Abstract:
A cover holder includes a handle including an engagement structure configured and dimensioned for engaging a container structure formed on a container. The engagement structure extends from a portion of the handle for detachably fitting the container structure. The handle includes anchor portions each having a plurality of holes for receiving at least one flexible tension member to connect the flexible tension member to the handle. The plurality of holes are arranged to permit the at least one flexible tension member to develop a frictional force to prevent pull out of the flexible tension member from the anchor portions.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 10/170,057 filed Jun. 12, 2002. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates to an apparatus for securing components together, and more particularly, to a cover holding device and features related thereto for more easily securing a cover or lid to a container. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Lid retaining and securing mechanisms have been employed in conventional systems to secure a lid or cover on a container. These systems have employed devices such as springs or BUNGEE cords equipped with hooks to secure these devices to a container such as a garbage can. The hooks of these devices are secured by the handles on the container and are stretched over the top of the lid. Unfortunately, the springs and/or BUNGEE cords are often an unacceptable length and need to be doubled up or otherwise configured to provide the correct length for securing the lid. In addition, the standard hooks or clamps for the springs or cords are typically not properly dimensioned. Multiple hooks and cords are cumbersome and often only secure a portion of the lid. 
     Another disadvantage to using hooks on the springs/BUNGEE cords is that the hooks are easily disengaged from the container handles by a raccoon or other animal attempting to access the contents of the container. 
     Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus for securing a lid or cover to a container. A further need exists for providing a device or devices for adjusting the length of a flexible retaining or securing member to provide a desired tension for securing the lid or cover. A need also exists for a more ergonomic handle for ease of securing and removal of the securing device to/from a container. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A cover holder includes a handle configured and dimensioned for engaging a container structure formed on a container. The handle includes an engagement structure extending from a portion of the handle for detachably fitting the container structure. A flexible tension member is connected to the handle, and the flexible tension member anchors to the container structure through use of the handle. The flexible tension member thereby secures a cover on the container. 
     In other embodiments, the engagement structure may be removable from the handle and may be replaceable to accommodate different sized structures. The engagement structure itself may be adjustable to accommodate different sized structures. The holder may include an adjustment mechanism, and the adjustment mechanism may further include a plurality of positions. Each position secures the flexible member such that a tension or length of the adjustable member is changed when secured at each of the positions. The adjustment mechanism may attach to the cover to be secured on the container. The holder may further include a guard structure for placement over the cover. The guard structure may be formed to capture the at least one flexible member such that the guard structure secures the cover to the container when the handle is secured to the structure of the container. The adjustment mechanism may be attached directly to the cover. The handle may include anchor portions which capture and secure at least one flexible member therein. The anchor portions may include a release mechanism, which selectively secures and releases the flexible member to permit tensioning of the flexible member. The handle may include a plurality of positions for securing an end portion of the at least one flexible member. Each position corresponds to a different tension of the flexible member when the flexible member is secured at that position. 
     Another cover holder includes a handle structure including a surface configured and dimensioned for contacting a container structure. The handle structure includes a handle portion and a pivot axis disposed between the surface and the handle portion. At least one flexible tension member is pivotally connected to the handle structure at the pivot axis, the at least one flexible tension member for being anchored to the structure by at least one handle structure. The flexible member secures a cover on the container, and the pivot axis is offset from the surface to provide a lever force, which resists disengagement of contact between the surface and the container structure when in use. 
     In other embodiments, the surface is concave to engage the container structure. The holder may include an adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism including a plurality of positions, each position for securing the flexible member such that a tension or length of the adjustable member is changed when secured at each of the positions. The adjustment mechanism may attach directly to the cover to be secured on the container. The holder may include a guard structure for placement over the cover. The guard structure is formed to capture the at least one flexible member such that the guard structure secures the cover to the container when the handle is secured to the structure of the container. 
     Yet another cover holder includes at least two pivot arms pivotally attached to one of a container structure and a cover for the container structure. A locking bar is disposed between the pivot arms and is slidably coupled to the pivot arms. The locking bar includes an engagement structure for contacting the other of the container structure and the cover. A handle connects the pivot arms and supports a biasing device, which biases the locking bar to selectively provide a locked position and a release position for the locking bar. The locked position corresponds to securing the cover and the release position corresponds to enabling the cover to be released. 
     Another embodiment of the cover holder provides a rotating lock having an inner surface with an oblong cross-section. The inner surface encapsulates a portion of the handle and a portion of the locking bar such that rotation of the rotating lock displaces the locking bar and achieves the locked position in a first rotational position and the release position in a second rotational position. Detents or other surface features may be formed on the inner surface to secure the locking bar in position. 
     A cover holder, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, includes a handle including an engagement structure configured and dimensioned for engaging a container structure formed on a container. The engagement structure extends from a portion of the handle for detachably fitting the container structure. The handle includes anchor portions each having a plurality of holes for receiving at least one flexible tension member to connect the flexible tension member to the handle. The plurality of holes are arranged to permit the at least one flexible tension member to develop a frictional force to prevent pull out of the flexible tension member from the anchor portions. 
     In alternate embodiments, the engagement structure may be removable from the handle and replaceable to accommodate different sized structures, or the engagement structure may be adjustable to accommodate different sized structures. The anchor portions may include a groove for pinching the flexible tension member. Anchor portions may include an extended portion adjacent to one of the plurality of holes, which forms a groove for pinching the flexible tension member. The groove may include a structure to increase friction between the groove and the flexible tension member. The plurality of holes may be linearly arranged on each anchor portion. One of the plurality of holes may form a groove for pinching the flexible tension member. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a handle includes an engagement structure configured and dimensioned for engaging a container structure formed on a container. The engagement structure detachably fits the container structure. Anchor portions are disposed on opposite sides of the engagement structure, and each anchor portion includes at least two holes. The holes are disposed adjacent to one another. One of the holes of each anchor portion includes a groove for receiving at least one flexible tension member to connect the flexible tension member to the handle. The groove permits the at least one flexible tension member to develop a frictional force to prevent pull out of the flexible tension member from the anchor portions. 
    
    
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     This disclosure will present in detail the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cover holder in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a handle portion of the cover holder of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cover holder for a container with pivoting handles in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a handle portion of the cover holder of FIG. 3 being released in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cover holder of FIGS. 2 and 4 having adjustable tabs for accommodating different sized container handles in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the cover holder of FIG. 4 having a removable tab for accommodating different sized container handles and clipping onto different portion of the container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the cover holder of FIG. 1 having an adjustment mechanism to adjust the tension in a flexible member in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 7 being secured to a cover in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an adjustment mechanism to adjust the tension in a flexible member having a different orientation and configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 7 having positions/hooks mounted on a cover in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 9 having positions/hooks mounted on a cover in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a ring or guard having eye structures for securing flexible members in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 13-14 are perspective views showing eye structures formed in the cover for securing flexible members in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 15-17 are perspective views showing a guard and a platform for fitting over a portion of the cover for securing the cover to the container in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 18-20 are perspective views showing tensioning and securing devices for flexible members to secure the cover to the container in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 21-24 are perspective views showing lever-action cover holders in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 25-29 are perspective views showing biased pivot arm cover holders in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 30 is an elevated view of a handle having anchor portion formed therein in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 31 is a magnified perspective view of the anchor portions in FIG. 30 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 32 is a partial magnified cross-sectional view taken through the anchor portion of FIG. 31 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 33 and 34 are perspective views of anchor portions without and with a flexible tension member being pinched by a groove to secure the flexible member in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 35 and 36 are perspective views of anchor portions without and with a flexible tension member being pinched by a groove formed by an extension to secure the flexible member in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a locking bar, which is attached to a container to permit attachment of a handle assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention provides a plurality of devices for securing a lid or cover on a container. In one embodiment, the device is employed on a garbage receptacle with side handles. The side handles are employed to detachable engage clasping mechanisms used to secure the lid. Elastic members are attached to the clasping mechanisms to secure the device to the container and secure the cover to the container. The present invention is adaptable to a plurality of different container types. This may be provided by adjustable or replaceable device features. In addition, the elastic members are provided with an adjustment mechanism or mechanisms to provide an appropriate amount of tension and an appropriate fit for the container/cover system. 
