BUCKET WITH LOCKABLE HANDLE

Abstract

In an embodiment, a cleaning bucket assembly comprises a plurality of walls having a first and second end walls. The first and second end walls each having a first slot and a pair of projections on opposing sides of a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the slot. The projections being spaced apart to define a second slot. A handle having a center portion with a pair of opposing arms, the center portion and pair of arms forming a u-shape. Each of the pair of opposing arms having a pin movably disposed in one of the first end wall slot and second end wall slot. Each pin having a leg member extending therefrom in a direction opposite the center portion, the leg member being positioned to slide into the slot when the handle is in a vertical position and the user releases the handle.

Description

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a bucket. More particularly a bucket with a lockable handle. More particularly, a bucket with a handle that incorporates a locking system used for stabilizing the handle in a substantially upright position.

Buckets are commonly known and used cleaning system. In order to utilize the cleaning system, the bucket interior is filled with a cleaning fluid and moved to the location to be cleaned. The user drops the cleaning tool, such as a squeegee, into the fluid contained in the interior of the bucket. The cleaning tool is fully wetted in the fluid. The cleaning tool is then lifted out of the bucket and set onto a surface and used to clean until the cleaning tool becomes dirty, at which point the process is repeated. During the process, the bucket is kept at the location to be cleaned. Once that location is cleaned, the user may desire to move the cleaning tool and bucket to a new location.

In order to move the bucket to a new location, the user will engage with the handle of the bucket in order to lift the bucket from its location to the new location. This engagement will involve repeatedly reaching down to lift the bucket handle, followed by moving the bucket to the new location. Once at the new location the bucket will be placed on a surface and the handle will be released.

While existing buckets are suitable for intended purposes the need for improvement remains, in particular it is desirable to have a bucket having the features described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect of the disclose, a cleaning bucket assembly is provided. The cleaning bucket includes, a bucket a plurality walls that define an interior area, the plurality walls having a first end wall and a second end wall, at least one of the first end wall or the second end wall having a first slot and a pair of projections on opposing sides of a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the slot, the projections being spaced apart to define a second slot. A handle is provided having a center portion with a pair of opposing arms, at least one of the pair of opposing arms having a pin movably disposed in the first slot, the pin having a leg member extending therefrom in a direction opposite the center portion, the leg member being sized and positioned to slide into the second slot when the handle is in a first position and a user releases the handle.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include a pin that further included an end and a post, wherein the post positioned within the slot.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include a post that is rotationally and slidably connected to one of the pair of opposing arms.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include an end that is larger than the post.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include an end that is circular in shape.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include a first end wall that includes a u-shaped portion spaced apart from the wall to define a region, the first slot being formed in the u-shaped portion.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include an end that is positioned in the region such that the u shaped portion is oriented around the end to retain the end into the region.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include an arm that is fixed in the upright position when the leg member is positioned in the slot.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include an arm that is fixed in the upright position when the leg member is positioned in the slot.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include projections that may be shaped as a circular, an elongated circle, a square, or an elongated square.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include the first end wall having the first slot and second end wall having a third slot, the third slot having a second pair of projections on opposing sides of a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the third slot, the projections being spaced apart to define a fourth slot.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of using a cleaning bucket is provided. The method includes providing a cleaning bucket configured to receive a cleaning tool, the cleaning bucket comprising: a bucket a plurality walls that define an interior area, the plurality walls having a first end wall and a second end wall, each of the first end wall and second end wall having a first slot and a pair of projections on opposing sides of a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the slot, the pair of projections being spaced apart to define a second slot; and a handle having a center portion with a pair of opposing arms, the center portion and pair of arms forming a u-shape, each of the pair of opposing arms having a pin movably disposed in one of the first end wall slot and second end wall slot, each pin having a leg member extending therefrom in a direction opposite the center portion, the leg member being positioned to slide into the slot when the handle is in a vertical position and the user releases the handle. The handle is raised in a direction away from the floor to allow rotational movement of the handle. The handle is lowered while the handle is in a vertical position to engage the leg member in the second slot.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the leg engaging the second slot under the influence of gravity when the user releases the handle.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the handle being fixed in the upright position when the leg member is positioned in the slot.

