Sanitary cover for a handle

Abstract

A sanitary cover is disclosed which includes a handle segment of sanitary material overlaying an exposed surface of a handle, a first panel depending from the handle segment, the first panel having a front surface and a rear surface, a second panel depending from the handle segment, the second panel having a front surface and a rear surface, and wherein at least one of the first panel or the second panel having at least one pocket.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application discloses claims and embodiments generally related to a sanitary cover, or a plurality of sanitary covers, for a handle of an apparatus or device, the cover(s) having at least one panel having at least one storage compartment or pocket, the sanitary covering inhibiting the transmission of disease, and the at least one panel and at least one storage compartment for storing items during use on a handle element of an apparatus or device.

2. Description of the Related Art

A common source of disease transmission is an apparatus or device having a handle that is utilized by several individuals, including diverse items such as push or pull shopping carts, strollers, carrying cases, vacuum cleaners or carpet cleaners, among many other items. For instance, a shopping cart handle may be utilized by dozens, if not hundreds, of individuals during the course of a day. Someone infected with a cold, virus or bacteria may deposit infectious contaminants onto the shopping cart handle. Subsequent users may then become infected from the contaminants left by a previous user or users. Thus, it is advantageous to curb the distribution of infectious contaminants.

Several products and inventions have been proposed in order to achieve this goal. One strategy is to utilize chemical disinfectants to sanitize such areas, which may be in the form of aerosol or spray-bottle distribution products. Another strategy is to employ an apparatus or device that operates as a physical barrier between the contaminated surface and the user. Many of these attempts specifically involve using a portable covering of conformable material that wraps about a handle but is removable once the use of the handled device is complete.

This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need or needs not yet satisfied by the products and inventions previously or presently available. In particular, the claims and embodiments disclosed herein describe a sanitary cover attachable to and removable from a handle of a device, while also providing at least one panel with at least one storage compartment for storing items. The applicant is unaware of any product, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of the claims and embodiments disclosed herein.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for a sanitary cover attachable to and removable from a handle of a device, while also providing at least one panel with at least one storage compartment for storing items in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient. The development of the sanitary cover for a handle fulfills this need.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,319, issued in the name of Farris;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,672, issued in the name of Frederick;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,142, issued in the name of Duer;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,764, issued in the name of Moseley;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,794 B1, issued in the name of Tyree;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,066 B1, issued in the name of Williams et al.; and

U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,817 B2, issued in the name of Stringer.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 328,812, issued in the name of Pritchett;

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 341,691, issued in the name of Begum et al.; and

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 370,110, issued in the name of Beam.

Consequently, a need has been felt for a sanitary cover attachable to and removable from a handle of a device, while also providing at least one panel with at least one storage compartment for storing items in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sanitary cover attachable to and removable from a handle of a device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sanitary cover having at least one panel with at least one storage compartment for storing items.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sanitary cover having at least one pocket which comprises insulating material for storing at least one temperature sensitive item.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sanitary cover comprising a first panel and a second panel, wherein first or second panel includes a pocket adapted for storing a communication device.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a sanitary cover comprising a strap attachable to and detachable from the cover.

Briefly described In accordance with one embodiment, a sanitary cover is disclosed comprising a handle segment of sanitary material overlaying an exposed surface of a handle, a first panel depending from the handle segment, the first panel having a front surface and a rear surface, a second panel depending from the handle segment, the second panel having a front surface and a rear surface, and wherein at least one of the first panel or the second panel comprises at least one pocket.

In this embodiment, the handle segment may comprise a non-slip material coupled to the underside surface of the handle segment, the non-slip material engaging the exterior surface of the handle and inhibiting movement of the handle segment relative thereto. Furthermore, each one of the first panel and the second panel may comprise at least one pocket. Additionally, at least one pocket comprises a closure. It is also envisioned that each one of the first panel and the second panel may comprise means for mutually coupling the panels. It is envisioned that the cover further comprises a strap attachable to and detachable from the cover.

In accordance with another embodiment, a sanitary cover is disclosed comprising a handle segment of sanitary material overlaying an exposed surface of a handle, a first panel depending from the handle segment, the first panel having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the first panel comprises at least one pocket on the front surface and at least one pocket on the rear surface, a second panel depending from the handle segment, the second panel having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the second panel comprises at least one pocket on the front surface and at least one pocket on the rear surface, and means for mutually coupling the rear surface of the first panel to the rear surface of the second panel.

