U.S. patent application number 10/059229 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-31 for hand grip orthosis.
Invention is credited to Greenlee, Peter A..
Application Number | 20020158483 10/059229 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27032012 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020158483 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Greenlee, Peter A. |
October 31, 2002 |
Hand grip orthosis
Abstract
A container handle engaging device is provided which has a first
and a second panel formed of a core layer of resilient material,
the first and second panel being folded along abutting inner edges
to an operating position where the panels are mutually parallel,
and wherein a handle may be captured in the fold. Third and fourth
panels may be provided, in order to increase comfort and to promote
the use of a proper gripping position for the hand. A method of
distributing advertising materials at point-of-purchase locations,
using the device, is also provided.
Inventors: |
Greenlee, Peter A.;
(Washington, DC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MILES & STOCKBRIDGE P.C.
Suite 500
1751 Pinnacle Drive
McLean
VA
22102-3833
US
|
Family ID: |
27032012 |
Appl. No.: |
10/059229 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10059229 |
Jan 31, 2002 |
|
|
|
09439341 |
Nov 15, 1999 |
|
|
|
6378925 |
|
|
|
|
09439341 |
Nov 15, 1999 |
|
|
|
08949206 |
Oct 10, 1997 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
294/171 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2005/1093 20130101;
A45F 5/1046 20130101; A45F 2005/1073 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
294/171 |
International
Class: |
A45F 005/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A handle engaging device for an object having a handle to be
gripped comprising: a first panel and a second panel formed from a
core layer of resilient material of a predetermined thickness, said
first and second panels abutting each other at an inner long-edge
of each panel, and each having an outer short edge and two side
edges defining a shape of the panel, said first and second panels
being capable of being folded at or about said abutting inner long
edges to an operational position wherein said first and second
panels are substantially mutually parallel with inner facing
surfaces and outer exposed surfaces, said first panel and said
second panel being so constructed and arranged to capture handles
of a bag therebetween when said first and second panels are folded
into said operational position; said device further having a thumb
brace surface formed by side edges of each of said first and second
panels.
2. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein said device, in said
operational position, forms a brace portion for a heel of a hand
said brace portion comprising said outer short edges of each of
said first and second panels, which together form a substantially
flat surface at an end of said device opposite said abutting inner
long edges.
3. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said core layer of
resilient material has a cover layer of flexible material covering
said resilient layer.
4. A device as recited in claim 3, wherein at least one outer
exposed surface has indicia disposed thereon.
5. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said core layer of
resilient material comprises ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.
6. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said device has
fastening means disposed on at least one panel, on an inner facing
surface thereof, said fastening means being positioned to fasten
said first panel to said second panel.
7. A handle engaging device for an object having a handle to be
gripped comprising: at least a first panel, a second panel, and a
third panel formed from a core layer of resilient material of a
predetermined thickness, said first and second panels abutting each
other at an inner edge of each panel, and each of said first and
second panels having an outer edge, said first panel terminating at
its outer edge, and said outer edge of said second panel having
said third panel extending from said outer edge, said third panel
being of sufficient length such that, when said first and second
panels are folded into an operational position wherein said panels
are disposed parallel to each other, and having said outer edges
thereof substantially aligned, said third panel is sized to be
capable of being wrapped over the outer edge of said first panel
and of extending along an outer surface of said first panel for a
predetermined distance.
8. A device as recited in claim 7 wherein said device, in said
operational position, forms a brace portion for a heel of a hand,
said brace portion comprising the portion of said third panel
wrapped over said first panel.
9. A device as recited in claim 7, wherein said core layer of
resilient material has a cover layer of flexible material covering
said resilient layer.
10. A device as recited in claim 9, wherein at least one outer
exposed surface has indicia disposed thereon.
11. A device as recited in claim 7, wherein said core layer of
resilient material comprises ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.
12. A device as recited in claim 7, further comprising a fourth
panel extending from an outer edge of said third panel, said fourth
panel being of a length wherein said fourth panel is operable to
wrap around said second panel in forming said device into said
operational configuration.
13. A device as recited in claim 11, wherein a thickness of said
core layer is in a range of about 1-10 mm.
14. A device as recited in claim 13, wherein a thickness of said
core layer is in a range of about 2-4 mm.
15. A device as recited in claim 14, wherein said core layer
comprises a plurality of plies of said EVA form.
