GB2128878A

GB2128878A - Improvements in or relating to a handle

Info

Publication number: GB2128878A
Application number: GB08325774A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jose R Carranza
Original assignee: Merrick Industries Inc
Current assignee: Merrick Industries Inc
Priority date: 1982-09-28
Filing date: 1983-09-27
Publication date: 1984-05-10
Also published as: GB8325774D0

Abstract

A handle for use with a bottle, such as a large plastic bottle of soft drink, is fabricated from a flat sheet of material such as plastics. The handle has a portion 1 adapted to engage the neck of a bottle, a hand-hold portion 2, and a portion 4 adapted to engage the bottom of the bottle. The arrangement facilities carrying of the bottle and also facilitates pouring from the bottle. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to a handle This invention relates to a handle and more particularly to a detachable handle for a plastic bottle of the soft drink bottle type.

Soft drinks are often sold in large two litre plastic bottles. Being made of a thin plastic material, each of these bottles contains a large amount of drink while being of relatively low weight. However, the use of thin plastic has certain drawbacks. For instance, when the container is almost full of liquid, it is very difficult to pour liquid from it into cups because the thin plastic container collapses upon grasping/ and either causes the bottle to slip from the hand orforces liquid out of the bottle resulting in a spill. Without a handle, it is usually necessary to use two hands to pourfrom a full bottle. This leaves no way of steadying the cup to preventthecupfromtoppling while being filled.A hard plastic handlethatgripsthe neckorcollarofthe bottle and extends at an angle from the bottle has been used in an attempt to solve this problem. With such a handle the bottle can be poured using one hand. This prior art handle typically is made ofstiff heavy plastic and is attached to the bottle by a slotted channel at one end of the handle that flexes as the handle is pushed onto the neck or collar of the bottle.

Unfortunately, this handle is expensive, being made of hard, heavy duty plastic, requires expensive tooling, and requires a lot of plastic and is notflexible, compact or easily stored. Importantly, this handle attaches to the bottle only at the neck, thereby allowing the bottle to bend relative to the handle while pouring. In certain situations, the handle might even slip from the neck of the bottle while pouring. Other prior art includes a rack-with-handle apparatus. This handle is also made of expensive plastic, must be assembled, lacks flexibility and is not compactand is therefore difficult to store or ship.

According to this invention there is provided an element for use when carrying a bottle and for use when pouring liquid from a bottle, said element comprising a two-ended element of substantially flat flexible material, said element being provided with means at one end thereof for attaching the elementto a neck of a bottle, and being provided with means at the other end thereof for attaching the elementto the bottom of a bottle, there being means between the said ends of said element defining a hand hold to enable a userto carry a bottleto which the element is connected orto pour liquid from a bottle to which the element is connected.

Preferablysaid meansforattaching the elementto a bottle comprise a portion ofthe element defining two non-concentric holes of unequal diameters arranged to be partially overlapped, the arrangement being such thatthe larger of the two holes may then slip over the bottle cap and collar, and the smaller of the holes maythen snap snugly around the bottle neck to grip said neckfirmly.

The diameter ofthe larger hole may be between 1-5/8 inch an 1-5/16 inch (4.13cms and 3.3cms), and the diameter ofthe smaller hole may be in the range of 1 inch to 1-1116 inch (2.54cms to 2.70cms), and the maximum dimension overlap of the two circles on a line joining the centres ofthetwo circles may be 3/16 inch (0.48cms).

Preferably said means for attaching the element to the bottom of a bottle comprises means defining a ring arranged to fit around the circumference of said bottle.

Convenientlysaid ring has a diameter of approx imately4-1I4 inches (10.80cms).

Advantageously means for attaching the element to a bottle further comprise a semi-ring smallerthansaid ring, the semi-ring being flexibly attached atthe two ends thereof to two selected points on the inner circumference of said ring, the arrangement being such thatthe semi-ring, may be forced out ofthe plane ofthe ring so asto extend underneath the bottom of a bottlewhenthe bottle is surrounded bythe ring,the attachment means then embracing the bottom of the bottle. Said semi-ring may have a radius of 1-7/8 inches (5.44cms).

Preferably said ring is flexible and has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the bottle to which it is to be attached, the ring being adapted to be fitted around the circumference ofthe lower portion of the bottle below the bottle neck in a bottle holding mode.

Conveniently at least one stabilising tab is provided extending inwardlyfrom said ring when in anon- bottle mounted mode, said tab being adapted to conform to and grip a vertical sidewall of a bottle when in a bottle mounted mode.

