Detachable handle for liquid container

Abstract

An apparatus for providing a detachable handle for a container, such as a liquid container. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a lower ring for slidably engaging a circular body of the container. An arm is pivotally connected to the ring via a hinge such that a C-shaped engagement member on the free end of the arm may engage a necked portion of the container via a snap-fit arrangement. A handhold is formed in the arm for allowing a user to easily pour or transport the container with only one hand. The apparatus is detachable from the container and is reusable on other containers.

1 . An apparatus for providing a handle for a liquid container, the liquid container having a cylindrical body and a necked portion, said apparatus comprising:
 a first engagement member configured and adapted for engaging the cylindrical body of the liquid container;   an arm extending upwardly from the first engagement member, said arm having a free end and a handhold formed therein;   a second engagement member disposed on the free end of the arm, said second engagement member configured and adapted for engaging the necked portion of the liquid container;   a hinge member, said hinge member operable to allow the arm to travel between a first position and a second position; and   wherein said second engagement member is unengaged from the necked portion of the liquid container when the arm is in the first position and is engaged to the necked portion of the liquid container when the arm is in the second position.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first engagement member comprises a ring. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said second engagement member is operable to engage the necked portion of the liquid container via a snap-fit. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second engagement member comprises a pair of cantilevered arms extending from the free end of the arm. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein each of the cantilevered arms is deformable such that the cantilevered arms engage the necked portion of the liquid container utilizing a snap-fit. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first engagement member slidably engages the cylindrical body of the liquid container. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said hinge member comprises a pin. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first engagement member comprises a rigid material. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first engagement member and the arm comprise plastic. 
   
   
       10 . An apparatus for providing a arm for a liquid container, the liquid container having a cylindrical body and a necked portion, said apparatus comprising:
 a means for engaging the cylindrical body of the liquid container;   a means for engaging the necked portion of the liquid container;   a means for receiving a human hand; and   a means operable to allow the arm to move between a first position and a second position.