WO2013087075A1

WO2013087075A1 - An auxiliary handle

Info

Publication number: WO2013087075A1
Application number: PCT/DK2012/050436
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hugo Dines Schmidt
Original assignee: Ve2 Aps; Cava Plastics A/S
Priority date: 2011-12-12
Filing date: 2012-11-28
Publication date: 2013-06-20
Also published as: DK201170699A; DK177576B1

Abstract

This invention discloses an auxiliary handle (1) formed as a card (2) with a first face (3) and an opposite face (4), a longitudinal direction (5) in which the card (2) in a first end (6) is finished by a first edge (7) and in a second end (8) is finished by a second edge (9), between the first edge (7) and the second edge (9) and transverse to the longitudinal direction (5) there is a first side (10) finished by a first side edge (11) and a second side (12) finished by a second side edge (13), which cards at least one first face (3) or second face (4) has at least a first (14,14') and a second (15,15') recess each running at least partially from the first end (6) to the second end (8) and parting the card (2) in a centre area ( 16) and a first (17) and a second (18) side area, which card (2) is formed as a rectangle with approximate dimensions of 80 to 90 mm x 50 to 60 mm (preferably 85.60 mm x 53.98 mm) or approximate dimensions of 125 mm x 88 mm.

Description

An Auxiliary Handle Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an auxiliary handle formed as a card with a first face, an opposite second face, a longitudinal direction in which the card in a first end is finished by a first edge and in a second end is finished by a second edge, between the first edge and the second edge and transverse to the longitudinal direction there is a first side finished by a side edge and a second side finished by a second side edge, which card's at least one first face or second face has at least a first and a second recess each running at least partially from the first end to the second end and parting the card in a centre area and a first and a second side area each area.

Background of the Invention

Carrier bags with handles as commonly known from supermarkets and otherwise know from other stores and settings typically have two handles each provided as a closed loop at the open end of the carrier bag. The closed loop is typically formed so that the fingers can enter each closed loop and bring the two closed loops together in the hand and thereby close the carrier bag, which is then ready to carry the goods in the hand of the person. As such the two closed loops constitute one example of a handle. Besides from bags for carrying shopping goods and groceries, bags with handles also include sports bags, suitcases, and other bags.

Other closed loops, strings, grips and alike that are connected to an element that needs to be carried, towed or moved also constitutes a handle. Generally, a handle is a means provided for in such a way that it is easy for a primal, and particularly a human, to grip around the handle with at least one finger, but typically by using four fingers closed by the thumb.

As such handle and grip are interchangeable. One well known carrier bag is the plastic bag, the poly bag or plastic shopping bag as disclosed in ex. Patent US 3180557. The bag is made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like. Although such carrier bag - and alike in folded paper - is easy and cheap to produce, store in the stores and to use, it is commonly known that the carrier bags and in particular their handles in use can cause a range of negative distress. In the light end, the distress can be discomfort. In the more serious end, the distress can be skin cuts in the fingers or blisters.

Some solutions to circumvent this problem exist in the form of an auxiliary handle that can be placed between the handle and the fingers, hand or which ever means the handle is made for. Such handle is known from Danish utility model DK 9200298 U3, which is a card for gripping a carrier bag and with a first and a second face, a longitudinal direction finished by a first and a second edge where between there are two recesses forming a centre area and a first and a second side area. A common problem with know auxiliary handles is that they are cumbersome to handle or to carry and therefore often not at hand or otherwise easily available when needed.

In particular an auxiliary handle for plastic bags formed to fit the four fingers and to partially enclose the handles of the plastic bags is made of a rigid or hard plastic mate- rial with a substantially three dimensional extent.

