CONTAINER ASSEMBLY WITH INTERCHANGEABLE RIGID HANDLE AND STRAP

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a container. More particularly, but without limitation, the present disclosure relates to a container with interchangeable handles and straps.

BACKGROUND

Attaching accessories to a container can alleviate undesired pressure on a user and improve the container's ease of transportation. Various attachment options can offer distinct forms of support to the user in various situations. As a result, there is a demand for containers equipped with detachable and interchangeable accessories, enabling users to adapt to different scenarios as needed.

SUMMARY

The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

The disclosed embodiments are directed to container assemblies having detachable and interchangeable attachment accessories, such as rigid handles and straps. The container assemblies having the option for detachment and interchangeability enable users to tailor the container to their specific needs and preferences.

According to some embodiments, a container assembly comprises a container body comprising a band near an upper end of the container body, one or more first buckle connectors attached to an outer surface of the band, a strap comprising one or more second buckle connectors at the ends of the strap, a rigid handle comprising one or more arms, a cross-bar, and one or more third buckle connectors, wherein each arm comprises a cross-bar end and a buckle end, the cross-bar end is connected to an end of the cross-bar, and the buckle end is connected to one of the third buckle connectors, and wherein each of the second buckle connectors and each of the third buckle connectors are configured to be interchangeably coupled to each of the first buckle connectors such that the strap and the rigid handle are interchangeable with and removably connectable to the one or more first buckle connectors.

In some embodiments, the container body may be a jug or a bucket.

In some embodiments, the container body may be a hardside cooler or a softside cooler.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more first buckle connectors and each of the one or more second buckle connectors or the one or more third buckle connectors are each a pair of side-release buckles.

In some embodiments, the one or more first buckle connectors are male buckles when the one or more second buckle connectors and the one or more third buckle connectors are female buckles, or the one or more first buckle connectors are female buckles when the one or more second buckle connectors and the one or more third buckle connectors are male buckles.

In some embodiments, each of the male buckles may comprise a center arm and one or more spring arms spaced from the center arm, and each of the spring arms may comprise a retaining catch that terminates at one end.

In some embodiments, each of the female buckles may comprise a front opening and one or more side openings, and each of the side openings operably receives the spring arm and secures the male buckle by engaging the retaining catch.

In some embodiments, the container assembly may comprise a jug assembly.

In some embodiments, the jug assembly may further comprise a cap, and the container body may further comprise a spout extending from the top of the container body.

In some embodiments, the jug assembly may further comprise a cap assembly comprising the cap at one end and a hinge at another end, the hinge pivotally coupled to the top of the container body such that the cap pivotally rotates around the hinge between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cap seals the spout in the closed position.

In some embodiments, each of the first buckle connectors is rotatably coupled to the band wherein the band is formed on a liner.

In some embodiments, each of the first buckle connectors comprises a fastener extended from the first buckle connector.

In some embodiments, the fastener is coupled to a boss, the fastener extending radially into the liner.

In some embodiments, the rigid handle further comprises one or more hook elements, wherein each of the hook elements comprises a hook end and an arm end, a hook terminating at the hook end, and the arm end rotatably coupled to the cross-bar end of the arm.

According to some embodiments, a container assembly comprises a container body comprising a band formed near the top of the container body, the band formed in a liner, one or more first buckle connectors attached to an outer surface of the liner, a rigid handle comprising one or more arms, a cross-bar, one or more third buckle connectors, each of the arms comprising a cross-bar end and a buckle end, one or more hook elements, each of the hook elements comprising a hook end and an arm end; and wherein the cross-bar end is connected to an end of the cross-bar, and the buckle end is connected to one of the third buckle connectors, a hook terminating at the hook end, and the arm end rotatably coupled to the cross-bar end of the arm, each of the third buckle connectors is operably coupled to each of the first buckle connectors such that the rigid handle is removably connectable to the liner.

In some embodiments, the container body may be a jug or a bucket.

In some embodiments, the container body may be a hardside cooler or a softside cooler.

In some embodiments, the container assembly may further comprise an attachment comprising one or more second buckle connectors.

In some embodiments, the attachment is a strap, wherein the one or more second buckle connectors extend at ends of the strap.

In some embodiments, each of the second buckle connectors and each of the third buckle connectors are configured to be interchangeably coupled to each of the first buckle connectors such that the attachment and the rigid handle are interchangeable with and removably connectable to the one or more first buckle connectors.

