U.S. patent application number 10/651791 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for handle with openable end.
Invention is credited to Nole, Donald J., Ward, Evan T..
Application Number | 20050046210 10/651791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34217484 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050046210 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ward, Evan T. ; et
al. |
March 3, 2005 |
Handle with openable end
Abstract
An end openable handle structure is provided for association
with an object, such as a container or the like. The handle
structure includes an elongated arm for hand grasping, a leg for
supporting the arm at one end, and a bridging link for extending
between the other or open arm end and an object to which the leg is
attached. One end of the bridging link is attached pivotably to
either the open arm end or to the object. The other end of the
bridging link either abuts against the other one of either the
object or the open arm end, thereby closing the bridging link
handle structure, or pivots to an spaced, gap defining position
relative to the closed position. Stop means limits travel of the
bridging link beyond the closed position, and spring biasing means
yieldingly urges the bridging link into the closed position.
Inventors: |
Ward, Evan T.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Nole, Donald J.; (Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLSON & HIERL, LTD.
36th Floor
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
34217484 |
Appl. No.: |
10/651791 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
294/27.1 ;
294/31.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/2832
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
294/027.1 ;
294/031.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 023/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An end openable handle structure for association with an object,
said handle structure comprising in combination: an elongated arm
for grasping in a hand, said arm having a proximal end portion and
an opposite distal end portion; a leg for supporting said proximal
end portion, said leg having a first end portion and an opposed
second end portion, said first end portion being joined to said
proximal end portion and including joining means, and said second
end portion being connectable to said object; a bridging link for
extending between said distal end portion and said object, said
bridging link having opposing forward and rearward portions, said
rearward portion including pivot means that is connectable to one
of either said distal end or said object whereby said forward
portion is locatable at a first position that is in adjacent,
abutting relationship relative to the other one of either said
object or said distal end, and whereby said forward portion is
reversibly pivotable relative to said rearward portion from said
first position to a second position that is in spaced relationship
relative to said first position, is generally inward relative to
said arm, and is generally towards said leg, thereby defining at
said second position a gap between said distal end portion and said
bridging link; spring biasing means cooperatively associated with
said bridging link for yieldingly urging said bridging link into
said first position; and stop means cooperatively associated with
said first position for limiting travel of said forward portion
beyond said first position in a direction generally opposite to
said second position; whereby, when a force sufficient to cause
said bridging link to pivot towards said second position is applied
to said bridging link, said forward portion is pivotable to said
second position.
2. The handle structure of claim 1 wherein said object is
transportable.
3. The handle structure of claim 2 wherein said object is a lidded
container.
4. The handle structure of claim 1 wherein said first end portion
and said proximal end are integrally joined together with an acute
angle therebetween.
5. The handle structure of claim 1 wherein said second end portion
is associated with connecting means for connecting said second end
portion to said object.
6. The handle structure of claim 5 wherein said connecting means
includes clip means adapted to engage a portion of said object.
7. The handle structure of claim 6 wherein said object is a
container having a mouth that defines a lip, and said clip means is
adapted to extend over and engage a portion of said lip whereby
said handle structure is engaged with said container.
8. The handle structure of claim 7 wherein said second end portion
further includes an integrally formed ring structure that is
adapted to extend around, overlie said clip means, and engage
portions of said lip.
9. The handle structure of claim 1 wherein said rearward portion is
pivotably engaged with said object and said first position is
located between said distal end portion and said forward
portion.
10. The handle structure of claim 1 wherein said rearward portion
is pivotably engaged with said distal end and said first position
is located between said object and said forward portion.
11. The handle structure of claim 1 wherein said rearward portion
includes: a pair of outwardly extending terminal ears that are
pivotably associated with a leaf member by a pintle pin that
associates with said ears and said leaf member, and said leaf
member is connectable with one of either said distal end or said
object, including connecting means.
12. The handle structure of claim 1 wherein said rearward portion
includes: a pair of outwardly extending terminal ears, and one of
either said distal end or said object has an outwardly extending
leaf member that extends between said terminal ears, and that is
pivotably connected therebetween by a pintle member; whereby said
rearward portion is pivotable about said pintle member.
13. The handle structure of claim 11 wherein said leaf member is
integrally formed with said arm at said distal end portion.
14. The handle structure of claim 11 wherein said leaf member
associates with a hook-like projection on said object.
15. The handle structure of claim 11 wherein said spring biasing
means includes a spring that has a central coil which extends
around portions of said pintle member and that has outwardly
extending opposite end portions that each rest yieldingly against a
different one of said bridging link and said leaf member.
16. The handle structure of claim 11 wherein said forward portion
includes a forwardly extending tongue and the other one of either
said object or said distal end has a groove defined therein that is
sized to receive therein said tongue when said forward portion is
in said first position.
17. The handle structure of claim 11 wherein said bridging link
pivots about said pin member in a direction that extends towards
said leg.
18. The handle structure of claim 1 wherein said arm and said leg
are unitarily formed.
19. The handle structure of claim 18 wherein said arm and said leg
have a core portion over which is molded a plastic.
20. The handle structure of claim 19 wherein said core includes a
hollow central, elongated portion.
21. The handle structure of claim 20 wherein, at said second end
portion, said core defines clip means that is adapted to extend
over and engage an edge portion defined in said object whereby said
handle structure is engageable with said object.
