Abstract:
A handle and assembly for a bucket. The bucket has first and second attachment regions on the inner surface of the sidewall near the rim. The sidewall has a compressed condition in which compressive forces are applied to opposite sides to reduce the distance between the attachment regions, and a relaxed condition with forces. The handle has attachment ends with an axis between them. The attachment ends attach to the attachment regions such that the handle rotates about the axis and can also move laterally along the axis. The handle has a first rotational position in which the handle is above the rim, and a second rotational position in which the handle is below the rim. The handle cannot rotate between the first and second positions when the sidewall is relaxed, but can when the sidewall is laterally compressed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application derives and claims priority from U.S. provisional application 62/262,554 filed Dec. 3, 2015 and U.S. provisional application 62/297,413 filed Feb. 19, 2016, both of which U.S. provisional applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The invention is related generally to buckets or pails and, more specifically, to an improved handle and handle assembly comprising the handle and an associated attachment apparatus, the attachment apparatus designed for connecting the handle to a bucket or pail, particularly a bucket used by window cleaners on high-rise buildings. 
         [0004]    Buckets or pails with handles are known to the art. However, those persons employed as window cleaners or window washers on high rise buildings use buckets containing cleaning liquid or water that must meet certain requirements of the trade. The window washer generally is seated in what is known in the art as a “boatswain chair”. The high-rise window washer accesses windows by swing stage or boatswain chair. The two systems that use the boatswain chair are the Manual Boatswain Chair and the Control Descent System. The Manual Boatswain Chair system uses block and tackle to raise or lower the window washer to the windows. The Control Descent System uses gravity by starting at the roof and rappelling over the side. The rate of descent is controlled using a descent device. The descent device regulates the movement down the rope by way of friction. The window washer can descend down to the window and then lock the device until ready to descend to the next window. In most cases, the window washer hangs his bucket on one or more snap hooks suspended from the side of the boatswain chair so that the bucket is readily accessible. 
         [0005]    Prior art buckets typically used for hanging on a boatswain chair have several drawbacks. First, to keep the weight down, the buckets usually are plastic with thin, flexible wire handles. The bucket is attached to the boatswain chair by fastening the wire handle onto a single snap hook, or to double snap hooks on the boatswain&#39;s chair. A conventional wire handle can shift or slide along a single snap hook and tip or spill. With double snap hooks, the normal arc of the wire handle must be distorted to fasten to the snap hooks. Furthermore, the weight of the liquid in the bucket can cause the handle to pull out or deform the handle or cause the plastic to crack and fail around the handle. Since conventional handles are mounted on the outside of the bucket, the weight of the liquids in the bucket can cause the sides of the bucket to collapse inwardly at the points where the handle is mounted to the bucket. 
         [0006]    It is possible with a properly designed bucket handle and centered snap hook to suspend a bucket from the single snap hook in a manner that eliminates the sliding, tipping and spilling from the bucket that is especially dangerous to window washers and bystanders below the washer. U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,169 describes a rigid, inverted V-shaped handle made of aluminum rod for use with double sling chairs. The V-shaped handle is mounted on a bucket and configured so that the bucket is suspended from a snap hook, which is fastened to the V-shaped handle at the apex of the inverted V-shape. The rigid construction and V-shaped configuration of the handle prevents the sliding and tipping of the bucket that occurs when the standard wire handle is used for suspension from the single snap hook. 
         [0007]    However, the bucket handle design of U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,169 and similar designs require that the handle be secured to the bucket with a nut and threaded shaft configuration that adds machining and assembly costs. In addition, these configurations require means to ensure that the nut does not loosen or fall free from the handle, which could cause the bucket to tip or spill during use. 
         [0008]    Further, it is desirable for buckets being used in most applications and in particular for window washing buckets, that the bucket handle freely rotate about the bucket at the bucket mounts. This allows the bucket to rest at a natural equilibrium and eliminates the undesirable rotational torque to the handle and the bucket that would otherwise result from a bucket swinging from a handle rigidly attached to the bucket, or attached in a way that would hinder at least in part the free rotation of the bucket relative to the bucket. Unfortunately, the bucket handle design of U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,169 and similar designs hamper the rotation of the bucket relative to the handle at the handle mounts. A need therefore remains for an improved bucket handle design for window washer&#39;s buckets that is easier to assemble and therefore more cost effective to manufacture, and that allows the bucket handle to more freely rotate relative to the body of the bucket. 