In some embodiments, each of the male buckle may comprise a center arm and one or more spring arms spaced from the center arm, each of the spring arms may comprise a retaining catch that terminates at one end.

In some embodiments, each of the female buckles comprises a front opening and one or more side openings, and each of the side openings operably receives the spring arm and secures the male buckle by engaging the retaining catch.

In some embodiments, the container assembly may comprise a jug assembly.

In some embodiments, the jug assembly may further comprise a cap, and the container body may further comprise a spout extending from the top of the container body.

In some embodiments, the spout may comprise a connection configured to removably connect to the cap.

In some embodiments, the jug assembly further comprises a cap assembly including the cap at one end and a hinge at another end, the hinge pivotally coupled to the top of the container body such that the cap assembly pivotally rotates around the hinge between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cap seals the spout in the closed position.

In some embodiments, each of the first buckle connector may be rotatably coupled to the liner.

In some embodiments, each of the first buckle connectors may comprise a fastener extended from the first buckle connector.

In some embodiments, the fastener is coupled to a boss running radially into the liner.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of the various embodiments may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims, and drawings, included herewith. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present disclosure is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1A schematically depicts a container assembly coupled to a rigid handle of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 1B schematically depicts an explored-view of the container assembly coupled to a rigid handle as in FIG. 1A of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a container assembly coupled to a strap of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts the detached strap having two male buckles as second buckle connectors of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4A schematically depicts a female buckle as a first buckle connector of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4B schematically depicts a cross-section view of the female buckle as a first buckle connector in FIG. 4A of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a detached rigid handle with hooks and another engaged rigid handle without hooks of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a container assembly having a cap assembly including a cap of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a container assembly having a cooler as the container body of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure involves container assemblies having detachable and interchangeable attachment accessories, such as rigid handles and straps. Straps can allow for length adjustments and allow users to carry the container with even distributed weight and reduce strain on the user. Straps can also allow for hands-free carrying so users can keep their hands free for other tasks. Additionally, the flexibility to adjust the strap to accommodate various body sizes makes it a versatile choice suitable for different users and situations. Rigid handles can allow users to grasp or hang a container with enhanced stability and control and may be more desirable for heavier loads. Rigid handles are useful for carrying and handling of heavier loads and containers. The durability of rigid handles ensures long-lasting support and convenience. The disclosed container design that permits both strap and rigid handle attachments, with the option for detachment and interchangeability, enables users to tailor the container to their specific needs and preferences.

Throughout the disclosure, straps refer to narrow, flexible bands of material, made of, without limitations, leather, nylon, canvas, or other durable and/or flexible materials. Rigid handles refer to solid, inflexible, and typically sturdy handgrips designed to provide a secure and dependable grip on various objects or containers. Rigid handles may be attached to containers in a variety of ways, including welding, screwing, or bolting. Rigid handles may be made from materials like, among others, metal, plastic, or wood. These lists of materials are not limiting and are not exhaustive. A container assembly refers to the combination of different components or parts, such as, without limitations, a container body, a rigid handle, a strap, a cap, and a lid, that come together to create a complete container or packaging unit. A pair of two-piece buckles refers to a set of two fasteners or buckles that are designed to engage with each other to securely connect objects or hold objects in place and can be released when disengaged. The pair of two-piece buckles may have two opposite engaging types of buckle connectors (e.g. a male buckle and a female buckle) or components that engage to create a secure fastening. The opposite types of components may include, without limitations, male and female components, latch and receptacle, and hook and loop.

Various embodiments of the container assembly are described in more detail herein. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a” component includes aspects having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1A-2 schematically depict an example container assembly 100 coupled to a rigid handle 105 (in FIG. 1A) or a strap 205 (in FIG. 2) of the present disclosure. The container assembly 100 includes a container body 103, a strap 205, and a rigid handle 105. The strap 205 and the rigid handle 105 can be interchangeably coupled to the container body 103 and detached from the container body 103. Each of the strap 205 and the rigid handle 105 may include one or more buckle connectors 133 that can be interchangeably coupled to one or more first buckle connectors 133 of the container body 103. In some embodiments, the second buckle connectors 245 of the strap 205 and the third buckle connectors 135 of the rigid handle 105 may have the generally same structure as described in detail further below.

