Patent Publication Number: US-11661239-B2

Title: Hand-held vessel

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/082,612 filed on Sep. 24, 2020. This priority application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates to holding vessels and more particularly to a hand-held container with a supportive strap adaptable to engage a user&#39;s hand to the container. Hand-held vessels, containers, or trays are utilized for carrying a variety of materials or fluids. Typically, a handle is provided, which allows a user to carry or hold the container without the user contacting the fluid therein. A portable, hand-held container is useful in many commercial or household applications and is especially useful in painting applications. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a vessel system comprises a vessel and a strap. The vessel has an outside surface and comprises a bottom wall; a sidewall extending from the bottom wall; and an inner wall connected to the sidewall inward of the outside surface, wherein a recess is defined between the sidewall and inner wall. The strap has opposed first and second ends, wherein the first end is received in the recess, and wherein the second end is configured for selective attachment to the outside surface. 
     This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. It is contemplated that all descriptions are applicable to like and analogous structures throughout the several embodiments. 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a hand-held vessel system. 
         FIG.  2    is a rear perspective view of the exemplary vessel system. 
         FIG.  3    is a rear bottom perspective view of the exemplary vessel system. 
         FIG.  4    is similar to  FIG.  3    but shows the vessel without a hand strap. 
         FIG.  5    is a rear elevation view of the exemplary vessel system. 
         FIG.  6    is a side elevation view of the exemplary vessel system. 
         FIG.  7    is similar to  FIG.  1    but shows the vessel without a hand strap or retainer assembly. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a partial enlarged view of a recess portion of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  8 B  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary recess, taken along line  8 B- 8 B of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9 A  is a partial enlarged view of the exemplary recess including an inserted retainer assembly. 
         FIG.  9 B  is similar to  FIG.  8 B  but shows the exemplary recess with an inserted retainer assembly. 
         FIG.  10 A  is a plan view of an exemplary hand strap. 
         FIG.  10 B  is a side elevation view of the exemplary hand strap. 
         FIG.  10 C  is a perspective view of the exemplary hand strap. 
         FIG.  10 D  is a partial top perspective view of the exemplary hand strap showing a front of the clip. 
         FIG.  10 E  is a partial underside perspective view of the exemplary hand strap showing a back of the clip. 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary vessel system, taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG.  1   , and including an inserted optional liner. 
         FIG.  12    is similar to  FIG.  2    but shows two stacked exemplary vessel systems. 
     
    
    
     While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. 
     The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, vertical, horizontal, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a vessel system  20 .  FIG.  2    is a rear perspective view of the exemplary vessel system  20 .  FIG.  3    is a rear bottom perspective view of the exemplary vessel system  20 . In an exemplary embodiment, vessel system  20  includes vessel  22  and strap  24 . In some cases, this disclosure refers to a hand-held vessel system, a hand-held vessel, and a hand strap. However, these descriptions of suitable uses are not intended to limit the structures to the uses described. It is contemplated that the system, vessel and strap can be supported by structures other than a user&#39;s hand, such as a ladder rung, scaffold bar, or other support, for example. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, vessel  22  includes a bottom wall  26  connected to sidewall  28 . In an exemplary embodiment of system  20 , strap  24  is manufactured separately from vessel  22  and is attachable thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, vessel  22  is made of polypropylene (or other suitable plastic) to withstand the harmful effects of paint, stain or varnish. In an exemplary embodiment, strap  22  is made of an elastomer, rubber, or other flexible, yet durable material. As shown in  FIGS.  10 A- 10 C , an exemplary strap  24  includes clip  30  at a first end, intermediate portion  66 , and lower vessel connection portion  32  at a second end. Clip  30  is configured for insertion into recess  34  of vessel  22  (labeled in  FIGS.  7 - 9 B ). Lower vessel connection portion  32  is configured for attachment to an exterior portion of vessel  22 , such as on or near bottom wall  26  and/or sidewall  28 . In an embodiment of system  20 , vessel  22  is integrally formed as a single piece, and strap  24  is separately formed as a single piece. 
