Container, use of the container as a trim paint pail, and corresponding handle assembly

Abstract

A container including a containment body for receiving and containing material therein (ex. paint, etc.), the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall. The container also includes a handle assembly being mountable onto and cooperable with the containment body, the handle assembly being configured for operating between a drawn-out configuration and a drawn-in configuration with respect to the containment body. The container also includes a biasing assembly operatively disposed between the containment body and the handle assembly for biasing said handle assembly towards the drawn-in configuration. Also described is a handle assembly meant to be used with such a container, which can be used a "paint pail", for example.

Description

CONTAINER, USE OF THE CONTAINER AS A TRIM PAINT PAIL, AND CORRESPONDING HANDLE ASSEMBLY Field of the invention: The present invention relates to a container. More particularly, in its intended preferred use, the present invention relates to an improved container, which can be used as a hand-held trim paint pail (for example), and also relates to a kit for assembling the same, and to corresponding methods of assembling and use associated thereto, as well as to a corresponding handle assembly for the container, and to a kit for assembling the same, and to corresponding methods of assembling and use associated to said handle assembly. Background of the invention: The Assignee of the present application has developed many innovative products and manufacturing processes over the years, for which various US utility patents and design patents have been obtained (see some examples given below): [Image disponible dans le document PDF, Image available in the PDF document] 2 D612,120; D623,918; D630,856; D634,549; D637,819; D638,223; D644,905; D645,627; D649,862; D652,283; D656,808; D659,503; D665,548; D675,391; D681,343; D697,955; D700,784; D710,199; D712,156; D712,227; D712,610; D720,592; D729,484; D738,057; D740,510; D742,199; D742,610; D743,701; D744,759; D754,974; D756,049; D756,583; D766,199; D785,889 S; 2001 / 0051501 A1; 2004 / 0192180 A1; 2008 / 0034525 A1; 2008 / 0141481 A1; 2008 / 0209850 A1; 2013 / 0150222 A1; 2015 / 0026898 A1; and 2016 / 0167199 A1. Hand-held vessels are well known in the art, and the Assignee of the present application has also developed over the years many related products, for which utility patent(s) and design patent(s) have been obtained, namely some of those listed above and the following Canadian industrial designs given as way of examples: 150309; 155674; 157360; 160185; and 160186. Also, the Applicant of the present application has developed a container and corresponding handle assembly, being covered by Canadian Patent No. 2,846,733 granted on November 14th, 2017, in the name of ARVINTE et al. This document describes a container including a containment body for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall. The container also includes a fastening strap separate from the containment body, and selectively cooperable with the containment body, the fastening strap having a first end removably mountable onto the at least one side wall of the containment body, and a second end removably connectable onto a lower portion of the containment body via a connection mechanism, wherein in such an operative configuration of the fastening strap, a passage is defined between the at least one side wall and the fastening strap for receiving a portion of a user's hand or an accessory. Other hand-held vessels are also known in the art. For example, known to the Applicant is US patent No. 6,708,838 B2 granted on March 23rd, 2004 to BERGMAN et al., as well as US patent No 6,991,829 B2 granted on January 31st, 2006 to BERGMAN (as well as corresponding Canadian equivalents Nos. 2,422,885 and 2,690,049). These documents describe a hand-held vessel having a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and an outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand. Other known hand-held vessels are described in the following US documents: 6,601,743 B2; 7,644,835 B2; 8,550,285 B2; 8,556,116 B2; 8,919,604 B2; and 9,409,200 B2. Also known the Applicant is US design patent No. D460,845 S granted on July 23rd, 2002, to BERGMAN, and relating to a "hand-held container". Despite these known products, there is always a need to continue innovating and finding better and / or different ways of providing and / or using a handle assembly of a container, such as a paint pail, for example, and / or the like, in a quicker, easier, simpler, faster, more efficient, more reliable, more adjustable and / or more durable manner. Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved container and / or corresponding handle assembly. Summary of the invention: The object of the present invention is to provide a container, which by virtue of its design and components, would be an improvement over other related containers and / or handle assemblies known in the prior art. In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a container (or "pail"), such as the one briefly described herein, and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container comprising: a containment body for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall; a handle assembly being mountable onto and cooperable with the containment body, the handle assembly being configured for operating between a drawn-out configuration and a drawn-in configuration with respect to the containment body; and a biasing assembly operatively disposed between the containment body and the handle assembly for biasing said handle assembly towards the drawn-in configuration. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a handle assembly for use with the above-mentioned container. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of operating the above-mentioned container and / or handle assembly. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit with components for assembling the above-mentioned container and / or handle assembly. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a set of components for interchanging with components of the above-mentioned container and / or handle assembly. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and / or set. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing the above-mentioned container, handle assembly and / or components thereof (ex. handle, strap, etc.). According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a surface and / or an object having been treated with material (ex. paint, sealer, lubricant, epoxy, etc.) from the above-mentioned container and / or handle assembly. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of doing business with the above-mentioned container, handle assembly, method(s), kit and / or set. The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings: Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a container according to a possible embodiment of the present invention (ex. a container with a "metallic" handle), the container being shown with its corresponding handle assembly in a drawn-out configuration according to a given embodiment of the present system. Figure 2 is another top perspective view of what is shown in Figure 1, the container being now with its corresponding handle assembly in a drawn-in configuration according to a given embodiment of the present system. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of what is shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a top perspective view of what is shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of what is shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 3. Figure 7 is a partial sectional view of a portion of what is shown in Figure 3. Figure 8 is another partial sectional view of a portion of what is shown in Figure 3. Figure 9 is another partial view of what is shown in Figure 7, some components being shown in an exploded relationship with respect to the containment body of the container. Figure 10 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 9. Figure 11 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 9, some components being now shown in an assembled configuration with respect to the containment body according to a possible embodiment of the present system, and the at least one handle of the handle assembly being shown in an exploded relationship with respect to other components. Figure 12 is another side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 3, the container and corresponding handle assembly being now shown in a drawn-out configuration according to a possible embodiment of the present system. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along a given plane of what is shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 is another side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 12, the container and corresponding handle assembly being now shown in a drawn-in configuration according to a possible embodiment of the present system. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken alone a given plane of what is shown in Figure 14. Figure 16 is a rear view of what is shown in Figure 3. Figure 17 is a front view of what is shown in Figure 3. Figure 18 is a top view of what is shown in Figure 3. Figure 19 is a bottom view of what is shown in Figure 3. Figure 20 is a top perspective view of a container according to another possible embodiment of the present invention (ex. a container with a "plastic" handle), the container being shown with its corresponding handle assembly in a drawn-out configuration according to a given embodiment of the present system. Figure 21 is another top perspective view of what is shown in Figure 20, the container being now with its corresponding handle assembly in a drawn-in configuration according to a given embodiment of the present system. Figure 22 is an enlarged view of what is shown in Figure 21. Figure 23 is a top perspective view of what is shown in Figure 22. Figure 24 is a bottom perspective view of what is shown in Figure 23. Figure 25 is a side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 22. Figure 26 is a partial sectional view of a portion of what is shown in Figure 22. Figure 27 is another partial sectional view of a portion of what is shown in Figure 22. Figure 28 is another partial view of what is shown in Figure 27, some components being shown in an exploded relationship with respect to the containment body of the container. Figure 29 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 28. Figure 30 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 28, some components being now shown in an assembled configuration with respect to the . containment body according to a possible embodiment of the present system, and the at least one handle of the handle assembly being shown in an exploded relationship with respect to other components. Figure 31 is another side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 22, the container and corresponding handle assembly being now shown in a drawn-out configuration according to a possible embodiment of the present system. Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view along a given plane of what is shown in Figure 31. Figure 33 is another side elevational view of what is shown in Figure 31, the container and corresponding handle assembly being now shown in a drawn-in configuration according to a possible embodiment of the present system. Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view taken alone a given plane of what is shown in Figure 33. Figure 35 is a rear view of what is shown in Figure 22. Figure 36 is a front view of what is shown in Figure 22. Figure 37 is a top view of what is shown in Figure 22. Figure 38 is a bottom view of what is shown in Figure 22. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention: In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several reference numbers, not all the figures have been provided with reference numbers, and components and features of the present invention illustrated in some figures can also be easily inferred from others. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and / or dimensions shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only. Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for hand-held use, and for trimming and / or painting applications, as well as carrying out other possible functions related thereto (e.g. priming, varnishing, sealing, coating, etc.), it may be used with other types of materials and objects and in other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as "hand-held", "trim", "paint", "pail", etc., as used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and include all other kinds of ways, materials (ex. sealant, lubricant, epoxy, etc.), objects and / or purposes with which the present invention could be used and may be useful. Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "container", "pail", "vessel", "tool", "device", "unit", "product", "apparatus", "system", "kit" and "assembly", as well as any other equivalent expressions and / or compounds word thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) "fastening", "tightening", "securing", "strapping", "holding", "handling", "manipulating", "clamping", "biasing", "urging", etc.; b) "strap", "handle", "belt", etc.; c) "engaging", "hooking", "mounting", "penetrating", "inserting", etc.; d) "extremity", "end", "portion", "segment", etc.; e) "slit", "hole", "slot", "recess", "notch", "hook", "inlet", socket", etc.; f) "housing", "shell", "body", "frame", etc.; g) "receiving", "containing", "holding", "storing", etc.; h) "material", "fluid", "paint", "substance", "particle(s)", "solid(s)", etc.; i) "top", "upper", etc.; j) "bottom", "lower", etc.; k) "edge", "rim", "lip", etc.; as well as for any other mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions and / or to any other structural and / or functional aspects of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered that all elongated objects will have an implicit "longitudinal axis" or "centerline", such as the longitudinal axis of a handle or a strap for example, or the centerline of a bore, for example, and that expressions such as "connected" and "connectable", or "mounted" and "mountable", may be interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully assembled and operational container (and / or a containment body provided with a corresponding strap). In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components and although the preferred embodiments of the container (i.e. containment body and handle assembly) as shown consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the container (i.e. containment body and handle assembly), and corresponding parts, according to the present invention, as briefly explained and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention. List of numerical references for some of the corresponding preferred components illustrated in the accompanying drawings: 1. container (or "paint pail") 12 3. containment body (or "paint pail body") 5. handle assembly 5a. handle (of handle assembly – ex. spring-loaded handle) 5b. strap (of handle assembly – ex. flexible strap) 7. wall (of containment body) 7a. side wall 7b. bottom wall 9. containment area / volume (of containment body) 11. biasing assembly 13. energy-storing component (ex. spring, etc.) 15. pivot axis 17. rim (of container) 19. pivot pin 21. mounting flange (of container) 21a. first mounting flange 21b. second mounting flange 23. bore 25. spring 27. cavity (for nesting spring) 29. recess (of handle for receiving pivot pin) 31. U-shaped portion (of handle for receiving pivot pin) 33. biasing component 35. positioning hole (ex. snap-hole) 37. open-ended loop (of container) 37a. open-ended loop (defined by the handle of handle assembly) 37b. open-ended loop (defined by the strap of handle assembly) 39. magnet 41. recess (for magnet) 43. component (for interacting between handle and strap) 43a. male component 43b. female component (ex. snap hole) 43c. interlocking component 43d. projecting component (ex. snap-pin button) 45. rearward groove (of strap) 47. retaining insert (for spring) Broadly described, the container 1 according to the present invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, is a container 1 which, in its preferred intended use, is an improved container 1, with separate containment body 3 and handle assembly 5, that are cooperable with one another so as to form a resulting container 1 (ex. a "paint pail"), which may be hand-held by a user and / or hooked onto said user (ex. on a belt of a user, etc.), the handle assembly 5 being configured to be biased (i.e. urged, pushed, etc.) towards a drawn-in configuration, and while being selectively adjustable (ex. via pivoting, tilting, etc.) with respect to the containment body 3, so as to ensure an adjustable opening for a user's hand (and / or other component), and allow firm gripping and / or securing of the container 1 by the user, in an ergonomic manner, due to different components and features of the present container 1, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, in view of the following description. Indeed, the present container 1, and corresponding handle assembly 5, is(are) a new version and / or an improvement(s) of prior one(s) having been developed by the same Assignee of that of the present case. The present container 1 and / or corresponding handle assembly 5 may come in the form of an embodiment including one and / or several of the following possible components and features (and / or different combination(s) thereof): Indeed, according