Two-handed removable bucket gripping device

Abstract

A two-handed removable bucket gripping device includes an elongated main body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a flat central section, and a pair of side sections. The side sections extend acutely away from the central section and include a shape and size that is complementary to the shape and size of a bucket handle assembly. An elongated channel is positioned along the top surface of the main body and includes a central channel section for receiving the integrated handle of a bucket, and two side channel sections for receiving the wire bail of the bucket. Locking tabs secure the handle assembly to the device, and a plurality of finger grips on the bottom of the main body permit one or two-handed carrying of the device when attached to the bucket.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to handle and gripping devices, and more particularly to a removable two-handed grip attachment for buckets.BACKGROUND

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Large buckets such as commercially available five-gallon buckets are ubiquitous in today's society as they are mass produced by many different manufacturers to include essentially identical dimensions for a wide range of different industries. For example, 5-gallon buckets are commonly used to store and transport fluids such as paints, chemical solvents, oil, water and more, for example. Moreover, in recent years many large retail and hardware stores have begun selling empty buckets for use by individuals for an unlimited number of different purposes.

[0004] As is known, commercially available 5-gallon buckets are constructed from plastic and are equipped with a handle assembly having an elongated curved wire bail and an integrated plastic carrying handle located in the center of the bail. Although the integrated carrying handle is generally sufficient when carrying loads under 10-15 pounds with a single hand, several problems arise when users attempt to carry heavier loads.

[0005] For example, 5-gallon buckets of paint typically weigh between 30 and 60 pounds, depending on the brand and type of paint. Unfortunately, the integrated carrying handle is only around 3 inches long, which is barely large enough to accommodate one hand of an adult user. As such, when lifting heavy loads, it is not uncommon for users to attempt to use both hands. In this regard, users will often grasp the integrated handle with one hand and then grasp the wire bail with their other hand. This process causes the wire bail to dig into their hands causing great discomfort and even injuries.

[0006] In addition to the above, users who are unable to lift the weight of the bucket with both hands may sometimes ask a friend for help. In these situations, both users are forced to grasp the sides of the wire bail with one hand each to split the weight of the bucket between them in what is referred to as a “buddy lift.” Unfortunately, this situation results in both users enduring the discomfort and possible injuries caused by the wire bail digging into their hands.

[0007] Although there are known types of handle grips on the market, none of these grips overcome each of the issues noted above. Accordingly, the present invention, directed to a two-handed removable bucket gripping device differs from the conventional art in a number of aspects. The manner by which will become more apparent in the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a two-handed removable bucket gripping device. One embodiment of the present invention can include an elongated main body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a flat central section and a pair of side sections. The side sections can extend acutely away from the central section and can include a shape and size that is complementary to the shape and size of a bucket handle assembly.

[0009] In one embodiment, an elongated channel can be positioned along the top surface of the main body. The channel can include a central channel section that is shaped and sized to receive the integrated handle of a bucket, and two side channel sections that are shaped and sized to receive the wire bail of the bucket. In one embodiment, a plurality of locking tabs can be provided within the channel to secure the handle assembly to the device.

[0010] In one embodiment, a plurality of finger grips can be positioned along the bottom surface of the main body. The finger grips can be positioned ergonomically to accommodate one or two hands at varying orientations so as to permit a single user to carry the device and bucket using one or two hands, or to allow two users to carry the device and bucket using one hand each.

[0011] This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the removable bucket gripping device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of the removable bucket gripping device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of the removable bucket gripping device with a bucket, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of the removable bucket gripping connected to a bucket, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the removable bucket gripping device in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the removable bucket gripping device in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 7 is yet another perspective view of the removable bucket gripping device in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.Definitions

[0021] As described herein, a “unit” means a series of identified physical components which are linked together and / or function together to perform a specified function.

[0022] As described throughout this document, the term “about”“approximately”“substantially” and “generally” shall be used interchangeably to describe a feature, shape, or measurement of a component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.

[0023] As described herein, the term “removably secured,” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated.

[0024] As described throughout this document, the term “complementary shape,” and “complementary dimension,” shall be used to describe a shape and size of a component that is identical to, or substantially identical to the shape and size of another identified component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.

[0025] As described herein, the term “connector” includes any number of different elements that work alone or together to repeatedly join two items together in a nonpermanent manner. Several nonlimiting examples of connectors include, but are not limited to, various thread-to-connect, twist-to-connect, and push-to-connect type devices, opposing strips of hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro®), attractively oriented magnetic elements or magnetic and metallic elements, buckles, sockets, clips, and compression fittings among others, for example.

[0026] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate one embodiment of a two-handed removable bucket gripping device 10 that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,”“bottom,”“right,”“left,”“front,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

[0027] As shown in the drawings, one embodiment of the device 10 can include an elongated curvilinear main body member having a horizontally oriented central section with an upper end 11a and a bottom end 11b, a first side section having an upper end 12a and a bottom end 12b, and a second side section having an upper end 13a and a bottom end 13b. In the preferred embodiment, each of the first and second side sections can extend acutely away from the central section such that the main body forms an almost triangular-shaped profile for accommodating the shape of the handle assembly of a bucket.

[0028] As described herein, the main body can be formed from materials that are, for example, relatively strong and stiff for their weight. Several nonlimiting examples include, but are not limited to various plastics / polymers (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), various lightweight metals or metal alloys (e.g., aluminum, thin steel, or alloys thereof), various natural materials such as wood, and / or various composite materials (e.g., carbon fibers in a polymer matrix etc.), among others, for example.

