US20120013140A1 - Hand Grip Device - Google Patents
Hand Grip Device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120013140A1 US20120013140A1 US12/838,647 US83864710A US2012013140A1 US 20120013140 A1 US20120013140 A1 US 20120013140A1 US 83864710 A US83864710 A US 83864710A US 2012013140 A1 US2012013140 A1 US 2012013140A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- outermost
- opening
- article
- flange
- gripping member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/18—Devices to prevent theft or loss of purses, luggage or hand carried bags
- A45C13/22—Detachable handles; Handles foldable into the luggage
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/26—Special adaptations of handles
Definitions
- the present invention is directed toward a hand grip device for carried articles and, in particular, to a handle for luggage and similar objects that must be carried by hand.
- a luggage handle may be contoured along its underside to receive the palmar side of the fingers of the person that holds the bag.
- Each hand is unique in its size and shape.
- a specially contoured handle suitable for an “average” hand is less suitable for persons whose hand deviates in size and/or shape from that average.
- a luggage handle may include a layer of resilient material designed to conform to a hand gripping the handle. This material, however, deforms easily; consequently, the luggage item cannot be firmly held unless the handle is grasped so tightly as to squeeze all of the resilience of the layer. This often causes fatigue of the hand muscles.
- a handle design must also address other important parameters such as the weight of the handle and the positional stability of the handle in a person's hand. It is undesirable for the handle to add significantly to the load being carried. The handle, moreover, must be configured such that it will not slip from the person's hand.
- the present invention is directed toward a hand grip device that disperses the load of the article being carried across the palmar side of the hand.
- the hand grip device includes a body and, optionally, a coupling member.
- the body includes a medial portion and two end portions.
- the body is structured such that the outermost segment of each end portion defines the largest diametric segment of the body.
- the medial portion includes the body's smallest diametric segment.
- the smallest diametric body segment is longitudinally disposed between the two end portions, being located approximately midway between the outermost body segments.
- the coupling member connects the body to the article to be carried such as a bag.
- the coupling member may be in the form of a pliable strap extending through the body with end portions that connect to the carried article.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the hand grip device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, showing a gripping member and a coupling member.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal cross sectional view of the gripping member of the hand grip device shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view in elevation of the gripping member of the hand grip device shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4A illustrates an isolated, perspective view of an end cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4B illustrates an isolated, top view in plan of the end cap shown in FIG. 4A .
- FIG. 5 illustrates the gripping member of FIG. 2 , showing the connection of the end caps to the body.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the grip device of FIG. 1 attached to a carried article.
- the hand grip device 10 includes a gripping member 100 and a coupling member 103 .
- the gripping member 100 is configured to disperse the weight of the carried article across the width of the hand.
- the gripping member 100 includes an elongated body 105 having a first end portion 115 A, a second end portion 115 B, and a medial or intermediate portion 120 disposed between the end portions 115 A, 115 B.
- the first end portion 115 A includes a first outermost end or extremity 125 A ( FIG. 2 ).
- the second end portion 115 B includes a second outermost end or extremity 125 B.
- a flange may be disposed along each outermost body end 125 A, 125 B.
- a first flange 130 A may extend from the first outermost end 125 A of the first end portion 115 A and a second flange 130 B may extend from the second outermost end 125 B of the second end portion 115 B.
- the body 105 is a generally hyperboloidal structure (i.e., a structure designed with hyperboloid geometry) having a central longitudinal axis A.
- the structure possesses a negative Gaussian curvature, i.e., the body 105 curves inward (toward the central longitudinal axis A) in the longitudinal direction rather than outward or rather than having no curve (i.e., being straight sided).
- the body 105 may possess any cross section suitable for its intended purpose.
- the vertical cross section i.e., the cross section taken along an axis oriented generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A
- the horizontal cross section (taken along an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A) may be a hyperbola that opens upward/downward or sideways (depending on values of x and y).
