ATTACHABLE CADDY

Abstract

Provided herein is a caddy device for attachment to an external surface of a bucket. The device permits holding items relative to the external surface of the bucket while permitting continued use of the interior of the bucket (e.g., to hold liquids) and/or allow attachment of a lid to the bucket. In an embodiment, the caddy device includes a semi-annular body that may be disposed about a portion of an outside peripheral surface of a bucket. In this arrangement, an interior periphery of the semi-annular body may be sized for disposition around a portion of an external periphery of the bucket. A tensile element, e.g., strap, extends around the remainder of the outside periphery of the bucket and attaches to first and second ends of the semi-annular body. A brim extends (e.g., cantilevers) outwardly from the semi-annular body. A plurality of apertures are disposed through the brim.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a caddy device that is configured for attachment to another structure to support various items (e.g., tools) relative to that structure. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a semi-annular caddy that attaches to an outside surface of a bucket to allow for securing items externally to the bucket while permitting continued use of an interior of the bucket to hold, for example, liquids or other materials.

BACKGROUND

Bucket tool organizers or caddies are well known devices for transporting and storing tools, utensils, or other useful implements. Such devices typically include a bucket mounted fabric tool carrier having a shape that conforms generally to the surfaces of an empty bucket. A number of individual pockets or dividers arranged about both the interior and/or exterior portions of the container can be used to quickly store and organize variously sized objects for later access.

Numerous designs have been developed to convert existing buckets into tool organizers. Such designs include a fabric insert that drape over the top edge of the bucket such that tools may be arranged in pockets about both an interior periphery of the bucket and an exterior periphery of the bucket. Other designs include dividers and or trays configured for receipt within the interior of the bucket.

SUMMARY

The inventors have designed a caddy device for attachment to an external surface of a bucket. The device permits holding items relative to the external surface of the bucket while permitting continued use of the interior of the bucket (e.g., to hold liquids) as well as attachment of the bucket lid during use of the device. That is, aspects of the present disclosure are based on the recognition by the inventors that while numerous bucket organizers exist, such organizer are typically based on the premise that the interior bucket will not be used to carry or otherwise hold liquids or other materials once the organizer is attached. Further, the inventors have recognized that such a caddy device may be beneficially applied to other structures. Accordingly, provided herein is a caddy device that attaches about a portion another structure such as a bucket or backpack to allow for securing items relative to an external surface of that structure.

In an aspect, an attachable caddy is provided that includes a semi-annular body that may be disposed about a portion of an outside peripheral surface of a bucket. In this arrangement, an interior periphery of the semi-annular body may be sized for disposition around a portion of an external periphery of the bucket. A tensile element, e.g., strap, extends around the remainder of the outside periphery of the bucket and attaches to first and second ends of the semi-annular body. By tightening the tensile element, the interior periphery of the semi-annular body may be conformed to the exterior periphery of the bucket. This allows conforming the semi-annular body to different sized buckets (e.g., diameters). That is, the semi-annular body may be flexible enough to permit deflection around differently sized bucket. Accordingly, a single device may be configured for use with different sized buckets (e.g., four, five and/or six gallons buckets). In other arrangements, the device may be substantially rigid and configured for use with a bucket of predetermined size. In any arrangement, when applied to the exterior of the bucket, the semi-annular body may be disposed below the top edge and/or an annular peripheral rim of the bucket and secured in place using the tensile element.

In an arrangement, the semi-annular body includes an arcuate sidewall that is configured for disposition against a portion of an outside periphery of a bucket. Such an arcuate sidewall includes a concave interior face between an upper edge and a lower edge that is configured (e.g., sized) to engage the outside surface of the bucket. The arcuate sidewall may, but need not, extend the entire length of the semi-annular body between its first and second ends. A rim or brim attached to the arcuate sidewall extends radially outward from the sidewall to an external or exterior edge. That is, the brim may extend away from the concave interior face of the sidewall (e.g., radially from a centerline axis of a bucket to which the device attaches). Stated otherwise, the brim cantilevers from the annular sidewall. In an arrangement, the brim and sidewall are substantially transverse. The brim includes a plurality of apertures that extend though its surface (e.g., between an interior edge attached to the arcuate sidewall and the exterior edge). Such apertures may support various items (e.g., tools, fishing gear, etc.) when the device is attached to a bucket.

