Apparatus for holding objects and methods of using and making the same
An apparatus holds and/or grasps objects. The apparatus serves as a universal non-slip handle allowing users to hold and manipulate various sizes and shapes of objects, including, for example, beverage containers. Specifically, the apparatus is particularly useful for users having reduced hand function and/or grip strength. A non-slip strap allows objects, including beverage containers, to be gripped securely. Moreover, the non-slip strap allows an object of awkward shape and/or made from slippery materials and/or covered in condensation to be held and/or grasped that may otherwise cause the object to slip from the user's grasp or the grasp of another holder. An adjustable handle may be adjusted to fit the user's hand and/or appendage. Moreover, the non-slip strap may be removed and replaced without replacement of the entire apparatus.
The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/240,633, filed on Sep. 8, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to an apparatus for holding items and methods of using and making the same. The apparatus may serve as a universal non-slip handle allowing users to hold and manipulate various sizes and shapes of objects, including, for example, beverage containers or commonly manipulated items of non-uniform cross section such as razors, toothbrushes, shower handles, and other like items that may be difficult to grasp. Specifically, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly useful for users having reduced hand function and/or grip strength. The apparatus comprises a non-slip strap that allows objects, including beverage containers, to be gripped securely. Moreover, the non-slip strap allows a user to hold and/or grasp an object of awkward shape and/or made from slippery materials and/or covered in condensation that may typically cause the object to slip from the user's grasp or the grasp of another holder. Moreover, the present invention relates to an apparatus having an adjustable handle that may be adjusted to fit the user's hand. The handle further includes attachment means allowing for replacement of the non-slip strap without replacement of the entire apparatus.
BACKGROUNDIt is, of course, generally known to utilize one's hands to grasp and/or manipulate objects. Specifically, a person's hands typically have ten fully functional digits that may be utilized by a person to easily grasp an object, even if the object is awkwardly shaped. Moreover, the digits, or fingers, of a person's hand includes fingerprints that allow for, generally, non-slip gripping and/or grasping of an object, even if the object is awkwardly shaped, constructed of slippery materials and/or covered in condensation.
However, many individuals may lose the ability to manipulate his or her hands or digits, making it difficult to grasp and/or hold objects. For example, in many cases, individuals may be born with an inability to manipulate his or her fingers and/or hands, making it difficult to hold and/or grasp objects. Moreover, accidents involving brain injuries or other physical injuries may make it difficult for an individual to manipulate his or her fingers and/or hands. In these situations, it may be difficult to hold and/or grasp an object.
Other devices that may be utilized to aid an individual in holding and/or grasping objects may not be adjustable so that objects of varied sizes may be held and/or grasped. Other devices that may be adjustable often require tools to do so and may require an excessive mechanical force to be applied to the object to prevent it from slipping. Moreover, other devices may not provide proper gripping of the object, causing the object to slip from the devices, especially objects that are awkward in shape, made from slippery materials and/or objects covered in condensation, such as beverage containers. In addition, other known devices require additional straps or other supports for holding an object from the bottom of the object in addition to wrapping a strap or disposing a holder around a circumference of the object to prevent the object from slipping out the bottom of the device.
A need, therefore, exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same for holding and/or grasping objects. Specifically, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same allowing for adjustment of the apparatus to hold and/or grasp objects of various sizes and shapes. For example, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same allowing for adjustments to hold and/or grasp objects having different shaped cross-sections, such as round, square, triangular, and other like shapes, and including objects of awkward size and shape.
In addition, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that maintains and/or has a heightened ability to grip, hold and/or grasp an object that may be constructed of slippery materials and/or may have condensation develop thereon, such as beverage containers.
Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that may be simpler to use than existing products and does not require the necessity to use separate tools for adjusting the same. Further, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that includes a sturdy and/or adjustable handle that may be adjusted to fit a user's hand and/or appendage.