     The present invention will now be described in terms of a storage or garbage receptacle; however, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the illustrative example and may be employed in other configurations with other features. For example, the present invention may be employed with storage jars or other containers, which need to be sealed or include components, which need to be secured together. In addition, the present invention preferably includes plastic hardware; however, the present invention may be employed with metals, wood or any other suitable materials or combinations thereof. It also should be understood that flexible members described herein may include flexible cords, ropes, resilient materials, such as plastics or metals, BUNGEE cords, rubber bands or equivalents. Features shown and described in the FIGS. may be used in combination with other features shown in the FIGS. or described herein below. 
     Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the several views, and initially to FIG. 1, a device  10  for securing a cover  12  to a container  14  is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Device  10  includes a handle  16  on each side of flexible tension members  22 . Handle  16  includes an engagement portion  20 , which is adapted to fit onto a handle  18  of container  14 . Engagement portion  20  may include a u-shaped portion dimensioned and configured to receive at least a portion of handle  18  therein. 
     During use, handle  18  anchors engagement portion  20  and handle  16 . Flexible members  22  are attached to handle  16  at anchor portions  24 . Flexible members  22  are then stretched across lid  12  and secured to another handle  18  (not shown) on the opposite side of container  14 . Alternately, one side of device  10  may be fixedly secured to container  14  and engage only one handle to secure lid  12 . In other embodiments, handle  18  may engage the rim of container  14  (instead of the handle) to provide the securing function of the present invention. The handle may be secured to the rim of container  14  by tab  25  or other hooking mechanisms. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of a handle  16  is shown. Handle  16  includes portion  20 , which is configured to provide a tab  25  to capture handle  18  (FIG.  1 ). Portion  20  has a u-shaped portion  21  configured to receive handle  18 , and further include relief portions  23  to permit returns of handle  18  to connect to container  14  (See FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, another configuration for the present invention is illustratively shown. In this embodiment, handle  18  is hingedly connected to container  14  and clips onto cover  12  to secure cover  12  to container  14 . Device  10  is applied directly between handles  18  and takes advantage of the inclined orientation of handles  18  to provide a stable retention arrangement. In this embodiment, handle  16  includes a tab  26  with inclined surfaces  28  for engaging handle  18 . 
     Inclined surfaces  28  are adjacent to a flat  30  which provide a contact surface against which handle  18  engages handle  16 . Tab  26  prevents handle  16  from slipping over handle  18  in use and reduces any chance for members  22  to undesirably snap off or escape from handle  18 , which may ordinarily cause a dangerous condition for a user. FIG. 4 shows flexible members  22  in an extended state before engaging Surfaces  28  and  30  with handle  18 . 
     Referring to FIG. 5, tabs  32  may be employed as a substitute for tab  26 . The present invention contemplates a plurality of different tab configurations adapted to different handle configurations. Tabs  32  are mounted on a beam or other rigid member  34  to provide sufficient support for the retention of flexible members  22 . Tabs  32  may be adjustable by riding on a track  35 . In this way, a plurality of different sized handle configurations may be supported by handle  16 . 
     Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment, adjustability for different handle types may be achievable by making tab  26  removable as illustratively shown. Tab  26  may snap onto beam  34  or be attached by other means to beam  34 , for example, by screws, clips, clasps or any other equivalent retaining devices. Tab  26  may also be employed using a rim  36  of container  14  instead of or in addition to a handle  18 . 