         [0009]    In addition, it is often desirable to secure a lid to the upper lid of a bucket that has a handle mounted to the inner surface of a bucket. Unfortunately, bucket handles that are attached to the inner surface of a bucket, such as for example the handle of U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,169, interfere with and preclude the placement and securing of a bucket lid to the bucket&#39;s upper lip. A need therefore remains for an improved bucket handle assembly design for window washer&#39;s buckets and buckets for other applications that is easier to assemble and therefore more cost effective to manufacture, and that allows the bucket handle to be positioned for ready access, yet also be storable within the bucket so as not to interfere with the placement of a lid atop the bucket&#39;s upper lip. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown in the following drawings which form a part of the specification: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of the present invention incorporated into a bucket; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the first representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of  FIG. 1  incorporated into a bucket; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a partial cutaway plan view of one end of the first representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of  FIG. 1  incorporated into a bucket; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the upper portion of a bucket hanging from a scaffold, the bucket incorporating the first representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of the present invention incorporated into a bucket; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the second representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of  FIG. 5  incorporated into a bucket; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a partial cutaway plan view of one end of the second representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of  FIG. 5  incorporated into a bucket; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a third representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of the present invention incorporated into a bucket, showing the handle rotated to a position with the upper end of the handle resting atop the upper lip of the bucket; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the third representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of  FIG. 8  incorporated into a bucket, showing the sides of the bucket being squeezed inwardly and the upper end of the handle rotated to a position just below the upper lip or rim of the bucket; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the third representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of  FIG. 8 , showing the handle rotated to a position inside the body of the bucket, with the sides of the bucket no longer being squeezed; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a partial cutaway plan view of one end of the third representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of  FIG. 8  incorporated into a bucket; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a partial cutaway plan view of one end of a fourth representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of the present invention incorporated into a bucket; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a partial cutaway plan view of one end of a fifth representative embodiment of the bucket handle and handle assembly of the present invention incorporated into a bucket; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a sixth representative embodiment of the bucket handle of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a plan view of the sixth representative embodiment of the bucket handle of  FIG. 14  with securing screws shown at each end; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is an exploded plan view of one end of the sixth representative embodiment of the bucket handle of  FIG. 14  with a securing screw and associated washers; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is perspective view of one end of the sixth representative embodiment of the bucket handle of  FIG. 14  shown mounted into the sidewall of a bucket and secured with a screw; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is perspective view of one end of the sixth representative embodiment of the bucket handle of  FIG. 14  shown mounted into the sidewall of a bucket and secured with a screw and associated washers; 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    While the invention will be described and disclosed here in connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention. 
         [0031]    When describing elements or features and/or embodiments thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features beyond those specifically described. 
         [0032]    In referring to the drawings, a first representative embodiment of the novel bucket handle assembly  10  of the present invention is shown generally in  FIGS. 1-4 , where the present invention is depicted by way of example incorporated into a bucket A. The bucket A can be virtually any type of bucket or pail. However, in many applications, bucket A will be a 5 gallon plastic pail such as those used for cleaning exterior windows of multi-story buildings, and which can be attached to scaffolding to facilitate such use. In any case, bucket A includes a circumferential sidewall W with a rim R forming a top edge, and a bottom B opposite the rim R. The bucket A can be cylindrical, as shown, or can be of other varying shapes, such as for example, square or rectangular, tapered or bulbous, so long as the bucket has a sidewall W to which the handle assembly  10  can be attached. In the depicted embodiment of the bucket A, the sidewall W is cylindrical. The circumferential wall W and the bottom B of the bucket A define the useful container portion of the bucket A, which will be referred to as the inner volume V. The bucket A may also include a traditional handle H attached to the outer surface of the sidewall W, as shown. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , on each side of the bucket A, a set of five circular orifices or holes H 1 , H 2  and H 3  are positioned near the rim R, with the holes H 2  and H 3  having the same diameter and holes H 1  being somewhat larger in diameter. The holes H 1 , H 2  and H 3  are positioned on opposite sides of the bucket A at the upper end of the bucket A in proximity to and equidistant from the rim R such that the holes H 1 , H 2  and H 3  are oriented horizontally along a line just below and parallel to the rim R, with the holes H 1  positioned substantially at the center of the line of holes, the first set of smaller holes H 2  positioned on each side of and equidistant from the holes H 1 , and the second set of smaller holes H 3  positioned further yet from the holes H 1  and likewise equidistant there from. 
         [0034]    In this first representative embodiment, the bucket handle assembly  10  comprises a rod-shaped handle  12 , two rectangular inner mounting plates  14 , two rectangular outer mounting plates  16 , two rectangular slide plates  18 , and four screws  20  and matching nuts  22  for securing the plates together and to the sidewall W of the bucket A when assembled (see  FIG. 2 ). All of the plates  14 ,  16  and  18  are curved along their lengths to match the curvature of the sidewall W of the bucket A. Each of the mounting plates  14  and  16  has a set of five circular orifices  24 ,  26  and  28  formed therein, with the orifices  26  and  28  having the same diameter and orifice  24  being somewhat larger in diameter. For each of the plates  14  and  16 , the orifices  24 ,  26  and  28  are oriented collinearly along the length of the centerline of the plate, with the orifices  24  positioned substantially at the center of the plate, the first set of smaller orifices  26  positioned on each side of and equidistant from the orifice  24 , and the second set of smaller orifices  28  positioned further yet from the orifice  24  and likewise equidistant there from. The orifices  24 ,  26  and  28  are oriented to match the holes H 1 , H 2  and H 3  when the plates  14  and  16  are properly positioned over the sidewall W of the bucket A as shown. 