- the body is a circular hyperboloid, i.e., a hyperboloid in which each vertical cross section of the body is generally circular.
- the body 105 may be a generally hollow structure including a wall 205 with an interior wall surface 210 and an exterior wall surface 220 .
- the body wall 205 is arranged around the central longitudinal axis A such that opposed wall portions are generally equidistantly spaced a predetermined distance from the longitudinal axis A (i.e., the radial distance measured from the axis A to each of two diametrically opposed points is substantially equal).
- This predetermined distance may change over the length of the body 105 such that the distance measured is less at a point along the medial portion 120 than at a point falling within either of the end portions 115 A, 115 B.
- This lesser distance d v defines the valley 225 of the body 105 .
- the body 105 is configured such that it possesses a diametric segment that is smaller than other diametric segments of the body.
- the outermost body segments 125 A, 125 B possess the largest diametric segment d e
- the smallest diametric segment d v is located approximately midway between the outermost segments 125 A, 125 B of the body 105 .
- a flange may be connected to each of the outermost body segments 125 A, 125 B.
- the flanges 130 A, 130 B may each possess a diameter greater than the diameter of the body 105 along its corresponding end portion 115 A, 115 B.
- each flange 130 A, 130 B is slightly radially offset from its associated body extremity 125 A, 125 B such that it extends radially beyond the exterior surface 220 of the body 105 and forms an interior shoulder 235 .
- the flanges 130 A, 130 B may possess any suitable shape suitable for its described purpose.
- the flanges 130 A, 130 B possess a vertical cross section similar to that of the body 105 .
- the flanges 130 A, 130 B may be generally annular, thereby defining a first flange opening 240 A proximate the first outermost body segment 125 A and a second flange opening 240 B proximate the second outermost body segment 125 B.
- a central bore or channel 245 defined by the interior wall surface 210 of the body 105 , extends from the first flange 130 A to the second flange 130 B.
- the bore 245 and flange openings 240 A, 240 B cooperate to permit the passage of a coupling member through the body 105 (discussed in greater detail below).
- the gripping member 100 may possess any dimensions suitable for its described purposed.
- the gripping member 100 may possess a length of approximately 10-15 cm, preferably approximately 13 cm; a maximum diametric segment (measured along outermost body segment) of approximately 3-5 cm (e.g., 4.8 cm); a circumference (measured along one of the flange 130 A, 130 B and the end portions 115 A, 115 B) of approximately 11-15 cm, and preferably approximately 12.5-14 cm; and a circumference measured along the valley 225 of approximately 9.5-11 cm, and preferably approximately 9.72-10.8 cm.
- the body 105 may further include one or more windows operable to mate with an end cap, securing the end cap to the body.
- the body 105 includes a plurality of windows or notches 300 disposed within each end portion 115 A, 115 B.
- the windows 300 may be angularly spaced along the body 105 and disposed proximate the flanges 130 A, 130 B.
- the windows 300 are configured to receive locking tabs located on the end caps (discussed in greater detail below).
- the exterior surface 220 of the body 105 may be textured to increase the coefficient of friction of the grip device 210 and/or to provide increased gripping comfort to the device.
- the body 105 may include one or more ribs or protrusions 310 extending from the body exterior surface 220 .
- the ribs or protrusions 310 may be longitudinally and/or angularly spaced about the circumference of the body 105 such that the protrusions substantially cover the body.
- the protrusions 310 may be in the form a geometric shape such as a circle or a polygon (diamonds, squares, hexagons, etc) that extend (i.e., is raised) radially outward or from the exterior surface 220 of the body 105 . In addition combinations of shapes may be utilized.
- the exterior surface 220 of the body 105 may possess a micro-textured or roughened surface that increases the frictional coefficient of the body (and thus decreases the potential for slippage).
- the exterior surface 220 may possess a tackified surface (i.e., the surface may be treated with a tackifying agent).
- the hand grip device 10 may further include end caps adapted to couple to the gripping member 100 .
