Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CONTAINER WITH INTEGRATED HANDLES
Technical Field
This disclosure relates generally to containers for transporting goods and
materials,
including consumer goods.
Background
There are many industrial containers in usage today. These containers may be
used for
the containment and shipping of various substances including, but not limited
to, food, paints,
oils, consumer goods, construction materials, inks, chemicals, lubricants,
adhesives, coatings,
roofing mastics, driveway sealers, flavorings, sanitation supplies, building
products, ice melt
compounds, powders, pet food, and other materials. Such containers may come in
a variety of
sizes and may hold various amounts of material, including, in some cases, four
or more gallons.
Further, these containers may include a carrying handle that may be shipped
separately and
attached to the sides of the container to aid in carrying and dispensing the
contents of the
container.
The containers mentioned above may be convenient for shipping and storing
goods, but
may prove difficult for use by the end user. For example, even with a carrying
handle, it may be
difficult for a consumer to pour or control a four gallon bucket of pet food
due to the weight of
the container and the material. Further, when handles are included with
containers to assist an
end user with pouring or controlling a container, these handles may interfere
with one another
when multiple containers are optimally arranged for shipment (e.g., on a
pallet or the like).
1
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
Summary
According to particular embodiments, a container including a) a bottom; b) a
sidewall,
wherein an upper portion of the sidewall defines an opening; c) a bumper
assembly, projecting
outwardly from the sidewall below the upper portion; d) at least one upper
handle projecting
outwardly from the bumper assembly, the at least one upper handle defines a
void between the
handle and the sidewall; and e) at least one lower hand-grip comprising a
cavity extending
inwardly.
In various embodiments, a container including: a) a substantially rectangular
bottom; b) a
sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom and defining an opening; and c) at
least one lower
hand-grip proximate the substantially rectangular bottom formed by the
sidewall comprising a
lower handle and a lower cavity, wherein the lower cavity perimeter extends
inwardly from the
sidewall into the opening.
In some embodiments, a rectangular container for storing, carrying, or
transporting
materials, the rectangular container including: a) a substantially rectangular
bottom; b) a sidewall
extending upwardly from the rectangular bottom, wherein: i) an upper portion
of the sidewall
defines an opening; and ii) a lower portion of the sidewall defines at least
one cavity extending
inwardly from the sidewall and a lower hand-grip within the cavity; and c) a
bumper assembly
extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from the sidewall and
comprising a bail ear
for attaching a handle, a right upper handle located at a first particular
distance from the upper
portion of the sidewall, and a left upper handle located at a second
particular distance from the
upper portion of the sidewall, wherein the first particular distance is a
greater distance from the
upper portion of the sidewall than the second particular distance.
In a particular embodiment, a container comprising: a) a substantially
circular bottom; b)
a sidewall extending perpendicular to the substantially circular bottom and
terminating with an
integrally formed upper lip, wherein an upper portion of the sidewall defines
an opening; c) an
upper satellite ring coupled to the sidewall below the upper lip, the upper
satellite ring extending
outward from the sidewall at a downward angle; d) a lower satellite ring
coupled to the sidewall
below the upper satellite ring, the lower satellite ring extending outward
from the sidewall and
shaped to receive an upper lip of another container; e) left and right curved
handles integrally
formed with the upper and lower satellite rings, wherein the left and right
curved handles extend
below the lowest point of the lower satellite ring; and 0 left and right
arcuate hand-grips
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
extending from an exterior surface of the substantially circular bottom into
an interior of the
container, wherein a radius of the left curved hand-grip is substantially
parallel to a radius of the
left curved handle.
According to at least one aspect, a container comprising: a) a substantially
circular
.. bottom; b) a sidewall extending perpendicular to the substantially circular
bottom and
terminating with an integrally formed upper lip, wherein an upper portion of
the sidewall defines
an opening; c) an upper satellite ring coupled to the sidewall below the upper
lip, the upper
satellite ring extending outward from the sidewall at a downward angle; d) a
lower satellite ring
coupled to the sidewall below the upper satellite ring, the lower satellite
ring extending outward
from the sidewall and shaped to receive an upper lip of another container; e)
at least one curved
handle integrally formed with the upper and lower satellite rings, wherein the
at least one curved
handle extends below the lowest point of the lower satellite ring; and 0 at
least one arcuate hand-
grip extending from an exterior surface of the substantially circular bottom
into an interior of the
container, wherein a radius of the at least one curved hand-grip is
substantially parallel to a
radius of the at least one curved handle.
In a particular aspect, a container comprising: a) a substantially circular
bottom; b) a
sidewall extending perpendicular to the substantially circular bottom and
terminating with an
integrally formed upper lip, wherein an upper portion of the sidewall defmes
an opening; c) a
satellite ring coupled to the sidewall below the upper lip, the satellite ring
extending outward
from the sidewall and shaped to receive an upper lip of another container; d)
at least one curved
handle integrally formed with the satellite ring, wherein the at least one
curved handle extends
below the lowest point of the satellite ring; and e) at least one arcuate hand-
grip extending from
an exterior surface of the substantially circular bottom into an interior of
the container, wherein a
radius of the at least one curved hand-grip is substantially parallel to a
radius of the at least one
curved handle and a radius of the satellite ring.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Further features and benefits of the present disclosure will be apparent from
a detailed
description of various embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the
following drawings,
wherein similar elements are referred to with similar reference numbers, and
wherein:
FIG. 1 is front view of an exemplary container, according to one embodiment of
the
present disclosure;
3
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary container of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment
of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary container of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment
of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternate exemplary container, according to one
embodiment
of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a side view of a second alternate exemplary container, according to
one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a side view of a third alternate exemplary container, according to
one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary container of FIG. 1,
according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a first perspective view of the exemplary container of FIG. 1,
according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 is a second perspective view of the exemplary container of FIG. 1,
according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a side view of a fourth alternate exemplary container, according to
one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 11 is a bottom view of an exemplary round container, according to one
embodiment
of the present disclosure;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the exemplary round container of FIG. 11,
according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary round container, according to
one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 14 is a front view of the exemplary round container of FIG. 13, according
to one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 is a side view of the exemplary round container of FIG. 13, according
to one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 16 is a top view of the exemplary round container of FIG. 13, according
to one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
4
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary round container of
FIG. 13,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary round container of
FIG. 13,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the exemplary round container of FIG. 13,
according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the exemplary round container of FIG. 13,
according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of two exemplary round containers in a partially
nested
position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the two exemplary round containers of FIG. 21
in a fully
nested position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
The above and further features of the disclosed exemplary container will be
recognized
from the following detailed descriptions and drawings of particular
embodiments. In various
embodiments, a container with upper and lower handles that minimize conflict
or interference
with adjacent containers is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the
container includes a
bumper assembly, upper handles (which may or may not be vertically off-set)
and one or more
lower hand-grips. In further embodiments, the container includes one or more
lower hand-grips
and no upper handles. According to at least one embodiment, the container is
substantially
rectangular in shape. In one or more embodiments, the container is
substantially circular in
shape.