         [0035]    Each of the slide plates  18  has a large keyhole orifice  30  positioned substantially in the center of the plate in a longitudinal orientation, and a single smaller circular orifice  32  on each side of the keyhole orifice  30 . Each of the keyhole orifices  30  has a large circular head  34  of the same diameter as the large circular orifices  24  in the mounting plates  14  and  16 , and a narrower linear slot  36  extending longitudinally or laterally away from the head  34 . For each of the slide plates  18 , the head  34 , the linear slot  36  and the orifices  32  are all oriented collinearly along the length of the centerline of the plate, and the head  34  of the keyhole orifice  30  is oriented to align with the circular orifices  24  of the mounting plates  14  and  16  when the handle assembly  10  is fully assembled as shown. Likewise, the smaller orifices  32  are oriented to align with the first set of smaller orifices  26  of the mounting plates  14  and  16  when the handle assembly  10  is fully assembled as shown. 
         [0036]    The handle  12  has a uniform, round cross-section, is replaceable on the bucket A, and is made from metal stock such as ⅜″ (three eighths inch) aluminum rod. The handle  12  includes a generally “V” shaped central portion  38 , and two matching attachment ends  40  that extend radially and coaxially in a horizontal fashion away from opposing sides of the central portion  38 . A radial detent or groove G is formed near the distal end of each attachment end  40 . 
         [0037]    Each end of the handle  12  is removably mounted to the sidewall W of the bucket A using a matching set of each of the inner and outer mounting plates  14  and  16 . The mounting plates  14  and  16  are positioned on each side of the sidewall W over their corresponding holes H 1 , H 2  and H 3 , and fastened together with sets of screws  20  and nuts  22 , with the sidewall W sandwiched between the mounting plates  14  and  16  and the holes H 1 , H 2  and H 3  aligned with their corresponding orifices  24  of both plates. Preferably, the holes H are positioned such that the upper end of the mounting plates  14  and  16  rest against, but do not extend above, the outer lip of the rim R when the handle assembly  10  is fully assembled as shown. 
         [0038]    When the handle assembly  10  is property assembled on the bucket A as seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , the distal ends of the attachment ends  40  are inserted through their respective orifices  24  in the mounting plates  14  and the holes H in the sidewall W. The handle  12  has a length that slightly exceeds the outer diameter of the sidewall W of the bucket A, such that a small length of distal end of each of the attachment ends  40  projects past the outer mounting plates  16  such that the groove G is fully exposed outside of, but in near proximity to, the outer surface of the plate  16 . When the handle  12  is thus positioned in the bucket A, the slide plate  18  can then be positioned over the outer mounting plate  16  with the head  34  of the keyhole orifice  32  aligned with the end of the attachment end  40  and the linear slot  36  in a horizontal orientation. The slide plate  18  is then pressed against the outer mounting plate  16  such that the linear slot  36  of the keyhole orifice  32  aligns with the groove G in the attachment end  40  against the outer surface of the outer mounting plate  16 . It will be noted that with the plates in this position, the orifices  30  will not align with the orifices  26  and holes H 2 . Instead, it is necessary to slide the slide plate  18  laterally over the groove G until the orifices  30  do align with the orifices  26  and the holes H 2 . Sets of screws  20  and nuts  22  are then used to secure the slide plate  18  to the outer mounting plate  16  as shown. As can be appreciated, this configuration firmly secures the handle  12  to the bucket A, while allowing the handle  12  to rotate relatively freely about the axis defined by the attachment ends  40  and the holes H 1 . 
         [0039]    A second representative embodiment of the novel bucket handle assembly  100  of the present invention is shown generally in  FIGS. 5-7 , where the present invention is depicted by way of example incorporated into a bucket A. Referring to  FIG. 6 , it can be seen that on each side of the bucket A, a set of four circular orifices or holes H 4  and H 5  are positioned near the rim R, with the all of the holes H 4  and H 5  having the same diameter. The holes H 4  and H 5  are positioned at the upper end of the bucket A in proximity to and equidistant from the rim R such that the holes H 4  and H 5  are oriented horizontally along a line just below and parallel to the rim R, with the holes H 5  positioned outside the holes H 4  as shown. 
         [0040]    In this second representative embodiment, the bucket handle assembly  100  also comprises a rod-shaped handle  112 , two rectangular inner mounting plates  114 , two rectangular outer mounting plates  116 , two rectangular slide plates  118 , and four screws  120  and matching nuts  122  for securing the plates together and to the sidewall W of the bucket A when assembled (see  FIG. 6 ). All of the plates  114 ,  116  and  118  are curved along their lengths to match the curvature of the sidewall W of the bucket A. 
