BACKGROUND The present disclosure generally relates to the field of bags and bag handles. The present disclosure relates more specifically to the field of bags and bag handles for carrying a heavy load of granular material.
Granular material such as swimming pool salt or water softener salt is currently sold in large plastic bags that hold a heavy load of the material (e.g., forty pounds). Conventional handles for such bags are often uncomfortable or subject to breaking while the bag is carried. It is challenging and difficult to design handles for such bags without undesirably adding mass to the handle or making the handle difficult to manufacture.
SUMMARY One embodiment relates to handle for fixing to a plastic bag includes a base configured to be fixed to the plastic bag. The handle includes a panel integrally formed with and extending away from the base, the panel having at least one opening. The handle further includes a first grip member having a length that spans across the at least one opening. The handle further includes a second grip member parallel to the first grip member and having a length that spans across the at least one opening. The first grip member and the second grip member are spaced apart.
Another embodiment relates to a bag for carrying granular material. The bag includes a bag portion having a top seam and a handle base fixed to the top seam. A handle grip is coupled to the handle base and includes a first beam defining a top of the handle and a second beam below and spaced apart from the first beam such that when the handle grip is gripped by a hand and the bag is lifted, the second beam receives the majority of the upward force from the hand's fingers.
Another embodiment relates to a handle for a bag including an elongated grip comprising a first elongated grip member and a second elongated grip member having lengths that extend parallel to the length of the grip. The handle further includes a handle body integrally formed with the elongated grip that holds the first elongated grip member above the second elongated grip member such that a void exists between the first elongated grip member and the second elongated grip member.
Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag including a handle according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the claimed design;
FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the claimed design;
FIG. 1C is a front view of an embodiment of the claimed design;
FIG. 1D is a side view of an embodiment of the claimed design;
FIG. 1E is a top view of an embodiment of the claimed design;
FIG. 1F is a bottom view of an embodiment of the claimed design;
FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of another embodiment;
FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2D is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2E is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2F is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A;
FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment;
FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3D is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3E is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3F is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment;
FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4D is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4E is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4F is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment;
FIG. 5B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5D is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5E is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5F is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment;
FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A;
FIG. 6C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A;
FIG. 6D is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A;
FIG. 6E is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A;
FIG. 6F is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A;
FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment;
FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7D is a back view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7E is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7F is another side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7G is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7H is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A;
FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment;
FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A;
FIG. 8C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A;
FIG. 8D is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A;
FIG. 8E is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A;
FIG. 8F is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A;
FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment;
FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A;
FIG. 9C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A;
FIG. 9D is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A;
FIG. 9E is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A;
FIG. 9F is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A;
FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment;
FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A;
FIG. 10C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A;
FIG. 10D is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A;
FIG. 10E is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A;
FIG. 10F is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A;
FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment;
FIG. 11B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A;
FIG. 11C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A;
FIG. 11D is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A;
FIG. 11E is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A;
FIG. 11F is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A;
FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment;
FIG. 12B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A;
FIG. 12C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A;
FIG. 12D is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A;
FIG. 12E is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A;
FIG. 12F is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A;
FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment;
FIG. 13B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13A;
FIG. 13C is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13A;
FIG. 13D is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13A;
FIG. 13E is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13A; and
FIG. 13F is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13A;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Referring generally to FIGS. 1-1F, a bag handle 100 with an improved grip is shown. Handle 100 is shown to include a base 102 configured to be fixed to a bag 101 (handle 100 fixed to bag 101 shown in FIG. 1). Bag 101 may be a rugged plastic bag. In some embodiments the weight and composition of the plastic of bag 101 allow bag 101 to support forty pounds or more of granular material (e.g., salt pellets). In other embodiments, bag 101 may be configured to support less material or more material. Bag 101 may be formed from a material other than plastic. For example, bag 101 may be formed from aluminum foil, a paper-composite, recycled material, or of any other material. Further, while handle 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as fixed to a bag, in some embodiments handle 100 may be fixed to a box, carton, crate, or other structure for carrying objects. Accordingly, in some embodiments base 102 may be shaped or sized differently, depending on the particular design of the structure or bag to which base 102 will be attached.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-1F, base 102 is elongated and includes two flanges 130 to which bag 101 is fixed. Flanges 130 may be somewhat flexible and configured to fold toward each other. To fix bag 101 to handle 100, a seam (or other portion) of bag 101 may be inserted between flanges 130 and the seam may be sonic welded or otherwise fixed (e.g., adhered, fused, melted, fastened, etc.) to flanges 130. It should be noted that any number of methods or fasteners for fixing base 102 to bag 101 may be utilized according to various exemplary embodiments. Further, in some embodiments base 102 may be defined by a single flange, more than two flanges, or include structures that may not be considered a flange for fixing to bag 101. For example, base 102 may include a pair of clamps or jaws for mechanically interfacing with and holding the material of bag 101 rather than flat flanges configured for sonic welding.
Handle 100 is shown to include a panel 104 integrally formed with and extending away from base 102, the panel having at least one opening 106. Handle 100 further includes a first grip member 108 having a length that spans across the at least one opening 106a, 106b. Handle 100 further includes a second grip member 110 parallel to first grip member 108 and having a length that spans across the at least one opening 106a, 106b. First grip member 108 and second grip member 110 are spaced apart to form void 112.
Together first grip member 108 and second grip member 110 form a relatively thick grip for a user to hold. Void 112 advantageously reduces the overall weight of the handle relative to a solid handle. Further, void 112 allows second grip member 110 to flex upward toward first grip member 108 when the bag is lifted. As shown in the Figures, second grip member 110 has a convexly shaped underside (the surface of grip member 110 facing openings 106a, 106b). The convex shape may further increase grip comfort for a user carrying a heavy load using handle 100.
Referring still to FIGS. 1-1F, but particularly to FIGS. 1C-1F, base 102 is shown as elongated and the length of the base is shown to define a horizontal axis X. Similarly, panel 104 is shown to extend away from base 102 to define a horizontal axis Y. First grip member 108 and second grip member 110 are elongated and have a length that spans across openings 106a, 106b. In the embodiments shown, second grip member 110 and first grip member 108 are parallel to each other and horizontal axis X. In other embodiments, second grip member 110 and/or first grip member 108 may not be parallel to each other or horizontal axis X - but may still be elongated and extend lengthwise across the handle's openings. For example, first grip member 108 may be flat and parallel to horizontal axis X but second grip member 110 may be curved upward in a concave manner relative to horizontal axis X.
Referring further to FIGS. 1-1F, first grip member 108 and second grip member 110 are spaced apart along vertical axis Y where second grip member 110 is below the first grip member 108 relative to vertical axis Y. The curved underside portion of second grip member 110 is parallel with horizontal axis X. Panel 104 is parallel with the two dimensional plane formed by vertical axis Y and horizontal axis X. The Figures are further shown to include a support 116. Support 116 is shown to extend vertically from base 102 along the Y axis to second grip member 110. Support 116 divides the opening between base 102 or a structure of panel 104 and grip member 112 into at least two openings (shown in FIGS. 1-1F as openings 106a and 106b).
Referring further to FIGS. 1-1F, panel 104 is shown to include pockets 118 that are less thick than the material of panel 104 surrounding the pockets 118. According to an alternative embodiment, pockets 118 may be devoid of material and open. In such an embodiment, the material surrounding pockets 118 may be thickened for strength. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-1F, pockets 118 are thick enough that the panel material surrounding pockets 118 are not thickened for strength. While pockets 118 are shown as having a generally triangular shape that follows the contours of panel 104, it should be appreciated that pockets 118 may be shaped differently. For example, pockets 118 may be multiplied in number and divided in size to create a plurality of pockets per side of the handle. The pockets may be elongated channels, wavy lines, curved, circular, oval shaped, or otherwise shaped. The shape of pockets 118 may be changed for aesthetic reasons or modified based on the application for handle 100. For example, in some embodiments where handle 100 is intended for light duty applications, pockets 118 may be devoid of material. In other embodiments where handle 100 is intended for heavier duty applications, pockets 118 may be completely filled in or missing. In medium duty applications, pockets 118 may be as shown or implemented as a plurality of small circular pockets to reduce the weight of handle 100 without damaging the handle's weight carrying capacity for the application with which it is intended to be used.
