Abstract:
A post mounted container configured to allow a user to easily secure and remove the container to a post, such as the types of posts used in building construction. The post mounted container could be use to dispense liquids or store objects while being supported above a ground surface mounted to a post.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates generally to containers, and more specifically to a container having a channel dimensioned to couple to a post and a securing device that allows the container to be secured to and removed from the post.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Often on a building site drinking water is unavailable. In an effort to provide employees with drinking water, builders will attach water containers to construction vehicles, or place water containers on the ground. Unfortunately, these containers are not readily accessible to employees who are working on a building&#39;s framing some distance above the ground. If those employees want a drink they must climb down to the ground—a journey that is dangerous and time consuming—to use the water containers.  
         [0003]     Construction crews try several methods to provide drinking water to those employees that work above the ground floor. They may construct a special above-ground frame in which to store a standard water cooler. This is, of course, time consuming and expensive and greatly restricts the transportability of the cooler. In fact, for a crew working some distance away from the frame this solution may create as much frustration as a water cooler stored on the ground floor. Some crews try to secure a standard cooler to construction posts, such as studs, using rope or some other removable material. However, this method results in an unstable and dangerous installation of a water cooler.  
         [0004]     Some prior art exists that may be relevant to this invention. U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,461, issued to Dunagan et al., describes a sports ball holder that can be fixed to a vertical post. However, the fixing mechanism requires the use of tools and results in a semi-permanent installation. In addressing the needs met by the instant invention a semi-permanent installation is unacceptable. Another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,419 issued to Penney, describes a container that can be attached to a vertical pole having a circular cross-section. The Penney invention is unsatisfactory in meeting current needs as the mounting mechanism relies on the presence of a circular pole, while construction posts typically come in a square or rectangular configuration known as studs. Additionally, the mounting mechanism in the Penney invention rely on ‘shape-memory’ material to create sufficient friction with the pole to mount the container, a method that would be unsafe if used to address current needs.  
         [0005]     A need therefore existed for a container that could be mounted to and removed from a post and used to dispense liquid that would allow workers, who work above the ground floor where running water is not available, to get a drink without having to climb down to the ground floor. In addition, a container capable of being easily mounted to and removed from a construction site stud allows workers to easily bring the container with them from location to location on a construction site.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     An object of the present invention is to provide a post mounted container with a walled channel that is dimensioned to allow a user to place the channel around a post and a support device to allow a user to secure the container to the post. The user can then dispense liquid from the container and later remove the container from the post.  
         [0007]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container capable of being easily mounted to and removed from a standard construction stud.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0008]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a post mounted container is disclosed. The post mounted container comprises, in combination, a container having an interior wall, exterior wall, closed end and an open end. A first ridge is coupled along a length of the exterior wall of the container. A second ridge is coupled along a length of the exterior wall of the container. The two ridges together define a channel that is dimensioned to mate with a post. Additionally, a securing device dimensioned to secure the container to a post is coupled to the container.  
         [0009]     In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, a post mounted container is disclosed. The post mounted container comprises, in combination, a container having an interior wall, exterior wall, closed end and an open end. The exterior wall of the container defines a channel that is dimensioned to mate with a post. Additionally, a securing device dimensioned to secure the container to a post is coupled to the container.  
         [0010]     In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a post mounted container is disclosed. The post mounted container comprises, in combination, a container having an interior wall, an exterior wall, a closed end and an open end. A mounting bracket having a front side, a back side, a top surface and a bottom surface is dimensioned to couple to the exterior wall of the container. A first ridge is coupled along a length of the front side of the mounting bracket. A second ridge is coupled along a length of the front side of the mounting bracket. The first ridge and the second ridge define a channel that is dimensioned to mate with a post. A securing device is coupled to at least one of the first ridge and the second ridge. The securing device is dimensioned to secure the mounting bracket to the post.  
         [0011]     In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a method for mounting a post mounted container is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a container having an interior wall, exterior wall, open end and a closed end. The method further comprises the steps of providing a first ridge and a second ridge coupled along a length of the exterior wall and together defining a channel dimensioned to mate with a post, placing the container in contact with the post with an interior surface of the first ridge proximate a first exterior side of the post and with an interior surface of the second ridge proximate a second exterior side of the post so that the post is mated with the channel of the container, and securing the container to the post with a securing device.  
         [0012]     In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a method for mounting a post mounted container is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a container having an interior wall, an exterior wall, an open end and a closed end. The method further comprises the steps of providing a mounting bracket having a front side, a back side, a top surface and a bottom surface. The mounting bracket is dimensioned to couple to the exterior wall of the container. The method further comprises the steps of providing a first ridge coupled along a length of the front side of the mounting bracket and providing a second ridge coupled along a length of the front side of the mounting bracket. The first ridge and the second ridge define a channel that is dimensioned to mate with a post. The method further comprises the steps of placing the mounting bracket in contact with the post with an interior surface of the first ridge proximate a first exterior side of the post and with an interior surface of the second ridge proximate a second exterior side of the post so that the post is mated with the channel of the container. The method further comprises the steps of securing the mounting bracket to the post with a securing device and coupling the container to the mounting bracket.  
         [0013]     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a left perspective view of a first embodiment of the post mounted container of the present invention. The container is shown as being secured to the post by a clamp and a stabilizing leg that are coupled proximate a closed end of the container. The stabilizing leg is shown to be in contact with the post.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a right perspective view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 1 . The container is shown as being secured to the post by a clamp coupled proximate the open end of the container and a stabilizing leg coupled proximate the closed end of the container. The stabilizing leg is shown to be in contact with a ground surface.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a left perspective view of a second embodiment of the post mounted container of the present invention. The container is shown as being secured to the post by a cord-type material coupled proximate the open end of the container and a clamp coupled proximate the closed end of the container.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a right perspective view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 3 . The container is shown as being secured to the post by the cord-type material coupled proximate the open end of the container.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a right perspective view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 1 . The container is shown as having an indicator for easy determination of the amount of water contained in the cooler.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a left perspective view of a third embodiment of the post mounted container of the present invention. The container is shown as being secured to the post by a first clamp coupled proximate the open end of the container and a second clamp coupled proximate the closed end of the container.  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of the closed end of the post mounted container of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 3 , showing a first embodiment of a securing device.  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 2 , showing a second embodiment of the securing device.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of the post mounted container and securing device of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 9B  is a bottom view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 9C  is a bottom view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 9D  is a bottom view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 9E  is a top view of the securing device of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is a left perspective view of a third embodiment of the post mounted container of the present invention. The container is shown being coupled to the mounting bracket.  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  is a left perspective view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 10 . The container is shown as being secured to the post by a mounting bracket.  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 10 . The container is shown being uncoupled from the mounting bracket.  
         [0031]      FIG. 12A  is a top view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 12B  is a bottom view of the post mounted container of  FIG. 11 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0033]     As shown in  FIGS. 1-12D  for purposes of illustration, the present invention is concerned with a post mounted container, designated in the accompanying drawings by the reference number  10  (see  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  5 - 7 ,  9 ,  9 A, and  9 D), reference number  100  (see  FIGS. 3, 4 ,  9 B, and  9 C) and reference number  200  (see  FIGS. 10-12B ).  
         [0034]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  5  and  6 , a first embodiment of post mounted container  10  is shown. Post mounted container  10  comprises a container  11  having an open end  12  (see  FIG. 5 ), closed end  14 , interior wall  16  (see  FIG. 5 ) and an exterior wall  18 . It is preferred that container  11  comprises material having high heat insulative properties or any other suitable material. Additionally, it is preferred that container  11  be constructed using an injection molding technique or any other suitable construction technique. While, in the preferred embodiment, container  11  is comprised of an injection molded material having heat insulative properties, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which neither injection molding nor heat insulative materials are used, so long as container  11  is capable of storing a liquid.  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  5 ,  6 , and  9 E, coupled to exterior wall  18  (see  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  5  and  6 ) are both a first ridge, generally referred to as first ridge  20  (see  FIGS. 1, 6  and  9 E) and a second ridge, generally referred to as second ridge  21  (see  FIGS. 2, 5  and  9 E). Ridges  20  and  21  form a channel  23  (see  FIG. 9E ) that is substantially dimensioned to mate with a post  40 . It should be noted that channel  23  formed by first ridge  20  and second ridge  21  is preferably between approximately one to six inches wide and between approximately one to six inches deep. Channel  23  is preferably dimensioned to mate with one of many standard construction studs having various dimensions. Typically, such studs are either square or rectangular in shape and can be made of wood, metal or some other durable material. Such standard construction studs may include, but are not limited to:
 
Studs (4×4 or 6×6)
 
Studs (2×4, 2×6, 2×8 or 2×10)
 
Boards (2×4, 2×6 or 1×6)
 
         [0036]     In one embodiment of post mounted container  10 , shown in  FIG. 1 , first ridge  20 ( a ) and second ridge (not shown) have a greater height proximate closed end  14  and a lesser height proximate an open end covered by lid  26 .  
         [0037]     In another embodiment of post mounted container  10 , shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , first ridge  20 ( b ) and second ridge  21 ( b ) have a greater height proximate open end  12  and a lesser height proximate closed end  14  of container  11 .  
         [0038]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , yet another embodiment of post mounted container  10  is shown wherein first ridge  20 ( c ) and second ridge  21 ( c ) are not tapered.  
         [0039]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-2  and  5 - 12 B, at least one securing device  22  may be coupled to container  11  in many different ways.  FIG. 1  shows a securing device  22  coupled to first ridge  20 ( a ) proximate closed end  14  of container  11 .  FIGS. 2 and 5  show a securing device  22  coupled to second ridge  21 ( b ) proximate open end  12  of container  11 . While,  FIGS. 1, 2  and  5  show only one securing device  22  coupled to one ridge, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which post mounted container  10  comprises two securing devices  22  one for both first ridge  20  and second ridge  21 .  FIG. 6  shows securing devices  22  coupled to first ridge  20 ( c ) proximate both open end  12  and closed end  14  of container  11 . It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which post mounted container  10  shown in  FIG. 6  comprises four securing devices  22 , two for first ridge  20 ( c ) and two for second ridge  21 ( d ), with one securing device  22  on each ridge proximate closed end  14  and one securing device  22  on each ridge proximate open end  12  covered by lid  26 .  
         [0040]     It should be noted that securing devices  22  are preferably dimensioned to secure container  11  to post  40 . It is within the spirit sand scope of this invention that any type of clamps, screws, teeth or some combination thereof may be incorporated into securing device(s)  22 , so long as securing device  22  is in any way capable of assisting the coupling of container  11  to be mounted on post  40 . While the preferred embodiments show securing devices  22  being coupled to first ridge  20  and second ridge  21  proximate open end  12  and/or closed end  14  of container  11 , it should be clearly understood that securing devices  22  may be coupled to first ridge  20  and second ridge  21  at any point therealong.  
         [0041]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-6  and  11 , post mounted container  10  preferably further comprises a lid  26  dimensioned to couple with open end  12 .  FIGS. 3-5  show lid  26  removed from open end  12 . A handle  32  (see  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  5 , and  6 ) is preferably coupled to outer surface  27  of lid  26 . Additionally, handles  30  (see  FIGS. 1-6 ) may be coupled to exterior wall  18  of post mounted container  10  to assist in lifting, carrying or positioning container  11 . It should be noted that handles  32  and  30  may be molded into the outer surfaces of the lid  26  and exterior wall  18  (as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  5 , and  6 ). Additionally, any handles that are coupled to exterior wall  18  may be recessed to prevent them from sustaining damage (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). While, in the preferred embodiment, handles  32  and  30  are coupled to container  11 , it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the present invention in which there are no handles or in which some other grasping or lifting mechanism is used.  
         [0042]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3, 4 ,  5 ,  6  and  9 A, preferably, a volume indicator  28  is coupled to exterior wall  18  of post mounted container  10 . Volume indicator  28  is preferably a window approximately ½ inch wide that runs along exterior wall  18  from proximate closed end  14  to open end  12 , although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which an alternatively configured volume indicator is used, such as one that is proximate only closed end  14 , or in which there is no volume indicator  28 .  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-6 , a spout  24  is preferably coupled to exterior wall  18  of post mounted container  10  proximate closed end  14 . It should be noted that spout  24  may protrude, as seen in  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  5 , and  6 , or spout  24  may be recessed into exterior wall  18 , as seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , minimizing the probability that spout  24  will be damaged or broken. While, in the preferred embodiment, post mounted container  10  comprises a spout  24  dimensioned to dispense liquid from container  11 , it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which there is no spout  24 , such as a container  11  for storing something other than liquid (for example building supplies), or for a liquid storing container  11  in which the liquid is dispensed by dipping a cup into open end  12  of container  11 .  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  5 ,  6  and  7 , post mounted container  10  preferably further comprises a stabilizing leg  34  coupled to an exterior portion of closed end  14  of post mounted container  10 . Stabilizing leg  34  is dimensioned to contact any object in order to support closed end  14  of container  11  above a ground surface.  FIG. 1  shows stabilizing leg  34  bracing against a post  40 . It should be noted that stabilizing leg  34  could be used in different configurations. For example,  FIG. 2  shows stabilizing leg  34  in a substantially vertical position bracing against a ground surface.  FIG. 5  shows a recessed area  38  in exterior portion of closed end  14  of post mounted container  10  that is substantially dimensioned to receive stabilizing leg  34  in a stored position, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of post mounted container  10  in which there is no recessed area  38 . While, in the preferred embodiment, post mounted container  10  comprises a stabilizing leg  34 , it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the present invention in which there is no stabilizing leg  34  and only a securing device  22 , or in which some other device is used to provide additional support to container  11 .  
         [0045]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3, 4 ,  9 B and  9 C an alternative embodiment of post mounted container  10 , hereinafter post mounted container  100  is shown. Post mounted container  100  is essentially the same as post mounted container  10 , except that instead of external ridges that protrude from external surface  18  to define a channel dimensioned to mate with post  40 , external surface  18  of container  11  defines a channel  46  (see  FIGS. 9B  and  9 C) dimensioned to mate with post  40 . For this reason, the same reference numbers used in describing the features of post mounted container  10  will be used when describing the identical features of post mounted container  100 . Preferably, proximate open end  12  exterior wall  18  forms an annular flange  42  (see  FIGS. 3-4 ) dimensioned to receive a cord-type material  44  (see  FIGS. 3-4 ). Cord-type material  44  is dimensioned to couple container  11  to post  40 . For example, the length of flexible material  44  could loop over a nail  45  (see  FIGS. 3-4 ) that has been driven into post  40 , or the cord-type material  44  could be used to wrap around a post  40 . Cord-type material  44  may be used either to supplement securing device  22  (see  FIGS. 3, 9B ,  9 C) or to act as the securing device (see  FIG. 4 ).  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIGS. 3, 9B  and  9 C, coupled to exterior wall  18  proximate channel  46  is a securing device  22  that is dimensioned to couple post mounted container  10  to post  40 . It should be noted that securing device  22  could be placed at any point along channel  46 .  
         [0047]     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12B , an alternative embodiment of post mounted container  10 , hereinafter post mounted container  200  is shown. Post mounted container  200  is essentially the same as post mounted container  10 , except that ridge  20  and ridge  21  are coupled to a front surface  51  of a mounting bracket  48 . For this reason, the same reference numbers used in describing the features of post mounted container  10  will be used when describing the identical features of post mounted container  200 . Ridge  20  and ridge  21  (see  FIGS. 12, 12A , and  12 B) form a channel substantially dimensioned to couple to a post  40  and with a preferable length of approximately the height of container  11 . It should be noted that the length of mounting bracket  48  (and accordingly, tongue  54  (see  FIGS. 10, 12 ,  12 A and  12 B) and groove  56  (see  FIGS. 12 ) could be substantially decreased without denying a user the benefits of the device. Securing device  22  is preferably coupled to ridge  20  proximate top surface  49  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ) of mounting bracket  48 . An additional securing device  22  is preferably coupled to ridge  21  proximate top portion  49  of mounting bracket  48 . It should be noted that substantial benefit could be derived from a post mounted container  10  having a different number of securing devices  22  being coupled to one of ridge  20  and ridge  21 . For example, securing devices  22  could be could to ridge  20  or ridge  21  proximate a bottom surface  47 . Alternatively, a stabilizing leg could be used in place of securing devices  22 .  
         [0048]     Mounting bracket  48  is detachably coupled to exterior wall  18  of container  11  preferably by means of a tongue-in-groove system. A groove  56  is formed in exterior wall  18  of container  11 . Groove  56  is substantially dimensioned to mate with tongue  54  that is coupled to a back surface  52  (see  FIGS. 10, 12 ,  12 A and  12 B) of mounting bracket  48 . Width of tongue  54  and width of groove  56  are preferably tapered from proximate open end  12  to closed end  14  of post mounted container  200  wherein width of tongue  54  and width of groove  56  are preferably greater proximate open end  12  and lesser proximate closed end  14  of container  11 . This design allows container  11  to be securely coupled to mounting bracket  48 . It should be noted that substantial benefit could be derived from a tongue  54  and groove  56  having a different design. For example, location of tongue  54  and groove  56  could be reversed so that tongue  54  is coupled to exterior wall  18  of container  11  and groove  56  is formed in back surface  52  of mounting bracket  48 . Also, a tongue-in-groove system could be implemented with multiple tongue  54  and groove  56  elements. Additionally, width of tongue  54  and width of groove  56  does not have to taper from open end  12  to closed end  14  of container  11 . Instead, any dimension (such as depth) of tongue  54  and groove  56  could be tapered and still provide a method of fixing container  11  to mounting bracket  48 . While, in the preferred embodiment, post mounted container  200  comprises a tongue-in-groove system, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative means of coupling mounting bracket  48  to container  11  so long as this can be done securely.  
         [0049]     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, other forms of securing devices  22  may be used, so long as securing device  22  is able to secure the container  11  to a post  40 .