Extendable handle assembly

A handle assembly for grippably engaging a container, and methods for making and using such a handle assembly, whereby the handle assembly is adjustable between a collapsed condition and an extended condition in which the handle assembly provides a grippable element for grippably engaging the container.

I. TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, a handle assembly and methods for making and using such a handle assembly. Specifically, a handle assembly for grippably engaging a container, whereby the handle assembly is adjustable between a collapsed condition and an extended condition in which the handle assembly provides a grippable element for grippably engaging the container.

A need exists for a handle assembly for grippably engaging a container, whereby the handle assembly is adjustable between a collapsed condition and an extended condition in which the handle assembly provides a grippable element for grippably engaging the container.

III. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a handle assembly for coupling to a container, and methods of making and using such a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a first member having a first member length and a second member having a second member length, whereby the first and second members adjustably overlappingly couple along the first and second member lengths. The handle assembly is adjustable between a collapsed condition, having greater portions of the first and second member lengths overlappingly engaged, and an extended condition, having lesser portions of the first and second member lengths overlappingly engaged.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a handle assembly for coupling to a container, and methods of making and using such a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes an annular member and an elongate member having an elongate member length disposed between elongate member first and second ends, whereby the elongate member first end pivotally couples to the annular member. The handle assembly is configured to couple to the container by rotatable coupling of the annular member about a container external wall and pivotal coupling of the elongate member second end to the container external wall. The handle assembly coupled to the container is adjustable between a collapsed condition and an extended condition. In the collapsed condition, the elongate member length disposes proximate the container external wall; and in the extended condition, the elongate member length outwardly extends from the container external wall to provide a grippable element for grippably engaging the container.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

V. MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1A,FIG. 1B,FIG. 23A,FIG. 23B,FIG. 45A, andFIG. 45B, which illustrate methods of using particular embodiments of a handle assembly (1) including a first member (2) having a first member length (3) and a second member (4) having a second member length (5), whereby the first and second members (2)(4) adjustably overlappingly couple along the first and second member lengths (3)(5). The handle assembly (1) can be configured to adjust between a collapsed condition (6), having greater portions of the first and second member lengths (3)(5) overlappingly engaged, and an extended condition (7), having lesser portions of the first and second member lengths (3)(5) overlappingly engaged. The method of using the handle assembly (1) for grippably engaging a container (8), whereby the handle assembly (1) is coupled to the container (8) by coupling of first and second member first ends (9)(10) to a container wall (11), can include adjusting the handle assembly (1) between the collapsed condition (6), in which the first and second member lengths (3)(5) dispose proximate the container wall (11), and the extended condition (7) by outwardly extending the first and second member lengths (3)(5) away from the container wall (11), thereby providing a grippable element (12) for grippably engaging the container (8).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 66E, the handle assembly (1) can include a first member (2) having a first member length (3) and a second member (4) having a second member length (5) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 16,FIG. 38, andFIG. 60). The first and second members (2)(4) can adjustably overlappingly couple along the first and second member lengths (3)(5).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1A through 44E, the handle assembly (1) can further include a pair of matable elements (13) coupled one each to the first and second members (2)(4). Upon mating engagement, the pair of matable elements (13) can couple the first and second members (2)(4) along the first and second member lengths (3)(5).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 44E, the pair of matable elements (13) can include a protrusion (14) and a recess (15) configured to receive the protrusion (14). As to particular embodiments, the protrusion (14) can outwardly extend from one of the first or second members (2)(4) and the recess (15) can be disposed within the other of the first or second members (2)(4). Upon mating engagement of the protrusion (14) within the recess (15), the first and second members (2)(4) can be overlappingly coupled to one another.

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 22E, as to particular embodiments, the handle assembly (1) can include a first pair of matable elements (16), whereby a first protrusion (17) can outwardly extend from a first member first side surface (18) and a first recess (19) can be disposed within a second member first side surface (20). Coupling of the first protrusion (17) within the first recess (19) couples a portion of the first and second members (2)(4) along a portion of the first and second member first side surfaces (18)(20).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 22E, as to particular embodiments, the handle assembly (1) can further include a second pair of matable elements (21), whereby a second protrusion (22) can outwardly extend from a first member second side surface (23) and a second recess (24) can be disposed within a second member second side surface (25). Coupling of the second protrusion (22) within the second recess (24) couples a portion of the first and second members (2)(4) along a portion of the first and second member second side surfaces (23)(25).

