Handle for containers

Abstract

A handle for a closure for closing an opening of a container, said handle comprising an engaging part with engaging means for engaging with the closure, and a handling part pivotally connected to the engaging part so as to allow the handling part to be folded into a folded configuration and unfolded into a non-folded configuration in relation to the engaging part, wherein the engaging means is adapted to establish a fixed engagement with the closure, to provide an improved handle, which supports handling of containers in a general way

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle for handling and carrying containers, such as bottles, cans and the like.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Different forms of carriers for bottles are known from e.g. AU 707761, WO 98/16132 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,335. AU 707761 discloses a holder for supporting a bottle on a person. The holder has an opening defined therein, the opening allowing the neck of a bottle to enter into a supporting arrangement in the form of an opening with a smaller dimension for engaging with a flange at the neck of the bottle. The holder thereby facilitates the suspension of the bottle from the holder.

[0003] WO 98/16132 discloses a bottle carrier, which can be suspended from a person's belt. The carrier consists of a connection section for connecting the carrier to e.g. a belt and a gripping section hinged thereto. The gripping section consists of a pair of claws allowing the neck of a bottle to be received between these.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,335 discloses a bottle holder having an oval slot, which accept the cap end of the bottle in a mid-portion of the holder and allows the neck of the bottle to be slid into a support area in the upper portion of the holder. The lower portion is configured as a clip with two arms to grip on e.g. the user's belt and is fitted with a Velcro-fastening bottle-securing strap that can be secured around the trunk of the bottle to prevent unwanted movement of the bottle.

[0005] The disclosed carriers are specifically provided with the purpose of securing a bottle to a belt or similar object and none of them support handling of containers in general, e.g. opening, lifting stacking or bundling of containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of preferred embodiments of the invention to provide an improved handle, which supports handling of containers in a more general way.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a handle for a closure for closing an opening of a container, said handle comprising

[0008] an engaging part with engaging means for engaging with the closure, and

[0009] a handling part pivotally connected to the engaging part so as to allow the handling part to be folded into a folded configuration and unfolded into a non-folded configuration in relation to the engaging part, wherein the engaging means is adapted to Establish a fixed engagement with the closure.

[0010] Since the engagement between the handle and the closure is fixed, the closure can be manipulated in any direction, both linearly or rotationally, via the handle. Accordingly, the handle can be used for lifting the container, for rotating a threaded closure for opening the container, or the handle can be used for bundling the containers.

[0011] The container may be a bottle, can or the like, and the closure may be a closure of the regular kind, e.g. where opening and closing of the container is performed by rotation, e.g. a screw plug. The engaging part may be formed as a compartment with an opening for receiving the closure and/or an opening of the container therein. The handling part may be an elongated element such as a tubular body e.g. formed with gripping supporting bulges or it may be formed as an elongated flat element, which may be easy and cheap to produce, other forms may also be used. The pivotal connection may be obtained by a hinge, a groove in the material or by other means. When the handling part: is in the non-folded configuration it may support handling of the closure, since it may be easier to rotate the closure due to the extension of the handling means. When the handling means is in a folded position, the containers may be packed and stored without the use of extra space, thus the handle may be added to containers in existing packaging halls. Likewise, if the container is a bottle, existing crates for transportation of the bottles can be used. At the destination, the bottles can be lifted out of the crates, e.g. in bundles, via the handles attached thereto. Since the handle is fixedly engaged with the closure, the handle can finally be used for opening the bottle, e.g. by tearing of the closure or by rotating a threaded closure via the handle, which thus works as a wrench for removing the closure.