Advantageously said flexible ring has two stabilising tabs, each extending inwardly ofthe ring, the two tabs being located at opposed diametrical positions on said ring, said tabs being aligned with said hand hold means and said bottle neck attachment means, the arrangement being such that when the element is mounted on a bottle said ring and said tabs are twisted from said in-line position so that said ring surrounds the bottle bottom, with the tabs extending parallel to the vertical sides ofsaid bottle.

Conveniently one said tab has a dual-lobed configuration and is adapted to extend upwardly from the ring when in a bottle mounted position, the othertab being ofgenerallytriangularconfiguration and being adaptedto extend downwardlyfrom the ring when in a bottle mounted position.

In another embodiment said means for attaching the elementto the bottom of a bottle comprises a flexible ring adapted to fit around the circumference of said bottle bottom, said ring having at least one integral stabilizing tab extending inwardly from the ring in a non-bottle mounted position, said tab and said ring being twistable so that when in a bottle mounted position, said tab will generally conform to and extend parallel to a vertical sidewall ofthe bottle.

Preferably said flexible ring has two stabilizing tabs, the arrangement being such that both stabilizing tabs may conform to the sides of said bottle when in a bottle mounted position to prevent or minimise movement of said ring when pouring from said bottle.

In a further embodiment said ring is provided with a plurality of flexible sinuous members extending inwardlyfrom said ring when in a non-bottle mounted mode, said sinuous members beingexpandabletofit around and grip a bottle bottom when in the bottle mounted mode.

Conveniently said flexible sinuous members are integrally formed with said ring, and extend substantially diametrically across the ring and are interconnected ata point substantially central ofthe ring, each sinuous member containing an expandable loop which may open to fit around the bottom and side of a bottle.

Preferably a transitional portion is provided between said hand hold means and the periphery of said ring, the transitional portion comprising means defining a substantiallytriangular cut-out, one side ofthe triangle being defined by part ofthe ring, there being two sinuous members each extending diametrically acrossthe ring, each sinuous member being connected to the ring adjacent a respective corner of said triangularcut-out.

In yet another embodiment said ring, in anon- bottom bottle mounted mode, comprises an elongate straight extension of said hand hold means, there being a medial slit in said extension, said medial slit having such a length that, when the sides ofthe extension are pulled apart, a ring is formed having a diameter greaterthan the diameter of a bottle of the bottom portion.

Preferably a stress relieving cut-out is provided at each end of said slit, the free end of said extension having a flat bulbous end.

In a further embodimentthe meansfor attachment to the bottle bottom comprise means to engage an opening provided in a false bottom on the bottle.

Preferably said means for attachmentto the bottom comprise a hook arranged to be inserted into said opening in the bottle bottom, said hook extending in a "U-shape" from one end of said means for providing a hand hold.

Convenientlythemeanswhich provide a hand hold is approxi mately 4-3/4 inches (12.07cms) long.

Preferably said means for providing a hand hold has at least oneface suitablefor advertising oridentifica- tion formed by imprinting or moulding.

Conveniently the means for providing a hand hold is substantiallyflatand has two edges.

Preferably said edges are crenelated to provide a finger grip.

Advantageously said hand hold has at least one roughened or serrated face.

An element in accordance with the invention may be fabricated from flat sheet of plastic, for example by injection moulding.The element may be fabricated of a flexible thermoplastic resin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

Alternatively the element may be fabricated from leather.

Preferablytheelement may be fabricated from a material which is substantially 3/32 inches (0.24 cms) thick, and is approximately 14-5/8 inches (37.1 Scms) long.

The invention also relates to an element as described above in combination with a plastic bottle having a neck and a bottom, said element beng attached to said plastic bottle at both said neck and said bottom, said means for providing a hand-hold arching awayfrom the bottletherebyto allow said bottleto be held using the handle. Said bottle bottom may be configured with vertically extending prongs, and said means for attachment to the bottle bottom may comprise meansto engage or embrace said prongs. Said bottle may be connected to one or more substantially identical bottles, and wherein said element provides a hand hold for carrying said bottle in combination with said one or more other identical bottles.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a lightweight, flexible and compact handle for use in pouring liquid from large plastic bottles, and particularly from the two litre plastic bottle commonly used to hold soft drinks. The handle can be stamped out of a sheet of material or may be injection moulded.