Often a person, who goes shopping does not bring or forgets to bring the handle. In particular, a person entering a shopping centre without a shopping bag will not have an easy place to keep an auxiliary handle as they are known. In such a case the person will not have an obvious place to store or keep such three dimensionally extended objects. Object of the Invention

It is the object of the present invention in one aspect to provide a particularly simple auxiliary handle that will protect the hand or fingers of a user from the wear and tear of a handle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary handle that is suitable for being packed away when not used and at the same time is suited for providing protection when needed. Another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary handle that is particularly suited for being carried or kept along with existing means for carrying personal necessities such as money, id-cards and credit cards when on the move. Such means can be a wallet, a box for personal IDs or alike. Another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary handle that is easy to use and can be used with a single hand. By a single hand is also understood that the auxiliary handle can be held by at least two fingers on one hand, can be placed or positioned on the handle by one hand, after use be removed from the handle by one hand, and finally be brought to it's original state for storage by one hand.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary handle that is particularly simple to produce, manufacture, distribute and store.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a particularly simple method for producing an auxiliary handle.

Description of the Invention

This is solved according to the invention by one or more features. In one aspect, by an auxiliary handle formed as a card with a first face, an opposite second face, a longitudinal direction in which the card in a first end is finished by a first edge and in a second end is finished by a second edge, between the first edge and the second edge and transverse to the longitudinal direction there is a first side finished by a side edge and a second side finished by a second side edge, which card's at least one first face or second face has at least a first and a second recess each running at least partially from the first end to the second end and parting the card in a centre area, a first and a second side area. Thereby the auxiliary handle, as described or with features to be described in the following, will fulfil at least on of the stated objectives of this invention.

Thereby the auxiliary handle will have an essentially flat or two dimensionally extent, when not used. The auxiliary handle is essentially flat in the relaxed state.

The recesses will enable the auxiliary handle to easily and naturally fold at the recesses and therefore around the handles of a bag and to follow the form of a hand or fingers folded to grip a handle. The auxiliary handle is essentially formed as a grip in the folded state. The folding of the auxiliary handle is because of a combination of pressure to the side of the handle and pressure caused by the weight of the bag being carried.

A handle will primarily be in contact with the centre area on one face and the side areas and the centre area on the other face will be in contact with the hand or fingers whereby the forces from the handle due to a load will expand to a larger contact area larger and thereby mitigate the forces to acceptable levels.

The recesses can be on either faces of the card. The recesses are understood to be structurally weakened areas on or in the card. In one instance, the recess can perforate the card.

In an embodiment the card furthermore has a third recess and a fourth recess placed between the second recess and the first recess. Thereby the folded card becomes more rounded to better adapt to the form of fingers folded to grip a handle. In an embodiment the recesses extend all the way from the first edge or boundary at the first end to the second edge or boundary at the second end. In an embodiment the recesses do not go all the way from the first edge or boundary at the first end to the second edge or boundary at the second end.

In an embodiment the recesses are understood to be intermitted along lines, which lines extend as the recesses have been described.

In an embodiment the recesses are understood to be perforations along lines, which lines extend as the recesses have been described. It is understood that the card is an essentially flat or two dimensionally extended object. The card can be a plate and the outer boundary defining the edges can be a free form formed to mach the shape of fingers, an oval shape, an elliptic shape, a polygon shape, a rectangular shape or a quadratic shape. According to an embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary handle is special in that the recesses on at least one face are arranged biconvexly with a centre axis parallel to the longitudinal direction.

Thereby the auxiliary handle is still essentially flat in the relaxed state and the auxiliary handle is formed as a grip that furthermore forms an arc in the longitudinal direction. The arc will extend towards the direction whereto the two sides are folded.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary handle is special in that the recesses on at least one face are arranged biconcavely with a centre axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. The arc will fold away from the direction whereto the two sides are folded.

According to an embodiment of the invention the auxiliary handle is special in that the card has at least one niche by at the one first or second edge, which niche is preferably in the centre area and between the first or second recesses.