The container discussed herein may be formed in any suitable way. In various
embodiments, the container is formed by injection molding. In particular
embodiments, the
container is 3D printed or created via other additive manufacturing means. In
further
embodiments, various components of the container are formed or created
separately and the
various components of the container are joined or otherwise suitably connected
to form the
container.
As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the container
discussed herein
may be used for storing or transporting any variety of materials, including,
but not limited to:
food, paints, oils, consumer goods, construction materials, inks, chemicals,
lubricants, adhesives,
5
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
coatings, roofing mastics, driveway sealers, flavorings, sanitation supplies,
building products, ice
melt compounds, powders, pet food, and other such materials. The container may
be formed from
any suitable material or materials for storing or transporting such materials.
In various
embodiments, the container is manufactured from plastic (e.g., polyethylene,
high-density
polyethylene, etc.). In particular embodiments, the container is manufactured
from a metal or
composite material.
Such an exemplary container may provide a number of uses. In embodiments that
include
upper handles, the upper handles may assist a user or users (e.g., one user on
each side of the
container) in lifting the container into or out of a shopping cart or car
trunk, onto or off of a
shelf, etc. In embodiments that include lower hand-grips, which, in some
embodiments, are
ergonomically designed, a user may more easily pour the contents of the
container.
Turning now to an exemplary container illustrated in the figures, FIG. 1
depicts a front-
view of an exemplary container 10, according to one embodiment. In the
embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the exemplary container includes a container body 12 with a proximal
end 14 (top), a
distal end 16 (bottom), a left side 18, and a right side 20. In the embodiment
shown, the
exemplary container 10 includes a bottom 22 approximate the distal end 16 for
sealing the
exemplary container and defining an interior cavity. The exemplary container
10, in particular
embodiments, includes an opening 24 near the proximal end 14.
In various embodiments, the exemplary container 10 includes various features
near the
proximal end 14. In particular embodiments, the exemplary container 10
includes an angled
bead 26 for interlocking or attaching a cover or lid near the proximal end 14.
In some
embodiments, the exemplary container 10 includes one or more satellite rings
28, located and
generally formed near the proximal end of the body 12. In particular
embodiments, the one or
more satellite rings extend fully or partially around the body 12 of the
exemplary container 10.
According to at least one embodiment, the exemplary container 10 includes a
bumper
assembly 30. The bumper assembly 30, in particular embodiments, includes an
upper bumper
satellite ring 32, a lower bumper satellite ring 34, an upper left handle 60
(left side 18), an upper
right handle 70 (right side 20), and one or more bail ear assemblies 40 formed
between the upper
bumper satellite ring 32 and the lower bumper satellite ring 34. As will be
understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art, the bumper assembly 30 may include more than two
satellite rings (or
less than two satellite rings) in particular embodiments.
6
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
The upper bumper satellite ring 32 and the lower bumper satellite ring 34 may
generally
be for protecting the container 10 when it comes in contact with another
object. Further, the
upper bumper satellite ring 32 and the lower bumper satellite ring 34 form the
upper left handle
70 (more particularly described below in relation to FIG. 3), the upper right
handle 60 (more
particularly described below in relation to FIG. 2) and the bail ear assembly
40. As shown in
FIG. 1, the upper left handle 70 and the upper right handle 60 are not at the
same vertical location.
In this embodiment (and others), these handles are offset from each other such
that when two
containers are placed next to each other (nested) they can be very close
together without the upper
handles conflicting. In this way, in this embodiment, more containers with
this
handle configuration can fit in a smaller space (e.g., because the container
can be placed closer
together).
As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the bail ear assembly 40 includes a
vertical
support 42 parallel to an external wall of the body 12. The vertical support
42, in various
embodiments, defines an opening 44 that includes a channel portion 46 that
tapers from a mouth
area 48 and opens into a generally semi-circular seating portion 49. The bail
ear assembly 40, in
particular embodiments, includes two vertical support structures 80 and 82
that are generally
perpendicular to the external sidewall of the body 12. As will be understood
by one of ordinary
skill in the art, in at least one embodiment, the vertical support 42 and the
external wall of the
body 12 may not be directly in contact (e.g., such that a handle may be
affixed to the bail ear
assembly 40). In further embodiments, the bail ear assembly 40 includes
internal vertical
supports perpendicular to the external wall of the body 12 for supporting the
bail ear assembly 40
(not shown in FIG. 1).
Turning now to FIG. 2, a right side view of the exemplary container 10 of FIG.
1 is
depicted. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes the right handle 60, as
shown in FIG. 1. In
particular embodiments, the right handle 60 is formed such that a consumer can
grip the right
handle 60 to assist in lifting exemplary container 10 and/or pouring the
contents of the
exemplary container 10. Thus, many configurations of the right handle 60 are
contemplated, but
not necessarily shown. In at least one particular embodiment, the right handle
60 may be knob-
shaped, angled in an upward direction (e.g., toward the proximal end 14), hook
or scoop-shaped,
etc.
