Abstract:
A handle assembly for a container dispensing a seaming compound comprises a connector plate configured for coupling to the container, a first handle, and a second handle, wherein each of the first handle and the second handle is coupled to the connector plate.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/940,736, filed Feb. 17, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to handles for a container. In particular, the present disclosure relates to finisher boxes and handles for finisher boxes. 
         [0003]    Mastic or other seaming compounds are typically applied over seams in drywall and other building materials. These seaming compounds are viscous and dispensed from containers such as flat finisher boxes, which are used to apply finish coats of joint compound over taped drywall joints. Flat finisher boxes currently include handles that allow the operator to control the orientation of the box during use and to extend his reach. Controlling the orientation is a matter of allowing the box to pivot from the handle or locking the handle in place when the operator applies a locking mechanism (i.e., a brake lever) at a distal end of the handle. Conventional handles for finisher boxes come in a variety of lengths, generally from about 34″ long to as long as 72″ or longer. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one embodiment, a handle assembly for a container dispensing a seaming compound comprises a connector plate configured for coupling to the container, a first handle, and a second handle, wherein each of the first handle and the second handle is coupled to the connector plate. 
         [0005]    In another embodiment, a handle assembly for a container comprises a pressure plate configured for coupling to the container, a first handle having a longitudinal axis extending at a first angle to the pressure plate, and a second handle having a longitudinal axis extending substantially orthogonal to the pressure plate, wherein each of the first handle and the second handle is coupled to the pressure plate. 
         [0006]    In yet another embodiment, a handle assembly for a finisher box comprises a connector plate including an extension, the connector plate configured to secure to the finisher box. The handle assembly further comprises a first handle coupled to the extension and defining a first gripping surface and a second handle including a first portion and a second portion, the second portion defining the second gripping surface. The first portion is coupled to the connector plate and the second portion extends from the first portion such that longitudinal axes of the first portion and the second portion form an acute angle. The second handle is attachable to the connector plate in either of a first orientation or a second orientation. 
         [0007]    Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate perspective views of a container or finisher box with a handle assembly according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 5-8  illustrate perspective views of a container or finisher box with a handle assembly according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0010]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a handle assembly including a connector plate for a container or finisher box according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 10  illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of a container or finisher box with the handle assembly of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of the finisher box and the handle assembly of  FIG. 10 , including the handle assembly coupled to the finisher box. 
           [0013]      FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a handle assembly including a connector plate for a container or finisher box according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 13  illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of a container or finisher box with the handle assembly of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of the finisher box and the handle assembly of  FIG. 13 , including the handle assembly coupled to the finisher box. 
           [0016]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of the finisher box and the handle assembly of  FIGS. 13-14 , with the handle assembly in a different orientation from that of  FIGS. 12-14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
         [0018]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate a container or finisher box  10  including a handle assembly or accessory  12  according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. For the purposes of this application, the finisher box  10  is for drywall finishing. Drywall finishing is described herein as an example for what the various embodiments of the handle assembly  12  may be used for. 
         [0019]    The finisher box  10  also includes a body or housing  14  with a bottom wall and spaced apart sides  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   d . The bottom wall and the sides  16   a - 16   d  are adapted to receive joint compound in a cavity they form. The bottom wall and sides  16   a - 16   d  may be formed as one piece or coupled by any suitable fastener. A top wall or pressure plate  18  includes a first edge  20  and a spaced second edge  22  that may be parallel to the first edge  20 . The pressure plate  18  is retained within the finisher box  10  and is pivotable within the finisher box  10  relative to the sides  16   a - 16   d . In particular, the first edge  20  is slidable along the side  16   d , which essentially forms a front wall, while the second edge  22  remains positioned substantially adjacent the side  16   c  (which essentially forms a back wall). In the illustrated embodiment, two fasteners  24  (i.e., set screws) define a stop that prevents the pressure plate  18  from being completely displaced from the finisher box  10 . Other structures may retain the pressure plate  18  relative to the finisher box  10 . For example, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 10-11 , which will be described in greater detail below, two rotatable latches  242  define the stop that prevents the pressure plate  218  from separating from the finisher box  210 . The finisher box  10  also includes an opening or aperture (not shown) located between adjacent edges or surfaces of the bottom wall and the side  16   d , through which joint compound or a seaming compound can be extruded. As the pressure plate  18  is pushed along the side  16   d  toward the bottom wall, seaming compound is forced out through the aperture. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture is substantially the same length the bottom wall and side  16   d , although the aperture in other embodiments may be any suitable length. The side  16   d  or bottom wall also includes a blade finisher, which helps to evenly distribute and smooth the seaming compound as it is pushed out of the aperture. The finisher box  10  may also include wheels  26  to facilitate movement of the box  10  against the wall. The finisher box  10  may also include a skid or skids  128  in place of one or both of the wheels  26 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8 . Additionally, fasteners  30  (i.e., stubs or screws  30   a  and wingnuts  30   b , respectively) may be coupled to the pressure plate  18 , and a tensioning mechanism  32  may be included on the side  16   d  for adjusting the amount of seaming compound crown when filling the cavity between the drywall panels. 
         [0020]    The handle assembly  12  according to the first embodiment of the disclosure is coupled to the finisher box  10  and includes a first handle  34  (i.e., a knife handle) and a second handle or a push post  36 . In particular, the first handle  34  is coupled to the pressure plate  18 . The first handle  34 , which is shaped and sized similarly to a conventional knife handle, is also sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the operator&#39;s hand and gives the operator much improved leverage and control when maneuvering the box  10  during use, as compared with conventional handles. For example, the operator can use the box  10  with one hand by holding only the first handle  34 . Additionally, the first handle  34  may include a grip  38 , which defines a first gripping portion that emulates the size and shape of the grip used on standard drywall finisher knives, thereby allowing the operator to operate the finisher box  10  much like he would a finisher knife. Drywall finishers are very comfortable using a tool in this way. 
         [0021]    The push post  36  may be coupled to one or both of the pressure plate  18  and the first handle  34 . The first handle  34  and the push post  36  are positioned in close proximity to one another. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4 , the first handle  34  and the push post  36  are coupled to one another on the pressure plate  18 . As such, while the operator holds the first handle  34  with one hand, he may use his other hand to manipulate the push post  36 . Dual use of both the first handle  34  and the push post  36  gives the operator substantial control over the path of the finisher box  10 . Pressure applied by hand to the push post  36  gives much more leverage as well, which helps to push the seaming compound out of the finisher box  10  (and onto the wall to be finished). The pressure is applied orthogonally to the pressure plate through the push post  36 , therefore not wasting a user&#39;s energy. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the first handle  34  and the push post  36  are bolted to the pressure plate  18  of the finisher box  10 . However, the first handle  34  and the push post  36  may be secured in other ways to the pressure plate  18 , as described below and shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . The push post  36  and the first handle  34  may also be attached to one another or to the pressure plate  18  in one of the ways as described above and below, or in other ways not described within. 
         [0022]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the push post  36  is connected to the first handle  34  by an attachment piece  40  (e.g., a piece of sheet metal). The attachment piece  40  is stiff enough that the operator can control the box  10  very well and also apply enough pressure to the pressure plate  18  to push the seaming compound out of the box  10  and onto the wall to be finished. In other embodiments, the attachment piece  40  may be rather flexible. In those embodiments, the first handle  34  is pivotable at the attachment piece  40  relative to the pressure plate  18  to allow the operator to find a hand position that is most comfortable. The first handle  34  has a longitudinal axis defining an acute angle relative to the pressure plate  18 . 
         [0023]    The push post  36  is bolted (or otherwise fastened) directly onto the pressure plate  18  or the attachment piece  40 , and the push post  36  extends substantially orthogonally from the pressure plate  18 . A longitudinal axis of the push post  36  defines an angle relative to the pressure plate  18  that is greater than the angle formed by the longitudinal axis of the first handle  34  to the pressure plate  18 . Additionally, as illustrated, the push post  36  is positioned near the first edge  20  of the pressure plate  18 , which allows the operator to get maximum mechanical advantage on the plate  18  and reduces the amount of pressure and effort to push seaming compound out of the finisher box  10 . The push post  36  is substantially rounded (i.e., knob shaped) at a distal end to be comfortable in the palm of the operator&#39;s hand and to define a second gripping portion. 
         [0024]    The entire handle assembly could also be made in one piece, such as by molding or casting.  FIGS. 5-8  illustrate a container or finisher box  110  including a handle assembly or accessory  112  according to a second embodiment of the invention. Therefore, structure of the second embodiment similar to the first embodiment will be identified with reference numerals of the first embodiment plus “100,” and only the differences will discussed herein. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 5-8  show the pressure plate  118 , the first handle  134 , and the push post  136  molded as a one-piece assembly. The one-piece assembly is shaped substantially similar to the design as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . However, notably, the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8  may or may not include features on a top side of the pressure plate  118 , such as the fasteners  30   a ,  30   b . Similarly, the handle  134  may be formed as one piece with the pressure plate  118 . In that embodiment, the push post  136  may be formed as one piece with either the pressure plate  118  or the first handle  134 . The push post  136  and the first handle  134  may also be attached to one another or to the pressure plate  118  in one of the ways as described above and below, or in other ways not described within. 