Thereby the auxiliary handle will provide for a firmer hold and positioning of the handle in relation to the desired grip of a person. The niche will also due to its location be- tween the recesses define where pressure is applied to the card during usage between a load such as a carrying bag and a hand. Having the recesses or structural weaknesses running along the card as described from a first niche to a second niche will define pressure points at the edge or boundary of the card in the niches thereby making the card bend between the niches or in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The niche ensures that the auxiliary handle easily catches the handle of the plastic bag and keeps the handle of the plastic bag into the desired center position of the auxiliary handle allowing the use of only one hand when using the auxiliary handle. Thus one can use and lift a heavy bag in each hand. Further the niche between the recesses ensures that the bag handle is centred between the recesses.

In one embodiment the niche is formed with a smooth curve and in another embodiment the niche is formed as a thin and sharp cut into the card.

The actual shape is easily determined by simple experimentation taking into account a particular carrying bag.

According to an embodiment of the invention the auxiliary handle is special in that the card has at least one face with a surface prepared for imprint. Thereby the auxiliary handle can carry a message with instructions regarding usage, a figurative image or a text.

Typically the centre area will be well suited for such an imprint. The imprint can be by embossing, in which case the surface of the least one face shall be prepared for embossing. This requires a surface material that can be either hot or cold pressed.

The imprint can be by colourisation, in which case the surface of the least one face shall be prepared for receiving a colorant such as paint or pigment.

According to an embodiment of the invention the auxiliary handle is special in that the card is made of polymer or rubber. The polymer can be polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or alike. The polymer can also be a synthetic rubber. The rubber can be a natural rubber based on latex or a synthetic rubber.

Thereby the auxiliary handle will maintain its essentially flat form in the relaxed state and yet be relatively flexible, provide the required protection of the hand or fingers when carrying the goods. Such materials will also tend to return to the original, and here essentially flat, form when use of the auxiliary handle is ended. The auxiliary han- die will then return from the folded state to an essentially flat form in the relaxed state.

According to an embodiment of the invention the auxiliary handle is special in that the card is substantially of biomass fibres.

Thereby the auxiliary handle will maintain its essentially flat form in the relaxed state and yet be relatively flexible and provide the necessary protection of the hand or fingers when carrying the goods.

These biomass fibres can easily be disposed with no or little harm to the environment. Therefore this embodiment also makes the auxiliary handle suitable as a disposable auxiliary handle.

At the same time the biomass fibres will have enough structural strength or rigidity to allow for the auxiliary handle to be bent from the folded state back into an essentially flat form in the relaxed state. Thereby the auxiliary handle can be stored, for example in a wallet along with credit cards and be reused.

According to an embodiment the before mentioned materials for the auxiliary handle are biodegradable whereby the auxiliary handle after disposal will vanish over time and thereby the impact of its disposal is diminished.

The before mentioned materials are only suggestions and a person skilled in the art will only find it natural to explore other materials or combinations of materials with inspiration from example materials used for credit cards. The problems outlined are solved according to the invention by one or more features, in one aspect by an auxiliary handle according to any of the herein disclosed drawings. By simply constructing a card according the disclosed drawings the auxiliary handle is provided. As such the disclosed drawings are a model or a template for an auxiliary handle.

A person skilled in the art will after a few trials have found the right size and material and should start with plastic, polymer or biomass cards or plates.

According to an embodiment of the invention the auxiliary handle is special in that the card is formed as a rectangle with approximate dimensions of 80 to 90 mm x 50 to 60 mm and preferably 85.60 mm x 53.98 mm.

Thereby the card is suitable for carrying in a wallet. In the embodiment of the preferred dimension, the card adheres to the standard ISO IEC 7810 ID 1, which is the size that determines the size of a credit card. In this case the auxiliary handle can easily be carried or stored in connection with daily or extraordinary shopping.

In an alternative embodiment the size adheres to the ID 3 125 x 88 mm, which is the size for passports. In this case an auxiliary handle can easily be carried or stored in connection with international travel. According to an embodiment of the invention the auxiliary handle is special in that the card has a centre thickness or side thickness of approximately 0.5 - 2 mm and preferably 0.76 mm.

Thereby the card can easily be stored in compartments in wallets and cases for ID- documents. In particular with the preferred thickness, the auxiliary handle will adhere to the before mentioned ISO ID-1 standard. The problems outlined are solved according to the invention by one or more features. In one aspect by an auxiliary handle produced by a method for producing an auxiliary handle as disclosed comprising at least the steps of either

• taking a card with at least one essentially planar face and making the at least two recesses by either:

o removing material from the card (2) using a carving or cutting process, or

o pressing the card (2) using a form with an inverse image at least two recesses (14, 15).

· or injection moulding the card with recesses.

Description of the Drawing

This invention will be described and exemplified in relation to the drawings, where:

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an auxiliary handle formed as a card with two recesses on the face and formed biconvexly, figure 2 shows a face view of the card and different cross sections of the card, figure 3 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an auxiliary handled formed as a card with four recesses on the face of the card and formed biconvexly, figure 4 shows a face view of the card and different cross sections of the card, figure 5 shows A) a top view of a face of a card in a relaxed state and B) the same card from the same top view and a side view, when the card is folded, and figure 6 shows a series, A, B, and C of pictures of the card being applied as an auxiliary handle on a plastic bag.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an auxiliary handle 1 formed as a card 2 with a first face 3 and an opposite second face 4. The card 2 is essentially flat. The card 2 has a longitudinal direction 5 with a first end 6 finished by a first edge 7 and a second end 8 finished by a second edge 9. Transverse to the longitudinal direction 5 the card 2 has a first side 10 finished by a first side edge 11 and a second side edge 12 finished by a second side edge 13.

Between the first end 6 and the second end 8 the card 2 on the first face 3 has a first recess 14 and a second recess 15. In this particular embodiment the card further has a first and a second recess 14', 15' on the second face 4, which recesses 14', 15' follow the recesses 14, 15 on the first face 3.

The two recesses 14, 15 divide the card 2 in a centre area 16 that separates a first side area 17 and a second side area 18.

The card 2 has a centre thickness 19 at the centre area 16 and a side thickness 20 at the side areas 17, 18.

Figure 2 shows a top view of the card 2, A, and different side views of the card, B and C as well as a cross section A of the card 2, D. The card and the references are identical to the ones in figure 1.

Part A shows a top view of the face 3 of the card 2. The references are identical to the ones in figure 1.

Part B shows a side view of the card 2 in the longitudinal direction 5 and as seen towards the first side edge 11. The references are identical to those in figure 1 and this figure' s part A. Part C shows a side view of the card 2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 5 and as seen towards the second edge 9. The references are identical to those in figure 1 and this figure's part A. Part D shows a cross section through the card 2 as marked on part A with A. The references are identical to those in figure 1 and this figure's part A.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of an auxiliary handle 1 formed as a card 2. With refer- ence to figure 1 this embodiment has the same features and furthermore a first niche 30 at the first end 6 and a second niche 31 at the second end 8.

The card 2 furthermore has a third recess 32. In this embodiment the third recess 32 is placed between the first recess 14 and the second recess 15. Likewise there is a fourth recess 33 placed between the second recess 15 and the first recess 14.

The third recess 32 and the fourth recess 33 forms a biconvex on the first face 3 of the card 2. On the second face 4 of the card 2 are third and fourth recesses 32', 33' that follows or shadow the third and fourths recesses 32, 33 on the first face 3.

Figure 4 shows in a similar vein as figure 2 a top view of the card 2, A, and different side views of the card, B and C as well as a cross section A of the card 2, D. The card 2 and the references are identical to the ones in figure 3.

Part A shows a top view of the face 3 of the card 2. The references are identical to the ones in figure 3. Part B shows a side view of the card 2 in the longitudinal direction 5 and as seen towards the first side edge 11. The references are identical to those in figure 3 and this figure' s part A.