     Referring to FIG. 7, an adjustment mechanism  40  is shown in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. Adjustment mechanism  40  includes hooks or retainers  42  configured and dimensioned to receive and hold flexible members  22 . Flexible members  22  are threaded through eyes  44  or otherwise slidably coupled to a plate  46 . Flexible members  22  may be configured to be secured by one or more retainers  42 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, flexible members  22  are threaded through an eye  50  attached to plate  46 . A u-shaped portion  48  of members  22  is captured and secured by retainers  42 . A user may move and secure portions  48  onto one of retainers  42  to provide increased or decreased tension in flexible members  22  to thereby provide adjustment to device  10  and/or variations thereof. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, adjustment mechanism  40  may be secured to cover  12  by an attachment device  52 . Attachment device  52  may include a rivet, screw, clip or any other mechanical connection device. Alternately, plate  46  may be glued or snapped into cover  12  to secure mechanism  40  in place. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, device  52  includes barbs  54 , which pass through a hole  56  (clearance fit) and enter cover  12  through a hole therethrough (not shown) with an interference fit. When barbs  54  pass through plate  46  and into cover  12 , device  40  is secured in place. Attachment device  52  may be capable of some axial movement, but provides attachment to cover  12  to prevent separation between cover  12  and device  40 . 
     Referring to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of device  40  includes a different orientation of retainers  42 , and provides individual adjustment of each handle  16 . A hole  56  or other device may be employed to attach plate  46  to cover  12 . FIGS. 10 and 11 show retainers  42 , eyes  44  and eyes  50  integrally formed or attached to covers  12  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 12, a cover guard or ring  52  may be configured and dimensioned to fit over a cover  12 . Guard  52  may include eyes  54  to receive and secure flexible members  22 . Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, cover  12  may be provided with eyes  54  integrally formed therein. In this way, the use of an additional part, namely a guard  52  may be avoided. 
     Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a cover guard or ring  56  may be provided and adapted to receive a platform  58 . Platform  58  may be secured to guard or ring  56  by screws  60 , snaps, rivets or other types of fastening mechanisms  62 . Alternately, a boot portion  70  may be used independently of guard or ring  56  and provided to sandwich a cover handle  68  between platform  58  and boot portion. FIG. 16 shows barbed fasteners  62  which are received into holes  63  and secured by snapping the barbed fasteners  62  into holes  63 . Flexible members  22  are terminated, with a snap ring  64 , a pin (not shown) or any other type of termination mechanism, in platform  58  to prevent pullout when handle  16  is extended over the handle  18  of container  14 . Structures  66  may be provided to increase the rigidity of platform  58 , and to receive cover handle  68 , which is integrally formed in cover  12 . 
     Referring to FIG. 17, a completed assembly of the illustrative embodiments shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is shown while handle  16  is being extended over handle  18  to secure cover in place. Cover handle  68  is encapsulated between portion  70  (which may be part of ring or guard  56  or simply include a separate boot portion  70 ) and platform  58 . In this way, cover  12  and cover guard  56  are attached, and the cover securing assembly is mounted on and adapted for use with an existing container  14  and cover  12  system. 
     Referring to FIG. 18, anchor portions  24  may permit slidable adjustment of flexible members  22 . Flexible members  22  are threaded through anchor portions  24  and through a hole  72  formed through a securing member  74 . Securing member  74  is biased by a biasing device  76 , such as a spring. Securing member  74  displaces flexible member  22  relative to holes in anchor portion to secure flexible member  22  within anchor portion  24 . When adjustment of flexible member  22  is needed, securing member  74  is depressed to align the holes of anchor portion with hole  72  to permit flexible member  22  to be pulled through to tighten flexible member  22 . Securing member  74  is then released to resecure flexible member  22 . Flexible member  22  may be terminated with snap rings  64 , a pin (not shown) or the flexible member may be looped through handle  16  and back through the anchor portion  24  on the other side of the handle (not shown). 