As to particular embodiments, the first or second recess (19)(24) can dispose proximate a corresponding second member first or second side internal surface (26)(27) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 22E, and in particular, inFIG. 21A). As to other particular embodiments, the first or second recess (19)(24) can dispose proximate a corresponding second member first or second side external surface (28)(29) (not shown). As to yet other particular embodiments, the first or second recess (19)(24) can be configured as an aperture element having an aperture element opening correspondingly communicating between second member first side internal and external surfaces (26)(28) or between second member second side internal and external surfaces (27)(29) (not shown).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 23AthroughFIG. 44E, as to particular embodiments, the handle assembly (1) can include a third pair of matable elements (30), whereby a third protrusion (31) can outwardly extend from a first member front surface (32) and a third recess (33) can be disposed within a second member back surface (34) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 32,FIG. 37throughFIG. 39, andFIG. 40throughFIG. 42B). Coupling of the third protrusion (31) within the third recess (33) couples a portion of the first and second members (2)(4) along a portion of the first member front surface (32) and the second member back surface (34).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 23AthroughFIG. 44E, as to particular embodiments, the handle assembly (1) can further include a fourth pair of matable elements (35), whereby a fourth protrusion (36) can outwardly extend from the second member back surface (34) and a fourth recess (37) can be disposed within the first member front surface (32) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 23B,FIG. 24B,FIG. 24C,FIG. 26,FIG. 31,FIG. 32,FIG. 37throughFIG. 41, andFIG. 43A). Coupling of the fourth protrusion (36) within the fourth recess (37) couples a portion of the first and second members (2)(4) along a portion of the first member front surface (32) and the second member back surface (34).

As to particular embodiments, the third or fourth recess (33)(37) can dispose proximate a corresponding second member back surface (34) or first member front surface (32) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 23AthroughFIG. 44E). As to other particular embodiments, the third or fourth recess (33)(37) can be configured as an aperture element having an aperture element opening correspondingly communicating between the second member back and front surfaces (34)(87) or between the first member front and back surfaces (32)(59) (not shown).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 23AthroughFIG. 44E, as to particular embodiments having the third and four pair of matable elements (30)(35) as described above, the third protrusion (31) can be disposed proximate a first member second end (38), the third recess (33) can be disposed proximate the second member first end (10), the fourth protrusion (36) can be disposed proximate a second member second end (39), and the fourth recess (37) can be disposed proximate the first member first end (9), whereby the third protrusion (31) can be received within the third recess (33) and the fourth protrusion (36) can be received within the fourth recess (37) to couple a portion of the first and second members (2)(4) along a portion of the first member front surface (32) and the second member back surface (34).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 44E, the recess (15) can comprise an elongate recess (40). Following, the protrusion (14) can be slidable within the elongate recess (40) along an elongate recess length (41) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 41) to allow the first and second members (2)(4) to slidably adjust between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 45AthroughFIG. 66E, as to particular embodiments, the first and second members (2)(4) can adjustably overlappingly couple along the first and second member lengths (3)(5) by telescopingly engaging with one another. As an illustrative example, the second member (4) can be configured as a tubular second member (42) having a passage (43) between a second member closed first end (44) and a second member open second end (45). The first member (2) can telescopingly engage within the passage (43), whereby the first member (2) can be slidable within the passage (43) to allow the first and second members (2)(4) to slidably adjust between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 66E, the first and second members (2)(4) can adjustably overlappingly couple along the first and second member lengths (3)(5) such that first and second member first ends (9)(10) dispose in opposed relation. In the collapsed condition (6), the first member first end (9) can dispose proximate the second member second end (39) and the first member second end (38) can dispose proximate the second member first end (10) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 3throughFIG. 8,FIG. 25throughFIG. 30, andFIG. 47throughFIG. 52), whereby this configuration can provide the handle assembly (1) with a lesser handle assembly length (46) in relation to the extended condition (7) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 3,FIG. 9,FIG. 25,FIG. 31,FIG. 47, andFIG. 53). Upon slidably adjusting toward the extended condition (7), the first member second end (38) can slidably adjust toward the second member second end (39), thereby disposing the first member first end (9) distal from the second member second end (39) and disposing the first member second end (38) distal from the second member first end (10) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 9throughFIG. 14,FIG. 31throughFIG. 36, andFIG. 53throughFIG. 58), whereby this configuration can provide the handle assembly (1) with a greater handle assembly length (46) in relation to the collapsed condition (6) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 3,FIG. 9,FIG. 25,FIG. 31,FIG. 47, andFIG. 53).

