U.S. patent application number 11/389822 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for split-ring handle and container assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graham Packaging PET Technologies Inc.. Invention is credited to Amit S. Agrawal, Stephen R. Guerin, Tapan Y. Patel, David P. Piccioli.
Application Number | 20070221607 11/389822 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38532251 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070221607 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Piccioli; David P. ; et
al. |
September 27, 2007 |
Split-ring handle and container assembly
Abstract
A plastic container and handle assembly includes a container
having a neck, and an attachment formed separately from the
container and assembled thereto, the attachment including a handle
and an integrally formed attachment ring embracing the neck and
mounting the handle to the container. The ring is split and has
ends adapted to separate to fit the handle over the neck and
adapted to be secured together to embrace the neck of the
container. In various embodiments, the handle and/or ring have an
integral folded hinge enabling the ring to be pivoted open and
closed. In other embodiments, a projection and recess are provided
on the attachment and container to provide alignment and prevent
relative rotation thereof.
Inventors: |
Piccioli; David P.; (Auburn,
NH) ; Agrawal; Amit S.; (Merrimack, NH) ;
Patel; Tapan Y.; (Nashua, NH) ; Guerin; Stephen
R.; (Milford, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RISSMAN JOBSE HENDRICKS & OLIVERIO, LLP
ONE STATE STREET
SUITE 800
BOSTON
MA
02109
US
|
Assignee: |
Graham Packaging PET Technologies
Inc.
York
PA
|
Family ID: |
38532251 |
Appl. No.: |
11/389822 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/396 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/106
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/396 |
International
Class: |
B65D 23/10 20060101
B65D023/10 |
Claims
1. A plastic container and handle assembly comprising: a container
having a neck and a shoulder adjacent the neck with an engaging
recess, and an attachment assembled to said container and being
formed separately thereform, said attachment comprising a handle
and a split ring integral with said handle sized to substantially
circumscribe said container neck, and an anti-rotation projection
on said attachment engaged in said recess.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said projection is engaged in
said recess by interference fit.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said split ring includes two
ring portions having mating ring ends.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said handle and said ring ends
are diametrically opposed on opposite sides of the container
neck.
5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein two sets of engaging recesses
and projections are provided, one adjacent said handle and the
other adjacent said ring ends.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said ring is split at a
location spaced from said handle.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said split ring has two ring
portions and said handle has two handle portions, each handle
portion being integral with a different one of said ring
portions.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said split ring has mating ring
ends having a latching mechanism with a plurality of
interengagement positions such that said split ring is adjustable
to a plurality of different neck sizes.
9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said ring includes an integral
folding hinge enabling the ring to be pivoted open and closed.
10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said handle includes an
integral folding hinge enabling the ring to be opened and
closed.
11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said split ring includes two
ring portions with mating ring ends and said hinge is spaced from
said ring ends.
12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said ring and said handle each
have two portions, each handle portion being integral with a
different ring portion, and wherein said handle and/or ring
portions include interengagement features for connecting said
respective handle and/or ring portions.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein said interengagement features
are snap fit.
14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said split ring includes a
finish portion for attachment of a closure or fitment.
15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein said finish portion includes
at least a portion of an external thread, bead or flange.
16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein said finish portion includes
at least one external thread portion.
17. A plastic attachment for a plastic container having a neck and
a shoulder adjacent the neck with an engaging recess, the
attachment comprising: a handle, and a split ring integral with
said handle, said split ring being sized to substantially
circumscribe the container neck, and an anti-rotation projection on
said attachment adapted for engaging a container recess.
18. The attachment of claim 17, wherein said split ring is
substantially cylindrical.
19. The attachment of claim 17, wherein said split ring includes a
finish portion for attachment of a closure or fitment.
20. The attachment of claim 19, wherein said finish portion
includes at least a portion of an external thread, bead or
flange.
21. The attachment of claim 20, wherein said finish portion
includes at least one external thread portion.
