WO2008097899A2 - Rotatable handle for a tool container - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotatable handle for a tool carrying and storing container adapted to selectively assume one of a plurality of configurations, at least one of the configurations being suitable for carrying the container by the handle, and at least one other of the configurations being suitable for placing articles within the container and retrieving same therefrom without interference or obstruction by the handle.

Description

ROTATABLE HANDLE FOR A TOOL CONTAINER

Be it known that we, Matthew Williams, residing at 2430 NE 32 CT., Lighthouse

Point, Florida 33064, and Terry Kinskey, residing at 1011 Tullamore Place, Alpharetta, Georgia 30022, both citizens of the United States, have invented certain new and useful improvements in a ROTATABLE HANDLE FOR A TOOL CONTAINER of which the following is a specification.

CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATION

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent

Application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional Application entitled "ROTATABLE HANDLE FOR A TOOL CONTAINER," filed on February 2, 2007, having assigned Serial Number 60/899,277.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to article carrying containers, and more specifically a container for carrying tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and other craftsmen or tradesmen often employ a plurality of tools of various kinds to accomplish their work. It is convenient, therefore, for such a craftsman or tradesman to keep his tools ready at hand in a convenient and organized fashion. For this purpose, workers of all kinds have adapted bags, belts, boxes, aprons, buckets, and the like for carrying and storing tools and other articles helpful in performing their work.

In order to make such containers portable, straps, handles, and the like, of various design, have been utilized. One common arrangement for a tool carrying container is an open-top box or bag, with or without compartments, having a rectangularly-shaped body defined by side walls and a sealed bottom, wherein tools and other articles of various sorts may be carried and stored. A typical handle for such a container traverses the length of the open-top, connected at respective ends of the handle to opposing side walls. Such a handle disadvantageously obstructs the opening of the container and, thus, can interfere with the placement of articles within the container, and removal of the same therefrom.

One solution to this problem has been to provide a flexible carrying strap attached at respective ends to the container, such that the flexible carrying strap may be moved aside to clear the opening for unimpeded placement and removal of articles. Unfortunately, however, such a flexible carrying strap may also fall into the opening of the container and become tangled with, or damaged by, the articles therein, or may fall to a side of the container, whereby the strap may become soiled or otherwise damaged or tangled. Furthermore, such a flexible carrying strap disadvantageously fails to provide any structural support to the container, and use of the strap, especially when the container is heavily loaded, directs a pulling force to the container to which it is attached, disadvantageously causing unnecessary wear and premature failure of the container's structure.

What is needed, therefore, is a system for carrying an open-top container, wherein the handle is selectively moveable from a first position that provides unfettered access to an opening of the container when the bag is at rest, to a second position that enables the container to be carried thereby. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing a carrying system for an open-top container that is selectively changeable between a first carrying position, and a second rest position, wherein the container may be carried when in the first carrying position and wherein tools or other articles may be placed in or removed from the container without any obstructive interference from the carrying system when open in the second rest position.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is an elongated handle member disposed generally along the length of an open-top of a container and means for selectively allowing the elongated handle member to be retained in, and moved between, a first position and a second position.

More specifically, the elongated handle member of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a rigid handle member rotatably connected to opposing endwalls of the open-top container. The handle member preferably comprises a generally cylindrical member having a connection portion at each end thereof for connecting to respective endwalls of the container and a grip portion disposed generally centrally about the handle, relative to the endwalls, facilitating the grip of a user. Preferably, the handle member is connected to the container such that the handle member is rotatable about an axis passing through each of the connection portions. The handle member is preferably formed such that the grip portion is radially disposed, at least to some extent, from the axis of rotation, such that when the handle member is rotated, the grip portion moves through an arc segment about the axis of rotation, thereby moving (not just rotating) with respect to the container. In the first position, the grip portion is preferably disposed generally centrally above the open top so that the container may be carried thereby, wherein a plane including the handle member and the axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to a plane of the open top of the container. In the second position, the grip portion is preferably disposed generally to a side of the open top so that articles may be placed in or removed from the container without interference from the handle member, wherein the plane including the handle member and the axis of rotation is generally parallel to (i.e. within 45 degrees of parallel), or co-planar with, the plane of the open top.