     Strap  24  is adaptable to accept a user&#39;s hand, wrist, arm, or another appendage or object disposed between strap  24  and an outer surface of sidewall  28 , as described in the following U.S. patents, which are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,708,838; 6,991,829; 7,644,835; 8,550,285; 8,556,116; 8,919,604; 9,409,200; and 10,266,306. In an exemplary method of use, strap  24  secures vessel  22  to the user&#39;s hand and stabilizes vessel  22  with respect to movement relative to the hand. In an exemplary embodiment, after clip  30  of strap  24  is inserted into recess  34  of vessel  22 , the clip  30  is not easily removable therefrom. Accordingly, after assembly of system  20 , the vessel  22  and strap  24  are fixedly held together by mutual mechanical engagement of structures of clip  30  and recess  34 . In one process of assembly of system  20 , clip  30  of strap  24  is overmolded into recess  34  and onto vessel  22  so that chemical bonding, as well as mechanical engagement, hold the components of system  20  together at clip  30  and recess  34 . In contrast, lower vessel connection portion  32  of strap  24  is removably attachable to vessel  22  (not overmolded onto bottom wall  26  of vessel  22 ), such as at bottom wall  26 , to allow for adjustability in an effective length of strap  24  between its attachment points to vessel  22 . This adjustability therefore affects the size of a passage  40  formed between the strap  24  and the outer surface of vessel  22  (labeled in  FIG.  6   ). 
     In an exemplary embodiment, vessel  22  has a continuous and smooth inner surface  36  that includes inner surfaces of bottom wall  26  and sidewall  28  and defines a cavity of vessel  22  for carrying, holding or transporting loose materials or fluids, such as paint, stain or varnish. As shown in  FIG.  11   , an optional liner  38  is inserted into the cavity for holding or transporting loose materials or fluids. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, hand-held vessel system  20  further includes a retainer for keeping a paintbrush or other tool within vessel  22 , preferably raised from the floor of the cavity. In an embodiment, the retainer is at least one magnet  42  of retainer assembly  44 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B . Retainer assembly  44  includes a backer plate  46  that slides into recess  34  so that magnet  42  is held in opening  48  of inner wall  62 , such that magnet  42  is exposed in the cavity of vessel  22 . In another embodiment, magnet  42  is not necessarily exposed, but its magnetic force is active in the cavity of vessel  22  adjacent recess  34 , such as through a thin layer of material. Backer plate  46  is larger in surface area than opening  48  so that the backer plate  46  does not fall through opening  48 . Recess  34  includes ribs  50  to hold backer plate  46  and magnet  42  securely toward the inner surface  36  of vessel  22 . In an exemplary embodiment, ribs  50  separate recess  34  into two central channels  80  and two side channels  78 . When retainer assembly  44  is attached to vessel  22  as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  9 A and  9 B , magnet  42  is affixed in the cavity of vessel  22  adjacent to clip  30  of strap  24 . A user can position a metallic ferrule portion of a tool such as paintbrush (not shown) against or proximate magnet  42 , such as with the bristles of the paintbrush disposed inside the cavity of vessel  22 , such that paint on the bristles drips into the cavity. 
     As shown in  FIG.  11   , a user can insert a disposable liner  38  in the cavity of system  20 . An exemplary liner  38  is thin but relatively rigid, so that it does not deform in use, as a plastic film bag might. An exemplary liner  38  has contours that closely match those of inner surface  36  of vessel  22 , so that use of liner  38  does not adversely affect the effective capacity of vessel  22 . Moreover, a material of liner  38  suitably does not adversely affect the ability of magnet  42  to attract and retain a metallic tool portion, even when the liner  38  is interposed between the magnet  42  and the tool. Also visible in  FIG.  11   , in an exemplary embodiment, a bottom surface of liner  38  includes a raised central floor portion  51 , which promotes pooling of fluid around a perimeter of the bottom of the cavity, thereby easing fluid disposition onto a tool inserted into the cavity of vessel  22  and liner  38 . In an exemplary embodiment, features of system  20  are symmetrical about the center cross-sectional line  11 - 11  of  FIG.  1   . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, some faces of sidewall  28  have an upper portion  52  and a lower portion  54  connected by intermediate portion  56 . Lower portion  54  connects to bottom wall  26 . As shown, upper portion  52  has a larger lateral cross-section dimension than the lower portion  54 . Intermediate portion  56  is outwardly inclined at an angle with respect to lower portion  54 . The larger cross-sectional dimension of upper portion  52  allows for easy access into the cavity of vessel  22  for insertion of a tool such as a paint brush or small paint roller. The relatively smaller cross-sectional dimension of lower portion  54  increases a depth of liquid at the bottom of vessel  22  for easy access by the tool. The inclined intermediate portion  56  allows fluid on an inner surface  36  of upper portion  52  to drip or slide down by gravity into lower portion  54 . Moreover, as shown in  FIGS.  5 ,  6  and  12   , the overall angled orientations of sidewall  28  allow for nesting of multiple vessels  22  and systems  20 , thereby providing for space savings in storage, transport or merchandise display. In an exemplary embodiment, sidewall  28  further includes a scraping lip  58  near a top rim  60  of vessel  22  opposite recess  34 , though a scraping lip could be disposed anywhere on sidewall  28 . In an exemplary embodiment, scraping lip  58  is configured as the corner edge of ledge  59  with no underhang; thus, the continuous inner surface  36  of vessel  22  is smooth and easy to clean. In an exemplary embodiment, rim  60  extends laterally and downwardly from sidewall  28  to form a lightweight, structurally strengthening top perimeter feature. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 9 B , a recess  34  is disposed proximate rim  60  to accommodate retainer assembly  44  and a portion of strap  24 , such as clip  30 . Recess  34  is defined by a space between inner wall  62  and outer wall  64 . As discussed above, inner wall  62  includes opening  48  for magnet  42  of retainer assembly  44 . Outer wall  64  is disposed opposite inner wall  62 , includes ribs  50 , and forms a part of the upper portion  52  of sidewall  28 . 
       FIGS.  10 A- 10 E  illustrate an embodiment of strap  24  including clip  30  at a first end, lower vessel connection portion  32  at a second end, and intermediate portion  66  therebetween. An exemplary strap  24  includes hinge portion  68  between clip  30  and intermediate portion  66 . Hinge portion  68  offers flexibility in the orientation of intermediate portion  66  relative to clip  30 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  6   , hinge portion  68  is biased to retain intermediate portion  66  away from sidewall  28  so that passage  40  is maintained as an open channel through which a user&#39;s fingers or other object may pass. However, hinge portion  68  is flexible, so that intermediate portion  66  can be pressed toward sidewall  28  for space savings, such as in the nested configuration shown in  FIG.  12   . Closer nesting can also be accomplished with the lower vessel connection portion  32  of strap  24  detached from bottom wall  26 . In an exemplary embodiment, hinge portion  68  is S-shaped while in a relaxed state, as illustrated in  FIGS.  10 B and  10 C . When clip  30  is inserted downward into recess  34 , the straightening of the top portion of the “S” results in a biasing of the remaining part of the hinge portion  68  away from upper portion  52  of sidewall  28 . Further, in the illustrated embodiment, hinge portion  68  has ribs  70  connected by relatively thinner spans of material, thereby allowing hinge portion  68  to flex. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, clip  30  includes clip plate  74  and a surrounding clip frame  72  configured for insertion into recess  34 . An exemplary clip frame  72  has a tapered tip  76  for ease of insertion into recess  34 . An exemplary clip  30  has a shoulder  79  at a transition between clip frame  72  and clip plate  74 , the shoulder  79  configured to rest in contact with a perimeter edge of backer plate  46  in system  20  when vessel  22  is assembled with retainer assembly  44  and strap  24 . Recesses  81  in clip plate  74  accommodate ribs  50  of recess  34 . Prongs  77  extending from clip plate  74  are configured to fit into recesses  83  in outer wall  64  (shown in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B ). In an exemplary embodiment, each recess  83  includes an aperture  93  at a bottom thereof to allow for the draining of any fluid that may enter recess  34 . As shown in  FIG.  10 E , ribs  85  and  87  are configured to fit notches  89  and  91 , respectively (labeled in  FIGS.  4 , and  8 A to  9 A ). To mechanically lock strap  24  to vessel  22  when assembled together as system  20 , clip  30  includes side protrusions  82 , which are configured to snap into complementary pockets  84  in rim  60 . Additionally, shoulder  79  of clip plate  74  snaps in place under backer plate  46 . To present a smooth top surface at wall  62 , an exemplary clip  30  includes a central protrusion  86  that is configured to fill a space above magnet  46  at opening  48 . The verticals ribs and prongs  50 ,  77 ,  85 ,  87  fit into respective vertical notches and recesses  81 ,  83 ,  89 ,  91  thereby stabilizing against lateral disengagement forces. This mechanical interlocking system allows for assembly of vessel system  20  from the vessel  22 , strap  24 , and retainer assembly  44  without tools, other fasteners, or procedures requiring adhesives, heat, or other equipment. While particular locking structures are shown and described, it is contemplated that snap components or other locking structures can be provided elsewhere at the interfaces of vessel  22  and strap  24 . 
