EP1771346A1

EP1771346A1 - A part for supporting items, in particular bottles or containers in general

Info

Publication number: EP1771346A1
Application number: EP05780166A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ilario Mistro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-27
Filing date: 2005-07-25
Publication date: 2007-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-25
Also published as: DE602005026009D1; EP1771346B1; WO2006013424A1; ATE495983T1

Abstract

A part (10) for supporting items in particular bottles comprises means (2) for retaining the item and means (4, 4) for pick up by the user. In particular, the pick up means may be moved between a home position and an operating position in which they are gripped by the user. Moreover, the retaining means comprise at least one element (2) for connection to the item, extending according to a radial axis (R), lying in the same plane as the pick up means (4, 4) in the home condition.

Description

A part for supporting items, in particular bottles or containers in general

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a part for supporting items.

Said items to be supported are, in particular, containers and preferably consist of bottles, made of a plastic material or another type of material.

Background Art

The use of disposable bottles for marketing liquids, as much in the foodstuffs sector as in other sectors, leads to the production of containers with a relatively large capacity, to contain production costs and ecological contraindications.

The consequent weight of such containers led them to be equipped with lifting and handling grips, consisting of rings made of a plastic material with inner teeth and outer reclining handles, designed to be inserted in the neck of the bottle but resisting removal from it, so that, when the handle is grasped, they can be used to lift the container.

Such prior art grip structures have the disadvantage of limited adaptability to different types of bottles.

They also require a relatively high level of pressure to insert them in place.

Moreover, these known grip structures have complex shapes, requiring the use of a large amount of material and their dimensions and cost are excessive.

In addition, the asymmetry of the prior art structures necessitates special stratagems for relative orientation and positioning in the automatic handling and insertion devices.

Disclosure of the Invention A part for supporting items was supplied, in particular items in the form of containers, especially bottles. The part consists of a body forming means for retaining the item and means for pick up by the user; in which the pick up means can be moved between a home position and an operating position in which they are gripped by the user. The part is characterised in that the retaining means comprise at least one element for connection to the item, extending according to a radial axis, and also characterised in that, in the home position, the pick up means and the radial connecting element substantially lie in the same plane.

In this way, it is possible to obtain a supporting part which does not require the use of a large amount of material and whose dimensions and cost are contained.

Other advantageous aspects of the present supporting part are described in the other claims and the relative advantages can easily be deduced from the description which follows.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The technical features of the invention and its advantages are more evident in the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments by way of example only and without limiting the scope of the invention, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 2 to 5 inclusive are side views of a neck of a bottle with as many respective operating positions, of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative or variant of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a cross-section of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, seen according to the line VIII-VIII illustrated in Figure 7;

Figures 9 to 12 inclusive are side views of a neck of a bottle with as many respective operating positions, of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the supporting part according to the present invention; - Figure 14 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the supporting part according to the present invention;

Figure 15 is a top view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a supporting part according to the present invention;

Figure 16 is a top view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a supporting part according to the present invention;

Figure 17 is a top view of a seventh preferred embodiment of a supporting part according to the present invention;

Figure 18 is a schematic vertical section of a first arrangement of the supporting part according to the present invention;

Figure 19 is a schematic vertical section similar to that in Figure 18 illustrating a third arrangement of the supporting part according to the present invention;

Figure 20 is a schematic vertical section of a second arrangement of the supporting part according to the present invention;

Figure 21 is a schematic vertical section of a fourth preferred arrangement of the supporting part according to the present invention; - Figure 22 is a schematic vertical section of a fifth preferred arrangement of the supporting part according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention With reference to the accompanying drawings, and in particular with reference to Figure 1, the numeral 10 denotes a first preferred embodiment of a part for supporting items, in particular containers, especially bottles.

As illustrated, the supporting part 10 consists of a body forming means 2 for retaining the item and of means 4, 4 for pick up by the user, as described more clearly below.

In particular, as is more clearly indicated below, the pick up means 4, 4 may be moved, or displaced, between a home position and an operating position in which they are gripped by the user.

In particular, the numeral 1 in the accompanying drawings denotes a ring made of plastic material, of any type suitable for the purpose, in the particular case illustrated by way of example having a "H" shaped cross-section (see also Figure 2) , all in one piece with a plurality of coplanar radial tabs 2, having a trapezoidal shape, radiating internally.