16. A method for distributing advertising, comprising: producing a
handle engaging device having at least a first and a second panel
formed from a core layer of resilient material, said first and
second panels having abutting inner edges and outer edges said
inner and outer edges joined by side edges, all inner, outer and
side edges circumscribing planar inner and outer surfaces of said
first and second panels, and wherein said first and second panels
may be folded about said inner abutting edges and fastened in an
operational position in which said first and second panels are
substantially mutually parallel with said inner surfaces facing
each other, and with said outer surfaces being exposed; placing
advertising indicia on at least one exposed surface of at least one
of said panels; distributing said handle engaging device to at
least one retail merchant; placing the device at a
point-of-purchase location; and positioning said handle engaging
device in said operating position on a handle of an object to be
delivered over to a customer, whereby said device captures a handle
of said object, thereby leaving at least a portion of said
advertising indicia exposed; and relinquishing the object with said
device attached thereto, to the customer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 08/949,206, filed Oct. 10, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a device or an orthosis for
supporting and assisting the hand in the grasping of handled
objects.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The grasping of bag handles, or handles of other containers
for carrying materials, or other objects having handles, has been
problematical for many people, as pressure generated on the hand by
the load attached to the handles creates discomfort, and,
sometimes, extreme discomfort and injury to users. Plastic film
grocery bags, for example, have integral handles made of the same
thin flexible material from which the bag is formed. These handles,
when grasped, gather, contract, or compress such that the load is
distributed over only a thin area within the grip of the user.
Paper bags generally have thin, ropelike handles which similarly
concentrate forces and pressure along only a thin strip within the
user's grasp. Other containers or objects may employ wire metal
handles, which similarly concentrate force and pressure at a narrow
area.
[0006] As a result of load pressure, transferred by the handles,
the handles cut into the surface of the hand. They cut deeply
enough into the gripping surfaces of the hand to adversely impact
the sensory nerves in many instances. The impact traumatizes the
nerves and causes pain. The pain and attendant discomfort will,
after a very short time, cause the grasping hand to collapse or
deform from a position of function into a position of injury. In
the position of injury, the hand assumes a hook or claw like
posture. In the hook or claw like posture, the fingers of the hand
are extended with the last phalanx of each curling into a hook or
claw like shape. It is this shape upon which the handles come to
rest. Often the handles will rest upon only three of the four
hooked fingers. This adds to the degree of trauma exerted upon the
unprotected, unsupported hand.
[0007] Protecting the grasping hand is not a new problem. Many
attempts have been made to solve this problem in the past. Perhaps
the most common solution has been to use padding between the hand
and the object gripped. A typical application of the padding
solution is the glove. However most gloves used in grasping or
gripping applications serve only to protect the hand against
abrasion. They are not intended to, nor do they, support, align,
prevent or correct deformities of the gripping hand. Nor do they
serve as isometric means.
[0008] Heretofore, orthoses have been used remedially for
therapeutic purposes to support, align, prevent, or correct
deformities or to improve the function of moveable parts of the
body. Examples of the therapeutic use of orthoses to restore
function to nonfunctional body parts such as the hand are:
"Inflatable Palmar Bladder", Mann and Mann, U.S. Pat. No.
5,531,668, and "Inflatable Hand Orthosis", Stern, U.S. Pat. No.
5,382,837, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,369.
[0009] Other types of devices are used to protect and improve the
function of the hand. An example is: "Hand protector," Melone, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,572,738. It is intended exclusively for the therapeutic
restoration, support and protection of the injured nonfunctional
hand. Physically, the device consists of an immobilizing cast
surrounding the hand from the wrist to the knuckles.
[0010] The "Shopping Bag Handle Grip", Eden, U.S. Pat. No.
5,507,542, is a device for carrying shopping bags. It is comprised
of a handle upon which the handles of shopping bags are placed for
carrying. However, it is bulky. It neither protects or supports the
gripping hand. Nor does it serve otherwise to provide grip
enhancing means.