In a further arrangement, the concave interior surface of the arcuate sidewall includes a compressible material disposed over at least a portion of its surface. The compressible material provides improved engagement between the exterior surface of the bucket and the caddy device. Such compressible materials may include rubberized materials, fabrics and/or foams. In any arrangement, the compressible material may be compressed when the tensile element is tightened.

In a further arrangement, the arcuate sidewall has a substantially constant radius. That is, the arcuate sidewall may be semi-circular sidewall though not being limited to being a half circle. In an embodiment, the semi-circular sidewall may have a radius (e.g., constant radius) of between about five inches and about six and one-half inches.

The brim may attach to the arcuate sidewall at any location along the height of the arcuate sidewall. However, it may be preferred that the brim attach at or near the upper edge of the sidewall such that when the brim is loaded (e.g., supporting tools) the lower portion of the sidewall is compressed against the outer peripheral surface of the bucket improving the connection between the caddy device and the bucket. The brim may extend over all or a portion of the length of the arcuate sidewall. Further, the brim may have a width that varies along its length between its interior edge (e.g., connection point to the arcuate sidewall) and its exterior edge. In an arrangement, an upper surface of the brim is a planar surface.

The plurality of apertures form openings extending through the brim between its top and bottom surfaces. The apertures may have differing sizes and shapes. In an arrangement, at least one of the apertures may be a large aperture having a cross-dimension (e.g., diameter) that is at least thirty percent (30%) of a radius of the arcuate sidewall. In a further arrangement, the large aperture may have a cross-dimension (e.g., diameter) that is at least fifty percent (50%) of a radius of the arcuate sidewall. In such an arrangement, one or more of the large apertures may be sized to receive water bottles, other drink containers, lanterns etc. In a further arrangement, one or more of the apertures may have an insert (e.g., mesh, webbing etc.) that extends below the aperture. Such an insert may be a flexible bag having an open mouth attached about the periphery of the aperture.

The semi-annular body may be formed of any material including, without limitation, polymers (e.g., plastics) metals and composites. In an arrangement, the semi-annular body (e.g., arcuate sidewall and brim) are integrally formed. In one specific arrangement, the semi-annular body is injection molded. When formed of a polymeric material, the thickness of the arcuate sidewall and brim are typically at least 0.08 in and more preferably at least 0.10 in to provide rigidity for the device. To provide further rigidity for the brim (which typically cantilevers from the arcuate sidewall), one or more braces may extend between a bottom surface of the brim and an outside surface of the arcuate sidewall. In a further arrangement, the material has a specific gravity of less than one such that the annular body will float if it becomes disconnected from a bucket in a marine application.

In another aspect, a combined bucket and caddy device is provided. That is, a bucket and external organizer/caddy may be integrally formed (e.g., in an injection molding process). In one arrangement, a bucket is provided having a tubular sidewall within an open upper end and a closed bottom end. A brim connects to an outside surface of the tubular sidewall proximate to the open upper end. The brim extends radially outward from the tubular sidewall to an external or exterior edge. That is, the brim may extend radially away from a centerline axis of the bucket. The brim extends around half or less of the periphery of the bucket such that it does not interfere with the movement of a bail (e.g., handle) attached to opposing points on the outside surface of the tubular sidewall of the bucket. The brim includes a plurality of apertures that extend though its surface (e.g., between an interior edge attached to the tubular sidewall and the exterior edge). Such apertures may support various items (e.g., tools, fishing gear, etc.).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of caddy device attached to bucket.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show first and second perspective views of the caddy device.

FIG. 3A shows a top view of the caddy device.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the caddy device.

FIG. 4 shows a caddy device integrated with a bucket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which at least assist in illustrating the various pertinent features of the presented inventions. The following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the inventions to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the presented inventions. The embodiments described herein are further intended to explain the best modes known of practicing the inventions and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the presented inventions.

Bucket organizers are typically fabric inserts that drape over the top peripheral edge of a bucket to provide various pockets on the exterior and/or interior periphery of the bucket. Such organizes are impractical for buckets that will continue being used to hold liquids or buckets that require a lid in a closed position. Accordingly, provided herein is a bucket organizer or caddy (hereafter caddy device or device) that is adapted to engage an exterior of a bucket to allow for supporting items on an exterior of the bucket. The device may be entirely free of connection or intrusion into an interior of the bucket to permit continued use of the interior of the bucket to hold liquids or other materials and/or to allow a lid to attach to the bucket while using the device. Though discussed in conjunction with its primary use with a bucket, the caddy may be attached to the exterior of other structures to provide a means for supporting items on an exterior of the structure.

FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of an attachable caddy or device 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the device 10 includes semi-annular body 20 that is configured to engage a portion of outside periphery of a bucket 50. The device 10 further includes a tensile element or tensile strap 40 that connects to first and second ends of semi-annular body. The tensile strap 40 may be extended around the remainder of the outside periphery of the bucket 50 and may be tensioned to secure the semi-annular body in place.

The semi-annular body 20 includes an arcuate sidewall 22 and a rim or brim 30 that extends substantially transverse to the arcuate sidewall 22. The arcuate sidewall 22 has a concave interior face, which generally defines an inner periphery of the semi-annular body 20. This inner periphery of the semi-annular body 20 is, in the present embodiment, configured to engage the outside surface of a bucket. In the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate sidewall extends continuously from a first end 24A to a second end 24B and between a lower edge 26A and an upper edge 26B. However, it will be appreciated that the arcuate sidewall may have other configurations. What is important is that the sidewall curves along its length such that is may substantially conform to an outside surface of a bucket or be deformed (e.g., via the tensile element) to the outside surface of a bucket. As best illustrated in FIG. 3A, the arcuate sidewall may, in an embodiment, be semi-circular. In such an embodiment, the inside periphery of the arcuate sidewall may have a constant radius ‘R’. In such an arrangement, the radius may be selected (e.g., during design and manufacture) to correspond to a particular bucket. In one embodiment, the radius is between about five inches and about six and one-half inches. Other sizes are possible.

In the illustrated embodiment, first and second apertures 28A, 28B (hereafter 28 unless specifically referenced) are formed through the sidewall proximate to the first and second ends 24A, 24B. These apertures 28 provide a location to attach the strap 40 to the annular body 20. As shown, the apertures 28 are elongated to receive the width of the generally flat strap and a first end of the strap 40 is attached to the first aperture 28A and a second end of the strap 40 is attached to the second aperture 28B. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 40 includes an adjuster 42 (e.g., buckle) that allows adjusting the length of the strap 40.

The brim 30 extends outward or away relative to the inner surface (e.g., concave surface) of the arcuate sidewall 22 forming cantilevered surface (See., e.g., FIG. 3B) when the device 10 is attached to a bucket. In this regard, an interior edge of the brim 30 is connected to and/or defined by the arcuate sidewall 22. The brim 30 extends from the interior edge to an exterior edge 33 forming a surface that is substantially transverse to the sidewall (e.g., at each radial point of connection). As illustrated, the width of the brim (e.g., between the interior edge and exterior edge) may vary over the length of the semi-annular body 20. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the brim 30 extends from arcuate sidewall over its entire length. However, it will be appreciated that the brim 30 need not be continuous over the length of the arcuate sidewall. In an embodiment, various braces 25 are formed between an outer surface of the arcuate sidewall 22 and the bottom surface of the brim 30. The braces 25 provide rigidity for the brim 30, which cantilevers away from the sidewall. That is, the braces provide structural rigidity that allows the brim 30 to support various items without significant deflection, when the device is attached to a bucket.

A plurality of apertures 32 are formed through the surface of the brim 20 between its interior and exterior edges. The size, shape, number and location of these apertures 32 may vary and the illustrated apertures 32 are presented by way of example only. These apertures 32 define receptacles for holding various items when the device 10 is attached to a structure/bucket. In the present embodiment, two of the apertures are large apertures 32A having increased cross-dimensions (e.g., diameters) and which are formed in corresponding projections or wider portions of the brim 30. By way of example, the large apertures 32A may have a cross-dimension ‘CD’ that allows one or both of the large apertures to receive, for example, a drink container/water bottle or other larger item. See, e.g., FIG. 3A. In an embodiment, the cross-dimension of the large apertures may be at least thirty percent (30%) of the radius of the arcuate sidewall. In further embodiments, the cross-dimension may be 40%, 50% or even 60% of the radius of the arcuate sidewall.

