U.S. patent application number 12/777083 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-25 for gripping apparatus and method of use.
Invention is credited to Chris O'Sullivan.
Application Number | 20110204017 12/777083 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44475623 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110204017 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Sullivan; Chris |
August 25, 2011 |
GRIPPING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
A grasping device for grasping structures such as, for example,
containers and bottles. The device facilitates the dexterous
handling of these structures that otherwise would often require
significant strength, gross and fine motor skill to manage, and
especially to dispense the contents of in a controlled manner. The
device may also facilitate one-handed operation, and may leave the
second hand free to perform other tasks, such as, for example,
securing a target container.
Inventors: |
O'Sullivan; Chris; (Reno,
NV) |
Family ID: |
44475623 |
Appl. No.: |
12/777083 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61307720 |
Feb 24, 2010 |
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61307368 |
Feb 23, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/396 ;
222/465.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/106
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/396 ;
222/465.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 23/10 20060101
B65D023/10 |
Claims
1. A bottle grasping device mountable on a bottle having an axial
length and a width transverse to the axis of the axial length,
comprising: a resilient central clasping section having (i) a top
end opposite a bottom end and mountable along the axial length of
the bottle about its axis and (ii) a width-adjustable channel in
and extending along the axial length of the central clasping
section and including a first channel edge opposite a second
channel edge; and a first grasping section adjacent the first
channel edge of the central clasping section and a second edge
adjacent the second channel of the of the central clasping
section.
2. A bottle grasping device of claim 1 wherein the resilient
central clasping section has a interior surface length between the
first grasping section and the second grasping section, and the
interior surface length is less than an exterior circumference of
the bottle so as to prevent the width-adjustable channel from
closing when the resilient central clasping section is disposed
about the bottle and the first grasping section and the second
grasping edge are drawn toward one another.
3. A bottle grasping device of claim 1 wherein the resilient
central clasping section has an arcuate cross-section in a
direction orthogonal to the axial length of the bottle.
4. A bottle grasping device of claim 1 wherein the resilient
central clasping section has an hourglass profile in a direction
substantially parallel to the axial length of the bottle.
5. A bottle grasping device of claim 1 wherein the resilient
central clasping section has a neck section extending upwardly from
the top end, and the neck section tapers inwardly.
6. A bottle grasping device of claim 5 wherein the neck section
includes at least one phalange.
7. A bottle grasping device of claim 5 wherein the neck section
includes a plurality of phalanges.
8. A bottle grasping device of claim 5 wherein the neck section
tapers inwardly to correspond to an upper shoulder section of the
bottle.
9. A bottle grasping device of claim 5 wherein the neck section is
sized to dispose the resilient central clasping section onto a
mid-section of the bottle.
10. A bottle grasping device of claim 5 wherein the neck section is
sized to approach, without making contact, an opening of the bottle
with the arcuate clasping section disposed on a mid-section of the
bottle.
11. A bottle grasping device of claim 5 wherein a distance between
the bottom end of the arcuate clasping section and an opposed end
of the neck section define an overall height, and wherein the
overall height is less than a height of the bottle.
12. A bottle grasping device of claim 5 wherein a distance between
the bottom end of the arcuate clasping section and an opposed end
of the neck section positions the bottom end of the arcuate
clasping section above a base portion of the bottle when the
resilient central clasping section is positioned in a surrounding
configuration to the bottle.
13. A bottle grasping device of claim 1 wherein the first grasping
section and the second grasping section each includes a handle
extending therefrom, respectively.
14. A bottle grasping device of claim 13 wherein the handle of the
first grasping section and the handle of second grasping section
are disposed a distance apart from one another by the
width-adjustable channel, and wherein the distance permits a user
to draw the first grasping section and the second grasping section
toward one another with a single hand so as to selectively retain
the bottle within the resilient central clasping section and allow
a one-handed pour.
15. A bottle grasping device of claim 13 wherein the handle of the
first grasping section and the handle of second grasping section
are disposed a distance apart from one another by the
width-adjustable channel, and wherein the distance requires a user
to draw the first grasping section and the second grasping section
toward one another with two hands so as to selectively retain the
bottle within the resilient central clasping section and allow a
two-handed pour.
