Detachable beverage container handle

Abstract

This invention relates to a detachable beverage container handle, specifically the invention relates to a reusable figurine-shaped handle, which can be mounted and released from a plurality of beverage container diameters.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. shows an embodiment of the humaniform-shaped handle (1) disposed between the first coupling means (2) and the second coupling means (3), attached to extremities of the humaniform (4), wherein the extremities are capable of being restrictively adjusted by hinges (5), and where the coupling means are attached to the top rim (71) of the wall (7) having a D1 diameter and a bottom base (72) having a D2 diameter.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a side view of the figurine shaped handle, where the hinges (5) are adjustable to accommodate a smaller sized beverage container (7), attached thereto with the first coupling means (2) having a C-shape configuration (21) defining an opening capable of incorporating the rim (71) and the second coupling means (3) having a configuration (31) capable of attaching to the base of container (7).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in one embodiment to detachable and reusable handle for a container, such as a beverage container in certain embodiments.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a detachable handle for a container having a base and a wall connected to the base wherein the wall has a rim comprising a first coupling means for detachably connecting to said base; a second coupling disposed from said first coupling means for detachably connecting to said wall; and a figure disposed therebetween.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a container comprising a detachable handle for a container having a base and a wall connected to the base wherein the wall has a rim, comprising a first coupling means for detachably connecting to said base; a second coupling disposed from said first coupling means for detachably connecting to said wall; and a figure disposed therebetween, or a detachable handle for a container having a base and a wall connected to the base wherein the wall has a rim, comprising: a first coupling means for detachably connecting to said wall; a second coupling disposed from said first coupling means for detachably connecting to said base; and a figure disposed therebetween.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a detachable handle for a container having a base (72) and a wall connected to the base wherein the wall has a rim (71), comprising: a first coupling means (2) for detachably connecting to said wall; a second coupling (3) disposed from said first coupling means for detachably connecting to said base (72); and a figure (1) disposed therebetween.

In another embodiment, the container to which the detachable handle described herein is coupled is a beverage container.

Conventional single-serve beverages are available at quick serve restaurants, as well as public events, in cups small enough to be held with one hand. As the popularity of multi-serve food packages increases, however, the demand for multi-serve beverages also increases. The cups which hold large quantities of fluid, e.g. 64 oz., are difficult for most individuals to grasp with one hand. In one embodiment, the detachable container handle described herein is adjusted to accommodate these large cups to facilitate carrying the cups. In another embodiment, the handle (1) described herein, is detachably attached to a rim (71) of the cup.

In one embodiment, the first coupling means (2) used in the detachable handle (1), which is capable of detachably attaching to the top rim (71) of the wall (7) of the beverage container. In another embodiment, the beverage container is a cup or a can., having a rim (71) diameter (D1) and a base diameter (D2).

In one embodiment, the invention provides a detachable handle (1), having first coupling means (2) being molded of resilient material comprising a C-clamp (21), wherein the C-clamp (21) defines an opening capable of incorporating therein the top rim (71) of the beverage container. In one embodiment, the first (2) and second (3) coupling means are made of plastic or resilient metal in another embodiment. In one embodiment, the first detachable coupling means (2) is made such that when it is attached to the container, axial movement of the container is substantially prevented.

In one embodiment, the second coupling means (3), used in the detachable handle (1) described herein, is made of a resilient material, comprises a substantially flat member (31), wherein said member is curved toward the base of said container, in a way that through tension created by attaching the second coupling means (3) to the base of the container (72), the container (7) is stabilized against the first coupling means (2).

A person skilled in the art would recognize that through the use of hinges (5) disposed on the joints of the figurine's (1) extremities (4), the user could adjust the span defined between the first (2) and second (3) coupling means, thereby accommodating a larger or smaller container.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, an adjustable hinge assembly 5 can be seen having an upper arm element and a lower arm element extending there from, both comprised of suitable material. The upper arm element may be adjustably secured within a recess of a lower arm engagement plate, by multiple fasteners. In another embodiment, the adjustable hinge assembly (5) is connected between the second coupling means (3) and the figurine (1) for permitting the second coupling means to be pivoted as a unit between a closed position in relation to the figurine, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and an open position, for a lrger container, allowing the same figurine to be used for a plurality of container dimensions.

