WO2016079515A1

WO2016079515A1 - Bucket

Info

Publication number: WO2016079515A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/053514
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Alan CONWAY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-11-18
Filing date: 2015-11-18
Publication date: 2016-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2017-05-18
Also published as: GB2532431A; GB201420467D0; GB201707989D0

Abstract

A bucket (10) comprises a perimeter wall (12), a base (14) at one end (16) of the perimeter wall (12) and an opening (18) at an opposing end (20) of the perimeter wall (12). The perimeter wall (12) and the two ends (16, 20) thus define a receptacle (22). A recessed portion (24) is provided at or adjacent to the base end (16) and recessed into the receptacle (22). A base handle element (28) is accommodated or substantially accommodated within the recessed portion (24) and positioned external of the receptacle (22) for a user's hand (30) to grip therearound when the bucket (10) is in use.

Description

Bucket

The present invention relates to a bucket, and more specifically to a bucket having a secondary handle positioned to assist a user in ergonomically gripping and tipping the bucket.

Buckets are regularly used for holding and/or transporting material in bulk, for example, substantial volume of fluid, or building material such as sand or soil. They usually have an inverted truncated- or frusto-conical shape, thus presenting a flat base for resting the bucket on a supporting surface.

When dispensing material from a bucket, it is usual for a user to engage one hand on a handle provided at an open end of the bucket or on a rim of the bucket. The bucket is then tilted away from the user until the content of the bucket is dispensed. As the base is typically circular, the bucket is prone to rotate along its circumferential edge on the supporting surface when tilted, potentially causing spillage and/or injury to the user's foot.

In order to control the flow of the content out of the bucket and to support the weight of the bucket, the user often has to brace the base of the bucket so that the weight of the bucket is spread across both hands. However, the flat base of the bucket makes it difficult for the user to grip the base of the bucket securely. Furthermore, the weight of the bucket often makes it difficult for the user to tilt the bucket sufficiently to insert his hand into the gap between the bucket and the supporting surface. It is known for users to accidentally scrape their hands whilst trying to slot fingers through the narrow gap. The user can often only engage their fingers with the edge, rim or skirt of the base of the bucket, which is uncomfortable for the user. It also does not provide adequate control and support of the bucket when dispensing material from the bucket. It is an object of the invention to provide a bucket which substantially mitigates or reduces these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bucket comprising a perimeter wall, a base at one end of the perimeter wall and an opening at an opposing end of the perimeter wall, the perimeter wall and the two ends defining a receptacle therein, a recessed portion at or adjacent to the base end and recessed into the receptacle, and a base handle element accommodated or substantially accommodated within the recessed portion and positioned external of the receptacle for a user's hand to grip therearound when the bucket is in use.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a bucket comprising a perimeter wall, a base at one end of the perimeter wall and an opening at an opposing end of the perimeter wall, the perimeter wall and the two ends defining a receptacle therein, a recess which is external of the receptacle and which opens at at least one of the base end and the perimeter wall, and a base handle element which is at least in part within the recess, the recess being adapted to accommodate a user's hand encircling the base handle element to grip therearound. The bucket is advantageous, because it provides a base handle element specifically designed for the user's hand to engage therearound at or adjacent to the base of the bucket, when the bucket needs to be carried or tilted. The positioning of the base handle element does not affect the stability of the bucket when located on a supporting surface.

The addition of such a base handle element makes spreading the load of the bucket across two hands, controlling tilting of the bucket and controlling dispensing of content in the receptacle significantly easier and more comfortable for the user. The whole or substantially whole hand of the user can engage or grip around the base handle element. As such, it is not only the fingers that are utilised as in existing buckets with the base or lower depending rim is gripped for tilting, tipping or pouring purposes. The base handle thus enables the user to exert better grip and also better control over the tilting movement of the bucket. The recessed portion provides adequate space for accommodating the base handle element and the user's hand, so that the user can insert his hand therein to grip the base handle element. Preferable options relating to the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 15.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a bucket comprising a perimeter wall, a base at one end of the perimeter wall and an opening at an opposing end of the perimeter wall, the perimeter wall and the two ends defining a receptacle, a receptacle handle for carrying the receptacle, a recess which is external of the receptacle and which extends from a radially inwards position on the base end around to partway up the perimeter wall, and a base handle element which received in the recess and which extends axially from one end of the recess which is partway up the perimeter wall and then radially to the other end of the recess at the radially inwards position on the base, edges of the base and perimeter wall extending with and adjacent to a longitudinal extent of the base handle element so that the base handle element is spaced from sides of the recess to provide a hand guard for a user's hand in a first position when gripping a portion of the base handle element adjacent to the perimeter wall and in a second position when gripping a portion of the base handle element adjacent to the base.

