U.S. patent application number 12/200451 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-12 for bottle handling device.
Invention is credited to Richard M. Harrington, Anthony J. Honerkamp, Troy L. McClellan.
Application Number | 20090065469 12/200451 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40430731 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090065469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McClellan; Troy L. ; et
al. |
March 12, 2009 |
Bottle Handling Device
Abstract
A bottle handling device comprises a cup, a base, a support
wall, a handle support member, and a clip. The base extends from
the bottom of the cup and the support wall extends upward from the
cup. The handle is integral with the support wall at a lower end
and is integral with the clip at an upper end. An alternate
embodiment comprises a cup, a handle and a clip. A fixed portion of
the handle is integral with the cup, while a free portion of the
handle is integral with the clip that extends over the cup. Another
embodiment comprises a cup, a clip, and a handle and transitions
from a first configuration toward a second configuration. The
handle is connected to the clip and cup with hinges. The clip and
cup comprise at least one locking member configured to lock the
device into the second configuration.
Inventors: |
McClellan; Troy L.; (Mt.
Orab, OH) ; Honerkamp; Anthony J.; (Cincinnati,
OH) ; Harrington; Richard M.; (Cincinnati,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FROST BROWN TODD, LLC
2200 PNC CENTER, 201 E. FIFTH STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
40430731 |
Appl. No.: |
12/200451 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60969028 |
Aug 30, 2007 |
|
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|
60968431 |
Aug 28, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/390 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/106 20130101;
A45F 5/102 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/390 |
International
Class: |
B65D 23/00 20060101
B65D023/00 |
Claims
1. A bottle handling device comprising: (a) a cup, the cup
comprising a perimeter member and a base member, wherein the base
member comprises an outer edge, an inner surface, and an outer
surface, wherein the perimeter member extends vertically upward
from the inner surface along the outer edge of the base member,
wherein the cup is sized to receive a bottom portion of a bottle;
(b) a base, the base comprising a flat surface configured to
provide support and stability for the device, wherein the base
projects vertically downward from the bottom surface of the base
member; (c) a support wall, the support wall being integral with at
least a portion of the perimeter member, wherein the support wall
extends vertically upward from the perimeter member; (d) a handle,
the handle comprising a lower end, a middle portion, and an upper
end, wherein the handle is attached to the support wall at the
lower end, wherein the middle portion extends between the lower end
and the upper end; (e) a handle support member, the handle support
member configured to provide a second point of attachment between
the handle and the support wall; and (f) a clip, the clip attached
to the upper end of the handle, the clip comprising an opening,
wherein the opening is operably configured to provide an
interference fit between the clip and a neck of a bottle.
2. A bottle handling device, comprising: (a) a cup, the cup
comprising an annular member defining an inner cavity and a bottom
opening, wherein the cup is configured to contain a lower portion
of a bottle, wherein the inner cavity defines an inner diameter,
wherein the cup further comprises a tapered portion adjacent to the
bottom opening, wherein the tapered portion comprises an inwardly
protruding annular rim configured to reduce the inner diameter of
the cavity, wherein the tapered portion is configured to prevent
the lower portion of the bottle from protruding through the bottom
opening; (b) a handle, the handle comprising a connecting member
extending between a fixed portion and free portion, wherein the
fixed portion is integral with the cup, wherein the free portion
extends over the cup along a longitudinal axis, wherein the handle
is configured to provide rigidity and support to the device during
use, wherein the fixed portion is substantially perpendicular to
the connecting member, wherein the free portion is substantially
perpendicular to the connecting member, wherein the fixed portion
is substantially parallel to the free portion; and (c) a clip,
wherein the clip is integral with the free portion of the handle,
wherein the clip comprises a c-shaped attachment member, wherein
the attachment member comprises a mouth defining an opening,
wherein the opening has a center, wherein a radius from the center
of the opening to the mouth of the opening is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the free portion of the
handle, wherein the clip further comprises at least one lip
positioned adjacent to the mouth of the opening, wherein the at
least one lip is configured to secure a neck of a bottle within the
clip; wherein the device is formed of a substantially rigid
one-piece construction.
3. The device of claim 3, wherein the device further comprises a
plurality of support structures, wherein a first support structure
is positioned between the free portion and the connecting member of
the handle, wherein a second support structure is positioned
between the fixed portion and the connecting member of the handle,
wherein a third support structure is positioned between the fixed
portion of the handle and the cup.
4. A bottle handling device comprising: (a) a cup, the cup
configured to receive a bottom portion of a bottle, wherein the cup
comprises an annular member comprising an interior surface and an
exterior surface, wherein the cup further comprises a handle
attachment portion extending from the exterior surface of the
annular member, wherein the handle attachment portion comprises at
least one locking member; (b) a clip, the clip comprising a bottle
attachment portion and a handle attachment portion, wherein the
bottle attachment portion comprises an attachment member, wherein
the attachment member defines an opening, wherein the opening is
operably configured to provide an interference fit between the
attachment member and a neck of a bottle, wherein the handle
attachment portion is positioned on an opposite end of the clip
from the bottle attachment portion, wherein the handle attachment
portion comprises at least one locking member; and (c) a handle,
the handle comprising a gripping portion extending between an upper
attachment end and a lower attachment end, wherein the upper
attachment end comprises an inner face comprising at least one
locking aperture in communication with at least one corresponding
interior cavity, wherein the at least one locking aperture of the
upper attachment end is configured to receive the at least one
locking member of the handle attachment portion of the clip,
wherein the lower attachment end comprises an inner face comprising
at least one locking aperture in communication with at least one
corresponding interior cavity, wherein the at least one locking
aperture of the lower attachment end is configured to receive the
at least one locking member of the handle attachment portion of the
cup, wherein the handle further comprises an upper hinge and a
lower hinge, wherein the upper hinge is attached between the upper
attachment end and the handle attachment portion of the clip,
wherein the lower hinge is attached between the lower attachment
end and the handle attachment portion of the cup; wherein the upper
hinge and the lower hinge are configured to allow the cup and the
clip to be transitioned from a first configuration toward a second
configuration, wherein the cup, the clip, and the handle are
substantially co-planar in the first configuration, wherein the
clip and the cup are substantially perpendicular to the handle in
the second configuration; wherein at least a portion of the at
least one locking member of the clip passes through the locking
aperture of the upper attachment end of the handle as the clip is
transitioned from the first configuration toward the second
configuration; wherein at least a portion of the at least one
locking member of the cup passes through the locking aperture into
the at least one interior cavity of the lower attachment end of the
handle as the clip is transitioned from the first configuration
toward the second configuration.
