Handle with a grip

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to plastic handle for a container comprising a grip and a bail, wherein said bail comprises a first bail retainer and the grip comprises a first grip retainer that is adapted to mate with the first bail retainer such that, in use, corresponding retainers prevent sliding displacement of the grip with respect to the bail.

Description

[0001] HANDLE WITH A GRIP

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a handle and a container comprising a handle. This handle is particularly, although not exclusively, suited to be attached to a container such as a bucket.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Plastic handles for container, such as paint bucket are well known. For example, U.S. Patent Number 4,796,775 describes such a handle.

[0005] One solution has been to provide a grip, formed of two interlocking members, placed around a bail. For example, U.S. Patent Number US 9,914,560 describes such a handle.

[0006] Another solution has been to provide a handle and a container combination, wherein the handle includes a bail and a gripping means. In this solution, the bail comprises a central portion comprising annular beads and one engagement sites for positioning the gripping means. For example, US 6,257,440 Bl describes such a handle.

[0007] The present disclosure seeks to provide improvements in or relating to plastic handle for containers. Particularly, it is an objective of the invention to provide a handle which can be comfortably grasped irrespective of the grip position on the bail.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] This object is achieved by providing a handle according to any one of the claims 1 to 10. This object is also achieved by providing a container according to any one of the claims 11 to 13.

[0010] An aspect of the present invention relates to a plastic handle 1 for a container comprising a grip 2 and a bail 3, wherein said grip 2 extends longitudinally from a first grip end 4 to a second grip end 5, wherein said grip comprises an elongated channel 2c extending from the first grip end 4 to the second grip end 5, wherein the channel 2c is configured for insertion and removal of the bail, wherein said bail 3 extends from a first bail end 3a to a second bail end 3b, wherein the bail 3 is configured to be slidably inserted into the channel 2c of the grip 2, wherein the second bail end 3b extends beyond the second grip end 5 when, in use, the bail 3 is inserted into the channel 2c of the grip 2, wherein said bail 3 comprises a first bail retainer 9 and the grip (2) comprises a first grip retainer 12 that is adapted to mate with the first bail retainer 9 such that, in use, corresponding retainers prevent sliding displacement of the grip 2 with respect to the bail 3, characterized in that the bail 3 comprises a top surface 31 and a bottom surface 32, wherein the top surface 31 comprises a rib 7.

[0011] The handle is configured such that the bail can be inserted inside the grip and such that the bail can be slid through the grip until the retaining means of the grip and of the bail cooperate.

[0012] Moreover, the retainers permit to optimally place the grip in regard to the bail and also serves as feedback for the user to know that the grip is properly positioned.

[0013] EMBODIMENTS

[0014] In some embodiments, said first bail retainer and said first grip retainer comprise at least one groove and at least one protrusion. In some embodiments, said first bail retainer and said first grip retainer comprise one groove and one protrusion.

[0015] In some embodiments, said the first bail retainer comprises one groove and the first grip retainer comprises one protrusion on the grip inner wall surface. In some embodiments, said the first bail retainer is a groove and the first grip retainer is a protrusion on the grip inner wall surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, said first bail retainer comprises said one protrusion and the first grip retainer comprises one groove on the grip inner wall surface. In some embodiments, said first bail retainer is a protrusion and the first grip retainer is a groove on the grip inner wall surface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the groove is a canal cut or a notch. This canal cut or notch can be of any shape. For example, it can be round, oval, arc-shaped or V-shaped.

[0018] In some embodiments, the groove is a depression on the entire or part of the circumference of the bail or of the grip. In some preferred embodiments, this depression is formed on the interior wall of the grip.

[0019] In some embodiments wherein the connectors comprise at least two grooves, said grooves can be of the same type or from different types.

[0020] In some embodiments, the protrusion can take any form or shape. For example, the protrusion can take the form of bosses, nubs, tabs, fins, spikes, bumps, ridges, dimples, ribs, flanges and / or pegs. In some embodiments the connectors comprises at least two protrusions, said protrusions can be of the same or from different forms.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first grip retainer is positioned equidistant from the first grip end and the second grip end.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first bail retainer is positioned equidistant from first bail end and the second bail end.