The fact that the receptacle essentially extends around the user's hand with the recess formed therein allows for a hand guard, shield or protector to be provided. With the user's hand gripping either part of the base handle element, being the longitudinally extending part relative to the depth of the receptacle, or the radial part relative to the base of the receptacle, protection is afforded by the hand at least to some degree being received within the recess and thus substantially surrounded by the edges of the receptacle.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a bucket, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in a tilted position; Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of the bucket of Figure 1, in an inverted position;

Figure 3 shows a plan view from the base of the bucket of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the bucket of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a bucket, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a bucket, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, there is provided a first embodiment of a bucket 10 which comprises an endless solid tapering perimeter wall 12, a base 14 at a narrower end 16 of the perimeter wall 12, and an opening 18 at an opposing wider end 20 of the perimeter wall 12. A receptacle 22 is provided, and defined by, the perimeter wall 12 and the two ends 16, 20. The two ends 16, 20 of the first embodiment have a generally circular perimeter profile.

A recessed or stepped portion 24 is provided at or adjacent the base end 16. Although the endless perimeter wall 12 and the two ends 16, 20 generally define a truncated conical shape, the recessed portion 24 is recessed into the receptacle 22, occupying a portion of the truncated conical space. The receptacle 22 is therefore only partially truncated conical in shape.

A carrying handle element 26 is provided at the open end 20 of the perimeter wall 12 for lifting and carrying of the bucket 10. A base handle element 28 is accommodated or substantially accommodated within the recessed portion 24 and positioned external to the receptacle 22 for a user's hand 30 to grip therearound when the bucket 10 is in use.

A perimeter out-turned rim 32 is preferably provided along the open end 20 of the perimeter wall 12, minimising spillage when pouring content of the bucket 10 into a receptacle. The carrying handle element 26 is preferably an elongate arcuate member 34. Ends 36 of the arcuate member 34 are pivotally attached to respective opposing points on the perimeter wall 12 along a diameter at the open end 20. The carrying handle element 26 can thus rotate about the opening 18, just over 180°. The base end 16 of the perimeter wall 12 has a reduced radius compared to the radius of the open end 20, thus giving the bucket 10 its generally truncated conical shape. The base 14 may be planar, or as illustrated in the first embodiment, may preferably have a downwardly depending circumferential skirt, step or flange 38 to stabilise the bucket 10 on a supporting surface. The flange 38 is particular advantageous when the weight of the content within the receptacle 22 causes the base 14 to bulge downwardly adjacent a central longitudinal axis of the receptacle 22.

The recessed portion 24 illustrated in the first embodiment preferably has a generally rectangular or oblong cross-section both along its longitudinal extent and horizontal extent, and extends from proximate the central longitudinal axis of the receptacle 22 to the perimeter wall 12. Thus, the recessed portion 24, and consequently the base handle element 28, is accessible through a cut out of the perimeter wall 12, even when the bucket 12 is resting on the supporting surface.

The base handle element 28 is preferably positioned midway or substantially midway along a length of the recessed portion 24, such that the base handle element 28 can be reached by the user's hand 30 from either side of the base handle element 28. The rectangular shape of the recessed portion 24 is advantageous as it allows complete freedom of movement along the whole longitudinal and lateral extent of the base handle element 28. The recessed portion 24 is sized appropriately to accommodate the user's hand 30. The base handle element 28 illustrated in the first embodiment comprises a first grip 40 that is horizontal or substantially horizontal when the bucket 10 is at rest on a supporting surface or the ground, a central longitudinal axis of the first grip 40 being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the receptacle 22. In other words, the first grip 40 is parallel or substantially parallel with the base 14 of the bucket 10. More particularly, the first grip is preferably coplanar with the base 14. The first grip 40 is preferably positioned such that it is flush or substantially flush with the base 14. The first grip 40 is attached at its proximal end 42 to a first wall 43, which may be planar or curved, of the recessed portion 24, extending radially outwardly from proximate the central longitudinal axis of the receptacle 22. The base handle element 28 preferably further comprises a second grip 44 provided radially ourwardly of, and perpendicular to, the first grip 40. Thus, a central longitudinal axis of the second grip 44 is parallel or substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the receptacle 22, or of the perimeter wall 12.

The second grip 44 is preferably positioned such that it is flush or substantially flush with the perimeter wall 12. A proximal end 46 of the second grip 44 is attached to a second wall 45, again which may be arcuate or flat, of the recessed portion 24, and a distal end 48 of the second grip 44 is attached to a distal end 50 of the first grip, such that they form a L- shaped base handle element 28. It will be appreciated that the two grips 40, 44 may be integrally formed as one-piece. The positioning of the first and second grips 40, 44 is such that they also function as a stabilising means for stabilising the bucket on the supporting surface.

In the first embodiment, the first grip 40 has a T-shaped lateral cross section along its longitudinal extent, and the second grip 44 generally has a greater width than a width of the first grip 40, inwardly tapering to meet or intersect with the distal end 50 of the first grip 40. The first grip 40 and/or the second grip 44 may preferably be ergonomically shaped to improve grip and also comfort for the user's hand. By having a greater width or lateral extent than the first grip 40, the second grip 44 provides an inwardly-facing abutment surface for the radial border or ulnar border of the user's hand. This increases positive engagement of the hand and, in the case of heavier loads, reduce a likelihood of the hand slipping out of engagement.

The attachment between the first grip 40 and the recessed portion 24 may be provided with sealing means to prevent leaking of the content in the receptacle 22. Similar sealing means is also provided at the attachment point between the second grip 44 and the recessed portion 24. However, typically, the first and second grips 40 and 44 forming the base handle element are integrally formed as one-piece, for example, via plastics moulding, with the body of the bucket 10. By the base handle element 28 being received in the recessed portion 24, the base handle element 28 thus extends axially from one end of the recessed portion 24 which is partway up the perimeter wall 12, before then extending radially to the other end of the recessed portion 24 which is at a radially inwards position on the base 14. Edges of the base 14 and perimeter wall 12 thus extend with and adjacent to a longitudinal extent of the base handle element 28, so that the base handle element 28 is spaced from sides of the recessed portion 24 to provide a hand guard 49 for a user's hand in a first position when gripping the second grip 44 adjacent to the perimeter wall 12 and in a second position when gripping the first grip 40 of the base handle element 28 adjacent to the base 14.

It will be appreciated that the described embodiment of the invention is merely one possibility. A second embodiment and a third embodiment illustrating further options are shown in Figures 5 and 6, respectively. Similar or identical references refer to parts which are similar or identical to those described above, and therefore further detailed description is omitted.

The second embodiment of the bucket 110 is substantially identical to that of the first embodiment, and therefore comprises the perimeter wall 12 having the base 14 and the opening 18 at respective ends 16, 20, the consequently-defined receptacle 22, and the carrying handle element 26.

The bucket 110, in this case, also comprises a base handle element 128 accommodated within the recessed portion 24, having a first grip 140 and second grip 144 similar to the first embodiment. However, the first grip 140 is rotatably attached to the first wall 43 of the recessed portion 24 and to the second grip 144 at its respective proximal and distal ends 142, 150. This allows the first grip 140 to rotate along its central longitudinal axis R relative to the recessed portion 24 and the second grip 144.

