Apparatus and method for automated handle installation

A method for attaching preformed handles onto portable containers, said method comprising the steps of:

• conveying portable containers proximate to an apparatus, said portable containers having ears with connection points attached on their outer surfaces;
• conveying handle sheets into a handle sheet magazine;
• providing a slidable fixture so that said slidable fixture is mounted at a 45 degree angle from horizontal;
• providing projecting arms at the distal ends of said slidable fixture;
• detaching preformed handles from said handle sheets;
• constraining said preformed handles within said projecting arms;
• and
• attaching said preformed handles onto said connection points on said portable containers.

A method for attaching a preformed handle onto a portable container comprising:

• conveying the portable container proximate to an apparatus,
• wherein each portable container comprises:
• a first connection point on a first exterior side of the portable container;
• and
• a second connection point on a second exterior side of the portable container opposite the first side;
• conveying a handle sheet into a handle sheet magazine;
• constraining a first end and a second end of a preformed handle of the handle sheet using projecting arms of a slidable fixture,
• wherein the first end has a first connector and the second end has a second connector;
• detaching the preformed handle from the handle sheet;
• drawing the preformed handle over a mandrel using the slidable fixture so that the preformed handle forms a u-shape;
• extending plungers against the first end and the second end to attach the first connector to the first connection point and the second connector to the second connection point.