22. The attachment of claim 17, wherein said attachment includes an
integral folding hinge enabling the ring to be pivoted open and
closed.
23. The attachment of claim 22, wherein said integral hinge is part
of said handle.
24. The attachment of claim 22 wherein said integral hinge is part
of said split ring.
25. The attachment of claim 17, wherein said split ring includes
two ring portions with mating ring ends.
26. The attachment of claim 25, wherein said handle is split into
two handle portions, each connected to a different ring
portion.
27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein said handle portions include
interengagement features for connecting said handle portions.
28. The attachment of claim 27, wherein said interengagement
features are snap fit.
29. The attachment of claim 25, wherein said ring portions include
interengagement features for connecting said ring portions.
30. The attachment of claim 29, wherein said interengagement
features are snap fit.
31. The attachment of claim 17, wherein said attachment is of
two-piece construction, each piece including a ring portion and a
handle portion and interengagement features for connecting the
pieces.
32. The attachment of claim 17, wherein said attachment is of
one-piece construction.
33. The attachment of claim 17, wherein said attachment includes a
plurality of projections for engaging one or more container
recesses.
34. The attachment of claim 33, including two projections
diametrically opposed on opposite sides of the ring.
35. The attachment of claim 17, wherein said split ring has mating
ring ends having a latching mechanism with a plurality of
interengagement positions such that said split ring is adjustable
to a plurality of different neck sizes.
36. A plastic container and handle assembly, including: a container
having a neck, and an attachment assembled to said container and
being formed separately therefrom, said attachment comprising a
handle and a split ring integral with said handle sized to
substantially circumscribe said container neck, said attachment
including an integral folding hinge enabling the ring to be pivoted
open and closed.
37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein said hinge is part of said
split ring.
38. The assembly of claim 36, wherein said hinge is part of said
handle.
39. The assembly of claim 36, wherein said handle includes two
handle portions having interengagement features for connecting said
handle portions.
40. The assembly of claim 36, wherein said split ring includes two
ring portions having interengagement features for connecting said
ring portions.
41. The assembly of claim 36, wherein said split ring has two ring
portions and said handle has two handle portions, each handle
portion being integral with a different one of said ring
portions.
42. The assembly of claim 36, wherein said ring is split at a
position spaced from said handle.
43. The assembly of claim 36, wherein said split ring includes two
ring portions having mating ring ends.
44. The assembly of claim 36, wherein said neck of said container
body and said split ring are substantially cyclindrical.
45. The assembly of claim 36, wherein said split ring includes a
finish portion for attachment of a closure or fitment.
46. The assembly of claim 45, wherein said finish portion includes
at least a portion of an external thread, bead or flange.
47. The assembly of claim 46, wherein said finish portion includes
at least one external thread portion.
48. A plastic attachment for a plastic container having a neck, the
attachment comprising: a handle, and a split ring integral with
said handle, said split ring being sized to substantially
circumscribe the container neck, said attachment including an
integral folding hinge enabling the ring to be pivoted open and
closed.
49. The attachment of claim 48, wherein said hinge is part of said
split ring.
50. The attachment of claim 48, wherein said hinge is part of said
handle.
51. The attachment of claim 48, wherein said handle includes two
handle portions having interengagement features for connecting said
handle portions.
52. The attachment of claim 48, wherein said split ring includes
two ring portions having interengagement features for connecting
said ring portions.
53. The attachment of claim 48, wherein said split ring has two
ring portions and said handle has two handle portions, each handle
portion being integral with a different one of said ring
portions.
54. The attachment of claim 48, wherein said ring is split at a
position spaced from said handle.
55. The attachment of claim 48, wherein said split ring includes
two ring portions having mating ring ends.
56. The attachment of claim 48, wherein said split ring is
substantially cyclindrical.
57. The attachment of claim 48, wherein said split ring includes a
finish portion for attachment of a closure or fitment.
58. The attachment of claim 57, wherein said finish portion
includes at least a portion of an external thread, bead or
flange.