As to particular embodiments, the handle assembly (1) can further include a securement element (47) configured to positionally secure the first member length (3) along the second member length (5) upon a desired amount of slidable adjustment between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7). Accordingly, the securement element (47) can preclude the first and second members (2)(4) from slidably adjusting further between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7) or from disengaging from one another.

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 44E, as to particular embodiments having a pair of matable elements (13) configured as a protrusion (14) and a corresponding recess (15), the securement element (47) can include frictional forces between the protrusion (14) and at least one wall bounding the recess (15) which receives the protrusion (14) to matably couple the first and second members (2)(4) along the first and second member lengths (3)(5); as such, the handle assembly (1) can have a variably adjustable handle assembly length (46), securable at any handle assembly length (46) between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 45AthroughFIG. 66E, as to particular embodiments having a first member (2) which telescopingly engages within a passage (43) of a tubular second member (42), the securement element (47) can include frictional forces between a first member external surface (49) and a second member internal surface (50) bounding the passage (43) which telescopingly receives the first member (2) to matably couple the first and second members (2)(4) along the first and second member lengths (3)(5); as such, the handle assembly (1) can have a variably adjustable handle assembly length (46), securable at any handle assembly length (46) between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 15throughFIG. 19,FIG. 20B,FIG. 21A,FIG. 37throughFIG. 43A, andFIG. 59throughFIG. 63,FIG. 64B, andFIG. 65A, as to particular embodiments, the securement element (47) can include a catch assembly (51) configured to limit travel of the first member (2) in relation to the second member (4) along the second member length (5). As to particular embodiments, the catch assembly (51) can include first and second catch elements (52)(53) coupled one each to the first and second members (2)(4). Upon engagement, the first and second catch elements (52)(53) can positionally secure the first member length (3) along the second member length (5). Accordingly, the first and second catch elements (52)(53) can preclude the first and second members (2)(4) from slidably adjusting further between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7) or from disengaging from one another. As to particular embodiments, the handle assembly (1) can include a plurality of catch assemblies (51), which can allow the handle assembly (1) to adjust between a corresponding plurality of discrete handle assembly lengths (46), securable at any handle assembly length (46) between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7) whereby first and second catch elements (52)(53) securely engage with one another.

As to particular embodiments, the securement element (47) can include a ratchet mechanism having one or more teeth and at least one pawl (not shown). As an illustrative example, the teeth can be coupled to the first member (2) and the pawl can be coupled to the second member (4) such that the pawl can engage with the teeth to limit travel of the first member (2) in relation to the second member (4).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 22AthroughFIG. 22E,FIG. 44AthroughFIG. 44E, andFIG. 66AthroughFIG. 66E, the handle assembly (1) can further include a coupling element (54) configured to couple the handle assembly (1) to a container (8). As to particular embodiments, a first coupling element (55) can be coupled to the first member first end (9) and a second coupling element (56) can be coupled to the second member first end (10), whereby the first and second coupling elements (55)(56) can be configured to couple the corresponding first and second member first ends (9)(10) to the container (8).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 22AthroughFIG. 22C,FIG. 44AthroughFIG. 44C, andFIG. 66AthroughFIG. 66C, as to particular embodiments, the coupling element (54) can include an adherent layer (57) capable of coupling the handle assembly (1) to the container wall (11) of the container (8). The adherent layer (57) can include at least one, one or more, or a combination of a numerous and wide variety of adhesives suitable for coupling the handle assembly (1) to the container wall (11) in releasable fixed relation or in fixed relation. As an illustrative example, the adherent layer (57) can include non-reactive adhesives such as drying adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, contact adhesives, hot adhesives, or the like, or combinations thereof; reactive adhesives including one-part adhesives or multi-part adhesives; natural adhesives; synthetic adhesives; or the like, or combinations thereof. As to particular embodiments, the adherent layer (57) can include a food grade adhesive which can be capable of coupling a polymer, such as plastic, with a metal, such as aluminum. For example, food grade adhesives suitable for use in embodiments of the handle assembly (1) can include Product EP42HT-2FG, a Two Component, Room Temperature Setting, Heat Resistant Epoxy System for Bonding, Sealing, Coating & Casting Specially Formulated for Food Applications; Product EP30HT, a Two Component, Room Temperature Curing Epoxy for High Performance Bonding, Sealing, Coating and Potting Featuring Optical Clarity and High Temperature Resistance, which conforms to FDA Section 175.105 for indirect food applications; Product EP30HV, a Two Component, Room Temperature Curing Epoxy System for High Performance Bonding, Sealing, Coating and Potting Featuring Excellent Physical Strength Properties and Optical Clarity, which meets FDA Chapter 1, Section 175.105 for indirect food applications; whereby Product EP42HT-2FG, Product EP30HT, or Product EP30HV can be obtained from Master Bond, Inc., 154 Hobart Street, Hackensack, N.J. 07601, USA. However, the invention need not be so limited, as any of a numerous and wide variety of food grade adhesives can be useful for coupling the handle assembly (1) to the container wall (11) in releasable fixed relation or in fixed relation.

