, further comprising auxiliary handles 80. The auxiliary
handles 80 may project upwardly (as in FIG. 20A) or toward the back
of the bucket 10 (as seen in FIG. 20B). The auxiliary handles 80
may optionally comprise finger ridges 82 in order to maintain a
firm grip thereon.
[0047] Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains
will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations and
modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the
invention mutatis mutandis.
* * * * *