US20190055061A1

US20190055061A1 - Removable handle for container members

Info

Publication number: US20190055061A1
Application number: US16/103,855
Authority: US
Inventors: Monique Hughes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-08-15
Filing date: 2018-08-14
Publication date: 2019-02-21

Abstract

A removable handle for container members structured and arranged to be easily applied to existing beverage bottles, such as two and three-liter containers and large wine bottles to provide a convenient and easy means of handling, pouring, and transporting larger beverage bottles and containers, that are otherwise difficult to hold and even require two hands to do so.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 62/545,997, filed Aug. 15, 2017 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of handled devices and more specifically relates to a removable handle for container members structured and arranged to be easily applied to existing beverage bottles, such as two and three-liter containers and large wine bottles to provide a convenient and easy means of handling, pouring, and transporting larger beverage bottles and containers, that are otherwise difficult to hold and even require two hands to do so.

2. Description of the Related Art

In few areas do Americans' taste vary as widely as in beverages. Once they have reached the point where milk is not the only game in town, choices provide an almost unending assortment of drinks, with each category containing a plethora of selections. From frothy cappuccinos and herbal teas to citrus-tinged colas and fruity combination juices featuring apple and papaya, there is sure to be a tasty beverage for anyone. In addition to providing a refreshing drink to accentuate a meal or a needed boost of energy in the mornings, beverages also serve a practical and healthy purpose in that they rehydrate the body with much needed liquids. Whether for health reasons or simple enjoyment, perhaps the most popular beverage is soda. Studies have shown that teenage boys and girls drink twice as much soda pop as milk. In fact, the average 12 to 19 year old male consumes more than two cans of soda per day (five percent of this group drinks five or more cans per day). Among females, the average teen consumes one can of soda per day (five percent of female teens drink more than three cans per day). Overall, Americans are consuming twice as much soda as they did 25 years ago, at a cost of 54 million per year.
With soda being the drink of choice for so many households, families tend to purchase these beverages packaged in large, economy sized plastic bottles. Offered in two and three-liter varieties, colas and citrus sodas packaged in this manner are more cost-effective for families on a tight budget, allowing them to enjoy more drink for less money. In addition, two and three-liter bottles permit users to consume as little or as much soda as they want at one time, whereas cans can be too much for some, especially children. As a result, as much as half a can of soda ends up being wasted. However, for all the convenience offered by large plastic soda containers, there is a drawback to their use. Particularly, the girth and weight of these bottles can be challenging to operate when attempting to pour a glass of drink. Unable to achieve a firm grip on the wide, round container, consumers often find themselves dropping the bottle or grasping the plastic too tightly, which can also result in splashes and spills. Awkward and cumbersome, these containers can be virtually impossible to manage for the tiny hands of children, and for those who suffer from limited physical capabilities.
Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in handled device art. Among these are found in: U.S. Pat. No. 7,988,213 to Philip S. Muhlfelder; U.S. Publication No. 2009/0065469 to Troy L. McClellan et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,114,911 to Douglas Laib et al. This prior art is representative of handled devices for use on beverage bottles.
Ideally, a removable handle for container members should be user-friendly and safe in-use and yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a removable handle for container members structured and arranged to be easily applied to existing beverage bottles, such as two and three-liter containers and large wine bottles to provide a convenient and easy means of handling, pouring, and transporting larger beverage bottles and containers, that are otherwise difficult to hold and even require two hands to do so and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known of handled device art, the present invention provides a novel Removable Handle for Container Members. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a removable handle for container members structured and arranged to be easily applied to existing beverage bottles, such as two and three-liter containers and large wine bottles to provide a convenient and easy means of handling, pouring, and transporting larger beverage bottles and containers, that are otherwise difficult to hold and even require two hands to do so.
A removable handle for container members, comprising: a gripping portion and connector portion. The gripping portion includes an elongated contact member and a hand gripping member. Wherein the elongated contact member is adapted to contact a side portion of a container. Wherein the hand gripping member is connected to the elongated contact member and is adapted to be gripped by a user and manipulate the removable handle.
The connector portion including an elongated first connector strap including a first connector member on a distal end thereof, an elongated second connector strap including a second connector member on a distal end thereof adapted to releasably connect with the first connector member. Wherein the elongated first connector strap is connected to the gripping portion at a proximal end thereof. Wherein the elongated second connector strap is connected to the gripping portion at a proximal end thereof and spaced from the first connector strap. Wherein the first and second connector straps are adapted to wrap around the container and releasably connect with one another via the first and second connector members to thereby releasably hold the container member against the elongated contact member of the gripping portion. Wherein the removable handle is adapted to releasably connect with the container member such that a user can manipulate the container member via the hand gripping member.
The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a Removable Handle for Container Members. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, a Removable Handle for Container Members, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a Removable Handle having a gripping portion and a connector portion of the Removable Handle for Container Members for according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating another view of Removable Handle having a gripping portion and a connector portion of the Removable Handle for Container Members according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the Removable Handle for Container Members removably-coupled to a beverage can according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the Removable Handle for Container Members removably-coupled to a wine bottle according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a handled device and more particularly to a Removable Handle For Container Members structured and arranged to be easily applied to existing beverage bottles, such as two and three-liter containers and large wine bottles to provide a convenient and easy means of handling, pouring, and transporting larger beverage bottles and containers, that are otherwise difficult to hold and even require two hands to do so.
Generally speaking, the Removable Handle for Container Members comprises a specially designed handle that can be easily attached to standard bottle liquid containers.
Fabricated of a durable plastic material, the Grip Bottle EZ could be basically rectangular in shape. Measuring approximately eleven and one-half inches (11½″) in length and one half to one and one-half inches (½″-1½″) in width, the unit could be slightly curved to provide ample space for the fingers when in use. The base of the unit could feature an adjustable strap, with interlocking pegs that allow the ring like strap to be widened and tightened to accommodate variously sized bottles and cans. The actual handle of the unit would contain a series of rubberized grooved indentations to facilitate a firm grip while pouring from or carrying a bottle or can. As an additional consideration, the Removable Handle for Container Members units could be offered in a wide array of sizes, colors, and designs. A gold colored Removable Handle for Container Members could also be produced for use at either formal or festive social events. In addition, personalized logos could be displayed on the Removable Handle for Container Members, and the inclusion of Braille is also an option.
The Removable Handle for Container Members would provide a convenient assist for managing large bottle beverage containers. Eliminating the hassles encountered when trying to pour drink from these heavy, bulky bottles, the Removable Handle for Container Members would offer a sure, effortless grip for all who use it. Sized to fit most bottles and cans, the Removable Handle for Container Members could be easily and securely attached to a container in a matter of seconds. This handy product would also prove invaluable to sufferers of ailments such as arthritis, providing an easy, pain free means of pouring soda from these containers. While primarily conceived for use with soda and wine bottles, the versatile Removable Handle for Container Members could easily be modified to accommodate other beverage containers such as milk cartons and orange juice bottles. Attractive as well as functional, there is sure to be a variety of this product to appeal to any user, from children to seniors, thus the Removable Handle for Container Members should be well received by the vast majority of household consumers, a very sizable market potential.
Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, perspective views illustrating removable handle 100 for container members 350 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Removable handle 100 for container members 350, comprising: gripping portion 110 and connector portion 150. Gripping portion 110 includes elongated contact member 120 and hand gripping member 140. Wherein elongated contact member 120 is adapted to contact side portion 360 of container 350 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Wherein elongated contact member 120 includes curved surface 130 thereon adapted to increase a contact surface area between elongated contact member 120 and an outer curved surface of container member 350. Wherein curved surface 130 extends along a substantial length of elongated contact member 120. Wherein at least a portion of elongated contact member 120 is formed from a rubber material. Wherein elongated contact member 120 is formed having a length of 11½ inches. Wherein elongated contact member 120 is formed having a width between ½ and 1½ inches.
Wherein hand gripping member 140 is connected to elongated contact member 120 and is adapted to be gripped by user 450 and manipulate removable handle 100 as shown in FIG. 4. Wherein removable handle 100 is adapted to releasably connect with container member 350 such that user 450 can manipulate container member 350 via hand gripping member 140. Wherein at least a portion of hand gripping member 140 is formed from a rubber material. Wherein at least a portion of hand gripping member 140 is formed from a plastic material. Wherein at least a portion of gripping portion 140 is formed from a plastic material.
Connector portion 150 including elongated first connector strap 160 including first connector member 170 on distal end 164 thereof and elongated second connector strap 180 including second connector member 190 on distal end 184 thereof adapted to releasably connect with first connector member 170. Wherein elongated first connector strap 160 is connected to gripping portion 110 at proximal end 168 thereof. Wherein first connector member 170 is adjustably connected to distal end 164 of first connector strap 160, such that connector portion 150 can be adjusted to connect with containers 350 of differing diameters. Wherein first connector member 170 and second connector member 190 form snap-lock 194 to releasably connect with one another.
Wherein elongated second connector strap 180 is connected to gripping portion 110 at a proximal end 188 thereof and spaced from first connector strap 160. Wherein first connector strap 160 and second connector strap 180 are adapted to wrap around container 350 and releasably connect with one another via first connector member 170 and second connector member 190 to thereby releasably hold the container member 350 against elongated contact member 120 of gripping portion 110. Wherein second connector member 190 is adjustably connected to distal end 184 of second connector strap 180, such that connector portion 150 can be further adjusted to connect with containers 350 of differing diameters. Wherein proximal end 168 of first connector strap 160 and proximate end 188 of second connector strap 180 have a width greater than the width of distal end 164 of first connector strap 160 and distal end 184 of second connector strap 180. Wherein first connector strap 160 and second connector strap 180 are formed from an insulating material.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A removable handle for container members, comprising:

a gripping portion including:

an elongated contact member;

wherein said elongated contact member is adapted to contact a side portion of a container;

a hand gripping member;

wherein said hand gripping member is connected to said elongated contact member and is adapted to be gripped by a user and manipulate said removable handle; and

a connector portion including:

an elongated first connector strap including:

a first connector member on a distal end thereof;

wherein said elongated first connector strap is connected to said gripping portion at a proximal end thereof;

an elongated second connector strap including:

a second connector member on a distal end thereof adapted to releasably connect with said first connector member;

wherein said elongated second connector strap is connected to said gripping portion at a proximal end thereof and spaced from said first connector strap;

wherein said first and second connector straps are adapted to wrap around said container and releasably connect with one another via said first and second connector members to thereby releasably hold said container member against said elongated contact member of said gripping portion;

wherein said removable handle is adapted to releasably connect with said container member such that a user can manipulate said container member via said hand gripping member.

2. The removable handle of claim 1, wherein said first connector member is adjustably connected to said distal end of said first connector strap, such that said connector portion can be adjusted to connect with containers of differing diameters.

3. The removable handle of claim 1, wherein said first and second connector members form a snap-lock to releasably connect with one another.

4. The removable handle of claim 1, wherein said elongated contact member includes a curved surface thereon adapted to increase a contact surface area between said elongated contact member and an outer curved surface of a container member.

5. The removable handle of claim 4, wherein said curved surface extends along a substantial length of said elongated contact member.

6. The removable handle of claim 1, wherein said proximal ends of said first and second connector straps have a width greater than the width of said distal ends.

7. The removable handle of claim 1, wherein said first and second connector straps are formed from an insulating material.

8. The removable handle of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said hand gripping member is formed from a rubber material.

9. The removable handle of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said hand gripping member is formed from a plastic material.

10. The removable handle of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said gripping portion is formed from a plastic material.

11. The removable handle of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said elongated contact member is formed from a rubber material.

12. The removable handle of claim 2, wherein said second connector member is adjustably connected to said distal end of said second connector strap, such that said connector portion can be further adjusted to connect with containers of differing diameters.

13. The removable handle of claim 1, wherein said elongated contact member is formed having a length of 11½ inches.

14. The removable handle of claim 13, wherein said elongated contact member is formed having a width between ½ and 1½ inches.