WO2017006274A1

WO2017006274A1 - A bag handling device

Info

Publication number: WO2017006274A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/054076
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ernst Pieter PELSER
Original assignee: Pelser Ernst Pieter
Priority date: 2015-07-07
Filing date: 2016-07-07
Publication date: 2017-01-12

Abstract

This invention relates to a bag handling device (10) for handling bags, for example, plastic shopping bags, or the like. The device (10) comprises a handle portion (12) with gripping formations (12.1) having a longitudinal axis (A), at least one first bag engaging formation (14) defined by the handle portion (12); and first and second end portions (16, 18) provided adjacent respective ends of the handle portion (12). The first end portion (16) comprises a second bag engaging formation in the form of a second channel (20). The second end portion (18) comprises a third bag engaging formation in the form of a third channel (22). In this way, one or more bags wrapped about the longitudinal axis (A) of the handle portion (12) and located in the first (14), second (20), and third bag (22) engaging formations respectively facilitates storage of the one or more bags, in use. Also, handles of bags located in the first bag engaging formation (14) facilitates transport of the bags, in use.

Description

A BAG HANDLING DEVICE

FIELD OF INVENTION

THIS INVENTION relates to a bag handling device, particularly a shopping bag/packet handling device, and more particularly a plastic bag handling device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shopping bags or packets, of the flexible type constructed of plastics or plastic polymers, are typically single use items which stores provide to customers to carry their groceries/purchases in. Though encouraged to be re-used, these shopping bags are typically discarded after use at a significant environmental cost.

Often bags of the type described above are stored by users for later use at therein homes, in their cars, handbags, etc. However, these means of storing these bags are often untidy and inconvenient as it is sometimes difficult to quickly and easily handle these bags for storage and/or for use. For example, users with a plurality of plastic shopping bags stuffed into their handbags often spend time trying to retrieve and untangle these bags from their handbags for use. In an example where the user is in a queue at a store counter, this additional time spent at store counter undesirably slows down transit time through a shop till or checkpoint which may, for example, have an indirect impact on the performance of a store.

In addition, it is often the case that bags stored at home for re-use are often forgotten by the users resulting in these users having to re-obtain/re-purchase bags at a store which increases the amount of plastic shopping bags in circulation and thus likely to find its way into a environmentally damaging situation. Shopping bags of a conventional unitary construction type suffer a further drawback in that when packed or when a heavy load is placed therein, the handles of the bags tend to group together and may hurt the hands of a user carrying same.

It is at least one object of the present invention at least to address the abovementioned problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bag handling device comprising: a handle portion having a longitudinal axis; at least one first bag engaging formation defined by the handle portion; and first and second end portions provided adjacent respective ends of the handle portion, wherein the first end portion comprises a second bag engaging formation and the second end portion comprises a third bag engaging formation, wherein one or more bags wrapped about the longitudinal axis (A) of the handle portion (12) and located in the first, second, and third bag engaging formations respectively facilitates storage of the one or more bags, in use; and wherein handles of bags located in the first bag engaging formation facilitates transport of the bags, in use.

The handle portion may comprise a plurality of gripping formations. This may enable ease of handling of the device. The handle portion may be an elongate handle portion configured to be held by a single human hand.

The first bag engaging formation may be in the form of a first groove or channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. However, it will be noted that in some example embodiments, the device may comprise a pair of parallel spaced apart grooves extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. To this end, the handle portion may be shell-like and may define the first channel. The gripping formations may be protrusions extending from a surface of the handle portion opposite the channel.

In one example embodiment, the handle portion may be shell-like and comprises a plurality parallel spaced apart ribs disposed therein, wherein the ribs extend transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

Each rib may be substantially planar, wherein each rib defines a U-shaped slot, and wherein the U-shaped slots of the plurality of ribs are aligned to define the first bag engaging formation in the form of a U-shaped first channel therethrough. In this way, the ribs provide structural integrity of the device, in use. In particular, the ribs limit twisting of the device about its longitudinal axis in response to large loads being transported thereby in the fashion described below. The second bag engaging formation may be in the form of a second groove or channel extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. Similarly, the third bag engaging formation may also be in the form of a third groove or channel extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The second and third channels may be substantially parallel to each other.

