MULTIFUNCTIONAL RECEPTACLE

• US 20050098459A1
• Filed: 11/12/2004
• Published: 05/12/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mike Gorman
• Original Assignee: Mike Gorman
• Inventors: Gorman, Mike
• Granted Patent: US 7,503,454 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 206/349
• CPC Class Codes: B25H 3/06 Trays

Abstract

A multifunctional receptacle for use on a step ladder includes a base member having a bottom side with a recessed surface to complementary receive a step surface of the ladder in a manner to prevent at least one degree of movement therebetween when the base member is disposed on the step. The receptacle includes at least one side member, preferably opposing side members, extending upward from the bottom side forming a storage compartment. The storage member can include a substantially rectangular storage compartment, and a substantially circular storage compartment. The receptacle can also include a hook for retaining a conventional roller paint tray.

Claims

1. A multifunctional receptacle which is suited for use on a ladder, which includes:

a base member having a bottom side with a recessed surface configured to complementary receive a step surface of the ladder in a manner to prevent at least one degree of movement therebetween when said base member is disposed on the step; and

at least one side member extending upward from said bottom side forming a storage compartment.

2. The multifunctional receptacle of claim 1, wherein said storage member includes a substantially rectangular storage compartment.

3. The multifunctional receptacle of claim 1, wherein said storage member includes a storage compartment configured to retain a cylindrical container in a manner to prevent tipping thereof within said compartment.

4. The multifunctional receptacle of claim 1, which includes a hook for retaining a conventional roller paint tray on top of said receptacle.

5. The multifunctional receptacle of claim 1, which includes a first handle connected to said side member, said first handle being generally U-shaped handle having a transverse member and two opposing parallel side arms extending therefrom in a first direction, wherein each side arm is pivotally connected said side member.

6. The multifunctional receptacle of claim 5, wherein said transverse member includes a hooked arm extending therefrom in another direction from said first direction to enable said receptacle to hang from a rung of the ladder.

7. The multifunctional receptacle of claim 5, which includes a second generally U-shaped handle having a transverse member and two opposing parallel side arms extending therefrom in a common first direction, wherein each side arm is pivotally connected to said side member.

8. The multifunctional receptacle of claim 7, wherein said transverse member of said first U-shaped handle includes a retaining hook extending therefrom which is configured to removably retain said transverse member of said second U-shaped handle.

9. The multifunctional receptacle of claim 1, which includes a strap having a connector at each end of the strap wherein one connector connects to one portion of said side member, said strap is of a length to extend beneath the step on which said base member sits and said other connector connects to another portion of said side to secure receptacle to the step.

10. The multifunctional receptacle of claim 9, wherein said side member is formed with connector receiving surfaces to receive said connectors.

11. The multifunctional receptacle of claim 9, wherein said strap is flexible and stretchable.