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WO2009018290A2 - Système ergonomique pour manipuler un contenant - Google Patents

Système ergonomique pour manipuler un contenant Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009018290A2
WO2009018290A2 PCT/US2008/071507 US2008071507W WO2009018290A2 WO 2009018290 A2 WO2009018290 A2 WO 2009018290A2 US 2008071507 W US2008071507 W US 2008071507W WO 2009018290 A2 WO2009018290 A2 WO 2009018290A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
handle
finger
paint
user
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2008/071507
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2009018290A3 (fr
Inventor
Stephen B. Temple
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
PRO INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS LLC
Original Assignee
PRO INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by PRO INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS LLC filed Critical PRO INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS LLC
Publication of WO2009018290A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009018290A2/fr
Publication of WO2009018290A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009018290A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/28—Handles
    • B65D25/30—Hand holes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/28—Handles
    • B65D25/32—Bail handles, i.e. pivoted rigid handles of generally semi-circular shape with pivot points on two opposed sides or wall parts of the conainter

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to systems for handling containers, and more specifically to an ergonomically improved system of hand carrying and controlling containers.
  • Containers such as standard paint buckets as an example, offer very little means for flexibility of use or ergonomic optimization of control.
  • the difficulties presented by the standard container, such as a paint bucket are limitations in how the container may be held.
  • the standard bucket can generally only be held by the handle, with the handle positioned generally vertical and above the weight of the container. This offers no practical means of supporting the container from below or underneath with a single hand, since that hand is being used to carry the bucket via the handle positioned above the mass of the container.
  • Prior art devices have attempted to overcome some of these difficulties, but have not been completely successful as they yield varying levels of effectiveness relative to consumer acceptance and true ergonomic improvement.
  • Many previous attempts have resulted in containers which may be difficult to use and manipulate, and may have limited market potential to either after-market applications (stand alone item typically purchased as ancillary assist tool) or as OEM (original equipment manufacturing) products sold directly to paint or coatings manufacturers to be filled with product, labeled and readied for sale.
  • a typical OEM configuration may be a one gallon (or thereabouts) paint can filled with paint, labeled with appropriate information for the specific paint and brand, and intended for sale on retail shelves.
  • An example of such a prior art OEM paint can is the "Twist & Pour Container" by Dutch Boy, a brand by Sherwin Williams.
  • the Dutch Boy "Twist & Pour Container” is a plastic paint container having an integrally molded and defined side handle. This design has many disadvantages, including at least the inability to hold the container from above, the relatively small gripping area of the handle, and the inability of the container to function as a practical or marketable design for after-market sales.
  • An improved ergonomic system for handling a container is desired for both OEM and after- market applications.
  • a system for ergonomically handling a container comprises a container body having a container wall with an inside surface defining an internal cavity configured to receive material and an opposite external surface. Additionally, the system includes a handle having opposite first and second ends coupled to the external surface of the container wall, the handle being able to rest alongside the external surface. The system further includes a finger pocket defined in the container wall and adapted for receiving at least a portion of at least one of a user's fingers to assist in handling the container. In certain embodiments, a system for ergonomically handling a container comprises a container configured to carry an amount of material, and a thumb handle attached to the container, the thumb handle being flexible and conformable.
  • a paint can comprises a container body having a wall portion and a bottom portion, the container body defining an internal cavity configured to receive material.
  • the wall portion defines a top opening in communication with the internal cavity for a user to access the internal cavity.
  • the paint can may further include a lid configured to couple with the wall portion to close the top opening and a handle having opposite first and second ends coupled to the wall portion, the handle being able to rest alongside the wall portion.
  • the paint can includes a finger pocket defined at least in part by the wall portion, the finger pocket being configured for insertion of at least a portion of at least one of a user' s fingers to assist in handling the container.
  • a method for packaging a paint or coating product within an ergonomic paint comprises providing an ergonomic paint can having a wall portion and a bottom portion, the container body defining an internal cavity configured to receive material.
  • the wall portion defines a top opening in communication with the internal cavity for a user to access the internal cavity.
  • the ergonomic paint can includes a handle having opposite first and second ends coupled to the wall portion, the handle being able to rest alongside the wall portion.
  • the ergonomic paint can also includes a finger pocket defined at least in part by the wall portion, the finger pocket being configured for insertion of at least a portion of at least one of a user's fingers to assist in handling the container.
