GB2225567A

GB2225567A - Carrier bag handles

Info

Publication number: GB2225567A
Application number: GB8927381A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Spiller Wilkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-12-03
Filing date: 1989-12-04
Publication date: 1990-06-06
Also published as: CA2004483A1; GB8927381D0; GB8828300D0

Abstract

A handle member comprises a support web 1 to which is connected a grip portion 2 by a pair of arms 3. A pair of these handle members may be linked together so that their inner faces are aligned and so that a pair of pins 4 will snap into a pair of holes 5 defined on opposite handle members. The grip portion 2 is of C-shape cross-section (Fig 2, not shown) but incorporates a circular rib 6. This rib 6 and the one on the other handle member of the pair will link together the two grip portions of the pair of handle members. Further connection formations comprise pins 10 to fit into complementary sleeves 11, as two grip portions are linked together. The webs 1 will be secured to the top edges of a bag 12. An adapter member (7, Fig 3. not shown) of C-shaped cross-section may be linked to grip portion 2 by interengaging ribs 6 (8), pins 10 and sleeves 11, to provide a handle with a grip portion of circular section. Holes 9 receive snap fit hooks for hooking onto a shopping trolley, or decorative items. <IMAGE>

Description

"Improvements Relating to Carrier Bag Handles This invention aims to provide a carrier bag handle which will be of robust construction and comfortable to grip by the user.

According to the invention there is provided a handle member for a carrier bag comprising a support web for fixing to the material for the bag and a grip portion joined to the web by connecting arms, the grip portion having a semi-circular outer-face and being formed with connection formations on the inner face, such that the inner faces of two such handle members may be aligned and linked by means of the respective connection formations.

In the preferred arrange:nent the connection formations will comprise one or more circular ribs set in a semi-circular concave inner face of the gri portion, for receipt in the concave portion of the opposite grip portion of a linked pair of handle members. Alternatively or additionally the connecting formations may comprise mutually engaging pin and sleeve formations which will interengage when the grip portions of a pair of handle members are linked together.

Ideally the support web will have interengaging portions which will enable the aligned pair of handle members to be fitted into engagement with one another, preferably by a reversable snap fit.

Openings may be provided through the web and/or the connecting arms which may be used to receive support hooks, whereby the handle member (with a bag attached) may be supported, such as from a shopping trolley.

Alternatively the openings could receive decorative items to be carried by the bag.

An adapter strip may be provided whereby a single handle member may be used independently of the other handle member of the pair. This adapter strip will have a semi-circular outer face and connecting formations on the inner face which will match those of the grip portion so that these two parts may be placed together to form a grip of circular cross-section.

The invention may be performed In various ways an a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view of the inside face of a handle member of this invention; Figure 2 illustrates a cross-section of part of the handle member of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is an inner face view of an adapter member to be used with the handle member of Figure 1.

The handle member shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a support web 1 to which is connected a grip portion by a pair of arms 3. A pair of these handle members may be linked together so that their inner faces are allied and so that a pair of pins 4 will snap into a pair of holes 5 defined on opposite handle members.

As can be seen from Figure 2 the grip portion 2 is of C-shape cross-section but incorporates a circular rib 6. This rib 6 and the one on the other handle member of the pair will link together the two grip portions of the pair of handle members. Further connection formations comprise pins 10 to fit into complementary sleeves 11, as two grip portions are linked together.

An additional adapter member 7, as shown in Figure 3, may alternatively be placed against the grip portion 2. This is again of C-shape cross-section and incorporates a rib 8. By use of such adapter members 7 each handle member may be made into an individual handle with a grip portion of smooth circular cross-section.

Each handle member has a pair of square holes 9 into each of which may be snap-fitted one of a pair of hooks, enabling the handle member to be hooked on to another structure, such as a shopping trolley. Alternatively decorative items could be fitted into the holes 9.

It will be appreciated that the webs 1 of each handle member will be secured to opposite top edges of a bag 12, as illustrated partially in Figure 1, such as y heat welding of the bag to the handle members, respe < ± ively formed from suitable plastics materials.

Claims

1. A handle member for a carrier bag comprising a support web for fixing to the material for the bag and a grip portion joined to the web by connecting arms, the grip portion having a semi-circular outer face and being formed with connection formations on the inner face, such that the inner faces of two such handle members may be aligned and linked by means of the respective connection formations.

2. A handle member according to claim 1, wherein the connecting formations comprise one or more circular ribs set in a semi-circular concave inner face of the grip portion, for receipt in the concave portion of the opposite grip portion of a linked pair of handle members.

3. A handle member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the connecting formations comprise mutually engaging pin and sleeve formations which will interengage when the grip portions of a pair of handle members are linked together.

4. A handle member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support web has interengaging portions which will enable the aligned pair of handle members to be fitted into engagement with one another, preferably by a reversable snap fit.

5. A handle member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein openings are provided, through the web and/or the connecting arms which may be used to receive support hooks or decorative items.

6. A handle member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an adapter strip is provided whereby a single handle member may be used independently of the other handle member of the pair, the adapter strip having a semi-circular outer face and connecting formations on the inner face which will match those of the grip portion so that these two parts may be placed together to form a grip of circular cross section.

7. A handle member for a carrier bag substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.