The selective retaining means preferably selectively retains the handle member in the first position, and is preferably operable, such as by pushing a button, to allow the handle member to rotate about the axis of rotation from the first position to the second position. The selective retaining means optionally further automatically retains the handle member in the second position, when such position is reached, and may be operable, such as by again pushing the button, to allow the handle member to rotate about the axis of rotation to the first position.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a convenient handle that is useful for carrying an open-top container when in a first position.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide unobstructed access to the open top of the container when the handle is moved to a second position.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to selectively retain the handle in the first and/or the second positions.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of the handle to provide support to walls of the container to which it is attached. Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to protect the handle from various types of inadvertent damage when in the second position by maintaining it in a safe position.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to maintain the handle in the first carrying position to provide a sturdy carrying means capable of securely carrying the container, even when heavily loaded.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Invention with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an open-top container including the rotatable handle of the present invention in a first carrying position;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the open-top container including the rotatable handle of the present invention in a second position;

Fig. 3 is a top view of the open-top container of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the handle member of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a connection portion of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the handle member in a position for carrying; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the handle member in a position for use;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of an alternate connection portion and handle according to the present invention; and

Fig. 9 is a side perspective view of an open-top container illustrating specific features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional Application entitled "ROTATABLE HANDLE FOR A TOOL CONTAINER," filed on February 2, 2007, having assigned Serial Number 60/899,277.

In describing the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated container 100, handle member 110, and connection portions 120. Container 100 is preferably formed as a fabric or fabric covered tool bag comprising base section 101, endwall 102, sidewall 103, endwall 104, and sidewall 105 connected to base section 101 and extending generally perpendicularly from peripheral portions of base section 101, thereby forming open top 106 of container 100. Walls 102, 103, 104, and 105 are preferably disposed substantially at right angles to adjacent ones of walls 102, 103, 104, and 105, forming a generally rectangular shape. Although container 100 is shown and described in such a rectangular shape, container 100 may be formed in other shapes, such as oval, circular, kidney bean, toroid, or other desired shape. Furthermore, container 100 may optionally include one or more pockets, dividers, receptacles, envelopes, compartments, clips, ties, straps, magnets, mechanical fasteners, or other integrated structures designed to facilitate retention and organization of various tools or other articles stored in container 100. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, container 100, or individual parts thereof, may be formed of any suitable material, such as natural or synthetic fabric, metal, wood, plastic, or combinations thereof. Preferably, container 100 is formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic panels with a woven nylon covering, or the like, and is preferably formed so as to allow simple and effective attachment of connection portions 120, as described in more detail hereinbelow, such as by rivets and/or stitching.

Referring specifically, to Fig. 9, container 100 preferably includes endwalls 102 and 104 having a height greater than a height of sidewalls 103 and 105, wherein an upper edge of endwalls 102 and 104 are generally curved or polygonal. Straps 910 are preferably included whereby one or more tool(s) or other article(s), such as a level, a plurality of pipe sections, or the like, may be retained in engagement with container 100. Specifically, straps 910 are preferably utilized to retain one or more tool(s) and/or other article(s) having a length greater than the length of sidewalls 103 and 105. Additionally, opening 920 preferably provides access to pocket 940 extending along a length of sidewall 103. Preferably, opening 920 is adapted to receive one or more tools(s) and/or other article therein, such as a hand saw. Strap 930 is preferably adapted to prevent accidental removal of a tool or other article stored in a pocket operable with opening 920. As will be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art, straps 910 and 930 may be adjustable, and may include a hook-and-loop fastener, clips, snaps, buckles or the like to facilitate adjustment thereof to enable secure retention of tools or other articles therein. Referring now to FIG. 4, handle member 110 is preferably formed as a generally cylindrical tubular member comprising means for engaging connection portions 120 at respective ends of handle member 110 in the form of tabs 111 and 113. Each of tabs 111 and 113 preferably includes means for rotating with respect to connection portions 120, such as bores 112 and 114. Bores 112 and 114 are preferably arranged co-linearly with respect to one another and are adapted to receive pins 131 (FIG. 5). Thus, bores 112 and 114 preferably define axis of rotation 110a of handle member 110. Tabs 111 and 113 preferably extend generally perpendicular to length dimension L of handle member 110 and bores 112 and 114 are preferably disposed generally centrally through tabs 111 and 113.

Grip portion 119 is preferably disposed between tabs 111 and 113, extending generally in length dimension L, and is preferably connected to tabs 111 and 113 proximate a peripheral portion of each respective tab. Thus, bores 112 and 114, and, thus, axis of rotation 110a, are preferably spaced, at least to some degree, from grip portion 119. Grip portion 119 preferably includes grip 140 disposed generally centrally thereon and adapted to be grasped by a user during lifting and/or transportation of container 100. Grip 140 is preferably formed of a durable rubber or plastic material and preferably defines a shape that is comfortable to hold and resistive to slippage during transportation. Grip portion 119 preferably further includes angled sections 117 and 118 disposed between grip 140 and tabs 111 and 113, respectively. Angled sections 117 and 118 preferably serve to space grip 140 even further from axis 110a, such that when handle member 110 is rotated about axis 110a, such as about pins 131 disposed in bores 112 and 114, grip 140 moves in arc A over open top 106. Preferably, distance D between grip 140 and axis 110a is related to a dimension of container 110, such as where distance D is substantially equal to a distance between axis 110a and sidewall 103. Thus, when handle member 110 is selectively rotated about axis 110a to the second position, grip portion 119 is preferably disposed proximate upper edge 103a of sidewall 103. Referring now to FIG. 5, connection portion 120 provides means for rotatably connecting handle member 110 to container 100. Connection portion 120 preferably includes body 121 adapted to be connected to endwall 102 of container 100, such as by riveting, adhesive, stitching, welding, or other suitable joining technique and preferably includes bores 141, 143, and 145 disposed therethrough. Bore 141 is preferably spaced generally midway in a direction between bores 143 and 145 and is preferably spaced perpendicularly from a line connecting bores 143 and 145, thereby generally generally defining a triangle, with each of bores 141, 143, and 145 disposed at the triangle corners. Body 121 preferably further includes bore 147 disposed therethrough, preferably in a location spaced from each of bores 141, 143, and 145.

Connection portion 120 preferably further includes plate 125 having similarly arranged bores 141', 143', and 145', such that when plate 125 is disposed proximate body 121, bores 141', 143', and 145' are preferably aligned with bores 141, 143, and 145, respectively. Plate 125 preferably further includes bore 149' arranged similarly to bore 147, such that when plate 125 is disposed proximate body 121, bore 149' is preferably aligned with bore 147. Bore 149', however, preferably has perimeter dimensions less than perimeter dimensions of bore 147, such that button 150, when disposed within bore 147, is not able to pass completely through bore 149'. Button 150 preferably includes pillar 155 adapted to protrude through bore 149' when plate 125 is disposed proximate body 121, and button 150 is preferably biased toward plate 125 within bore 147 by spring 159.

Body 121 and plate 125 of each connection portion 120 are preferably assembled and connected to endwalls 102 and 104, respectively, of container 100 and connected to tabs 111 and 113 of handle member 110 by pins 131, 133, and 135. Pin 133 preferably passes through bore 112 of tab 111, bore 141' of plate 125, bore 141 of body 121, and then through wall 102 of container 100 to securely connect handle member 120 to container 100. Handle member 120 is preferably free to rotate about pin 131 relative to plate 125, body 121 and wall 102, and is preferably retained proximate plate 125 by head 131a.

Pin 133 is preferably inserted through bore 143' of plate 125, bore 143 of body 121, and then through wall 102, thereby securely retaining plate 125 and body 121 to wall 102, and thereby preventing relative movement between plate 125, body 121, and wall 102. Head

133a of pin 133 is preferably configured to allow tab 111 to pass over head 133a, such as by being flush mounted with an exterior surface of plate 125.

Pin 135 preferably carries sleeve 137 thereon, in abutting communication with head 135a of pin 135, and preferably passes through bore 145' of plate 125, bore 145 of body 121, and through wall 102 to securely retain sleeve 147 against plate 125, and to securely attach plate 125 and body 121 to wall 102.

Now referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, tab 111 of handle member 110 is preferably selectively retained in the first position between pillar 155 of button 150 and sleeve 137. Preferably, when tab 111 is so retained, handle member 120 is not free to rotate about axis 110a due to pillar 155 and sleeve 137 projecting from an exterior face of plate 125 and interfering with the rotation of tab 111. Furthermore, when tab 111 is so retained, container 100 may preferably be carried by handle member 120 without container 100 rotating relative to handle member 120, thereby allowing secure transportation of container 100.

Selective operation of button 150, such as by depressing button 150 into body 121 (i.e. by overcoming the biasing force of spring 159) preferably allows handle member 120 to rotate about axis 110a, at least in one direction, thereby allowing handle member 120 to be rotated to a side of open top 106 such that articles may be placed within or removed from container 100 without obstructive interference from handle member 120. When handle member 120 has rotated through a desired angle, handle member may preferably be retained in the second position when tab 111 passes completely over pillar 155, allowing pillar 155 to return to a position projecting through and above plate 125 due to the biasing force of spring 159.

Now referring to FIG. 8, according to an alternative embodiment, tab 811 alternatively includes circular disc member 815 disposed generally parallel to tab 811, and spaced therefrom by ridge 813. Ridge 813 is preferably formed having a length that is greater than a width thereof such that the width dimension of ridge 813 may fit within slot

833 of connection portion 120, and such that the length dimension of ridge 813 is too great to fit within slot 833. Thus, when the length dimension of ridge 813 is disposed along the direction of distance D, handle member 110 may preferably engage connection portion 120 by way of ridge 813 sliding into slot 833. In such a configuration, grip portion 119 is preferably disposed generally centrally above open top 116 such that container 100 may be carried by grip 140.

Furthermore, handle member 110 may be depressed in the direction of distance D, thereby sliding ridge 813 out of slot 833 and into bore 831 of connection portion 120. Bore 831 is preferably configured to allow rotation of ridge 813 therewithin, so as to allow handle member 120 to rotate, preferably in either direction, to a position where grip 140 is disposed to a side of open top 116, thereby allowing unfettered access to open top 116 of container 100. Preferably, when handle member 110 is grasped and lifted by a user, handle member 110 rotates to align ridge 813 with slot 833, and engages therewith due to the lifting force applied by a user.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present version of the invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A rotatable handle for use in combination with a container having a bottom, at least one sidewall, and a substantially open top, the rotatable handle comprising:

an elongated handle member;

a first connection portion disposed proximate a first end of said elongated handle member and connected to a first portion of the container; and

a second connection portion disposed proximate a second end of said elongated handle member and connected to a second portion of the container;

wherein said elongated handle member rotates relative to the container about an axis of rotation, whereby a grip portion of said elongated handle member moves from a first position generally centrally disposed over the container to a second position generally proximate the sidewall of the container during rotation of said elongated handle member.

2. The rotatable handle of claim 1, further comprising means for selectively limiting a rotation of said elongated member about said axis.

3. The rotatable handle of claim 2, wherein said means for selectively limiting a rotation is operable to selectively retain said elongated member in at least two angular positions relative to the container.

4. The rotatable handle of claim 2, wherein said means for selectively limiting a rotation comprises a plate including a movable projection portion projecting generally perpendicular thereto.

5. The rotatable handle of claim 2, wherein said means for selectively limiting a rotation comprises a push-button operable to selectively allow at least a portion of said elongated handle member to rotate.

6. The rotatable handle of claim 1, further comprising a grip disposed on said elongated handle member between said first end and said second end.

7. The rotatable handle of claim 2, wherein said means for selectively limiting a rotation comprises a ridge and slot arrangement, wherein rotation is limited when said ridge is disposed within said slot.

8. A container comprising:

a bottom;

at least one sidewall;

a substantially open top; and

a rotatable handle operable between a first position and a second position,

wherein said rotatable handle substantially traverses said substantially open to when disposed in said first position, and wherein said rotatable handle is disposed proximate at least a portion of said at least one sidewall in said second position.

9. The rotatable handle of claim 8, further comprising means for selectively limiting a rotation of said rotatable handle about an axis of rotation.

10. The rotatable handle of claim 9, wherein said means for selectively limiting a rotation is operable to selectively retain said rotating handle in at least two angular positions relative to said axis of rotation.

11. The rotatable handle of claim 9, wherein said means for selectively limiting a rotation comprises a plate including a movable projection portion projecting generally perpendicular thereto.

12. The rotatable handle of claim 9, wherein said means for selectively limiting a rotation comprises a push-button operable to selectively allow at least a portion of said rotating handle to rotate relative to said axis.

13. The rotatable handle of claim 8, further comprising a grip disposed on said rotating handle between a first end and a second end.

14. The rotatable handle of claim 9, wherein said means for selectively limiting a rotation comprises a ridge and slot arrangement, wherein rotation is limited when said ridge is disposed within said slot.

15. A tool container comprising :

a bottom:

at least one sidewall;

a substantially open top; and

a handle member generally traversing said substantially open top, at least when disposed in a first position,

16. The tool container of claim 15, wherein said handle member is rotatable between said first position and a second position, wherein said handle member is disposed proximate at least a portion of said at least one sidewall when said handle member is disposed in said second position.

17. The tool container of claim 15, further comprising at least one strap adapted to retain at least one of a tool and a workpiece to an exterior of said at least one sidewall.

18. The tool container of claim 15, further comprising an opening operable with a pocket disposed along a length of said at least one sidewall, said opening and pocket operable to receive at least one of a tool and a workpiece.

19. The tool container of claim 18, further comprising a strap adapted to retain the at least one of a tool and a workpiece at least partially retained within said pocket.