Container System and Method

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/659,286, filed Jun. 12, 2025, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Containers, for example, beverage containers, may have handles to make carrying or holding the container easier, more convenient, more comfortable, and/or more ergonomic. However, such handles may be bulky or otherwise impede storage or transport of the container. Therefore, a container with a handle that is movable between an outer or extended position and an inner or retracted position may be desired.

The present disclosure relates to a handle, as described herein, that is movable between an outer or extended position and an inner or retracted position.

This section is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This section is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrations specific embodiments or examples. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the present disclosure. Examples may be practiced as methods, systems, or devices. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Disclosed herein are example handles, as described herein, that are movable between an outer or extended position and an inner or retracted position. Such a handle, as disclosed, may provide a user with a stable, ergonomic, comfortable, secure, and/or comfortable feature by which to hold or carry a container. The disclosed handle is movable between a position wherein it is extended, open, or “popped-out” away from the body of the container, so that a user may hold onto the handle; and a position wherein it is retracted, closed, or “pushed-in” toward the body of the container, so that it takes up less space away from the container and may make storage or transport of the container easier. In some examples, the handle may be able to be placed in more than two positions, for a more customizable use by the user.

In an example, the container is a food or beverage container; for example, a mug or cup for carrying coffee, tea, water, soup, or other liquid or solid food and beverages. In other examples, the handle may be applied to other forms of containers and carriers, such as cooking vessels (e.g., pots and pans or others), coolers, storage containers, luggage, tools, or others. In the particular example where the container is a beverage container, the handle may be beneficial to the user carrying or drinking from the beverage in an extended position, while the handle in a retracted position may make it easier for the user to place the container suitably in a cupboard, on a shelf, in a cupholder of a vehicle or seat, in a backpack or other pack, or in another space for storage or transport.

In an example, the handle may be actuated from a first position to a second position, or vice versa, by a manual action by the user. For example, a user may push or pull on the handle or container to move the handle from one position to the other. In an example, the handle may be actuated from the first position to the second position, or vice versa, by a mechanical action that may include a different type of user action. For example, a user may interact with a button, switch, lever, pull, stop, knob, or other mechanical feature that the user may interact with in order to move the handle from one position to the other.

These and other examples will be explained in more detail below with respect toto. Not all features may be shown in all figures.

illustrates a top rear perspective view of a container system, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure.illustrates a bottom rear perspective view of the container system, andillustrates a bottom front perspective view of the container system. In an example, container systemmay be configured to hold a beverage. Container systemincludes a lid portion/sub-assembly, through which a user may ultimately drink and/or pour the beverage, and/or fill the container system. Container systemincludes a body portion/sub-assembly, that is configured to hold a liquid such as the beverage. Container systemincludes a collar portion/sub-assembly, situated between (and connected to both) the lid portionand the body portion. Collar portionmay be configured so that the beverage may flow therethrough between the lid portionand the body portion. Collar portionmay include a handlethat is movable between a plurality of positions. Collar portionmay include an actuator, such as button, that may be utilized by a user to actuate the handlefrom a first position to a second position.illustrates handlein a retracted position.illustrate handlein an extended position.

illustrates a top view of the container system, with a lid coverin a closed position and the handlein the retracted position.illustrates a top view of the container system, with lid coverin an open position and the handlein the extended position.

illustrates a top rear perspective exploded view of the container system. In some examples, lid portion, collar portion, and body portionconnect in a manner that aligns them along a vertical axis Y. In some examples, lid portion, collar portion, and/or body portionhave a circular horizontal cross-section with a center at axis Y. In some examples, lid portionconnects at a lower endto collar portion. In some examples, body portionconnects at an upper endto collar portion. In some examples, lid portionis removably connected to collar portion. In some examples, collar portionis removably connected to body portion. In examples, where components are removably connected, the removable connection may aid cleaning, sanitizing, filling, storage, manufacture, and/or maintenance of the container systemand its components.

illustrates a top rear perspective exploded view of the collar sub-assemblyof container system. Collar portion/sub-assemblyincludes an upper collarhaving an upper endand a lower end. Upper endmay be configured to connect to lower endof lid portion. The upper collardefines a through-openingthrough which a fluid (for example, air or a liquid such as a beverage) may flow. The collar portionincludes a lower collarhaving an upper endand a lower end. The upper endmay be configured to connect to lower endof the upper collar. The lower endmay be configured to connect to upper endof the body portion.

