U.S. patent application number 16/666894 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-25 for articulated handle for a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Citadelle, Cooperative De Producteurs De Sirop D'erable. The applicant listed for this patent is Citadelle, Cooperative De Producteurs De Sirop D'erable. Invention is credited to Marc LEBLANC.
Application Number | 20200198838 16/666894 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 71097101 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200198838 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEBLANC; Marc |
June 25, 2020 |
ARTICULATED HANDLE FOR A CONTAINER
Abstract
An articulated handle for a container is described. The
articulated handle comprises a collar, a grip, and a securing
means. The collar is configured for surrounding a container and
comprises an articulated joint for positioning the collar between
an open state for receiving the container and a close state for
surrounding the container. The articulated joint divides the collar
in a first portion and a second portion. The grip projects
outwardly from the collar and comprises a first grip portion
integrally formed to the first portion of the collar and a second
grip portion integrally formed to the second portion of the collar.
The first and second grip portions are each configured for
comprising a complementary portion. The complementary portions
comprise a securing means which connects together the first and
second grip portions when the collar is in the close state, thereby
securing the articulated handle to the container.
Inventors: |
LEBLANC; Marc; (Orford,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Citadelle, Cooperative De Producteurs De Sirop D'erable |
Plessisville |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Citadelle, Cooperative De
Producteurs De Sirop D'erable
Plessisville
CA
|
Family ID: |
71097101 |
Appl. No.: |
16/666894 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62783418 |
Dec 21, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/104 20130101;
B65D 2525/285 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 23/10 20060101
B65D023/10 |
Claims
1. An articulated handle for a container, comprising: a collar
configured for surrounding a container, the collar comprising an
articulated joint for positioning the collar between an open state
for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the
container, the articulated joint dividing the collar in a first
portion and a second portion; a grip projecting outwardly from the
collar, the grip comprising a first grip portion integrally formed
to the first portion of the collar and a second grip portion
integrally formed to the second portion of the collar, wherein the
first and second grip portions are each configured for comprising a
complementary portion, and wherein the complementary portions
comprise a securing means, the securing means connecting together
the first and second grip portions when the collar is in the close
state, thereby securing the articulated handle to the
container.
2. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the
securing means comprises complementary securing elements fittingly
cooperating together, wherein a first of the securing elements is
positioned at an interior of the first grip portion and a second of
the securing elements is positioned at an interior of the second
grip portion.
3. The articulated handle according to claim 2, wherein the
complementary portions comprise at least two pairs, or at least
three pairs, of complementary securing elements.
4. The articulated handle according to claim 2, wherein the
securing elements comprise at least one projection receivable in a
recess as a snap fit.
5. The articulated handle according to claim 2, wherein the
complementary securing elements comprise at least one recess
receivable in a flexible hook as a click fit.
6. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the first
and second grip portions have a symmetrical outside shape.
7. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the grip is
axially aligned with the articulated joint.
8. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the grip
projects downwardly from the collar.
9. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the grip is
curved downwardly.
10. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the grip
is shaped for being gripped by a finger.
11. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the
articulated joint is a groove or bend on the collar.
12. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the collar
is configured for surrounding a jar, a bottle, or a can.
13. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the collar
has a shape adapted to snugly fit an upper portion of the
container.
14. The articulated handle according to claim 13, wherein the
collar is securable to a neck of the container.
15. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the collar
is shaped like a ring.
16. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the
articulated handle consists of a single piece plastic moulding.
17. The articulated handle according to claim 1, wherein the
articulated handle is made of thermoplastic polymer resin.
18. The articulated handle according to claim 17, wherein the
thermoplastic polymer resin is polyethylene terephthalate.
19. An articulated handle for a container, comprising: a collar
configured for surrounding a container, the collar comprising an
articulated joint for positioning the collar between an open state
for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the
container, the articulated joint dividing the collar in a first
portion and a second portion; a grip axially aligned with the
articulated joint and projecting outwardly from the collar, the
grip comprising a first grip portion integrally formed to the first
portion of the collar and a second grip portion integrally formed
to the second portion of the collar, wherein the first and second
grip portions have a symmetrical outside shape; and wherein the
first and second grip portions comprise an interior including a
securing means for connecting together the first and second grip
portions when the collar is the close state, thereby securing the
articulated handle to the container.
20. A kit, comprising: an articulated handle according to claim 1;
and a container capable of being secured to the articulated
handle.