- an end cap 400 includes an insert portion 405 and a cover portion 410 .
- the insert portion 405 may be a hollow, frustoconical structure with a cap wall 415 that defines an internal bore 420 .
- a plurality of ramps 425 extend axially along the exterior surface 430 of the wall 415 . The ramps 425 , angularly spaced about the wall, incline in the direction of the cover portion 410 .
- the insert portion 405 is configured such that it can be axially inserted through the flange opening 240 A, 240 B and into the bore 230 of the body 105 , with the ramps 425 frictionally engaging the interior surface 210 of the body 105 .
- the cover portion 410 is a plate disposed on the widened end of the frustoconical insert portion 405 .
- the cover portion 410 may extend radially beyond the circumference of the insert portion 405 (e.g., at a distance less than the intermediate length of the insert portion 410 ).
- the cover portion 410 includes an interior ledge 435 that engages the interior shoulder 235 existing along each outermost body segment 125 A, 125 B (discussed in detail below).
- the end cap 400 may further include a plurality of resilient fingers 450 angularly spaced about the perimeter of the cover portion 410 and configured such that the fingers generally align with the windows 300 formed into the body 105 .
- Each finger 450 which extends along the axis of the end cap 400 , may include a proximal post 455 and a distal locking tab 460 .
- the posts 455 are radially resilient; consequently, the locking tabs 460 are biased radially outward from the end cap 400 .
- the end cap 400 is aligned with the flange 130 A, 130 B such that the locking tabs 460 are substantially aligned with the windows 300 formed into the body 105 .
- the end cap 400 is axially inserted into the flange opening 240 A, 240 B, positioning the insert portion within the bore 245 of the body 105 .
- the ledge 435 of the end cap 400 engages the shoulder 235 of the body 105 , serving as a stop that prevents further axial insertion.
- the locking tabs 460 are received by the windows 300 , securing the end cap 400 to the gripping member 100 .
- the cover portion 410 possesses dimensions such that it may be received within the flange 130 A, 130 B of the grip device 10 .
- the end cap 400 once properly inserted into the body 105 , is positioned within the flange opening 240 A, 240 B such that the cover portion 410 is substantially flush with the outer longitudinal face of the flange 130 A, 130 B.
- each locking tab 460 is urged radially inward until it clears its corresponding window 300 .
- the end cap 400 is then drawn axially outward from the body 105 .
- the cover portion 410 may be further adapted to position and support the coupling member 103 in a predetermined orientation.
- the cover portion 410 may include an aperture or pass-through 470 generally centrally disposed on the cover portion 410 such that the aperture generally aligns with the longitudinal axis A of the body 105 .
- the aperture may possess any shape and dimensions suitable for its described purpose.
- the aperture 470 may be in the form of a generally elongated slot.
- the coupling member 103 is configured to couple the gripping member 100 to a carried article such as a bag or other luggage item.
- the coupling member 103 may be either flexible or rigid.
- the coupling member 103 may be an elongated, transversely flexible strap.
- the coupling member 103 is threaded through the aperture 470 of the end cap 400 disposed along the first end portion 115 A, drawn through the bore 245 of the body 105 , and then drawn through the aperture 470 of the end cap 400 disposed along the second end portion 115 B.
- the aperture 470 on each end cap 400 cooperates to prevent the rotation of the coupling member 103 within the body 105 , stabilizing the gripping member 100 and preventing its rotation with respect to the coupling member and/or carried article.
- each end 610 A, 610 B of the coupling member 103 is permanently secured to the carried article 620 via sewing, adhesive, etc ( FIG. 6 ).
- each end 710 A, 710 B of the coupling member 103 includes a releasable fastener 720 such as a spring hook or a leash-type hook ( FIG. 7 ).
- the releasable fastener 720 may couple to a ring 730 connected to the carried article 740 .
- the above described grip device provides a contour that is comfortable for hands of substantially all sizes and shapes and that is both lightweight and positionally stable while in a person's hand.