16. A pour system having a bottle grasping device mounted on a
bottle, the pour system comprising: a bottle having a spout end and
a base end forming and an axis therebetween, an axial length, and a
width transverse to the axis of the axial length, a mid-section
between the spout end and the base end, a sidewall extending
between the spout end and the base end, at least one portion of the
sidewall having an arcuate outer diameter extending in a direction
generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending between the
spout end and the base end, and an upper shoulder section tapering
inwardly from the mid-section; a bottle grasping device mountable
on the bottle, the bottle grasping device, comprising: a resilient
central clasping section having (i) a top end opposite a bottom end
and mountable along the axial length of the bottle about its axis
and (ii) a width-adjustable channel in and extending along the
axial length of the central clasping section and including a first
channel edge opposite a second channel edge; and a first grasping
section adjacent the first channel edge of the central clasping
section and a second edge adjacent the second channel of the of the
central clasping section.
17. A method of grasping a bottle, the method comprising: A bottle
grasping device mountable on a bottle having an axial length and a
width transverse to the axis of the axial length, comprising:
sliding, onto a bottle having an axial length and a width
transverse to the axis of the axial length, a resilient central
clasping section having (i) a top end opposite a bottom end and
mountable along the axial length of the bottle about its axis and
(ii) a width-adjustable channel in and extending along the axial
length of the central clasping section and including a first
channel edge opposite a second channel edge; and squeezing the
bottle with a first grasping section adjacent the first channel
edge of the central clasping section and a second edge adjacent the
second channel of the of the central clasping section.
18. A method of grasping a bottle of claim 17 wherein the step of
squeezing the first grasping section and the second grasping
section is accomplished with a single hand of a user.
19. A method of grasping a bottle of claim 17 wherein the step of
squeezing the first grasping section and the second grasping
section is accomplished with both hands of a user.
20. A method of grasping a bottle of claim 17 further comprising
lifting the first grasping section and the second grasping section
so as to lift the bottle to a selected height and orientation of
the spout to dispense liquids from the bottle into a selected
receptacle.
Description
REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e)
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/307,720, filed Feb.
24, 2010 by Chris O'Sullivan for "GRIPPING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF
USE," which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a grasping device and more
particularly to a device for grasping structures such as, for
example, containers and bottles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Bottles continue to be the most cost effective way to buy
(and sell) many liquids, such as soft drinks, detergents, and the
like. Yet, as most commonly sized, shaped, and manufactured, such
bottles are often unwieldy and easily mishandled, spilled during
use, etc. This is especially (but not solely) so with regard to
larger bottles, such as the common two-liter plastic bottle.
[0004] The problem of handling bottles and containers, particularly
large containers, is exacerbated when handled by children, the
elderly, or people with a disability, such as, for example, stroke,
arthritis, muscular dystrophy, injury, or other debilitating or
impairing conditions. Gross and fine motor limitations can make it
especially difficult to lift, grasp, and pour bottles and
containers.
[0005] Even for individuals without disabilities, the task of
pouring from many types of bottles and containers is not simple.
The material that comprises the body of these bottles and
containers is typically thin. As a result, it can often be
difficult to grasp a bottle or container without crushing it,
dropping it, or mishandling it in other ways.
[0006] Many people resort to the two handed method of pouring, one
consequence of which is that the target, for example, a beverage
cup, is not gripped and left unsecured. Not infrequently this
unsecured target tips over and spills the poured contents onto the
surface upon which the target rests.
[0007] Existing devices that purport to facilitate the dexterous
handling of bottles require significant, and sometimes more, fine
motor skill to engage the facilitating device than does the unaided
handling of the same bottles. In addition, previous attempts to
create a bottle-holding device that facilitates the dispensing of
the contents of a bottle typically require the bottle to either
rest in a cradle, or require the handle to be attached to the
bottle, either through threading, clipping, sliding, or snapping
into place. In situations where a number of bottles are present
(for example, at a party or on a buffet table), users will
typically require a number of facilitating devices due to the
complexity of affixing such devices to a specific bottle.