In accordance with another embodiment a cleaning bucket assembly is provided. The cleaning bucket assembly includes a bucket and a handle. The bucket having a plurality walls that define an interior area, the plurality walls having a first end wall and a second end wall, the first end wall having a first slot and a first pair of projections adjacent the first slot, the first pair of projections being spaced apart and defining a second slot therebetween, the second end wall having a third slot and a second pair of projections adjacent the third slot, the second pair of projections being spaced apart and defining a fourth slot therebetween. The handle having a center portion with a first arm and a second arm, the first arm having a first pin movably disposed in the first slot, the first pin having a first leg member, the second arm having a second pin movably disposed in the third slot, the second pin having a second leg member, the first pin and second pin being sized and positioned to slide into the second slot and fourth slot when the handle is in a first position and a user releases the handle.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include the first pin further having a first post positioned within the first slot, and the second pin includes a second post positioned within the third slot.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include the first post and second post being rotationally and slidably connected to the bucket.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include the first end wall having a u-shaped portion extending away from the interior area, the u-shaped portion spaced apart from the wall to define a region, the first slot being formed in the u-shaped portion.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include the end being positioned in the region such that the u-shaped portion is configured to retain the end in the region.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include the arm being fixed in the upright position when at least one of the first leg member is positioned in the second slot or the second leg member is positioned in the second slot.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the cleaning bucket assembly may include the arm being selectively rotatable when in the first position.

The above described and other features are exemplified by the following figures, detailed description, and claims. The above described and other features are exemplified by the following detailed description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a depiction of the cleaning bucket with locking handle;

FIG. 2A is a depiction of the cleaning bucket with locking handle from the longitudinal axis;

FIG. 2B is a depiction of a portion of the cleaning bucket with locking handle from the horizontal axis;

FIG. 3 is a depiction partially in section of the side wall of the cleaning bucket with locking handle;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the side wall of the cleaning bucket with locking handle from the horizontal plane;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the side wall of the cleaning bucket with locking handle from the longitudinal plane;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the side wall of the cleaning bucket with locking handle from the longitudinal plane, as detailed in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the side wall of the cleaning bucket with locking handle with the leg member engaged in the slot; and

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of the side wall of the cleaning bucket with locking handle with the leg member not engaged in the slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the figures.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a bucket with a handle, such as those used in cleaning floors, windows, or other surfaces for example. Disclosed embodiments provide advantages in allowing the handle to be locked in an upright position to reduce the amount of bending the user performs while picking up and moving the bucket during use. It should be appreciated that the disclosed bucket provides advantages in reducing cleaning time and also reducing user fatigue.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cleaning bucket and locking handle. The bucket can comprise a handle and plurality of walls. The handle having pair of opposing arms, with each arm having a moveable pin with a leg member. The plurality of walls having a first end wall and a second end wall, with the first and second end wall having a slot and a pair of pins opposing sides of the slot. The wall may include a u shaped portion extending away from the interior area of the cleaning bucket. The leg member of the arm being positioned to slide into the slot when the handle is in a vertical position and the user releases the handle. When the leg member of the pin is positioned into the slot, the arm is fixed in an upright position.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the cleaning bucket assembly 100 contains a bucket 200. The bucket 200 plurality of walls that define an interior area 210. The interior area 210 is further defined by a base 220 and an open top, along with a plurality of walls. The shape of the interior area is defined by the plurality of walls, including: the first end wall 230, the second end wall 240, the first side wall 250, and the second side wall 260. In the interior area 210 is sized to receive the cleaning tool and cleaning fluid. The cleaning tool and cleaning fluid may be used in the cleaning process. The first end wall 230 and the second end wall 240 are opposite one another, connected by the first side wall 250 and the second side wall 260. The cleaning bucket further contains a handle assembly 300. The handle assembly 300 includes a center portion 310 with a pair of opposing arms, the first arm 320 and the second arm 330. The center portion 310 and the first arm 320 and the second arm 330 form a u-shaped member.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the length of the cleaning bucket is defined by the longitudinal axis 202, which runs the length of (e.g. generally parallel to) the direction of the first side wall 250 and the second side wall 260 and transverse to the first end wall 230 and the second end wall 240 through the center of the bucket 200. As shown in FIG. 2B, the width of the cleaning bucket is defined by the horizontal axis 204, which runs transverse to the first side wall 250 and the second side wall 260 and parallel to the first end wall 230 and the second end wall 240. In an embodiment, the axis 204 is through the center of the bucket 200 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202. The first end wall 230 and the second end wall 240 may be shorter or longer than the first side wall 250 and the second side wall 260 they are connected to. The handle assembly 300 is arranged along the longitudinal axis 202 and perpendicular to the horizontal axis 204. Following, the handle assembly 300 runs substantially along and is parallel with the first side wall 250 and the second side wall 260 and is generally perpendicular to the first end wall 230 and the second end wall 240.