  • the method further comprises providing a paint or coating product and adding the paint or coating product to the internal cavity of the ergonomic paint can. Additionally, the method includes providing a paint can lid and coupling the paint can lid to the wall portion of the ergonomic paint can to close the top opening.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the handle of the container according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the container body of the container according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the container according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 5 is another perspective view of the container body of the container according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.
  • the present disclosure is generally directed to an ergonomic system for handling a container.
  • the ergonomic system is a three-part system incorporating a flexible thumb handle, a contoured palm grasping area, and a finger pocket.
  • the handle, palm grasping area and finger pocket may be substantially vertically aligned down the side of the exterior of the container.
  • the different components of the presently disclosed system together function to distribute the weight of the container (and the material therein) across the user's hand, providing the user the ability to hold the container in an ergonomic and stable manner with one hand.
  • the three-part ergonomic system is applied to a container 10 having a container body 12, a handle 14, an optional lid 16, and a finger pocket 18 defined in the container body.
  • container 10 includes a contoured palm grasping area generally designated at numeral 20.
  • the illustrated container is a paint can configured to contain a paint product or a coatings can configured to contain a coating product such as stains, adhesives or sealants, as examples.
  • the system may be applied to many other types of appropriate containers as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • container body 12 consists of a side wall 30 and a bottom 32.
  • Side wall 30 includes an exterior surface 30a, an interior surface 30b, and a top surface 30c for coupling with lid 16 (see Fig. 3).
  • Bottom 32 includes a top surface 32a and a bottom surface 32b (see Figs. 3 and 5).
  • top surface 32a may also be the bottom surface defining the finger pocket.
  • Bottom surface 32b may be flat or substantially flat to allow the container to rest on a support surface.
  • side wall 30 and bottom 32 may be separate components joined together or may be integrally molded components to create a unitary, monolithic container body.
  • Side wall 30 defines a top opening 40 in communication with the interior cavity 42 defined by the container body (see Fig. 3).
  • a combination of interior surface 30b and top surface 32a may define the interior cavity 42.
  • the edges of lid 16 are configured to couple with at least top surface 30c of the side wall to close the top opening and substantially prevent access to the interior cavity. It should be appreciated that lid 16 may be engaged with the container body in a variety of appropriate manners as would generally occur to one skilled in the art.
  • the lid may be hingedly attached to the container body. In this way, the lid can be easily moved between open and closed positions.
  • the lid may be configured to be used as a stand for which to place the container body on. As such, the lid may be removed from the top of the container and coupled to the underside of the container to function as a stand.
  • the lid may include one or more openings configured to receive a paint brush handle and hold or suspend the paint brush from the lid.
  • the opening may include a perforated rubber or flexible plastic cover to engage the brush handle and hold it in the suspended position.
  • Container 10 includes handle attachment features 44 disposed on exterior surface 30a (see Fig. 3).
  • handle attachment features 44 define holes 45 to engage with the ends of the handle.
  • handle 14 includes first and second ends 14a and 14b, each having a projection 46 configured to be received in holes 45 to engage the handle with the container body.
  • Handle attachment features 44 may be diametrically opposite each other on the container body, or may be positioned closer together or farther apart about the container wall circumference as would generally occur to one skilled in the art.
  • the illustrated engagement of the handle to the container body is just one example of numerous possible arrangements contemplated by the present disclosure.
  • handle 14 is flexible and conformable.
  • handle 14 may be comprised of a flexible plastic material 48, such as low density polyethylene.
  • handle 14 may be padded with a cushioning material wrapped around a flexible metal or plastic wire.
  • Handle 14 is preferably sufficiently flexible such that it at least slightly molds or conforms to the user's thumb area. As illustrated in Fig. 1, handle 14 may be able to rest against exterior surface 30a. In such embodiments, projections 46 are moveable within holes 45 of handle attachment features 44 to move handle 14 through different positions. When transporting the container from one location to another, the ergonomic handle may be pulled upward in a substantially vertical position and used like a typical bucket carrying handle.
  • finger pocket 18 is a cavity extending from exterior surface 30a inward toward the center of the container body.
  • the finger pocket cavity may be sized, shaped and configured for insertion of at least a portion of at least one of the user' s fingers therein.
  • the finger pocket is positioned adjacent and just above the bottom 32 of the container body.
  • the finger pocket may be positioned at other appropriate locations as would occur to one skilled in the art.
  • finger pocket 18 includes a finger insertion interior cavity 60 defined by a plurality of finger pocket surfaces, including side surfaces 61, back surface 62, top surface 63, and bottom surface 64, with a side access opening 70 to access the cavity (see Fig. 4).
  • At least top surface 63 may include surface texturing to prevent a user's fingers from slipping along the top surface when handling the container and provide added stabilization to the user's control of the container.
  • surface 64 may be aligned with top surface 32a of bottom 32.
  • surfaces 64 and 32a may be portions of the same surface.