This handle can be made offlexible plastic, paperboard, leather, rubber or even metal orsomecombinationthereof, but preferably is made offlexible plastic. The handle advantageously is of one-piece construction, with no assembly of parts required. In an alternative embodiment, the handle has a hook of metal or other stiff material attached to the end ofthe handleforinsertion into the false bottom of a certain type of plastic bottle which is provided with afalse bottom for stability. The handle is reusuable and supports the bottle as itis connected both to its bottom and to its top. Although both the bottle and the handle are each individuallyflexible,the handle and bottletogetherform a surprisingly rigid combination.

The flexible handle includes means (such as a socket) for snapping on to the top of the bottle and means (such as a harness) for strapping onto the bottom of the bottle. An alternative embodiment ofthis invention includes means for hooking on to the bottom of the bottle.

The preferred handle of this invention is flat and compactandcan be stored flat with other handles or by hanging on a hook. The handles can be shipped flat or partially attached to bottles without significant enlargement ofthe packing cartons. Although the handle is stored flat ortwo-dimensionally, when attached to a bottle the handle takes on athreedimensional configuration. Because ofthisthreedimensional configuration,the handle, when in use, holds the bottle much more securelythan would be expected. The preferred handle ofthe present invention provides an easy, comfortable way to carry more than one large plastic bottle in each hand. Because the handle is removable and re-usable, it can be used to make soft drink bottle of the appropriate size into a container for carrying any liquid or into a water containerforwatering plants. The handle can be used as a strap for hanging a bottle, for instance, to a bicycle frame or pipe, for each in transportation. Retail merchants can shrink-wrap or otherwise bind two or more bottles together, togetherwith a single handle in accordance with this invention, attached to one bottle as a convenient carrierforthegroup of or bottles. The preferred lightweight, flexible handle attaches to the plastic bottle at two points-the neck and the lower portion ofthe bottie.The handle is of such a length as to form a curved member extending from the neck to the lower portion of the bottle and is separated from the bottle at all other points. The separation is sufficiently great to provide space for four fingers of one hand to fit while grasping the handle. The curved portion ofthe handle is grasped with one hand when the bottle isto be lifted or poured, leaving the other hand free to hold a cup. The curved member, although flexible, provides, when attached to the neck and bottom of the bottle, in combination with the bottle, a relatively rigid handleforsafely pouring liquid from the bottle.

In orderthatthe invention may be more readily understood, and so thatfurtherfeatures thereof may be appreciated, the invention will now be described by way of example with referenceto the accompanying drawings in which: Figure lisa plan view of a handle in accordance with this invention, wherein the handle possesses crenelated edges to assist in providing fingergrips; Figure 2 is a side view of portion 2 ofthe handle of Figure 1, having one surface 2a crenelated to provide a slip-proofgrip; Figure 3 is a perspective view ofthe handle mounted own a bottle showing the method of attaching the bottom grip means ofthe handle to the bottle bottom; Figure 4 is a side view ofthe handle when mounted on a bottle showing the method of attaching the neck grip means of the handle to the bottle neck;; Figure 5 is a front view ofthe handle attached to a bottle; Figure6 is a side view which demonstrates the method of pouring liquid from the bottle into a cup using the handle; Figure 7 illustrates two or more bottles capable of being carried in one hand by using a corresponding number of handles; Figure 8 shows two bottles which may be shrinkwrapped or otherwise connected together with one handle attached to one ofthe bottles to provide a carrying handleforboth bottles; Figure 9 shows tabs for use in one modified embodiment of this invention to adjustthe bottom of the handle automaticallyto bottles ofvarious diameters;; Figure 10 is atop view of a typical carton of six bottles, each with a handle attached, and iilustrates the orientation ofthe handles in the voids in the carton packaging to minimize the space taken by the handles during shipping; Figures 11A and 11 B shown an alternative embodiment of the invention, which uses a hook for attaching the handle to the bottom of that type of plastic two litre soft-drink bottle containing a false bottom; Figure 12 shows partial top view offurther modified embodiment of the invention utilising stabilising tabs on a ring twistableto hold the lower portion ofthe bottle; Figure 13 is a side view ofthe device of Figure 12 shown in bottle-mounted position;; Figure l4isa frontview of Figure 13 showing one stabilizing tab in bottle-mounted position; and Figure 15 is a rear view of Figure 13 showing the other stabilizing tab in bottle-mounted position; Figure 16 is a partial top view of a fu rther embodi- ment in non-bottle holding mode utilising ring bridging sinuous members for holding and gripping a bottle bottom; Figure 17 is a side view ofthe device of Figure 16 in the bottle-holding mode; Figure 18 is a partial top view of an additional embodiment in non-bottle holding mode utilising an expandable medial slitto form the bottle-holding ring; and Figure 19 is a side view ofthe device of Figure 18 in the bottle-holding mode.

As shown in Figure 1, a handle in accordance with this invention comprises four basic segments-neck grip means 1, hand grip portion 2, connecting structure 3, and bottom grip means 4.

Neck grip means 1 (Figure 1) comprises a socket arrangement consisting of two partially overlapping non-concentric, circular or oval holes (or openings) 11 and 12. Hole 12 is of a diameter such that it will fit snuglyaroundthe neck of a plastic bottle. Such a diameter is typically 1-1/16 or 1 inch (2.7Q or 2.54 cms) fortwo litre bottles. Larger hole 11 is sized so that the material surrounding hole 11 will easily and unob structedlyfit over the cap and collar ofthe plastic bottle; such an opening is typically about 1-5/8 inch or 1-5/16 inch (4.12 or 3.33 cms) in diameterfor a two litre plastic bottle. Hole 11 is not necessarily circular, but can be elliptical, oval orother shape.The tabs 1 2a and 1 2b between and directly adjacent to the two circular holes are separated by approximately 1 inch (2.54 cms) in dimension "do", thereby allowing the material surrounding smaller hole 12 to be snapped around the bottle neck in a double acting deflection action (see Figure 4) wherein the neck of the bottle acts as a cam to drive tabs 1 2a and 1 2b apart as these tabs are slid past the neck. Tabs 1 2a and 12b resume their original position as shown once the neck of the bottle is centered in opening 12. Opening 12 also provides a finger hold for installing and removing the handle.

Neck grip means 1 is attached to hand grip 2 by tapered material la. Hand grip 2, in one embodiment, is approximately43/4 inches (12.07cms) long,3/32 inches (0.24cms) thick, and has a width of approximately 1/2 inch (1.27cms). In one embodiment, hand grip 2 is formed with crenelated finger grip edges 2b and 2c (see Figure 1) but in another embodiment may have straight edges. Hand grip 2 can be serrated along one face (preferably the face facing away from the bottle) to provide a non-slip grip as shown in Figure 2, but may have two opposed flat faces. The outwardly directed flat face ofthe hand grip 2 can be used for advertising or identification purposesthrough appropriate lettering, or the handle can be coloured or shaped for appropriate advertising.

In one embodiment of this invention, atthe bottom end of hand grip 2the holderflares outtoform a bottom grip means 4for holding or gripping the bottom of the bottle. This flared portion ofthe handle comprises a triangular segment 3 bounded on two sides by the flared portion Sand on the third side by a portion of bottom ring 42. Ring 42 is part of the bottom grip means 4. The bottom grip means 4 consists of a large ring 42 and a smaller semi-ring 41 (as shown, a little more than a half-ring) placed within ring 42 and attached at its two ends to part ofthe inner circumference of ring 42.Although formed from material in the same plane as ring 42, ring 41 is adapted to be forced downward out ofthe plane or ring 42 into a plane substantially perpendicu larthereto to extend across the bottom surface ofthe bottle. The large outer ring 42 possesses an inner diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the plastic bottleforwhich the holder is to be used, nominally 4-1/4 inches (10.8 cms) for a 2-litre bottle. The smaller semi-ring 41 is attached attwo places 42a and 42bto the inside of ring 42, and has a smaller radius than ring 42. Semi-ring 41 typically possesses a 1-7/8 inch (5.44 cms) radius for a two litre bottle.Semi-ring 41 is configured to seat in the indentations between the prongs 52ato 52f(Figure 3) on the bottom ofthe plastic bottle 51 and together with ring 42 thereby to hold, in a slip-proof manner, the bottom of bottle 51. The firm grip on the bottom of the bottle by bottom grip means 4coupled with the firm grip on the neck of the bottle achieved through use of neck grip means 1 results in a convenient, firm holderfor large plastic bottles which facilitates pouring (see Figure 6) even though the handle and the bottle are each flexible when taken alone. The dimensions ofthe handle 10 of Figure 1 can be selected to fit virtually any bottle, plastic or otherwise, with a prong-type bottom.

In the use of the described embodiment, the bottom holder means 4 is placed overthe bottom of the plastic bottle 51 as shown in Figure 4 such thatthe large outer ring 42 stretches around the circumference of the bottle 51 and the small semi-ring 41 extends around two, three orfour ofthe six support prongs 52a to 52f on the bottom of bottle 51, with two prongs being the preferred number(see Figure 3). The bottom grip means 4 is pulled up on the bottle so that neck grip means 1 can be placed overthe cap 53 and collar 54 of bottle 51 in a manner illustrated graphically by the handle 10 drawn in dashed lines in Figure 4.The cap 53 and collar 54 ofthe bottle 51 are putthrough the larger circularhole 11 in holder 10 and the neck grip means 1 is then pulled back away from bottle 51 in the direction of arrow 55 (Figure 4) to slip tabs 12a and 12b in a cam action pastthe neck 56 of bottle 51 and thus to fit the material surrounding the smaller diameter hole 12 tightly around neck 56 of bottle 51. The bottle 51 can then be lifted using the handle and poured using one hand (as shown in Figure 6) ortwo bottles may be carried (as shown in Figures 7 and 8). The result is a securely held bottle.

The handles on two bottles may be grasped simultaneously (see Figure 7) to facilitate carrying the bottles. Two bottles, one having a handle, (see Figure 8) may be shrink wrapped together or provide a readily carried package.

To adaptthe handle as described above for use with plastic bottles of smaller diameter, tabs, such as tabs 91 a, 91 b, and 91 c, can be provided, selectively sized, shaped and positioned on the inner circumference of ring 42, for example, as shown in Figure 9, so as to make the outer ring 42 fit snugly on bottles with diameters less than the inner diameter of ring 42 by up to the height "h" of each tab (typically 1/8 inch (0.32 cms). On larger diameter bottles tabs 91 a, 91 band 91c bend out ofthe way or push into and depressthe directly adjacent surface ofthe bottle.

In the embodiment ofthe invention illustrated in Figures 1 1A and 1 1B,the handle is affixed to the bottom of the bottom with a bottom hook 61. Bottom hook 61 is shaped so that it can be inserted into a hole 64 (Figure 1180 in the bottom ofthattype of plastic bottle containing a flase bottom 63 to allowthe bottle to stand vertically a flat surface. Such false bottoms contain one or more holes to allow equalization of air pressure and hook end 62 is adapted to be inserted into one ofthese holes to form a secure grip to the bottom ofthe bottle. Bottom hook means 61 can be made of any relatively stiff material, but is preferably made of metal or stiff plastic.The bottom hook means 61, when metal, is securely attached to the end ofthe hand grip 2 by crimping the metal around the hand grip or other conventional methods such as riveting or adhesive. In an alternative embodiment ofthe bottom hook means 61, the bottom hook means 61 can be formed during the same injection moulding step as was used to form the rest ofthe handle. In any event, the handle of Figures 1 1A and 11 Bwith the bottom hook means 61 inserted into one ofthe holes in the bottom ofthe bottle and with the neck grip means 1 firmly attached to the neck ofthe bottle, provides a firm holderfor large plastic bottles of the type with a hole in a false bottom.

Another embodiment ofthe structure to attach the strap to the lower part of a bottle is seen in Figures 12-15. An integral flexible blank has ring means 30, for attaching the strapto the lower part of a bottle, extending from the hand hold section 2, previously described. Ring means 30 in the Figure 12 non-bottle mounted position comprises a relatively thin (1/4 inch (0.64cms) wide-3/32 or 1/8 inch (0.24to 0.32 cms) thick) flexible plastic ring 31 having an outer diameter of 4-5/8 inches (11.75 cms) when used with a two-litre bottle and is typically stamped from polyethylene sheet or moulded from plastic powder or crystals.

Ring 31 which may be a true circle or elliptical, has at least one, but preferably two, stabilizing tab mens 32 and 33 extending inwardlyfromthe ring in itsflat blank non-bottle mounted mode. Tab 32 is adjacent to, extends outwardly from, and is in line with hand hold section 2. Tab 32 has a generally triangular configura- tion in its flat stamped-outform, with an initial bottle conforming curved edge 32a and curved side edges 32b. A second stabilizing tab 33 extends inwardly of ring 32 at its outer extremity in a non-bottle mounted mode and is located at a position diametrically opposed to tab 32. Tab 33 has a curved surface 33a conforming to the curve of a bottle surface and two lobes 34 and 35 extending on either side of curved edge 33a. An edge of each ofthe curved surfaces 32a and 33afirmly grips the bottle in the bottle-carrying mode actually indenting or deforming the thin bottle sides slightly as shown at32cand33b.The outside facing areas oftab 33 may be employed as a site for additional advertising or marking.The overall strap has a length of 25-1/4 inches (68.58 cms) when used for a two-litre soft drink bottle. It can, of course, be made in varying sizes.

Figure 13 shows ring means 30 mounted on and encompassing a lower part of a bottle, i.e. it shows the ring in the bottle-mounted mode. The ring 31 of the overall strap is mounted overthe top of the bottle and pulled down to a lower position normally adjacent to the bottle bottom. Tab 32 is maneouvered by hand or byamounting machinetoextenddownwardlyandto slide down one vertical side of the bottle to a position parallel to the bottle side. Tab 33 is maneouvered by hand or by a mounting machineto extend upwardly and to slide down the opposed vertical side ofthe peripheryofthe bottleto a position parallel to the bottle side. This action is encouraged by initially lifting the hand hold section and bottle neck-holding end upwardly ofthe bottle top which orients tab 32 downwardly.Pushing down on the sides ofthe ring 31 adjacent to both sides to tabs 32 and 33 moves the ring to its desired position. By this action and the natural twisting of ring 31 sliding down over the curved top of the bottle (the bottle having an increasing diameter from its top spout to a more centrally located mid-portion)forces tab 33 to take an upward facing position. Tab 32 is twisted or bent downwardly from point 37 and tab 33 is twisted or bent upwardly from point 38. The bottom of tab 33 generally is moved downwardly to rest on either a ridge 40 formed in, or the top of a bottom cap placed on, the bottle bottom of the typical two-litre thin plastic bottle made by the so-called blow mould process.In orderto have tabs 32 and 33 reach their respective "down-up" bottleconforming positions, the ring 31 is twisted as at 39, 180 along its length, firmly gripping the bottle.

Figure 14 shows a front view of tab 33 engaging and conforming to the lateril curvature ofthe bottle at a specific vertical distance up the bottle above ring 31.

Figure 15 shows a rear view oftab 32 engaging and conformingtothe lateral curvature ofthe bottle at a specific vertical distance down the bottle below ring 31.

Figure 16 shows a further alternative embodiment of a bottle gripping means 70 extending from handle 2.

Means 70 comprises a ring 77,78 integrally attached a handle 2 by legs 69 having non-uniform widths 72 and 73 forming angularly located tapered connectors having a triangular cut-out 71 therebetween formed by ring portion 78 and legs 69. Extending from the junctures of ring portions 77 and 78 are flexible sinuous members 74 which extend diametrically across the ring 77,78 and are joined ata central point 75. Each of the halves ofthe pair of sinuous members has a flexible loop 79. The members 74 may be expanded downwardlytoform a bottle-holding "basket" as more easily seen in Figure 17.The length of the loops 79 are such so that in semi-straightened condition the central joining point or pad 75 may be depressed to a plane about 1-1/2 inches (3.81 cms) below ring 77,78 with the pad 75, in a bottle-gripping mode, being flush against orjuxtaposed to the bottom of central partofthe bottle bottom supporting surface as at 82. A loop 79 is shown in semi-expanded condition as at 81. The pair of sinuous members thus embrace the bottle bottom 80. The ring and attached members of this embodiment are preferably pulled up over the bottom ofthe bottle an is normally pulled up to the bridge line 40 orend captop 40 (Figure 14) ofthe bottle, which is the junction between the bottle proper and an end cap orfalse bottom.Attachment of the opposite end of strap to the bottle neck as heretofore explained keeps the "basket" firmly on the bottle bottom. Lifting ofthe strap by the hand holding portion 2 likewise results in ring and the sinuous members gripping the bottle bottom. Dimples 76 may be provided on the ring 78 inner periphery or at other locations to compensatefora loose fit of the ring on the bottle.

Figure 18 shows a straight extension 90 from the hand hold means 2 of another embodiment of the invention. The straight extension forms a ring when in the bottle-holding mode. This is accomplished by proyiding a medial slit 91 in the extension 90 of sufficient length so that when the sides 92 and 93 formed by the slit 91 are laterally pulled apart a ring is formed which can be slipped over eitherthe top or bottom of the bottleto encompass a bottom portion of the bottle. The neck-holding portion of the strap is then affixed to the neckto complete the installation.

Stress-relieving circular cut-outs 94,95 are provided at the ends of the slit 91 to prevent tearing. A bulbous end 96is provided at the end of extension 90 so that a full width of material is presentforstrength purposes.

Figure 19 shows the extension 90 in a ring-forming mode and engaging a bottle. Sides 92 and 93 have been pulled apart laterally to form a ring of sufficient diametertoslideontothe bottle bottom eitherfrom the top or bottom. Duetothsslit-opening movement the sides 92 and 93 are twisted as at 97 and 98 which action tends to present ring surfaces which grip the bottle periphery, especially when the bottle is lifted by the hand hold portion 2 for carrying or pouring.

A handle in accordance with the invention can be formed into a flat, inexpensive configuration from plastic by stamping or moulding, and thus can be shipped and stored flat and compactly thereby saving substantial costs. Although flexible, the preferred handle, when attached at both ends to the neck and bottom of a plastic bottle, provides a combined bottle-handle system which is relatively stiff and rigid thereby providing a firm supportfor pouring. The preferred handle can be shipped with the bottle without substantially increasing the bulk associated with the bottle and thus without raising shipping or crating costs. The preferred handle has sufficient area to allowthe imprinting of advertising or other messages on an easily visible portion of the handle.

Because the preferred handle ofthe present invention is relatively thin, it is easily stored. In fact, should the holder be sold with or stored attached to the plastic bottle, the holderwou Id only increase the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the plastic bottle by twice the thickness ofthe plastic.

Claims

1. An element for use when carrying a bottle and for use when pouring liquid from a bottle, said element comprising a two-ended element of substantiallyflatflexible material, said element being provided with means at one end thereoffor attaching the elementtoa neck of a bottle, and being provided with means atthe other end thereoffor attaching the elementtothe bottom of a bottle, there being means between the said ends of said element defining a hand hold to enable a user to carry a bottle to which the element is connected orto pour liquid from a bottle to which the element is connected.

2. An elementaccording to claim 1 wherein said means for attaching the element to a bottle comprise a portion ofthe element defining two non-concentric holes of unequal diameters arranged to be partially overlapped, the arrangement being such that the larger of the two holes maythen slip over the bottle cap and collar, and the smaller ofthe holes may then snap snugly around the bottle neck to grip said neck firmly.

3. An element according to claim 2, wherein the diameter ofthe larger hole is between 1-5/8 inch and 1-5/16 inch (4.13cms and 3.3cms).

4. An element according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the diameter of the smaller hole is in the range of 1 inch to 1-1/16 inch (2.54cms to 2.70cms).

5. An element according to any one of claims 2to 4 wherein the maximum dimension overlap of the two circles on a line joining the centres ofthetwo circles is 3/16 inch (0.48cms).

6. An element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said means for attaching the elementto the bottom of a bottle comprises means defining a ring arranged to fit around the circumfer- ence of said bottle.

7. An element according to claim 6, wherein said ring has a diameter of approximately 4-1/4 inches (10.80cms).

8. An element according to claim 6, or7, wherein said means for attaching the element to a bottle further comprises semi-ring smaller than said ring, the semi-ring being flexibly attached at the two ends thereofto two selected points on the inner circumfer encesofsaid ring, the arrangement being such that the semi-ring may be forced out of the plane of the ring so asto extend underneath the bottom of a bottle when the bottle is surrounded by the ring, the attachment means then embracing the bottom of the bottle.

9. An element according to claim 8, wherein said semi-ring has a radius of 1-7/8 inches (5.44cms).

10. An element according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said ring is flexible and has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter ofthe bottle to which it is to be attached, the ring being adapted to befitted around the circumference ofthe lower portion ofthe bottle below the bottle neck in a bottle holding mode.

11. An element according to claim 10, wherein at least one stabilising tab is provided extending inwardliy from said ring when in a non-bottle mounted mode, said tab being adapted to conform to and grip a vertical sidewall of a bottle when in a bottle mounted mode.

12. An element according to claim 10, wherein said flexible ring has two stabilising tabs, each extending inwardly ofthe ring, the two tabs being located at opposed diametrical positions on said ring, said tabs being aligned with said hand hold means and said bottle neck attachment means, the arrange ment being such that when the element is mounted on a bottle said ring and said tabs are twisted from said in-line position so that said ring surrounds the bottle bottom, with the tabs extending parallel to the vertical sides of said bottle.

13. An element according to claim 12, wherein one said tab has a dual-lobed configuration and is adapted to extend upwardly from the ring when in a bottle mounted position, the othertab being of generally triangular configuration and being adapted to extend downwardlyfrom the ring when in a bottle mounted position.

14. An element according to any one of claims f to 5, wherein said means for attaching the element to the bottom of a bottle comprises a flexible ring adapted to fit around the circumference of said bottle bottom, said ring having at least one integral stabilizing tab extending inwardlyfrom the ring in a non-bottle mounted position, said tab and said ring being twistablesothatwhen in a bottle mounted position, said tab will generally conform to and extend parallel to a vertical sidewall ofthe bottle.

15. An element according to claim 14,wherein said flexible ring has two stabilizing tabs, the arrangement being such that both stabilizing tabs may conform to the sides of said bottle when in a bottle mounted position to prevent or minimise movement of said ring when pouring from said bottle.

16. An element according to claim 6, wherein said ring is provided with a plurality of flexible sinuous members extending inwardly from said ring when in a non-bottle mounted mode, said sinuous member being expandable to fit around and grip a bottle bottom when in the bottle mounted mode.

17. An element according to claim 16, wherein said flexible sinuous members are integrally formed with said ring, and extend substantially diametrically across the ring and are interconnected at a point substantially central ofthe ring, each sinuous member containing an expandable loop which may open to fit around the bottom and side of a bottle.

18. An element according to claim 17, wherein a transitional portion is provided between said hand hold means and the periphery of said ring, the transitional portion comprising means defining a substantiallytriangularcut-out, one side ofthe triangle being defined by part ofthe ring, there being two sinuous members each extending diametrically across the ring, each sinuous member being connected to the ring adjacent a respective corner of said triangular cut-out.

19. An element according to claim 6, wherein said ring, in a non-bottom bottle mounted mode, comprises an elongate straight extension of said hand hold means, there being a medial slit in said extension, said medial slit having such a length that, when the sides of the extension are pulled apart, a ring is formed having a diameter greaterthan the diameter of a bottle ofthe bottom portion.

20. An element according to claim 19, wherein a stress relieving cut-out is provided at each end of said slit,thefree end of said extension having aflat bulbous end.

21. An element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the means for attachmentto the bottle bottom comprise means to engage an opening provided in afalse bottom on the bottle.

22. An element according to claim 21, wherein said meansforattachmenttothe bottom comprise a hook arranged to be inserted into said opening in the bottle bottom, said hook extending in a "U-shape" from one end of said means for providing a hand hold.

23. An element according to any one ofthe preceding claims wherein the means which provide a hand hold is approximately 4-3/4 inches (12.07 cms) long.

24. An element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said meansforproviding a hand hold has at least one face suitable for advertising or identification formed by imprinting or moulding.

25. An element according to anyoneofthe preceding claims wherein the meansfor providing a hand hold issubstantiallyflatand has two edges.

26. An element according to claim 25, wherein said edges are crenelated to provide a finger grip.

27. An element according to any one ofthe preceding claims wherein said hand hold has at least one roughened or serrated face.

28. An element according to any one of the preceding claims fabricated from flat sheet of plastic.

29. An element according to any one ofthe preceding claims wherein the element is formed by injection moulding.

30. An element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the element is fabricated of a flexible thermoplastic resin.

31. An element according to any one ofthe preceding claims fabricated from polyethylene.

32. An element according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the element is fabricated from polypropylene.

33. An element according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the element is fabricated from leather.

34. An element according to any one ofthe preceding claims fabricated from a material which is substantially 3/32 inches (0.24 cms) thick.

35. An element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the element is approximately 14-5/8 inches (37.15 cms) long.

36. An element according to any one ofthe preceding claims in combination with a plastic bottle having a neck and a bottom, said element being attached to said plastic bottle at both said neck and said bottom, said means for providing a hand-hold arching away from the bottle thereby to allow said bottle to be held using the handle.

37. A combination according to claim 36, wherein said bottle bottom is configured with vertically extending prongs.

38. A combination according to claim 37, wherein said means for attachment to the bottle bottom comprises means to engage or embrace said prongs.

39. Acombination according to any of claims 36 to 38, wherein said bottle is connected to one or more substantially identical bottles, and wherein said element provides a hand hold for carrying said bottle in combination with said one or more other identical bottles.

40. An element substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 8 ofthe accompanying drawings.

41. An element substantially as herein described with referenceto and as shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 8 ofthe accompanying drawings as modified by Figure 2.

42. An element substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.

43. An element substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figure 11 ofthe accompanying drawings.

44. An element substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 12to 15of the accompanying drawings.

45. An element substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 16 and 17 of the accompanying drawings.

46. An element substantially as herein described with referenceto and as shown in Figures 18 and 19 of the accompanying drawings.

47. Acombinationofa bottle and an element according to any one of claims 40 to 46.

48. Any novel feature or combination offeatures disclosed herein.