The handle assembly 300 is configured to be moved, such that it may be positioned in various ways according to the user. The handle assembly 300 is connected to the cleaning bucket assembly 100 through the bucket 200, such that it may rotate around the longitudinal axis 202. The range of rotation of the handle assembly 300 enables the handle assembly 300 to move from the first side wall 250 to the second side wall 260 in a direction along the horizontal axis 204. Given the connection to the cleaning bucket assembly 100 the handle assembly 300 is prevented from moving in a full 360 degree rotation. The handle assembly 300 may rotate 250 degrees, 200 degrees, 180 degrees, 120 degrees, 90 degrees, or 50 degrees for example.

The user may desire to engage the handle assembly 300 to arrange the handle assembly 300 in a desired position. For example, the handle assembly 300 may be positioned in line with the longitudinal axis. The positioning of the handle assembly 300 in line with the longitudinal axis 202 is referred to herein as an up-right or vertical position. The handle assembly 300 may be positioned off of the longitudinal axis. For instance, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, forward or away from the longitudinal axis.

As disclosed in FIGS. 3-6, the handle assembly 300 is connected to the bucket 200 through a pin 400. A pin 400 is moveably disposed within the first end wall 230 and the second end wall 240, connecting the handle assembly 300 to the bucket 200. The pin 400 has a leg member 410 extending therefrom. The leg member 410 may extend 0.5 inches in length, 1 inches in length, or 1.5 inches in length. The leg member 410 may contain an end 430 and a post 420, wherein the post 420 is connected to the leg member 410. The post 420 may be rounded in shape. The end 430 may be larger, the same size as, or smaller than the post 420. The end 430 may be circular in shape. It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein may describe the pin 400 with respect to first end wall 230, the pin associated with the second end wall 240 is substantially a mirror image of the pin 400 and post 420.

The first end wall 230 and second end wall 240 each have a slot 510, wherein the leg member 410 maybe positioned. The handle assembly 300 has a pair of projections 500 on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis 202 that define the slot 510. The pin 400 is rotational and slidably coupled in one of the slot 510. In an embodiment, the first end wall 230 and second end wall 240 include a u-shaped portion 335 (FIG. 5) extending away from the interior area 210. The u-shaped portion is spaced apart from the wall. The space defined by the area between the wall and the u shaped portion 335 is defined as a region 520. The pin 400 is moveably disposed inside of the region 520. The u-shaped portion 335 includes an opening 337 that extends from the region 510 to the external environment. The post 420 is at least partially disposed in the opening 337. In an embodiment, the opening 337 has an oblong shape.

The end 430 is positioned in the region 520 such that the u-shaped portion 335 is oriented around and in front of the end 430 to retain the end 430 into the region 520. By retaining the end 430 in the region 520 the pin 400 is held into the first end wall 230 or second end wall 240 (FIG. 5). Through the u-shaped portion 335, the post 420 may both rotate and translate to enable movement of the pin 400 and the handle assembly 300, while holding the pin 400 into the first end wall 230 or second end wall 240. As will be discussed in more detail herein, in certain rotational positions the handle assembly 300 may translated between a first position (FIG. 6), where the handle assembly 300 is free to rotate, and a second position (FIG. 7), where the handle assembly 300 is locked in a desired position, such as a vertical position for example.

The first end wall 230 and second end wall 240 each have a pair of projections 500. The pair of projections 500 are arranged on opposing sides of the plane extending through the longitudinal axis 511 of the slot 510 (FIG. 7). The pair of projections 500 are spaced apart from each other to define the slot 510. The pair of projections 500 may each be shaped as a circular, an elongated circle, a square, or an elongated square.

