Articulated handle for a container

Abstract

An articulated handle for a container is described. The articulated handle comprises a collar, a grip, and a securing means. The collar is configured for surrounding a container and comprises an articulated joint for positioning the collar between an open state for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the container. The articulated joint divides the collar in a first portion and a second portion. The grip projects outwardly from the collar and comprises a first grip portion integrally formed to the first portion of the collar and a second grip portion integrally formed to the second portion of the collar. The first and second grip portions are each configured for comprising a complementary portion. The complementary portions comprise a securing means which connects together the first and second grip portions when the collar is in the close state, thereby securing the articulated handle to the container.

1 . An articulated handle for a container, comprising:
 a collar configured for surrounding a container, the collar comprising an articulated joint for positioning the collar between an open state for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the container, the articulated joint dividing the collar in a first portion and a second portion;   a grip projecting outwardly from the collar, the grip comprising a first grip portion integrally formed to the first portion of the collar and a second grip portion integrally formed to the second portion of the collar,
 wherein the first and second grip portions are each configured for comprising a complementary portion, and 
 wherein the complementary portions comprise a securing means, the securing means connecting together the first and second grip portions when the collar is in the close state, thereby securing the articulated handle to the container. 
   
     
     
         2 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the securing means comprises complementary securing elements fittingly cooperating together, wherein a first of the securing elements is positioned at an interior of the first grip portion and a second of the securing elements is positioned at an interior of the second grip portion. 
     
     
         3 . The articulated handle according to  claim 2 , wherein the complementary portions comprise at least two pairs, or at least three pairs, of complementary securing elements. 
     
     
         4 . The articulated handle according to  claim 2 , wherein the securing elements comprise at least one projection receivable in a recess as a snap fit. 
     
     
         5 . The articulated handle according to  claim 2 , wherein the complementary securing elements comprise at least one recess receivable in a flexible hook as a click fit. 
     
     
         6 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second grip portions have a symmetrical outside shape. 
     
     
         7 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the grip is axially aligned with the articulated joint. 
     
     
         8 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the grip projects downwardly from the collar. 
     
     
         9 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the grip is curved downwardly. 
     
     
         10 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the grip is shaped for being gripped by a finger. 
     
     
         11 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the articulated joint is a groove or bend on the collar. 
     
     
         12 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the collar is configured for surrounding a jar, a bottle, or a can. 
     
     
         13 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the collar has a shape adapted to snugly fit an upper portion of the container. 
     
     
         14 . The articulated handle according to  claim 13 , wherein the collar is securable to a neck of the container. 
     
     
         15 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the collar is shaped like a ring. 
     
     
         16 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the articulated handle consists of a single piece plastic moulding. 
     
     
         17 . The articulated handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the articulated handle is made of thermoplastic polymer resin. 
     
     
         18 . The articulated handle according to  claim 17 , wherein the thermoplastic polymer resin is polyethylene terephthalate. 
     
     
         19 . An articulated handle for a container, comprising:
 a collar configured for surrounding a container, the collar comprising an articulated joint for positioning the collar between an open state for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the container, the articulated joint dividing the collar in a first portion and a second portion;   a grip axially aligned with the articulated joint and projecting outwardly from the collar, the grip comprising a first grip portion integrally formed to the first portion of the collar and a second grip portion integrally formed to the second portion of the collar,
 wherein the first and second grip portions have a symmetrical outside shape; and 
 wherein the first and second grip portions comprise an interior including a securing means for connecting together the first and second grip portions when the collar is the close state, thereby securing the articulated handle to the container. 
   
     
     
         20 . A kit, comprising:
 an articulated handle according to  claim 1 ; and   a container capable of being secured to the articulated handle.   
     
     
         21 . A method for securing an articulated handle to a container, comprising:
 providing a container requiring a handle;   providing an articulated handle comprising:   a collar configured for surrounding the container, the collar comprising an articulated joint for positioning the collar between an open state for receiving the container and a close state for surrounding the container;   a grip integrally formed to the collar and projecting outwardly therefrom, the grip comprising a first grip portion, a second grip portion, and a plurality of complementary securing means, the securing means connecting together the first grip portion and the second grip portion when the collar is in the close state;   surrounding the container with the collar;   closing the collar around the container; and   connecting together the securing means, thereby securing the articulated handle to the container.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising heat fusing the collar to the container. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising gluing the collar to the container.