Each of the tabs 2 has a pair of opposite grooves 3 which thin the material of which they are made on the two faces, at the root where they are connected to the ring 1, from where the tab extends radially inwards.

The ring 1 expands externally in a pair of band-shaped handles 4 which mirror one another symmetrically, their thickness equal to the ring 1 and connected to the ring by bridges 5, in a single piece with the ring and the handles. In particular there is a first bridge and a second bridge 5, 5, diametrically opposed, which extend radially and draw near the ring 1 in a position orthogonal to the diameter, where the handles may have breakable small bridges, not illustrated, for assembly on the ring 1, forming a four-lobed figure in plan view.

In Figures 2 to 5, the numeral 6 denotes a bottle, schematically illustrated, which is - for example - of the usual type made of a plastic material for foodstuffs and comprises, in the conventional way, a circular ridge 7 at the top of the neck, where a screw cap 8 stops.

In the variant of this first embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the other features of the structure remaining the same, the radial tabs 2 lie, inserted between one another, in two planes, as becomes clearer below.

As may be seen from the accompanying drawings, the ring 1 may be forced, manually or mechanically, using an automatic applicator suitable for the purpose, to insert itself around the neck of the bottle 6, as illustrated in Figure 2. Upon making contact with the cap 8 the radial tabs 2 bend upwards at the root, allowing the shape of the cap 8 and the circumferential bead 7 below to pass through. When the latter has also passed through (see Figure 3), the tabs 2 remain locked by the shape of the neck of the bottle 6 in the shared bent configuration taken on, pointing upwards, but the relative elastic memory prevents their further reciprocal spreading apart, such that they remain with their tips pointing toward the lower projecting face of the bead 7, not allowing ring 1 removal.

This arrangement taken on by the tabs 2, 2 allows the supporting part to be grasped by displacing the handles 4 which mirror one another symmetrically (see Figure 4) , from the plane in which they lie coplanar with the ring 1, to a corresponding bent position, in which the handles are paired or coupled up, by breaking the breakable retaining elements if necessary, to form a configuration with twinned profiles (see Figure 5) , allowing them to be gripped in a middle position by a user's hand, and, therefore, easy transport of the container.

Such operation of the present supporting part is repeatedly reproduced for a plurality of degrees of bending of the tabs 2, that is to say, for a plurality of diameter sizes of bottle 6 necks, forced to penetrate between them, which is the same as saying that it is a versatile device which can be used for a wide range of bottles 6, said versatility depending on the length of the tabs 2 and the stiffness of the material.

In the variant illustrated in Figure 6, system operation is the same, except the angle of the tabs 2 during the operating step of opposing removal under the bead 7 is differentiated between the tabs lying in one plane and the tabs lying in the other plane.

However, it should be understood that the tabs may have any other shape suitable for the purpose. They may have lightening holes and/or stiffening ribs. Moreover, the shape of the cross- section of the ring may alternatively be any suitable for the purpose and even the handles may be shaped around the ring in any other shape suitable for the purpose and different to the four- lobed shape given to them in the preferred embodiment illustrated. Moreover, the ring 1 may have a circular shape or alternatively may be polygonal.

The containers to be lifted may also be different to the above-mentioned bottles, provided that they have a neck, or another part, suitable for engaging the grip.

However that may be, as indicated above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is clear that the retaining means comprise at least one element 2 for connecting to or engaging with the item to be supported, extending according to a radial axis R

(see Figure 1) .

In particular, there is a plurality of radial elements 2 for connecting to or engaging with the item, said radial elements, as illustrated, being distributed circumferentialIy, or distributed in such a way that they are equidistant from one another.

Advantageously, there are means 4, 4 for picking up the supporting part, which, in the home position substantially lie or extend in the same plane as the radial connecting elements 2.

As illustrated, the radial elements consist of corresponding trapezoidal tabs 2, having a flat shape and with their respective lateral edges converging towards the free end and terminating with a transversal or perpendicular surface 12 which engages with the item and exercises a retaining action, as illustrated in Figure 5. As illustrated, this transversal surface 12 has a curved shape, with the concave part towards the inside of the supporting part.

In particular the pick up means comprise a first handle and a second handle 4 that the user can grip, said handles, in the home position, surround the outside of the corresponding portion of the item to be supported and, in particular, surround the retaining means 2.

As illustrated, the body of the supporting part comprises supporting means 1 for the pick up means 4, 4 and for the retaining means 2, 2.