to one possible aspect, there is provided a container 1 comprising a containment body 3 for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body 3 being provided with at least one side wall 7a, and a bottom wall 7b, said walls 7 defining together a containment area and / or volume 9 for the containment body 3 where material can be contained (for example, in the case where the container 1 is used as a "paint pail", the containment body 3 would be used for containing "paint", etc.). The container 1 may also comprise a handle assembly 5 being mountable onto and cooperable with the containment body 3, the handle assembly 5 being configured for operating between a "drawn-out" configuration and a "drawn-in" configuration with respect to the containment body 3. The container 1 may also comprise a biasing assembly 11 operatively disposed between the containment body 3 and the handle assembly 5 for biasing said handle assembly 5 towards the drawn-in configuration. According to one possible embodiment, the biasing assembly 11 includes an energy-storing component 13 (ex. a resilient component, a spring component, etc.) having one end operatively abutting against a portion of the containment body 3 and another end operatively abutting against a portion of the handle assembly 5 for urging said handle assembly 5 towards the drawn-in configuration (by default, for example). The handle assembly 5 may be pivotally mountable onto the containment body 3, and as exemplified in the accompanying figures, the handle assembly 5 may be configured so as to be operable between the drawn-out configuration and the drawn- in configurations, and vice-versa, via a pivoting motion of the handle assembly 5 about a corresponding pivot axis 15 of the container 1. According to one possible embodiment, the pivot axis 15 is operatively provided about a corresponding rim portion 17 of the containment body 3, and can be operatively provided by a corresponding pivot pin 19 of the container 1. The pivot pin 19 may be removably mountable onto a pair of mounting flanges 21a,21b of the containment body 3, for example, with each mounting flange 21 including a bore 23, for example, for receiving therein a corresponding extremity of the pivot pin 19. It is worth mentioning that other suitable, equivalent and / or alternative ways of pivotally mounting the handle assembly 5 onto the containment body 3 are also contemplated by the present system, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. As also exemplified in the accompanying figures, and according to another possible embodiment of the present system, the handle assembly 5 may comprise at least one handle 5a, with a proximate portion of said at least one handle 5a being operatively connectable (ex. mountable, insertable, etc.) to (ex. onto, about, etc.) the containment body 3, for example. The at least one handle 5a may come in various shapes and forms, but according to a possible embodiment, the at least one handle 5a includes at least one substantially rigid handle 5a which can be selected from the group consisting of a metallic handle 5a, a polymeric handle 5a, a plastic handle 5a, and an elastic handle 5a, for example. Indeed, and alternatively, the at least one handle 5a could include at least one handle 5a made of another "resilient" or "spring-like" material, such as Delrin™, for example, etc., although various other suitable alternatives and / or materials are also contemplated for the present container 1, etc. According to a particular embodiment of the present system, the biasing assembly 11 includes at least one spring 25 having one end (ex. a "first" end) operatively abutting against a portion of the containment body 3 and another end (ex. a "second" end) operatively abutting against a portion of the handle assembly 5 (and / or the at least one handle 5a thereof), in which case, the handle assembly 5 is thus provided with at least one corresponding "spring-loaded" handle 5a. Optionally, the other end (ex. "second" end) of the at least one spring 25 may be configured for operatively abutting a distal extremity of the handle assembly 5 (and / or the at least one handle 5a thereof), and may be adjacent to a corresponding pivot axis 15 and / or pivot pin 19 of the container 1, for an increased biasing and / or lever effect and resulting driving torque onto the handle assembly 5 (and / or the at least one handle 5a thereof), in turn resulting in a "snugger" feel against a hand of a user of the container 1, as can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying figures. According to one possible embodiment, the at least one spring 25 may be nestable into a corresponding cavity 27 of the container 1, and the cavity 27 for receiving the at least one spring 25 may be defined within the handle assembly 5 of the container 1, for example. Indeed, according to one possible option, the cavity 27 for receiving the at least one spring 25 may be defined within a sub-component of the handle assembly 5. For example, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-19, the cavity 27 for receiving the at least one spring 25 may be defined within a corresponding strap 5b of the handle assembly 5, and more specifically, may be defined within a mounting portion of said corresponding strap 5b of the handle assembly 5, adjacent to a corresponding pivot axis 15 and / or pivot pin 19 of the container 1, for example. The cavity 27 for receiving the at least one spring 25 may also be substantially cylindrical, so as to receive the corresponding spring 25 of the biasing assembly 11, which may simply take on the form of at least one coaxial spring 25, for example. Alternatively, and in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figures 20- 38, the cavity 27 for receiving the at least one spring 25 may be avoided altogether, and may be replaced by a corresponding insert 47 being operatively connected (or connectable) to the handle 5a and being insertable into the spring 25, for example, for retaining said spring 25 into place about the container 1. Thus, as may be better appreciated, ways of securing the spring 25 about the handle assembly 5 (and / or about the containment body 3) and for ensuring a corresponding biasing force onto said handle assembly 5, may come in various other suitable, equivalent and / or alternative embodiments which are also contemplated by the present system, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. According to a possible embodiment, the at least one handle 5a may be positioned, shaped and sized for pivoting about an upper rim portion of the containment body 3 (ex. about at least one pivot axis 15 of the container 1, etc.). As shown in the accompanying figures, the at least one handle 5a may include at least one recess 29, for example, for receiving a corresponding pivot component (ex. the pivot pin 19, etc.) of the container 1. Optionally also, the proximate portion of the at least one handle 5a may include a U-shaped portion 31 being positioned, shaped and sized for receiving the pivot component (ex. the pivot pin 19, etc.) of the container 1, as exemplified in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-19, for instance. As previously explained, the at least one handle 5a may include a first extremity (ex. a proximate extremity, a top extremity, an uppermost extremity, etc.) being positioned, shaped and sized for abutting against a corresponding biasing component 33 (ex. spring, etc.) of the container 1, the biasing component 33 being configured for providing the at least one handle 5a with a biasing force (ex. spring- loaded force, etc.) urging the handle assembly 5 towards the drawn-in configuration (and / or closer to the containment body 3 and / or a corresponding side wall 7a thereof, etc.). As also previously explained, the at least one handle 5a may come in various shapes and forms, and thus, according to one possible embodiment of the present system, may include a substantially uniform width along its length. Alternatively, the at least one handle 5a may include a varying width along its length. Alternatively also, the at least one handle 5a may include a first portion (ex. a proximate portion, a top portion, etc.) being wider than a second portion (ex. a distal portion, a bottom portion, etc.) of the at least one handle 5a. According to another possible embodiment, the at least one handle 5a may include at least one positioning hole 35 for receiving a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly 5, such as the strap 5b, for example, and / or other any suitable component that would allow an adjustment of the positioning and / or of biasing force of the handle assembly 5. As exemplified in the accompanying figures, the at least one handle 5a may include a pair of positioning holes 35, each positioning hole 35 being configured for receiving a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly 5, but it is worth mentioning that ultimately, the at least one handle 5a could include n positioning holes 35, with n being an integer equal or greater than 1 (ex. <semantics>n=1,2,3,4<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">n=1, 2, 3, 4< / annotation>< / semantics>, etc.), each positioning hole 35 being configured for receiving a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly 5, with each positioning hole 35 being a snap hole for receiving a corresponding snap-pin button, for instance. As can be easily understood, the lower the snap-pin button will be positioned, for example, the "tighter" and / or the "safer" the hand of the user will be, etc. Optionally also, the at least one handle 5a may include a second extremity (ex. a distal extremity) that is angled, and the second extremity of the at least one handle 5a may be angled inwardly towards the containment body 3 (and / or a corresponding side wall 7a thereof). Preferably also, the at least one handle 5a defines an open- ended loop 37a about the containment body 3, for allowing easy insertion therein of a hand of a user of the container 1. According to a possible embodiment, wherein the handle assembly 5 may also comprise at least one strap 5b, with a proximate portion of the least one strap 5b being operatively connectable (ex. mountable, insertable, etc.) to (ex. onto, about, etc.) the containment body 3, for example. As exemplified in the accompanying figures, the at least one strap 5b may comprise a first extremity (ex. a proximate extremity, a top extremity, etc.) and / or a mounting segment for removably mounting a proximate portion of the at least one strap 5b onto a corresponding portion (ex. recess(es), cavity(ies), groove(s), flange(s), etc.) of the containment body 3. Optionally also, an inside portion of the first extremity (ex. a proximate extremity, top extremity, etc.) and / or mounting segment of the at least one strap 5b may be provided with at least one magnet 39 (ex. which can be used for receiving thereon a metallic component of a tool to be used with the container 1, such as metallic ferrule of a paint brush, when the container 1 is used as a "paint pail", for example). The at least one magnet 39 may be lodged about a corresponding recess 41 defined about the inside portion of the first extremity (ex. a proximate extremity, top extremity, etc.) and / or mounting segment of the at least one strap 5b, for example. According to a possible embodiment, the at least one magnet 39 has a substantially rectangular profile, and the corresponding recess 41 containing said at least one magnet 39 may have a complementary geometrical profile. It is worth mentioning however that the magnet 39 and corresponding recess 41 may take other suitable, equivalent and / or alternative geometrical profiles (ex. round, oval, square, etc.) which may be complementary to one another, and / or different to each other, depending on the particular intentions meant for the container 1, and / or the desired end results, as also contemplated by the present system. As can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying figures, a portion of the at least one strap 5b may comprise at least one component 43 for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly 5 (ex. the at least one handle 5a thereof) in order to adjustably alter a given profile (geometrical disposition, arrangement, positioning, etc.) of the at least one strap 5b. According to a possible embodiment, this component 43 may take on the form of a male component 43a, in which case, a portion of the at least one strap 5b may comprise at least one male component 43a for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary female component 43b of the handle assembly 5 (ex. the at least one handle 5a thereof) in order to adjustably alter a given profile (geometrical disposition, arrangement, positioning, etc.) of the at least one strap 5b. Alternatively, the above-mentioned component 43 may take on the form of a female component 43a, in which case, a portion of the at least one strap 5b may comprise at least one female component 43b for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary male component 43a of the handle assembly 5 (ex. the at least one handle 5a thereof) in order to adjustably alter a given profile (geometrical disposition, arrangement, positioning, etc.) of the at least one strap 5b. According to yet another alternative embodiment, a portion of the at least one strap 5b may comprise at least one interlocking component 43c for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly 5 (ex. the at least one handle 5a thereof) in order to adjustably alter a given profile (geometrical disposition, arrangement, positioning, etc.) of the at least one strap 5b. Indeed, any of the above-mentioned possible embodiment(s) (and / or other ones) may be used for selectively and adjustably selecting a "gripping", "tightening" and / or "comfort" level(s) of the strap 5b about a user's hand, etc. - namely, as previously explained, and as can be easily understood, the lower the snap-pin button will be positioned, for example, the "tighter" and / or the "safer" the hand of the user will be, etc. Optionally also, a portion (ex. a distal portion and / or midsection portion) of the at least one strap 5b may comprise at least one projecting component 43d for removably inserting into a corresponding positioning hole 35 provided about the at least one handle 5a of the handle assembly 5, and the at least one projecting component 43d may include a snap-pin button, for example, as previously discussed, and as illustrated in the accompanying figures. Similarly to the above-discussed, the at least one strap 5b defines an open- ended loop 37b about the containment body 3, for allowing easy insertion therein of a hand of a user of the container 1. The at least one strap 5b may be made of various different materials, depending on the particular intentions meant for the container 1, and the desired end results, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. For example, the at least one strap 5b may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of a flexible material, a stretchable material, an elastic material, and / or a polymeric material, etc. Similarly, the at least one strap 5b may come in various shapes and forms, depending once again on the particular intentions meant for the container 1, and the desired end results, as can also be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. For example, the at least one strap 5b may include a substantially uniform width along its length, or alternatively, it may include a varying width along its length. According to one possible embodiment, the at least one strap 5b may include a proximate width that is wider than a distal width, for example. According to another possible embodiment, the at least one strap 5b may include a rearward groove 45 being positioned, shaped and sized complementary to the at least one handle 5a of the handle assembly 5. Optionally, the rearward groove 45 may be positioned centrally with respect to the at least one strap 5b of the handle assembly 5. Optionally also, the rearward groove 45 may extend longitudinally with respect to the at least one strap 5b of the handle assembly 5. Optionally also, the rearward groove 45 may have a substantially rectangular profile, and the at least one handle 5a of the handle assembly 5 may have a complementary geometrical profile. It is worth mentioning however that the rearward groove 45 and corresponding handle 5a meant to be insertable thereagainst may take other suitable, equivalent and / or alternative geometrical profiles, which may be complementary to one another, and / or different to each other, depending once again on the particular intentions meant for the container 1, and desired end results, as also contemplated by the present system. As exemplified in the accompanying figures, the containment body 3 may include at least one mounting flange 21 for receiving at least one corresponding component of the handle assembly 5, and according to a possible embodiment, the containment body 3 includes a pair of mounting flanges 21a,21b for receiving said at least one corresponding component of the handle assembly 5. As can be easily understood from the accompanying drawings, and according to a possible embodiment, the pivot axis 15 of the handle assembly 5 may be defined about at least one mounting flange 21 of the containment body 3, and preferably, the pivot axis 15 of the handle assembly 5 is defined about the pair of mounting flanges 21a,21b of the containment body 3. As previously explained, it is worth mentioning that other suitable, equivalent and / or alternative ways of pivotally mounting the handle assembly 5 onto the containment body 3 are also contemplated by the present system, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. According to another aspect of the present system, there is provided a kit with corresponding components (ex. at least one component selected from the group consisting of containment body 3, handle assembly 5, biasing assembly 11, handle 5a, strap 5b, pivot pin 19, spring 25, etc.) for assembling a container 1 such as the one briefly described herein, and / or such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings. According to yet another aspect of the present system, there is also provided a method of using such a container 1. According to yet another aspect of the present system, there is also provided a handle assembly 5 for use with such a container 1. According to yet another aspect of the present system, there is also provided a kit with corresponding components (ex. at least one component selected from the group consisting of handle 5a, strap 5b, pivot pin 19, spring 25, etc.) for assembling a handle assembly 5 such as the one briefly described herein, and / or such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings. According to yet another aspect of the present system, there is also provided a method of using such a handle assembly 5. In addition to the above-explained, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the containment body 3 may comprise at least one curved side wall 7a, the at least one curved side wall being configured for receiving a palm of a hand of a user of the container 1. The container 1 may also comprise at least one straight side wall 7a, which can, for example, be opposite to the at least one curved wall 7a configured for receiving a palm of a hand of a user of the container 1, as also shown in the accompanying drawings. The containment body 3 may also comprise a containment portion 9 for selectively containing "paint" therein (for example, and / or any other type of "fluid", "liquid", "particle(s)", "solid(s)", etc.), and an angled wringing portion operatively connected to the containment portion 9 for selectively wringing paint from a paint tool, the wringing portion being provided with a plurality of ridges to improve a wringing capability of the containment body 3, as can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. At least one side wall 7a may also be provided with a label seat, for receiving a corresponding label with information associated with the container 1, the manufacturer, the wholesaler, the distributor, the seller, etc. It is worth mentioning that the configurations, geometrical profiles and other aspects of the containment body 3 can be substantially different from those exemplified in the accompanying drawings, provided that according to the present invention, the handle assembly 5 is "separate" from the containment body 3 and / or "removably affixable" onto such containment body 3, or at least very least, configured to be biased towards and selectively pivotable with respect to the containment body 3, such as in the various manners and examples given hereinabove. It is also worth mentioning that the present system is also meant to cover a containment body 3 and / or handle assembly 5 sold separately, and meant and / or capable of being used with a container 1 such as the one briefly described herein, and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings. Finally, and according to the present invention, the container 1, handle assembly 5 and / or corresponding parts (ex. biasing assembly 11, handle 5a, strap 5b, pivot pin 19, spring 25, etc.) are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as plastics, hardened polymers, composite materials, and / or the like, whereas other components thereof (e.g. strap, etc.) can be made of substantially flexible materials, such as rubberized material, in order to achieve the resulting advantages briefly discussed herein (ex. better grip, bending of strap, etc.), depending on the particular applications for which the container 1 is intended for and the different parameters in cause (load applied to the containment body 3, handle 5a, strap 5b, etc.), as apparent to a person skilled in the art. As also shown in the accompanying drawings, the containment body 3 may be provided with reinforcement flanges operatively connecting the bottom wall 7b of the container 1 to a bottom rim thereof for providing the bottom portion and thus the overall container 1 with greater structural rigidity, etc. Furthermore, the present invention is a substantial improvement over the prior art in that, by virtue of its design and components, the tool is simple and easy to use, as well as is simple and easy to manufacture and / or assemble, without compromising the reliability of its functions. Hence, it may now be appreciated that the present invention represents important advantages over other tools known in the prior art, in that the container 1 can be used a trim paint pail for such applications, in a very quick, easy and ergonomic manner, with improved performance, as briefly explained hereinabove. Moreover, the present invention is also advantageous in that it provides a simpler, easier-to-use and esthetically pleasing container 1 than those of the prior art. As may now be appreciated, the present invention is a substantial improvement over containers and / or handle assemblies of the prior art in that, by virtue of its design and components, as briefly explained herein, the present system enables to overcome or at least minimize some of the known drawbacks associated with conventional systems, providing for an easier, more accurate, more functional and more versatile container 1 and / or handle assembly 5. Of course, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the possible embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. Furthermore, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been briefly described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various changes and modifications could be made without departing form the scope and spirit of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims and as apparent to a person skilled in the art. Other possible item(s), aspect(s), object(s), embodiment(s), variant(s) and / or advantage(s) of the present disclosure, all being preferred and / or optional, are briefly summarized hereinbelow: 1. A container comprising: a containment body for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall; a handle assembly being mountable onto and cooperable with the containment body, the handle assembly being configured for operating between a drawn-out configuration and a drawn-in configuration with respect to the containment body; and a biasing assembly operatively disposed between the containment body and the handle assembly for biasing said handle assembly towards the drawn-in configuration; wherein the biasing assembly includes an energy-storing component having one end operatively abutting against a portion of the containment body and another end operatively abutting against a portion of the handle assembly for urging said handle assembly towards the drawn-in configuration; and wherein the at least one handle defines an open-ended loop about the containment body, and includes a second extremity that is angled inwardly towards the containment body. 2. A container according to item 1, wherein the handle assembly is pivotally mountable onto the containment body, and wherein the handle assembly is operable between the drawn-out configuration and the drawn-in configurations, and vice-versa, via a pivoting motion of handle assembly about a corresponding pivot axis of the container. 3. A container according to item 2, wherein the pivot axis is operatively provided about a corresponding rim portion of the containment body. 4. A container according to item 2 or 3, wherein the pivot axis is operatively provided by a corresponding pivot pin of the container. 5. A container according to item 4, wherein the pivot pin is removably mountable onto a pair of mounting flanges of the containment body. 6. A container according to item 5, wherein each mounting flange includes a bore for receiving therein a corresponding extremity of the pivot pin. 7. A container according to any one of items 1-6, wherein the handle assembly comprises at least one handle, a proximate portion of the least one handle being operatively connectable to the containment body. 8. A container according to item 7, wherein the at least one handle includes at least one substantially rigid handle selected from the group consisting of a metallic handle, a polymeric handle, a plastic handle and an elastic handle. 9. A container according to any one of items 1-8, wherein the biasing assembly includes at least one spring having one end operatively abutting against a portion of the containment body and another end operatively abutting against a portion of the handle assembly, and wherein the handle assembly thus includes at least one spring-loaded handle. 