[0008] It is apparent that there has long been a need for an
economical and easily utilized device to facilitate the safe and
efficient manipulation of bottles.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0009] The applicant has therefore invented a bottle or container
grasping device and method of use. In some embodiments, the
grasping device has (i) a central bottle or container clasping
section adapted to surround a portion of the outer periphery of a
bottle or container and (ii) handles or grasping sections on or
extending outward from the container clasping section, whereby a
user may grasp the handles or grasping sections to pull them toward
each other and thereby cause the central clasping section to grip
the bottle or container as applicable.
[0010] In some embodiments, the grasping device may include a neck
section adapted to grasp or abut an outer portion of a bottle or
container, such as a narrowed neck on the upper portion. In some
embodiments, such a neck section may aid in locating and securing
the grasping device in the desired position on the bottle or
container.
[0011] In some embodiments, the container clasping section may have
a somewhat tubular form with a generally C-shaped cross-section.
This type of clasping section can be particularly effective for
grasping and manipulating larger bottles, such as the common
two-liter plastic soft drink bottle for example.
[0012] In some embodiments, the clasping section may have other
contours, and, in some embodiments, these contours may be shaped
for clasping uniquely or differently shaped bottles or
containers.
[0013] In some embodiments, the neck section may be integrally
formed with the clasping section. In some embodiments, the handles
or grasping sections may also be integrally formed with the
clasping section. In some embodiments, the clasping or other
sections may be made of a resilient material, such as a
plastic.
[0014] In some embodiments, the grasping device can enable a wide
variety of persons to pick up and pour from a bottle or container
easily with one hand grasping the grasping sections or handles. The
other hand can thus be free to, if desired, otherwise secure the
bottle or container, hold the target in place, etc.
[0015] In some embodiments, the grasping device can be easily and
readily engaged and disengaged from the bottle it is supporting.
The grasping or gripping device also can serve to provide thermal
insulation for an associated bottle, thus helping to preserve the
contents of the bottle at a desired temperature.
[0016] In some embodiments, the grasping device is easy and
economical to manufacture; and in some embodiments, the grasping
device can be easy to wash and re-use as desired.
[0017] In some embodiments, the grasping device is lightweight and
can be nested in columns for efficient transportation.
[0018] In some embodiments, the grasping device may require little
or no packaging, and may be shipped with a UPC sticker printed on,
or a cardstock tag affixed to, the grasping device.
[0019] In some embodiments, the grasping device may be displayed
for sale in position on bottles or containers to readily show its
efficacy.
[0020] In some embodiments, the grasping device may be printed up
with logos and other artwork by ad-spec companies for marketing
giveaways or `swag` to be used and displayed at public events, for
example, tailgate parties, birthdays, office parties, or anywhere
else soft drinks are served.
[0021] In some embodiments, the grasping device can be durable and
long lasting; and in some embodiments, the grasping device may be
made partially or entirely of lightweight, resilient material such
as plastic.
[0022] In some embodiments, the interior surface of the clasping
section has a high coefficient of friction with regard to the
exterior surface of the types of bottle or container it is designed
to hold, but not so high as to impede the smooth engaging of the
grasping device onto the bottle or container.
[0023] In some embodiments, the grasping device may rest loosely on
the shoulders of a bottle or container until a person grasps the
handle or grasping section of the device. Grasping the handles or
grasping sections with one hand can put pressure on the bottle
(although in some embodiments two hands may be used to grasp the
grasping device), tightening the grasping device's grip upon the
outer periphery of the bottle or container. In some embodiments,
the user can use only one hand to lift the bottle or container by
the grasping section or handles and pour out the contents of the
bottle or container.
[0024] In some embodiments, this is readily accomplished by a wide
variety of people without struggling, dropping, or otherwise
mishandling the bottle or container. In some embodiments, when a
person has finished using the bottle, the bottle can be returned to
its supporting surface (e.g., a table). The pressure on the handles
can then be released and the device may again rest loosely on the
shoulders of the bottle or container or be removed for washing, use
with another bottle or container, etc.
