Patent Publication Number: US-7588225-B2

Title: Portable devices for detachably securing cans and other objects

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present patent document claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/680,717, filed May 13, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to carrying devices for use in fields including plumbing, painting, construction, and home improvement in general. More particularly, this invention provides devices configured to be mounted onto a desired object, such as a ladder rung, and using securing members for detachably securing cans and other objects, such as cans containing polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) glue or primer. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Carrying and balancing two or more cans while working in plumbing, painting, construction, or simply around the house, yard, or garage sometimes present a real chore and at other times lead to accidents, spilling, or dropping the cans or their contents. These concerns also give rise to inefficient downtime, costly extra helpers, and increased aggravation for the user. 
   Addressing plumbers as just one illustrative and non-limiting example, plumbers for years have been carrying one can containing glue and a second can containing primer for joining pipes, such as pipes made of PVC. For instance, plumbers often bond two PVC pipes together by cleaning with primer the areas on the respective pipes to be bonded. After priming the areas, the plumber applies PVC glue to the areas and then brings those areas together in a coupling engagement. Once the glue dries, the pipes are bonded. 
   Quite often, the plumber&#39;s work carries over to many other locations at the job site or even to different job sites, thereby necessitating the plumber to transport the cans. A common practice among plumbers includes using duct tape or electrical tape to join the cans together and then carrying them as a single unit to the next location. While such a practice might help in rare instances when the cans are depleted at the same time, in the more typical case one can is depleted first. As a result, the plumber must carry scissors or a knife and cut the used can free from the tape only to tape a new can to the partially used can. The original partially used can will invariably deplete before the new can, however, thereby requiring the plumber to repeat these cumbersome taping and un-taping steps with yet another new can, and so on. 
   Others have attempted to resolve these problems previously. As one example, United States Published Patent Application No. 2004/0089688A1 (“the &#39;688 application”) shows clasps having an aperture of predetermined dimension for introducing containers. The apertures, which are C-shaped for inserting containers, measure from approximately 2 to 4 inches in width. In order to insert the containers through the side aperture in the &#39;688 application, the clasps must allow flexing. To be flexible, however, decreases the pull-out strength between the pair of clasps. In other words, the flexibility property between the clasps competes with the holding property of the clasps. As otherwise stated, increasing the clasp strength may increase the holding property but results in decreased flexibility and, therefore, increased difficulty in spreading the clasps apart for inserting the containers. In addition, a clasp having increased rigidity may, during insertion through the aperture, sustain plastic deformation, damage the container, or risk injuring the user. 
   Like the clasps with apertures as shown in the &#39;688 application, U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,624 (“the &#39;624 patent”) illustrates clips having apertures for spreading apart and thereby receiving a can. One embodiment shows the need for upper and lower clips for each can, while another embodiment shows the lower clip being replaced with pans having a flat base for the cans to rest on. These clips give rise to the problems already described in connection with the clasps in the &#39;688 application. 
   The devices for detachably securing cans and other objects solves these and other problems by providing securing members having holding arms according to the present invention. 
   Turning to another problem with the devices illustrated in the &#39;624 patent and the &#39;688 application, the &#39;624 patent, for instance, fails to teach any feature for securing the horizontal position of the cans. On the contrary, the &#39;624 patent shows a fastener for attaching to an overhead structure like a ceiling joist, and the fastener extends vertically upward from an arm designed for allowing the device to rotate and tilt. This very rotating and tilting, however, contribute to the problems with accidents, spilling, or dropping the cans resolved with the present invention. Furthermore, overhead suspended devices present safety concerns to the user and other workers at a work site. In addition, one fastener bears the entire weight of both cans. The &#39;688 application shows a device having an opening between an arm on one side and a folded-down tongue and hook on the other side for sliding designed to be worn about a user&#39;s belt or simply hanging from a structure. As a consequence, the cans move with all of the degrees of freedom of the person who is wearing the device on the waist. Furthermore, because the vertical arm in the &#39;688 application is offset to one side relative to the adjacent clasps, the weight of the cans is not evenly distributed when the device hangs from a structure, and the device thereby becomes unstable. 
   The devices for detachably securing cans and other objects solves these and other problems by providing a brace body having a bracket according to the present invention. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Devices for use with detachably securing cans are provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a brace body comprising a bracket. The bracket has a support member and lateral restraints protruding down from the support member and spaced apart to form a brace body channel below the support member and between the lateral restraints, the brace body channel being sized and configured to detachably mount onto an object. Securing members are attached to the brace body and extend laterally from the brace body and are spaced apart by the brace body channel. The securing members have a pair of arms configured for detachably securing said can. 
   In an alternative embodiment, the device includes a brace body configured for mounting to an object. Securing members attach to, and extend laterally from, the brace body. The securing members have arms that receive a can with substantially zero insertion force. The arms have latch members configured to detachably join in a partially overlapping arrangement and provide a circumferentially closed engagement about the can with a compression fit having a high pull-apart strength. 
