Bottle Handling Device

Abstract

A bottle handling device comprises a cup, a base, a support wall, a handle support member, and a clip. The base extends from the bottom of the cup and the support wall extends upward from the cup. The handle is integral with the support wall at a lower end and is integral with the clip at an upper end. An alternate embodiment comprises a cup, a handle and a clip. A fixed portion of the handle is integral with the cup, while a free portion of the handle is integral with the clip that extends over the cup. Another embodiment comprises a cup, a clip, and a handle and transitions from a first configuration toward a second configuration. The handle is connected to the clip and cup with hinges. The clip and cup comprise at least one locking member configured to lock the device into the second configuration.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/968,431, entitled “Bottle Handling Device,” filed Aug. 28, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/969,028, entitled “Bottle Handling Device,” filed Aug. 30, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to handles for containers, and, more particularly, detachable handles for fluid containers.

BACKGROUND

Beverages and other liquids are distributed in a wide variety of bottles and containers. One common type of container is a plastic two-liter bottle. These bottles may be made out of thin plastic, and include a screw cap, a neck, a body and a base. The base of some current two-liter bottles is molded to include a series of protuberances to help strengthen the bottle.

The construction of these bottles may create several potential problems or difficulties for some users. For example, the large diameter of the bottle may render it difficult to grasp with one hand. Therefore, some users may have to use two hands to facilitate pouring the liquid out of the bottle. Consequently, they may be unable to secure the cup or receptacle they are attempting to fill, which can result in a spill if the cup or receptacle tips over during pouring. In fact, for some users, such as children, the elderly, and physically disabled individuals, these bottles may be difficult to handle even with two hands, which means these users may have to rely on someone else to help them use the bottles. In addition to the size issue, the thin plastic may have a tendency to collapse as the user grasps the bottle, especially as the amount of liquid in the bottle decreases, which can cause the bottle to slip from the user's grasp and/or force liquid through the neck and out of the bottle. Condensation may also build up on the plastic surface of the bottle when it is removed from a refrigerator or cooler, which may make the plastic surface slippery. This can result in the bottle slipping from user's grasp due to the weight transfer that typically occurs during pouring. Finally, the protuberances in the base of the bottle can cause instability and result in the bottle failing to remain upright when the bottle is placed on a non-continuous surface, such as a wire refrigerator shelf. For example, the uneven base surface created by the protuberances may get caught in a gap between the wires, leading to a reduction in stability. If the bottle topples over, that may lead to a spill or agitation of the contents of the bottle.

Not only can these problems lead to spills and wasted liquid, but they can also make the bottles difficult to open. Screw caps may require a significant amount of torque to be opened initially. Users may attempt to grasp the bottle with one hand, while attempting to twist the screw cap with the other. However, as discussed above, the size of the bottles, the collapsibility of the thin plastic material, and the presence of condensation may all combine to make it extremely difficult to gain satisfactory control of the bottle with one hand.

Therefore, there may be a need for a bottle handling device that enables users to securely control a bottle or container with one hand during opening and/or pouring of the container, while also providing stability to help keep the bottle or container upright during opening and storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

It is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle handling device.

FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of the bottle handling device of FIG. 1 engaging a bottle.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a bottle handling device.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the bottle handling device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the bottle handling device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 depicts a plan view of the bottle handling device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the bottle handling device of FIG. 3 engaging a bottle.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a bottle handling device in a substantially co-planar configuration.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the bottle handling device of FIG. 8 with the cup and clip in a substantially perpendicular configuration.

FIG. 10 depicts a top view of the bottle handling device of FIG. 8 in a substantially co-planar configuration.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the bottle handling device of FIG. 8 in a substantially co-planar configuration.

FIG. 12 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a cup included in the bottle handling device of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a clip included in the bottle handling device of FIG. 8.

FIG. 14 depicts a front view of an embodiment of a handle included in the bottle handling device of FIG. 8.

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective section view of an alternate embodiment of a cup.

DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide improved one-handed control over a bottle and its contents as the bottle is tipped over to pour liquid from the bottle into a receptacle. In addition to facilitating manipulation of the bottle, embodiments of a bottle handling device may also be configured to provide improved stability for the bottle during storage. The device may be configured to engage a specific size or type of bottle or container, including a twenty-ounce bottle, a forty ounce bottle, a one-half-liter bottle, a one-liter bottle, a one-and-one-half-liter bottle, a two-liter bottle, a three-liter bottle, a gable top carton (such as the cartons typically used for milk, juice and other liquids), a wine bottle, or any other suitable container or bottle. The bottle or container that the device is configured to engage may be made of plastic, glass, metal, cardboard, or any other suitable material, including combinations of materials. Embodiments of a bottle handling device may be made out of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material, including combinations of materials. In particular, embodiments of the present invention may comprise polypropylene. The device may be made using injection molding or any other suitable method or process. The device may have a unitary construction, the components may be individual pieces attached together, or some combination thereof. If the device comprises individual pieces, the pieces may be attached using a fastener, an adhesive, or any other suitable device or method. In particular, the cost of manufacture may be reduced while the ease of manufacture can be increased by configuring the device such that it can be produced as a single piece of plastic using injection molding.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a bottle handling device (10) comprises a base (20), a cup (30), a support wall (40), a handle (50), a handle support member (60), and a clip (70). The handle (50) includes a gripping portion (52). As will be appreciated, a user may place a bottle (15) in the bottle handling device (10) by inserting the bottom portion of the bottle within the cup (30) and engaging the neck of the bottle with the clip (70), thereby removably attaching the bottle (15) to the bottle handling device (10). Once the bottle (15) has been placed within the bottle handling device (10), the user may grasp the gripping portion (52) of the handle (50) with one hand and tip the bottle to pour liquid from the bottle into a receptacle. A user may also grasp the gripping portion (52) with one hand to transport the bottle. Other suitable uses for the bottle handling device (10) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The base (20) may comprise a flat surface configured to provide support and stability for both the device (10) and the bottle (15) engaged by the device (10). The size of the base (20) may vary according to the size of the bottle to be engaged by the device (10). As shown in FIG. 1, the base (20) comprises an annular member projecting downwardly from the bottom surface of the cup (30) near the outer edge of the bottom surface of the cup (30). Alternatively, the base (20) may comprise a structure providing a flat surface that projects from and is coextensive or partially coextensive with the bottom surface of the cup (30) or any other suitable structure configured to provide support and stability for the bottle (15) and bottle handling device (10).

In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the bottle handling device does not include a separate base. In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the cup provides a sufficiently flat surface to provide adequate support and stability for the bottle and bottle handling device.

The cup (30) may be configured to provide support to a bottle (15) engaged by the device (10). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cup (30) comprises a perimeter member (32) and a base member (34). In this example, the base member (34) is generally circular and corresponds to the shape of the bottle (15). However, the base member (34) may be substantially circular, square, triangular, or have any other suitable shape or configuration (e.g., such that the lower portion of the bottle can be contained within the cup (30) or such that the bottle (15) may rest substantially on the base member(34)). The base member (34) comprises an inner surface (35) and an outer surface (36). In the illustrated version, the bottom portion of the bottle (15) rests against the inner surface (35), while the base (20) projects from the outer surface (36). In the present example, the perimeter member (32) extends vertically around the outer edge of the base member (34) adjacent to the surface of the bottle (15). In this version, the cup (30) is configured to contain the lower portion of the bottle (15) and provide circumferential support along the lower portion of the bottle (15) in order to help prevent the bottle (15) from tipping over. The cup (30) may be configured such that the circumferences of the base member (34) and perimeter member (32) are slightly larger than the circumference of the portion of the bottle (15) to be contained within the cup (30).

The cup may also be configured to correspond to the bottom portion of a bottle. For example, in one embodiment, not shown, the interior of the cup (e.g., the base member and/or side wall) comprises indentations configured to correspond to the series of protuberances molded into the base of the bottle. These indentations may provide a more secure fit when the bottle is placed within the cup, and they may prevent the bottle from twisting (i.e. rotating relative to the base of the cup) once engaged by the device. Therefore, these indentations may facilitate the removal of the screw cap by holding the bottle steady while a user grasps the gripping portion of the handle with one hand and twists the screw cap with the other hand. Alternatively, the base can include at least one tab, protuberance, rib, or other suitable structure configured to engage one or more recesses formed in the base of a bottle. As described above with regard to the indentations, the at least one tab, protuberance, rib, or other suitable structure may facilitate the removal of the screw cap by preventing the bottle from twisting (i.e. rotating relative to the base of the cup), while a user grasps the handle with one hand and removes the screw cap with the other hand. Alternatively, the cup may be tapered from the top edge of the cup toward the bottom edge of the cup to provide a tighter fit once the bottom portion of the bottle has been placed within the cup.

As shown in FIG. 1, the support wall (40) is integral with the perimeter member (32) of the cup (30) and extends vertically therefrom toward the upper portion of the handle (50). In this example, the support wall (40) is curved to correspond to the shape of the bottle (15) and extends substantially along the circumference of the bottle (15). The support wall (40) may be configured to provide support to the bottle (15), in addition to increasing the overall rigidity of the bottle handling device (10). In the illustrated version, the support wall (40) comprises a free edge (42). However, it will be appreciated that the support wall may connect to the upper portion of the handle, thereby eliminating the free edge. Such an embodiment may improve the overall rigidity of the handling device while also increasing the ease and efficiency of manufacture of the device.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the handle (50) is attached to the support wall (40) and extends generally upward therefrom. In this example, the handle (50) comprises a substantially straight portion (54), a first curved portion (56), and a second curved portion (58). The first curved portion (56) is attached to or integral with the support wall (40) near the junction of the support wall (40) and the cup (30). However, the handle (50) may be attached to the support wall (40) or the cup (30) in any suitable location. The second curved portion (58) is attached to or integral with a clip (70). As shown, the substantially vertical straight portion (54) comprises a gripping portion (52). In the illustrated version, the gripping portion (52) comprises a plurality of undulations configured to facilitate grasping of the same. Alternatively, a gripping portion may be ergonomically molded to correspond to the shape of a user's fingers or it may comprise other features such as recesses, ridges, knurling, etc., or no such features at all. In the present example, the handle (50) comprises an H-shaped cross-section in order to provide added strength. Other suitable shapes and configurations for the handle (50) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a handle support member (60) configured to provide additional rigidity to the bottle handling device (10). In the illustrated version, the handle support member (60) extends from the inner face of the handle (50) to the support wall. In this example, the handle support member (60) is positioned toward the free edge (42) of the support wall (40). Other suitable positions along the inner face of the handle (50) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The handle support member (60) may be integral with the handle (50) and/or the support wall (40). Alternatively, the handle support member (60) may be attached to the handle (50) and/or the support wall (40) using fasteners, adhesives, or any other suitable devices or methods.