Collar portionincludes a handle (handle sub-assembly or handle portion). Handlemay include a handle overmouldconnected to a handle core. Handle coremay be configured to fit at least partially within an insertthat is configured to fit at least partially within lower collar(for example, along a horizontal axis X). Handle coremay interact with (e.g., may exert a force upon and/or may have a force exerted upon by) a handle biasing member. In some examples, at least a portion of handleis configured to move between at least a first position to a second position in a direction along axis X.

Collar portionmay include an actuator/button. Buttonmay interact with (e.g., may exert a force upon and/or may have a force exerted upon by) a button biasing member. In some examples, at least a portion of buttonis configured to move between at least a first position and a second position in a direction along a horizontal axis Z. In the particular example shown, axis Z is perpendicular to axis X. In the particular example shown, both axis Z and axis X are perpendicular to axis Y. In other examples, other orientations and relation of the axes X, Y, and Z may be possible.

illustrates a top perspective view of upper collar.illustrates a bottom perspective view of upper collar.illustrates a vertical cross-section of upper collar. Upper collarmay include an inner surfaceand an outer surface. Inner surfacemay at least partially define through-opening, which may define a portion of flow path FP through which a fluid may flow (for example, when container systemis being poured, filled, drunk from, or is changing orientations).

Upper collarmay include a protrusionfrom the lower endconfigured to connect with the lower collar. Upper collarmay include a shoulderon outer surfaceand above protrusion, configured to interact with lower collar. Upper collarincludes a collar connecting surfaceat upper endconfigured to connect with the lid portion. In some examples, collar connecting surfacemay be located on the inner surface. In some examples, collar connecting surfacemay include collar connecting featuresthat interact with lid portionfor connection. Collar connecting featuresmay include threads, latches, detents, or other appropriate connecting features.

Upper collarmay include a handle openingto allow a portion of handleto pass through. In some examples, handle openingmay be shaped substantially the same as the portion of handlethat passes through. In the particular example shown, handle openingis located at the lower end. Upper collarmay include a button openingto allow a portion of buttonto pass through. In some examples, button openingmay be shaped substantially the same as the portion of buttonthat passes through. In the particular example shown, button openingis located at the lower end.

In some examples, upper collarincludes a sealing shoulderfor sealing against lower collar, directly or via a sealing member.

illustrates a top perspective view of lower collar.illustrates a bottom perspective view of lower collar.illustrates a vertical cross-section of lower collar. Lower collarhas an outer surfaceand an inner surface. Inner surfacemay at least partially define through-opening, which may define a portion of flow path FP.

Lower collarincludes a handle openingto allow a portion of handleto pass through. In some examples, handle openingmay be shaped substantially the same as the portion of handlethat passes through. In some examples, handle openingmay be an entry/exit opening to a handle chamber, which may be configured to hold or surround at least a portion of handle. An interior of handle chambermay include one or more detents. Handle chambermay include a handle biasing member featureat an end of handle chamberopposite handle opening. Handle biasing member featuremay interact with an end of handle biasing member(for example, may connect with or hold in place).

Lower collarmay include a button openingto allow a portion of buttonto pass through. In some examples, button openingmay be shaped substantially the same as the portion of buttonthat passes through. In some examples, button openingmay be an entry/exit opening to a button chamber, which may be configured to hold or surround at least a portion of button. Button chambermay include a button biasing member featureat an end of button chamberopposite button opening. Button biasing member featuremay interact with an end of button biasing member(for example, may connect with, contact, or hold in place).

Lower collarmay include a connecting surfaceat the lower endconfigured to connect to body portion. In some examples, connecting surfacemay be on inner surface. In some examples, connecting surfacemay include connecting featuresthat interact with body portionfor connection. Connecting featuresmay include threads, latches, detents, or other appropriate connecting features. Lower collarmay include a connecting grooveconfigured to interact with upper collar(for example, to receive protrusion). Lower collarmay include a sealing member groovefor sealing against body portion, directly or via a sealing member (for example, sealing member).

