Pivoting handle retention mechanism

Abstract

A handle retention mechanism for a generally u-shaped handle ( 18 ) attached to a vessel ( 10 ) is formed by a hinge pin ( 42 ) connected to each of the handle ends, wherein each pin ( 42 ) is received in a bracket ( 34 ) mounted to the vessel ( 10 ) in a manner that allows each pin ( 34 ) to be retained in a first position in the bracket permitting rotation, and a second position in the bracket ( 34 ) prohibiting rotation, wherein a spring ( 54 ) biases the handle ( 18 ) into the second position and is designed for one-handed actuation to the first position for rotation.

1 ) A handle pivot and retention assembly for a handle mounted to an object, said assembly comprising 
 a handle having at least one axle;    a mounting bracket attached to said object and having an opening for receiving said axle in a first position permitting rotational movement of said axle relative to said bracket and in a second position prohibiting movement of said axle relative to said bracket.    
   
   
       2 ) An assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising 
 a spring mounted to said bracket to bias and retain said axle into said second position.    
   
   
       3 ) An assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising 
 at least one flat axle surface on a cross-sectional profile of said axle; and    at least one flat receiving surface in said opening adapted to engage said flat axle surface when said axle is in said second position.    
   
   
       4 ) A handle pivot and retention assembly for a handle mounted to an object, said assembly comprising 
 a non-linear handle having a pair of axles which are generally co-linearly aligned;    a pair of mounting brackets attached to said object and each having an opening for receiving a respective one of said pair of axles, each axle received in a first position permitting rotational movement of said axles relative to said brackets, and each received in a second position prohibiting movement of said axles relative to said brackets.    
   
   
       5 ) An assembly according to  claim 4 , further comprising 
 a pair of springs, each mounted to a respective one of said brackets to bias and retain said axles into said second position.    
   
   
       6 ) An assembly according to  claim 4 , further comprising 
 at least one flat axle surface on a cross-sectional profile of each said axle; and    at least one flat receiving surface in each said opening adapted to engage a respective one of said flat axle surfaces when a respective one of said axles is in said second position.    
   
   
       7 ) An assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 said object is a kettle.    
   
   
       8 ) An assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 said object is an electric kettle.    
   
   
       9 ) An assembly according to  claim 4 , wherein 
 said object is a kettle.    
   
   
       10 ) An assembly according to  claim 4 , wherein 
 said object is an electric kettle.