[0012] The engaging part may be a substantially flat or even plan piece of a sheer material formed with an opening for receiving the closure therein. Alternatively, the engaging part may form a compartment with an opening for receiving the closure or even for receiving an opening of the container directly therein, in which last mentioned case the holder itself forms a closure for closing the opening of the container. The engaging part may be fixedly attached to the closure and/or container in various ways. As an example, the opening of the engaging part can be dimensioned so as to apply a pressure against the closure and/or container when any of these are received therein. For this purpose, protrusions extending inwardly from the periphery of the opening may be provided for amplifying the surface pressure between the engaging part and the closure or container. Or the inner diameter of the compartment may be dimensioned so as to form an interference fit, when receiving the closure herein. Alternatively the engaging part may be attached to the closure by the use of flanges of a flexible material or they may be clicked together. Other means may also be used. The handle may be reused for handling of a number of containers.

[0013] Alternatively, the engaging part may be formed integrated with the closure. The engaging part and the closure may be produced separately and subsequently welded, glued or clicked together or integrated by other means, thereby forming one component.

[0014] Furthermore, the engaging part and the closure may be moulded in one piece, by e.g. the use of a one or two step injection moulding process. It may be formed by vacuum forming of a sheet of a thermoplastic material or it may be made by punching or stamping of a sheet material.

[0015] When the handling part is folded in relation to the engaging part, the total size of the handle is smaller, which allows for easy handling of the containers, whereby these can be filled, packed and stored without the use of extra space. However, during handling of the containers, it may happen that a handing part pivots into the non-folded configuration which can be annoying and cause entangling of containers and handles, e.g. in a crate. Accordingly, it is a further advantage to provide the handling part with an opening of a size allowing the closure, a neck of the container or the engaging part to be received within the opening. This allows the handling part to be folded over the closure, the neck of the container or the engaging part of the handle, when folded into the folded configuration. When the handling part is folded in this way, the total size of the handle is smaller, the handling part would be less disposed to unfold. Therefore, handling of the containers can be further improved and the containers can be filled, packed and stored without the use of extra space.

[0016] Alternatively, a top portion of the engaging part may form a first contact surface of substantially the same size and shape as a second contact surface of the handling part, the first and second contact surfaces being arranged to abut each other when the handling part is in the folded configuration. When the handling part is folded in relation to the engaging part, the total size of the handle is smaller, which allows for easy handling of the containers.

[0017] The handle may comprise means for securing the handling part in the folded configuration, thereby allowing for easy packing and storing of the containers without the use of extra space. The means for securing the handling part may be incorporated in the connection between the handling part and the engaging part e.g. by having a connection, which is stabile in the folded configuration. Alternatively, the means for securing the handling part may comprise at least one protrusion on either the handling part or the engaging part, the protrusion being adapted to engage a corresponding catch on the other one of either the handling part or the engaging part not provided with the protrusion. Other means of securing may be used.

[0018] The connection between the engaging part and the handling part may be weakened to allow the handling part to be removed from the handle. The weakened connection may be obtained by the use of two different materials for the handling part and the engaging part or by the use of a different material for the connection between the handling part and the engaging part. The connection could also have a reduced material thickness or the connection could be weakened by embossing of a protrusion into the material, or the connection could be made from a material which easily breaks when twisted, or other means may be used.

[0019] Some closures are provided with a locking ring, which must be broken in order to have the closure removed from a corresponding container. The locking ring ensures that an attempt to remove the closure from the container can easily be detected via the broken ring. As an example, many soft drinks are delivered in plastic bottles with a closure being protected by a locking ring. In one embodiment, the engaging part may be attached to or may be integrated with such a locking ring or similar locking means. Some people find it difficult to break the locking ring prior to the opening of a bottle but in this embodiment, the handling means can be used for getting a better grip in the locking ring or as a crow/bar for breaking the locking ring more easily.