In some examples, lower collarmay include a step-overon inner surfacethat defines a change in diameter of through-opening. In such examples, this step-overor a similar feature, may contribute to structural integrity of the lower collarduring use and/or during manufacturing (for example, during a molding process).

illustrates a top perspective view of insert.illustrates a bottom perspective view of insert.illustrates a vertical cross-section of insert.illustrates a vertical cross-section of insertinserted into handle chamberof lower collar. Inserthas an outer surfaceand an inner surface. Insertmay be configured to fit within the handle chamberof lower collar. Insertincludes an open external-facing endat handle opening, and an opposite open internal-facing end. An inner volumeis defined by inner surfaceand bounded at one end by external-facing endand at an opposite end by internal-facing end.

Insertmay include one or more outer ribsthat run along at least a portion of outer surfacein a direction along at least a portion of the length of insertbetween the external-facing endand internal-facing end. Outer ribsmay be configured to fit within detentsof the handle chamber, to securely connect the insertwithin the handle chamber, to provide proper alignment of the insertwithin the handle chamber, and/or to prevent rotation of the insert within the handle chamber.

Insertmay include a chamber connection feature, for example, a latch, protrusion, detent, groove, pin, or other connection feature. Chamber connection featuremay be configured to interact with handle chamberand/or a portion of handleto secure the insertwithin handle chamber, to prevent movement of insertin a direction along axis X within handle chamber, to correctly position insertwithin handle chamber, and/or to prevent inadvertent removal of insertfrom handle chamber.

Insertmay include one or more inner ribsthat run along at least a portion of inner surfacein a direction along at least a portion of the length of insertbetween the external-facing endand internal-facing end.

Insertmay include an external lipthat surrounds external-facing end.

Insertmay include a button openingconfigured for at least a portion of buttonto pass through.

illustrates a rear top prospective view of the handle coreof handle.illustrates a rear bottom prospective view of handle core.illustrates a partial top view of the handle core. Handle coreincludes a handle bodyand a lateral core.

Handle bodyincludes an outward-facing surface, configured to face away from an outer surfaceof body portion. Handle bodyincludes an inward-facing surface, configured to face toward outer surfaceof body portion. Outward-facing surfaceis configured to connect to and/or contact handle overmould. Outward-facing surfacemay include one or more overmould interface featuresconfigured to interact with corresponding features of overmould, to facilitate connection. In the particular example shown, overmould interface featuresinclude ridges, although other features may be contemplated in other examples. Outward-facing surfacemay include an overmould receipt channel, configured to receive a portion of handle overmould.

Lateral coreincludes an outer surface. Lateral coreis configured to fit at least partially within inner volumeof insert; in such a configuration, portions of outer surface, defined as insert contact surfaces, contact the inner surfaceof insert. Lateral coreincludes one or more groovesthat run along at least a portion of the length of the lateral core. Groovesare configured to receive inner ribsof insert, to securely connect the lateral corewithin the insert, to provide proper alignment of the lateral corewithin the insert, and/or to prevent rotation of the lateral corewithin the insert.

In some examples, lateral coreincludes one or more drain openings/drain channelsin order to facilitate liquid draining from portions of the lateral core(for example, if moisture is present during usage, storage, transport, cleaning, or sanitizing of the container systemand/or its components).

In some examples, lateral coreincludes a handle biasing member featureconfigured to interact with an end of handle biasing member(for example, may connect with or hold in place). Handle biasing member featuremay engage an end of handle biasing memberopposite to the end of handle biasing memberbeing engaged with by handle biasing member feature.

Lateral coreincludes a recessed surface. Further recessed into the recessed surfaceis a pin slot. Pin slotincludes a handle-retracted detentand a handle-extended detent. The shapes and dimensions of the handle-retracted detentand the handle extended detentare selected such that a pincan remain securely within them unless acted on by an adequate force (as discussed further below). A ramped edgeof pin slotmay extend between handle-retracted detentand handle-extended detent. Distance Drepresents a width of a narrowest portion of a channelof pin slot. Channelis situated between handle-retracted detentand handle-retracted detent. The distance Dis selected to be at least as wide as the width/diameter of pinof button, so that the pinmay pass through the channelwhen the handleis being moved from one position to another. A ramp angle Al of ramped edgeis selected such that when the pinis being moved along ramped edgeduring movement of the handle, movement of the handle is smooth (e.g., instead of jarring) and to minimize force required for retraction of the handle. Radius Rthat defines a curve at the intersection of the ramped edgeis selected such that the pinmay be held securely within handle-extended detentunless acted on by an adequate force, and also such that the pinmay smoothly transition out of handle-extended detentto ride along ramped edgewhen a force is applied to the handlein an inward direction along axis X to move the handle toward the retracted position.

illustrates a first rear top prospective view of the handle overmould.illustrates a second rear top prospective view of handle overmould. Handle overmouldincludes an overmould bodyand a core protrusion. Core protrusionis configured to connect to lateral coreof handle core. In the particular example shown, core protrusionis configured to fit within overmould receipt channel. In some examples, the shape(s) of overmould receipt channeland core protrusionmay be such that rotation of core protrusionwithin overmould receipt channelmay be prevented. In the particular example shown, overmould receipt channeland core protrusioneach have a substantially U-shaped vertical cross-section; in other examples, other shapes may be contemplated.

Overmould bodyincludes an outward-facing surface, configured to face away from the outer surfaceof body portion. Overmould bodyincludes an inward-facing surface, configured to face toward outer surfaceof body portion. Inward-facing surfaceis configured to connect to and/or contact handle core. Inward-facing surfacemay include one or more core body interface featuresconfigured to interact with corresponding overmould interface features of handle core, to facilitate connection. In the particular example shown, core body interface featuresinclude grooves (for example, that may receive ridges of overmould interface features), although other features may be contemplated in other examples.

In some examples, handle overmouldis removably connected to handle core. In some examples, handle overmouldis formed integrally with handle core. In some examples, handle overmouldand handle corerepresent a single component. In some examples, handle overmouldand handle coreare permanently connected (for example, by adhesive or via welding, soldering, bonding, or other connection means). In some examples, handle overmouldand handle coreare formed from the same material(s). In some examples, handle overmouldand handle coreare formed from different materials (for example, the handle overmouldmay include a softer material than the material of handle corefor comfort or increased grip of the user).

illustrates a bottom prospective view of the button.illustrates a top prospective view of the button. Buttonincludes an upper surfaceand lower surface. Buttonis configured to fit within button chamber, and has opposite ends: external-facing endand internal-facing end. At external-facing end, buttonincludes an end surface(for example, that may be acted upon or interacted with by a user). Toward external-facing end, buttonincludes a button body. In some examples, button bodyincludes at least one void/pocketon lower surface, to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of sinks during manufacturing.

Toward internal-facing end, buttonhas a tongue portion. Tongue portionmay include a recesson lower surface. The recessmay include a button biasing member features. Button biasing member featuresmay engage an end of button biasing memberopposite to the end of button biasing memberbeing engaged with by button biasing member feature.

Tongue portionmay include the pinwithin the recesstoward the internal-facing end. The pinmay include a knob, protrusion, bump, or other feature. The pinmay, in some examples, have a substantially circular horizontal cross-section, although other shapes may be contemplated. The pinmay be configured (e.g., may have an appropriate width/diameter, shape, and/or height) to fit within handle-retracted detentand handle-extended detent.

The end of recessadjacent to button bodymay be defined by a pair of sidewalls. A length Lof the button bodybetween the end surfaceand sidewallsis determined so as to reduce rotation of buttonwithin button chamberwhen a force or load is applied to the button(particularly at end surface). Length Lis maximized to prevent rotation, while also maintaining an appropriate distance D. Distance Dfrom the sidewallsto the pinis determined so as to minimize the amount of force that is required to move the buttonagainst a biasing force (as will be described below). Distance Dis minimized to reduce buttontravel distance and required force, while also ensuring adequate dimensions for the pinto maneuver within the pin slotbetween handle-retracted detentand handle-extended detent.

illustrates a vertical cross-section of a portion of the container systemalong a plane defined by axes Y and Z. Lid portionis shown connected to collar portion. Collar connecting features(shown in this particular example as threads) of upper collarare engaged with lid connecting features(shown in this particular example as threads) of lid connecting surfaceof lid body. Induction ring(shown in this particular example as a round wire, although other types are possible) is located between lid bodyand upper collarto help maintain a liquid and/or gas seal and proper alignment. Lid sealing member(shown in this particular example as a square gasket, although other types of sealing members are possible) is located between lid bodyand upper collarto help maintain a liquid and/or gas seal.