[0023] In some embodiments, said grip comprises an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface, The outer wall surface of said elongated channel has a section of any shape or form. For example, the outer wall surface of said elongated channel can a polygon or a circle. In some embodiments, the wall surface of said elongated channel has a circular section.

[0024] The inner wall surface of said elongated channel has a section of any shape or form. For example, the section of the interior wall can a square, a triangle, a polygon or a circle. In some embodiments, the inner wall surface of said elongated channel has a circular section.

[0025] The section of the inner wall surface and / or the outer wall surface of the elongated channel is not necessarily the same along the length of the grip.

[0026] The size and diameter of the grip can vary to suit different hand sizes and applications.

[0027] In some embodiments, the grip is formed as one piece. This is particularly advantageous as it reduces the risk of having piece scattered in the environment.

[0028] In some embodiments, the grip comprises a central grip portion. This central grip portion is sized such that an entire hand can be placed over the central grip portion and grasp it with both the palm and at least a portion of the finger. This central grip portion is of a length which is sufficient such that an entire hand can placed thereon, and is bordered by side walls which have a larger diameter than the central grip portion so as to prevent the hand from sliding off of the central grip portion, and also providing side support to the hand such that in the palm, inner surface of the fingers, and side portions of the clenched fist around the central grip portion are all in contact with the grip, providing support and comfort to the user when lifting the bucket, alleviating tension and injuries

[0029] In some embodiments, the surface of the grip features various textures, patterns, or contours. These elements enhance grip stability and comfort. Textured surfaces can also provide additional slip resistance, making the handle more secure, especially in environments where the user's hands might be wet or slippery.

[0030] In some embodiments, the grip incorporates finger grooves or indentations to guide the placement of fingers, enhancing control and stability. These grooves are strategically positioned to accommodate the natural curvature of the fingers.

[0031] In some embodiments, the grip incorporates palm rests or pads to support the base of the hand. This feature provides additional comfort and helps distribute pressure across the palm, reducing strain during extended use.

[0032] In some embodiments, the grip incorporates adjustable grips to accommodate users with different hand sizes or preferences. Adjustable grips may include features such as telescopic sections, removable inserts, or rotating components.

[0033] In some embodiments, the grip can be customized for branding purposes. This may include the incorporation of logos, colour variations, or even customizable inserts that allow users to personalize their handles.

[0034] The rib of the top surface is upwards. In some embodiments, the height of the rib part increases from the first bail end to the grip fitting portion and from the second bail end to the grip fitting portion. Such an increase of the ridge height eases the automated assembly of the grip on the bail. In some preferred embodiments, the height of the rib part increases from the first bail end to the first bail retainer and from the second bail end to the first bail retainer.

[0035] In use, the bottom surface of the bail is substantially flat, irrespective of the curvature of the bail. This allows the user to comfortably grasp the handle irrespective of the grip position on the handle. For example, an user could grasp the handle by the grip fitting portion while the grip could be close to the first bail end, without having a ridge or an element cutting the palm of his or her hand.

[0036] As the skilled in the art is well aware, the ends of the bail comprises attachment means or locking or retaining means so that the bail can be attached to a container, such as a bucket or a pail. The bottom surface is thus not flat in the region of the attachment means. For example, the first bail end and the second bail end can be attached pivotally to a bucket.

[0037] In some embodiments, the bottom surface has a flat profile. In some preferred embodiments, the bottom surface does not comprise ridge or protrusion. In some embodiments, the bail has a T-shaped cross-section. This T-shaped cross-section is formed by the rib of the top surface and the flat bottom surface. The T-shaped cross-section extends essentially from the first bail end to the second bail end. In some embodiments, the rib extends essentially from the first bail end to the second bail end.

[0038] In some embodiments, the bail comprises a grip fitting portion and two curved portions, each of said two curved portions extends between said grip fitting portion and one of the two ends of the bail and wherein the grip fitting portion has a greater curvature than each said two curved portions. The grip fitting portion comprises at least one retaining means, i.e. at least one groove or at least one protrusion.

[0039] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the grip fitting portion is arcuate. It permits to a user to comfortably grab the handle even if the grip is not covering the grip fitting portion.

[0040] In some embodiments, in use, the grip fitting portion of the bail is in contact with the grip on at least two points, one on each side of said retaining means.

[0041] This permits to increase the stability of the grip by having at least three contact points between the bail and the grip, i.e. at least the one connecting means and at least two other points, one of each side of said retaining means.

[0042] In some even more preferred embodiments, the grip fitting portions 11 defines four comers (13, 13’, 13”) and in use when the first grip retainer 12 mates with the first bail retainer 9, each comer of the grip fitting portions 11 is in contact with the grip 2. A location is on each corner of the bottom surface of the grip fitting portion. In other words, a location is on each side of the rib, so left and right, and on each end of the grip fitting portions.

[0043] In some embodiments, the grip is made from polypropylene, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or from Polybutylene succinate or homopolymers or from bioplastics or from Polyethylene or a combination thereof.

[0044] In some preferred embodiments, the handle is made from 1 to 100 weight percent of recycled plastic.

[0045] In some embodiments, the grip is designed to resist extreme temperatures, ensuring user comfort in various environmental conditions. Heat-resistant materials prevent discomfort when the handle is exposed to sunlight or warm environments, while cold-resistant materials maintain flexibility in colder conditions. In some embodiments, non-slip coatings or materials are applied to the grip surface to enhance traction. This is crucial for handles used in situations where a secure grip is paramount, such as in industrial or safety equipment.

[0046] In some embodiments, the bail is made from polypropylene from polypropylene, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or from Polybutylene succinate or homopolymers or from bioplastics or from Polyethylene or a combination thereof.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments, the bail is made from 1 to 100 weight percent of recycled plastic.

[0048] In some embodiments, the bail and the grip are made from the same materials. Preferably, the bail and the grip are made from the same plastics. Even more preferably, the bail and the grip are made from polypropylene.

[0049] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a container comprising

[0050] - a container body and

[0051] - a handle, as previously described, connected to said container body.

[0052] In some embodiments, the container body comprises an upstanding continuous sidewall, a bottom wall, an open top, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. The sidewall can have any cross-section. Preferably, the container body forms a round bucket, a square bucket or a rectangular bucket.

[0053] The container is preferably made of plastic and even more preferably from polypropylene, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or from Polybutylene succinate or homopolymers or from bioplastics or from Polyethylene or a combination thereof.

[0054] In some embodiments, the container and the handle are made from the same materials.

[0055] In some embodiments, the container comprises a round-going skirt arranged at the mouthing. In some further embodiments, the plastic handle is connected to said at least one side wall or to said round-going skirt. The connection can be any type of connection. For example, the connection can be a snap-fit connection, a clip-on attachment, pivot seats. In some embodiments, the handle is connected in such a way that it is pivotable about an axis. In some embodiments, the container comprises a lid.

[0056] In some embodiments, the container can be, without limitation, a pail, a box whether round, square, rectangular, oval, cubic or other configuration.

[0057] It should be obvious to the person skilled in the art that the embodiment of a handle according to the invention as described above is just one example of a handle according to the invention. The scope of the invention should therefore not be limited to the example as described above.

[0058] The grip and the bail of the handle are preferably injection moulded from plastic.

[0059] Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0060] Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

[0061] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0062] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] The present invention will now be more particularly described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings in which:

[0064] - Figure 1 is a perspective and diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a handle, in accordance with the present disclosure, showing that the handle comprises a bail and a grip,

[0065] - Figure 2 is a perspective and diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a bail in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0066] - Figure 3 is a perspective and diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a grip in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0067] - Figure 4 is a lateral and diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a handle in accordance with the present disclosure,

[0068] - Figure 5 is a perspective and diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a container in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0069] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the plastic handle 1 comprises a grip 2 and a bail 3. The elongated channel of the grip 2 is a hollow cylinder, extending from a first end 4 to a second end 5. The grip 2 comprises a central grip portion 6 bordered by sidewalls, on the first end 4 and on the second end 5. Those sidewalls have a larger diameter than the central grip portion 6. The bail comprises attachment means 8.

