Abstract:
A grasping device for grasping structures such as, for example, containers and bottles. The device facilitates the dexterous handling of these structures that otherwise would often require significant strength, gross and fine motor skill to manage, and especially to dispense the contents of in a controlled manner. The device may also facilitate one-handed operation, and may leave the second hand free to perform other tasks, such as, for example, securing a target container.

Description:
REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/307,720, filed Feb. 24, 2010 by Chris O&#39;Sullivan for “GRIPPING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE,” which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a grasping device and more particularly to a device for grasping structures such as, for example, containers and bottles. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Bottles continue to be the most cost effective way to buy (and sell) many liquids, such as soft drinks, detergents, and the like. Yet, as most commonly sized, shaped, and manufactured, such bottles are often unwieldy and easily mishandled, spilled during use, etc. This is especially (but not solely) so with regard to larger bottles, such as the common two-liter plastic bottle. 
         [0004]    The problem of handling bottles and containers, particularly large containers, is exacerbated when handled by children, the elderly, or people with a disability, such as, for example, stroke, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, injury, or other debilitating or impairing conditions. Gross and fine motor limitations can make it especially difficult to lift, grasp, and pour bottles and containers. 
         [0005]    Even for individuals without disabilities, the task of pouring from many types of bottles and containers is not simple. The material that comprises the body of these bottles and containers is typically thin. As a result, it can often be difficult to grasp a bottle or container without crushing it, dropping it, or mishandling it in other ways. 
         [0006]    Many people resort to the two handed method of pouring, one consequence of which is that the target, for example, a beverage cup, is not gripped and left unsecured. Not infrequently this unsecured target tips over and spills the poured contents onto the surface upon which the target rests. 
         [0007]    Existing devices that purport to facilitate the dexterous handling of bottles require significant, and sometimes more, fine motor skill to engage the facilitating device than does the unaided handling of the same bottles. In addition, previous attempts to create a bottle-holding device that facilitates the dispensing of the contents of a bottle typically require the bottle to either rest in a cradle, or require the handle to be attached to the bottle, either through threading, clipping, sliding, or snapping into place. In situations where a number of bottles are present (for example, at a party or on a buffet table), users will typically require a number of facilitating devices due to the complexity of affixing such devices to a specific bottle. 
         [0008]    It is apparent that there has long been a need for an economical and easily utilized device to facilitate the safe and efficient manipulation of bottles. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The applicant has therefore invented a bottle or container grasping device and method of use. In some embodiments, the grasping device has (i) a central bottle or container clasping section adapted to surround a portion of the outer periphery of a bottle or container and (ii) handles or grasping sections on or extending outward from the container clasping section, whereby a user may grasp the handles or grasping sections to pull them toward each other and thereby cause the central clasping section to grip the bottle or container as applicable. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the grasping device may include a neck section adapted to grasp or abut an outer portion of a bottle or container, such as a narrowed neck on the upper portion. In some embodiments, such a neck section may aid in locating and securing the grasping device in the desired position on the bottle or container. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the container clasping section may have a somewhat tubular form with a generally C-shaped cross-section. This type of clasping section can be particularly effective for grasping and manipulating larger bottles, such as the common two-liter plastic soft drink bottle for example. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the clasping section may have other contours, and, in some embodiments, these contours may be shaped for clasping uniquely or differently shaped bottles or containers. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the neck section may be integrally formed with the clasping section. In some embodiments, the handles or grasping sections may also be integrally formed with the clasping section. In some embodiments, the clasping or other sections may be made of a resilient material, such as a plastic. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the grasping device can enable a wide variety of persons to pick up and pour from a bottle or container easily with one hand grasping the grasping sections or handles. The other hand can thus be free to, if desired, otherwise secure the bottle or container, hold the target in place, etc. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the grasping device can be easily and readily engaged and disengaged from the bottle it is supporting. The grasping or gripping device also can serve to provide thermal insulation for an associated bottle, thus helping to preserve the contents of the bottle at a desired temperature. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the grasping device is easy and economical to manufacture; and in some embodiments, the grasping device can be easy to wash and re-use as desired. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the grasping device is lightweight and can be nested in columns for efficient transportation. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the grasping device may require little or no packaging, and may be shipped with a UPC sticker printed on, or a cardstock tag affixed to, the grasping device. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the grasping device may be displayed for sale in position on bottles or containers to readily show its efficacy. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the grasping device may be printed up with logos and other artwork by ad-spec companies for marketing giveaways or ‘swag’ to be used and displayed at public events, for example, tailgate parties, birthdays, office parties, or anywhere else soft drinks are served. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the grasping device can be durable and long lasting; and in some embodiments, the grasping device may be made partially or entirely of lightweight, resilient material such as plastic. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the interior surface of the clasping section has a high coefficient of friction with regard to the exterior surface of the types of bottle or container it is designed to hold, but not so high as to impede the smooth engaging of the grasping device onto the bottle or container. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the grasping device may rest loosely on the shoulders of a bottle or container until a person grasps the handle or grasping section of the device. Grasping the handles or grasping sections with one hand can put pressure on the bottle (although in some embodiments two hands may be used to grasp the grasping device), tightening the grasping device&#39;s grip upon the outer periphery of the bottle or container. In some embodiments, the user can use only one hand to lift the bottle or container by the grasping section or handles and pour out the contents of the bottle or container. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, this is readily accomplished by a wide variety of people without struggling, dropping, or otherwise mishandling the bottle or container. In some embodiments, when a person has finished using the bottle, the bottle can be returned to its supporting surface (e.g., a table). The pressure on the handles can then be released and the device may again rest loosely on the shoulders of the bottle or container or be removed for washing, use with another bottle or container, etc. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, it is not necessary to completely let go of the grasping device in order to disengage it from clasping an associated bottle or container. At that point, it is possible either to leave the grasping device to rest on the bottle or container, ready to be used again, or remove the ultra lightweight device by lifting it up and off of the bottle or container. The grasping device can then, if desired, be moved to another bottle or container, re-engaged, and ready to clasp the bottle or container, lift it, pour from it, etc. In some embodiments, this operation, i.e., moving the device from one bottle or container to another can be accomplished almost as quickly as it is possible to reach from one bottle or container to the next bottle or container. In some embodiments, this can be so in that it is not necessary to let go of the grasping device in order to disengage it. In some embodiments, when the bottle is put down, the grasping device disengages by relaxing the squeezing pressure of the user&#39;s hand or, in some embodiments, other structure or apparatus that holds the bottle in place with respect to the grasping device. It is then possible to lift the grasping device off of one bottle or container and slide it over the next bottle or container if desired. As soon as the handle or grasping section is grasped firmly enough to clamp down upon another bottle or container, the grasping device can be re-engaged for lifting, pouring, etc., of the bottle or container. 
         [0026]    The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures. It is thus to be understood that the scope of the invention is to be determined by the claims as issued and not by whether a claim includes any or all features or advantages recited in this Brief Summary or addresses any issue identified in the Background. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention, including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Illustrative embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, in which: 
           [0028]      FIGS. 1-5  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a grasping device disposed on a bottle; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate an embodiment of a grasping device shaped to fit contours of a bottle or container having a wider middle; and 
           [0030]      FIGS. 8-12  illustrate an embodiment of a grasping device with a tubular flexible clasping section disposed on a bottle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , one embodiment of a grasping device, generally  10 , has a tubular flexible clasping section  12 , two grasping sections  14 ,  16  extending outwardly from the clasping section  12 , and a neck section  18  cooperatively formed of one or more curved phalanges  20  extending upward from the clasping section  12  and having a inwardly curved internal periphery in order to abut the outwardly curved upper shoulder section  22  of a typical two-liter soft drink bottle  24 . 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, tubular flexible clasping section  12  may be formed of a resilient material and have an inner surface generally corresponding to an outer surface of a bottle. The inner surface may be substantially cylindrical or may be many other shapes including, for example, rectangular for milk bottles. 
         [0033]    In an embodiment, the grasping sections  14 ,  16  are somewhat U-shaped handles. Generally, grasping sections  14 ,  16  may include a passageway to allow a user to place one or two hands in a grasping configuration with grasping device  10 . Handles or grasping sections  14 ,  16  may be co-extensive with the height of tubular flexible clasping section  12 . In other embodiments, Handles or grasping sections  14 ,  16  may be taller or shorter in height than tubular flexible clasping section  12 . Handles or grasping sections  14 ,  16  may be rigidly or flexibly connected with tubular flexible clasping section  12  to allow selective positioning of tubular flexible clasping section  12  with respect to bottle  24 . 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the neck section  18  generally has a similar, or the same, contour as the mating bottle shoulder  22 . Neck section  18  may position the grasping device  10  placed for use with its clasping tubular section  12  near the middle of the bottle  24  or container. This positioning may occur both during use and while stored on bottle  24 . Neck section  18  may be curvilinear to follow the contour of a typical two-liter soda bottle. Neck section  18  may also be linear or angled to abut portions of a typical two-liter soda bottle or other shaped bottle. 
         [0035]    The tubular clasping section  12  has a central tubular passage  26  in a direction orthogonal to its axial length A for a typical two-liter bottle  24 . For other shaped bottles, the central passage may be triangular, square, or another polygon in a direction orthogonal to axial length A. In a direction substantially parallel to axial length A, the central passage may be shaped to correspond to a rounded shoulder, an hourglass, a square, or another shape. A generally round or tubular passage or polygonal passage may be correspond to the outer shape of a bottle or may not directly correspond to the outer shape of a bottle, but only impinge upon discrete portions of the bottle. 
         [0036]    With reference also to  FIG. 3 , a lateral width-adjustable slot  28  may be provided along the entire length of the side  30  of the clasping section  12 . Handles  14 ,  16  may extend from tubular flexible clasping section  12  adjacent slot  28 . For example, first handle  14  may extend laterally along and parallel to a first lateral edge  32  of slot  28 . A second handle  16  may extend laterally along and parallel to a second lateral edge  34  of slot  28 . The opposing first and second handles  14 ,  16  may be moved toward each other in order to narrow the width  36  of the slot  28 , and similarly the handles  14 ,  16  may be moved away from each other in order to expand the width  36  of the slot  28 . In one embodiment, slot  28  is sized to prevent first lateral edge  32  and second lateral edge  34  from reaching one another when bottle  24  is disposed within clasping section  12 . This configuration allows a user to provide a significant amount of force drawing together first lateral edge  32  and second lateral edge  34 , which in turn provides a greater amount of friction than if first lateral edge  32  and second lateral edge  34  were drawn together in contact with one another. It should also be appreciated that the tubular circumference of clasping section  12  provides compression along a significant surface area surrounding bottle  12 . This compression along the circumference of either a full, partially full, or substantially empty bottle  24  is less likely to collapse in that compression applied to a circular object requires a very significant force to cause failure of a wall. 
         [0037]    In this embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the axial height  37  of the tubular flexible clasping section  12  along its central axis A is approximately half the height of the bottles or containers that the tubular section  12  is intended to clasp. In other embodiments, the tubular clasping section  12  may extend from the curved upper shoulder section  22  of the bottle  24  or container any length, such as, for example, the full length of the bottle  24  or container if desired or less than half the height of bottles or containers. In one embodiment, tubular clasping section  12  together with neck portion  18  and handles  14 ,  16  are a lightweight grasping device which remains in a good ergonomic position for use on bottle  24  or transfer to another bottle  24 . 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , when no force is applied to the handles  14 ,  16 , the internal diameter DD of the tubular flexible clasping section  12  is approximately the same as, or slightly larger than, the outer diameter DB of the bottle  24  or container that the device  10  is designed or intended to clasp. When the handles  14 ,  16  are forced toward each other and there is no bottle or container within its confines, the internal diameter (not shown) of the tubular section  26  is substantially smaller than the outer diameter DB of the bottle  24 . As discussed above, this configuration provides significant compression forces, which in turn may provide a higher friction force between bottle  24  and tubular flexible clasping section  12  than an outer diameter of tubular section  26  which matches an outer diameter of the bottle. 
         [0039]    In an embodiment, a method may be provided to grasp a bottle or container and dispense its contents using the grasping device  10 . The method may include a user (not shown) sliding tubular section  12  of the grasping device  10  over the bottle  22  or container. The user may push it down until the neck section  20  of the grasping device  10  matingly abuts the shoulder section  22  of the bottle  24 , and tubular section  12  matingly surrounds the central tubular body  38  of the bottle  22  or container. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, the user may then grasp the opposing first and second handles  14 ,  16 . Typically, the user will use one hand, but the user may use two hands. The user squeezes the handles  14 ,  16  toward each other. The width  36  of the lateral slot  28  thus narrows and the interior periphery  42  of the tubular section  12  is forced into gripping contact with mating exterior periphery  40  of the central tubular body  38  of the bottle  24  or container. Because of (i) the leverage (torque) generated by the handles  14 ,  16  against the tubular section  12  (and in turn by the interior periphery  42  of the tubular section  12  against the of the exterior periphery  40  of the tubular body  38  of the bottle  24  or container) and (ii) the friction between the interior periphery  42  of the grasping section  12  and the exterior periphery  40  of the central tubular body  38  of the bottle  24  or container, the user need apply only relatively little squeezing force on the handles  14 ,  16  is to firmly secure the bottle  22  or container in the grasping device  10 . 
         [0041]    In an embodiment, when the friction between the tubular section  12  of the grasping device  10  and the tubular body  38  of the bottle  22  generated by squeezing the handles  14 ,  16  together is sufficient, the user may readily and easily lift the bottle  24  and tilt the bottle  24  at will in order to dispense the bottle contents into or onto the desired target. 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the grasping device generally  10  has a generally C-shaped cross-section with the handles  14 ,  16  secured to and extending radially outward from the opposed tubular section edges  32 ,  34 . Thus, when the handles  14 ,  16  are brought toward one another, they cause the C-shaped cross-section to shrink and narrow in diametral width. When released, the clasping section  12  “C” returns to its original open position. 
         [0043]    With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in another embodiment, the depicted bottle  50  is not strictly cylindrical or tubular but rather has a narrower diameter in the mid-region  54 , similar to an hourglass. The grasping device in general  10  is shaped to fit the contours of the bottle  50  or container. In this embodiment, the contours of bottle  50  are narrower at the top  70  and bottom  72  as compared to a wider middle  74 . In this embodiment, the grasping principles are the same as those described in the previous embodiments. By firmly grasping the handles  14  and  16 , the gripping pressure is applied by application of torque and friction to a clasping section  76  to the body of the bottle  50 . This, in turn, enables a user to lift and tilt the bottle as need be, in a controlled manner. 
         [0044]    In this embodiment, there are no phalanges at the top of the clasping section  76 . Instead the top edge  70  of the grasping device  10  is tilted in relation to the plane  63  of the base of the bottle  50  or container Top edge  70  may angle downwardly from diametrically opposite the handles  14  and  16 . The diameter of the top edge  70  is smaller than the diameter of the central mid-section  74  of the clasping section  76  below it. Top edge  70  conforms to, and thus abuts, the shape of the shoulder  68  of the bottle  50  or container. In other words, the clasping section  76  has a wider diameter in its middle section  74  and tapers down to a smaller diameter at its top edge  70 . This smaller diameter top edge  70  performs the same as or similar function as the phalange or phalanges in the previous described embodiments, i.e., to position the grasping device  10  on the bottle  50  or container, with top edge  70  resting on the shoulder  68  of the bottle  50 . 
         [0045]    Also the clasping section  76  and the grasping handles  14 ,  16  may operate similarly to, or in the same manner, as described in the previous embodiments. The diameter of the bottom edge  72  of the grasping device  10  may be less than the mid-section  74  of the clasping section  76 . Clasping section  76  may be slightly tapered inward from its mid-section  74  to the bottom edge  72 , but not tapered so far as to impede the smooth slipping on, the engaging, of the grasping device  10  onto the bottle  50  or container. Similarly, the bottom edge  72  may be angled, i.e., not parallel to the plane  63  of the bottom of the bottle  50  or container. 
         [0046]    In reference to  FIGS. 8-12 , in another embodiment, the general grasping device  10  has a tubular flexible clasping section  80 , two grasping sections  84 ,  86  extending outwardly from the clasping section  80 , and a neck section  81  cooperatively formed of a number of curved phalanges  82  extending upward from the top  88  of the clasping section  80  and having a inwardly curved internal periphery in order to abut the outwardly curved upper shoulder section  22  of a typical two-liter soft drink bottle  24 . 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, tubular flexible clasping section  80  may be formed of a resilient material and have an inner surface generally corresponding to an outer surface of a bottle. The inner surface may be substantially cylindrical or may be many other shapes including, for example, rectangular for milk bottles. 