Referring now to FIG. 1D, a side view of handle 100 is shown. Panel 104 is shown to extend up vertically from base 102. As panel 104 extend up vertically from base 102, panel 104 is shown to widen around openings 106a, 106b (shown in previous Figures). Near the vertical top of handle 100, panel 104 widens into handle grip 140. As is illustrated in FIG. 1C, first grip element 108 will be wider than second grip element 110. Different embodiments may include different grip element width relationships. Further, different embodiments may include different angles at which the material of panel 104 widens or thickens relative to the Z axis. The Z-axis thickness of the handle grip and more particularly grip element 108 is further illustrated in FIG. 1E.
As should be appreciated upon inspection of FIGS. 1-1 F, in some embodiments the varying parts of handle 100 are integrally formed from the same plastic material. In an exemplary embodiment, handle 100 is molded in a single press. Nevertheless, Applicants submit that various combined arrangements of integrally-formed structures of handle 100 are novel and non-obvious. In other embodiments not shown in the Figures of the present disclosure, handle 100 may be formed from multiple parts that are adhered, fastened, fused, or otherwise coupled together after they have been formed.
Handle 100 is preferably formed from polyethylene. In an exemplary embodiment handle 100 is made from an eighty-five to fifteen ratio of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). Other blends of LLDPE and HDPE may be used depending on the application or desired flexibility of handle 100. In other embodiments, different plastics may be used to form handle 100. In yet other embodiments, handle 100 may be formed from an aluminum alloy, other metal, or any other suitable material. Handle 100 may be formed using an injection molding process. In an exemplary embodiment, handle 100 is 6.815 inches long from base end to base end and 2.218 inches tall from the bottom of the flanges of the base to the top of the first grip element. In other embodiments, handle 100 may be larger or smaller depending on the load that will be carried using the handle and/or other application requirements. First grip member 108 and second grip member 110 may be spaced apart such that void 112 is at least one sixteenth of an inch high relative to the Y axis shown in FIG. 1C. In other exemplary embodiments, first grip member 108 and second grip member 110 may be spaced apart such that void 112 is between one sixteenth and one quarter inch tall relative to the Y axis. In one exemplary embodiment void 112 may be about three sixteenths of an inch tall. In yet other various embodiments void 112 may be shaped and sized to be smaller than one sixteenth of an inch and in other embodiments may be larger than one quarter inch tall. As shown in FIGS. 1-1F, void 112 may be elongated and have a length of about one and one-half inches relative to the horizontal “X” axis shown in FIG. 1C. Void 112 may be shaped and sized to differently according to different exemplary embodiments.
FIGS. 2A-2F show another embodiment of a bag handle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2F, a single grip member 201 is shown as sloping down toward base 202. A large opening 206 is bordered on each side by vertical supports 204. The combination of vertical supports 204 and the downward sloping grip 201 may provide for a lightweight yet resilient and somewhat elastic handle for gripping by a user.
FIGS. 3A-3F show another embodiment of a bag handle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3F, a single grip element 301 is shown spanning opening or openings 306. Grip element 301 includes curved portion 305. Curved portion 305 is shown to have a thickness that is greater than that of panel 304. Curved portion 305 may add resiliency to grip element 301 and provide a structure for gripping by a user. In an exemplary embodiment, curved portion 305 may be configured so that a user's fingers fit and rest in high points of curve portion 305 when the user is carrying the bag.
FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate yet another embodiment of a bag handle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4F, a series of arches 408 form grip 410. In an exemplary embodiment arches 408 are shaped and sized to receive the fingers of a user carrying a bag with the handle. Grip 410 and arches 408 are shown has being of the same thickness as the rest of panel 404. In other embodiments, grip 410 and/or arches 408 may be of increased thickness relative to panel 404.
FIGS. 5A-5F show another embodiment of a bag handle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5F, a single grip element 501 is shown as being curved as it spans openings 506. The curved portion of grip element 501 may be thick relative to the thickness of panel 504. The curved portion may be shaped to fit in a user's hand.
FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate yet another embodiment of a bag handle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6F, grip 608 may be elongated and curved slightly downward similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2F. Rather than the vertical supports of 2A-2F, the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6F include angled supports 610 and 611. Angled supports 610 and 611 may attach to grip 608 at points closer to a horizontal center location. Such a structure may provide additional support to the center of grip 608 when the handle is being used to carry a heavy load. Further, the attachment points of supports 610, 611 may be spaced to provide an opening 606a, 606b, and 606c that are sufficiently wide near grip 608 so that one or more fingers of a user's hand may comfortably be within each of opening 606a, 606b, and 606c when the handle is in use.
FIGS. 7A-7H show another embodiment of a bag handle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7H, a single elongated grip element 701 is shown. Grip element 701 is shown to span a single, long and partially oval-shaped opening 706. Beneath opening 701 and above base 702, a plurality of circular holes 712 extend in a single row parallel to the length of base 702. Holes 712 are intended to reduce the weight of the handle while not substantially affecting the structural integrity or strength of the handle. The configuration (size, shape, spacing, orientation, etc.) of holes 712 may be utilized with any of the previously shown handles, according to various exemplary embodiments. Opening 706 is shown to shorten (i.e., reduce in height between grip 701 and the bottom of opening 706) near one end of the handle.
FIGS. 8A-8F show another embodiment of a bag handle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8F, a single elongated grip element 801 spans opening 806. The structure of the handle is supported by a plurality of diagonal supports 808. At least some of the weight of supports 808 is offset by a row of holes 810.
FIGS. 9A-9F illustrate yet another embodiment of a bag handle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-9F, a single elongated grip element 901 spans openings 906a, 906b. The structure of handle 900 is supported by a support 910. Handle 900 is shown to include a shock absorbing portion 920 between base 902 and panel 904. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-9F, shock absorbing portion 920 includes a plurality of half-cylinders 922 coupling base 902 to panel 904. Half-cylinders 922 alternatively extend from the sides of panel 904. Half-cylinders 922 are sized to have an elastic and shock-absorbing property relative to the weight of a bag carried by handle 900.
FIGS. 1A-10F illustrate yet another embodiment of a bag handle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-10F, a single elongated grip element 1001 spans openings 1006a, 1006b. Grip element 1001 is shown as being cylindrical or semi-cylindrical and relatively tall and thick to provide for a natural grip for a user. Grip element 1001 is shown to include one or more recesses 1020 that are intended to reduce the weight of handle 1000.
FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate yet another embodiment of a bag handle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A-11F, a single elongated grip element 1101 spans opening 1106. Grip element 1101, by contrast to grip element 1001 shown in FIGS. 10A-10F, includes a flat top and is formed in the shape of a half-cylinder. This shape may reduce the weight of handle 1100 relative to handle 1000 at the expense of some rigidity. Panel 1104 is shown to include two pockets 1118 that are devoid of material. Pockets 1118 are intended to reduce the weight of handle 1100.
FIGS. 12A-12F illustrate yet another embodiment of a bag handle. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A-12F is similar to that shown in FIGS. 11A-11F, but includes a narrower grip element 1201 (compare FIG. 11D and 12D).
FIGS. 13A-13F illustrate yet another embodiment of a bag handle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A-13F, a single elongated grip element 1301 spans openings 1306a, 1306b. Grip element 1301 includes a curved underside to either side of support 1308. Pockets 1310 are included in panel 1304.
The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