As illustrated, these supporting means are formed by a ring- shaped element 1, suitable for surrounding a corresponding portion, in particular the neck 6, of the item to be supported. As illustrated, the ring-shaped element 1 has, both on its upper surface and on its lower surface, an inner circumferential groove 13 and 14 respectively, between concentric circumferential walls 15 and 16 projecting perpendicularly from a ring-shaped connecting portion which extends radially 17.

In this way, a ring-shaped element 1 is obtained, having a particularly lightened but relatively stiff shape. Moreover, according to another aspect, the pick up means or handles 4, 4 are connected to the respective ring-shaped supporting means 1, by connecting means 5 forming a kind of plastic hinge, which allows rotation in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the body 1 lies - of the pick up means 4, 4, towards an upper position in which they can be gripped by the user, illustrated in Figure 5.

As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first and the second pick up handles 4, 4 consist of extended and shaped elements, extending, circumferentially, one on the extension of the other.

This provides an ample pick up surface for the user.

Moreover, as illustrated, the first and the second pick up handles 4, 4 extend from corresponding connecting and rotating pins 5, 5 at diametrically opposed sides or points of the supporting means 1.

Moreover, each pick up handle 4, 4 extends with a profile that has an intermediate section 17 which, in the home position, extends close to the body to which it is attached.

In this way, the supporting part obtained is not too long and bulky.

Moreover, each pick up handle 4, 4 extends with a profile that has a first end section and a second end section 18, 19 which, in the home condition, extend in such a way that they are distanced from the body 1 to which the handle is attached. As illustrated, said intermediate section 17 and said end sections 18, 19 are joined to one another by a respective oblique joining section 178 and respectively 179.

The end sections 18, 19 are, in turn, joined to the pin points 5, 5, by an oblique joining section 185, 195, with an angle opposite to that of the joining sections 178, 179.

In conclusion, each pick up handle 4, 4 extends with an undulating profile, suitable for guaranteeing, during use, an ergonomic grip for the user's fingers, as may be seen for example in Figure 5.

The accompanying drawings clearly show that the means 2, 2 for retaining the item have a home position, illustrated in Figure 1, and an operating position in which they engage with and retain the item, illustrated for example in Figures 4 and 5.

In particular, in the home position the means 2, 2 for retaining the item extend in the plane in which the part extends, with the engagement tabs 2 coplanar with one another. As illustrated, in the operating position, the means 2 for retaining the item extend in a direction transversal to or raised relative to the plane in which the supporting part extends, forming an angle to this virtual plane of development or extension of the present part. In particular, an example of the virtual plane of extension of the present supporting part is indicated by a dashed and dotted line labelled "0" in Figure 2 and is substantially formed by the vertical centre line of the ring-shaped supporting part.

Moreover, as indicated, the radial retaining means 2 extend internally from the inner edge or inner circumferential surface (1') of the ring-shaped element 1.

As illustrated, in the home condition, the engagement tabs 2 are also substantially coplanar with the ring-shaped element, and in the home condition the pick up means 4, 4 are substantially coplanar with the ring-shaped element 1. This provides a part configuration that is particularly flat in the home condition.

According to another aspect, in the home position the handles 4, 4 extend in directions which are opposite to one another, whilst in the operating position the handles 4, 4 extend in such a way that they are paired up, in particular extending, in this operating position, in a substantially vertical direction. This gives more balanced support and better distribution of stresses in the part, improving support safety, and on the user's hand, improving support comfort. The bent operating position of the pick up means 4, 4 is induced by the user pulling the pick up means upwards.

As illustrated, the present supporting part is made in a single piece from a plastic material, obtained by means of moulding.

A second preferred embodiment is illustrated with reference to the subsequent Figures 7 to 12. With reference to said Figures, and in particular Figure 7, the numeral IA denotes as a whole a ring made of plastic material, of any type suitable for the purpose, in the particular case illustrated having a "H" shaped cross-section (see also Figure 8) , all in one piece with two fronts or pluralities of opposite coplanar radial tabs 2A and 2B, radiating internally.

In the embodiment illustrated, each front, or plurality, of tabs consists of three tabs 2A, 2B and 2B, of which the middle tabs 2A have a rectangular shape and the lateral tabs 2B and 2B have an irregular pentagon shape, so that, as a whole, they form at their tips, or at the respective free end, respective linear engagement segments, lying on two parallel chords.