[0025] In some embodiments, it is not necessary to completely let
go of the grasping device in order to disengage it from clasping an
associated bottle or container. At that point, it is possible
either to leave the grasping device to rest on the bottle or
container, ready to be used again, or remove the ultra lightweight
device by lifting it up and off of the bottle or container. The
grasping device can then, if desired, be moved to another bottle or
container, re-engaged, and ready to clasp the bottle or container,
lift it, pour from it, etc. In some embodiments, this operation,
i.e., moving the device from one bottle or container to another can
be accomplished almost as quickly as it is possible to reach from
one bottle or container to the next bottle or container. In some
embodiments, this can be so in that it is not necessary to let go
of the grasping device in order to disengage it. In some
embodiments, when the bottle is put down, the grasping device
disengages by relaxing the squeezing pressure of the user's hand
or, in some embodiments, other structure or apparatus that holds
the bottle in place with respect to the grasping device. It is then
possible to lift the grasping device off of one bottle or container
and slide it over the next bottle or container if desired. As soon
as the handle or grasping section is grasped firmly enough to clamp
down upon another bottle or container, the grasping device can be
re-engaged for lifting, pouring, etc., of the bottle or
container.
[0026] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present application will become apparent from the following
detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the
accompanying figures. It is thus to be understood that the scope of
the invention is to be determined by the claims as issued and not
by whether a claim includes any or all features or advantages
recited in this Brief Summary or addresses any issue identified in
the Background.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present
invention, including the preferred embodiment, are described with
reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals
refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise
specified. Illustrative embodiments of the invention are
illustrated in the drawings, in which:
[0028] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a grasping
device disposed on a bottle;
[0029] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment of a grasping device
shaped to fit contours of a bottle or container having a wider
middle; and
[0030] FIGS. 8-12 illustrate an embodiment of a grasping device
with a tubular flexible clasping section disposed on a bottle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, one embodiment of a grasping
device, generally 10, has a tubular flexible clasping section 12,
two grasping sections 14, 16 extending outwardly from the clasping
section 12, and a neck section 18 cooperatively formed of one or
more curved phalanges 20 extending upward from the clasping section
12 and having a inwardly curved internal periphery in order to abut
the outwardly curved upper shoulder section 22 of a typical
two-liter soft drink bottle 24.
[0032] In one embodiment, tubular flexible clasping section 12 may
be formed of a resilient material and have an inner surface
generally corresponding to an outer surface of a bottle. The inner
surface may be substantially cylindrical or may be many other
shapes including, for example, rectangular for milk bottles.
[0033] In an embodiment, the grasping sections 14, 16 are somewhat
U-shaped handles. Generally, grasping sections 14, 16 may include a
passageway to allow a user to place one or two hands in a grasping
configuration with grasping device 10. Handles or grasping sections
14, 16 may be co-extensive with the height of tubular flexible
clasping section 12. In other embodiments, Handles or grasping
sections 14, 16 may be taller or shorter in height than tubular
flexible clasping section 12. Handles or grasping sections 14, 16
may be rigidly or flexibly connected with tubular flexible clasping
section 12 to allow selective positioning of tubular flexible
clasping section 12 with respect to bottle 24.
[0034] In one embodiment, the neck section 18 generally has a
similar, or the same, contour as the mating bottle shoulder 22.
Neck section 18 may position the grasping device 10 placed for use
with its clasping tubular section 12 near the middle of the bottle
24 or container. This positioning may occur both during use and
while stored on bottle 24. Neck section 18 may be curvilinear to
follow the contour of a typical two-liter soda bottle. Neck section
18 may also be linear or angled to abut portions of a typical
two-liter soda bottle or other shaped bottle.
[0035] The tubular clasping section 12 has a central tubular
passage 26 in a direction orthogonal to its axial length A for a
typical two-liter bottle 24. For other shaped bottles, the central
passage may be triangular, square, or another polygon in a
direction orthogonal to axial length A. In a direction
substantially parallel to axial length A, the central passage may
be shaped to correspond to a rounded shoulder, an hourglass, a
square, or another shape. A generally round or tubular passage or
polygonal passage may be correspond to the outer shape of a bottle
or may not directly correspond to the outer shape of a bottle, but
only impinge upon discrete portions of the bottle.
[0036] With reference also to FIG. 3, a lateral width-adjustable
slot 28 may be provided along the entire length of the side 30 of
the clasping section 12. Handles 14, 16 may extend from tubular
flexible clasping section 12 adjacent slot 28. For example, first
handle 14 may extend laterally along and parallel to a first
lateral edge 32 of slot 28. A second handle 16 may extend laterally
along and parallel to a second lateral edge 34 of slot 28. The
opposing first and second handles 14, 16 may be moved toward each
other in order to narrow the width 36 of the slot 28, and similarly
the handles 14, 16 may be moved away from each other in order to
expand the width 36 of the slot 28. In one embodiment, slot 28 is
sized to prevent first lateral edge 32 and second lateral edge 34
from reaching one another when bottle 24 is disposed within
clasping section 12. This configuration allows a user to provide a
significant amount of force drawing together first lateral edge 32
and second lateral edge 34, which in turn provides a greater amount
of friction than if first lateral edge 32 and second lateral edge
34 were drawn together in contact with one another. It should also
be appreciated that the tubular circumference of clasping section
12 provides compression along a significant surface area
surrounding bottle 12. This compression along the circumference of
either a full, partially full, or substantially empty bottle 24 is
less likely to collapse in that compression applied to a circular
object requires a very significant force to cause failure of a
wall.
[0037] In this embodiment of FIG. 1, the axial height 37 of the
tubular flexible clasping section 12 along its central axis A is
approximately half the height of the bottles or containers that the
tubular section 12 is intended to clasp. In other embodiments, the
tubular clasping section 12 may extend from the curved upper
shoulder section 22 of the bottle 24 or container any length, such
as, for example, the full length of the bottle 24 or container if
desired or less than half the height of bottles or containers. In
one embodiment, tubular clasping section 12 together with neck
portion 18 and handles 14, 16 are a lightweight grasping device
which remains in a good ergonomic position for use on bottle 24 or
transfer to another bottle 24.
[0038] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, when no force is applied to
the handles 14, 16, the internal diameter DD of the tubular
flexible clasping section 12 is approximately the same as, or
slightly larger than, the outer diameter DB of the bottle 24 or
container that the device 10 is designed or intended to clasp. When
the handles 14, 16 are forced toward each other and there is no
bottle or container within its confines, the internal diameter (not
shown) of the tubular section 26 is substantially smaller than the
outer diameter DB of the bottle 24. As discussed above, this
configuration provides significant compression forces, which in
turn may provide a higher friction force between bottle 24 and
tubular flexible clasping section 12 than an outer diameter of
tubular section 26 which matches an outer diameter of the
bottle.
[0039] In an embodiment, a method may be provided to grasp a bottle
or container and dispense its contents using the grasping device
10. The method may include a user (not shown) sliding tubular
section 12 of the grasping device 10 over the bottle 22 or
container. The user may push it down until the neck section 20 of
the grasping device 10 matingly abuts the shoulder section 22 of
the bottle 24, and tubular section 12 matingly surrounds the
central tubular body 38 of the bottle 22 or container.
[0040] In one embodiment, the user may then grasp the opposing
first and second handles 14, 16. Typically, the user will use one
hand, but the user may use two hands. The user squeezes the handles
14, 16 toward each other. The width 36 of the lateral slot 28 thus
narrows and the interior periphery 42 of the tubular section 12 is
forced into gripping contact with mating exterior periphery 40 of
the central tubular body 38 of the bottle 24 or container. Because
of (i) the leverage (torque) generated by the handles 14, 16
against the tubular section 12 (and in turn by the interior
periphery 42 of the tubular section 12 against the of the exterior
periphery 40 of the tubular body 38 of the bottle 24 or container)
and (ii) the friction between the interior periphery 42 of the
grasping section 12 and the exterior periphery 40 of the central
tubular body 38 of the bottle 24 or container, the user need apply
only relatively little squeezing force on the handles 14, 16 is to
firmly secure the bottle 22 or container in the grasping device
10.