Respective cylindrical protrusions 152 extend from the recessed portion 24 and the second grip 144, with corresponding recesses at the respective ends 142, 150 of the first grip 140 in which the protrusions 152 are received or journaled for rotation. This facilitates rotation of the first grip 140 about its longitudinal axis R. The first grip 140 is preferably freely rotatable in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions.

Such an arrangement allows the user to maintain contact with the first grip 140, even when the user wishes to twist or rotate his hand during tilting of the bucket 110 to a more comfortable or convenient position. The user's grip does not have to be loosened, and twisting of the wrist or arm during a tipping or pouring motion of the bucket 110 is better accommodated, leading to a reduced risk of injury.

Alternatively, or additionally, the first and/or second grips of the base handle element may be hingably connected to the recessed portion. In a third embodiment of the bucket 210 illustrated in Figure 6, a first pivot or hinge 256 is provided at or adjacent to a proximal end 242 of the first grip 240. Preferably, a second pivot or hinge 258 is provided at or adjacent to a proximal end 246 of the second grip 244. The first hinge 256 has a pivot axis which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 22 passing centrally through the base 16; similarly the second hinge 258 has a pivot axis which also extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 22 passing centrally through the base 16. As such, the first and second pivot axes are parallel.

The distal end 250 of the first grip 240 and the distal end 248 of the second grip 244 are releasably inter-engageable via a releasable catch or detent 260. When hinging of the first grip 240 and the second grip 244 is not required, the grips 240, 244 may be fixed relative to each other by applying the releasable catch 260. When hinging of the first grip 240 or the second grip 244 is required, the releasable catch is released, allowing the first grip 240 to hinge relative to the base 16 and the second grip 244, directions shown as HI in Figure 6, or allowing the second grip 244 to hinge relative to the perimeter wall 12 and the first grip 240, directions shown as H2 in Figure 6. Hinging of the first grip 240 or second grip 244 allows the user to utilise the grips 240, 244 as levers to aid tilting of the bucket 210. This is advantageous as it allows the user to use the base handle element 228 to control the flow of content out of the bucket 210. When hinging is not required, the releasable catch provides improved rigidity to the base handle element 228.

It will be appreciated that the bucket may alternatively be arranged so that only the first grip 240 or the second grip 244 may hinge. In yet a further alternative, the releasable catch 260 provided between the first and second grips 240, 244 may be dispensed with, such that the grips 240, 244 are permanently attached with each other. For example, if the first grip 240 is provided with the first hinge, the proximal end 246 of the second grip 244 and the perimeter wall 12 is preferably releasably inter- engageable via a releasable catch or detent. When hinging of the base handle element 228 is required, the engagement between the second grip 244 and the perimeter wall 12 is dis-engaged, such that the first and second grips 240, 244 may hinge relative to the base 14 as one unit.

Similarly, if the second grip 244 is provided with the second hinge 258, the releasable catch or detent may be provided between the proximal end 242 of the first grip 240 and the base 14. When hinging of the base handle element 228 is required, the engagement between the first grip 240 and the base 14 is dis-engaged, such that the first and second grips 240, 244 can hinge relative to the perimeter wall 12 as one unit.

In yet another alternative, or as an additional feature, a slot may be provided on the second wall 45 of the perimeter wall recessed portion 24 for the proximal end 246 of the second grip 244 to slide therealong. A further slot is provided on the first wall 43 of the recessed portion 24 for the proximal end 242 of the first grip 240 to do the same. The base handle element 228 can therefore slide within the recessed portion 24, allowing the user to adjust the position of the base handle element 228 within the recessed portion 24. One or more detents may be provided on each slot to serve as stopping or indexing means to releasably lock or latch the base handle element 228 against unintentional sliding movement within the slots.

In use, the bucket 10; 110; 210, filled with material, is typically at rest on the supporting surface, such as a floor or the ground. The user typically grasps the carrying handle element 26 to raise the bucket 10; 110; 210. Once lifted, the other hand grips the base handle element 28; 128; 228.

Thus, both hands can be used to tilt and control the angle of tiling of the bucket 10; 110; 210. To initiate tilting of the receptacle 22, with the piovtable carrying handle element 26 grasped, the second grip 44; 144; 244 can initially be gripped to aid the user in inverting the bucket 10; 110; 210. Once the bucket 10; 110; 210 is sufficiently tilted, the user can adjust his or her hand within the recessed portion 24 whereby the first grip 40; 140; 240 can be grasped to complete the inversion. The base handle element 28, 128, 228 thus improves control over pouring or dispensing the content out of the bucket 10; 110; 210.

Unlike conventional buckets, the present invention allows both hands of the user to remain in contact with the handle elements even when the bucket is tilted 180 degrees or more, as illustrated in Figure 2. The bucket can thus be emptied fully under complete control of the user, which is difficult to achieve when using conventional buckets.

Even when the bucket is to be carried and tilting of the bucket is not required, having both hands gripping their respective handle elements serve to stabilise the bucket during transit. This prevents or limits swinging of the bucket and thus spillage.

It will be appreciated that although the embodiments illustrate buckets having a truncated conical shape, it will be appreciated that the bucket may be provided in other shapes, such as oval or oblong shape.

Although the embodiments illustrate buckets having a rigid perimeter wall made of plastic, it will be appreciated that other materials may be used, for example metal such as stainless steel or bronze. Alternatively, the bucket may have a perimeter wall made of materials such as rubber such that the perimeter wall has a reduced stiffness and is flexible.

Although the provision of the carrying handle element is convenient, it may be dispensed with, especially if the bucket has the out-turned rim for a user's hand to engage on. It will also be appreciated that the out-turned rim may alternatively be dispensed with. The exact form of the carrying handle element may vary. For example, it may comprise two elongate arcuate members that are provided to hingably attach at either side of a diameter of the open end of the perimeter wall. The user can thus grasp or grip both members with one hand. Alternatively, the carrying handle element may be provided in a form similar to a handle of a cup or measuring jug.

It will be appreciated that the exact size and shape of the recessed portion may be altered, if preferred. For example, if the receptacle is required to maintain as high a volume as possible, then the recessed portion could be shaped as a sector or a segment of the truncated conical receptacle. The size of the recessed portion can also be reduced, as long as it is suitably large for a user's hand to be inserted and grip the base handle element.

The position of the recessed portion may also vary. For example, the recessed portion may extend from part way along a radius of the perimeter wall or from the central longitudinal axis of the receptacle. Alternatively, the recessed portion may not reach the perimeter wall, such that the recessed portion cannot be accessed, and is not visible, when the bucket is at rest on the supporting surface. This may be preferred so that the outward appearance of the bucket may remain similar to conventional buckets.

Although the illustrated embodiments disclose a base handle element having first and second grips, it will be appreciated that only one grip may be provided.

For example, if the recessed portion is shallow and narrow due to limitation of space, then a single vertical grip parallel or substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the receptacle alone may be provided. If the recessed portion does not reach the perimeter wall, then a single horizontal grip parallel or substantially parallel with the base may be provided. The single grip may additionally be flush or substantially flush with the perimeter wall and/or the base.

It will be appreciated that the first and second grips may not be flush or substantially flush with the base and perimeter wall respectively. Furthermore, the distal end of the first grip may even extend outwardly and beyond the perimeter wall to serve as a stabilising means or foot for stabilising the bucket on the supporting surface. The precise shape of the first grip and second grip may vary. For example, the first grip may have an I-shaped, circular, or other economically friendly shaped lateral cross section along its longitudinal extent.

Although primarily adapted for buckets, the invention may be applied to any suitable container.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not preclude the presence of addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of this invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub -combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departed from the scope of the invention as herein described.

Claims

1. A bucket (10; 110; 210) comprising

a perimeter wall,

a base (14) at one end of the perimeter wall (12) and an opening (18) at an opposing end of the perimeter wall (12),

the perimeter wall (12) and the two ends defining a receptacle (22), a recessed portion (24) at or adjacent to the base (14) end and recessed into the receptacle (22), and

a base handle element (28; 128; 228) accommodated or substantially accommodated within the recessed portion (24) and positioned external of the receptacle (22) for a user's hand to grip therearound when the bucket (10; 110; 210) is in use.

2. A bucket (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bucket (10; 110;

210) is partially truncated conical in shape.

3. A bucket (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base handle element (28; 128; 228) comprises a grip (40; 140; 240), a central longitudinal axis of the grip (40; 140; 240) being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the receptacle (22).

4. A bucket (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the grip (40; 140; 240) extends radially outwardly of the base (14).

5. A bucket (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the base handle element (28; 128; 228) comprises a second grip (44; 144; 244) provided radially outwardly of, and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to, the first said grip (40; 140; 240), a central longitudinal axis of the second grip (44; 144; 244) being parallel or substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the receptacle (22).

6. A bucket (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first and second grips (40, 44; 140, 144; 240, 244) form an L-shaped base handle element (28; 128; 228).

7. A bucket (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first grip (40; 140;

240) is flush or substantially flush with the base (14) and/or the second grip (44; 144; 244) is flush or substantially flush with the perimeter wall (12).

8. A bucket (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first grip (40; 140; 240) and/or the second grip (44; 144; 244) of the base handle element (28; 128; 228) form a stabilising means for stabilising the bucket (10; 110; 210) on a supporting surface.

9. A bucket (10; 110; 210) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a distal end of the first grip extends outwardly beyond the perimeter wall, increasing the surface area of the stabilising means.

10. A bucket (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the first and/or second grip (40, 44; 140, 144; 240, 244) is ergonomically shaped to improve grip.

11. A bucket (10; 110; 210) as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the first grip (40; 140; 240) has a T-shaped or I-shaped lateral cross section along its longitudinal extent.

12. A bucket (110) as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the first grip (140) is rotatably attached to the recessed portion and the second grip (144) such that the first grip (140) is rotatable along its central longitudinal axis relative to the recessed portion (24) and the second grip (144).

13. A bucket (210) as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the first and/or second grips (240, 244) are hingably connected to the recessed portion (24) and the circumferentially wall (12) respectively, such that the first grip (240) is hingable relative to the base (14) and/or the second grip (244) is hingable relative to the perimeter wall (12), in use.

14. A bucket (210) as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13, further comprising two spaced apart slots on the recessed portion (24), the first and second grips (240, 244) being slidably connected to the recessed portion (24) via the respective slots, such that the position of the base handle element (228) within the recessed portion (24) is adjustable.

15. A bucket (210) as claimed in claim 14, wherein indexing means is provided on one of or both slots to releasably hold the base handle element (228) against unintentional sliding movement within the slots.

16. A bucket (10; 110; 210) comprising a perimeter wall (12), a base (14) at one end of the perimeter wall (12) and an opening (18) at an opposing end of the perimeter wall (12), the perimeter wall (12) and the two ends defining a receptacle (22), a recess (24) which is external of the receptacle (22) and which opens at at least one of the base end and the perimeter wall (12), and a base handle element (28; 128; 228) which is at least in part within the recess (24), the recess (24) being adapted to accommodate a user's hand encircling the base handle element (28; 128; 228) to grip therearound.

17. A bucket (10; 110; 210) comprising:

a perimeter wall (12),

the perimeter wall (12) and the two ends defining a receptacle (22), a receptacle handle (26) for carrying the receptacle (22),

a recess (24) which is external of the receptacle (22) and which extends from a radially inwards position on the base end around to partway up the perimeter wall (12), and

a base handle element (28; 128; 228) which received in the recess and which extends axially from one end of the recess (24) which is partway up the perimeter wall (12) and then radially to the other end of the recess (24) at the radially inwards position on the base (14),

edges of the base (14) and perimeter wall (12) extending with and adjacent to a longitudinal extent of the base handle element (28; 128; 228) so that the base handle element (28; 128; 228) is spaced from sides of the recess (24) to provide a hand guard for a user's hand in a first position when gripping a portion (44; 144; 244) of the base handle element (28; 128; 228) adjacent to the perimeter wall (12) and in a second position when gripping a portion (40; 140; 240) of the base handle element (28; 128; 228) adjacent to the base (14).