  • surface 64 may be positioned slightly above or below surface 32a.
  • bottom surface 64 may be absent, such that only top, side and back surfaces define the finger pocket insertion cavity, with the cavity being open along the bottom thereof in addition to being open at the side.
  • finger pocket 18 is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape.
  • finger pocket 18 can be shaped, sized and configured differently than as illustrated.
  • finger pocket 18 extends into interior cavity 42, but is not in communication therewith such that the material placed in the container is separated from and does not travel into the finger pocket.
  • the top exterior surface of the finger pocket may extend across the interior cavity, creating a false floor or bottom of the interior of the container.
  • Palm grasping area 20 allows for a substantial portion of the user's palm to press securely against the side exterior of the container when the user is also utilizing the flexible thumb handle and the finger pocket. When used in this way, the palm of the user's hand acts as a stabilizing surface in the proximity of the container's center of gravity, which can aid in distributing evenly the weight of the material in the container throughout the user's hand.
  • the palm grasping area 20 is contoured for ease of gripping by the palm of the user's hand.
  • area 20 may be curved or rounded.
  • the container wall 30 is substantially cylindrical in shape with a circle cross-section along area 20. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments the container wall and thus the container body may be shaped, sized and configured differently than as illustrated. As an example, in alternative embodiments, the container wall may be square in cross-sectional shape.
  • a user may implement the three-part system to handle and control container 10. Accordingly, the user may grab handle 14 with their thumb, place the palm of their hand (and optionally one or more fingers) against exterior surface 30a in palm grasping area 20, and insert one or more fingers in the finger pocket 18 such that the fingers contact the top surface 63. More specifically, the handle is laid along the side exterior of the container and the user's thumb is inserted between the handle and the side exterior of the container and then at least slightly wrapped around the handle. The flexibility of the handle enables the user to wrap their thumb at least slightly around the top of the handle to provide a customized and secure fit against the side of the container.
  • the user may hold the container with one hand by distributing the weight of the container and the material in the container throughout the user's hand.
  • the user' s palm, index finger, and middle finger are placed against the exterior surface and the user's ring finger and little (or pinky) finger are inserted in the finger pocket cavity.
  • the presently disclosed system allows the user to hold the container in a stable and ergonomic manner with one hand. Additionally, the presently disclosed system allows the user to hold the container substantially from the bottom or from a position below the majority of the mass of the container, rather than holding the container from above via a handle or another mechanism.
  • the finger pocket allows the user to set the container down on a support surface without the fingers being disposed between the container and the surface, enabling a smoother transition without need for the user's other hand to assist in setting the container on the support surface.
  • the system for handling a container according to the present disclosure may include only one or two of the three features described above as part of the three -part ergonomic system, with one or two of the other features being absent.
  • the container may include a finger pocket, but the palm grasping area and the thumb handle may be absent.
  • the containers according to the present disclosure may be designed and configured for use as after-market containers or OEM products.
  • the containers may be after-market paint containers purchased in addition to paint provided in a typical or prior art paint can.
  • the paint may be poured into the containers and used as desired after purchasing the paint and the containers separately.
  • the containers may be OEM (original equipment manufacturing) products which are sold to or otherwise provided to, or alternatively manufactured by, paint manufacturers, filled with paint products by the paint manufacturers, labeled with appropriate information identifying the specific paint and brand, and readied for sale.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne, dans certains modes de réalisation, un système pour manipuler ergonomiquement un contenant comprenant un corps de contenant ayant une paroi de contenant avec une surface intérieure définissant une cavité interne configurée pour recevoir un matériau et une surface externe opposée. En outre, le système comprend une poignée ayant des première et seconde extrémités opposées couplées à la surface externe de la paroi du contenant, la poignée pouvant reposer le long de la surface externe. Le système comprend en outre une poche de type doigt définie dans la paroi de contenant et conçue pour recevoir au moins une partie d'au moins l'un des doigts d'un utilisateur pour aider à la manipulation du contenant.
PCT/US2008/071507 2007-08-02 2008-07-30 Système ergonomique pour manipuler un contenant Ceased WO2009018290A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US96296007P 2007-08-02 2007-08-02
US60/962,960 2007-08-02
US12/181,752 US20090032542A1 (en) 2007-08-02 2008-07-29 Ergonomic system for handling a container
US12/181,752 2008-07-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009018290A2 true WO2009018290A2 (fr) 2009-02-05
WO2009018290A3 WO2009018290A3 (fr) 2009-04-23

Family

ID=40305234

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2008/071507 Ceased WO2009018290A2 (fr) 2007-08-02 2008-07-30 Système ergonomique pour manipuler un contenant

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20090032542A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009018290A2 (fr)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2009018290A3 (fr) 2009-04-23
US20090032542A1 (en) 2009-02-05

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