Pair of flexible bale handle components for a carrying case with each of the components being collapsable onto the case in a unobtrusive decorative array

Abstract

A composite handle for a carrying case and for being collapsably self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released. The carrying case has a top and is carried by a user. The composite handle includes a pair of handle components. Each handle component connects to an opposite side of the carrying case. The pair of handle components are movable between an inactive mode where the pair of handle components lay substantially flat on the top of the carrying case and an active mode where the pair of handle components are proximate, but not connected to each other to form the composite handle gripped by the user. The pair of handle components are arranged to be movable relative to each so as to allow each handle component, when released by the user, to return to the inactive mode thereof by itself, with one handle component overlapping the other handle component unobtrusively and decoratively.

1 . A composite bale handle for a container to be hand carried by a person, the handle comprising:
 a pair of handle components each connected to an opposite side of the container from the other;   each of the components moveably between an operative position wherein the components are in unconnectedly proximate relationship to the other component and they are grippable jointly by a hand of the person, and an inactive position wherein the components lay on the container forming a decorative array,   the components organized to be sufficiently flexible so that on release from the person's hand the components collapse from their operative positions to their inactive positions.   
   
   
       2 . The composite bale handle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each of the components has a generally arcuate profile so that in their inactive positions they jointly describe the array in plan view as a substantially elliptical configuration. 
   
   
       3 . The composite bale handle as claimed in  claim 2  with the configuration being substantially circular. 
   
   
       4 . The composite bale handle as claimed in  claim 1  with the components in their operative positions meeting along a plane. 
   
   
       5 . The composite bale handle as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the plane is oriented vertically. 
   
   
       6 . A composite handle for a carrying case and organized for being collapsably self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released, wherein the carrying case has a top and is for being carried by a user, and wherein said handle comprises a pair of handle components;
 wherein each handle component is for connecting to an opposite side of the carrying case;   wherein said pair of handle components are movable between an inactive mode where said pair of handle components are laying substantially flat on the top of the carrying case and an active mode where said pair of handle components are proximate each other to form said composite handle for gripping by the user; and   wherein said pair of handle components are arranged to be collapsably movable relative to each other so as to allow each handle component, when released by the user, to return to said inactive mode thereof by itself, with one handle component overlapping the other handle component unobtrusively and decoratively.   
   
   
       7 . The composite handle of  claim 6 , wherein each handle component is flexible for pivotally attaching to the opposite side of the carrying case and move between said inactive mode thereof and said active mode thereof. 
   
   
       8 . The composite handle of  claim 6 , wherein each handle component is generally arcuate-shaped so as to jointly describe in plan view either a substantially elliptical or substantially circular decorative configuration when in said inactive mode thereof. 
   
   
       9 . The composite handle of  claim 6 , wherein each handle component has a generally flat portion; and
 wherein each handle component has a generally bulbous portion.   
   
   
       10 . The composite handle of  claim 9 , wherein said generally flat portion of each handle component is flexible for pivotally attaching to the opposite side of the carrying case and move between said inactive mode thereof and said active mode thereof. 
   
   
       11 . The composite handle of  claim 9 , wherein said generally flat portion of each handle component is generally arcuate-shaped so as to jointly describe in plan view either a substantially elliptical or substantially circular decorative configuration when in said inactive mode thereof. 
   
   
       12 . The composite handle of  claim 9 , wherein said generally flat portion of each handle component has an outer surface;
 wherein said outer surface of said generally flat portion of each handle component has an intermediate area; and   wherein said generally bulbous portion of each handle component is disposed on said intermediate area of said outer surface of an associated handle component so as to oppose each other when said pair of handle components are in said active mode thereof for gripping by the user.   
   
   
       13 . The composite handle of  claim 9 , wherein said generally bulbous portion of each handle component is hollow for providing comfort by conforming to a hand of the user when gripped by the user. 
   
   
       14 . The composite handle of  claim 9 , wherein said generally bulbous portion of each handle component terminates in a pair of ends;
 wherein said generally flat portion of each handle component has an inner edge;   wherein said pair of ends of said generally bulbous portion of each handle component taper to said inner edge of said generally flat portion of an associated handle component so as to allow said pair of ends of said generally bulbous portion of one handle component to supplement said pair of ends of said generally bulbous portion of the other handle component and allow said pair of handle components to lay substantially flat on the top of the carrying case when said pair of handle components are in said inactive mode thereof and be unobtrusive and decorative.   
   
   
       15 . The composite handle of  claim 6 , wherein said pair of handle components, when in said active mode thereof, meet along a plane that is oriented vertically.