Still further, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same having a replaceable strap attachment means, allowing for installation and/or replacement of the straps and/or allowing for straps of differing lengths to be used to accommodate an even wider range of objects of different sizes and/or shapes. Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same allowing for manipulation of the apparatus on an object to adjust the location of the apparatus on the object to optimize balance and ease of manipulation of the object.
Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same wherein the apparatus requires neither additional straps nor a holder or support to hold an object from beneath the object.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an apparatus for holding items and methods of using and making the same. The apparatus may serve as a universal non-slip handle allowing users to hold and manipulate various sizes and shapes of objects, including, for example, beverage containers. Specifically, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly useful for users having reduced hand function and/or grip strength. The apparatus comprises a non-slip strap that allows objects, including beverage containers, to be gripped securely. Moreover, the non-slip strap allows an object of awkward shape and/or made from slippery materials and/or covered in condensation that may cause the object to slip from the user's grasp or the grasp of another holder. Moreover, the present invention relates to an apparatus having an adjustable handle that may be adjusted to fit the user's hand and/or other appendage. The handle further includes attachment means allowing for replacement of the non-slip strap without replacement of the entire apparatus.
To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for holding an object is provided. The apparatus comprises a handle; and a flexible strap attached to the handle, said strap having a length, a first side, a second side, and attachment means for forming a loop with the strap having a perimeter, wherein the first side of the strap forms an inside surface of the loop and further wherein the first side of the strap comprises at least a portion having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction to provide a secure grip on the object, wherein the perimeter of the loop conforms to a shape of an object when the object is disposed within the loop without retaining a memory of the shape of the object when the object is removed from the loop.
In an embodiment, the handle has a first leg, a second leg and a bend between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg and second leg are disposed downwardly with the bend at the top of the handle.
In an embodiment, the handle is bendable to move the first leg toward or away from the second leg.
In an embodiment, the perimeter of the loop is adjustable.
In an embodiment, the strap is removably attached to the handle.
In an embodiment, the handle comprises at least one slot for receiving the strap and holding the strap to the handle.
In an embodiment, the attachment means comprises a first mating portion at a first location on the strap and a second mating portion at a second location on the strap, wherein the first mating portion mates with the second mating portion to form the loop.
In an embodiment, the strap has a first end and a second end and the first mating portion is disposed at the first end of the strap.
In an embodiment, the strap has a first end and a second end and further wherein the strap has a buckle disposed on the second end of the strap, wherein the first end of the strap is disposed through the buckle to form the loop.
In an embodiment, the first mating portion is disposed on the first end of the strap and the first mating portion mates with the second mating portion after being disposed through the buckle to form the loop.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of using an apparatus for holding objects is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing an apparatus for holding an object, the apparatus comprising a handle and a flexible strap attached to the handle, said strap having a length, a first side, a second side, and attachment means for forming a loop wherein the first side of the strap forms an inside surface of the loop and further wherein the first side comprises at least a portion having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction; disposing the strap around an object and conforming the strap to the shape of the object; and using the attachment means to form the loop with the strap wherein the strap holds the object within the loop without retaining a memory of the shape of the object when the object is removed from the loop.
In an embodiment, the handle is bendable, and further comprises the step of bending the handle to conform to a user's hand.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing at least one slot in the handle; and disposing the strap through at least one slot in the handle to hold the strap to the handle.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing a first mating portion of the attachment means at a first location on the strap; providing a second mating portion of the attachment means at a second location on the strap; and mating the first mating portion with the second mating portion to form the loop with the strap.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing a first end of the strap and a second end of the strap; disposing a buckle at a second end of the strap; and feeding the first end of the strap through the buckle prior to mating the first mating portion with the second mating portion to form the loop.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for holding an object is provided. The apparatus comprises a flexible loop for holding an object within the loop wherein the perimeter of the loop is adjustable, the loop having an inside surface and an outside surface, said inside surface contacting the object when holding the object within the loop, the inside surface having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction.
