Abstract:
A pail handle having an integral grip, straps and pivot mechanism. The grip has ribs and spine, and optionally a writing section for insertion of a logo or other writing.

Description:
[0001]     This application is based on, and claims priority to, provisional application having Ser. No. 60/567,019, having a filing date of Apr. 30, 2004, entitled Pail Handle. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates to handles used for carrying pails.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Historically many pail handles were constructed of a metal wire. Such handles are still commonly used on paint pails and other pails that often have significant weight when fill. The wire handles are very uncomfortable to use, particularly when carrying heavy pails.  
         [0004]     Plastic has become popular because it can be easily molded into a flat strip that is more comfortable to use than a metal wire handle. Although an improvement to wire handles, flat or even cylindrical plastic handles can still be uncomfortable to use. This problem has been solved by clipping grips to the plastic straps. This, however, results in a two part construction that can be costly. Furthermore, the pieces can separate leaving a flat strap or metal wire handle. Additionally, when the components separate, accidents can result such as spilled pail contents.  
         [0005]     Accordingly, there is a need for a single piece pail handle that is comfortable to use, particularly when carrying heavy containers.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention provides a pail handle having an integral grip, straps and at least a portion of a pivot mechanism. The grip has ribs and a spine, and optionally a writing section for insertion of a logo or other writing. The grip section may be contoured to a typical hand profile for added comfort.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings.  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  depicts a pail handle according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  depicts a pail handle attached to a pail according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of a pail handle according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  depicts a pail handle according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  depicts a logo insert portion of a pail handle according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a one-piece, single material pail handle, particularly suitable for use on open head containers from 1 to 10 gallons. “One-piece” means that the gripping section, extensions therefrom and pail attachment portions are an integral piece of material. Plastic is the preferred material, however, other moldable materials may used, provided they have the necessary integrity for the desired application. An all-plastic handle is appealing within the commercial container industry for several reasons. First, a plastic handle of the same material as the pail it is mounted on improves the recyclability of the overall package by eliminating disassembly and material separation requirements. Second, a plastic, or other non-metal handle as part of a non-metal container system is necessary for the successful implementation of in-line metal detection in food service applications. Third, plastic handles can be fashioned into more comfortable and ergonomic shapes than their metal counterparts. Fourth, with proper tooling, pail handles can be manufactured more economically from plastic than from steel wire. Last, the versatility of plastic molding allows for clever handle designs that can add intrinsic marketing value to the overall package.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  depicts a handle  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The main handle sections are a grip  102 , a strap  104 , and a pivot mechanism, a portion of which is shown in  FIG. 1  as  106 A and  106 B.  
         [0015]     Grip  102  is the portion of the handle that is gripped by a user for lifting, pouring, and transporting. Strap  104  has a first section  104 A extending from a first end of grip  102 , and a second section  104 B extending from a second end of grip  102 . Strap sections  104 A and  104 B each end at pivot mechanism  106  at pail  200  as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0016]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , grip  102  preferably has a broad bottom surface  112  to spread the pail load over wide area of a user&#39;s hand. Illustrative dimensions of the bottom surface include a length in the range of about 6.0 cm to about 12.0 cm, with an area in the range of about 4.5 cm 2  to about 21 cm 2 , and a width in the range of about 0.75 cm to about 1.75 cm. Preferably the dimensions of bottom surface  112  are a length in the range of about 7.5 cm to about 10.0 cm, an area in the range of about 7.5 cm 2  to about 15 cm 2 , and a width in the range of about 1.0 cm and 1.5 cm. These dimensions may be scaled up or down in proportion to the container size. Although it is preferred to have the diameter of the grip vary along its length, the grip may be uniform in circumference. To provide additional comfort to the user, grip  102  is contoured to a typical hand profile.  
         [0017]     An exemplary outer diameter  116  (see  FIG. 4 ) range for grip  102  is about 2.0 cm to about 2.5 cm. The ideal outer diameter will of course depend on the application including the size of the user. An illustrative grip length range is about 7.5 cm to about 10.0 cm. Larger diameter handles can be gripped more firmly with less force that smaller diameter handles, such as wire handles or thin plastic handles.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show an illustrative pivot mechanism. The mechanism includes headed protrusions  106 A and  106 B that connect to handle  100  and provide pivot points for the handle with respect to the pail to facilitate pouring, storage and carrying. In the exemplary mechanism shown, headed protrusions  106 A and  106 B fit into a circular receiving component within which they can rotate. The pivot mechanism can also be constructed in the reverse with the headed protrusions on the container and the receiving portions on the handle. It is also possible to have the entire pivoting portion of the pivot mechanism on either the container or the handle and have a mechanism to fix the strap or container to the pivoting portion of the pivot mechanism. As used herein the phrase “pivot mechanism” includes the mechanism to fix the strap or container to the pivoting portion.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  depicts ribs  108  on grip  102 . Ribs  108  can reduce overall handle weight without sacrificing strength. Grip  102  preferably has ribs  108  along at least a portion of the grip length, and most preferably along the entire length. Costs can also be reduced by reducing the mass of the grip.  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  also depicts an optional spine  110  disposed along an upper portion of the grip length. Spine  110  can stiffen grip  102  to prevent or reduce flexing under load. Spine  110  extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the grip, however, it is preferable that spine  110  extends the entire length of the grip. Spine  110  need not be positioned at the upper portion of grip  102  but may be disposed elsewhere such as along the center of the grip.  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  depicts slots  114  that can be included in the handle to provide improved strength-to-weight ratio as compared to a non-slotted configuration. The slots may be any shape and number provided that the required strength is maintained.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  depicts a writing section  118  for company identification, branding or any other design or writing, such as warnings or instructions (herein after referred to as a “writing section”). The writing can be engraved, printed or inserted into a pocket.  FIG. 5  depicts writing section  118  disposed on the grip portion of the handle however, the writing section may be disposed on other sections of the handle. The ability to provide a warning or instructions in a conspicuous location such as the handle is particularly advantageous. This conspicuous location is also desirable from a marketing perspective for the placement of brand names and logos.  
         [0023]     The grip area may employ a secondary rubber, rubber-like material or other cushion-providing material in whole or in part to provide increased user comfort. Preferably, this secondary material would be affixed by means of a snap or stretch fit, but could alternatively be affixed by adhesive bonding or in-place molding or any other fastening mechanism compatible with the handle materials and use. The material could surround the grip, or a portion thereof, or can be disposed only along a particular area such as the bottom portion of the grip. The material need not end at the edges of the grip but can extend onto the straps or may fall short of the grip ends.  
         [0024]     Preferably the handle  100  is constructed as a continuous piece of material, which is referred to herein as a “one-piece” design. A one-piece design can simplify manufacturing and may provide a more reliable handle that will not separate. Although it is preferable to have all or most of the handle constructed of a single piece of material, the handle may be comprised of separate components of either like or different materials. For example, the pivot mechanism or cushioning may be formed of a different material.  
         [0025]     It is noted that materials other than plastic, for example rubber or rubber-like materials, may be used to construct all or part of the handle. Furthermore, the handle may be used for different size containers and different container types.  
         [0026]     While the invention has been described by illustrative embodiments, additional advantages and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to specific details shown and described herein. Modifications, for example, to the materials or dimensions of the handle may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the specific illustrative embodiments, but be interpreted within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.