US20110057002A1

US20110057002A1 - Apparatus for holding objects and methods of using and making the same

Info

Publication number: US20110057002A1
Application number: US12/877,800
Authority: US
Inventors: Luke Westra; Brent Baribeau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-09-08
Filing date: 2010-09-08
Publication date: 2011-03-10

Abstract

An apparatus holds and/or grasps objects. The apparatus serves 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 is particularly useful for users having reduced hand function and/or grip strength. A non-slip strap 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 to be held and/or grasped that may otherwise cause the object to slip from the user's grasp or the grasp of another holder. An adjustable handle may be adjusted to fit the user's hand and/or appendage. Moreover, the non-slip strap may be removed and replaced without replacement of the entire apparatus.

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'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'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's hands to grasp and/or manipulate objects. Specifically, a person'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'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'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'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'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'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'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'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'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'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'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'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'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'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'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's fingers. Specifically, the handle 10 may be placed over the user's hand 24 such that the handle slots 18 and the strap 14 are disposed on the inside of the user'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'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's hand. The handle 10 may be formed from a rigid, resilient material that may be useful to hold an object in a user'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'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'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'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.

Claims

1. An apparatus for holding an object 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 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.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein 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.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the handle is bendable to move the first leg toward or away from the second leg.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the perimeter of the loop is adjustable.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the strap is removably attached to the handle.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle comprises at least one slot for receiving the strap and holding the strap to the handle.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein 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.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the strap has a first end and a second end and the first mating portion is disposed at the first end of the strap.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein 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.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein 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.

11. A method of using an apparatus for holding objects, the method comprising 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; and

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.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the handle is bendable, and further comprising the steps of:

bending the handle to conform to a user's hand.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising 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.

14. The method of claim 11 further comprising 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.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising 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.

16. An apparatus for holding an object comprising:

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.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the inside surface has a coefficient of friction greater than about 2.

18. A method of making an apparatus for holding objects, the method comprising 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.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising 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.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising the steps of:

providing a handle; and

attaching the strap to the handle.