Abstract:
Apparatuses and methods for carrying plastic bags, such as those used widely at grocery stores and other retail establishments. The apparatuses are tools used to engage handle openings of the plastic bag or bags using extensions with receivers therein. The apparatuses also have handle portions which are shaped to ease carrying in a human hand. The bags can be hung in a large number of configurations to help balance the load, improve easy use by disabled and other people, and improve comfort when the user must carry the tool and bags for long distances. The tool is also shaped and has features which help to prevent the tool from catching and causing damage to clothing or partitions within a user&#39;s purse when the tool is being carried in a pocket or purse and not being employed for use to carry plastic bags.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The technical field of this invention is tools or other apparatus for manually carrying bags having a handle opening, such as plastic bags commonly used in grocery stores and other retail establishments. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In many areas of the world the retailing industry has gone to the use of thin plastic bags  30  (see  FIGS. 7-9 ) that have hand openings  34 . Typically, there is the mouth or main opening of the bag  31  and hand holes which are commonly preformed at opposite sides of the bag near the mouth of the bags. These are used widely in grocery stores, variety stores, and many other locations because of their low cost and effectiveness. 
         [0003]    In many situations consumers use such plastic bags to carry goods for substantial distances. Those that ride buses or walk from their houses, apartments or other homes, businesses or other locations may carry goods in these bags for long distances and for long periods of time. This can create discomfort for the user. In rural areas where people do not have good transportation, this is an even greater problem because the distances can be great. 
         [0004]    In other situations, consumers may be handicapped or disabled and also need to carry such bags despite their limitations. Those with arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, and other maladies may have increased difficulties handling such bags and suffer even more because of their conditions or a lack of mobility. 
         [0005]    Another problem often experienced is that the bags filled by checking cashiers or bagging people, may leave one bag much heavier than another bag which must also be carried by the consumer or other user. 
         [0006]    To date there has been no adequate tool for helping to carry such plastic and similar bags with hand holes in various configurations to balance loading and which tool also provides easy portability for placement into a purse, shirt pocket, pant pocket or other convenient location until the time for use is required. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Preferred forms, configurations, embodiments and/or diagrams relating to and helping to describe preferred versions of the inventions are explained and characterized herein, often with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and all features shown therein also serve as part of the disclosure of the inventions of the current application. Such drawings are briefly described below. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a first preferred embodiment according to the inventive concepts according to the inventions taught herein. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along section line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a second preferred embodiment according to the inventive concepts according to the inventions taught herein. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along section line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  shows a first mode of use of the first embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  shows a second mode of use of the first embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  shows a third and other modes of use of the first embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Introductory Note 
       [0017]    The readers of this document should understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology used in any section of this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and the language common therefor as may be known in a particular art and such as provided by dictionaries. Widely known are Webster&#39;s Third New International Dictionary, The Oxford English Dictionary (Second Edition), and The New Century Dictionary, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for interpretation of terms used herein and for application and use of words defined in such references to more adequately or aptly describe various features, aspects and concepts shown or otherwise described herein using more appropriate words having meanings applicable to such features, aspects and concepts. 
         [0018]    This document is premised upon using one or more terms with one embodiment that may also apply to other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects of the invention. Wording used in the claims is also descriptive of the invention and the text of both claims and abstract are incorporated by reference into the description entirely in the form as originally filed. Terminology used with one, some or all embodiments may be used for describing and defining the technology and exclusive rights associated therewith. 
         [0019]    The readers of this document should further understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology and features used in any section or embodiment shown in this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and language common therefor. This document is premised upon using one or more terms or features shown in one embodiment that may also apply to or be combined with other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects of the invention and provide additional embodiments of the inventions. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0020]    Tool Generally and Typical Bags Carried Thereby 
         [0021]      FIGS. 1-3  show a first embodiment tool or apparatus  100 . Apparatus  100  is constructed and adapted for carrying bags having openings and handle or bridge sections above the openings. For example,  FIG. 7  shows a suitable type of bag  30  being supported and carried by apparatus  100 . Bag  30  is made from plastic and it or equivalent bags are widely available and used in many commercial establishments. 
         [0022]    Bag  30  has a main pocket or storage space  31  typically accessed by a main opening  32 . On opposing sides of bag  30  are hand holes  34  having bridge portions  35  which extend over the hand holes  34 . The bridge portions  35  of bag  30  are shown supported within receivers of bag carrier  100  which will be further explained and defined below. 
         [0023]    Hand Grip 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a hand grip portion  110 . As shown, the hand grip extends longitudinally within a central portion  109  of the tool between shoulders  112  and  114 . The embodiment shown has a converging section  117  near each end of the central portion of the tool. Although the shown embodiment has the hand grip extend most of the length of the central section  109 , in other embodiments according to the invention it may be desired to provide the hand grip the full length of the central section or in other versions it may be less. 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  shows the hand grip portion  110  of the central section in cross-sectional view. That view shows a preferred cross-sectional shape. The grip section has a top surface  120 , bottom surface  121 , and sidewall surfaces  123 . The top surface has a flatter portion  124 . Rounded top corners  125  provide greater comfort to the user when he or she grasps the hand grip portion because the part of a person&#39;s hand that engages the grip along these edges is rounded. 
         [0026]    Similarly, the side walls  123  can be suitably shaped for grasping by a person. As shown, they have flattened portions and at the top edge blend into the rounded top corners  125 . 
         [0027]    The bottom surface of the currently preferred hand grip  121  is advantageously curved to fit the cup of a persons fingers as the hand grasps the grip portion  110 . 
         [0028]    Although specific shapes are shown and described relative to the currently preferred best mode, it may also be possible to vary the grip shape both in cross-sectional shape and in longitudinal shape if that is found suitable, desired or even preferred. 
         [0029]    Bag Support Extensions 
         [0030]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate that tool  100  includes bag support extensions. As shown, there are two bag support extensions which are generally referred to in  FIG. 2  as  101  and  103 , respectively. Both are connected to the central part which includes the hand grip  110 . The bag support extensions are preferably at opposing ends of the central part  109  or hand grip  110  and extend beyond or distal relative thereto as found to be most convenient. 
         [0031]    When constructed in the preferred forms shown, the extensions extend distally from a region defined approximately between the bends  141  to a location inboard to the shoulders  112  and  114 . They may be of various cross-sectional shapes as desired. Extensions  101  and  103  are planar up to the hand grip portion  110  which has the enlarged cross-sectional size shown in  FIG. 3  and then is in an angled fashion tapered at converging sections  117 . Other configurations may also be possible and desirable. 
         [0032]    The extensions advantageously have first sections  142 . First sections  142  preferably angle outwardly to help position the bags being carried further from the hand grip. As shown, first extension sections  142  also are built in a shape and configuration that is tapered, converging from a larger depth near connection with the central section to a distal part of the first extension sections. 
         [0033]    The extensions also have curved return portions  143  which can be convex or variously shaped along the outside edge, but are preferably concave along the interior edge to provide a smooth surface against which the handle or bridge portions of the bags bear and are supported upon. 
         [0034]    Extensions  101  and  103  are also preferably provided with retainer portions which extend back toward the central section. The retainer portions have ends which are advantageously curvilinear, more preferably convex. This makes the tool less subject to catching on clothing and such as explained hereinabove. The convex ends also make inserting the bag bridge sections into the receivers easier and less likely to tear the bag and weaken it for long hauls. 
         [0035]    Bag Bridge Receivers 
         [0036]    The bag support extensions are provided with supporting features such as the receivers  116  and  118 . Receivers  116  and  118  are accessed through throat sections  106  and  108 . The receivers are preferably deep enough to receive multiple layers of bag bridge portions therein. The receivers advantageously have at the throat sections a converging shape which is also preferably relatively smaller size so that bags installed therein are less likely to be inadvertently dislodged. 
         [0037]    All surfaces of the bag receivers are preferably formed so as to have smooth surfaces to reduce or eliminate the risks of damage to the bag bridge portions inserted therein. 
         [0038]    Throat Shoulders 
         [0039]    The throat sections of the receivers preferably are further constructed so as to include shoulders  112  and  114 . These shoulders provide a smoother exterior profile and reduce the risk of the tool catching on clothes and other things. 
         [0040]    Shoulders  112  and  114  also help to prevent accidental dislodgement of the bags from the receivers. This is best done using a shoulder with a curved shape to again prevent damage to bags and the user&#39;s clothes or other carrier in which the tool is carried until use. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0041]      FIGS. 4-6  show a second embodiment bag carrying tool according to the inventions. The notable difference between tools  100  and  200  is the size. Tool  100  is sized for a relatively larger hand, such as may be more common in men; whereas tool  200  is sized for a relatively smaller hand, such as may be more common in women. 
         [0042]    Similar reference numbers are used in  FIGS. 4-6  as used in  FIGS. 1-3  except instead of the numbers being in the one-hundreds for the first embodiment, they are in the two-hundreds for the second embodiment. Thus, description will not be repeated. However, small shape variations do exit. 
       Exemplary Sizes of Tools 
       [0043]    Tool  100  is advantageously sized so that the overall length is about 8 inches (˜20 cm). The grip  110  is about 1 inch high (˜2.5 cm) and about ¾ inch (˜1.7 cm) thick. 
         [0044]    The bag support extensions are approximately ¼ inch (˜0.6 cm) thick and have a receiver interior size which is about ½ inch (˜1.2 cm) in width or diameter. The depth of the receivers is about 1½ inch deep (˜4 cm) with a throat narrow point of about ⅜ inch across (˜1 cm). The handle is about 4 to 4½ inches long (˜10-12 cm). 
         [0045]    In comparison, tool  200  is advantageously sized so that the overall length is about 6¾ inches (˜17.5 cm). The grip  210  is about 1 inch high (˜2.5 cm) and about ¾ inch (˜1.7 cm) thick. 
         [0046]    The bag support extensions are approximately ¼ inch (˜0.6 cm) thick and have a receiver interior size which is about ⅜ inch (˜1 cm) in width or diameter. The depth of the receivers is about 1 inch deep (˜2.5 cm) with a throat narrow point of about 1/16 inch across (˜0.3 cm). The handle is about 3¾ inches long (˜10 cm). 
         [0047]    As will be apparent, some size and shape modification is possible. However, these two approximate sets of sizes and shapes have been found to be comfortable for a wide range of different people. 
       Further About Methods and Manners of Use 
       [0048]    Use with Single Bag 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  illustrates how the tools  100  and  200  may be appropriately and in some cases preferably used, particularly when a single bag  30  is used. The bridge sections  35  over the hand holes  34  of bag  30  are inserted or otherwise placed into the receivers. The configuration of  FIG. 7  allows the contents of the bag to be balanced between the support extensions. 
         [0050]    Use with Pairs of Bags  230   
         [0051]      FIG. 8  shows another configuration for which the bag carrying tools are adapted and particularly well suited. In this configuration the bags are positioned with the bridge portions of both sides of the bag (if so equipped) within the receivers. Thus, the bags act to counterbalance each other and the contents can be roughly similar in weight for the greatest ease of use. Even if the bags are different in weight, the tool  100  greatly facilitates long periods during which the bags must be held in the hand. 
         [0052]    Combined Use with Bags Slung Between Extensions 
         [0053]      FIG. 9  shows another method for using tools according to this invention. In this mode of use one or more bags having two hand holes are installed with the bridge portions in the opposing receivers to span between the receivers. Additionally, one or more bags are held at each receiver. This is preferably done with bags having two hand holes for better support of each of the end bags. Each receiver may be provided with the same or different numbers of bags to help balance the load or for other reasons as required or desired. 
       More About Preferred Manners of Making the Inventions 
       [0054]    The tools may be made in a variety of different ways. One manner of making is by fabricating from a suitable sheet material. For example, prototypes were fabricated using ¼ inch thick acrylic sheet material with the indicated forms of tools  100  and  200  cut into the indicated shapes using a suitable saw and filing the edges to smooth contours. The grip was made by laminating an additional grip piece along each side in the positions and shapes illustrated. 
         [0055]    Another manner of making the tools can be produced by casting or molding of suitable and desired materials. Exemplary materials may include nylon for strength, polypropylene for economy, polyethylene for possibly improved resiliency which may be easier on the hand or hands of the person using the tool or tools. Metals may also be used but are not currently preferred due to cost, weight and other considerations. 
       Further Aspects and Features 
       [0056]    The above description has set out various features and aspects of the invention and the preferred embodiments thereof. Such aspects and features may further be defined according to the following claims which may individually or in various combinations help to define the invention and are incorporated into this description. 
       Interpretation Note 
       [0057]    The inventions shown and described herein have been described in language directed to the current preferred embodiments. They are also shown and described with regard to various structural and methodological features. The scope of protection as defined by the claims is not intended to be necessarily limited to the specific sizes, shapes, features or other aspects of the preferred embodiments shown and described. The claimed inventions may be implemented or embodied in other forms while still including and practicing the concepts shown and described herein. Also included are equivalents of the inventions which can be made without departing from the scope of concepts properly protected hereby.