   In another embodiment of a device for detachably securing cans, the device has a handle secured to a support body. The support body includes an attachment joint for joining a securing member to the support body. The securing members extend laterally from the support body, and have arms that receive a can with substantially zero insertion force. The arms have latch members configured to detachably join in a partially overlapping arrangement and provide a circumferentially closed engagement about the can with a compression fit having a high pull-apart strength. 
   Methods of detachably securing cans are also provided. In one embodiment, a method according to the invention includes providing a device comprising a body having a post receiving channel configured to mount onto a post, and having securing members attached to the body by an attachment joint, the securing member having arms configured to hold a can. A can is disposed between the arms of the securing member. The latch members are brought together such that the arms are in a first engagement position about the can. The latch members are closed in a partially overlapping configuration to move the arms into a second compressed engagement position about the can circumference for holding the can. The device is mounted onto a post partially received in the post receiving channel. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows: 
       FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of a device for detachably securing cans and other objects according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  provides an end-on view of  FIG. 1 , broken away, showing an embodiment of a brace body engaging an object. 
       FIG. 3  provides an end-on view of  FIG. 1 , broken away, showing an alternative embodiment of a brace body engaging an object. 
       FIG. 4  provides an end-on view of an alternative embodiment of a brace body according to the invention. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a view, broken away, of another embodiment of a brace body according to the invention. 
       FIG. 6  provides an end-on of still another embodiment of a brace body according to the invention. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a top perspective view of a device detachably securing cans according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 8  provides a plan view of a device showing securing members according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 8A  provides a plan view of securing members moving into a first engagement position. 
       FIG. 8B  provides a plan view of securing members in a second compressed engagement position. 
       FIG. 9  provides a perspective view, broken away, showing securing members according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 10  provides a perspective view, broken away, showing securing members according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 11  provides a perspective view of a device for detachably securing cans and other objects according to an embodiment of the invention having a support body. 
       FIG. 12  provides a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11  with a base portion according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate a perspective view, broken away, of alternative embodiments of securing members. 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram illustrating a method of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Although not limited in its scope or applicability, the present invention relates generally to carrying devices. More particularly, and by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to carrying devices for use in fields including plumbing, painting, construction, and home improvement in general, and methods of using those devices. 
   For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, the following provides a detailed description of embodiments of the invention as illustrated by the drawings as well as the language used herein to describe various aspects of the invention. The description is not intended to limit the invention in any manner, but rather serves to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. As used herein, the terms comprise(s), include(s), having, has, with, contain(s) and variants thereof are intended to be open ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of additional steps or structure. 
     FIG. 1  shows a device  10  according to one embodiment of the invention. A device  10  comprises an optional handle portion  20 , a brace body  30 , and at least two securing members  60  configured for detachably securing cans, containers, bottles, receptacles, containers, and other objects (“cans”). As one of ordinary skill in the art should understand, cans come in many shapes (from cylindrical to triangular to rectangular and any combination in between), sizes (e.g., cup, pint, quart, liter, gallon, and any receptacle greater or lesser than these), uses (e.g., paint, cleaner, glue, cement, primer, or any materials for plumbing, painting, construction, and home improvement, just to name a few), and material (natural, synthetic, plastic, metal, or combination thereof). The device  10  may be used with any type of can, having any of these shapes, sizes, or uses, and made of any of these materials. 
   A handle  20  may be any straight, bent, curved, looped, bar, wire, or other structure that is gripped to move or use the device  10 . Three typical characteristics for a handle  20  according to the present invention include strength, length, and gripping. First, the handle should provide sufficient strength to support the device with and without the weights of the cans, or otherwise to transmit the force involved in the task the handle serves. Second, the handle should have a length sufficient to permit the hand or hands gripping it to reliably exert that force. Third, the handle should have a sufficiently sized circumference to permit the hand or hands to surround it to grip it as solidly as needed to exert that force. Other characteristics may apply to handles. For instance, a sheath or coating on the handle could provide friction against the hand, thereby reducing the gripping force needed to achieve a reliable grip. In one embodiment, a handle comes with a sufficient diameter that permits comfortable and ergonomic carrying, with otherwise bare hands, of a heavy package, because an inadequately sized diameter exerts pressure on the fingers that grasp it directly, which would often be unacceptable at least for certain weights over extenuated lengths of time. Furthermore, handles may be retractable, immovably fixed, or capable of articulating relative to another object, such as the brace body  30 . 