The container body 103 may be, without limitations, a bottle, a jug, a cooler, a tin, a box, a tote, a bin, a barrel, a canteen, a softside bag, a bucket, or other storage container. In some examples, the cooler may be a rigid cooler or a soft cooler. The container body 103 may be made from materials like metal, plastic, glass, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, vinyl, polypropylene, thermoplastic polymers, rubber, foam, or a combination thereof. For example, the rigid cooler may be made of hard plastic, metal or other durable materials. The soft cooler may be made of fabric materials, such as nylon, polyester, vinyl, or other flexible materials. The container body 103 may be made from insulated materials or include insulating structures, such as, without limitations, double-walled stainless steel, plastic with insulation, foam insulation between plastic or metal wall structures, thermoplastic material, neoprene, and fiberglass. The container body 103 may be made from plastic and/or another material using a manufacturing method, such as, without limitations, blow molding, injection molding, rotational molding, or thermoforming. In some embodiments, the container body 103 may comprise an overmold material 171 on portions of the exterior to aid in gripping the container body 103, for example when drinking from the spout. The container body 103 may be a single wall structure or may be double walled. For example, in a double wall embodiment, the container body 103 include an outer shell 235 and an inner shell or liner 131. The liner 131 may be partially or fully disposed within the outer shell 235. The liner 131 may include an inner liner portion 233 and an exposed liner portion 231. The inner liner portion 233, when the liner 131 assembled to the outer shell 235, may not be visible. When the liner 131 assembled to the outer shell 235, the exposed liner portion 231, may not be covered by the outer shell 235. In other embodiments however, the liner 131 may be fully positioned within the outer shell 235 and not exposed. An insulation layer (not shown) may be disposed between the outer shell 235 and the inner liner portion 233. The outer shell 235 may be fabricated using blow molding, injection molding, or rotomolding according to some exemplary embodiments, but may be fabricated using other known fabricating techniques. The container body 103 may be fabricated as a single piece construction or as multiple pieces and coupled to one another. The outer shell 235 may be dimensioned and sized such that the inner liner portion 233 can be inserted into the outer shell 235. In some embodiments, where the container body 103 is formed as a single wall structure, an upper portion of the container body 103 may comprise a band where the handle 105 or strap 205 may be connected.

The one or more first buckle connectors 133 may be attached to an outer surface of the container body 103. In some embodiments, for example a single wall structure, the first buckle connectors 133 may be connected to a band near an upper end of the container body 103. In some embodiments, such as a double wall structure, the band may be defined by the liner 131 and the one or more first buckle connectors 133 may be attached to the exposed liner portion 231. The first buckle connector 133 may be mechanically coupled to the liner 131 of the container body 103. In some embodiments, the first buckle connectors 133 may be female or male buckles operably coupled to a strap 205 or a rigid handle 105 having opposite types of buckles in a pair of two-piece buckles. Each first buckle connector 133 may be rotatably coupled to the container body 103. In other embodiments, the first buckle connector 133 may be fixed relative to the container body 103. In some embodiments, the first buckle connector 133 may further include a fastener 405 extended from the wall of the first buckle connector 133. The exposed liner portion 231 may include a boss 134 configured to receive the fastener 405. The fastener 405 may be coupled to the boss 134 wherein the fastener 405 extends radially into the liner 131 and may be secured in place, for example in a snap-fit manner.

In some embodiments, the container assembly 100 may include a jug assembly. In some embodiments, the jug assembly may include a lid 138, a cap 139, and the container body 103. The lid 138 or the cap 139 may be made from materials like metal, plastic, glass, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, vinyl, polypropylene, thermoplastic polymers, rubber, foam, or one or more combinations thereof. The lid 138 may comprise a top wall and a depending sidewall. The top wall may comprise a spout with the cap 139 that is removable from the spout. The lid 138 or the cap 139 may be made from plastic and/or another material using a manufacturing method, such as, without limitations, blow molding, injection molding, rotational molding, or thermoforming. The lid 138 may be mechanically attached to and removable from the container body 103. In some embodiments, the lid 138 may be removable such as by threads, pivot connection, or other removable connection. The threads (not shown), for example and without limitation, of the lid 138 may be on the interior surface of the sidewall of the lid 138. When attached, the lid 138 may secure the container body 103 to form a seal. The lid 138 may include a spout 137 extending from the top of the lid 138. The cap 139 may be configured to removably connect to the spout 137. The spout 137 may include a connection 140. The spout 137 may be configured to removably connect to the cap 139 through the connection 140. The connection 140 may be, without limitations, a pivot connection, a snap-fit connection, friction or interference fit, a threaded connection, or a press-on connection.

