DEVICE FOR HANDLES

Abstract

Systems and methods of the invention relate to a device that can couple around one or more handles on a bag to alleviate a pressure or force from the bag. A device can include a padded member encased or housed between a first planar layer and a second non-planar layer, wherein a first end of the first planar layer can couple and decouple to a second end (opposite of the first end). The coupling an decoupling of the device allows connectivity to one or more handles of the bag such that the padded member reduces force on a hand or shoulder that is supporting the bag during carrying.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/752,247, filed Jan. 14, 2013, and entitled “DEVICE FOR HANDLES” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/777,176, filed Mar. 12, 2013, and entitled “DEVICE FOR HANDLES.” The entireties of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to a device that attaches to handles of a bag to facilitate a force bore by a carrier (e.g., user) of the bag.

2. Discussion Of Art

A bag (also referred to as a sack) is a tool in the form of a non-rigid container. Evidence suggests bags have existed in prior times of recorded history with the earliest bags being constructed from lengths of animal skin or woven plant fibers by folding up at the edges and being secured in that shape with strings of the same material. Despite their simplicity, bags have been fundamental to human civilization, as they allow people to easily collect items or transport items. In particular, bags can include one or more handles affixed to a location on the bag to facilitate carrying/lifting the bag by use of a hand. It may be desirable to have a system and method that differs from those systems and methods that are currently available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, a device is provided that includes a padded member that protects a shoulder by absorbing a portion of force. The device further includes a flexible member having a top side opposite a bottom side, the flexible member includes a length, a width, and a first end opposite of a second end. The padded member can be encased between the top side and the bottom side in which encasement provides the bottom side to be substantially flat and even and the top side includes a bulge. The device can further include a connecting means attached to a portion of the first end and a portion of the second end, the connecting means is configured to enable the first end to couple to the second end in a direction along the width.

In an embodiment, a device is provided that includes a first lateral portion opposed a second lateral portion, each with a respective lateral thickness, and a central portion having a central thickness. The device can further include a padded member within the central portion. The device can include a hook portion affixed to a first side of the first lateral portion, a loop portion affixed to a second side opposite of the first side on the second lateral portion, the hook portion couples and decouples with the loop portion. The central thickness of the device is greater than the respective lateral thicknesses of the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion.

In an embodiment, a system can be provided that includes a device and a bag with at least one handle affixed to a location situated on the bag. The device includes a first planar layer affixed to a second non-planar layer, wherein a padded member is housed between the first planar layer and the second non-planar layer. The device further includes the housing of the padded member within the first planar layer and the second non-planar layer created a bulge in the second non-planar layer. The device includes a first lateral portion opposed to a second lateral portion, each with a respective lateral thickness, and a central portion having a central thickness. The padded member of the device is included within the central portion.

The device further includes a hook portion affixed to a first side of the first lateral portion and a loop portion affixed to a second side opposite of the first side on the second lateral portion, wherein the hook portion couples and decouples with the loop portion. The central thickness of the device is greater than the respective lateral thicknesses the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion. The device includes a first portion of stitching around a perimeter of both the first planar layer and the second non-planar layer to affix the first planar layer to the second non-planar layer and a second portion of stitching around a perimeter of the padded member and through the first planar layer and the second non-planar layer and to secure the padded member within the device. The system includes the loop portion and the hook portion of the device is attached around the at least one handle of the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which particular embodiments and further benefits of the invention are illustrated as described in more detail in the description below, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a device that includes a padded member to protect from a force while carrying a bag;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of a device in an open condition that protects a user while carrying or lifting a bag;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an embodiment of a device in a closed condition;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of a device in a closed condition around one or more handles of a bag;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of a device in an open condition with a width and a length;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross-section of a device that protects a shoulder or a hand while carrying a bag; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for fabricating a device that attaches to a bag for added protection while carrying the bag with a hand or a shoulder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for a device that can couple around one or more handles on a bag to alleviate a pressure or force from the bag. A device can include a padded member encased or housed between a first planar layer and a second non-planar layer, wherein a first end of the first planar layer can couple and decouple to a second end (opposite of the first end). The coupling and decoupling of the device allows connectivity to one or more handles of the bag such that the padded member reduces force on a hand or shoulder that is supporting the bag during carrying.