10. A container according to item 9, wherein the another end of the spring is configured for operatively abutting a distal extremity of the handle assembly. 11. A container according to item 9 or 10, wherein the at least one spring is nestable into a corresponding cavity of the container. 12. A container according to item 11, wherein the cavity for receiving the at least one spring is defined within the handle assembly of the container. 13. A container according to item 11 or 12, wherein the cavity for receiving the at least one spring is defined within a sub-component of the handle assembly. 14. A container according to any one of items 11-13, wherein the cavity for receiving the at least one spring is defined within a corresponding strap of the handle assembly. 15. A container according to any one of items 11-14, wherein the cavity for receiving the at least one spring is defined within a mounting portion of the corresponding strap of the handle assembly. 16. A container according to any one of items 11-15, wherein the cavity for receiving the at least one spring is substantially cylindrical, and wherein the at least one spring of the biasing assembly includes at least one coaxial spring. 17. A container according to any one of items 7-16, wherein the at least one handle is positioned, shaped and sized for pivoting about an upper rim portion of the containment body. 18. A container according to any one of items 7-17, wherein the at least one handle includes at least one recess for receiving a corresponding pivot component of the container. 19. A container according to item 18, wherein a proximate portion of the at least one handle includes a U-shaped portion being positioned, shaped and sized for receiving the pivot component of the container. 20. A container according to any one of items 7-19, wherein the at least one handle includes a first extremity being positioned, shaped and sized for abutting against a corresponding biasing component of the container, the biasing component being configured for providing the at least one handle with a biasing force urging the handle assembly towards the drawn-in configuration. 21. A container according to any one of items 7-20, wherein the at least one handle includes a substantially uniform width along its length. 22. A container according to any one of items 7-20, wherein the at least one handle including a varying width along its length. 23. A container according to any one of items 7-20, wherein the at least one handle includes a first portion being wider than a second portion of the at least one handle. 24. A container according to any one of items 7-23, wherein the at least one handle includes at least one positioning hole for receiving a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly. 25. A container according to any one of items 7-23, wherein the at least one handle includes a pair of positioning holes, each positioning hole being configured for receiving a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly. 26. A container according to any one of items 7-23, wherein the at least one handle includes n positioning holes, n being an integer equal or greater than 1, each positioning hole being configured for receiving a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly. 27. A container according to item 25 or 26, wherein each positioning hole includes a snap-hole. 28. A container according to any one of items 1-27, wherein the handle assembly comprises at least one strap, a proximate portion of the least one strap being operatively connectable to the containment body. 29. A container according to item 28, wherein the at least one strap comprises a mounting segment for removably mounting a proximate portion of the at least one strap onto a corresponding portion of the containment body. 30. A container according to item 29, wherein an inside portion of the mounting segment of the at least one strap is provided with at least one magnet. 31. A container according to item 30, wherein the at least one magnet is lodged about a corresponding recess defined about the inside portion of the mounting segment of the at least one strap. 32. A container according to item 31, wherein the at least one magnet has a substantially rectangular profile, and wherein the corresponding recess containing said at least one magnet has a complementary geometrical profile. 33. A container according to any one of items 28-32, wherein a portion of the at least one strap comprises at least one component for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly in order to adjustably alter a given profile of the at least one strap. 34. A container according to any one of items 28-32, wherein a portion of the at least one strap comprises at least one male component for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary female component of the handle assembly in order to adjustably alter a given profile of the at least one strap. 35. A container according to any one of items 28-32, wherein a portion of the at least one strap comprises at least one female component for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary male component of the handle assembly in order to adjustably alter a given profile of the at least one strap. 36. A container according to any one of items 28-32, wherein a portion of the at least one strap comprises at least one interlocking component for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly in order to adjustably alter a given profile of the at least one strap. 37. A container according to any one of items 28-32, wherein a portion of the at least one strap comprises at least one projecting component for removably inserting into a corresponding positioning hole provided about the at least one handle of the handle assembly. 38. A container according to item 37, wherein the at least one projecting component includes a snap-pin button. 39. A container according to any one of items 28-38, wherein the at least one strap defines an open-ended loop about the containment body. 40. A container according to any one of items 28-39, wherein the at least one strap is made of a flexible material. 41. A container according to any one of items 28-39, wherein the at least one strap is made of a stretchable material. 42. A container according to any one of items 28-39, wherein the at least one strap is made of an elastic material. 43. A container according to any one of items 28-39, wherein the at least one strap is made of a polymeric material. 44. A container according to any one of items 28-43, wherein the at least one strap includes a substantially uniform width along its length. 45. A container according to any one of items 28-43, wherein the at least one strap including a varying width along its length. 46. A container according to any one of items 28-43, wherein the at least one strap includes a proximate width that is wider than a distal width. 47. A container according to any one of items 28-46, wherein the at least one strap includes a rearward groove being positioned, shaped and sized complementary to the at least one handle of the handle assembly. 48. A container according to item 47, wherein the rearward groove is positioned centrally with respect to the at least one strap of the handle assembly. 49. A container according to item 47 or 48, wherein the rearward groove extends longitudinally with respect to the at least one strap of the handle assembly. 50. A container according to any one of items 47-49, wherein the rearward groove has a substantially rectangular profile, and wherein the at least one handle of the handle assembly has a complementary geometrical profile. 51. A container according to any one of items 1-50, wherein the containment body includes at least one mounting flange for receiving at least one corresponding component of the handle assembly. 52. A container according to item 51, wherein the containment body includes a pair of mounting flanges for receiving at least one corresponding component of the handle assembly. 53. A container according to item 52, wherein a pivot axis of the handle assembly is defined about at least one mounting flange of the containment body. 54. A container according to item 53, wherein the pivot axis of the handle assembly is defined about a pair of mounting flanges of the containment body. 55. A kit with corresponding components for assembling a container according to any one of items 1-54, the kit comprising at least one of the following components: a) the containment body; b) the handle assembly; and c) the biasing assembly. 56. A handle assembly with corresponding components for use with a container according to any one of items 1-54, the handle comprising at least one of the following components: a) at least one handle; b) at least one strap; and c) at least one spring.