5. The device of claim 4 further comprising at least one stability
member, the at least one stability member comprising a projection
extending from the interior surface of the annular member, wherein
the stability member is configured to engage one or more recesses
in a bottom portion of a bottle.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the interior surface of the
annular member defines a circumference, wherein the device
comprises a plurality of stability members equally spaced around
the circumference of the interior surface of the annular
member.
7. The device of claim 4, wherein the interior surface of the cup
comprises at least one indentation configured to correspond to at
least one protuberance molded into a bottom portion of a
bottle.
8. The device of claim 4, wherein the locking member of the cup
comprises a fixed end and a free end, wherein the free end
comprises a tooth, wherein when the device is in the second
configuration at least a portion of the free end of the locking
member of the cup extends through the locking aperture into the
interior cavity of the lower attachment end and the tooth engages
the inner face of the lower attachment end; wherein the locking
member of the clip comprises a fixed end and a free end, wherein
the free end comprises a tooth, wherein when the device is in the
second configuration at least a portion of the free end of the
locking member of the clip extends through the locking aperture
into the interior cavity of the upper attachment end and the tooth
engages the inner face of the upper attachment end.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein each tooth comprises an angled
portion, wherein each locking aperture is angled to correspond to
the angled portion of each tooth.
10. The device of claim 4, wherein the locking member of the cup is
configured to fixedly engage the inner face of the lower attachment
end of the handle when the device is in the second configuration,
wherein the locking member of the clip is configured to fixedly
engage the inner face of the upper attachment end of the handle
when the device is in the second configuration.
11. The device of claim 4, wherein the cup comprises a pair of
locking members, wherein the clip comprises a pair of locking
members, wherein the lower attachment end of the handle comprises a
pair of locking apertures that correspond to the pair of locking
members of the cup, wherein the upper attachment end of the handle
comprises a pair of locking apertures that correspond to the pair
of locking members of the clip.
12. The device of claim 4, wherein the bottle attachment portion of
the clip comprises a c-shaped attachment member.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the attachment member further
comprises at least one flattened portion and a mouth, wherein the
mouth defines the opening, wherein the at least one flattened
portion is positioned on a free end of the attachment member
adjacent to the mouth of the opening, wherein the flattened portion
is configured to allow a user to apply pressure to the flattened
portion in order to flex the mouth open.
14. The device of claim 4, wherein the upper hinge and the lower
hinge are living hinges.
15. The device of claim 4, wherein the handle attachment portion of
the cup further comprises an attachment bracket, wherein the handle
attachment portion of the clip further comprises an attachment
bracket.
16. The device of claim 4, wherein the cup defines an inner
diameter, wherein the cup further comprises at least a portion that
is tapered such that the inner diameter of the cup is reduced along
a vertical dimension of the cup.
17. The device of claim 4, wherein the gripping portion of the
handle comprises a grasping feature configured to facilitate
grasping of the handle, wherein the grasping feature is selected
from the group consisting of an undulation, a recess, a ridge, and
knurling.
18. The device of claim 4, wherein the cup is configured to prevent
a bottle from passing through the cup, wherein the cup comprises a
bottom edge, wherein the device is configured to rest on the bottom
edge of the cup when a bottle had been inserted into the
device.
19. The device of claim 4, wherein the device is formed of a
substantially rigid one-piece construction.
20. The device of claim 4, wherein the device is configured to
receive a bottle, wherein the bottle is selected from the group
consisting of a twenty-ounce bottle, a forty-ounce bottle, a
one-half-liter bottle, a one-liter bottle, a one-and-one-half-liter
bottle, a two-liter bottle, a three-liter bottle, a gable top
carton, and a wine bottle.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/968,431, entitled "Bottle Handling Device,"
filed Aug. 28, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/969,028, entitled "Bottle Handling Device," filed Aug. 30, 2007,
the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to handles for
containers, and, more particularly, detachable handles for fluid
containers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Beverages and other liquids are distributed in a wide
variety of bottles and containers. One common type of container is
a plastic two-liter bottle. These bottles may be made out of thin
plastic, and include a screw cap, a neck, a body and a base. The
base of some current two-liter bottles is molded to include a
series of protuberances to help strengthen the bottle.
