Two piece palm protector/grip for shopping bags and packages

Abstract

A two piece shopping package combination handle is disclosed. A first piece includes an elongated outer handle with a first slot running its full length. The second piece includes an elongated inner handle with a second slot running its full length. The outer dimension of the elongated inner handle is slightly less than the inner dimension of the elongated outer handle so that an outer surface of the elongated inner handle is juxtaposed along an inner surface of the elongated outer handle and the elongated inner handle is insertable and removable into and out of the elongated outer handle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of hand grips and more particularly to a hand grip for carrying shopping bags and packages, providing improved comfort.

2. Description of the Related Art

A problem exists in carrying shopping bags and the like, especially when carrying multiple bags for substantial distances such as when walking several blocks from a grocery store. The bags, especially plastic bags, have a handle area but, when held in the hand, the handle area tends to form more of a rope-like clump. This tends to cut into one's palm, making it uncomfortable to carry these bags, even for a short distance, let alone several blocks.

Many handle grips are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,401 to Fan describes a myriad of handles. This patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Each of the handles in this patent has a top opening or slot, through which one or more handle parts of one or more bags are strung. The handle of this patent has a stiff inner material and a softer outer lining, thereby insulating the user's hands from the bag handles and providing a more comfortable grip. The inner lining is not removable, nor can it be rotated. Unfortunately, if the bags are set down, perhaps when the user stops for a rest, the bag handles often fall out of the top opening and they must be re-threaded before resuming travel. Furthermore, the disclosed handle works well for a single hand, but if the user has many bags or wants to balance their load, they must purchase two discrete handles, one for each hand.

What is needed is a locking handle that can be converted into two handles when the need arises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a two piece shopping package combination handle is disclosed including a hollow elongated outer handle with a first slot running its full length and having an inner dimension and including a hollow elongated inner handle with a second slot running its full length and having an outer dimension. The outer dimension of the hollow elongated inner handle is slightly less than the inner dimension of the hollow elongated outer handle so that an outer surface of the hollow elongated inner handle is juxtaposed along an inner surface of the hollow elongated outer handle and the hollow elongated inner handle is insertable and removable into and out of the hollow elongated outer handle.

In another embodiment, a method for comfortably and conveniently carrying a plurality of shopping bags is disclosed including providing a two piece shopping package combination handle that has a hollow elongated outer handle with a first slot running its full length and having an inner dimension and a hollow elongated inner handle with a second slot running its full length and having an outer dimension. The outer dimension of the hollow elongated inner handle is slightly less than the inner dimension of the hollow elongated outer handle so that the hollow elongated inner handle is insertable and removable into and out of the hollow elongated outer handle. A plurality of shopping bags are strung through the first slot and through the second slot and then carried or held by placing a hand around the hollow elongated outer handle. In some embodiments, the shopping bags are locked in place by either rotating the hollow elongated inner handle with respect to the hollow elongated outer handle or the hollow elongated inner handle is removed from inside the hollow elongated outer handle and rotated 90 degrees, 180 degrees or 270 degrees, then replaced back within the hollow elongated outer handle, thereby closing the first slot, locking the shopping bags within the combined handle.

In another embodiment, a two piece shopping package combination handle is disclosed including an outer handle with a first slot running its full length and having an inner dimension. There is an inner handle with a second slot running its full length and having an outer dimension. The outer dimension of the inner handle is slightly less than the inner dimension of the outer handle so that an outer surface of the inner handle is juxtaposed along an inner surface of the outer handle and the inner handle is insertable and removable into and out of the outer handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the most preferred embodiment per se.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the most preferred embodiment per se in a closed mode.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a variation of the handle of FIG. 1 with a grip.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another variation.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the variation of the handle of FIG. 4 in a closed mode.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of another variation.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the variation of the handle of FIG. 6 in a closed mode.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a variation of the handle of FIG. 6 with a grip.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of another variation.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the variation of the handle of FIG. 9 in a closed mode.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention being used to carry several shopping bags by their handle.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention in a locked position being used to carry several shopping bags by their handle.

FIG. 13a/b/c is an illustration of the handles of FIG. 1 & FIG. 2 shown in combined mode and individual mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. In all embodiments, the handles are preferably made of a stiff, sturdy and inflexible material such as plastic (nylon) or metal (steel). Although not shown in the drawings, it is known in the art to cover the outer handle with a soft material that cushions the hands while carrying shopping bags or packages.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a diagrammatic perspective view of the most preferred embodiment is shown in an open mode and closed mode. The combined handle 10 consists of an outer handle 12 and an inner handle 14 that fits snuggly within the outer handle 12. The outside diameter of the inner handle 14 is slightly less than the inside diameter of the outer handle 12, thereby forming a tight fit so that the inner handle 14 can be inserted and removed from within the outer handle 12. By having a tight fit, the handles 12/14 don't easily separate during use but can be separated without tools by a person applying force to the inner handle 14 while holding the outer handle 12. The combined handle 10 is elongated and of size to fit comfortable in a person's hand. Both the inner handle 14 and the outer handle 12 are hollow. In the open mode (FIG. 1), handles of bags or packages (not shown) are strung through the open slot 18 that runs lengthwise and runs the full length of both the inner handle 14 and the outer handle 12. The handles of bags or packages rest within the hollow area of the inner handle 14. To prevent the bags or package handles from falling out, the inner handle 14 is rotated with respect to the outer handle 12, thereby closing the slot 18 with the body of the inner handle 14.

Referring to FIG. 3, a variation of the handle of FIG. 1/2 with a grip 26 is shown. The combined handle 20 consists of an outer handle 22 and an inner handle 24 that fits snuggly within the outer handle 22. In the open mode (not shown), the slots 27/28 are aligned so that handles of bags or packages (not shown) can be strung through the slots 27/28. To prevent the bags or package handles from falling out during transport, the inner handle 24 is rotated with respect to the outer handle 22 with the help of a grip 16, thereby closing the slot 28 with the body of the inner handle 24.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, another variation is shown. In this example, the combined handle 30 consists of an outer handle 32 and an inner handle 34 that are oval in shape (cross sectional). The outside diameter of the inner handle 34 is slightly less than the inside diameter of the outer handle 32, thereby forming a tight fit so that the inner handle 34 can be inserted and removed from within the outer handle 32. By having a tight fit, the handles 32/34 don't easily separate during use but can be separated without tools by a person applying force to the inner handle 34 while holding the outer handle 32. The combined handle 30 is elongated and of size to fit comfortable in a person's hand. Both the inner handle 34 and the outer handle 32 are hollow. To seal the slot 38 in this non-circular shaped combined handle 30, the inner handle 34 is removed from the outer handle 32, then the handles of bags or packages are strung through the open slot of both handles 32/34, then one of the handles 32/34 is rotated 180 degrees and then the inner handle 34 is re-inserted into the outer handle 32, thereby closing the slot 38 as shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, another variation is shown. In this example, the cross sections of the outer handle 42 and the inner handle 44 are square in shape. The outside width of the inner handle 44 is slightly less than the inside width of the outer handle 42, thereby forming a tight fit so that the inner handle 44 can be inserted and removed from within the outer handle 42. By having a tight fit, the handles 42/44 don't easily separate during use but can be separated without tools by a person applying force to the inner handle 44 while holding the outer handle 42. The combined handle 40 is elongated and of size to fit comfortable in a person's hand. Both the inner handle 44 and the outer handle 42 are hollow. To seal the slot 48 in this non-circular shaped combined handle 40, the inner handle 44 is removed from the outer handle 42, then the handles of bags or packages are strung through the open slot 48 of both handles 42/44, then one of the handles 42/44 is rotated 90.degrees, 180 degrees or 270 degrees along an axis roughly formed by the bag handles. Next, the inner handle 44 is re-inserted into the outer handle 42, thereby closing the slot 48 as shown in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 8, a variation of the handle of FIGS. 6 & 7 with a grip 56 is shown. In this example of a combined handle 50, the outer handle 52 and inner handle 54 are shaped and operate in the same manner as in FIG. 6 & FIG. 7, but the removal of the inner handle 54 from the outer handle 52 is facilitated with the help of a grip 56. Throughout the description of the present invention, the grips 26/56 are shown in a particular shape for brevity purposes, showing the function rather than the aesthetic appearance. In practice, the size and shape of the grips 26/56 can be any shape that will aid in the rotation or removal of the inner handle 14/24/34/44/54/64. In some embodiments, the grips 26/56 have finger grooves to reduce slippage when pulling or turning the inner handle 14/24/34/44/54/64.

Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, another variation is shown. In this example, the outer handle 62 and the inner handle 64 are rectangular in shape (cross sectional). The outside width and height of the inner handle 64 is slightly less than the inside width and height of the outer handle 62, thereby forming a tight fit so that the inner handle 64 can be inserted and removed from within the outer handle 62. By having a tight fit, the handles 62/64 don't easily separate during use but can be separated without tools by a person applying force to the inner handle 64 while holding the outer handle 62. The combined handle 60 is elongated and of size to fit comfortable in a person's hand. Both the inner handle 64 and the outer handle 62 are hollow. To seal the slot 68 in this non-circular shaped combined handle 60, the inner handle 64 is removed from the outer handle 62, then the handles of bags or packages are strung through the open slot 68 of both handles 62/64, then one of the handles 62/64 is rotated 180 degrees along an axis roughly formed by the bag handles. Next, the inner handle 64 is re-inserted into the outer handle 62, thereby closing the slot 68 as shown in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention being used to carry several shopping bags by their handle is shown. In FIG. 11, the combined handle 10 as per FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is shown with an outer handle 12 and an inner handle 14 in which the slot 18 is open. The handles 17 of several bags 16 have been strung through the open slot 18. It can be seen that, if the bags 16 shown are set down and tension is taken off of the bag handles 17, they would easily fall out of the handle and would need to be restrung. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 12, the inner handle 14 has been rotated with respect to the outer handle 12, thereby closing the slot 18 so that if the bags 16 with contents 15 (e.g., groceries) are set down, the bag handles 17 will not fall out of the combined handle 10. The slot side of the outer handle 12 is positioned for maximum carrying comfort by the user's hand 19.

Referring to FIG. 13a/b/c, the handles of FIG. 1 & FIG. 2 are shown in combined mode and individual mode. In FIG. 13a, the combined handles 10 are shown with the inner handle 14 completely within the outer handle 12. In FIG. 13b, the inner handle 14 is shown partially within of the outer handle 12, e.g., the inner handle 14 is pushed partially out of the outer handle 12 by a user's finger. In FIG. 13c, the outer handle 12 is separated from the inner handle 14 and each can be used to hold a plurality of bags as in FIG. 11 and 12. In this mode, each handle 12/14 can be held by a different hand, especially useful when carrying a large number of shopping bags or packages or to precipitate improved balance. In this mode, there is no lock to keep the shopping bag or package handles from falling out of the individual inner handle 12 and outer handle 14.

Throughout this application, the inner handle is sized to fit snuggly within the outer handle being that the outer dimension of the inner handle is slightly less than the inner dimension of the outer handle. This snug fit allows the inner handle to remain within the outer handle during storing and use while permitting the removal of the inner handle using minimal force when independent use is desired. In the preferred embodiments, the inner handle is juxtaposed within the outer handle, in that the outer surface of the inner handle substantially parallels the inner surface of the outer handle. It is anticipated that in some embodiments, the shape of the inner handle will not be totally parallel to the inside surface of the outer handle. For example, in some embodiments, the inner handle has an outward curved surface near each end thereby making contact with the inside surface of the outer handle only at the outward curved surfaces. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the outer handle can have various shapes without veering from the present invention. For example, in some embodiment, the outer handle has finger grips similar to those of a bicycle handle grip.

Various cross sectional shapes have been disclosed. It is anticipated that many conceivable cross section shapes work equally as well such as triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. As stated above, the outer shape of the outer handle can be smooth, textured, rough or shaped.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

Claims

1. A two piece shopping package combination handle, the combination handle comprising:

a hollow elongated outer handle having a first slot running the full length, the hollow elongated outer handle having an inner dimension; and

a hollow elongated inner handle having a second slot running the full length, the hollow elongated inner handle having an outer dimension, wherein the outer dimension of the hollow elongated inner handle is slightly less than the inner dimension of the hollow elongated outer handle so that an outer surface of the hollow elongated inner handle is juxtaposed along an inner surface of the hollow elongated outer handle and the hollow elongated inner handle is insertable and removable into and out of the hollow elongated outer handle.

2. The combination handle of claim 1, further comprising a knob integrated with the hollow elongated inner handle to facilitate the movement of the hollow elongated inner handle with respect to the hollow elongated outer handle.

3. The combination handle of claim 1, further comprising a soft, flexible outer shell substantially covering the hollow elongated outer handle.

4. The combination handle of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the hollow elongated inner handle is substantially circular, the cross section of the hollow elongated outer handle is substantially circular and the hollow elongated inner handle is rotatable within the hollow elongated outer handle.

5. The combination handle of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the hollow elongated inner handle and the cross section of the hollow elongated outer handle are substantially square.

6. The combination handle of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the hollow elongated inner handle and the cross section of the hollow elongated outer handle are substantially rectangular.

7. The combination handle of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the hollow elongated inner handle and the cross section of the hollow elongated outer handle are substantially oval.

8. A method for comfortably and conveniently carrying a plurality of shopping bags, the process comprising the steps of:

(1) providing a two piece shopping package combination handle, the combination handle comprising: a hollow elongated outer handle having a first slot running the full length, the hollow elongated outer handle having an inner dimension; and a hollow elongated inner handle having a second slot running the full length, the hollow elongated inner handle having an outer dimension, wherein the outer dimension of the hollow elongated inner handle is slightly less than the inner dimension of the hollow elongated outer handle so that the hollow elongated inner handle is insertable and removable into and out of the hollow elongated outer handle;

(2) stringing the plurality of shopping bags through the first slot and through the second slot; and

(3) holding the plurality of shopping bags by placing a hand over the hollow elongated outer handle.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising a knob integrated at an end of the hollow elongated inner handle to facilitate the movement of the hollow elongated inner handle with respect to the hollow elongated outer handle.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising a soft, flexible outer shell substantially covering the hollow elongated outer handle.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the cross section of the hollow elongated inner handle is substantially circular, the cross section of the hollow elongated outer handle is substantially circular and the hollow elongated inner handle is rotatable within the hollow elongated outer handle and further comprising after step (2), the step of (2a) rotating the hollow elongated inner handle with respect to the hollow elongated outer handle so that the first slot is blocked by a solid wall portion of the hollow elongated inner handle.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the cross section of the hollow elongated inner handle and the cross section of the hollow elongated outer handle are substantially square and further comprising after step (1), the step of (1a) removing the hollow elongated inner handle with respect to the hollow elongated outer handle and further comprising after step 2, the step of (2a) replacing the hollow elongated inner handle into the hollow elongated outer handle, rotated so that the first slot is blocked by a solid wall portion of the hollow elongated inner handle.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the cross section of the hollow elongated inner handle and the cross section of the hollow elongated outer handle are substantially rectangular and further comprising after step (1), the step of (1a) removing the hollow elongated inner handle with respect to the hollow elongated outer handle and further comprising after step 2, the step of (2a) replacing the hollow elongated inner handle into the hollow elongated outer handle, rotated so that the first slot is blocked by a solid wall portion of the hollow elongated inner handle.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the cross section of the hollow elongated inner handle and the cross section of the hollow elongated outer handle are substantially oval and further comprising after step (1), the step of (1a) removing the hollow elongated inner handle with respect to the hollow elongated outer handle and further comprising after step 2, the step of (2a) replacing the hollow elongated inner handle into the hollow elongated outer handle, rotated so that the first slot is blocked by a solid wall portion of the hollow elongated inner handle.

15. A two piece shopping package combination handle, the combination handle comprising:

an outer handle means having a first slot running the full length, the outer handle means having an inner dimension; and

an inner handle means having a second slot running the full length, the inner handle means having an outer dimension, wherein the outer dimension of the inner handle means is slightly less than the inner dimension of the outer handle means so that an outer surface of the inner handle means is juxtaposed along an inner surface of the outer handle means and the inner handle means is insertable and removable into and out of the outer handle means.

16. The combination handle of claim 15, further comprising a knob means integrated with the inner handle means to facilitate the movement of the inner handle means with respect to the outer handle means.

17. The combination handle of claim 15, wherein the cross section of the inner handle means is substantially circular, the cross section of the outer handle means is substantially circular and the inner handle means is rotatable within the outer handle means.

18. The combination handle of claim 15, wherein the cross section of the inner handle means and the cross section of the outer handle means are substantially square.

19. The combination handle of claim 15, wherein the cross section of the inner handle means and the cross section of the outer handle means are substantially rectangular.

20. The combination handle of claim 15, wherein the cross section of the inner handle means and the cross section of the outer handle means are substantially oval.