With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean a given embodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments of the invention include such elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a device 100 that includes a padded member 112 to protect from a force while carrying a bag (not shown). The device 100 can include a first lateral portion 102, a second lateral portion 106, and a central portion 104, wherein the first lateral portion 102 is opposed of the second lateral portion 106 each with a respective lateral thickness. The first lateral portion 102, the second lateral portion 106, and the central portion 104 can comprise a flexible member that encases the padded member 112. The device 100 can include a top side (illustrated in FIG. 1) and a bottom side (shown in FIG. 2).

The flexible member (e.g., the first lateral portion 102, the second lateral portion 106, and the central portion 104) can be configured to an open condition (as shown) or a closed position (not shown but illustrated in FIG. 3). The device 100 can be configured to the closed position or the open condition by coupling or decoupling between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposite of the second end (e.g., the first end is associated with the first lateral portion 102 and the second end is associated with the second lateral portion 106). It is to be appreciated that a mechanism or system can be employed to enable a coupling and/or de-coupling in which the connectivity is a temporal basis. By way of example and not limitation, the connecting system or means can be, but is not limited to being, a hook-and-loop system, one or more buttons, a zipper, an adhesive, among others.

In a particular embodiment, a hook-and-loop system can be utilized. For instance, a hook portion 110 can couple and/or de-couple to a loop portion 108 in order to configure to an open condition or a closed condition. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hook portion 110 can be on the top side of the second end, whereas the loop portion 108 can be on the bottom side of the first end. However, it is to be appreciated that the hook portion 110 can be on the bottom side of the first end and the loop portion 108 can be on the top side of the second end. In still another embodiment, at least one of the loop portion 108 or the hook portion 110 can be situated on one of the first end or the second end and at least one of the top side or the bottom side. In another embodiment, the hook-and-loop system can be on both the first end and the second end as well as the top side and the bottom side.

As discussed, the padded member 112 can be encased or housed within the central portion 104 and in between the flexible member. In an embodiment, the padded member 112 can be enclosed within a first layer and a second layer (discussed in more detail below), wherein the first layer and the second layer are connected via a first portion of stitching 114. The first portion of stitching 114 can connect the top side and the bottom side of the flexible member around, for instance, a perimeter of the device. It is to be appreciated and understood that the first portion of stitching 114 can be on a number of locations or positions on the flexible member and can be selected with sound engineering judgment.

Furthermore, the device 100 can include a second portion of stitching 116 that is around a perimeter of the encased or housed padded member 112. For instance, the padded member 112 is encased within the central portion 104 (as well as in between the first layer and the second layer) and is secured in position by the second portion of stitching 116 that can be, for instance, on a perimeter of the padded member 112. It is to be appreciated that the location of the second portion of stitching 116 that secures the padded member 112 in position can be selected with sound engineering judgment.