22. The handle structure of claim 21 wherein said clip means is
fixed relative to said edge portion.
23. The handle structure of claim 1 wherein said second end portion
and said rearward portion are each connected to support means that
is associatable with said object.
24. The handle structure of claim 23 wherein said support means is
fixedly connected to said object.
25. The handle structure of claim 23 wherein said support means is
disconnectably connected to said object.
26. The handle structure of claim 25 wherein said support means
comprises a mounting cage-type structure that connects with said
second end portion and also with said rearward portion and that
slidably and circumferentially is extendable around cylindrical
side wall portions of a container.
27. The handle structure of claim 26 wherein said mounting cage
type structure comprises in unitary combination a top ring to which
said second end portion is connected, a bottom ring to which said
rearward portion is connected, and a plurality of longitudinally
extending, circumferentially spaced spars whose respective upper
end portions are joined to said top ring and whose respective lower
end portions are joined to said bottom ring.
28. The handle structure of claim 27 wherein said second end
portion is unitarily formed with a support ring that is adapted to
extend circumferentially around said cylindrical side wall portions
and that has bottom edge portions that are configured to engage
with mating top edge portions of said top ring of said mounting
cage type structure.
29. An end openable handle structure for association with an
object, said structure comprising in combination: an elongated arm
for grasping in a hand, said arm having a proximal end portion and
an opposite distal end portion; a leg having a first end portion
and an opposed second end portion, said first end portion being
joined to said proximal end portion and including joining means,
and said second end portion including connecting means for
connecting said second end portion to said object; a bridging link
for extending between said distal end portion and a portion of said
object that is located in spatially adjacent, spaced relationship
to said distal end portion, said bridging link having opposing
terminating forward and rearward portions, said rearward portion
being pivotally mounted to one of either said distal end or said
adjacent object portion and including pivotal mounting means, and
said forward portion being locatable in adjacent, abutting
relationship relative to the other one of either said adjacent
object portion or said distal end, whereby said forward portion is
reversibly pivotable relative to said pivotal mounting means
between a first location that corresponds to said adjacent abutting
relationship and a second location that corresponds to a spatial
position that is in spaced, adjacent relationship relative to said
first location; spring biasing means cooperatively associated with
said pivotal mounting means and with said bridging link for
yieldingly biasing said bridging link into said adjacent, abutting
relationship; and stop means cooperatively associated with said
first position for limiting travel of said forward portion beyond
said first position in a direction generally opposite to said
second position; the interrelationship between said handle
structure and said object when said connecting means is so
connected with said object being such that: (a) when said bridging
link is pivoted by said pivoting means, said distal end is exposed
and available for a reversible hooking-type association with a
hookably associatable structure that is engageable with said
elongated arm by relative movement of said hookably-associatable
structure through the spatial region located between said distal
end and said adjacent object portion, and (b) after said arm is so
associated with said hookably-associatable structure, said bridging
link is self-pivotable by means of said spring biasing means back
into said first position.
30. The handle structure of claim 29 wherein connecting means and
said pivotal mounting means are each connected to a support means
that is disconnectably associated with said object.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to openable handles, and more
particularly to handles having an openable, biased, self-closing
link at one end.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Small transportable objects, including hand-held beverage
containers and the like, have come into widespread use. Often, such
a container even with a handle is not conveniently transported.
Typically, such a container is relatively bulky and is not well
suited for transporting or storing in a user's pocket, briefcase,
purse or backpack, and so must be carried and moved while held by
one hand of the user.
[0003] It would be desirable for a beverage container or other
small, transportable object to have an associated handle with an
openable, but normally closed, end region so that the container can
be connected to, for example, a strap, handle, ring or the like of
a user's other carried equipment, and thereby transported. Then,
both hands of the user would be free for other operations.
[0004] Although various openable handle structures have previously
been proposed, such as, for example, the structures disclosed in
Weiss et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,909 and Sarver U.S. Pat. No.
5,433,339, the prior art openable handle structures typically
include components and features that are cumbersome, difficult to
use or even unsafe. More than one hand may be needed for their
utilization, such as in one or more of the operations of grasping,
opening, support association or carrying. Even holding and
transporting the object by hand can be difficult because the prior
art openable handle structure may interfere, or be perceived by a
user to interfere, with normal manual grasping and carrying of the
handle structure. For example, sometimes, the structure of the
openable prior art handle structure can interfere with its ability
to connect with and to safely engage some accessible and
handle-supporting component of the user's transported equipment,
and, after connection, to stay connected as a user moves.
[0005] The openable handle structure of Weiss et al. '909 and of
Sarver '339 are similar to each other in that both handle
structures require a pair of curved legs. Each leg is fixed at one
end to a container or other portable object while the respective
opposite end of each leg extends in spaced relationship relative to
the other. These leg ends are interconnected together across a
mid-region therebetween by an intervening, separate connecting arm.
One end of this arm pivotably associates with the open end of one
leg and the opposite arm end loosely slidably engages with the open
end of the other leg. Experience indicates that this type of handle
structure is perceived by a user as uncomfortable, and even
difficult, to grasp and carry. Also, the requirement for this type
of handle structure to have not only two separate legs that each
outwardly extend from association with a container or other object,
but also an interconnected, intervening, mid-region arm, can result
in a difficulty, or even an inability, to hook the handle structure
safely and effectively to or over a connecting support member, such
as can exist with equipment being transported by a user.