59. The attachment of claim 58, wherein said finish portion
includes at least one external thread portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to plastic containers having
handles and methods of forming a container and handle assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Containers for flowable products, such as liquids and
granular products, have been formed of plastic by a variety of
methods. For example, plastic containers have been blow molded from
a preform into an integral container body, neck finish and handle.
Other plastic containers have been formed comprising an integral
container body and neck finish, and a separate handle attached to
the container body and/or finish. Still other plastic containers
have been formed by positioning an already formed handle and neck
finish in a recess or pocket of a blow mold, and then blowing a
container body (from a separate preform) whereby the handle and
neck finish become attached to the container body.
[0003] In some instances, it may be desirable to form the container
body in a blow mold without the handle being present so that the
blow mold can be more simple in design, e.g., does not require
recesses or pockets to form or hold the handle. It also may be
desirable to use a different plastic material for the handle and/or
neck finish (than for the container body) for reasons such as
strength, color, aesthetics or cost. It may further be desirable to
provide a handle attached at the neck rather than the body of the
container, for ease of pouring and/or one-handed use of the
container and handle assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a
container and handle assembly is provided. The container includes a
neck and, adjacent to the neck, a shoulder having an engaging
recess. An attachment is formed separately from the container and
assembled thereto. The attachment includes a handle and a split
ring integral with the handle and sized to substantially
circumscribe the container neck. A projection is provided on the
attachment for engagement in the shoulder recess. The engagement of
the projection in the recess may be by interference fit. Such
engagement, at one or more shoulder locations around the container
neck, provides alignment and prevents relative rotation of the
attachment with respect to the ring.
[0005] In another embodiment, the attachment includes an integral
folding hinge enabling the ring to be pivoted opened and closed.
The ring may include the integral folding hinge, for example, at a
location diametrically opposite the location of the handle/ring
connection. Alternatively, the handle may include an integral
folding hinge enabling the ring to be opened and closed.
[0006] In various embodiments, the split ring includes two ring
portions having mating ring ends. The handle may also include two
handle portions, each handle portion being attached to a different
ring portion. The ring may be split at a position spaced from the
handle, such as diametrically opposed to the handle, so that the
ring ends and handle are positionable on opposite sides of the
container neck. Two sets of engaging recesses and projections may
be provided, one adjacent to the handle and the other adjacent the
ring ends.
[0007] In one embodiment the split ring has two ring portions and
the handle has two handle portions, each handle portion being
integral with a different one of the ring portions. One or both of
the ring portions and handle portions have interengagement features
for connecting the respective handle or ring portions.
[0008] In another embodiment, the split ring has mating ring ends
with a latching mechanism providing a plurality of interengagement
positions such that the split ring is adjustable to fit a plurality
of different neck sizes.
[0009] The split ring preferably includes a finish portion for
attachment of a closure or fitment. The finish portion may include
at least a portion of an external thread, bead or flange.