Again referring primarily toFIG. 22AthroughFIG. 22C,FIG. 44AthroughFIG. 44C, andFIG. 66AthroughFIG. 66C, as to particular embodiments, a first adherent layer (58) can be coupled to the first member first end (9) proximate the first member back surface (59) and a second adherent layer (60) can be coupled to the second member first end (10) proximate the second member back surface (34), thereby facilitating coupling each of the first and second member first ends (9)(10) to the container wall (11). As an illustrative example, the first adherent layer (58) can couple the first member first end (9) to a container wall upper portion (61) and the second adherent layer (60) can couple the second member first end (10) to a container wall lower portion (62), thereby facilitating coupling of the handle assembly (1) to the container (8).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 22DandFIG. 22E,FIG. 44DandFIG. 44E, andFIG. 66DandFIG. 66E, as to other particular embodiments, the coupling element (54) can include a mechanical fastener (63) capable of coupling the handle assembly (1) to the container wall (11) of the container (8). The mechanical fastener (63) can include at least one, one or more, or a combination of a wide variety of mechanical fasteners (63) suitable for coupling the handle assembly (1) to the container wall (11) in releasable fixed relation or in fixed relation. As an illustrative example, mechanical fasteners (63) can include buckles, buttons, pins, rivets, snap fasteners, threaded fasteners, or the like, or combinations thereof. As to particular embodiments, a first rivet (64) can be coupled to the first member first end (9) and a second rivet (65) can be coupled to the second member first end (10), thereby facilitating coupling each of the first and second member first ends (9)(10) to the container wall (11). As an illustrative example, the first rivet (64) can couple the first member first end (9) to the container wall upper portion (61) and the second rivet (65) can couple the second member first end (10) to the container wall lower portion (62), thereby facilitating coupling of the handle assembly (1) to the container (8).

A method of making a particular embodiment of the handle assembly (1) can include providing a first member (2) having a first member length (3); providing a second member (4) having a second member length (5); and adjustably overlappingly coupling the first and second members (2)(4) along the first and second member lengths (3)(5); whereby the handle assembly (1) is adjustable between a collapsed condition (6), having greater portions of the first and second member lengths (3)(5) overlappingly engaged, and an extended condition (7), having lesser portions of the first and second member lengths (3)(5) overlappingly engaged.

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include coupling a pair of matable elements (13) one each to the first and second members (2)(4), whereby upon mating engagement, the pair of matable elements (13) can couple the first and second members (2)(4) along the first and second member lengths (3)(5). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the pair of matable elements (13) as a protrusion (14) and a recess (15) capable of receiving the protrusion (14). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the recess (15) as an elongate recess (40), whereby the protrusion (14) is slidable within the elongate recess (40) to allow the first and second members (2)(4) to slidably adjust between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7).

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include providing a securement element (47) configured to positionally secure the first member length (3) along the second member length (5).

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include coupling a first coupling element (55) to a first member first end (9) and coupling a second coupling element (56) to a second member first end (10), whereby the first and second coupling elements (55)(56) are configured to couple each of the corresponding first and second member first ends (9)(10) to the container (8). As to particular embodiments, the first coupling element (55) can include a first adherent layer (58) coupled to the first member first end (9) proximate a first member back surface (59) and the second coupling element (56) can include a second adherent layer (60) coupled to the second member first end (10) proximate a second member back surface (34). As to particular embodiments, the first and second adherent layers (58)(60) can include a food grade adhesive. As to other particular embodiments, the first and second coupling elements (55)(56) can include mechanical fasteners (63).

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include telescopingly engaging the first and second members (2)(4) along the first and second member lengths (3)(5). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the second member (4) as a tubular second member (42) having a passage (43) between a second member closed first end (44) and a second member open second end (45), whereby the first member (2) telescopingly engages within the passage (43), and whereby the first member (2) is slidable within the passage (43) to allow the first and second members (2)(4) to slidably adjust between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7).

The method of making the particular embodiment of the handle assembly (1) having telescopingly engaged first and second members (2)(4) can further include providing a securement element (47) configured to positionally secure the first member length (3) along the second member length (5).

The method of making the particular embodiment of the handle assembly (1) having telescopingly engaged first and second members (2)(4) can further include coupling a first coupling element (55) to a first member first end (9) and coupling a second coupling element (56) to a second member first end (10), whereby the first and second coupling elements (55)(56) can be configured to couple each of the corresponding first and second member first ends (9)(10) to the container (8). As to particular embodiments, the first coupling element (55) can include a first adherent layer (58) coupled to the first member first end (9) proximate a first member back surface (59) and the second coupling element (56) can include a second adherent layer (60) coupled to the second member first end (10) proximate a second member back surface (34). As to particular embodiments, the first and second adherent layers (58)(60) can include a food grade adhesive. As to other particular embodiments, the first and second coupling elements (55)(56) can include mechanical fasteners (63).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B,FIG. 22CthroughFIG. 22E,FIG. 23AandFIG. 23B,FIG. 44CthroughFIG. 44E,FIG. 45AandFIG. 45B, andFIG. 66CthroughFIG. 66E, a method of using a particular embodiment of the handle assembly (1) for grippably engaging a container (8) can include obtaining a handle assembly (1) configured as described above, whereby the handle assembly (1) is coupled to the container (8) by coupling of first and second member first ends (9)(10) to a container wall (11), can include adjusting the handle assembly (1) between the collapsed condition (6), in which the first and second member lengths (3)(5) dispose proximate the container wall (11), and the extended condition (7) by outwardly extending the first and second member lengths (3)(5) away from the container wall (11) to provide a grippable element (12) for grippably engaging the container (8). As to particular embodiments, adjusting the handle assembly (1) between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7) can include slidably adjusting the first and second members (2)(4) between the collapsed and extended conditions (6)(7).

The method of using the handle assembly (1) can further include securing said handle assembly (1) in the extended condition (7) with a securement element (47).

The method of using the handle assembly (1) can further include gripping the grippable element (12) to grippably engage the container (8).

As to particular embodiments, when coupled to a container wall (11), the handle assembly (1) in the collapsed condition (6) can have substantially planar first and second member lengths (3)(5) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 1A,FIG. 23A, andFIG. 45A) and, when coupled to a container wall (11), the handle assembly (1) in the extended condition (7) can have arcuate first and second member lengths (3)(5), thereby providing an arcuate grippable element (12) for grippably engaging the container (8) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 1B,FIG. 23B, andFIG. 45B).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 67AandFIG. 67B, which illustrate methods of using a particular embodiment of a handle assembly (1) including an annular member (66) and an elongate member (67) having an elongate member length (68) disposed between elongate member first and second ends (69)(70), whereby the elongate member first end (69) pivotally couples to the annular member (66). The method of using the handle assembly (1) for grippably engaging a container (8), whereby the handle assembly (1) is coupled to the container (8) by rotatable coupling of the annular member (66) about a container external wall (71) and pivotal coupling of the elongate member second end (70) to the container external wall (71), can include adjusting the handle assembly (1) between a collapsed condition (6), whereby the elongate member length (68) disposes proximate the container external wall (71), and an extended condition (7), whereby the elongate member length (68) outwardly extends from the container external wall (71) to provide a grippable element (12) for grippably engaging the container (8).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 67AandFIG. 67B, when the handle assembly (1) is coupled to the container (8), the extended condition (7) is achieved by rotating the annular member (66) to align the elongate member first end (69) with the elongate member second end (70), thereby providing a grippable element (12) for grippably engaging the container (8).