[0006] For example, sometimes it is not convenient to advance the
open mid-region gap of the handle structure over a connecting
support member, sometimes the resulting hooked association is such
that the releasable arm of the handle structure bears part of the
handle's associated container (or other object) weight, and
sometimes the rocking or twisting action exerted on the hooked and
mounted handle structure as the user moves, places stress forces on
the releasable arm so that the releasable arm can open and release
the handle structure from its support. As a result, the prior art
handle structure can appear to a user to be unsafe or unreliable.
The uses, applications and marketability of this type of prior art
handle structure, particularly when associated with a beverage
container, are thus limited.
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention aims to overcome the
prior art openable handle problems and to provide an improved
openable handle structure that is easy and convenient to associate
with an object or to grasp with a hand, provides an improved
ability to hook over and disengageably connect to a support member,
and achieves a secure association with such a support member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] More particularly, this invention relates to an end-openable
handle structure for association with an object, preferably a
relatively small, transportable object, such as, for example, a
beverage container, and for connection, if desired, to a support
member for transporting in a hands-free manner.
[0009] The handle structure includes an elongated, hand graspable
arm that is supported at a proximal end portion thereof by the
joined first end portion of a leg. The opposite or second end
portion of the leg is connectable to the object.
[0010] The handle structure further includes a pivotable bridging
link for extending between the distal end portion of the arm and a
spaced, adjacent portion of the object to which the handle
structure may be connected. The bridging link has opposing forward
and rearward portions. The rearward portion is pivotally mounted to
one of either the distal end of the arm or the adjacent portion of
the connected object. The forward portion is locatable at a link
closed or first position that is in adjacent abutting relationship
relative to the other one of either the object or the distal end.
Thus, the bridging link forward portion is reversibly pivotable
relative to its rearward portion for translation from the first
position to a second position that is in spaced relationship
relative to the first position. Thereby, in the second position, a
gap is defined between the distal end portion of the arm and the
bridging link through which, for example, an associatable and
connectable support member for the handle structure may be
extended.
[0011] The first end portion of the leg can be considered to
include joining means for connecting the arm proximal end portion
to the first end portion so that preferably a fixed, angular
relationship is provided between the arm and the leg.
[0012] The second end portion of the leg can be considered to
include connecting means for connecting the second end portion to
the object so that a fixed angular relationship can exist between
the leg and the object.
[0013] The joining means and the connecting means are preferably
such that the elongated arm can be hand grasped and moved
(translated) without disrupting or breaking either the joined or
the connected relationships achieved by the joining means and the
connecting means, respectively.
[0014] The rearward portion of the bridging link can be considered
to include pivotal mounting means that pivotally mounts the
rearward portion as above indicated so that the forward portion of
the bridging link is thus pivotable, as indicated above. The
interrelationship between the pivotal mounting means and the distal
end portion of the arm is such that the bridging link is pivotable
and spatially movable inwards relative to the arm and leg
subassembly when the end region of the handle structure is to be
opened.
[0015] A stop means is provided that is preferably cooperatively
associated with the first or link closed position. The stop means
limits pivoting travel of the bridging link forward portion so
that, when in the first position, further pivoting of the bridging
link cannot normally occur in a direction that is outwards relative
to the arm and leg subassembly. Thus, the bridging link can be
pivoted inwardly relative to the arm and leg subassembly when, for
example, a hookably-associatable support member is applied thereto,
so that the hookably engageable member is inerrable between the arm
distal end portion and the object, yet, when the bridging link is
thereafter positioned in the first or link closed position, the
bridging link blocks disengagement of the hookably engageable
member from connected relationship with the handle and the
object.
[0016] Preferably, spring biasing means is cooperatively associated
with the bridging link, preferably in the vicinity of the pivotable
mounting means, so that the bridging link forward portion is
yieldingly urged into the indicated desired contacting relationship
in the first or link closed position, whereby the bridging link is
yieldingly biased into a self-closing orientation relative to, and
between, the distal end portion of the arm and an associated
object.
[0017] While the inventive handle structure is presently most
preferably associated with an object that is relatively small
lidded container, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate
that many other objects can alternatively be associated with the
handle structure.
[0018] Other and further objects, aims, features, purposes,
advantages, embodiments, variations and the like will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings of the
present specification taken with the accompanying drawings and the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a handle
structure of the present invention, the handle structure embodiment
being illustratively shown in association with a beverage container
and an associated beverage lid that are shown in phantom;
[0021] FIG. 1A is an enlarged, fragmentary, detail view of the
upper end region of the FIG. 1 embodiment showing the manner in
which the foot portion of the handle structure mounts to the
container;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
handle structure of the present invention, the handle structure
embodiment being illustratively shown in association with another
beverage container that is shown in phantom;
[0023] FIG. 2A is an enlarged, fragmentary, detail longitudinal
sectional view taken along the line IIA-IIA of FIG. 2 in the lip
region of the container structure;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the handle structure
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, but with a portion of the container's
side wall being broken away and with a portion of the handle
structure embodiment's support ring being broken away to show
details of the ring structure;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the handle structure embodiment
of FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view through the handle
structure and container combination of FIG. 2 with the container
being shown in phantom and some parts of the handle structure being
broken away;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the handle structure of FIG.
2 with the container being shown in phantom;
[0028] FIG. 7 is an exploded plan view of the bridging link and
pivoting assembly employed in each of the handle structure
embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a partially assembled but inverted view of the
assembly shown in FIG. 7;
[0030] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, detail, plan view of the
upper end region of handle assembly of FIG. 2 looking upwards from
under the upper end of the handle structure showing bottom end
portions of the handle structure fastening means, with the
container being shown in fragmentary phantom, some parts thereof
being broken away;
[0031] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, detail, view in
longitudinal mid-section of the handle assembly of FIG. 2 showing
the plug separated from the matingly engageable window in the
downwardly projecting end of the foot upper end portion and showing
fragmentary phantom the associated adjacent container side
wall;
[0032] FIG. 10A is an enlarged, fragmentary, detail, perspective
view of the upper end portion of the handle structure core employed
in the handle structure embodiment of FIG. 2, this view being taken
along the line XA-XA of FIG., 10;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a top view of the plug shown in FIG. 10;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a front view of the plug of FIG. 10;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a back view of the plug of FIG. 10;
[0036] FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary, detail view of a
portion of the outside side wall of the associated container where
the side wall supporting hook connects with an edge portion of the
pivot leaf for the bridging link of the handle structure shown in
FIG. 2;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the lower
portion of an alternative embodiment of a handle structure
embodiment of the invention, the handle structure illustratively
here being in association with a container which has a radially
constricted side wall mid-region, the container being fragmentarily
shown, some parts being broken away, and one position of the
bridging link being shown in phantom;
[0038] FIG. 15A is an enlarged, fragmentary, detail, perspective
view of the upper end region of the handle core structure of the
alternative handle structure embodiment shown in FIG. 15;
[0039] FIG. 16 shows fragmentarily the lower region of an
alternative handle structure embodiment of the invention wherein
the pivoting link pivots from the distal end of the arm;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 but showing a further
alternative embodiment of such an alternative handle structure
embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
handle structure of this invention, this handle structure being in
associated combination with a cage-type handle structure support,
this combination of handle structure and support being slidably and
detachably associated with side wall portions of a container that
is shown in phantom;
[0042] FIG. 19 is an opposite perspective view, relative to FIG.
18, of the handle structure and support structure combination shown
in FIG. 18 with the associated container being shown in
phantom;
[0043] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the handle
structure and handle support combination of FIG. 18; and
[0044] FIG. 21 is an enlarged, fragmentary, detail perspective view
of the handle structure and handle support combination assembly of
FIG. 20 showing the manner in which the handle structure detachably
associates with the handle supporting structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A, there is seen an embodiment
30 of an end-openable handle structure of the present invention.
The handle structure 30 includes an elongated arm 31 that is
adapted for grasping in and across the palm region of a hand. The
arm 31 has a proximal end portion 32 and a generally opposed distal
end portion 33. The handle structure 30 further includes a leg 35
having a first end portion 36 and a generally opposed second end
portion 37. The first end portion 36 is joined to the proximal end
32 preferably integrally so as to define a unitary or one-piece
type combination structure comprising leg 35 and arm 31. The arm 31
preferably extends at an acute angle approaching about 90.degree.
relative to the leg 35. For hand grasping convenience, preferably
adjacent exterior inside (relative to the arm 31 and adjacent leg
35) surface portions between the arm 31 and the leg 35 define a
curved surface region, and preferably the (hypothetical)
longitudinal center line (not shown) of the leg 35 is preferably
generally straight, and the (hypothetical) longitudinal center line
(not shown) of the arm 31 is preferably slightly curved.
[0046] Exterior inside (relative to the arm 31 and adjacent leg 35)
surface portions of the arm 31 preferably define transversely
extending ridges or corrugations 34 arranged in longitudinally
adjacent relationship to one another so as to provide intervening
depressions that are adapted for contact with portions of a user's
fingers. Preferably the exterior configurations of the arm 31 and
of the leg 35 are such as to adapt each for cooperative grasping of
the arm 31 by the fingers and palm of a user's hand with a side
portion of the user's forefinger optionally resting against a
portion of the leg 35 and/or with a forward portion of the user's
thumb optionally resting upon an opposed portion of the leg 35.
Various configurations for the arm 31 and the leg 35 can be
employed as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate.
[0047] In the handle structure 30, the leg 35 and the arm 31 are
unitarily formed of molded plastic, or here preferably and
illustratively, a weldable metal. The second end portion 37 of the
leg 35 is terminally transversely concavely and enlarged
transversely and longitudinally so as to adapt the second end
portion 37 for matingly fitting against a selected outside, upper,
circumferentially extending, but longitudinally elongated, side
wall surface portions of a container 43 that is fitted with a lid
42 that is adapted to close and cover the container mouth at the
container 43 upper end. The container 43 here illustratively has
steel (preferably stainless) exterior surface portions. The second
end portion 37 is illustratively mounted to the indicated side wall
surface portions adjacent to the container mouth by side weldments
38 (see FIG. 1A) or the like.
[0048] A component attachment site is preferably provided at a
local location on the side wall of the container 43. Here, somewhat
below the distal end portion 33 of the arm 31, a pivot leaf 45 is
abutted against the container 43 sidewall and is welded thereto by
further side weldments 38, or the like. The pivot leaf 45
preferably has circumferentially spaced, parallel, opposed side
wall portions.
