WO2004032672A1

WO2004032672A1 - Handle clasp

Info

Publication number: WO2004032672A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/013909
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ari David Susman
Original assignee: Hand-L-Pleez, Inc.
Priority date: 2002-10-11
Filing date: 2003-05-02
Publication date: 2004-04-22
Also published as: AU2003231292A1

Abstract

A handle clasp (10) for carrying grocery bags will decrease 'cutting' sensations on the hand of the user to more easily grasp several bags at once, and reduce tumbling and spillage of the bags during transportation. The handle clasp (10) includes a slotted handle (21), a neck/bag connection segment (40), and a head (60) for clasping to the handle. The handle clasp (10) has improvements for comfort, for advertising and to the locking/clasping mechanism.

Description

APPLICATION FOR PATENT

INVENTOR: SUSMAN, ARI DAVID

TITLE: HANDLE CLASP

SPECIFICATION CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of US provisional application number 60/418,027 filed 11 October 2002.

STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSOR RESEARCH OR

DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TOAMICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Description of the Related Art

[0004] Every day, shoppers carry and transport groceries in bags. While carrying groceries in bags, shoppers may experience a "cutting" sensation/force on their hands and fingers. This happens particularly with plastic bags. This unpleasant feeling is due to the weight of groceries stretching the handle of the plastic bag. This results in the thin, pliable plastic handle compressing and cutting on the hands and fingers. The heavier the bags, the more the thin plastic compresses and tightens across the hands and fingers resulting in cutting sensations of larger magnitude. [0005] In addition, when shoppers transport groceries, plastic bags may not adequately contain the groceries. For example, groceries spill out of plastic bags due to automobile acceleration, deceleration, and cornering because of the bag's lack of rigidity, its open-ended top and the instability of the groceries in the bag.

[0006] Today, stores do not utilize devices which assist shoppers in carrying bags or preventing spills. Price is the primary barrier to commercial implementation of present devices. The price of present devices is related to the complexity of the form and material used for the devices. Present devices are simple, but not simple enough to provide negligible costs to the stores while enabling them to provide shoppers with a simple and disposable means for effectively carrying and closing bags.

[0007] U.S. patent number 6,062,622 which is incorporated herein by reference describes a handle clasp, which when connected through handles of bags such as plastic bags, reduces the cutting force/sensation into the hands and fingers experienced when carrying groceries and joins the tops of the bags to prevent spills during transport. [0008] The handle clasp is preferably made of 1/16" thick plastic or a similarly flexible material. The material must have sufficient yield strength in tension to carry numerous bags of groceries yet, preferably, be supple or pliable.

[0009] The handle clasp of the '622 patent has a handle, a tapered handle segment, a bag connection segment, a tapered clasp segment, and a head. The handle is approximately 6.75" long and 1" wide. The handle contains a slot. The slot is approximately 1" long and 0.25" wide and is located near the base of the handle. Near the base of the slot, are the slot corners which have two slits. The slits are composed of angular portions and straight portions. The angular slit portions are at a forty-five degree outward angle from the corners and approximately 3/16" in length. The straight slit portions are approximately 3/16" in length. The slits form a lip which protrudes from the body of handle 20 (as seen in Fig. 3 of

SUSM002/005 the '622 patent).

[0010] The handle shown in the '622 patent tapers from a width of 1" to a width of

3/16" over a span of approximately 3/16" forming a tapered handle segment. The tapered handle segment transitions into a bag connecting segment.

[0011] The bag connection segment is approximately 5.25" long and 3/16" wide. The width of bag connection segment is smaller than the width of the slot. The bag connection segment is the most flexible portion of the handle clasp due to the small width of the bag connection segment. The bag connection segment transitions into a tapered clasp segment. [0012] The tapered clasp segment tapers from a lower end which is the same width as bag connection segment (having a close tolerance to the edges of the slot) to the other end which is approximately the same width as the lip. The tapered clasp segment transitions into a head which is rectangular in shape and approximately 3/8" long and 1" wide. The tapered clasp segment also inhibits a tear in the handle clasp by distributing forces across the segment when the head is twisted and/or pulled.

[0013] When using such a handle clasp, a user grabs bag connection segment (or the head) and twists the segment approximately ninety degrees. Next, the head is inserted into slot. Referring to Figures 1 and 3 of the '622 patent, the user then releases the twisting force, and the head rotates/returns to its natural position in which the longest axis of the head is perpendicular to the longest axis of slot in order to join the ends of handle clasp. As a result, the lower end of the tapered clasp segment rests above and against the edges of the slot thus preventing the handle from contacting the head when there is no downward force supplied by bags. However when bags are lifted by the user via the handle clasp, the weight of the bags forces the tapered clasp segment to slide under the lip until the locking edge of the head 60 (or the upper end of the tapered clasp segment) interferes with the edges of the slot. As the handle clasp may be made from a thin, supple material, the lip in conjunction with angular portions and straight slit portions function to lock or inhibit the head from curling or bending and sliding through slot.

[0014] Plastic bags may now be carried with reduced "cutting" forces on the shopper's hand and fingers because the handles "cut" across the bag connection segment rather than the fingers and/or hand(s). A larger width of the handle segment serves to distribute forces more evenly across the hand and fingers resulting in less concentrated, reduced cutting forces on the hand and fingers. Also, the outer edges on the handle clasp may be manufactured to be smooth or dull.

[0015] In addition, the handle clasp of the '622 patent when placed through all bag handles serves to provide stability in that it will "close" and/or "join" the handles and tops of plastic bags over the groceries and maintain them in this state until the handle clasp is unclasped such that groceries will not spill out of bags. This feature is particularly useful when grocery bags are placed in an automobile where bags in transport have a tendency to collapse and/or roll/tip over and spill. As such, the handle clasp should remain clasped until after the contents are transported and removed from the vehicle. This feature may be enhanced when more than one bag is clasped to a single handle clasp. [0016] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 of the '622 patent an embodiment is shown which is similar to the embodiment shown in figures 1-3 except it includes a tab or tongue which helps to lock the head in place. The tongue has three edges which are created when tongue is cut away from the handle. In use, for clasping the handle, the head is pushed through the tongue. The tongue is then placed under the head (see figure 5 of the '622 patent). The tongue then acts to inhibit the head from twisting or bending and coming unclasped/popping out of handle, i.e. to lock the head in place. The length of the edges may be increased or decreased as necessary to assist in the locking feature of the invention. As described above, the head may be additionally locked under the lip. [0017] With such a simple and inexpensive device, stores are now able to provide shoppers an improved means to carry^' and transport items in plastic bags while incurring minimal costs. The handle clasp may also be used for holding hangers for airline or other travel, for locking around clothes picked up at the dry cleaners, for locking around a hook or handle mounted in an automobile, etcetera. The handle can be used for the placement of advertisements, promotions, coupons, logos, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0018] A handle clasp for carrying grocery bags will decrease "cutting" sensations on the hand of the user, allow the user to more easily grasp several bags at once, and reduce tumbling and spillage of the bags during transport. The handle clasp includes a slotted handle, a bag connection segment, and a head for clasping to the handle. [0019] Improvements have been made to the device shown and described in U.S. patent number 6,062,622 . The improvements made to the handle clasp bring more comfort and safety to the user, more durability to the handle clasp, enhance advertising features, and enhance the locking/clasping mechanism.

[0020] Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any particular individual features disclosed, but include combinations of features distinguished from the prior art in their structures and functions. Features of the invention have been broadly described so that the detailed descriptions that follow may be better understood, and in order that the contributions of this invention to the arts may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the invention described below. These may be included in the subject matter of the claims to this invention. Those skilled in the art that have the benefit of this invention, its teachings, and suggestions will appreciate that the conceptions of this disclosure may be used as a creative basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out and practicing the present invention. The claims of this invention are to be read to include any legally equivalent devices or methods which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0021] The present invention recognizes, addresses and meets the previously- mentioned preferences or objectives in its various possible embodiments and equivalents thereof. To one of skill in this art who has the benefit of this invention's realizations, teachings, disclosures, and suggestions, other purposes and advantages will be appreciated from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The detail in the description is not intended to thwart this patent's object to claim this invention no matter how others may later disguise it by variations in form or additions of further improvements. These descriptions illustrate certain preferred embodiments and are not to be used to improperly limit the scope of the invention which may have other equally effective or legally equivalent embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig. 1 is an elevational view of an unconnected and extended handle clasp.

Fig. 2 is an end view of the handle clasp shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an end view of another embodiment of the handle clasp.

Fig. 4 is a view of the back side of the handle clasp shown in Fig. 1 but reduced from the size shown in Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring to Fig. 1, the handle clasp 10 generally has a body/handle portion

20, a neck (hanger segment for bags or other devices) 40 and a head 60. The body/handle

SUSM002/005 portion 20 has a slot 21 in the longitudinal direction of the clasp 10.

[0024] The length of the slot 21 is preferably slightly longer than the longest dimension of the head 60. The width of slot 21 is preferably nearly equal to or slightly larger than the width of the neck 40.

[0025] The rounded edge(s) 12 (better seen in the end view Fig. 2), may be formed around the handle portion 20. Rounded edge(s) 12 may have a diametrical 2.5 millimeter profile, and may help the user or consumer by providing more comfort to their hand especially when toting heavy loads. All exterior corners 17 may also be rounded.

[0026] Beginning at the corners 22a,b of slot 21 are small slots 23a,b. The small slots define a narrow gap of, for example, one millimeter (although the narrow gap may be as small as 0.5 millimeters). The small slots 23a,b terminate in circular or rounded apertures 14a,b (seen in Fig. 1) each of which may, for example, have a diameter of about two millimeters. The circular apertures 14a,b inhibits shearing, tearing, cracking, failure and/or breakage and, therefore, adds extra protection to the handle clasp 10, to the load being toted by the handle clasp 10, and to the user.

[0027] The handle clasp 10 may also include an insert or inset portion 16 which can be molded or applied into the handle clasp 10, or the insert 16 may be inserted into the handle clasp 10. Advertising media such as a brand name, slogan and/or logo may be placed in or adhered to the insert/inset portion 16 (e.g. a sticker bearing a brand name may be adhered to the inset portion 16).

[0028] The handle portion 20 as viewed in Fig. 1 is flat. In another embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the handle portion 120 includes a slight curvature (e.g., a thirty to fifty millimeter radius) across the handle portion 120 from edge to edge 112 for user comfort.

[0029] Fig.4 is a reduced view of the back side of the handle clasp 10 shown in Fig.

1. [0030] One type of material which may be used is a high density polyethylene known as EXXONMOBIL HDPE (HMA 016) made by Exxon Mobil having a flexural modulus of 920 MPa and a tensile yield of twenty-three MPa.

[0031] In one embodiment, the handle clasp 10 has about a 1.6 millimeter thickness, with the inset portion 16 having about a 1.5 millimeter thickness (inset portions may be embedded on both sides of the handle clasp 10). The length of the inset portion is about 94 to 110 millimeters and the width is about 15 to 20 millimeters. The width of the handle portion 20 and of the head 60 is about 25 millimeters (making slot 21 also about 25 millimeters long). The width of the neck 40 is about 6 millimeters (making the slot 21 about 6 millimeters wide). The length of the handle portion 20 is about 165 millimeters, and the length of the neck 40 is about 115 millimeters. Small slots 23a,b initially angle about 135 degrees away from the sides of slot 21 starting at corners 22a,b for about five millimeters and then angle again to be parallel to the sides of the slot 21 extending about another 3.5 millimeters to the location where the apertures 14a,b are placed. This forms a lip 26. After the head 60 is inserted through the slot, the head 60 will readily lock under the lip 26 due to the fact that the small slots 23a,b enable ready sliding of first the tapered segment 50 and then the head 60 under the lip 26.

[0032] Therefore, it is seen that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends set forth. Certain changes can be made in the subject matter without departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention. It is realized that changes are possible within the scope of this invention and it is further intended that each element or step recited in any claims is to be understood as referring to all equivalent elements or steps. The claims are intended to cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form it may be utilized.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A clasp for connecting one or more devices, such as a plastic shopping bag, to another device, such as a hand, wherein the clasp has a handle portion having a slot, a neck integral with and adjoining the handle portion, and a head integral with and adjoining the neck, comprising: a lip defined by the handle portion having two small slots, one each extending from one of two corners of a base of the slot wherein the two small slots each define a gap at least as large as 0.5 millimeters.

2. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the gap is about one millimeter.

3. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion defines two circular apertures one each placed at an end of the respective two small slots.

4. The clasp according to claim 3, wherein the two circular apertures each have a diameter of about 2 millimeters.

5. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion has an inset.

6. The clasp according to claim 5, wherein a sticker bearing advertising media is attached to said inset.

7. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion has an insert.

8. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion has rounded edges having about a 2.5 millimeter profile.

9. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion has rounded corners.

10. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion is flat from one edge to another edge.

11. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion has a curvature from one edge to another edge having about a thirty to fifty millimeter radius.

12. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion defines two circular apertures one each placed at an end of the respective two small slots; and wherein the handle portion has an inset.

13. The clasp according to claim 12, wherein the gap is about one millimeter.

14. The clasp according to claim 12, wherein the two circular apertures each have a diameter of about 2 millimeters.

15. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the gap is about one millimeter; and wherein the handle portion defines two circular apertures one each placed at an end of the respective two small slots.

16. The clasp according to claim 15, wherein the two circular apertures each have a diameter of about 2 millimeters.

17. The clasp according to claim 15, wherein the handle portion has an inset.

18. A method of using the clasp according to claim 1 , including the steps of: twisting said head; pushing said head through the slot; and locking the head in the lip.