[0011] The "Hand Saver", Stauffer, U.S. Pat. No. 3,800,361, is a
device for carrying shopping bags, cartons and the like having
handles of cord-like material. It is comprised of a body of
flexible, resilient material between which at least one pair of
separated, confronting surfaces for grippingly receiving a cord
like handle are located. It is not easy to use. Handles have to be
forced into it, using both hands, for application or use. It is not
safe to use because it depends solely upon the resiliency of the
device, as opposed to bracing means and fasteners to retain handles
therein. It has no fasteners and therefore cannot be affixed to
objects trapped therein. Consequently when it is released from the
grip, when set down, the handles lodged therein will be pulled free
by the weight of the bag load thereon. As a result the bag will
collapse. When the bag collapses it will dump its contents. In
addition it does not provide means for bracing the transverse arch.
It does not provide means for bracing the longitudinal arch. It
does not provide means for bracing the thumb or for bracing the
heel of the hand. Nor does it provide means for bracing the palm.
It does not provide isometric means. This device does not provide
stabilizing means. It does not provide trapping means. It does not
provide means for either a lateral shield or an energy absorbent
dome. Nor does it provide braking means or fastening means.
[0012] The "Isometric Hand Exercising System", Blackmore, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,611,755, is an apparatus that provides for isometric means
and involves the hands. However, it is used as isometric means
solely for exercise of the hand and forearms. It requires
simultaneous movement of both hands to achieve isometric
involvement. Isometric muscle involvement is focused on arm and
forearm development as opposed to enhancement of the grip of the
hand.
[0013] The "Plastic Bag Handle", Halpin & Okuchi-Halpin, U.S.
Pat. No. D367,817, is a design of a handle for carrying plastic
bags. It is comprised of a tubular structure with a slit a slit
running lengthwise down the side. In most resembles a piece of
garden hose split down the side. The slit is the means by which
plastic bag handles are inserted therein. This device does not have
braking means. Nor does it have isometric means or means for a
thumb brace. It does not brace the heel of the hand nor does it
have isometric means. This design does not provide for an energy
absorbent dome nor does it have fastening means. Neither does it
provide bracing means for the palm, the longitudinal arch nor the
transverse arch.
[0014] "Handle", Sweeney, U.S. Pat. No. D25,156, is a design of a
handle for carrying plastic bags. "Plastic Bag Handle", Salazar,
U.S. Pat. No. D374,621, is also a design of a handle for carrying
plastic bags. However, neither supports the gripping hand. Neither
shields the hand from lateral forces. Neither provides a friction
brake. Neither provides bracing means for, the transverse arch, the
longitudinal arch. Also neither provides bracing means for the heel
of the hand or the thumb. Further, neither provides bracing means
for the palm. Nor does either provide for isometric means or
provide for an energy absorbent dome. Clearly, both designs possess
the same deficiencies as "Plastic Bag Handle" cited previously.
[0015] Unpatented devices, used to solve the hand trauma problem,
commonly use the solution consisting of the substitution of a
larger handle for a smaller one. "Bag Grabber", created by Andy
Haynes of Nashville, Tenn. (N.Y. Times, May 15, 1996, P. c2) is one
such device. It consists of a hard plastic handle that has carrying
books protruding from the bottom. Another is "shipping Bag
Carrier", a product of Magic American Corp. of Cleveland, Ohio. It
consists of a hard plastic handle with a single book, for bag
carrying, protruding from the bottom. Still another is the
"Cardboard Tube Grip". It is a device which includes a handle
consisting of a piece of cardboard tube through which a heavy gauge
wire has been run and turned down to form short arms at each tube
end. These arms have hooks at their ends over which bag handles are
placed.
[0016] The "Shopping Bag Carrier", "Cardboard Tube Grip", and "Bag
Grabber", all fail to provide means for bracing, the thumb, the
longitudinal arch, the transverse arch, the palm, or the heel of
the hand. None of the above mentioned has means for isometric
engagement stabilization or an energy absorbent dome. Further, none
of them provide trapping means or braking means.
[0017] The Handle Wrap is a device comprised of a piece of material
which is attached to the handles of some pieces of luggage. It is
used by wrapping and fastening same around said handles to enlarge
the surface area presented for grasping. It combines both handle
surface areas into one, thereby providing an increased handle
surface area over which to transfer load pressure. Accordingly, its
primary function is to increase handle surface area over which load
force can be disbursed. However, it provides little more protection
than a glove nor does it otherwise support the grasping hand.