         [0041]    The mounting inner plates  114  each have a set of five circular orifices  124 ,  126  and  128  formed therein, with the orifices  126  and  128  having the same diameter and orifice  124  being somewhat larger in diameter. The orifices  124 ,  126  and  128  are oriented collinearly along the length of the centerline of the plate, with the orifices  124  in the plates  114  positioned substantially at the center of the plate, the first set of orifices  26  positioned on each side of and equidistant from the orifice  24 , and the second set of orifices  28  positioned further yet from the orifice  24  and likewise equidistant there from. The outer mounting plates  116  have four matching orifices  126  and  128  formed therein, with the orifices  126  and  128  having the same diameter. The orifices  126  and  128  are oriented to match the holes H 4  and H 5  when the plates  114  and  116  are properly positioned over the sidewall W of the bucket A as shown. 
         [0042]    Each of the slide plates  118  has a large keyhole orifice  130  positioned substantially in the center of the plate in a longitudinal orientation, and a single smaller circular orifice  132  on each side of the keyhole orifice  130 . Each of the keyhole orifices  130  has a large circular head  134  of the same diameter as the large circular orifices  124  in the mounting plates  114 , and a narrower linear slot  136  extending longitudinally or laterally away from the head  134 . For each of the slide plates  118 , the head  134 , the linear slot  136  and the orifices  132  are all oriented collinearly along the length of the centerline of the plate, and the head  134  of the keyhole orifice  130  is oriented to align with the circular orifices  124  of the mounting plates  114  when the handle assembly  100  is fully assembled as shown. The smaller orifices  130  are oriented to align with the first set of smaller orifices  126  of the mounting plates  114  and  116  when the handle assembly  100  is fully assembled as shown. 
         [0043]    The handle  112  has a uniform, round cross-section, is replaceable on the bucket A, and is made from metal stock such as ⅜″ (three eighths inch) aluminum rod. The handle  112  includes a generally “V” shaped central portion  138 , and two matching attachment ends  140  that extend radially and coaxially in a horizontal fashion away from opposing sides of the central portion  138 . A radial detent or groove G is formed near the distal end of each attachment end  140 . 
         [0044]    Each end of the handle  112  is removably mounted to the inner surface of the sidewall W of the bucket A using a matching set of each of the inner and outer mounting plates  114  and  116 . The mounting plates  114  and  116  are positioned on each side of the sidewall W over their corresponding holes H 4  and H 5 , and fastened together with sets of screws  120  and nuts  122 , with the sidewall W sandwiched between the mounting plates  114  and  116  and the holes H 4  and H 5  aligned with their corresponding orifices  124  of both plates. Preferably, the holes H 4  and H 5  are positioned such that the upper end of the mounting plates  114  and  116  rest against, but do not extend above, the outer lip of the rim R when the handle assembly  100  is fully assembled as shown. 
         [0045]    When the handle assembly  100  is property assembled on the bucket A as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the distal ends of the attachment ends  140  are inserted through their respective orifices  134  and  124  in the mounting plates  114  and the slide plates  118  inside the sidewall W. The handle  112  has a length that is slightly less than the inner diameter of the sidewall W of the bucket A, such that the handle  112  will extend fully across the interior of the bucket A and abut at each end the inner surface of the sidewall W. The groove G at each end of the handle  112  is positioned to align with the edge of the slide plate  118  that defines the linear slot  136  when the attachment end  140  abuts the inner surface of the sidewall W through the orifice  134  of the slide plate  118  and the orifice  124  of the inner mounting plate  114 . Thus, there is no need for the handle  112  to penetrate the sidewall W as in the first embodiment  10 . 
         [0046]    When the handle  112  is thus oriented in the bucket A, the slide plate  118  is positioned over the inner mounting plate  114  with the head  134  of the keyhole orifice  132  aligned with the end of the attachment end  140  and the linear slot  136  in a horizontal orientation. The slide plate  118  is then pressed against the inner mounting plate  114  such that the linear slot  136  of the keyhole orifice  132  aligns with the groove G in the attachment end  140  against the outer surface of the inner mounting plate  114 . It will be noted that with the plates in this position, the orifices  130  will not align with the orifices  126  and holes H 4 . Instead, it is necessary to slide the slide plate  118  laterally over the groove G until the orifices  130  do align with the orifices  126  and the holes H 4 . Sets of screws  120  and nuts  122  are then used to secure the slide plate  118  to the inner mounting plate  114  as shown. As can be appreciated, this configuration firmly secures the handle  112  to the bucket A, while allowing the handle  112  to rotate relatively freely about the axis defined by the attachment ends  140  and the orifices  124  and  134 . 