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
In a particular embodiment, the right handle 60 is formed between the upper
bumper
satellite ring 32 and the lower bumper satellite ring 34. In particular
embodiments, the upper
satellite ring 32 forms a downward slope 62 and an upper surface 64 of the
right handle 60 and
the lower satellite ring 34 forms a lower surface 66 of the right handle 60.
In one embodiment,
the slope 62 is formed such that a handle from another container (e.g., a
container similar to
exemplary container 10, with a left handle) "interlocks" or allows a lower
surface of the handle
from the other container to slide above the upper surface 64 of right handle
60.
As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the right handle 60
may be
formed in any suitable way, including by injection molding. As will also be
understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art, the right handle 60 may be formed as an integral
part of the exemplary
container 10 or may be formed separately and attached to the external sidewall
of body 12 by any
suitable means, including, but not limited to: by an adhesive, by friction
welding, by mechanical
fasteners (nails, screws, etc.), etc.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 further includes a lower right hand-grip
assembly 100.
The lower right hand-grip assembly 100 includes a lower right hand-grip 110
and a lower right
hand cavity 120. The lower right hand-grip assembly 100 may be used in
conjunction with the
upper right handle 60 in a lever-type motion to lift the exemplary container
10 or pour its
contents (e.g., a consumer may lift the distal end 16 of the exemplary
container 16 to assist in
pouring the contents of the exemplary container 10). In one embodiment, the
lower right hand-
grip assembly is substantially similar to the lower left hand grip assembly
200, which is further
discussed below in relation to FIGS. 3-5.
Turning now to FIG. 3, a left side view of the exemplary container 10 of FIG.
1 is
depicted. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes the left handle 70, as shown
in FIG. 1. In
particular embodiments, the left handle 70 is formed such that a consumer can
grip the left
handle 70 to assist in lifting the exemplary container 10 and/or pouring the
contents of the
exemplary container 10. Thus, many configurations of the left handle 70 are
contemplated, but
not necessarily shown. In at least one particular embodiment, the left handle
70 may be knob-
shaped, angled in an upward direction (e.g., toward the proximal end 14), hook
or scoop-shaped,
etc.
In a particular embodiment, the left handle 70 is formed between the upper
bumper
satellite ring 32 and the lower bumper satellite ring 34. In particular
embodiments, the lower
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
satellite ring 34 forms an upward slope 72 and an lower surface 76 of the left
handle 70 and the
upper satellite ring 32 forms an upper surface 74 of the left handle 70. In
one embodiment, the
slope 72 is formed such that a handle from another container (e.g., a
container similar to
exemplary container 10, with a similar right handle) "interlocks" or allows an
upper surface of
the handle from the other container to slide below the lower surface 764 of
left handle 70.
As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the left handle 70
may be formed in
any suitable way, including by injection molding. As will also be understood
by one
of ordinary skill in the art, the left handle 70 may be formed as an integral
part of the exemplary
container 10 or may be formed separately and attached to the external sidewall
of body 12 by
any suitable means, including, but not limited to: by an adhesive, by friction
welding, by
mechanical fasteners (nails, screws, etc.), etc.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 further includes a lower left hand-grip
assembly 200.
The lower left hand-grip assembly 200 includes a lower left hand-grip 210 and
a lower left hand
cavity 220. The lower left hand-grip assembly 200 may be used in conjunction
with the upper
left handle 70 to lift the exemplary container 10 or pour its contents (e.g.,
a consumer may lift
the distal end 16 of the exemplary container 10 to assist in pouring the
contents of the exemplary
container 10). An exemplary embodiment of the lower left hand-grip assembly
200 is further
discussed below in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show alternate embodiments of the left side 18 of the
exemplary
container 10 of FIG. 1. Particularly, FIGS. 4 and 5 show alternate embodiments
of the lower left
hand-grip assemblies 200a and 200b, respectively, and FIG. 6 shows an
embodiment of the left
side 18 of the exemplary container 10 of FIG. 1 without a bumper and upper
handle. As will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, these alternate embodiments
are shown for the left
side 18 of the exemplary container 10 of FIG. 1, but substantially similar
embodiments are
contemplated for the right side 20 of the exemplary container 10 of FIG. 1.
For example, in a particular embodiment, the right side 20 of the exemplary
container 10
of FIG. 1 may include alternate embodiments of the lower right hand-grip
assembly 100
substantially similar to the alternate embodiments of the lower left hand-grip
assembly 200 (as
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). Further, the right side 20 of the exemplary container
10 of FIG. 1 may
not include a bumper and upper handle as shown for the left side 18, as shown
in FIG. 6. For
simplicity and brevity, these alternate embodiments are discussed for the left
side only.
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
Turning now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the body 12 of the exemplary
container
defines a lower left hand-grip assembly 200a. The lower left hand-grip
assembly 200a
includes a lower hand-grip 210a and a cavity 220a. The lower hand-grip 210a,
in the embodiment
shown, is a substantially circular hand-grip extending vertically from near
the distal
5 end 16 of the exemplary container 10. Continuing with the embodiment
shown, the lower hand-
grip 210a is substantially the same diameter for its entire length. In various
embodiments, the
lower hand-grip 210a is formed such that a user or consumer can wrap their
hand around at least
a portion of the hand-grip 210a to assist in lifting and controlling the
exemplary container 10
when pouring its contents.
10 To enable an end-user or consumer to wrap their hand around at least a
portion of the
hand-grip 210a, the cavity 220a, in the embodiment shown, is a cavity that
extends toward the
interior of the exemplary container 10 (e.g., around and at least partially
behind the hand-grip
210a). As shown in the embodiment in FIG. 4, the body 12 forms the opening to
the cavity 220a
with angles that are substantially 90 degrees. Particularly, the angles 222a,
224a, 226a, and 228a
are substantially 90 degrees.
Turning now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the body 12 of the exemplary
container
10 defines a lower left hand-grip assembly 200b (e.g., the lower left hand-
grip assembly 200b is
substantially similar to the lower hand-grip assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3).
