EP2378920B1

EP2378920B1 - Device for the manual transportation of loads

Info

Publication number: EP2378920B1
Application number: EP09796448.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giampaolo Conti
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-12-23
Filing date: 2009-12-11
Publication date: 2014-07-02
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-11
Also published as: IT1392721B1; CN102307494A; ITPI20080135A1; EP2378920A1; JP2012513350A; WO2010073079A1; US20110266819A1

Description

Technical Field

The present invention refers to the technical field of work or home accessories.
In particular, the invention refers to an innovative device that facilitates the manual transportation of loads supplied with handles in general, particularly sacks, bags and the like.

Background Art

The fact that the manual transportation of loads in general is not a comfortable operation is known. Also in the case in which these result to be appropriately packed and supplied with handles to be lifted, the transport can anyway result difficult and even cause hand traumas, mainly in the case of excessive weight. It is not uncommon to see the scene in which a person goes out from a supermarket with various bags full of products. It is a common scene to see him/her in difficulty and with aching hands while he/she tries to reach the car quickly to place the bags inside it as soon as possible and get rid of the weight.
It is indeed known how the handles of a heavy load (not only plastic bags but also bottles packaging) mark deeply the hands, causing lack of circulation and cuts. Above all, in the case of plastic bags and water packaging, it is common the case in which the handles tend to taper or to curl, becoming even more cutting.
Currently, the solutions used are exclusively improvised devices or devices that come handy at the moment. A first solution consists of simple spongy bodies destined for the protection of the hands. It is clear how such a solution is poorly functional, since the sponge is not capable of protecting efficiently in the case of heavy loads and, moreover, it wears out easily.
In other cases, the inconveniences are sought to be overcome with more or less rigid devices that are similar to simple handles to grip and on which to place the handles of the load.
For example, in WO03/032770 A1 in the name of Caretta Augusto, filed on 30/09/2002 , a closed-ring transportation device is described and comprising a handle 1 and two hooks 3 configured to hang the loads on it.
It is clear how such a solution is not functional since the load, hanged to the hooks, can be the cause of rotations of the device itself when the load is not perfectly centred. In addition, the hanged load can be the cause of oscillations trigger, making transportation not uncomfortable. Moreover, the handles transmit the load to the device through the hooks substantially in only two contact points. The hooks can therefore result particularly cutting when rubbing the handles, being thus capable of causing the tapering of the same and the consequent breakage, with all the consequences of the case that are easily imaginable. Last, such a configuration is not very resistant to the loads, and the hooks, as structured, are critical breakage points.
In US5527076 in the name of Randels Robert, filed on 03/11/1994 , a different solution is described comprising a ring-closable flexible element and furnished with a cylindrical seat 8 to receive the handles of the load. The element results flexible in such a way as to become deformed under the load action and allow to close the sides 6 of the cylindrical seat 8 around the handles of the load. It is still clear how also this device is poorly efficient for the pre-established aims. Above all, the handle is easily flexible or deformable under the action of the load of the bag, thus risking to crush the hands and produce some physical harm similar to the case of direct bag/hand contact. Moreover, by virtue of such flexibility, when the loads are heavy the handle rarely controls and damps the oscillations. This implies a significant difficulty in the transportation and a risk of grazes on the hand due to the strong rubbing friction between the handle and the hand of the user.
WO2006/122109 in the name of Erickson describes a different device wherein two handles 12 and 14 and a base 16, for example U-shaped, are provided, within which the handles of the load are placed. The handles 12 and 14 can be coupled one to the other by means of clip buttons in such a way as to allow the transportation of the hanged load.
Such a device is not comfortable anyway when used since, first of all, it is necessary to proceed with the insertion of the load in the base 16 and then close the handles 12 and 14. Moreover, mainly because of the load, the close buttons can get damaged, thus impeding the closure and use of the device.
Last, in US2006/0163894 in the name of Mishek a simple handle is described with a seat into which the handles of the load are inserted.