[0018] The "Bag Grabber", "Shopping Bag Carrier" and "Cardboard
Tube Grip" are also dangerous to use. For example, if a handle
carried in such devices breaks, it will come free. When it does the
bag carried, will tip and the contents of it spill out. In addition
if the tube, of the "Cardboard Tube Grip", fractures the wire frame
running through it will also fail. In failing the wire will bend
down upon the hand and painfully squeeze it. The squeezing will
result in pain. The pain will cause the holder of the failed device
to release it. As a result the bag will be dropped and damage the
contents of it. All told the disadvantages of the "Bag Grabber",
"Cardboard Tube Grip" and "Bag Carrier" negate any advantage gained
through their use. These devices fail to provide a satisfactory
solution to the hand trauma problem. Further, none of them
possesses physically novel features. Novel features which produce
new and unexpected results. None of the devices set forth above
achieve a solution to the hand trauma problem. They do not use
either a method of, or provide a device for, protecting and
supporting the gripping hand. Neither do they present either a
method of or device for support and protection of the grasping
gripping hand. That is, none of the solutions presented by these
devices involves using an orthosis to prevent trauma induced
deformation of the hand.
[0019] At present, orthoses and other devices are used exclusively
to address the non-functional injured hand. Their method of use is
remedial and reactive to existing conditions. They are not used
prophylactically to defend against or prevent injury in the first
instance. Rather they are used as a means of restoration of
function to injured body parts. Such devices do not currently
address the relationship of the longitudinal and transverse arches
to maintenance of the grip because the non-functional injured hand
cannot, by definition, function in a normal manner. Accordingly,
orthoses for the hand have not previously been based on any
recognition that trauma to the sensory nerves of the hand is
directly related to collapse or deformation of said arches. Neither
are orthoses currently intended to support, protect or maintain the
arches. Consequently, existing orthoses for the hand do not provide
means for correcting or preventing a hand trauma caused by grasping
objects such as handles of plastic grocery bags.
[0020] Current orthoses for the hand and methods of use thereof do
not facilitate maintenance of the hand in a functional posture.
Their sole purpose is to provide remedial therapy for the
non-grasping, non-functional, injured hand. Therefore they do not,
and, in fact, cannot, facilitate maintenance of the grip of the
hand as it grasps trauma-producing objects such as handles of
plastic grocery bags.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In view of the aforenoted disadvantages and problems or
shortcomings of devices in the prior art, the present invention has
been developed. The principal objects and advantages provided by
the present invention are as follows:
[0022] (a) to provide an orthosis for supporting and protecting the
grasping hand from trauma;
[0023] (b) to provide an orthosis that is inexpensive and simple to
manufacture;
[0024] (c) to provide an orthosis that is easy to use;
[0025] (d) to provide an orthosis that is easy to store and
transport;
[0026] (e) to provide an orthosis that can be made in various
sizes;
[0027] (f) to provide an orthosis that is safe for household
applications;
[0028] (g) to provide an orthosis that is easily packaged;
[0029] (h) to provide an orthosis that can be made in different
colors;
[0030] (i) to provide an orthosis which can hold several objects
simultaneously;
[0031] (j) to provide an orthosis that functions as a handle
brake;
[0032] (k) to provide an orthosis that can be made of energy
absorbent, force disbursing material;
[0033] (l) to provide an orthosis that can be covered;
[0034] (m) to provide an orthosis which is waterproof;
[0035] (n) to provide an orthosis which is durable;
[0036] (o) to provide an orthosis that can align, prevent, or
correct deformities of the hand;
[0037] (p) to provide an orthosis that functions as a handle
trap;
[0038] (q) to provide an orthosis that improves the function of
movable parts of the body;
[0039] (r) to provide an orthosis which protects the sensory nerves
of the hand;
[0040] (s) to provide an orthosis which serves as means for bracing
both the longitudinal and transverse arches;
[0041] (t) to provide an orthosis which functions as a means for
stabilizing and balancing both the load carried and the
carrier;
[0042] (u) to provide an orthosis which has a prophylactic
function;
[0043] (v) to provide an orthosis which is firm yet resilient;
[0044] (w) to provide an orthosis which prevent disorders of the
hand which impair vocational capacity;
[0045] (x) to provide an orthosis which protects the hand from
lateral and vertical forces, and
[0046] (y) to provide an orthosis that can be repeatedly used.
[0047] It is a further principal object of the present invention to
provide a gripping device to be used in connection with a handled
object, such as a container with handles extending therefrom, which
has sufficient surface area for the application of text or
graphics, such as, for example, commercial advertising.