         [0047]    A third representative embodiment of the novel bucket handle assembly of the present invention is shown generally at  200  in  FIGS. 8-11 , where the present invention is depicted by way of example incorporated into a bucket A. The bucket A can be any type of bucket or pail, so long as the sidewall W is somewhat pliant, such as for example a 5 gallon plastic pail such as those used for cleaning exterior windows of multi-story buildings, and which can be attached to scaffolding to facilitate such use. 
         [0048]    This third representative embodiment the bucket handle assembly  200  comprises a generally cylindrical handle  212  with a first attachment end  214 , a second attachment end  216  opposite the first attachment end  214 , the handle  212  being shaped by a number of bends. The handle  212  has a uniform, round cross-section, is replaceable on the bucket A, and is made from metal stock such as ⅜″ (three eighths inch) aluminum rod. A first bend  218  at the center of the handle  212  has an inner angle of approximately 135 degrees and divides the handle  212  into two mirrored halves. On one side of the first bend  218 , a second bend  220  with an inner angle of approximately 145 degrees is positioned approximately one third of the distance from the first bend  218  to the first attachment end  214 . A third bend  222  with a reverse angle of approximately 115 degrees is positioned approximately one inch from the first attachment end  214 . On the other side of the bend  218  is a fourth bend  224  with an inner angle of approximately 145 degrees positioned opposite and mirroring the second bend  220 . Similarly, a fifth bend  226  with a reverse angle of approximately 115 degrees is positioned approximately one inch from the second attachment end  216  and opposite and mirroring the third bend  222 . Further, the entire handle  212  is planar. That is, all of the bends  218 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224  and  226  reside in a single plane. 
         [0049]    As can be seen, the length of the handle  212  spanning from the third bend  222  and the first attachment end  214  and the length of the handle  212  spanning from the fifth bend  226  and the second attachment end  216  are coaxial. In this way, the handle  212  rotates about the axis between the first attachment end  214  and the second attachment end  216 . 
         [0050]    The handle assembly  200  also includes two identical inner mounting plates  230 , two matching identical outer mounting plates  232 , and eight sets of screws  234  and matching nuts  236  for securing the plates together and to the sidewall W of the bucket A when assembled (see  FIG. 8 ). Each of the mounting plates  230  and  232  has a large circular orifice  238  positioned at the longitudinal center of the plate, and two smaller circular orifice  240  on each side of the central orifice  238 . The orifices  238  and  240  of each of the inner mounting plates  230  are positioned to mate with corresponding orifices  238  and  240  of each of the outer mounting plates  232 . Five horizontal holes H (generally, not shown) are formed in the sidewall W of the bucket A just below the rim R, and correspond to and mate with the orifices  238  and  240  of each of the mounting plates  230  and  232 . When the mounting plates  230  and  232  are positioned on the sidewall W of the bucket A and aligned with the holes H, the screws  234  and nuts  236  secure the mounting plates  230  and  232  to opposing sides of the sidewall W as shown. 
         [0051]    As best shown in  FIG. 11 , a first radial groove G 1  and a parallel second radial groove G 2  are formed near the distal end of the first attachment end  214 , between the first attachment end  214  and the third bend  222 . The distance between the grooves G 1  and G 2  is wider than the thickness of the sidewall W of the bucket A. The grooves G 1  and G 2  are sized and shaped as receptacles for a first “C” clip C 1  and a second “C” clip C 2 , respectively, the clips C 1  and C 2  being sized and shaped to fit snugly yet releasably in the first groove G 1  and second groove G 2 , respectively. Of course other retainer fittings, such as for example “E” clips or slot clips, can be used instead of “C” clips. As can be seen, when attaching the first attachment end  214  of the handle  212  to the sidewall W, the first attachment end  214  is extended from the inside of the bucket A through the large circular orifice  238  of inner mounting plate  230  and outer mounting plate  232 , and matching hole H in the sidewall W just below the rim R with the first groove G 1  positioned near the inner surface of the sidewall W and the second groove G 2  positioned near the outer surface of the sidewall W. The first clip C 1  is then snapped into the first groove G 1  and the second clip C 2  is then snapped into the second groove G 2 . In this way, the distal portion of the handle  212  in proximity to the first attachment end  214  is held in place in the sidewall W by the clips C 1  and C 2 , yet is able to rotate with little or no resistance within the hole H. Notably, however, the distance between the clips C 1  and C 2  is greater than the combined thicknesses of the inner mounting plate  230 , the outer mounting plate  232  and the sidewall W, such that a degree of “play’ exists between the clips C 1  and C 2  and the sidewall W is free to slide inward and outward along the second attachment end  214  between the clips. 
         [0052]    Although not shown in detail in the Figures, a matching pair of radial grooves G 3  and G 4  are likewise formed near the distal end of the second attachment end  216 . The grooves G 3  and G 4  are sized and shaped as receptacles for a third “C” clip C 3  and a fourth “C” clip C 4 , respectively, the clips C 3  and C 4  being sized and shaped to fit snugly yet releasably in the third groove G 3  and fourth groove G 4 , respectively. Of course other retainer fittings, such as for example “E” clips or slot clips, can be used instead of “C” clips. As with the first and second grooves G 1  and G 2 , when attaching second attachment end  216  of the handle  212  to the sidewall W, the second attachment end  216  is extended from the inside of the bucket A through the large circular orifice  238  of inner mounting plate  230  and outer mounting plate  232 , and matching hole H in the sidewall W just below the rim R with the third groove G 3  positioned near the inner surface of the sidewall W and the fourth groove G 4  positioned near the outer surface of the sidewall W. The third clip C 3  is then snapped into the third groove G 3  and the fourth clip C 4  is then snapped into the fourth groove G 4 . In this way, the distal portion of the handle  212  in proximity to the second attachment end  216  is held in place in the sidewall W by the clips C 3  and C 4 , yet is able to rotate with little or no resistance within the hole H. Notably, again, the distance between the clips C 3  and C 4  is greater than the combined thicknesses of the inner mounting plate  230 , the outer mounting plate  232  and the sidewall W, such that a degree of “play’ exists between the clips C 3  and C 4  and the sidewall W is free to slide inward and outward along the second attachment end  216  between the clips. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , a unique capability of the handle assembly  200  of the present invention is illustrated. First, when the center of the handle assembly  200 , at the first bend  218 , is resting atop the rim R of the bucket A as depicted in  FIG. 8 , the handle  212  is unable to rotate about the axis X below the rim R. Thus, at least a portion of the handle assembly  200  is held in a position above the rim R for ready access during use, and the handle assembly  200  is unable to drop into the body of the bucket A where the handle  212  could otherwise fall into or contaminate materials being carried by the bucket A. This position of the handle assembly  200  also prevents the securing of a lid to the rim R, which has a substantially round shape. However, by squeezing the sidewall W on each side of the bucket A in proximity to the holes H, as depicted in  FIG. 9 , the rim R distorts from its round shape to form an elliptical shape that is elongated generally perpendicular to the axis X. It will be appreciated that the “play” afforded the sidewall W between the clips C 1  and C 2  and between C 3  and C 4  allows the sidewall W to be compressed in proximity to the attachment ends  214  and  216  of the handle  212 . The handle  212  can then rotate past the rim R as shown. Finally, as depicted in  FIG. 10 , once it has rotated such that the bend  218  has passed the area of the sidewall in proximity to the rim R, the pressure on the sidewall W can be released, the sidewall W can return to its relaxed condition and shape, and the handle  212  is then free to rotate into the body of the bucket A below the rim R. 
         [0054]    As can be appreciated, a correlation exists between the extent to which the handle  212  overlaps the rim R and the degree to which the rim R can be distorted when the bucket A sidewall W is squeezed inward. That is, while the handle  212  must extend at least in part over at least part of the rim R when the rim R is in its relaxed state, the handle  212  can only extend beyond the rim R to a point where the maximum temporary distortion of the rim R is sufficient to allow the handle  212  to rotate below the rim R. 
         [0055]    A representative portion of a fourth embodiment  300  of the novel handle assembly of the present invention is shown at  FIG. 12 . In this alternate embodiment, instead of matching pairs of radial grooves, G 1  and G 2 , and G 3  and G 4 , formed in attachment ends of the handle having a uniform diameter (such as in the handle  212 ), each of the attachment ends  314  and  316  of the handle  312  are honed down to form a smaller diameter coaxial extension of the handle. It can be seen that between the third bend  322  and the first attachment end  314 , the handle  312  has a step reduction in diameter. In fact, the location of this reduction in diameter along the handle  312  corresponds to the position of the first groove G 1  in the first embodiment as seen in  FIG. 11 . Returning to  FIG. 12 , a circular and radial ledge L is formed at the location of the reduction in diameter, the ledge L facing away from the third bend  322  of the handle  312 . A radial groove G 5  is formed near the distal end of the handle  312 , between the ledge L and the butt of the first attachment end  314 . 
         [0056]    The groove G 5  is sized and shaped as a receptacle for a “C” clip C 5 , the clip C 5  being sized and shaped to fit snugly yet releasably in the groove G 5 . Of course other retainer fittings, such as for example “E” clips or slot clips, can be used instead of “C” clips. The distance between the ledge L and the clip C 5  is slightly wider than the thickness of the sidewall W of the bucket A, such that a degree of “play’ exists between the clip C 5  and the ledge L, and the sidewall W is free to slide inward and outward along the first attachment end  314  between the clip C 5  and the ledge L. 