None of the devices described results versatile when used. They indeed lend themselves badly to very different hand dimensions as well as to different handle dimensions.
In such sense, such devices are poorly flexible and not suitable to possible dimension changes.
Moreover, they wear themselves easily and have to be frequently replaced.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a device suitable for the transportation of loads supplied with handles, particularly plastic bags, sacks, bottles packaging and the like, that resolves all the above-mentioned inconveniences.
In particular, it is the aim of the present invention to provide a device that prevents the handles from marking deeply the tissues of the hand, distributing the load on a wider surface and thus facilitating the circulation.
It is also the aim of the present invention to provide a device that is rigid enough to hold the load hanged, thus avoiding harmful inflections suffered by the user and that make the transportation difficult.
It is the aim of the present invention too to provide a device that is particularly versatile in usage and long-lasting.
These and other aims of the present invention are therefore reached with the present device to allow a user to transport loads supplied with handles, particularly plastic bags, sacks, bottles packaging and the like, as per claim 1.
In particular, the device is provided with a body (1) of substantially annular shape comprising an outer surface (8) and an inner surface (7). In correspondence of the outer surface (8) a longitudinal seat (2; 202, 202') is obtained into which to place the handles of the load, while in correspondence of the inner surface (7) grooves (3, 3'; 203, 203') are provided configured to hold the fingers of a user. Said grooves are realized on the inner surface (7) such as to realize two different handgrips (3, 3'; 203, 203') comprising said grooves, the handgrips being substantially opposed one to the other. Consequently, the longitudinal seat (2; 202, 202') is located on the outer surface (8) in such a way as to result arranged at least in correspondence of the said two handgrips. In this way, the device results versatile since it is reversible on both sides. It is therefore possible to use such a device either on one side or on the opposed side, thus reducing the waste effect and preventing breakages.
In the case of a simple plastic shopping bag, by inserting the handles into the pre-selected seat, these will adhere perfectly to it. At this point, it is therefore possible to lift the load. In particular the handles are obliged to follow the longitudinal perimeter of the annular-shaped body which, precisely by virtue of its ring shape, resists much better to the inflections with respect to what a simple handle can do. Thus, a user can grip the device from the side of the chosen handgrip to lift the load in a simple and painless manner and without the risk that the device itself crushes his/her hand. In addition, the risks of cutting and tearing of the bag itself are significantly reduced since the annular shape has eliminated entirely the angular points that are present in the hook devices as described in WO03/032770 .
Advantageously, the longitudinal seat (2) can cover the entire outer perimeter (8) of the annular-shaped body.
In that case, there is one continuous seat.
In accordance with such a solution, two widening zones (2') of the seat (2) can then be provided arranged in a diametrically opposed manner in such a way as to facilitate the gradual widening of the handle towards the body of the load.
This solution favours the integrity of the handle of the load in conditions of heavy weight.
Alternatively, for each one of the two handgrips (203, 203') a respective longitudinal seat (202, 202') can be provided arranged on the outer surface (8) in a substantially opposed manner to the relative handgrip and of a length that substantially coincides with the length of the handgrip.
Also in this case, for the same reason stated above, the two longitudinal seats (202, 202') can be respectively provided with a gradual widening zone (213) for accompanying the opening of the handle towards the load.
Advantageously, the handgrips (3, 3'; 203, 203') can be of different length.
This solution is particularly advantageous to render the device versatile and adaptable to different hand dimensions.
Advantageously, the annular-shaped body can comprise a first (4; 204) and a second portion (5; 205) conformed according to a substantially overturned U or C shape.
Advantageously, the longitudinal seats (2; 202, 202') comprise:

A first (11) and a second lateral wall (11), distanced apart one from the other in such a way as to delimit the containment seat (2; 202, 202') for the handle of the load;
A first (12) and a second wall (12) arranged each one respectively on top of the relative lateral wall in such a way as to realize a containment edge for the handles.