         [0048]    In an embodiment, the grasping sections  84 ,  86  are somewhat U-shaped handles. Handles  84 ,  86  may be attached by screws  85  to the clasping section  80 . Generally, grasping sections  84 ,  86  may include a passageway to allow a user to place one or two hands in a grasping configuration with grasping device  10 . Handles or grasping sections  84 ,  86  may be co-extensive with the height of tubular flexible clasping section  80 . In other embodiments, Handles or grasping sections  84 ,  86  may be taller or shorter in height than tubular flexible clasping section  80 . Handles or grasping sections  84 ,  86  may be rigidly or flexibly connected with tubular flexible clasping section  80  to allow selective positioning of tubular flexible clasping section  80  with respect to bottle  24 . 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, the neck section  81  generally has a similar, or the same, contour as the mating bottle shoulder  22 . Neck section  82  may positions the grasping device  10  placed for use with its clasping tubular section  80  near the middle of the bottle  24  or container, and the lower edge  90  of the clasping section  80  is positioned above the bottom  91  of the bottle  24  or container. This positioning may occur both during use and while stored on bottle  24 . Neck section  82  may be curvilinear to follow the contour of a typical two-liter soda bottle. Neck section  82  may also be linear or angled to abut portions of a typical two-liter soda bottle or other shaped bottle. 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the clasping section  80 , the grasping sections  84 ,  86 , and the neck section  81  phalanges  82  are made of plastic, preferably a resilient, strong, durable, and lightweight thermoplastic. 
         [0051]    In reference to  FIG. 10 , the tubular clasping section  80  has a lateral width-adjustable slot  92  along the entire length of the side of the clasping section  80  coaxial with the central axis CA of a mating tubular bottle  24  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 .) Handles  84 ,  86  may extend from clasping section adjacent adjustable slot  92 . A first handle  84  may extend laterally along and parallel to a first lateral edge  94  of slot  92 . A second handle  86  may extend laterally along and parallel to a second lateral edge  96  of slot  92 . The opposing first and second handles  84 ,  86  may be moved toward each other in order to narrow the width W of the slot  92 , and similarly the handles  84 ,  86  may be moved away from each other in order to expand the width W of the slot  92 . In one embodiment, slot  92  is sized to prevent first lateral edge  94  and second lateral edge  96  from reaching one another when bottle  24  is disposed within clasping section  80 . This configuration allows a user to provide a significant amount of force drawing together first lateral edge  94  and second lateral edge  96 , which in turn provides a greater amount of friction than if first lateral edge  94  and second lateral edge  96  were drawn together in contact with one another. 
         [0052]    In reference to  FIG. 11  of the same embodiment, the bottle  24  or container may be tilted to pour, by grasping the grasping device in general  10 . The handles  84 ,  86  are gripped by the user&#39;s hands  98 , which by pressing the two handles  84 ,  86  towards each other, puts pressure on the tubular clasping section  80 . That tubular clasping section  80 , together with the neck section  81  of the grasping device  10 , that secures the upper neck  22  of the bottle  24 , secure the entire bottle  24  and enable the user (not shown other than the hands) to tilt and manipulate the bottle at will so as to pour into a container  99 . 
         [0053]    In reference to  FIG. 12  of the same embodiment, the bottle  24  or container may be tilted to pour, by grasping the grasping device in general  10 . The handles  84 ,  86  are gripped by one of the user&#39;s hands  98 L, which by pressing the two handles  84 ,  86  towards each other, forces the tubular clasping section  80  to contract and grip the outer periphery of the bottle  24 . That tubular clasping section  80 , together with the neck section  81  of the grasping device  10 , that secures the upper neck  22  of the bottle  24 , secure the entire bottle  24  and enable the user (not shown other than the hands) to tilt and manipulate the bottle at will so as to pour into a container  99 . 
         [0054]    An alternative grasping or gripping device may be is made of blow molded polypropylene and may be similar to any of the above-identified embodiment. The gripping device can serve not only as a secure gripping and manipulating apparatus as described above for this and the other embodiments but also can provide thermal insulation for the associated bottle, its contents, or both. Thus, the gripping device can help preserve the temperature of the bottle contents whether hot or cold. It can also help isolate the bottle handles or other gripping structure in the gripping device from contact with the bottle or its contents. 
         [0055]    In the above-identified embodiments, the bottle  24  is a 2 liter bottle, but other forms of the gripping device (not shown) may be used with other bottle shapes and structures as noted above. 
         [0056]    In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.