- the grip device being a hyperboloid structure, possesses a doubly ruled exterior surface.
- a surface is doubly ruled if through every one of its points there are two distinct lines that lie on the surface.
- a structure with a doubly ruled surface is stronger than curved surfaces that do not have such a ruling.
- the hand grip device 10 is strong, lightweight, and comfortable.
- the hand grip device 10 (the body 105 , flanges 130 A, 130 B, and end caps 400 ) may be formed of any suitable materials and may possess any dimensions suitable for their respective described purposes.
- the coupling member 103 may be formed from any suitable materials and possess any suitable dimensions.
- the hand grip device 10 may possess a unitary structure, and may be a solid or hollow structure.
Landscapes
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
Abstract
A hand grip device for carrying articles includes a gripping member and an optional coupling member. The gripping member includes a body with ends that define the maximum body diameter of the gripping member. The longitudinal center of the body defines the minimum body diameter of the gripping member. The coupling member may be a strap that connects the gripping member to the article to be carried. The hand grip device functions as a handle that is lightweight, strong, and disperses the weight of the carried article across the palmar side of a hand.
Description
- The present invention is directed toward a hand grip device for carried articles and, in particular, to a handle for luggage and similar objects that must be carried by hand.
- Luggage such as bags and suitcases are often designed to incorporate comfort elements that render them more comfortable for a person to carry that luggage. For example, a luggage handle may be contoured along its underside to receive the palmar side of the fingers of the person that holds the bag. Each hand, however, is unique in its size and shape. A specially contoured handle suitable for an “average” hand is less suitable for persons whose hand deviates in size and/or shape from that average. Alternatively, a luggage handle may include a layer of resilient material designed to conform to a hand gripping the handle. This material, however, deforms easily; consequently, the luggage item cannot be firmly held unless the handle is grasped so tightly as to squeeze all of the resilience of the layer. This often causes fatigue of the hand muscles.
- Another approach has been to provide a generally cylindrical handle that varies in diameter with the largest diametric segment midway between ends including the smallest diametric segment (i.e., the handle is fatter in the center than at its ends). Persons carrying heavy luggage with this type of handle, however, tend to find the handle uncomfortable because the middle and fourth fingers of the hand are required to carry most of the weight of the object being carried.
- A handle design must also address other important parameters such as the weight of the handle and the positional stability of the handle in a person's hand. It is undesirable for the handle to add significantly to the load being carried. The handle, moreover, must be configured such that it will not slip from the person's hand.
- Thus, it is desirable to provide a handle that is comfortable, strong, and lightweight and overcomes to above drawbacks.
- The present invention is directed toward a hand grip device that disperses the load of the article being carried across the palmar side of the hand. The hand grip device includes a body and, optionally, a coupling member. The body includes a medial portion and two end portions. The body is structured such that the outermost segment of each end portion defines the largest diametric segment of the body. In addition, the medial portion includes the body's smallest diametric segment. Specifically, the smallest diametric body segment is longitudinally disposed between the two end portions, being located approximately midway between the outermost body segments. The coupling member connects the body to the article to be carried such as a bag. The coupling member may be in the form of a pliable strap extending through the body with end portions that connect to the carried article.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the hand grip device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, showing a gripping member and a coupling member. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal cross sectional view of the gripping member of the hand grip device shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view in elevation of the gripping member of the hand grip device shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4A illustrates an isolated, perspective view of an end cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4B illustrates an isolated, top view in plan of the end cap shown inFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 5 illustrates the gripping member ofFIG. 2 , showing the connection of the end caps to the body. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the grip device ofFIG. 1 attached to a carried article. - Like reference numerals in the various figures are utilized to designate like components.