Referring to FIG. 2, the strap 205 may include a strap material 305, which may be a long and flexible strip, as opposite to the rigid handle 105. The strap 205 may include a pad 351 coupled to the strap material 305. The pad 351 may be a shoulder pad or a strap cushion to provide cushioning, distribute weight evenly when a user carries the container assembly 100. The pad 351 may be fixed relative to the strap material 305 or slidably along the strap material 305. The pad 351 may be made from a variety of materials, such as, without limitations, foam, neoprene, gel inserts, nylon, fabric, rubber, combinations of the forgoing, or other materials. The strap 205 may be adjustable in length. The strap 205 includes one or more second buckle connectors 245 at the ends of the strap material 305, allowing for attachment to the container body 103. The second buckle connectors 245 may be male or female buckles operably coupled to the first buckle connectors 133 of the container body 103.

In some embodiments, the first buckle connectors 133 and the third buckle connectors 135 may be a pair of two-piece buckles. The first buckle connectors 133 may be male buckles when the third buckle connectors 135 are female buckles. Alternatively, the first buckle connectors 133 may be female buckles (e.g. in FIGS. 1 and 4-6) when the third buckle connectors 135 (e.g. in FIGS. 1 and 5-6) are male buckles.

In use, a user may attach the strap 205 to the container body 103 through coupling the second buckle connectors 245 to the first buckle connectors 133. The user may wear the strap 205 on the body on the user's shoulder or waist or may carry the strap 205 by the hand of the user. Alternately, for instance, the strap 205 may be removably coupled to a backpack. The user may hang the strap 205 on a hook, a nail, a hanger, a rack, or other structures allowing to secure or receive the strap in place.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the rigid handle 105 may have linear segments and may be a loop handle, an arch handle, or other types of handle. In embodiments, for example, the rigid handle 105 may include two arms 151 and a cross-bar 155. The handle 105 may be a multi-piece structure or may be a one-piece structure in which all of the parts are integrally formed together. Each arm 151 may have a cross-bar end 152 and a buckle end 150. Each buckle end 150 may connect with a third buckle connector 135. Each cross-bar end 152 may connect with one end 153 of the cross-bar 155. The components of the rigid handle 105 can each be made of certain hard materials (e.g., plastic, metal), certain soft materials (e.g., vinyl, nylon, polyester, neoprene, rubber), or any suitable combination thereof. Each component of the rigid handle 105 can be made of the same or different materials as the other components of the rigid handle 105. In addition, each component of the rigid handle 105 can have the same or different colors as the other components of the rigid handle 105. For example, the cross-bar 155 may be formed of a rigid material and comprise a softer overmolded material 173 to aid in comfortable gripping of the cross-bar 155.

In some embodiments, the first buckle connectors 133 and the second buckle connectors 245 may be a pair of two-piece buckles. The first buckle connectors 133 may be male buckles when the second buckle connectors 245 are female buckles. Alternatively, the first buckle connectors 133 may be female buckles (e.g. in FIG. 2) when the second buckle connectors 245 (e.g. in FIGS. 2-3) are male buckles.

In some embodiments, the first buckle connectors 133 may be rotatably connected to the outer surface of the liner 131 to allow the rigid handle 105 to rotate upward or downward. The rigid handle 105 may rotate downward until the cross-bar 155 approximately contacts the container body 103. Additionally, the cross-bar 155 may rotate relative to the ends 152 of the arms 151.

In use, a user may attach the rigid handle 105 to the container body 103 by coupling the third buckle connectors 135 to the first buckle connectors 133. The user may carry the rigid handle 105 by the hand of the user.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more first buckle connectors 133 and each of the one or more second buckle connectors 245 or the one or more third buckle connectors 135 are each a pair of side-release buckles, a pair of center-release buckles, or a pair of snap buckles. For example, in a scenario that the connectors 133, 135, and 235 are side-release buckles, when the first buckle connectors 133 are male buckles, the second buckle connectors 245 and the third buckle connectors 135 are female buckles. Alternatively, when the first buckle connectors 133 are female buckles, the second buckle connectors 245 and the third buckle connectors 135 are male buckles.

When a component of the container assembly 100 is rotatably coupled to some other component, such as the first buckle connector 133 coupled to the liner 131, a hook 501 (e.g. in FIG. 5) coupled to the arm 151 of the rigid handle 105, the rotatable coupling 161 may be made using one or more of methods including, but not limited to, a fastening device (e.g., fastener 405 in FIG. 4A and 4B, screw, rivet, threadless bolt), a compression fitting, a snap fitting, a protrusion of one component positioned within an aperture of another component, and mating threads. The rotatable coupling 161 can be removable, fixed to one of the components, and/or fixed to all components that are rotatably coupled.

When a component of the container assembly 100 is fixedly coupled to some other component, such as the container body 103, the liner 131, or another component of the rigid handle 105, the fixed coupling 161 is made using one or more of methods including, but not limited to, a fastening device (e.g., screw, bolt), adhesive, insulating adhesive, epoxy, fusion, welding, soldering, a compression fitting, a snap fitting, a protrusion of one component positioned within an aperture of another component, and mating threads. In addition, the components that are described as being fixedly coupled above are integrally formed with one or more of the components as a single component. In certain exemplary embodiments, an overmold of a component is created by injecting the material of the component into an area of the fixed coupling 161 of the components to form a stronger bond between the components that are fixedly coupled.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, an example detached strap 205 (FIG. 3), an example detached first buckle connector 133 (FIGS. 4A and 4B), and an example detached rigid handle 105 (FIG. 5) of the present disclosure are depicted.

Referring to FIG. 3, the detached strap 205 is depicted removed from the container body 103. In some embodiments, the strap 205 may include the strap material 305 and one or more second buckle connectors 245 at the ends of the strap material 305. The strap 205 may further include a pad 351 attached to the strap material 305. The strap 205 can have a single strap material 305, two strap materials 305, or more than two strap materials 305. For the strap 205 having multiple strap materials 305, the strap materials 305 can have the same or different size, shape, and/or dimensions as the other strap materials 305. The second buckle connectors 245 may be male or female buckles. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second buckle connectors 245 may be male buckles.

In some embodiments, the second buckle connector 245 in the type of male buckles may include a center arm 331 and one or more spring arms 335 spaced from the center arm 331. Each spring arm 335 may include a retaining catch 337 that terminates at one end of the spring arm 335. The second buckle connector 245 may include a base 339. The spring arm 335 may include one or more stiffening gussets connecting the spring arm 335 to the base 339 at a connection part of the spring arm 335. Additionally, or alternatively, the connection of the spring arm 335 to the base 339 may be thickened to increase spring force, or may be thinned to decrease spring force and increase flexibility of the spring arms 335. The strap 205 may be attached to the base 339 by inserting an end of the strap 205 through an opening of the base 339 and sewing the end of the strap 205 or otherwise attaching the end of the strap 205 to the rest of the strap. The one or more spring arms 335 may extend outwardly from the base 339. The spring arms 335 each may include the retaining catch 337 at the end thereof. In some embodiments, the retaining catch 337 may have a less thickness than other parts of the spring arm 335, for example the connection part of the spring arm 335. The second buckle connector 245 may include the center arm 331 to facilitate insertion and alignment of the second buckle connector 245 when coupled with the first buckle connector 133. The center arm 331 may extend generally perpendicularly to the base 339 and is disposed between the spring arms 335. The center arm 331 may include one or more stiffening gussets connecting the center arm 331 to the base 339.

In some embodiments, the second buckle connectors 245 may be female buckles, where each female buckle may have similar structure as to the first buckle connector 133 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The second buckle connector 245 in the type of female buckles may include a front opening 401 and one or more side openings 403, and each side opening 403 operably receives the spring arm 335 of the first buckle connector 133 and secures the male buckle of the first buckle connector 133 by engaging the retaining catch 337. The second buckle connector 245 in the type of female buckles may have a back base similar structure of the base 339 to operably engage with the strap 205.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, the detached first buckle connector 133 is depicted. The first buckle connector 133 may be a male buckle or a female buckle. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, the first buckle connector 133 may be a female buckle to operably engage a male buckle of the second buckle connector 245 (e.g. in FIG. 2) or a male buckle of the third buckle connector 135 (e.g. in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 5-6). The female buckle of the first buckle connector 133 may include a body 406 with a cavity 407 therein adapted for receiving the center arm 331 and the spring arms 335 of the male buckle of the second buckle connector 245 or the third buckle connector 135. The female buckle of the first buckle connector 133 may include an end with the opening 401 therein leading to the cavity 407. The female buckle of the first buckle connector 133 may include one or more side openings 403. In some embodiments, the one or more first buckle connectors 133 may be male buckles when the one or more second buckle connectors 245 and the one or more third buckle connectors 135 are female buckles. Alternatively, the one or more first buckle connectors 133 may be female buckles as in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the one or more second buckle connectors 245 and the one or more third buckle connectors 135 are male buckles.

In use, the male buckle may be securely engaged with the female buckle by inserting the center arm 331 and spring arms 335 of the male buckle into the cavity 407 of the female buckle through the opening 401. At a certain juncture when the male buckle is inserted into the cavity 407 of the female buckle, the retaining catches 337 of the spring arms 335 may engage and align with the side openings 403 such that the male buckle is securely locked in position (e.g. in FIGS. 1A-2 and 5). To release the male buckle from the female buckle, the user may push or squeeze the retaining catches 337, causing the spring arms 335 to retract from the side openings 403 such that the male buckle is released and detached from the locking position (e.g. in FIGS. 3-5).

In some embodiments, the first buckle connector 133 may further include a fastener 405 extended from the wall of the first buckle connector 133. The fastener 405 may be in a column or cylindrical shape. The fastener 405 may include a tapered end 415 and a cavity 425 within the fastener 405. The tapered end 415 may comprise a head which tapers from a larger to smaller diameter and may allow the fastener 405 to be easily inserted into the boss 134 as the exposed inner portion 231 may flex to accommodate the fastener 405. Alternatively, the boss 134 may be formed to flex upon insertion of the fastener 405. The tapered end 415 may have the smaller diameter toward an insertion end for insertion and a larger diameter on a opposite end to resist removal once inserted into the boss 134. The fastener 405 may be coupled to the boss 134 in a radial direction into the liner 131 (in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, and 5-6) and be secured in place. In some embodiments, the first buckle connector 133 may be rotatably mounted on the surface of the liner 131 through the engagement between the fastener 405 and the boss 134. In addition to, or instead of, the first buckle connector 133 being rotatably coupled to the container body 103, the first buckle connector 133 can be coupled to the container body 103 in certain other ways, including but not limited to fixedly, slidably, removably, and hingedly.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, an example detached rigid handle with hooks 507, an example engaged rigid handle 105 with hooks, and an example engaged rigid handle without hooks 517 of the present disclosure are depicted. The rigid handle 105, including the rigid handle with hooks 507 and the rigid handle without hooks 517, may include one or more arms 151, one or more cross-bars 155, and one or more third buckle connectors 135. The cross-bar 155 may be mechanically coupled to the arm 151 at cross-bar end 152 of the arm 151. The cross-bar 155 can be coupled to the arm 151 at any point along the cross-bar 155 and/or along the arm 151. Each end 153 of the cross-bar 155 may be rotatably coupled to the cross-bar end 152 of each of the arms 151. The cross-bar 155 can have one handle end, two handle ends, or more than two handle ends. The cross-bar 155 can be mechanically coupled to the arm 151 in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixedly, rotatably, slidably, removably, and hingedly. In some embodiments where the arm 151 is omitted from the rigid handle 105, the cross-bar 155 may be mechanically coupled to some other component of the container body 103, such as the liner 131.

The arm 151 of the rigid handle 105, including the rigid handle with hooks 507 and the rigid handle without hooks 517, may be mechanically coupled to the container body 103 through the engagement between the first buckle connector 133 and the third buckle connector 135 as described further above. The arm 151 can have one or more of a number of shapes, sizes, and/or dimensions. For example, with regard to shapes, the arm 151 can be straight, curved, angled, or any suitable combination thereof. The rigid handle 105 can have a single arm 151, two arms 151, or more than two arms 151. For the rigid handle 105 having multiple arms 151, the arms 151 can have the same or different size, shape, and/or dimensions as the other arms 151. The arm 151 is mechanically coupled to the first buckle connectors 133 at any point along the arm 151 where the third buckle connector 135 may be placed. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the third buckle connector 135 of the arm 151 may be rotatably coupled to the outer surface of the upper portion of the container body 103 at the first buckle connectors 133.

In some embodiments, the rigid handle 105 may be the rigid handle with hooks 507. The arms 151 of the rigid handle with hooks 507 can include one or more securing mechanisms 505 for receiving, securing, and/or storing the hook 501. The securing mechanism 505 may be disposed on an outer-facing surface of the arm 151 to be operably coupled with the hook 501 and secure the hook 501 to the securing mechanism 505.