By way of example and not limitation, the flexible member (and in turn the first lateral portion 102, the second lateral portion 106, and the central portion 104) can be made from a suitable material that can encase or house the padded member 112 such as, but not limited to, a canvas, a cotton, a synthetic material, a composite material, a polypropylene material, nylon, a plastic, a rubber, and the like. A material for the flexible member can be selected with sound engineering judgment. Moreover, the padded member 112 can be a suitable member that can pad or protect a portion of a user while carrying a bag such as, but not limited to, a memory foam, a foam, a rubber, a sponge, an inflatable member, and the like. It is to be appreciated and understood that the padded member 112 can be selected with sound engineering judgment and is not limited to the examples included herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a bottom side 200 of the device 100. The device 100 is illustrated with the view of the bottom side 200 which depicts the first portion of stitching 114 and the second portion of stitching 116. As discussed above, the first portion of stitching 114 can be around a perimeter of the flexible member (e.g., the first lateral portion 102, the second lateral portion 106, and the central portion 104). Moreover, the padded member 112 can be enclosed, housed, or encased within the central portion 104 and the flexible member. In an embodiment, the padded member 112 is positioned securely within the flexible member and in between a first layer (not shown but discussed in detail below) and as second layer (not shown but discussed in detail below) by the second portion of stitching 116. In an embodiment, the second portion of stitching can be around a perimeter of the padded member 112. The first portion of stitching 114 and the second portion of stitching 116 can be through both the first layer and the second layer in order to connect each layer thereto as well as create the flexible member.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view 300 of the device 100 in a closed condition. The device 100 can be configured to the closed position or the open condition by coupling or decoupling between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposite of the second end (e.g., the first end is associated with the first lateral portion 102 and the second end is associated with the second lateral portion 106). In the closed position (as illustrated), the padded member 112 is inside due to the coupling of the first end and the second end. It is to be appreciated that a mechanism or system can be employed to enable a coupling and/or de-coupling in which the connectivity is a temporal basis. By way of example and not limitation, the connecting system or means can be, but is not limited to being, a hook-and-loop system, one or more buttons, a zipper, an adhesive, among others.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400 that facilitates carrying a bag 402 by alleviating pressure from one or more handles of the bag 402 with the device 100. The bag 402 can include one or more handles (e.g., handle 404, handle 406) that are used to carry the bag 402. The device 100 can couple and/or de-couple around one or more handles of the bag 402 such that the padded member (not referenced in FIG. 4) is between the one or more handles and a portion of the user carrying the bag. For instance, the portion of the user can be, but is not limited to being, a hand, a palm, a finger, a shoulder, an arm, a neck, among others. In another embodiment, the bag 402 can include a shoulder strap (not shown) to which the device 100 can attach around which protects the shoulder or other area of the user while carrying the bag.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view 500 of the device 100 that protects at least one of a hand of a user or a shoulder of a user while carrying a bag. The device 100 can include a width 502 that is approximately in a range of 10 inches to 20 inches. The device can further include a length 504 that is approximately in a range of 10 inches to 20 inches. In an embodiment, the device 100 in an open condition can be a square shape. In another embodiment, the device 100 in an open condition can be a rectangle shape.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section 600 of the device 100. The cross-section 600 illustrates the padded member 112 encased between a first planar layer 604 and a second non-planar layer 602. The first planar layer 604 can be affixed to the second non-planar layer 602 via a portion of stitching (not shown but discussed above as first portion of stitching 114 and the second portion of stitching 116). The cross-section 600 includes the first lateral portion 102, the second lateral portion 106, and the central portion 104. The cross-section 600 further illustrates the loop portion 108 and the hook portion 110 that allow for coupling and de-coupling to adapt to a closed condition and an open condition respectively.

The center portion 104 can include a thickness in a range of approximately 1 inch to 4 inches. The first lateral portion 102 and the second lateral portion 106 can include a thickness of approximately ⅛ inch to ½ inch. This provides a ratio of the center portion to at least one of the first lateral portion 102 or the second lateral portion 106 of eight (8) to one (1). It is to be appreciated and understood that the ratio is an example and a suitable ration between the center portion and at least one of the first lateral portion 102 or the second lateral portion 106 can be employed.

The aforementioned systems, devices, components, (e.g., first layer, second layer, first planar layer, second non-planar layer, flexible member, padded member, first lateral portion, central portion, second lateral portion, among others), and the like have been described with respect to interaction between several components and/or elements. It should be appreciated that such devices and elements can include those elements or sub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and/or additional elements. Further yet, one or more elements and/or sub-elements may be combined into a single component to provide aggregate functionality. The elements may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.

In view of the exemplary devices and elements described supra, methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter will be better appreciated with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 7. The methodologies are shown and described as a series of blocks, the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described hereinafter. The methodologies can be implemented by a component or a portion of a component, wherein the component or the portion of a component can include at least a processor (if applicable), a memory(if applicable), and an instruction (if applicable)stored on the memory for the processor to execute.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of a method 700 for fabricating a device that attaches to a bag for added protection while carrying the bag with a hand or a shoulder. At reference numeral 710, a padded member is secured between a first planar layer and a second non-planar layer with a portion of stitching therebetween. The padded member can be, but is not limited to being, a portion of memory foam, a foam, a rubber, a sponge, an inflatable member, a padded material, one or more feathers, a Styrofoam, and the like. By way of example and not limitation, the first planar layer and the second non-planar layer can be made of a fabric, a composite, a nylon, a canvas, and the like. At reference numeral 720, a hook portion is affixed to an end and a top side of the second non-planar layer. In an alternative embodiment, a loop portion is affixed to the end and the top side of the second non-planar layer. At reference numeral 730, a loop portion is affixed to an end and a bottom side of the first planar layer. In an alternative embodiment, a hook portion is affixed to the end and the bottom side of the first planar layer. The device includes the padded member, the first planar layer, the second non-planar layer, the portion of stitching, the hook portion, and/or the loop portion. At reference numeral 740, the device can be packaged in an open condition (e.g., hook portion de-coupled from the loop portion) or a closed condition (e.g., hook portion coupled to the loop portion). By way of example and not limitation, the packaging can be a portion of plastic, paper, and the like encasing a portion of the device, attached to the device, (e.g., tags, labels, etc.) among others.