Advantageously, the longitudinal seats described can be engraved into the outer surface (8) along its perimeter.
Advantageously, the device described can be realized in an only piece by fusion in a die, for example by fusion of plastic material.
For example, a pressure injection technique or a cure around an inner core of a light rigid material can be provided.
Alternatively, a shaping by means of numerical-control machines of materials in general can be foreseen.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and the advantages of the present device, according to the invention, will result clearer with the description of one of its embodiments that follows, made to illustrate but not limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 represents an axonometric view of the invention according to a first constructive configuration;
Figure 2 represents a section of the device to highlight the seat for inserting the handles of the load;
Figure 3 represents a second preferred configuration of the invention wherein there are only two seats of limited length at the back of the two portions constituting the annular-shaped body and relative two handles;
Figure 4 represents a view in which the first preferred configuration presents a tapering to facilitate the widening of the handles towards the body of the bags.
Figure 5 represents another transport device which does not form part of the invention.
Figures 6 and 7 represent respectively a frontal and lateral view of the transport device shown in figure 5.

Description of some preferred embodiments

With reference to figure 1, a first preferred configuration of the invention is described.
In detail, the present device comprising a body 1, of a substantially annular shape and that comprises therefore an outer surface 8 and an inner surface 7. In correspondence with the outer surface 8 a longitudinal seat 2 is obtained, suitable for receiving the handles of a bag or of a load in general, while in correspondence of the inner surface 7 a series of transversal grooves 3 and 3' are provided arranged realizing two different handgrips (3, 3'), or handholds, opposed one to the other to hold the base of the fingers of a hand. Thus, once the handles of the plastic bag are appropriately inserted in the seat 2, it is possible to lift the load by simply gripping the device from the part of one of the two handgrips.
More in detail, according to this first preferred configuration, the annular-shaped body is essentially formed by two portions 4 and 5 (respectively a superior and an inferior one) conformed approximately in overturned U or C shape. Thus, the two handgrips 3 and 3' are respectively obtained on the two portions 4 and 5 in correspondence of the belly 6, 6' of the relative portion (or rather of the U or of the C). The longitudinal seat 2, according to such a configuration, is realized continuous along all the longitudinal perimeter of the outer surface 8 itself. Still, the portion of seat 2 actually bearing the handles will be that substantially coinciding with the length of the belly 6 or 6'.
Figure 1, in particular, represents the case wherein the two portions 4 and 5 have the part of belly 6, 6' of different longitudinal length. Thus, the length of the handles 3 and 3' obtained results different, guaranteeing two different measures of handgrip with the same device.
Figure 4 represents a simple constructive variation wherein two widening zones 2', diametrically opposed one to the other, are obtained substantially in the junction of the two portions 4 and 5. The function of the widening zones is that of facilitating the gradual widening of the handles of the plastic bag towards to body of the bag itself, thus limiting the problem of the curling of the same.
A second preferred configuration of the invention (see figure 3) foresees instead two different longitudinal seats 202 and 202' of limited length and substantially coinciding with the length of the widening zones 203 and 203'. Just as a way of example, and therefore not limiting for the present invention, the configuration of figure 3 represents two different lengths of the handles 203 and 203' to allow the adaptation to hands of different dimensions. Consequently, in accordance with such an example, also the seats 202, 202' result of a different length, thus adapting themselves to handles of different openings. In particular, also the two seats 202 and 202' finish respectively with two gradual opposed widening zones 213 (analogous to that described also in the first configuration) that allow a better adaptation to the handles of the bag that are widened.
Another transport device which does not form part of the invention foresees (see figure 5, 6 and 7) an annular-shaped body with an only seat 302 that finishes in correspondence of the base of the ring-shaped body and an only handle 303 opposed to the base. Also this device (see figure 7) foresees a widening 313 in proximity of the base to allow the handles of a plastic bag to gradually widen towards the body of the bag itself.
For all the configurations described, it is also foreseen a possible constructive geometry of the longitudinal seat (see figure 2). In particular, the seat 2 comprises a site engraved on the outer surface 8 comprising lateral walls 11 emerging from the base of the seat towards the top (which avoid the lateral exit of the handles, keeping them within the seat) and upper containment walls 12.
Naturally, the term "annular-shaped" is to be intended in an absolutely generic manner, or rather not necessarily linked to a circular shape. Thus, different shapes from the circular one, for example quadrangular or so, can be realized for the purpose and without for this moving apart from the present inventive concept.
Having therefore described the device constructively, we will now provide, for clarity purposes, indications of the use of the same. Naturally, the type of functionality does not change on the basis of the pre-selected configurations and for that purpose, just for simplicity purposes; the description that follows refers only to the first preferred configuration.
According to the dimensions of the hand, it is possible to choose the longest handgrip 3' or the shortest one 3. On the basis of such a choice, the handles of the bag or of the load are inserted internally in the possible seats 2 obtained longitudinally. The lifting of the load by means of the device can therefore take place.
It is clear how the device referred to is extremely useful to allow the lifting and transportation of the load supplied with handles, limiting the user's hand damages and traumas.
It is also clear how all the pre-established aims of the present invention have been reached. In particular, it is clear how the annular-shaped body realized significantly limits the inflections and the crushing of the device itself, thus avoiding possible damages to the user. In addition, it is now possible to use two different dimensions with the same device, which easily adapts itself to different measures of users and/or loads.

Claims

Device to allow a user to transport loads supplied with handles, particularly plastic bags, sacks, bottles packaging and the like, the device comprising a substantially annular-shaped body (1) comprising an outer surface (8) and an inner surface (7), said outer surface (8) comprising a longitudinal seat (2; 202, 202') within which the handles of the load can be placed, said inner surface (7) being provided with grooves (3, 3'; 203, 203') configured to hold the fingers of a user; characterized in that said grooves are arranged on the inner surface (7) realizing two different handgrips (3, 3'; 203, 203') comprising said grooves (3, 3'; 203, 203'), said two different handgrips being substantially opposed one to the other, and wherein the longitudinal seat (2; 202, 202') is on the said outer surface (8) at least in correspondence with the two handgrips (3, 3'; 203, 203').
Device, according to claim 1, wherein the said longitudinal seat (2) covers the entire outer perimeter (8) of the annular-shaped body.
Device, according to claim 2, wherein two widening zones (2') of the seat (2) are provided arranged diametrically opposed one to the other in such a way as to facilitate the gradual widening of the handle towards the body of the load.
Device, according to claim 1, wherein for each one of the two handgrips (203, 203') a respective longitudinal seat (202, 202') is provided arranged on the outer surface (8) in a substantially opposed manner to the relative handgrip and of a length substantially coinciding with the length of the handgrip.
Device, according to claim 4, wherein the said longitudinal seats (202, 202') are provided respectively with a gradual widening zone (213) to accompany the opening of the handle towards the attachment point to the load.
Device, according to one or more claims from 1 to 5, wherein the said handgrips (3, 3'; 203, 203') are of different length.
Device, according to one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 6, wherein the said annular-shaped body comprises a first (4; 204) and a second portion (5; 205) conformed according to a substantially overturned U or C shape.
Device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the said longitudinal seats (2; 202, 202') foresee:
- A first (11) and a second lateral wall (11) distanced apart one from the other in such a way as to delimit the containment seat (2; 202, 202') for the handle of the load;

- A first (12) and a second wall (12) arranged each one respectively on top of the relative lateral wall in such a way as to realize a containment edge for the handles.
Device, according to one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 8, wherein the said longitudinal seats are engraved along the outer perimeter of the annular-shaped body.
Device, according to one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that it is realized in an only piece by fusion in a die.