As shown in FIG. 7-8, the pin 400 may be positioned at least partially in the slot 510, such that the leg member 410 engages with the pair of projections 500 or is moveable both rotational and slidably disposed within the slot 510. As shown in FIG. 7, the leg member 410 may be positioned such that it is aligned with the longitudinal axis 511, and thus in line with the pair of projections 500. Through this alignment with the longitudinal axis, the leg member 410 may engage with the pair of projections 500 and slide into the slot 510 by moving in a downward direction, such as under the influence of gravity for example. The downward direction being defined as moving towards the base 220 of the bucket 200. Once in the slot 510, the leg member 410 (and thus the post 420) cannot move rotationally or in the direction of the horizontal axis. In order to disengage with the pair of notches 500 or be removed from the slot 510, the user lifts the handle assembly 300 causing the leg member 410 move or translate in an upward direction. The upward direction being defined as moving away from the base of the cleaning bucket assembly 100.

It should be appreciated that when the leg member 410 of the pin 400 is positioned into the slot 510, the handle assembly 300 is substantially fixed in a vertical position when the user releases the handle assembly 300. Once the leg member 410 is positioned into the slot 510, the pin 400 will hold the corresponding arm in a vertical position. When the user releases the handle assembly 300, the handle assembly 300 will maintain this position.

This vertical position can hold the handle assembly 300 in a desired location, for instance the handle assembly 300 maybe aligned with the longitudinal axis. The desired location of the handle assembly 300 in the vertical position can be varied. It may be aligned with the longitudinal axis, but the handle assembly 300 may be oriented such that it is positioned off of the longitudinal axis. For instance, the handle assembly 300 may be positioned 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, forward or away from the longitudinal axis. It should be appreciated that with the handle assembly in this position, the operator does not have to bend over as far to grasp the handle assembly to move the bucket assembly 100.

As disclosed in FIG. 8, in order to disengage the leg member 410 with the pair of projections 500 and remove the leg member 410 from the slot 510, the user can lift the handle assembly 300 in the upward direction. By lifting the handle assembly 300 in the upward direction the leg member 410 moves out of the slot 510 and the post 420 moves within the slot and the handle assembly 300 is free to move both rotationally and slidably.

It should be appreciated that while the embodiments herein describe the projections 500 and the slot 510 as being substantially perpendicular to the base of the bucket (e.g. parallel to axis 511), this is for example purposes and the claims should not be so limited. It is contemplated that in other embodiments the projections 500 and slot 510 may be disposed on an angle (e.g. 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, or 45 degrees) relative to a plane extending through the center of the bucket 200 and perpendicular to the base of the bucket (e.g. through the axis 511 when viewed from the viewpoint of FIG. 7). This may provide additional advantages in allowing the handle to be fixed in a substantially up-right position while allowing the user access to the interior of the bucket.

Further, it is also contemplated that the bucket may have a more than one pair of projections 500 and slot 510 on each side, with the second (or more) projections and slots being rotationally offset from the projections 500 and slot 510 to allow the user the option of keeping the handle 300 vertical or fixed in an angular position.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary aspects, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular aspects disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all aspects falling within the scope of the appended claims.

As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” and “at least one” do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are intended to cover both the singular and plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “an element” has the same meaning as “at least one element,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. Also, “at least one of” means that the list is inclusive of each element individually, as well as combinations of two or more elements of the list, and combinations of at least one element of the list with like elements not named.

The term “or” means “and/or” unless clearly indicated otherwise by context. Reference throughout the specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect”, “some aspects”, and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

The endpoints of all ranges directed to the same component or property are inclusive of the endpoints, are independently combinable, and include all intermediate points and ranges. For example, ranges of “up to 25 wt %, or 5 to 20 wt %” is inclusive of the endpoints and all intermediate values of the ranges of “5 to 25 wt %,” such as 10 to 23 wt %, etc.