As to particular embodiments, when the handle assembly (1) is coupled to the container (8), the extended condition (7) is achieved by rotating the annular member (66) to align the elongate member first end (69) with the elongate member second end (70) along a container external wall vertical axis (72) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 76AthroughFIG. 76C), thereby providing a grippable element (12) for grippably engaging the container (8).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 67AthroughFIG. 76C, the handle assembly (1) includes an annular member (66) and an elongate member (67) having an elongate member length (68) disposed between elongate member first and second ends (69)(70), whereby the elongate member first end (69) pivotally couples to the annular member (66).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 68AthroughFIG. 74, the annular member (66) can have an annular member internal surface (73) which bounds an annular member opening (74), whereby the annular member opening (74) can be configured to receive a container (8). The annular member internal surface (73) can bound an annular member opening (74) having any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations corresponding to the numerous and wide variety of configurations of containers (8) which can be received within the annular member opening (74). For example, the annular member internal surface (73) can bound an annular member opening (74) configured as a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a parabola, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a polygon, a freeform shape, or the like, or combinations thereof, whereby the annular member opening (74) which can receive a container (8) having a corresponding circular, oval, elliptical, parabolic, triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, polygonal, or freeform-shaped cross section.

As but one illustrative example, the annular member internal surface (73) can bound a generally circular annular member opening (74), which can receive a generally cylindrical container (8) having a generally circular cross section. Upon receiving the container (8) within the annular member opening (74), the annular member (66) can rotatably couple to the container (8) such that the annular member (66) can rotate about a container external wall (71).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 68AthroughFIG. 74, the annular member (66) can have an annular member external surface (75) contoured to extend in generally parallel relation to the annular member internal surface (73).

As to particular embodiments, the annular member (66) can further include one or more aperture elements defining aperture element openings which communicate between the annual member internal and external surfaces (73)(75) (not shown).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 68AthroughFIG. 74, the elongate member (67) has an elongate member length (68) disposed between elongate member first and second ends (69)(70). The elongate member first end (69) pivotally couples to the annular member (66), for example by a pivot element (76) which allows the elongate member first end (69) to pivot about an annular member radial pivot axis (77) passing through the annular member (66). As but one illustrative example, the pivot element (76) can be configured as a rivet (78).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 68AthroughFIG. 74, the elongate member second end (70) is configured to pivotally couple to the container (8), for example by a pivot element (76) which allows the elongate member second end (70) to pivot about a container radial pivot axis (79) passing through the container (8). As but one illustrative example, the pivot element (76) can be configured as a rivet (78).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 67A,FIG. 67B, andFIG. 76AthroughFIG. 76C, the handle assembly (1) is configured to couple to the container (8) by rotatable coupling of the annular member (66) about the container external wall (71) and pivotal coupling of the elongate member second end (70) to the container external wall (71). As to particular embodiments, the annular member (66) can rotatably couple about the container external wall (71) proximate a container external wall upper portion (80), thereby disposing the elongate member first end (69) proximate the container external wall upper portion (80), and the elongate member second end (70) can pivotally couple to the container external wall (71) proximate a container external wall lower portion (81).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 67A,FIG. 67B, andFIG. 76AthroughFIG. 76C, upon coupling to the container (8), the handle assembly (1) can be configured in a collapsed condition (6), whereby generally the entirety of the elongate member length (68) between the elongate member first and second ends (69)(70) can be disposed proximate or adjacent to the container external wall (71). As to particular embodiments, when in the collapsed condition (6), the elongate member first end (69) can dispose along a container external wall first vertical axis (82) and the elongate member second end (70) can dispose along a container external wall second vertical axis (83), whereby the container external wall first and second vertical axes (82)(83) locate a distance apart; as such, the container external wall first and second vertical axes (82)(83) are not vertically collinear. Accordingly, in the collapsed condition (6), the elongate member first and second ends (69)(70) do not vertically align along a container external wall vertical axis (72).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 67A,FIG. 67B, andFIG. 76AthroughFIG. 76C, as an illustrative example, particular embodiments of the handle assembly (1) which couple to a generally cylindrical container (8) having a generally circular cross section can have the elongate member first end (69) dispose proximate the container external wall upper portion (80) along the container external wall first vertical axis (82) and the elongate member second end (70) dispose proximate the container external wall lower portion (81) along the container external wall second vertical axis (83), whereby the container external wall first and second vertical axes (82)(83) dispose a distance of about 180° apart, consequently disposing the elongate member first and second ends (69)(70) a distance of about 180° apart; however, the invention need not be so limited, as the elongate member first and second ends (69)(70) can dispose a distance of less than about 180° apart or a distance of greater than about 180° apart, depending upon the application, when the handle assembly (1) couples to the generally cylindrical container (8) in the collapsed condition (6).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 67A,FIG. 67B, andFIG. 76AthroughFIG. 76C, upon coupling to the container (8), the handle assembly (1) can be configured in an extended condition (7), whereby generally the entirety of the elongate member length (68) outwardly extends from the container external wall (71) to provide a grippable element (12) for grippably engaging the container (8). As to particular embodiments, when in the extended condition (7), the elongate member first and second ends (69)(70) can align along the container external wall second vertical axis (83). Accordingly, in the extended condition (7), the elongate member first and second ends (69)(70) vertically align along a container external wall vertical axis (72).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 67A,FIG. 67B, andFIG. 76AthroughFIG. 76C, the handle assembly (1) coupled to the container (8) can adjust from the collapsed condition (6) toward the extended condition (7) by rotating the annular member (66) such that the elongate member first end (69) rotates from a first location (85) along the container external wall first vertical axis (82) to a second location (86) along the container external wall second vertical axis (83), thus aligning the elongate member first end (69) with the elongate member second end (70) along the container external wall second vertical axis (83).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 67A,FIG. 67B, andFIG. 76AthroughFIG. 76C, as an illustrative example, particular embodiments of the handle assembly (1) which couple to a generally cylindrical container (8) having a generally circular cross section whereby the elongate member first and second ends (69)(70) dispose a distance of about 180° apart in the collapsed condition (6), can adjust from the collapsed condition (6) toward the extended condition (7) by rotation of the annular member (66) a distance of about 180°. Accordingly, the elongate member first end (69) rotates a distance of about 180° from the first location (85) along the container external wall first vertical axis (82) to the second location (86) along the container external wall second vertical axis (83), thus aligning the elongate member first end (69) with the elongate member second end (70) along the container external wall second vertical axis (83). As such, the elongate member length (68) can outwardly extend from the container external wall (71) to provide a grippable element (12) for grippably engaging the container (8).