[0049] The handle structure 30 is provided with a bridging link 39
that has opposing forward 40 and rearward 41 portions. The bridging
link 39 is conveniently formed of molded metal (preferred) or
plastic, and it can be overcoated with a protective or
distinctively colored identification layer, if desired. The
rearward portion 41 is pivotally mounted to the pivot leaf 45. The
forward portion 40 is located in adjoining or abutting relationship
to a portion of the distal end 33 of arm 31 to define a first or
bridging link 39 closed position such as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0050] To pivotally mount the rearward portion 41 to the pivot leaf
45, the rearward portion 41 is provided a pair of ears 46 that
preferably are integrally formed with, that extend preferably
rearwardly therefrom the bridging link 39, and that preferably and
as shown are in spaced, parallel relationship relative to each
other. Each of the ears 46 is adapted to be received over and
adjacent to a different one of the opposed side wall portions of
the pivot leaf 45. Through aligned, transversely extending channels
defined in the ears 46 and the pivot leaf 45, a pintle pin 48 is
extended. Thereby, the forward portion 40 is adapted to pivot
relative to the rearward portion 41, the pivot pin 48 and the pivot
leaf 45, and thus the forward portion 40 is reversibly pivotable
relative to the rearward portion 41 and so is movable from the
indicated first position to a second position that is in spaced
relationship relative to the first position whereby a gap is
defined between the distal end portion 33 and the bridging link 39.
Various pivotal mounting arrangements can be employed, as those
skilled in the art will appreciate.
[0051] The interrelationship between the pivotal mounting assembly
comprised of the ears 37, the pivot leaf 45 and the pintle pin 48
at the rearward portion 41 of the bridging link 39 and the distal
end 33 is such that the bridging link 39 is spatially movable
inwards relative to the arm 31 and leg 35 subassembly when the
lower end region or distal end 33 of the handle structure 30 is to
be opened from the indicated first position by pivoting of the
bridging link 39. Thus, the forward portion 40 is reversibly
pivotable relative to the rearward portion 41 from said first
position to a second position that is in spaced relationship
relative to said first position, the pivotal movement being
generally inward relative to the arm 31 and generally towards the
leg 35, thereby defining at said second position a gap between said
distal end portion 33 and the bridging link 39. While various
directions (or planes) of pivotal movement can be defined by the
bridging link 39 relative to the pivot leaf 45, it is presently
most preferred to have the pivot axis as set by the location of the
pintle pin 48 be substantially perpendicular to the (hypothetical)
center plain defined by the mid-line or center line of the arm
31.
[0052] To limit pivoting travel of the bridging link 39 relative to
distal end 33 outwardly beyond the distal end 33, a stop means is
provided so that outward travel of the forward portion 40 cannot
normally occur in a direction that is outwards relative to the arm
31 and leg 35 subassembly and distal end 33. In the handle
structure 30, the stop means is achieved by the angle and shape of
the respective adjoining faces of the forward portion 40 and the
distal end portion 33. Thus, when the bridging link 39 is in its
first or link closed position, as indicated above, these respective
faces are preferably and as shown in an abutting, face-to-face
engagement that effectively terminates pivotal movement of the
forward portion 40 relative to the distal end portion 33. The
combination of the stop means and the pivotal movement of the
bridging link 39 thus provided in effect preferably achieves, as
desired, a type of lock that prevents a support member for the
handle structure 30 (not illustrated) that is positioned between
the arm 31 and the object (here container 43) and that is thus
engaged with the handle structure 30 from becoming disengaged
therefrom through outward pivoting of the forward portion 40 beyond
the distal end 33, as those skilled in the art will appreciate.
[0053] A spring biasing means is preferably provided that is
cooperatively associated with the bridging link 39 and that
yieldingly urges the bridging link 39 into the indicated first or
link closed position. Here, a coiled spring 49 (not detailed in
FIG. 1 but see FIG. 7, for example) is positioned around the shank
of the pintle pin 48 with one opposite end of the spring 49 resting
against an adjacent portion of the pivot leaf 45 and the other
opposite end of the spring 49 resting against an adjacent region of
the rearward portion 41 of the bridging link 39 in the assembled
structure 30, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 for, and as employed
in, the embodiment 51 of the handle structure (described
below).
[0054] The handle structure 30 or other handle structure of the
invention can be mounted to various containers, as will be readily
appreciated by those skilled in the art. The term "container" can
be regarded herein as being used in a generic sense to include
various types of vessels with various types of names, including,
for example, mugs, thermos-type bottles and other types of bottles,
flasks, jars, cups, holders, presses (including coffee presses),
molds, and the like. Alternatively, various objects can be
associated with the handle structure 30 or other handle structures
of the invention, including for example, a flashlight, a coil
spring or other component of a machine, an air tank, a suitcase, an
umbrella, a ladder, a shovel or other hand tool, mountain climbing
equipment, or the like. Various categories of users can find a
handle structure of the invention, such as the handle structure 30,
useful with various objects including, for example, commuters,
travelers such as hikers, vehicle drivers, vehicle passengers,
pilots, equipment operators, office workers, students, teachers,
research, development, and testing persons, bird watchers, hunters,
sports participants and sports enthusiasts, soldiers, sailors,
security personnel, police officers, fire fighters, laborers,
rescue workers, forestry workers, farmers, assembly workers,
mechanics, machinists, and the like. Indeed, the category of
associatable objects, especially transportable objects, with handle
structures of the invention is very large, even not practically
limited.
[0055] As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, many
different types of mounting means can be used to associate or
connect the second end portion 37 with an object. For present
illustration purposes, a few particular suitable mounting means are
shown, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that many
different and other mounting means can be utilized, if and as
desired. The joining means associated with and connecting the first
end portion 36 and the proximal end portion 32, as those skilled in
the art will readily appreciate, can be variously comprised. A
handle structure of the invention can be variously comprised and
constructed.
[0056] A now more preferred embodiment 51 of a handle structure of
the invention is shown, for example, in FIGS. 2-14. Components and
portions of handle structure 51 which are similar to, or correspond
generally in function, purpose or operation to, corresponding
components and portions of the handle structure 30 are
correspondingly numbered but with the addition of prime marks added
thereto for convenient identification purposes.
[0057] In the handle structure 51, the arm 31' and leg 35' have a
common core 59 (see, for example, FIGS. 5 and 10). The core 59 is
conveniently and preferably comprised of a metal, such as steel.
Preferably core 59 has a hollow interior 60. Conveniently, the core
59 is formed of two mating pieces of stamped and crimped sheet
metal with respective edge portions that interengage, as those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate, or otherwise, if
desired.
[0058] Alternatively, in another handle structure embodiment 65
such as shown, for example, FIGS. 15 and 15A, one can employ, if
desired, in place of the hollow core 59, a core 59A that is a
solid, elongated, molded body comprised of a metal or a rigid
plastic. In handle structure embodiment 65, components which are
similar to the components of handle structure 30 or 51 are
similarly numbered but with the addition of prime marks thereto for
convenient identification and reference purposes. In the handle
structure 65, the flanges 63, 64 are integrally formed with the
core 59A (as shown in FIG. 15A).
[0059] Over surface portions of the core 59 or the core 59A, a
plastic overlayer 61 is molded, thereby to form unitarily the arm
31' and the leg 35'. Various overlayer plastics can be employed,
but those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a
preferred overlayer plastic is one of the well-known type which has
easily gripped surface characteristics that are tactilely
comfortable when contacted by, and thereby sensed through, a user's
hand.
[0060] Alternatively, if desired, a unitary structure of leg 35 and
arm 31, as in handle structure 30, can be formed by molding of
metal or plastic, or by welding or adhesively bonding together the
first end portion 36 of a preformed leg 35 with the proximal end
portion 32 of a preformed arm 31 members, or otherwise, if desired.
Also, if desired, mechanical means (particularly, for example,
rivets, screws, or the like) can interconnect overlapping or
abutting edge portions of respective preformed legs 35 and arm 31,
or the like, and, if desired, the mechanical means can be
adjustable, so as to alter, if desired, the angle between the leg
35 and the arm 31.
[0061] In the handle structure 51, the hollow common core 59 of the
arm 31' and the leg 35' at the second end portion 37' terminates in
a pair of downturned (relative to the distal end 33' of arm 31')
flanges 63 and 64 that are located in a nested radially respective
outward and inward relationship relative to each other and relative
to an associated lip 68 of the mouth 69 of the container 74 (see
FIG. 10, for example). Each flange 63, 64 is preferably unitarily
formed of the sheet material of the core 59. The shape of portions
of the molded plastic overlayer 61 at the second end portion 37',
and the configuration and the spacing between each of the flanges
63 and 64 at the second end portion 37', is such as to permit the
second end portion 37' to fit over and against local
circumferential portions of the curved outer edge of the lip 68 of
the mouth 69 of the container 44 with which the handle structure 51
associates. Terminal portions of the molded plastic overlayer 41 at
second end portion 37 are in adjacent, abutting relationship with
exterior cylindrical surface portions of the container 44. Flange
63 is in adjacent, abutting relationship with outside surface
portions of the lip 48, and flange 64 is in adjacent, abutting
relationship with inside surface portions of the lip 48.
Conveniently and preferably, the container 44 and the lip 68 are
relatively thin walled and are preferably comprised of a durable
sheet material, such as stainless steel (preferred), plastic, or
the like.
[0062] Preferably in the handle structure 51, the plastic overlayer
61 at the second end portion 37' is extended and formed preferably
unitarily during the molding of plastic overlayer 61 to include an
integrally molded handle structure-supporting ring structure 74.
The ring structure 74 is oriented, configured and adapted to have
respective portions that fit over and extend along edge portions of
the lip 68 so that opposed portions of the ring structure form
inside and outside surface portions of the lip 68 about the mouth
69 of the container 44. Preferably, as shown for example in FIG. 2,
the radially inside portions 74A of the ring structure 74 extend
downwardly (relative to the edge of the lip 68) along inside edge
portions of the lip 68 further than the radially outside portions
74B of the ring structure 74 extend downwardly along outside edge
portions of the lip 68, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and
3.
[0063] A now preferred cross sectional configuration of the ring
structure 74 is as illustrated in FIG. 2A where, for decorative
purposes, a circumferentially extending bead 76 that can be
variously colored if desired extends around the apex region of the
ring structure 74 over or adjacent to edge portions of the lip 68.