The rigid handle 105 may include one or more hooks 501 that are mechanically coupled to one or more components of the rigid handle 105. The hook 501 may include a hook end 515 and an arm end 513. The hook end 515 may engage an object to allow the container assembly 100 to hang. Each hook 501 may have one or more of a number of shapes and/or features. The hook 501 may be made of plastic, metal, rubber, some other suitable material, or any combination thereof. The hook 501 may be mechanically coupled to the arm 151 or the cross-bar 155 at the arm end 513. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the hook may be mechanically coupled to the cross-bar 155 and the cross-bar end 152 of the arm 151. The hook 501 may be on the inner sides of the arms 151 toward the cross-bar 155, or on the exterior side of the arms 151 as depicted. Each hook 501 may be rotatably coupled to the outer-facing surface of the arm 151 at the cross-bar end 152. The range of rotation of the hook 501 can be limited by the securing mechanism 505. The hook 501 may allow for hanging of the container from a fence, for example at a ball park. In some embodiments, the hooks 501 may be fixed in an extend position to engage a structure such as a fence.

Referring to FIG. 6, an example alternative container assembly 200 having a cap assembly 631 including a cap 639 of the present disclosure is depicted. The alternative container assembly 200 is substantially similar as the container assembly 100 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, except that the spout 137 is operably engaged with the cap assembly 631 including the cap 639. In some embodiments, the cap assembly 631 of the alternative container assembly 200 may include the cap 639 at one end and a hinge 635 at other end. The hinge 635 may be pivotally coupled to the top of the container body 103 such that the cap assembly 631 may pivotally rotate around the hinge 635 between a closed position and an open position. The cap 639 may seal the spout 137 in the closed position. The hinge 635 may allow the user to reveal the spout 137 by pivoting the cap assembly 631 to the open position with the cap assembly 631 connected to the container body 103 at the hinge 635.

Referring to FIG. 7, an example alternative container assembly 300 having a cooler 703 of the present disclosure is depicted. The cooler 703 may be a rigid cooler or a soft cooler. In some embodiments, the rigid cooler may be cooler including a hard shell, typically made of plastic or metal, and thick insulation. The soft cooler may be a lightweight, flexible bag made from fabrics including, but not limited to, nylon or polyester with foam insulation and an inner liner which may be soft or may be a rigid liner. The alternative container assembly 300 includes a cooler 703 with one or more first buckle connectors 133 attached to the upper side of the cooler 703. The one or more first buckle connector 133 may be connected to the second buckle connectors 245 of the strap 205 or the third buckle connectors 135 of the rigid handle 105. The cooler 703 may include a cooler lid 738 and an outer shell 705. The cooler lid 738 may be removably attached to the outer shell 705, and seal the outer shell 705 either pivotally or fully removably. The cooler lid 738 and the outer shell 705 may be made of insulating materials, such as, without limitations, wood, foam, metal, composites, plastic, glass, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, vinyl, polypropylene, thermoplastic polymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, polycarbonate, rubber, or a combination thereof. The cooler lid 738 or the outer shell 705 may be made from plastic and/or another material using a manufacturing method, such as, without limitations, blow molding, injection molding, rotational molding, or thermoforming. The first buckle connectors 133 may be rotatably coupled to the outer shell 705 of the cooler 703, or in some embodiments the rigid liner. Further, if the lid 138 is lockable in a closed position to the outer shell such as by threaded engagement, the first buckle connector 133 may be connected to the lid 138. The strap 205 may engage with the cooler 703 via the second buckle connectors 245 to mechanically engage with the first buckle connector 133. Similarly, the rigid handle 105 may engage with the cooler 703 via the third buckle connectors 135 to mechanically engage with the first buckle connector 133.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein provided such modifications and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A container assembly, comprising: a container body comprising a band near an upper end of the container body;one or more first buckle connectors attached to an outer surface of the band;a strap comprising one or more second buckle connectors at ends of the strap;a rigid handle comprising one or more arms, a cross-bar, and one or more third buckle connectors, wherein each of said one or more arms comprises a cross-bar end and a buckle end, the cross-bar end is connected to an end of the cross-bar, and the buckle end is connected to one of the third buckle connectors; andwherein each said second buckle connector and each said third buckle connector are configured to be interchangeably coupled to each said first buckle connector such that the strap and the rigid handle are interchangeable with and removably connectable to the one or more first buckle connectors.
2. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the container body is a jug or a bucket.
3. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein said container body is a hardside cooler or a softside cooler.
4. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more first buckle connectors and each of the one or more second buckle connectors or the one or more third buckle connectors are each a pair of side-release buckles.
5. The container assembly of claim 4, wherein the one or more first buckle connectors are male buckles when the one or more second buckle connectors and the one or more third buckle connectors are female buckles, or the one or more first buckle connectors are female buckles when the one or more second buckle connectors and the one or more third buckle connectors are male buckles.
6. The container assembly of claim 5, wherein each said male buckle comprises a center arm and one or more spring arms spaced from the center arm, each said spring arm comprising a retaining catch that terminates at one end.
7. The container assembly of claim 6, each said female buckle comprises a front opening and one or more side openings, and each side opening operably receives the spring arm and secures the male buckle by engaging the retaining catch.
8. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the container assembly comprises a jug assembly.
9. The container assembly of claim 8, wherein the jug assembly further comprises a cap, and the container body further comprises a spout extending from the top of the container body.
10. The container assembly of claim 9, the jug assembly further comprises a cap assembly comprising the cap at one end and a hinge at another end, the hinge pivotally coupled to the top of the container body such that the cap pivotally rotates around the hinge between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cap seals the spout in the closed position.
11. The container assembly of claim 1, each said first buckle connector is rotatably coupled to the band wherein said band is formed on a liner.
12. The container assembly of claim 11, each said first buckle connector comprises a fastener extended from the first buckle connector.
13. The container assembly of claim 12, the fastener is coupled to a boss, said fastener extending radially into the liner.
14. The container assembly of claim 1, the rigid handle further comprises one or more hook elements, wherein each said hook element comprises a hook end and an arm end, a hook terminating at the hook end, and the arm end rotatably coupled to the cross-bar end of each of said one or more arms.
15. A container assembly, comprising: a container body comprising a band formed near top of the container body, said band defined by a liner;one or more first buckle connectors attached to an outer surface of the liner;a rigid handle comprising one or more arms, a cross-bar, one or more third buckle connectors, each of said one or more arms comprising a cross-bar end and a buckle end;one or more hook elements, each said hook element comprising a hook end and an arm end; andwherein: the cross-bar end is connected to an end of the cross-bar, and the buckle end is connected to one of the third buckle connectors;a hook terminating at the hook end, and the arm end rotatably coupled to the cross-bar end of each of said one or more arms;each said third buckle connector is operably coupled to each said first buckle connector such that the rigid handle is removably connectable to the liner.
16. The container assembly of claim 15, wherein the container body is a jug or a bucket.
17. The container assembly of claim 15, wherein said container body is a hardside cooler or a softside cooler.
18. The container assembly of claim 15, wherein the container assembly further comprises an attachment comprising one or more second buckle connectors.
19. The container assembly of claim 18, the attachment is a strap, wherein the one or more second buckle connectors extend at ends of the strap.
20. The container assembly of claim 18, wherein each said second buckle connector and each said third buckle connector are configured to be interchangeably coupled to each said first buckle connector such that the attachment and the rigid handle are interchangeable with and removably connectable to the one or more first buckle connectors.
21. The container assembly of claim 18, wherein each of the one or more first buckle connectors and each of the one or more second buckle connectors or the one or more third buckle connectors are each a pair of side-release buckles.
22. The container assembly of claim 21, wherein the one or more first buckle connectors are male buckles when the one or more second buckle connectors and the one or more third buckle connectors are female buckles, or the one or more first buckle connectors are female buckles when the one or more second buckle connectors and the one or more third buckle connectors are male buckles.
23. The container assembly of claim 22, wherein each said male buckle comprises a center arm and one or more spring arms spaced from the center arm, each said spring arm comprising a retaining catch that terminates at one end.
24. The container assembly of claim 23, each said female buckle comprises a front opening and one or more side openings, and each side opening operably receives the spring arm and secures the male buckle by engaging the retaining catch.
25. The container assembly of claim 15, wherein the container assembly comprises a jug assembly.
26. The container assembly of claim 25, wherein the jug assembly further comprises a cap, and the container body further comprises a spout extending from the top of the container body.
27. The container assembly of claim 26, the spout comprising a connection configured to removably connect to the cap.
28. The container assembly of claim 26, the jug assembly further comprises a cap assembly including the cap at one end and a hinge at another end, the hinge pivotally coupled to the top of the container body such that the cap assembly pivotally rotates around the hinge between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cap seals the spout in the closed position.
29. The container assembly of claim 15, each said first buckle connector is rotatably coupled to the liner.
30. The container assembly of claim 15, each said first buckle connector comprises a fastener extended from the first buckle connector.
31. The container assembly of claim 30, the fastener is coupled to a boss running radially into the liner.

Provisional Applications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	63603416	Nov 2023	US

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY WITH INTERCHANGEABLE RIGID HANDLE AND STRAP

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

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Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Provisional Applications (1)