SAFE-T-GRIP

Abstract

The current invention is an apparatus that allows the user to easily lift a container. Specifically, the apparatus is a set of handles that can be attached to a container after market or can be integrated into the container's design during the manufacturing process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from provisional patent application 61/101,350 filed on 30 Sep. 2008 and incorporates that application in its entirety herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The current invention is an apparatus that allows the user to easily lift a container. Specifically, the apparatus is a set of handles that can be attached to a container post manufacture or can be integrated into the container's design during the manufacturing process. The container can be a box or a bag, for example. The type of bag referred to herein are the type which distributors commonly use to sell concrete, dog food, or compost, amongst others. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the set of handles can be used with any type of container.

More often, than not, bags or boxes must be lifted from a position below the knee—a recipe for disaster. Bags and boxes with handles make the bags/boxes manageable when moving from one location to another.

Medical science tells us the proper method to lift a heavy object is to: (1) stand close to the object being lifted; (2) place feet shoulder length apart; (3) bend at the knees, keeping the back straight; and (4) lift with the legs, while tightening the abdominal muscles. However, the common user of bags or boxes bends at the waist and lifts with awkward geometry, using his lower back, causing at best, only discomfort in the lower back. Additionally, because of the bulk and awkward geometry of the bags or boxes, it is difficult for the lifter to get a secure grip on the bag. Finally, the weight of the bag or box may not be evenly distributed and cause further problems.

Ross, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,625,318 (Jan. 13, 1953), placed a pair of handles on one end of a bag. Handles in such a configuration may allow an individual with highly developed biceps to lift the concrete bag easily. Unfortunately, many users of the handles will not have such highly developed biceps. The user of the handles will simply bend at the waist, using his lower back to jerk the bag up a few inches off the ground, and carry the weight of the concrete bag on his lower back while moving it to the desired location. Additionally, the handles, in the Ross configuration, can be used to drag the concrete bag from one location to another. However, a material defect in the concrete bag or rough terrain may cause the concrete bag to tear during transport.

The current apparatus will allow the user to easily lift a container. FIG. 1 shows a user lifting a container using a set of handles as described herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention is an apparatus that allows the user to easily lift a container. Specifically, the apparatus is a set of handles that can be attached to a container after market or can be integrated into the container's design during the manufacturing process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a user lifting a container using a set of handles;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a set of handles described herein;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a set of handles attached to a bag;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a set of handles attached to a box; and

FIG. 5 is a front view of a set of handles attached to a box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 2, the current invention is a set of handles (10). The handles (10) form a loop. The length (x) and thickness (y) of the loop are proportional to the combined weight of the container and material to be carried in said container. The set of handles has a first end (11) and a second end (12). The set of handles (10) is affixed to a container evenly distributing the weight of the container allowing the lifter to easily and safely lift the container. Although the paragraphs below describe one set of handles (10) attached to a container, it will be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art that more than one set of handles (10) can be used on a container.

Referring to FIG. 3, in one preferred embodiment, at least one set of handles (10) is affixed to a bag (13). The one set of handles (10) can be affixed to a bag during the manufacturing process or after market. The bag (13) comprises at least one plane (14); said plane (14) has a near end (15) and a distal end (16). The set of handles (10) lies on the plane (14) so that the first end (11) of the set of handles (10) hangs off the near end (15) of the bag (13) and the second end (12) of the set of handles (10) hangs off the distal end (16) of the bag (13).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in another preferred embodiment, at least one set of handles (10) is affixed to a box (17) during the manufacturing process or after market. The box (17) comprises at least one plane (18); said plane has a near end (19) and a distal end (20). The set of handles (10) lies on the plane (18) so that the first end (11) of the set of handles (10) hangs off the near end (19) of the box (17) and the second end (12) of the set of handles (10) hangs off the distal end (20) of the box (17).

Claims

1. An apparatus that allows a user to easily lift containers; said apparatus is at least one set of handles.

2. The at least one set of handles of claim 1 is shaped as a loop; said loop comprises a first end and a second end.

3. The at least one set of handles of claim 2 is affixed to a bag.

4. The at least one set of handles of claim 3 has a length and a width; said length and width are directly proportional to the combined weight of the bag of claim 3 and said bag's content.

5. The bag of claim 3 comprises at least one plane having at least a near end and a distal end.

6. The at least one set of handles of claim 4 lays on the at least one plane of claim 5 with the first end of claim 2 hanging off the near end of claim 5 and the second end of claim 2 hanging off the distal end of claim 5.

7. The at least one set of handles of claim 2 is affixed to a container.

8. The at least one set of handles of claim 7 has a length and a width; said length and width are directly proportional to the combined weight of the container of claim 7 and said container's contents.

9. The container of claim 7 comprises at least one plane having at least a near end and a distal end.

10. The at least one set of handles of claim 7 lays on the at least one plane of claim 9 with the first end of claim 2 hanging off the near end of claim 9 and the second end of claim 2 hanging off the distal end of claim 9.

11. A method to use the at least one set of set of handles of claim 1 comprises grasping each end of the handle.