Special receptacle or package – For a tool
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-06
2001-06-05
Foster, Jim (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
For a tool
C004S255110, C220S367100, C220S003940
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241091
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a container for storing elongated objects and, more particularly, to a decorative container for storing any one of a number of different sized and shaped plumbing plungers.
The use of plumbing plungers for taking care of clogs in the bathroom, kitchen and other locations throughout the home as well as within commercial and industrial settings is well known. In many households, business and industrial settings, such plumbing plungers are typically maintained in the bathroom, generally beside or behind a bathroom fixture, such as the toilet or sink. Storing a plumbing plunger in this manner is not only unsightly but is also unsanitary. In addition, such plumbing plungers become an attraction to children or pets who may be subjected to contact with infectious bacteria which may remain on a portion of the plunger after use.
The present invention overcomes many of the problems associated with the storage of a plumbing plunger by providing a convenient closable decorative container. The container in accordance with the present invention is adapted for the storage in an upright position of virtually any type or size of plumbing plunger in general use in virtually any location. The container in accordance with the present invention is neat, attractive and maintains a plumbing plunger safely out of the sight and reach of children and pets and yet is easily accessible when needed. The container in accordance with the present invention maintains a plunger stored therein in a sanitary condition, while providing a neat and pleasant outward appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a decorative container for receiving and storing a plumbing plunger in a generally upright position. The container includes a base which has a bottom wall and a sidewall. The sidewall extends upwardly from the bottom wall by a predetermined distance and extends around a perimeter of the bottom wall. The sidewall has a supporting lip which extends around a perimeter of the sidewall. A first part of the sidewall of the base proximate to the supporting lip has a first slot which extends through the sidewall. The supporting lip extends over the first slot and at least partially conceals the first slot from being externally viewed. The container further includes a cover which has a lower end and a sidewall and which is releasably positioned on the supporting lip. The lower end of the cover member surrounds the sidewall of the base.
In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a decorative container for receiving and storing a plumbing plunger in a generally upright position. The container includes a base which has a bottom wall and a sidewall which extends upwardly from the bottom wall by a predetermined distance and which extends around a perimeter of the bottom wall. The sidewall has a supporting lip which extends around a perimeter of the sidewall. The sidewall tapers inwardly above the supporting lip. The container further includes a cover which has a lower end and a sidewall and which is releasably positioned on the supporting lip. The lower end of the cover member surrounds and snugly engages the sidewall of the base above the supporting lip. The sidewall of the cover tapers generally inwardly from the lower end to an upper portion.
In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a decorative container for receiving and storing a plumbing plunger in a generally upright position. The container comprises a base which has a bottom wall having a plurality of holes extending therethrough and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall by a predetermined distance. The sidewall further extends around a perimeter of the bottom wall and has a supporting lip which extends around a perimeter of the sidewall. A first part of the sidewall of the base proximate to the supporting lip has a first slot extending therethrough. The supporting lip extends over the first slot and at least partially conceals the first slot from being externally viewed. The combination further includes a cover which is releasably positioned on the supporting lip and has a lower end and a sidewall. The lower end of the cover member surrounds the sidewall of the base.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises a decorative container for receiving and storing a plumbing plunger in a generally upright position. The container comprises a base which has a bottom wall. The bottom wall has at least one hole extending therethrough and a raised perimeter extending upwardly therefrom surrounding each of the at least one hole. The container further comprises a cover which is releasably positioned on the base.
In yet another embodiment, the invention includes a combination plumbing plunger and decorative container therefor. The combination comprises a decorative container which includes a base which has a bottom wall and a sidewall. The sidewall extends upwardly from the bottom wall by a predetermined distance and which extends around a perimeter of the bottom wall. The sidewall has a supporting lip which extends around a perimeter of the sidewall. A first part of the sidewall of the base proximate to the supporting lip has a first slot which extends through the sidewall. The supporting lip extends over the first slot and at least partially conceals the first slot from being externally viewed. The container also includes a cover which has a lower end and a sidewall and which is releasably positioned on the supporting lip. The lower end of the cover member surrounds the sidewall of the base. The combination further includes a plumbing plunger which is removably stored within the decorative container.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a combination plumbing plunger and decorative container therefor. The combination comprises a decorative container which includes a base having a bottom wall. The bottom wall has a plurality of holes extending therethrough and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall by a predetermined distance. The sidewall further extends around a perimeter of the bottom wall. The sidewall has a supporting lip which extends around a perimeter of the sidewall. A first part of the sidewall of the base proximate to the supporting lip has a first slot which extends therethrough. The supporting lip extends over the first slot and at least partially concealing the first slot from being externally viewed. The container further includes a cover which is releasably positioned on the supporting lip and has a lower end and a sidewall. The lower end of the cover member surrounds the sidewall of the base. The combination further includes a plumbing plunger which is removably stored within the decorative container.
In still another embodiment, the present invention is a combination plumbing plunger and decorative container therefor. The combination comprises a decorative container which includes a base which has a bottom wall. The bottom wall has at least one hole extending therethrough and a raised perimeter extending upwardly therefrom surrounding each of the at least one hole. The container further includes a cover which is releasably positioned on the base. The combination further includes a plumbing plunger which is removably stored within the decorative container.
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Bressler Peter
Coleman John
Juhng Zoey
Moore Gregory
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld L.L.P.
Foster Jim
Moore Gregory
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