Bucket Handle Grip With Central Latch For Rotation Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bucket handle grips are difficult to align, prone to rotation relative to the handle, and provide inadequate ergonomic support, leading to discomfort and potential failure during use.
Innovation Solution
A single centrally located latch with a U-shaped hook and catch configuration, combined with a unitarily formed grip body, allows easy insertion and secure attachment of the bucket handle, preventing rotation and enhancing ergonomics through improved weight distribution and comfort features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-piece grip body with mating components is used, then the grip can be assembled from separate parts, but it is difficult to align the plastic handle within the two pieces and the prong material is subject to damage or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate grip body pieces into a single monolithic body structure. This eliminates the mating components and alignment issues entirely, as there is only one piece to operate with. The single body structure maintains manufacturability while solving the alignment difficulty and prong breakage problems.
2Reliability
If multiple latches are disposed near ends of the body, then the grip can secure the handle at multiple points, but the forces are not properly distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the multiple latches from the end positions and extracts only the essential securing function. A single centrally located latch is positioned to optimally distribute forces along the handle, eliminating the poor force distribution caused by end-mounted multiple latches while maintaining secure attachment.
3Device complexity
If clam-shell or U-shaped grip devices with integrated latches are used, then some problems with two-piece configuration are avoided, but the grip can rotate relative to the plastic bucket handle during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry through the centrally located latch position and the specific geometric configuration of the opening and cavity. This asymmetric design creates a stable configuration that prevents rotation, unlike symmetric U-shaped designs. The latch is positioned at the center to create balanced force distribution that resists rotational moments.
4Ease of operation
If a single centrally located latch is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the securing mechanism must handle all forces at one point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action through the angled interior walls that guide the handle into proper positioning before the latch engages. This pre-positioning ensures that when the single central latch engages, the forces are already distributed through the angled surfaces, preventing concentration at a single point despite the single latch configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A grip for a bucket handle to aid in weight distribution and provide improved ergonomics for a user. A grip comprises a body with an interior cavity configured to receive the bucket handle, and a latch to actuate between open and closed positions. A cavity is preferably sized and shaped to conform to standard plastic handles typically found on five-gallon buckets. A sidewall and enlarged areas in the cavity provide a better fit for most standard plastic handles and aid in keeping the grip from rotating relative to the plastic handle during use. A single, centrally located latch preferably has a uniformly loaded cantilevered beam deflection configuration. A latch may comprise an elongated U-shaped hook and an elongated catch body that allows the hook to snap over the catch body.