Self-latching handle for storage batteries

A self-latching handle for a storage battery, said storage battery including a battery cover having first and second vertical surfaces at first and second opposite sides thereof said handle comprising:

• an elongated handle member having first and second arms and a gripping portion interconnecting said first and second arms, said first and second arms extending parallel to one another and each of said arms defining an end portion including a pivot member, and a cam portion proximal to each end portion of said handle member;
• and receptor means on said first and second sides of said battery cover for receiving said pivot members, each of said receptor means having a bearing surface;
• said receptor means including a pivot aperture and an installation opening;
• indexing means for permitting said handle member to be mounted on said cover in an installation position in which said cam portions are aligned with said bearing surfaces,
• said handle member installed on said battery housing in an installation position in which said handle member is oriented generally vertically with said cam portions and said pivot members located in said access apertures with said cam portions aligned with said bearing surfaces, and said handle member pivoting from said installation position to a storage position in which said handle member lies in a substantially horizontal plane and said pivot members are located in said pivot apertures,
• said cam portions being configured to engage said bearing surfaces and pivot said handle member about said cam portions as said handle member is moved from said installation position to said storage position, and move said pivot members into said pivot apertures
• and when said pivot members are located in said pivot apertures, said handle member pivoting about said pivot members between said storage position and a use position in which said handle gripping portion is located above said battery cover and lies in a substantially vertical plane;
• and means for maintaining said pivot members in said pivot apertures.

A self-latching handle for a storage battery, said storage battery including a battery cover having first and second vertical surfaces at first and second ends thereof, said handle comprising:

• an elongated handle member having first and second arms and a gripping portion interconnecting said first and second arms, said first and second arms extending parallel to one another with each of said arms defining an end portion said end portions of said first and second arms including respective first and second pivot members for securing said handle member to said battery cover and for permitting pivoting of said handle member between a use position in which said handle gripping portion is located above said battery cover and lies in a substantially vertical plane and a storage position in which said handle member extends substantially horizontally and lies in the plane of said battery cover;
• and first and second receptor means on said first and second surfaces of said cover, each of said receptor means including a compartment having a bearing surface, and each receptor means defining a handle member mounting area including an access aperture having an installation opening that opens to said compartment, and a pivot aperture communicated with said installation opening;
• said first end portion including a first cam and said second end portion including a second cam, said first and second cams including respective first and second indexing means which attach said handle member to said cover in an installation position in which said first and second cams are aligned with said first and second bearing surfaces and said first and second pivot members are located in said first and second access openings respectively,
• said first and second cams being configured so that upon rotation of said handle member from said installation position to said storage position, said first and second cams cooperate with said first and second bearing surfaces, and lift said end portions of said first and second arms relative to said cover to move said first and second pivot members into said first and second pivot apertures, respectively,
• and at least one of said pivot apertures including constriction means which attach at least one of said pivot members from being released from said one pivot aperture after said handle member has been moved from said installation position to said storage position.