MXPA98002569A - Recipient with two position handle - Google Patents

Abstract

A container having a two-position handle with one end of the handle being rotatably received on a post projecting integrally from the container. The handle is selectively and releasably held in a handle position that overlaps the container and into a pouring position extending along the side of the container. The container is closed with a removable screw cap within the upper portion of the container and includes a projecting projection radially to cover the container's peak by complete seating of the container.

Description

08832541. 040397 CONTAINER WITH TWO-POSITION HANDLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: In order to facilitate the handling of containers for flowable materials, for example thermos flasks, beverage containers, pouring containers, and the like, it is not unusual for such containers to be provided with a lateral handle for both holding and for holding. poured, a handle that helps hold the container, or both, either in the form of separate members or through the provision of a selectively adjustable handle movable between a side handle position and a handle position. Examples of an adjustable handle will be observed in the following two patents: 1,586,020 Witherspoon 25/05/26 2,384,718 Witherspoon 09/11/45 In each of these patents it is rather necessary to handle several unsuitable stages to release the handle from a position, adjust it to the second position, and secure the handle in the second position. Although such series of steps may have been required by the nature of the materials commonly available at the time of making the respective inventions, such handling steps appear inadequate to current standards and are prone to fail in the various areas of particular mechanical handling .

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improvements in containers for flowable material that, in addition to being practical and economical, provide a superior product with respect to durability, ease of handling and strength. The container of the invention, which for purposes of illustration has been shown to have a vertically elongated hollow cylindrical body, includes a slightly bulbous upper end portion with a series of annularly concentric rims or ridges around it providing, in conjunction with the profile bulbous, an improved holding area for directly holding the container adjacent to the open mouth above it. The mouth of the container is selectively sealed with a screw cap cap having an arcuate projection extending outwardly which, by complete seating of the cap, is aligned at the top and substantially seals the entire spout at the upper edge portion of the container. container body. By partially unscrewing the cap, with the corresponding movement of the projection away from the peak, the contents can be poured out of the container as an alternative for a complete removal of the cap. It is also contemplated that the internal thread within the bulbous upper end portion of the body receiving the threaded outer of the cap is of a single flight or discontinuous arc which is related to the threaded cap in order to ensure a proper position of the projection onto the threaded cap. the peak in a complete settlement of the lid. Of particular importance in particular is the provision of a generally elongated arched handle that is rotatably mounted at one end with an integral pivot post and that extends at an upward and upward angle to the upper end portion of the container body. The post angle and the general arched configuration of the handle allow rotation of the handle around the post between a first position of the handle or pouring along the side of the container, and a second position that overlaps the closed upper end or mouth of the container. in the shape of a handle. The handle is automatically and releasably secured in each position by a turn to that position. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the more detailed explanation of the invention which follows hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the container with the handle in the handle position and the lid completely closed; Figure 2 is a similar perspective view with the handle in the handle or pour position and with the lid partially open; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the three separate components of the invention; Figure 4 is an elongated perspective detail of the mounting end of the handle; Figure 5 is a schematic elevational view, partially in section, of the container with the handle in the pouring position; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional detail of the upper portion of the container taken substantially on a plane passing along the line 6-6 of Figure 2; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional detail of the upper portion of the container taken substantially on a plane passing along line 7-7 of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a partially elongated view in elevation with the end of the handle mounted in the pouring position; Figure 9 is a detail in cross section taken substantially on a plane passing along line 9-9 of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a partially enlarged view in elevation of the end of the handle mounted in the handle position; and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional detail taken substantially on a plane passing along line 11-11 of Figure 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODE With reference now more specifically to the drawings, the container 10 includes a