- Referring to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 , thehand grip device 10 includes agripping member 100 and acoupling member 103. Thegripping member 100 is configured to disperse the weight of the carried article across the width of the hand. Thegripping member 100 includes anelongated body 105 having afirst end portion 115A, asecond end portion 115B, and a medial orintermediate portion 120 disposed between theend portions first end portion 115A includes a first outermost end orextremity 125A (FIG. 2 ). Similarly, thesecond end portion 115B includes a second outermost end orextremity 125B. A flange may be disposed along eachoutermost body end first flange 130A may extend from the firstoutermost end 125A of thefirst end portion 115A and asecond flange 130B may extend from the secondoutermost end 125B of thesecond end portion 115B. - The
body 105 is a generally hyperboloidal structure (i.e., a structure designed with hyperboloid geometry) having a central longitudinal axis A. In particular, it is in the form of a hyperboloid of one sheet described by the equation x2/c2+y2/b2−z2/c2=1. As a result, the structure possesses a negative Gaussian curvature, i.e., thebody 105 curves inward (toward the central longitudinal axis A) in the longitudinal direction rather than outward or rather than having no curve (i.e., being straight sided). - The
body 105 may possess any cross section suitable for its intended purpose. By way of example, the vertical cross section (i.e., the cross section taken along an axis oriented generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A) at any point along thebody 105 may be an ellipse or circle. The horizontal cross section (taken along an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A) may be a hyperbola that opens upward/downward or sideways (depending on values of x and y). In a preferred embodiment, the body is a circular hyperboloid, i.e., a hyperboloid in which each vertical cross section of the body is generally circular. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thebody 105 may be a generally hollow structure including awall 205 with aninterior wall surface 210 and anexterior wall surface 220. Thebody wall 205 is arranged around the central longitudinal axis A such that opposed wall portions are generally equidistantly spaced a predetermined distance from the longitudinal axis A (i.e., the radial distance measured from the axis A to each of two diametrically opposed points is substantially equal). This predetermined distance may change over the length of thebody 105 such that the distance measured is less at a point along themedial portion 120 than at a point falling within either of theend portions valley 225 of thebody 105. Stated another way, thebody 105 is configured such that it possesses a diametric segment that is smaller than other diametric segments of the body. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 , theoutermost body segments outermost segments body 105. - As mentioned above, a flange may be connected to each of the
outermost body segments flanges body 105 along itscorresponding end portion flange body extremity exterior surface 220 of thebody 105 and forms aninterior shoulder 235. Theflanges flanges body 105. By way of example, when thebody 105 possesses a generally circular cross section, theflanges outermost body segment 125A and a second flange opening 240B proximate the secondoutermost body segment 125B. - A central bore or
channel 245, defined by theinterior wall surface 210 of thebody 105, extends from thefirst flange 130A to thesecond flange 130B. Thebore 245 andflange openings 240A, 240B cooperate to permit the passage of a coupling member through the body 105 (discussed in greater detail below). - The gripping
member 100 may possess any dimensions suitable for its described purposed. By way of example, the grippingmember 100 may possess a length of approximately 10-15 cm, preferably approximately 13 cm; a maximum diametric segment (measured along outermost body segment) of approximately 3-5 cm (e.g., 4.8 cm); a circumference (measured along one of theflange end portions valley 225 of approximately 9.5-11 cm, and preferably approximately 9.72-10.8 cm. - The
body 105 may further include one or more windows operable to mate with an end cap, securing the end cap to the body. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 , thebody 105 includes a plurality of windows ornotches 300 disposed within eachend portion windows 300 may be angularly spaced along thebody 105 and disposed proximate theflanges windows 300 are configured to receive locking tabs located on the end caps (discussed in greater detail below). - The
exterior surface 220 of thebody 105 may be textured to increase the coefficient of friction of thegrip device 210 and/or to provide increased gripping comfort to the device. By way of example, thebody 105 may include one or more ribs orprotrusions 310 extending from thebody exterior surface 220. The ribs orprotrusions 310 may be longitudinally and/or angularly spaced about the circumference of thebody 105 such that the protrusions substantially cover the body. Theprotrusions 310 may be in the form a geometric shape such as a circle or a polygon (diamonds, squares, hexagons, etc) that extend (i.e., is raised) radially outward or from theexterior surface 220 of thebody 105. In addition combinations of shapes may be utilized. - In another embodiment, the