The lower left hand-
grip assembly 200b may be ergonomically designed or optimized for an end-user
or consumer to
hold. The lower left hand-grip assembly 200b includes a hand-grip 210b and a
cavity 220b. The
lower hand-grip 210b, in the embodiment shown, is a substantially circular
hand-grip extending
vertically from near the distal end 16 of the exemplary container 10.
Continuing with the
embodiment shown, the lower hand-grip 210b varies in diameter along its
vertical length (e.g.,
for ergonomics or other reasons). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the lower
hand-grip 210b
decreases in diameter from the top of the lower hand-grip 210b (e.g., the part
of the lower hand-
grip nearest the proximal end 14 of the exemplary container 10) to the bottom
of the lower hand-
grip 210a (the part of the lower hand-grip nearest the distal end 16 of the
exemplary container 10).
In various embodiments, the lower hand-grip 210b is formed such that a user or
consumer can
wrap their hand around at least a portion of the hand-grip 210b to assist in
lifting and
controlling the exemplary container 10 when pouring its contents. In
particular embodiments,
the lower hand-grip 210a does not protrude past the body sidewall 12 so that
it does not interfere
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
with other containers when shipped or nested. In further embodiments, the
lower hand-grip 210a
may have other features to assist an end-user or consumer with lifting the
exemplary container 10,
such as, for example, the lower hand-grip 210a may be relatively hefty, made
of durable material,
reinforced at points where it is connected to the rest of exemplary container
10, and/or
include non-slip grooves (or other surface finishes), divots for fingers, etc.
To enable an end-user or consumer to wrap their hand around at least a portion
of the
hand-grip 210b, the cavity 220b, in the embodiment shown, is a cavity that
extends toward the
interior of exemplary container 10 (e.g., around and at least partially behind
hand-grip 210b). As
shown in the embodiment in FIG. 6, the body 12 forms a substantially
rectangular opening to the
cavity 220b with angles that are substantially other than 90 degrees.
Particularly, the angles
222b, 224b, 226b, and 228b may each be any suitable angles such as between
about 60 and 120
degrees. For example, the angles 226b and 228b may be 95 degrees and 85
degrees,
respectively. Further, the opening to the cavity 220b may form arcs of any
suitable length,
opposed to substantially square corners (e.g., at 222b, 224b, 226b, and 228b).
Turning now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, an embodiment of the left side
of the
exemplary container 10 of FIG. 1, including a lower left hand-grip assembly
200 (e.g., lower left
hand-grip assembly 200a or 200b) is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6,
the exemplary
container 10 excludes an upper handle. In various embodiments, the exemplary
container 10 may
include a bumper assembly (e.g., bumper assembly 30) with no handle. In
further
embodiments, the exemplary container 10 may not include a bumper assembly.
FIG. 7 depicts a cross-section of the exemplary container 10 of FIG. 1 through
the center
of the right handle 60 and a vertical axis of lower right hand-grip 110. As
will be understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art, the embodiments, features, and dimensions
are shown and
discussed for the right side 20 of the exemplary container 10 of FIG. 1, but
substantially similar
embodiments, features, and dimensions are contemplated for the left side 18 of
the exemplary
container 10 of FIG. 1. For simplicity and brevity, these embodiments,
features, and dimensions
are discussed for the right side 20 only.
Continuing with the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the upper right handle 60
generally
slopes downward toward the distal end 16 of the exemplary container 10.
Further, in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the upper right handle 60 is formed by the upper
satellite ring 32
and the lower satellite ring 34. In various embodiments, the upper satellite
ring 32 forms a slope
11
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
62 that slopes downward to the upper surface 64 of the upper right handle 60.
The upper surface
64 and the lower surface 66 of the upper right handle 60, in various
embodiments, creates a
substantially c-shaped channel 68, the center of which is substantially
parallel to at least a
portion of the sidewall 12.
As shown in FIG. 7, the lower right hand-grip assembly 100 includes the lower
right
hand-grip 110 and the lower right-hand cavity 120. In various embodiments, as
shown in FIG. 7,
the lower right hand-grip 110 is substantially the same diameter from a top of
the lower right
hand-grip 110 (e.g. the portion of lower right hand-grip closest to the
proximal end 14 of the
exemplary container 10) to the bottom of lower right hand-grip 110 (e.g., the
portion of lower
right hand-grip 110 closest to the distal end 16 of the exemplary container
10) along the axis
shown. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, in
particular embodiments, the
lower right hand-grip 110 may vary in diameter along this axis. As shown in
FIG. 7, the lower
right hand-grip 110, other than an exterior surface, is substantially within
the lower right cavity
120.
According to particular embodiments, the lower right cavity 120 extends
inwardly from
the external sidewall of body 12. As will be understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art, the
lower right cavity 120 may extend any suitable amount inwardly to accommodate
a consumer's
hand or part of a consumer's hand for gripping the lower right hand-grip 110.
In particular
embodiments, the lower right cavity 120 may extend inwardly approximately one
to five inches.
In one embodiment, the lower right cavity 120 extends inwardly approximately
three inches. In
a further embodiment, the lower right cavity 120 extends inwardly about 0.5 to
6.0 inches. In at
least one embodiment, the lower right cavity extends inwardly based on the
size of the
exemplary container 10. As a particular example, the lower right cavity 120 is
larger if the
exemplary container 10 is designed to hold four (4) gallons of a material than
if the exemplary
container 10 is designed to hold one (1) gallon of material.
The lower right cavity 120 may be any suitable shape. In a particular
embodiment, the
lower right cavity 120 may be substantially cubic shaped, rhomboid shaped, or
other regular
shape. In various embodiments, the lower right cavity 120 may be an irregular
shape, extending
from the sidewall (body) 12 inwardly behind the lower right hand-grip 110. In
particular
embodiments, the lower right cavity 120 may extend from the sidewall (body) 12
on a particular
side of the lower right hand-grip 110 and at least partially behind the lower
right hand-grip 110,
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
but without a cavity opening on each side of the lower right hand-grip 110
(e.g., the lower right
cavity 120 may be designed to accommodate only a portion of a user's hand so
as to reduce the
volume lost in the exemplary container 10).
FIG. 8 depicts a first perspective view of the exemplary container 10 of FIG.
1, according
to one embodiment. In the embodiment shown, there is a void between the upper
right handle 60
and the external sidewall of exemplary container 10 (e.g., sidewall of
exemplary body 12). In
particular embodiments, this void is sized such that a consumer can place part
of their hand or
some or all of their fingers between the upper right handle 60 and the
external sidewall of the
exemplary container 10.
FIG. 9 depicts a second perspective view of the exemplary container 10 of FIG.
1. As
can be seen in this particular view, in various embodiments, the left hand
cavity 220 and the right
hand cavity 120 may extend through the bottom of the exemplary container 10.
In an embodiment
not shown, the left hand cavity 220 and the right hand cavity 120 may not
extend through the
bottom of the exemplary container 10. As further shown in the embodiment of
FIG.
9, the lower left hand-grip 210 and the lower right hand-grip 110 may be
generally oval in shape.
As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the lower left hand-
grip 210 and the
lower right hand-grip 110 may be any suitable shape that enables a consumer to
grab the handles.
FIGS. 10-12 depict further alternate embodiments of an exemplary container.
FIG. 10
depicts an exemplary container with at least one upper handle (e.g., the upper
right handle 60 or
the upper left handle 70), but no lower hand-grip assemble (e.g., the lower
right hand-grip
assembly 100 or the lower left hand-grip assembly 200).
FIGS. 11-12 depict an exemplary container 300 that is circular in shape. In
the particular
embodiment shown, the exemplary container 300 has a proximal end (top) 314, a
bottom surface
316, upper handles 310 and 312, and lower hand-grips 320 and 330. In various
embodiments,
the upper handles 310 and 312 are substantially similar to the upper handles
as described in
relation to the exemplary container 10 discussed regarding FIGS. 1-10. In at
least one
embodiment, the upper handles 310 and 312 are vertically offset similar to the
way the upper
right handle 60 and the upper left handle 70 are offset in particular
embodiments of the
exemplary container 10; e.g., an upper surface of the upper handle 310 is a
first particular
distance from the proximal end 314 of the exemplary container 300 and an upper
surface of the
upper handle 320 is a second particular distance from the proximal end 314 of
the exemplary
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
container 300 (the upper handles 310 and 312 are not shown as offset in FIGS.
11-12). In one or
more embodiments, the upper surfaces of the upper handles 310 and 312 are
substantially the
same vertical distance from the proximal end 314 of the exemplary container
300.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the exemplary container 300
includes the
lower hand-grips 320 and 330. In various embodiments, each of the lower hand-
grips 320 and
330 are semi-circular and extend from the bottom surface 316 of the exemplary
container 300
toward an interior of the exemplary container 300. As will be understood by
one of ordinary
skill in the art, each of the lower hand-grips 320 and 330 may extend toward
the interior of the
exemplary container 300 any suitable distance for a consumer to pick up the
bottom of the
exemplary container 300 via one or more of the lower hand-grips 320 and 330
(e.g., each of the
lower hand-grips 320 and 330 may extend toward the interior of exemplary
container
approximately 0.1 inches to 4 inches as measure from the bottom surface 316 to
the point of the
lower hand-grip that extends the furthest into the interior of the exemplary
container 300.
The lower hand-grips 320 and 330 may be any suitable shape and in any suitable
location. In a particular embodiment, as shown, the lower hand-grips 320 and
330 are semi-
circular cavities formed by the bottom surface 316 of the exemplary container
300. In at least
one embodiment, the lower hand-grips 320 and 330 are circular, rectangular,
oval, triangular,
obround, or any other suitable shape (not shown). In one or more embodiments,
there is only a
single lower hand-grip formed by the bottom surface 316 of the exemplary
container 300 (this
single lower hand-grip may be any suitable shape, such as semi-circular,
circular, rectangular,
oval, etc.).
FIGS. 13-22 depict a round container according to one embodiment of the
present
disclosure. More particularly, FIGS. 13-20 depict various exemplary features
of a round
container 400 and FIGS. 21-22 depict exemplary round containers 500A and 500B
shown in
partially nested and fully nested positions. As will be understood from
discussions herein,
although an exemplary round container is shown and discussed below, the
exemplary container
may be any shape container, including a container that is substantially
rectangular, tapered
rectangular, conical, tapered conical, square, tapered square, etc. and the
features discussed
below may be included in any such container. Further discussion regarding
exemplary round
containers 400, 500A, and 500B can be found below.
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
Turning to FIG. 13, the exemplary round container 400 is shown. In the
embodiment
shown, the exemplary round container 400 includes a container body 480 with a
proximal end
414 (top), a distal end 416 (bottom), a left side 418, and a right side 419.
In the embodiment
shown, the exemplary round container 400 includes a substantially circular
bottom 470
proximate the distal end 416 for sealing the exemplary round container 400 and
defining an
interior cavity. The exemplary round container 400, in particular embodiments,
includes an
opening 460 near the proximal end 414. As will be understood from discussions
herein, the
exemplary round container 400 may be used to transport various goods
(including solids and/or
liquids) by filling the exemplary round container 400 via the opening 460. In
some
embodiments, the exemplary container 400 may be sealed at the proximal end 414
via a lid that
affixes to the exemplary round container via an upper lip 430.
The upper lip 430, in particular embodiments, is integrally formed with a
portion of the
sidewall of the container body 480 and traverses the circumference of the
proximal end 414 of
the exemplary round container 400. As will be further discussed herein, in
some embodiments,
the upper lip 430 is shaped such that it can be inserted in a satellite ring
of a second round
container when the exemplary round container 400 is nested with the second
round container
(e.g., as shown and described in regards to FIGS. 21 and 22). In further
embodiments, the upper
lip 430 has a cross-sectional shape that substantially conforms to the shape
of a lower satellite
ring (e.g., lower satellite ring 438). In various embodiments, the upper lip
430, as mentioned
above, is shaped such that a lid attaches to the upper lip 430, at least
partially sealing any
contents of the exemplary round container 400 within the container.
In various embodiments, the exemplary round container 400 includes one or more
features near the proximal end 414. In particular embodiments, the exemplary
round container
400 includes a corrugated portion 432 of the container body 480 and a bumper
assembly 415,
which includes satellite rings 434 and 438, left and right handles 410 and
420, and at least one
bail ear assembly 440 (further described below in regards to FIG. 14). As will
be understood
from discussions herein, the exemplary round container 400 may include any
suitable features
near the proximal end 414 (or in any suitable location), such as, for example,
more than two
satellite rings, multiple corrugated sections, more handles (or less handles),
handles in different
configurations than that shown and discussed herein, and/or other types of
support structures
not
shown.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
Continuing with FIG. 13, in the embodiment shown, the corrugated portion 432
extends
from the upper lip 430 to an upper satellite ring 434 and includes a portion
of the container body
480 with ridges and/or grooves to increase the strength of the container body
480. As will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, certain areas of a container
may experience more
stress, such as, for example, an area between an upper lip and a satellite
ring, particularly if the
upper lip is configured to receive a lid or a cover for the container. In such
embodiments, it may be
advantageous to reinforce or strengthen this portion of the container, such as
by including a
corrugated portion of the sidewall of the container, as shown by the
corrugated portion 432. In
various embodiments, portions of the container body 480 may be reinforced or
strengthened by a
mechanism other than corrugation, such as by including a thicker sidewall, by
including a weave
of the same or another material, etc.
As mentioned above, the corrugated portion 432 of the container body 480
terminates
opposite the proximal end 414 at the upper satellite ring 434. In various
embodiments, the upper
satellite ring 434 extends outwardly from the container body 480 at an acute
angle to the sidewall
in a downward direction (e.g., the angle of the upper satellite ring is acute
between a lower
surface of the upper satellite ring 434 and the container body 480). As
further discussed below,
in various embodiments, at least a portion of the upper satellite ring 434
integrally forms an
upper surface of the left handle 410 and an upper surface of the right handle
420 (which will be
further discussed in regards to FIG. 15).
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the bumper assembly 415 includes a lower
satellite
ring 438. In various embodiments, the lower satellite ring 438 extends
outwardly from the
container body 480 and is shaped to receive an upper lip of a second container
(as will be further
discussed herein). In particular embodiments, the lower satellite ring 438
integrally forms at least
a portion of the left handle 410 and the right handle 420 (which will be
further discussed in
regards to FIG. 15).
Turning now to FIG. 14, this figure shows a front view of the exemplary round
container
400. As discussed above, the exemplary round container 400 includes the upper
lip 430,
corrugated portion 432, and bumper assembly 415. As shown in FIG. 14, in
various
embodiments, the upper lip 430 extends outwardly from the container body 480
(from the
corrugated portion 432) such that a lid may be affixed to the top of the
exemplary round
container 400.
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
As further shown in FIG. 14, the upper satellite ring 434 and lower satellite
ring 438 of
the bumper assembly 415 extend outwardly from the container body 480 and form
the left and
right handles 410 and 420. In various embodiments, at least of a portion the
upper satellite ring
434 and a portion of the lower satellite ring 438 integrally form at least a
portion of the left and
right handles 410 and 420. In various embodiments, a portion of the upper
satellite ring 434
forms downward slopes 417 and 424 and an upper surface of the left handle 410
and an upper
surface of the right handle 420, respectively. In at least one embodiment, a
portion of the lower
satellite ring 438 forms downward slopes 412 and 422 and a lower surface of
the left handle 410
and a lower surface of the right handle 420. As further discussed in regards
to FIG. 15 and
FIGS. 21-22, in various embodiments, the left handle 410 and right handle 420
extend
downwardly below the lowest point of the lower satellite ring 438 to help
"lock" the exemplary
round container 400 with a second round container when in a fully nested
position.
Continuing with FIG. 14, the bumper assembly 415 includes the bail ear
assembly 440,
which, in the embodiment shown, includes a vertical support 445 parallel to
the container body
480, support structures 442 and 444, an opening 448, and an opening support
portion 446. The
vertical support 445, in various embodiments, defines the opening 448, which
extends through
the vertical support 445. In particular embodiments, the opening 448 is
configured to receive the
end of a handle that is affixed to the exemplary round container 400 via a
bail ear assembly on
the front and back sides of the exemplary container 400 (e.g., for carrying
the exemplary round
container 400). The opening 448 may be any suitable shape, including, for
example,
substantially round, substantially oval, rectangular, triangular, etc. As will
be understood from
discussions herein, the opening 448, in some embodiments, is a circular
opening in the vertical
support 445, with a perimeter completely defined by the vertical support 445.
In one or more
embodiments, the perimeter of the opening 448 is only partially defined by the
vertical support
445, such that at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening 448 extends
beyond the bottom
of the vertical support 445 (e.g., such as the bail ear assembly described in
regards to FIG. 1,
herein).
According to particular embodiments, the vertical support 445 defines the
opening
support portion 446. As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the bail ear
assembly 440
may function to receive and support a handle (not shown) for carrying the
exemplary round
container 400. In such embodiments (and others), the support portion 446 may
function to
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
further support the handle, reinforcing the opening 438 against stress
provided by the handle
when the exemplary round container 400 is carried. In various embodiments, the
support portion
446 includes a U-shaped portion of extra material around a portion of the
perimeter of the
opening 448 (e.g., the material of the vertical support 445 is thicker at the
support portion 446
than in other areas). In at least one embodiment, the support portion 446 may
extend around the
entire perimeter of the opening 448.
Turning to FIG. 15, the figure shown is a view of the right side of the
exemplary
container 400. For the sake of brevity, only the right side of the exemplary
container 400 is
shown and described. It will be understood from discussions herein that the
left side of the
exemplary container 400 may be substantially the same as the right side, such
that the left handle
410 may be substantially the same as the right handle 420. Thus, only the
right handle 420 is
described below.
In various embodiments, the right handle 420 is at least partially formed by
the upper and
lower satellite rings 434 and 438. In the embodiment shown, a portion of the
upper satellite ring
434 includes a bend at an approximately 90 degree angle downward at 424 and
426. In various
embodiments, the outermost portion of the upper satellite ring 434 includes a
bend down and
outward at 424 and 426 to integrally form the upper portion of the right
handle 420 and the
remaining portion of the upper satellite ring 434 continues as an upper
satellite ring portion 490
through the gap between the right handle 420 and the container body 480. In
the embodiment
shown, about 60% of the upper satellite ring 434 is bent down and outward at
424 and 426 to
integrally form the upper portion of the right handle 420 and the remaining
40% of the upper
satellite ring 434 continues as a less protruding upper satellite ring 490 as
described above. In
various embodiments, the percentage of the upper satellite ring 434 that is
bent down and
outward at 424 and 426 to integrally form the upper portion of the right
handle 420 may be any
suitable percentage.
In some embodiments, the entire lower satellite ring 438 includes a
substantially
downward bend at 422 and 428 to integrally form at least a portion of the
bottom of the right
handle 420. In various embodiments, the lower satellite ring 438 includes a
bend at 422 and 428
that is less than a 90 degree angle. As will be understood from discussions
herein, the bends at
422 and 428 may be of any suitable angle.
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
In various embodiments, the right handle 420 may include support structures
492. In
some embodiments, the support structures 492 may connect the upper and lower
portions of the
right handle 420 and be positioned in various orientations relative to the
upper and lower
portions of the right handle 420. In other embodiments, the support structures
492 may be a
single support structure positioned in various orientations relative to the
upper and lower
portions of the right handle 420. In some embodiments, the support structures
492 may be
manufactured of plastic (e.g., polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, etc.),
metal, or another
material.
In the embodiment shown, the right handle 420 extends below the lowest point
of the
lower satellite ring 438 so that there is a distance between the lower
satellite ring 438 and the
upper most part of the right handle 420. This distance between the lower
satellite ring 438 and the
upper most part of the right handle 420 creates an unoccupied space which may
add functionality
by making it easier for an external body (e.g., human hand, hook, etc.) to
latch onto the right
handle 420. The distance between the lower satellite ring 438 and the upper
most part
of the right handle 420 may facilitate better stacking of two con ainers by
allowing for an upper
lip of a second exemplary round container to nest into the region under the
lower satellite ring
438 and above the right handle 420. The nesting mentioned above may occur when
two
containers, for example the exemplary round container 400 shown and another
substantially
similar container, interconnect in a stacked position as shown in FIG. 22.
Turning now to FIG. 16, a top view of the exemplary round container 400 is
shown (e.g.,
from the perspective of viewing into the exemplary round container 400 and
showing an interior
surface of the bottom). In this embodiment, the substantially circular bottom
470 of the
container at least partially includes the left and right arcuate lower hand
grips 472 and 474. The
arcuate lower hand grips 472 and 474, as shown in the present embodiment,
resemble a curvature
similar to that of the left and right handles 410 and 420 and each arcuate
lower handle grip 472
and 474 occupies about 10% of the surface area of the substantially circular
bottom 470 of the
container. As will be understood from discussions herein, the left and right
arcuate lower hand
grips 472 and 474, in some embodiments, protrude upward from the substantially
circular bottom
470 of the container into the volume encompassed by the container body 480,
thus decreasing the
overall volume of the container. In various embodiments, the left and right
arcuate lower hand
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
grips 472 and 474 may occupy more or less surface area and may protrude more
or less than in
the embodiment shown.
Continuing with FIG. 16, the protrusion radially outwardly of the upper
satellite ring 434
and the upper lip 430 is shown. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the
upper satellite ring
434 protrudes outward beyond the outer most part of the upper lip 430. Also
shown in this
embodiment, the bail ear assembly 440 protrudes outward slightly beyond the
upper lip 430.
Turning to FIG. 17, this figure shows a cross-section of the exemplary round
container 400. As
shown in this embodiment, the lower arcuate hand grips 472 and 474 extend
upwardly from the
substantially circular bottom 470 of the container into the exemplary round
container
400, as described above. In various embodiments, the storage volume of the
exemplary round
container 400 is decreased due to the lower arcuate hand grips 472 and 474.
The upward
protruding curvature of the lower arcuate handle grips 472 and 474 decreases
the overall volume
of the exemplary container 400 by approximately the same amount of volume that
the lower
arcuate handle grips 472 and 474 occupy. In various embodiments, the decrease
in overall
volume may be less or more relative to what is shown in the present
embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the downward slope of the right handle 420 is
shown. This
downward slope of the right handle 420 may add leverage, comfort, or other
forms of increased
functionality for the user handling the container. Also potentially adding
functionality are the
lower arcuate hand grips 472 and 474. In the present embodiment, the lower
arcuate hand grips
472 and 474 are shown protruding upward from the circular bottom 470 into the
space
encompassed by container body 480. In some embodiments, this upward protrusion
may allow
for the container operator to use the lower arcuate hand grips 472 and 474 for
additional grip or
leverage when handling the container. A container operator may use the lower
arcuate hand
grips 472 and 474 in conjunction with the left handle 410 or the right handle
420. It may be
beneficial for a container handler to use a combination of the two sets of
handles in conjunction
in order to more easily tilt the container to empty the container of its
contents. In various
embodiments, it may be beneficial for a container handler to use the two
handle sets in
conjunction in order to better control the container if manipulating the
container through a body
of matter (e.g., liquids, solid particles, etc.) so as to at least partially
fill the container with that
matter.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
Continuing with FIG 17, in the present embodiment, the downward curvature of
the
upper lip 430 is shown. The convex curvature of the top portion of the upper
lip 430 allows for
the upper lip 430 to nest into the similar concave curvature of the under
portion of a lower
satellite ring 438 of another substantially similar container when stacked, as
will be shown in
FIG. 21.
FIG. 18 depicts a cross-sectional view through a particular portion of the
exemplary round
container 400. In the present embodiment, the upper lip 430, the upper
satellite ring 434, and the
lower satellite ring 438 are shown protruding from the sidewall 480. In this
embodiment, the
upper lip 430 is integrally formed with the side wall 480 and includes a
rounded upper
portion transitioning to a downward convex bend, terminating with the end of
the upper lip
substantially parallel to the side wall 480. Also shown in this embodiment,
the lower satellite
ring 438 includes an upward concave bend that is shaped with substantially
similar proportions
to the convex bend of the upper lip 430. As will be further described herein,
the upper lip 430 is
shaped such that it will fit under the lower satellite ring of a substantially
similar exemplary
container, with the upper portion of the upper lip 430 in contact with a lower
surface of the lower
satellite ring of the substantially similar exemplary container when in a
stacked position. In
various embodiments, the upper satellite ring 434 extends downward at an acute
angle from the
sidewall 480. In some embodiments, the upper satellite ring 434 may include
more or less
protrusion and bend than shown in the present embodiment.
Turning to the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the exemplary round container 400
is
shown in a lower perspective view. In this figure, the underside of the lower
satellite ring 438 is
shown and indicated as receiving space 439. In the embodiment shown, the lower
satellite ring
438 includes a lower concave surface shaped substantially similarly to the
surface of the upper
lip 430, as indicated at receiving space 439. As will be further discussed
herein, the lower
.. satellite ring 438 may be shaped at receiving space 439 to receive an upper
lip 430 of a second
exemplary round container (or any suitable container). Receiving the upper lip
430 of a second
exemplary round container 400 (or any suitable container) may occur at this
location under the
lower satellite ring 438, indicated as receiving space 439. In various
embodiments, the lower
satellite ring 438 may continue around the container body 480 except for at
the locations of the
left and right handle 410 and 420 and the bail ear assembly 440. In particular
embodiments, the
left and right handle 410 and 420, and bail ear assembly 400, may include a
similar shape (e.g., a
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
concave surface shaped substantially similarly to the upper lip 430) for
receiving an upper lip of a
second exemplary round container.
The corrugated section 432 extending from the upper lip 430 to the upper
satellite ring
434 may strengthen this region between the upper lip 430 and the upper
satellite ring 434 in
situations where the container may be stacked and experiencing additional
stress.
Turning to FIG. 20, this figure shows a bottom view of the exemplary round
container
400 in a particular embodiment. In this embodiment, the lower arcuate hand
grips 472 and 474
are each shown occupying approximately 10% of the surface area of the
substantially circular
bottom 470. Continuing with this embodiment, the underside of the lower
satellite ring 438 is
shown at receiving space 439. In various embodiments, the underside of the
lower satellite ring
438 may continue around the container body 480 except for at the locations of
the bail ear
assembly 440 and the left and right handles 410 and 420. In some embodiments,
at the locations
of the bail ear assembly 440 and the left and right handles 410 and 420, the
lower satellite ring
438 at least partially forms these characteristics of the exemplary container
400.
Continuing with FIG. 20, in some embodiments, the left and right arcuate lower
hand
grips 472 and 474 may include non-slip grooves (or other surface finishes),
divots for fingers,
etc., which may further decrease the overall volume of the container but may
add increased
performance capabilities for the container handler. As will be understood from
discussions
herein, the lower hand grips 472 and 474 may be any suitable shape, including,
but not limited
to, substantially round, arcuate, substantially rectangular, etc.
Turning to FIG. 21, this figure depicts exemplary round containers 500A and
500B in a
partially nested/stacked position. In the present embodiment, the lower
satellite ring 538A of the
exemplary round container 500A is positioned vertically above the upper lip
530B of the
exemplary round container 500B so as to receive the upper lip 530B if the
exemplary round
container 500A is lowered onto the body of the exemplary round container 500B.
As shown, a
sidewall 580A of the exemplary round container 500A may slide into the body
cavity of the
second exemplary round container 500B.
FIG. 22 shows the two exemplary round containers 500A and 500B in a
nested/stacked
configuration, according to one particular embodiment. In the embodiment
shown, the lower
satellite ring 538A receives the upper lip 530B such that the upper lip 530B
is nested with a
lower concave surface of the lower satellite ring 538A. In some embodiments,
the upper lip
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
530B is concealed underneath the lower satellite ring 538A when the two
exemplary round
containers 500A and 500B are in a stacked orientation. In other embodiments,
the upper lip 530B
is visible at the location of the left and right handles 510A and 520A. The
contact between the
lower satellite ring 538A and the upper lip 530B may provide stability when
stacking and
.. transporting multiple stacked containers. In certain embodiments, the right
and left handles
510A and 520A hang over the upper lip 530B. In these embodiments (and others),
the handles
510A and 520A may better secure the stacked containers and prevent the upper
lip 530B from
becoming dislodged from under the lower satellite ring 538A during
transportation, storage, or
any other environmental factor a container may be exposed to.
Conclusion
Accordingly, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art
that, in view
of the above detailed description of the various embodiments and articles of
the present
disclosure, the present disclosure is susceptible of broad utility and
application. Many methods,
embodiments, and adaptations of the present disclosure other than those herein
described, as well
as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements will be
apparent from or
reasonably suggested by the present disclosure and the above detailed
description thereof, without
departing from the substance or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly,
while the present
disclosure is described herein in detail in relation to various embodiments,
it is to be
understood that this detailed description is only illustrative and exemplary
of the present
disclosure and is made for purposes of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the present
disclosure. The detailed description set forth herein is not intended nor is
to be construed to limit
the present disclosure or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments,
adaptations,
variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements of the present
disclosure. The scope of
the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims appended hereto and the
equivalents
thereof.
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-04-18
