REUSABLE BAG HANDLE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING

POIGNEE DE SAC REUTILISABLE ET METHODE DE FABRICATION

English Abstract

A reusable bag handle is provided to protect fingers when carrying a
shopping bag or the like. The reusable bag handle is preferably embodied in
a tube with a side opening that is inserted in the handle of a bag. A method
of manufacture of the reusable bag handle is also disclosed. The reusable
bag handle provides a simple solution, for the everyday shopping problem.

Description

CA 02475228 2004-07-20
1
REUSABLE BAG HANDLE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement for handling bags or the
like, in particular T-shirt plastic bags.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Any bag with a handle, and more specifically the T-shirt designed bag as
shown in Fig. 1, is used to carry around people's everyday need in groceries,
clothing, electronics and everything in between. While carrying around these
items, users face a common problem: the handle turns into a rope, as shown
in Fig. 2. As the weight of the bag increases, the rope presses down even
harder on the fingers of the user, which in turn can cause pain and
inconvenience. The hand and/or fingers may become marked as shown in
Fig. 3. The distance of travel will also be a factor, as the longer one walks
around (which shoppers tend to do) the more strain there is on the fingers,
hands and wrists.
Although this is an everyday problem, one has yet to find a solution. There
have been many suggestions, like improving the shopping bag itself or
changing the handle. These solutions tend to be difficult to implement and
not very cost effective, as they would change the shape of the problem but
not solve it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a reusable bag handle
that is used to protect fingers when carrying a shopping bag or the like. The
reusable bag handle is preferably embodied in a tube with a side opening
that is inserted in the handle of a bag. The reusable bag handle provides a
simple solution, for the everyday shopping problem.
Here are some preferred advantages of using the handle according to the
present invention:
a) It is well designed and very handy (similar to a briefcase handle). This
design puts a layer between the user and the bag which protects the fingers;

CA 02475228 2004-07-20
2
b) It is easy to install and remove, it takes seconds to install and remove
the bags from the bag handle. Please refer to Fig. 7;
c) The bag handle shape and design help distribute the bag weight and
provide easy handling too. Please refer to Fig. 8;
d) The user can carry one or several bags in one handle, which in turn
makes carrying of several bags easier to handle;
e) The bag handle is a reusable handle, which can be kept and used
several times;
f) It is small in size, so it can be kept in a car, purse or even pocket;
g) It can also be used around the house or workplace, for things that one
may tie a rope around or tape, to carry; and
h) It is very cost effective, and therefore can be used by everyone.
There are many more uses and advantages for using the bag handle, these
are just some of the ones that the Applicant has chosen to illustrate.
The invention as well as its numerous advantages will be better understood
by reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred
embodiments made in reference to the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a known T-shirt shopping bag.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bag shown in Fig. 1 being carried by a
user in a know manner.
Figure 3 is perspective view of a hand of a user being marked after having
carried the shopping bag shown in Fig. 2.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a reusable bag handle according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is front elevation view of the reusable bag handle shown in Fig. 4.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the reusable bag handle shown in Fig. 4
being inserted in a shopping bag.
Figure 7 is perspective view of a user carrying the shopping bag with the
reusable bag handle shown in Fig. 6.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a unmarked hand of a user after having
carried the shopping bag shown in Fig. 7.

CA 02475228 2004-07-20
3
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figures 4 to 7, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a
reusable bag handle 1 according to the present invention. The reusable
handle 7 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a middle opening 3 for
insertion in a bag handle 7. The handle may be provided with two
symmetrical smooth and curled back edges 5, which facilitate the insertion of
the reusable handle 1 in the bag handle 7. Of course, the handle may have
other designs and shapes, as those skilled in the art will understand.
Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the handle 1 may have the following dimensions:
A=25mm; B=30mm; C=105mm; and D= 10mm. Of course, many other
dimensions could be used as well.
The reusable handle 1 may be made of the following non-restrictive list of
materials:
a) Plastic;
b) Reinforced carton; and
c) Paper.
Of course, other materials may be used.
The reusable handle 1 may be manufactured according to the following non-
restrictive list of production methods:
a) Extrusion: By profile shape cut to the required length;
b) Injection molding: By single or multi-cavity mold that has the shape of
the handle;
c) Carton bent tube: The tube will be reshaped by pressing on it from the
middle and bending it from the sides;
d) Bent strips: The strips will be bent equally from both sides, then the
strips will be reshaped into an oval design. (Note: This process will be under
a suitable humidity and drying method to secure the proper shape); and
e) Bent reinforced carton: The carton will be cut in strips. (Note: Both
cartons will then be bent info an oval shape under a suitable humidity and
drying steps to secure the shape.)

CA 02475228 2004-07-20
4
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is
to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise
embodiments and that various changes and modification may be effected
therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

Representative Drawing