Patent Publication Number: US-2022228747-A1

Title: Handle

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The subject matter described herein relates to a handle for lifting, moving, or other manipulation of a moveable item, such as a firepit. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Free-standing firepits are becoming more commonplace for campers, backyard enthusiasts, and others who desire a fire for ambiance or cooking while having easy containment and simple cleanup. Some of these firepits can be large enough and heavy enough to require some effort to move them about a campsite, a yard or other area. While some firepits may be tipped and rolled, or lifted with the help of multiple people, these firepits can be bulky and unwieldy for moving or packing by a single person. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to a carry handle for a moveable item, such as a firepit. In some aspects, the carry handle may enable a user to lift and carry the firepit from one location to another. For example, the handle may assist when carrying the firepit from a vehicle to a campsite or vice-versa, about a backyard, or anywhere else desired. In some aspects, the carry handle easily engages and disengages with the firepit. 
     The present disclosure is directed to a handle for carrying a component (e.g., a firepit) having an opening to a cavity. The handle may include a frame configured to span the cavity of the component, with the frame having a grasp region. A first support brace on the frame may be configured to selectively engage a first wall of the component, with the first support brace being spaced a first distance from the grasp region. A second support brace on the frame may be configured to selectively engage a second wall of the component. The second support brace may be spaced a second distance from the grasp region, and the second distance may be greater than the first distance. 
     In an aspect, the distance from the first support brace to the second support brace is greater than a distance across the cavity of the component. In an aspect, the first support brace comprises a projection tab configured to engage a securement feature of the component. In an aspect, the first support brace further comprises an engagement surface, the securement feature projecting outwardly beyond the engagement surface. In an aspect, the first support brace comprises a polymeric bumper, the engagement surface forming a part of the polymeric bumper. In an aspect, the projection tab projects at an angle relative to the grasp region of the frame. In an aspect, the second support brace has an engagement surface to abut against a wall of the component. In an aspect, the second support brace comprises a polymeric bumper, the engagement surface forming a part of the polymeric bumper. In an aspect, the frame comprises a first beam and a second beam, the second beam being angled relative to the first beam. In an aspect, the handle may comprise a grip on the grasp region of the frame, the grip being configured to be grasped by a user. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a handle for lifting a firepit having an opening to a cavity defined between a first surface and a second surface with the first surface having a securement feature. The handle may include a frame configured to span a cavity in the firepit. The frame having a grasp region shaped to be substantially horizontal when the handle is used to lift the firepit. The handle also may include a first support brace on the frame having a projection tab configured to selectively engage the securement feature of the first surface of the firepit. The first support brace may be spaced a first distance from the grasp region. The handle may also include a second support brace on the frame configured to selectively abut against the second surface of the firepit. The second support brace may be devoid of a projection tab. The second support brace may be spaced a second distance from the grasp region, the second distance being greater than the first distance. 
     In an aspect, the distance from the first support brace to the second support brace is greater than a distance across the cavity of the firepit. In an aspect, the first support brace further comprises an engagement surface, the securement feature projecting outwardly beyond the engagement surface. In an aspect, the projection tab projects at an angle relative to the grasp region of the frame. In an aspect, the second support brace comprises a polymeric bumper having an engagement surface to abut against a wall of the firepit. In an aspect, the handle may comprise a grip on the grasp region of the frame, the grip being configured to be grasped by a user. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a method of attaching a removeable handle to a firepit to lift the firepit. The method may include inserting the handle through an opening into a cavity of the firepit; engaging a first support brace with a securement feature in a first wall of the cavity at a first depth in the cavity; and engaging a second support brace with a second wall of the cavity opposite the first wall by pivoting the handle about the engaged first support brace. The second support brace may engage the second wall at a second depth in the cavity different than the first depth. 
     In some implementations, engaging the first support brace with the securement feature comprises inserting a projection on the first support brace through a hole the first wall of the cavity. In some implementations, engaging the second support brace with the second wall comprises engaging the second wall with a friction engagement. In some implementations, the method may comprise introducing the second support brace into the cavity before the first support brace. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional illustration of a handle attached to a firepit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a plan view of the handle in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of a perspective view of the handle in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of the handle in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C  are illustrations of cross-sectional plan views of the handle being attached to the firepit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are described in the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures for purposes of illustrating but not limiting embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, systems, and methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated and included within the present disclosure as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, however, the numerous iterations of these combinations will not be described separately. These descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes only and should not be considered to limit the scope of the handle for a firepit. Certain features may be added, removed, or modified without departing from the spirit of the claimed subject matter. 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional illustration of an example handle  100  usable to lift or carry an item, such as a firepit  50 . The handle  100  is easily attachable to and removeable from the firepit through simple maneuvering of the handle  100  relative to the firepit  50 . As will become apparent by the description herein, the handle  100  can be securely connected to the firepit  50  by using the weight of the firepit  50  as leverage to hold the handle  100  in a stable manner. Further, the handle lacks unwieldy attachments, such as threads or adhesives. The examples herein describe the handle with reference to the firepit  50 . However, that handle  100  may have other applications with components other than a firepit. 
     The handle  100  in  FIG. 1  selectively engages with interior surfaces of the firepit  50 . Here, the firepit  50  includes an upper opening  52 , an interior wall  54 , an interior wall  56 , and a floor or bottom structure  58 . The interior walls  54 ,  56  and the bottom structure  58  define a cavity  60  which in some embodiments, is a burning chamber. The example firepit  50  described herein is cylindrical and the opening  52  is therefore around. However, other examples may have other shapes. The interior walls  54 ,  56  include a securement feature  62  formed therein. In this implementation, the securement feature  62  is a hole through the interior surface. In other implementations, the securement feature  62  may be a notch or a shoulder or other shaped construct that may allow the handle  100  to mechanically engage the wall defining the cavity  60 . As shown, the handle  100  may be disposed within the cavity  60  of the firepit  50  in a manner that the handle  100  engages the securement feature  62  along the interior wall  54  while abutting against a smooth surface of the opposing interior wall  56 . 
     Still with reference to  FIG. 1 , the handle  100  spans the distance (width W 1 ) between the interior wall  54  and the interior wall  56 , representing the width of the cavity  60 . In some implementations, width W 1  may also correspond to the width of the opening  52 . The example handle  100  in  FIG. 1  engages the firepit  50  at two locations that are disposed at different elevations from the opening  52 . For example, a first portion of the handle  100  engages the interior wall  54  at a distance H 1  from the opening  52 , while a second portion of the handle  100  engages the interior wall  56  at a distance H 2  to from the opening  52 . 
       FIGS. 2-4  show the handle  100  independent of the firepit  50 . The handle  100  includes a frame  102 , a grip  104 , an upper support brace  106 , and a lower support brace  108 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the handle  100  includes a horizontal width W 2  and includes an angled width W 3  representing the distance between the upper support brace  106  and the lower support brace  108 . The width W 2  is less than the width W 3 . Further, with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the width W 2  may generally correspond to the width W 1  between the interior walls  54 ,  56  of the firepit. As such, the width W 3  is greater than the width W 1  of the firepit  50 . Further, the handle  100  includes a height H 3  showing a spaced distance between the grip  104  and the upper support brace  106 . The handle  100  also includes a height H 4  showing a spaced distance between the grip  104  and the lower support brace  108 . The height H 3  is less than the height H 4 . 
     In this example, the frame  102  includes a gripping beam  110  and a stabilizing beam  112 . The gripping beam  110  includes a grasp region  114  and respective connector regions  116 ,  118 . In this example, the grasp region  114  is shaped and formed to be in a substantially horizontal position when the handle  100  is used to connect with the firepit ( FIG. 1 ). The connector regions  116 ,  118  respectively connect the grasp region  114  to the upper support brace  106  and the lower support brace  108 .  FIGS. 2-4  show the connector region  116  extending from the grasp region  114  toward the upper support brace  106 , and the connector region  118  extending from the grasp region  114  toward the lower support brace  108 . The connector region  116  is shorter than the connector region  118 . In the implementation shown the gripping beam  110  includes tips or ends that form a part of the upper support brace  106  and the lower support brace  108 . These tips or ends are described further below. 
