Handle extenders

Abstract

An example of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a rigid elongated body having a first end and a second end. The second end is opposite the first end. In addition, the apparatus includes a coupler to connect the first end to an axle. The apparatus further includes a handle disposed at the second end of the rigid elongated body. The handle is configures to be rotated by a user. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a motion transfer system connected to the handle and the coupler. The motion transfer system is to transfer rotation from the handle to the coupler.

Description

HANDLE EXTENDERSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 63 / 642,390, filed May 3, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Containers are used to collect and contain various content which may include garbage, debris, liquids and other types of content. The containers may be part of a vehicle, such as a truck, or may be standalone containers that may be dropped off at a site and picked up at a later time after loading or unloading. For example, a container may be configured to be delivered and removed via specialized trucks which allow the container to roll on and off the truck. Such trucks may include a tilting bed, a winch system, and / or hooks in order to facilitate loading and unloading the container from the truck. Alternately, some containers may be delivered and removed with a crane that may be included on a specialized truck or a separate crane located at loading and unloading sites.

[0003] Containers may also include lids to keep the contents from falling out, such as during transport, or to restrict access when valuable contents such as copper or other metals are stored therein. The container lid may also be installed to comply with environmental regulations in some areas where storm water exposure is a concern, to secure the contents from theft, to reduce unauthorized dumping into the container, and to otherwise protect against unwanted or unauthorized access to the container or its contents. To operate the lids, an axle may be rotated by a handle to roll the lid from one side to another.SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes a rigid elongated body having a first end and a second end.The second end is opposite the first end. In addition, the apparatus includes a coupler to connect the first end to an axle. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a handle disposed at the second end of the rigid elongated body. The handle is to be rotated by a user. Also, the apparatus includes a motion transfer system connected to the handle and the coupler. The motion transfer system is to transfer rotation from the handle to the coupler.

[0005] The coupler may be rotatable. The motion transfer system may include a belt connecting the handle to the coupler. The motion transfer system may include a chain connecting the handle to the coupler. The apparatus may include a first sprocket connected to the coupler and a second sprocket connected to the handle. The chain may engage the first sprocket and the second sprocket to transfer the rotation from the handle to the coupler.

[0006] The apparatus may include a ratchet mechanism to connect the handle to the motion transfer system.

[0007] The rigid elongated body substantially may enclose the motion transfer system for protection.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus to transfer rotational motion;

[0010] Figure 2 is a front view of the example of the apparatus to transfer rotational motion shown in figure 1 ;

[0011] Figure 3 is a side view of the example of the apparatus to transfer rotational motion shown in figure 1 showing the internal components;

[0012] Figure 4A is illustration showing the example of the apparatus to transfer rotational motion shown in figure 1 installed on a bin;

[0013] Figure 4B is illustration showing the example of the apparatus to transfer rotational motion shown in figure 1 in use by a user with the lid in a closed position;

[0014] Figure 4C is illustration showing the example of the apparatus to transfer rotational motion shown in figure 1 in use by a user with the lid in an open position;

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another example of an apparatus to transfer rotational motion;

[0016] Figure 6 is a front view of the example of the apparatus to transfer rotational motion shown in figure 5;

[0017] Figure 7 is a side view of the example of the apparatus to transfer rotational motion shown in figure 5 showing the internal components;

[0018] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another example of an apparatus to transfer rotational motion; and

[0019] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an example method of transferring rotational motion.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. “top”, “bottom”, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “low”, “high”, etc.) may be for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than those described or shown.

[0021] Containers are used to collect and contain various content which may include garbage, debris, liquids, and other types of content. Containers may have an opening on the top to receive and remove the content. These openings may have lids to keep the contents from falling out, such as during transport, or to restrict access when valuable contents such as copper or other metals are stored therein. Container lids may also be installed to comply with environmental regulations in some areas where storm water exposure is a concern, to secure the contents from theft, to reduceunauthorized dumping into the container, and to otherwise protect against unwanted or unauthorized access to the container or its contents.

[0022] Although there are some standard sizes of containers, the containers come in various sizes with openings that may also vary in size to accommodate different applications. For example, smaller containers may be used in confined locations for maneuverability and larger containers may be used in spaces to allow for larger loads. For many containers, a lid may be installed to secure the contents from theft, to reduce unauthorized dumping into the container, and to otherwise protect against unwanted or unauthorized access to the container or its contents. The operation of the lid for some bins may include the rotation of an axle along which may move along a track to slide the lid from one side of the container to another side of the container.