While particular aspects have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A cleaning bucket assembly: a bucket a plurality walls that define an interior area, the plurality walls having a first end wall and a second end wall, at least one of the first end wall or the second end wall having a first slot and a pair of projections on opposing sides of a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the slot, the projections being spaced apart to define a second slot; anda handle having a center portion with a pair of opposing arms, at least one of the pair of opposing arms having a pin movably disposed in the first slot, the pin having a leg member extending therefrom in a direction opposite the center portion, the leg member being sized and positioned to slide into the second slot when the handle is in a first position and a user releases the handle.

2. The cleaning bucket of claim 1, wherein the pin further included an end and a post, wherein the post positioned within the slot.

3. The cleaning bucket of claim 1, wherein the post is rotationally and slidably connected to one of the pair of opposing arms.

4. The cleaning bucket of claim 2, wherein the end is larger than the post.

5. The cleaning bucket of claim 2, wherein the end is circular in shape.

6. The cleaning bucket of claim 4, wherein the first end wall includes a u-shaped portion extending away from the interior area, the u-shaped portion spaced apart from the wall to define a region, the first slot being formed in the u-shaped portion.

7. The cleaning bucket of claim 6, wherein the end is positioned in the region such that the u-shaped portion is configured to retain the end in the region.

8. The cleaning bucket of claim 1, wherein the arm is fixed in the upright position when the leg member is positioned in the slot.

9. The cleaning bucket of claim 1, wherein the pair of projections may be shaped as a circular, an elongated circle, a square, or an elongated square.

10. The cleaning bucket of claim 1, wherein the first end wall includes the first slot and second end wall includes a third slot, the third slot having a second pair of projections on opposing sides of a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the third slot, the projections being spaced apart to define a fourth slot.

11. A method of using a cleaning bucket, comprising: providing a cleaning bucket configured to receive a cleaning tool, the cleaning bucket comprising: a bucket a plurality walls that define an interior area, the plurality walls having a first end wall and a second end wall, each of the first end wall and second end wall having a first slot and a pair of projections on opposing sides of a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the slot, the pair of projections being spaced apart to define a second slot; anda handle having a center portion with a pair of opposing arms, the center portion and pair of arms forming a u-shape, each of the pair of opposing arms having a pin movably disposed in one of the first end wall slot and second end wall slot, each pin having a leg member extending therefrom in a direction opposite the center portion, the leg member being positioned to slide into the slot when the handle is in a vertical position and the user releases the handle,raising the handle in a direction away from the floor to allow rotational movement of the handle; andlowering the handle while the handle is in a vertical position to engage the leg member in the second slot.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the leg engages the second slot under the influence of gravity when the user releases the handle.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the handle is fixed in the upright position when the leg member is positioned in the slot.

14. A cleaning bucket assembly: a bucket a plurality walls that define an interior area, the plurality walls having a first end wall and a second end wall, the first end wall having a first slot and a first pair of projections adjacent the first slot, the first pair of projections being spaced apart and defining a second slot therebetween, the second end wall having a third slot and a second pair of projections adjacent the third slot, the second pair of projections being spaced apart and defining a fourth slot therebetween;a handle having a center portion with a first arm and a second arm, the first arm having a first pin movably disposed in the first slot, the first pin having a first leg member, the second arm having a second pin movably disposed in the third slot, the second pin having a second leg member, the first pin and second pin being sized and positioned to slide into the second slot and fourth slot when the handle is in a first position and a user releases the handle.

15. The cleaning bucket of claim 14, wherein the first pin further includes a first post positioned within the first slot, and the second pin includes a second post positioned within the third slot.

16. The cleaning bucket of claim 15, wherein the first post and second post are rotationally and slidably connected to the bucket.

17. The cleaning bucket of claim 16, wherein the first end wall includes a u-shaped portion extending away from the interior area, the u-shaped portion spaced apart from the wall to define a region, the first slot being formed in the u-shaped portion.

18. The cleaning bucket of claim 17, wherein the end is positioned in the region such that the u-shaped portion is configured to retain the end in the region.

19. The cleaning bucket of claim 14, wherein the arm is fixed in the upright position when at least one of the first leg member is positioned in the second slot or the second leg member is positioned in the second slot.

20. The cleaning bucket of claim 19, wherein the arm is selectively rotatable when in the first position.