GB2341310A

GB2341310A - Cushioning Pad

Info

Publication number: GB2341310A
Application number: GB9819635A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Mann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-09-10
Filing date: 1998-09-10
Publication date: 2000-03-15
Anticipated expiration: 2018-09-10
Also published as: GB9819635D0; GB2341310B

Abstract

An elongated cushioning pad comprising a normally flat, firm but flexible sheet has a slot at either end arranged to receive the handles of a plastic shopping bag or the string of a parcel in order to spread the weight of the load in an attempt to make the object easier to carry. At least one of the slots may have a constriction to enable the handle or string to be retained when the load is not being carried. The constrictions are shaped so as not to dig into the hand of the user when the pad is in use. One surface of the pad may be covered in a semi-rigid foam and at least one surface of the pad may be printable upon. The pad preferably comprises a longitudinal double score-line of creases or perforations to allow the pad to bend more easily into a shape to fit the hand of the user.

Description

1 2341310 Cushioning Pad Sept. 19M This invention relates to a cushioning

pad to protect the hand and fingers when carrying plastic shopping bags or parcels tied with string or similar materials.

Many shops and supermarkets nowadays provide plastic bags to carry the shopping. If the bags are full and heavy the plastic handle tends to cut into the hand. This is uncomfortable and even painful.

According to the present invention there is provided a cushioning pad which can be held in the hand and which will prevent the item carried from cutting into the fingers.

The cushioning pad may be made of a substance such as leather, rubber, plastic, or other material, or a combination of materials, with appropriate degrees of softness, rigidity, strength and flexibility to make it suitable for the purpose for which it is to be used.

A slot or hole in the end of the pad locates the handle of the shopping bag or the string and a constriction in the opening of the hole helps to retain the pad in position relative to the handle or string when the bag or parcel is not being carried.

The pad may have folds or creases or a series of holes, slits or perforations along its length which will help it to flex in order to to conform more easily to the shape of the hand and thus be more comfort'able in use.

2 - Sept. 1998 Cushioning Pad (cont) A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 shows a plan view of a very simple cushioning pad.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a cushioning pad where it is made of more than one material.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a cushioning pad with simple extensions at each end to retain the pad in position relative to the handle of one or more plastic shopping bags.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show plan views of a variety of alternative forms of cushioning pads. Each pad has a hole at one or both ends which make it easier to retain the pad in position vis-A-vis the handles of one or more plastic shopping bags so that the pad does not disengage from the handles of the bag when the bags are put down and let go.

Figures 5 and 6 show a plan and Figure 7 shows a section view of a cushioning pad where creases or perforations along its length may help the pad to form a channel and curve upwards thus conforming better to the shape of the hand for greater comfort.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a cushioning pad attached to a plastic shopping bag. Two.or more plastic shopping bags may be carried at the same time using one pad.

CUSHIONING PAD Sept. 1998

Claims

1 An elongated cushioning pad comprising a normally flat, firm but flexible sheet having a slot at either end arranged to receive the handles of a plastic shopping bag or the string of a parcel in order to spread the load of the bag or parcel so that is is more comfortable to carry.

2. A pad, as claimed in Claim 1, in which the slot of at least one end has a constriction to enable it to retain the handle or string when the bag or parcel is not being carried.

3. A pad as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the constrictions are shaped so that they do not dig into a person's hand when in use.

4. A pad as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3 in which one of the surfaces is covered in a semirigid foam.

5. A pad as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4 in which one or both surfaces are printable.

6. A pad as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5 having a longitudinal double score-line of creases or perforations so that it may bend more easily to fit the shape of the hand.

7. A pad substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.