[0023] An apparatus is provided to operate a lid of a container. In particular, the apparatus is to transfer a rotational motion from a handle to the axle of the lid. In some examples, it is to be appreciated that the axle of the lid may be out of reach of a user. In such an example, the axle may be difficult to rotate with a single handle directly connected to the axle. The apparatus provides a motion transfer mechanism that can transfer rotational motion of a handle within reach of the user to an axle which may be out of reach of the user. Accordingly, the apparatus provides a way to operate tall containers without the use of ladders or other devices that can lift the operator to the height of the axle.

[0024] Referring to figures 1 to 3, an apparatus 50 to transfer rotational motion is generally shown. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the apparatus 50 may include variants with additional features and take different forms. For example, the size of the apparatus 50 is not particularly limited and may be varied depending on the size and type of container onto which the apparatus 50 is mounted. For example, the length of the apparatus 50 may be modified to accommodate containers of different heights. In the present example, the apparatus 50 includes a rigid elongated body 10, a coupler 12, a handle 14, and a motion transfer system 16.

[0025] The rigid elongated body 10 extends substantially along the length of the apparatus 50. The exact design of the rigid elongated body 10 is not particularly limited.For example, the rigid elongated body 10 is an enclosed conduit with a hollow center. The cross section of the rigid elongated body 10 is rectangular in the present example. In other examples, the rigid elongated body 10 may include other shapes, such as a square or circular shape. In the present example, the rigid elongated body 10 substantially encloses the motion transfer system 16 to provide a level of protection to the motion transfer system 16. However in other examples, the rigid elongated body 10 may be a solid rod or member to provide structural rigidity while the motion transfer system 16 is exposed.

[0026] The material from which the rigid elongated body 10 is constructed is not particularly limited. In the present example, the rigid elongated body 10 is made from a lightweight metal, such as aluminum. The rigid elongated body 10 may be solid or hollow in various examples as discussed above. In other examples, alternative metals may be used such as steel, bronze, or other non alloys that are typically corrosion resistant. In further examples, the rigid elongated body 10 may also be made from plastic, fiberglass, or other composite materials having sufficient mechanical strength to maintain the structure and operation of the apparatus 50.

[0027] The dimensions of the rigid elongated body 10 are not particularly limited and may be varied depending on the application. It is to be appreciated that a rigid elongated body 10 with longer dimensions will be able to reach higher container lid axles. In the present example, the rigid elongated body 10 may be about 28 inches long, about 1 .5 inches deep, and about 3.0 centimeters wide. It is to be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that these dimensions provide sufficient space for the motion transfer system 16 to be disposed within.

[0028] The coupler 12 is to connect an end of the rigid elongated body 10 to an axle controlling the motion of a lid. In the present example, the coupler 12 is disposed proximate to one end of the rigid elongated body 10. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the coupler 12 is not particularly limited and may include any mechanism that can form a connection between the motion transfer system 16 and the axle of the bin. In the present example, the coupler 12 may be rotatable and include a shaft extending from the rigid elongated body 10.Accordingly, the shaft of the coupler 12 may be connected to the axle of the bin usingvarious connection mechanisms, such as screw mechanism or a weld.

[0029] The handle 14 is disposed on the rigid elongated body 10 at the opposite end of the coupler 12. The handle 14 is not particularly limited and may be any type of handle used to provide a rotational motion to the motion transfer system 16.Accordingly, a user (not shown) may rotate the handle 14 relative to the rigid elongated body 10. The rotational motion may then be transferred to the motion transfer system 16.

[0030] In the present example, the motion transfer system 16 is to connect the coupler 12 to the handle 14. The motion transfer system 16 is to transfer the rotational motion from the handle 14 to the coupler 12. For example, a rotation of the handle 14 may cause a component connecting the handle 14 to the motion transfer system 16 to rotate. This rotating component may provide a mechanical motion to the motion transfer system 16, which can then transfer the motion to provide a rotational motion at the coupler 12.

[0031] In the present example, the motion transfer system 16 may include a chain to connect the coupler 12 and the handle 14. It is to be understood by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the motion transfer system 16 is not particularly limited. In some examples, the motion transfer system 16 includes a chain or other mechanism mechanically suitable and sufficiently rugged for a specific application, such that it can withstand forces used to move a lid of a certain size and weight for the application. The type of chain used is also not particularly limited. For example, the chain may be a roller chain in some examples. In other examples, the chain may be a link chain. In these examples, the apparatus 50 may include a sprocket 20 connected to a rotatable coupler 12 and another sprocket 22 connected to the handle 14. In the present example, the sprocket 20 may be directly welded or fused to the coupler 12 such that both the sprocket 20 and the coupler 12 rotate at the same speed. Similarly, the sprocket 22 and the handle 14 may also be directly welded or fused to the coupler 12 such that both the sprocket 20 and the coupler 12 rotate at the same speed. The chain of the motion transfer system 16 engages the sprocket 20 and the sprocket 22 at opposite ends of the rigid elongated body 10. Each of the sprockets 20, 22 would be rotationally linked by the chain as the rotation of the sprocket 22 by the handle 14 willmove the chain, which in turn causes the sprocket 20 to rotate the coupler 12 and the axle. The engagement of the chain to the sprockets 20, 22 reduces slippage when transferring motion since the teeth firmly engage each link of the chain.

[0032] In some examples, the sprocket 20 may be connected to the coupler 12 via a gear mechanism to transfer the rotational motion and increase the torque applied by the coupler 12 to the axle in applications where the axle may require more torque than an average user can apply to the handle 14. Similarly, the sprocket 22 may be connected to the handle via a gear mechanism to transfer the rotational motion and increase the torque applied to the motion transfer system 16 with each rotation of the handle 14. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that in examples that include a gear mechanism (not shown), using a gear mechanism at the sprocket 20 may be more advantageous than using a gear mechanism at the sprocket 22 as the forces applied to the motion transfer system 16 would be significantly higher causing increased wear and tear on the motion transfer system 16. However, in some examples, space limitations or other mechanical considerations may dictate the placement of any gear mechanisms.

[0033] In other examples, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the chain of the motion transfer system 16 may be substituted with other components that are capable of providing similar functionality. As an example, the motion transfer system may include a belt to connect the coupler 12 and the handle 14. In particular, the belt uses a tension force to engage the coupler 12 and the handle 14. In this example, the use of a belt under tension may be a simpler mechanism with fewer components, such as sprockets. In further examples, the belt may also include teeth to engage a sprocket to reduce the likelihood of slippage.

[0034] Referring to figures 4A to 4C, the apparatus 50 is shown in operation connected to a bin 100. In the present example, the axle controlling the lid of the bin 100 is out of comfortable reach of a user if a handle were to be installed on the axle to be rotated about the axle. By installing the apparatus 50 on the bin 100, the handle 14 is within reach of the user to provide comfortable operation of the lid of the bin 100.

[0035] Referring to figures 5 to 7, another example of an apparatus 50a to transfer rotational motion is generally shown. Like components of the apparatus 50a bear likereference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “a”. In the present example, the apparatus 50a includes a rigid elongated body 10a, a coupler 12a, a handle 14a, a motion transfer system 16a, and a ratchet mechanism 25a.

[0036] In the present example, the rigid elongated body 10a extends substantially along the length of the apparatus 50a. In the present example, the rigid elongated body 10a is an enclosed conduit with a hollow center. The cross section of the rigid elongated body 10a is rectangular in the present example. Accordingly, the rigid elongated body 10a substantially encloses the motion transfer system 16a to provide a level of protection to the motion transfer system 16a. The rigid elongated body 10a also includes end caps 33a, 35a at either end of the rigid elongated body 10a. The end caps 33a, 35a may be opened to release any water or moisture that has seeped into the apparatus 50a to avoid water damage or corrosion to the internal components. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that in some examples, a single end cap may be used. In such examples, the end cap 33a may be omitted as the apparatus 50a is generally operated in an orientation where the end cap 35a is at the downward end.

[0037] The coupler 12a is to connect an end of the rigid elongated body 10a to an axle controlling the motion of a lid. In the present example, the coupler 12a is disposed proximate to one end of the rigid elongated body 10a and includes a hole 30a to receive a fastener to connect the coupler 12a to the axle. For example, the hole 30a may be tapped to receive a set screw or other fastener to secure the coupler 12a to the axle.

[0038] In the present example, the ratchet mechanism 25a connects the handle 14a to the motion transfer system 16a and restricts the rotation of the motion transfer system 16a in a single direction. This allows the user to apply force to the handle 14a with a back and forth motion to move the lid of the bin in a single direction instead of providing continuous rotation to the handle 14a in full circles. In some examples, the ratchet mechanism 25a may have a setting that allows for the direction to be reversed such that the axle of the container may be moved in opposite directions. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that in other examples, the ratchet mechanism 25a may be disposed at the top end of the apparatus 50a to connect the coupler 12a to the motion transfer system 16a to achieve a similareffect.