[0020] The handling part may comprise a substantially plan surface area supporting application of an image. The surface may face upwards when the handling part is in the ion-folded configuration or the surface may face upwards when the handling part is in the folded configuration. The handling part may have a substantially plan surface facing upwards in both configurations, which may allow more images. The image may be a list of the content of the container, pictures indicating the content, advertisements, logos or it may be any other picture such as cars or sportsmen, which may cause the handling parts to become an item for collectors. Furthermore, images, a list of content, advertisements and the like may be attached to the surface in the form of e.g. folded paper to be unfolded or they may be arranged on a separate sheet of paper, plastic or the like. The sheet could be adhesively attached to the surface, e.g. with glue, which allows the sheet to be peeled off from the surface

[0021] The handling part may comprise connecting means for connecting the handle to support means, thereby enabling carrying of the container without holding it in the hand or having it in a pocket or the like. The connecting means may be formed as a slot within the handling part for receiving the support means therein. This allows for connection to a person's belt, waistband or other support means.

[0022] The handle may be made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of HDPE (high density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), ABS (acrylnitril butaadien styrene), SAN (styrene acrylnitril), SB (polystyrene acrylnitril), PS (polystyrene), PA6 (polyamide 6), PA66 (polyamide 66), PC (polycarbonate), POM (polyoxymethylene), or it may the made of paper or cardboard coated or non-coated. Another alternative may be metal, but other materials may also be used.

[0023] The handle may be moulded in one piece, by e.g. the use of a one or two step injection moulding process. It may be formed by vacuum forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material or it may be made by punching or stamping of a sheet material.

[0024] Furthermore, the engaging part and the handling part may be made of different materials, which may be selected from the above-mentioned group. The materials may be used alone or in combination.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a candle for handling a container having a container body part and a neck portion, said handle comprising

[0026] an engaging part with engaging means for engaging with the neck portion,

[0027] a handling part pivotally connected to the engaging part so as to allow the handling part to be folded into a folded configuration and unfolded into a non-folded configuration in relation to the engaging part, the handling part extending further outwardly from the container in the non-folded configuration than in the folded configuration, wherein an opening is defined within the handling part, said opening being of a size allowing the neck portion to be received within the opening when the handling part is in the folded configuration.

[0028] The container may be a bottle, can or the like and the neck portion could be a contracted part of the container. The engaging part may be formed as an opening, it may be a pair of claws or it may have other forms for receiving the neck portion of the container therein. The handling part may be an elongated element such as an elongated flat element, which may be easy and cheap to produce. It may be formed with bulges for supporting a firm gripping and it may be shaped in any way, which improves the handling of the container to which it is attached. The pivotally connection may be obtained by a hinge, a groove in the material or by other means. An opening may be defined within the handling part allowing the neck portion to be received within the opening when the handling part is in the folded configuration. This allows for easy handling of the containers, since these can be filled, packed and stored without the use of extra space, thus the handle can be added to containers in existing packaging halls. Furthermore, the handle may be reused for handling of a number of containers.

[0029] The engaging means may be constituted by an opening defined in the engaging part, the opening being of a size allowing the engaging means to be arranged over the neck portion, whereby the container may be carried by the use of the handle.

[0030] The handle may comprise means for securing the handling part in the folded configuration, thereby allowing for easy packing and storing of the containers without the use of extra space. The means for securing the handling part may be incorporated in the connection between the handling part and the engaging part e.g. by having a connection, which is stabile in the folded configuration. Alternatively, the means for securing the handling part may comprise at least one protrusion on either the handling part or on the engaging part. The protrusion could be adapted to engage a corresponding catch on the other one of either the handling part or the engaging part not provided with the protrusion. As for the first aspect of the invention other means of securing may be used.

[0031] The handling part may be formed with a slot for receiving support means therein. This allows for connection to a person's belt, waistband or other support means.

[0032] The handling part may comprise a substantially plan surface area supporting application of an image. The surface may face upwards when the handling part is in the non-folded configuration and/or the surface may face upwards when the handling part is in the folded configuration. As for the first aspect of the invention, the image may be formed in different ways.

[0033] The handle may be made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PP, ABS, SAN, SB, PS, PA6, PA66, PC and POM or it may be made of other materials as the first aspect of the invention. Furthermore, the engaging part and the handling part may be made of different materials.

