US2676832A - Detachable handle for beverage cans - Google Patents

Description

April 27, 1954 R. w. K EI TER 2,676,832

DETACHABLE HANDLE FOR BEVERAGE CANS E Filed Oct. 27, 1950 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

April 27, 1954 I R. w. KEITER 2,676,832

DETACHABLE HANDLE FOR BEVERAGE CANS Filed Oct. 27, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Apr. 27, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DETACHABLE FOR BEVERAGE Robert W. Keiter, Toledo, Ohio Application October 27, 1950, Serial No. 192,408

4 Claims. (01. 294-30) This invention relates to handles, more particularly detachable handles of beverage cans.

An object of this invention is to provide a handle which may readily be snapped onto and off from a can and when attached to the can, not only provides a convenient means to use the can as a cup but imparts a mug-like appearance to the container.

Another object of this invention is to provide a detachable handle of such substantial and novel construction that when attached to a beverage can, there is no looseness nor play between the can and the handle.

Another object of this invention is to provide a handle which not only substantially grips the can but is locked to the can in ready for-use assembly.

And another object of this invention is to 'provide locking means which is readily locked and unlocked with a mechanism which blends into the overall appearance of the handle.

Other objects and advantages of this invention relating to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction, to combination of parts and to economics of manufacture, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. l is a side elevation of a beverage can having one form of the handle attached thereto;

Fig. 2 is a view on the line II-II, Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing a modified form of the handle;

Fig. 4 is a view on the line IVIV, Fig. 3; and

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the showing in Fig. 3.

In current production of beverages, an increasing proportion is being distributed in sealed cans. This is particularly true of beers, ales and the like. A majority of the cans are similar in construction having a cylindrical body [0 with ends I 2 pressed slightly inward from the outer extent of the can body. These closures l2 are attached to the body in such a manner that a circumferential bead I4 is formed about each end of the can. Advantage is taken of this standard construction, to detachably affix a handle to the can as hereinafter disclosed, whereby a mug-like structure is formed, so that when one end of the can is perforated or removed, the contents may 1 2 be drank directly from the can as from a cup or mug.

. One form of this handle includes a sheet metal strip fabricated ,on suitable dies to provide a generally U-shaped element l6 having intermediate grip forming extent [8 with a pair of legs 20 extending therefrom. The grip extent 18 may be channeled to stiffen the material used for the handle, as well as provide a more comfortable grip. 1

The legs 20 are provided with cam-like termini 22, a desirable profile herein illustrated as including a major curved or arcuate portion 24 and a minor curved or arcuate portion 26 both projected on radii of less length than the distance between the outer terminus of the cam and the center line or axis of a rivet-like element 28 which pivotally attaches clip element 30 to each leg 20.

These clip elements 30 are provided with transverse arcuate seats 32, which seats are configured to nest over the beads l4.

To mount the handle on a can, the clips 36 are swung to an approximate right angular position relatively to the legs 20. The material comprising the element l6 being somewhat flexible allows the terminal portions of the legs 20 to be spread and the clips positioned to clamp or grip the can between the seats 32. Then the element [6 is swung to bring the legs 20 into alignment with the clips 30. This causes the cams to firmly engage the can body I0 adjacent the seats 32 and lock the handle to the can. This locking is accomplished by firmly fixing the beads 14 within the seats 32. An overall rigid mug-like structure results.

Removal of the handle from a can is obvious, being accomplished by a swing of the grip portion and an expansion between the clips.

The major cam portion 24 allows an easy approach to the locking position while the minor cam portion resists a swing of the handle beyond proper alignment between the legs 20 and the clips 30.

The invention may be modified, as for example, the construction disclosed in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, wherein the handle comprises an element 34 of a generally overall U-shape with a grip portion 36 and legs 38 terminating in bead engaging seats 40.

The locking element comprises a second U shaped element 42 preferably nested within the The locking element has its cam portions 46 cooperate with the seats 40 in the same manner as hereinbefore described, but in this type, both locks are simultaneously actuated by swinging the inner element 42 relatively to the outer element 34.

The element 42 is formed from narrower but thicker stock than that employed for the fabrication of the member 34 and when in locking position, the parts are so nested as to form a comfortable grip which insures locking until positively actuated for release.

It is to be understood that the above detailed description of the present invention is intended to disclose an embodiment thereof to those skilled in the art, but that the invention 'isnot to be construed as limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. The language used in the specification relating to the operation andfunction of the elements of the invention is employed for purposes of description and not of limitation, and it is not intended to limit the scope of the following claims beyond the requirements of the prior art.

What is claimed and is desired to secure by United States Letters Patent:

1. A detachable handle for a beverage can comprising a first generally U-shaped flexible member including a grip incorporating an intermediate extent with legs therefrom terminating in a pair of opposing seats, said seats adapted to en gage opposite outer edges of the can for gripping said can therebetween, and a second U- shaped member nested withinsaid first U-shaped member and pivotally attached to saidmember the inner element cam portions to engage said can when the elements approach nested relationship to lock said can in said seats.

4. A. detachable handle for a can of the type having peripherally beaded edges, said handle embodying a pair of U-shaped elements coaxially pivotably attached together adjacent their terminitone of said elements nested within the other,

the inner element having its portions beyond the pivotable connections provide can engaging termini and the "other element having its portions beyond the pivotable connection terminating in bead engaging hooks, said termini coacting to lock the can therebetween when said elements are disposed in nested relationship.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 779,297 Love et al. Jan. 3, 1905 978,816 Blackburn et al. Dem-'13, 1910 1,688,165 Tehel Oct. 16, 1928 Oehler Mar. 8, 2,010,317 Olson Aug. 6, 1935 2,128,466 Machotka Aug. 30, 1938 2,445,265 :Hargrave et al. July 13, 1948

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