초록 ▼

Various aspects of the invention provide handles that can be attached to wire-like members. In one exemplary embodiment, a handle generally includes a handle portion, a retaining member, and a key member. The handle portion has a channel and an aperture extending from at least one outer surface of

Various aspects of the invention provide handles that can be attached to wire-like members. In one exemplary embodiment, a handle generally includes a handle portion, a retaining member, and a key member. The handle portion has a channel and an aperture extending from at least one outer surface of the handle portion into the channel. The channel is configured to receive at least a portion of a wire-like member therein. The retaining member is configured to be received within the channel. The retaining member has an aperture. The key member is configured to be engaged within the handle portion's aperture and the retaining member's aperture. Engagement of the key member within the retaining member's aperture can inhibit the egress of the retaining member from the channel to operatively trap at least a portion of a wire-like member within the channel, and, thereby, attach the handle portion to the wire-like member.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. In combination with a wire basket having a plurality of wire members, a handle assembly comprising: a handle body having a channel disposed longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the handle body between opposite end portions of the handle body, and an opening

What is claimed is: 1. In combination with a wire basket having a plurality of wire members, a handle assembly comprising: a handle body having a channel disposed longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the handle body between opposite end portions of the handle body, and an opening therethrough and extending into the channel, the channel configured to receive at least a portion of one of said wire members of the wire basket substantially along a longitudinal centerline of the handle body; a cap configured to be received within the channel, the cap having an aperture substantially transverse to the handle body's longitudinal centerline; and a key configured to be engaged within the handle body's opening and the cap's aperture, whereby engagement of the key within the cap's aperture inhibits the egress of the cap from the channel to operatively trap the portion of the wire member portion within the channel, and, thereby, attach the handle assembly to the wire basket. 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein lower portions of the cap and channel are complementarily curved to cooperatively define therebetween a passageway through the handle body having a generally circular transverse profile. 3. The combination of claim 1, wherein the cap includes an outer surface that substantially aligns and cooperates with the handle body's outer surface when the cap is engaged within the channel to thereby form a generally smooth outer surface having a substantially seamless appearance. 4. The combination of claim 1, wherein at least one of said cap and said key includes at least one catch, and wherein the other of said cap and said key includes at least one opening configured to engagingly receive the catch when the key is engaged within the cap's aperture, whereby engagement of the catch within the opening inhibits the egress of the key from within the cap's aperture. 5. The combination of claim 1, wherein the key includes at least one rib, and wherein the cap includes at least one opening extending from the cap's aperture through at least a portion of the cap, the opening configured to engagingly receive the rib when the key is engaged within the cap's aperture, whereby engagement of the rib within the opening inhibits the egress of the key from within the cap's aperture. 6. The combination of claim 1, wherein the channel is configured to frictionally engage diametrically opposing sides of the wire member. 7. The combination of claim 1, wherein the channel is configured to frictionally engage the wire member without having to compress the cap against the wire member within the channel. 8. The combination of claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the cap includes a concave curvature, and wherein the lower portion of the channel includes a concave curvature such that the lower surface of the cap and the lower portion of the channel cooperatively define a passageway therebetween. 9. The combination of claim 1, wherein the cap includes an outer curved surface that aligns and cooperates with an outer curved gripping surface of the handle body when the cap is engaged in the channel. 10. A wire basket comprising a plurality of wires, and at least one handle assembly attachable to at least a portion of at least one of the wires, the handle assembly comprising: a handle portion having a channel with sidewalls, and an aperture extending from at least one outer surface of the handle portion into the channel, the channel sidewalls being configured to frictionally engage diametrically opposing sides of at least a portion of a wire received within the channel; a retaining member configured to be received within the channel, the retaining member having an aperture therein; and a key member configured to be engaged within the handle portion's aperture and the retaining member's aperture, whereby engagement of the key member within the retaining member's aperture inhibits the egress of the retaining member from the channel in the handle portion to operatively trap at least a portion of a wire received within the channel, to thereby attach the handle portion to the wire. 11. The wire basket of claim 10, wherein the channel sidewalls are configured to frictionally engage the diametrically opposing sides of at least a portion of a wire within the channel without having to compress the retaining member against the wire within the channel. 12. The wire basket of claim 11, wherein the retaining member includes an outer curved surface that substantially aligns and cooperates with an outer curved gripping surface of the handle portion when the retaining member is engaged within the channel to thereby form a curved gripping surface extending completely about the periphery of the handle assembly. 13. The wire basket of claim 11, wherein a lower surface of the retaining member includes a concave curvature, and wherein the lower portion of the channel includes a concave curvature such that the lower surface of the retaining member and the lower portion of the channel cooperatively define a passageway therebetween.