     Referring to FIG. 19, a sleeve  78  may be employed which fits between ribs  80  formed within handle  16 . In this way, flexible member  22  may be pulled through anchor portions  24  and secured in handle  16  in between ribs  80 . Other mechanisms for adjusting and securing flexible members  22  may also be employed. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, flexible member  22  may be wrapped around a dowel  82  between holes  84  in anchor portion  24 . Once adjusted to the appropriate length or tension, flexible member  22  is secured by installing a removable cap  86 , which holds flexible member  22  in place. 
     Referring to FIG. 21, flexible members  22  are shown with a termination  88  having a hole  89  adapted to receive a rod  96  to provide a pivot motion between flexible member  22  and a locking handle  94 . FIG. 21 shows terminations  88  detached from axel  96  for clarity. Rod  96  and handle  94  may be integrally formed. An engagement surface  90  on handle  94  is provided to apply pressure against handle  18  when a pivot connection is made between rod  96  and termination  88 . In one embodiment, termination  88  snaps onto rod  96  to provide the pivot connection. To engage handle  94 , surface  90  is contacted by handle  18  and rod  96  and terminations  88  are rotated below handle  18  to secure cover  12  to container  14 . FIGS. 22 and 23 show different configurations of the embodiment shown in FIG.  21 . Surface  90  is respectively replaced with members  98  or a cradle  99 . FIGS. 22 and 23 show terminations  88  coupled to rod  96  in an engaged position. 
     Referring to FIG. 24, another configuration includes handle  18  having rods or cylinders  100  attached thereto or formed therewith. An opened end member  102  engages cylinders  100  to provide a pivoting motion for a handle  104 . Handle  104  includes rods  96  which snap or otherwise pivotally connect to terminations  88 . Handle  104  is rotated down to secure a portion  106  below handle  18  to secure cover  12  on container  14 . 
     Referring to FIG. 25, cover  12  includes a cover handle  110  having rods  112  extending therefrom. Rods  112  and pivot arms  108  form a pivot joint for a handle  120 . Pivot arms  108  include forms a channel or groove  118  to restrain lateral motion of a locking bar  111 . Locking bar  111  includes tabs  116 , which fit within grooves  118  to restrain the motion of locking bar  111  within grooves  118 . Locking bar  111  is shown in FIG. 25 in a retracted position. FIG. 26 shows locking bar  111  in an advanced position (handle  18  is not shown for clarity). Locking bar  111  is biased by, for example, springs  122  to advance locking bar  111  so that locking bar  111  engages handle  18  (FIG. 25) to secure cover  12  (FIG. 25) on container  14 . A rotating lock  124  may be employed to advance or retract locking bar  111 . Lock  124  includes an oblong shaped cross-section inner contact surface  123 , which engages portion  114  of bar  111 . When lock  124  is rotated in the direction of arrow “A: springs  122  are compressed and locking bar  111  is retracted (FIG.  27 ). When rotated an additional 90 degrees, locking bar  111  is advanced to secure locking bar  111  in handle  18  (FIG. 26) and secure cover  12 . 
     Locking bar  111  may be adapted for use at the rim of the container instead of the handle of the container. Locking bar  111  may be employed in combination with other features described herein. 
     Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, a pivoting handle  124  is pivotally connected to container  14 . A retractable portion  126  is configured to fit within handle  124 . Retractable portion  126  is dimensioned to engage cover  12  and is biased by springs  128  against cover  12  to secure cover  12  against container  14 . To release handle  124 , retractable portion  126  is displaced in the direction of arrow “B” and handle  124  is rotated downward to disengage an engagement portion  130  from cover  12  to permit cover  12  to be removed from container  14 . Portion  126  may be locked by rotating lock  132  in the direction of arrow “C” (portion  126  is shown in the locked position). Portion  126  may be released by rotating lock  132  an addition 90 degrees from the position shown and then rotating handle  124  downward to release cover  12  from container  14 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, a particularly useful embodiment of the present invention is shown. A handle  200  includes a grip portion  202  and anchor portions  204 . Handle  200  is preferably formed from a plastic or other rigid material, which is preferably capable of withstanding environmental conditions. Anchor portions  204  are configured to receive flexible member  18 . A raised tab  206  is adapted to be received by a handle on a receptacle (not shown) such as a trashcan or the like. Tab  206  is preferably bounded by anchor portions  204  so portions of a receptacle handle are received in troughs  208  when handle assembly  200  in use. 
     Handle  200  is secured to the handle of a receptacle and employed to maintain a cover (not shown) on the receptacle. In one embodiment, handle assembly  200  is employed to keep a cover on a trash receptacle or storage container. Handle assembly  200  may be employed alone if a flexible member (as described above) used with it is secured at an opposing position (e.g., at a location on the receptacle). Otherwise, handle  200  is employed as a pair of assemblies  200  with one handle corresponding to the handles on each side of the receptacle to secure a cover thereon. Tab  206  is secured by a crossbar  220 , which adds rigidity and support for handle  200 . Handle  200  includes two or more holes ( 210 ,  212 ,  214 ) in each anchor portion  204  to receive and secure a flexible member. The present invention also contemplates other hole patterns or hole arrangements for securing flexible member  18 . 
     FIGS. 31 and 32 show holes  210 ,  212  and  214  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Holes  210 ,  212  and  214  receive and secure flexible member  18 . Flexible member  18  is woven through hole  210  and over a rung  222  into hole  212 . Flexible member  18  is doubled back through hole  214  and secured by a v or u groove  216  formed in rung  224 . This secures flexible member  18  at a fixed position. Flexible member  18  may be adjusted in length or in tension by partially unweaving flexible member  18  pulling additional length through holes  210 ,  212  and  214  and then resecuring flexible member  18 . By weaving flexible member  18  over rungs  222  and/or  224 , frictional forces are developed to prevent pullout of flexible member  18  from anchor portions  204 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, a handle assembly  230  includes anchor portion  24  having an orifice  232  formed therein. Orifice  232  has a curved triangular shape with an apex  234 . In use, a flexible member  18  is threaded through hole  236  and then through orifice  232 . Flexible member  18  is pulled to a desired length or tension through a lower open portion of orifice  232 . When the desired length or tension is achieved, flexible member  18  is translated or rotated toward apex  234 , which pinches flexible member  18  thereby securing member  18  in place. To release or readjust member  18 , member  18  is rotated away from apex  234 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, another embodiment of the present invention includes a handle assembly  240 . Assembly  240  includes tab  26  or similar structure for connecting to a handle of a receptacle to secure a cover thereto as described above. Assembly  240  includes anchor portions  24  adapted to receive flexible member  18  therein through hole  236 . Next, flexible member  18  is threaded through an orifice  242  and routed over the top of a projection or extended portion  244 . Portion  244  forms a v-groove  246 , which secures flexible member  18  therein by deforming the circumference of the flexible member  18  using the tension developed in the flexible member  18  as a result of stretching the flexible member  18 . V-groove  246  may include pointed, surfaced or reduced area portions to provide additional frictional force against member  18 . 
     To adjust or release flexible member  244 , flexible member  18  is removed from v-groove  246  and slack may be developed in flexible member  18  to readjust flexible member  18  through hole  236  and orifice  242 . Flexible member  18  may then be resecured as needed. 
     It is to be understood that anchor portions shown in the FIGS. may be of the same design or mixed with other types of anchor portions on a single handle assembly. For example, one anchor portion  24  from each of assembly  230  and  240  (shown in FIGS. 33 and 35) may be combined on opposite sides a handle assembly. 
     Referring to FIG. 37, a locking bar  250  may be attached to a container  14  to permit any handle assembly ( 16 ) to be connected to container  14 . Locking bar  250  may include rounded surfaces  251  to receive tab  26 . Locking bar  250  may be attached to container  14  by screws, rivets, adhesive, adhesive tapes or by other means sufficient to withstand the forces imparted on locking bar  250  by flexible member(s)  18  during use. Locking bar  250  may be included in a kit along with hardware for handle assembly(s)  16 . 
     Having described preferred embodiments for cover holder assemblies (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.