To retain the bead 76 in association with the adjacent portions of
the ring structure 74, a circumferentially outwardly extending edge
portion 77 of the bead 76 extends downwardly and seats in a mating
groove defined in adjacent portions of the ring structure 74 at the
lip 68 to retain the bead 76 in association with the ring structure
74. Bonding means, such as heat fusion or an adhesive, can be
employed to fix the relationship between the edge portion 77 and
contacting portions of the ring structure 74.
[0064] During assembly of the handle structure 51 with the
container 74, regions of the inside portions of the ring structure
74 that are radially adjacent to the flange 63 can be raised or
bent upwards and outwards angularly. During assembly of handle
structure 51 with container 44, the flanges 63, 64 are compressed
(clamped) together radially on each side of the lip 48 and the
combination is spot welded (or heat welded, in the case of plastic)
together while the arm 31' is held oriented in a fixed,
longitudinal position relative to the outside of container 44.
[0065] The molded plastic overlayer 61 at second end portion 37' is
conveniently and preferably provided with a downwardly extending
(relative to the edge of the lip 48) projection 70. Defined
perpendicularly, centrally and radially (relative to container 44)
through projection 70 is a window 71 through which access to outer
surface portions of the flange 63 are available. After the flanges
63, 64 are mounted to the lip 68, a mating plug 72, which is
preferably comprised of a plastic similar to that used in the
plastic overlayer 61 and its projection 70, is inserted into the
window 71. The plug 72 serves to effectively mask exteriorly the
flange 64 and any associated otherwise exteriorly visible marks
from welding or the like. After flanges 63 and 64 are mounted over
the lip 68, the ring structure 74 is positioned over the lip 68,
thereby masking the presence of the flanges 63, 64 and related
incidentally visible features.
[0066] The inside portions of the ring structure 74 conveniently
and preferably have defined therein raised screw threads 75 (shown,
for example, in FIG. 2) that are adapted to threadably and matingly
engage with a cap (not detailed) that is adapted to fit over and
close the mouth 69 of the container 44.
[0067] The handle structure 51, like the handle structure 30,
incorporates a bridging link 39' that is similarly comprised and
that extends between the distal end portion 33' and a preferably
generally radially adjacent portion 80 (see, for example, FIG. 14)
of the side wall of container 44 where a pivot leaf 45' can be
mounted as in the handle structure 30. Here, however,
alternatively, as a different mounting means for the pivot leaf
45', the side wall portion 80 of the container 44 is cut to provide
an inverted U-type configuration and the flap thus defined is bent
and formed into a hook like member 81 that is associated at its
bottom with the side wall portion 80. A cavity is defined in the
back wall portion of the pivot leaf 45' which is adapted to fit
over and receive therein the hook-like member 81 thereby to provide
a support for the pivot leaf 45'. Portions of the pivot leaf 45'
back wall, including the hook-like member 81, that are adjacent to
the side wall portion 80 are mounted thereto by welding, adhesive,
or the like as desired. Like pivot leaf 45, the pivot leaf 45'
preferably has circumferentially spaced, parallel, opposed side
wall portions.
[0068] The rearward portion 41' of bridging link 39' is pivotally
mounted to the pivot leaf 45' similarly to the manner in which the
pivot leaf 45 is pivotally mounted to the pivot leaf 45' using the
ears 46' and the pivot pin 48'. Thereby, as in the case of the
pivot link 39 of the handle structure 30, the forward portion 40'
of the bridging link 39' is adapted to pivot relative to its
rearward portion 41', and the pivot pin 48' and the pivot leaf 45',
and thus the forward portion 40' is reversibly pivotable relative
to the rearward portion 41' and so is movable from the indicated
first position to a second position that is in spaced relationship
relative to the first position whereby a gap is defined between the
distal end portion 33' and the bridging link 39'. Various pivotal
mounting arrangements can be employed, as those skilled in the art
will appreciate.
[0069] As in the case of the bridging link 39, the
interrelationship between the pivotal mounting assembly comprised
of the ears 37', the pivot leaf 45' and the pintle pin 48' at the
rearward portion 41' of the bridging link 39' and the distal end
33' is such that the bridging link 39' is spatially movable inwards
relative to the arm 31' and leg 35' subassembly when the lower end
region or distal end 33' of the handle structure 30' is to be
opened from the indicated first position by pivoting of the
bridging link 39. In the first position, the forward portion 40'
abuts against the distal end 33'. Pivoting travel of the bridging
link 39' relative to distal end 33' outwardly beyond the distal end
33' is limited by this abutment so that a stop means is provided
that prevents outward travel of the forward portion 40 beyond the
distal end 33'. The effectiveness of this stop means is adjustable
and enhanceable by the angle and shape selected for the respective
adjoining faces of the forward portion 40' and the distal end
portion 33'.
[0070] To enhance the effectiveness of the stop means, and achieve
an interlocking engagement between the distal end portion 33' and
the forward portion 40', the forward portion 40' is provided with a
forwardly projecting tab 83 that is preferably integrally formed
with the bridging link 39 while the distal end portion 33' is
provided with a slot 84 that is matingly engageable with the tab 83
when the forward portion 40' is pivoted to the location where it
abuts against the distal end portion 33'. This arrangement is
desirable and preferred because it reduces and even avoids the
occurrence of the possibility that, under a loading force applied
against the inside surface region of the bridging link 39' when in
the first position, the forward portion 40' will be displaced
laterally relative to the distal end 33. The position of the
bridging link 39' when in the second position is illustrated in
phantom in FIG. 15.
[0071] In an alternative handle structure embodiment 85 that is
shown fragmentarily in FIG. 16, and that is otherwise similar to
the handle structure 30, the distal end 33 is provided with a
terminal pivot leaf 86 (not detailed) that is preferably integrally
formed with the arm 31 and that is similar in structure to the
pivot leaf 45. Here, the rearward portion 91 (that is similar to
the rearward portion 41 of bridging link 39) of a bridging link 90
is pivotably connected to the pivot leaf 86 by a pintle pin 89
(similarly to the pintle pin 48), and the forward portion 92 of
bridging link 90 abuts when in the first position against a stop
abutment button 88 that is bonded (preferred) or welded to the
container 43 in a location chosen to connect with the forward
portion 92 when the bridging link 90 is pivoted about pintle pin 89
to such first position. The position of the bridging link 90 when
in its second position is shown in phantom in FIG. 16.
[0072] In an alternative handle structure embodiment 95 that is
shown fragmentarily in FIG. 17, and that is otherwise similar to
the handle structure 51, the distal end 33' is similarly provided
with a terminal pivot leaf 97 (not detailed) that is preferably
integrally formed with the arm 31' and that is similar in structure
to the pivot leaf 45. Here, the rearward portion 96 (that is
similar to the rearward portion 41 of bridging link 39) of a
bridging link 98 is pivotably connected to the pivot leaf 97 by a
pintle pin 99 (similarly to the pintle pin 48), and the forward
portion 100 of bridging link 98 abuts when in the first position
against a stop abutment button 101 that is bonded (preferred) or
welded to the container 44 in a location where the abutment button
101 connects with the forward portion 100 when the bridging link 98
is pivoted about pintle pin 99 to such first position. The abutment
button 101 is forwardly provided with a shelf notch 102 that is
adapted to engage with a spur projection 103 on the forward portion
100 of bridging link 98 when the bridging link 98 is in the first
position. The cooperative action between the spur projection 103
and the shelf notch 102 is comparable to that achieved between the
tab 83 and the slot 84. The position of the bridging link 98 when
in its second position is shown in phantom in FIG. 16.
[0073] In another handle structure embodiment 106 that is shown in
FIGS. 18-21, the second end portion 107 of leg 108 is provided with
a mounting support ring 109 that is preferably longitudinally
flattened as shown and that is adapted to extend slidably and
circumferentially around cylindrical side wall portions of an
illustrative container 111. Lower circumferential edge portions of
the ring 109 are configured to engage frictionally and reversibly
with top circumferential edge portions of the top ring 112 of a
mounting cage structure 114 with ring 112 and ring 109 being in a
predetermined assembled position relative to each other, as
illustrated in FIG. 21, for example. The mounting cage structure
114 incorporates unitarily the top ring 112 and a bottom ring 115
that are interengaged with one another by a plurality of
longitudinally extending spars 116 (preferably four spars are
employed) that are preferably circumferentially equally spaced from
one another. The top ring 112 and the bottom ring 115 are each
preferably longitudinally flattened, as shown. The mounting cage
structure 114 is conveniently and preferably comprised of a molded
plastic. The mounting cage structure 114 is adapted to slidably
engage frictionally but disengageably circumferentially around the
cylindrical side wall portions of the container 111.
[0074] The bottom ring 115 is provided with a preferably unitarily
formed pivot leaf 117 that is similar in structure and form to the
pivot leaf 45. A bridging link 118 that is similar in structure and
form to the bridging link 39' is pivotably connected through a pair
of laterally spaced, parallel ears 113 at its rearward portion 119
with the pivot leaf 117 by means of a pintle pin 120 that is
similar in structure and form to the pin 48'. The forward portion
121 of the bridging link 118 abuts against the distal end portion
123 of the arm 122 of the handle structure 106 when in its first
position. The forward portion 121 is provided with a forwardly
projecting tab or tongue 124 that is adapted to be matingly
received in a slot or groove (not detailed) defined in the distal
end portion 123 in a manner similar to the tab 83 and slot 84 in
the handle structure 51, thereby to achieve a similar function. A
spring 126 like the spring 49' has a coiled body hat extends around
the pintle pin 120 and yieldingly biases the forward portion 121
into engagement with the distal end portion 123. If desired, the
channel provided through each of the ears 113 for the pintle pin
120 can be provided with outer end caps 127.
[0075] The mounting cage structure 114 functions, when engaged with
the ring 109 and with the bridging link 118, to support the handle
structure 106 in a removable but longitudinally and
circumferentially adjustable position about and relative to the
container 111.
[0076] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate from the
foregoing teachings that the end openable handle structures of this
invention can be employed in combination with many different
objects and structures. When the object or structure is a
container, the container can be, for example, a mug, a thermos-type
vessel for insulating hot or cold liquids, a coffee press, a baby
feeding bottle, a vessel for holding materials for a laboratory
experiment, or any other similar or comparable type of dispenser or
container.
[0077] As those both skilled and unskilled, particularly in the
container closure and cap arts will further appreciate, numerous
structural and functional modifications and adaptations may be made
in the handle structures of the present invention without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *