Patent ID: 8453536

Claim:
A stowable handle apparatus comprising: a mounting device configured to facilitate securing the handle apparatus to an object; a grip member mechanically coupled to the mounting device such that the grip member is selectively repositionable between a stowed configuration in which the grip member is adjacent to a portion of the object when the mounting device is secured to the object, and a deployed configuration in which the grip member is oriented in relation to the mounting device such that at least a portion of the grip member extends from the object, with the grip member being operatively engaged with the mounting device facilitating an action by a user of the handle apparatus imparting a force against the grip member to lift or reposition the object; and a bearing and spring assembly configured to bias the grip member toward one or more stability-biased positions in relation to the mounting device; wherein the mounting device includes a channel within which the grip member is received; wherein the bearing and spring assembly includes two ball bearings which are biased toward opposite sides of the channel, respectively.