Patent Publication Number: US-2004051331-A1

Title: Shopping bag handgrip-holding system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
     [0001] The present application is related to prior provisional application Serial No. 60/410,874, filed Sep. 13, 2002, entitled “SHOPPING BAG HANDGRIP-HOLDING SYSTEM”, from which priority is claimed, the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002] This invention relates to providing a system for improved handling of shopping bags carrying merchandise. More specifically, this invention relates to a handgrip-holding device for holding a plurality of such bags having extended looping handles, such as the plastic shopping bags most commonly used for holding grocery items.  
       [0003] Typically, when people shop, particularly at a grocery store, they transport their merchandise from the store (and typically into a vehicle) using multiple such plastic shopping bags to carry the merchandise. The merchandise is commonly packed in such merchandise bags, typically plastic, and most typically having two looping handles (one from each side of the top of the bag which, when brought together, partially or fully close the top of the bag to assist in preventing items from falling out). Typically, a person grabs both handles with one or both hands to carry the bag. Quite often, a person chooses to carry multiple such bags on one or both hands. The weight of the merchandise, when carrying multiple combined bags, often causes the bag handles to press firmly into the person&#39;s hand, which can be quite uncomfortable.  
       [0004] Furthermore, many supermarkets now provide a discount card that contains individual customer information. Such discount cards also contain specific customer bar codes. Typically, such customer information is placed on a unique supermarket shopping card or key-ring card. The supermarkets often discount merchandise based on use of such customer code. These customer cards are easily misplaced or lost.  
       OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system for handgrip-holding of multiple bags having extended loop handles.  
       [0006] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides a handgrip-holder.  
       [0007] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides for storing individual or group customer coding directly on the handgrip-holder.  
       [0008] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides advertising indicia.  
       [0009] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides a business method for use.  
       [0010] A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011] In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a handgrip-holding system, comprising at least one holder for carrying at least one shopping bag, having at least one extended loop handle, comprising, in combination: first support means for supporting the at least one shopping bag; and second support means for supporting such first support means; wherein such first support means comprises, substantially horizontal surface means for holding a plurality of the at least one extended loop handles, and transit means for permitting removable transit of the at least one extended loop handles to such substantially horizontal surface means; wherein such second support means comprises handle means for permitting substantially full-hand grasping of such second support means; and wherein such first support means comprises a concave curve.  
       [0012] It also provides such a system wherein such first support means comprises centering means for locating the at least one extended loop handle in a substantially vertical line with a gravitational center of such handle means. And, it provides such a system wherein such concave curve comprises an effective radius of curvature at least as large as a largest radius of an external perimeter of the holder. Further, it provides such a system wherein such transit means comprises vertical blocking means for blocking accidental egress of the at least one extended loop handle. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such transit means is located above such vertical blocking means. And, it provides such a system wherein such first support means and such second support means are substantially co-planar.  
       [0013] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a handgrip-holding system, comprising at least one holder for carrying at least one shopping bag, having at least one extended loop handle, comprising, in combination: at least one first supporter structured and arranged to support the at least one shopping bag; and at least one second supporter structured and arranged to support such at least one first supporter; wherein such at least one first supporter comprises, at least one substantially horizontal surface structured and arranged to hold a plurality of the at least one extended loop handle, and at least one transit structured and arranged to permit removable transit of the at least one extended loop handle to such at least one substantially horizontal surface; wherein such at least one second supporter comprises at least one handle structured and arranged to permit substantial full-hand grasping of such second supporter; and wherein such at least one first supporter comprises a concave curve.  
       [0014] Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one first supporter comprises at least one centerer structured and arranged to locate the at least one extended loop handle in at least one substantially vertical line with at least one gravitational center of such at least one handle. And, it provides such a system wherein such concave curve comprises an effective radius of curvature at least as large as a largest radius of an external perimeter of the holder. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one transit comprises at least one vertical blocker structured and arranged to block accidental egress of the at least one extended loop handle. It also provides such a system wherein such transit is located above such at least one vertical blocker. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one vertical blocker comprises a barbed hook. It even provides such a system wherein such at least one vertical blocker comprises a barbed hook. And, it also provides such a system wherein such at least one first supporter and such at least one second supporter are substantially co-planar.  
       [0015] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a method of doing business for use with at least one handgrip-holding system, comprising at least one handgrip-holder, having at least one traceable bar-code, for user carrying of at least one shopping bag, having at least one extended loop handle, comprising the steps of: supplying the user with the at least one handgrip-holder; registering the at least one traceable bar-code to the user; providing a reward to the user for return of the at least one handgrip-holder.  
       [0016] Furthermore, it provides such a method further comprising the step of tracking the usage of the at least one handgrip-holder by the user. And, it provides such a method further comprising the step of providing advertising indicia on such at least one handgrip-holder. It also provides such a method wherein such advertising indicia comprise a logo.  
       [0017] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides each and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this patent application. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0018]FIG. 1 is a front view of the handgrip-holding system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating a first face of a preferred handgrip-holder in one typical use of the invention.  
     [0019]FIG. 2 is a second-face view of the handgrip-holder of the handgrip-holding system embodiment of FIG. 1.  
     [0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective first-face view of the handgrip-holder of FIG. 1.  
     [0021]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through the section  4 - 4  of FIG. 2.  
     [0022]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a business method of the handgrip-holding system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF BEST MODE AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION  
     [0023] Reference is now made to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the handgrip-holding system  100  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a second-face view of the handgrip-holder of the handgrip-holding system embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective first-face-side view of a handgrip-holder  102  of the handgrip-holding system  100  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view through the section  4 - 4  of FIG. 2.  
     [0024] Preferably, the handgrip-holding system  100  comprises a handgrip-holder  102 , as shown. Preferably, the handgrip-holder  102  is substantially planar, comprising a first face  104  and a second face  106 , preferably both the first face  104  and second face  106  being essentially parallel to each other and relatively flat, as shown. Preferably, the handgrip-holder  102  comprises about an equal thickness throughout (having an equal cross-section), preferably about one-half-inch thick (see FIG. 4). The above arrangement is advantageous, for example, in one or more of the following areas: manufacturing processes; stacking; bar-code reading; indicia printing. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, material choice, durability, strength characteristics, etc., other material thickness, such as non-equal cross-sections, and more or less than one-half-inch thick, etc., may suffice.  
     [0025] Preferably, the handgrip-holder  102  is made of a durable material, preferably plastic. Under appropriate circumstances, other materials may suffice. For example, depending upon the durability and economics desired, the handgrip-holder  102  may be made from wood, stamped metal or carbon-fiber. Most preferably, the handgrip-holder  102  is made from an inexpensive material that is cost-effective for the supplier and durable (for multiple usage). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, material choice, durability, strength characteristics, etc., other materials, such as, for example, one-time-use heavy cardboard handgrip-holder, etc., may suffice.  
     [0026] Preferably, the handgrip-holder  102  is about four and three-quarters inches in length, about four inches in height and about one-half inch in width. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, material choice, durability, strength characteristics, etc., other dimensions, for example, to accommodate larger or smaller hands, depending on the target populace the supplier is supplying, may suffice.  
     [0027] Preferably, the handgrip-holder  102  comprises a first support portion  108  (embodying herein first support means for supporting the at least one shopping bag; and, embodying herein at least one first supporter structured and arranged to support the at least one shopping bag) and a second support portion  110  (embodying herein second support means for supporting such first support means; and, embodying herein at least one second supporter structured and arranged to support such at least one first supporter), as shown. Preferably, as shown, the first faces of first support portion  108  and second support portion  110  are substantially co-planar, as are preferably the second faces thereof (embodying herein wherein such first support means and such second support means are substantially co-planar; and, embodying herein wherein such at least one first supporter and such at least one second supporter are substantially co-planar). As stated above, this arrangement is advantageous, for example, in one or more of the following areas: manufacturing processes; stacking; bar-code reading; indicia printing. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, material choice, durability, strength characteristics, user preference, etc., other arrangements than co-planar, such as, for example, slightly rounded, curved, etc., may suffice.  
     [0028] Preferably, the first support portion  108  comprises, as shown, a slightly concave curve  112  (embodying herein wherein such first support means comprises a concave curve; and, embodying herein wherein such at least one first supporter comprises a concave curve) having a substantially horizontal surface  114 , as shown (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), for holding one or more extended loop handles  116  of a merchandise bag  118 , as shown (embodying herein wherein such first support means comprises substantially horizontal surface means for holding a plurality of the at least one extended loop handles; and embodying herein wherein such at least one first supporter comprises at least one substantially horizontal surface structured and arranged to hold a plurality of the at least one extended loop handles). Most preferably, the slightly concave curve  112  has a radius larger than the largest radius of the exterior perimeter  117  of the handgrip-holder  102  (as shown, embodying herein wherein such concave curve comprises an effective radius of curvature at least as large as a largest radius of an external perimeter of the holder; and embodying herein wherein such concave curve comprises an effective radius of curvature at least as large as a largest radius of an external perimeter of the holder). This arrangement provides for a longer length (preferably about two and one-half inches on the described embodiment and more than fifty-percent of the potential length of the handgrip-holder  102  being available for holding) on the substantially horizontal surface  114  of the first support portion  108 , preferably, to hold more bags in a more balanced manner than, for example, a U-shaped or much tighter radius. Preferably, first support portion  108  further comprises an opening  120 , preferably narrow, as shown (preferably, about one-quarter inch). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, materials, durability, strength characteristics, etc., other dimensions and radii, may suffice.  
     [0029] Preferably, opening  120  provides a transit means for the looping handles  116  to pass into aperture  122  and onto the first support portion  108 , as shown (embodying herein transit means for permitting removable transit of the at least one extended loop handles to such substantially horizontal surface means; and, embodying herein at least one transit structured and arranged to permit removable transit of the at least one extended loop handle to such at least one substantially horizontal surface). Preferably, the first support portion  108  further comprises a hook  124 , adapted, as shown, to vertical blocking of accidental egress of bag handles, preferably extending beyond the vertical rise of the end-portion  126  of the first support portion  122 , as shown (embodying herein wherein such transit means comprises vertical blocking means for blocking accidental egress of the at least one extended loop handle; and, embodying herein wherein such at least one transit comprises at least one vertical blocker structured and arranged to block accidental egress of the at least one extended loop handle). Preferably, the hook  124  is barbed (embodying herein wherein such at least one vertical blocker comprises a barbed hook), as shown, and preferably extends more than about ninety-five-degrees from a horizontal axis starting along the substantially horizontal surface  114  of the first support portion  108 , as shown. Preferably, the narrow opening  120  (i.e., transit) is directly above the hook  124  (embodying herein wherein such transit means is located above such vertical blocking means; and, embodying herein wherein such transit is located above such at least one vertical blocker) and functions in combination with the hook  124  to assist in preventing the accidental egress of the extended loop handles  116  that are being supported by the first support portion  108 , as shown. The above arrangement is particularly helpful while carrying the merchandise bags  118  with the handgrip-holder  102 . Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economic issues, user preferences, durability, weight load, etc., other arrangements for preventing the accidental egress of the extended loop handles  116  may suffice. For example, more than one hook  124 ; one or more flaps; a serpentine opening, etc., may suffice. Furthermore, the opening  120  provides a transit means for the looping handles  116  to pass out of aperture  122  and be removed from the handgrip-holder  102 .  
     [0030] Preferably, the second support portion  110  supports the first support portion  108 , as shown. Preferably, the second support portion  110  is connected to the first support portion  108  by a middle portion  128 , as shown. Preferably, the middle portion  128  is capable of supporting the weight load of the first support portion  108 . Most preferably, the middle portion  128  is solid. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economic issues, user preferences, durability, weight load, etc., other methods of construction, such as a non-solid middle support, may suffice. Preferably, the second support portion  110  comprises a handle portion  130 , as shown. Preferably, the handle portion  130  comprises an aperture  132  (preferably, an oval shape about one and one-half inches high and about three and one-quarter inches long) and a bar  134 , preferably curved, preferably convex on the exterior  133  and flat on the interior  135  (see FIG. 3), for use as a handgrip  136  such that a hand  138  can substantially hold the handgrip with a full-hand grasp, as shown (this arrangement embodies herein wherein such second support means comprises handle means for permitting substantially full-hand grasping of such second support means; and, embodies herein wherein such at least one second supporter comprises at least one handle structured and arranged to permit substantial full-hand grasping of such second supporter).  
     [0031] Preferably, the slightly concave curve  112  is placed such that the lowest point of the curve  137  is directly below the center (gravitational) axis of the handgrip  136 , as shown. Furthermore, most preferably, as the user places the extended loop handles  116  onto the first support portion  108 , the extended loop handles  116  spread outward from the lowest point of the curve  137  (center axis) to assist having a more balanced load for carrying by the user (this arrangement embodies herein wherein such first support means comprises centering means for locating the at least one extended loop handle in a substantially vertical line with a gravitational center of such handle means; and embodies herein wherein such at least one first supporter comprises at least one centerer structured and arranged to locate the at least one extended loop handle in at least one substantially vertical line with at least one gravitational center of such at least one handle).  
     [0032] Reference is now made to FIG. 2 with continued reference to the above-described figures. FIG. 2 is a second-face view of a handgrip-holder  102  of the handgrip-holding system  100  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the handgrip-holder  102  comprises indicia  140 , as shown. Preferably, the indicia  140  are used for indicating the sponsor, Logo, Trade name or store name of the merchandiser utilizing the handgrip-holding system  100  (embodying herein the step of providing advertising indicia on such at least one handgrip-holder; and, embodying herein wherein such advertising indicia comprises the logo of such designated representative). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, user preference, advertising preferences, etc., other indicia  140  arrangements may suffice. Further, it is preferable that the handgrip-holder  102  comprises bar code indicia  142 . Preferably, the bar code indicia  142  may be associated with a certain customer and used either instead of, or in combination with, a store tracking system. For example, some supermarkets have customer credit cards or customer bar code cards which are scanned during checkout. Use of such cards often results in discounts to the user. Most preferably, the bar code indicia  142  on the handgrip-holder  102  provides an identifying means to allocate a reward for encouraging multiple use and return of the handgrip-holder  102  by the customer. Preferably, such multiple usage may be encouraged in a multitude of ways, most preferably by offering the customer a discount for using the handgrip-holder  102 . Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, user preference, advertising preferences, etc., other methods of utilizing the bar code indicia  142 , such as, for example, offering an instant merchandise credit or coupon discount to the buyer, may suffice. FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a business method of the handgrip-holding system  100  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, a user  144  receives a handgrip-holder  102  while purchasing merchandise at a store  146  (embodying herein supplying the user with the at least one handgrip-holder). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as marketing preference, economic considerations, user preferences, etc., other methods of distributing the handgrip-holder  102 , such as vending machines, point-of purchase-displays, etc., may suffice.  
     [0033] Preferably, the bar code indicia  142  is registered to the user  144  to track the handgrip-holder  102  and provide an identifying means to, for example, allocate a reward for return or re-use (embodying herein registering the at least one traceable bar-code to the user). Preferably, in use, purchased merchandise is placed into a merchandise bag  118  having looping handles  116 , as shown. Preferably, the user  144  utilizes the handgrip-holder  102  to carry the merchandise bag  118  to the final destination  146 , most likely a home or business, as shown. Most preferably, the user  144  returns with the handgrip-holder  102  during the next visit to the store  146 . Preferably, the bar code indicia  142  is scanned at the store  146  to provide the store  146  with information of the registered user  144  of the handgrip-holder  102  and such that the store  146  may issue a reward  150 , preferably a monetary stipend (embodying herein wherein said at least one reward comprises at least one monetary stipend), such as a cash, credit or coupon to the user  144  (this arrangement embodies herein providing a reward to the user for return of the at least one handgrip-holder, e.g., to a designated representative). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as marketing preference, economic considerations, user preferences, etc., other methods of using the handgrip-holder, for example, returning the handgrip-holder to any of a set of stores or retailers, may suffice.  
     [0034] Most preferably, the usage of the handgrip-holder  102  is also tracked by the store or other interested party (embodying herein the step of tracking the usage of the at least one handgrip-holder by the user). In another embodiment, the business method may include simply a cash deposit for return, much like recyclable bottles having a cash deposit.  
     [0035] Although applicant has described applicant&#39;s preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification.  
     [0036] Further, many other advantages of applicant&#39;s invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.