In one embodiment, the adjustable hinge (5) comprises a thumb screw capable of locking the hinge at the desired position. In another embodiment, the thumb screw is molded of the same material that the figurine (1) is made of.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A detachable handle for a container having a base and a wall connected to the base wherein the wall has a rim, comprising: a. a first coupling means for detachably connecting to said base;b. a second coupling disposed from said first coupling means for detachably connecting to said wall; andc. a figure disposed therebetween

2. The detachable handle of claim 1, wherein the container is a beverage container.

3. The detachable handle of claim 2, wherein said first coupling means capable of detachably attaching to the top rim of the wall of the beverage container.

4. The detachable handle of claim 2, wherein said beverage container is a cup or a can.

5. The detachable handle of claim 1, wherein said first coupling means being molded of resilient material comprising a C-clamp, wherein the C-clamp defines an opening capable of incorporating therein the top rim of the beverage container.

6. The detachable handle of claim 5, wherein said C-clamp is capable of substantially preventing or inhibiting axial rotation of the beverage container when coupled to said beverage container.

7. The detachable handle of claim 1, wherein said second coupling means being a resilient material, comprises a substantially flat member, wherein said member is curved toward the base of said container.

8. The detachable handle of claim 1, wherein the figure is a humaniform or an animal form

9. The detachable handle of claim 8, wherein said first and second coupling means are operably attached to an integral extremity of said humaniform or animal form.

10. The detachable handle of claim 8, wherein said first and second coupling means are operably attached to an article attached to said humaniform or animal form.

11. The detachable handle of claim 8, wherein said humanifirm or animal form has adjustable extremities, allowing detachably coupling onto varying sizes of said container.

12. The detachable handle of claim 11, wherein the adjustable extremities are hingedly attached to a body of said humaniform or animal form.

13. The detachable handle of claim 12, wherein the adjustable extremities are capable of being restricted in motion following adjustment.

14. The detachable handle of claim 8, wherein the humaniform or animal form is an athlete, an actor, a cartoon character, a celebrity, a mammal or a politician.

15. The detachable handle of claim 10, wherein said article is a bat, a ball, a racquet, a book, a skull or a tool.

16. A container comprising the detachable handle of claim 1.

17. The detachable handle of claim 1, adapted to be coupled, at different times, with the tops of a first and second container to direct liquid from each of said beverage containers to a drinker's mouth, the top of said first container having a first annular rim defining a first diameter, the top of said second beverage container having a second annular rim defining a second diameter, wherein said first annular rim of said first beverage container is different in diameter from said second annular rim of said second beverage container.

18. A detachable handle for a container having a base and a wall connected to the base wherein the wall has a rim, comprising: a. a first coupling means for detachably connecting to said wall;b. a second coupling disposed from said first coupling means for detachably connecting to said base; andc. a figure disposed therebetween

19. The detachable handle of claim 18, wherein the container is a beverage container.

20. The detachable handle of claim 19, wherein said first coupling means capable of detachably attaching to the top rim of the wall of the beverage container.

21. The detachable handle of claim 19, wherein said beverage container is a cup or a can.

22. The detachable handle of claim 18, wherein said first coupling means being molded of resilient material comprising a C-clamp, wherein the C-clamp defines an opening capable of incorporating therein the top rim of the beverage container.

23. The detachable handle of claim 22, wherein said C-clamp is capable of substantially preventing or inhibiting axial rotation of the beverage container when coupled to said beverage container.

24. The detachable handle of claim 18, wherein said second coupling means being a resilient material, comprises a substantially flat member, wherein said member is curved toward the base of said container