         [0026]    The second embodiment shows one wheel  126  and one skid  128 , but may include a second wheel  126  in place of the skid  128  or a second skid  128  in place of the wheel  126 . The skid  128  is configured to reduce the contact area between the wall and the finisher box  110  at an end of the finisher box  110  opposite the aperture, therefore making maneuvering the finisher box  10  along the wall easier. Preferably, the finisher box  110  will include wheels  126  on both sides, or skids  128  on both sides. An axle  144 , molded with the pressure plate  118  in the illustrated embodiment, provides attachment points on its opposite ends for the wheels  126 . The pressure plate  118  is held in place through a rotatable latch  142  at a corner of the pressure plate  118  and the finisher box  110 . 
         [0027]    In reference to both the first and the second embodiments, one or both of the first handle  34 ,  134  and the push post  36 ,  136  may be used to move the box  10 ,  110  along a drywall joint and push the seaming compound out of the finisher box  10 ,  110  and onto the wall. The connection of the first handle  34 ,  134  and the push post  36 ,  136  to the pressure plate  18 ,  118  gives the operator increased leverage on the pressure plate  18 ,  118  as compared with the single handles that are standard in the industry. Experienced drywall finishers will be very comfortable manipulating the box  10 ,  110  with the first handle  34 ,  134  because holding only the first handle  34 ,  134  works and feels very much like using a drywall finishing knife. As such the handle assembly for the finisher box  10 ,  110  of the present invention is ideal for all drywall projects regardless of the operator&#39;s skills and experience finishing drywall. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 10-11  illustrate a container or finisher box  210  according to a third embodiment of the invention that includes a removable handle assembly or accessory  212 . The finisher box  210  and the handle assembly  212  of  FIGS. 9-11  have similar structure to that of the finisher box  10  and the handle assembly  12  of  FIGS. 1-4 . Therefore, structure of the third embodiment similar to the first embodiment will be identified with reference numerals of the first embodiment plus “200.” 
         [0029]    The first handle  234  and the push post  236  are coupled to a connector plate  246 , forming the handle assembly  212  which is removably coupled to the pressure plate  218  of the finisher box  210 . The connector plate  246  includes a first edge  247   a  and a spaced second edge  247   b  that may be parallel to the first edge  247   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the push post  236  is positioned near the first edge  247   a  of the connector plate  246 , which allows the operator to get maximum mechanical advantage on the pressure plate  218  through the connector plate  246  and reduces the amount of pressure and effort to push seaming compound out of the finisher box  210 . The push post  236  is connected to the first handle  234  by the attachment piece  240  (e.g., a piece of sheet metal). The attachment piece  240  may be coupled to the connector plate  246  by fasteners or other coupling means. 
         [0030]    The connector plate  246  also includes two openings or notches  248 . The two notches  248  are sized and shaped to receive fasteners  230  (i.e., studs  230   a  and wingnuts  230   b , respectively) provided on most commercially available flat finisher boxes. As a result, an operator that already owns a conventional finisher box can attach the handle assembly  212  very easily to his finisher box. This way, the handle assembly  212  may be attached as an auxiliary accessory to be used when desired. 
         [0031]    To assemble the finisher box  210 , the operator unscrews the wingnuts  230   b  away from the pressure plate  218  and slides the connector plate  246  under the wingnuts  230   b  (i.e., between the pressure plate  218  and the wingnuts  230   b ). The notches  248  receive the studs  230   a  disposed between the pressure plate  218  and the wingnuts  230   b . The connector plate  246  is slid under the wingnuts  230   b  until the notches  248  in the plate  246  fully seat against the studs  230   a . Once the connector plate  246  is appropriately positioned, the wingnuts  230   b  are tightened against the connector plate  246  such that the handle assembly  212  is secured to the pressure plate  218  of the finisher box  210 , which is ready for use. 
         [0032]    In reference to the first, second, and third embodiments, the handle  34 ,  134 ,  234  may be formed as one piece with the pressure plate  18 ,  118 ,  218 . Similarly, any combination of the handle  34 ,  134 ,  234 , the push post  36 ,  136 ,  236 , the pressure plate  18 ,  118 ,  218 , and/or the connector plate  246  may be formed as one piece in other embodiments, and as similarly shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . The push post  236  and the first handle  234  may also be attached to one another or to the connector plate  246  in one of the ways as described above and below, or in other ways not described within. 
         [0033]    The connector plate  246  may have any suitable shape and size, including that illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11 . Though it is possible to operate a finisher box  10 ,  110 ,  210  by grasping only the first handle  34 ,  134 ,  234 , using both the first handle  34 ,  134 ,  234  and the push post  36 ,  136 ,  236  is advantageous. For example, using two hands on the handle assembly  12 ,  112 ,  212 , placed close to the box  10 ,  110 ,  210  gives exceptional control of the box  10 ,  110 ,  210  as it is moved along the drywall joint to be finished. Because of the leverage the push post  36 ,  136 ,  236  gives, applying pressure with both hands greatly reduces the overall effort required to push seaming compound out of the finisher box  10 ,  110 ,  210  especially when compared to the forces that must be generated to use any of the current finisher box handles. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 13-15  illustrate a container or finisher box  310  according to a fourth embodiment of the invention that includes a removable handle assembly or accessory  312 . The finisher box  310  and the handle assembly  312  of  FIGS. 12-15  have similar structure to that of the finisher box  10  and the handle assembly  12  of  FIGS. 1-4 . Therefore, structure of the fourth embodiment similar to the first embodiment will be identified with reference numerals of the first embodiment plus “300.” As the fourth embodiment is also similar to the third embodiment, only the differences between the third and fourth embodiments will be discussed herein. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 12-15  illustrate the connector plate  346  including the first edge  347   a , the second edge  347   b  parallel to the first edge  347   a , and an extension  350 . The extension  350  includes a first end  352  and a second end  354 . The first end  352  is coupled to the connector plate  346 , whereas the second end  354  couples to and extends into the first handle  334 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 12-15  illustrate a second handle  356  in place of the push post  36 . Similar to above, the second handle  356  and the first handle  334  may also be attached to one another or to the connector plate  346  or the extension  350  in one of the ways as described above and below, or in other ways not described within. 
         [0037]    The second handle  356  resembles a “seven” in shape and includes a vertical portion  358 , a first angled portion  360 , and a second angled portion  362  that defines the second gripping portion. The vertical portion  358 , similar to the push post  236  of the third embodiment, extends substantially orthogonal to the connector plate  346 . Therefore, when pressure is applied to the second handle  356 , force is exerted orthogonally to the connector plate  346 . The first angled portion  360  includes a longitudinal axis and extends from the vertical portion  358  partially in the same direction that the vertical portion  358  extends (i.e., away from the connector plate  346 ), but also toward the first handle  334 . In  FIGS. 12-14 , the second angled portion  362  includes a longitudinal axis and extends from the first angled portion  360  away from the first handle  334 , such that the longitudinal axis of the first angled portion  360  and the longitudinal axis of the second angled portion  362  intersect to form an acute angle. The second angled portion  362  may extend from the first angled portion  358  as illustrated in  FIGS. 12-15 , i.e., either slightly away from the connector plate  346 , or it may be substantially parallel to the connector plate  346 . The second angled portion  362  may also include a knob  364  at an end of the second angled portion  362  away from the first angled portion  360 . 
         [0038]    Some operators may prefer the second handle  356  extend toward the first handle  334 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , as opposed to the first orientation illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14 . Therefore, to allow the operator&#39;s preference, the second handle  356  is capable of being reversed.  FIG. 15  illustrates the second handle  356  rotated 180 degrees compared to the second handle  356  shown in  FIGS. 12-14 . In the preferred embodiment, the second handle  356  includes four threaded openings (not shown) which at least partially extend through the vertical portion  358  and may further extend into the first angled portion  360 . The connector plate  346  also includes four holes (not shown) that substantially align with the openings of the second handle  356 . Four threaded fasteners (not shown) extend through the holes of the connector plate  346  and into the openings of the second handle  356 . The fasteners are tightened to secure the second handle  356  to the connector plate  346 . Therefore, when the fasteners are removed, the second handle  356  may be reoriented and refastened to the connector plate  346  in a different operator&#39;s preferred orientation. Although described as requiring four holes, four openings, and four fasteners, any number of holes, openings, and fasteners sufficient to secure the second handle  356  to the connector plate  346  may be used. Similarly, the second handle  356  may be rotated either less or more than 180 degrees and secured by other methods not described within. Those other methods may provide possibilities of orientating and securing the second handle  356  in a manner not illustrated in  FIGS. 12-15 . 
         [0039]    In reference to the four embodiments, the length of the first handle  34 ,  134 ,  234 ,  334  can vary greatly depending on the operator&#39;s preference. The end of the first handle  34 ,  134 ,  234 ,  334  may include an attachment (not shown) configured to attach an extension pole. The extension pole would allow an operator to use the finisher box  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310  in difficult to reach places, such as ceilings. The embodiments illustrated show a first handle  34 ,  134 ,  234 ,  334  that has a relatively short length, however, embodiments not shown may include a first handle design  34 ,  134 ,  234 ,  334  that has a much greater length allowing an operator to reach ceilings, or the other difficult areas, without the use of the extension. 
         [0040]    Other handle shapes and connections other than those illustrated herein, which may have various amounts of flexibility (and means of achieving that flexibility), as well as rigid connections, may be used. For example, the first handle  34 ,  134 ,  234 ,  334  could be thinner and longer, similar to handles used on many garden tools. The push post  36 ,  136 ,  236  could be removable or have a variety of shapes, similar to that shown in  FIGS. 12-15  and described above. For example, the rounded flat distal end of the push post  36 ,  136 ,  236  shown herein could be replaced by many other possible shapes. 
         [0041]    Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.