container body 12, a removable lid 14, and an adjustable and removable handle 16. The container body 12, while not specifically limited thereto, will preferably be of a cylindrical configuration vertically elongated with an upper end portion 18 and the closed bottom portion defining the mouth with the opening upward. The upper end portion is of a bulbous or convex configuration generally facing outwardly with ridges or steps 22 peripherally shallow around it. The bulbous configuration and the stepped surface thereon provide a convenient non-slip grip area once it is desired to directly take the body of the container 12, for example when the container is being filled. In order to facilitate and control the pouring of the contents of the container body from the interior of the container, the generally bulbous upper end portion 18 will include a spout 24 integrally formed thereof and immediately inwardly of the open mouth 20 of the body of the container. container 12. Peak 24 is inclined radially outward from upper end portion 18 of the body and is of a curvilinear configuration generally open upwardly with an upper edge co-extensive with the upper edge of the body defining the mouth 20. cap 14 is a cap-type cap with a cylindrical cap portion 26 having a thread 28 with multiple flights thereon which threadably engage with a single partially threaded flight on the cylindrical interior of bulbous top end portion 18. Cap 14, immediately on the portion of the cap 26, includes an annular flange 32 projecting outward which, last The complete threaded coupling of the cap portion 26 sits tightly on the free upper edge of the body. The flange 32 includes an integral, outwardly extending coplanar projection 34 that is configured and positioned to cover and close the open mouth upwardly of the spout 24 by complete seating of the cap. The ratio of the alignment of the projection to the peak is achieved by appropriate coordination between the threaded portion 28 of the plug and the interrupted thread 30 having a single incoming end that receives the single incoming end of the thread 28 of the plug. Each time it is desired to pour the contents of the container body without complete removal of the cap, the cap is rotated approximately 180 °, as suggested in Figure 2, from its fully seated position, will uncover the mouth of the spout and provide sufficient space between the inner end of the portion of the cap and the lower end of the peak for the flowable material to flow from the container. The lid 14, on the peripheral seating flange 32, includes a cylindrical wall 36 that extends upwardly inclined inwardly of the outer periphery of the flange 32 and formed integrally with a concave upper panel 38 having centrally therein, a 40 integral hemispherical dome that projects upwards. The rotational manipulation of the lid 14 is facilitated by a pair of diametrically opposed fins 42 extending from the central dome 40 to the outer peripheral edge of the upper panel 38 and generally follow the concave curvature of the upper panel. This concave configuration of the upper panel 38 provides a convenient depression wherein the fingers of the hand can be inserted so as to engage with the lower profile of the turning fins 42. The maximum height of the fins 42, is at or below the raised point of the central dome 40. As an alignment aid, the upper panel 38 may be provided with indicia or with a slight surface depression 44 in the same diametrically opposite to the position of the projection 34 covering peak. Finally, it is observed in particular in Figures 6 and 7, the lid, and in particular that the portion 36 of the cap dependent thereon, is hollow as much to save material as to reduce the weight. Of course sufficient strength is maintained with the lid stabilized by the concave upper panel 38, the central dome 40 and the turning fins 42. The handle 16 is mounted to the container body by adjustable and releasable coupling with a pivot or mounting post 48 integral with the upper end portion 18, diametrically opposite the spout 24, at an upward and outward angle, which, in conjunction with the configuration of the handle 16, ensures optimal positioning of the handle in a first position of the handle or position of the handle. poured, and in a second position to hold it or handle as illustrated respectively in Figures 5 and 7. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, this angle will be substantially 29 ° to the horizontal. The post 48 is of a cylindrical configuration with the generally hollow interior and includes an arcuate upper wall 50 having an arc greater than 180 ° which provides the rigid rotating surface of the handle 16. The post is stabilized by an integral central flange 52 which depends from the highest point of the wall 50 arched to a point immediately inward of the periphery of the cylindrical post 48 as defined by the outer surface of the arcuate upper wall 50. The post 48 includes a slightly rounded end external wall 54 formed integrally with the wall 50 of the post and the rim 52 and of a diameter corresponding to that of the cylindrical configuration of the post. Integrally formed with the end wall 54 is a transverse bar 56 projecting forward having fastening ends 58 projecting radially from the end wall 54 at the diametrically opposite points with the clamping bar generally positioned transverse to the vertical axis of the container body 12. The post 48 is completed with a retaining projection 60 aligned with the central reinforcing rim 52 integral with both and projecting upwardly from the wall 50 forming the post immediately inwardly of the rounded end wall 54 . As illustrated, the projection 60 can be of a T-shaped configuration with a rod portion 62 extending along the external wall 50 of the post toward the upper end portion 18 of the container body, and with the upper portion 64 relatively wider at the outer end thereof at the rounded end 54 of the post. This external upper part 64 has opposite edges defining supports or positioning stops as will be explained subsequently. The handle 16 is elongated with a central portion 68 arched over a radius of about 72 °, the preferred radius is 71.86 ° with a pole angle of 29 °. This radius may vary slightly depending on the preferred position of the handle in its two positions, and the specific angle at which the pivot post 48 projects. The handle 16, towards the opposite ends of the arcuate central portion 68, includes substantially linear or straight end portions, an end portion terminating at a first end 70 of the coupling post and the second substantially linear end portion terminating at a free end 72 . The end 70 of the mating post is circular with a circular opening 74 defined centrally therethrough, thereby forming a flat annular configuration. The opening 74 is of a diameter only slightly larger than the internal diameter of the pole of the clamping bar 56 for reception and rotation around the post. In order to provide a coupling with the end 70 of the coupling post with the post 48, a pair of diametrically opposed depressions 76, aligned with the central axis of the handle, communicate with and extend outwardly of the opening 74. The depressions are of a size that allow the free passage of the fastening ends 58 of the clamping bar to through them during alignment with them and the inward movement of the coupling end 70 into the post 48. Then with the movement of this coupling end 70 inward beyond the pole 56 securing post 48, the The handle can be rotated in any direction with the fastening ends 58 which overlap the outer face of the coupling end 70 at an angular distance from the depressions 74. In this way, the handle of the mounting post is prevented from getting out until the ends Fasteners 58 are again aligned with the depressions 76. In order to stabilize the handle 16 in each of its two operating positions, the pouring position of the Figures 5 and 8, and the handle or handle position of Figures 7 and 10, the rear or inner face of the coupling end 70 is provided, immediately adjacent to the opposite edges of each depression 76, with integral protrusions 78 positioning projecting inwardly extending from the inner side of the coupling end 70 at a sufficient distance so that they abut against the opposite lateral edges of the upper portion 65 of the clamp protrusion 60 mounted on the pivot post 48. As will be recognized, the inner face of the coupling end 70 engages with the outer face of the upper portion of the projection 64 to prevent inward passage of the coupling end 70 beyond it. By holding the handle 16 in its pouring position, the handle is rotated to extend downwards along the body of the container with the pair of more external positioning projections 78, through a snap coupling resulting from manual pressure positive on the handle, which receives the clamping projections 60 therebetween for positive retention of the handle in this position. The handle, thus placed, can be used either to hold the container or, more particularly, to pour the contents thereof. The arc of the handle retains the free lower end 72 of the handle detached but completely next to the body of the container to minimize the lateral projection of the handle, although it provides sufficient space to hold the handle. The handle is firmly stabilized in this position by engaging the clamping projections 60 between the positioning projection 78, and will remain in this position until positive manual pressure is exerted to rotate the handle out of this position around the post pivot 48. The nature of the synthetic resinous materials from which the handle and container components are formed, provide sufficient flexible elasticity, and stiffness to allow engagement by selective clamping required to maintain the handle in the desired positions. To facilitate the coupling, the projections may have slightly rounded edges. In the grip or holding position of the handle 16, for example in FIGS. 1 and 7, the innermost pair of the positioning projections 78, by rotating the handle 16, are instantaneously coupled with the retaining shoulder 60 for placing the handle with the second substantially linear portion thereof which generally extends diametrically through the container in a separate upward relationship thereof, providing in effect an open-end handle which can be easily engaged to lift and hold the container. The arcuate portion of the handle, together with the linear end portion terminating at the end 70 of the coupling post, provides a suitable extension of the handle 16 from the post in the desired overlap relationship with respect to the container. The handle 16 is transversely arched along the length thereof to both provide additional stiffness and to provide an ergonomically comfortable handle. The external face 80 of the coupling end 70 which is seen for example in Figure 5, is concave, whereby the clamping bar 56 and the opposite ends 58 thereof do not project beyond the outermost plane of the handle, providing a smooth surface. As desired, the bottom surfaces of the ends of the clamping bar 58 may be slightly rounded to be properly slidably placed on this concave surface 80. Note in Figures 9 and 11, the width and configuration of the portion of the part upper 64 of the clamping protrusion 60 which are larger than those of the depressions of the opening 76 to prevent passage of the clamping protrusion 60 through these depressions when clamped between the corresponding pairs of the positioning projections 78. as mentioned above, it will be appreciated that the invention constitutes an important step forward in the art by providing the handle of two positions for a better handling of the container both for the pouring of the contents therefrom and for the handling and general clamping of the container. container. Furthermore, the positioning of the compact handle in its handle position substantially reduces the overall width of the container and the handle assembly which simplify the storage thereof, even within the normally narrow confines of a shelf in the refrigerator door. Of greater importance is the ease with which the handle can be manipulated and fixed in its two positions, and in fact it should be necessary to remove the body from the container either for replacement or cleaning purposes. The foregoing is illustrative of the aspects of the invention, and while a preferred embodiment has been illustrated, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to encompass all related embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims that appear hereinafter.

Claims (19)

1. CLAIMS I Claim: 1. A container for flowable materials, the container comprises a container body having an upper end portion defining an open mouth upward, a handle having first and second opposite ends, and a mounting element that secures the handle to the body of the container selectively in a plurality of adjusted positions relative to the body of the container, the mounting element comprises a post on the body of the container below the mouth open upwards, the first end of the handle comprises one end of the post of coupling, the post extends laterally from the container body, the handle, through the end of the coupling post, selectively couples the post in a first pour position and in a second handle position, the handle in the first position , depends on the post generally adjacent to the body of the container with the second end of the handle being below its prim At the end, the handle, in the second position, extends upwards from the post and over the open mouth upwards in a separate relation on the body of the container. The container of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a substantially arcuate central portion intermediate the first and second ends thereof, the central portion being convex outwardly relative to the container body in the first and second positions. The container of claim 2, wherein the second end of the handle is separated out of the body in each of the first and second positions. The container of claim 3, wherein the handle includes first and second end portions generally linear extending respectively between the central portion and the first and second ends, the second end portion, in the handle position of the handle, is extends transversely through the container, the second end of the handle is in vertically spaced relationship over the mouth of the container. The container of claim 4, which includes an element for selectively and releasably holding the first end of the mating post of the handle with the post in the first and second positions of the handle, and an element on the post and the end of the post of the coupling of the handle that selectively and releasably engages with the end of the coupling post with and from the post in an intermediate position between the first and second positions. The container of claim 5, wherein the element for securing the first end of the coupling post of the handle to the post comprises projections that engage instantaneously on the post and on the end of the coupling post of the handle, the projections engage instantaneously and releasably hold the handle in the first and second positions as the handle is moved manually to said positions. The container of claim 6, wherein the element for selectively coupling and releasing the end of the post engaging the post and from the post comprises a central opening through the end of the coupling post of the handle to receive the post axially through it, the post has an outer end portion with fastener members extending laterally outwardly therefrom, the opening through the end of the handle mating post has laterally outwardly outwardly selectively aligning dimples with the fastener members. on the post for movement of the clamping members through the depressions as the post is received through the hole, the clamping members, during the coupling through the depressions and with rotational movement of the handle towards the first and second positions, overlap the first end of the handle to prevent the first end of the ma ngo of the post. 8. The container of claim 7, wherein the depressions are aligned axially with the length of the handle, the instantly engaging projections comprise a pair of handle projections adjacent to each depression, the handle projections of each pair being in opposite relation parallel to each other at each side of the corresponding depression, and a single projection of the post is integral with the post and is placed to align with the length of the handle in the first and second positions thereof, the projection of the post extends laterally from the post, the members fasteners projecting on the post are diametrically aligned on opposite sides of the post and at substantially right angles to the