exterior surface 220 of thebody 105 may possess a micro-textured or roughened surface that increases the frictional coefficient of the body (and thus decreases the potential for slippage). By way of further example, theexterior surface 220 may possess a tackified surface (i.e., the surface may be treated with a tackifying agent). - The
hand grip device 10 may further include end caps adapted to couple to the grippingmember 100. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B , anend cap 400 includes aninsert portion 405 and acover portion 410. Theinsert portion 405 may be a hollow, frustoconical structure with acap wall 415 that defines aninternal bore 420. A plurality oframps 425 extend axially along theexterior surface 430 of thewall 415. Theramps 425, angularly spaced about the wall, incline in the direction of thecover portion 410. Theinsert portion 405 is configured such that it can be axially inserted through theflange opening 240A, 240B and into thebore 230 of thebody 105, with theramps 425 frictionally engaging theinterior surface 210 of thebody 105. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
cover portion 410 is a plate disposed on the widened end of thefrustoconical insert portion 405. Thecover portion 410 may extend radially beyond the circumference of the insert portion 405 (e.g., at a distance less than the intermediate length of the insert portion 410). With this configuration, thecover portion 410 includes aninterior ledge 435 that engages theinterior shoulder 235 existing along eachoutermost body segment - The
end cap 400 may further include a plurality ofresilient fingers 450 angularly spaced about the perimeter of thecover portion 410 and configured such that the fingers generally align with thewindows 300 formed into thebody 105. Eachfinger 450, which extends along the axis of theend cap 400, may include aproximal post 455 and adistal locking tab 460. Theposts 455 are radially resilient; consequently, the lockingtabs 460 are biased radially outward from theend cap 400. With this configuration, when theend cap 400 is axially inserted into theopening 240A, 240B of the grippingmember 100 defined by theflange tabs 460 initially flex radially inward to clearinterior shoulder 235. Once aligned with itscorresponding window 300, the biasing force of eachfinger 450 urges the locking tab 260 into the window. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , to connect theend cap 400 to the grippingmember 100, theend cap 400 is aligned with theflange tabs 460 are substantially aligned with thewindows 300 formed into thebody 105. Theend cap 400 is axially inserted into theflange opening 240A, 240B, positioning the insert portion within thebore 245 of thebody 105. Theledge 435 of theend cap 400 engages theshoulder 235 of thebody 105, serving as a stop that prevents further axial insertion. Once in the proper axial position, the lockingtabs 460 are received by thewindows 300, securing theend cap 400 to the grippingmember 100. Thecover portion 410 possesses dimensions such that it may be received within theflange grip device 10. With this configuration, theend cap 400, once properly inserted into thebody 105, is positioned within theflange opening 240A, 240B such that thecover portion 410 is substantially flush with the outer longitudinal face of theflange - To separate the
end cap 400 from the grippingmember 100, each lockingtab 460 is urged radially inward until it clears itscorresponding window 300. Theend cap 400 is then drawn axially outward from thebody 105. - The
cover portion 410 may be further adapted to position and support thecoupling member 103 in a predetermined orientation. Referring back toFIG. 4B , thecover portion 410 may include an aperture or pass-through 470 generally centrally disposed on thecover portion 410 such that the aperture generally aligns with the longitudinal axis A of thebody 105. The aperture may possess any shape and dimensions suitable for its described purpose. By way of example, theaperture 470 may be in the form of a generally elongated slot. - The
coupling member 103 is configured to couple the grippingmember 100 to a carried article such as a bag or other luggage item. Thecoupling member 103 may be either flexible or rigid. By way of example, thecoupling member 103 may be an elongated, transversely flexible strap. In operation, thecoupling member 103 is threaded through theaperture 470 of theend cap 400 disposed along thefirst end portion 115A, drawn through thebore 245 of thebody 105, and then drawn through theaperture 470 of theend cap 400 disposed along thesecond end portion 115B. With this configuration, theaperture 470 on eachend cap 400 cooperates to prevent the rotation of thecoupling member 103 within thebody 105, stabilizing the grippingmember 100 and preventing its rotation with respect to the coupling member and/or carried article. - The ends of the strap may be permanently or releasably secured to the carried article. In one embodiment, each
end coupling member 103 is permanently secured to the carriedarticle 620 via sewing, adhesive, etc (FIG. 6 ). In another embodiment, eachend coupling member 103 includes a releasable fastener 720 such as a spring hook or a leash-type hook (FIG. 7 ). The releasable fastener 720 may couple to aring 730 connected to the carriedarticle 740. - The above described grip device provides a contour that is comfortable for hands of substantially all sizes and shapes and that is both lightweight and positionally stable while in a person's hand. In addition, the grip device, being a hyperboloid structure, possesses a doubly ruled exterior surface. A surface is doubly ruled if through every one of its points there are two distinct lines that lie on the surface. A structure with a doubly ruled surface is stronger than curved surfaces that do not have such a ruling. As a result, the
hand grip device 10 is strong, lightweight, and comfortable. - While the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the hand grip device 10 (the
body 105,flanges coupling member 103 may be formed from any suitable materials and possess any suitable dimensions. Thehand grip device 10 may possess a unitary structure, and may be a solid or hollow structure. - Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “height”, “length”, “width”, “upper”, “lower”, “interior”, “exterior”, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.
- Having described preferred embodiments, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
Claims (20)
1. A device for carrying articles, the device comprising:
a gripping member configured to be grasped by a hand such that the palmar side of the hand contacts the grip portion, wherein the grip portion comprises an elongated body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a medial portion disposed between the first and second end portions,
wherein the gripping member possesses a negative Gaussian curvature such that the first end portion and the second end portion each includes a maximum diametric segment and the medial portion includes a minimum diametric segment longitudinally disposed between the two maximum diametric segments, and
and wherein the device couples to an article such that the article may be carried via the gripping member.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein:
the grip portion includes a central longitudinal axis;
the body is defined by a wall configured such that opposed wall portions are substantially equidistantly spaced a predetermined distance from the longitudinal axi; and
the predetermined distance changes over the length of the body.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the minimum diametric segment is located proximate the longitudinal center of the body.
4. The device of claim 3 , wherein:
the first end portion comprises a first outermost body end;
the second end portion comprises a second outermost body end; and
each body end defines the maximum diametric segment.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the grip portion is a hollow member comprising:
a first opening disposed at a first outermost end;
a second opening disposed at a second outermost end; and
a channel extending from the first opening to the second opening.
6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the channel is contoured such that a channel diameter measured proximate each end is greater than a channel diameter measured at a point between the ends.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein:
the body is an elongated member including a first outermost end and a second outermost end;
a first flange is disposed at the first outermost end of the body;
a second flange is disposed at the second outermost end of the body; and
each flange is radially offset with respect to the body to form a shoulder along each outermost body end.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein each flange is a generally annular flange and the body possesses a generally circular cross section.
9. The device of claim 1 further comprising an end cap including a cover portion and an insert portion.
10. The device of claim 1 further comprising a coupling member operable to couple the gripping member to an article.
11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the device further comprises an end cap configured to couple to at least one of the first opening and the second opening, the end cap including an aperture operable to permit passage of the support member therethrough.
12. The device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from a surface of the body.
13. A device for carrying an article, the device comprising:
a hollow body configured to be grasped by a hand, the body including:
a first body end defining a first opening,
a second body end defining a second opening, and
a channel extending from the first opening to the second opening,
wherein the first and second body ends define a maximum body diameter,
a first end cap operable to couple to the first body end;
a second end cap operable to couple to the second body end; and
a coupling member to couple the hollow body to an article,
wherein the body further includes a minimum body diameter longitudinally disposed approximately midway between the two body ends.