     The stabilizing beam  112  extends between and connects the connector regions  116 ,  118 . In this implementation, the stabilizing beam  112  may provide additional structural rigidity to the frame  102  and is non-parallel with the grasp region  114 . In the implementation shown, the frame  102  is formed of two cylindrical bars that are fixedly connected to one another, such as by welding. Other implementations may include a frame formed of a single plate or other rigid structure sufficient to rigidly maintain the upper support brace  106  and the lower support brace  108  in place when the handle  100  is connected to a structure to be moved, such as the firepit  50 . 
     The grip  104  is disposed on the frame  102  and provides a comfortable gripping surface for user. In the implementation shown, the grip  104  comprises a tube  120  with end plugs  122  (best shown in  FIG. 4 ). The end plugs  122  may be disposed in the end of the tube  120 . In this example, the gripping beam  110  extends through the end plugs  122  and the tube  120 . Although the grip  104  is shown as being cylindrical, other implementations are contemplated including additional comfort features, such as ergonomic finger locations or other features that may provide additional comfort to a user&#39;s hand. In some implementations. In some implementations, the grip  104  is formed of a metal material, and in some implementations, is formed of stainless steel. In other implementations, the grip  104  may be formed of a polymer or a padded material such as a foam, or other material that may be comfortable to a user&#39;s hand. Depending upon the implementation, the grip  104  may rotate about the gripping beam  110 , or the grip  104  may be fixed to the gripping beam  110  in a manner that prevents rotation. 
     The grasp region  114  and the tube  120  may have any length, but in some implementations, have a length that is between about 50% and 95% of the width W 1  ( FIG. 1 ) between the interior wall  54  and the interior wall  56 . The grasp region  114  and the tube  120  may also extend between about 50% and 95% of the width of the opening  52 . In other implementations, the grasp region  114  and the tube  120  may extend between about 60% and 90% of the width of the opening  52  or the width W 1 . With the grasp region  114  and the tube  120  within these ranges, a user may comfortably lift and carry the firepit in different ways. For example, carrying can be done to the side of the user&#39;s body with one hand or in front of the body with two hands. Further, the width of the grasp region  114  and the tube  120  may allow two people to carry the firepit if necessary, one on each side of the firepit. 
     The upper support brace  106  is configured to engage the interior wall  54  of the firepit  50 , and the lower support brace  108  is configured to engage the opposing interior wall  56  of the firepit  50 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the implementation shown, the upper support brace  106  includes a projecting tab  130  and a bumper  132 . In the implementation shown, the projecting tab  130  is formed of a part of the gripping beam  110 , and therefore is a rigid projection formed as a metal bar. However, in other implementations, the projecting tab  130  may be formed in a manner that does not incorporate a portion of the gripping beam  110 . In such alternative embodiments, the projecting tab  130  may be formed of another portion of the upper support brace  106 , and may be supported by the gripping beam  110 . In this implementation, the projecting tab  130  projects outwardly from an end of the connector region  116  of the gripping beam  110  at an angle that is not parallel with the grasp region  114 . Here, the projecting tab  130  projects at an upward angle between about 10 degrees to 45 degrees to engage the securement feature  62  of the firepit  50 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Other angles, both larger and smaller, are contemplated. Here, the projecting tab  130  is cylindrical and configured to fit within a hole disposed in the interior wall  54  of the firepit  50 . 
     In the example shown, the bumper  132  is supported by the gripping beam  110  and extends about the projecting tab  130 . In this implementation, the bumper  132  includes an engagement surface  134  configured to abut against the interior wall  54  of the firepit  50 , even as the projecting tab  130  extends through the interior wall  54 . In some implementations, the bumpers are designed to rotate and be free-moving. This may allow the handle  100  to adjust into position quicker and also allows slight back and forth movement of the firepit to coincide with the gait of the person carrying. This may provide a more natural carrying experience as the inertia of the firepit adjusts to the person&#39;s walking motion. 
     The bumper  132  may be formed of any material, and in some examples, is formed of a polymeric material or rubber that provides sufficient support with minimal risk of scratching or deforming the interior wall of the firepit. Other materials, including metal materials, ceramics, wood, foams, or other materials are also contemplated. In the implementation shown, the bumper  132  may be attached to the gripping beam  110  via a fastener  136 , shown in the exploded view. Here, the fastener  136  is a crimp that may be locked about the gripping beam to secure the upper support brace  106  in place. However, any fastening element may be used to attach the upper support brace  106  to the frame  102 . 
     The lower support brace  108  is disposed at an end of the connector region  118  of the gripping beam  110  of the frame  102 . In the implementation shown, the end of the gripping beam  110  may extend into and therefore may form a part of the lower support brace  108 . However, in other implementations, the gripping beam  110  may not form any part of the lower support brace  108 . While the lower support brace  108  includes a bumper  140 , the lower support brace  108  is devoid of a projecting structure. The bumper  140  includes an engagement surface  142  that is configured to about directly against the interior wall  56  of the firepit  50  ( FIG. 1 ). In some implementations, the projecting tab  130  may support a substantial portion of the weight of the firepit  50 , and the force from the downward moment forces the interior wall  56  against the bumper  140 , stabilizing the firepit  50  when the handle  100  is in place. As such, the bumper  140  may be held in place along the interior wall  56  via only friction engagement. The description of the bumper  132  also applies to the bumper  140  and is not repeated here. In the implementation shown, the bumper  140  may be attached to the gripping beam  110  via a fastener  144 , shown in the exploded view. However, any fastening element may be used to attach the upper support brace  106  to the frame  102 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  are illustrations showing a method of attaching the handle  100  to a firepit. Referring to  FIG. 5A , the handle  100  is introduced through the opening  52  of the firepit  50 . Because the handle  100  includes a width W 3  that is larger than the width W 1  of the opening  52 , the handle  100  may be introduced at an angle. In this implementation, the lower support brace  108  is introduced though the opening  52  into the cavity  60  before the upper support brace  106 . The handle  100  may be displaced into the cavity  60  until both the upper support brace  106  and the lower support brace  108  are fully within the cavity  60 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , when the handle  100  reaches a sufficient depth within the cavity  60  of the firepit  50 , the upper support brace  106  may be manipulated to engage the securement feature  62  of the firepit  50 . In the implementation shown, the securement feature  62  is any hole of a series of holes that extend entirely about the circumference of the interior surface of the firepit  50 , with the interior surface forming both the interior wall  54  and the interior wall  56 . The projection tab  130  may be introduced through one of the holes forming the securement feature  62 . As indicated herein, the securement feature  62  may be formed of other features such as, for example only, a shoulder, a notch, a hook, or other feature that might securely engage with the upper support brace  106 . In this implementation, because the projecting tab  130  is formed at an angle relative to the grasp region  114 , the projecting tab  130  may serve as a hook. 
     With the projecting tab  130  engaged by the securement feature  62  of the firepit, the upper support brace  106  may function as a fulcrum for the handle  100 . That is, as the handle  100  is raised toward the opening  52  of the fire, the handle  100  pivots about the projection tab  130  in the securement feature  62  until the lower support brace  108  engages against the interior wall  56  of the cavity  60 . 
       FIG. 5C  shows the handle  100  completely engaged in the firepit  50 , permitting the firepit to be lifted by the handle  100 . Accordingly, the handle embodiment shown in  FIG. 5C  includes an upper support brace  106  that mechanically engages via interference with the firepit, while the lower support brace  108  merely abuts against the inner wall of the firepit. 
     As will be readily appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein, the present disclosure enables a single person to more easily lift, carry, and otherwise manipulate a firepit. This may improve a user&#39;s experience by enabling easier set up and easier clean-up than conventional firepits. Although described with reference to a firepit, the handle may be used to lift and carry other components or systems that have an opening through with the handle may be introduced. For example, the handle may be utilized to carry buckets, pails, pipes or other tools, equipment or components having an opening through which the handle may be introduced. 
     All directional references e.g., upper, lower, inner, outer, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, proximal, and distal are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the claimed subject matter, and are not intended to create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the handle with the firepit. As such, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. 
     Although various embodiments of the claimed subject matter have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter. Still other embodiments are contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the subject matter as defined in the following claims.