BUCKET LIFTING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application hereby claims priority to and incorporates by reference the entirety of the disclosures of the provisional application No. 63/574,590, filed on Apr. 4, 2024.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to bucket handles, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a bucket lifting device that automatically engages the bucket when the bucket lifting device is raised relative to the bucket and automatically disengages the bucket when the bucket lifting device is lowered relative to the bucket.

BACKGROUND

Buckets are generally used to store and transport fluids such as but not limited to: paints, chemicals, farm equipment, water, and so on. Buckets typically have a semi-circular shaped handle with a handle portion positioned in the center to allow a user to lift the bucket using his hands and grip force. Generally, the user can grip the handle portion of the semi-circular shaped handle using one arm and then lift and carry the bucket on either the left side or right side of his body according to his preference.

The traditional semi-circular-shaped handle has a few disadvantages. The user generally experiences asymmetrical force on his body while carrying the bucket using one arm on the semi-circular-shaped handle. Asymmetrical force on the body when lifting and carrying buckets with one arm often results in strain injuries to the back and arm as well as other injuries. Strong users can carry two buckets at a time to create an even load on their body, but doubling the weight can cause strain injuries. Further, the weight of a few buckets, such as but not limited to five-gallon buckets and so on, can sometimes exceed 60 pounds, which is a substantial weight for many people who are expected to handle them. Thus, the user often feels discomfort and fatigue while carrying the bucket using the traditional semi-circular-shaped handle.

Various solutions exist in the prior art that attempt to solve the drawbacks/disadvantages of the semi-circular-shaped handle. For instance, the product offered by Vestil on the e-commerce website Amazon using the product name “Vestil CYL-M-9 Steel Manual Cylinder Lifter 9 in. Maximum Cylinder Diameter 200 Lb. Capacity Yellow” is a device that safely lifts cylinders in order to be easy-to-use. The pivoting design of lifter allows the user to grab and squeeze cylinder when lifted. However, this solution cannot work with 5-gallon buckets as the bucket is wider at the top so the device offered by Vestil could not be placed over a bucket. Further, buckets have already existing semi-circular-shaped handles that would interfere with any device that goes all the way around the bucket.

Further, a product offered by Morse Manufacturing is available on their website “Below-Hook Pail Lifter-Bucket Lifter”. This product is designed to create an attachment point so that the bucket can be lifted with a hoist or forklift. The handles of the product are used to place the product on the bucket. The hook from the hoist or forklift is attached to the top of the product. However, the product is not designed to allow a person to lift and carry the bucket.

US20170043909A1 discloses a selectively attachable bucket handle for a bucket that is configured to detachably engage with, and accommodate, certain features of a bucket such that the bucket handle is rigidly secured to a bucket, and such that the bucket handle translates a lifting force, applied to the bucket handle, onto a bucket. The bucket handle is also configured to detachably engage with a bucket without preventing a bucket from receiving a lid. The bucket handle is configured to detachably engage with a bucket such that the rest of the bucket handle projects perpendicularly away from a side of a bucket. However, US20170043909A1 has a few design flaws that render the device ineffective.

The existing solutions related to bucket lifting devices are ineffective and inefficient, have design flaws, and are unsuitable for use in various types of bucket design. Considering the foregoing, there is a need for a bucket lifting device that eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a bucket lifting device that automatically engages the bucket when the bucket lifting device is raised relative to the bucket and automatically disengages the bucket when the bucket lifting device is lowered relative to the bucket. The bucket lifting device of the present invention further enables a worker to carry the bucket with even loading between arms and close to the body to reduce strain on the lower back.

SUMMARY

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a bucket lifting device that enables a worker to carry the bucket with even loading between arms and close to the body to reduce strain on the lower back.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a bucket lifting device that does not functionally interfere with already existing semi-circular-shaped handles that are conventionally used to carry buckets.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide retaining clips that automatically engage and disengage relative to the bucket while creating an ergonomically effective bucket lifting and carrying operation. The retaining clips, when engaged to secure lifting device to the bucket, have two essential functions: to carry the weight of the bucket, and to secure the bucket so that the bucket 200 does not fall off the bucket lifting device.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a bucket lifting device that is fully detachable from the bucket.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a bucket lifting device that is' configured for facilitating lifting of a bucket having a rim portion, wherein the bucket lifting device is selectively positionable between a secured position and a resting position, wherein the bucket lifting device comprising: a transverse member having a pair of opposite ends; and a retaining clip disposed at each end of the transverse member, a rotating element connected to each end of the transverse member; wherein the rotating element is configured to allow rotation of the retaining clip relative to the rotating element; a handle connected to each retaining clip, wherein the handle is configured to be held by user; and wherein the bucket lifting device is configured to be selectively positioned in a secured position relative to the bucket when the bucket is being lifted and/or transported; wherein in the secured position, each retaining clip is configured to contact against an underside of the rim portion of the bucket.

In another embodiment, the transverse member is a curved loop that is substantially semi-circular in shape.

In another embodiment, a rotating element is connected to each end of the transverse member, wherein the rotating element is configured to allow rotation of the retaining clip relative to the rotating element. The rotating element could include but not limited to: cylindrical post, pin, screw, bolt and rivet and so on.

In another embodiment, the transverse member has a cross-section comprising a circle, square tubing, flat bar, taper shape, and triangle shape.

In another embodiment, the handle is pivotally (rotatably) connected to each retaining clip.

In another embodiment, an inclined plate is mounted at each end of the transverse member. The inclined plate is angled slightly outward positioning the retaining clip such as to allow clearance between the bucket and the retaining clip, when the bucket lifting device is placed around the bucket.

In another embodiment, the rotating element comprises a spring. The spring provides a resilient force such that the retaining clip is naturally held in resting position unless the handle is pulled relative to the bucket by a sufficient opposing force causing the retaining clip to be deployed in a secured position relative to the bucket.

In another embodiment, the bucket lifting device is configured to be automatically positioned in a resting position relative to the bucket when the bucket lifting device is lowered relative to the bucket after being placed on the ground surface. In the resting position, each retaining clip is configured to disengage from the underside of the rim portion of the bucket.

In another embodiment, the bucket lifting device is detachable from the bucket.

In another embodiment, a circular collar is mounted at each end of the transverse member.

Embodiments of the present invention further comprises method of lifting bucket manually by a user comprising the steps of: providing a bucket lifting device that includes a transverse member having a pair of opposite ends and a retaining clip disposed at each end of the transverse member; a handle rotatably connected to each retaining clip wherein the handle is configured to be held by user; positioning the bucket lifting device in proximity of the bucket to enable contact of the transverse member against a cylindrical portion of the bucket; manipulating the pair of handles relative to bucket to enable the pair of retaining clips to contact against an underside of the rim portion of the bucket; thereby positioning the bucket lifting device in a secured position; and lifting the bucket by pulling the pair of handles in an upward direction relative to the bucket such that the bucket is positioned in front of the body of the user.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a bucket lifting device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the bucket lifting device of FIG. 1, wherein the bucket lifting device is positioned in a resting position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the bucket lifting device of FIG. 1, wherein the bucket lifting device is positioned in a secured position.

FIGS. 4-9 illustrate various steps of positioning the bucket lifting device of FIG. 1 from a resting position to a secured position.

FIG. 10 illustrates various views of a rotating element connected to a retaining clip of the bucket lifting device of FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a static frame of the bucket lifting device of FIGS. 1-9.

FIGS. 12-15 illustrates various views of a bucket lifting device, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 16-17 illustrates various sectional views of a bucket lifting device of FIGS. 12-15, wherein transverse member and pair of handles are not shown for the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding.

FIGS. 18 illustrates various views of a retaining clip of the bucket lifting device of FIGS. 12-17, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a collar of the bucket lifting device of FIGS. 12-17, according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes a combination of components or processes, which constitutes a bucket lifting device. Accordingly, the components or processes have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific component-level details and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “one example”, “an example”, “another example” and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The words “comprising”, “having”, “containing”, and “including”, and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

The bucket lifting device of various embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-19.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3 that illustrate various views of a bucket lifting device 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. The bucket lifting device 100 is configured for lifting conventional bucket 200 of various shapes and sizes, such as but not limited to: 5-gallon bucket and so on, and various other shapes such as but not limited to cylindrical, rectangular, square, and so on. Generally, the bucket 200 has a rim portion 210 arranged on the upper side of the bucket 200 to support mounting of the conventional semi-circular shaped handle (not shown in figures) and/or provide structural reinforcement and/or provide hand gripping surface for lifting of the bucket 200. The bucket lifting device 100 comprises a transverse member 120, a pair of retaining clips 130, a pair of plates 140, a pair of rotating elements 150, and a pair of handles 160, the entirety of which will be described in greater detail in the below description.

The bucket lifting device 100 is configured for facilitating the lifting of a bucket 200 having a rim portion 210, wherein the bucket lifting device 100 is selectively positionable between a secured position (FIG. 3) and a resting position (FIG. 2). The transverse member 120 has a pair of ends 122 disposed diametrically opposite to each other. The transverse member 120 is dimensioned to cover (overlie) a substantially cylindrical portion of bucket 200 and further serves the purpose of effectively securing the bucket 200 such that the bucket 200 does not accidentally fall off while being lifted using the bucket lifting device 100. The transverse member 120 prevents the bucket 200 from falling in the forward direction (ahead) of the body of the user. In an embodiment as seen in FIG. 2, the transverse member 120 is a curved loop that is substantially semi-circular in shape. In another embodiment (not shown in figures), the transverse member 120 could be a connection of bars connected at substantially right angles to each other.

A retaining clip 130 is disposed of at each end 122 of the transverse member 120. An inclined plate 140 is mounted at each end 122 of the transverse member 120. In an embodiment, the inclined plate 140 is angled slightly outward positioning the retaining clip 130 to allow clearance between the bucket 200 and the retaining clip 130 when the bucket lifting device 100 is placed around the bucket 200. A rotating element 150 is connected to the inclined plate 140, wherein the rotating element 150 is configured to allow rotation of the retaining clip 130 relative to the rotating element 150 such that the retaining clip 130 could be pivoted relative to the rotating element 150 to selectively bring the retaining clip 130 in either a secured position (FIG. 3) or a resting position (FIG. 2). The connection arrangement of the rotating element 150, the transverse member 120 and the inclined plate 140 defines a “static frame” of the bucket lifting device 100 as seen in FIG. 11. The rotating element 150 could include but not limited to: cylindrical post, pin, screw, bolt, rivet and so on.

A handle 160 is connected to each retaining clip 130 wherein the handle 160 is configured to be held by the user. The bucket lifting device 100 is configured to be automatically positioned in a secured position (FIG. 3) relative to the bucket 200 when the bucket 200 is being lifted and/or transported; wherein in the secured position (FIG. 3), each retaining clip 130 is configured to contact against an underside 212 of the rim portion 210 of the bucket 200. Further, as seen in FIG. 3, the pair of handles 160 are positioned in a generally upward direction relative to the bucket 200 when the bucket lifting device 100 is positioned in a secured position due to the upward pulling of the pair of handles by the user 160, wherein the pair of handles 160 are positioned in a generally downward direction relative to the bucket 200 when the bucket lifting device 100 is positioned in a resting position as seen in FIG. 2. The retaining clips 130, when engaged, have two essential functions: to carry the weight of the bucket, and to secure the bucket 200 so that the bucket 200 does not fall off the bucket lifting device 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, an exemplary method of lifting a bucket 200 by positioning the bucket lifting device 100 relative to the bucket 200 from a resting position to a secured position and vice-versa will be described in reference to the accompanying figures.

Initially as seen in FIG. 4, the user is holding the pair of handles 160 of the bucket lifting device 100 using his hands. Firstly, the user positions himself relative to the bucket 200 by bending his legs in a manner as described in FIG. 5 such that the transverse member 120 of the bucket lifting device 100 is positioned in a downward direction relative to the underside 212 of the rim portion 210 of the bucket 200. Afterward, the user positions the bucket lifting device 100 by using his hands in such a manner that the transverse member 120 contacts against the cylindrical portion of the bucket 200. The transverse member 120 is rotatable relative to the pair of handles 160. A pair of retaining clips 130 is disposed at each end 122 of the transverse member 120. The contact of the transverse member 120 against the cylindrical portion of the bucket 200 enables the user to manipulate (rotate) the pair of handles 160 relative to bucket 200 such that the pair of retaining clips 130 contacts against an underside 212 of the rim portion 210 of the bucket 200, securing the bucket 200 in the bucket lifting device 100 and thereby positioning the bucket lifting device 100 in a secured position as seen in FIG. 6 relative to the bucket 200. Afterward, the user raises his body using his legs and/or pulling (holding) the pair of handles 160 of the bucket lifting device 100 in an upward direction using his hands as seen in FIG. 7. The shape of the transverse member 120, and the gravitation force of the bucket 200 and the contact of the pair of retaining clips 130 against an underside 212 of the rim portion 210 of the bucket 200 collectively ensure that the bucket does not accidentally fall off during holding and transport of the bucket 200, and thus, the bucket 200 remains safely locked relative to the bucket lifting device 100 when the bucket lifting device 100 in a secured position. Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the user can carry the bucket 200 using his hands such that the bucket 200 is positioned in front of his body with even loading between arms and close to the body, thereby reducing strain on the lower back.

The user can position the bucket lifting device 100 relative to the bucket 200 from a secured position to the resting position by merely repeating the above steps in reverse order with little to no variation. In an exemplary method, to release (remove) the bucket 200 from the bucket lifting device 100, the user can simply place the bucket 200 on a ground surface and manipulate (move) the pair of handles 160 of the bucket lifting device 100 using his hands such that the bucket lifting device 100 is moved downwards relative to the bucket 200. The rotating element 150 comprises a spring 152 wherein the spring 152 provides a resilient force such that the retaining clip 130 is naturally held in a resting position when no force is applied, thereby automatically bringing the bucket lifting device 100 in a resting position. Wherein in the resting position, each retaining clip 130 is configured to disengage from the underside 212 of the rim portion 210 of the bucket 200.

FIG. 10 shows various views of a rotating element 150 connected to a retaining clip 130 of the bucket lifting device 100 of FIGS. 1-9. The rotating element 150 is substantially cylindrical and a spring 152 is wound around the outer circumference of the rotating element 150. The spring 152 provides a resilient force such that the retaining clip 130 is naturally held in resting position unless the handle 160 is pulled relative to the bucket 200 by a sufficient opposing force causing the retaining clip 130 to be deployed in a secured position relative to the bucket 200. In various embodiments not shown in figures, the spring 152 could include but not be limited to helical spring, torsion spring, etc. As seen in FIG. 10, the retaining clip 130 is substantially L-shaped in design and includes a flat portion 130A that is configured to contact against an underside 212 of the rim portion 210 of the bucket 200, when the bucket lifting device 100 is positioned in a secured position. The retaining clip 130 further includes two connecting portions 133 and 135. The connecting portion 133 rotationally connects the retaining clip 130 to the inclined plate 140 and the transverse member 120. The connecting portion 135 pivotably connects the retaining clip 130 to a handle 160. The connecting portion 133 and the connecting portion 135 could include any parts/components that are effective in providing connection to various parts/elements of the present invention such as but not limited to: screws, washer, rivet, and so on.

FIGS. 12-15 illustrates various views of a bucket lifting device 100′, according to another embodiment of the invention. The bucket lifting device 100′ is similar to the bucket lifting device 100 of FIGS. 1-10 except for some geometrical modifications associated with the inclined plate and the retaining clip and overall “static frame”. The bucket lifting device 100′ does not include plate 140. Instead, the bucket lifting device 100′ includes a collar 140′ as seen in FIG. 19 that is circular in shape. The collar 140′ serves the same purpose of that of plate 140 (FIG. 1-11) with little to no variation in functionality and further, the collar 140′ serves the additional function of concealing the spring 152 (FIG. 10) and creating a mechanism without exposed pinch points, thereby eliminating pinch hazards for the user. The collar 140′ includes a rotating element 150 and a spring 152 (FIG. 19). The bucket lifting device 200 further includes a pair of retaining clips 130′ (FIG. 18) instead of a pair of retaining clips 130 (FIGS. 1-11) wherein the pair of retaining clips 130′ serves the same purpose as that of a pair of retaining clips 130 (FIGS. 1-11). However, the pair of retaining clips 130′ is different in design as compared to the pair of retaining clips 130 (FIGS. 1-11). The retaining clip 130′ includes a connecting portion 133 and 135. The connecting portion 133 rotationally connects the retaining clip 130′ to the collar 140′ and the transverse member 120. The connecting portion 135 pivotably connects the retaining clip 130′ to a handle 160. Broadly speaking, the “static frame” of the bucket lifting device 200 includes a transverse member 120 connected to a pair of collars 210 that are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the transverse member 120.

As seen in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the bucket lifting device 100′ is positioned in a resting position and the pair of handles 160 is positioned in a general downward direction. To bring the bucket lifting device 100′ in a secured position, the user manipulates the pair of handles 160 using his hands in such as manner as described in reference to FIGS. 4-9 with little to no variation. As seen in FIGS. 15-17, the pair of retaining clips 130′ contacts against an underside 212 of the rim portion 210 of the bucket 200, securing the bucket 200 in the bucket lifting device 100′ and thereby positioning the bucket lifting device 100′ in a secured position. Wherein in the resting position as seen in FIGS. 12-13, each retaining clip 130 is configured to disengage from the underside 212 of the rim portion 210 of the bucket 200.

Although the particular embodiments shown and described above will prove to be useful in many applications in the handle art to which the present invention pertains, further modifications of the present invention will occur to persons skilled in the art. All such modifications are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.