[0039] Referring to figure 8, another example of an apparatus 50b to transfer rotational motion is generally shown. Like components of the apparatus 50b bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50a, except followed by the suffix “b”. In the present example, the apparatus 50b includes a rigid elongated body 10b, a coupler 12b, a handle receiver 15b, and an end cap 33b. Although not shown, the present example may also include another end cap at the opposite end of the rigid elongated body 10b from the end cap 33b.

[0040] In the present example, the apparatus 50b is configured to be installed on a bin with a pre-existing handle (not shown). It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the handle receiver 15b is receive a handle and can be used to retrofit a bin. In particular, the existing handle of the bin may be removed and the coupler 12b may be configured to engage the bin axle. The handle may then be installed on the handle receiver 15b.

[0041] Referring to figure 9, a flowchart of a method to transfer rotational motion is generally shown at 200. In order to assist in the explanation of method 200, it will be assumed that method 200 may be performed with the apparatus 50. Indeed, the method 200 may be one way in which the apparatus 50 may be configured and operated. Furthermore, the following discussion of method 200 may lead to a further understanding of the apparatus 50 and its various components. It is to be emphasized that method 200 may not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, and various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence, or in a different sequence altogether.

[0042] Block 210 involves connecting a first end of a rigid elongated body 10 to an axle of a bin. The axle is to operate a lid of the bin and it is to be appreciated with the benefit of this description that the coupler 12 may be used to attach the apparatus 50 to the bin. Upon connecting the apparatus 50 to the axle of the bin, the handle 14 at the other end of the apparatus 50 may be rotated to generate a rotational motion about the handle axis at block 220. The rotational motion of the handle 14 may then be transferred from about the handle axle to the coupler 12 using the motion transfer system 16 to rotate the axle at block 230. Accordingly, operation of the apparatus 50allows for the rotation about an axis of the handle 14 to be transferred to a different axis, such as the axis about the axle of a bin lid. Therefore, if the bin lid is out of the reach of a user, the apparatus 50 may be able to allow for the user to operate the bin lid without using a ladder or other equipment to bring the axle of the bin within reach of the user.

[0043] Further variations of the apparatus 50 may include gears (not shown) to facilitate the movement of the lid, especially if the lid is heavy and greater force is used to rotate the axle connected to the lid.

[0044] It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above may be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . An apparatus comprising: a rigid elongated body having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is opposite the first end; a coupler to connect the first end to an axle; a handle disposed at the second end of the rigid elongated body, wherein the handle is to be rotated by a user; and a motion transfer system connected to the handle and the coupler, wherein the motion transfer system is to transfer rotation from the handle to the coupler.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the coupler is rotatable.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the motion transfer system includes a belt connecting the handle to the coupler.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the motion transfer system includes a chain connecting the handle to the coupler.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a first sprocket connected to the handle and a second sprocket connected to the coupler, wherein the chain engages the first sprocket and the second sprocket to transfer the rotation from the handle to the coupler.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a ratchet mechanism connecting the handle to the motion transfer system.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rigid elongated body substantially encloses the motion transfer system for protection.

8. A method comprising: connecting a first end of a rigid elongated body to an axle with a coupler; rotating a handle at a second end of the rigid elongated body, wherein the second end is opposite the first end; and transferring rotation from the handle to the coupler via a motion transfer system.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising rotating the axle with the coupler, wherein the coupler is rotatable.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein transferring the rotation comprises using a belt to connect the handle to the coupler.11 .The method of claim 9, wherein transferring the rotation comprises using a chain to connect the handle to the coupler.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein rotating the handle rotates a first sprocket connected to a second sprocket by the chain to transfer the rotation from the handle to the coupler.

13. The method of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein transferring the rotation comprises transferring the rotation of the handle to the motion transfer system via a ratchet mechanism.

14. The method of any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising protecting the motion transfer system by enclosing the motion transfer system within the rigid elongated body.

15. An apparatus comprising: a rigid elongated body having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is opposite the first end; a coupler to connect the first end to an axle; a handle shaft disposed at the second end of the rigid elongated body, wherein the handle shaft is to engage a handle; and a motion transfer system connected to the handle and the coupler, wherein the motion transfer system is to transfer a rotation of the handle shaft to the coupler.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the coupler is rotatable.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the motion transfer system includes a belt connecting the handle shaft to the coupler.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the motion transfer system includes a chain connecting the handle shaft to the coupler.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a first sprocket connected to the handle shaft and a second sprocket connected to the coupler, wherein the chain engages the first sprocket and the second sprocket to transfer the rotation from the handle shaft to the coupler.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising a ratchet mechanism connecting the handle shaft to the motion transfer system.

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