[0029] In one embodiment, a series of connected elongated channels 15, 16 and 17 can be positioned along the entire top end of the main body so as to extend across the upper ends of the central and side sections 11a, 12a and 13a, respectively. As shown best at FIGS. 3 and 4, the device 10 can be positioned beneath the handle assembly of a bucket 5 and lifted until the integrated carrying handle 6 is positioned within the central channel section 15, and the wire bail 7 is positioned within the side channel sections 16 and 17.

[0030] In this regard, one embodiment of the central channel section 15 can include a generally rectangular shape having dimensions that are sized to accept the integrated carrying handle 6, and a curved bottom end to conform to cylindrical outer dimensions of the handle body.

[0031] In one embodiment, each of the side channel sections 16 and 17 can include dimensions that are too small for the handle 6 but can accept the wire bail 7 extending outward therefrom. As shown, the angled nature of the side sections conforms to the overall shape of the wire bail 7, so as to maintain the wire bail 7 within the side channel sections 16 and 17 during use without deforming the shape of the device.

[0032] In one embodiment, a plurality of locking tabs 18 can be positioned within each of the side channel sections. Each of the tabs 18 can be formed by ridges / protrusions and can be spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance so that the diameter of the wire bail can be forced between the tabs 18 when the bail is inserted through the channel sections, and is then locked below the tabs to ensure the device 10 remains securely affixed to the bucket handle and wire bail. When desirable, the wire bail and handle can be removed from the device 10 by applying an angular pressing force onto the bail 7 to route the bail upward and back though the tabs 18.

[0033] Although described above with regard to using internally located ridges to engage and secure the handle and wire bail of a bucket into the device, other embodiments are contemplated. To this end, any number of other types of connectors may be provided along or within the device body that are capable of removably securing the device onto the handle assembly of a bucket.

[0034] The device 10 is specifically designed to engage a bucket and to allow a user or users to carry the bucket using either a single hand or using two hands. In this regard, a plurality of finger grips can be provided along the bottom surface of the main body to provide proper hand and finger placement when using the device to carry a bucket.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment, four finger grips 21 in the form of ribbed or scalloped indentations can be positioned along the bottom end 11b of the central section. As shown best at FIG. 5, these grips allow a user 1 to securely and comfortably grasp the center 11a and 11b of the device 10 and to lift the attached bucket 5 along the buckets center of gravity when transporting the same using a single hand.

[0036] In the preferred embodiment, four finger grips 22 can be positioned along the bottom end 12b of the first side section, and four finger grips 23 can be positioned along the bottom end 13b of the second side section. As shown at FIG. 6, these grips allow a single user 1 to securely and comfortably grasp both sides 12a / 12b and 13a / 13b of the device 10 to lift the attached bucket 5 using two hands. When so positioned, the center of gravity of the bucket will be positioned equidistantly between the user's hands, thus ensuring an even lifting force and weight bearing distribution for the user.

[0037] Additionally, two users 1a and 1b can securely and comfortably grasp both sides 12a / 12b and 13a / 13b of the device 10 with one hand each to lift the attached bucket 5 using the “buddy lift” method, as shown at FIG. 7. When so positioned, the center of gravity CG of the bucket will be positioned equidistantly between the two user's hands, thus ensuring an even lifting force and weight bearing distribution for each user.

[0038] Positioning the side sections at acute angles relative to the horizontal center section is an important and critical feature of the device 10, as this provides the most comfortable and ergonomically friendly grasping position for a user (or users) lifting the bucket with two hands. Although different angles are contemplated, in the preferred embodiment, the side sections will be oriented downward at an angle of about 30 degrees relative to the center section.

[0039] In addition to the above, by providing four individualized finger grips to accommodate each finger of a user's hand(s) in both a single and double handed carry, the device advantageously provides proper lifting alignment relative to the bucket to reduce strain on the users wrist(s) while providing an ergonomically friendly gripping surface.

[0040] Although described above for use with a commercially available 5-gallon bucket having industry standard dimensions, other embodiments are contemplated. To this end, other embodiments of the device may be produced having different shapes, sizes or dimensions than those listed above in order to allow the inventive concepts to be utilized with handle assemblies of other objects or devices. Accordingly, the device is not to be construed as solely limited for use with 5-gallon buckets.

[0041] As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0042] As described herein, one or more elements of the device 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individually identified elements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Likewise, the term “consisting” shall be used to describe only those components identified. In each instance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of those identified elements as well.

[0044] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A device, comprising:an elongated main body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a flat central section and a pair of side sections; anda channel that extends along the top surface of the main body;wherein the main body is configured to engage a bucket having a handle assembly comprising a wire bail and an integrated carrying handle.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of side sections extend angularly outward from the flat central section.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of side sections extend acutely away from the flat central section.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a first channel section that is positioned along the flat central section.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the channel includes a second channel section that is positioned along one of the pair of side sections,6. The device of claim 5, wherein the channel includes a third channel section that is positioned along the other of the pair of side sections.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first channel section, the second channel section and the third channel section include a dimension that is different from another of the first channel section, the second channel section or the third channel section.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising:a plurality of finger grips that are positioned along the bottom surface of the main body.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising:a plurality of locking tabs that are positioned along the main body.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein each of the locking tabs comprise a protrusion that extends within the channel.

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