As shown in FIG. 2, the clip (70) is attached to or integral with the free end of the handle (50). In the illustrated version, the clip (70) has a generally v-shaped profile and is configured such that the clip (70) opens toward the front of the bottle handling device (10). However, other suitable configurations, such as, for example the side-opening clip shown in FIGS. 3-7, may also be used. In the present example, the clip (70) comprises an opening configured to allow for a snap-fit between the clip (70) and the neck of the bottle (15) to be engaged by the device. As shown in FIG. 2, the center of the clip (70) is aligned with the central axis of the cup (30). The opening may be slightly smaller than the circumference of the portion of the neck to be engaged by the clip (70), such as to provide an interference fit. In this version, the clip (70) comprises a manipulation feature (72) configured to facilitate opening of the clip (70) during engagement or disengagement. A user may enlarge the opening of the clip (70) by placing his or her thumb on the manipulation feature (72) and applying pressure. The manipulation feature (72) may comprise a projection, an indentation or any other suitable structure, configured to help a user enlarge the opening in order to engage or disengage a bottle from the clip.

The bottle handling device (10) may comprise writing or a logo on the perimeter member (32) of the cup (30), along the handle (50), or on any other suitable surface. The writing and/or logo may be applied to the bottle handling device (10) using pad printing, etching, paint, or any other suitable method or device. Alternatively, the handle may include a panel (not shown) configured to display writing or a logo. The panel may be oval shaped, rectangular shaped, or have any other suitable configuration. The panel may be recessed from the outer surface of the handle to allow for application of a plate, sticker, or other structure, such that the plate, sticker, or other structure rests flush with the outer surface of the handle. The logo or writing may also be molded into the panel or handle.

An alternate embodiment of a bottle handling device (110) is shown in FIGS. 3-7. In this embodiment the bottle handling device (110) comprises a cup (130), a handle (150), support members (160) and a clip (170). The device (110) may be substantially rigid, and comprise metal, plastic, any other suitable material, or combinations thereof. In order to reduce manufacturing costs and increase ease of manufacture the device (110) may comprise an integral construction, wherein the device (110) is manufactured as a single piece. Alternatively, the device (110) may comprise individual components attached together using fasteners, adhesives, welds, any other suitable method or device or combinations thereof.

As shown in FIG. 7, a user may place a bottle (115) in the bottle handling device (10) by inserting the bottom portion of the bottle (115) within the cup (130) and engaging the neck of the bottle (115) with the clip (170), thereby removably attaching the bottle (115) to the bottle handling device (110). Once the bottle (115) has been placed within the bottle handling device (10), the user may grasp the handle (50) with one hand and tip the bottle (115) to pour liquid from the bottle (115) into a receptacle. A user may also grasp the handle (50) with one hand to transport the bottle. Other suitable uses for the bottle handling device (110) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the cup (130) comprises an annular member creating a cavity (132) configured to receive the bottom portion of a bottle or container. In this example, the cup (130) is generally circular and corresponds to the shape of the bottle (115). However, the cup (130) may be substantially circular, square, triangular, or have any other suitable shape or configuration, (e.g., such that the lower portion of the bottle (115) can be contained within the cup (130) or such that the bottle (115) may rest substantially on a base member (not shown) of the cup (130)). In this embodiment, the cup (130) includes a tapered portion (134) toward the bottom of the cavity (132) created by the cup (130). The tapered portion (134) is configured to reduce the inner diameter of the cavity (132), thereby providing a secure fit as the bottle (115) is inserted into the cup (130) and engaged by the device (110). In alternate embodiments (not shown), the configuration of the tapered portion may be changed such that the entire inner surface of the cup is tapered, the inner surface of the cup is tapered such that there is a ridge in the middle of the inner surface of the cup, or any other suitable configuration. In this embodiment, the cup (130) comprises a bottom opening (136). In the illustrated version, the tapered portion (134) is formed as an inwardly protruding annular rim, and is configured to prevent the bottle (115) from protruding through the bottom opening (136) and sliding downwardly out through the cup (130). This configuration may provide stability by allowing the device (110) and the bottle (115) to rest on a substantially flat surface, namely the bottom edge (138) of the cup (130), when placed on a counter top, refrigerator shelf, store shelf, or other surface, rather than resting on the curved bottom portion of a molded plastic bottle.

As shown in FIG. 5, the interior surface of the cup (130) is substantially flat. However, in an alternate embodiment, not shown, the interior surface of the cup (e.g., the base member and/or sidewall) may include indentations configured to correspond to the series of protuberances molded into the base of the bottle. These indentations may provide a more secure fit when the bottle is placed within the cup, and they may prevent the bottle from twisting once engaged by the device. Therefore, these indentations may facilitate the removal of the screw cap by preventing the bottle from twisting (i.e. rotating relative to the base of the cup), while a user grasps the handle with one hand and removes the screw cap with the other hand. Alternatively, the base can include at least one tab, protuberance, rib, or other suitable structure configured to engage one or more recesses formed in the base of a bottle. As described above with regard to the indentations, the at least one tab, protuberance, rib, or other suitable structure may facilitate the removal of the screw cap by preventing the bottle from twisting (i.e. rotating relative to the base of the cup), while a user grasps the handle with one hand and removes the screw cap with the other hand. Alternatively, the cup may be tapered from the top edge of the cup toward the bottom edge of the cup to provide a tighter fit once the bottom portion of the bottle has been placed within the cup.

As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the handle (150) is in a u-shaped configuration comprising a fixed portion (152), a free portion (154) and a connecting member (156). In the present example, the fixed portion (152) is integral with the upper edge of the cup (130), and the free portion (154) extends over the cup (130) and is integral with a clip (170). The connecting member (156) connects the fixed portion (152) and the free portion (154) and may be grasped by the user when the device (110) is in use. The connecting member may comprise a gripping portion (not shown), which may be ergonomically molded to correspond to the shape of a user's fingers or it may comprise other features such as recesses, ridges, knurling, etc. The handle (150) is configured to provide sufficient support and rigidity to allow a user to pour liquid from or transport a bottle engaged by the device (110).

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-7, the clip (170) comprises a c-shaped configuration with an opening (171) facing the side of the bottle handling device (110). The side directed opening (171) is configured to prevent the bottle (115) from becoming disengaged from the clip (170) during pouring by absorbing the forward force exerted by the liquid as it is poured from the bottle (115) into a receptacle. In this embodiment the center of the clip opening (171) is aligned with the central axis of the cup (130). In this example, the clip comprises a lip (172) on each side of the opening (171). The lips (172) are configured to secure the neck of the bottle (115) within the clip (170). It will be appreciated that alternate embodiments of a clip (170) may comprise one lip on the outer edge of the opening, one lip on the inner edge of the opening or no lips. Furthermore, the opening (171) may have any other suitable orientation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the device (110) comprises three support structures (160) configured to provide additional support and rigidity to the overall device (110). In this example, one support structure (160) is positioned between the free portion (154) and the connecting member (156), a second support structure (160) is positioned between the fixed portion (152) and the connecting member (156), and a third support structure is positioned between the fixed portion (152) and the cup (130). As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the support structures (160) are triangular, however, other suitable configurations and positions for the support structures may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The bottle handling device (110) may comprise writing or a logo on the cup (130), along the handle (150), or on any other suitable surface. The writing and/or logo may be applied to the bottle handling device (110) using pad printing, etching, paint, stickers, or any other suitable method or device. Alternatively, the handle may include a panel (not shown) configured to display writing or a logo. The panel may be oval shaped, rectangular shaped, or have any other suitable configuration. The panel may be recessed from the outer surface of the handle to allow for application of a plate, sticker, or other structure, such that the plate, sticker, or other structure rests flush with the outer surface of the handle. The logo or writing may also be molded into the panel or handle.

Although embodiments of the present invention may be used with any suitable container, use of one embodiment will be described in conjunction with a standard two-liter soft drink bottle. As shown in FIG. 7, the bottle (115) comprises a body (116), a neck (117), a lip (118), and a screw cap (119). The user may place the lower portion of the body (116) into the cup (130) at a slight angle, such that the neck (117) of the bottle is facing the opening (171) of the clip (170). If the cup includes indentations configured to conform to the bottom portion of the bottle, the user may orient the bottle so that the protuberances and indentations match up accordingly, or the protuberances and indentations may be self-aligning. As the user moves the bottle (115) toward an upright position, the clip (170) abuts the neck (117) of the bottle (115). The user may apply pressure to the edge of the clip (170) to enlarge the opening (171). The clip (170) may comprise a projection, indentation or other suitable structure configured to facilitate enlargement of the opening (171). Alternatively, the user may force the opening (171) to enlarge by applying generally horizontal pressure on the neck (117) of the bottle (115) towards the opening (171). Once the clip (170) has snapped into place around the neck (117) of the bottle (115) so that the clip (170) is adjacent to the lip (118) of the bottle, then the user may securely transport the bottle (115) using one hand by grasping the handle (150).

Once the bottle (115) has been securely engaged by the device (110), a user may also pour liquid from the bottle (115) using only one hand. If the screw cap (119) has not yet been removed, the user may do so by grasping the handle (150) with one hand and while twisting the screw cap (119) with the other hand. Upon removing the screw cap (119), the user can manipulate the bottle (115) for pouring with one hand by grasping the handle (150), leaving the user free to secure the receptacle for the liquid with the other hand. As mentioned previously, securing the receptacle may prevent it from sliding or tipping over during pouring. After pouring, the user may re-apply the screw cap (119) and store the device (110) and bottle (115) as desired.

The bottle (115) may be disengaged from the bottle handling device (110) by applying generally horizontal pressure to the neck (117) of the bottle toward the opening (171) in the clip (170). Alternatively, the user may manipulate the clip (170) by applying pressure to the edge of the clip (170). The clip (170) may comprise a projection, indentation or other suitable structure configured to facilitate enlargement of the opening. Once the clip (170) has been removed from the neck (117), the user may lift the bottom portion of the bottle (115) out of the cup (130), thereby completely disengaging the bottle (115) from the bottle handling device (110).

An alternate embodiment of a bottle handling device (210) is shown in FIGS. 8-14. In this embodiment the bottle handling device (210) comprises a cup (230), a handle (250), hinges (260) and a clip (270). The device (210) may be substantially rigid, and comprise metal, plastic, any other suitable material, or combinations thereof. In order to reduce manufacturing costs and increase ease of manufacture the device (210) may comprise an integral construction, wherein the device (210) is manufactured as a single piece. Alternatively, the device (210) may comprise individual components attached together using fasteners, hinges, adhesives, welds, any other suitable method or device or combinations thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10-12, the interior surface of the cup (230) comprises a stability member (236) configured to engage one or more recesses formed in the base of a bottle. The stability member (236) may comprise a tab, protuberance, rib, or any other suitable structure. The stability member (236) may provide a more secure fit when the bottle is placed within the cup (230), and they may prevent the bottle from twisting once engaged by the device (210). Therefore, the stability member (236) may facilitate the removal of the screw cap by preventing the bottle from twisting (i.e. rotating relative to the base of the cup), while a user grasps the handle with one hand and removes the screw cap with the other hand. FIGS. 8-14 depict a single stability member (236) positioned near the bottom edge of the cup (230) aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle (250). However, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the device may include any suitable number of stability members arranged in any suitable configuration or position. In an alternate embodiment (not shown) the interior surface of the cup (e.g., the base member and/or sidewall) may include one or more indentations configured to correspond to the series of protuberances molded into the bottom portion of the bottle. Similar to the stability member described above, the indentations may provide a more secure fit when the bottle is placed within the cup, and they may prevent the bottle from twisting once engaged by the device. Therefore, these indentations may facilitate the removal of the screw cap by preventing the bottle from twisting (i.e. rotating relative to the base of the cup), while a user grasps the handle with one hand and removes the screw cap with the other hand. Embodiments of the device may include any suitable number of indentations arranged in any suitable configuration or position.

Alternatively, the cup may be tapered from the top edge of the cup toward the bottom edge of the cup to reduce the inner diameter of the cup along a vertical dimension of the cup. This tapering may provide a tighter fit once the bottom portion of the bottle has been placed within the cup. For example, FIG. 15 depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of a cup (330) having a tapered inner surface that comprises an annular member having a thickness (T). As shown in FIG. 15, the thickness (T) of the cup (330) may vary between the top edge (334) of the cup (330) and the bottom edge (336) of the cup (330). In particular, the inner surface (332) of the cup (330) is tapered such that there is a ridge (335) along a central portion of the cup (330). The ridge (335) or bulge in the central portion may be configured to facilitate grasping of the bottom portion of the bottle by decreasing the inner diameter of the cup (330). Of course, in alternate embodiments (not shown), the thickness may remain constant throughout the cup (i.e. there is no tapered portion), the entire inner surface of the cup may be tapered from the top edge to the bottom edge, the cup may comprise a tapered portion, similar to tapered portion (134) shown in FIGS. 3-7 and described above, or the cup may have any other suitable configuration to receive the bottom portion of a bottle.

The cup (230) in the embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 8-14 may be configured to prevent the bottom portion of the bottle from passing through and extending below the bottom edge of the annular member. This may be accomplished by incorporating one or more of the features described above, such as a stability member, indentations, a tapered interior surface, or any other suitable feature. By containing the bottom portion of the bottle within the annular member, the device (210) and the secured bottle then rest firmly on the bottom edge of the annular member instead of the undulating surface of the bottom portion of the bottle. Allowing the device and bottle to rest on the bottom edge of the annular member may provide additional stability during storage, transport, or temporary placement of the bottle on a flat surface (such as a solid or wire shelf in a refrigerator) in order to help prevent the bottle from tipping over. The annular member may comprise an additional base element, as described above regarding the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, or it may not include a separate base element and may be configured to provide a flat surface along the bottom edge of the annular member.

As shown in FIG. 12, the cup (230) further comprises a handle attachment portion (233) comprising an attachment bracket (232) and a pair of locking members (234) that are integral with the annular member and extend substantially normal to the exterior surface (231) of the cup (230). Of course, the attachment portion (233) may be positioned at any suitable location along the exterior surface (231). In addition, handle attachment (233) may comprise only one locking member, two locking members (as shown in FIG. 12), or any other suitable number of locking members. In this version, the locking members (234) each comprise a tooth (236) located at a free end of the locking member (234). Each tooth (236) may include an angled portion and be configured to fixedly engage lower attachment end (260) of the handle (250), as will be described in more detail below.

The clip (270) of device (210) is shown in more detail in FIG. 13. As shown, clip (270) comprises a bottle attachment portion (272) and a handle attachment portion (280). In this version, the bottle attachment portion (272) comprises a substantially c-shaped attachment member (274) having an opening (276). The opening (276) may be sized to provide an interference fit with the narrow neck of a bottle, such as a two-liter bottle. Clip (270) may be substantially rigid, however attachment member (274) may be flexible enough to allow the mouth (278) of the opening (276) to enlarge sufficiently to enable the attachment member (274) to be placed around the narrow neck of a bottle. In the illustrated embodiment, attachment member (274) comprises a flattened portion (275) configured to facilitate placement of the attachment member (274) around the neck of a bottle. A user may apply pressure to the flattened portion (275) in order to flex the mouth (278) open to allow a bottle to be placed into or removed from attachment member (274).

As shown in FIG. 13, handle attachment portion (280) is located on the opposite end of clip (270) from the bottle attachment portion (272). In this embodiment, handle attachment portion (280) comprises an attachment bracket (282) and a pair of locking members (284). The locking members (284) are similar to the locking members (234) of the cup (230) described above. In this version, locking members (284) each comprise a tooth (286) located at the free end of the locking member (284). Each tooth (286) may be include an angled portion and be configured to fixedly engage upper attachment end (256) of the handle (250), as will be described in more detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, handle (250) comprises a gripping portion (252) positioned between an upper attachment end (254) and a lower attachment end (260). The handle (250) may be configured to provide sufficient support and rigidity to allow a user to pour liquid from or transport a bottle engaged by the device (210). The gripping portion (252) may be ergonomically molded to correspond to the shape of a user's fingers or it may comprise one or more other features such as a plurality of undulations, recesses, ridges, knurling, etc, or no such features at all. Upper attachment end (254) and lower attachment end (260) may have a similar construction. FIG. 14 provides a front view of handle (250). In this version, upper attachment end (254) comprises an inner face (256) comprising a pair of locking apertures (258) in communication with a corresponding pair of interior cavities (259). Similarly, as shown, lower attachment end (260) comprises an inner face (262) comprising a pair of locking apertures (264) in communication with a corresponding pair of interior cavities (266). Locking apertures (258) and (264) may be angled to correspond to the angled portion of teeth (236) and (286) and allow the respective teeth (236) and (286) to pass through the corresponding locking aperture (258) and (264). As shown, handle (250) further comprises an upper hinge (268a) and a lower hinge (268b). Upper hinge (268a) and lower hinge (268b) may each comprise a living hinge or any other suitable structure. As used herein, the term “living hinge” refers to a thin section of material that bends to allow movement. In this version, upper hinge (268a) is attached to the handle attachment portion (280) of the clip (270), while the lower hinge (268b) is attached to the handle attachment portion (233) of the cup (230).

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8-14 upper hinge (268a) and lower hinge (268b) are configured to allow the cup (230) and the clip (270) to be transitioned from a first configuration (as shown in FIG. 8) to a second configuration (as shown in FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 8, when the device (210) is in the first configuration, the cup (230), the handle (250) and the clip (270) are substantially co-planar. As shown in FIG. 9, the cup (230) and the clip (270) are each substantially perpendicular to the handle (250) and the cup (230) and the clip (270) are substantially parallel to each other. The first configuration may comprise any configuration designed to help reduce the production cost of the device by allowing the device to be produced as a single-piece from a single mold, but this is not required. In addition, the first configuration may also reduce the shipping and packaging costs because the device may be shipped and stored in the substantially parallel configuration. A bottle may be inserted or removed from the device (210) while the device (210) is in the second configuration. The device (210) does not need to be returned to the first configuration during insertion or removal of a bottle.

In particular, in this example, as the clip (270) is transitioned toward the second configuration, the pair of locking members (284) extend through locking apertures (258) into corresponding interior cavities (259). In the illustrated version, after passing through locking apertures (258), teeth (286) become permanently lodged behind inner face (256) and fixedly engage clip (270) and handle (250) in the substantially perpendicular position. Similarly, as the cup (230) is transitioned toward the substantially perpendicular position, the pair of locking members (234) extend through locking apertures (264) into corresponding interior cavities (266). In this embodiment, after passing through locking apertures (264), teeth (236) become permanently lodged behind inner face (262) and fixedly engage cup (230) and handle (250) in the substantially perpendicular position. As shown in FIGS. 8-14, the locking members (234) and (284) and the locking apertures (258) and (264) are configured to provide a one-way engagement, such that once the cup (230) and clip (270) have been transitioned into the second configuration, the device (210) is substantially fixed in that configuration. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the locking members and the locking apertures may be configured to allow the cup and the clip to releasably engage the handle, thereby allowing the cup and the clip to transition repeatedly between the first configuration and the second configuration.

The bottle handling device (210) may comprise writing or a logo on the cup (230), along the handle (250), or on any other suitable surface. The writing and/or logo may be applied to the bottle handling device (210) using pad printing, etching, paint, stickers, or any other suitable method or device. Alternatively, the handle may include a panel (251) configured to display writing or a logo. As shown, the panel (251) is oval shaped, however it may be oval shaped, rectangular shaped, or have any other suitable configuration. The panel may be recessed from the outer surface of the handle to allow for application of a plate, sticker, or other structure, such that the plate, sticker, or other structure rests flush with the outer surface of the handle. The logo or writing may also be molded into the panel or handle.

The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8-14 may be used with any suitable container. For example, the device (210) may be used with a standard two-liter soft drink bottle in a manner similar to the manner described above regarding the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-7. After the device (210) has been transitioned into the second configuration, as shown in FIG. 9, a user may place the lower portion of the body of the bottle into the cup (230) at a slight angle, such that the neck of the bottle is facing the mouth (278) of the opening (276) of the attachment member (274). As the user places the lower portion of the bottle into the cup (230), the cup (230) may prevent the bottle from protruding through the bottom of the cup due to the presence of a stability member, a tapered portion, or some other structure. The user may orient the bottle so that the protuberances on the lower portion of the body of the bottle align with the stability member (236). As the user moves the bottle towards an upright position, the clip may abut the neck of the bottle. The user may apply pressure to the flattened portion (275) to enlarge the mouth (278) of the opening (276). Alternatively, the user may force the mouth (278) of the opening (276) to enlarge by applying generally horizontal pressure on the neck of the bottle towards the mouth (278) of the opening (276). Once the attachment member (274) has snapped into place around the neck of the bottle so that the attachment member (274) is adjacent to the lip of the bottle, then the user may securely transport the bottle or pour liquid from the bottle using one or both hands by grasping the handle (250).

If the bottle contains a screw cap that has not yet been removed, the user may do so by grasping the handle (250) with one hand while twisting the screw cap with the other hand. Upon removing the screw cap, the user can manipulate the bottle for pouring with one hand by grasping the handle, leaving the user free to secure the receptacle for the liquid with the other hand. After pouring, the user may re-apply the screw cap and store the device (210) and bottle as desired.

The bottle may be disengaged from the device 9210) by applying generally horizontal pressure to the neck of the bottle toward the mouth (278) of the opening (276). Alternatively, the user may manipulate the attachment member (274) by applying pressure to the flattened portion (275) of the attachment member (274). Once the attachment member (274) has been removed from the neck of the bottle, the user may lift the bottom portion of the bottle out of the cup (230), thereby completely disengaging the bottle from the device (210).

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of whatever claims recite the invention, and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. A bottle handling device comprising:

(a) a cup, the cup comprising a perimeter member and a base member, wherein the base member comprises an outer edge, an inner surface, and an outer surface, wherein the perimeter member extends vertically upward from the inner surface along the outer edge of the base member, wherein the cup is sized to receive a bottom portion of a bottle;

(b) a base, the base comprising a flat surface configured to provide support and stability for the device, wherein the base projects vertically downward from the bottom surface of the base member;

(c) a support wall, the support wall being integral with at least a portion of the perimeter member, wherein the support wall extends vertically upward from the perimeter member;

(d) a handle, the handle comprising a lower end, a middle portion, and an upper end, wherein the handle is attached to the support wall at the lower end, wherein the middle portion extends between the lower end and the upper end;

(e) a handle support member, the handle support member configured to provide a second point of attachment between the handle and the support wall; and

(f) a clip, the clip attached to the upper end of the handle, the clip comprising an opening, wherein the opening is operably configured to provide an interference fit between the clip and a neck of a bottle.

2. A bottle handling device, comprising:

(a) a cup, the cup comprising an annular member defining an inner cavity and a bottom opening, wherein the cup is configured to contain a lower portion of a bottle, wherein the inner cavity defines an inner diameter, wherein the cup further comprises a tapered portion adjacent to the bottom opening, wherein the tapered portion comprises an inwardly protruding annular rim configured to reduce the inner diameter of the cavity, wherein the tapered portion is configured to prevent the lower portion of the bottle from protruding through the bottom opening;

(b) a handle, the handle comprising a connecting member extending between a fixed portion and free portion, wherein the fixed portion is integral with the cup, wherein the free portion extends over the cup along a longitudinal axis, wherein the handle is configured to provide rigidity and support to the device during use, wherein the fixed portion is substantially perpendicular to the connecting member, wherein the free portion is substantially perpendicular to the connecting member, wherein the fixed portion is substantially parallel to the free portion; and

(c) a clip, wherein the clip is integral with the free portion of the handle, wherein the clip comprises a c-shaped attachment member, wherein the attachment member comprises a mouth defining an opening, wherein the opening has a center, wherein a radius from the center of the opening to the mouth of the opening is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the free portion of the handle, wherein the clip further comprises at least one lip positioned adjacent to the mouth of the opening, wherein the at least one lip is configured to secure a neck of a bottle within the clip;

wherein the device is formed of a substantially rigid one-piece construction.

3. The device of claim 3, wherein the device further comprises a plurality of support structures, wherein a first support structure is positioned between the free portion and the connecting member of the handle, wherein a second support structure is positioned between the fixed portion and the connecting member of the handle, wherein a third support structure is positioned between the fixed portion of the handle and the cup.

4. A bottle handling device comprising:

(a) a cup, the cup configured to receive a bottom portion of a bottle, wherein the cup comprises an annular member comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the cup further comprises a handle attachment portion extending from the exterior surface of the annular member, wherein the handle attachment portion comprises at least one locking member;

(b) a clip, the clip comprising a bottle attachment portion and a handle attachment portion, wherein the bottle attachment portion comprises an attachment member, wherein the attachment member defines an opening, wherein the opening is operably configured to provide an interference fit between the attachment member and a neck of a bottle, wherein the handle attachment portion is positioned on an opposite end of the clip from the bottle attachment portion, wherein the handle attachment portion comprises at least one locking member; and

(c) a handle, the handle comprising a gripping portion extending between an upper attachment end and a lower attachment end, wherein the upper attachment end comprises an inner face comprising at least one locking aperture in communication with at least one corresponding interior cavity, wherein the at least one locking aperture of the upper attachment end is configured to receive the at least one locking member of the handle attachment portion of the clip, wherein the lower attachment end comprises an inner face comprising at least one locking aperture in communication with at least one corresponding interior cavity, wherein the at least one locking aperture of the lower attachment end is configured to receive the at least one locking member of the handle attachment portion of the cup, wherein the handle further comprises an upper hinge and a lower hinge, wherein the upper hinge is attached between the upper attachment end and the handle attachment portion of the clip, wherein the lower hinge is attached between the lower attachment end and the handle attachment portion of the cup;

wherein the upper hinge and the lower hinge are configured to allow the cup and the clip to be transitioned from a first configuration toward a second configuration, wherein the cup, the clip, and the handle are substantially co-planar in the first configuration, wherein the clip and the cup are substantially perpendicular to the handle in the second configuration;

wherein at least a portion of the at least one locking member of the clip passes through the locking aperture of the upper attachment end of the handle as the clip is transitioned from the first configuration toward the second configuration;

wherein at least a portion of the at least one locking member of the cup passes through the locking aperture into the at least one interior cavity of the lower attachment end of the handle as the clip is transitioned from the first configuration toward the second configuration.

5. The device of claim 4 further comprising at least one stability member, the at least one stability member comprising a projection extending from the interior surface of the annular member, wherein the stability member is configured to engage one or more recesses in a bottom portion of a bottle.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the interior surface of the annular member defines a circumference, wherein the device comprises a plurality of stability members equally spaced around the circumference of the interior surface of the annular member.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein the interior surface of the cup comprises at least one indentation configured to correspond to at least one protuberance molded into a bottom portion of a bottle.

8. The device of claim 4, wherein the locking member of the cup comprises a fixed end and a free end, wherein the free end comprises a tooth, wherein when the device is in the second configuration at least a portion of the free end of the locking member of the cup extends through the locking aperture into the interior cavity of the lower attachment end and the tooth engages the inner face of the lower attachment end;

wherein the locking member of the clip comprises a fixed end and a free end, wherein the free end comprises a tooth, wherein when the device is in the second configuration at least a portion of the free end of the locking member of the clip extends through the locking aperture into the interior cavity of the upper attachment end and the tooth engages the inner face of the upper attachment end.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein each tooth comprises an angled portion, wherein each locking aperture is angled to correspond to the angled portion of each tooth.

10. The device of claim 4, wherein the locking member of the cup is configured to fixedly engage the inner face of the lower attachment end of the handle when the device is in the second configuration, wherein the locking member of the clip is configured to fixedly engage the inner face of the upper attachment end of the handle when the device is in the second configuration.

11. The device of claim 4, wherein the cup comprises a pair of locking members, wherein the clip comprises a pair of locking members, wherein the lower attachment end of the handle comprises a pair of locking apertures that correspond to the pair of locking members of the cup, wherein the upper attachment end of the handle comprises a pair of locking apertures that correspond to the pair of locking members of the clip.

12. The device of claim 4, wherein the bottle attachment portion of the clip comprises a c-shaped attachment member.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the attachment member further comprises at least one flattened portion and a mouth, wherein the mouth defines the opening, wherein the at least one flattened portion is positioned on a free end of the attachment member adjacent to the mouth of the opening, wherein the flattened portion is configured to allow a user to apply pressure to the flattened portion in order to flex the mouth open.

14. The device of claim 4, wherein the upper hinge and the lower hinge are living hinges.

15. The device of claim 4, wherein the handle attachment portion of the cup further comprises an attachment bracket, wherein the handle attachment portion of the clip further comprises an attachment bracket.

16. The device of claim 4, wherein the cup defines an inner diameter, wherein the cup further comprises at least a portion that is tapered such that the inner diameter of the cup is reduced along a vertical dimension of the cup.

17. The device of claim 4, wherein the gripping portion of the handle comprises a grasping feature configured to facilitate grasping of the handle, wherein the grasping feature is selected from the group consisting of an undulation, a recess, a ridge, and knurling.

18. The device of claim 4, wherein the cup is configured to prevent a bottle from passing through the cup, wherein the cup comprises a bottom edge, wherein the device is configured to rest on the bottom edge of the cup when a bottle had been inserted into the device.

19. The device of claim 4, wherein the device is formed of a substantially rigid one-piece construction.

20. The device of claim 4, wherein the device is configured to receive a bottle, wherein the bottle is selected from the group consisting of a twenty-ounce bottle, a forty-ounce bottle, a one-half-liter bottle, a one-liter bottle, a one-and-one-half-liter bottle, a two-liter bottle, a three-liter bottle, a gable top carton, and a wine bottle.