[0004] The construction of these bottles may create several
potential problems or difficulties for some users. For example, the
large diameter of the bottle may render it difficult to grasp with
one hand. Therefore, some users may have to use two hands to
facilitate pouring the liquid out of the bottle. Consequently, they
may be unable to secure the cup or receptacle they are attempting
to fill, which can result in a spill if the cup or receptacle tips
over during pouring. In fact, for some users, such as children, the
elderly, and physically disabled individuals, these bottles may be
difficult to handle even with two hands, which means these users
may have to rely on someone else to help them use the bottles. In
addition to the size issue, the thin plastic may have a tendency to
collapse as the user grasps the bottle, especially as the amount of
liquid in the bottle decreases, which can cause the bottle to slip
from the user's grasp and/or force liquid through the neck and out
of the bottle. Condensation may also build up on the plastic
surface of the bottle when it is removed from a refrigerator or
cooler, which may make the plastic surface slippery. This can
result in the bottle slipping from user's grasp due to the weight
transfer that typically occurs during pouring. Finally, the
protuberances in the base of the bottle can cause instability and
result in the bottle failing to remain upright when the bottle is
placed on a non-continuous surface, such as a wire refrigerator
shelf. For example, the uneven base surface created by the
protuberances may get caught in a gap between the wires, leading to
a reduction in stability. If the bottle topples over, that may lead
to a spill or agitation of the contents of the bottle.
[0005] Not only can these problems lead to spills and wasted
liquid, but they can also make the bottles difficult to open. Screw
caps may require a significant amount of torque to be opened
initially. Users may attempt to grasp the bottle with one hand,
while attempting to twist the screw cap with the other. However, as
discussed above, the size of the bottles, the collapsibility of the
thin plastic material, and the presence of condensation may all
combine to make it extremely difficult to gain satisfactory control
of the bottle with one hand.
[0006] Therefore, there may be a need for a bottle handling device
that enables users to securely control a bottle or container with
one hand during opening and/or pouring of the container, while also
providing stability to help keep the bottle or container upright
during opening and storage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] It is believed the present invention will be better
understood from the following description of certain examples taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of a bottle handling device.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of the bottle handling device of
FIG. 1 engaging a bottle.
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an alternate exemplary
embodiment of a bottle handling device.
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the bottle handling device of
FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the bottle handling
device of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 6 depicts a plan view of the bottle handling device of
FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the bottle handling
device of FIG. 3 engaging a bottle.
[0015] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an alternate exemplary
embodiment of a bottle handling device in a substantially co-planar
configuration.
[0016] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the bottle handling
device of FIG. 8 with the cup and clip in a substantially
perpendicular configuration.
[0017] FIG. 10 depicts a top view of the bottle handling device of
FIG. 8 in a substantially co-planar configuration.
[0018] FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the bottle handling device of
FIG. 8 in a substantially co-planar configuration.
[0019] FIG. 12 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a cup
included in the bottle handling device of FIG. 8.
[0020] FIG. 13 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a clip
included in the bottle handling device of FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 14 depicts a front view of an embodiment of a handle
included in the bottle handling device of FIG. 8.
[0022] FIG. 15 depicts a perspective section view of an alternate
embodiment of a cup.
DESCRIPTION
[0023] The following description of certain examples of the
invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present
invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and
advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following description. As will be realized, the
invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all
without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and
descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not
restrictive.
[0024] Embodiments of the present invention may provide improved
one-handed control over a bottle and its contents as the bottle is
tipped over to pour liquid from the bottle into a receptacle. In
addition to facilitating manipulation of the bottle, embodiments of
a bottle handling device may also be configured to provide improved
stability for the bottle during storage. The device may be
configured to engage a specific size or type of bottle or
container, including a twenty-ounce bottle, a forty ounce bottle, a
one-half-liter bottle, a one-liter bottle, a one-and-one-half-liter
bottle, a two-liter bottle, a three-liter bottle, a gable top
carton (such as the cartons typically used for milk, juice and
other liquids), a wine bottle, or any other suitable container or
bottle. The bottle or container that the device is configured to
engage may be made of plastic, glass, metal, cardboard, or any
other suitable material, including combinations of materials.
Embodiments of a bottle handling device may be made out of plastic,
metal, or any other suitable material, including combinations of
materials. In particular, embodiments of the present invention may
comprise polypropylene. The device may be made using injection
molding or any other suitable method or process. The device may
have a unitary construction, the components may be individual
pieces attached together, or some combination thereof. If the
device comprises individual pieces, the pieces may be attached
using a fastener, an adhesive, or any other suitable device or
method. In particular, the cost of manufacture may be reduced while
the ease of manufacture can be increased by configuring the device
such that it can be produced as a single piece of plastic using
injection molding.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a bottle handling device (10)
comprises a base (20), a cup (30), a support wall (40), a handle
(50), a handle support member (60), and a clip (70). The handle
(50) includes a gripping portion (52). As will be appreciated, a
user may place a bottle (15) in the bottle handling device (10) by
inserting the bottom portion of the bottle within the cup (30) and
engaging the neck of the bottle with the clip (70), thereby
removably attaching the bottle (15) to the bottle handling device
(10). Once the bottle (15) has been placed within the bottle
handling device (10), the user may grasp the gripping portion (52)
of the handle (50) with one hand and tip the bottle to pour liquid
from the bottle into a receptacle. A user may also grasp the
gripping portion (52) with one hand to transport the bottle. Other
suitable uses for the bottle handling device (10) will be apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0026] The base (20) may comprise a flat surface configured to
provide support and stability for both the device (10) and the
bottle (15) engaged by the device (10). The size of the base (20)
may vary according to the size of the bottle to be engaged by the
device (10). As shown in FIG. 1, the base (20) comprises an annular
member projecting downwardly from the bottom surface of the cup
(30) near the outer edge of the bottom surface of the cup (30).
Alternatively, the base (20) may comprise a structure providing a
flat surface that projects from and is coextensive or partially
coextensive with the bottom surface of the cup (30) or any other
suitable structure configured to provide support and stability for
the bottle (15) and bottle handling device (10).
[0027] In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the bottle handling
device does not include a separate base. In this embodiment, the
bottom surface of the cup provides a sufficiently flat surface to
provide adequate support and stability for the bottle and bottle
handling device.
[0028] The cup (30) may be configured to provide support to a
bottle (15) engaged by the device (10). In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the cup (30) comprises a perimeter member (32) and a base
member (34). In this example, the base member (34) is generally
circular and corresponds to the shape of the bottle (15). However,
the base member (34) may be substantially circular, square,
triangular, or have any other suitable shape or configuration
(e.g., such that the lower portion of the bottle can be contained
within the cup (30) or such that the bottle (15) may rest
substantially on the base member(34)). The base member (34)
comprises an inner surface (35) and an outer surface (36). In the
illustrated version, the bottom portion of the bottle (15) rests
against the inner surface (35), while the base (20) projects from
the outer surface (36). In the present example, the perimeter
member (32) extends vertically around the outer edge of the base
member (34) adjacent to the surface of the bottle (15). In this
version, the cup (30) is configured to contain the lower portion of
the bottle (15) and provide circumferential support along the lower
portion of the bottle (15) in order to help prevent the bottle (15)
from tipping over. The cup (30) may be configured such that the
circumferences of the base member (34) and perimeter member (32)
are slightly larger than the circumference of the portion of the
bottle (15) to be contained within the cup (30).
[0029] The cup may also be configured to correspond to the bottom
portion of a bottle. For example, in one embodiment, not shown, the
interior of the cup (e.g., the base member and/or side wall)
comprises indentations configured to correspond to the series of
protuberances molded into the base of the bottle. These
indentations may provide a more secure fit when the bottle is
placed within the cup, and they may prevent the bottle from
twisting (i.e. rotating relative to the base of the cup) once
engaged by the device. Therefore, these indentations may facilitate
the removal of the screw cap by holding the bottle steady while a
user grasps the gripping portion of the handle with one hand and
twists the screw cap with the other hand. Alternatively, the base
can include at least one tab, protuberance, rib, or other suitable
structure configured to engage one or more recesses formed in the
base of a bottle. As described above with regard to the
indentations, the at least one tab, protuberance, rib, or other
suitable structure may facilitate the removal of the screw cap by
preventing the bottle from twisting (i.e. rotating relative to the
base of the cup), while a user grasps the handle with one hand and
removes the screw cap with the other hand. Alternatively, the cup
may be tapered from the top edge of the cup toward the bottom edge
of the cup to provide a tighter fit once the bottom portion of the
bottle has been placed within the cup.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the support wall (40) is integral with
the perimeter member (32) of the cup (30) and extends vertically
therefrom toward the upper portion of the handle (50). In this
example, the support wall (40) is curved to correspond to the shape
of the bottle (15) and extends substantially along the
circumference of the bottle (15). The support wall (40) may be
configured to provide support to the bottle (15), in addition to
increasing the overall rigidity of the bottle handling device (10).
In the illustrated version, the support wall (40) comprises a free
edge (42). However, it will be appreciated that the support wall
may connect to the upper portion of the handle, thereby eliminating
the free edge. Such an embodiment may improve the overall rigidity
of the handling device while also increasing the ease and
efficiency of manufacture of the device.
[0031] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the handle (50) is
attached to the support wall (40) and extends generally upward
therefrom. In this example, the handle (50) comprises a
substantially straight portion (54), a first curved portion (56),
and a second curved portion (58). The first curved portion (56) is
attached to or integral with the support wall (40) near the
junction of the support wall (40) and the cup (30). However, the
handle (50) may be attached to the support wall (40) or the cup
(30) in any suitable location. The second curved portion (58) is
attached to or integral with a clip (70). As shown, the
substantially vertical straight portion (54) comprises a gripping
portion (52). In the illustrated version, the gripping portion (52)
comprises a plurality of undulations configured to facilitate
grasping of the same. Alternatively, a gripping portion may be
ergonomically molded to correspond to the shape of a user's fingers
or it may comprise other features such as recesses, ridges,
knurling, etc., or no such features at all. In the present example,
the handle (50) comprises an H-shaped cross-section in order to
provide added strength. Other suitable shapes and configurations
for the handle (50) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0032] The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a handle
support member (60) configured to provide additional rigidity to
the bottle handling device (10). In the illustrated version, the
handle support member (60) extends from the inner face of the
handle (50) to the support wall. In this example, the handle
support member (60) is positioned toward the free edge (42) of the
support wall (40). Other suitable positions along the inner face of
the handle (50) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. The handle support member (60) may be integral with the handle
(50) and/or the support wall (40). Alternatively, the handle
support member (60) may be attached to the handle (50) and/or the
support wall (40) using fasteners, adhesives, or any other suitable
devices or methods.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the clip (70) is attached to or integral
with the free end of the handle (50). In the illustrated version,
the clip (70) has a generally v-shaped profile and is configured
such that the clip (70) opens toward the front of the bottle
handling device (10). However, other suitable configurations, such
as, for example the side-opening clip shown in FIGS. 3-7, may also
be used. In the present example, the clip (70) comprises an opening
configured to allow for a snap-fit between the clip (70) and the
neck of the bottle (15) to be engaged by the device. As shown in
FIG. 2, the center of the clip (70) is aligned with the central
axis of the cup (30). The opening may be slightly smaller than the
circumference of the portion of the neck to be engaged by the clip
(70), such as to provide an interference fit. In this version, the
clip (70) comprises a manipulation feature (72) configured to
facilitate opening of the clip (70) during engagement or
disengagement. A user may enlarge the opening of the clip (70) by
placing his or her thumb on the manipulation feature (72) and
applying pressure. The manipulation feature (72) may comprise a
projection, an indentation or any other suitable structure,
configured to help a user enlarge the opening in order to engage or
disengage a bottle from the clip.
[0034] The bottle handling device (10) may comprise writing or a
logo on the perimeter member (32) of the cup (30), along the handle
(50), or on any other suitable surface. The writing and/or logo may
be applied to the bottle handling device (10) using pad printing,
etching, paint, or any other suitable method or device.
Alternatively, the handle may include a panel (not shown)
configured to display writing or a logo. The panel may be oval
shaped, rectangular shaped, or have any other suitable
configuration. The panel may be recessed from the outer surface of
the handle to allow for application of a plate, sticker, or other
structure, such that the plate, sticker, or other structure rests
flush with the outer surface of the handle. The logo or writing may
also be molded into the panel or handle.
[0035] An alternate embodiment of a bottle handling device (110) is
shown in FIGS. 3-7. In this embodiment the bottle handling device
(110) comprises a cup (130), a handle (150), support members (160)
and a clip (170). The device (110) may be substantially rigid, and
comprise metal, plastic, any other suitable material, or
combinations thereof. In order to reduce manufacturing costs and
increase ease of manufacture the device (110) may comprise an
integral construction, wherein the device (110) is manufactured as
a single piece. Alternatively, the device (110) may comprise
individual components attached together using fasteners, adhesives,
welds, any other suitable method or device or combinations
thereof.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 7, a user may place a bottle (115) in the
bottle handling device (10) by inserting the bottom portion of the
bottle (115) within the cup (130) and engaging the neck of the
bottle (115) with the clip (170), thereby removably attaching the
bottle (115) to the bottle handling device (110). Once the bottle
(115) has been placed within the bottle handling device (10), the
user may grasp the handle (50) with one hand and tip the bottle
(115) to pour liquid from the bottle (115) into a receptacle. A
user may also grasp the handle (50) with one hand to transport the
bottle. Other suitable uses for the bottle handling device (110)
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the cup (130) comprises an annular
member creating a cavity (132) configured to receive the bottom
portion of a bottle or container. In this example, the cup (130) is
generally circular and corresponds to the shape of the bottle
(115). However, the cup (130) may be substantially circular,
square, triangular, or have any other suitable shape or
configuration, (e.g., such that the lower portion of the bottle
(115) can be contained within the cup (130) or such that the bottle
(115) may rest substantially on a base member (not shown) of the
cup (130)). In this embodiment, the cup (130) includes a tapered
portion (134) toward the bottom of the cavity (132) created by the
cup (130). The tapered portion (134) is configured to reduce the
inner diameter of the cavity (132), thereby providing a secure fit
as the bottle (115) is inserted into the cup (130) and engaged by
the device (110). In alternate embodiments (not shown), the
configuration of the tapered portion may be changed such that the
entire inner surface of the cup is tapered, the inner surface of
the cup is tapered such that there is a ridge in the middle of the
inner surface of the cup, or any other suitable configuration. In
this embodiment, the cup (130) comprises a bottom opening (136). In
the illustrated version, the tapered portion (134) is formed as an
inwardly protruding annular rim, and is configured to prevent the
bottle (115) from protruding through the bottom opening (136) and
sliding downwardly out through the cup (130). This configuration
may provide stability by allowing the device (110) and the bottle
(115) to rest on a substantially flat surface, namely the bottom
edge (138) of the cup (130), when placed on a counter top,
refrigerator shelf, store shelf, or other surface, rather than
resting on the curved bottom portion of a molded plastic
bottle.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the interior surface of the cup (130) is
substantially flat. However, in an alternate embodiment, not shown,
the interior surface of the cup (e.g., the base member and/or
sidewall) may include indentations configured to correspond to the
series of protuberances molded into the base of the bottle. These
indentations may provide a more secure fit when the bottle is
placed within the cup, and they may prevent the bottle from
twisting once engaged by the device. Therefore, these indentations
may facilitate the removal of the screw cap by preventing the
bottle from twisting (i.e. rotating relative to the base of the
cup), while a user grasps the handle with one hand and removes the
screw cap with the other hand. Alternatively, the base can include
at least one tab, protuberance, rib, or other suitable structure
configured to engage one or more recesses formed in the base of a
bottle. As described above with regard to the indentations, the at
least one tab, protuberance, rib, or other suitable structure may
facilitate the removal of the screw cap by preventing the bottle
from twisting (i.e. rotating relative to the base of the cup),
while a user grasps the handle with one hand and removes the screw
cap with the other hand. Alternatively, the cup may be tapered from
the top edge of the cup toward the bottom edge of the cup to
provide a tighter fit once the bottom portion of the bottle has
been placed within the cup.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the handle (150) is in a u-shaped
configuration comprising a fixed portion (152), a free portion
(154) and a connecting member (156). In the present example, the
fixed portion (152) is integral with the upper edge of the cup
(130), and the free portion (154) extends over the cup (130) and is
integral with a clip (170). The connecting member (156) connects
the fixed portion (152) and the free portion (154) and may be
grasped by the user when the device (110) is in use. The connecting
member may comprise a gripping portion (not shown), which may be
ergonomically molded to correspond to the shape of a user's fingers
or it may comprise other features such as recesses, ridges,
knurling, etc. The handle (150) is configured to provide sufficient
support and rigidity to allow a user to pour liquid from or
transport a bottle engaged by the device (110).
[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-7, the clip (170)
comprises a c-shaped configuration with an opening (171) facing the
side of the bottle handling device (110). The side directed opening
(171) is configured to prevent the bottle (115) from becoming
disengaged from the clip (170) during pouring by absorbing the
forward force exerted by the liquid as it is poured from the bottle
(115) into a receptacle. In this embodiment the center of the clip
opening (171) is aligned with the central axis of the cup (130). In
this example, the clip comprises a lip (172) on each side of the
opening (171). The lips (172) are configured to secure the neck of
the bottle (115) within the clip (170). It will be appreciated that
alternate embodiments of a clip (170) may comprise one lip on the
outer edge of the opening, one lip on the inner edge of the opening
or no lips. Furthermore, the opening (171) may have any other
suitable orientation.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the device (110) comprises
three support structures (160) configured to provide additional
support and rigidity to the overall device (110). In this example,
one support structure (160) is positioned between the free portion
(154) and the connecting member (156), a second support structure
(160) is positioned between the fixed portion (152) and the
connecting member (156), and a third support structure is
positioned between the fixed portion (152) and the cup (130). As
shown in FIGS. 3-7, the support structures (160) are triangular,
however, other suitable configurations and positions for the
support structures may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0042] The bottle handling device (110) may comprise writing or a
logo on the cup (130), along the handle (150), or on any other
suitable surface. The writing and/or logo may be applied to the
bottle handling device (110) using pad printing, etching, paint,
stickers, or any other suitable method or device. Alternatively,
the handle may include a panel (not shown) configured to display
writing or a logo. The panel may be oval shaped, rectangular
shaped, or have any other suitable configuration. The panel may be
recessed from the outer surface of the handle to allow for
application of a plate, sticker, or other structure, such that the
plate, sticker, or other structure rests flush with the outer
surface of the handle. The logo or writing may also be molded into
the panel or handle.
[0043] Although embodiments of the present invention may be used
with any suitable container, use of one embodiment will be
described in conjunction with a standard two-liter soft drink
bottle. As shown in FIG. 7, the bottle (115) comprises a body
(116), a neck (117), a lip (118), and a screw cap (119). The user
may place the lower portion of the body (116) into the cup (130) at
a slight angle, such that the neck (117) of the bottle is facing
the opening (171) of the clip (170). If the cup includes
indentations configured to conform to the bottom portion of the
bottle, the user may orient the bottle so that the protuberances
and indentations match up accordingly, or the protuberances and
indentations may be self-aligning. As the user moves the bottle
(115) toward an upright position, the clip (170) abuts the neck
(117) of the bottle (115). The user may apply pressure to the edge
of the clip (170) to enlarge the opening (171). The clip (170) may
comprise a projection, indentation or other suitable structure
configured to facilitate enlargement of the opening (171).
Alternatively, the user may force the opening (171) to enlarge by
applying generally horizontal pressure on the neck (117) of the
bottle (115) towards the opening (171). Once the clip (170) has
snapped into place around the neck (117) of the bottle (115) so
that the clip (170) is adjacent to the lip (118) of the bottle,
then the user may securely transport the bottle (115) using one
hand by grasping the handle (150).
[0044] Once the bottle (115) has been securely engaged by the
device (110), a user may also pour liquid from the bottle (115)
using only one hand. If the screw cap (119) has not yet been
removed, the user may do so by grasping the handle (150) with one
hand and while twisting the screw cap (119) with the other hand.
Upon removing the screw cap (119), the user can manipulate the
bottle (115) for pouring with one hand by grasping the handle
(150), leaving the user free to secure the receptacle for the
liquid with the other hand. As mentioned previously, securing the
receptacle may prevent it from sliding or tipping over during
pouring. After pouring, the user may re-apply the screw cap (119)
and store the device (110) and bottle (115) as desired.
[0045] The bottle (115) may be disengaged from the bottle handling
device (110) by applying generally horizontal pressure to the neck
(117) of the bottle toward the opening (171) in the clip (170).
Alternatively, the user may manipulate the clip (170) by applying
pressure to the edge of the clip (170). The clip (170) may comprise
a projection, indentation or other suitable structure configured to
facilitate enlargement of the opening. Once the clip (170) has been
removed from the neck (117), the user may lift the bottom portion
of the bottle (115) out of the cup (130), thereby completely
disengaging the bottle (115) from the bottle handling device
(110).
[0046] An alternate embodiment of a bottle handling device (210) is
shown in FIGS. 8-14. In this embodiment the bottle handling device
(210) comprises a cup (230), a handle (250), hinges (260) and a
clip (270). The device (210) may be substantially rigid, and
comprise metal, plastic, any other suitable material, or
combinations thereof. In order to reduce manufacturing costs and
increase ease of manufacture the device (210) may comprise an
integral construction, wherein the device (210) is manufactured as
a single piece. Alternatively, the device (210) may comprise
individual components attached together using fasteners, hinges,
adhesives, welds, any other suitable method or device or
combinations thereof.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10-12, the interior surface of the
cup (230) comprises a stability member (236) configured to engage
one or more recesses formed in the base of a bottle. The stability
member (236) may comprise a tab, protuberance, rib, or any other
suitable structure. The stability member (236) may provide a more
secure fit when the bottle is placed within the cup (230), and they
may prevent the bottle from twisting once engaged by the device
(210). Therefore, the stability member (236) may facilitate the
removal of the screw cap by preventing the bottle from twisting
(i.e. rotating relative to the base of the cup), while a user
grasps the handle with one hand and removes the screw cap with the
other hand. FIGS. 8-14 depict a single stability member (236)
positioned near the bottom edge of the cup (230) aligned with the
longitudinal axis of the handle (250). However, it will be
appreciated that embodiments of the device may include any suitable
number of stability members arranged in any suitable configuration
or position. In an alternate embodiment (not shown) the interior
surface of the cup (e.g., the base member and/or sidewall) may
include one or more indentations configured to correspond to the
series of protuberances molded into the bottom portion of the
bottle. Similar to the stability member described above, the
indentations may provide a more secure fit when the bottle is
placed within the cup, and they may prevent the bottle from
twisting once engaged by the device. Therefore, these indentations
may facilitate the removal of the screw cap by preventing the
bottle from twisting (i.e. rotating relative to the base of the
cup), while a user grasps the handle with one hand and removes the
screw cap with the other hand. Embodiments of the device may
include any suitable number of indentations arranged in any
suitable configuration or position.
[0048] Alternatively, the cup may be tapered from the top edge of
the cup toward the bottom edge of the cup to reduce the inner
diameter of the cup along a vertical dimension of the cup. This
tapering may provide a tighter fit once the bottom portion of the
bottle has been placed within the cup. For example, FIG. 15 depicts
a cross-sectional perspective view of a cup (330) having a tapered
inner surface that comprises an annular member having a thickness
(T). As shown in FIG. 15, the thickness (T) of the cup (330) may
vary between the top edge (334) of the cup (330) and the bottom
edge (336) of the cup (330). In particular, the inner surface (332)
of the cup (330) is tapered such that there is a ridge (335) along
a central portion of the cup (330). The ridge (335) or bulge in the
central portion may be configured to facilitate grasping of the
bottom portion of the bottle by decreasing the inner diameter of
the cup (330). Of course, in alternate embodiments (not shown), the
thickness may remain constant throughout the cup (i.e. there is no
tapered portion), the entire inner surface of the cup may be
tapered from the top edge to the bottom edge, the cup may comprise
a tapered portion, similar to tapered portion (134) shown in FIGS.
3-7 and described above, or the cup may have any other suitable
configuration to receive the bottom portion of a bottle.
[0049] The cup (230) in the embodiment of the device shown in FIGS.
8-14 may be configured to prevent the bottom portion of the bottle
from passing through and extending below the bottom edge of the
annular member. This may be accomplished by incorporating one or
more of the features described above, such as a stability member,
indentations, a tapered interior surface, or any other suitable
feature. By containing the bottom portion of the bottle within the
annular member, the device (210) and the secured bottle then rest
firmly on the bottom edge of the annular member instead of the
undulating surface of the bottom portion of the bottle. Allowing
the device and bottle to rest on the bottom edge of the annular
member may provide additional stability during storage, transport,
or temporary placement of the bottle on a flat surface (such as a
solid or wire shelf in a refrigerator) in order to help prevent the
bottle from tipping over. The annular member may comprise an
additional base element, as described above regarding the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, or it may not include a separate
base element and may be configured to provide a flat surface along
the bottom edge of the annular member.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 12, the cup (230) further comprises a
handle attachment portion (233) comprising an attachment bracket
(232) and a pair of locking members (234) that are integral with
the annular member and extend substantially normal to the exterior
surface (231) of the cup (230). Of course, the attachment portion
(233) may be positioned at any suitable location along the exterior
surface (231). In addition, handle attachment (233) may comprise
only one locking member, two locking members (as shown in FIG. 12),
or any other suitable number of locking members. In this version,
the locking members (234) each comprise a tooth (236) located at a
free end of the locking member (234). Each tooth (236) may include
an angled portion and be configured to fixedly engage lower
attachment end (260) of the handle (250), as will be described in
more detail below.
[0051] The clip (270) of device (210) is shown in more detail in
FIG. 13. As shown, clip (270) comprises a bottle attachment portion
(272) and a handle attachment portion (280). In this version, the
bottle attachment portion (272) comprises a substantially c-shaped
attachment member (274) having an opening (276). The opening (276)
may be sized to provide an interference fit with the narrow neck of
a bottle, such as a two-liter bottle. Clip (270) may be
substantially rigid, however attachment member (274) may be
flexible enough to allow the mouth (278) of the opening (276) to
enlarge sufficiently to enable the attachment member (274) to be
placed around the narrow neck of a bottle. In the illustrated
embodiment, attachment member (274) comprises a flattened portion
(275) configured to facilitate placement of the attachment member
(274) around the neck of a bottle. A user may apply pressure to the
flattened portion (275) in order to flex the mouth (278) open to
allow a bottle to be placed into or removed from attachment member
(274).
[0052] As shown in FIG. 13, handle attachment portion (280) is
located on the opposite end of clip (270) from the bottle
attachment portion (272). In this embodiment, handle attachment
portion (280) comprises an attachment bracket (282) and a pair of
locking members (284). The locking members (284) are similar to the
locking members (234) of the cup (230) described above. In this
version, locking members (284) each comprise a tooth (286) located
at the free end of the locking member (284). Each tooth (286) may
be include an angled portion and be configured to fixedly engage
upper attachment end (256) of the handle (250), as will be
described in more detail below.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, handle (250) comprises a
gripping portion (252) positioned between an upper attachment end
(254) and a lower attachment end (260). The handle (250) may be
configured to provide sufficient support and rigidity to allow a
user to pour liquid from or transport a bottle engaged by the
device (210). The gripping portion (252) may be ergonomically
molded to correspond to the shape of a user's fingers or it may
comprise one or more other features such as a plurality of
undulations, recesses, ridges, knurling, etc, or no such features
at all. Upper attachment end (254) and lower attachment end (260)
may have a similar construction. FIG. 14 provides a front view of
handle (250). In this version, upper attachment end (254) comprises
an inner face (256) comprising a pair of locking apertures (258) in
communication with a corresponding pair of interior cavities (259).
Similarly, as shown, lower attachment end (260) comprises an inner
face (262) comprising a pair of locking apertures (264) in
communication with a corresponding pair of interior cavities (266).
Locking apertures (258) and (264) may be angled to correspond to
the angled portion of teeth (236) and (286) and allow the
respective teeth (236) and (286) to pass through the corresponding
locking aperture (258) and (264). As shown, handle (250) further
comprises an upper hinge (268a) and a lower hinge (268b). Upper
hinge (268a) and lower hinge (268b) may each comprise a living
hinge or any other suitable structure. As used herein, the term
"living hinge" refers to a thin section of material that bends to
allow movement. In this version, upper hinge (268a) is attached to
the handle attachment portion (280) of the clip (270), while the
lower hinge (268b) is attached to the handle attachment portion
(233) of the cup (230).
[0054] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8-14 upper hinge (268a)
and lower hinge (268b) are configured to allow the cup (230) and
the clip (270) to be transitioned from a first configuration (as
shown in FIG. 8) to a second configuration (as shown in FIG. 9). As
shown in FIG. 8, when the device (210) is in the first
configuration, the cup (230), the handle (250) and the clip (270)
are substantially co-planar. As shown in FIG. 9, the cup (230) and
the clip (270) are each substantially perpendicular to the handle
(250) and the cup (230) and the clip (270) are substantially
parallel to each other. The first configuration may comprise any
configuration designed to help reduce the production cost of the
device by allowing the device to be produced as a single-piece from
a single mold, but this is not required. In addition, the first
configuration may also reduce the shipping and packaging costs
because the device may be shipped and stored in the substantially
parallel configuration. A bottle may be inserted or removed from
the device (210) while the device (210) is in the second
configuration. The device (210) does not need to be returned to the
first configuration during insertion or removal of a bottle.
[0055] In particular, in this example, as the clip (270) is
transitioned toward the second configuration, the pair of locking
members (284) extend through locking apertures (258) into
corresponding interior cavities (259). In the illustrated version,
after passing through locking apertures (258), teeth (286) become
permanently lodged behind inner face (256) and fixedly engage clip
(270) and handle (250) in the substantially perpendicular position.
Similarly, as the cup (230) is transitioned toward the
substantially perpendicular position, the pair of locking members
(234) extend through locking apertures (264) into corresponding
interior cavities (266). In this embodiment, after passing through
locking apertures (264), teeth (236) become permanently lodged
behind inner face (262) and fixedly engage cup (230) and handle
(250) in the substantially perpendicular position. As shown in
FIGS. 8-14, the locking members (234) and (284) and the locking
apertures (258) and (264) are configured to provide a one-way
engagement, such that once the cup (230) and clip (270) have been
transitioned into the second configuration, the device (210) is
substantially fixed in that configuration. In an alternate
embodiment (not shown), the locking members and the locking
apertures may be configured to allow the cup and the clip to
releasably engage the handle, thereby allowing the cup and the clip
to transition repeatedly between the first configuration and the
second configuration.
[0056] The bottle handling device (210) may comprise writing or a
logo on the cup (230), along the handle (250), or on any other
suitable surface. The writing and/or logo may be applied to the
bottle handling device (210) using pad printing, etching, paint,
stickers, or any other suitable method or device. Alternatively,
the handle may include a panel (251) configured to display writing
or a logo. As shown, the panel (251) is oval shaped, however it may
be oval shaped, rectangular shaped, or have any other suitable
configuration. The panel may be recessed from the outer surface of
the handle to allow for application of a plate, sticker, or other
structure, such that the plate, sticker, or other structure rests
flush with the outer surface of the handle. The logo or writing may
also be molded into the panel or handle.
[0057] The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8-14 may be used with any
suitable container. For example, the device (210) may be used with
a standard two-liter soft drink bottle in a manner similar to the
manner described above regarding the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-7.
After the device (210) has been transitioned into the second
configuration, as shown in FIG. 9, a user may place the lower
portion of the body of the bottle into the cup (230) at a slight
angle, such that the neck of the bottle is facing the mouth (278)
of the opening (276) of the attachment member (274). As the user
places the lower portion of the bottle into the cup (230), the cup
(230) may prevent the bottle from protruding through the bottom of
the cup due to the presence of a stability member, a tapered
portion, or some other structure. The user may orient the bottle so
that the protuberances on the lower portion of the body of the
bottle align with the stability member (236). As the user moves the
bottle towards an upright position, the clip may abut the neck of
the bottle. The user may apply pressure to the flattened portion
(275) to enlarge the mouth (278) of the opening (276).
Alternatively, the user may force the mouth (278) of the opening
(276) to enlarge by applying generally horizontal pressure on the
neck of the bottle towards the mouth (278) of the opening (276).
Once the attachment member (274) has snapped into place around the
neck of the bottle so that the attachment member (274) is adjacent
to the lip of the bottle, then the user may securely transport the
bottle or pour liquid from the bottle using one or both hands by
grasping the handle (250).
[0058] If the bottle contains a screw cap that has not yet been
removed, the user may do so by grasping the handle (250) with one
hand while twisting the screw cap with the other hand. Upon
removing the screw cap, the user can manipulate the bottle for
pouring with one hand by grasping the handle, leaving the user free
to secure the receptacle for the liquid with the other hand. After
pouring, the user may re-apply the screw cap and store the device
(210) and bottle as desired.
[0059] The bottle may be disengaged from the device 9210) by
applying generally horizontal pressure to the neck of the bottle
toward the mouth (278) of the opening (276). Alternatively, the
user may manipulate the attachment member (274) by applying
pressure to the flattened portion (275) of the attachment member
(274). Once the attachment member (274) has been removed from the
neck of the bottle, the user may lift the bottom portion of the
bottle out of the cup (230), thereby completely disengaging the
bottle from the device (210).
[0060] Having shown and described various embodiments of the
present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems
described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications
by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the
scope of the present invention. Several of such potential
modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments,
geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like
discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly,
the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of
whatever claims recite the invention, and is understood not to be
limited to the details of structure and operation shown and
described in the specification and drawings.
* * * * *