To facilitate use of the large apertures 32A to hold various items, each large aperture may include an insert. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, one embodiment of such an insert is a bag 34 (e.g., mesh bag) having its opening/mouth attached about the periphery of one of the apertures 32A with a closed end of the bag extending below the brim 30. When attached to the periphery of the aperture 32A, the interior of the bag is accessible through the top surface of the brim. As will be appreciated, the insert allows this large aperture 32A to be utilized to hold various larger items (e.g., a water bottle) or, for example loose items.

The insert may, in an embodiment, fixedly attach to the large aperture. In another embodiment, the insert is removably connected to the large aperture. As best shown in FIG. 2B, the large aperture includes an annular recess 36 formed in the top surface of the brim 30 about its periphery. This recess is configured to receive an annular ring 38. More specifically, the annular ring 38 is sized for receipt on a top surface of the annular recess. To maintain the annular ring 38 within the annular recess 36, the recess may have one or more retention tabs 44 disposed about its periphery. In such an embodiment, the annular ring 38 may be slightly deformed and positioned beneath the tab(s) 44. The annular ring may be made of any appropriate material. Further, the annular ring 38 may be continuous or discontinuous (e.g., a split ring). When utilized to secure a fabric insert (e.g., bag 34) relative to a large aperture, the annular ring 38 may be disposed through a sleeve 35 formed about the top edge of the fabric insert.

To improve the connection between the caddy device 10 and the bucket, the concave interior surface of the arcuate sidewall 22, may further include a liner or other coating over all or a portion of its surface. The liner or coating typically provides a compressible material that provides improved engagement between the exterior surface of the bucket and the caddy device. As will be appreciated, most buckets are made of a hard plastic or metal. In various embodiments, the caddy device is likewise made of a rigid plastic resulting in a low coefficient of friction between the arcuate sidewall and the outside surface of the bucket. The coefficient of friction between these hard surfaces may be improved with the insertion of a coating, liner and/or compressible surface therebetween. Such materials may include rubberized materials, fabrics and/or foams that are applied (e.g., adheres) to the interior surface of the caddy device 10. Such a liner 48 may be applied to all or a portion of the interior surface of the arcuate sidewall. See FIG. 2B. When utilizing a compressible material, the material may be compressed against the outside surface of a bucket when the tensile element is tightened.

As previously noted, FIG. 1 illustrates application of the device 10 to the bucket 50. Though not illustrated, it will be appreciated that the bucket 50 typically includes an external annular rim that extends about its outer periphery at or near the top edge of the bucket. Such an annular rim is commonly utilized to, for example, attach a lid to the bucket. The bucket may also include one or more lower annular rim(s) that is/are spaced a distance below the upper annular rim. The current device may be attached at any location along the height of the sidewall of the bucket. Accordingly, the device may be attached such that it does not interfere with attachment of a lid to the bucket. To attach the device 10 to the bucket, the inner periphery of the arcuate sidewall 22 of the semi-annular body 20 is positioned against the outer periphery of the sidewall of the bucket. The strap 40 is then position around the remainder of the periphery of the bucket 40. At this time, the strap 40 may be tensioned (e.g., tightened) to draw the semi-annular body into conformance with the outer periphery of the bucket 50. Along these lines, the semi-annular body 20 may be flexible such that it deforms to mate with the outer surface of the bucket. Such conformance may permit the device to engage different sized buckets. Such tensioning may also compress a liner on the interior surface of the arcuate sidewall against the exterior sidewall of the bucket. Further, the strap may be used to support other items that are configured for attachment to, for example, a belt (e.g., knife scabbards, etc.)

In an embodiment, the body of the caddy device is integrally formed. In a specific embodiment, the caddy device is made from a polymeric material that may be formed in an injection molding process. However, it will be appreciated that other materials and means of forming the device are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. When utilizing a polymeric material, it is generally desirable that the material provide sufficient resistance to bending that the brim is minimally deflected under a load of a few pounds. In an embodiment, it is desirable that a stiffness of the polymeric material comply with ASTM D-790 and/or ISO 178, which each specify guidelines for determining the flexural properties of rigid and semi-rigid plastics under defined conditions. In an embodiment, the material chosen may have at least a 100,000 PSI under ASTM D-790 and more preferably at least 200,000 PIS under ASTM D-790 to provide sufficient stiffness. Further, the thickness and material selected may be altered to achieve desired deflection under load. In one embodiment, a thickness of an injected molded sidewall and brim is at least 0.08 inches. In a further embodiment, the thickness is at least 0.10 for the sidewall and at least 0.16 for the brim. In one embodiment, the material forming the arcuate sidewall and brim (e.g., semi-annular body) will have a specific gravity of less than one such that the device will float. In one particular embodiment, high density polyethylene (HDPE) was selected based on all of the above noted factors.

FIG. 4 illustrates another aspect of the present disclosure where an external bucket caddy (e.g., generally in accordance with the above-disclosed embodiment) is integrally formed with an exterior of a bucket to allow for supporting items on an exterior of the bucket. As will be appreciated, many buckets are produced in an injection molding process. By modifying the mold utilized to produce an injection molded bucket, a resulting bucket may be made with an integrally formed brim extending around a portion of its outside surface.

As shown in FIG. 4. the bucket 150 and brim 130 are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the brim extends outward from the tubular sidewall 152 of the from a location proximate to the open upper end/top edge 154 of the bucket 150. Though not illustrated, the brim 130 will typically be disposed a spaced distance below the top edge 154 to permit attachment of a lid to the bucket. The brim 130 may include any of the attributes discussed above in relation to the caddy device. For instance, the brim may include a plurality of apertures, large apertures, fabric inserts. Further, bracing may extend between the bottom surface of the brim 130 and an outside surface of the tubular sidewall 154. Most typically, the integral brim 130 will extend around on-half or less of the periphery of the bucket 150. Along these lines, it will be noted that many buckets include a bail 156 (e.g., handle) that is pivotally connected to first and second opposing points 158 (only one shown) on an outside surface of the bucket. The bail is generally configured to rest against the side of the bucket when not in use and pivot to a position above the bucket when utilized to carry or lift the bucket. Accordingly, limiting the length of the brim to one-half or less around the periphery of the bucket and/or forming the brim 130 between the connection points of the bail, the radially extending brim does not interfere with the movement of the bail relative to one side of the bucket.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the inventions and/or aspects of the inventions to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the presented inventions. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the inventions and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the presented inventions. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

1. A caddy device for attachment to an exterior surface of a bucket, comprising: a semi-annular body extending from a first end to a second end, the semi-annular body having: an arcuate sidewall having a concave interior surface extending between a lower edge and upper edge, the arcuate sidewall extending over at least a portion of a length of the semi-annular body between the first end and the second end;a brim attached proximate to the upper edge of the arcuate sidewall and extending transversely away from the concave interior face of the arcuate sidewall to an exterior edge, wherein a plurality of apertures extend through the brim; anda tensile element connected proximate to the first end and the second end of the semi-annular body, the tensile element configured to apply a tensile force between the first end and the second end of the semi-annular body when the arcuate sidewall is position against an outside periphery of a bucket.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a compressible material disposed over at least a portion of the concave interior face of the arcuate sidewall.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the compressible material is a rubberized material.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the compressible material comprises a foam.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the arcuate sidewall is semi-circular having a constant radius.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the constant radius is between 5 inches and 6.5 inches.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein a height of the arcuate sidewall between the lower edge and the upper edge is between fifteen percent (15%) and forty percent (40%) of the constant radius.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein a width of the brim between an interior edge attached to the arcuate sidewall and the exterior edge of the brim varies over a length of the arcuate sidewall.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein one of the plurality of apertures is a large aperture having a cross-dimension that is at least thirty percent (30%) of the constant radius of the arcuate sidewall.

10. The device of claim 8, the large an aperture has a cross-dimension that is at least fifty percent (50%) of the constant radius of the arcuate sidewall.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the large aperture further comprises: a flexible bag having an open end connected about a periphery of the large aperture, wherein a closed end of the bag extends below a bottom surface of the brim.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising: a ring connectable to the open end of the bag, wherein the ring is receivable in a recess about the periphery of the large aperture.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the brim is planar.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least a first brace extending from a bottom surface of the brim to an outside surface of the arcuate sidewall.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the arcuate sidewall and the brim are integrally formed.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the arcuate sidewall and the brim are formed of a polymeric material.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein a specific gravity of the polymeric material is less than one.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the polymeric material has a stiffness of at least 200,000 psi per ASTM D-790.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the arcuate sidewall and the brim are injection molded.

20. (canceled)

21. The device of claim 1, wherein the tensile element comprises an adjustable strap.

25.-32. (canceled)