14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the body defines a generally hyperboloidal structure having a central longitudinal axis.
15. The device of claim 13 , wherein the body is a hyperboloid of one sheet described by the equation x2/c2+y2/b2−z2/c2=1.
16. The device of claim 15 further comprising a coupling member configured to couple the hollow body to an article.
17. The device of claim 16 further comprising an article coupled to the body via the coupling member.
18. The device of claim 17 , wherein the coupling member comprises a strap extending through the body such that one end of the strap extends from the first body end and another end extends from the second body end.
19. The device of claim 18 , wherein the body comprises raised ribs extending from an exterior surface of the body.
20. The device of claim 19 , wherein:
the body includes a central longitudinal axis;
the body is defined by a wall configured such that opposed wall portions are substantially equidistantly spaced a predetermined distance from the longitudinal axis; and
the predetermined distance changes over the length of the body.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/838,647 US20120013140A1 (en) | 2010-07-19 | 2010-07-19 | Hand Grip Device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/838,647 US20120013140A1 (en) | 2010-07-19 | 2010-07-19 | Hand Grip Device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120013140A1 true US20120013140A1 (en) | 2012-01-19 |
Family
ID=45466371
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/838,647 Abandoned US20120013140A1 (en) | 2010-07-19 | 2010-07-19 | Hand Grip Device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20120013140A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130082442A1 (en) * | 2011-10-02 | 2013-04-04 | Christopher Blake Hanel | Bean bag toss game board set |
US20130145581A1 (en) * | 2011-12-13 | 2013-06-13 | Kelly R. Bailey | Detachable grab handle |
US9010824B2 (en) * | 2012-11-14 | 2015-04-21 | John W. Hayes | Cargo strap with handle |
US9351639B2 (en) | 2012-03-17 | 2016-05-31 | Visunex Medical Systems Co. Ltd. | Eye imaging apparatus with a wide field of view and related methods |
US9848773B2 (en) | 2015-01-26 | 2017-12-26 | Visunex Medical Systems Co. Ltd. | Disposable cap for an eye imaging apparatus and related methods |
US9986908B2 (en) * | 2014-06-23 | 2018-06-05 | Visunex Medical Systems Co. Ltd. | Mechanical features of an eye imaging apparatus |
US10016178B2 (en) | 2012-02-02 | 2018-07-10 | Visunex Medical Systems Co. Ltd. | Eye imaging apparatus and systems |
US20180193765A1 (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2018-07-12 | James Mullikin | Mascot tail twirling apparatus |
US20210360902A1 (en) * | 2020-05-25 | 2021-11-25 | Lily Leash Holdings, Corp. | Animal Leash with Longitudinally Adjustable Grip Handle |
US20220217948A1 (en) * | 2021-01-10 | 2022-07-14 | Darren Genson | Dog Leash Control Sleeve Device |
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US9010824B2 (en) * | 2012-11-14 | 2015-04-21 | John W. Hayes | Cargo strap with handle |
US9986908B2 (en) * | 2014-06-23 | 2018-06-05 | Visunex Medical Systems Co. Ltd. | Mechanical features of an eye imaging apparatus |
US9848773B2 (en) | 2015-01-26 | 2017-12-26 | Visunex Medical Systems Co. Ltd. | Disposable cap for an eye imaging apparatus and related methods |
US20180193765A1 (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2018-07-12 | James Mullikin | Mascot tail twirling apparatus |
US20210360902A1 (en) * | 2020-05-25 | 2021-11-25 | Lily Leash Holdings, Corp. | Animal Leash with Longitudinally Adjustable Grip Handle |
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US20220217948A1 (en) * | 2021-01-10 | 2022-07-14 | Darren Genson | Dog Leash Control Sleeve Device |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ATHALON SPORTSGEAR, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NITKIN, ANDREW J.;REEL/FRAME:024844/0329 Effective date: 20100803 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |