Handle for storage bag

Abstract: A handle (26) and strap (25) for use with a tool storage bag (10) is disclosed. The handle (26) is uniquely formed into the strap (25) and is made for carrying heavy loads. The handle is also reinforced.

Description: The present invention relates generally to straps and handles for bags and more particularly to a strap and a handle formed integrally with the strap adapted for carrying a bag and a method for making such a strap and a handle. It is known in the art to create handles that are placed upon various types of bags for ease of transport. Handles generally include a strap with a handle in association therewith for insertion of a hand. Generally, the art has attempted to create strong handles that are designed to withstand a great weight that has been placed in the bag to which the handles are attached. However, these handles still have shortfalls. Many handles in the art are formed through looping a strap and providing a space for a hand in that manner. This design requires a greater amount of strap material in order to provide a strong handle that loops about the entire bag. Furthermore, if this method does not surround the entire bag then the handles are generally stitched to the sides of the bag. This stitching either provides a weak handle-to-bag connection, or requires a substantial portion of stitching to securely hold the strap to the bag. Other methods of handle formation include forming an opening within the strap material. The handle opening is formed by cutting a portion of the strap material away to create an opening. Again, to ensure a strong handle a vast amount of material is required. Another final type of handle is formed through connecting a portion of an end of a strap together. This handle type of handle is disclosed in U.S.Patent No. 4,703,517. However, this disclosure requires that a bag and handle be formed together, essentially a unitary portion of material is used for the handle and the bag. Furthermore, the material is on a continuous reel that provides for only one bag design and type. It is an object of the present invention to provide a strap and a handle adapted for carrying a bag according to claim 5 that will withstand a heavy load and still provide comfort for the user and surrounds the bag to increase the weight capacity of the handle and to more equally distribute the weight of the bag and moreover which is simple to manufacture and refined in appearance. The method according to claim 1 uniquely forms a handle from a strap for carrying a bag. In this way the handle need not be attached to the strap that surrounds the bag, but rather is a part of the strap. Thus, the handle is of a more solid construction and will not be susceptible to such wear and breakage as other handles may experience. The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tool storage bag which incorporates the handle according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an end view of the tool storage bag according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of the interior of the tool storage bag according to the present invention including a cross-sectional view of side pockets of the worksite storage bag according to the present invention; and Figure 4 is a preferred method of construction of the handle according to the present invention. A tool storage bag 10, as is illustrated in Figures 1 - 3, includes a base 12 and generally vertical sidewalls 14A-14D which are formed of a ballistic nylon inner and outer shell having open cell urethane disposed therebetween. A cover 16 is attached to the sidewall 14D by a fabric hinge. A zipper 18 is provided along sidewalls 14A - 14C for securing the cover 16 in a closed position. The storage bag 10 is designed for storing tools and accessories and includes a plurality of exterior pockets 20 disposed on the exterior surface and an additional plurality of interior pockets 22 (shown in Figure 3) disposed on an interior surface of the sidewalls 14A-14D. The pockets 20,22 are formed through stitching material to the sidewalls 14A-14D. The sidewalls 14A-14D are spaced a distance apart so as to create a large footprint of the tool storage bag 10. This large footprint allows for the storage of numerous tools and accessories of various sizes which are not currently accommodated by other storage bags. Furthermore, the pockets 20,22 allow for further storage of tools and their attendant accessories. The tool storage bag 10 additionally includes a first leather strap portion 25 that extends along sidewall 14A, the base 12 and sidewall 14D. The first leather strap 25 terminates in uniquely designed handles 26a, 26b (as shown in Figures 1 and 2), described below. A second leather strap 28 extends from sidewalls 14B, the base 12 and sidewall 14C and crosses the first leather strap 25 below the base 12. The second leather strap 28 terminates at both ends in metal loops 29 which are designed to be engaged by a shoulder strap (not shown). The ends of leather straps 25,28 are stitched to the sidewalls by a boxstitch 30 and provide even weight distribution for ease of transport and storage. The leather straps 25,28 in traversing, as one piece, the entire distance around the storage bag 10 ensure that the weight of the worksite storage bag 10 is not shifted unevenly. With continuing reference to Figure 1 and particular reference to Figure 2 the unique handles 26a, 26b may be seen. The handles 26a, 26b have hook-and-loop fasteners 27a, 27b on the innermost sides for attaching the handles 26a, 26b together when carrying or storing the worksite storage bag 10. The handles 26a, 26b may be fastened together by moving handle 26a in the direction of Arrow A and handle 26b in the direction of Arrow B to allow the hook-and-loop fasteners 27a, 27b to engage one another. Furthermore, having the handles 26a, 26b secured on top of the bag can increase safety at a work site and during transport. Turning reference to Figure 4A-4H the preferred embodiment for constructing the handles 26a,26b is illustrated through several steps. Initially the end of the first leather strap 25 is laid flat as illustrated in Figure 4A. Next, Figures 4B-4C indicate, a die 50 is used to cut the end of the first leather strip 25 into two legs 51 a and 51b and creating an opening 52 through the leather strap 25. Following creating the legs 51a,51b, Figures 4D-4E indicate the legs 51a,51b being folded in half upon themselves as shown particularly in Figure 4E. Figure 4F indicates the folded end of leg 51b is then placed within the folded end of leg 51 a creating an overlap area 55 which is then stitched together 53. Figures 4G-4H indicate that there is a portion of leather 60 further placed over the overlapped area 55 and stitched closed to add further support and rigidity to the handle 26. In this way a strong and reinforced handle 26 is formed from the first leather strap 25. A second embodiment (not shown) is very similar to the preferred embodiment. The only difference is that the first leather strap 25 is made of two pieces of leather adhered suede side together. The process of then forming the handle in the double leather strap would be substantially similar to that of the preferred embodiment. In this way the top grain leather side may be on both sides of the strap and handle. Furthermore, the existence of two straps would increase the weight capacity of the strap and the handle.

Claims: A method for making a strap and a handle adapted to be attached to a bag comprising the steps of: forming a length of strap with generally parallel sides along its length; cutting an end of said strap to form a first and a second leg; folding said first leg over itself, substantially in half, and, placing it inside said second leg also folded over itself, substantially in half to form an overlap; and affixing said legs together. The method of claim 1, comprising the further step of placing an additional piece of material around said affixed portions of said legs. The method of claim 2, wherein said additional piece of material is a nylon weave which is sewn together over said overlap. The method of claim 1, wherein said legs are sewn together. A strap and a handle adapted for carrying a bag comprising: a strap having a first and second end; said first and second ends each including a first and second leg, said first leg, being folded generally in half over itself, and, placed within and affixed to said second leg also being folded generally in half over itself, to form an overlap; and a covering material wrapped around said overlap. The strap and handle of claim 5, wherein said covering material is a nylon weave which is sewn together over said overlap. The strap and handle of claim 5, wherein said overlap is affixed by stitching.

Inventors: HOLLAND MATTHEW J, PANGERC JAMES, SNIDER GREGORY SCOTT, HOLLAND, MATTHEW J., PANGERC, JAMES, SNIDER, GREGORY SCOTT
Applicants: BLACK & DECKER INC, BLACK & DECKER INC.
Application year: 2001
Main classification: A45C13
IPC codes: A45C13