21. A method for securing an articulated handle to a container,
comprising: providing a container requiring a handle; providing an
articulated handle comprising: a collar configured for surrounding
the container, the collar comprising an articulated joint for
positioning the collar between an open state for receiving the
container and a close state for surrounding the container; a grip
integrally formed to the collar and projecting outwardly therefrom,
the grip comprising a first grip portion, a second grip portion,
and a plurality of complementary securing means, the securing means
connecting together the first grip portion and the second grip
portion when the collar is in the close state; surrounding the
container with the collar; closing the collar around the container;
and connecting together the securing means, thereby securing the
articulated handle to the container.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising heat fusing the
collar to the container.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising gluing the collar to
the container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the field of handles, and more
particularly to an articulated handle for a container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Commercial-scale manufacturing and molding of thermoplastic
containers generally requires specialized extrusion blow molding
equipment. Manufacturing of thermoplastic containers comprising an
integrally formed handle is even more complicated as it involves
additional step(s) for connecting the handle on the molded
container, thereby increasing the cost per unit.
[0003] Providing a handle that is independently manufactured from a
container and that may be secured to the container may thus provide
an effective and practical solution. Handles that are independently
manufactured from containers and that are securable thereto have
been described for instance in GB patent No. 2,157,257, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,227,393 and 7,686,183.
[0004] These and other handles face key technical and operational
limitations. In some instances the handle is pivotally secured to
the container and, while it enables transportation of the
container, it is not possible to pour a liquid from the container
with only one hand. In other instances the handle is rigid and it
comprises a collar into which the container of larger dimensions is
inserted. Although such handle allows a user to pour liquid from
the container with only one hand, the handle may not hold the
container in an upside-down position since the container will slide
off the collar.
[0005] There is therefore a need for simpler, more convenient, and
more cost-effective manners for manufacturing molded containers
requiring a handle.
[0006] There is also a need for handles that can be manufactured
separately from molded containers to later be installed on such
containers.
[0007] There is also a need for handles that may easily and rapidly
be secured to various types of containers, while allowing handling
with only one hand and allowing also to hold the container in an
upside-down position.
[0008] There is particularly a need for an articulated handle that
can easily be secured to a container, after manufacturing of the
container.
[0009] The present invention addresses these needs and other needs
as it will be apparent from reviews of the disclosure and
description of the features of the invention hereinafter.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to one aspect, the invention relates to an
articulated handle for a container, comprising: [0011] a collar
configured for surrounding a container, the collar comprising an
articulated joint for positioning the collar between an open state
for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the
container, the articulated joint dividing the collar in a first
portion and a second portion; [0012] a grip projecting outwardly
from the collar, the grip comprising a first grip portion
integrally formed to the first portion of the collar and a second
grip portion integrally formed to the second portion of the collar,
[0013] wherein the first and second grip portions are each
configured for comprising a complementary portion, and [0014]
wherein the complementary portions comprise a securing means, the
securing means connecting together the first and second grip
portions when the collar is in the close state, thereby securing
the articulated handle to the container.
[0015] In one embodiment the securing means comprises a pair of
securing elements fittingly cooperating together, wherein a first
of the securing elements is positioned at an interior of the first
grip portion and a second of the securing elements is positioned at
an interior of the second grip portion. In embodiments, the
complementary portions comprise at least two pairs, or at least
three pairs, of securing elements. In embodiments the connectors
are male-female type of connectors (e.g. snap-fit, hole-and-hooks,
tongue and slots, etc.).
[0016] Another aspect of the invention concerns a method for
securing an articulated handle to a container. According to one
embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: [0017] providing a
container requiring a handle; [0018] providing an articulated
handle comprising: [0019] a collar configured for surrounding the
container, the collar comprising an articulated joint for
positioning the collar between an open state for receiving the
container and a close state for surrounding the container; [0020] a
grip integrally formed to the collar and projecting outwardly
therefrom, the grip comprising a first grip portion, a second grip
portion, and a securing means, the securing means connecting
together the first grip portion and the second grip portion when
the collar is in the close state; [0021] surrounding the container
with the collar of the articulated handle; [0022] closing the
collar of the articulated handle around the container; and [0023]
connecting together the securing means, thereby securing the
articulated handle to the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In order that the invention may be readily understood,
embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in
the accompanying drawings.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a top side perspective view of an articulated
handle for a container in a close state, the handle comprising two
complementary grip portions and male-female type securing means, in
accordance with one embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a top side perspective view of the articulated
handle of FIG. 1 in an open state.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a top plane view of the articulated handle of FIG.
2 in the open state.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a top side perspective view of a container and the
articulated handle of FIG. 1 in the open state, the handle being
partially installed on the container.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a top side perspective view of a container and the
articulated handle of FIG. 4 in the close state, the handle being
fully secured to the container.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a top side perspective view of an articulated
handle for a container in an open state comprising
tongue-and-groove securing means, in accordance with another
embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a top side perspective view of an articulated
handle for a container in a close state comprising grip portions of
different sizes, in accordance with another embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a top plane view of the articulated handle of FIG.
7 in an open state.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a top side perspective view of a container and the
articulated handle of FIG. 7 in the open state, the handle being
installed on the container.
[0034] FIG. 10 shows top side perspective views of another type of
container and of another type of articulated handle in accordance
with another embodiment, the figure showing the articulated handle
installed on the container, and showing articulated handle in an
open state and in a closed state.
[0035] Further details of the invention and its advantages will be
apparent from the detailed description included below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] In the following description of the embodiments references
to the accompanying drawings are by way of illustration of an
example by which the invention may be practiced. It will be
understood that other embodiments may be made without departing
from the scope of the invention disclosed.
[0037] The present invention relates to an articulated handle that
can be manufactured separately from containers to later be
installed on such containers.
[0038] The articulated handle is configured to be securable around
a part of a container, therefore providing the container with a
means to be handled by a user.
[0039] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, there is shown an
articulated handle 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. The articulated handle 100 comprises a collar 102 and a
grip 104 projecting outwardly from the collar 102.
[0040] The collar 102 comprises a circular opening 124 and inner
face 118 having a flat surface configured for surrounding a
container 200. The collar is articulated as it comprises an
articulated joint 122 allowing "bending" and positioning of the
collar between an open state (FIGS. 2-4) for receiving the
container and a close state for surrounding the container (FIG. 5).
The articulated joint divides the collar in a first portion 112a
and a second portion 112b. In the illustrated embodiment, the
articulated joint consists of a groove or a bend 134 extending in
the inner face 118 perpendicularly to a horizontal place formed by
the collar.
[0041] The grip 104 comprises first 106a and second 106b grip
portions projecting outwardly from the collar 102. For increased
strength, the first grip portion 106a is preferably integrally
formed to the first portion of the collar 112a and the second grip
portion is preferably integrally formed to the second portion of
the collar 112b.
[0042] As explained with more details hereinafter, the first 106a
and second grip 106b portions are each configured for comprising a
complementary portion comprising a securing means 108 such that,
once the collar is in the close state, first and second grip
portions are secured together, thereby securing the articulated
handle to the container (FIG. 5).
[0043] Turning to FIGS. 3 to 5, the articulated joint 122 enables
the collar 102 to be configurable between an open state and a close
state. More particularly, in the open state the first portion 112a
and the second portion 112b of the collar 102 are separated from
one another in order to provide clearance required for introducing
a part of the container 200 into the opening 124 of the collar 102.
While transitioning from the open state towards the close state
under the pivotal action of the articulated joint 122 (shown by a
double-headed arrow in FIG. 3), the first portion 112a and the
second portion 112b of the collar 102 are brought in a closer
proximity to ultimately contact each other at the grip portion.
[0044] Although in the illustrated embodiments the articulated
joint 122 is positioned such that the first portion 112a and a
second portion 112b of the collar are of comparable size (i.e.
50/50) which results in the grip 104 to be axially aligned with the
articulated joint 122, it may be envisioned to position the
articulated joint differently such that the articulated joint is
not axially aligned with the grip, resulting in the first portion
112a and a second portion 112b of the collar to have sizes that are
different (e.g. a ratio of 75/25, 60/40, etc.).
[0045] In preferred embodiments, the collar 102 is circular and
configured for surrounding a neck of a container. Accordingly, the
collar 102 comprises the inner face 118 having a substantially flat
surface for matching a flat surface on the container 200. The
collar 102 may also comprise an inner face 118 with patterns,
groves, bumps or the like, according to a desired use. The collar
102 may also comprise an anti-slip material or the like. Likewise,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is not essential
for the collar to be circular or shaped like a ring and that it may
be of any suitable shape including, but not limited to, octagonal,
square, rectangular, triangular, etc. and that it may be configured
for surrounding different sections of a given container and/or be
configured for surrounding containers of different shapes (e.g.
jar, bottle, can, etc.).
[0046] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the collar 102
comprises a means for preventing rotation of the handle 100
relative to a container 200 once secured thereto. As shown, the
inner face 118 of the collar 102 comprises a pair of notches 138a
and 138b configured in size and shape for receiving corresponding
tabs present on an external surface of the neck of the container
200. Accordingly, the combination of these notches and tabs will
prevent the rotation of the articulated handle 100 relative to the
container 200. As indicated hereinbefore, the collar 102 may also
comprise an inner face 118 with patterns, groves, bumps or the like
that may match corresponding complementary patterns on the surface
of the container, thereby preventing rotation of the handle once
secured to the container.
[0047] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the collar 102
comprises an outer face that is somewhat shaped like a C or a U
with an upper flange 142, a lower flange 144 and central recessed
groove 146. Although such shape may be preferable for providing
structural strength to the collar 102, other forms of outer faces
are may be envisioned (rounded, rectangular, etc.). In embodiments,
these flanges are configured to abut on corresponding walls or
protuberance on the container, thereby further ensuring that the
handle does not slip and is better secured to the container (e.g.
neck).
[0048] Referring now back to the grip 104, in the embodiments
depicted in FIGS. 1 to 5, the first 106a and second grip 106b
portions are configured for having a complementary external shape
on their entire longitudinal length, thereby forming, once joined
together, a complete grip with a separation in its center. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the grip is asymmetrical
and comprises a first long grip portion 230b providing almost the
whole grip surface to be manipulated by a user. The first long grip
portion 230b comprises a void 232 for receiving a second shorter
grip portion 230a. The first long grip portion 230b and the second
shorter grip portion 230a are configured to be complementary
thereby forming, once joined together, a complete grip.
[0049] It is the grip which comprises the securing means 108
allowing securing or "locking" the articulated handle to the
container, the securing means comprising complementary securing
elements fittingly cooperating together. Preferably, the
complementary securing elements are positioned at an interior of
the grip.
[0050] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 to 5, the securing
means 108 comprises three (3) sets of male-female type connectors
distributed along an inside cavity 162 of the grip. In the
embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7 to 8, the securing means 108
comprises a single set of male-female type connectors located
inside the cavity 162 of the first long grip portion 230b and the
second shorter grip portion 230a. In the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 6, the securing means 108 comprises a tongue 152 and a
C-shaped slot 154 located inside the cavity 162 of the grip.
Accordingly, urging the first grip portion 106a against the second
grip portion 106b snugly engages the securing means thereby
securing or "locking" together the first and second grip portions,
and also securing the articulated handle to the container.
[0051] The securing means 108 may be configured such that
articulated handle 100 is removably connectable for allowing the
handle to be secured and thereafter removed from a container (e.g.
manually or with a tool). In other embodiments, the securing means
108 is configured to ensure that the handle is secured permanently
to the container.
[0052] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention
is not limited to a particular type of securing means and that it
is adapted to the use of various types of connectors including
snap-fit or snap-on connectors, hole-and-hook connectors, tongue
and slot connectors, and the like. It may also be envisioned to
provide the securing means on a periphery of the grip or to provide
first and second grip portions that may be glued or fused together
by heating.
[0053] The grip may be configured in accordance to various
parameters including, but not limited to, the size of the
container, the weight of the filled container, the rigidity of the
materials used in the manufacture of the container and/or the
handle, the intended users, etc. In the embodiments illustrated at
FIGS. 1 to 9, the grip projects downwardly from the collar and it
has a curved shape for being gripped by a finger of a user.
Preferably, for increased strength, the grip is integral to the
collar such that the collar and the grip form a one-piece, integral
construction.
[0054] The grip may also comprise an external surface adapted for
particular desired uses and/or particular user (e.g. handicapped
person, young, elderly, etc.). For instance, the grip may be
provided with desirable esthetic and/or functional features such as
drawings, patterns, an anti-slip surface, etc.
[0055] In the embodiments illustrated at FIGS. 1 to 9, the first
106a and second grip 106b portions comprise an inside cavity 162
into which are found securing means. Providing the securing means
inside the grip is advantageous since it permits to hide the
securing means from a user. Hiding the securing means is thus
advantageous for aesthetic reasons and also for preventing
manipulation of the securing means which may result in accidental
opening of the handle.
[0056] In alternative embodiments the grip may project upwardly or
sidewardly from the collar. In other alternative embodiments, the
articulated handle 100 may comprise a plurality of grips, for
instance a pair of grips positioned on opposite sides of the
collar. It can also be envisioned to provide a two-piece handle not
requiring an articulated joint, the two-piece handle having two
complementary portions, each complementary portion comprising a
collar section and two grips section that connect together for
securing the handle around a container.
[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an articulated
handle 100 in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment the
container is a bottle 300 having an oval-rectangular shape and
conical neck. Accordingly, the collar 102 has a conical shape
adapted to fit around the neck of the bottle 300. In this
embodiment the grip 104 is shaped like a half-circle tube and
comprises complementary securing elements 108 positioned inside the
grip 104. The securing elements 108 occupy a periphery of a bore
inside the grip 104 and these securing elements 108 are adapted to
fittingly cooperate together as a snap fit. The articulated handle
100 also comprises an articulated joint 122 which consists of a
groove extending vertically inside the collar 102.
[0058] The articulated handle 100 and/or parts thereof may be
manufactured from any suitable material. For instance, the handle
100 and/or parts thereof may be made of plastic, polymer,
thermoplastic polymer resin (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate), etc.
and it be manufactured by common techniques known in the art such
as molding, 3D printing or any other appropriate manufacturing
technique. Alternatively the articulated handle 100 and/or parts
thereof could be manufactured from metal and alloys thereof (e.g.
aluminum, copper, stainless steel, etc.).
[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9, the
articulated joint consists of a groove or a bend 134 extending
vertically in a thinner region of the collar. In alternative
embodiments, such groove may be absent, the collar simply
comprising a portion of reduced thickness such that it is naturally
flexible and allowed to bend to an open state in order to provide
the required clearance required for introducing a part of the
container 200 into the opening 124 of the collar 102.
[0060] In another alternative embodiment, the articulated joint 122
may comprise a pivotable connection. This could be for instance a
barrel articulated joint comprising a pin and a cylinder, or
something else providing a similar suitable pivotable
connection.
[0061] In another alternative embodiment, the collar 102 may have
no articulated joint. In such case the collar 102 could possess a
certain flexibility allowing its bending until it reaches an open
state providing an aperture sufficiently wide for receiving the
container.
Kit
[0062] The articulated handle of the invention may be sold as a
standalone product or as part of a kit comprising (i) an
articulated handle as defined herein; and (ii) a container capable
of being secured to the articulated handle. A kit according to the
present invention may also comprise a plurality of articulated
handles that are identical or that are of different configurations
(e.g. different collar shapes, different grip size or length,
etc.). A kit may also comprise instructions and/or a tool adapted
for securing and/or removing the articulated handles to and/or from
the container.
Method for Securing the Handle to the Container
[0063] A related aspect of the invention concerns a method for
securing an articulated handle to a container. In one embodiment
the method comprises the steps of: [0064] providing a container
requiring a handle; [0065] providing an articulated handle as
defined herein; [0066] surrounding the container with the collar of
the articulated handle; [0067] closing the collar of the
articulated handle around the container; and [0068] connecting
together the securing means, thereby securing the articulated
handle to the container.
[0069] The method may also comprise the step of gluing together the
first and second grip portions.
[0070] In embodiments, the handle is made of a material sensitive
to heat and it has a melting temperature that is lower than the
melting temperature of the material of the container. Therefore,
the handle could be fused to the container by heating after
assembly to the container and the method further comprises the step
of heat fusing the collar to the container. Alternatively, the
method may further comprises the step of gluing the collar to the
container. Fusing and/or gluing the handle to the container may
prevent rotation of the handle and accidental disassembly.
[0071] Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in
locating certain sections. These headings are not intended to limit
the scope of the concepts described therein, and these concepts may
have applicability in other sections throughout the entire
specification. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be
limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features
disclosed herein.
[0072] The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include corresponding
plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to "a securing member" includes one or
more of such member, and reference to "the method" includes
reference to equivalent steps and methods known to those of
ordinary skill in the art that could be modified or substituted for
the methods described herein.
[0073] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described
herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various
modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to
persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the
present invention and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *