Handle Having Variable Size Or Configuration (i.e., Handle Has Relatively Movable Components) Patents (Class 220/757)
  • Patent number: 9248964
    Abstract: A refuse container has a container assembly. The container assembly has a bin defining a cavity, a lid, a telescopingly extensible handle assembly, a locking mechanism, a pair of wheels, and a pair of bottom handles. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin at a pivot point, has a generally horizontal lid axis of rotation, and is movable relative to the bin between an open position providing access to the cavity and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity. The extensible handle assembly is located adjacent the pivot point and is movable from a lower retracted position to an upper extended position above an upper surface of the lid. The locking mechanism maintains the lid in the closed position and is located opposite the extensible handle assembly. The wheels are located at the bottom of the refuse container. The bottom handles are located on opposing sides of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: ORBIS Corporation
    Inventor: Joachim Banik
  • Patent number: 8985363
    Abstract: A food/drink container includes a receptacle, a lid removably secured to the receptacle and a handle movably coupled to the container such that the handle may move between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, at least a portion the handle is disposed below the receptacle and in the second configuration, at least a portion of the handle is rotatable with respect to receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Domenic T. Gubitosi, David Shapiro, Charlie Smith
  • Patent number: 8950621
    Abstract: A cooking utensil with a reconfigurable handle is described. The cooking utensil can include a cooking body having an outer wall; a mounting bracket attached to the outer wall; and a handle rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket. The handle can be coupled to the mounting bracket in a manner that the handle can be rotated between a cooking position where the handle extends in a radial direction from the outer wall and a storage position where the handle follows at least a portion of said outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Hinzman
  • Patent number: 8919604
    Abstract: A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Bercom International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Bergman, Matthew V. Leyden, Jeffrey B. Waffensmith
  • Patent number: 8919603
    Abstract: A detachable handle for a child's sippy cup. The sippy cup includes a cup portion and a lid portion coupled to the cup portion. The lid portion includes a drinking spout having apertures. The detachable handle includes a ring portion that engages the lid and/or the cup portion, and a pair of grasping portions that extend axially and radially away from the ring portion. Hook portions are radially aligned with, and extend axially opposite the grasping portions, and are engageable with an upper surface of the lid portion. Moving the grasping portions radially inwardly causes the hook portions to move radially outwardly for disengagement from the upper surface and removal of the handle from the sippy cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Learning Curve Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian M. Greene
  • Patent number: 8839741
    Abstract: A litter box cleaning kit includes a litter shovel having a nonporous bottom section for collecting non-solid waste, a curved section having a plurality of openings for collecting and sifting solid waste, a bag holder for positioning disposal bags in an open configuration and a caddy for storing each of the shovel, bag holder and disposal bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Bradley Cheek
  • Patent number: 8833599
    Abstract: The invention discloses a carrying device for a container, in particular for a keg, having an annular cap piece that comprises at least one connecting element suited for being connected with an upper rim of the container, and having a carrying handle, extending across the annular cap piece, which in a retracted position lies flat within an outer contour of the annular cap piece and which can be moved into a usage position in which it projects beyond the top of the outer contour of the annular cap piece and can be gripped by one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: HUBER Packaging Group GmbH
    Inventor: Philipp Kolon
  • Patent number: 8807387
    Abstract: Provided is a removable handle for a kitchen object, having a lateral wall extending upwardly by a part that is curved back towards the outside, the handle comprising an inner jaw and an outer jaw to be respectively brought against the inner and outer surfaces of the lateral wall, the two jaws being mobile in relation to each other between an open position and a closed position wherein they pinch the lateral wall. The outer jaw comprises a groove that can receive the free end of the curved part of the lateral wall in abutment when the jaws are in the closed position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Montgelard
  • Patent number: 8708191
    Abstract: A method of making and transporting a container with a carrying handle and a container with a carrying handle therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Rose, Roger Kesting, Jörg Syring, Ludger Pauls
  • Patent number: 8608019
    Abstract: A reusable, foldable, detachable handle is disclosed that can grip a drinking vessel by pressing against both the upper and lower rims of the vessel, thereby providing stable and reliable attachment thereto. The detachable handle can be folded when not in use for easy carrying and storage, and when in use it can be fixed in an unfolded configuration by a sleeve or flap that spans a foldable portion. Preferred embodiments allow attachment to vessels of different heights by being adjustable in length and/or by including a plurality of base-gripping features at different locations along the handle. Some preferred embodiments include gripping spike that enhances gripping security by applying opposing pressure to the upper rim. The gripping spike can be fixed in location or slidable along the handle. Further preferred embodiments include a bottle opener, and some preferred embodiments are attachable to a key ring or include a key ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: David T. Wren
  • Patent number: 8556116
    Abstract: A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Bercom International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Bergman, Matthew V. Leyden, Jeffrey B. Waffensmith
  • Patent number: 8556115
    Abstract: A surgical instrument container assembly includes a container and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes at least one wire handle pivotally coupled with the container. A handle grip has a longitudinally extending opening. A portion of the wire handle is positioned radially within the opening. The handle grip has an outer surface with an elliptical cross sectional shape, and a plurality of laterally spaced and longitudinally extending ribs on the outer surface. The handle grip is preferably formed of an elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Symmetry Medical Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean E Bellerose, Valentine T. Faust, III
  • Patent number: 8550291
    Abstract: The disclosed technology comprises cookware and other vessels (any item capable of non-permeable retention of liquid), such as pots and pans with rugged and collapsible handles which may decrease in length to be ? or less than their extended size and are usable in both a collapsed or an expanded state. Such handles, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, have covers or ends which, in a collapsed configuration of the handle, entirely cover most or all of the extendable portion of the handle, the covers usable as handles when collapsed. Individual links of the handle have inward flanges and protrusions adapted to keep the links from disconnecting, and fold into one another in a cascading manner, either becoming successively smaller, or being of equal overall size or width. Exterior notches on each link are used to keep the links from expanding and contracting into one another without lateral force applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Glanz
  • Patent number: 8348091
    Abstract: Provided are plate designs that enable a user to hold a plate in one hand, together with a drinking cup in the same hand. The subject designs find use in various situations in which a user desires to hold a plate and a drinking cup simultaneously. The subject designs also find use in various situations in which a user desires to hold a plate securely, in the presence or absence of a drinking cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: John Zox
  • Patent number: 8162171
    Abstract: A device includes an upper portion, a lower portion including a flat bottom portion, and a retaining strap connected to the upper portion at a first connector and removably connected to a second connector. The upper portion is adapted to removably connect with a half of an apple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Evriholder Products, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Seehoff, Bryan Golden
  • Patent number: 8146774
    Abstract: A waste cart includes a container having a wall, with a pocket formed in an outer surface of the wall that creates a first sidewall facing a second sidewall, with an opening formed in both sidewalls. A grab bar has a free-sliding end and a retention end. The free-sliding end is inserted through the opening in the first sidewall, and the retention end is inserted through the opening in the second sidewall. The retention end includes a retainer for securing the grab bar with respect to the second sidewall. In the current embodiment, the grab bar includes a snap element near the retention end and a flange portion between the snap element and the free-sliding end. When the grab bar is installed, a portion of the second sidewall is positioned between the snap element and the flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cascade Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Parker, Michael A. Barrett, Larry Kooiker
  • Patent number: 8074829
    Abstract: A device includes an upper portion including a pit placement portion, a lower portion including a flat bottom portion, and a retaining strap connected to the upper portion at a first connector and removably connected to a second connector. The upper portion is adapted to removably connect with a half of an avocado.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Evriholder Products, LLC
    Inventors: Gary S. Seehoff, Bryan Golden
  • Publication number: 20110056230
    Abstract: A personalizable sports themed ice chest having a main ice chest housing and a selectively openable and closable lid member pivotably secured to the housing. The ice chest has a personalizable sports related shape, wheels rotatably secured to the housing, a collapsible pull handle mechanism connected to the housing, and areas on the housing and lid member for the placement of a logo or emblem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: KEN BLAKEMAN
  • Publication number: 20110048992
    Abstract: Apparatus for manually transporting cartons or reels of goods include a support structure that includes a horizontal support member having first and second components, first and second vertical support members, and first and second bushings attached to the vertical support members for insertion into arbor holes in a reel or carton. Additionally, the apparatus includes a handle affixed to the support structure. In an alternate embodiment, one or more stabilization members prevent the carton from rotating as the contents of the carton are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Windy City Wire Cable and Technology Products, LLC
    Inventors: Richard GALGANO, Mark K. WINKEL, Martin J. MCGUIRE
  • Patent number: 7896191
    Abstract: A removable, insulated hand grip device for use with a closed loop lid handle includes a body formed of a flexible, compressible and low thermal conductivity material adapted to fill the first distance between the hand grip portion and the top surface of the lid, a lid handle engaging portion including a concave surface adapted to enclose at least partially the hand grip portion of the lid handle, a base portion including a surface adapted to engage the top surface of the lid under the hand grip portion, a finger grip portion including a concave surface formed on each longitudinal sides of the body adapted to receive the fingers of a user's hand. The body is removably attached to the lid handle and is secured between the bottom surface of the hand grip portion and the top surface of the lid by compression force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Chefs Originals LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Fall, Janet L. Fall, Lisa M. Frolich, Douglas M. Frolich
  • Publication number: 20100176140
    Abstract: A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: BERCOM INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Mark W. Bergman
  • Publication number: 20100006524
    Abstract: A rotatable organizer comprising: a base; a first gear in rotatable communication with the base; an exposed turntable fixedly attached to the first gear, the exposed turntable having a center; a second gear in rotatable communication with the base, and meshing with the first gear; a third gear in rotatable communication with the base, and meshing with the second gear; a third turntable fixedly attached to the third gear, the third turntable having a center; a rail attached to the base and extending up orthogonally with respect to at least one of the turntables, and wherein the rail encloses at least a portion of the perimeter of the rotatable organizer; a central divider located on a plane that contains an imaginary line that extends from the center of the exposed turntable to the center of the third turntable, the plane being generally orthogonal to the surface of the exposed turntable and the surface of the third turntable; where the exposed turntable and the third turntable are configured to be rotatable w
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Brad Roach
  • Publication number: 20090266833
    Abstract: Mobile storage apparatus comprises a wheeled container for the storage of materials and a handle for facilitating the wheeling of the container across the ground or other supporting surface. The handle has extensible and retractable sections thereby enabling the handle, when in its extended condition, to provide hanging support for the contents of the container. The handle sections are hinged for rocking movements relative to one another to enable such handle sections to occupy any selected one of a number of angularly adjusted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen A. Savage, Robert A. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20090255946
    Abstract: A method of making and transporting a container with a carrying handle and a container with a carrying handle therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Axel ROSE, Roger KESTING, Jorg SYRING, Ludger PAULS
  • Patent number: 7575261
    Abstract: A carrier for a paint tray is provided, the tray having an inner wall defining a container for containing paint and an outer wall for supporting the container, the inner and outer walls defining a space therebetween accessible from underneath the tray. The carrier comprises a base with a front leg for coupling to the paint tray and a lifting member connected to the base. The front leg may be inserted into the space between said inner and outer wall and can engage the interior faces of both said inner and outer walls simultaneously when inserted into said space to secure the member within the space and to support the tray from the front leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: T.S. Simms & Co. Limited
    Inventors: Larry Steven Gagne, Chuck Martin
  • Publication number: 20090193838
    Abstract: A cooler apparatus including removable thermal adjustment units is described. In one embodiment, the cooler apparatus comprises a housing defining an outer wall including a side wall and a bottom wall, an inner wall and a plurality of compartments between the inner wall and outer wall, the inner wall defining a storage compartment. A thermal adjustment unit is then removably coupled to the housing and fit within one of the plurality of compartments to adjust a temperature. In this manner, an interior temperature of the cooler may be adjusted. A removable tray may be included in the cooler. The removable tray may define a set of receptacles for receiving a set of items, including beverages. A lid may then be coupled to another removable thermal adjustment unit. The lid is attached to an open portion of the cooler to form a seal for preserving the interior temperature of the cooler. A handle and a set of wheels are then coupled to the exterior of the cooler to facilitate transportation of the cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory Hamlin
  • Publication number: 20090183565
    Abstract: A device for containing or measuring liquids includes a rigid annular portion maintaining the shape of the opening of the cup, secured to a cup portion formed of a flexible material, such as silicone. A movable handle secures to the annular portion which serves a dual function of securing the rigidity of the cup in the open position, and rotating sideways to accommodate storage when in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Ellis N. Shamoon, Thomas B. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20080142401
    Abstract: Described is a portable carrying case for storing and transporting culinary essentials such as cooking equipment, instruments and accessories such as cutlery, spices, cookbooks, scales and other assortment of kitchen necessities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Vaughn D. Trannon
  • Patent number: 7000962
    Abstract: A handle-frame set for attachment to a container or a bulky object to facilitate lifting and carrying of said container or bulky object, comprising a frame part and a handle part with the resultant handle formed by displacement of the lower portion of the frame part whereby the formed handle is locked into position. An adhesive layer for attaching to a surface is affixed on the back side of the frame part and the handle part and a protective layer is releaseably affixed to the back side of the adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Andrew Dung The Le
  • Patent number: 6851571
    Abstract: A holder for assisting in holding a paint container includes a sleeve adapted to receive a thumb of a hand. The holder also includes a retainer connected to the sleeve adapted to retain a handle of a paint container and allow a weight of the paint container to be transferred to a remainder of the hand supporting a bottom of the paint container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Painter's Thumb, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph R. LaLonde
  • Patent number: 6739150
    Abstract: A portable icebox having on one of the longer sides of the icebox body, a telescopic or unfolding extendable handle made of a number of joined sections, housed inside vertical cavities in the body of the icebox. When folded, the handle is housed inside the cavities and held by a transverse fitting element on the base of the icebox, preventing it from being fully released, and with the crosspiece for use of the icebox still protruding when the handle is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Vidal Europa, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Luis Mompo Garcia
  • Patent number: 6708838
    Abstract: A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Bercom International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Bergman, James L. Young
  • Patent number: 6667010
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector, the grasping portion having opposed lateral side portions, and the ring having at least one perturbation on an interior diametral dimension. The article can be reconfigured with the grasping portion movable along a longitudinal axis such that the lateral side portions are approachable one to another, with each side portion on an opposed side of a plane coaxial with the longitudinal axis to provide a specimen collection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Plastic Design, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Kuchar
  • Patent number: 6601283
    Abstract: Preforms or parisons are blow molded from synthetic resin into hollow articles including a neck region and a body area, the hollow articles having hooks and recessed areas formed into their outside walls. Flexible strings are molded below the neck region of varying thickness in the longitudinal direction to achieve molecular orientation of the synthetic resin. The flexible strings are looped around the hooks or lifted above the neck finishes to form flexible handle containers. Rigid handles or combined flexible string and rigid handle portions are incorporated into the hollow articles to form rigid handle containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Ernst Dieter Wunderlich
  • Publication number: 20030031603
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Kuchar
  • Patent number: 6447730
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector. The article can be reconfigured with the grasping portion movable along a longitudinal axis to provide a specimen collection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Michael A. Kuchar
  • Patent number: 6260732
    Abstract: This invention is a handle for liquid food cartons. It can be used without regard to the carton opening by separating the top portion thereof or has a spout with a screw cap. The carton handle includes a bail that slides down over the carton and is then tightened down with the flip of a toggle by the thumb of the user. There is a safety stop that prevents the toggle from inadvertently being released. When it is desired to have the bail released or loosened around the carton, the toggle is flipped toward the carton and the bail simply slidingly removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Alexander Khodush
  • Patent number: 6220477
    Abstract: A flip-handle (20) for cookware including a mounting bracket (30, 130) attached to one side of the cookware, a handle (35, 135) vertically rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket (30, 130), and a locking assembly (65, 165) selectively engaging the handle (35, 135) and the mounting bracket (30, 130) to prevent rotation of the handle (35, 135) with respect to the mounting bracket (30, 130). Whereby, the handle (35, 135) may be selectively rotated between and locked in at least substantially horizontal and vertical positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Mark H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6186395
    Abstract: A food or drink container more particularly with an integrally formed handle or handles which can be assembled from a stacking position to a position of use is described. In one construction the container (1) comprises a cup-shaped part (2) which tapers from an upper rim (3) to a cone or round shaped base (4) terminating in a base rim (5) with a cutaway portion (6) forming an angled edge (7). Extending radially from the upper rim (3) is a winged projection (8) the center part (9) of which is horizontal to the upper rim. Two fold lines (10) are formed in the part (9) to facilitate the folding of two wings (12a, 12b) downwards as shown by arrows “A”. The edge walls (13) of the wings (12a, 12b) engage and abut each other in their fully folded down position to form a resilient handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: William Beverley Kennett
  • Patent number: 6029820
    Abstract: A combination shipping/display container that has gripping surfaces in two planes associated with the end walls of the container such that lifting of the container is facilitated for placing the containers on their bottom walls for shipping and for placing the containers on their side walls for display purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventors: David L. Brown, Donnalee S. Brown
  • Patent number: 6013230
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector, the grasping portion having opposed lateral side portions which are continuous and contiguous along their entire length with one another. The grasping portion is movable along a longitudinal axis such that the lateral side portions are approachable one to another, with each side portion on an opposed side of a plane coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The connector includes a specimen collection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Michael A. Kuchar
  • Patent number: 5906291
    Abstract: A container (20) includes a base portion (21) having a bottom surface (23), front (24) and rear (25) walls extending upwardly from the bottom surface (23), and opposed side walls (26) extending upwardly from the bottom surface (23) and, together with the front (24) and rear (25) walls, defining an open top. A cover (22) is provided to close the open top and may be selectively attached to the rear wall (25) by hinge assemblies (50) and to the front wall (24) by a latch mechanism (60). A side handle (85) is positioned in a recess (81) formed in each side wall (26) and may be pivoted from a position in the recesses (81) to the carrying position outside the recesses (81). Alternatively, a side handle assembly (101) is positioned in a recess (112) formed in a side wall (107) and wheels (111) can be located adjacent to the other side wall (108). The handle assembly (101) may be pivoted outside the recess (112) and its handle member (115) telescoped relative to the handle assembly (101) to extend the length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Specialty Products Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Mann, Charles E. Wagner, Matthew P. Williams
  • Patent number: 5836043
    Abstract: A paint tray includes a bottom, front wall, back wall, sidewalls, and a mounting bracket connected to the side walls. The mounting bracket has parallel legs, each leg including a foot at one end and a hook at the other end. The feet extend outward of the legs and are pivoted at the tops of opposite sidewalls of the tray for movement of the bracket from a storage position within the tray to an operating position behind the tray. A crossbar connects the hook ends of the legs. The hooks engage the top step of a step ladder, with the legs overlying the top step and the tray hanging from the top step in a substantially vertical attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Steven C. Rovas
  • Patent number: 5570807
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for holding an open container in one hand while providing unrestricted access to the container. The apparatus comprises a sleeve which is adapted to fit around a user's finger, a means for detachably fastening the apparatus to the container, and a means for connecting the fastening means to the sleeve. In use, the user's finger is inserted into the sleeve while the fastening means is connected to the container. The user then supports the container with the palm and remaining fingers of his hand while the apparatus links the user's finger to the container in such a way that the container is prevented from overbalancing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Gerald L. Busch
  • Patent number: 5558840
    Abstract: A device for holding and positioning a specimen cup for collection of a biological specimen with a ring (18) with a handle (14) attached by a hinge (24). The ring (18) receives and securely supports a specimen cup. The hinge (24) allows the handle (14) to assume folded or extended positions relative to the ring (18). The handle (14) extends outward and upward from the ring (18) when in use, thereby, removing one's hand from the specimen cup. One can then more easily hold and position the specimen cup without soiling their hand with the specimen. The hinge (24) also allows the handle (14) to be folded and secured to the ring (18) to facilitate packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventors: Timothy B. Jones, Robert D. Jones, Lori D. Jones
  • Patent number: 5511279
    Abstract: A paint roller pan includes a relatively deep distal paint reservoir and a relatively shallow inclined roller ramp. The proximal end of the roller ramp is provided with a downward extending flared support with distally extending feet for engaging a step ladder. The reservoir and the ramp are separated by a dam having a central notch through which paint drains from the ramp into the reservoir. An inner side wall of the pan is provided with a vertical V-shaped notch on the proximal side of the dam for engaging the arm of a paint roller with an extended handle and holding it in a vertically fixed position. Two outer side walls of the pan have notched handle receiving slots. A handle with hooked ends engages the notched slots and is movable to engage appropriate notches so that the pan is balanced when lifted with one hand regardless of how much paint it is holding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Nicholas W. Ippolito
  • Patent number: 5370263
    Abstract: A ladder caddy (10) includes a rigid tray (12) and a ladder-engaging handle (14)which together define a generally rectangular mounting opening (80) positioned laterally adjacent a mounting side (38) of the tray. The mounting opening is of a size and shape for receiving therein an apex portion (82) and portions of leg pairs (86, 88) of an A-frame ladder (84) when the legs are in a separated, deployed configuration, but sufficiently small that the ladder-engaging handle and the rigid tray contact the separated leg pairs of the ladder near the apex portion whereby the ladder caddy remains mounted on the A-frame ladder. The ladder-engaging handle comprises two follower arms (54a and b) which are slidably engaged in track slots (48a and b) of the rigid tray. The ladder-engaging handle also includes an outer member, or yoke bar, (60) which is rotatably attached to the follower arms and which can be rotated to change the size of the mounting opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignees: Harry L. Brown, Lyle L. Tatroe
    Inventor: Harry L. Brown
  • Patent number: 5346245
    Abstract: A portable tank particularly suitable for handling recreational vehicle liquid waste of relatively large capacity, i.e. 30 gallons, including a receptacle formed of a synthetic plastic material having wheels mounted upon one end of the receptacle and a handle support is molded into the lower region of the receptacle telescopingly receiving an extendable and retractable handle. The outer end of the handle telescopingly receives a handle extension having a grip mounted thereon for manually handling the tank, or attachment to a vehicle trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Barker Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack C. Budrow, Lars E. Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5269407
    Abstract: A storage container addressed to the folded storage and securement of pantyhose for transport and storage includes a cylindrical housing to receive an insert having spaced first and second plates, with the first and second plates including first and second ribs arranged in a parallel relationship relative to one another and orthogonally oriented relative to and between the first and second plates, wherein the ribs are arranged to receive and store a furled pair of flexible pantyhose and the like within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Patricia A. Hall
  • Patent number: 5251781
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for steadily holding a container in one hand are disclosed. The container has a bottom, side and a swing handle. The apparatus of the invention includes a loop attached to the swing handle for receiving a person's thumb. The loop is sized and configured to enable the container to be steadily held when a thumb is received in the loop with the fingers of the same hand located against the bottom of the container. The method of the present invention includes providing such a container having a swing handle with a loop as described above for receiving a person's thumb. The method further includes engaging the loop with a thumb of one hand and engaging the bottom of the container with the fingers of the same hand so that the thumb and fingers cooperate to enable the person to steadily hold the container in one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Christopher R. Skelton