A method of making a handle assembly (1) for grippably engaging a container (8) includes providing an annular member (66); providing an elongate member (67) having an elongate member length (68) disposed between elongate member first and second ends (69)(70); and pivotally coupling the elongate member first end (69) to the annular member (66). The handle assembly (1) is configured to couple to the container (8) by rotatable coupling of the annular member (66) about a container external wall (71) and pivotal coupling of the elongate member second end (70) to the container external wall (71). Further, the handle assembly (1) coupled to the container (8) is adjustable between a collapsed condition (6) and an extended condition (7); whereby in the collapsed condition (6), the elongate member length (68) disposes proximate the container external wall (71); and whereby in the extended condition (7), the elongate member length (68) outwardly extends from the container external wall (71) to provide a grippable element (12) for grippably engaging the container (8).

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the annular member (66) to have an annular member internal surface (73) which bounds an annular member opening (74), whereby the annular member opening (74) is configured to receive the container (8).

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the annular member internal surface (73) to bound a generally circular annular member opening (74) configured to receive a container (8) having a generally circular cross section.

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include pivotally coupling the elongate member first end (69) to the annular member (66) with a pivot element (76) which allows the elongate member first end (69) to pivot about an annular member radial pivot axis (77) passing through the annular member (66). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the pivot element (76) as a rivet (78).

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the elongate member second end (70) to pivotally couple to the container (8) by a pivot element (76) which allows the elongate member second end (70) to pivot about a container radial pivot axis (79) passing through the container (8). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the pivot element (76) as a rivet (78).

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the handle assembly (1) to couple to the container (8) by: rotatable coupling of the annular member (66) about the container external wall (71) proximate a container external wall upper portion (80) to dispose the elongate member first end (69) proximate the container external wall upper portion (80); and pivotal coupling of the elongate member second end (70) to the container external wall (71) proximate a container external wall lower portion (81).

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the handle assembly (1) such that in the collapsed condition (6), the elongate member first end (69) disposes along a container external wall first vertical axis (82) and the elongate member second end (70) disposes along a container external wall second vertical axis (83); the container external wall first and second vertical axes (82)(83) locate a distance apart such that the container external wall first and second vertical axes (82)(83) are not vertically collinear.

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the handle assembly (1) such that in the collapsed condition (6), the elongate member first and second ends (69)(70) do not vertically align along a container external wall vertical axis (72).

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the handle assembly (1) such that the extended condition (7) is achieved by rotating the annular member (66) to align the elongate member first end (69) with the elongate member second end (70).

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the handle assembly (1) such that the extended condition (7) is achieved by rotating the annular member (66) to align the elongate member first end (69) with the elongate member second end (70) along the container external wall vertical axis (72).

The method of making the handle assembly (1) can further include configuring the handle assembly (1) such that in the extended condition (7), the elongate member first and second ends (69)(70) align along the container external wall second vertical axis (83).

Components of the handle assembly (1), including the first member (2), the second member (4), the annular member (66), or the elongate member (67), can be entirely formed of the same material, or alternatively, components of the handle assembly (1) can be formed from a plurality of materials.

Components of the handle assembly (1) can be made from any of a numerous and wide variety of processes depending upon the application, such as press molding, injection molding, extrusion, fabrication, machining, printing, additive printing, or the like, or combinations thereof, as one piece or assembled from a plurality of pieces into a component of the handle assembly (1).

As to particular embodiments, components of the handle assembly (1) can have a gripping surface (88) configured on a corresponding first member front surface (32), first member back surface (59), second member front surface (87) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 23AthroughFIG. 44E), second member back surface (34), annular member external surface (75), annular member internal surface (73), elongate member front surface (89), or elongate member back surface (90). As an illustrative example, the gripping surface (88) can include one or more recess elements (91) disposed in spaced apart relation within the gripping surface (88) or one or more or more raised elements (92) outwardly extending in spaced apart relation from the gripping surface (88), or the like, or combinations thereof.

As to particular embodiments, components of the handle assembly (1), including the first member (2), the second member (4), or the elongate member (67), can have a hinge element, such as a living hinge, incorporated therewithin (not shown), whereby the hinge element facilitates adjustment between the collapsed and extended condition (6)(7).

A method of using a handle assembly (1) for grippably engaging a container (8) includes obtaining the handle assembly (1) comprising an annular member (66) and an elongate member (67) having an elongate member length (68) disposed between elongate member first and second ends (69)(70), whereby the elongate member first end (69) pivotally couples to the annular member (66). The method of using the handle assembly (1) for grippably engaging the container (8), whereby the handle assembly (1) is coupled to the container (8) by rotatable coupling of the annular member (66) about a container external wall (71) and pivotal coupling of the elongate member second end (70) to the container external wall (71), can include adjusting the handle assembly (1) coupled to the container (8) between a collapsed condition (6), whereby the elongate member length (68) disposes proximate the container external wall (71), and an extended condition (7), whereby the elongate member length (68) outwardly extends from the container external wall (71), thereby providing a grippable element (12) for grippably engaging the container (8).

As to particular embodiments, the handle assembly (1) is coupled to the container (8) by: rotatable coupling of the annular member (66) about the container external wall (71) proximate a container external wall upper portion (80) to dispose the elongate member first end (69) proximate the container external wall upper portion (80); and pivotal coupling of the elongate member second end (70) to the container external wall (71) proximate a container external wall lower portion (81).

As to particular embodiments, when the handle assembly (1) is in the collapsed condition (6), the elongate member first end (69) disposes along a container external wall first vertical axis (82) and the elongate member second end (70) disposes along a container external wall second vertical axis (83); the container external wall first and second vertical axes (82)(83) locate a distance apart such that the container external wall first and second vertical axes (82)(83) are not vertically collinear.

As to particular embodiments, when the handle assembly (1) is in the collapsed condition (6), the elongate member first and second ends (69)(70) do not vertically align along a container external wall vertical axis (72).

The method of using the handle assembly (1) can further include achieving the extended condition (7) by rotating the annular member (66) to align the elongate member first end (69) with the elongate member second end (70).

The method of using the handle assembly (1) can further include achieving the extended condition (7) by rotating the annular member (66) to align the elongate member first end (69) with the elongate member second end (70) along the container external wall vertical axis (72).

The method of using the handle assembly (1) can further include achieving the extended condition (7) by vertically aligning the elongate member first and second ends (69)(70) along the container external wall second vertical axis (83).

The method of using the handle assembly (1) can further include gripping the grippable element (12) to grippably engage the container (8).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a handle assembly and methods for making and using such handle assemblies, including the best mode.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.