In an embodiment, the inside surface has a coefficient of friction greater than about 2.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of making an apparatus for holding objects is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a strap having a first side and a second side; and disposing a material on the first side of the strap wherein the material has a sufficiently high coefficient of friction.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing a bonding material between the high coefficient of friction material and the strap; and RF-welding the high coefficient of friction material to the strap having the bonding material disposed therebetween.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing a handle; and attaching the strap to the handle.
It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same for holding and/or grasping objects. Specifically, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that allows for adjustments of the apparatus to hold and/or grasp objects of various sizes and shapes. For example, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same allowing for adjustments to hold and/or grasp objects having different shaped cross-sections, such as round, square, triangular, and other like shapes.
In addition, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that maintains and/or provides a heightened ability to grip, hold and/or grasp an object that may be constructed of slippery materials and/or may have condensation develop thereon, such as beverage containers.
Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that may be simpler to use than existing products and does not require the necessity to use separate tools for adjusting the same.
Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that includes a sturdy and/or adjustable handle that may be adjusted to fit a user's hand and/or other appendage.
Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same having a replaceable strap attachment means allowing for installation and/or replacement of the straps and/or providing for straps of differing lengths to accommodate an even wider range of objects of different sizes and/or shapes.
Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same allowing for manipulation of the apparatus on an object to adjust the location of the apparatus on the object to optimize balance and ease of manipulation.
Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same wherein the apparatus requires neither additional straps nor a holder or support to hold an object from beneath the object.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.
The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present embodiments, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.
The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding items and methods of using and making the same. The apparatus may serve as a universal non-slip handle allowing users to hold and manipulate various sizes and shapes of objects, including, for example, beverage containers. Specifically, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly useful for users having reduced hand function and/or grip strength. The apparatus comprises a non-slip strap that allows objects, including beverage containers, to be gripped securely. Moreover, the non-slip strap allows users to hold and/or grasp an object of awkward shape and/or made from slippery materials and/or covered in condensation that may typically cause the object to slip from the user's grasp or the grasp of another holder. Moreover, the present invention relates to an apparatus having an adjustable handle that may be adjusted to fit the user's hand. The handle further includes attachment means allowing for replacement of the non-slip strap without replacement of the entire apparatus.
Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts,
Alternatively, the strap 14 may be rigidly adhered and/or bolted to the handle 10, such as by using a welding process, such as via ultrasonic, heat staking, or other like process. Moreover, the strap 14 may be rigidly attached to the handle 10 using pop rivets, snaps, buttons, nuts and bolts, screws, or other like attachment means as apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art.
The strap 14 may further include a buckle 12 disposed on an end of the strap 14. The buckle 12 may be a loop of rigid material, such as metal, plastic or other like material. In a preferred embodiment, the buckle 12 may be a D-shaped or rectangular loop made from a plastic material. The strap 14 may consist of a hook-and-loop material 28 that may be utilized to adhere the strap 14 in a loop-shaped configuration, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
Specifically,
The slot 52 may be created by the distance between the holder 54 and the main portion 58 of the handle 50 and may allow the strap 14 to rest within the slot 52, thereby allowing the handle 50 to hold the strap 14 when in use. As illustrated in
Referring again to
Constructing the handle 10 from bendable material may allow a user to bend the handle 10 such that the handle legs 31 and, hence, handle ends 32 may be disposed toward or away from each other allowing the handle to be sized appropriately for the user's hand.
In an alternate embodiment, a portion of the handle 10 may be constructed from a rigid, unbendable material and a portion may be constructed from a bendable material. For example, the handle 10 may have the bend 33 or a portion that includes the bend 33 made from bendable material with the remainder made from rigid unbendable material such that the handle legs 31 and, hence, handle ends 32 may be disposed toward or away from each other, thereby allowing the handle 10 to be sized appropriately for the user's hand 24.
The handle 10 may be uncoated, and may have a harperized and/or vibratory deburred finish to round edges and provide for user comfort. Preferably, however, the handle 10 may be coated with a soft, rubbery coating to aid in providing comfort to a user of the handle 10. The coating may be applied via injection over-molding, dip-molding, by attaching a pre-fabricated grip, by applying a heat-shrink tubing thereon, or via any other method apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
In an alternate embodiment, the handle 10 may have shapes disposed thereon allowing the handle 10 to be used, without the strap 14, to hook or otherwise be attached to a can, for example, to turn the beverage can into a can with a handle, such as a mug or the like. This may be accomplished by removing the strap 14 and affixing the shapes on the handle 10 to the beverage container (not shown).
The handle 10 may have other features. For example, the handle 10 may be manufactured in an injected molded version or otherwise may be an easily customizable version to allow the attachment of branding messages or other like messages and/or colors to the handle 10. Moreover, the handle 10 may be formed utilizing a plurality of pieces that may be swapped or replaced, either to increase the comfort to the user (such as by adding softer rubbery material to the handle) or to change the branding that is provided on the handle 10. Moreover, the handle 10 may have separate molded halves that may be disposed together to form the handle 10. For example, the handle may have a splined interface, allowing the inner space of the handle 10 to be incrementally adjusted to the user's hand. As such, the splined connection may be held together with a captive torsional spring or a threaded screw and wing nut. Of course, the handle 10 may be formed in any color or particular shape to be utilized for promotional purposes, and may include logos, badges, names, and/or other branding materials.
Now referring to
The non-slip material 16 may be generally the same width and length as the strap 14, although the non-slip material 16 may be greater or lesser in width and/or greater or lesser in length, as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the non-slip material 16 may be disposed in one or more discrete locations on the first side of the strap 14, or, preferably, may be disposed over the majority of the surface of the first side of the strap 14.
The non-slip material 16 may be permanently adhered to the strap 14 with an adhesive, such as a polyurethane adhesive, or any other adhesive known to one having ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the non-slip material 16 may be sewn thereon, heat-sealed, ultrasonically welded, or attached using any other method apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the non-slip material 16 may be permanently adhered to the strap 14 via RF-welding. More preferred, the non-slip material 16 may be permanently adhered to the strap 14 via RF-welding, with a strip of polyurethane material acting as a bonding layer and disposed between the strap 14 and the non-slip material 16. Alternatively, the non-slip material 16 may be removably attached to the strap 14 so that the non-slip material 16 may be removed and cleaned and/or replaced as needed. In addition, the strap 14 may include a layer of insulating material, such as a foam, gel, or other like material, disposed thereon for maintaining the temperature of the object 16 and/or the contents thereof, such as a hot or a cold beverage contained within the object 16. Additionally, the strap 14 may be manufactured with screen printed or otherwise may be an easily customizable version to allow the attachment of branding messages or other like messages and/or colors to the strap 14 or alternatively the strap 14 may itself be constructed of different color components.
Now referring to
Preferably, in use the end of the strap 14 containing the hook fastener portion 22 may be disposed through the buckle 12 to form a loop, with the non-slip material 16 forming the inside surface of the loop. Preferably, the loop wraps around an object that is desired to be held and/or grasped. The non-slip material 16 may contact the object and hold the object in place due to the relatively high coefficient of friction of the non-slip material 16. The hook fastener portion 22 may fold back and be disposed directly on the loop fastener portion 20, whereby the hook fastener portion 22 and the loop fastener portion 20 may mate and be held rigidly but removably in place due to the interaction between the hook fastener portion 22 and the loop fastener portion 20.
Although the present invention preferably includes the hook-and-loop fastener material, as described above, the strap 14 may be affixed to itself to form the loop in any way apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, and the invention should not be limited as described herein. For example, the strap 14 may include snaps, buttons, slots, buckles and other like fastening means for affixing the strap 14 to itself to form the loop.
Now referring to
The strap 14 may be of any length apparent to hold an object therein when wrapped around the object 26, depending on the size of the object 26. For example, in
Moreover, the strap 14 may be flexible and may easily conform to the cross-sectional shape of the object held within the loop formed. For example, the strap 14 may form a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a round cross-section, an oval cross-section, or any other shape apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. As noted above, the strap 14 may preferably not retain a memory of the shape of the object when the object is removed from the loop formed by the strap 14, so that the strap 14 may easily conform to the shape of another object.
It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.
Claims
1. An apparatus for holding an object comprising:
- a handle; and
- a flexible strap attached to the handle, said strap having a length, a first side, a second side, and attachment means for forming a loop with the strap having a perimeter, wherein the first side of the strap forms an inside surface of the loop and further wherein the first side of the strap comprises at least a portion having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction to provide a secure grip on the object, wherein the perimeter of the loop conforms to a shape of an object when the object is disposed within the loop without retaining a memory of the shape of the object when the object is removed from the loop.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle has a first leg, a second leg and a bend between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg and second leg are disposed downwardly with the bend at the top of the handle.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the handle is bendable to move the first leg toward or away from the second leg.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the perimeter of the loop is adjustable.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the strap is removably attached to the handle.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle comprises at least one slot for receiving the strap and holding the strap to the handle.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment means comprises a first mating portion at a first location on the strap and a second mating portion at a second location on the strap, wherein the first mating portion mates with the second mating portion to form the loop.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the strap has a first end and a second end and the first mating portion is disposed at the first end of the strap.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the strap has a first end and a second end and further wherein the strap has a buckle disposed on the second end of the strap, wherein the first end of the strap is disposed through the buckle to form the loop.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first mating portion is disposed on the first end of the strap and the first mating portion mates with the second mating portion after being disposed through the buckle to form the loop.
11. A method of using an apparatus for holding objects, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an apparatus for holding an object, the apparatus comprising a handle and a flexible strap attached to the handle, said strap having a length, a first side, a second side, and attachment means for forming a loop wherein the first side of the strap forms an inside surface of the loop and further wherein the first side comprises at least a portion having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction; and
- disposing the strap around an object and conforming the strap to the shape of the object; and
- using the attachment means to form the loop with the strap wherein the strap holds the object within the loop without retaining a memory of the shape of the object when the object is removed from the loop.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the handle is bendable, and further comprising the steps of:
- bending the handle to conform to a user's hand.
13. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one slot in the handle; and
- disposing the strap through at least one slot in the handle to hold the strap to the handle.
14. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of:
- providing a first mating portion of the attachment means at a first location on the strap;
- providing a second mating portion of the attachment means at a second location on the strap; and
- mating the first mating portion with the second mating portion to form the loop with the strap.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of:
- providing a first end of the strap and a second end of the strap;
- disposing a buckle at a second end of the strap; and
- feeding the first end of the strap through the buckle prior to mating the first mating portion with the second mating portion to form the loop.
16. An apparatus for holding an object comprising:
- a flexible loop for holding an object within the loop wherein the perimeter of the loop is adjustable, the loop having an inside surface and an outside surface, said inside surface contacting the object when holding the object within the loop, the inside surface having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the inside surface has a coefficient of friction greater than about 2.
18. A method of making an apparatus for holding objects, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a strap having a first side and a second side and
- disposing a material on the first side of the strap wherein the material has a sufficiently high coefficient of friction.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the steps of:
- providing a bonding material between the high coefficient of friction material and the strap; and
- RF-welding the high coefficient of friction material to the strap having the bonding material disposed therebetween.
20. The method of claim 18 further comprising the steps of:
- providing a handle; and
- attaching the strap to the handle.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 8, 2010
Publication Date: Mar 10, 2011
Inventors: Luke Westra (Chicago, IL), Brent Baribeau (Denver, CO)
Application Number: 12/877,800
International Classification: A45F 5/00 (20060101);