[0071] The bail 3 comprises a top surface 31 and a bottom surface 32, wherein the top surface 31 comprises a rib 7 and the bottom surface 32 is flat in a direction transverse to the bail length which forms a T-shaped section. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, the bottom surface 32 of the bail 3 is substantially flat, irrespective of the curvature of the bail. The rib 7 is upwards and extends essentially from the first bail end 3a to the second bail end 3b. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the height of the rib increases from the first bail end 3a to the grip fitting portion 11 and from the second bail end 3b to the grip fitting portion 11.

[0072] As illustrated in Figure 1, the first bail end 3a and the second bail end 3b have a different section being reinforced and comprising bail attachment means 8.

[0073] As illustrated in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the bail 3 comprises a groove 9 as a first bail retainer, which is a U-shaped notch, formed on the rib 7. This bail comprises a grip fitting portion 11 and two curved portions (10, 10’), each of said two curved portions extends between said grip fitting portion 11 and one of the two ends of the bail (3a, 3b) wherein the grip fitting portion 11 has a greater curvature than each said two curved portions (10, 10’). The groove 9 is equidistant is positioned equidistant from first bail end and the second bail end.

[0074] As illustrated in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the grip 2 comprises a protrusion 12 which is a ridge, as first grip retainer. This ridge is positioned equidistant from the first grip end 4 and the second grip end 5.

[0075] As illustrated in Figure 2, the bottom surface of the grip fitting portion is arcuate and defines four comers, of which only two are visible (13, 13”), because the grip fitting portion 11 has a greater curvature than each said two curved portions.

[0076] As illustrated in Figure 4, the grip fitting portion 11 of the bail 3 is in contact with the grip 2 on two points (13, 13’) on one end side of the grip and on two points on the other side of the grip, so on each corner of the bottom surface of the grip fitting portion.

[0077] As illustrated in Figure 5, in this embodiment, a container 20 comprises a container body 21 and a plastic handle 1. The container 20 is a round bucket comprising a round-going skirt 22 arranged at the mouthing. The handle 1 is connected to the container body 21 by a snap-fit connection 23.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A plastic handle (1) for a container comprising a grip (2) and a bail (3), wherein said grip (2) extends longitudinally from a first grip end (4) to a second grip end (5), wherein said grip comprises an elongated channel (2c) extending from the first grip end (4) to the second grip end (5), wherein the channel (2c) is configured for insertion and removal of the bail, wherein said bail (3) extends from a first bail end (3a) to a second bail end (3b), wherein the bail (3) is configured to be slidably inserted into the channel (2c) of the grip (2), wherein the second bail end (3b) extends beyond the second grip end (5) when, in use, the bail (3) is inserted into the channel (2c) of the grip (2), wherein said bail (3) comprises a first bail retainer (9) and the grip (2) comprises a first grip retainer (12) that is adapted to mate with the first bail retainer (9) such that, in use, corresponding retainers prevent sliding displacement of the grip (2) with respect to the bail (3), characterized in that the bail (3) comprises a top surface (31) and a bottom surface (32), wherein the top surface (31) comprises a rib (7).

2. A plastic handle according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface (32) is essentially flat in a direction transverse to the bail length.

3. A plastic handle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bail has a T-shaped cross-section.

4. A plastic handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first bail retainer and said first grip retainer comprise at least one groove and at least one protrusion.

5. A plastic handle according to claim 4, wherein said first bail retainer and said first grip retainer comprise one groove and one protrusion.

6. A plastic handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grip (2) is formed as one piece.

7. A plastic handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bail (3) comprises a grip fitting portion (11) and two curved portions (10, 10’), each of said two curved portionsextends between said grip fitting portion and one of the two ends of the bail wherein the grip fitting portion has a greater curvature than each said two curved portions.

8. A plastic handle according to claim 7, wherein in use, the bottom surface of the bail is substantially flat, irrespective of the curvature of the bail.

9. A plastic handle according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the grip fitting portions (11) defines four comers (13, 13’, 13”) and in use when the first grip retainer (12) mates with the first bail retainer 9, each corner of the grip fitting portions (11) is in contact with the grip (2).

10. A plastic handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle is made of at least 20 weight percent of recycled plastic.

11. A container comprising- a container body and- a handle according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, connected to said container body.

12. A container according to claim 13 wherein the container body comprises an upstanding continuous sidewall, a bottom wall, an open top, an interior surface, and an exterior surface.

13. A container according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the container is made of plastic.

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