In this embodiment, the handle segment may comprise a non-slip material coupled to the underside surface of the handle segment, the non-slip material engaging the exterior surface of the handle and inhibiting movement of the handle segment relative thereto. It is envisioned that at least one pocket may comprise a closure providing ingress and egress to the pocket. It is also envisioned that at least one pocket may comprise insulating material for storing at least one temperature sensitive item. Furthermore, it is envisioned that one of the front surfaces of either the first panel or the second panel may comprise a pocket for storing a communication device. The cover may further comprise a strap attachable to and detachable from the cover, and wherein the cover may comprise means for receiving and coupling with the strap.

In accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of disposable sanitary covers for disposable use is disclosed, each one of the disposable sanitary covers comprising a handle segment of sanitary material overlaying an exposed surface of a handle, a first panel depending from the handle segment, the first panel having a front surface and a rear surface, a second panel depending from the handle segment, the second panel having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein at least one of the first panel or the second panel comprises at least one pocket.

In accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of disposable sanitary covers for disposable use is disclosed, each one of the disposable sanitary covers comprising a handle segment of sanitary material overlaying an exposed surface of a handle, a first panel depending from the handle segment, the first panel having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the first panel comprises at least one pocket on the front surface and at least one pocket on the rear surface, a second panel depending from the handle segment, the second panel having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the second panel comprises at least one pocket on the front surface and at least one pocket on the rear surface, and means for mutually coupling the rear surface of the first panel to the rear surface of the second panel.

In each of the aforementioned embodiments regarding a plurality of disposable covers, the features and combinations summarized above, and described in the description, are envisioned as applicable hereto.

Additionally, in one embodiment of the plurality of disposable covers, it is envisioned that each individual cover is overlapping with adjacent covers and retrieved from a dispenser.

Alternatively, in another embodiment of the plurality of disposable sanitary covers, each individual cover is mutually coupled with adjacent covers and arranged along a cylinder, wherein adjacent covers are defined by perforations, the perforations provided for separating one cover from the adjacent cover.

The use of the present invention provides a means for removably attaching a sanitary cover to a handle of a device, such as a shopping cart, wherein sanitary cover also provides at least one panel with at least one storage compartment for storing items in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the sanitary cover;

FIG. 2 is a back view of the cover;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the front panel having a pocket;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the front panel having a pocket with a flap;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a handle segment having rings;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cover with a strap attached thereto;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a plurality of covers dispensed by a dispenser;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a plurality of covers dispensed from a roll or cylinder; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sanitary cover shown in-use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

1. Detailed Description of the Figures

It is to be noted that reference to a handle H includes any handle attached to other apparatuses and devices, including push or pull shopping carts S, strollers, carrying cases, vacuum cleaners or carpet cleaners, and a variety of other similar apparatuses and devices, despite any specific illustrations or descriptions that may be used to explain the details of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 9, one embodiment disclosed describes a sanitary cover 10 that may comprise a flexible handle segment 12, the segment 12 having an axis A-A coextensive to the axis of the handle H so that the segment 12 overlays and substantially covers the handle H. The cover 12 may further comprise a first panel 14 mutually coupled with and depending from one edge or margin 12′ of the segment 12, the first panel 14 having a front surface 14a and an opposing rear surface 14b. The first panel 14 may comprise at least one compartment or pocket 18, or may comprise a plurality of compartments or pockets 18. The compartment(s) or pocket(s) 18 may be provided on either the front surface 14a or the rear surface 14b, or, alternatively, may be provided on both the front surface 14a and the rear surface 14b. The cover 12 may further comprise a second panel 16 mutually coupled with and depending from one edge or margin 12″ of the segment 12, wherein edge or margin 12′ and edge or margin 12″ are mutually opposed. The second panel 16 comprises a front surface 16a and an opposing rear surface 16b. The second panel 16 may comprise at least one compartment or pocket 18, or may comprise a plurality of compartments or pockets 18. The compartment(s) or pocket(s) (hereinafter “pocket(s)”) 18 may be provided on either the front surface 16a or the rear surface 16b, or, alternatively, may be provided on both the front surface 16a and the rear surface 16b. These features, and the variations provided, describe a cover 10 that may comprise one pocket 18 or multiple pockets 18 along multiple surfaces 14a, 14b, 16a and/or 16b, respectively.

It is envisioned that the segment 12 and panels 14, 16 may be fabricated from a variety of materials, separately or in combination, including but not limited to material that may be cleaned repeatedly, such as soft vinyl, polymers and/or plastics, or material that may naturally possess or accept anti-bacterial agents through periodic impregnation, or material that is impermeable to contaminants passing from the handle H surface and onto the exposed surface of the cover 10, among the possibilities. It is envisioned that the material(s) are pliable and flexible to permit conformity of the cover 10 and its elements substantially to the respective geometry of the handle H.

It is envisioned that segment 12 may include a non-slip material 26 provided on the underside of the segment 12, inhibiting unnecessary movement of the segment 12 once positioned onto the handle H. The non-slip material 26 may comprise a variety of material(s), separately or in combination, including any material imparting friction onto the exterior surface of the handle H. Materials envisioned include grits (such as sanding or cutting grits), tacky or adhesive materials, and textured, raised or pebbled surfaces (such as cleats).

It is also envisioned that segment 12 may comprise an aperture 28, or apertures, or alternatively an attached ring 30, or rings, or alternatively a combination of aperture(s) 28 and ring(s) 30, to receive an one end of a strap 32. The strap 32 may have two opposing ends 32′ and 32″. Each end 32′ and/or 32″ may have a hook, clip or other similar mechanical device for mechanically securing the ends 32′ and/or 32″ to the aperture(s) 28 and/or the ring(s) 30. The strap 32 may be utilized in transporting the cover 10 from one destination to another.

The panels 14, 16 may comprise mutually complementary couplers 20 along facing surfaces 14b and 16b, for instance, for mutually coupling the rear surface 14b of first panel 14 with the rear surface 16b of the second panel 16. Such an arrangement may provide additional stability of the cover 10 when placed onto a handle H. It is envisioned that the couplers 20 may be positioned anywhere along the surfaces 14b, 16b. The couplers 20 may comprise a variety of elements or devices, including hook and loop material, magnets, buttons, snaps, removable adhesive tabs, or other similar devices, or a plurality of each, or a plurality of each in combination with one or more alternatives.

The pocket(s) 18 may comprise a variety of materials and/or arrangements. For instance, the pocket(s) 18 may be fabricated from the same or similar material(s) as the material(s) used in the fabrication of the segment 12 and/or the panels 14, 16. Alternatively, the pocket(s) 18 may be fabricated from other materials. It is also envisioned that the pocket(s) 18 may be fabricated from a material that possesses high insulative qualities, such that placement of temperature sensitive items (e.g. medication—diabetic insulin) may be achieved. Likewise, the pocket(s) 18 may comprise a semi-transparent webbing of a pliable and returnably resilient material. Furthermore, the pocket(s) 18 may comprise a transparent material. In a multiple pocket 18 embodiment, the pockets 18 may be non-descript, so that multiple pockets 18 are substantially similar to one another. Conversely, it is envisioned that the pockets 18 may be differentiated and dedicated to storing particular items. For instance, one pocket 18 may be dedicated to storing electronic communication, recording, or media playback devices. Other embodiments may include dedicated pockets for portable electronic storage media devices (such as flash drives, flash disks, floppy disks, and the like). Other embodiments may include dedicated pockets for placement of identification materials, wallets, notes, coupons, change, and a myriad of other possibilies.

The pocket(s) 18 may further comprise a closure 22 for enclosing the items or contents placed into the pocket(s) 18. The closure 22 may comprise hook and loop material, magnets, buttons, snaps, zippers, removable adhesive tabs, or other similar devices, or a plurality of each, or a plurality of each in combination with one or more alternatives. It is further envisioned that the pocket(s) 18 may have a flap 24 that further includes a closure 22 of any of the varieties and equivalents described.

It is also envisioned that a plurality of sanitary covers 50 may be utilized for use in a disposable manner. Each cover 50 would possess substantially the same features and arrangements as disclosed above in accordance with the description related to cover 10. In one embodiment, the covers 50 may be positioned to overlap with one another within a dispenser or container. Thus, each cover 50 may be individually removed from the dispenser or container for use by an individual, and then disposed after a desired number of uses. Alternatively, and in another embodiment, the covers 50 may be arranged as a continuous roll, with perforations provided to facilitate separation of one individual cover from an adjacently positioned cover. The roll of covers 50 may be further enclosed within a dispenser or container. In an embodiment having a plurality of sanitary covers 50, the number of pockets 18 that might be used in each individual cover 10 may be limited to accommodate dimension requirements or limitations. Similarly, the number and type of couplers 20 and/or closures 22, respectively, may also be limited to accommodate dimension requirements, and to reduce production costs if necessary. At the least, but not limited herein to this specific embodiment, the disposable covers 50 may be fabricated from protective material, in which each individual cover 10 comprises a segment 12, a front panel 14 and a rear panel 16, wherein at least one pocket 18 is placed on either the front panel 14 or the rear panel 16.

The use of the present invention provides a means for removably attaching a sanitary cover to a handle of a device, such as a shopping cart, wherein sanitary cover also provides at least one panel with at least one storage compartment for storing items in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

To use the present invention, user overlays the flexible handle segment 12 portion of sanitary cover 10 over a desired handle H. User couples panels 14, 16 via couplers 20.

Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following Claims.

Claims

1. A sanitary cover comprising:

a handle segment of sanitary material overlaying an exposed surface of a handle;

a first panel depending from the handle segment, the first panel having a front surface and a rear surface; and

a second panel depending from the handle segment, the second panel having a front surface and a rear surface;

wherein at least one of the first panel or the second panel comprises at least one pocket.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the handle segment comprises a non-slip material coupled to the underside surface of the handle segment, the non-slip material engaging the exterior surface of the handle and inhibiting movement of the handle segment relative thereto.

3. The cover of claim 1, wherein each one of the first panel and the second panel comprises at least one pocket.

4. The cover of claim 3, wherein at least one pocket comprises a closure.

5. The cover of claim 1, wherein each one of the first panel and the second panel comprises means for mutually coupling the panels.

6. The cover of claim 1 further comprising a strap attachable to and detachable from the cover.

7. A sanitary cover comprising:

a handle segment of sanitary material overlaying an exposed surface of a handle;

a first panel depending from the handle segment, the first panel having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the first panel comprises at least one pocket on the front surface and at least one pocket on the rear surface;

a second panel depending from the handle segment, the second panel having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the second panel comprises at least one pocket on the front surface and at least one pocket on the rear surface; and

a means for mutually coupling the rear surface of the first panel to the rear surface of the second panel.

8. The cover of claim 7, wherein the handle segment comprises a non-slip material coupled to the underside surface of the handle segment, the non-slip material engaging the exterior surface of the handle and inhibiting movement of the handle segment relative thereto.

9. The cover of claim 7, wherein at least one pocket comprises a closure providing ingress and egress to the pocket.

10. The cover of claim 7, wherein at least one pocket comprises insulating material for storing at least one temperature sensitive item.

11. The cover of claim 7, wherein one of the front surfaces of either the first panel or the second panel comprises a pocket for storing a communication device.

12. The cover of claim 7 further comprising a strap attachable to and detachable from the cover.

13. The cover of claim 12, wherein the cover comprises means for receiving and coupling with the strap.

14. A plurality of disposable sanitary covers for disposable use, each one of the disposable sanitary covers comprising:

a handle segment of sanitary material overlaying an exposed surface of a handle;

a first panel depending from the handle segment, the first panel having a front surface and a rear surface; and

a second panel depending from the handle segment, the second panel having a front surface and a rear surface;

wherein at least one of the first panel or the second panel comprises at least one pocket.

15. The plurality of disposable sanitary covers of claim 14, wherein the handle segment comprises a non-slip material coupled to the underside surface of the handle segment, the non-slip material engaging the exterior surface of the handle and inhibiting movement of the handle segment relative thereto.

16. The plurality of disposable sanitary covers of claim 14, wherein at least one pocket comprises a closure providing ingress and egress to the pocket.

17. The plurality of disposable sanitary covers of claim 14, wherein at least one pocket comprises insulating material for storing at least one temperature sensitive item.

18. The plurality of disposable sanitary covers of claim 14, wherein one of the front surfaces of either the first panel or the second panel comprises a pocket for storing a communication device.

19. The plurality of disposable sanitary covers of claim 14, wherein each individual cover is overlapping with adjacent covers and retrieved from a dispenser.

20. The plurality of disposable sanitary covers of claim 14, wherein each individual cover is mutually coupled with adjacent covers and arranged along a cylinder, wherein adjacent covers are defined by perforations, the perforations provided for separating one cover from the adjacent cover.