NL2003236C2

NL2003236C2 - Bag-handle grip and bag comprising the same.

Info

Publication number: NL2003236C2
Application number: NL2003236A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Sebastiaan Swam; Marcel Petrus Wilhelmus Haas
Original assignee: Sebastiaan Swam; Marcel Petrus Wilhelmus Haas
Priority date: 2009-07-17
Filing date: 2009-07-17
Publication date: 2011-01-18

Description

Bag-handle grip and bag comprising the same

The present invention relates to a bag-handle grip and a bag comprising the same.

5 A bag-handle grip is a device which protects a user's hand when carrying bags. These devices prevent cutting of the hand by bag-handles, especially when one carries multiple heavily loaded thin plastic bags. Using a bag-handle grip, one can carry multiple bags using a single grip 10 with more comfort. The bag-handle grip is positioned around bag handles of one or more carrier bags and protects the user's hand during transportation from localized weight pressure by the bag handles.

Generally, retail stores provide carrier bags in 15 different materials with several types of handles to the customer for carrying goods. Unfortunately, filled carrier bags often cause that the bag handles act like a string or wire cutting in a user's hand and fingers. This discomfort results in painful hands in a short period of time. A bag-20 handle grip provides a quick and convenient manner of distributing the load from the bag handle to a wider inner hand surface area of the user's hand, wherein the wrist and hand generally remain in the normal position.

Such a bag-handle grip, as defined in the preamble of 25 claim 1, is known from US 5,803,522. This bag-handle grip comprises a sheet of pliable material having two scored lines, thereby dividing the sheet into a central section, adapted for receiving a bag-handle in a length direction thereof, and a first and second outer section. The first and 30 second outer section are provided with coupling means for mutual coupling. The sheet can be brought into a folded position by bending the central section and folding the first and second outer sections along the scored lines. By 2 coupling the outer sections a hollow structure is formed that encloses a bag-handle received by the central section.

An object of the present invention is to provide a bag-handle grip with improved structural strength. A further 5 object is to provide an ergonomic bag-handle grip for durable repeated use, which is safe, reliable, and with the advantages of simplicity and low production costs. Such a bag-handle grip must provide protection against cutting of the hand by a bag-handle or by the bag-handle grip itself.

10 Ergonomics of the bag-handle grip is important for people with joint problems or other reduced hand functions, such as people who cannot close their hands entirely.

An even further object is to provide a bag-handle grip which prevents bag-handles from multiple bags to separate 15 when the bags are put down on the ground. The bag-handle grip maintain the gripping on the bag-handles of the various bags such that a user can simply pick up all the bags simultaneously .

Consequently, the user simply pick up all the bags 20 simultaneously using the bag-handle grip.

At least one of the objects is achieved with the bag-handle grip according to independent claim 1. According to the invention, the scored lines are arranged such that the hollow structure is formed by the curved central section and 25 a flat section defined by the first and second outer section. Furthermore, the arrangement is such that in the folded position, an edge of the second outer section is placed parallel and into direct or close contact to the scored line dividing the central section and first outer 30 section for engaging the central section essentially perpendicularly when a squeezing force is applied to move the scored lines towards each other.

3

It should be noted that the term bag-handle grip refers to the folded (use) position, wherein the sheet is bent and folded, but also to the essentially flat position, which mostly corresponds to the position in which the product is 5 sold, and possibly to a storage position, in which the outer sections are folded inwards.

In the folded position, the hollow structure preferably displays a closed U-shaped cross section along its length direction. The curved region, corresponding to the central 10 section, is facing downwards during use. This section therefore rests on the fingers of the user. It is therefore important to have this section curved and smooth. On the opposite side, at the ends of the curved region, the first and second outer section lie within an essentially flat 15 plane. During use, this region will be adjacent to the sensitive palm area. Therefore, it is important that this region does not have any protruding parts such as coupling means used for connecting the first and second outer section.

20 The width of the flat region of the bag-handle grip in the folded position corresponds approximately to the width of the second outer section. When a user squeezes the bag-handle grip, for instance under influence of the weight of the bags that he or she carries, the second outer section 25 will engage the curved central section, preferably just below the first outer section, perpendicularly. Due to this angle, an improved structural behavior is obtained.

It should be noted that a scored line should be interpreted as any structural measure applied to the sheet 30 to facilitate folding along such line. For example, the sheet of material could be punched, carved or partially cut to form such lines.

4

An important aspect of the present invention is that the second outer section engages the central section to improve the structural properties of the bag-handle grip.

The angle between these elements should be such that the 5 second outer section does not slip which would cause a collapse of the bag-handle grip. Perpendicular engagement should therefore be construed as engagement under any angle preventing such collapse, for instance angles between 70 and 110 degrees.

10 The first and second outer section are preferably of egual size. An even further or other improvement is achieved when a maximum size of the first outer section measured in a direction perpendicular to the length direction corresponds approximately to half of the size of the central section in 15 this direction. Combining these two measures results in a symmetric structure. It should be noted that this maximum size for rectangular sheets corresponds to the width of these sections. However, this shape is not mandatory, as other shapes offer the same structural strength provided 20 that a large enough part of the edge of the second outer section runs parallel to the scored line between the central section and the first outer section.

A particular convenient bag-handle grip is obtained when the scored lines run parallel and or when the sheet has 25 a rectangular shape. For convenient storage and portability it is advantageous if the size and shape of the central section correspond to a credit card. After use, the outer sections can be folded towards the central section in the storage position to obtain an essentially flat structure 30 having the size and shape of a credit card. Consequently, the user can easily place the bag-handle grip in his or her wallet. This capability is important to make sure that a user does not forget the bag-handle grip when he or she goes 5 shopping, it then normally resides in his or her wallet or purse. As such, a user is more inclined to repeatedly use the same bag-handle grip.

The sheet of the bag-handle grip is preferably made 5 from homogeneous material. In this embodiment, the first and second outer section and the central section have identical material properties such as bending strength. However, the shape of the sheet in the folded position as described above, e.g. the closed U-shaped cross section, still allows 10 sufficient structural strength to be obtained. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the central section, the first and second outer section, is made from a material out of the group consisting of cardboard, paper, PVC, polyethylene, laminated paper cardboard, coated thin metal, 15 wood, recycled plastics, and thin metal laminated with textile .

Despite the measures mentioned above, the present invention does not exclude hybrid solutions in which the central section is made from pliable material, for instance 20 one of the materials just described, and wherein the first and or second outer section is made from essentially rigid material. Furthermore, the material used for the coupling means arranged on these outer sections does not need to correspond to this rigid material.

25 The first or second coupling means preferably comprise an arcuate cut thereby defining a tongue. The other of the first or second coupling means then comprises a straight cut adapted to receive the tongue. Preferably, the straight cut is located in the second outer section and the arcuate cut 30 in the first outer section. These sections can be coupled by first placing the first outer section over the second outer section and then pushing the tongue through the straight cut. The tongue itself preferably extends inwards.

6

Consequently, pulling on the first and second outer section, to try and separate them, is resisted to by the coupling between the tongue received in the straight cut.

The ends of the arcuate and straight cut may end in 5 circular openings. These openings prevent tearing or ripping of the sheet which would result in extension of the cuts. A further advantage of the openings is that sideways movement in the length direction of the bag-handle grip is resisted to. Without the circular openings, the risk of the tongue 10 leaving the straight cut would be much higher.

It should obvious to the skilled person that the term cut should be interpreted as a relatively narrow opening, such as a slit, groove, or the like. Moreover, during the process of making these cuts, the sheet may be cut only, 15 wherein no material is removed, or the cuts may be obtained by a pushing and or die-cutting process, in which a small strip of material is removed.

The first and second coupling means could also comprise Velcro. Velcro normally comprises a hook part and a loop 20 part. A particular convenient sheet can be obtained by arranging a hook part on the first outer section and a loop part on the second outer section for mutual coupling. By further arranging a hook part on the other side of the second outer section, and by arranging a loop part on the 25 side of the central section which faces away from the user's fingers, the sheet can be folded in a storage position by folding the outer sections inwards. Such storage position could for instance correspond to the credit card arrangement mentioned above.

30 The present invention also provides a bag with a bag- handle, wherein the bag-handle comprises an opening through which the bag-handle grip as previously defined is placed, and wherein the bag-handle is connected to the central 7 section of this bag-handle grip. An example of such a bag is a regular thin-walled plastic bag in which preferably one bag-handle is fixedly connected to the central section of the bag-handle grip. The other bag-handle, assuming the bag 5 comprises two handles, can be placed in the central section after the bag has been loaded with products to be carried. A user can then still use the bag-handle grip to carry even more bags that are not equipped with the bag-handle grip according to the invention. Furthermore, by attaching the 10 bag-handle grip according to the invention to a bag, a user can carry more goods in the bag with great easy and comfort. The bag-handle grip is therefore very suitable for heavy lifting bags.

The present invention will now be described in more 15 detail under reference to the appended figures wherein:

Figures 1A and IB illustrate an embodiment of the bag-handle grip according to the present invention;

Figures 2A-2E show how the bag-handle grip of figures 1A-1B is constructed from the sheet by folding and bending; 20 Figure 3 demonstrates how the bag-handle of figures 1A- 1B can be used to carry several bags; and

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a bag comprising the bag-handle grip of figures 1A-1B.

Figure 1A illustrates the bag-handle grip according to 25 the present invention in a flat position. This position normally corresponds to the position used for fabrication of the sheet, e.g. for applying the scored lines and or the coupling means.

The bag-handle grip comprises a rectangular sheet 1 30 having rounded edges which is divided in a central section 2, a first outer section 3, and a second outer section 4, by respectively scored line 5 and 6. A tongue 7 is formed by an arcuate cut 8 in first outer section 3. Tongue 7 can be 8 received by the opening defined by the straight cut 9 arranged in second outer section 4. Because tongue 7 is folded inwards it does not cause any discomfort.

Furthermore, as a result of the weight of the goods in the 5 bag, the locking between tongue 7 and straight cut 9 will improve. Punched circular openings 10 are provided on the ends of both cuts 8, 9 to prevent further shearing or tearing of sheet 1.

Figure IB illustrates a cross-section taken along I.

10 This cross-section illustrates the arcuate cut 8, the straight cut 9, and scored lines 5, 6 in more detail. As shown, at the position of scored lines 5, 6, sheet 1 is less thick which facilitates folding along these lines. The profile of scored lines 5, 6, which is V-shaped in figure 15 IB, depends on the production process used. For instance, sheet 1 could be partially cut, punched or die-cut resulting in other profiles such as U-shaped profiles.

A bag-handle of a bag can be placed onto central section 2 in a length direction thereof. This direction is 20 indicated by arrow 11 in figure 1A.

Figures 2A-2D demonstrates how the sheet in figure 1A can be shaped into the folded (use) position of the bag-handle grip. As shown, central section 2 is bent and outer sections 3, 4 are placed on top of each other. The coupling 25 of outer sections 3, 4, depicted in figure 2C, is achieved by placing tongue 7 through straight cut 9.

Figure 2E illustrates a storage position of the bag-handle grip wherein outer sections 3, 4 are folded inwards. The resulting size preferably corresponds to the size of a 30 credit card, as a result of which the bag-handle can be easily stored in a wallet or purse.

An advantage of the present invention is the ability for companies to place messages or advertisements on central 9 portion 2, or outer sections 3, 4. When folded in the storage position, this information is clearly visible.

Circular openings further prevent the disengagement of tongue 7 and straight cut 9 when first outer section 3 and 5 second outer section 4 are pulled away from each other in the length direction of the bag-handle grip.

Figure 3 demonstrates how the bag-handle of figures 1A-1B can be used to carry multiple bags 12. An advantage of the bag-handle grip according to the present invention is 10 that the bags can be put down on the ground without the bag-handle grip detaching from the bag-handles of the bags.

Figure 4 illustrates a bag 13 comprising the bag-handle grip of figures 1A-1B. As shown, the bag-handle grip is connected to one of the bag-handles 14 of the bag at central 15 section 2. A user can first fill the bag with goods, then put the other bag-handle 15 in central section 2, and then close the bag-handle grip as was shown in figures 2A-2D. The user may also use the bag-handle grip to carry other bags as well.

20 In a preferred embodiment, the length of rectangular sheet 1, as measured along arrow 11, is in between 82 and 86 mm, whereas its width is in between 104 and 108 mm. Sheet 1 is normally made from pliable material such as previously described using a carving process for the fabrication of 25 scored lines 5, 6, and the formation of arcuate cut 7 and straight cut 9. The diameter of circular openings 10 is normally in between 3 and 5 mm. Scored lines 5, 6, are arranged 25 mm from the outer edges of sheet 1, which results in the desired credit card shape in the storage 30 position. Depending on the width of sheet 1, it is possible to store your credit card within the bag-handle grip after folding in storage position. To this end, the thickness of sheet 1 is in between 0.5 and 1.0 mm. To facilitate folding, 10 the thickness of sheet 1 at the position of scored lines 5, 6 is reduced to approximately 70 percent of the nominal thickness .

The present invention has been described using 5 embodiments thereof. It should be obvious to the skilled person in the art that various modifications are possible without deviating from the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A bag handle handle comprising a thin layer of material (1) provided with at least two groove lines (5, 6) from one side to an opposite side of the thin layer (1), thereby separating the thin layer (1) into a central part (2) adapted to receive a bag handle in a longitudinal direction thereof, and a first and second outer part (3, 4), wherein the first (3) and second (4) outer part are provided with first (7) respectively and second (9) coupling means for coupling the outer parts (3, 4) together, wherein the central part (2) has a flexible part, and wherein each of the outer parts (3, 4.) can be folded with respect to the central part 15 (2) along the respective groove lines (5, 6), wherein said thin layer (1) can be brought into a folded position by said folding and bending with the first outer part (3) on the second outer part (4 ) has been placed and linked to it by the aforementioned first 20 (7) and second (9) coupling means, herein forming a hollow structure which encloses a bag handle when it is received by said central part (2), characterized in that the groove lines (5, 6) are arranged such that: hollow structure is formed by the curved central part (2) and a flat part defined by the first (3) and second (4) outer part; in the folded position, an edge of the second outer part (4) is placed in parallel and comes directly or nearly into contact with the groove line (5) which separates the central part (2) and the first outer part (3), for substantially perpendicular engagement of said central part (2) when a pinching force is exerted for moving the groove lines (5, 6) towards each other.

2. Bag handle handle according to claim 1, wherein the first (3) and second (4) outer part are of equal size.

3. Bag handle handle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a maximum size of the first outer part (3) measured in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction corresponds to approximately one-half the size of the central part (2) in this direction.

Bag handle handle according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the groove lines (5, 6) run parallel.

The bag handle handle according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thin layer (1) has a rectangular shape.

The bag handle handle according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the size and shape of the central part (2) correspond to a credit card.

A bag handle handle according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the thin layer (1) is made of a homogeneous material.

8. Bag handle handle according to any of claims 1-7, wherein at least one of the central part (2), the first (3) and second (4) outer part is made of a material from the group consisting of cardboard, paper, PVC, polyethylene, laminated paper board, coated thin metal, wood, recycled plastic, and thin metal laminated with textile.

A bag handle handle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first or second coupling means (7, 9) comprise an arcuate cut (8) thereby forming a lip (7), and wherein the other of said first or second coupling means (7, 9) comprises a straight cut (9) adapted to receive said lip (7). 10

The bag handle handle of claim 9, wherein said lip (7) extends inwardly.

A bag handle handle according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said arcuate cut (8) and said straight cut (9) end in circular openings (10).

12. Bag handle handle according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the first and second coupling means comprise Velcro.

13. Bag with a bag handle, wherein the bag handle comprises an opening through which the bag handle is positioned as defined in one of claims 1-12, and wherein the bag handle is connected to the central part (2) of said bag handle .