[0048] It is yet a further important object of the present
invention to provide an advertising distribution system and method,
in which a device of the present invention is employed as
point-of-purchase advertising that is distributed to customers and
remains with the customer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device according to a
first preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0050] FIG. 2A is a plan view showing a front side of the
device.
[0051] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the device with a cover
shown in a partially pulled back position, to reveal the core
portion.
[0052] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along
section line 3-3 of FIG. 2, and further showing the device, near a
closed position thereof, in broken lines.
[0053] FIG. 3B illustrates the device as used with a grocery
bag.
[0054] FIG. 4A is a side elevation view of the device in a closed
position.
[0055] FIG. 4B is an exploded sectional view of the area of the
first fold of the device.
[0056] FIG. 5 is a front view demonstrating how the device engages
a closed palm and bag.
[0057] FIG. 6 is a view showing the device in an engaged palm.
[0058] FIG. 7 is a view showing the device in a fully engaged
closed palm.
[0059] FIG. 8 is a view of a hand engaging the device illustrating
that a longitudinal arch brace and a palm brace are formed by the
device.
[0060] FIG. 9 is a view of a hand gripping the device and
illustrating the formation of a transverse arch brace and a lateral
shield.
[0061] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second preferred
embodiment of the device.
[0062] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further preferred
embodiment of the device.
[0063] FIG. 12 is a side view of the FIG. 10 embodiment in a closed
position.
[0064] FIG. 13 is a side view of the FIG. 11 embodiment in a closed
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0065] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate, in various views and positions, the
handle gripping device or orthosis 10 of the present invention. The
device 10 in this embodiment comprises first and second panels 44,
46, respectively. The panels 44, 46 are preferably sized so as to
fit, when folded upon each other (see FIGS. 3A, 4A, 4B) into an
operational configuration, in the palm of a human hand (see FIGS.
3B, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9).
[0066] Panels 44, 46 are preferably formed from a single sheet, or
multiple laminated sheets, of a resilient, energy absorbent
material, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Expanded
polypropylene (EPP) or other resilient foamed polymer materials may
alternatively be used. The panels, in order to provide improved fit
into the hand of the user, are preferably trapezoidal in shape,
with the longer base sides 45, 47 of the two panels joining or
meeting at a center line 100 of the device. Thus configured, the
device 10, when in a flat, open position, is substantially
hexagonal in shape. When folded along the centerline 100 into its
operational position, the longer base sides 45, 47, provide a wide
gripping length or area for the fingers of the hand, while the
shorter parallel edges 49, 51 of the panels result in the panels
tapering to a narrower width in order to better be accommodated in
the palm of the hand.
[0067] The centerline area 100 of the device may be pre-scored or
pre-creased as indicated by score lines 102 in FIG. 2A, in order to
facilitate the bending of the device at precisely the desired
location. Alternatively, the energy absorbent material selected for
use may be sufficiently pliable that simple manipulation of the two
panels will readily form the bend or fold at the desired location.
If desired, the area at which the fold is to be made may be marked
with simple indicia such as a fold line.
[0068] The energy absorbent material or core 26 from which the
device is made may preferably have a cover layer 28 of a flexible
polymeric material, which is laminated or otherwise adhered to the
core material. FIG. 2B illustrates the device with the cover layer
28 partially pulled back to reveal the core material 26. The cover
layer may provide a degree of water resistance, where that is seen
to be desirable, and may prolong the useful life of the device by
improving wear resistance. Where an EVA foam material is used as
the core material, it is envisioned that no cover layer will be
necessary.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3A, 4A and 4B, it can be seen
that, when the device is folded from a flat, open position to a
closed operational position in which the first and second panels
are parallel and are substantially adjacent to each other, a
portion of the central part of the device may deform, depending
upon the bending characteristics of the material used, to produce
an energy absorbing dome 38, which can aid in engaging the package
handle material 50 (FIG. 4B) captured between panels 44, 46. This
dome portion 38 may aid in substantially preventing the captured
handle material from knifing through the resilient core material of
which the panels are made, which would reduce the effectiveness of
the core material as a cushioning and force dissipating medium. The
formation of this energy absorbing dome is not, however, seen as
being a critical feature of the device.
[0070] The device preferably has mating releasable fasteners,
illustrated in FIG. 1 as a pair of strips 14, 16 of hook and loop
fastening material. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 4A, these fasteners are
joined together when the device is folded into its operational
position. Releasable fasteners are preferred, in order to enable
reuse of the device, however, more permanent fastening means, such
as a pressure sensitive adhesive may be used, or the device may be
provided without fastening means if deemed suitable for specific
uses. A pressure sensitive adhesive can be applied to only one of
the two panels to be joined, in that it will adhere directly to the
surface of the opposing panel. It is thus realized that the device
of the present invention can be provided, as desired, as a single
use device, or as a repeat-use device.
[0071] The device 10 provides several unique functional advantages
not present in known orthotic handle devices. As seen especially in
FIGS. 5, 7, 8 and 9, the folded panels of the device fit in the
palm of the hand, and the side edges of the panels provide a thumb
brace area 56. The panel facing the palm provides a palm rest or
palm brace surface 57, and the panel facing away from the palm
provides a resilient surface 76 into which the user's fingers can
be depressed in completing a correct grip. A transverse arch brace
53 and a lateral shield 68 are formed at the lower extent of the
folded device 10. Further, a heel brace or rest surface 54 is
provided by the outer edges 49, 51 of the folded device.
[0072] The device 10 also acts as a friction brake by engaging and
holding the bag handles 50 with the inner portion of the resilient
panel material, as can be seen in FIG. 4B. The open device is
inserted through openings or loops formed by the bag (or other
device or container) handles, and the panels are folded toward each
other (FIG. 3A), and are fastened together to surround the upper
portions of the handles. When the bag is lifted by the device 10,
the grip pressure exerted by user's hand compresses the inner
surfaces of the panels against the bag handle material. Frictional
forces combine with the pressure applied by the grip to firmly
engage the bag handles. This provides a safety measure not found on
other known grip assisting devices, in that, if the handle breaks
at one side, the middle portion of the handle will remain gripped,
thus permitting the user to maintain control of the bag.
[0073] Two further preferred embodiments are illustrated in FIGS.
10-13. These embodiments expand and improve upon the basic two
panel devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. FIGS. 10 and 12 show a
device 110 made up of first, second and third panel sections 144,
146, 148. FIGS. 11 and 13 show a device 210 made up of four panel
sections 244, 246, 248, 250. These embodiments of the device may
preferably be constructed of the same materials as is the device of
FIG. 1. Because there will be additional panel sections to be
folded over, the benefits of which will be discussed later, the
initial thickness of the core layer 126 may be thinner than it is
with the two panel configuration of FIG. 1. In general, for any of
the two, three or four panel devices, the thickness of the core
layer is preferably from about 1-10 mm, and, more preferably, from
about 2-4 mm. The core layer can be a single sheet or ply, or may
be made up of two or more laminated sheets or plies.
[0074] Turning now to FIGS. 12 and 13, it can be seen that the
three panel embodiment 110 and the four panel embodiment 210 are
folded into an operational configuration in much the same way as is
the two panel device 10. The principal difference is that, after
the first and second panels 144, 146, 244, 246 are folded to
capture the bag handles (shown in FIGS. 3B, 4B, the additional
panel or panels are further folded or wrapped around the first two
panels. Turning back to FIGS. 10 and 11, when viewed in conjunction
with FIGS. 12 and 13, it is to be noted that the fastening means in
these two embodiments, again, preferably strips of hook-and-loop
material 114, 116 (FIG. 10), may be positioned on the first and
second panels to initially fasten these panels, and, in addition
to, or instead of, those fastening strips, hook-and-loop fastener
strips 160, 162 may be positioned on an upper surface of the third
panel section 148 and a lower surface (the terms upper and lower
being used only to connote that the strips will be placed on
opposite surfaces of the device) of the first panel. These strips
160, 162 will come into mating engagement when third panel 148 is
folded over first panel 144 (FIG. 12). Alternatively, the fastening
means may be dispensed with in the three and four panel
embodiments, if desired, as the gripping action itself will
securely hold the device in the desired operating position.
[0075] When fasteners are employed on the four panel device 210 of
FIGS. 11 and 13, again, fastening strips 214 (only one shown) may
be positioned on first and second panels in the same manner as is
done in the FIG. 1 device. In addition, or alternatively,
hook-and-loop fastening strips 260, 262, may be provided on an
upper surface of the fourth panel 250, and on the lower surface of
the second panel 246. As can be seen in FIG. 13, these are the
final two surfaces which are brought into contact in folding or
wrapping the device into an operable configuration. Again, the
fastening means may be omitted if desired in this embodiment.
