ATTACHABLE HANDLE FOR A LID

Abstract

An attachable handle for a container lid is constructed and arranged such that the container and lid assembly is able to be lifted and/or transported by use of the attachable handle. The attachable handle includes a base portion which is constructed and arranged for attachment to a lid, a first bail joined to the base portion by means of a first flexible section and a second bail joined to the base portion by means of a second flexible section.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of PCT/US2015/055243 filed Oct. 13, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/113,777 filed Feb. 9, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/065,262 filed Oct. 17, 2014, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

There are several types or categories of product containers which are closed by lids or caps and which include handles of various styles for carrying, lifting, transporting, etc. One example of the above is a paint can with a metal bail handle. In one paint can style a closing lid is pressed into the paint can opening and the handle is attached to the container. Another type of container includes a screw-on closure and a handle which is molded as a part of the container. One example of this type of container is the style of molded plastic container which is used for laundry-related products such as liquid detergents and fabric softeners. As used herein, “container” is given a broad definition which includes pails, cans, jars, vials, bottles, etc. which include some type of lid, cap, cover, or closure. The container size and shape and the container weight (with product) for these exemplary container types or categories suggests the practicality and benefit of having a handle for lifting, carrying, and/or transporting. The incorporation of a handle enables the user (e.g., customer) to lift and carry the container using only one hand. Although the above exemplary products are liquids, the referenced types of product containers include product containers for any type of flowable product.

There are other types or categories of product containers which do not need any type of handle to readily enable convenient lifting and carrying of the container using only one hand. Exemplary containers of this type include smaller beverage containers, condiment containers, containers for medications and containers for cosmetics, to name a few. The size, shape and limited product weight combine to readily enable the user to conveniently lift and carry this type of container using only one hand.

There are other types or categories of product containers which are best described as being in between the two exemplary types described above. This third type or category includes containers which may not necessarily require a handle as a paint can does and yet may still benefit from the assistance of having a handle for carrying, lifting, transporting, etc. One example of this third type or category of product container are the product containers used for powdered drink mixes, such as protein powder drink mixes. This type of product container includes a lid with generally flat portions which are part of the upper surface of the lid. This type of product container does not typically include any type of handle. However, the size, shape and weight (with product) of this type of product container are such that having a handle for lifting and carrying would be beneficial. Having a handle would enable lifting and carrying using one hand while without a handle, this type of product container would most likely, at least in the majority of situations, be lifted and carried with two hands. The diameter size of the lid for this type of container is too large for most users to span and securely grasp using one hand. The product weight is also a factor if the spanned grip is not secure.

The present invention is directed to adding a handle to those types of product containers which are not typically constructed with a handle but which would benefit, in terms of user convenience, of having a handle for carrying, lifting, transport, etc.

SUMMARY

An attachable handle for a product container is disclosed wherein the handle is attachable to a lid or other closure member of the product container. The reference herein to “lid” is intended to include whatever type or style of closure is used to close, cap or cover the product opening of the product container. The referenced product container is one wherein the lid preferably has a generally flat surface or at least generally flat portions. Since the attachable handle which is disclosed herein is constructed and arranged to be attached to the lid, it is important that the manner in which the lid is secured to the container be strong enough to support the weight of the container, with product. For example, a pry-off plastic lid may not be secure enough in its connection to the container for the weight of the container, with product. In contrast, a screw-on lid with sufficient thread engagement should be strong enough for the requisite support. In this way, when the handle of any of the exemplary embodiments is attached to the lid, the handle-lid assembly is strong enough for the user to lift, carry, transport, etc. the container, with product, using only the handle and using only one hand.

Disclosed herein as the exemplary embodiments are bail handle members as part of the disclosed attachable handles. In one variation of the disclosed attachable handles, two bail handles are provided. In an alternate variation, only one bail handle is provided. In still further variations the bail handles have a variety of shapes and geometries. Even though the further variations are illustrated with two handles, a single handle variation is contemplated. These variations are applicable to each disclosed exemplary embodiment.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an attachable handle as attached to a lid according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the FIG. 1 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 1 handle and lid assembly. The rear elevational view is the same as the front elevational view.

FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 1 handle and lid assembly. The left side elevational view is the same as the right side elevational view.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 handle and lid assembly with the two to bails in an up position.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the FIG. 5 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 5 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 5 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an attachable handle as attached to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the FIG. 9 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 9 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 12 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 9 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 13 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 9 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the FIG. 9 handle and lid assembly with the one bail in an up position.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the FIG. 14 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 14 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 14 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 18 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 14 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 19 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 14 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an attachable handle as attached to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the FIG. 20 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 20 handle and lid assembly. The rear elevational view is the same as the front elevational view.

FIG. 23 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 20 handle and lid assembly. The left side elevational view is the same as the right side elevational view.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the FIG. 20 handle and lid assembly with the two bails in an up position.

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the FIG. 24 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 24 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 27 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 24 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an attachable handle as attached to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the FIG. 28 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 30 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 28 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 31 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 28 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 32 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 28 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the FIG. 28 handle and lid assembly with the one bail in an up position.

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the FIG. 33 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 35 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 33 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 36 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 33 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 37 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 33 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 38 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 33 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an attachable handle as attached to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the FIG. 39 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 41 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 39 handle and lid assembly. The rear elevational view is the same as the front elevational view.

FIG. 42 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 39 handle and lid assembly. The left side elevational view is the same as the right side elevational view.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the FIG. 39 handle and lid assembly with the two bails in an up position.

FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the FIG. 43 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 45 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 43 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 46 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 43 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an attachable lid as attached to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention with the single bail in an up position.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an attachable handle as attached to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48A is a perspective view of the handle only as it appears prior to attachment to the lid of FIG. 48.

FIG. 49 is a top plan view of the FIG. 48 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 50 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 49 handle and lid assembly. The rear elevational view is the same as the front elevational view.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the FIG. 48 handle and lid assembly with the two bails in an up position.

FIG. 52 is a top plan view of the FIG. 51 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 53 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 51 handle and lid assembly. The rear elevational view is the same as the front elevational view.

FIG. 54 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 51 handle and lid assembly. The left side elevational view is the same as the right side elevational view.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an attachable handle as attached to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a top plan view of the FIG. 55 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 57 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 55 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the FIG. 55 handle and lid assembly with the one bail in an up position.

FIG. 59 is a top plan view of the FIG. 58 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 60 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 58 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 61 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 58 handle and lid assembly.

FIG. 62 is a top plan view of an attachable handle which is adapted to attach to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 63 is a top plan view of an attachable handle which is adapted to attach to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 64 is a top plan view of an attachable handle which is adapted to attach to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 65 is a top plan view of an attachable handle which is adapted to attach to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 66 is a top plan view of an attachable handle which is adapted to attach to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 67 is a top plan view of an attachable handle which is adapted to attach to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 68 is a top plan view of an attachable handle which is adapted to attach to a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated an attachable handle 20 which has been ultrasonically welded to the upper panel portion 22 of lid 24. Handle 20 is a single-piece molded plastic member having a cross member portion 26 and two bails 28 and 30. Bail 28 is hinged to portion 26 by means of living hinge 32 which extends along and is connected to a majority of the entire length of portion 26 along side edge 34. Bail 30 is hinged to portion 26 by means of living hinge 36 which extends along a majority of the length of portion 26 and is connected thereto along side edge 38. In terms of the selected terminology used herein, the overall handle structure (a single-piece, molded plastic component) is handle 20. The actual portions which are used for lifting, carrying and /or transporting, when in a raised or up position, are identified as “bails” even though these bails, in terms of lifting, carrying and/or transporting, are “handle” portions of handle 20.

Illustrated in FIGS. 1-68 are various embodiments and in each figure a handle structure is disclosed which is attachable to a lid and in the majority of the drawing figures the handle embodiment is shown as part of a handle and lid assembly with that handle securely attached to an upper surface of the lid. The lid in each instance is to be secured to a container (not illustrated) which is going to be lifted, carried and/or transported in some fashion. The size and weight of the container, with or without product, and the type of product are all variables which do not affect what is described and illustrated for the exemplary embodiments. It is also to be understood that the securement of the lid to the container can take on various forms so long as lifting of the container (with product) can be accomplished by lifting the lid, as secured, to the container. A threaded connection of the lid to the container is one option and may be preferable.

The portion of handle of 20 which is ultrasonically welded to upper panel portion 22 is the cross member portion 26 (see FIG. 5). Due to the plastic construction of lid 24 and the plastic construction of handle 20, ultrasonic welding for secure attachment of the handle 20 to the lid 24 is considered to be preferable for the exemplary embodiments. However, it is contemplated that other attachment concepts and technologies could be used, such as using a bonding adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive of some type.

The outer periphery of each bail 28, 30 includes a small fingertip recess 44 which is generally centered between the ends of the corresponding living hinges. This recess 44 provides a small clearance area or space for the user to insert a fingernail as one way to initiate the upward lifting of the corresponding bail. By generally centering each recess 44 between the ends of the living hinges, there is a preferable force balance and force direction applied to each bail relative to the corresponding pair of living hinges for each bail 28, 30.

For each embodiment disclosed herein, it is envisioned that some type or form of detent or tethers or bridges can be used to keep each handle in a generally flat position and orientation until used. After use, when the handle bails were pivoted or hinged to an upward or up position, the bail or bails can be lowered back into their starting and generally flat position. Ideally, whatever type or form of detent or tethers or bridges are selected will not be limited to a single use, such as a frangible element, thereby allowing the raising and lowering sequence for the bail or bails to be repeated. It is also to be noted that the construction and arrangement of the attachable handle embodiments disclosed herein are suitable for automated capping for securement of the corresponding lid onto its corresponding container.

In the case of bails 28 and 30, a small snap-under projection is contemplated for each bail and is shown by edge lines 44a, denoting the cooperation of each projection with its corresponding recess 44. Using recess 44 enables the user leverage to release each bail 28, 30 from the engagement with its corresponding projection 44a. This retention feature is not specifically called out in the remaining embodiments due simply for reasons of drawing clarity. These types of retention features are very small and have a variety of acceptable forms and locations. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, the repeated raising and lowering of plastic bails by way of a living hinge may result in the bails not remaining in their original and flat orientation and position without a little help from a detent, tether, or bridge.

The as-molded and as-attached starting condition of handle 20 is represented by FIGS. 1-4. When the user desires to utilize the bails 28, 30 for lifting, carrying and/or transporting of the container which is secured to the lid, the bails are pivoted upwardly to the FIG. 5 orientation. The pivoting axis of bail 28 is a line 46 which extends through the center of living hinge 32 and is generally parallel with the corresponding longitudinal side edge 34 cross member portion 26. For bail 30, the axis line of living hinge 36 is line 50 and the longitudinal edge is side edge 38.

Referring now to FIG. 5, it will be seen that the upper panel portion 22 includes an outer annular ring 56 and two “raised” plateaus or bosses 58, 60 which cooperatively define arcuate recesses 62, 64 for capture of the bails 28, 30. This allows the two bails 28, 30 to lay generally flush with the upper surface of each raised plateau 58, 60. As for the configuration of annular ring 56, its height or thickness can vary as a design option. Part of this design option is or could be determined by the type of detent, tether or bridge selected for the particular embodiment. Having a height for annular ring 56 which extends at least part way up and around each bail is deemed to be preferable, while still enabling access to each fingertip recess 44.

In the raised or pivoted orientation of FIG. 5, each bail 28, 30 is now in an up or raised position and in this position bails 28, 30 enable the convenient lifting, carrying and/or transporting by the user, by simply inserting one or more fingers, or a thumb, into the two clearance openings 66, 68 defined by the bails in this up condition. As described, the lid 24 is secured to a container and it is the container, with or without product, which is being lifted, carried and/or transported by the user, using the handle 20. In the illustrated orientation, it will be seen that there is a longitudinal clearance space 70 between raised plateau 58 and axis line 46 as well as a longitudinal clearance space 72 between raised plateau 60 and axis line 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-19, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Handle 120 represents this embodiment and handle 120 is similar to handle 20, except handle 120 has only one bail 130. Noting the circumferential and diametrical symmetry of handle 20 as between the right side with bail 28 and the left side with bail 30, the single bail 130 embodiment of FIGS. 9-19 could be either a right side bail or a left side bail. Due to the orientation of the perspective view of FIG. 9, bail 130 would seem to be a left side bail. However, a lid turn (rotation) of 180 degrees makes bail 130 a right side bail. For the purposes of using similar reference numbers, bail 130 is being treated a left side bail. A “100” prefix is used for the reference numerals so that common reference numbers can be used (with this prefix) as a quick and convenient way to explain the construction and use of handle 120 relative to handle 20. Essentially everything described, illustrated and explained for handle 20 is fully applicable to handle 120, except that there is a single bail 130 for handle 120 and not a pair of bails 28, 30 as used for handle 20.

Some of the differences in construction are described herein, beyond the obvious difference of having one bail 130 rather than two bails 28, 30. First, handle 120 needs to include a structural portion which is ultrasonically welded to the upper panel portion 122 of the lid 124. This structural portion is needed in order to secure the bail 130 to the lid 124 with a cooperating living hinge 136. This structural portion 84 can be either a generally semi-cylindrical portion as illustrated in FIG. 9 or could be a smaller cross member 126 which is the portion defined between broken line 86 and pivot line 150 for bail 130. Also included in the FIG. 9 structure is a fingertip recess 144 and a raised plateau 160. A curved line representing a projection 144a is included.

The remaining illustrations of handle 120 as attached to lid 124 show a similar construction to that of handle 20 as it is attached to lid 24, except in the FIG. 9 embodiment there is a single bail 130. The raised (pivoted) bail 130 of FIG. 14 shows the bail opening 168 and the arcuate recess 164. Also shown is the longitudinal clearance space 172.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-27, handle 220 is identical in every respect to handle 20 including structure, use and functioning. Common structural elements are identified with a “200” prefix based on those reference numerals used for handle 20 and lid 24. The differences between the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 and the embodiment of FIGS. 20-27 reside entirely in the design and construction of the upper panel portion 280 of lid 282. These differences include elimination of the two raised bosses or plateaus 58, 60 and thereby constructing portion 280 as a generally smooth and flat surface throughout. This smooth and flat surface 280 is illustrated in FIG. 24. FIG. 24 also shows the attachment, by way of ultrasonic welding, of the cross member portion 226 to the upper surface of portion 280.

As noted, handle 220 is identical to handle 20 and the “200” prefix is used in FIGS. 20-27 to denote the commonality in construction. In terms of the specific portions of handles 220 identified, handle 220 includes bails 228, 230, cross member portion 226, living hinges 232, 236, side edges 234, 238, fingertip recesses 244, axis lines 246, 250 and bail clearance openings 266, 268.

Referring to FIGS. 28-38, handle 320 is identical to handle 120 including structure, use and functioning. Common structural elements are identified using a “300” prefix instead of the “100” prefix for a majority of the reference numerals used in FIGS. 9-19.

The difference between the embodiment of FIGS. 9-19 and the embodiment of FIGS. 28-38 reside entirely in the design and construction of the upper panel portion 322 of lid 324. These differences include elimination of the one raised plateau 160 and thereby constructing portion 322 as a generally smooth and flat surface throughout. Smooth and flat surface 322 is illustrated in FIG. 33. FIG. 33 also shows the attachment, by means of ultrasonic welding, of the structural portion 384 to the upper panel portion 322. The same options exist for structural portion 384 as described for structural portion 84. The size of structural portion 384 can be reduced down to a smaller cross member 326 which is defined by and between broken line 386 and pivot axis line 350, as described for cross member 126. The single bail 330 rests on portion 322 and includes recess 344. The living hinge 336 is joined with side edge 338 of structural portion 384.

Referring now to FIGS. 39-46, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Handle 520 is constructed and arranged similar to handle 20. However, handle 520 is different from handle 20 in that handle 520 includes a wider cross member 526 with a pair of living hinges 532a and 532b for bail 528 and a pair of living hinges 536a and 536b for bail 530. By widening the cross member 526 the intent is to create a line-to-line or surface-to-surface fit of the longitudinal sides of cross member 526 between the facing side edges of the two raised plateaus 558 and 560. As illustrated, the plateaus which are described herein in each instance have a curved or curvilinear peripheral edge and a substantially flat closing side or side edge. The side edges of the two raised plateaus 558 and 560 are facing each other and define the clearance space for the fitment of cross member 526 there between. In this manner, the clearance spaces 70 and 72 are eliminated and there is the described surface-to-surface abutment between the cross member 526 and the straight sides of the two raised plateaus 558 and 560.

When this design change is made regarding the cross member 526 and its line-to-line or surface-to-surface fit between the facing side edges of the two raised plateaus 558 and 560, the living hinges 532a, 532b, 536a and 536b are positioned at only the ends of the cross member 526 beyond the ends of the side edges 570 and 572 of the raised plateaus 558 and 560, respectively.

The remainder of the structure of handle 520 is essentially the same as handle 20 and lid 524 is essentially the same as lid 24. There is though one added feature regarding the use of handle 520 which is seen as an enhancement to the method and manner of use of handle 20.

The handles of the various embodiments described and illustrated herein can be used to turn or rotate the corresponding lid to which the handle is attached so as to either screw the lid onto the corresponding container or unscrew the lid from the container. This aspect of the various handle embodiments disclosed herein is an optional utilization when the lid has a threaded engagement with the container and when the bail or bails are pivoted upwardly so as to be able to be grasped in some fashion by the hand of the user.

When the bail or bails are used in this manner, the turning force which applies a torque to the lid is transmitted through the bail or bails to either the cross member 26, 226 or to the structural portion 84, 384. These are each a part of the corresponding handle and represent the part of the handle which is ultrasonically welded (or adhesively bonded) to the lid. The torque which can safely be applied to the lid for securement to or removal from the container is limited by the strength of the ultrasonic weld or adhesive bonding of the handle to the lid.

When the clearance spaces 70 and 72 are eliminated and when the lid construction includes raised plateaus as in the case of handle 520, the torque due to the turning, twisting or rotating force on the bail or bails is transmitted directly through (not on) the cross member 526 and directly up against the facing side edges 570 and 572 of the raised plateaus 558 and 560, respectively. With the cross member 526 positioned between the facing side edges 570 and 572 with a snug line-to-line or surface-to-surface fit, the described torque is not applied to the ultrasonic weld or adhesive bond, but instead is transmitted directly against an integral portion of the lid. This construction provides an enhancement to the handle constructions disclosed herein whenever it is felt that the nature of the lid-to-container connection must be very tight and secure, perhaps due to size or weight or the nature of the product which is carried in the container.

While the torque feature described for the handle 520 and lid 524 combination includes two bails 528 and 530, it can be applied to a handle with only one bail, see handle 620 of FIG. 47. Handle 620 has a single bail 630 but includes a structural portion 684 which provides the manner of attachment of handle 620 to lid 624. There is though only one raised plateau 660. It is contemplated that while the torque feature described for the handle 520 and lid 524 combination is still applicable for handle 620 and lid 624, the preferred utilization of this described torque feature is with two bails.

Referring to FIGS. 48-54, another handle embodiment for the present invention is illustrated. Handle 720 is securely attached to the upper panel portion 722 of lid 724 by the use of a suitable adhesive or similar bonding agent. “Suitable” is to be determined based on the materials of handle 720 and lid 724. As shown in FIG. 48A, handle 720 is a thin decal, label or sticker depending one's terminology preference. These terms each describe a very thin member, relative to its other length or width or diameter dimensions, which includes some type of adhesive layer or backing for secure attachment to another surface. For the description of this embodiment, handle 720 is described as an adhesive-backed sticker. The sticker concept for handle 720 preferably includes a suitable backing layer (not illustrated) which is manually removed (peeled off) before handle 720 is attached to lid 724 in the orientation and manner illustrated in FIGS. 48-54. An alternative to the above is to separately apply an adhesive to portions of lid 724 or to portions of handle 720, such as the use of a spray-on adhesive before attachment. However, since the bails are not to be adhesively bonded to the lid, the preferred manner is as a lamination and thus providing handle 720 as a lamination which includes an adhesive layer and a removable backing layer is preferred. Obviously, the other layer of handle 720 is the layer which provides the bails.

Handle 720 includes two bails 728 and 730 which are initially in a down position causing the handle to have a flat, thin appearance as initially attached to the lid 724, see FIG. 48. The handle 720 is a lamination which includes a bail layer and an adhesive layer of some type, preferably with a backing layer in order to facilitate storage and use of handle 720. The bail layer includes center portion 732 and “hinged” thereto, the ends of the two bails 728 and 730. It is only center portion 732 which receives adhesive. This enables the bails 728, 730 to be lifted into the raised or upwardly pivoted orientation of FIG. 51. The ends 734 and 736 of bail 728 are integral with one side of portions 738 and 740, respectively. The ends 742 and 744 of bail 730 are integral with the opposite sides of portions 738 and 740, respectively. Portions 738 and 740 are opposing radial extensions of center disk 746. Arc-shaped clearance space 748 extends around center disk 746 from portion 738 to portion 740 radially inside of bail 728. Arc-shaped clearance space 750 extends around center disk 746 from portion 738 to portion 740 radially inside of bail 730.

The material used for handle 720 combined with its limited thickness allows bail 728 to hinge or pivot at its end 734, 736, without needing to design in some type of living hinge. A living hinge is in effect inherent due to the material and dimensions of handle 720. The same is true for bail 730 which is hinged or pivots at its end 738, 740. The bail layer of handle 720 is preferably between 0.010 inches and 0.015 inches in thickness. A slight increase in this thickness range would be expected to accommodate the adhesive layer and any removable backing layer.

In the raised position of FIG. 51, the two bails 728, 730 provide clearance openings 752, 754, respectively, for use in lifting, carrying and/or transporting the container, with or without product, to which the lid 724 is secured.

Referring to FIGS. 55-61, a single bail version of handle 720 is illustrated. Handle 820 is essentially identical to handle 720 except that handle 820 includes only one bail 828 instead of the two bails shown for handle 720. All other structures, features and use of handle 820 are essentially the same as for handle 720.

Handle 820 is adhesively bonded and securely attached to the upper panel portion of 822 of lid 824. Bail 828 is hinged to center portion 846 at ends 834 and 836. This arrangement defines arc-shaped clearance space 848. When the bail 828 is raised, see FIG. 58, a clearance opening 852 is provided.

In the earlier ultrasonic welded embodiments the plastic handle is essentially “bonded” to the lid by means of the molecular interlock associated with the concept of ultrasonic welding. For the sticker-type handle embodiments 720, 820 of FIGS. 48 and 55, respectively, the bonding is by means of a suitable adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied between the handle and the corresponding lid. The ultrasonic welding approach in what is essentially a molecular interlock does not necessarily have any differences in the strength of the bond depending on the direction of the lifting force. However, with pressure-sensitive adhesives there can be adhesive strength differences depending on the direction of the force which is applied to try and break the bond. In the case of an adhesive used for the bond between the handle and the lid there are differences in the strength of the bond depending on the direction of the applied force which tries to separate the handle from the lid. Accordingly, having a substantially flat and smooth upper surface for the lid is an important consideration.

Pressure sensitive adhesives have a peel strength which is typically lower than the strength of the bond when the separating force is generally perpendicular to the area of bonded contact. The surface area of the bond is an important consideration as well. Think in terms of trying to pull a section of tape off a surface by an applied perpendicular force versus lifting up one end of the tape and applying the force at an angle in order to peel it off of the surface. This is why a substantially flat lid surface is beneficial in terms of the strength of the adhesive bond which is related to the area of the bond. Orienting the bail or bails in a lifted condition such that the lifting force is generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the lid is beneficial as compared to a lifting force applied at an angle as that begins to focus on the lower peel strength of that adhesive bond which is related to the area of the bond.

The design aspects of how to shape and orient the bail or bails relative to the direction of greater and lesser peel strength are addressed by the geometries, shapes and orientations of the embodiments of FIGS. 62-68. Seven design variations are illustrated and while these seven embodiments show two bails, it is contemplated for each embodiment a single bail could be provided as still further design variations.

Handle 910 which is illustrated in FIG. 62 includes two bails 911 an 912 which are constructed and arranged to be manually raised or lifted. The hinge or pivot line for each bail is represented by the broken lines 913 and 914, respectively. Broken lines 913 and 914 represent a flexible section between each bail 911, 912 and base portion 915. The base portion 915 which represents the remainder of handle 910 is the portion which is securely bonded or attached to the upper surface of the corresponding lid. Attachment of handle 910 to the lid can be accomplished by ultrasonic welding when a plastic material is used for handle 910. When another material is used for handle 910, such as a vinyl, foil or mylar, which is not suitable for ultrasonic welding, it is contemplated that the handle 910 would be adhesively bonded to the upper surface of the lid using a suitable adhesive. For example, one such material not deemed to be suitable for ultrasonic welding is a vinyl material. In this instance it is contemplated that this vinyl material would be adhesively bonded to the lid using an adhesive such as the “hammerlock” adhesive offered by Wausau Coated Products of Wausau, Wis. 54402.

Examples of suitable materials include 10M vinyl, 12M vinyl, 3M “BOPP”* and 80# semi-gloss** (*—offered by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. 55144) (**—offered by Wausau Coated Products). Examples of other suitable adhesives include 9442 (offered by 3M Company) 9626 (offered by 3M Company) and 9500 PC (offered by 3M Company).

Handle 920 which is illustrated in FIG. 63 includes two bails 921 an 922 which are constructed and arranged to be manually raised or lifted. The hinge or pivot line for each bail is represented by the broken lines 923 and 924, respectively. Broken lines 923 and 924 represent a flexible section between each bail 921, 922 and base portion 925. The base portion 925 which represents the remainder of handle 920 is the portion which is securely bonded or attached to the upper surface of the corresponding lid. Attachment of handle 920 to the lid can be accomplished by ultrasonic welding when a plastic material is used for handle 920. When another material is used for handle 920, such as a vinyl, foil or mylar, which is not suitable for ultrasonic welding, it is contemplated that the handle 920 would be adhesively bonded to the upper surface of the lid using a suitable adhesive. For example, one such material not deemed to be suitable for ultrasonic welding is a vinyl material. In this instance it is contemplated that this vinyl material would be adhesively bonded to the lid using an adhesive such as the “hammerlock” adhesive offered by Wausau Coated Products of Wausau, Wis. 54402.

Examples of suitable materials include 10M vinyl, 12M vinyl, 3M “BOPP”* and 80# semi-gloss** (*—offered by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. 55144) (**—offered by Wausau Coated Products). Examples of other suitable adhesives include 9442 (offered by 3M Company) 9626 (offered by 3M Company) and 9500 PC (offered by 3M Company).

Handle 930 which is illustrated in FIG. 64 includes two bails 931 an 932 which are constructed and arranged to be manually raised or lifted. The hinge or pivot line for each bail is represented by the broken lines 933 and 934, respectively. Broken lines 933 and 934 represent a flexible section between each bail 931, 932 and base portion 935. The base portion 935 which represents the remainder of handle 930 is the portion which is securely bonded or attached to the upper surface of the corresponding lid. Attachment of handle 930 to the lid can be accomplished by ultrasonic welding when a plastic material is used for handle 930. When another material is used for handle 930, such as a vinyl, foil or mylar, which is not suitable for ultrasonic welding, it is contemplated that the handle 930 would be adhesively bonded to the upper surface of the lid using a suitable adhesive. For example, one such material not deemed to be suitable for ultrasonic welding is a vinyl material. In this instance it is contemplated that this vinyl material would be adhesively bonded to the lid using an adhesive such as the “hammerlock” adhesive offered by Wausau Coated Products of Wausau, Wis. 54402.

Examples of suitable materials include 10M vinyl, 12M vinyl, 3M “BOPP”* and 80# semi-gloss** (*—offered by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. 55144) (**—offered by Wausau Coated Products). Examples of other suitable adhesives include 9442 (offered by 3M Company) 9626 (offered by 3M Company) and 9500 PC (offered by 3M Company).

Handle 940 which is illustrated in FIG. 65 includes two bails 941 an 942 which are constructed and arranged to be manually raised or lifted. The hinge or pivot line for each bail is represented by the broken lines 943 and 944, respectively. Broken lines 943 and 944 represent a flexible section between each bail 941, 942 and base portion 945. The base portion 945 which represents the remainder of handle 940 is the portion which is securely bonded or attached to the upper surface of the corresponding lid. Attachment of handle 940 to the lid can be accomplished by ultrasonic welding when a plastic material is used for handle 940. When another material is used for handle 940, such as a vinyl, foil or mylar, which is not suitable for ultrasonic welding, it is contemplated that the handle 940 would be adhesively bonded to the upper surface of the lid using a suitable adhesive. For example, one such material not deemed to be suitable for ultrasonic welding is a vinyl material. In this instance it is contemplated that this vinyl material would be adhesively bonded to the lid using an adhesive such as the “hammerlock” adhesive offered by Wausau Coated Products of Wausau, Wis. 54402.

Examples of suitable materials include 10M vinyl, 12M vinyl, 3M “BOPP”* and 80# semi-gloss** (*—offered by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. 55144) (**—offered by Wausau Coated Products). Examples of other suitable adhesives include 9442 (offered by 3M Company) 9626 (offered by 3M Company) and 9500 PC (offered by 3M Company).

Handle 950 which is illustrated in FIG. 66 includes two bails 951 an 952 which are constructed and arranged to be manually raised or lifted. The hinge or pivot line for each bail is represented by the broken lines 953 and 954, respectively. Broken lines 953 and 954 represent a flexible section between each bail 951, 952 and base portion 955. The base portion 955 which represents the remainder of handle 950 is the portion which is securely bonded or attached to the upper surface of the corresponding lid. Attachment of handle 950 to the lid can be accomplished by ultrasonic welding when a plastic material is used for handle 950. When another material is used for handle 950, such as a vinyl, foil or mylar, which is not suitable for ultrasonic welding, it is contemplated that the handle 940 would be adhesively bonded to the upper surface of the lid using a suitable adhesive. For example, one such material not deemed to be suitable for ultrasonic welding is a vinyl material. In this instance it is contemplated that this vinyl material would be adhesively bonded to the lid using an adhesive such as the “hammerlock” adhesive offered by Wausau Coated Products of Wausau, Wis. 54402.

Examples of suitable materials include 10M vinyl, 12M vinyl, 3M “BOPP”* and 80# semi-gloss** (*—offered by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. 55144) (**—offered by Wausau Coated Products). Examples of other suitable adhesives include 9442 (offered by 3M Company) 9626 (offered by 3M Company) and 9500 PC (offered by 3M Company).

Handle 960 which is illustrated in FIG. 67 includes two bails 961 an 962 which are constructed and arranged to be manually raised or lifted. The hinge or pivot line for each bail is represented by the broken lines 963 and 964, respectively. Broken lines 963 and 964 represent a flexible section between each bail 961, 962 and base portion 965. The base portion 965 which represents the remainder of handle 960 is the portion which is securely bonded or attached to the upper surface of the corresponding lid. Attachment of handle 960 to the lid can be accomplished by ultrasonic welding when a plastic material is used for handle 960. When another material is used for handle 960, such as a vinyl, foil or mylar, which is not suitable for ultrasonic welding, it is contemplated that the handle 940 would be adhesively bonded to the upper surface of the lid using a suitable adhesive. For example, one such material not deemed to be suitable for ultrasonic welding is a vinyl material. In this instance it is contemplated that this vinyl material would be adhesively bonded to the lid using an adhesive such as the “hammerlock” adhesive offered by Wausau Coated Products of Wausau, Wis. 54402.

Examples of suitable materials include 10M vinyl, 12M vinyl, 3M “BOPP”* and 80# semi-gloss** (*—offered by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. 55144) (**—offered by Wausau Coated Products). Examples of other suitable adhesives include 9442 (offered by 3M Company) 9626 (offered by 3M Company) and 9500 PC (offered by 3M Company).

Handle 970 which is illustrated in FIG. 68 includes two bails 971 an 972 which are constructed and arranged to be manually raised or lifted. The hinge or pivot line for each bail is represented by the broken lines 973 and 974, respectively. Broken lines 973 and 974 represent a flexible section between each bail 971, 972 and base portion 975. The base portion 975 which represents the remainder of handle 970 is the portion which is securely bonded or attached to the upper surface of the corresponding lid. Attachment of handle 970 to the lid can be accomplished by ultrasonic welding when a plastic material is used for handle 970. When another material is used for handle 970, such as a vinyl, foil or mylar, which is not suitable for ultrasonic welding, it is contemplated that the handle 940 would be adhesively bonded to the upper surface of the lid using a suitable adhesive. For example, one such material not deemed to be suitable for ultrasonic welding is a vinyl material. In this instance it is contemplated that this vinyl material would be adhesively bonded to the lid using an adhesive such as the “hammerlock” adhesive offered by Wausau Coated Products of Wausau, Wis. 54402.

Examples of suitable materials include 10M vinyl, 12M vinyl, 3M “BOPP”* and 80# semi-gloss** (*—offered by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. 55144) (**—offered by Wausau Coated Products). Examples of other suitable adhesives include 9442 (offered by 3M Company) 9626 (offered by 3M Company) and 9500 PC (offered by 3M Company).

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

Claims

1. An attachable handle for a container lid is constructed and arranged such that the container and lid assembly is able to be lifted and/or transported by use of the attachable handle, said attachable handle comprising:

a cross member constructed and arranged for attachment to a lid;

a first bail joined to said cross member by means of a first flexible section; and

a second bail joined to said cross member by means of a second flexible section.

2. The attachable handle of claim 1 wherein said attachable handle is a single-piece, molded plastic component.

3. The attachable handle of claim 1 wherein said attachable handle is an adhesive-backed sticker.

4. The attachable handle of claim 1 wherein said first flexible section extends along a portion of said cross member.

5. The attachable handle of claim 1 wherein each bail defines an opening which is constructed and arranged for use in lifting and/or transporting said container lid assembly.

6. The attachable handle of claim 1 wherein said first flexible section is constructed and arranged into two spaced-apart sections.

7. The attachable handle of claim 1 wherein said second flexible section is constructed and arranged into two said spaced-apart sections.

8. The attachable handle of claim 1 wherein said first and second bails each includes a fingertip recess to initiate a pivoting action of the bail.

9. In combination:

a lid which is constructed and arranged for securement to a container; and

an attachable handle for a container lid is constructed and arranged such that the container and lid assembly is able to be lifted and/or transported by use of the attachable handle, said attachable handle comprising:

a cross member constructed and arranged for attachment to a lid;

a first bail joined to said cross member by means of a first living hinge; and

a second bail joined to said cross member by means of a second living hinge.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said lid includes a raised plateau and a cooperating recess.

11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said cooperating recess receives a portion of one of said first and second bails.

12. The combination of claim 11 wherein said lid includes another raised plateau and another cooperating recess.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said another cooperating recess receives a portion of the other of said first and second bails.

14. The combination of claim 13 wherein said cross member is positioned between and has a line-line-to fit with said pair of raised plateaus.

15. The combination of claim 9 wherein said lid includes a pair of raised plateaus and said cross member is positioned between and has a line-to-line fit with said pair of raised plateaus.

16. The combination of claim 9 wherein said lid further includes a bail retention feature to help capture a bail in a folded down position.

17. An attachable handle for a container lid is constructed and arranged such that the container and lid assembly is able to be lifted and/or transported by use of the attachable handle, said attachable handle comprising:

a structural portion constructed and arranged for attachment to a lid; and

a bail joined to said structural portion by means of a living hinge.

18. The attachable handle of claim 17 wherein said attachable handle is a single-piece-molded plastic component.

19. The attachable handle of claim 17 wherein said attachable handle is an adhesive-backed sticker.

20. The attachable handle of claim 17 wherein said living hinge extends along part of said structural portion.

21. The attachable handle of claim 17 wherein said bail defines an opening which is constructed and arranged for use in lifting and/or transporting said container and lid assembly.

22. The attachable handle of claim 17 wherein said bail includes a fingertip recess to initiate a pivoting action of the bail.

23. In combination:

a lid which is constructed and arranged for securement to a container; and

an attachable handle for a container lid is constructed and arranged such that the container and lid assembly is able to be lifted and/or transported by use of the attachable handle, said attachable handle comprising:

a structural portion constructed and arranged for attachment to a lid; and

a bail joined to said structural portion by means of a living hinge.

24. The combination of 23 wherein said lid includes a raised plateau and a cooperating recess.

25. The combination of claim 24 wherein said cooperating recess receives a portion of one of said first and second bails.

26. The combination of claim 23 wherein said lid further includes a bail retention feature to help capture a bail in a folded down position.