[0010] In other embodiments, an attachment is provided having one
or more of the features previously described, to be assembled to a
container. These and other features of the present invention are
further described in the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Various embodiments of the invention will be understood from
the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container and
handle assembly including a container, and a handle and finish
attachment, according to a one embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an enlarged and exploded fragmentary perspective
view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, illustrating the handle and
finish attachment in an open condition and removed from the
container;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of an exterior of the handle and
finish attachment of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of an interior of the handle and
finish attachment of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container and
handle assembly including a container, and a handle attachment,
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 5, illustrating the handle attachment in an open
condition and removed from the container;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an interior of the handle
attachment of FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container and
handle assembly including a container, and a two-piece handle
attachment, according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 8, illustrating the two-piece handle attachment
removed from the container body;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a right portion of the
two-piece handle attachment of FIG. 8;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a left portion of the
two-piece handle attachment of FIG. 8;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container
assembly including a container and a handle attachment attached to
a neck of the container, according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 12, including the handle attachment shown
removed from the container body; and
[0025] FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the handle
attachment of FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Referring in more detail to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2
illustrate an embodiment of a container and handle assembly 120
including a plastic container 122 that is formed separately from a
plastic handle and finish attachment 124, the latter being
attachable to the container 122 after the container 122 is formed
(e.g. post blow mold). The container 122 may be of substantially
any shape and material, such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
beverage bottle or the like, to define an interior volume in which
a product is to be received. The container 122 is preferably blow
molded, but may also be injection molded or the like. The handle
and finish attachment 124 is formed separately from the container
122, such as by an injection molding operation or the like. The
handle and finish attachment 124 may be formed of a different
plastic material and/or color than the container 122, thereby
increasing the choice of materials available and potentially
reducing the material cost of the overall container and handle
assembly. For example, the handle and finish attachment 124 may be
formed of any suitable packaging material such as polypropylene or
the like. Also, providing the handle and finish attachment 124
separately from and after the container 122 is formed simplifies
the design of the container 122 and of the mold used to make
it.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the handle and finish
attachment 124 is shown externally and internally, respectively, in
an open condition. The handle and finish attachment 124 includes a
left side 126 and a right side 128 that are connected together by
an integral or living hinge 131 that extends longitudinally along
handle sections or bodies 130, 132 of the left and right sides 126,
128. Accordingly, the handle and finish attachment 124 is basically
a split, divided, bifurcated or otherwise multi-portion unitary
component. At a lower longitudinal end of the handle bodies 130,
132, a stepped extension end 134 projects from the right (or left)
side handle body 132, as will be described in further detail below.
At an opposed upper longitudinal end of the handle bodies 130, 132,
curved ring ends 136, 138 extend in opposed lateral directions
respectively therefrom and terminate in the form of opposed collar
or ring portions 140, 142. The opposed ring portions 140, 142
include inboard ends 144, 146, extending from the respective curved
ring ends 136, 138 of the handle bodies 130, 132, and outboard ends
148, 150 that are circumferentially distal with respect to the
inboard ends 144, 146. When the ring is closed about the container
neck, the inboard ends 144, 146 and outboard ends 148, 150 come
together on opposite sides of the neck. On external surfaces of the
ring portions 140, 142, securing or finish means such as threads
152, 154 or the like (e.g., beads or flanges) are provided for
securing a closure or fitment (not shown) thereto. Because of such
attachment features, the ring 126 may also be termed a finish ring.
In either case, longitudinally opposite of the threads 152, 154,
each ring portion 140, 142 also includes a respective anti-rotation
projection 156, 158, which fits within a recess on the container,
as will be described in further detail below.
[0028] As best shown in FIG. 4, the opposed inboard ends 144, 146
of the ring portions 140, 142, and the opposed outboard ends 148,
150 of the ring portions 140, 142, are adapted for mating together
(respectively) when the handle and finish attachment 124 is pivoted
closed about its hinge 131. Furthermore, the ring portions 140, 142
are adapted to be snap-fit together by interengagement features
such as projections 160 (dimples or the like) provided on an
interior surface 162 of the right side ring portion 142 and
respective recesses 164 (pockets or the like) provided on an
interior surface 166 of the left side ring portion 140. When the
handle and finish attachment 124 is folded closed, the interior
surfaces 162, 166 engage and the projections 160 interengage with
the recesses 164 to secure together the ring portions 140, 142 and
the left and right sides 126, 128 of the handle and finish
attachment 124. Accordingly, the ring portions 140, 142 come
together to define a single ring and the handle bodies 130, 132
come together to form a single handle. As a corollary, the single
ring and single handle are each adapted to separate or split open
to define the ring portions 140, 142 and the handle bodies 130, 132
respectively.
[0029] Referring again to FIG. 2, the handle and finish attachment
124 is positioned for subsequent attachment to the container 122 in
an open condition as shown. The container 122 includes a body 168
of any suitable shape and a substantially cylindrical neck 170
defining an open upper end and mouth through which a product may be
added to or discharged from the container 122. The body 168
includes a shoulder 172 adjacent the neck 170, the shoulder
extending generally radially outwardly (at any desired angle) from
the neck. A recess 174 (pocket, depression, or the like) is formed,
in the shoulder 172, for receiving the anti-rotation projections
156, 158 on the handle and finish attachment 124. In this
embodiment, when the ring is closed the attachment projections 156,
158 collectively define a singular attachment projection for
orienting the attachment 124 with respect to the container 122.
Thus, the projections 156, 158 are adapted to align with, and
register in, the recess 174 when the ring portions 140, 142 of the
handle and finish attachment 124 are circumscribed around the neck
170 of the container 122 and the handle and finish attachment 124
is swung closed about its hinge 131 and clamped onto the container
122. This engagement of projections 156, 168 in recess 174 prevents
rotation of the handle and finish attachment 124 with respect to
the container 122. Similarly, the stepped extension end 134 that
terminates the right handle body 132 fits into a corresponding
recess 176 formed in the container body 168 to further secure
and/or prevent rotation of the attachment and container. Still
further, an annular internal groove 151 on ring portions 140 and
142 is engaged by an external radial lip or flange 178 on the mouth
of the container neck to further secure the handle attachment 124
to the container 122. The attachment ring is thus effectively
restrained from vertical movement (with respect to the vertical
centerline axis of the container) by the positioning of flange 178
in groove 151 and by the lower surface 118 of the ring engaging the
upper surface 119 of the container shoulder 172.
[0030] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of a container
assembly 220 including a container 222 and a handle attachment 224.
This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 through 4, and like numerals between the embodiments may
designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several
views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the common subject
matter will generally not be repeated.
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates an interior side of the handle attachment
224 in its open condition. The handle attachment 224 includes
opposed left and right sides 226, 228 that are connected together
by an integral hinge 231 that connects the outboard ends 248, 250
of opposed ring portions 240, 242. The ring portions 240, 242
include inboard ends 244, 246 (diametrically opposite from the
outboard ends 248, 250) that integrally connect to ring ends 236,
238 of opposed left and right handle bodies 230, 232. The handle
bodies 230, 232 extend from the ring ends 236, 238 and terminate in
free ends 234, 235. The handle bodies 230, 232 are adapted to
snap-fit (interlock) with one another by means of projections 260
provided on an interior surface 262 of the right side handle body
232 and respective recesses 264 provided on an interior surface 266
of the left side handle body 230. When the handle attachment 224 is
pivoted closed (about hinge 231), the interior surfaces 262, 266
engage and the projections 260 interengage with the recesses 264 to
snap-fit and secure the handle bodies 230, 232 and left and right
sides 226, 228 of the handle attachment 224 together. In this
embodiment, the lower end of the handle is free of (not engaged
with) the container body.
[0032] Referring again to FIG. 6, the handle attachment 224 is
assembled to the container 222 in an open condition as shown. The
container 222 includes a conical upper body portion 268, and a
substantially cylindrical neck finish 270 defining an open upper
end and mouth of the container 222, to which a closure or fitment
(not shown) may be attached by securing means such as threads 271
or the like. The container 222 also includes an outwardly extending
shoulder 272 adjacent the lower end of the neck 270. The closed
ring sits between a flange 273 and the shoulder 272 of the
container, preventing vertical movement of the handle attachment
224 with respect to the container 222. Also, anti-rotation features
are provided on opposite sides of the ring and container to prevent
relative rotation. In this regard, recesses 274, 275 are formed in
the shoulder 272 on circumferentially opposite sides of the
container 222 for receiving respectively a first set of
anti-rotation projections 256, 258 on ring ends 236, 238 of the
handle bodies 230, 232, and a second set of anti-rotation
projections 257, 259 on the opposite ends of the ring portions 240,
242 (see FIGS. 5-6) Thus, the open handle attachment 224 is
oriented with respect to the container 222 such that the
projections 256, 258 align with the recess 274 and the projections
257, 259 align with the recess 275 when the ring portions 240, 242
are circumscribed around the neck 270 of the container 222 (below
the threads 271 and capping flange 273).
[0033] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a third embodiment of a container
assembly 320 including a container 322 and a two-piece handle
attachment 324. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the
embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 7 and like numerals between the
embodiments designate like or corresponding elements throughout the
several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the common
subject matter will generally not be repeated here.
[0034] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an interior view of the handle
attachment 324 in a separated or open condition. The handle
attachment 324 includes opposed left and right sides 326, 328 that
are adapted for interconnection or interengagement to one another.
The sides 326, 328 include opposed left and right ring portions
340, 342 that have outboard ends 348, 350, which generally include
interengagement features. More specifically, the outboard end 348
of the left ring portion 340 includes a tapered projection 349 and
the outboard end 350 of the right ring portion 342 includes a
recess 351 adapted for interengaging the projection 349 of the left
ring portion 340. The ring portions 340, 342 include laterally
opposed inboard ends 344, 346 that are positioned circumferentially
opposite from the outboard ends 348, 350, and that integrally
connect to ring ends 336, 338 of opposed left and right handle
bodies 330, 332. The opposed handle bodies 330, 332 extend from the
ring ends 336, 338 and terminate in free ends 334, 335. The handle
bodies 330, 332 are adapted to snap-fit or interlock with one
another for stability. To facilitate this snap-fit connection,
projections 360 are provided on an interior surface 362 of the
right side handle body 332 and respective recesses 364 are provided
on an interior surface 366 of the left side handle body 330. When
the handle attachment 324 is assembled or closed, the interior
surfaces 362, 366 engage and the projections 360 interengage with
the recesses 364 under an interference condition to snap-fit the
left and right sides 326, 328 of the handle attachment 324
together. Moreover, the handle bodies 330, 332 are provided with
anti-rotation projections 356, 358 for the container recess 374 as
will be described herein below.
[0035] Referring again to FIG. 9, the handle attachment 324 is
initially introduced to the container 322 in an open or separated
condition as shown. The container 322 includes a cylindrical and
conical body 368, and a substantially cylindrical neck finish 370
defining an open upper end and mouth of the container 322 and to
which a closure or fitment (not shown) may be attached using a
securing means such as threads 371 or the like. The container 322
also includes a shoulder 372 adjacent the neck finish 370. At least
one recess 374 is formed in the shoulder 372 for receiving the
anti-rotation projections 356, 358 of the handle bodies 330, 332 of
the handle attachment 324. The open or separated handle attachment
324 is oriented with respect to the container 322 such that the
projections 356, 358 are adapted to align with the recess 374 when
the ring portions 340, 342 of the handle attachment 324 are
circumscribed around the neck finish 370 of the container 322. The
left and right sides 326, 328 of the handle attachment 324 are
brought together and interengaged wherein the projections 360 of
the right handle 332 interengage the recesses 364 of the left
handle 330 and further wherein the projection 349 of the left ring
portion 340 interengages the recess 351 of the right ring portion
342. As a result, the left and right sides 326 and 328 come
together to form the unitary handle attachment 324 of FIG. 8. The
attachment ring is disposed between flange 373 and shoulder 372,
similar to the second embodiment of FIGS. 5-7.
[0036] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a
container assembly 420 including a container 422 and a handle
attachment 424. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the
embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 11 and like numerals between the
embodiments designate like or corresponding elements throughout the
several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the common
subject matter will generally not be repeated.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 13, the handle attachment 424 is
introduced to the container 422 in an open condition as shown. The
handle attachment 424 includes opposed left and right ring portions
440, 442 that are adapted for interconnection or interengagement to
one another. The opposed left and right ring portions 440, 442 have
inboard ends 444, 446 integrally connected by an upper end 436 of
the handle 430, and diametrically opposite outboard ends 448, 450,
which generally include adjustable latches or interengagement
features. More specifically, the outboard end 448 of the left ring
portion 440 includes a female ratchet latch 449 and the outboard
end 450 of the right ring portion 442 includes a male ratchet latch
451 adapted for fitting into the female ratchet latch 449, as best
shown in FIG. 14. The handle body 430 extends from the upper ring
end 436 and terminates in a free end 434.
[0038] The container 422 includes a generally cylindrical body 468
having an upper conical portion, and a substantially cylindrical
neck finish 470 defining an open upper end and mouth of the
container 422 and to which a closure or fitment (not shown) may be
attached using a securing means such as threads 471 or the like.
The container 422 also includes a shoulder 472 adjacent the neck
470. At least one recess 474 is formed in the shoulder 472 for
receiving an anti-rotation projection 456 extending from a lower
surface of the ring end 486 of the handle body 430. The open handle
attachment 424 is oriented with respect to the container 422 such
that the projection 456 aligns and fits within the recess 474 when
the ring portions 440, 442 of the handle attachment 424 are
circumscribed around the neck finish 470 of the container 422.
Again, the ring is disposed between a flange 473 on the container
neck 470 (below the threads 471) and the shoulder 472.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 14, the left and right ring portions 440,
442 of the handle attachment 424 are brought together and
interengaged wherein serrations of the male ratchet latch 451 of
the outboard end 450 of the right ring portion 442 interengage
serrations of the female ratchet 449 of the outboard end 448 of the
left ring portion 440. As a result, the left and right ring
portions 440, 442 come together to form the unitary handle
attachment 424 shown in FIGS. 12 and 14. In this embodiment, the
flexibility of the ring portions 440, 442 permits opening and
closing of the handle ring, without requiring a specific hinge
point as in the prior embodiments. Also, the ratchet ends have a
plurability of interengagement positions such that the split ring
portion is adjustable to fit around and engage different diameter
neck finishes, thus providing a handle attachment useful for
containers with different neck sizes (e.g., 38 mm and 43 mm).
[0040] There have been described various embodiments of a container
and handle assembly, and an attachment for a container assembly,
that provide a number of benefits. Forming a combined handle and
ring attachment separately from the container enables the container
to be of a simpler design, and enables use of a standard blow
molder (without a pocket or recess for the handle). Further,
providing a handle disposed at the container neck, rather than the
container body, can facilitate ease of pouring and handling of the
container assembly, e.g., one-handed pouring. Also, the handle
attachments may be clamped onto their respective containers,
thereby enabling use of conventional packaging assembly equipment.
The material used for the container body can be different from that
used for the handle attachment. In the embodiments wherein the
handle and finish are separate components, they may each be made
from different materials. Desirably, the least expensive materials
can be chosen for each part to provide a more economical
manufacture while still achieving the desired function. For
example, without limitation, if the container assembly is used to
store a food or beverage product, the container can be made of a
food-grade plastic, while the handle, which is not in contact with
the product in the container, can be formed of substantially any
material, including process regrind and post-consumer recycled
materials. The handle and/or container finish may also be formed of
a different color and by different methods than the container body
as desired for a wide range of applications.
[0041] The present invention has been disclosed in conjunction with
various embodiments thereof, and a number of modifications and
variations have been discussed. Other modifications and variations
will readily suggest themselves to persons of ordinary skill in the
art in view of the foregoing description. For example, the
invention has been disclosed in conjunction with blow molded
plastic containers. However, additional types of containers can be
adapted for use with the attachment of the invention, without
departing from the disclosure. The interengaging features of the
handle and ring attachment may further be secured by ultrasonic
welding. To save weight and cost, the handle may be produced with a
hollow interior. Directional words such as top, bottom, upper,
lower, radial, circumferential, lateral, longitudinal, and the like
are employed by way of description and not limitation. Indeed, the
invention is intended to embrace all modifications and variations
as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *