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  Container with content lift systemUSPTO Application #: 20060159815Title: Container with content lift system Abstract: The present invention allows a user to scoop material from a container without having to bend over when the container is empty. The container has a material containing pan wherein the height of the pan is determined by springs which respond to the weight of material on the pan. If the weight on the pan is relatively great, for example, 40 pounds of pet food, then the pan is at the bottom portion of the container and the user is able to scoop out the pet food from the top of the container. If the weight on the pan is relatively small, for example 5 pounds of pet food, then the pan is at the top portion of the container and the user is able to scoop out the dog food from the top of the container. (end of abstract)
Agent: Law Office Of Steven B. Leavitt - Rowlett, TX, US Inventors: Leslie J. Crook, Lisa M. Frank USPTO Applicaton #: 20060159815 - Class: 426394000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Food Or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, And Products, Processes, Packaging Or Treatment Of Packaged Product, In Container Having Diverse Utility, E.g., Dispensing, Etc. The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060159815. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Technical Field [0002] The present invention relates to the field of containers, and more particularly to the area of containers with a variable height storage area adapted to retain bulk particulate matter. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Solid particulate matter such as grains, pet food, chemicals are often stored in large bin containers for incremental dispensing by a subject. Pet food, for example, is commonly available in dry food forms such as cereals which is stored in relatively large bin-type containers. This type of pet food is commonly referred to as kibble. [0005] One problem with storing kibble and other like bulk particulate matter in a bin type container is that upon removal and depletion of the particulate matter from the bin, a person must progressively reach further into the container toward its bottom to access the remaining bulk material. This can be difficult for those with physical limitations, such back problems, arthritis, and nervous system disorders, making it difficult to bend or reach for objects. Reaching further into the bin each succeeding time can only be temporarily resolved by filling the bin. However, this is only a temporary solution because as the bin is depleted over time once again the same difficulties develop in removing material from the bin. [0006] Therefore, a device that allows a person to withdraw bulk material from a container having a design that eliminates, or at least substantially reduces a person's need to bend or reach for material located towards the bottom of the container is needed and desired. It would be particularly beneficial if the container could be used for storing a variety of bulk material such as powdered laundry detergent, pet food, grains, and other foods such as beans, and snack chips. The container should also be available in numerous sizes and shapes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The container of the present invention allows a user to scoop bulk material there from without the need to bend over or reach into a significant portion of the container as it is emptied. The container has a material containing pan wherein the height of the pan relative to the height of the container is determined by the weight of the material resting on the pan. To effectuate the ability to alter the pan height within the container, springs are provided to respond accordingly to the weight of material on the pan which thereby provides a force for pushing upward on the pan. If the weight on the pan is relatively great, for example, 40 pounds of dog food, then the downward force from the weight on the pan is greater than the upward force from the springs. Thereby, the pan is designed to be at the bottom portion of the container so the user is able to scoop out the pet food from the top of the storage container. If using the same container and the weight on the pan is relatively small, for example 5 pounds of dog food, then the downward force from the weight on the pan is less than the upward force from the springs and the pan is essentially closer to the top portion of the container thereby enabling the user to reach and scoop out the dog food from the top of the container. [0008] The container can be used to store a variety of bulk particulate material such as powdered laundry detergent, pet food, grains, other foods such as beans, chips, or other bulk particulate food matter and is available in numerous sizes and shapes. If, for example, the container is to be used for detergent soap, then springs with the correct compression rating are used such that when the container is full of detergent soap, the pan is at the bottom of the container and when the container is relatively empty of detergent soap, then the pan is relatively close to the top of the container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a container with lift system in accordance with the present invention; [0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the material pan of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and [0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0015] In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. [0016] As shown in FIG. 1, container 102 comprises front wall 104a, back wall 104b, side wall 106a, side wall 106b, floor 136, lid 108, retainer ring 110, material pan 112, rubber gasket 114, spring insert 116, lower spring insert 142, and springs 118. [0017] Front wall 104a and back wall 104b may be made of metal, plastic, rubber, or other similar rigid or semi-rigid material capable of supporting container 102. By way of example and not of limitation, front wall 104a and back wall 104b in FIG. 1 are approximately 21 inches high and 21 inches wide. In other embodiments, the dimensions can change and such changes are apparent to one skilled in the art. Front wall 104a and back wall 104b have outside edges 119a and 119b, respectively, and inside edges 120a and 120b, respectively. Front wall 104a and back wall 104b are connected to side walls 106a and 106b. [0018] Side walls 106a and 106b may be made of metal, plastic, rubber, or some other similar rigid or semi-rigid material capable of supporting container 102. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, side walls 106a and 106b are approximately 21 inches high and 15 inches wide. In other embodiments, the dimensions can change and such changes are known to one skilled in the art. Side walls 106a and 106b have outside edges 122a and 122b, respectively, and inside edges 124a and 124b, respectively. Inside edges 120a, 120b, 124a, and 124b define cavity 126. [0019] Cavity 126 has a top portion 128 and a bottom portion 130. In use, cavity 126 contains material pan 112, rubber gasket 114, spring inserts 116, lower spring inserts 142, and springs 118. Top portion 128 of cavity 126 contains retainer ring 110. [0020] Retainer ring 110 may be made of metal, plastic, rubber, or some other similar rigid or semi-rigid material and is secured to container 102. Retainer ring 110 extends from inside edges 120a, 120b, 124a and 124b into top portion 128 of cavity 126 and prevents material pan 112 from extending past retainer ring 110. Continue reading... Full patent description for Container with content lift system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Container with content lift system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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