         [0057]    As can be seen, when attaching the first attachment end  314  of the handle  312  to the sidewall W, the first attachment end  314  is extended from the inside of the bucket A through the large circular orifice  338  of inner mounting plate  330  and outer mounting plate  332 , and matching hole H in the sidewall W just below the rim R with the ledge L positioned near or against the inner surface of the sidewall W and the groove G 5  positioned near the outer surface of the sidewall W. The clip C 5  is then snapped into the groove G 5 . In this way, the distal portion of the handle  312  in proximity to the first attachment end  314  is held in place in the sidewall W by the clips C 1  and C 2 , yet is able to rotate with little or no resistance within the hole H. 
         [0058]    A representative portion of a fifth embodiment of the novel handle assembly of the present invention is shown at  400  in  FIG. 13 . In this alternate embodiment, as compared to the first embodiment of  FIGS. 8-11 and 12 , the radial groove G 1  is replaced with a circular or radial brace  450  encircling and rigidly attached to the handle  412 . The brace  450  must have a diameter sufficient to prevent the handle  412  and brace  450  from passing through the large circular orifice  438  of inner mounting plate  430  and outer mounting plate  432 , and matching hole H. Of course, the brace  450  need not fully circumnavigate the handle  412 , but need only comprise one or more protrusions that extend beyond the circumference of the handle  412  such that the handle  412  and brace  450  will not pass through the large circular orifice  438  of inner mounting plate  430  and outer mounting plate  432 , and matching hole H. 
         [0059]    A sixth embodiment of the novel handle of the present invention is shown at  500  in  FIGS. 14-18 . In this alternate embodiment, the handle  500  has a first attachment end  514 , a second attachment end  516  opposite the first attachment end  514 , the handle  500  being shaped by a number of bends. The handle  512  has a uniform, round cross-section, is replaceable on the bucket A, and is made from metal stock such as ⅜″ (three eighths inch) aluminum rod. A first bend  518  at the center of the handle  512  has an inner angle of approximately 135 degrees and divides the handle  500  into two mirrored halves. On one side of the first bend  518 , a second bend  520  with an inner angle of approximately 145 degrees is positioned approximately one third of the distance from the first bend  518  to the first attachment end  514 . A third bend  522  with a reverse angle of approximately 115 degrees is positioned approximately one inch from the first attachment end  514 . On the other side of the bend  518  is a fourth bend  524  with an inner angle of approximately 145 degrees positioned opposite and mirroring the second bend  520 . Similarly, a fifth bend  526  with a reverse angle of approximately 115 degrees is positioned approximately one inch from the second attachment end  516  and opposite and mirroring the third bend  522 . Further, the entire handle  500  is planar. That is, all of the bends  518 ,  520 ,  522 ,  524  and  526  reside in a single plane. 
         [0060]    The first attachment end  514  and the second attachment end  516  are coaxial about a common central axis X. The first attachment end  514  terminates in a flat face  528  perpendicular to the axis X. Likewise, the second attachment end  516  terminates in a flat face  530  perpendicular to the axis X. A threaded orifice  532  extends inward from the face  528  into the first attachment end  514  along the axis X. Similarly, a threaded orifice  534  extends inward from the face  530  into the second attachment end  516  along the axis X. Hence, the handle  500  can rotate about the axis X at the first and second attachment ends  514  and  516 . 
         [0061]    A screw  536  releasably attaches to the threaded orifice  532  in the first attachment end  514 . A washer and lock washer for the screw  536  are shown as additional components in  FIGS. 16 and 18 . The screw  536  has a threaded shank  538  that matches the threaded orifice  532  and a broad flat bottom cap  540  that is wider than the first attachment end  514 . The screw  536  is sized to thread fully into the orifice  532 . A screw  542  releasably attaches to the threaded orifice  534  in the second attachment end  516 . The screw  542  has a threaded shank  544  that matches the threaded orifice  534  and a broad flat-bottom cap  546  that is wider than the second attachment end  516 . The screw  542  is sized to thread fully into the orifice  534 . 
         [0062]    A circumferential plate or stop  548  and extends radially from the side of the first attachment end  514  approximately half-way between the third bend  522  and the face  528 . The distance between the stop  548  and the head  540  of the screw  536  when fully engaged with the first attachment end  514  is slightly wider than the thickness of the sidewall W of the bucket A, such that a degree of “play’ exists between the stop  548  and the head  540  of the screw  536 , and the sidewall W is free to slide inward and outward along the first attachment end  514  between the stop  548  and the head  540  of the screw  536 . Similarly, a circumferential plate or stop  550  and extends radially from the side of the second attachment end  516  approximately half-way between the fifth bend  526  and the face  530 . The distance between the stop  550  and the head  546  of the screw  542  when fully engaged with the second attachment end  516  is slightly wider than the thickness of the sidewall W of the bucket A, such that a degree of “play’ exists between the stop  550  and the head  546  of the screw  542 , and the sidewall W is free to slide inward and outward along the first attachment end  514  between the stop  550  and the head  546  of the screw  542 . 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , it can be seen that the first attachment end  514  extends through a hole H in the sidewall W of the bucket A near the rim R. The hole H is sized to rotatably and slidably receive the first attachment end  514 , but not the stop  548  nor the head  540  of the screw  536 . Hence, when the attachment end  514  is thrust into the hole H from inside the bucket A, the extent of travel by the first attachment end  514  through sidewall W will be limited by the stop  548  and only part of the first attachment end  514  will extend through the sidewall W. The screw  536  screws into the orifice  532  to secure the first attachment end  514  to the sidewall W of the bucket A in the hole H. As can be appreciated, the second attachment end  516  attaches to the sidewall W of the bucket A in a similar manner (not shown). 
         [0064]    As can be appreciated, the length of the handle  500  spanning from the third bend  522  and the first attachment end  514  and the length of the handle  512  spanning from the fifth bend  526  and the second attachment end  516  are coaxial. In this way, the handle  500  rotates about the axis between the first attachment end  514  and the second attachment end  516 . 
         [0065]    While I have described in the detailed description several configurations that may be encompassed within the disclosed embodiments of this invention, numerous other alternative configurations, that would now be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, may be designed and constructed within the bounds of my invention as set forth in the claims. Moreover, the above-described novel mechanisms of the present invention, shown by way of example at  10 ,  100 ,  200   300 ,  400  and  500  can be arranged in a number of other and related varieties of configurations without departing from or expanding beyond the scope of my invention as set forth in the claims. Hence, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made in the novel bucket handle and handle assembly without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0066]    For example, it is not necessary that the mounting plates  14  and  16 ,  114  and  116 ,  214  and  216 ,  314  and  316 ,  414  and  416 ,  514  and  516 , and the slide plates  18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318 ,  418  and  518 , and the slide plates  18  and  118 , have a particular shape or thickness or size such as the curved rectangular shapes depicted in the disclosed embodiments, so long as each performs its intended function of securing the handle to the sidewall W of the bucket A as disclosed. 
         [0067]    Further, it is not necessary that the mounting plates  14  and  16 ,  114  and  116 ,  230  and  232 ,  330  and  332 ,  430  and  432 , and the slide plates  18  and  118  be secured to each other and the sidewall W of the bucket A by a specific set of four screws and nuts, such as the screws  20 ,  120  and  234  and the nuts  22 ,  122  and  236 . Rather, the mounting plates and slide plates can be secured by as few as a single screw with or without a nut, or by various other types fasteners well known in the art, including for example clamps, cotter pins, welds, various glues and adhesives, rivets and brads. 
         [0068]    By way of further example, while the depictions of the handle assembly  200  show first bend  218  in the handle  212  resting atop the rim R in  FIG. 8 , the handle  212  can be shaped in a wide variety of configurations an yet achieve the goals of the present invention. That is, the handle  212  can take on many shapes and dimensions so long as the handle  212  remains substantially rigid, at least one or more portions of the handle  212  overlaps at least in part the rim R when the handle assembly  200  is properly attached to the bucket A and the rim R is in a relaxed state, and so long as those one or more portions can rotate into the body of the bucket A when the sidewall W is compressed or squeezed to elongate the rim R. Such shapes and dimensions can include, for example, a generally rectangular shape, a smooth curve with lugs or protrusions that overlap the rim R, or a collection of bumps, curve or sharp angles with portions that overlap the rim R. Further, the handle  212  need not be planar, but can be multi-planar and can have hooks, arms and other extensions that extend into various dimensions. Also, the handle assembly  200  need not be constructed of rod, so long as the handle  212  is substantially rigid and shaped to rotate within the bucket A substantially as disclosed. That is, instead of a cylindrical rod with dimensions disclosed above, the handle  212  can be constructed for example of a rectangular bar, a formed or machined plate, various types of tubing, or other variety of rigid stock material. 
         [0069]    In addition, while the sixth embodiment depicts (see  FIGS. 17-18 ) that the fastener or screw  536  attaches to the attachment end directly against the sidewall W, it is contemplated that the handle  500  can be used in conjunction with one or more mounting plates or other reinforcement for the sidewall W, such as for example the mounting plates  14  and  16  depicted in  FIGS. 1-7  or the various mounting plates in  FIGS. 8-13 . Further, it is contemplated that the fastener or screw configuration of the sixth embodiment of the handle  500  can be incorporated into various of the first through fifth configurations by replacing the outer slide plates  18  ( FIGS. 1-3 ) or the outer clips ( FIGS. 8-13 ) with the fastener or screw adaption shown in  FIGS. 14-18 . 
         [0070]    Additional variations or modifications to the configuration of the novel mechanism of the present invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the subject matter of this disclosure. Such variations, if within the spirit of this disclosure, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention. The description of the embodiments as set forth herein, and as shown in the drawings, is provided for illustrative purposes only and, unless otherwise expressly set forth, is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which set forth the metes and bounds of my invention. Accordingly, all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.