[0034] The handle may be moulded in one piece, by e.g. the use of a one or two step injection moulding process. It may be formed by vacuum forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material or it may be made by punching or stamping of a sheet material.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a handle for a container having a container body part and a neck portion, said handle comprising

[0036] a handling part provided with connection means for handling the container, and

[0037] an engaging part forming an opening for receiving the neck portion therein, wherein the engaging part being provided with a plurality of gripping means extending inwardly from the periphery of the opening.

[0038] The container may be a bottle, can or the like, and the neck portion could be a contracted part of the can or bottle. The handling part may be an elongated element such as a tubular body e.g. formed with gripping supporting bulges or it may be formed as an elongated flat element, which may be easy and cheap to produce. The engaging part may be formed as an opening for receiving the neck portion of the container therein. Providing the opening with a plurality of gripping means extending from the periphery thereof the neck portion of the container may be fastened to the handle. The gripping means may be formed as projections, teeth, a flange of a flexible material or by other means. Furthermore, the handle may be reused for handling of a number of containers.

[0039] The handling part may be pivotally connected to the engaging part so as to allow a folded and a non-folded configuration of the handle. The pivotally connection may be obtained by a hinge, a groove in the material or by other means. When the handling means is in a folded position, the containers can be packed and stored without the use of extra space, thus the handle can be added to containers in existing packaging halls.

[0040] An opening may be defined within the handling part allowing the neck portion to be received within the opening when the handling part is in the folded configuration, whereby it may take up less space.

[0041] The handle may comprise means for securing the handling part in the folded configuration, thereby allowing for easy packing and storing of the containers without the use of extra space The means for securing the handling part may be incorporated in the connection between the handling part and the engaging part e.g. by having a connection, which is stabile in the folded configuration. Alternatively, the means for securing the handling part may comprise at least one protrusion on either the handling part or the engaging part, the protrusion being adapted to engage a corresponding catch on the other one of either the handling part or the engaging part not provided with the protrusion. As for the first object of the invention other means of securing may be used.

[0042] The connecting means may be formed as a slot within the handling part for receiving the support means therein. This allows for connection to a person's belt, waistband or other support means.

[0043] The handling part may comprise a substantially plan surface area supporting application of an image. The surface may face upwards when the handling part is in the ion-folded configuration and/or the surface may face upwards when the handling part is in the folded configuration. As for the first aspect of the invention the image may be formed in different ways.

[0044] The engaging part may form a plurality of openings, each being adapted for receiving the neck portion therein, whereby handling of a plurality of containers at the same time may be possible.

[0045] The handle may be made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PP, ABS, SAN, SB, PS, PA6, PA66, PC and POM or it may be made of other materials as the first aspect of the invention. Furthermore, the engaging part and the handling part may be made of different materials.

[0046] The handle may be moulded in one piece, by e.g. the use of a one or two step injection moulding process. It may be formed by vacuum forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material or it may be made by punching or stamping of a sheet material.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a container set comprising

[0048] a container with an opening and a closure for closing the opening,

[0049] a handling part for handling the container or closure, and

[0050] an engaging part forming an opening for receiving the closure or container therein, the engaging part being provided with a plurality of gripping means extending inwardly from the periphery of the opening, wherein the opening, the gripping means and closure or container are dimensioned to apply a pressure against the closure or container when received in the opening.

[0051] The container may be a bottle, a can or the like, and the closure may be a closure of the regular kind, e.g. where opening and closing of the container is performed by rotation. The handling part may be an elongated element such as a tubular body e.g. formed with gripping supporting bulges or it may be formed as an elongated flat element, which may be easy and cheap to produce. The engaging part may be formed as an opening for receiving the closure or container therein. The gripping means may be dimensioned to apply a pressure against the closure or container, whereby the handling part may support handling of the closure, since it may be easier to rotate the closure due to the extension of the handling means. The gripping means may be formed as projections, teeth, a flange of a flexible material or by other means. Furthermore, the handle may be reused for handling of a number of containers.

[0052] The handling part may be pivotally connected to the engaging part so as to allow a folded and a non-folded configuration of the handling part in relation to the engaging part. The pivotally connection may be obtained by a hinge, a groove in the material or by other means. When the handling part is in the non-folded configuration it may support handling of the closure, and when the handling means is in a folded position, the containers may be packed and stored without the use of extra space. Thus, the handling part and the engaging part may be added to containers in existing packaging halls.

[0053] An opening may be defined within the handling part allowing the closure or container to be received within the opening when the handling part is in the folded configuration, whereby it may take up even less space.

[0054] The container set may comprise means for securing the handling part in the folded configuration in relation to the engaging part, thereby allowing for easy packing and storing of the containers without the use of extra space. The means for securing the handling part may be incorporated in the connection between the handling part and the engaging part e.g. by having a connection, which Is stabile in the folded configuration. Alternatively, the means for securing the handling part may comprise at least one protrusion on either the handling part or the engaging part, the protrusion being adapted to engage a corresponding catch on the other one of either the handling part or the engaging part not provided with the protrusion. As for the first object of the invention other means of securing may be used.

[0055] The connecting means may be formed as a slot within the handling part for receiving the support means therein. This allows for connection to a person's belt, waistband or other support means.

[0056] The handling part may comprise a substantially plan surface area supporting application of an image. The surface may face upwards when the handling part is in the non-folded configuration and/or the surface may face upwards when the handling part is in the folded configuration. As for the first aspect of the invention the image may be formed in different ways.

[0057] The handling part and the engaging part may be made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of HDPE (high density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), ABS (acrylnitril butaadien styrene), SAN (styrene acrylnitril), SB (polystyrene acrylnitril), PS (polystyrene), PA6 (polyamide 6), PA66 (polyamide 66), PC (polycarbonate), POM (polyoxymethylene), or they may the made of paper or cardboard coated or non-coated. Another alternative may be metal, but other materials may also be used.

[0058] The handling part and the engaging part may be moulded in one piece, by e.g. the use of a one or two step injection moulding process. They may be formed by vacuum forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material or they may be made by punching or stamping of a sheet material.

[0059] Furthermore, the handling part and the engaging part may be made of different materials, which may be selected from the above-mentioned group. The materials may be used in combination.

[0060] Any of the features of the four aspects of the invention may be used in combination with any of the other aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0061] Different embodiments of handles according to the present invention are for illustration of the invention described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of which

[0062] FIGS. 1A-D show different views of a first embodiment of the handle,

[0063] FIGS. 2A-F show different views of a second embodiment of the handle,

[0064] FIGS. 3A-E show different views of a third embodiment of the handle,

[0065] FIGS. 4A-F show different views of a fourth embodiment of the handle, and

[0066] FIGS. 5A-C show different views of a fifth embodiment of the handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0067] A first embodiment of a handle according to the first aspect of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1A-D, in which the handle 1 comprises an engaging part 2 for engaging with a closure 3 on a container and a handling part 4 pivotally connected to the engaging part 2. This allows the handle 1 to be folded as shown in FIG. 1B and non-folded as shown in FIG. 1D. FIG. 1C shows an intermediate position and indicates two further positions of the handling part 4. As shown in FIG. 1A an opening 5 may be defined within the handling part 4, allowing the closure 3 or engaging part 2 to be received within the opening 5 as shown in FIG. 1B. The pivotal connection 6 between the engaging part 2 and the handling part may be formed as a groove 6 in the material as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D. Connection means 7 formed by a slot 8 within the handling part 4 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C. Locking means 9 in the form of a locking ring 9 is shown in FIGS. 1A-D. Any of the features of the other embodiments according to the invention may be used in combination with the features of the first embodiment according to the invention.