     While  FIGS.  10 A- 10 E  show strap  24  separate from vessel  22 , in one process of assembly of system  20 , strap  24  is actually formed while being affixed to the vessel  22 . In this instance, strap  24  is overmolded into and onto vessel  22  so that chemical bonding, as well as mechanical engagement, hold the components of system  20  together at clip  30  and recess  34 . In an exemplary manufacturing process, vessel  22  is molded from polypropylene at a first station. At a second station, retainer assembly  44  is automatically inserted into recess  34 . Vessel  22  with the attached retainer assembly  44  is moved to a third station, where strap  24  is overmolded from a Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TIN) such as Santoprene™ material, which is injected or otherwise disposed into recess  34 . The Santoprene™ material fills recess  34  around retainer assembly  44  and is shaped by a mold outside of recess  34 , thereby forming clip  30  and remainder of strap  24 , A selection of chemically similar and/or compatible materials for vessel  22  and strap  24  facilitates their chemical bonding to each other, Because the Santoprene™ material of strap  24  contains polypropylene, clip  30  is chemically, as well as mechanically, bonded to the interior contours of recess  34  of a polypropylene vessel  22 , In an exemplary manufacturing process, the Santoprene™ material for overmolding strap  24  is introduced to vessel  22  in a molten state at a third station, 
     The temperature to melt and injection mold the Santoprene™ material in to the mold cavity is great enough to ensure the bond between the strap  24  and the polypropylene vessel  22 . This melt temperature remains fairly consistent during the injection molding process. in an exemplary manufacturing method, the Santoprene™ material for forming strap  24  has a process temperature (measured as the melted material temperature at the molding press injection nozzle) of about 380 degrees F. to about 440 degrees F. (about 193° C. to about 227° C.), although process temperatures outside this range may also be suitable. The bond between the elastomer (Santoprene™) strap  24  and the vessel  22  (polypropylene) is completed almost entirely in the time during the normal molding cycle of the strap  24  to the vessel  22 . A majority of the cooling of the strap  24  occurs during the molding cycle (while the strap  24  is still held in the tool, before the mold opens). Some cooling, for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, still occurs after the mold cycle is complete before the system  20  (strap  24  and vessel  22 ) reaches room temperature. Another contributor to an increase in the bond strength between the strap  24  and the vessel  22  results from the normal stiffening of the materials as they cool to room temperature. 
     An exemplary clip  30  includes depression  88 , which allows for a gap between the clip  30  and a tab  90  of liner  38  inserted into vessel  22 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . Because liner  38  fits so closely to the contours of vessel  22 , the gap between depression  88  and tab  90  allows a user to reach between the liner  38  and vessel  22  to easily mutually separate those parts when desired. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , lower vessel connection portion  32  of strap  24  is configured to be selectively secured to bottom wall  26  at discreet locations along the length of lower vessel connection portion  32 . In an exemplary embodiment, flanges  92  extend from bottom wall  26  to at least define a channel  94  for receiving lower vessel connection portion  32  of strap  24  in a manner so that bottom wall  26  is stably raised from a surface  96  on which the system  20  is set, as labeled in  FIG.  5   . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  10 A and  10 C , lower vessel connection portion  32  of strap  24  has at least one vessel engagement member  98 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , bottom wall  26  has at least one strap engagement member  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, vessel engagement member  98  is configured as a reinforced aperture (having a thicker perimeter than a surrounding area of lower vessel connection portion  32 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the aperture is shaped as a round hole extending entirely through a thickness of lower vessel connection portion  32  of strap  24 . In an exemplary embodiment, strap engagement member  100  is configured as a raised set of semi-circular protrusions configured to frictionally fit snugly in vessel engagement member  98 . 
     To attach lower vessel connection portion  32  of strap  24  to vessel  22 , a set of two vessel engagement members  98  are positioned over the two strap engagement members  100  so that an effective length of strap  24  between the connection at clip  30  to vessel  22  and the connection at lower vessel connection portion  32  results in opening  40  of desired size. The user (or a robotic machine during manufacture of system  20 ) rolls or presses the lower vessel connection portion  32  of strap  24  against bottom wall  26  to frictionally insert each strap engagement member  100  into a corresponding vessel engagement member  98 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of vessel engagement members  98  are closely spaced to offer a nearly continuous range of fit options. However, the corresponding strap engagement members are spaced apart for ease of use. In the example illustrated in  FIG.  3   , strap engagement members  100  are spaced to fit two non-adjacent vessel engagement members  98 , so that an unengaged member  98  is positioned between the two members  98  that are attached to strap engagement members  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, there are more vessel engagement members  98  than strap engagement members  100 . The illustrated embodiment shows six vessel engagement members  98  and two strap engagement members  100 , although the numbers provided can be different. The effective length of strap  24  (between the vessel connection points a.t clip  30  and engagement members  100 ) is thus adjustable among several predetermined lengths by aligning different selected vessel engagement members  98  with strap engagement members  100 . 
     While a particular form of mutual fasteners  98 ,  100  is illustrated and described. it is contemplated that other snap or quick engagement structures can also or alternatively be used. Moreover, mutual fasteners can be provided at infinitely various locations along the length of the lower vessel connection portion  32  of the strap  24 . Examples of two-part mechanical fasteners include (but are not limited to) hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro™ fasteners) and headed stems (such as Dual Lock™ reclosable fasteners). Moreover, while the illustrated embodiments show connection of strap  24  to bottom wall  26 , it is contemplated that a lower portion of strap  24  could be connected to a different location on vessel  22 , such as on or near sidewall  28 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, strap  24  has flexibility and resilience characteristics to provide comfort to the user&#39;s hand by conforming to the shape of the hand. Strap  24  is resiliently deformable relative to vessel  22 , and thus is capable of accommodating a variety of hand sizes and shapes. In exemplary embodiments, strap  24  is made of a low durometer Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TIN) such as Santoprene™ material, rubber, or other flexible material. In addition, in exemplary embodiments, strap  24  is widened along intermediate portion  66  compared to hinge portion  68  and lower vessel connection portion  32  to disperse the pressure exerted by the strap  24  on the hand over a larger area of the hand. Strap  24  could assume a variety of shapes other than the illustrated shape. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of ventilation apertures  102  are provided through intermediate portion  66  to increase comfort and decrease weight. In the illustrated embodiments, ventilation apertures  102  are shaped as holes extending entirely through a thickness of intermediate portion  66  of strap  24 . Moreover, as shown in  FIG.  12   , the flexible nature of strap  24  allows the strap  24  to bend and fit into the cavity of another system  20  for stacking. 
     The described system provides a convenient, stable, secure and effortless way to hold a vessel. In an exemplary method of use, the user inserts his or her fingers into passageway  40  with the palm facing and contacting sidewall  28 , with the back of the hand contacting strap  24 , allowing the thumb to rest comfortably in or near depression  88 . In an exemplary embodiment, system  20  is substantially symmetrical along line  11  II of  FIG.  1   ; therefore, system  20  easily accommodates either a left hand or right hand. The user does not need to grip strap  24  or sidewall  28  of vessel  22  because strap  24  holds the user&#39;s hand against outer surface of sidewall  28 . The user can grip sidewall  28  or can merely relax his or her hand during use of the vessel, knowing that vessel  22  is securely fastened to that hand by strap  24 . Thus, the system  20  greatly reduces fatigue in the holding hand and fingers of a user, compared to conventional paint containers, which must be affirmatively gripped. 
     Although the subject of this disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any feature disclosed with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in another embodiment, and vice-versa. All references mentioned in this disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference.