Including Means For Retaining The Handle In At Least Two Fixed Positions Patents (Class 220/764)
  • Patent number: 9555930
    Abstract: A system for carrying a container comprising a plastic handle with tabs for insertion into slots on the container configured so that the tabs may be inserted when the handle is not in an upright or resting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: KW Container
    Inventors: N Kenneth Campbell, Darren Scholl, Keith Rukvina, David Bacon
  • Patent number: 8950621
    Abstract: A cooking utensil with a reconfigurable handle is described. The cooking utensil can include a cooking body having an outer wall; a mounting bracket attached to the outer wall; and a handle rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket. The handle can be coupled to the mounting bracket in a manner that the handle can be rotated between a cooking position where the handle extends in a radial direction from the outer wall and a storage position where the handle follows at least a portion of said outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Hinzman
  • Patent number: 8827098
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a lid for a vessel has a generally planar body with top side and bottom side, a handle receptacle extending below the bottom side of the generally planar body, and a grasping portion of a handle adapted to fit within the handle receptacle which is rotatably movable between two configurations. In a fully extended configuration, the grasping portion of the handle rises above the top side of the generally planar body of the lid. In a fully retracted configuration, the grasping portion of the handle is fully beneath the generally planar body of the top side of the lid. A combined height of the lid and the vessel, when the lid is engaged with the vessel, may be at least 23.8% less when in the fully retracted configuration compared to the fully extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Glanz
  • Patent number: 8550285
    Abstract: A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bercom International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Bergman, Matthew V. Leyden, Jeffrey B. Waffensmith
  • Patent number: 8424715
    Abstract: A waste container includes fixed handles integrally molded to an upper edge of the side wall. The waste container further includes a retractable handle pivotably mounted at a hinge at the upper edge of the side wall. The retractable handle is pivotable between an upright, use position above the fixed handles and a retracted position below the hinge adjacent the side wall. In this manner, the handle can be moved to the proper location for either pulling the waste container on its wheels or for emptying the waste container into the hopper of a truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Cynthia R. Aiken, William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 8322564
    Abstract: Cooking article (1) consists of a vessel (3) with a bottom surface (4) and a lateral surface (5), and at least one handle (10) and 11) attached to lateral surface (5) formed by assembly one (20) and assembly two (40), with each assembly (20 and 40) connected to vessel (3) to pivot between a storage position and a working position in which the two assemblies (20 and 40) form a single unit extending radially to lateral surface (5). Each assembly (20 and 40) is essentially aligned with the lateral surface (5) and assembly two (40) contains a gripping section (47) which extends above vessel (3) to allow a user to hold the cooking article (1) when inserting it into or removing it from a similar, slightly larger cooking article (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Guy Magnouloux
  • Patent number: 8286825
    Abstract: A hand-held paint tray including a body portion and a generally u-shaped handle. The handle includes first and second side portions and a connecting portion extending between the first and second side portions. The first and second side portions arc upwardly from the connecting portion and are connected to opposed side walls of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Harry S. Billado, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8127956
    Abstract: A collapsible structure having an open top, a relatively rigid handle frame member, and a handle member used for ease in transporting goods, along with a method of collapsing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Bajer Design & Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean B. Krotts, Michael S. Kellogg
  • Patent number: 8047387
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for carrying and manipulation of bottles are presented herein. The apparatus may include a closure that may be sealably secured to a bottle. The apparatus may further include a movable handle attached to the closure with portions of the movable handle received in a recess defined by the bottle. The movable handle may be locatable between at least a first position and a second position. The methods may include providing a closure and a movable handle, attaching the movable handle to the closure, and locating the movable handle in at least the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tote One, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Chalekian, Aaron Chalekian
  • Publication number: 20110168729
    Abstract: A portable container (1) is proposed, with a container body (2) which has a top (4), facing upwards in a first container alignment. A movable carrying handle (5) provided on the container body (2) may be moved from a not-in-use position close to the container body (2) into a position of use, so that it may be used to carry the container in the first container alignment. Also formed on the top (4) is an immovable additional carrying handle (6) formed by a side wall of a recess (38) which has an engaging recess (54) in which the fingers of one hand may engage in order to carry the container (1) in a second container alignment with its top (4) oriented to the side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: TTS TOOLTECHNIC SYSTEMS AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Koenig, Timo Kuhls, Raimund Schäffer, Lutz Wolle
  • Publication number: 20100176140
    Abstract: A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: BERCOM INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Mark W. Bergman
  • Patent number: 7669713
    Abstract: A three level nestable stacking comprising a base, a pair of opposing sidewalls, a pair of opposing endwalls and at least two bail arms. Each of the opposing sidewalls comprises a plurality of peanut or kidney shaped receptacles, and in an alternative embodiment, a plurality of slot shaped receptacles. The receptacles allow for ease of rotational movement of the bail arms between any of at least three positions. The three positions for the bail arms provide three stacking configuration for a second, upper container, in regard to a first, lower container: a nearly fully nested configuration; a partially nested configuration; and a substantially un-nested configuration. The opposing sidewalls also comprise a sidewall interlock system, as well as a container stacking structure. The bails arms are completely contained within the area of the container, and mate with grooves in the base of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Orbis Canada Limited
    Inventor: Edward L. Stahl
  • Publication number: 20090236352
    Abstract: A bakeware handle comprises a raised part fixedly connected to one side of the bakeware and extending outwards, and the raised ear has a short shaft; a main body of bakeware handle whose tongue part extends to the bakeware being pin jointed with the short shaft; at least a torsional spring covering the short shaft; one end of the torsional spring is set against the raised ear and the other end of the torsional spring is set against the main body of bakeware handle. In the immovable state of the main body of bakeware handle, the tongue part of the main body of bakeware handle is locked at the same edge of the shell that disposed on the bakeware of the electrical baking device. The bakeware is locked at the shell by the pretightening force of the torsional spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Lifeng Xie, Xinbiao Fu
  • Publication number: 20090218355
    Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen receptacle (1) provided with at least one pivotally mounted handle means (2) suitable for pivoting from a deployed position in which it extends substantially radially relative to the wall (3) of the receptacle to a rest position in which it extends substantially non-radially, and vice versa, said kitchen receptacle being characterized in that said at least one pivotally mounted handle means (2) comprises: a base (5) fastened to the wall (3) of the receptacle; a handle (6) mounted on the base (5) to pivot between the deployed position and the rest position; and a locking means (7) designed to lock the handle (6) in its deployed position, said means being mounted to move on the base (5), and being under the control of a control member (8) that can be actuated by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Eric Chameroy, Eric Christian Jacques Rhetat, Michel Pierre Cartigny
  • Patent number: 7581641
    Abstract: A portable storage container that both stacks and nests with similar containers includes a plurality of walls extending upwardly from a floor. At least one bail member is moveable between a plurality of positions for supporting the similar containers at varying heights. The bail member includes a support portion and two arms extending transversely from the support portion. A projection extends laterally from between axial ends of each arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Jon P. Hassell, William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 7575128
    Abstract: A carrying handle mount on a plastic container has a mounting plate of plastic material. A carrying handle is connected to the mounting plate. A securing plate of plastic material is connected to the plastic container, wherein the mounting plate is connected by screwing to the securing plate. An overtightening protection device for the mounting plate is provided to protect the mounting plate from overtightening when screwing the mounting plate onto the securing plate. An anti-rotation device for the mounting plate is provided for protecting the mounting plate from becoming detached from the securing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Udo Schütz
  • Patent number: 7492581
    Abstract: A handle mechanism for a portable computer having a base and a cover movably mounted to the base, includes a handle, two fixing assemblies, and a coded lock. The handle includes a crossbar, and two arms respectively protruding from opposite ends of the crossbar. A mortise hole is defined in one of the arms. The fixing assemblies are respectively configured for attaching the arms of the handle to the base. The coded lock is fixed to the base near one of the arms of the handle. The coded lock includes a tenon portion. The tenon portion is capable of extending into the mortise hole of the handle to lock the handle. The handle mechanism acts as both a handle and a lock for carrying and locking the portable computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Szu-Wei Kuo
  • Patent number: 7377299
    Abstract: A purse including an article storage assembly and at least two handles. Each of the at least two handles includes a first handle portion having a first end attached to the article storage assembly and a second end, and a second handle portion having a first end attached to the article storage assembly and a second end removeably attached to the second end of the first handle portion. The first and second handle portions are shapeable into various substantially rigid configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Danielle Evin Gerber, Rock Positano
  • Patent number: 7246718
    Abstract: A container includes a base having a bottom wall and side walls defining an interior storage compartment. At least one of the side walls has a locking element. A cover is movably mounted to the base for movement between an open position in which access to the interior storage compartment is permitted and a closed position in which access to the interior storage compartment is prevented. A handle includes a handle portion and a cover locking mechanism. The handle is movably mounted to the cover so that the handle is movable to move the cover locking mechanism thereof into interlocking engagement with the locking element provided on the base to lock the cover in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Zag Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Yehuda Einav, Amir Katz, Ronny Levy
  • Patent number: 7090094
    Abstract: A handle for use with cookware that has a base and a lid defining a cooking chamber. The handle is pivotally mountable to cookware about a horizontal axis and moves between a lifting position and a stored position. The handle has a cam for raising an edge of the lid when the handle is pivoted towards the stored position. A catch can be provided for positioning and holding the handle relative to the cookware. The catch has an elastically resilient member having a detent for engaging a recess positioned with the handle and is released by force applied to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Main Power Electrical Factory Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wade, Ricky Yuen
  • Patent number: 6991829
    Abstract: A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Bercom International LLC
    Inventor: Mark W. Bergman
  • Patent number: 6978908
    Abstract: A drinking vessel with adjustable handles for a juvenile is disclosed. The drinking vessel features two handles that can be adjusted apart from each other at varying fixed or articulated angles. Furthermore, the two handles can be adjusted without the intervention of a person disassembling the drinking vessel in order to reorient or readjust the handles. The adjustable handles allow the juvenile to manipulate and hold the drinking vessels with greater flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Gerber Products Company
    Inventors: Emanuel P. Morano, Daniel J. Nelsen
  • Patent number: 6708838
    Abstract: A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Bercom International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Bergman, James L. Young
  • Patent number: 6667010
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector, the grasping portion having opposed lateral side portions, and the ring having at least one perturbation on an interior diametral dimension. The article can be reconfigured with the grasping portion movable along a longitudinal axis such that the lateral side portions are approachable one to another, with each side portion on an opposed side of a plane coaxial with the longitudinal axis to provide a specimen collection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Plastic Design, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Kuchar
  • Publication number: 20030031603
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Kuchar
  • Patent number: 6494341
    Abstract: A handle useful in combination with a container includes a plastic strap or bail and a plastic sleeve thereon. The bail or strap of the handle is pivotably connected to the container, and the sleeve can be rotated about the bail. Structures are provided to distribute load forces between the bail and sleeve. Structures are also provided to retain the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the bail. One or more clip members can be provided on the bail to engage the container. The clip member includes positioning elements to locate and engage the handle in a selected position with respect to the container. Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus (including the combination of the handle and container) are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph G. Perkins, Frano Luburic, Josef E. Bingisser, Norris McLean
  • Patent number: 6447730
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector. The article can be reconfigured with the grasping portion movable along a longitudinal axis to provide a specimen collection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Michael A. Kuchar
  • Publication number: 20010027980
    Abstract: A handle useful in combination with a container includes a plastic strap or bail and a plastic sleeve thereon. The bail or strap of the handle is pivotably connected to the container, and the sleeve can be rotated about the bail. Structures are provided to distribute load forces between the bail and sleeve. Structures are also provided to retain the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the bail. One or more clip members can be provided on the bail to engage the container. The clip member includes positioning elements to locate and engage the handle in a selected position with respect to the container. Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus (including the combination of the handle and container) are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Ralph G. Perkins, Frano Luburic, Josef E. Bingisser, Norris McLean
  • Patent number: 6257440
    Abstract: A handle useful in combination with a container includes a plastic strap or bail and a plastic sleeve thereon. The bail or strap of the handle is pivotably connected to the container, and the sleeve can be rotated about the bail. Structures are provided to distribute load forces between the bail and sleeve. Structures are also provided to retain the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the bail. One or more clip members can be provided on the bail to engage the container. The clip member includes positioning elements to locate and engage the handle in a selected position with respect to the container. Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus (including the combination of the handle and container) are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph G. Perkins, Frano Luburic, Josef E. Bingisser, Norris McLean
  • Patent number: 6230925
    Abstract: Disclosed is a light weight handle assembly adapted to transport a heavy duty container which may contain sensitive electronic components. The handle assembly of the present invention generally comprises a stationary bracket which mounts to a container wall and a movable handle pivotally connected to the bracket. The bracket is formed with an inner portion that is adapted to rotatably engage with a pair of pivoting arms extending from the movable handle so that the light weight handle may easily be assembled and disassembled. Each of the pivoting arms is formed with a movable stop member which is advantageously positioned to contact and bear against stationary stop members which are attached to or are a part of the container to which the handle is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Hardigg Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Hardigg, Rene R. Aponte, Robert L. Wells, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6220477
    Abstract: A flip-handle (20) for cookware including a mounting bracket (30, 130) attached to one side of the cookware, a handle (35, 135) vertically rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket (30, 130), and a locking assembly (65, 165) selectively engaging the handle (35, 135) and the mounting bracket (30, 130) to prevent rotation of the handle (35, 135) with respect to the mounting bracket (30, 130). Whereby, the handle (35, 135) may be selectively rotated between and locked in at least substantially horizontal and vertical positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Mark H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6220491
    Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary device for a paint barrel which comprises a supporting bar bridged at two opposite sides of a paint barrel body by means of a pivoting attachment structure, a supporting portion to lean on the abdomen of a user provided at the middle part of the supporting bar and a strap attached to the barrel body. In use, the strap hangs on the user's neck and the supporting portion of the supporting bar leans on the abdomen of the user so that said barrel body suspends naturally in front of the user. In this way, the user can easily take the paint from the paint barrel, thereby achieving the purpose of convenience in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Shang-hua Wu
  • Patent number: 6140812
    Abstract: An electronic instrument includes a housing having opposed end surfaces each including a handle mount. A bail handle with an elongated middle portion has extending arms connected at opposite ends, and the arms have free ends for connection at the handle mounts. The handle pivots between a first stable position and a second stable position about a pivot axis passing through the handle mounts. A pair of detent mechanisms each have a first portion connected to the housing, and a second portion connected to the handle, and each detent mechanism includes a spring which urges the first and second portions toward each other along the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Russell, Preston S. Gabel, William R. Pooley
  • Patent number: 6098805
    Abstract: A dual bucket assembly (10) comprises a dual bucket (20) including first and second containers (30, 50) adapted for holding liquid. Each container includes a peripheral wall (31, 51) having a proximal portion (34, 54) adjacent the other container and a non-proximal portion (37, 57). Connecting member (70) rigidly connects in a spaced apart relationship peripheral wall (31, 51) upper ends (32, 52). Peripheral walls (31, 51) are downwardly inwardly sloping such that a plurality of dual buckets (20) are nestable. Peripheral wall (31) proximal portion (34) is convex and peripheral wall (51) proximal portion (54) is concave and substantially parallel to proximal portion (34). Circumferential reinforcing member (94) connected to upper ends (32, 52) of non-proximal portions (37, 57) of peripheral walls (31, 51) resists bending and adds stiffness to the structure of dual bucket (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Kenmont, LLC
    Inventor: David Kent
  • Patent number: 6095333
    Abstract: A bucket that children cannot put over their head, having a bottom wall, side walls, a removable lid and a non-pivoting U-shaped handle. The side walls project upwardly from the bottom wall and form an opening having circumscribing edges. The removable lid fits in the circumscribing edges for closing the bucket. The non-pivoting U-shaped handle has opposite side legs slidably mounted onto the side walls. The U-shaped handle also has stopping means for limiting sliding of the handle between a first position where the U-shaped handle bears against the lid when the same is fitted in the circumscribing edges and a second position where the U-shaped handle extends away from the lid and thus makes it possible to remove the lid from the circumscribing edges. Thus, the U-shaped handle, both in first and second positions, divides the opening into two smaller openings which are smaller than a child's head, thus children cannot put the bucket over their head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ritvik Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Victor J. Bertrand
  • Patent number: 6062389
    Abstract: A dual bucket assembly (10) comprises a dual bucket (20) including first and second containers (30,50) adapted for holding liquid, a connecting member (70) and a bail (80). Each container includes a peripheral wall (31,51) having an upper end (32,52) having a top edge (33,53), a proximal portion (34,54) adjacent the other container and a non-proximal portion (37,57). Connecting member (70) rigidly connects in a spaced apart relationship upper ends (32,52) of peripheral walls (31,51). Peripheral walls (31,51) are downwardly inwardly sloping such that a plurality of dual buckets (20) are nestable. The top edge (33,53) of each non-proximal portion (37,57) is smoothly arcuate. Peripheral walls (31,51) and connecting member (70) are adapted for simultaneously pouring liquid contents from both containers (30,50) into separate storage vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Kenmont, LLC
    Inventor: David Kent
  • Patent number: 6013230
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector, the grasping portion having opposed lateral side portions which are continuous and contiguous along their entire length with one another. The grasping portion is movable along a longitudinal axis such that the lateral side portions are approachable one to another, with each side portion on an opposed side of a plane coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The connector includes a specimen collection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Michael A. Kuchar
  • Patent number: 5957323
    Abstract: A thermal dish including a body and a lid that are made of suitable material. The body is provided with two opposing handles, which are capable of linear movement to the inside and to the outside of the dish, and in which the handles are superimposed on parts of the lid, locking the lid when these handles are moved to the inside and unlocking the lid when the handles are moved to the outside of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Ater S.r.l.
    Inventors: Simone Terracciano, Stefano Benedetto Terracciano
  • Patent number: 5823385
    Abstract: A container having a two position handle with one end of the handle being rotatably received over a post projecting integrally from the container. The handle is selectively and releasably locked into a container-overlying bail position and a pouring position extending along the side of the container. The container is closed by a removable cover threaded within the upper portion of the container and including a radially projecting tab closing the container spout upon a full seating of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Victor J. J. Cautereels
  • Patent number: 5803307
    Abstract: This invention relates to a frying pan with an articulable handle which can be mated with a second frying pan with a fixed handle to flip foods without the intermediate transfer of the food from the frying pan to another frying pan or dish. When cooking an omelette or other similar food in currently available frying pans, utensils are usually necessary to turn the food over within the frying pan. Quite often, the utensils damage the food when turned over in this manner and affect the final presentation of the food. The present invention addresses this shortcoming by providing a pair of nestable frying pans, one pan having an articulable handle, that permit a cook to flip food within the pans without the need for additional flipping utensils thereby eliminating possible food damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Bruno Demetrio
  • Patent number: 5660300
    Abstract: This invention relates to a frying pan with an articulable handle which can be mated with a second frying pan with a fixed handle to flip foods without the intermediate transfer of the food from the frying pan to another frying pan or dish. When cooking an omelette or other similar food in currently available frying pans, utensils are usually necessary to turn the food over within the frying pan. Quite often, the utensils damage the food when turned over in this manner and affect the final presentation of the food. The present invention addresses this shortcoming by providing a pair of nestable frying pans, one pan having an articulable handle, that permit a cook to flip food within the pans without the need for additional flipping utensils thereby eliminating possible food damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Bruno Demetrio
  • Patent number: 5637420
    Abstract: A self-latching handle for storage batteries includes a cam mechanism formed integrally with the ends of the battery handle, the cam mechanism cooperating with the battery housing as the battery handle is rotated downwardly from a vertical attachment position to a horizontal storage position to lift the ends of the battery handle to move pivot post portions of the battery handle into pivot apertures formed in the cover of the battery housing and to lock the battery handle to the battery housing while permitting the battery handle to be pivoted between the horizontal storage position and a vertical use position without becoming detached from the battery housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.
    Inventors: Henry A. Jones, Jr., Walter S. Maxel, David J. Novak, Stephen J. Kepler, Paul D. Korinek
  • Patent number: 5582315
    Abstract: A threaded closure for large-mouth containers has a handle which swings up or down on a horizontal pivot, and closes a vent hole when in the downward position. A pour spout rotates on an inclined off-vertical axis, to store the pour spout closely alongside the top surface of the closure, sealing off the pour spout, or to rotate outward to an upwardly inclined pouring position in which the spout is open. The vent hole in the top of the closure has a negative draft for a snap fit with a nipple or plug on the handle. Another preferred element of the closure construction is that the handle is held onto the closure body with polygonally shaped pegs extending into similarly shaped holes in the closure body. The handle thus tends to stay in different selected positions when pouring. The plastic handle itself is molded to a smaller reach width, so that it is stretched when assembled and continuously exerts a force inward against the closure body, reliably holding the pegs in the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Innovative Molding, Inc.
    Inventor: Grahame W. Reid
  • Patent number: 5558840
    Abstract: A device for holding and positioning a specimen cup for collection of a biological specimen with a ring (18) with a handle (14) attached by a hinge (24). The ring (18) receives and securely supports a specimen cup. The hinge (24) allows the handle (14) to assume folded or extended positions relative to the ring (18). The handle (14) extends outward and upward from the ring (18) when in use, thereby, removing one's hand from the specimen cup. One can then more easily hold and position the specimen cup without soiling their hand with the specimen. The hinge (24) also allows the handle (14) to be folded and secured to the ring (18) to facilitate packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventors: Timothy B. Jones, Robert D. Jones, Lori D. Jones
  • Patent number: 5505331
    Abstract: A plastic recyclable container including a container body having a bottom and a continuous sidewall. A pair of ears are positioned on the sidewall and include opposed shaped openings. A plastic handle has a connector assembly at each end including a pair of inwardly directed projections received by the openings. The projections include holding members positioned within the ears. The cross-section of the projections is shaped complementary with the ear openings ensuring that the handle can be moved to different predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Rathbun Family Real Estate Group
    Inventor: W. John Rathbun
  • Patent number: 5482339
    Abstract: A one handed pour handle for paint cans comprising, in combination: a handle formed of a rigid plastic material having a central vertically oriented section for being grasped by the user; a lower vertically oriented section having a flat lower edge and outboard edge formed as a continuation of the outboard edge of the central section and having a forwardly extending lower portion with a notch extending downwardly from the upper edge for the receipt of the lower rim of a paint can to be held; and an upper vertically oriented section with a inboardly extending projection formed as a continuation of the outboard edge of the central section and positionable in contact with the upper portion of the hand of a user between the thumb and index finger, the upper edge being provided with a plurality of downwardly extending notches with outboardly angled continuations, one of which is adapted to receive the handle of a paint can as a function of the degree of tipping required to allow proper pouring of paint therefrom,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Donald A. Chishko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5339981
    Abstract: A sealing device for sealing the surface of contents of a container comprises a disc-like member having a central portion and a flexible perimeter and having a centrally located upstanding hollow handle having a purge valve at the upper end thereof. The purge valve has a closed position for preventing egress of air upwardly through said hollow handle and an open position to permit free passage of air therethrough. The disc-like member is contoured to correspond with the shape of the interior plan of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Dean C. Kral
  • Patent number: 5316170
    Abstract: A self-ejecting garbage receptacle includes a container body for holding a garbage bag containing refuse, the container body having a bottom and a side wall enclosure with an open upper end, the side wall enclosure being connected with the bottom; a belt draped in the container body for normally supporting the bag in a lowered position in the container body, the belt having first and second opposite ends, with the first end being fixed to the side wall enclosure adjacent the open upper end; and a jug handle-shaped ejector handle for raising the belt, the ejector handle being connected with the second opposite end of the belt and being pivotally connected at one end thereof to an external surface of the container body; a hinge for pivotally connecting the ejector handle to the container body; a hook on an external surface of the container body; and a latch on the ejector handle for engaging with the hook to hold the belt in a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Rita C. Brown
  • Patent number: 5269407
    Abstract: A storage container addressed to the folded storage and securement of pantyhose for transport and storage includes a cylindrical housing to receive an insert having spaced first and second plates, with the first and second plates including first and second ribs arranged in a parallel relationship relative to one another and orthogonally oriented relative to and between the first and second plates, wherein the ribs are arranged to receive and store a furled pair of flexible pantyhose and the like within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Patricia A. Hall
  • Patent number: 5270012
    Abstract: A blood analyzer system incorporates a conveyor for handling and transporting sample blood through at least one blood analyzer and an automatic blood smear generator under the control of a programmable controller. Blood samples are stored in sample containers having identifiers for the sample blood that they contain. These sample containers are transported through the system in protective racks that permit the reading of the identifiers. The results of analysis by one or more blood analyzers in the system determines the need for performing or omitting subsequent operations on a particular sample blood. When a smeared blood sample is to be made, the controller assures that the smear thickness is consistent with other samples regardless of the thickness or viscosity of the sample blood. If the system fails to make a required smeared blood sample, a detector sounds an alarm, warning of a system failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: TOA Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Kanamori, Kensaku Aota, Takashi Demachi, Takahiro Inoue, Kiyoyuki Tanaka