Abstract
The invention provides a method of holding combat sport equipment, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a container, and placing combat sport equipment in the container. The container comprises: (a) a hollow body defined by four sidewalls that extend from a closed base to an open mouth; and (b) a handle provided on one of the sidewalls of the hollow body. The handle comprises a first elongate member and a second elongate member, wherein the first elongate member has an elongate axis that lies parallel to the plane of the closed base; and the second elongate member has an elongate axis that lies perpendicular to the plane of the closed base.
Claims
1. A method of holding combat sport equipment, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a container, the container comprising: a hollow body defined by four sidewalls that extend from a closed base to an open mouth; and a handle provided on one of the sidewalls of the hollow body, the handle comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member, wherein: the first elongate member has an elongate axis that lies parallel to the plane of the closed base; and the second elongate member has an elongate axis that lies perpendicular to the plane of the closed base; and placing combat sport equipment in the container.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is a method of moving combat sport equipment and comprises the further step of: moving the container having combat sport equipment therein, so as to move the combat sport equipment from a first location to a second location.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein one or more steps of the method are carried out before, during or after a combat sport event or contest.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the container is moved from a first location outside a fighting area to a second location inside a fighting area, or wherein the container is moved from a first location inside a fighting area to a second location outside a fighting area.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the container is moved between or under ropes that mark the perimeter of the fighting area.
6. The method according to claim 2, wherein the movement comprises using the handle of the container to push the container or using the handle of the container to both lift the container and push the container into position.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the handle is in a fixed position relative to the hollow body.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second elongate member of the handle is directly connected to the first elongate member.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the handle is rigid.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the handle is located substantially centrally with respect to the width of the sidewall.
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the handle is located substantially centrally or in the upper half with respect to the height of the sidewall.
12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the handle is T-shaped, C-shaped or L-shaped.
13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the container is used in combination with at least one removable receptacle, and wherein the container is adapted to receive the removable receptacle.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the or each removable receptacle is selected from the group consisting of insert trays and spittoons and combinations thereof.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the removable receptacle is a spittoon comprising a hollow body with an open mouth, and having an elongate handle that extends away from the open mouth.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein handle has an engagement region, which may be a hook-like or loop-like region, located at a distal end of the handle, away from the hollow body of the spittoon.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the spittoon is provided with a lid.
18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the container is used in combination with a plurality of spittoons, wherein said plurality of spittoons are adapted to stack with one another.
19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the container is used in combination with an insert tray and a spittoon.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the spittoon has a lid and the insert tray is adapted to stack on top of the spittoon when the spittoon is closed by its lid.
Description
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0206] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0207] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the present disclosure;
[0208] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1, wherein the lid is in the open position;
[0209] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the equipment contained within the container and the insert tray have been unpacked;
[0210] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an insert tray of the container shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0211] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, showing a storage box inside the container, in a first compartment of the hollow body;
[0212] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the container shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 5, predominantly showing the inside of a second compartment of the hollow body;
[0213] FIG. 6b is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the container shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 5, which is provided with a fluid outlet in the closed base of the first compartment of the hollow body;
[0214] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the outside of the container shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 5 and 6, showing the handle of the container in more detail;
[0215] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 5 to 7, wherein the lid is in the closed position;
[0216] FIG. 9 is a perspective view from above of an alternative container according to the present disclosure;
[0217] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from the handle end of the container shown in FIG. 9;
[0218] FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a spittoon that can be used with a container according to the present disclosure;
[0219] FIG. 11b is a perspective view of a lid for the spittoon shown in FIG. 11a;
[0220] FIG. 11c is a perspective view of the spittoon shown in FIG. 11a when provided with the lid of FIG. 11b;
[0221] FIG. 11d is a perspective view of a plurality of spittoons of the type shown in FIG. 11a in the form of a stack;
[0222] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an insert tray that can be used with a container according to the present disclosure;
[0223] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of an alternative container according to the present disclosure, in which an insert tray of the type shown in FIG. 12 can be seen; and
[0224] FIG. 13b is a perspective view of an insert tray stacked on top of a spittoon with a lid.
[0225] FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a container 10 according to the present disclosure that comprises a hollow body 20 defined by four sidewalls 22 (22a-22d) that extend from a closed base 23a to an open mouth 23b. The hollow body 20 is generally cuboidal. The closed base 23a supports the body 20 on the floor.
[0226] The container 10 also comprises an L-shaped handle 30 that is integral with sidewall 22a of the hollow body. The handle 30 is located substantially centrally with respect to the width of sidewall 22a, and is in the upper half with respect to the height of sidewall 22a. This provides greater control and stability when moving the container 10. The handle 30 has a first elongate member 32 and a second elongate member 34. The first member 32 separates the second member 34 from the sidewall 22a. The second member 34 is designed to be gripped by the hand of the user. When the second member 34 is gripped by the hand of the user their index finger suitably rests against the first member 32. The “L” shape is upside down in use, as shown here: F. In other words, in use the first elongate member 32 is above the second elongate member 34.
