Patent Publication Number: US-2011057002-A1

Title: Apparatus for holding objects and methods of using and making the same

Description:
The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/240,633, filed on Sep. 8, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding items and methods of using and making the same. The apparatus may serve as a universal non-slip handle allowing users to hold and manipulate various sizes and shapes of objects, including, for example, beverage containers or commonly manipulated items of non-uniform cross section such as razors, toothbrushes, shower handles, and other like items that may be difficult to grasp. Specifically, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly useful for users having reduced hand function and/or grip strength. The apparatus comprises a non-slip strap that allows objects, including beverage containers, to be gripped securely. Moreover, the non-slip strap allows a user to hold and/or grasp an object of awkward shape and/or made from slippery materials and/or covered in condensation that may typically cause the object to slip from the user&#39;s grasp or the grasp of another holder. Moreover, the present invention relates to an apparatus having an adjustable handle that may be adjusted to fit the user&#39;s hand. The handle further includes attachment means allowing for replacement of the non-slip strap without replacement of the entire apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is, of course, generally known to utilize one&#39;s hands to grasp and/or manipulate objects. Specifically, a person&#39;s hands typically have ten fully functional digits that may be utilized by a person to easily grasp an object, even if the object is awkwardly shaped. Moreover, the digits, or fingers, of a person&#39;s hand includes fingerprints that allow for, generally, non-slip gripping and/or grasping of an object, even if the object is awkwardly shaped, constructed of slippery materials and/or covered in condensation. 
     However, many individuals may lose the ability to manipulate his or her hands or digits, making it difficult to grasp and/or hold objects. For example, in many cases, individuals may be born with an inability to manipulate his or her fingers and/or hands, making it difficult to hold and/or grasp objects. Moreover, accidents involving brain injuries or other physical injuries may make it difficult for an individual to manipulate his or her fingers and/or hands. In these situations, it may be difficult to hold and/or grasp an object. 
     Other devices that may be utilized to aid an individual in holding and/or grasping objects may not be adjustable so that objects of varied sizes may be held and/or grasped. Other devices that may be adjustable often require tools to do so and may require an excessive mechanical force to be applied to the object to prevent it from slipping. Moreover, other devices may not provide proper gripping of the object, causing the object to slip from the devices, especially objects that are awkward in shape, made from slippery materials and/or objects covered in condensation, such as beverage containers. In addition, other known devices require additional straps or other supports for holding an object from the bottom of the object in addition to wrapping a strap or disposing a holder around a circumference of the object to prevent the object from slipping out the bottom of the device. 
     A need, therefore, exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same for holding and/or grasping objects. Specifically, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same allowing for adjustment of the apparatus to hold and/or grasp objects of various sizes and shapes. For example, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same allowing for adjustments to hold and/or grasp objects having different shaped cross-sections, such as round, square, triangular, and other like shapes, and including objects of awkward size and shape. 
     In addition, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that maintains and/or has a heightened ability to grip, hold and/or grasp an object that may be constructed of slippery materials and/or may have condensation develop thereon, such as beverage containers. 
     Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that may be simpler to use than existing products and does not require the necessity to use separate tools for adjusting the same. Further, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that includes a sturdy and/or adjustable handle that may be adjusted to fit a user&#39;s hand and/or appendage. 
     Still further, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same having a replaceable strap attachment means, allowing for installation and/or replacement of the straps and/or allowing for straps of differing lengths to be used to accommodate an even wider range of objects of different sizes and/or shapes. Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same allowing for manipulation of the apparatus on an object to adjust the location of the apparatus on the object to optimize balance and ease of manipulation of the object. 
     Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using and making the same wherein the apparatus requires neither additional straps nor a holder or support to hold an object from beneath the object. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding items and methods of using and making the same. The apparatus may serve as a universal non-slip handle allowing users to hold and manipulate various sizes and shapes of objects, including, for example, beverage containers. Specifically, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly useful for users having reduced hand function and/or grip strength. The apparatus comprises a non-slip strap that allows objects, including beverage containers, to be gripped securely. Moreover, the non-slip strap allows an object of awkward shape and/or made from slippery materials and/or covered in condensation that may cause the object to slip from the user&#39;s grasp or the grasp of another holder. Moreover, the present invention relates to an apparatus having an adjustable handle that may be adjusted to fit the user&#39;s hand and/or other appendage. The handle further includes attachment means allowing for replacement of the non-slip strap without replacement of the entire apparatus. 
     To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for holding an object is provided. The apparatus comprises a handle; and a flexible strap attached to the handle, said strap having a length, a first side, a second side, and attachment means for forming a loop with the strap having a perimeter, wherein the first side of the strap forms an inside surface of the loop and further wherein the first side of the strap comprises at least a portion having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction to provide a secure grip on the object, wherein the perimeter of the loop conforms to a shape of an object when the object is disposed within the loop without retaining a memory of the shape of the object when the object is removed from the loop. 
     In an embodiment, the handle has a first leg, a second leg and a bend between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg and second leg are disposed downwardly with the bend at the top of the handle. 
     In an embodiment, the handle is bendable to move the first leg toward or away from the second leg. 
     In an embodiment, the perimeter of the loop is adjustable. 
     In an embodiment, the strap is removably attached to the handle. 
     In an embodiment, the handle comprises at least one slot for receiving the strap and holding the strap to the handle. 
     In an embodiment, the attachment means comprises a first mating portion at a first location on the strap and a second mating portion at a second location on the strap, wherein the first mating portion mates with the second mating portion to form the loop. 
     In an embodiment, the strap has a first end and a second end and the first mating portion is disposed at the first end of the strap. 
     In an embodiment, the strap has a first end and a second end and further wherein the strap has a buckle disposed on the second end of the strap, wherein the first end of the strap is disposed through the buckle to form the loop. 
     In an embodiment, the first mating portion is disposed on the first end of the strap and the first mating portion mates with the second mating portion after being disposed through the buckle to form the loop. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of using an apparatus for holding objects is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing an apparatus for holding an object, the apparatus comprising a handle and a flexible strap attached to the handle, said strap having a length, a first side, a second side, and attachment means for forming a loop wherein the first side of the strap forms an inside surface of the loop and further wherein the first side comprises at least a portion having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction; disposing the strap around an object and conforming the strap to the shape of the object; and using the attachment means to form the loop with the strap wherein the strap holds the object within the loop without retaining a memory of the shape of the object when the object is removed from the loop. 
     In an embodiment, the handle is bendable, and further comprises the step of bending the handle to conform to a user&#39;s hand. 
     In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing at least one slot in the handle; and disposing the strap through at least one slot in the handle to hold the strap to the handle. 
     In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing a first mating portion of the attachment means at a first location on the strap; providing a second mating portion of the attachment means at a second location on the strap; and mating the first mating portion with the second mating portion to form the loop with the strap. 
     In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing a first end of the strap and a second end of the strap; disposing a buckle at a second end of the strap; and feeding the first end of the strap through the buckle prior to mating the first mating portion with the second mating portion to form the loop. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for holding an object is provided. The apparatus comprises a flexible loop for holding an object within the loop wherein the perimeter of the loop is adjustable, the loop having an inside surface and an outside surface, said inside surface contacting the object when holding the object within the loop, the inside surface having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction. 
     In an embodiment, the inside surface has a coefficient of friction greater than about 2. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of making an apparatus for holding objects is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a strap having a first side and a second side; and disposing a material on the first side of the strap wherein the material has a sufficiently high coefficient of friction. 
     In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing a bonding material between the high coefficient of friction material and the strap; and RF-welding the high coefficient of friction material to the strap having the bonding material disposed therebetween. 
