The present invention relates generally to the field of a paint container and more particularly to a system for containing paint having a locking mechanism for inhibiting movement of a handle in at least two planes.
It is generally known to provide a container for paint. Such known containers are typically a cylindrical one gallon metal container. The metal container includes a round base and a cylindrical side wall attached to and extending from the base.
The handle of such known containers is a thin curved wire member comprised of a 0.105 gauge material. However, such handle digs into a user's hand under the weight of the paint and the container, and makes such known metal containers difficult to carry. Further, the curved wire handle requires handle pivot or “ear” supports to be added to the outer surface of the cylindrical can, which add assembly and material costs to the container. In addition, the handle may be inadvertently removed from the pivot supports. Furthermore, the pivot supports affect how such known containers must be packed for shipping and for display. Since the pivot supports extend outward from such known containers, additional space between containers (or placement such that the pivot supports are in the “dead” space zone between the containers) is required.
It would be desirable to provide a paint container that is easy to hold using a handle. It would further be desirable to provide a paint container having a handle that is easy to install. It would further be desirable to provide a paint container having a handle that is securely locked to the container in the use and the storage positions. It would also be desirable to provide a container well-suited for packaging and shipping. It would still further be desirable to provide a paint container having one or more of these or other advantageous features.
The present invention relates to a system for containing paint. The system comprises a body between a cover and a base. The system also comprises a handle configured for attachment to the body and selectively configurable between a first position and a second position. The system also comprises a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a protrusion configured for insertion into a recess of the body. The locking mechanism also comprises a tab of the handle configured for selective insertion into a track of the body. The locking mechanism is configured to inhibit movement of the handle in at least two planes when the handle is in the first position.
The present invention also relates to a method of using a container for paint. The container comprises a body having a side wall between a cover and a base. The container also comprises a handle configured for attachment to the side wall. The container also comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion of the handle each configured for insertion into at least one recess of the side wall. The container also comprises a tab of the handle configured for selective insertion into a track of the body. The method comprises positioning the handle in an installation position. The method also comprises biasing the first protrusion away from the second protrusion. The method also comprises inserting the first protrusion in the recess of the side wall to inhibit movement of the handle between a forward position and a rearward position relative to the base.
The present invention also relates to a system for containing paint. The system comprises a body. The system also comprises a handle configured for attachment to the body and selectively configurable between a first position and a second position. The system also comprises means for locking the handle to the body. The means for locking is configured to inhibit movement of the handle in at least two planes when the handle is in the first position.
It is important to note that the term “paint” as used in this disclosure is intended to be a broad term and not a term of limitation. The term “paint” as used in this disclosure may include, without limitation any decorative or functional surface treatment, liquid dispersion, finish, surface finish, varnish, pigment, colorant, other coating, etc.
It is also important to note that the terms “up,” “down,” “forward,” “aft,” etc. as used in this disclosure with reference to the embodiments shown in the FIGURES are intended to be broad terms and not terms of limitation. It will be understood, however, that the paint container and the handle shown in the FIGURES may be positioned in any of a variety of orientations and the orientations illustrated in the FIGURES is not intended to be limiting.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring further to
A first horizontal land 44a and a second horizontal land 44b are each respectively offset from side wall 14 according to a preferred embodiment as shown in
According to a preferred embodiment as shown in
A non-circular cross-section of protrusion 34a and protrusion 34b each respectively provide an interference fit with recess 42a and recess 42b (respectively) as handle 18 is pivoted between storage position 20 and use position 22 (see
Handle 18 may be pivoted (e.g. manually by a user) between storage position 20 and use position 22. In use position 22, protrusion 34a is inserted in recess 42a, and tab 36a is in groove 46a as shown in
In use position 22, the top surface of protrusion 34a engages the outer wall of recess 42a to support the weight of container 10 (see
According to alternative embodiments, other mechanical fastening structures may also be employed for the locking mechanism. Additionally, a snap in feature that releasably locks the handle in the rest or in the use position may be helpful to ensure the handle does not move. The snap or lock feature may be accomplished by irregular geometry of the handle tabs and land apertures, or any other known means for securing a handle in specific position relative to the container.
According to a preferred embodiment as shown in
According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the container has a perimeter that is “D”-shaped, a cross-section that is substantially “D”-shaped, and a substantially flat bottom that is substantially “D”-shaped. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the container is configured to hold a volume of about one gallon of paint, and may have other volumes (e.g. one quart) according to other alternative embodiments. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the lid of the container has an area of about 12.4 square inches. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the container is of the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/255,564 titled “CONTAINER” filed Sep. 25, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/132,682 titled “CONTAINER” filed Apr. 25, 2002, which is a continuation-in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/006,985 titled “PAINT CONTAINER” filed Dec. 5, 2001.
Referring further to
To remove handle 18 from side wall 14, handle 18 is moved to storage position 20. Protrusion 34a is biased away from protrusion 34b (e.g. manually by a user). A length 62 of protrusion 34a is removed from recess 42a. Protrusion 34a is offset from recess 42a (e.g. by twisting or pivoting handle 18). Protrusion 34b is then removed from recess 42b.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the paint container as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g. variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/485,674 filed Jul. 9, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. The following U.S. Patent Applications are cited by reference and incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/255,564 titled “CONTAINER” filed Sep. 25, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/132,682 titled “CONTAINER” filed Apr. 25, 2002, which is a continuation-in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/006,985 titled “PAINT CONTAINER” filed Dec. 5, 2001.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60485674 | Jul 2003 | US |