Each of the tabs 2A, 2B and 2B has a pair of opposite grooves 3 which thin the material of which they are made, on the two faces, at the root or the end where they are connected to the ring IA, from where the respective tab projects or extends radially towards the inside of the ring IA.

The ring IA has, along its length, four notches IB, which thin the material of which it is made, or pre-fold notches, forming two opposite arcs 1C, 1C, on the portions of the relative length which do not support the tabs 2A, 2B, the arcs 1C, 1C being able to bend upwards as illustrated in Figure 12.

The ring IA expands externally in a pair of band-shaped handles 4 which mirror one another symmetrically, of equal thickness and connected to the arcs 1C, 1C which can be bent, by bridges 5 of material used to make the part, located at diametrically opposed points. Starting from the bridges 5, the handles expand then draw near the ring IA again in a position orthogonal to the diameter, where there may be breakable small assembly bridges, not illustrated, providing a four-lobed configuration in plan view.

In Figures 9 to 12, the numeral 6 denotes a bottle, schematically illustrated, which is, for example, of the conventional type, made of a plastic material for foodstuffs and comprises, in the conventional way, a circular ridge 7 at the top of the neck, where a screw cap 8 stops.

The ring IA may be forced, manually or mechanically, using an automatic applicator suitable for the purpose, to insert itself around the neck of the bottle 6, as illustrated in Figure 9.

After engaging against the cap 8, the radial tabs 2A and 2B bend upwards at the root, allowing the shape of the cap 8 and the circumferential bead 7 below to pass through, as illustrated in Figure 10.

When the latter has also passed through (see Figure 10) , the tabs 2A and 2B remain locked by the shape of the neck of the bottle 6 in the shared bent shape taken on, but the relative elastic memory prevents their further reciprocal spreading apart, such that they remain with their tips pointing edgeways toward the lower projecting face of the bead 7, not allowing ring IA removal.

This single-direction or non-return type operation allows the structure to be grasped by displacing the handles 4 which mirror one another symmetrically (see Figures 10 and 11) , from the plane in which they lie coplanar with the ring IA, to a corresponding bent position, in which the handles are paired or coupled up, by breaking the breakable retaining elements if necessary, to form a configuration with twinned profiles (see

Figure 12) , allowing them to be gripped in a middle position by a user's hand, and, therefore, easy transport of the container.

The traction applied on the part by the handles 4, 4, against the resistance of the tabs 2A, 2B and 2B, which point under the bead 7, causes deformation of the ring IA, whose bendable arcs 1C, to which the handles 4 are directly connected, bend upwards from the pre-bending notches IB, until they make contact with the neck of the bottle 6 and/or the relative cap 8, thus clamping it and preventing the tabs 2A and 2B from losing their arrangement and hold.

Thus, gripping the handles 4 in the middle position allows the container 6 to be lifted and transported with ease.

Such operation is repeatedly reproduced for a plurality of degrees of bending of the tabs 2A and 2B, that is to say, for a plurality of diameter sizes of bottle necks 6, forced to penetrate between them, which is the same as saying that it is a versatile device which can be used for a wide range of bottles, said versatility depending on the length of the tabs and the relative stiffness.

However that may be, as indicated above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is clear that, unlike the first preferred embodiment, in this second embodiment there are engagement tabs IA, IA, 2A, 2A, 2A, 2A, extending from opposite sides of the body of the part.

Moreover, the tabs 2A, 2B and 2B have the respective free ends 2'A, 2'B, 2'B, positioned in such a way that they substantially form a single continuous engagement surface.

Moreover, the circumferential engagement tabs comprise opposite first and second sets of tabs. Each set of tabs has a central tab 2A and lateral tabs 2B, 2B, extending, from the ring- shaped element IA, from points which are circumferentially distanced from the point at which the central tab 2A extends.

It may also be seen that the supporting means IA of this second embodiment of the supporting part are deformable relative to the plane in which the part extends in the home condition. In particular, the supporting means are elastically deformable relative to the plane in which the part extends in the home condition. In more detail, the supporting means IA have weakening means

IB, IB, suitable for allowing relative rotations of corresponding parts ID, ID, and 1C, 1C, respectively, connected to the pick up means 4, 4 and to the retaining means 2A, 2B, 2B.

In particular, the weakening means IB, IB consist of thinned areas of the ring-shaped supporting element IA, formed by clefts l'B and 1"B in the concentric circumferential walls 15, 16 of the ring-shaped element IA, both above and below the horizontal wall which connects them. The corresponding clefts l'B and 1"B in the concentric walls 15 and 16, connected by the horizontal wall 17, of the ring-shaped element are aligned with one another according to a suitable direction, not radial to the ring-shaped element IA.