     In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing a handle; and attaching the strap to the handle. 
     It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same for holding and/or grasping objects. Specifically, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that allows for adjustments of the apparatus to hold and/or grasp objects of various sizes and shapes. For example, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same allowing for adjustments to hold and/or grasp objects having different shaped cross-sections, such as round, square, triangular, and other like shapes. 
     In addition, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that maintains and/or provides a heightened ability to grip, hold and/or grasp an object that may be constructed of slippery materials and/or may have condensation develop thereon, such as beverage containers. 
     Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that may be simpler to use than existing products and does not require the necessity to use separate tools for adjusting the same. 
     Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same that includes a sturdy and/or adjustable handle that may be adjusted to fit a user&#39;s hand and/or other appendage. 
     Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same having a replaceable strap attachment means allowing for installation and/or replacement of the straps and/or providing for straps of differing lengths to accommodate an even wider range of objects of different sizes and/or shapes. 
     Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same allowing for manipulation of the apparatus on an object to adjust the location of the apparatus on the object to optimize balance and ease of manipulation. 
     Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using and making the same wherein the apparatus requires neither additional straps nor a holder or support to hold an object from beneath the object. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present embodiments, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for holding and/or grasping objects having a handle and closed loop non-slip strap in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for holding and/or grasping objects having a handle and an open non-slip strap in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for holding and/or grasping objects disposed on a user&#39;s hand in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for holding and/or grasping objects disposed on a user&#39;s hand and holding a beverage container in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a handle in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a handle in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of a non-slip strap in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom view of a non-slip strap having hook-and-loop fasteners disposed thereon in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of a non-slip strap in an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding items and methods of using and making the same. The apparatus may serve as a universal non-slip handle allowing users to hold and manipulate various sizes and shapes of objects, including, for example, beverage containers. Specifically, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly useful for users having reduced hand function and/or grip strength. The apparatus comprises a non-slip strap that allows objects, including beverage containers, to be gripped securely. Moreover, the non-slip strap allows users to hold and/or grasp an object of awkward shape and/or made from slippery materials and/or covered in condensation that may typically cause the object to slip from the user&#39;s grasp or the grasp of another holder. Moreover, the present invention relates to an apparatus having an adjustable handle that may be adjusted to fit the user&#39;s hand. The handle further includes attachment means allowing for replacement of the non-slip strap without replacement of the entire apparatus. 
     Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus  30  of the present invention. The apparatus comprises a handle  10  and a strap  14  attached to the handle  10 . The handle  10  comprises a length of rigid material, such as plastic, metal and/or any other like material apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The handle  10  is generally U-shaped to fit over a user&#39;s hands, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The strap  14  is illustrated in a closed position. Specifically, the strap  14  may adhere to itself when disposed in a loop. The loop of the strap  14  may be disposed around an object for holding and/or grasping the object, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In a preferred embodiment, the strap  14  may be flexible so as to have the ability to wrap around objects and conform to the object&#39;s shape. In a preferred embodiment, the strap  14  may have a degree of flexibility such that the strap  14  may easily conform to the object&#39;s shape without permanently deforming the strap  14 . Specifically, the strap  14  may preferably have no memory of the shape of the object within the strap  14  such that the strap  14  may not retain the shape of the object when the object is removed from the strap  14 , such as if the strap were made of deformable metal or wire. Therefore, the strap  14  may easily take the shape of many differently shaped objects. For example, when the strap  14  may be wrapped around a first object (as disclosed in more detail below), the strap  14  may easily conform to the shape of the object without applying an excessive force on said object. Subsequently, the strap  14  may be wrapped around a second object having a different shape. Because the strap  14  is flexible, but does not permanently or otherwise retain the memory of the shape of the object, the strap  14  may be more easily conformed to the shape of the second object without excessive force. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus  30  having the handle  10  and the strap  14  in an open position. In a preferred embodiment, the strap  14  may be removably attached to the handle  10 . For purposes of the present invention, “removably attached” means attached in such a way that the strap  14  may be removed from the handle without damaging or destroying the strap  14  and without the use of tools. Specifically, the strap  14  may be disposed within one or more handle slots  18  for holding the strap  14  to the handle. By disposing the strap  14  though the handle slots  18 , the strap  14  may be easily removed from the handle  10  for replacement thereof when necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the strap  14  may be easily removed from the handle  10  without the use of tools. In some circumstances, a longer or shorter strap may be required to hold and/or grasp an object, and the strap  14  may be removed and replaced with a longer or shorter strap to accomplish the holding and/or grasping of the object. Moreover, strap  14  may be removed and replaced if the strap  14  becomes damaged or worn. The handle slots  18  may be sized so as to frictionally hold the strap  14  therein. 
     Alternatively, the strap  14  may be rigidly adhered and/or bolted to the handle  10 , such as by using a welding process, such as via ultrasonic, heat staking, or other like process. Moreover, the strap  14  may be rigidly attached to the handle  10  using pop rivets, snaps, buttons, nuts and bolts, screws, or other like attachment means as apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. 
     The strap  14  may further include a buckle  12  disposed on an end of the strap  14 . The buckle  12  may be a loop of rigid material, such as metal, plastic or other like material. In a preferred embodiment, the buckle  12  may be a D-shaped or rectangular loop made from a plastic material. The strap  14  may consist of a hook-and-loop material  28  that may be utilized to adhere the strap  14  in a loop-shaped configuration, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a non-slip material  16  may be disposed on a side of the strap  14  or at least in one or more discrete locations on a side of the strap  14 . The non-slip material  16  may form the inside surface of the strap  14 , or at least a portion of the inside surface of the strap  14 , when the strap  14  is closed to form a loop, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Specifically, when in use, the strap  14  may be wrapped around an object to be held and/or grasped, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The non-slip material  16  may contact the object to be held and/or grasped thereby aiding in the holding of the object within the loop, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In a preferred embodiment, the non-slip material  16  may be disposed over an entirety of the inside surface of the loop formed by the strap  14 . In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the non-slip material  16  may be fixedly attached to the inside surface of the loop formed by the strap  14 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the apparatus  30  having the strap  14  in a closed loop position and disposed on a user&#39;s hand  24 . Specifically, the U-shaped handle  10  may be disposed over the hand  24  of the user so that the user may hold and/or grasp an object disposed within the closed loop of the apparatus, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The user may, therefore, manipulate an object contained therein without requiring physical movement or manipulation of the user&#39;s fingers. Specifically, the handle  10  may be placed over the user&#39;s hand  24  such that the handle slots  18  and the strap  14  are disposed on the inside of the user&#39;s hand (the palm side). This may allow a user to hold an object therein, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     Specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus  30  having the handle  10  with the strap  14  on a user&#39;s hand  24 , as described and illustrated above with respect to  FIG. 3 . An object  26  may be disposed within the closed loop of the strap  14 . The non-slip material  16  may generally be disposed on an inside of the closed loop formed by the strap  14 , thereby contacting the object  26  disposed therein. The buckle  12  may allow the strap to be fed thereinto and adhered to itself using the hook-and-loop material  28 , which may be disposed on an outside surface of the loop. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the object  26  may be a beverage container. However, any object may be grasped and/or held by the apparatus  30  of the present invention as apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. The strap  14  may be flexible so as to conform to the shape of the object disposed within the loop formed by the strap  14 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a close-up perspective view of the handle  10  of the apparatus  30 , in an embodiment of the present invention. As noted above, the handle  10  may be constructed in the shape of an upside-down U (when in use), although any shape may be utilized as apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art for allowing a user to hang the handle  10  from the user&#39;s hand. The handle  10  may be formed from a rigid, resilient material that may be useful to hold an object in a user&#39;s hand when in use. For example, the handle  10  may be formed from plastic, metal or other like material, and may be rigid and unbendable. In a preferred embodiment, however, the handle  10  may be fabricated from a material that may be manipulated and adjusted to fit the hand  24  of a user, such as metal, plastic, rubber, resin, composite or any other material that may maintain shape and rigidity, yet be bendable. Specifically, the handle  10  may be fabricated from a strip of material that may be bent but may then maintain its shape after being bent, but still maintain its rigidity and structural integrity if dropped on the floor, stepped on and/or run over, for example. To have the property of being bendable, the handle  10  may be made from stainless steel, such as, for example, 16 gauge stainless steel sheet metal, or any other material apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as aluminum, copper and the like. To make the handle  10 , for example, a stainless steel sheet may be used. The stainless steel sheet metal may be cut into a strip and bent into a U-shape. The handle slots  18  may also be cut into the stainless steel sheet metal to accommodate the strap  14  that may be disposed through the handle slots  18 . Although two handle slots  18  are illustrated, any number of slots may be disposed in the handle  10  to accommodate the strap  14  therethrough. Moreover, the size and thickness of the handle slots  18  may be utilized to accommodate different sizes and thicknesses of straps that may be disposed therethrough and to frictionally hold the strap  14  through the handle slots  18 . 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of a alternate embodiment of the present invention of a handle  50 .  FIG. 6B  illustrates a side view of the handle  50 . The handle  50  may have a slot  52  created by a holder  54  attached to a flange  56 , whereby the holder  54  is disposed a distance “d” from a main portion  58  of the handle  50 . In an alternate embodiment, the holder  54  may be attached directly to the handle  50  without the flange  56 , whereby flexing of the holder  54  may allow the distance “d” to be formed between the holder  54  and the main portion  58  of the handle  50 . 
     The slot  52  may be created by the distance between the holder  54  and the main portion  58  of the handle  50  and may allow the strap  14  to rest within the slot  52 , thereby allowing the handle  50  to hold the strap  14  when in use. As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the holder  54  may be unattached to the handle  50  at a top  60  of the holder  54  providing the slot  52  with easy access when a strap  14  is disposed therein. For example, when in use, the strap  14  may easily be added to the slot  52  by disposing the strap  14  into the slot  52  from above at the top  60 . In a preferred embodiment, the distance “d” between the holder  54  and the main portion  58  of the handle  50  may be such as to frictionally hold the strap  14  therein. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the handle  10  may have a bend  33  and handle ends  32  on handle legs  31 . When the handle  10  is disposed in a U-shape, the handle ends  32  may preferably be constructed such that the handle ends  32  are equidistant from the bend  33  of the handle  10 . Of course, the handle  10  may be made such that the handle ends  32  are disposed at any distance from the bend  33  of the handle  10 , and may be of varying distances from the bend  33  of the handle  10 . In another embodiment, the handle  10  may have legs that are joined together at their ends to form a continuous loop (not shown). 
     Constructing the handle  10  from bendable material may allow a user to bend the handle  10  such that the handle legs  31  and, hence, handle ends  32  may be disposed toward or away from each other allowing the handle to be sized appropriately for the user&#39;s hand. 
     In an alternate embodiment, a portion of the handle  10  may be constructed from a rigid, unbendable material and a portion may be constructed from a bendable material. For example, the handle  10  may have the bend  33  or a portion that includes the bend  33  made from bendable material with the remainder made from rigid unbendable material such that the handle legs  31  and, hence, handle ends  32  may be disposed toward or away from each other, thereby allowing the handle  10  to be sized appropriately for the user&#39;s hand  24 . 
     The handle  10  may be uncoated, and may have a harperized and/or vibratory deburred finish to round edges and provide for user comfort. Preferably, however, the handle  10  may be coated with a soft, rubbery coating to aid in providing comfort to a user of the handle  10 . The coating may be applied via injection over-molding, dip-molding, by attaching a pre-fabricated grip, by applying a heat-shrink tubing thereon, or via any other method apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the handle  10  may have shapes disposed thereon allowing the handle  10  to be used, without the strap  14 , to hook or otherwise be attached to a can, for example, to turn the beverage can into a can with a handle, such as a mug or the like. This may be accomplished by removing the strap  14  and affixing the shapes on the handle  10  to the beverage container (not shown). 
     The handle  10  may have other features. For example, the handle  10  may be manufactured in an injected molded version or otherwise may be an easily customizable version to allow the attachment of branding messages or other like messages and/or colors to the handle  10 . Moreover, the handle  10  may be formed utilizing a plurality of pieces that may be swapped or replaced, either to increase the comfort to the user (such as by adding softer rubbery material to the handle) or to change the branding that is provided on the handle  10 . Moreover, the handle  10  may have separate molded halves that may be disposed together to form the handle  10 . For example, the handle may have a splined interface, allowing the inner space of the handle  10  to be incrementally adjusted to the user&#39;s hand. As such, the splined connection may be held together with a captive torsional spring or a threaded screw and wing nut. Of course, the handle  10  may be formed in any color or particular shape to be utilized for promotional purposes, and may include logos, badges, names, and/or other branding materials. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 7 , a top view of the strap  14  is illustrated. The strap  14  may include the hook-and-loop material  28 . The buckle  12  may be disposed on an end of the strap  14 . The buckle  12  may be a ring of metal, plastic or other like material to hold the end of the strap  14 . The non-slip material  16  may be disposed over a portion of the strap  14  on a first side of the strap  14 . The non-slip material  16  may preferably be a material that is relatively sticky, tacky and/or rubbery thereby providing an adherence or “grip” to an object when contacting the object. Specifically, the non-slip material  16  may have a sufficiently high coefficient of friction when contacting the surface of an object. For purposes of the present invention, the non-slip material  16  may have a sufficiently high coefficient of friction if it provides the ability to hold the object within the loop formed by the non-slip material  16  without slippage therefrom, no matter how slippery the object may be. For example, the non-slip material  16  may have a coefficient of friction of between about 2.0 and about 4.0 when contacting the surface of an object, with a most preferred coefficient of friction between about 2.5 and about 3.5, using standard tests for determining the coefficient of friction between objects. The non-slip material  16  may be, for example, an elastomeric polymeric material and may have a relatively high coefficient of friction compared to the strap without the non-slip material. A preferred material is non-slip material manufactured by Dycem, Ltd. having a relatively high coefficient of friction. Specifically, the Dycem non-slip material has a coefficient of friction of between about 2.5 and about 3.5 when tested via dynamic testing using a “Tortus” floor friction tester (dry). 
     The non-slip material  16  may be generally the same width and length as the strap  14 , although the non-slip material  16  may be greater or lesser in width and/or greater or lesser in length, as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the non-slip material  16  may be disposed in one or more discrete locations on the first side of the strap  14 , or, preferably, may be disposed over the majority of the surface of the first side of the strap  14 . 
     The non-slip material  16  may be permanently adhered to the strap  14  with an adhesive, such as a polyurethane adhesive, or any other adhesive known to one having ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the non-slip material  16  may be sewn thereon, heat-sealed, ultrasonically welded, or attached using any other method apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the non-slip material  16  may be permanently adhered to the strap  14  via RF-welding. More preferred, the non-slip material  16  may be permanently adhered to the strap  14  via RF-welding, with a strip of polyurethane material acting as a bonding layer and disposed between the strap  14  and the non-slip material  16 . Alternatively, the non-slip material  16  may be removably attached to the strap  14  so that the non-slip material  16  may be removed and cleaned and/or replaced as needed. In addition, the strap  14  may include a layer of insulating material, such as a foam, gel, or other like material, disposed thereon for maintaining the temperature of the object  16  and/or the contents thereof, such as a hot or a cold beverage contained within the object  16 . Additionally, the strap  14  may be manufactured with screen printed or otherwise may be an easily customizable version to allow the attachment of branding messages or other like messages and/or colors to the strap  14  or alternatively the strap  14  may itself be constructed of different color components. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 8 , a bottom view of the strap  14  is provided. The strap  14  may include the buckle  12 , as described above, and may have a portion of loop fastener material  20  and a portion of hook fastener material  22 . Together, the loop fastener portion  20  and the hook fastener portion  22  is commonly referred to as VELCRO® brand material, manufactured by Velcro USA, Inc. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the hook fastener material  22  may be disposed on a first end of the strap  14  and the loop fastener portion  20  may be disposed starting on a second end of the strap  14  and covering the majority of the strap  14 , although the sizes of the loop fastener portion  20  and the hook fastener portion  22  may be adjusted as apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the loop fastener portion  20  and/or the hook fastener portion  22  may be disposed in discrete locations on the side of the strap  14 . Preferably, the loop fastener portion  20  and the hook fastener portion  22  may be disposed on a side of the strap  14  opposite the non-slip material  16 . Moreover, the loops and hooks may be swapped, such that the end of the strap  14  opposite the buckle  12  may be the loop fastener portion and the other portion may be the hook fastener portion. 
     Preferably, in use the end of the strap  14  containing the hook fastener portion  22  may be disposed through the buckle  12  to form a loop, with the non-slip material  16  forming the inside surface of the loop. Preferably, the loop wraps around an object that is desired to be held and/or grasped. The non-slip material  16  may contact the object and hold the object in place due to the relatively high coefficient of friction of the non-slip material  16 . The hook fastener portion  22  may fold back and be disposed directly on the loop fastener portion  20 , whereby the hook fastener portion  22  and the loop fastener portion  20  may mate and be held rigidly but removably in place due to the interaction between the hook fastener portion  22  and the loop fastener portion  20 . 
     Although the present invention preferably includes the hook-and-loop fastener material, as described above, the strap  14  may be affixed to itself to form the loop in any way apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, and the invention should not be limited as described herein. For example, the strap  14  may include snaps, buttons, slots, buckles and other like fastening means for affixing the strap  14  to itself to form the loop. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 9 , a side view of the strap  14  is illustrated. The strap  14  may include the hook-and-loop material  28  having the hook fastener portion  22  and the loop fastener portion  20 , disposed on one side of the strap  14 , and the non-slip material  16  disposed on an opposite side of the strap  14 . The buckle  12  is disposed on the end of the strap  14 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . For example, the end of the strap  14  may be disposed around the buckle  12  and looped back and adhered to itself. As described above, the hook fastener portion  22  may be disposed through the buckle  12  and affixed on the loop fastener portion  20  in a mating configuration. 
     The strap  14  may be of any length apparent to hold an object therein when wrapped around the object  26 , depending on the size of the object  26 . For example, in  FIG. 4 , the object  26  is a bottle, and the strap  14  may be wrapped around the object  26  so as to hold the object  26  without slippage. In addition, the loop fastener portion  20  and the hook fastener portion  22  may be any size that may allow a loop to be formed and the hook-and-loop material  28  affixes the strap  14  to itself. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the strap  14  is about 14 inches, the loop fastener material  20  is about 10.5 inches, and the hook fastener portion  22  is about 2 inches. Of course, as described above, any of these dimensions may be varied by one of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate a different sized object  26 . 
     Moreover, the strap  14  may be flexible and may easily conform to the cross-sectional shape of the object held within the loop formed. For example, the strap  14  may form a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a round cross-section, an oval cross-section, or any other shape apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. As noted above, the strap  14  may preferably not retain a memory of the shape of the object when the object is removed from the loop formed by the strap  14 , so that the strap  14  may easily conform to the shape of another object. 
     It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.