Upper collaris shown connected to lower collar. Protrusionof upper collaris shown inserted into connecting grooveof lower collar. In some examples, the connection interface between upper collarand lower collarmay be permanently connected via a snap-fit connection and/or induction welding (or other types of welding, soldering, fastening, etc. suitable for the materials of construction and use).

Collar portionis shown connected to body portion. Connecting features(shown in this particular example as threads) of lower collarare engaged with body connecting features(shown in this particular example as threads) of the body portion. A body sealing member(shown in this particular example as a gasket, although other types of sealing members are possible) is located between lower collarand an upper endof body portionto help maintain a liquid and/or gas seal. Body portionincludes an upper endopposite a lower end. Body portionincludes, in some examples, a vessel(for example, configured to hold one or more fluids or other contents). The vesselmay include one or more vessel walls. In the particular example shown, vesselincludes an inner walland an outer wall. The inner wall(particularly, an inner surface) defines a volumeto hold the contents of the container system. Outer wallincludes an outer surface. A portion of the outer surfacemay include a body connecting surface, which includes the body connecting featuresin the example shown. In other examples, depending upon the configuration of the collar portion, the body connecting surfacemay be located on inner surface. In some examples, outer walland inner wallmay define a volumebetween them. Volumemay be configured so as to provide insulation to the container system(e.g., to maintain hot or cold contents at a desired temperature). Volumemay, in examples, be under vacuum conditions, and/or may be filled with air, other gasses, various liquids, solids, gels, epoxies, or other materials.

Flow path FP is defined within container systemfor the movement of fluids within and into/out of the container system. For example, when pouring or drinking from container system, fluid may flow from volume, through lower collar through-opening, through upper collar through-opening, and through lid opening(for example, when lid coveris in an open position). The fluid flow may move along flow path FP in the opposite direction when filling the container systemor changing the position of the container system.

illustrates a horizontal cross-section along a plane defined by axes X and Z of a portion of the collar sub-assembly, with a handlein a first retracted/closed/pushed-in position. See also, which illustrates a vertical cross-section along a plane defined by axes X and Y of a portion of the collar sub-assembly, with the handle in the first position. When the handleis in the retracted position, the pinof buttonis situated within handle-retracted detentof pin slot. A force Fof the button biasing member(shown in this particular example as a coiled spring, although other types of biasing members may be contemplated) acts in an external direction along axis Z against buttonto maintain the pinwithin the handle-retracted detent. The magnitude of force Fmaintains the position of pinwithin the walls of detent, so that the handle position cannot be too easily moved from the retracted position, for example, by force F(see below) or a force on the end surfacethat is less than force F.

When a force Fis exerted on the end surfaceof button(for example, by a user pushing the button), in a direction opposite to and with a magnitude greater than force F, the buttonis pushed in an inward direction along axis Z (compressing button biasing member) and the pinis moved out of the handle-retracted detentand into the channelof the pin slot. When the buttonis pushed inward, the sidewallsmay contact the button biasing member feature, preventing excess inward motion of the buttonand preventing the internal-facing endof buttonfrom contacting the opposite wallof the pin slot(which would cause friction and impede proper movement of the pinwithin the pin slot). A force Fof the handle biasing member(shown in this particular example as a coiled spring, although other types of biasing members may be contemplated) acts in an external direction along axis X against handle coreto move the handleinto an extended position. As force Facts on the handle core, pin slotis moved relative to the pinso that the pinslides along the ramped edgeof the pin slottoward the handle-extended detent.

illustrates a horizontal cross-section along a plane defined by axes X and Z of a portion of the collar sub-assembly, with a handle in a second position. See also, which illustrates a vertical cross-section along a plane defined by axes X and Y of a portion of the collar sub-assembly, with the handle in a second position. As the pinmoves along the ramped edgewithin the pin slot, the force Facts on button. When the pinenters handle-extended detent, the magnitude of force Fmaintains the position of pinwithin the walls of detent, so that the handle position cannot be too easily moved from the extended position, for example, by a force on the outward-facing surfacethat is less than force F.