Claims

<pat:ClaimStatement>CLAIMS:< / pat:ClaimStatement> <pat:Claims com:id="claims"> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00001"> <pat:ClaimNumber>1< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>1. A container comprising: a containment body for receiving and containing material therein, the containment body being provided with at least one side wall, and a bottom wall; a handle assembly being mountable onto and cooperable with the containment body, the handle assembly being configured for operating between a drawn-out configuration and a drawn-in configuration with respect to the containment body; and a biasing assembly operatively disposed between the containment body and the handle assembly for biasing said handle assembly towards the drawn-in configuration; wherein the biasing assembly includes an energy-storing component having one end operatively abutting against a portion of the containment body and another end operatively abutting against a portion of the handle assembly for urging said handle assembly towards the drawn-in configuration; and wherein the at least one handle defines an open-ended loop about the containment body, and includes a second extremity that is angled inwardly towards the containment body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00002"> <pat:ClaimNumber>2< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the handle assembly is pivotally mountable onto the containment body, and wherein the handle assembly is operable between the drawn-out configuration and the drawn-in configurations, and vice-versa, via a pivoting motion of handle assembly about a corresponding pivot axis of the container. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00003"> <pat:ClaimNumber>3< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the pivot axis is operatively provided about a corresponding rim portion of the containment body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00004"> <pat:ClaimNumber>4< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>4. A container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the pivot axis is operatively provided by a corresponding pivot pin of the container. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00005"> <pat:ClaimNumber>5< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>5. A container according to claim 4, wherein the pivot pin is removably mountable onto a pair of mounting flanges of the containment body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00006"> <pat:ClaimNumber>6< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>6. A container according to claim 5, wherein each mounting flange includes a bore for receiving therein a corresponding extremity of the pivot pin. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00007"> <pat:ClaimNumber>7< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>7. A container according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the handle assembly comprises at least one handle, a proximate portion of the least one handle being operatively connectable to the containment body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00008"> <pat:ClaimNumber>8< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>8. A container according to claim 7, wherein the at least one handle includes at least one substantially rigid handle selected from the group consisting of a metallic handle, a polymeric handle, a plastic handle and an elastic handle. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00009"> <pat:ClaimNumber>9< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>9. A container according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the biasing assembly includes at least one spring having one end operatively abutting against a portion of the containment body and another end operatively abutting against a portion of the handle assembly, and wherein the handle assembly thus includes at least one spring-loaded handle. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00010"> <pat:ClaimNumber>10< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>10. A container according to claim 9, wherein the another end of the spring is configured for operatively abutting a distal extremity of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00011"> <pat:ClaimNumber>11< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>11. A container according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least one spring is nestable into a corresponding cavity of the container. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00012"> <pat:ClaimNumber>12< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>12. A container according to claim 11, wherein the cavity for receiving the at least one spring is defined within the handle assembly of the container. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00013"> <pat:ClaimNumber>13< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>13. A container according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the cavity for receiving the at least one spring is defined within a sub-component of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00014"> <pat:ClaimNumber>14< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>14. A container according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the cavity for receiving the at least one spring is defined within a corresponding strap of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00015"> <pat:ClaimNumber>15< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>15. A container according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein the cavity for receiving the at least one spring is defined within a mounting portion of the corresponding strap of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00016"> <pat:ClaimNumber>16< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>16. A container according to any one of claims 11-15, wherein the cavity for receiving the at least one spring is substantially cylindrical, and wherein the at least one spring of the biasing assembly includes at least one coaxial spring. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00017"> <pat:ClaimNumber>17< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>17. A container according to any one of claims 7-16, wherein the at least one handle is positioned, shaped and sized for pivoting about an upper rim portion of the containment body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00018"> <pat:ClaimNumber>18< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>18. A container according to any one of claims 7-17, wherein the at least one handle includes at least one recess for receiving a corresponding pivot component of the container. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00019"> <pat:ClaimNumber>19< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>19. A container according to claim 18, wherein a proximate portion of the at least one handle includes a U-shaped portion being positioned, shaped and sized for receiving the pivot component of the container. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00020"> <pat:ClaimNumber>20< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>20. A container according to any one of claims 7-19, wherein the at least one handle includes a first extremity being positioned, shaped and sized for abutting against a corresponding biasing component of the container, the biasing component being configured for providing the at least one handle with a biasing force urging the handle assembly towards the drawn-in configuration. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00021"> <pat:ClaimNumber>21< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>21. A container according to any one of claims 7-20, wherein the at least one handle includes a substantially uniform width along its length. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00022"> <pat:ClaimNumber>22< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>22. A container according to any one of claims 7-20, wherein the at least one handle including a varying width along its length. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00023"> <pat:ClaimNumber>23< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>23. A container according to any one of claims 7-20, wherein the at least one handle includes a first portion being wider than a second portion of the at least one handle. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00024"> <pat:ClaimNumber>24< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>24. A container according to any one of claims 7-23, wherein the at least one handle includes at least one positioning hole for receiving a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00025"> <pat:ClaimNumber>25< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>25. A container according to any one of claims 7-23, wherein the at least one handle includes a pair of positioning holes, each positioning hole being configured for receiving a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00026"> <pat:ClaimNumber>26< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>26. A container according to any one of claims 7-23, wherein the at least one handle includes n positioning holes, n being an integer equal or greater than 1, each positioning hole being configured for receiving a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00027"> <pat:ClaimNumber>27< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>27. A container according to claim 25 or 26, wherein each positioning hole includes a snap-hole. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00028"> <pat:ClaimNumber>28< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>28. A container according to any one of claims 1-27, wherein the handle assembly comprises at least one strap, a proximate portion of the least one strap being operatively connectable to the containment body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00029"> <pat:ClaimNumber>29< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>29. A container according to claim 28, wherein the at least one strap comprises a mounting segment for removably mounting a proximate portion of the at least one strap onto a corresponding portion of the containment body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00030"> <pat:ClaimNumber>30< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>30. A container according to claim 29, wherein an inside portion of the mounting segment of the at least one strap is provided with at least one magnet. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00031"> <pat:ClaimNumber>31< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>31. A container according to claim 30, wherein the at least one magnet is lodged about a corresponding recess defined about the inside portion of the mounting segment of the at least one strap. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00032"> <pat:ClaimNumber>32< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>32. A container according to claim 31, wherein the at least one magnet has a substantially rectangular profile, and wherein the corresponding recess containing said at least one magnet has a complementary geometrical profile. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00033"> <pat:ClaimNumber>33< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>33. A container according to any one of claims 28-32, wherein a portion of the at least one strap comprises at least one component for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly in order to adjustably alter a given profile of the at least one strap. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00034"> <pat:ClaimNumber>34< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>34. A container according to any one of claims 28-32, wherein a portion of the at least one strap comprises at least one male component for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary female component of the handle assembly in order to adjustably alter a given profile of the at least one strap. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00035"> <pat:ClaimNumber>35< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>35. A container according to any one of claims 28-32, wherein a portion of the at least one strap comprises at least one female component for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary male component of the handle assembly in order to adjustably alter a given profile of the at least one strap. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00036"> <pat:ClaimNumber>36< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>36. A container according to any one of claims 28-32, wherein a portion of the at least one strap comprises at least one interlocking component for selectively cooperating with a corresponding complementary component of the handle assembly in order to adjustably alter a given profile of the at least one strap. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00037"> <pat:ClaimNumber>37< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>37. A container according to any one of claims 28-32, wherein a portion of the at least one strap comprises at least one projecting component for removably inserting into a corresponding positioning hole provided about the at least one handle of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00038"> <pat:ClaimNumber>38< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>38. A container according to claim 37, wherein the at least one projecting component includes a snap-pin button. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00039"> <pat:ClaimNumber>39< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>39. A container according to any one of claims 28-38, wherein the at least one strap defines an open-ended loop about the containment body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00040"> <pat:ClaimNumber>40< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>40. A container according to any one of claims 28-39, wherein the at least one strap is made of a flexible material. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00041"> <pat:ClaimNumber>41< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>41. A container according to any one of claims 28-39, wherein the at least one strap is made of a stretchable material. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00042"> <pat:ClaimNumber>42< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>42. A container according to any one of claims 28-39, wherein the at least one strap is made of an elastic material. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00043"> <pat:ClaimNumber>43< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>43. A container according to any one of claims 28-39, wherein the at least one strap is made of a polymeric material. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00044"> <pat:ClaimNumber>44< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>44. A container according to any one of claims 28-43, wherein the at least one strap includes a substantially uniform width along its length. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00045"> <pat:ClaimNumber>45< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>45. A container according to any one of claims 28-43, wherein the at least one strap including a varying width along its length. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00046"> <pat:ClaimNumber>46< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>46. A container according to any one of claims 28-43, wherein the at least one strap includes a proximate width that is wider than a distal width. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00047"> <pat:ClaimNumber>47< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>47. A container according to any one of claims 28-46, wherein the at least one strap includes a rearward groove being positioned, shaped and sized complementary to the at least one handle of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00048"> <pat:ClaimNumber>48< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>48. A container according to claim 47, wherein the rearward groove is positioned centrally with respect to the at least one strap of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00049"> <pat:ClaimNumber>49< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>49. A container according to claim 47 or 48, wherein the rearward groove extends longitudinally with respect to the at least one strap of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00050"> <pat:ClaimNumber>50< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>50. A container according to any one of claims 47-49, wherein the rearward groove has a substantially rectangular profile, and wherein the at least one handle of the handle assembly has a complementary geometrical profile. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00051"> <pat:ClaimNumber>51< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>51. A container according to any one of claims 1-50, wherein the containment body includes at least one mounting flange for receiving at least one corresponding component of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00052"> <pat:ClaimNumber>52< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>52. A container according to claim 51, wherein the containment body includes a pair of mounting flanges for receiving at least one corresponding component of the handle assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00053"> <pat:ClaimNumber>53< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>53. A container according to claim 52, wherein a pivot axis of the handle assembly is defined about at least one mounting flange of the containment body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00054"> <pat:ClaimNumber>54< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>54. A container according to claim 53, wherein the pivot axis of the handle assembly is defined about a pair of mounting flanges of the containment body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00055"> <pat:ClaimNumber>55< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>55. A kit with corresponding components for assembling a container according to any one of claims 1-54, the kit comprising at least one of the following components: a) the containment body; b) the handle assembly; and c) the biasing assembly. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00056"> <pat:ClaimNumber>56< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>56. A handle assembly with corresponding components for use with a container according to any one of claims 1-54, the handle comprising at least one of the following components: a) at least one handle; b) at least one strap; and c) at least one spring. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> < / pat:Claims>