Advantageously, the weakening means IB, IB are designed to allow torsion relative to the corresponding portions 1C, 1C of the ring-shaped supporting element, with respect to the other portions ID, ID of the ring-shaped element IA, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. In particular, there is a first weakening zone and a second weakening zone IB, IB, delimiting a respective zone 1C, 1C for extension of a corresponding attachment and rotation portion 5, 5 of the corresponding handle 4, 4, in such a way as to allow this portion to be lifted when the handles 4, 4 are pulled upwards. According to another aspect, in the ring IA grooves there are corresponding filling portions 17', 17', which stiffen the grooved ring IA. In particular, the filling portions 17' 17' are present at diametrically opposed points, where the lifting handles 4, 4 are attached. However, there may be other filling portions, as required, along the circumference of the ring IA.

However, it should be understood that, in this second preferred embodiment, the tabs may again have any other shape suitable for the purpose. They may have lightening holes and/or stiffening ribs. Moreover, the shape of the cross-section of the ring may alternatively be any suitable for the purpose and even the handles may be shaped around the ring in any other shape suitable for the purpose and different to the four-lobed shape given to them in the example embodiment described. Moreover, the ring may have a circular shape or alternatively may be polygonal. Obviously, the containers to be lifted may also be different to what is customarily defined as a bottle, provided that they have a neck for engaging the grip.

Figure 13 illustrates a third preferred embodiment of a supporting part according to the present invention. The supporting part of this third preferred embodiment is labelled 50 as a whole and is substantially similar to that of the first preferred embodiment illustrated. To avoid making this description too long, the components of this third embodiment of the supporting part 50 which are similar to those of the first preferred embodiment, are not described again.

This third preferred embodiment is distinguished from the first preferred embodiment by the fact that the engagement tabs 52 have a trapezoidal through-hole 53 at the front end of the tab 52. This trapezoidal hole 53 has lateral edges converging towards the front part and forms an advantageous lightening hole, which makes the front part of the tab 52 more flexible. As illustrated in Figure 13, as well as preparation of said lightening openings 53 in the radial engagement elements 52, this third preferred embodiment has, at the handle 54 attachment and rotation points 55, in particular at the sides of these rotation points 55, small connecting pins 56 of the breakable type. Moreover, labelled 57, there are similar elements or breakable small pins for retaining the handles 52 on the supporting body 51, also located at the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped supporting body 51, between this outer ring-shaped surface 51' and the inner surface 54' of the handles in the home condition. In particular, these breakable elements 57, 57 are located along a diameter, which is oriented at an angle of substantially 90° to the diameter joining the handle 54, 54 rotation pins 55, 55.

The small breakable pins 56, 57 are particularly advantageous. Indeed, these small pins 56, 57 allow easy removal of the part from the mould, which does not deform and therefore does not prevent this operation, and at the same time they are easily broken, in particular at the thinnest zone, that is to say, at the point where these pins 56, 57 are joined to the corresponding inner surface of the handle 54', when the handles 54, 54 are lifted into the erect container or item transport position.

As illustrated, these pins 56, 57 are much thinner than the height of the ring-shaped supporting element 51 and the corresponding handle 54, whilst in a top view they have a general triangular shape, narrowing from the outer surface 51' of the ring-shaped element 51, reaching a minimum width at the point where the pin 56, 57 is joined to the inner surface 54' of the handle. Figure 14 illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment of the supporting part 80, substantially similar to the second embodiment, having, like the third preferred embodiment of the supporting part, the breakable pins 56, 57 for retaining the handle on the supporting body 81.

As illustrated, in this fourth preferred embodiment 80, the lateral tabs 2B, 2B of the two sets of opposite retaining tabs have pairs of lightening holes 83a, 83b, radially aligned with one another, with suitable dimensions and shape, in particular a shape which follows the outer profile of the lateral edges of the lateral tabs 2B, 2B, that is to say, a provide converging towards the point at which they are attached to the inner face of the ring-shaped element 81.

In particular, said openings 83a, 83b have a general trapezoidal profile with the sides converging towards the point at which the tab 2B, 2B is attached to the ring-shaped supporting element 81. However, other shapes for the aligned lightening holes may be imagined.