[0041] In an embodiment, when the friction between the tubular
section 12 of the grasping device 10 and the tubular body 38 of the
bottle 22 generated by squeezing the handles 14, 16 together is
sufficient, the user may readily and easily lift the bottle 24 and
tilt the bottle 24 at will in order to dispense the bottle contents
into or onto the desired target.
[0042] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the grasping device
generally 10 has a generally C-shaped cross-section with the
handles 14, 16 secured to and extending radially outward from the
opposed tubular section edges 32, 34. Thus, when the handles 14, 16
are brought toward one another, they cause the C-shaped
cross-section to shrink and narrow in diametral width. When
released, the clasping section 12 "C" returns to its original open
position.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, in another embodiment, the
depicted bottle 50 is not strictly cylindrical or tubular but
rather has a narrower diameter in the mid-region 54, similar to an
hourglass. The grasping device in general 10 is shaped to fit the
contours of the bottle 50 or container. In this embodiment, the
contours of bottle 50 are narrower at the top 70 and bottom 72 as
compared to a wider middle 74. In this embodiment, the grasping
principles are the same as those described in the previous
embodiments. By firmly grasping the handles 14 and 16, the gripping
pressure is applied by application of torque and friction to a
clasping section 76 to the body of the bottle 50. This, in turn,
enables a user to lift and tilt the bottle as need be, in a
controlled manner.
[0044] In this embodiment, there are no phalanges at the top of the
clasping section 76. Instead the top edge 70 of the grasping device
10 is tilted in relation to the plane 63 of the base of the bottle
50 or container Top edge 70 may angle downwardly from diametrically
opposite the handles 14 and 16. The diameter of the top edge 70 is
smaller than the diameter of the central mid-section 74 of the
clasping section 76 below it. Top edge 70 conforms to, and thus
abuts, the shape of the shoulder 68 of the bottle 50 or container.
In other words, the clasping section 76 has a wider diameter in its
middle section 74 and tapers down to a smaller diameter at its top
edge 70. This smaller diameter top edge 70 performs the same as or
similar function as the phalange or phalanges in the previous
described embodiments, i.e., to position the grasping device 10 on
the bottle 50 or container, with top edge 70 resting on the
shoulder 68 of the bottle 50.
[0045] Also the clasping section 76 and the grasping handles 14, 16
may operate similarly to, or in the same manner, as described in
the previous embodiments. The diameter of the bottom edge 72 of the
grasping device 10 may be less than the mid-section 74 of the
clasping section 76. Clasping section 76 may be slightly tapered
inward from its mid-section 74 to the bottom edge 72, but not
tapered so far as to impede the smooth slipping on, the engaging,
of the grasping device 10 onto the bottle 50 or container.
Similarly, the bottom edge 72 may be angled, i.e., not parallel to
the plane 63 of the bottom of the bottle 50 or container.
[0046] In reference to FIGS. 8-12, in another embodiment, the
general grasping device 10 has a tubular flexible clasping section
80, two grasping sections 84, 86 extending outwardly from the
clasping section 80, and a neck section 81 cooperatively formed of
a number of curved phalanges 82 extending upward from the top 88 of
the clasping section 80 and having a inwardly curved internal
periphery in order to abut the outwardly curved upper shoulder
section 22 of a typical two-liter soft drink bottle 24.
[0047] In one embodiment, tubular flexible clasping section 80 may
be formed of a resilient material and have an inner surface
generally corresponding to an outer surface of a bottle. The inner
surface may be substantially cylindrical or may be many other
shapes including, for example, rectangular for milk bottles.
[0048] In an embodiment, the grasping sections 84, 86 are somewhat
U-shaped handles. Handles 84, 86 may be attached by screws 85 to
the clasping section 80. Generally, grasping sections 84, 86 may
include a passageway to allow a user to place one or two hands in a
grasping configuration with grasping device 10. Handles or grasping
sections 84, 86 may be co-extensive with the height of tubular
flexible clasping section 80. In other embodiments, Handles or
grasping sections 84, 86 may be taller or shorter in height than
tubular flexible clasping section 80. Handles or grasping sections
84, 86 may be rigidly or flexibly connected with tubular flexible
clasping section 80 to allow selective positioning of tubular
flexible clasping section 80 with respect to bottle 24.
[0049] In one embodiment, the neck section 81 generally has a
similar, or the same, contour as the mating bottle shoulder 22.
Neck section 82 may positions the grasping device 10 placed for use
with its clasping tubular section 80 near the middle of the bottle
24 or container, and the lower edge 90 of the clasping section 80
is positioned above the bottom 91 of the bottle 24 or container.
This positioning may occur both during use and while stored on
bottle 24. Neck section 82 may be curvilinear to follow the contour
of a typical two-liter soda bottle. Neck section 82 may also be
linear or angled to abut portions of a typical two-liter soda
bottle or other shaped bottle.
[0050] In one embodiment, the clasping section 80, the grasping
sections 84, 86, and the neck section 81 phalanges 82 are made of
plastic, preferably a resilient, strong, durable, and lightweight
thermoplastic.
[0051] In reference to FIG. 10, the tubular clasping section 80 has
a lateral width-adjustable slot 92 along the entire length of the
side of the clasping section 80 coaxial with the central axis CA of
a mating tubular bottle 24 (FIGS. 11 and 12.) Handles 84, 86 may
extend from clasping section adjacent adjustable slot 92. A first
handle 84 may extend laterally along and parallel to a first
lateral edge 94 of slot 92. A second handle 86 may extend laterally
along and parallel to a second lateral edge 96 of slot 92. The
opposing first and second handles 84, 86 may be moved toward each
other in order to narrow the width W of the slot 92, and similarly
the handles 84, 86 may be moved away from each other in order to
expand the width W of the slot 92. In one embodiment, slot 92 is
sized to prevent first lateral edge 94 and second lateral edge 96
from reaching one another when bottle 24 is disposed within
clasping section 80. This configuration allows a user to provide a
significant amount of force drawing together first lateral edge 94
and second lateral edge 96, which in turn provides a greater amount
of friction than if first lateral edge 94 and second lateral edge
96 were drawn together in contact with one another.
[0052] In reference to FIG. 11 of the same embodiment, the bottle
24 or container may be tilted to pour, by grasping the grasping
device in general 10. The handles 84, 86 are gripped by the user's
hands 98, which by pressing the two handles 84, 86 towards each
other, puts pressure on the tubular clasping section 80. That
tubular clasping section 80, together with the neck section 81 of
the grasping device 10, that secures the upper neck 22 of the
bottle 24, secure the entire bottle 24 and enable the user (not
shown other than the hands) to tilt and manipulate the bottle at
will so as to pour into a container 99.
[0053] In reference to FIG. 12 of the same embodiment, the bottle
24 or container may be tilted to pour, by grasping the grasping
device in general 10. The handles 84, 86 are gripped by one of the
user's hands 98L, which by pressing the two handles 84, 86 towards
each other, forces the tubular clasping section 80 to contract and
grip the outer periphery of the bottle 24. That tubular clasping
section 80, together with the neck section 81 of the grasping
device 10, that secures the upper neck 22 of the bottle 24, secure
the entire bottle 24 and enable the user (not shown other than the
hands) to tilt and manipulate the bottle at will so as to pour into
a container 99.
[0054] An alternative grasping or gripping device may be is made of
blow molded polypropylene and may be similar to any of the
above-identified embodiment. The gripping device can serve not only
as a secure gripping and manipulating apparatus as described above
for this and the other embodiments but also can provide thermal
insulation for the associated bottle, its contents, or both. Thus,
the gripping device can help preserve the temperature of the bottle
contents whether hot or cold. It can also help isolate the bottle
handles or other gripping structure in the gripping device from
contact with the bottle or its contents.
[0055] In the above-identified embodiments, the bottle 24 is a 2
liter bottle, but other forms of the gripping device (not shown)
may be used with other bottle shapes and structures as noted
above.
[0056] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the
principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be
recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred
examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the
scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is
defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our
invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these
claims.
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