   The present handle  20  has—but does not require—these characteristics, although a handle  20  according to the invention may be any structure that is gripped to move or use the device  10 . The handle  20  and its components may be made of any suitable material (natural, synthetic, plastic, rubber, metal, or combination thereof) that is flexible, such as nylon, or rigid, such as some metals or plastics. The handle  20  according to the present invention shall be construed to have its plain and ordinary meaning, rather than any lexicographic definition. One non-limiting and illustrative embodiment, however, will now be described. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the handle  20  in one embodiment a holding body  24 . In one embodiment, the holding body  24  is an adequately sized wire according to one or more characteristics that apply to handles discussed above. The holding body  24  in this embodiment has optional ends  25 ,  25 ′, respectively, although the holding body  24  may have only one end, or no ends as in the case of a looping handle. The ends  25 ,  25 ′ rotatably secure to tabs  26 ,  26 ′, respectively, formed integral with the brace body  30  or mounted onto the brace body  30  by any suitable means, such as welding, soldering, brazing, adhesives, or resins, as a few non-limiting examples. The holding body ends  25 ,  25 ′ insert through tab receptors  27 ,  27 ′, respectively. Once inserted into the receptors, the ends  29 ,  29 ′ may be secured to prevent pullout by any suitable means, including but not limited to mechanical techniques such as crimping, swaging, nuts and bolts. The holding body ends, as secured, form a circumference with passageway  28  sufficiently sized for receiving a user&#39;s fingers. 
   The handle  20  is optional. That is, the handle  20  may be omitted or removed completely. As but one example, the end user may carry the device at the brace body  30 . When not holding a can, either pair of securing members  60  presents a structure for transporting the device. Indeed, while helpful for carrying cans from one location to the next, the end user may opt to affix the device as a semi-permanent accessory to another structure. As just a few examples, the end user could attach the device permanently or semi-permanently to a ladder, bench (e.g., work bench), tool box, saw horse, table, railing, pipe, scaffold, or to any support structure comprising a piece of wood, lumber, metal, or plastic support or other object (for shorthand, “post” shall refer to any object on which a user may mount the device).  FIG. 1  shows optional cavities  11  extending through the brace body  30  and sized for receiving removable fasteners (not shown) selected from any one or combination of a threaded, unthreaded, or partially threaded screw, bolt, nail, rivet, pin, staple, hook, and stud. The fasteners may be used temporarily in order to provide additional support to the device  10  and then removed so that the portable device  10  could be transported away. 
   Turning to a brace body  30  of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment of the invention, a brace body  30  that comprises a first bracket  32  and optional second bracket  32 ′, each bracket being sized for receiving a post to which the device may mount, and further comprises optional attachment joints  51 ,  51 ′ for attaching the brace to a securing member  60 . The brace body  30  and its components may be made of any suitable material comprising natural, synthetic, metal, or combination thereof, including for instance steel, aluminum, titanium, or other metal alloy or plastic. Furthermore, the brace body  30  may be formed in any shape desired for the intended post. 
   A first bracket  32  according to the present invention shall be construed to have its plain and ordinary meaning, rather than any lexicographic definition. In one non-limiting and illustrative embodiment, the first bracket  32  may be any inverted “L,” inverted “Y,” inverted “J,” inverted “U,” inverted “V,” inverted and flattened “U,” “T,” inverted and open ended square or rectangle, or other suitable rounded, curved, rectangular, or saddle shaped structure configured for mounting onto a post. The first bracket  32  comprises a support member  38  having an inner surface  39  for optionally engaging (e.g., abutting, contacting) a top portion of a post or otherwise disposed above a top portion of a post. In addition, at least two lateral restraints  40 ,  41  protrude downward from the support member  38 , the restraints  40 ,  41  being spaced apart a distance  48  to form a first brace body channel  44  sized for mounting to a post and wherein the lateral restraints have inner surfaces  42 ,  43  for optionally engaging the post. In addition to the first bracket  32 , one embodiment according to the invention comprises a second bracket  32 ′ having a pair of support members  38 ′,  38 ″ with inner surfaces  39 ′,  39 ″ and having a lateral restraint  40 ′,  41 ′, respectively, extending downward therefrom, the lateral restraints  40 ′,  41 ′ being spaced apart  48 ′ to form a second brace body channel  44 ′ and having inner surfaces  42 ′,  43 ′, the second brace body channel  44 ′ sized for mounting a post. Optionally, the first bracket  32  and the second bracket  32 ′ may comprise a stair-stepped configuration when viewed end-on. Otherwise stated, the first horizontal support member  38  and the first lateral restraint  40 ,  41  comprise a first step, and the second horizontal support member  38 ′,  38 ″ and the second lateral restraint  40 ′,  41 ′, such that the first and second brackets  32 ,  32 ′, respectively, comprise a stair-stepped configuration. 
   The two lateral restraints  40 ,  41  of the first bracket  32 , as well as the two lateral restraint  40 ′,  41 ′ of the second bracket  32 ′, may be spaced apart any suitable distance for detachably mounting (e.g., straddling) a post. In one embodiment, the first bracket lateral restraints  40 ,  41  are separated by approximately 1½ inches for detachably mounting to a 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, and the like, where one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that those first measurements are actually about 1½ inches. In one embodiment, the second bracket lateral restraints  40 ′,  41 ′ are separated approximately 3½ inches for detachably mounting to a ladder rung, or any appropriate distance for mounting to a ladder rung. The invention is not limited to these distances, which may be greater or lesser as desired and for a particular purpose or post for which the device  10  is intended. 
   Nor is the invention limited to lateral restraints or support members of a particular length, width, or thickness. In one embodiment, the lateral restraints  40 ,  41  may be approximately 1 3/4  inches in length and protrude down from the securing member  38  a height of approximately ¾ inches, while the lateral restraints  40 ′,  41 ′ measure about 1¾ inches in length and protrude down from the securing members  38 ′,  38 ″ a height of approximately 1 inch. However, the lateral restraints  40 ,  41 ,  40 ′,  41 ′ could be longer or shorter than these lengths and heights, as desired and for a particular purpose or post for which the device  10  is intended. Furthermore, the securing members  38 ,  38 ′,  38 ″may be any of the curved, rectangular, and other shapes and designs as previously described. In one embodiment for an approximately rectangular securing member  38 , the width and length may be in the range from about 1½ inch to about 1¾ inch, while the securing members  38 ′,  38 ″ may have measurements that may be about 1½ inches to about 1¾ inches in length and about ¾ inch to about 1 inches in width. However, the securing members  38 ,  38 ′,  38 ″ could be longer or shorter than these lengths and heights, as desired and for a particular purpose or post for which the device  10  is intended. 
   The brace body  30  further may comprise two optional legs  50 ,  50 ′. The legs may be any desired height and length, and in one non-limiting embodiment measure approximately 2 inches in hand from about 1½ inches to about 1¾ inches in length, although they may be longer or shorter than these lengths and heights, as desired and for a particular purpose or post for which the device  10  is intended. Attachment joints  51 ,  51 ′ attach the legs  50 ,  50 ′, respectively to securing members  60 . Attachment may be by any suitable securing mechanism such as a nut, bolt, screw, brace, thread, cotter and pin, clip, crimp, swage, thread, full or partial bearing, rivet, pin, fastener, or interlocking members, or securing material such as a glue, adhesive, resin, welding, soldering, brazing, heat bonding, chemical bonding material or combinations thereof and the like. In addition, the joints  51 ,  51 ′ may be formed integral with the legs  50 ,  50 ′ and/or the lateral restraints. These legs are optional, because the foregoing lateral restraints may serve the same function and thereby replace the legs. Therefore, it shall be understood that the following description of joints for joining the securing members to the brace body  30  also describes the lateral restraints. 
     FIG. 1  also shows that the device further comprises a securing member  60  configured for detachably securing cans. The securing member  60  may be any material (natural, synthetic, plastic, rubber, metal, or combination thereof). According to one embodiment of the invention, the securing member  60  is any suitable band clamp, and the term band clamp shall have its plain and ordinary meaning rather than any lexicographic definition. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises two securing members  60  substantially diametrically opposed to each other, or approximately 180 degrees apart. 
   The securing members  60  have two moveable arms  62 ,  64  extending laterally from the brace body  30  and adapted for detachably engaging a can. In one embodiment, the arms  62 ,  64  each comprises a latch end portion  66 ,  68  having a can-contacting surface  66 ′,  68 ′ configured for detachably engaging said can. In one embodiment, the latch end portions  66 ,  68  comprise rotatable securing latch members  70 ,  72 , wherein the latch members  70 ,  72  may be rotatably secured to the latch end portions  66 ,  68  by any suitable means, such as link members  67 ,  69 . For example, the link members  67 ,  69  may be disposed against the latch end portions  66 ,  68  within a slot or other opening formed in the latch, and then the latch end portions  66 ,  68  bent back upon themselves, respectively, to form an opening with an inner diameter great enough to allow the latches to rotate. Alternatively, the link members  67 ,  69  may be swivel pins, whereby the latch end portions  66 ,  68  of the arms  62 ,  64  each has an opening that receives a swivel pin attached to the latch. As another option, the link members  67 ,  69  may be an opening in the latch end portions  66 ,  68  of the arms  62 ,  64  and a latch having a notch or cutout with two opposing protrusions that extend into the opening to allow the latch to rotate relative to the arms. Still another example of link members  67 ,  69  may be a spring loaded swivel pin in the opening disposed at the latch end portions  66 ,  68  of the arms  62 ,  64 , with the spring loaded swivel pin having ends that rotatably secure to receptors in the latches. 
   The securing members  60  further comprise a substantially zero insertion force can receiving socket  61  (hereafter “ZIF socket  61 ). In describing embodiments of the invention, the ZIF socket is any partly enclosed or bounded opening, recess, aperture, cavity, hollow, or receptacle formed between the arms  62 ,  64  such that, when the arms  62 ,  64  are in an open state, the arms  62 ,  64  and/or the ZIF socket  61  may receive a can with substantially zero insertion force from the top of the securing member  60 , from the bottom of the securing member  60 , or from the side of the securing member  60  (e.g., between the latch end portions  66 ,  68  of the arms  62 ,  64 ). In one embodiment, the arms  62 ,  64  may be made of stainless steel such that the arms  62 ,  64  (when not latched together) may spread apart. The moveable arms  62 ,  64  may be spread apart manually, or they may be made such that they are spring biased to move into an outward transverse direction and thereby spread apart, for easy insertion of a can within the ZIF socket  61 . 
     FIG. 1  also shows an embodiment of the latch member  72  comprising a clasp  74  configured to insert into a receiving compartment  76  of latch member  70 . According to this configuration, the latch member  70 ,  72  of each arm  62 ,  64 , respectively, joins with the latch member of the opposing clamp arm in a first engagement position about the can. After inserting the clasp  74  of the arm  64  into the receiving compartment  76  of the latch member  70  of the arm  62 , the latch member  72  is swung away from the latch member  70  such that the latch member  72  moves the clasp  74  (and therefore pulls the latch member  70 ) into a closed position and thereby tightens the hold on the can. According to this configuration, the latch member  70 ,  72  of each arm  62 ,  64 , respectively overlaps approximately the distance between the link member  69  and the clasp  74 , which moves the arms into a second compressed engagement position about the can. This second position results in a closed state for supplying a compression fit with high pull-apart strength. Because the tab  78  on the latch member  72  is offset, it helps to provide a gripping surface for unlatching the latch members and reopening the securing arms in order to quickly and easily release the cans. 
   Before turning to the other figures, it should be noted that like elements from  FIG. 1  are labeled the same. Embodiments and descriptions of those like elements as discussed above are incorporated by reference in the remaining figures. 
     FIGS. 2 and 3  provide an end-on of  FIG. 1 , showing an embodiment of a brace body  30  with the securing members  60  and optional handle  20  broken away. In  FIG. 2 , a post  12  is disposed within the first brace body channel  44 .  FIG. 3 , in contrast, shows a post  12 ′ disposed within the second brace body channel  44 ′. For clarity, reference numerals in  FIG. 3  have mostly been omitted, but would have numerals as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   In addition, it should be understood that the post  12  in one preferred embodiment fits snugly within one of the first and second brace body channels  44 ,  44 ′, respectively. Likewise, the post  12  in a preferred embodiment may fit snugly against the inside surfaces  42 ,  43  of the first bracket  32  and/or snugly against the inside surfaces  42 ′,  43 ′ of the second bracket  32 . Also, the invention contemplates that the fit may be anything from lightly snug to very snug of the post  12 , as desired. The lighter snug fit means that the user may lift the device off the post  12  more easily than the very snug fit. There may be times when a very snug fit is desired, and other times when a lightly snug fit is required, and all these fits (and those in between) are within the scope of the invention. The invention is broader than a snug fit, however, and other embodiments are disclosed later in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6  where there optionally is a loose fit if the user so desires. In those embodiments, a user may utilize one or more optional and detachable stabilizers  52 ,  52 ′ to provide the desired snug fit, which provides a user with more control in determining the degree to which the device  10  mounts snugly upon the post, and provides a user with a great range of posts  12  (measuring less than about 1½ inches and more than about 3½ inches in width) as an alternative embodiment that gives the user a device with one-size-fits-all properties, so to speak. 
     FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  6  provide end-on views of alternative embodiments of a device  10  according to the invention. The device comprises a base body  30 , securing members  60 , and an optional handle  20 . In describing these embodiments, the terminology includes but is not limited to the description used above, equivalents thereof, and features performing similar functions as understood by those skilled in the art. 
   More particularly, the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6  show that the securing members  60  may be disposed intermediate the handle  20  and a bottom portion of the brace body  30  such as the legs  50 ,  50 ′, respectively, as but one example. In another case, the securing members  60  may be disposed intermediate the first bracket  32  and a lower second bracket  32 ′ (e.g.,  FIGS. 1-3 ). Indeed, the securing members  60  may be aligned with the brace body&#39;s support member  38 , with the lateral restraints  40 ,  41  extending below the plane of the securing members  60 . Optionally, the attachment joints  51 ,  51 ′, which hold the securing members  60  to the brace body  30 , further join the handle  20 , although the device  10  may also use tabs  26 ,  26 ′ (e.g.  FIGS. 1-2 ) for holding the handle ends  25 , as with tab receptors  27 ,  27 ′ (e.g.  FIGS. 1-2 ). 
     FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6  further illustrate a post  12  disposed within the first brace body channel  44 , below the support member  38 . The embodiments shown in these figures optionally include one or more stabilizers  52 , which may be below the post  12  as in  FIG. 4 , on the side as in  FIG. 6 , or both as in  FIG. 5 . The stabilizer  52  may be any structure configured for providing support to a bottom or side surface of the post, or configured for providing support to the legs  50 ,  50 ′ or the first and second brackets  32 ,  32 ′, respectively. 
   The stabilizer  52  may be any support structure selected from the group consisting of a brace, connector, fastener, nut, bolt, screw, thread, cotter and pin, thread, clip, tie, or any combination thereof. For instance,  FIG. 4  shows a connector bolt having a head end  53  and a tail end  53 ′. While the tail end  53 ′ is configured to pass slideably through apertures  49 ,  49 ′ in the brace body  30 , the head end  53  may be sized to prevent passage through the apertures  49 ,  49 ′. The brace body apertures  49 ,  49 ′ may be in the lateral restraints  40 ,  41  and/or the legs  50 ,  50 ′. Optionally, the aperture  49 ′ may be threaded for securing stabilizer threads  54  disposed about the second end  53 ′. If the aperture  49 ′ is unthreaded, then the stabilizer  52  may use a nut  55  for securing the threads  54  and, thereby the stabilizer  52  to the brace body  30 . The head end  53  may have a recess or slot (not shown) for receiving any tool for turning the stabilizer, such as a regular or Phillips screwdriver or a hexagonal wrench. Also, the user may simply use fingers to turn the stabilizer. When using a nut  55 , a wrench or the user&#39;s fingers may hold the nut  55 . 
   In  FIG. 5 , the stabilizer  52  is below the post  12 , so that it may provide support normal to a bottom surface of the post. For clarity, reference numerals in  FIG. 5  have mostly been omitted, but would have numerals as shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 5  further shows that the first and second brackets  32 ,  32 ′, respectively, may have a bend  56 ,  56 ′ at the lateral restraints  41 ,  40  or the legs  50 ,  50 ′. Turning the stabilizer  52  causes the bracket to move inward along the arrows  57 ,  57 ′ and toward the first brace body channel  44 . Therefore, the bracket bends  56 ,  56 ′ thereby engage and provide lateral support to the side surfaces of the post  12 . 
     FIG. 6 , for clarity, has omitted most reference numerals, but would have numerals as shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the handle  20  in one embodiment has an optional gripping attachment  22 . In this embodiment, the gripping attachment  22  provides grooved contours  23  as a gripping surface for fingers. The gripping attachment  22  may have any desired shape, may be machined, cut, milled, extruded, molded, or formed by any suitable means, and may be secured to the holding body  24  of  FIG. 1  by adhesives, resins, welding, soldering, brazing, adhesives, or any suitable means such as wrapped around or even integrally pre-formed to the holding body  24  of  FIG. 1 . 
     FIG. 6  further shows an embodiment of the invention comprising two stabilizers  52 ,  52 ′. Also, the stabilizers may be pre-fitted into the apertures, whereby the head  53  and tail  53 ′ stops  59  have diameters that occlude passage through the apertures  49 ,  49 ′. In the alternative, the tail  53 ′ stops  59  may be detachable from the tails  53 ′ and the stabilizer removable through the aperture  49 ,  49 ′. As shown by the arrows  58 ,  58 ′, the stabilizers  52 ,  52 ′ are independently moveable into and out of a post retaining position. The stops  59 ,  59 ′ comprise any structure adapted to a restrain the post  12  from the side. Removable stops  59 ,  59 ′ permit easy replacement of parts sized having different areas surface areas and made of different materials to fit a variety of posts. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates a top perspective view of a device  10  detachably securing cans  13 ,  13 ′ according to an embodiment of the invention. This embodiment shows that, in addition to using the device  10  as disclosed in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the device could be used in the manner disclosed in  FIG. 7 , whereby the device  10  works even when the post fits within only a portion but less than all of the second brace body channel  44 ′. Similarly, the device  10  works when the first brace body channel  44  only partially engages the post (not shown). Furthermore, a detachable shoulder strap  14 , broken away, may be used for carrying the device by the handle and, thereby, freeing the user&#39;s hands. The strap  14  may be removed or strapped to an object during use. Moreover, the handle  20  may hung from any number of objects, such as a hook, nail, bolt, clamp, or other fastening device as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and consistent with the invention. 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 8 ,  8 A, and  8 B, securing members  60  are shown. More particularly,  FIG. 8  provides a plan view of a device  10  showing securing members  60  according to one embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 8A  and  8 B provide plan views of securing members during engagement. In  FIG. 8A , the securing members are moving  61  into a first engagement position, whereby the clasp  74  for the latch member  72  inserts into the receiving compartment ( FIG. 1 ) of latch member  70 .  FIG. 8B  provides a plan perspective view of securing members in a closed state having a second compressed engagement position  61 ′. In this closed state, the latch member  72  has swung away from the latch member  70  pulling the arms  62  and  64  closer to each other. The latch members  72 ,  70  overlap the approximate distance from about  69  to  74  and thereby formed a circumferential compression fit with high pull-apart strength. Yet, the offset tab  76  on the latch member  72  allows the user to quickly and easily unhook the latching members. 
     FIG. 9  provides a perspective view, broken away, showing securing members according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the arms  82 ,  84  terminate at latch end portions  86 ,  88 , respectively. The latch end portion  86  of the arm  82  has a latch member  87  that comprises thread receiving slots  87 ′. The latch end portion  88  of the arm  84  terminates at a latch member  90  that secures to the arm  84  by a link member  69  and has a compartment  92  for receiving the latch  87  of the arm  82 . The latch member  90  comprises a screw  94  rotatably secured to the latch member by any suitable means, such as a link member  91 . The screw  94  has a thread  95  that engages the thread receiving slots  87 ′ of the latch member  87 . 
   Before the latch end portion  87  of arm  82  is inserted into compartment  92  of arm  84 , the arms are configured with an open state for receiving a can with substantially zero insertion force, as previously described. According to a closed state of this embodiment of the invention, the latch member  87 ,  90  of each arm  86 ,  84 , respectively, joins with the latch member of the opposing arm in a first engagement position about the can. After engaging the thread  95  to the thread receiving slots  87 ′, the screw  94  is turned such that the latch member  77  moves further through the compartment  92 , which pulls the latch member the arms  84 ,  86  into a closed position and thereby tightens the hold on the can. According to this configuration, the latch member  87 ,  90  of each arm  86 ,  84 , respectively overlaps and moves the arms into a second compressed engagement position about the can. This second position results in a closed state for supplying a compression fit with high pull-apart strength. Because the screw  94  may be turned in reverse (or its threads  95  simply snapped out of the thread receiving slots  87 ′) for unlatching the latch members and reopening the securing arms in order to quickly and easily release the cans. 
     FIG. 10  provides a perspective view, broken away, showing securing members according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, there may be a pair of two parallel arms  101 ,  101 ′ for each can (the other set is not shown). This embodiment also illustrates another embodiment of latch members that could be used with the other embodiments. Each arm  101 ,  101 ′ has an end portion  102 ,  102 ′, respectively, that secures to a latch member  104 ,  104 ′ that comprises a connector plate  112 ,  112 ′ having a screw receiving aperture  105 ,  105 ′ sized to receive a screw  107 , and a screw  107 . Either aperture may have threads, or if without threads then an optional nut  106  is shown for tightening the connector plates  112 ,  112 ′. A screw  107  has a tail end portion  108  that inserts through the apertures  105 ,  105 ′ and a head end portion  108 ′ sized to occlude passage through the  105 ,  105 ′. 
   Before the screw  107  is inserted into the apertures  105 ,  105 ′, the arms are configured with an open state for receiving a can with substantially zero insertion force, as previously described. According to a closed state of this embodiment of the invention, the latch member  104 ,  104 ′ of each arm  101 ,  101 ′, respectively, joins with the latch member of the opposing arm in a first engagement position about the can via the connector plates and screw arrangement. After screw is inserted into the apertures  105 ,  105 ′, the screw  107  is turned such that the latch members  104 ,  104 ′ are pulled into a closed position and thereby tightens the hold on the can. According to this configuration, continued turns on the screw  107  moves the arms progressively closer and into a second compressed engagement position about the can. As a result, the screw  107  overlaps both connector plates  112 ,  112 ′ during engagement. Optionally, when the latch members  104 ,  104 ′ are beveled (or otherwise angled relative to the movement) they also move into overlapping angular engagement. This second compressed engagement position results in a closed state for supplying a compression fit with high pull-apart strength. The screw  107  may be turned in reverse for unlatching the latch members and reopening the securing arms in order to quickly and easily release the cans. 
     FIG. 11  shows an alternative embodiment of the device  10 ′ comprising a handle portion  20  as previously described, at least two securing members  60  as previously described, and a support body  130  for rotatably securing the handle and for attaching the securing members  60 . The support body  130  may be made of any suitable material (natural, synthetic, plastic, metal, or combination thereof). In one embodiment, the support body  130  comprises light weight metal alloy, such as aluminum or titanium alloys, or a plastic, such as PVC. 
   The support body  130  has a handle portion  132  and a base portion  134 , and in one embodiment has four sides  136 ,  138 ,  140 , and  142 . In another embodiment, the support body  130  may be cylindrical, hourglass, and the like to give a substantially upright or vertical configuration. In the embodiment with four sides  136 ,  138 ,  140 , and  142 , these sides may give the support body  130  a substantially upright or vertical configuration. Additionally, two opposing sides  140 ,  142  optionally have an approximately concave surface  144 . The handle portion  132  has receptors  27  on opposing sides (or one receptor such as a channel extending there through), such as  136  and  138 , for rotatably receiving handle end portions  25 ,  25 ′. The base portion  134  comprises a stand  146 , and increasing the concave surface  144  of the sides  140 ,  142  increases the stability of the stand  146  and allow the device  10 ′ to stand upright on a post or other surface such as the ground, floor, and the like. Intermediate the handle and base portions  132 ,  134 , respectively, the support body  130  has joints  51 ,  51 ′ for attaching the securing member  60  as previously described. Optionally, the attachment joints  51 ,  51 ′ are disposed at the base portion  134  such that the stand  146  comprises the securing members  60 . 
     FIG. 12  provides a plan view of  FIG. 11  with a base portion according to another embodiment of the invention. This base portion comprises a stand  146  having legs  148 ,  150  extending laterally from each concave side for increasing the stability of the stand  146 . Optionally, the legs could also extend laterally from any two (or more) of the four sides. Optionally, the legs  148 ,  150  are the securing member arms in an embodiment where the securing member is joined to an attachment joint  51 ,  51 ′ disposed at the base portion  134 . 
   It should be understood that the securing members  60  as previously described are used with the device  10 ′. Therefore, the previous description is incorporated by reference. Additional types of securing members may be used with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , as explained next. 
     FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate a perspective view, broken away, of alternative embodiments of securing members  160  that may be used with a device having a base portion according to  FIG. 12  for supporting the weight of a can. The securing members  160  may attach to the support body  130  via joints  51 ,  51 ′ as previously described. Furthermore, they may removably attach through a slotted tab  152  formed in the support body  130 . 
   The securing members  160  have two moveable arms  162 ,  164  extending laterally from the support body  130  and adapted for detachably engaging a can. Furthermore, the arms have engaging inner strips  161 , such as rubber or adhesives, for increasing the hold on a can. Moreover, the arms  162 ,  164  further have a latch end portion  166 ,  168 , respectively, for securing latch members  170 ,  172  ( FIG. 13 ),  180 ,  182  ( FIG. 14 ), respectively. 
   In  FIG. 13 , a latch member  170  comprises a buckle with slots  172 ,  174  for detachably receiving a latch member  172  of the opposing arm  162 . In  FIG. 14 , latch members  180 ,  182  comprise a hook and loop attachment, such as but not limited to Velcro. According to the configurations shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the latch members are joined to bring each arm  162 ,  168  into a first engagement position about the can. According to this configuration, the latch members overlap and are pulled tightly to increase their overlap and, thereby, to move the arms into a second compressed engagement position about the can. With the support body  130  abutting the can on a side and the legs  148 ,  150  helping to support the can at the bottom, this second position results in a closed state for supplying a compression fit with high pull-apart strength. Unlatching the latch members quickly and easily releases the cans. 
   In one embodiment, the foregoing devices may comprise a carrying tool for detachably securing CPVC and PVC glue and primer quart cans. 
   Methods 
   Methods of detachable securing cans are also provided.  FIG. 15  shows one embodiment of the method  200  according to the invention. A device for detachably securing cans is provided (step  202 ), the device having a body comprising a bracket having a channel configured to mount a post, and having two securing members extending approximately 180 degrees apart from a body, and each securing member having a pair of arms having end portions with latch members and configured to be arranged in an open state for receiving the can with substantially zero insertion force and having latch members configured to overlap and provide a circumferentially closed state about the can with a compression fit having a high pull-apart strength. A can is disposed between the arms (step  204 ). The latch member of each arm is joined (step  206 ) with the latch member of the opposing clamp arm in a first engagement position about the can. The first engagement position is disposed about substantially most of the can circumference. The latch members are closed (step  208 ) such that the latch members partially overlap and move the arms into a second compressed engagement position about the can for supplying a compression fit with high pull-apart strength. The device is mounted (step  210 ) onto a post such as disposing a portion of the post within the bracket channel. In another step, the latch members are unlatched for reopening the securing arms in order to release the can. 
   It is intended that the foregoing detailed description of the can securing devices and methods be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention. Terms are to be given their reasonable plain and ordinary meaning. Also, the embodiment of any figure and features thereof may be combined with the embodiments depicted in other figures. Other features known in the art and not inconsistent with the structure and function of the present invention may be added to the embodiments. 
   The foregoing disclosure includes the best mode devised by the inventor for practicing the invention. While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. It is apparent, however, that several variations in accordance with the present invention may be conceivable by one skilled in the art. Therefore, it is contemplated that the appended claims should be construed to include such modifications and to cover such modifications and incorporate those features that come within the spirit and scope of the invention.