As is evident from the detailed description above of preferred embodiments, the above embodiments of the supporting part according to the present invention combine an effective, practical and economical structure to allow easy and firm grasping of bottles, especially those with larger dimensions, made of a food-safe plastic material, versatile and for use for a wide range of neck 11 sizes.

The relative features also allow its particularly easy mechanical handling, that is to say, application and fitting by automatic machines, since said parts can easily be fed in any way to the application device.

As can be seen with reference to the subsequent drawings, in other embodiments, the present supporting part is integral with, that is to say in a single body, with a portion of the item, in particular in a single body with the cap used to close the item.

In particular, as illustrated in Figure 15, relative to a fifth preferred embodiment of the supporting part, the supporting part 200 comprises a first and a second handle 204, 204, which extend from opposite sides and surround the cap 208 along its entire circumference. The handles are connected to the cap 208 by portions 205, 205 which extend radially, on diametrically opposed sides of the cap 8. As illustrated, the present supporting part has handles 204, 204 which remain very close to the outer surface 208' of the cap, having a broken line profile, of which end linear portions 204a, 204b and intermediate linear portions 204c, 204d may be recognised, and in which each of the linear portions is at an obtuse angle to the adjacent linear portion.

Figure 16 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the supporting part, comprising a single handle 304 completely surrounding the cap 308, to which it is attached, and which has a single portion 305 for connection to the cap, extending radially at a respective end or side of the circumferential handle.

As is evident in Figure 16, the supporting part 300 extends with a circular profile, remaining very close to the outer circumferential surface 308' of the cap 308. A seventh preferred embodiment of the supporting part 400 is illustrated in Figure 17. Like the previous sixth embodiment, the supporting part 400 of this seventh embodiment has a single pin or radial extending element 405 connecting it to the corresponding cap 408. This seventh preferred embodiment of the supporting part 400 has a handle having the general shape of a polygon, in particular a triangle. The handle 404 has a first branch 404a at the pin 405 attaching it to the outer surface of the cap 408, and a second branch and a third branch 404b, 404c, converging in a corresponding rounded joining zone or section 406, on the opposite side to that where the attachment pin 405 extends, the rounded joining portion 406, between the linear branches 404b and 404c of the handle, forming convenient pick up means for a user. The user is of course inclined to engage a finger on the rounded inner surface 406' of the joining portion 406, with the handle 404, obviously, in the raised position, substantially vertical.

As illustrated, like the previous embodiments, this supporting part 400 therefore has handle portions which are positioned particularly close to the outer circumferential surface 408' of the cap 408, with portions extending a greater distance from cap.

In particular, with reference to each branch 404a, 404b, 404c, it may be seen how a central portion of said sections extends close to the outer surface of the cap 408, whilst the end portions of each branch are further from the outer surface of the cap, facilitating any insertion of a user's finger for an improved initial grip on the supporting part 400.

As can be seen with reference to the subsequent drawings, in other embodiments, the present supporting part is integral with, that is to say in a single body, with a portion, in particular with the cap used to close the item, in corresponding and preferred positions.

As illustrated in Figure 18, the supporting part 500 may be attached to the cap 508 at the lower edge 508" of the cap, in particular in a position above the ring 509 used to fix the cap to the bottle. Moreover, as illustrated in Figure 19, the supporting part 600 may be attached to the cap 608 at the upper edge 608" of the cap.

Moreover, as illustrated in Figure 20, the supporting part 700 may be attached to the cap 708 close to the upper edge of the cap, just below the zone 708" where the cap narrows upwards.

Moreover, as illustrated in Figure 21, the supporting part 800 may be attached to the cap 808 at the lower ring 809 used to fix the cap to the bottle. In particular, the supporting part 800 is fixed at the upper edge 809" of the ring 809 used to fix the cap to the bottle.

Moreover, as illustrated in Figure 22, the supporting part 900 may be attached to the cap 908 at the lower ring 909 used to fix the cap to the bottle. In particular, the supporting part 900 is fixed at the lower edge 909" of the ring 909 used to fix the cap to the bottle.

The invention described may be subject to modifications and variations without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements. In particular, it shall be understood that the handles of the present supporting part may have any suitable shape.

Claims

1. A part (10) for supporting items, in particular items in the form of containers, especially bottles; the part consisting of a body forming means (2) for retaining the item and means (4, 4) for pick up by the user; in which the pick up means can be moved between a home position and an operating position in which they are gripped by the user; the part being characterised in that the retaining means comprise at least one element (2) for connection to the item, extending according to a radial axis (R) , and also being characterised in that, in the home position, the pick up means (4, 4) and the radial connecting element (2) substantially lie in the same plane (0) .

2. The part according to claim 1 or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the pick up means comprise at least one handle (4) which can be gripped by the user.

3. The part according to claim 2, characterised in that the pick up means comprise a second handle (4) which can be gripped by the user.

4. The part according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that, in the home position, the pick up means (4, 4) surround the corresponding portion of the item to be supported.

5. The part according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that, in the home position, the pick up means (4, 4) surround the retaining means (2) .

6. The part according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the body comprises means (1) for supporting the pick up means (4, 4) .

7. The part according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the body comprises means (1) for supporting the retaining means (2, 2) .

8. The part according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the supporting means comprise a ring-shaped element (1) surrounding a corresponding portion, in particular the neck (6), of the item to be supported.

9. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to 8, characterised in that, in the home position, the pick up means (4, 4) surround the supporting means (1) .

10. The part according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the ring-shaped element has an inner circumferential groove (13, 14) between raised circumferential walls (15, 17) .

11. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to 10, characterised in that the pick up means (4, 4) are connected to the respective supporting means (1) by connecting means (5) relative to which the pick up means can rotate.

12. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 3 to 11, characterised in that the first and the second pick up handles consist of a respective extended element, there being one, circumferentially, on the extension of the other.

13. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 3 to 12, characterised in that the first and the second pick up handles extend from points of rotation that substantially correspond with one another.

14. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 2 to 13, characterised in that the pick up handle (4, 4) extends from corresponding points of rotation (5, 5), the latter being on opposite sides of the respective supporting means (1) .

15. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 2 to

14, characterised in that the pick up handle (4, 4) extends with a profile that has an intermediate section (17) which, in the home condition, extends close to the body (1) to which it is attached.

16. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 2 to

15, characterised in that the pick up handle (4, 4) extends with a profile that has a first end section and a second end section (18, 19) which, in the home condition, extend in such a way that they are distanced from the body to which the handle is attached.

17. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 2 to

16, characterised in that the pick up handle (4, 4) extends with an undulating profile.

18. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to

19. characterised in that the pick up means (4, 4) are connected to the respective supporting means (1) by breakable connecting means (56, 57) .

19. The part according to claim 18, characterised in that the breakable connecting means (56) are located close to the point of rotation (55) .

20. The part according to claim 18 or 19, characterised in that the breakable connecting means are located along a diameter, which is orientated at an angle relative to the diameter joining the rotation pins (55, 55) of the pick up means (54, 54), with respect to the supporting means (51) .

21. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 18 to 20, characterised in that the breakable connecting means (56, 57) are thinner than the height of the ring-shaped supporting element (51) and the corresponding handle (54) .

22. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 18 to 21, characterised in that the breakable connecting means (56, 57) have a profile which narrows at the point where they are joined to the pick up means (54) .

23. The part according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the means (2, 2) for retaining the item have a home position and an operating position in which they engage with and retain the item.

24. The part according to claim 23, characterised in that, in the home position, the means (2, 2) for retaining the item extend in the plane (0) in which the part extends.

25. The part according to claim 23 or 24, characterised in that, in the operating position, the means (2, 2) for retaining the item extend in a direction transversal to or raised relative to the plane (0) in which the part extends.

26. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 23 to 25, characterised in that, in the operating position, the means

(2, 2) for retaining the item extend in such a way as to form an angle to the plane (0) in which the present part extends.

27. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 23 to 26, characterised in that the operating position of the retaining means (2, 2) is induced by inserting them on the item to be supported.

28. The part according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the retaining means comprise a plurality of radial elements (2) .

29. The part according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that each radial element is in the form of a corresponding tab (2) having a free end forming a transversal surface which engages with and retains the item.

30. The part according to claim 28 or 29, characterised in that the retaining tabs (2, 2) are circumferentially equidistant.

31. The part according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the retaining means (2A, 2B, 2B) extend from opposite sides of the body of the supporting part (1) .

32. The part according to claim 31, characterised in that the retaining means consist of opposite first (2A, 2B, 2B) and second

(2A, 2B, 2B) sets of tabs.

33. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 29 to 32, characterised in that the tabs (2A, 2B, 2B) have free ends forming a substantially aligned surface.

34. The part according to claim 32 or 33, characterised in that each set of tabs has a central tab (2A) and lateral tabs (2B) , extending from points which are circumferentially distanced from one another.

35. The part according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that each retaining element consists of a flat element.

36. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to

35, characterised in that the retaining means (2) extend internally radially from the supporting means (1) .

37. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 28 to

36, characterised in that, in the home condition, the engagement means (2) are coplanar with one another.

38. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 28 to 37, characterised in that, in the home condition, the engagement means (2) are coplanar with the supporting means (1) .

39. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to

38, characterised in that, in the home condition, the pick up means (4) are coplanar with the supporting means (1) .

40. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 3 to

39, characterised in that, in the home position, the handles (4, 4) extend in opposite directions.

41. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 3 to 40, characterised in that, in the operating position, the handles

(4, 4) extend in such a way that they are paired up.

42. The part according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that, in the operating position, the pick up means (4, 4) extend in a vertical direction.

43. The part according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the operating position of the pick up means (4, 4) is induced by the user pulling the pick up means (4, 4) upwards.

44. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to

43, characterised in that the part supporting means are deformable relative to the plane (0) in which the part extends in the home condition.

45. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 6 to

44, characterised in that the supporting means have weakening means (IB, IB) , suitable for allowing relative rotations of corresponding parts (1C, 1C, ID, ID) , respectively, connected to the pick up means (4, 4) and to the retaining means (2) .

46. The part according to claim 45, characterised in that the weakening means (IB, IB) consist of thinned areas of the ring- shaped supporting element.

47. The part according to claim 45 or 46, characterised in that the weakening means (IB, IB) are designed to allow a torsion relative to the corresponding portions (1C, 1C ID, ID) of the supporting means (1) .

48. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to

47, characterised in that there is a first weakening zone and a second weakening zone (IB, IB) , delimiting a zone (1C, 1C) for extension of an attachment and rotation portion of the corresponding handle (4, 4) .

49. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 29 to

48, characterised in that the radial tabs (2) lie inserted between one another in two planes.

50. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 29 to

49, characterised in that the engagement tabs (52) have a through- hole.

51. The part according to claim 50, characterised in that the engagement tabs have at least a first hole and a second hole (83a, 83b) which are radially aligned with one another.

52. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 10 to 51, characterised in that in the grooves of the ring (IA) there are corresponding filling portions (17', 17') .

53. The part according to claim 52, characterised in that the filling portions (17', 17') are located in diametrically opposed points, where the supporting handles are connected.

54. The part according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it is made in a single piece.

55. The part according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it is made of a plastic material.

56. The part according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it is made in a single piece with the bottle cap.

57. The part according to claim 56, characterised in that the supporting part (200) has at least one handle (204, 204) , which remains very close to the outer surface of the cap to which it is attached.

58. The part according to claim 56 or 57, characterised in that the supporting part (200) has at least one handle (204, 204), having a broken line profile.

59. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to

58, characterised in that the supporting part comprises a single handle (304) , surrounding the corresponding outer surface of the component of the item to which it is attached.

60. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to

59, characterised in that the supporting part comprises a single radial element (305) for connection to the component of the item to which it is attached.

61. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to

60, characterised in that the supporting part has a handle with a substantially circular profile.

62. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to

61, characterised in that the supporting part has a handle having the general shape of a polygon, in particular a triangle.

63. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to

62, characterised in that the handle (404) has a pair of branches (404b, 404c) converging in a corresponding rounded joining zone or section (406) , forming pick up means for the user.

64. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 63, characterised in that the supporting part (500) is attached to the cap (508) at the lower edge of the cap.

65. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 63, characterised in that the supporting part (500) is attached to the cap (508) in a position above the ring (509) used to fix the cap to the bottle.

66. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 63, characterised in that the supporting part (600) is attached to the cap (608) at the upper edge of the cap.

67. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 63, characterised in that the supporting part (700) is attached to the cap (708) close to the upper edge of the cap, just below the start of the zone where the cap narrows upwards.

68. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 63, characterised in that the supporting part (800) is attached to the cap (808) at the lower ring (809) used to fix the cap to the bottle.

69. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 63, characterised in that the supporting part (800) is attached to the cap (808) at the upper edge of the ring (809) used to fix the cap to the bottle.

70. The part according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 63, characterised in that the supporting part (900) is attached to the cap (908) at the lower edge of the ring (909) used to fix the cap to the bottle.