Ergonomic system for handling a container

Abstract

In certain embodiments, a system for ergonomically handling a container comprises a container body having a container wall with an inside surface defining an internal cavity configured to receive material and an opposite external surface. Additionally, the system includes a handle having opposite first and second ends coupled to the external surface of the container wall, the handle being able to rest alongside the external surface. The system further includes a finger pocket defined in the container wall and adapted for receiving at least a portion of at least one of a user's fingers to assist in handling the container.

1 . A system for ergonomically handling a container, comprising:
 a container body having a container wall with an inside surface defining an internal cavity configured to receive material and an opposite external surface;   a handle having opposite first and second ends coupled to said external surface of said container wall, wherein said handle is able to rest alongside said external surface;   a finger pocket defined in said container wall and adapted for receiving at least a portion of at least one of a user's fingers to assist in handling the container.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said container wall defines a top opening in communication with said internal cavity to access said internal cavity. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a lid configured to join with a top surface of said container wall to cover said top opening. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said container body further includes a flat or substantially flat bottom surface. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein said finger pocket is positioned adjacent to said bottom surface. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said handle is flexible. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said handle is comprised of a flexible plastic material. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said finger pocket includes at least one finger pocket surface defining a finger pocket cavity, wherein said finger pocket cavity extends from said external surface inward toward said internal cavity of said container body. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said external surface is cylindrical in shape. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said container wall includes at least a top finger pocket surface defining said finger pocket for a user's fingers to contact to carry the container, and wherein said top finger pocket surface is at least partially textured to prevent the user's fingers from slipping along said top finger pocket surface. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said container wall includes a bottom finger pocket surface defining said finger pocket. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said finger pocket is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape. 
   
   
       13 . A system for ergonomically handling a container, comprising:
 a container configured to carry an amount of material;   a thumb handle attached to the container, wherein said thumb handle is flexible and conformable;   a contoured palm grasping area of said container positioned below said thumb handle;   a finger insertion cavity defined in the exterior of said container below said palm grasping area, said finger insertion cavity being adapted for insertion of at least a portion of one or more of a user's fingers to assist the user in handling the container.   
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said thumb handle, said palm grasping area, and said finger insertion cavity are vertically aligned on said container. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said container body includes a container wall with an inside surface defining an internal cavity configured to receive the material and an opposite external surface, wherein said handle is configured to rest alongside said external surface. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said container includes a top finger cavity surface defining said finger insertion cavity for a user's fingers to contact to carry the container, wherein said top finger cavity surface is at least partially textured to prevent the user's fingers from slipping along said top finger cavity surface. 
   
   
       17 . A container, comprising:
 a container body having a wall portion and a bottom portion, said container body defining an internal cavity configured to receive material, wherein said wall portion defines a top opening in communication with said internal cavity for a user to access said internal cavity;   a lid configured to couple with said wall portion to close said top opening;   a handle having opposite first and second ends coupled to said wall portion, wherein said handle is able to rest alongside said wall portion;   a finger pocket defined at least in part by said wall portion, said finger pocket being configured for insertion of at least a portion of at least one of a user's fingers to assist in handling the container.   
   
   
       18 . The container of  claim 17 , wherein said wall portion and said bottom portion are integrally molded such that said container body is a unitary, monolithic piece. 
   
   
       19 . The container of  claim 17 , wherein said finger pocket is positioned adjacent said bottom portion. 
   
   
       20 . A method for packaging a paint or coating product within an ergonomic paint can, comprising:
 providing an ergonomic paint can having a wall portion and a bottom portion, the container body defining an internal cavity configured to receive material wherein the wall portion defines a top opening in communication with the internal cavity for a user to access the internal cavity, wherein the ergonomic paint can includes a handle having opposite first and second ends coupled to the wall portion, the handle being able to rest alongside the wall portion, wherein the ergonomic paint can includes a finger pocket defined at least in part by the wall portion, the finger pocket being configured for insertion of at least a portion of at least one of a user's fingers to assist in handling the container;   providing a paint or coating product;   adding the paint or coating product to the internal cavity of the ergonomic paint can;   providing a paint can lid; and   coupling the paint can lid to the wall portion of the ergonomic paint can to close the top opening.