projections of the post engaging the first end of the handle transversely longitudinally of the handle at each of the first and second positions. The container of claim 8, wherein the mating post of the first end of the handle is of a generally annular configuration with a depressed substantially concave outer face. 10. The container of claim 8, including a cap selectively receivable in the upper end portion of the container body through the mouth, the upper end portion of the body having a convex portion formed outward diametrically opposite the post and defining a pour spout, the cap includes a laterally extending projection selectively alignable on the spout, and a co-operating threaded element on the cap and the upper end portion that couples the cap to the upper end portion with the closing projection, the peak in a fully seated position of the cap within the upper end portion, the threads comprise a single partial flight within the upper end portion of the body and a thread with multiple flights over the cap, each thread having a single incoming end portion positioned to carry the projection in direct overlapping relation to the peak during the complete settlement of the lid. The container of claim 10, wherein the lid has a concave outer face with a rounded central portion and radial clamping fins extending from the rounded central portion towards the outer ends of the concave face of the lid. The container of claim 5, wherein the post extends from the upper end portion of the container body at an angle of approximately 29 ° to a plane defined by the mouth of the container, the arched central portion of the handle being defined by a radius of approximately 72 °. The container of claim 1, including an element for selectively and releasably holding the first end of the coupling post of the handle with the post in the first and second positions of the handle, and an element on the post and the end of the post of coupling the handle to selectively couple and release the end of the coupling post with and from the post to an intermediate position between the first and second positions. The container of claim 13, wherein the element for securing the first end of the coupling post of the handle to the post comprises projections that engage instantaneously on the post and on the end of the coupling post of the handle, the projections engage instantaneously and releasably hold the handle in the first and second positions as the handle is moved manually to these positions. The container of claim 14, wherein the element for selectively coupling and releasing the coupling post end with and from the post comprises a central opening through the end of the coupling post of the handle axially receiving the post through the post. therefrom, the post has an outer end portion with fastener members extending laterally outwardly thereon, the opening through the end of the handle coupling post has laterally outwardly outwardly selectively aligning dimples with the fastener members. on the post to move the fastener members through the depressions as the post is received through the hole, the clamping members, during engagement through the depressions and with a rotational movement of the handle toward the first and second positions, overlap the first end of the handle to prevent the first end of the post handle from coming off. 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the depressions are axially aligned with the length of the handle, the instantly engaging projections comprise a pair of handle projections adjacent to each depression, the handle projections of each pair being in opposite relation. parallel to each other on each side of the corresponding depression, and a single projection of the post integral with the post and positioned to align with the length of the handle in the first and second positions thereof, the projection on the post extends laterally from the same, the projecting fastening members on the post are diametrically aligned with the opposite sides of the post and with the angles substantially straight towards the projection of the post which engage with the first end of the handle transversely of the length of the handle in each of the first and second positions. 17. The container of claim 1, which includes a cap selectively receivable at the upper end portion of the container body through the mouth, the upper end portion of the body has a convex portion formed outwardly diametrically opposite the post and defining a peak of pouring, the cap includes a laterally extending projection selectively alignable on the spout, and the co-operating threaded element of the cap and the upper end portion that couples the cap to the upper end portion with the projection that closes the spike at a position fully seated from the cap within the upper end portion, comprises threads of a single partial flight within the upper end portion of the body and a multi-threaded thread on the cap, each thread having a single incoming end portion positioned to carry the protrusion in direct overlapping relation to the peak during the complete settlement of the lid. The container of claim 17, wherein the cap has a concave outer face with a rounded central portion and radial holding tabs extending from the rounded central portion to the outer ends of the concave face of the cap. The container of claim 4, wherein the post extends from the upper end portion of the container body at an angle of approximately 29 ° to a plane defined by the container mouth, the arched central portion of the handle is defined by a radius of approximately 72 °.