[0227] The container is also shown as including a lid 40. Lid 40 is an optional feature of the container used in the method of the present invention and therefore can be omitted. The lid 40 is pivotally connected to the hollow body 20 by two hinges 42. FIG. 1 shows the outer surface 44 of the lid 40.
[0228] The container also includes an additional handle 50 that extends across the open mouth 23b from one sidewall 22b to an opposite sidewall 22d and can move pivotally, in the manner of a traditional bucket handle. The additional handle 50 comprises a metal arm 52 and a plastic grip 54.
[0229] FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows the lid 40 in the open position. The inner surface 46 of the lid 40 is shown in FIG. 2, and provides a flat work surface.
[0230] From FIGS. 1 and 2 it can be appreciated that when the lid 40 was in the closed position it covered the mouth 23b. In this position the lid 40 extended over a first partition wall 24. A first compartment is defined by first partition wall 24, sidewall 22a and part of sidewalls 22b and 22d. This first compartment can be split into two by second partition wall 26.
[0231] FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings shows the container 10 with the lid 40 in the open position and with the contents of the container, including an insert tray 70, unloaded. The additional handle 50 now rests on the hinges 42 of the lid 40, showing that the additional handle 50 is pivotable.
[0232] In FIG. 3, sidewalls 22c and 22d are visible. In addition, it can be seen that the container was provided with an insert tray 70. The insert tray is sized to be received in a second compartment defined by sidewall 22c, partition wall 24 and part of sidewalls 22b and 22d.
[0233] The insert tray 70 is shown in more detail in FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings. The insert tray 70 is a “tote” tray. The insert tray 70 is used to store equipment and can be removed from and re-inserted into the container 10.
[0234] FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings shows the second compartment defined by sidewall 22c, partition wall 24 and part of sidewalls 22b and 22d. The insert tray 70 is sized to fit into this compartment, and the insert tray 70 is supported by a plurality of fin-shaped support members 72 when it is inserted into the compartment.
[0235] FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings also shows the first compartment defined by sidewall 22a, partition wall 24 and part of sidewalls 22b and 22d. This first compartment can be split into two by second partition wall 26.
[0236] It can be seen that partition wall 26 is held in place by partition holders 28a extending from sidewall 22a and partition wall 24. The partition holders 28a are shown in more detail in FIG. 6a of the accompanying drawings, where partition wall 26 has been removed. The four partition holders 28a are arranged so as to define two opposing channels into which partition wall 26 can be releasably secured.
[0237] FIG. 6b shows an alternative embodiment of the container 10 which is provided with a hole 90 in the closed base to act as a fluid outlet. Specifically, the hole 90 is located in the closed base 23a of the second compartment defined by sidewall 22c, partition wall 24 and part of sidewalls 22b and 22d. Fluids can be drained from the container 10 out of the fluid outlet 90. The fluid outlet 90 is useful for when the container 10 is used as a spittoon, or if there is water or other fluids within the container. Therefore, the fluid outlet 90 may be particularly useful when draining and/or cleaning the container 10.
[0238] A closure (not shown), such as a plug, is provided to removably seal the hole 90. Therefore fluids can be retained in the container 10 when desired, and can subsequently be drained from the container 10 when desired. The closure, e.g. plug, engages with the hole 90 from outside the container 10, which has the advantage that the user can take the plug out of the hole 90 without having to place their hand inside the container 10 and therefore they do not need to come into contact with any fluid inside the container 10.
[0239] FIG. 7 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view of sidewall 22a. The handle 30, including first member 32 and second member 34, can be seen. In addition, it can be seen that two protrusions 28b extend from sidewall 22a. The protrusions 28b act as a stop and support the lid 40 relative to sidewall 22a of the hollow body 20 when the lid 40 is in the open position, thereby preventing the lid 40 from pivoting past the open position.
[0240] FIG. 8 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view of the container 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7, wherein the lid 40 is in the closed position. In addition, this view shows the two “stop” protrusions 28b in more detail. It can also be seen that the container includes an advertisement holder 60 that comprises four sleeves 62 for holding an advertising sign.
[0241] It can be seen that the first compartment as defined by first partition wall 24, sidewall 22a and part of sidewalls 22b and 22d (which can be split into two by second partition wall 26) is covered by the lid in the closed position. Meanwhile, the second compartment as defined by sidewall 22c, partition wall 24 and part of sidewalls 22b and 22d is not covered by the lid when in the closed position. This means that when the lid 40 is in the closed position the user can only access the second compartment. This second compartment can be emptied so that it includes no equipment, and this compartment can then be used as a spittoon. This configuration means that the lid 40 covers the first compartment (optionally split into two), and so keeps it closed, and thus equipment contained within this first compartment does not become contaminated with fluids intended for the spittoon.
[0242] FIG. 9 of the accompanying drawings shows a container 110 according to the present disclosure. The container comprises a hollow body 120 defined by four sidewalls 122 (122a-122d) that extend from a closed base 123a to an open mouth 123b. The hollow body 120 is generally cuboidal. The closed base 123a supports the body 120 on the floor.
[0243] The container 110 also comprises an L-shaped handle 130 that is integral with sidewall 122a of the hollow body.
[0244] FIG. 10 of the accompanying drawings shows that the handle 130 is located substantially centrally with respect to the width of sidewall 122a, and is in the upper half with respect to the height of sidewall 122a. This provides greater control and stability when moving the container 110. The handle 130 has a first elongate member 132 and a second elongate member 134. The first member 132 separates the second member 134 from the sidewall 122a. The second member 134 is designed to be gripped by the hand of the user. When the second member 134 is gripped by the hand of the user their index finger suitably rests against the first member 132. The “L” shape is upside down in use, as shown here: F. In other words, in use the first elongate member 132 is above the second elongate member 134.
[0245] The container as shown also includes attachment members 155, located substantially centrally with respect to the width of sidewalls 122b and 122b, such that these are provided opposite one another on either side of open mouth 123b. These attachment members 155 include holes and can be used to releasably secure an optional additional handle or strap (not shown) to the container 110, with this additional handle or strap extending across the open mouth 123b.
[0246] Referring again to FIG. 9, it can be seen that a first compartment is defined by first partition wall 124, sidewall 122a and part of sidewalls 122b and 122d. This first compartment can be split into two by second partition wall 126. It can be seen that partition wall 126 is held in place by partition holders 128a extending from sidewall 122a and partition wall 124. Four partition holders 128a are arranged so as to define two opposing channels into which partition wall 126 can be releasably secured.
[0247] A second compartment is defined by first partition wall 124, sidewall 122c and part of sidewalls 122b and 122d.
[0248] FIG. 11a of the accompanying drawings shows spittoon 180, which has an elongate handle 184 that extends vertically from the open mouth of spittoon 180. The handle 184 has an engagement region with a hook-like shape 186 to facilitate removal of spittoon 180 from the second compartment of container 110. Spittoon 180 is generally cuboidal and handle 184 extends from a position half way along one of the longer sidewalls of spittoon 180.
[0249] FIG. 11b of the accompanying drawings shows spittoon lid 182, which is adapted to fit on spittoon 180. The lid 182 has a notch 188 to fit around the spittoon handle 184. The lid 182 also has a central projection 190 to assist the user with holding, lifting and moving the lid 182.
[0250] FIG. 11c of the accompanying drawings shows spittoon lid 182 positioned on spittoon 180. A fluid-tight seal can be formed between spittoon 180 and lid 182. This reduces the risk of spilling the contents of spittoon 180, e.g. potentially infectious bodily fluids.
[0251] FIG. 11d of the accompanying drawings shows that a plurality spittoons 180 are able to stack with one another to reduce space consumption and facilitate transportation.
[0252] FIG. 12 of the accompanying drawings shows more detail of insert tray 170. The insert tray 170 is a “tote” tray. The insert tray 170 is used to store equipment and can be removed from and re-inserted into the container 110. Insert tray 170 is adapted to stack on top of spittoon 180 when it is provided with its lid 182. Insert tray 170 has a recess 172 into which elongate handle 184 of spittoon 180 can fit when insert tray 170 is stacked on top of spittoon 180. The tray 170 also has a handle 174 to assist the user with holding and moving the insert tray 170.
[0253] FIG. 13a of the accompanying drawings shows another container 210 of a similar design to container 110. Container 210 has a handle (not shown) of the same “upside-down L” shape design as handle 130. In FIG. 13a the container 210 has insert tray 270 and spittoon 280, provided with its spittoon lid 282, positioned inside its hollow body, within the second compartment. The insert tray 270 is stacked on top of spittoon 280 and so only insert tray 270 is visible.
[0254] However, FIG. 13b of the accompanying drawings shows the insert tray 270 and spittoon 280, with spittoon lid 282, in this stacked arrangement. It can be seen that spittoon 280 is generally cuboidal and its handle 284 extends from a position half way along one of the shorter sidewalls of spittoon 280. In the stacked arrangement shown, the handle 284 fits into a recess 272 in insert tray 270.
[0255] The insert tray 270, spittoon 280, and spittoon lid 282 fit inside the second compartment of container 210 such that the insert tray 270, spittoon 280, and spittoon lid 282 are secure (prevented from moving) within the compartment of the hollow body of container 210 during transportation. This reduces the likelihood of any contents, e.g. potentially infectious bodily fluids, of spittoon 280 spilling or sloshing out whilst the container 210 is being moved.