[0076] The three panel and four panel devices 110, 210, provide
significant advantages over the basic two panel device. Each of
these embodiments aids in promoting a proper grip to be used in
carrying the bag. In the three panel device 110, it can be seen in
FIG. 12 that the presence of the third panel inherently urges the
user to keep the thumb 302 in a proper gripping position,
particularly when there is no fastening means provided near the
distal end 164 of the third panel. In this embodiment, the third
panel is wrapped over the first panel, but requires constant
pressure by the thumb 302 and a proper wrapping of the hand 300
over the portion 149 of the third panel 148 extending across the
top of the device, in order to maintain the device 110 in its
proper operating position.
[0077] Similarly, the four panel device, particularly where no
fastening means are employed at the distal end 264 of the fourth
panel 250, promotes proper gripping of the device. This embodiment
promotes especially the proper gripping by the fingers 304, in that
the wrap of the fourth panel 250 around the interior panels is
maintained by the gripping force of the fingers 304, and, to a
limited extent, the thumb 302.
[0078] Both of these embodiments thus provide distinct advantages
in decreasing the discomfort level of the user's hand, and further
reducing the risk of possible injury. It would, of course, be
possible to employ five or more panels in a device of this type,
however, since the fifth panel would assume essentially the same
position as does the third panel, in the operational configuration,
no great advantage is presently seen in using five panels instead
of three. If five panels are contemplated for the purpose of
increasing the thickness of the device in the operational
configuration, that could possibly be done with a three panel
device using a thicker core material. The same applies to a six
panel device. The sixth panel would assume essentially the same
position as does the fourth panel in FIG. 13. As such, while it is
possible to construct a six panel device, there is not seen to be
any great advantage in doing so.
[0079] The device 10, 110, 210 of the present invention may
advantageously be employed as a key element in a method and system
for the distribution of advertising. The relatively large, flat
surfaces of the panels of the device make the device extremely
suitable for the placement of indicia, and, in particular,
advertising graphics or copy. The method for distributing
advertising thus comprises placing advertising indicia on one or
more exposed surfaces of the device, distributing the devices to
retail merchants, placing the devices at the point-of-purchase
location, which in a supermarket, for example, is the check-out and
bagging lane, and once purchased goods are bagged, positioning the
device in its operating position around the handles of a bag,
whereby at least a portion of the advertising indicia remains
exposed, and relinquishing the bag with the device positioned
thereon to the customer.
[0080] This method is seen as being a highly effective method for
advertising, in that the device itself is relatively inexpensive,
an the advertising space can thus be purchased at an affordable
price. A key to the effectiveness of this advertising is that,
because the device provides comfort to the person carrying the bag,
a positive association and a positive experience will be made in
the person's mind with the device, and with the message carried on
the device.
[0081] The handle engaging device of the present invention can be
outfitted or modified in numerous different ways, depending upon
the expected target market and the expected manner of distribution,
including whether the device will be a promotional "giveaway", or
possibly a device that would be sold for its function both as a
handle-engaging device and an auxiliary function.
[0082] Examples of ways in which the device could be modified
include providing flashing light displays or flowing light displays
on the exposed portions of the panels. The device could further be
provided with a display means for displaying electronically
generated images. The placement of indicia on the panels could
include the reproduction of black-and-white or color
photographs.
[0083] The device can be provided with other embedded devices, such
as a sound generator or music player, an electronic tag, a light
source or system, an anti-theft/attack noise generator, a hand
warmer, a fragrance/scent dispenser, a lotion dispenser, a display
in the form of an electronic scrolling billboard, a radio receiver,
a vibrator/massager, a television receiver, an electronic note pad
(pen-and-display device), an aural locator beacon, a battery pack
or battery system, which may be removable, a solar energy
collector, a programmable graphic display generator/display. The
device may also be augmented with a hand brace (that is not formed
integrally with the device), a visual presentation tool (e.g.,
laser pointer), or an isometric exerciser.
[0084] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
several specific embodiments, it is evident that alternatives,
modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments may be
developed which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. The embodiments described herein are thus
intended to be illustrative, and not limiting. The scope of the
invention is thus to be determined by having reference to the
appended claims.
* * * * *