Container and interlocking platform apparatus

An apparatus includes a container. The container includes one or more sidewalls and a base portion coupled to the one or more sidewalls, the base portion including at least one recess disposed in a bottom surface of the base portion, the at least one recess having a depth less than the thickness of the base portion. The apparatus also includes a platform. The platform includes a recess disposed in a top surface of the platform and having a depth less than the thickness of the platform, the recess dimensioned to receive at least the base portion. The platform includes at least one projection projecting from a recessed top surface within the recess disposed in the top surface of the platform. The at least one recess disposed in the bottom surface of the base portion is dimensioned to receive, and at least partially interlock with, the at least one projection.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to containment units, and in particular, to an apparatus including a container and an interlocking platform.

BACKGROUND

Mixing material in a container often requires an operator to stabilize the container to prevent it from shifting when subjected to the rotation of a mixing device and/or movement of the material within the container. However, the stabilizing forces applied by the operator often inadequately stabilize the container, resulting in the container shifting under the operator's control. Shifting of the container may cause the container to injure the operator. Shifting of the container may also cause the operator to lose control of the device used to mix the material within the container, potentially damaging the device or injuring the operator. Additionally, an operator having to stabilize the container is often confined to a small area of movability, which may cause injury to the operator and may prevent the operator from functioning at the full range necessary to mix the material within the container.

Known methods of stabilizing a container on a platform include coupling the container to the platform via an attachment assembly including a clasp, a clamp, or a fastener component. Additionally, known methods of stabilizing a container on a platform also require disengaging or uncoupling the container from the platform with one or more tools. Further, known methods of stabilizing a container on a platform include an assembly that utilizes a compressive force to hold the container in place. Further, known methods of stabilizing a container on a platform include an anchoring assembly, where the anchoring assembly is free-standing, coupled to a secondary component, or coupled to the ground. These various known methods inhibit the easy removal of the container from the support platform, costing the operator time and requiring the operator to expend extra effort to remove the container from the support platform.

As such, it would be desirable to provide a system that cures the defects of the shortcomings described above.

SUMMARY

An apparatus is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a container. In another illustrative embodiment, the container includes one or more sidewalls. In another illustrative embodiment, the container includes a base portion coupled to the one or more sidewalls. In another illustrative embodiment, the base portion includes at least one recess disposed in a bottom surface of the base portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the at least one recess disposed in the bottom surface of the base portion has a depth less than the thickness of the base portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a platform. In another illustrative embodiment, the platform includes a recess disposed in a top surface of the platform. In another illustrative embodiment, the recess disposed in the top surface of the platform has a depth less than the thickness of the platform. In another illustrative embodiment, the recess is dimensioned to receive at least the base portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the platform includes at least one projection projecting from a recessed top surface within the recess disposed in the top surface of the platform. In another illustrative embodiment, the at least one recess disposed in the bottom surface of the base portion is dimensioned to receive, and at least partially interlock with, the at least one projection.

An apparatus is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a container. In another illustrative embodiment, the container includes one or more sidewalls. In another illustrative embodiment, the container includes a base portion coupled to the one or more sidewalls. In another illustrative embodiment, the base portion includes a recess disposed in a bottom surface of the base portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the recess disposed in the bottom surface of the base portion has a depth less than the thickness of the base portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the container includes at least one projection projecting from a recessed base portion surface within the recess disposed in the bottom surface of the base portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a platform. In another illustrative embodiment, the platform includes at least one recess disposed in a top surface of the platform. In another illustrative embodiment, the at least one recess disposed in the top surface of the platform has a depth less than the thickness of the platform. In another illustrative embodiment, the at least one recess disposed in the top surface of the platform is dimensioned to receive at least the base portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the at least one recess disposed in the top surface of the platform is dimensioned to receive, and at least partially interlock with, the at least one projection.

An apparatus is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a container. In another illustrative embodiment, the container includes one or more sidewalls. In another illustrative embodiment, the container includes a base portion coupled to the one or more sidewalls. In another illustrative embodiment, a cross-section of the base portion is non-circular. In another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a platform. In another illustrative embodiment, the platform includes a recess disposed in a top surface of the platform. In another illustrative embodiment, the recess has a depth less than the thickness of the platform. In another illustrative embodiment, a recessed top surface is formed within the recess disposed in the top surface of the platform at the depth less than the thickness of the platform. In another illustrative embodiment, a cross-section of the recess disposed in the top surface of the platform is non-circular. In another illustrative embodiment, the recess disposed in the top surface of the platform is dimensioned to receive, and at least partially interlock with, the base portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring generally toFIGS. 1A-4B, a container and a platform is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus with a container and a platform. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to an interlocking assembly that couples the container and the platform together.

FIGS. 1A-1Fillustrate an container and platform apparatus100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the apparatus100includes a container200. In another embodiment, the container200includes a body202. In another embodiment, the body202includes one or more sidewalls204. In another embodiment, the container200includes a cavity206. In another embodiment, the container200includes a base portion208.

In another embodiment, the apparatus100includes a platform300. In another embodiment, the platform300includes a top surface302. In another embodiment, the platform300includes a recess304within the top surface302. In another embodiment, the platform300includes one or more side surfaces306. In another embodiment, the platform300includes a bottom surface308.

In another embodiment, the container200is positioned on the platform300. In another embodiment, the container200is couplable to the platform300via an interlocking assembly400. In another embodiment, the interlocking assembly400includes a first component210, where the first component210is integrated into the container200. In another embodiment, the interlocking assembly400includes a second component310, where the second component310is integrated into the platform300.

In one embodiment, the apparatus100includes one or more containers200and one or more platforms300. For example, the apparatus100may include a single container200and a single platform300. By way of another example, the apparatus100may include multiple containers200and a single platform300. By way of another example, the apparatus100may include a single container200and multiple platforms300. By way of another example, the apparatus100may include multiple containers200and multiple platforms300.

In another embodiment, where the apparatus100includes multiple containers200and/or multiple platforms300, the multiple containers200and/or multiple platforms300are the same size and/or geometry. In this regard, the multiple containers200and/or multiple platforms300are interchangeable, such that an operator is not affected by the loss or the damaging of one of the multiple containers200and/or multiple platforms300.

FIG. 2A-2Billustrates the container200of the apparatus100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the container200includes the body202. In another embodiment, the body202includes a top edge202a. In another embodiment, the top edge202acouples to a lid (not shown). It is noted herein, however, that the top edge202amay instead be a top surface202a, such that a lid is not required. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present invention but merely an illustration.

In another embodiment, the container200includes a bottom edge202b. For example, the bottom edge202bmay be inserted within the top surface302of the platform300at least a distance equal to the height of the bottom edge202b. By way of another example, the bottom edge202bmay raise the container200above the top surface302of the platform300a distance equal to the height of the bottom edge202b. It is noted herein, however, that the base portion208may sit directly on the top surface302, such that the bottom edge202bis not required. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present invention but merely an illustration.

In another embodiment, the body202includes one or more sidewalls204, where the sidewalls204form a cross-section of the body202. For example, the number of sides of the base portion208may range from one to twelve. For instance, the body202may have one side, such that the cross-section of the body202may be, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, or the like. Additionally, the body202may have four sides, such that the cross-section of the body202may be, but is not limited to, a quadrilateral, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a rhombus, a parallelogram, or the like. By way of another example, the body202may include up to an N number of sidewalls204, where the N number of sidewalls204form a body202having any circular or non-circular geometry cross-section known in the art.

In another embodiment, the body202includes no corners (i.e. the body202is formed from one sidewall204). In another embodiment, the body202includes one or more corners (i.e. the body202is formed from two or more sidewalls204). For example, the one or more corners may be pointed. By way of another example, the one or more corners may be rounded.

It is noted herein that the body202is preferably formed from one sidewall204to prevent material build-up within corners when the container200is utilized for a mixing application. However, it is noted herein that the container200is not limited to mixing applications. Additionally, it is noted herein a container202having a body202formed from multiple sidewalls204may be utilized for mixing applications. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present invention but merely an illustration.

In another embodiment, the body202is able to contain a selected volume. For example, the selected volume may range from one cup to sixty gallons. For instance, the volume may preferably range from one gallon to ten gallons. In another embodiment, the sidewalls204of the body are dimensioned to contain the selected volume within the cavity206. For example, where the selected volume is five gallons and the cross-section of the body202is circular, the height and the diameter of the single sidewall204of the body202may be chosen so as to allow the body to contain the five gallon volume. By way of another example, where the selected volume is five gallons and the cross-section of the body202is rectangular, the height and width of the four sidewalls204of the body202may be chosen so as to allow the body202to contain the five gallon volume. It is noted herein, however, that the sidewalls204of the body202may be dimensioned without taking into account the need to contain a selected volume. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present invention but merely an illustration.

In one embodiment, the one or more sidewalls204include a rim204a. For example, the rim204amay allow multiple containers200to be partially nested and/or stacked together, such that at least a first container200is prevented from wedging within at least a second container200.

In another embodiment, the container200includes the base portion208. In another embodiment, the base portion208has one or more sides, where the one or more sides form a cross-section of the base portion208. For example, the number of sides of the base portion208may range from one to twelve. For instance, the base portion208may have one side, such that the cross-section of the base portion208may be, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, or the like. Additionally, the base portion208may have four sides, such that the cross-section of the base portion208may be, but is not limited to, a quadrilateral, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a rhombus, a parallelogram, or the like. By way of another example, the base portion208may include up to an N number of sides, where the N number of sides form a base portion208having any circular or non-circular geometry cross-section known in the art.

In another embodiment, the body202and the base portion208has a substantially similar cross-section. For example, the body202and the base portion208may each have a circular cross-section. By way of another example, the body202and the base portion208may each have a rectangular cross-section. In another embodiment, the body202and the base portion208has a different cross-section. For example, the body202may have a circular cross-section, while the base portion208may have an elliptic cross-section. In this example, the sidewalls204may have an elliptic cross-section at the point where the sidewalls204join with the base portion208and a circular cross-section at a point a selected height above the base portion208. For instance, the conversion from the elliptic cross-section to the circular cross-section may be gradual from the joining point to the point at the selected height. Additionally, the conversion from the elliptic cross-section to the circular cross-section may occur entirely at one point.

In another embodiment, the base portion208includes no corners (i.e. the base portion208is formed from one side). In another embodiment, the base portion208includes one or more corners (i.e. the base portion208is formed from two or more side). For example, the one or more corners may be pointed. By way of another example, the one or more corners may be rounded.

It is noted herein that the base portion208is preferably formed from one side to prevent material build-up within corners when the container200is utilized for a mixing application. However, it is noted herein that the container200is not limited to mixing applications. Additionally, it is noted herein a container200having a base portion208formed from multiple sides may be utilized for mixing applications. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present invention but merely an illustration.

In one embodiment, the body202and the base portion208join together at a selected angle. For example, the selected angle may range from 45 degrees to 135 degrees. For instance, the selected angle may be 90 degrees. In this instance, the width and/or the diameter of the body202would be substantially the same as the width and/or the diameter of the base portion208, such that the cross-sectional area of the body202is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of the base portion208. Additionally, the selected angle may be obtuse (i.e. greater than 90 degrees). In this instance, the body202would have a cross-section that increases in width and/or diameter relative to the width and/or the diameter of the base portion208as the distance between the base portion208and the cross-section of the body202increases, such that the cross-sectional area of the body202is greater than the cross-sectional area of the base portion208. It is noted that this may be considered a “tapered” design, where the tapered design promotes stacking and shipping of the containers200in a partially-nested arrangement, and additionally promotes coupling lids to the containers200and stacking the lidded containers200. Further, the selected angle may be acute (i.e. less than 90 degrees). In this instance, the body202would have a cross-section that decreases in width and/or diameter relative to the width and/or the diameter of the base portion208as the distance between the base portion208and the cross-section of the body202increases, such that the cross-sectional area of the body202is less than the cross-sectional area of the base portion208. It is noted this may be considered a “flared” design.

In one embodiment, the container200includes a recessed base portion surface208a. For example, the recessed base portion surface208amay be formed when the first component210of the interlocking assembly400includes one or more recesses cut into the base portion208to a selected depth less than the thickness of the base portion208. By way of another example, the recessed base portion surface208amay be formed when material is removed from the base portion208to a selected depth less than the thickness of the base portion208to form a recess, where the recess includes the first component210of the interlocking assembly400.

FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate the platform300of the apparatus100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In another embodiment, the platform300includes a top surface302having a defined surface width in a first direction and a defined surface length in a second direction. For example, a portion of the defined surface width on each side of the container200may be dimensioned to receive a selected amount of weight. By way of another example, a portion of the defined surface length on each side of the container200may be dimensioned to receive a selected amount of weight. In another embodiment, the operator stabilizes the platform300by placing a selected amount of weight on the top surface302within the portion of the defined surface width or the defined surface length. For example, the operator may stand on the top surface302, where the operator places a foot on either side of the container200within the portion of the defined surface width or the defined surface length. By way of another example, the operator may place a weight including, but not limited to, a toolbox, a sandbag, construction material, construction scrap, a box of cable, or the like on the top surface302within the portion of the defined surface width or the defined surface length.

In another embodiment, defining at least one of the surface width and/or the surface length is dependent on the width and/or the diameter of the container200coupled to the platform300. For example, at least one of the surface width and/or the surface length may be defined from the center of the container200(i.e. at least a portion of the width and/or the diameter of the container200is included in the defined surface width and/or the defined surface length). It is additionally noted herein at least one of the surface width and/or the surface length may be defined from the top edge202of the container200(i.e. no portion of the width and/or the diameter of the container200is included in the defined surface width and/or the defined surface length).

In another embodiment, the platform300includes a recessed top surface302a. For example, the recessed top surface302amay be formed when material is removed from the top surface302to a selected depth less than the thickness of the platform300(i.e. the height of the one or more side surfaces306) to form a recess, where the recess includes the second component310of the interlocking assembly400. By way of another example, the recessed top surface302amay be from when the second component310of the interlocking assembly400includes one or more recesses cut into the top surface302to a selected depth less than the thickness of the platform300(i.e. the height of the one or more side surface306).

In another embodiment, the platform has a recessed top surface302a. For example, the recessed top surface302amay be formed when material is removed from the top surface302to form the recess304, where the recess304includes the second component310of the interlocking assembly400. By way of another example, the recessed top surface302amay be formed when the second component310of the interlocking assembly400is cut into the top surface302.

In one embodiment, the top surface302includes a recess304having a defined depth in a third direction. For example, defining the depth is dependent on one or more design factors. For instance, the one or more design factors may include, but are not limited to, the diameter and/or width of the base portion208of the container200, the diameter and/or width of the body202of the container200, the tapering angle where the base portion208and the body202join together, the flaring angle where the base portion208and the body202join together, the overall thickness of the platform300, and/or the materials used for fabrication of the container200and/or the platform300. By way of another example, the defined depth may range from ¼ of an inch to 8 inches.

In another embodiment, the geometry of the recess304substantially conforms to the cross-sectional geometry of the base portion208of the container200. For example, where the cross-sectional geometry of the base portion208is circular, the recess304is also circular. In another embodiment, the geometry of the recess304does not substantially conform to the geometry of the base portion208of the container200, though the container200is still able to fit within the recess304. For example, where the cross-sectional geometry of the base portion208is circular, the recess304may be elliptic with a small diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the base portion208. By way of another example, where the cross-sectional geometry of the base portion208is circular, the recess304may be rectangular with the smaller of the width or the length equal to or greater than the diameter of the base portion208.

In another embodiment, the container200in set within the recess304such that at least a portion of the sidewalls204are supported by a sidewall of the recess304. It is noted herein, however, that the platform300does not require a recess304. For example, the container200may be couplable directly to the top surface302via the interlocking assembly400, such that only the interlocking assembly400stabilizes the container200when coupled to the platform300. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present invention but merely an illustration.

In one embodiment, the platform300includes one or more side surfaces306. For example, the number of side surfaces306may range from one to twelve. For instance, the platform300may have one side surface, such that the cross-section of the platform300may be, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, or the like. Additionally, the platform300may have four side surfaces, such that the cross-section of the platform300may be, but is not limited to, a quadrilateral, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a rhombus, a parallelogram, or the like. By way of another example, the platform300may include up to an N number of side surfaces306, where the N number of side surfaces306form a platform300having any circular or non-circular geometry cross-section known in the art. By way of another example, the N number of sides surface306may be the edges for one or more of the top surface302and/or the bottom surface308, where one or more of the top surface302and/or the bottom surface308has any circular or non-circular geometry known in the art

In one embodiment, the platform300includes the bottom surface308. In another embodiment, the bottom surface308has the same number of edges as the top surface302. In another embodiment, the bottom surface308has a different number of edges as the top surface302.

In another embodiment, the bottom surface308has the same defined surface width and the same defined surface length as the top surface302. In another embodiment, the bottom surface308has the same defined surface width or the same defined surface length as the top surface302. In another embodiment, the bottom surface308has neither the same defined surface width nor the same defined surface length as the top surface302.

In another embodiment, the bottom surface308is includes one or more regions308aseparated by one or more dividers308b. For example, the regions308amay be arranged in a honeycomb pattern. By way of another example, the regions308amay be arranged in a checkerboard pattern. In another embodiment, the regions308aare generated by removing material from the bottom surface308. For example, all regions308amay be generated by removing material from the bottom surface308. By way of another example, only a portion of the regions308amay be generated by removing material from the bottom surface308, with the remaining regions308aretaining the bottom surface308material.

In one embodiment, the stand200and/or the platform300is fabricated from a metal. For example, the metal may include, but is not limited to, a ferrous metal, a non-ferrous metal, an alloy containing one or more ferrous metals, an alloy containing one or more non-ferrous metals, or an alloy containing one or more ferrous metals and one or more non-ferrous metals.

In another embodiment, the stand200and/or the platform300is fabricated from a non-metal. For example, the non-metal may include, but is not limited to, a plastic. For instance, the plastic may include, but is not limited to, a thermoplastic or a thermosetting plastic. By way of another example, the non-metal may include, but is not limited to, an elastomer. For instance, the elastomer may include, but is not limited to, a natural elastomer or a synthetic elastomer. By way of another example, the non-metal may include, but is not limited to, a ceramic. For instance, the ceramic may include, but is not limited to, a metal-based ceramic, metalloid-based ceramic, or a non-metal-based ceramic. By way of another example, the non-metal may include, but is not limited to, a composite. For instance, the composite may include, but is not limited to, a layered/laminar composite, a particulate composite, a fiber-reinforced composite, or a hybrid composite.

In another embodiment, the container200and the platform300are fabricated from the same material. In another embodiment, the container200and the platform300are fabricated from different materials.

FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate the interlocking assembly400of the apparatus100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the interlocking assembly400is designed to fit any size and/or geometry of the container200, so long as the container200remains couplable to the platform300.

In another embodiment, the interlocking assembly400includes the first component210, where the first component210is integrated into the container200. In another embodiment, the first component210includes an interlocking portion212. In another embodiment, the interlocking assembly400includes the second component310, where the second component310is integrated into the platform300. In another embodiment, the second component310includes an interlocking portion312corresponding to the interlocking portion212of the first component210. Types of interlocking portions212and interlocking portions312are described in detail further herein.

In another embodiment, the first component210includes a guiding portion214. In another embodiment, the second component310includes a guiding portion314corresponding to the guiding portion214of the first component210. In another embodiment, at least one of the guiding portion214and the guiding portion314is set within a diameter and/or width defined by the exterior points and/or edges of the interlocking portion212and the interlocking portion312, respectively.

It is noted herein that, where the top edge202ais coupled to a lid, the second component310may be integrated into the lid such that the lid includes the interlocking portion312corresponding to the interlocking portion212of the first component210. In this regard, a first container200with a lid and a second container200may interlock, where the second container200is stacked on top of the first container200.

In one embodiment, the interlocking assembly400includes a set of projections that correspond to a set of recesses. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the first component210may include a set of recesses212, and the second component310may include a set of corresponding projections312. For instance, the set of recesses212may not extend through the base portion208but instead terminate at a recessed base portion surface208a.

It is noted herein the set of projections312and the set of recesses212may mate such that the top surfaces of the set of projections312come into contact with the recessed base portion surface208a. It is additionally noted herein, however, that the set of projections312and the set of recesses212may mate such the top surfaces of the set of projections312are offset from the recessed base portion surface208aa selected distance.

By way of another example, the second component310may include a set of recesses312within the recess304, and the first component210may include a set of corresponding projections212. For instance, the set of recesses312may not extend through the platform300but instead terminate as a recessed top surface302a.

It is noted herein the set of projections212and the set of recesses312may mate such that the bottom surfaces of the set of projections212come into contact with the recessed top surface302a. It is additionally noted herein, however, that the set of projections212and the set of recesses312may mate such the bottom surfaces of the set of projections212are offset from the recessed top surface302aa selected distance.

In another embodiment, the projections and recess are oriented substantially parallel to one or more of the surface plane of the top surface302, the recessed top surface302a, the base portion208, and/or the recessed base portion surface208a. In another embodiment, the set of projections and the set of recesses are arranged to substantially conform to a selected geometry. For example, the set of projections and the set of recesses may be arranged to conform to the geometry of the base portion208of the container200. For instance, where the base portion208has a circular geometry, the set of projections and the set of recesses may be arranged with a circular geometry. By way of another example, the set of projections and the set of recesses may not be arranged to conform to the geometry of the base portion208.

In another embodiment, the set of projections312include a central structure, where each projection projecting from the central structure includes one or more edges. For example, the geometry of the central structure may include, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, a torus, or any circular or non-circular geometry having up to an N number of sides. By way of another example, the projection may have one edge. For instance, the projection may be a tooth and/or cog with a single curved edge. By way of another example, the projection may have two edges. For instance, the projection may be a pointed tooth and/or cog. It is noted the pointed tooth and/or cog may be ¾ inch wide by ½ inch deep. By way of another example, the projection may have three edges. For instance, the projection may be a substantially square, rectangular, or trapezoidal tooth and/or cog. By way of another example, the projection may have up to an N number of edges, where the N number of edges form a projection projecting from the central structure having any circular or non-circular geometry known in the art.

It is noted herein that each projection within the set of projections312may not have the same number of edges. For example, the set of projections312may include a first subset of projections312having one edge, and at least a second subset of projections312having at least two edges.

In another embodiment, the set of projections312include a single projection312formed from one or more sides. For example, the single projection312may have three sides, such that the geometry of the single projection312may be, but is not limited to, a triangle or the like. By way of another example, the single projection312may have four sides, such that the geometry of the single projection312may be, but is not limited to, a quadrilateral, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a rhombus, a parallelogram, or the like. By way of another example, the single projection312may have up to an N number of sides, where the N number of sides form a single projection312having any circular or non-circular geometry known in the art.

In another embodiment, the set of projections312include a set of separate projections312. For example, each of the separate projections312may have up to an N number of sides, where the N number of sides form separate projections312having any circular or non-circular geometry known in the art.

In another embodiment, the set of recesses212receive and mate with the set of projections312. In another embodiment, the set of recesses212complement the set of projections312. For example, each recess212may include a number of edges equal to the number of edges of each respective mated projection312.

In another embodiment, the thickness of the set of projections312is approximately equal to the offset height of the bottom edge202b. In this regard, the top surface of the set of projections312are substantially flush with the recessed base portion surface208awhen the bottom edge202bmakes contact with the recessed top surface302aafter the set of recesses212mate with the set of projections312.

In one embodiment, the container200is placed within the recess304and stops at a first depth. In another embodiment, the container200is rotated within the recess304until the set of recesses212align with the set of projections312. In another embodiment, the container200additionally settles into the recess304at a second depth, the second depth being a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the set of projections312, as the set of recesses212receive and mate with the set of projections312following alignment. In another embodiment, the mated set of recesses212and set of projections312prevent the container200from rotating relative to the platform300. In another embodiment, the container200may be disengaged from the platform300by lifting the container200directly upward and without a rotation motion. In this regard, the apparatus100is self-restraining, meaning an operator, a third-party, or a supplementary component does not have to hold the container200in place while the operator is mixing materials together within the container200.

In one embodiment, the interlocking assembly400includes two sets of teeth. For example, the first component210may include a first set of teeth having one or more teeth and one or more gaps between the one or more teeth, and the second component310may include a second set of teeth having one or more teeth and one or more gaps between the one or more teeth.

In another embodiment, the two sets of teeth are oriented substantially perpendicular to one or more of the surface plane of the top surface302, the recessed top surface302a, the base portion208and/or the recessed base portion surface208a. In another embodiment, the projections and recesses are arranged to substantially conform to a selected geometry. For example, the projections and recesses may be arranged to conform to the geometry of the base portion208of the container200. For instance, where the base portion208is circular in geometry, the projections and recesses may be arranged in a circular geometry. By way of another example, the projections and recesses may not be arranged to conform to the geometry of the base portion208.

In another embodiment, the teeth in the first set of teeth are arranged to fit within the gaps in the second set of teeth, and the teeth in the second set of teeth are arranged to fit within the gaps in the first set of teeth. For example, a tooth of the first set of teeth and/or the second set of teeth may be ¾ inch wide by ½ inch tall. By way of another example, a gap within the first set of teeth and/or the second set of teeth may be ¾ inch wide by ½ inch tall. In another embodiment, the height of the teeth is approximately equal to the offset height of the bottom edge202b. In this regard, the top surface of the first set of teeth are substantially flush with the recessed base portion surface208awhen the bottom edge202bmakes contact with the recessed top surface302aafter the first set of teeth mate with the second set of teeth.

In one embodiment, the container200is placed within the recess304and settles at a first depth. In another embodiment, the container200is rotated within the recess304until the first set of teeth on the container200align with the second set of teeth on the platform300within the recess304. In another embodiment, the container200additionally settles into the recess304at a second depth, the second depth being a distance approximately equal to the height of the teeth, as the first set of teeth fit within the gaps and mate with the second set of teeth following alignment. In another embodiment, the mated first set of teeth and second set of teeth prevent the container200from rotating relative to the platform300. In another embodiment, the container200may be disengaged from the platform300by lifting the container200directly upward and without a rotation motion. In this regard, the apparatus100is self-restraining, meaning an operator, a third-party, or a supplementary component does not have to hold the container200in place while the operator is mixing materials together within the container200.

In one embodiment, the interlocking assembly400does not require any components (e.g. the first component210and/or the second component310). In this embodiment, at least the recess304and the base portion208have a non-circular geometry cross-section. For example, the recess304and the base portion208may have an elliptic geometry cross-section. By way of another example, the recess304and the base portion208may have a cross-section formed by up to an N number of sides, where the N number of sides form a recess304and the base portion208having any circular or non-circular geometry cross section known in the art. In another embodiment, the interlocking assembly400is generated by the natural resistance generated when the base portion208makes contact with the recess304.

In one embodiment, the container200is placed within the recess304at a depth equal to or greater than the height of the bottom edge202b. In another embodiment, the container200is rotated within the recess304until the long diameter of the elliptic base portion208comes into contact with a side wall of the recess304. In another embodiment, the base portion208coming into contact with a side wall of the recess304prevents the container200from rotating relative to the platform300. In another embodiment, the container200may be disengaged from the platform300by lifting the container200directly upward and without a rotation motion. In this regard, the apparatus100is self-restraining, meaning an operator, a third-party, or a supplementary component does not have to hold the container200in place while the operator is mixing materials together within the container200.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the body202, the base portion208, the platform300, and/or the recess304as having a cross-section with a circular geometry, it is noted herein that the cross-section of the body202, the base portion208, the platform300, and/or the recess304may have a cross-section with any circular or non-circular geometry known in the art. Additionally, although embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the top surface302and/or the bottom surface308as having a circular geometry, it is noted herein that the top surface302and/or the bottom surface308may have any circular or non-circular geometry known in the art. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present invention but merely an illustration.

Advantages of the present disclosure include an apparatus with a container and a platform with an interlocking assembly that holds the container at a selected location on and/or within the platform, coupling the container to the platform without the need for an operator or a third-party to stabilize the container. Advantages of the present disclosure also include an interlocking assembly that may be engaged with gravity, such that the use of an attachment assembly, a tool, a compressive force, or an anchoring assembly to stabilize the container is not required.

Advantages of the present disclosure also include providing greater control when mixing material within a container, as the operator does not have to sacrifice a hand to hold the container in place. Advantages of the present disclosure also include a more comfortable position when mixing material within the container, as the operator does not have to hold the container in place by providing pressure and/or friction with their legs to hold the container in place.

Contemplated uses for one or more embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus with a mixing bucket and an interlocking mixing stand for mixing material on a construction site such as, but not limited to, concrete. Additional contemplated uses for one or more embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus with a drum and an interlocking platform for mixing feed, wet or dry fertilizer, dirt, and similar farm and/or agricultural-based materials. Additional contemplated uses for one or more embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus with a can and an interlocking shaking stand for mixing paint. Additional contemplated uses for one or more embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus with a bowl and interlocking stand such as, but not limited to, a kitchen stand mixer, for mixing food ingredients. Contemplated uses for one or more embodiments of the present disclosure also include an apparatus with a container and an interlocking stand, where the container is filled with one or more types of material needing to be mixed together to some degree of homogeneity.