The second channel may comprise a greater width than the third channel. The first and second end portions may comprise similar end profiles, albeit the second channel having a greater width than the third channel.

In one example embodiment, the second and third channels may extend at least partly into the handle portion. It will be appreciated that the first channel may be in communication with the second and third channels.

One or both of the first and second end portions may comprise an engagement formation so as to facilitate attachment of the device to other objects. The engagement formation may be in the form of a protrusion defining an aperture having an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. In this way, the device may be attachable to objects such as keys, handbag, etc. via suitable clips for carrying the device.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a bag handling device comprising: a handle portion having a longitudinal axis, the handle portion defining a closable storage chamber for location of empty bags therein, in use; and a first end portion and a second end portion provided adjacent respective ends of the handle portion, wherein the first and second end portions comprise bag engaging formations wherein, in use, bags located in the storage chamber of the handle portion facilitates storage of the one or more bags; and wherein, in use, handles of bags located in the bag engaging formations facilitates transport of the bags.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of storing bags, the method comprising: providing a device as described above; bunching together one or more bags and orienting same such that the handles portions are aligned; locating aligned base portions of the bunched bags partly in the first channel of the device; locating a portion of the other part of the bags partly in the second channel; wrapping the remainder of the other part of the bags in a helical fashion around the handle portion; and locating the bunched handles/handle end portions in the third channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional perspective view of a bag handling device in

accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows another three-dimensional perspective view of a bag handling device in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a side view of a bag handling device in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of a bag handling device in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows another plan view of a bag handling device in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 shows an end view of a bag handling device in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 shows an opposite end view of a bag handling device in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 shows an in use illustration of a bag handling device in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention, in a bag storage of bags;

Figure 9 shows an in use illustration of a bag handling device in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention, in transporting bags;

Figure 10 shows a plan view of another bag handling device in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 shows another plan view of the bag handling device of Figure 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 shows an perspective view of the bag handling device of Figure 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 shows another perspective view of the bag handling device of Figure 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention; and Figure 14 shows yet another perspective view of the bag handling device of Figure 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of an embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details.

Referring to Figures 1 to 9 of the drawings, a bag handling device in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The device 10 is typically used for handling bags or packets, for example, flexible bags of the type constructed from plastic and/or a polymer material as conventionally dispensed at retail stores when goods are purchased therefrom. These bags typically have bag bodies and integrally formed handles. However, it will be noted that the invention is not limited to use with just plastic bags but also with bags constructed of other materials such as one or a combination of paper, cardboard, yarn, plastic, and the like.

As will be described below, the device 10 typically has at least dual utility as a storage device for bags of the type described herein as well as a transport device to aid in transport of bags which are typically laden with goods. In any event, the device 10 has a body of unitary construction (typically constructed of a rigid plastic/moulded plastic and/or polymer) and has a handle portion 12 having a longitudinal axis A (as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2). The handle portion 12 is substantially of uniform construction and comprises a first bag engaging formation 14 in the form of a first groove or channel extending along one surface of the handle portion 12. The first channel 14 extends along the longitudinal axis A of the handle portion 12 and is shaped and/or dimensioned to receive one or both of handles of the bags and empty bags bunched together (as will be described below). The handle portion 12 typically has a roughly U- shaped cross-sectional profile due to the first channel 14. In other words, the handle portion 12 may be shell-like to define the first channel 14. In one example embodiment, the handle portion 12 typically comprises gripping formations 12.1 to facilitate ease of gripping of the device 10 in use (also as will be described below). Though not illustrated, it will be appreciated that in some example embodiments, the device 10 comprises a pair of spaced apart first channels for engaging bags.

The device 10 further comprises a first end portion 16 and a second end portion 18 provided adjacent respective ends of the handle portion 12. The end portions 16, 18 comprise a pair of lobes or flanges 16.1 & 16.2, and 18.1 & 18.2 respectively which are roughly semi-circular in profile as can best be seen in Figures 6 and 7 and extend radially from the handle portion. Each flange 16.1 to 18.2 has a curved outer edge and a relatively linear inner edge which has a roughly angled profile which slightly protrudes towards the opposite flange as can best be seen in Figures 6 and 7. The flanges 16, 18 may be bulbous flanges.

In any event, the first end portion 16 comprises a second bag engaging formation 20 in the form of a channel or channel which extends through the first end portion 16 substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis A. Similarly, the second end portion 18 comprises a third bag engaging formation 22, also in the form of a channel or channel extending through the second end portion 18, typically parallel to the formation 20, and thus also substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis A, particularly perpendicular thereto.

The second channel 20 may have a greater width than the third channel 22 as best can be seen in Figures 4 and 5. Notwithstanding, it will be noted that the third channel 22 has a similar outline or profile as the second channel 20. In particular, it will be noted that the channels 20 and 22 taper from wider end regions to a narrower waist region. It will be understood that the channels 20, 22 are essentially flanked or defined by the lobes of end portions 16 and 18, respectively such that the pair of lobes of each end portion are spaced by the respective channel 20, 22.

Also as best seen in Figures 4 and 5, the second and third channels 20, 22 extend at least partly into the handle portion 12 in, for example, a notch-like fashion. It will be appreciated that the first channel 14 may be in communication with the second and third channels 20, 22 as can be seen in the accompanying representations. In other words, the second and third channels 20, 22 intersect with the first channel 14.

In one example embodiment, the second end portion 18 may comprise an engagement formation 18.1 having an engagement aperture so as to facilitate attachment of the device 10 to other objects such as key-chains, key-rings etc. so as to facilitate ease of transport of the device 10. In use, referring to Figures 1 to 9 of the drawings, particularly Figures 8 and 9, the device 10 may typically be used in essentially two modes of operation. Firstly, with reference to Figure 8, the device 10 may be used for purposes of storage of one or more empty bags 30 in a non-use condition. In this regard, empty bags 30 are bunched together and pulled taught so as to expel most of the air therein therefrom. The bags 30 are typically oriented such that the handles portions are aligned.

Bunched aligned base portions of the bags 30 (opposite the aligned handles) are located partly in the first channel 14. These base portions are typically held in the channel 14 and the remainder of the bunched bags or in other words, the free ends of the bags are folded in a transverse fashion to the longitudinal axis A such that a portion of the bunched bags are located and retained in the second channel 20 of the first end portion 16. The wider end regions of the channel 20 facilitate ease of location of the bunched bags 30 therein whereas the narrower waist region of the channel 20 facilitates retaining the bunched bags in the second channel 20 for the storage as discussed herein.

The bunched bags 30 are then transversely folded again and wrapped around the handle portion 12, in a helical fashion about the longitudinal axis A or handle portion until the free ends of the bunched bags 30, i.e., the remaining bunched handles/handle end portions are in position for being transversely folded (to the axis A) into location in the third channel 22. Similarly as described above, wider end regions of the channel 22 facilitate ease of location of the bunched bags 30 therein whereas the narrower waist region facilitates retaining the bunched bags in the third channel 22.

In this way, bags 30 located on the device 10 may be stored in a more convenient and neater fashion and bags 30 may be removed by removing the bags from the device 10, i.e., by removing the bags 30 from location in the channels 14, 20 and 22 and around the handle portion 12.

In this way, bags 30 located on the device 10 may be stored in a more convenient and neater fashion and bags 30 may be removed by removing the bags from the device 10, i.e., by removing the bags 30 from location in the channels 14, 20 and 22 and around the handle portion 12. In the second mode of operation, referring particularly to Figure 9 of the drawings, handle/s of laden bag/s 30 are typically located in the first channel 14 and the user may carry the bags 30 by gripping the device 10 thus facilitating transport of the bags. The gripping formations 12.1 provide more comfort in carrying the laden bags 30. In addition, with handles located in the device 10, there is a reduced chance of the laden bags spilling out of the bags.

In some example embodiments, the device 10 is provided with more than one first channel 14 so as to facilitate location of each handle of bags comprising two handles for the purposes of transport as described above and illustrated.

In some example embodiments, not illustrated, some devices may comprise handle portions which define closable storage chambers, for example, of a two-part closable construction defining the storage chambers therebetween for location of empty bags therein for storage. In these example embodiments, first and second end portions adjacent respective ends of the handle portions comprise bag engaging formations for engaging/locating the handles of bags therein in the transport condition as described below. In use, these devices are operated to store empty bags therein and when bags are required, the handle portions are opened to gain access to the storage chambers and thus bags.

Handle portions of the laden bags may be located in the storage chambers and the end portions, the handle portions are then typically closed around the same so as to facilitate transport of the laden bags via the devices in a similar fashion as described above.

Referring to Figures 10 to 14 of the drawings where another example embodiment of a bag handling device in accordance with the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The device 100 is substantially similar to the device 10 and thus the discussions above apply equally herein. Notwithstanding, the device 100 differs from device 10 in that it comprises a plurality of spaced apart ribs 1 12.1 located in the handle portion of the device 100. The ribs 1 12.1 are planar and are disposed in a parallel fashion in the shelllike handle portion of the device 100. The ribs 1 12.1 extend transverse to a longitudinal axis of the device 100 and provide increased structural integrity and/or rigidity to the device when, in use, transporting laden bags in the fashion described above.

It will be noted that the ribs comprise u-shaped slots which in alignment define the first bag engaging means in the form of a U-shaped channel defined by the ribs 1 12.1 as illustrated.

In addition the flanges of the end portions of the device 100 are typically frame-like and each flange comprises of a pair of planar members spaced by interconnecting webs as illustrated. Notwithstanding, it will be appreciated that the flange of the device 100 have a substantially similar profile to those of the device 10. The use of the device 100 is substantially similar to the use of the device 10 as hereinbefore described.

The invention as described herein, stores plastic bags in a convenient, neat and compact fashion, small enough for a small draw, handbag or even pockets. The device as described herein may be used as a handle, which protects the hands. In addition, the device as described herein keeps bags together which prevents groceries from spilling out of the bag when at rest. The device as described herein helps the customers quickly pack used bags back into the devices so it can be placed back in the car, handbag or pocket. Due to the convenience of now storing the bags and helping protect their hands, customers are more likely to remember the device and bags.

Claims

1 . A bag handling device (10) comprising : a handle portion (12) having a longitudinal axis (A); at least one first bag engaging formation (14) defined by the handle portion (12) ; and first and second end portions (1 6, 1 8) provided adjacent respective ends of the handle portion (1 2), wherein the first end portion (1 6) comprises a second bag engaging formation (20) and the second end portion (18) comprises a third bag engaging formation (22), wherein one or more bags wrapped about the longitudinal axis (A) of the handle portion (1 2) and located in the first (14), second (20), and third bag (22) engaging formations respectively facilitates storage of the one or more bags, in use; and wherein handles of bags located in the first bag engaging formation (14) facilitates transport of the bags, in use.

2. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the handle portion (1 2) comprises a plurality of gripping formations (12.1 ) to facilitate handling of the device.

3. A bag handling device as claimed in either claim 1 or 2, wherein the first bag engaging formation is in the form of at least one first channel (14) extending along the longitudinal axis (A) of the handle portion (12).

4. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle portion (14) is shell-like and comprises a plurality parallel spaced apart ribs disposed therein, wherein the ribs extend transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) of the handle portion (14).

5. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in claim 14, wherein each rib defines a U- shaped slot, and wherein the U-shaped slots of the plurality of ribs are aligned to define the first bag engaging formation in the form of a U-shaped first channel therethrough.

6. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second and third bag engaging formations are in the form of second and third channels

(20, 22) extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) of the handle portion (14), respectively.

7. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second and third channels (20, 22) are substantially parallel to each other.

8. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in either claim 6 and 7, wherein the second channel (20) comprises a greater width than the third channel (22).

9. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second and third channels (20, 22) extend at least partly into the handle portion (12) such that they are in communication with the first bag engaging formation (14).

10. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first and second end portions (16, 18) each comprise a pair of lobes spaced by the second and third channels respectively.

1 1 . A bag handling device (10) as claimed in clam 10, wherein the lobes of each of the first and second portions are in the form of semi-circular flanges radially from the handle portion (12).

12. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the second and third channels (20, 22) taper adjacent waist regions thereof and flare outwardly adjacent end regions thereof.

13. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in either claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the pair of flanges of each of the first and second end portions protrudes into the second and third channels adjacent the intersection of the first bag engaging formation (14) and the second and third channels (20, 22).

14. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end portion (18) comprises an engagement formation (18.1 ) so as to facilitate attachment of the device to other objects.

15. A bag handling device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is of a unitary construction.