For example, the hook portion and the loop portion can be a hook-and-loop system that allows for coupling and decoupling between such portions. In an embodiment, the hook-and-loop system can be two fabric strips which are attached (e.g., sewn, adhered, among others) to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first component features tiny hooks and the second features even smaller and “hairier” loops. When the two components are in contact of one another (e.g., pressed together), the hooks catch in the loops and the two pieces fasten or bind temporarily. When separated, by pulling or peeling the two surfaces apart, the components make a distinctive “ripping” sound.

In an embodiment, the device can include a second material on a bottom side of the first planar layer. The second material can be a section or a patch in which additional gripping or adhesion can be afforded. For instance, the second material can be a rubber material that grips to clothing or skin. In another embodiment, the device can be connected to the bag with a connecting system that reduces the device from being lost or separated from the bag. For example, the connecting system can affix the device to the bag while not in use or not connected around the handles of the bag. In another embodiment, the device is adjustable in size to accommodate users. For instance, the device can be sized to child size, youth size, adult size, among others. By way of example and not limitation, the device can include a varying area of hook-and-loop portions in order to allow for adjustable sizes.

The device can include various decorations such as, but not limited to, logos, numbers, letters, initials, mascots, patches, and the like. For instance, the bottom side of the first planar layer can contain decorations. For instance, a mascot patch and initials of the user can be placed on the device. In another example, a phrase and a team name can be on the device. In another embodiment, the colors of the device can vary to coordinate with a school, a team, a mascot, and the like. For instance, the first planar layer can be a first color and the second non-planar layer can be a second color. In another embodiment, a portion of stitching used to affix the first planar layer to the second non-planar layer can be a third color. It is to be appreciated that the first color, the second color, and the third color can be coordinated with a school, a team, a mascot, among others.

In an embodiment, the flexible member of the device is made of a fabric. In an embodiment, the fabric can be at least one of a canvas, a cotton, a synthetic material, a composite material, a polypropylene material, or nylon. In an embodiment, the padded member is at least one of a memory foam, a foam, a rubber, a sponge, or an inflatable member. In an embodiment, the device can include a bag with at least one handle affixed to a location situated on the bag. In an embodiment, the device includes the connecting means being attached to the at least one handle of the bag and the padded member absorbing a portion of force from the at least one handle while the bag is placed on the shoulder of a user.

In an embodiment, the connecting means of the device is at least one of a hook-and-loop system, one or more buttons, or a zipper. In an embodiment, the device further includes a bag with a first handle and a second handle that are coupled together by a connector and the device attaches around the connector to enable the padded member to absorb a portion of force from a weight of the bag while being lifted by a user. In an embodiment, the bag stores a portion of sport equipment. In an embodiment, the bag stores a portion of hockey equipment. In an embodiment, the sport equipment relates to at least one of football, hockey, soccer, tennis, racquetball, volleyball, basketball, handball, disc golf, lacrosse, wrestling, or baseball.

In an embodiment, the device further includes a logo affixed on the flexible member that is displayed upon connection via connecting means to at least one handle of a bag. In an embodiment, the flexible member of the device includes a first color for the top side and a second color for the bottom side. In an embodiment, the device includes a ratio of approximately eight (8) to one (1) between the central thickness and the respective lateral thickness of the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion. In an embodiment, the central portion of the device is at least one of an arcuate shape, a square shape, a rectangle shape, a circular shape, a cylindrical shape, a cube shape, a triangle shape, or a polygon shape.

In an embodiment, the first lateral portion includes a width and a length, the second lateral portion includes a width and a length, the central portion includes a width and a length, and the first lateral portion width and the first lateral portion length is approximate to the second lateral portion width and the second lateral portion length. In an embodiment, the first lateral length, the second lateral length, and the central portion length are in a range of approximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches. In an embodiment, the first lateral portion width and the second portion lateral width are in a range of approximately 2 inches to approximately 6 inches and the central portion width is in a range of approximately 2 inches to approximately 6 inches.

In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms “first,” “second,” etc., do not denote an order or importance, but rather the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using a devices or systems and performing incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differentiate from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A device, comprising:

a padded member that protects a shoulder by absorbing a portion of force;

a flexible member having a top side opposite a bottom side, the flexible member includes a length, a width, and a first end opposite of a second end;

the padded member is encased between the top side and the bottom side in which encasement provides the bottom side to be substantially flat and even and the top side includes a bulge; and

a connecting means attached to a portion of the first end and a portion of the second end, the connecting means is configured to enable the first end to couple to the second end in a direction along the width.

2. The device of claim 1, the flexible member is made of a fabric.

3. The device of claim 2, the fabric is at least one of a canvas, a cotton, a synthetic material, a composite material, a polypropylene material, or nylon.

4. The device of claim 3, the padded member is at least one of a memory foam, a foam, a rubber, a sponge, or an inflatable member.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a bag with at least one handle affixed to a location situated on the bag.

6. The device of claim 5, further comprising the following:

the connecting means is attached to the at least one handle of the bag; and

the padded member absorbs a portion of force from the at least one handle while the bag is placed on the shoulder of a user.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprises the connecting means is at least one of a hook-and-loop system, one or more buttons, or a zipper.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprises:

a bag with a first handle and a second handle that are coupled together by a connector; and

the device attaches around the connector to enable the padded member to absorb a portion of force from a weight of the bag while being lifted by a user.

9. The device of claim 8, the bag stores a portion of sport equipment.

10. The device of claim 9, the bag stores a portion of hockey equipment.

11. The device of claim 9, the sport equipment relates to at least one of football, hockey, soccer, tennis, racquetball, volleyball, basketball, handball, disc golf, lacrosse, wrestling, or baseball.

12. The device of claim 1 further comprises a logo affixed on the flexible member that is displayed upon connection via connecting means to at least one handle of a bag.

13. The device of claim 1, the flexible member includes a first color for the top side and a second color for the bottom side.

14. A device, comprising:

a first lateral portion opposed a second lateral portion, each with a respective lateral thickness;

a central portion having a central thickness;

a padded member included within the central portion;

a hook portion affixed to a first side of the first lateral portion;

a loop portion affixed to a second side opposite of the first side on the second lateral portion, the hook portion couples and decouples with the loop portion; and

the central thickness is greater than the respective lateral thicknesses the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion.

15. The device of claim 14, further comprising a ratio of approximately 8:1 between the central thickness and the respective lateral thickness of the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion.

16. The device of claim 14, the central portion is at least one of an arcuate shape, a square shape, a rectangle shape, a circular shape, a cylindrical shape, a cube shape, a triangle shape, or a polygon shape.

17. The device of claim 14, further comprising:

the first lateral portion includes a width and a length;

the second lateral portion includes a width and a length;

the central portion includes a width and a length; and

the first lateral portion width and the first lateral portion length is approximate to the second lateral portion width and the second lateral portion length.

18. The device of claim 17, the first lateral length, the second lateral length, and the central portion length are in a range of approximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches.

19. The device of claim 18, the first lateral portion width and the second portion lateral width are in a range of approximately 2 inches to approximately 6 inches and the central portion width is in a range of approximately 2 inches to approximately 4 inches.

20. A system, comprising:

a device that includes: a first planar layer affixed to a second non-planar layer, wherein a padded member is housed between the first planar layer and the second non-planar layer; the housing of the padded member within the first planar layer and the second non-planar layer created a bulge in the second non-planar layer; the device further includes: a first lateral portion opposed a second lateral portion, each with a respective lateral thickness; a central portion having a central thickness; the padded member included within the central portion; a hook portion affixed to a first side of the first lateral portion; a loop portion affixed to a second side opposite of the first side on the second lateral portion, the hook portion couples and decouples with the loop portion; and the central thickness is greater than the respective lateral thicknesses the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion; a first portion of stitching around a perimeter of both the first planar layer and the second non-planar layer to affix the first planar layer to the second non-planar layer; a second portion of stitching around a perimeter of the padded member and through the first planar layer and the second non-planar layer and to secure the padded member within the device; a bag with at least one handle affixed to a location situated on the bag; and

the loop portion and the hook portion of the device is attached around the at least one handle of the bag.