[0068] A second embodiment of a handle according to the first aspect of the invention is shown in FIGS. 2A-F, in which the handle 1 comprises an engaging part 2 for engaging with a closure 3 on a container and a handling part 4 pivotally connected to the engaging part 2. This allows the handle 1 to be folded as shown in FIG. 2C and non-folded in an intermediate position as shown in FIGS. 2A-B+2D-F. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B the shape of the engaging part may be different. Connection means 7 formed by a slot 8 within the handling part 4 is shown in FIGS. 2A-F. As shown in FIGS. 2A-F the top portion 10 of the engaging part 2 forms a first contact surface 10 of substantially the same size and shape as a second contact surface 11 of the handling part, the first and second contact surfaces 10, 11 being arranged to abut each other when the handling part 4 is in the folded configuration. Any of the features of the other embodiments according to the invention may be used in combination with the features of the second embodiment according to the invention.

[0069] A third embodiment of a handle according to the second aspect of the invention is shown in FIGS. 3A-E, in which the handle 1 comprises an engaging part 2 for engaging with a neck portion of a container (not shown) and a handling part 4 pivotally connected to the engaging part 2. This allows the handle 1 to be folded as shown in FIG. 3E and non-folded as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIGS. 3C and 3D show intermediate positions of the handling part 4. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C an opening 5 may be defined within the handling part 4, allowing the neck portion to be received within this opening 5 as shown in FIG. 3E and indicated in FIG. 3C. The pivotal connection 6 between the engaging part 2 and the handling part 4 may be form as a groove 6 in the material as shown in FIGS. 35, 3D and 3E. Connection means 7 formed by a slot 8 within the handling part 4 is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C. An opening 12 in the engaging part 2 for engaging with a neck portion of a container is shown in FIG. 3A. Any of the features of the other embodiments according to the invention may be used in combination with the features of the third embodiment according to the invention.

[0070] A fourth embodiment of a handle according to the third aspect of the invention is shown in FIGS. 4A-F, in which the handle 1 comprises an engaging part 2 for forming an opening 12 for receiving the neck portion of a container (not shown) therein and a handling part 4 pivotally connected to the engaging part 2. This allows the handle 1 to be folded as shown in FIG. 4F and non-folded as shown in FIGS. 4B, 4D and 4E. FIGS. 4A and 4C show intermediate positions of the handling part 4. As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4D an opening 5 may be defined within the handling part 4, allowing the neck portion to be received within this opening 5 as indicated in FIG. 4D. The pivotal connection 6 between the engaging part 2 and the handling part 4 may be form as a groove 6 in the material as shown in FIGS. 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F. Connection means 7 formed by a slot 8 within the handling part 4 is shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. The opening 12 in the engaging part 2 for engaging with a neck portion of a container is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. A plurality of gripping means 13 extending from the periphery of the opening 12 formed as teeth are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Any of the features of the other embodiments according to the invention may be used in combination with the features of the fourth embodiment according to the invention.

[0071] A fifth embodiment of a handle according to the third aspect of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5A-C, in which the handle 1 comprises an engaging part 2 for forming openings 12 for receiving the neck portion of three container (not shown) therein and a handling part 4 pivotally connected to the engaging part 2. This allows the handle 1 to be folded as shown in FIG. 5C and non-folded as shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5B shows an intermediate position of the handling part 4. As shown in FIG. 5A an opening 5 may be defined within the handling part 4, allowing the neck portion to be received within this opening 5. The pivotal connection 6 between the engaging part 2 and the handling part 4 may be form as a groove 6 in the material as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C. Connection means 7 formed by a slot 8 within the handling part 4 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The openings 12 in the engaging part 2 for engaging with the neck portion of containers is shown in FIG. 5A. A plurality of gripping means 13 extending from the periphery of the openings 12 formed as teeth are shown in FIG. 5A. Any of the features of the other embodiments according to the invention may be used in combination with the features of the fifth embodiment according to the invention.

Claims

1. A handle for a closure for closing an opening of a container, said handle comprising an engaging part with engaging means for engaging with the closure, and a handling part pivotally connected to the engaging part so as to allow the handling part to be folded into a folded configuration and unfolded into a non-folded configuration in relation to the engaging part, wherein the engaging means is adapted to establish a fixed engagement with the closure.

2. A handle according to claim 1, wherein the engaging part forms a compartment with an opening for receiving the closure and/or an opening of the container therein.

3. A handle according to claim 1, wherein the engaging part is formed integrated with the closure.

4. A handle according to claim 3, wherein the engaging part and the closure are moulded in one piece.

5. A handle according to claim 1, wherein an opening is defined within the handling part said opening being of a size allowing the closure or the engaging part to be received within the opening when the handling part is in the folded configuration.

6. A handle according to claim 1, wherein a top portion of the engaging part forms a first contact surface of substantially the same size and shape as a second contact surface of the handling part the first and second contact surfaces being arranged to abut each other when the handling part is in the folded configuration.

7. A handle according to claim 1, comprising means for securing the handling part in the folded configuration.

8. A handle according to claim 1, wherein the means for securing the handling part is incorporated in the connection between the handling part and the engaging part.

9. A handle according to claim 1, wherein the means for securing the handling part comprises at least one protrusion on either the handling part or the engaging part, the protrusion being adapted to engage a corresponding catch on the other one of either the handling part or the engaging part not provided with the protrusion.

10. A handle according to claim 1, wherein the connection between the engaging part and the handling part is weakened to allow the handling part to be removed from the handle.

11. A handle according to claim 1, wherein the engaging part comprises a locking means adapted to lock the closure in a fixed position on a container, the handling part being connected pivotally to the locking means.

12. A handle according claim 11, wherein the connection between the locking means and the handling part is adapted to break the locking means upon applying a force to the handling part, so as to allow removal of the closure from the container.

13. A handle according to claim 1, wherein the handling part comprises a substantially plan surface area supporting application of an image.

14. A handle according to claim 13, wherein the surface is facing upwards when the handling part is in the non-folded configuration.

15. A handle according to claim 13, wherein the surface is facing upwards when the handling part is in the folded configuration.

16. A handle according to claim 1, wherein the handling part comprises connecting means for connecting the handle to support means.

17. A handle according to claim 16, wherein the connecting means is formed as a slot within the handling part for receiving the support means therein.

18. A handle according to claim 1, and made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PP, ABS, SAN, SB, PS, PA6, PA66, PC and POM.

19. A handle according to claim 1, and moulded in one piece.

20. A handle according to claim 1, wherein the engaging part and the handling part are made of different materials.

21. A handle for handling a container having a container body part and a neck portion, said handle comprising an engaging part with engaging means for engaging with the neck portion, a handling part pivotally connected to the engaging part so as to allow the handling part to be folded into a folded configuration and unfolded into a non-folded configuration in relation to the engaging part, the handling part extending further outwardly from the container in the non-folded configuration than in the folded configuration, wherein an opening is defined within the handling part, said opening being of a size allowing the neck portion to be received within the opening when the handling part is in the folded configuration.

22. A handle according to claim 21, wherein the engaging means is constituted by an opening defined in the engaging part, the opening being of a size allowing the engaging means to be arranged over the neck portion.

23. A handle according to claim 21, comprising means for securing the handling part in the folded configuration.

24. A handle according to claim 23, wherein the means for securing the handling part is incorporated in the connection between the handling part and the engaging part.

25. A handle according to claim 23, wherein the means for securing the handling part comprises at least one protrusion on either the handling part or the engaging part, the protrusion being adapted to engage a corresponding catch on the other one of either the handling part or the engaging part not provided with the protrusion.

26. A handle according to claim 21, wherein the handling part is formed with a slot for receiving support means therein.

27. A handle according to claim 21, wherein the handling part comprises a substantially plan surface area supporting application of an image.

28. A handle according to claim 27, wherein the surface is facing upwards when the handling part is in the non-folded configuration.

29. A handle according to claim 27, wherein the surface is facing upwards when the handling part is in the folded configuration.

30. A handle according to claim 21, and made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PP, ABS, SAN, SB, PS, PA6, PA66, PC and POM.

31. A handle according to claim 21, and moulded in one piece.

32. A handle according to claim 21, wherein the engaging part and the handling part are made of different materials.

33. A handle for a container having a container body part and a neck portion, said handle comprising a handling part provided with connection means for handling the container, and an engaging part forming an opening for receiving the neck portion therein, wherein the engaging part being provided with a plurality of gripping means extending inwardly from the periphery of the opening.

34. A handle according to claim 33, wherein the handling part is pivotally connected to the engaging part so as to allow a folded and a non-folded configuration of the handle.

35. A handle according to claim 34, wherein an opening is defined within the handling part allowing the neck portion to be received within the opening when the handling part is in the folded configuration.

36. A handle according to claim 34, comprising means for securing the handling part in the folded configuration.

37. A handle according to claim 36, wherein the means for securing the handling part is incorporated in the connection between the handling part and the engaging part.

38. A handle according to claim 36, wherein the means for securing the handling part comprises at least one protrusion on either the handling part or the engaging part, the protrusion being adapted to engage a corresponding catch on the other one of either the handling part or the engaging part not provided with the protrusion.

39. A handle according to claim 33, wherein the connection means is formed as a slot within the handling part for receiving a support means therein.

40. A handle according to claim 33, wherein the handling part comprises a substantially plan surface area supporting application of an image.

41. A handle according to claim 40, wherein the surface is facing upwards when the handling part is in the non-folded configuration.

42. A handle according to claim 40, wherein the surface is facing upwards when the handling part is in the folded configuration.

43. A handle according to claim 33, wherein the engaging part forms a plurality of openings, each being adapted for receiving the neck portion therein.

44. A handle according to claim 33, and made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PP, ABS, SAN, SB, PS, PA6, PA66, PC and POM.

45. A handle according to claim 33, and moulded in one piece.

46. A handle according to claim 33, wherein the engaging part and the handling part are made of different materials.

47. A container set comprising a container with an opening and a closure for closing the opening, a handling part for handling the container or closure, and an engaging part forming an opening for receiving the closure or container therein, the engaging part being provided with a plurality of gripping means extending inwardly from the periphery of the opening, wherein the opening, the gripping means and closure or container are dimensioned to apply a pressure against the closure or container when received in the opening.

48. A container set according to claim 47, wherein the handling part is pivotally connected to the engaging part so as to allow a folded and a non-folded configuration of the handling part in relation to the engaging part.

49. A container set according to claim 48, wherein an opening is defined w thin the handling part allowing the closure or container to be received within the opening when the handling part is in the folded configuration.

50. A container set according to claim 48, comprising means for securing the handling part in the folded configuration in relation to the engaging part.

51. A container set according to claim 50, wherein the means for securing the handling part is incorporated in the connection between the handling part and the engaging part.

52. A container set according to claim 50, wherein the means for securing the handling part comprises at least one protrusion on either the handling part or the engaging part, the protrusion being adapted to engage a corresponding catch on the other one of either the handling part or the engaging part not provided with the protrusion.

53. A container set according to claim 47, wherein the connection means is formed as a slot within the handling part for receiving a support means therein.

54. A container set according to claim 47, wherein the handling part comprises a substantially plan surface area supporting application of an image.

55. A container set according to claim 54, wherein the surface is facing upwards when the handling part is in the non-folded configuration.

56. A container set according to claim 54, wherein the surface is facing upwards when the handling part is in the folded configuration.

57. A container set according to claim 47, wherein the handling part and the engaging part are made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PP, ABS, SAN, SB, PS, PA6, PA66, PC and POM.

58. A container set according to claim 47, wherein the handling part and the engaging part are moulded in one piece.

59. A container set according to claim 47, wherein the handling part and the engaging part are made of different materials.