Part C shows a side view of the card 2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 5 and as seen towards the second edge 9. The references are identical to those in figure 3 and this figure's part A. Part D shows a cross section through the card 2 as marked on part A with A. The references are identical to those in figure 3 and this figure's part A.

Figure 5 shows A a top view of a face 3 of a card 2, identical from the card 2 shown in figure 3 and 4 in a relaxed state 50 in which relaxed state 50 the card 2 is flat and B the same card 2 from the same top view and C a side view when the card is in a folded state 51.

The transition from the relaxed state 50 to the folded state 51 can be induced by apply- ing forces 52 to first and second side areas 17, 18 of the card 2 towards the centre area 16.

Part B shows a top view of the card 2 in the folded state 51 and part C shows the same folded stated 51 as in part B, but from a side view. Due to the biconvexly formed re- cesses 14, 14', 15, 15', 32, 32', 33, 33' (15' and 33' are not seen on part B and C), the card forms an arc as seen on the figure.

Figure 6 A shows how the auxiliary handle 1 can be used by a hand 60 with the use of one primal finger 61 and another finger 62. The auxiliary handle 1 is in a relaxed state 51 and is essentially flat.

Part B shows in continuation of part A how the auxiliary handle 1 with one hand 60 easily can be placed and interact with a plastic bag 63 with a handle 64. The auxiliary handle 1 is in a relaxed state 51 and is essentially flat.

Part C shows in continuation of part A and B how the auxiliary handle 1 forms a protecting layer between the fingers 62,„ 62"' of the hand 60 and the handle 64 of the plastic bag 63.

Claims

1. An auxiliary handle (1) formed as a card (2) with a first face (3), an opposite second face (4), a longitudinal direction (5) in which the card (2) in a first end (6) is finished by a first edge (7) and in a second end (8) is finished by a second edge (9), between the first edge (7) and the second edge (9) and transverse to the longitudinal direction (5) there is a first side (10) finished by a side edge (11) and a second side (12) finished by a second side edge (13), which card's (2) at least one first face (3) or second face (4) has at least a first and a second recess (14, 15) each running at least partially from the first end (6) to the second end (8) and parting the card (2) in a centre area (16) and a first and a second side area (17, 18) characterised in that the card (2) is formed as a rectangle with approximate dimensions of 80 to 90 mm x 50 to 60 mm and preferably 85.60 mm x 53.98 mm.

2. An auxiliary handle (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that, the card (2) has a centre thickness (19) or side thickness (20) of approximately 0,5 - 2 mm and preferably 0.76 mm.

3. An auxiliary handle (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that, the has a third recess (32) and a fourth recess (33) placed between the first recess (14) and the second recess (15).

4. An auxiliary handle (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterised in that, at least the first and second recesses (14, 15) on at least one face (3,4) are arranged biconvexly with a centre axis parallel to the longitudinal direction (5).

5. An auxiliary handle (1) according to claim 1 to 4 characterised in that, the card (2) has at least one niche (30, 31) by the one first or second edge (7,9), which least one niche (30,31) is preferably in the centre area (16) and between the first or second re- cesses (14, 15).

6. An auxiliary handle (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that, the card (2) has at least one face (3, 4) with a surface prepared for imprint.

7. An auxiliary handle (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterised in that, the card (2) is made of polymer or rubber.

8. An auxiliary handle (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that, the card (2) is substantially of a biodegradable material such as biomass fibres.

9. An auxiliary handle (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that, the card (2) is formed as a rectangle that instead of with approximate dimensions of 80 to 90 mm x 50 to 60 mm has dimensions of about 125 x 88 mm and adheres to the standard ID 3 125 x 88 mm. .

10. Method for producing an auxiliary handle (1) as according to any of claim 1 to 9 comprising at least the steps of either

• taking a card (2) with at least one essentially planar face (3, 4) and making the at least two recesses (14, 15) by either:

o removing material from the card (2) using a carving or cutting process, or

• or injection moulding the card with recesses.